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Chapter 2: Band practice

Ah, the clouds rolling in the sky, the cold wind swaying by, and the busy people in the streets buying things for their family and friends. Winter had really started since I came back. Today, I'll be going to the arcade to visit Shin-kun's mini pastry shop.

"Well let's see here, according to Shin-kun, the pastry shop should be right around this corner and to my right I should see a lavender coloured-building with the sign that says 'Le patisserie'." I said to myself.

After several minutes of walking, I found myself lost and I still couldn't get even a slight clue nor hunch of the whereabouts of this shop. Just when I was about to give up, a familiar cheerful and greeting voice can be heard behind me not too far from where I stood.

"Ah! Hiroyuki-kun!" Turning around, there I saw a wolf beastman, wearing a bright blue jacket and a light brown bonnet that covered the top of his head, waving as he ran towards me.

"Thank goodness, I found you, Shun-kun!" I replied in a desperate tone.

"Uwa?"

After a moment of brief explanation, of how I got lost of searching Shin-kun's shop, Shun-kun beckoned me to go with him since he is also going there.

"Don't be frustrated, Hiroyuki-kun. I too, got lost on my first time. Especially under Shin-san's instructions." He gave a soft pat to my back.

"I guess everybody would get lost if Shin-kun gave the directions."

"Yeah! Ahahah!"

"And what's that supposed to mean?" A stern, sharp voice is heard before us.

"C-Crap."

Before I knew it, we were already in front of the store and Shin-kun is just right before us. Damn, I should be mentally conscious whenever I'm walking. Maybe I can get kidnapped if I don't fix this habit.

"Ehehe, Sorry about that Shin-kun." I tried to apologize as a cold sweat formed on my head.

"We're truly sorry Shin-san. We don't really mean to offend you behind your back." Shun-kun added.

And after another brief explanation of what's currently happening, Shin-kun let out a sigh and slammed his palm on his forehead.

"Just make sure you two don't do this again, you got that?" He sternly stated.

In fear of making this worse, we just simply nodded.

"That's what I thought. Now let's go inside and serve Hiroyuki here today's specialties." He added.

"Er... yeah, let's go inside. Eheh.."

As I took a step inside Shin-kun's shop, the ambience of the interiors is quite pleasing to the eye. From the wall decorations, the flower arrangement of each table, and to the warm conditioning system. Even the table cloths are pure white without even a speck of dust can be found. Every facilities here resembled at least something from the Victorian era. Overall, everything here is gleaming with cleanliness and neatly well-organized. Afterwards, another cat man dressed in a butler's uniform soon came towards our direction.

"A pleasant morning to you, Master, Shun-sama. The preparations are now complete, are there any more tasks would you like me to do?"

"Yes, Amaki-san. Please entertain Hiroyuki here as we prepare something for him." Shin-kun ordered.

"Right away Master." He then turned towards me and gestured to my seat. "Please, sit down Hiroyuki-sama. My name is Amaki, Master's butler and guardian. But I suppose you know me already, am I not?"

"Oh yes, I do remember you Amaki-san. And you can drop the '-sama', there's no need for such honorifics."

"Understood Hiroyuki-san. And may I show you today's specialties for this season. I may recommend you Croissant, made from the finest ingredients here in Minasato and filled with Belgian Chocolate, added with caramelized condense milk as dip. And as for the tea, I would highly recommend London Fog which is derived from an Earl Grey, steamed milk and vanilla syrup, served to conflict today's weather. Both of them are served hot and fresh, also according to the customer's taste."

Hearing those appealing words, my mouth is literally watering and I can hardly smell the sweet aroma of chocolate and vanilla. But surely having these kind of food required a certain amount of cash. I hope my money can help me throughout this predicament.

"May I ask, just how much are the food around here?" Not that I'm complaining, but I truly fear that the price tag of these are really high.

"Oh you don't have to worry Hiroyuki-san. The food and drinks here are truly affordable and light to your pockets. And may I remind you, Master said that whatever you order on this day will be free of charge. So enjoy it to your heart's content." Amaki-san briefly explained to me.

"Then so be it, I would like to have six pieces of 'kwah-swan'..." Damn, I hope I pronounced that correctly. "...two are served and the other four will be take-out, and a cup of London fog please."

"Splendid. Your order will be served within less than five minutes. Thank you for being one of our valued customers."

Amaki-san then walked into the kitchen. While waiting for the food, Kouya entered the establishment.

"Oh, Good morning Kouya!"

Kouya yawned first and said, "Good morning to you too."

"So, you're a regular here?" I asked

"Yep, I come here often before I go to work. Anyways, what brings you here today?"

"Nothing much. I just wanted to try Shin-kun's pastries and Shun-kun's tea."

Just then, Amaki-san walked out of the kitchen doors, holding a tray filled with my ordered food.

