Finding the Last Piece (5)
"Hold on a sec."
Tae-il paused mid-lesson as he was teaching Ayane a proper bass solo practice, feeling a vibration in his pocket. He checked his phone.
Tae-il didn't want the other teachers, aside from his homeroom teacher, finding out he was close to Sakuya.
He was worried about the teachers' scrutiny, just as Ayane had advised.
It was a plot point even Iris couldn't avoid in the original story, so there was no reason it would be different for him.
What to do...
Seeing Sakuya's worried messages, Tae-il was hit again with the reality of the transportation issue.
Even if I take the first train tomorrow, the timing's gonna be tight. Should I just head out tonight?
Japan had plenty of accommodation options.
And as a foreigner, Tae-il had more leeway even with minor restrictions for minors.
Worst case, if he pushed a little, he could crash at capsule hotels or even PC bangs and manga cafes meant for adults, despite not being one.
His hesitation deepened as he seriously considered leaving tonight.
"Shin-kun, you okay?"
Ayane, who had been watching quietly, asked worriedly, furrowing her brow at his furrowed expression.
Her once-straight brows crumpled with concern, gradually darkening her mood.
"Bad news or something? You were checking your smartphone and suddenly frowned."
"Huh? Oh, no, it's nothing. Just some personal spending issue."
"Money troubles again?"
"Yeah. So many places money's going out, but nowhere to earn it. What a pain."
It wasn't a lie.
Transportation was expensive, after all.
Shin-kun really can't lie.
Of course, it was the kind of obvious lie that was totally Tae-il-like.
Ayane realized her crush was lying but didn't call him out.
It might be something she couldn't easily respond to.
But this room wasn't just filled with Ayane, who understood Tae-il better than anyone.
There was also a fool who took his lie at face value because of how he'd acted today.
Iris approached Rena with careful steps so the two at the blackboard wouldn't notice.
Rena, whose hands were black from drawing with the pencil, eyed Iris suspiciously.
Pretending to check her phone, Iris lightly tapped Rena's shoulder.
"What? We agreed not to bother me when I'm drawing."
"Rena-chan, I'm curious about something. Is 100,000 yen a month too much for a high schooler?"
Iris got straight to the point without beating around the bush.
Rena realized it was about Tae-il and set down her pencil.
"What kind of 100,000 yen?"
"Hobby?"
"Even for an adult, that's a lot."
No matter the context, 100,000 yen was a daunting sum for a student.
If you picked it up off the street by chance, it'd leave you stunned and speechless.
Iris might scoff that no one carries that much cash these days, but still.
"People who do music as a hobby usually buy used instruments unless they splurge, right?"
"Yeah?"
Used instruments were bought because good ones were pricey.
Fender guitars, for instance, had stable used prices—some even treated them as investments.
I don't get why.
Iris couldn't understand buying used instruments that weren't even rare limited editions.
It's not like you're inheriting them from someone else. Paying money for something someone's already used—doesn't that feel gross?
Regardless of Iris's musings, Rena sighed, thinking, She's off again.
"Anyway, to answer your question: excluding living expenses and just for hobbies, yeah, 100,000 yen a month is definitely on the expensive side."
No sane person overspent like that. Unless they earned that much, anyway.
Iris crossed her arms and sighed at Rena's explanation.
"Tricky. Commoner senses are hard."
"You know that sounded super obnoxious, right?"
It was the kind of statement that would tank a politician's career.
"Yeah... it's tricky."
Even with Rena's advice, Iris just furrowed her brows tighter.
Iris's sense of money was completely broken.
Her allowance was practically unlimited, and she even made her own cash from stocks.
Even in Japan—mocked as "medieval serf-land"—maintaining massive wealth as a non-chaebol just for being old nobility was tough.
The Arisugawas amassed their fortune because successive heads had real savvy.
Only Rena, who remembered leaner times from childhood, shrugged at Iris: She's hopeless.
"Hey, Rena-chan, do you know about what kids our age have in their wallets these days?"
"How would I? You're my only friend."
What a sadly honest reason.
Even without that, Rena was well-off now.
Her poor days were so young she'd barely remembered them.
"You two are having the most unproductive conversation in the world."
