Recording Preparations (4)
"Yawn."
Tae-il surrendered to the bed as if swimming underwater, letting out a yawn amid the drowsy haze of sleep creeping in.
Something feels... leisurely.
A gap had opened up at the time when Sakuya would normally barge in to start their run, leaving him with an odd sense of emptiness. Tae-il vividly recalled whistling along in a half-asleep daze as he followed her, sweat pouring down. The last time had been just before his injury and hospitalization—already well over a week ago.
She was supposed to visit as planned, but fate had other ideas.
Tae-il broke into a cold sweat at Sakuya's absurd joke.
Worried for nothing.
Yesterday, when Tae-il had piggybacked the taller Sakuya home with great effort, there had already been a guest at her place. Sakuraba Miki—her cousin, apparently. She lived in Okinawa but was in Tokyo for work and crashing there temporarily. She was a beauty with a cute vibe. Tae-il had been a bit surprised by how different the two cousins were, despite their relation.
Wait, not really like that?
When he thought about their otaku talks, they did feel like sisters, blood-related or not.
Anyway. He could chalk it up to being hospitalized, but lounging around at home like this felt strangely off.
Maybe I should get to work...
There was a mountain of tasks piled up. First, the song. The lyrics were done, but he needed Iris, the one who'd sing it, to check if it flowed right with the melody.
He also had to edit yesterday's video and upload it to the channel. Especially this YouTube channel—it was crucial foundational work for Tae-il, who aimed for the majors.
Start simple with vlogs...
As Sakuya suggested, leave evidence of their underdog clumsiness for the public. He wasn't expecting huge immediate effects. Well, he did hope for them.
The current culture was dominated by a generation that devoured new trends fastest via SNS and the internet. Thanks to that, even non-celebs on TikTok racked up views with quirky videos that Tae-il's sensibilities couldn't quite grasp, sparking incomprehensible trends.
He didn't get it, but he wasn't about to reject it. He might even benefit as a user someday. Not that he was banking on that fluke.
It was a bonus at best—a mindset to keep his greed in check, hoping luck might strike. Building up for the future over the present was Tae-il's current goal. Vlogs were part of that.
Chronicling their scrappy, refreshing school band youth for future fans, step by step.
Tae-il benchmarked K-pop idols. Someday, if they succeeded in Japan, he wanted room to eye overseas markets.
"Gotta work hard too..."
Summer break was ending soon, and the original story's full debut journey would kick off. Characters would pop up chaotically. Among the sudden new faces, bold rivals lurked.
First, Japan's beloved "Golden Generation" newbie bands would sprout like weeds.
Originally, Burning Blaze had thrived on underdog appeal amid them, but sadly, that plan was scrapped.
Because of me, Rock Fest participation's tough...
He hadn't expected the girls-only restriction to hit so hard. But abandoning that rivalry—the fan-chewable narrative—was a waste.
So, become the villains.
No matter what they say, our skills are top-tier.
Tae-il trusted his members. Crush those sprouts so thoroughly they couldn't even squeak.
And to dispel the future agro-fueled bad rep, his groundwork was starting now.
What matters now...
Build school band recognition before the Golden Generation hit.
Consistent video activity pays off post-festival at earliest...
Even that required shining at the festival.
Tae-il listed immediate rivals. Yuuma High's festival light music clubs: seven, including Tales Tail.
Without us, they're all somewhat known.
Iris deemed them non-major-aiming, lacking drive, subpar—but that was Iris standards. It was school band average. They gigged actively at Live Houses and local Rock Fests for students, so audiences knew them, and they had stage experience.
In this scene where stage fright hampers even skilled players, they're plenty competitive.
Don't underestimate. Plus, choir and wind ensembles that scooped contest wins routinely, and alumni grads.
Just shine as the standout among them...
Yuuma's festival drew regional buzz and scout interest. Prove skill and popularity there—no need to hustle barefoot promo. Best: gain enough name to slot as opener or midliner at Live House shows, not headliner. Gig major venues, build indie cred organically.
Step by step.
Boost recognition and skill—our goal is...
Next summer's Rock in Japan Festival in Chiba. One year. Tight. But that moment decides major path.
Prepare.
To succeed, no holding back. Tae-il planned to milk Sakuya and Rena's fame, even Yuuma's prestige—with prior consent. No qualms.
