"You understand that part now yes?"
"Yeah, I think I've got most of the basics down. By the way, are you sure you want to go with this arrangement?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, we can change the introduction from D-C-A to C-E-A. Trust me, it'll sound so much better on the guitar."
"Umm...since when do you play guitar, Shinomiya-san?"
"Well, let's just say I've been practicing all week..."
"Yeah, I think I've got most of the basics down. By the way, are you sure you want to go with this arrangement?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, we can change the introduction from D-C-A to C-E-A. Trust me, it'll sound so much better on the guitar."
"Umm...since when do you play guitar, Shinomiya-san?"
"Well, let's just say I've been practicing all week..."
Hanamura State University - 4:30 PM. Dismissal
Class had just finished for the upper high school students of the Hanamura State University and students have started heading out, not to go home but to enjoy the nightlife in the city's various recreational districts. Haruka on the other hand, had a habit of lazing around by the guardhouse for a few minutes before heading back to the dorm, which is a little odd for one of Hanamura's beloved daughters.
"Thing is, barely anyone gives a rat's ass for anyone. They think that just because I'm famous, I'd have press crowding me and fans storming up for autographs on a daily basis. No, life isn't like that--even if you're famous." Haruka punctuated her thoughts with a sigh. "Who am I kidding? I ain't famous. Not one bit. "She" is."
"Hey, Haruka!" A girl's voice called out from behind the bench she was sitting on and in a few moments, she was graced with the company of a taller, long-haired girl going by the name of Karen.
"Karen...I thought you had club?" Haruka asks the woman beside her, taking out her phone in order to check the time.
"Change of plans. I got invited to a mixer so I ditched. Besides, it's not like we're particularly busy right now. School festival's still a long way off."
"Another one? How many does that make it now? 40?"
"Sheesh, this is just the fourth one. You added an extra zero, dumbass."
"Whatever. Well, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be heading out early if you're going to one?" Haruka raises a suspicious eye at Karen.
"It's still a little early and--wait, aren't you the one who's always telling me to arrive fashionably late?"
"You do that after you've scored a date, idiot. Haven't I told you that before?" Haruka sighed as she closed her eyes. Conversations with Karen are always going off-topic.
"What are you, my mom now? Geez..." Karen also sighed as she took a seat right next to her musician friend. "But, no. I don't recall you saying that before."
"That only proves you're not listening. Really Karen, sometimes I wonder if you really are my friend." Haruka teases her friend a little.
"Awww...don't say that! I love you Haruka!" Karen responded to the remark by giving Haruka a big hug which Haruka just lightly brushed off.
"Anyway...aren't you supposed to answer my question?"
"Well, I came over to invite you of course!"
"No thanks."
"Wha--why? You've never turned down a mixer before! Come on, Haruka! With an idol like you in our squad, we'll be sure to score some hot guys!" Karen insists in an almost pleading way.
"I'm a musician not an idol. There's a difference. Anyway. I would love to help you girls out but--" Haruka took out her phone as she explained, showing the Ryuunosuke message to her friend. "Duty calls. A little last minute in fact."
"Endorsement offer from--Gensai Ryuunosuke???!!! That guy's like, uber-rich you know?"
"Yes I know. There's a tarp thanking his company hanging from the school gate remember?"
"Yeah! So what's he doing talking to you?"
"Beats me. Well, I've got to get going. Wouldn't want to be late. Otherwise he might make me walk the plank!" With that, Haruka got up to leave, waving her friend a fond farewell as she walked ahead. "See you Karen! Have fun at your mixer!"
"Be careful Haruka. I've heard rumors about these guys--and they're not good at all. Best to stay on your toes."
Haruka arrived at the bustling mall she was instructed to go to. She wasn't that sure why this man wanted to meet with her in such a public spot. Normally, it would've been in a more private location like a restaurant or their office. Circumstances are practically telling her that calling her was a last minute decision on her client's part.
"Let's see...it should be around this corner--whoah!" With her eyes fixed on the message on her phone, Haruka accidentally bumped into another student which immediately caught her attention. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She immediately apologized. Fortunately, the girl looked okay.
"Hmm? Girl?" Haruka wondered about the person she bumped into. She felt strange. Off somehow. "Well, never mind. Not my business."
She eventually got to the cafe her contact outlined in the message. A rather popular chain frequented by well-known personalities. It is rather known for its high-quality brews...and exuberant, inflated prices. She walked in and took a quick glance. She spotted the man she was supposed to meet sitting on one of the two-person tables and she immediately walked over to take the chair adjacent to his.
"Good evening. Yukino-san isn't around? I thought she'd be the one meeting with me but, I reckon she couldn't make it?" She greeted the man in front of her, obviously not intimidated by his presence. "I heard about the offer. Seemed really last minute though. I take it your company would be providing the equipment at the venue? The studio said they'll be closing early tomorrow so we wouldn't be able to get any of our instruments out."