"Oh right, Kiriko's here too. Kiriko, you know?"
Iris clapped, eyeing Kiriko expectantly.
Despite the potentially offensive vibe, Kiriko nodded calmly, expression unchanged.
"Hard to believe, but back in school, my allowance was 5,000 yen a month, excluding food."
"Whoa..."
"That was for transport. To save, I'd bike 40 minutes each way to school, morning and night."
Kiriko's voice grew misty recalling the past.
Those days had been rough.
"Well, you two earn plenty yourselves, so I won't say much..."
Kiriko trailed off, choosing words carefully before giving a vague answer.
"Even by adult standards, you two spend quite a lot."
Iris nodded blankly.
"Got it."
The Iris who thought Tae-il was like her revised her view.
So for Shin Tae-il, that was a big decision...
Ayane's bass was obviously a custom order at a glance.
No reason to cheap out on custom, so even the cheapest ran at least 300,000 yen.
Ayane, brand new to music, had no reason to drop that much on custom gear...
Definitely Shin Tae-il footed the bill.
And that wasn't all—he'd bought another bass for himself.
Iris didn't know basses well, but the limited edition she'd searched popped up at least 150,000 yen.
Realizing 100,000 yen was huge for a student shifted how she saw Tae-il.
Can't wait for next month...
Iris grinned so wide Rena recoiled.
Shin Tae-il was a madman.
A genuine lunatic charging toward the same goal with her—it was weirdly reassuring.
"Money, though..."
Iris furrowed her brows, her pretty eyes narrowing slightly.
A crazy leader was fine, but getting bogged down in cash shortages and neglecting the main gig? Total fish sticks.
Iris muttered her inner thoughts aloud without realizing.
"Maybe hook him up with a high-paying part-time gig..."
"You?"
Rena, reaching for her pencil again, stared at Iris incredulously.
The pampered lady who never got her hands dirty arranging high-pay work? Absurd.
Stung, Iris pouted her lips out three times.
"What, is that so weird?"
"You even know what part-times kids do these days?"
"I-I've seen in dramas! Serving, convenience stores..."
"Then what about high-paying ones?"
"..."
Iris clamped her lips and stared at distant mountains out the window.
Her eye twitched violently—clearly stumped.
Rena snickered.
"I can guess what you're thinking."
"Wh-what am I thinking?"
"Your drama-only brain is obvious."
Rena smirked at the bristling Iris.
She nodded toward Tae-il chatting and laughing with Ayane.
"Figured you'd have him butler around for a few days, work him, toss some cash."
Iris flinched and turned from Rena.
Her crossed arms fidgeted, fingers piano-ing on her biceps.
Bullseye.
Realizing she'd been too obvious, Iris denied it belatedly.
"...N-no, not that?"
"Bullshit."
No dice.
And Rena had backup.
"Threatening my job just 'cause he's bandmates?"
"No, I said! Why you too, Kiriko!?"
"Your lies show."
"What? I'm a total poker face!? Except in front of Dad!"
Surprisingly honest Iris.
"Anyway, don't even dream. That's drama and anime only. Got it?"
"Tch..."
"Rena's right. He'd feel burdened."
With Kiriko opposing too, Iris couldn't push.
Still.
Kinda unfair.
She just wanted to help...
"Shin Tae-il said good part-times are hard to find even after practice lately..."
"He told you that?"
"Yeah. Busy with this and that over break, hard to snag real jobs."
"Hmm."
Rena eyed Tae-il with odd interest.
* * *
"Already 4 p.m."
Tae-il checked the time and rubbed his stomach.
Lunch had digested; his belly felt light and hollow.
He recapped the day.
Discussed the band's musical direction with members.
Set Ayane's practice path.
Morning jam with Iris singing—sweaty bliss in the cramped room.
And Ayane's focus is waning...
Perfect timing for a break.
Tae-il clapped, drawing eyes in the art room.
"It's late—let's call it. Cool?"
No objections.
All nodded, a bit weary.
Iris, humming trendy lyrics, stretched first and stood.
"Ahhh! Today was packed. Right?"
"Why ask me..."
Rena, packing stationery, shot Iris an exasperated glare.
"Ayane, no overpracticing at home tonight—rest up. If you must, you know."