"Alright. Rested long enough. Time to work."
As he threw off the blanket to rise, he froze.
"Mmm..."
Ayane, sensing the chill, burrowed deeper into his arms. Tae-il, awkwardly half-up, flopped back down.
"Snooore..."
The bed shook hard, but Ayane slept soundly. Pinned lying down, Tae-il turned to scrutinize her face. Nothing else to do when bored but observe Ayane.
Faint dark circles under her eyes. He reached out, gently thumbing them away, then traced her puffy lips.
Skin looked a bit rough from skimping sleep for practice.
"Sorry."
Tae-il apologized, sighing as he hugged her close and shut his eyes.
A faint smirk tugged Ayane's lips.
[Recording? Got it. Yeah, about time to think about that.]
The song wasn't complete just from lyrics and composition. Next: arrangement, recording, mixing.
"You practiced while I was hospitalized. As vocalist, how were the others' levels?"
Tough question. Bottom line: members hadn't reached her standards, despite hustling with awareness. No shortcuts in instruments. Talent varies slightly, but skill builds honestly, steadily—like RPGs. No explosive levels from overleveled foes; XP caps firm.
"Too soon for recording?"
Break ending. Tae-il and Iris aside, Sakuya, Rena, Ayane would busy up. This break was unusually idle. Less practice time—not great for him.
If we're busying anyway...
Prep thoroughly beforehand, record early.
Tap-tap. He drummed his desk waiting.
Finally.
"Really?"
"Obviously. I'm a member too."
Honestly, prepping for recording made his hands itch.
"Song's Maple Love Song, right?"
They'd practiced only that while he was out, Iris grumbled.
"Yeah. Thanks for the hard work."
His voice grew misty. Unlike canon, only Iris started music willingly—yet their zeal moved him.
"Yeah."
Festival sets limited; multiple acts mean two songs max sans encore. Busking flexible—performer prowess draws crowds closer. Good response? Keep going till they leave, if repertoire holds.
Silly to busk for exposure and bail after one.
"Ideal: master three."
"Busking doesn't need originals. Covers fine—maybe better."
Autumn night: slow, emotive like BARD. Pre-existing practice means Ayane could handle with smart picks.
"Plan B: after first song, Sakuya and Rena dip; we three continue."
They'd more than earn keep as barkers then.
"Or have them sing. Not bad."
"Worst case: you and me duo power show."
"Me guitar or keys. You vocals."
Acoustic guitar doable; keys too. Versatile pair.
Crowd glances at missing members? Ignore. Bulldoze with autumn feels. Iris's voice would stun anyway.
"Might as well prep duo songs now?"
"Got ideas brewing."
His past acoustic-only life made duo concepts easier than full band.
His openness prompted her.
"Iris composed?"
"Meet now?"
His boldness—even Iris blushed—drew a sharp glare from Ayane, quietly practicing bass behind.
"Shin-shin?"
Chilling voice made Tae-il shudder.
"Ah, haha. Joke. Can't a guy joke...?"
"Hmph."
Ayane snorted back to her bass. Angry, but realizing he'd considered her exclusion stung her pride subtly.
If Ayane masters it...
She might block his Iris duo. Motivation surged.
Never let Iris have alone time with him. That's Ayane's privilege. First, fix the snags...
As Ayane thrashed for growth, the call neared end.
"Original tomorrow after practice."
Tae-il paused, slyly glancing back. Ayane, bass-obsessed to keep him, oblivious to his gaze. Her diligence warmed him; he turned forward.
"Yeah. Quiet review. Don't want debut leaked."
Different. Everything diverged from canon. Iris composing early—pre-endgame—and sharing thrilled him.
Till others hit stride, I'll twist and endure.
Once band軌道s, they'd charge passionately—he believed.
Columbus on endless-sea horizon. Crew doubts land, nightly votes to kill him. But Tae-il never wavered in his path.
Doubt away. On stage, cheers prove his faith no cult delusion. He'd hand them dazzling results.
Ultimately...
All members in production—that vision.
Talented potentials all. Viable.
"Let's do this, Iris."
Her shy tone drew his grin. Laugh disrupting practice?
"Shin-shin! Check Ayane's practice!"
Uneasy at their chatter, Ayane whined softly. Tae-il bolted up.