"Here you go, Hiroyuki-san. Two pieces of Croissant, fresh from the oven; a cup of London Fog, and a take-out order of four pieces of Croissant. Bon appetite, monsieur. Is there anything else that would you like?"

"No, thanks. And tell Shin-kun and Shun-kun that I say thank you for the treat." I replied. Then I turned to kouya and asked, "How about you, Kouya? Would you like to order something?"

"Ah yes. Amaki-san already knew what my order is." He replied. Then he turned to Amaki-san, "My usual order please."

"Understood, Kouya-san. Coming right up."

And Amaki-san left again the scene leaving us two in a sheer cold silence.

"Hey Kouya, would you like some 'kwah-swan'? They're really good." I offered.

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. Seeing that this is actually bigger than I imagined, I can't possibly finish two 'kwah-swan', amirite? So, here you go."

"Well, considering that you're also glutton like Tora, I might as well take up your offer." Kouya teased.

"Just eat it already."

"Whatever man, and thanks for the food. I hope you will serve something to me better and much more delicious in the future." Kouya gave a shit-eating grin.

Hearing those words, I felt my blood rushing up into my face. I tried my best to return back to my normal state until Shun-kun, Shin-kun, and Amaki-san exited from the kitchen. "Just perfect."

"Hiroyuki-kun! Oh, and hi Kouya-nii-chan!" Shun-kun cheerfully welcomed

"Welcome back, Kouya." Shin-kun greeted

"Hey there guys, why don't you join us here?" Kouya offered.

"Sure, we can use some time-off. Is that all right with you, Amaki-san?" Shin-kun asked.

"I agree with you, Master."

"Well, how was it Hiroyuki-kun?" Shun-kun asked.

"Yeah, how was it Hiroyuki? Isn't it delicious?" Kouya teased.

"I-It's delicious actually ehe.."

"Isn't it amazing to eat something big and pleasant?" He continued

"Well, er... i-it's nice actually. Ahaha!" Lowering my head, I looked away from them; concealing my embarrassment.

"Isn't it?"

"Just what are you two talking about?" Shin-kun again slammed his palm to his forehead.

"Is there something the matter, Hiroyuki-kun? Your face is red. Did you catch a cold or something?" Shun-kun asked.

"Yeah Hiroyuki, is there any problem?" Kouya sneered.

"O-oh it's nothing. Nothing at all! Eheh..." A cold sweat formed on my head.

But deep inside me, I wish Kouya haven't done that to me. "Kouya, you jerk. Damn you!"

"That's what I thought." Shin-kun said. Damn, his tongue is getting sharper and sharper as time goes by. I wonder what kind of grindstone he used?

"Well anyways, here's your order, Kouya-san." Amaki-san interrupted.

"Thanks, Amaki-san. Well, I gotta go to work now. Bye guys! Oh and Hiroyuki, come by to the band practice later."

"Y-yeah, sure. See you later, Kouya." I replied.

After Kouya took his leave, Shun-kun suddenly asked me a trail of questions.

"You're in a band Hiroyuki-kun?"

"Well, not exactly but-"

"What kind instrument do you play?"

"I said I'm not necessarily-"

"What does Kouya's band look like?"

"Well, umm, ah.."

"Shun-kun, I think you've bothered our customer here." Shin-kun interjected.

"Oh, my apologies, Hiroyuki-kun!" The wolf then stand up and meekly bowed his head.

"It's alright Shun-kun. I guess I owe you an explanation. But for now, you have to wait until the right time."

"Aww.." Shun-kun made an attempt of puppy-eyes. "Okay, I'll wait then."

"By the way Shun-kun, do you have any plans for today?"

"Aside from helping out Shin-san here, I have nothing else to do."

"Well, I was wondering if we can both go to Kazenari by afternoon to look for some possible gifts."

"I would love to, Hiroyuki-kun!" Shun-kun smiled.

"Well in that case, I should come too. It's been a while since I last came to Kazenari. Is it fine with you if you can handle the store, Amaki-san?" Shin-kun asked

"Why of course, Master. Please enjoy your shopping to your heart's content."

"Alright then, let's meet at the bus stop by afternoon. Sounds good?"

"Sure." We both said in unison.

After a half-hour trip in the bus, we arrived in the town of Kazenari. I recall that there is a general store that Torahiko, Tatsu-nii, and I visited during summer. They sell many different things, from cooking ingredients to clothes, furniture, toys and other stuff as well. Almost all of the items here are imported so I expect things can get a little heavy on the pocket since it's also the season for buying gifts. But luckily, they're also on a sale right now. At last, I was at ease.

As we entered to automatic doors, we saw Torahiko and Tatsu-nii inside. Looks like they're arguing over something.

"...for the last time Tatsu-nii, I will not cook things with sake for you again! Besides, I don't even have the money to buy some!"