"Y-yeah..."
Tae-il's advice was simple.
Hum the songs and air-guitar.
Not super reliable, but Ayane nodded.
"Good. Leave the window open. I'll check."
"Shin-kun perv..."
"Not like that!"
Ayane blushed and shielded herself; Tae-il laughed awkwardly.
Practice was great, but burnout wasn't.
Today's gains needed rest to stick.
"Anyway, good work. Rest at home tonight. Promise?"
"Yeah. You too, Shin-kun."
Tension eased, Ayane stretched late, shoulders slumping in exhaustion.
"I'll help pack."
"Thanks."
Tae-il unstrapped her bass first.
Even light gear tires muscles over time, growing heavy.
Basses especially.
Ayane rolled her stiff shoulders.
"Mmm. Shoulders and hands ache."
"Ice pack if pain lingers. Helps."
"Got it."
Packing the bass, Tae-il massaged her shoulders in gaps.
"Haaah. Hey Shin-kun, next practice when?"
"Dunno. Haven't set it yet..."
Tae-il pondered; Iris jumped in.
"Tomorrow!"
"T-tomorrow?"
"You got nothing tomorrow anyway, right?"
No way.
Ayane canceled everything to match Tae-il.
And Tae-il was heading to Gunma to cheer Sakuya.
"Ayane's skills are surging now."
"True, but..."
Beginners improve fast.
Ayane's setup was solid—best to frontload practice.
Iris meant well, but Tae-il hesitated over tomorrow.
As he wavered, Iris hooked arms with Ayane, eyes sparkling.
"Whaddya say? Good, Ayane?"
"Mmm."
Ayane burned for gains too.
Her mind warred: Rest, tired vs. Sleep now with your skills?
"Umm..."
"Yeah yeah! Questions?"
"Not the same practice room tomorrow, right...?"
Iris shook her head wildly.
"No waaay. Never. Busking in the blazing street first."
Iris declared.
Busking at their level? Clown show.
Her firm "no" to the sauna-room.
Rena, washing graphite-smeared hands with soap, asked.
"Music room? Takahashi-sensei's has a stage. Was decent."
Where she'd drummed.
Unauthorized sticks still in her bag.
"Other Light Music Club has priority. Tough for us."
"Right, Yuuma."
Rena clicked her tongue at Tae-il's denial.
Yuuma was survival of the fittest.
Last year's winners maxed benefits.
Rena wondered.
"Where you practicing then? Summer AC repairs backed up."
"Probably rent external. You know, Rena-chan went once."
"Oh, there..."
Where Shin Tae-il debuted bass.
Iris asked Tae-il suddenly.
"You cool with that, Shin Tae-il?"
"Uh? Y-yeah."
Tae-il stammered.
He had no desire to sauna again.
Especially the annex—too cramped. Amp tweaks aside, drums pierced ears.
Solo spot, not jam.
Iris, fond of the rented room, suggested lightly.
"Can we book there again? Honestly, wasn't bad."
"Ayane liked it too. Close to home."
"Call the manager."
But it was popular—spots not guaranteed, Tae-il warned.
Break meant morning student bookings piled up.
"Do whatever works for you, Shin Tae-il. I'm fine anywhere."
"Ayane too, as long as not that room..."
"Got it. I'll check spots."
"Um..."
Rena, who'd been quiet, chimed in cautiously.
"Yeah? What's up, Rena-chan?"
"Practice rooms cost money?"
"Yeah. How much was it?"
Iris, never paid herself, looked to Tae-il.
He answered.
"Around 1,500 yen per hour?"
"1,500 yen..."
Rena recalled their chat—and Tae-il's shock at her sound booth offer.
For adults maybe fine, but daily 1,500+ burdened students.
Even split three ways.
AC fix at least a week...
1,500 daily for one hour neared 10,000 yen. They wouldn't stop at one.
No earnings, plus Tae-il's endless outflows...
Prime time to cash in a favor?
Direct apology risky—might reject.
Worse if brushed off. Ego-heavy Rena feared belittlement.
Tae-il's money woes? Welcome news.
Good.
Rena inhaled deep and proposed.
"Just practice here."
"Huh?"