"Uh, yeah! Hanging up?"
"Know it. See ya tomorrow."
Long call ended. Tae-il sighed lightly, approaching Ayane's blatant "I'm sulking!" pose on the bed.
"Sulking?"
"Yeah."
"Okay."
He climbed on, patting his thigh.
"Special service. Hop on."
"Really?"
"Pass if not."
"Ayane didn't say no!"
Fearing retraction, she scurried up onto his lap. Not Rena-level sprawl, but familiar comfort.
"Posture good? Not uncomfortable?"
"Y-yeah! You? Ayane heavy?"
"Lighter than Rena."
"Meee!"
That comparison irked her inwardly. Tae-il chuckled, resting chin on her left shoulder, overlaying his left hand on hers.
"Strict from start, no intro?"
"Y-yeah! Ready!"
"Okay."
His hand guided hers over the neck. One. Two. Three.
"Repeat these three frets to bar 5. Got it?"
"Yeah! Remembered."
Ayane's hands darted: 5th, 7th, 12th frets.
"Good. Harmonics? Finger path?"
"Light horizontal hover, ready to lift anytime...?"
"Right."
Harmonics for clear highs unlike root-heavy bass—solo gold like slap if nailed.
"Right picking steady. Sound might falter—no overforce. Hurts."
"Shin-shin, what? Tension keeps gripping...!"
"Yeah? Nerves?"
He eyed her pale nape slyly.
Like Crayon Shin...
Blow ear for relax? Too old for that; he stroked her nape lightly with free right hand.
Ayane, mind on left hand/shoulder, startled.
"Eek!?"
"Better? Looser?"
"Aaaah!"
Backfire. Her nape flushed crimson. Tae-il pondered, then continued.
"From now: each press/release touches my finger—shift string next."
"O-okay..."
"Key: no left-hand tension."
Ting. Overforce twanged odd.
"Again. Slow?"
"Y-yeah..."
Bass sounded—raw, shaky pitch unstable. But persisting, Ayane's tremors eased, tones steadied. Rhythm, frantic under his lead, synced to her heartbeat.
Tae-il gently withdrew, lifting chin. Melody flowed. Not root-rhythm sacrifice—bass-led solo.
Repetition ingrained chords; her hands busied instinctively. Smooth fretting, strings dancing. His presence faded; her melody reigned. Song etched clear in ears. Seamless. Once-stuttering her nailed it.
She did it...!
Ting!
"Ah."
Flub ended it. Reality crashed; she slid down like fallen climber. Tae-il smiled faintly above. Her reflection shone purely in his lit eyes.
Just Ayane.
She gawked; he eye-smiled.
"Good job. More practice though?"
Sloppy end deflated her; she nodded.
"For group, sync too?"
"Meee..."
"I'll handle guitar. Light jam? Cool?"
"Yeah."
Ayane slipped off—like bird fleeing cage to sky, seed to wild roots.
But sprouts need nurture.
Feels weird.
She fiddled callused hands. Achievement tickled chest. And faint pride in his smile.
Feels good...
Flowers wilt overwatered. But.
Still...
Practicing with Shin-shin beats solo.
Her lips curved. Effort same, but unlike grades—deeper satisfaction. His focused attention bonus.
"Shin-shin, tomorrow too—like this."
"Huh? Always have."
"Yeah."
He grabbed guitar, sitting bed-edge; she leaned head on thigh.
"Like this. Stuck tight."
He looked troubled.
"Practice like that?"
"Yeah!"
"We'll see tomorrow."
"Promise?"
"Sure."
Casual vow again.
"For real? Promise, Shin-shin?"
"No biggie."
Habitual reply; she giggled.
"Start?"
Pick scraped string.
"Yeah!"
Her time with him—unique edge none matched.
No rush. Only me with Shin-shin now?
Leisure sparked joy, immersion soared.
"Ayane in good form today?"
"Really?"
"Sakuya's moaning ill."
"Her?"
Ayane smirked inwardly. She practiced steadily, aiding him—while robust-talented Sakuya whined? Hilarious.
Tease her tomorrow.
Maybe it'd fire her up. Petty help for him; she'd thank later.
Good. Focus more.
To tease Sakuya, need results. Ignoring karma, Ayane dreamed endless happy futures with him in joyful hours.