Tae-il blinked at the unexpected offer.
Not just him.
Iris grabbed Rena, shocked.
"You sure, Rena-chan?"
"I don't come every day."
Use freely when she's gone, Rena glanced at Tae-il.
His eyes mixed joy and surprise—honest, warming her.
Tae-il double-checked.
"Really okay, Honjo?"
"Said yes. Hate the place?"
"No way!"
Tae-il flapped hands gratefully.
"Soundproof base here. Drums maybe iffy, but rest fine."
Blasting AC bonus.
Rena trusted the art room's soundproofing.
Her tantrums over bad work—no neighbor complaints.
Seniors trashing her stuff—no teacher checks.
Tae-il paused long, then bowed thanks.
"Thanks."
"Don't thank me. For Iris..."
Despite Rena's coolness, Tae-il grinned uncontrollably.
"Soundproof really solid?"
Ayane poked the wall skeptically as practice here seemed set.
"Hmph. Doubt it? Scream test."
"For real?"
Iris clamped Ayane's inhaling mouth hastily.
"Haha. Ayane too much. Soundproof's good. Rena-chan griped about noise, chairman pulled strings."
"Didn't gripe! Old man's nosy butt!"
"Heh. Paint it?"
"Mmph!"
Ayane poked Iris's hand with nails.
Iris released.
"Sorry. But yeah, solid soundproof. Trust Rena-chan."
"...Ayane's fine if Shin-kun is."
"I'm good."
No reason for Tae-il to refuse.
Annex was storage in original.
Surprised tsundere Rena offered so readily, but if her awkward bonding, great.
Long-lived bands needed good vibes.
Not coincidence top bands were childhood pals.
Fight, make up—don't let grudges fester.
Tae-il wanted that with Rena.
Iris, clueless to his joy, cheered.
"Sweet! Tomorrow here then?"
"Haha. Drums TBD, but..."
Still.
Free, cool, spacious jam spot? Tae-il was thankful.
"Saves money, nice one, Shin-kun."
"Y-yeah."
So.
When to spill?
Tae-il eyed Ayane and Iris anxiously, alternating.
Them chattering like tomorrow's locked made him guilty.
But.
Missing finals? Couldn't face Sakuya.
Tae-il yelled.
"Hey!"
Four pairs of eyes on him.
"Sorry to rain on the parade!"
Ultimate move.
Bow-apologize.
"I-I got plans tomorrow..."
Tae-il squinted around.
Warm air chilled instantly.
Bone-chill made him shudder.
"C-cold. Breaking up, kill AC?"
"Heh. What?"
Iris grabbed his wrist hunting remote.
No exaggerated girly uptick she used elsewhere.
Never with Tae-il or Ayane.
Her way of dropping the facade.
But.
Th-that voice pitched up?
Like her VA voicing another role—end lilted.
Tae-il chilled.
She smiled, reseating frozen Tae-il.
Shoulder pressure like weights.
"What could pull you from beauties like me and Ayane?"
Whisper chilled like wife catching cheating hubby.
Tae-il froze mouse-before-cat.
Nothing wrong, yet shrinking.
"Int-Interhigh finals..."
"Interhigh? You hate sports, why... Oh, aah."
Freeze thawed.
Tae-il no sports link, but one person bridged both.
Iris soured fast.
"What, off to see Sakuraba Sakuya?"
"Promised..."
Her grumble mild—not bad. Tae-il inwardly sighed relief.
Thought big mistake. Wasn't.
Real issue elsewhere.
"Shin-kun? Ayane's hearing this first."
"Uh, uhhh?"
Tae-il panicked.
Iris bought it, but now Ayane.
"Fidgety for a reason. All 'cause Sakuraba?"
"Wasted my worry," Ayane gripped his fingers tight.
Left: Ayane.
Right: Iris.
Suffocating pressure; Tae-il signaled Rena and Kiriko with eyes: Help!
They synced seamlessly, gazing mutually, starting pointless chat.
"Thanks, Rena. Easier watching miss now."
"Tough gig, Kiriko."
"Haha. Job's job. No pay, I'd quit."
"Iris a handful?"
"Haha. Plead the fifth."
Endless Iris fodder.
Tae-il despaired.