"Aww c'mon Tora, just once. Please, pretty please?" Tatsu-nii pleaded with a pair of poorly attempted puppy eyes.

"Hey guys, what are doing here?" I greeted.

"Hiroyuki, help me!" Tatsu-nii cried. "Tora doesn't want to buy me some sake for his dish."

"You're cooking something again Torahiko?"

"Well, yeah. I was making a food experiment where the taste of the food shifts. Like from sweet to sour or bitter to sweet, something like that. Until this guy here I keep dragging along to buy him sake. Of course I'm aware of his actions get... unpleasing when he's drunk."

"You shouldn't be wasting on food, you know. Nor money." Shin-kun lightly scolded. But then he put up his usual smile and offered, "But if you want to know how to make food that shifts flavours, I can teach you how."

"Really Shin-kun? Then thanks! You saved me from wasting my time here arguing with someone who is truly a drunkard."

"Hey, who are you calling a drunkard huh? If Juuichi were here, he would've thrown you already!"

"Pfft, like that sweet-tooth-pot-bellied-kuma-tan was here!" Torahiko mocked.

"If I were in your place, I wouldn't be saying that on his back..." Shun-kun said.

"...Especially if he's actually behind you." I continued.

"Just who are you calling a 'sweet-tooth-pot-bellied-kuma-tan' eh, Torahiko?" Juuichi's voice boomed as he placed a large hand on Torahiko's shoulder. From what I can see, a nerve is forming on the top right of his forehead and on his fist.

Torahiko's spine chilled as he shakily turned around to see Juuichi.

"J-J-J-Juuichi-s-sempai! F-f-fine weather t-today, isn't i-it?"

"Why of course Tora, a fine weather it is..." Juuichi replied."A FINE WEATHER TO RIP YOU APART!! HNNNGRRRAAAAH!!!" Juuichi then grab hold of Torahiko's shirt and threw him outside of the store.

"BWAAA!!!"

*Crash!*

"My condolences to you, Ooshima-san." Shin-kun gave his final regards to Torahiko.

"Serves you right, you rude beast." Tatsu-nii mumbled.

"J-Juuichi-san..." Shun-kun said

"What is it Kodori-kun?" Juuichi replied in a calm yet annoyed tone.

"P-please calm down. It's not good for the shop's manager to have a violent customer."

Just then, the manager came rushing to us furiously. We were escorted to his office and Juuichi apologized for his misconduct. After a series of humiliating moments and hearing complaints from the other customers, we were soon given the permission to leave his office and a fair warning not to do this again, or else we'll get banned from the store.

"Hey Juuichi, what brings you here anyway?" I asked.

"Club practice were finished early. So I decided to do some shopping for some supplies until I hear Tora. What about you guys?"

"We were about to look for some possible gifts to buy for the party. Until we also met Torahiko and Tatsu-nii"

"I see then. Then I shall come with you. I might need someone who can help me subside my anger."

"Can I come too?" Tatsu-nii asked.

"Of course, Tatsu-nii." Shun-kun answered.

After a long walk, and some few bargain shopping here and there; the others, except me, had found the gift for their receiver.

"C-crap. I've searched throughout the store yet I still haven't found anything."

"Well then, can you give us a hint of what he likes?" Tatsu-nii asked.

"If I told you what he likes, then you would figure out who that person be! Considering that Kounosuke strictly instructed us not to tell anyone whom we picked."

"I've got an idea, Nishimura." Juuichi said. "Why don't you hang around that guy and observe of what he want as a gift."

"I think that would be a great idea, Hiroyuki-kun." Shin-kun agreed.

"Yeah, I think so too." Shun-kun joined.

Well, that left me no choice. And I suddenly remembered that he said to come see him for the band practice.

"Then so be it. Thanks guys."

"Hm? Aren't you going yet, Hiroyuki-kun?" Shun-kun asked.

"Oh, I have some business to take care of. See you guys later." I replied.

And so, everyone except me took a bus ride back to Minasato, while I walk my way to the music store.

The bell used for indicating a customer chimed as I open the door. There I saw a familiar horseman with spiky brown hair, loud attitude, and the same dog tag worn proudly around his neck. It was Keisuke.

"Ah, Good Afternoon sir! How could we help y-" Keisuke paused. "H-Hiroyuki? Is that really you?"

"More or less, yeah. It's nice seeing you again, Keisuke."

"Well hot damn! You look even worse than I last saw you. Are you sure that you're eating accordingly?" Keisuke pointed at me with a shit-eating grin marked on his face.

"You don't have to be rude to our manager here, Keisuke." Said by a person heard behind him.

"Whaa-? I'm jus' tellin' him the truth, Yuuki." Keisuke replied.

"Well, he is an important member of our band. So I may suggest that you should keep your lower part of you face shut before Kouya overhears you. Or do I need to shut it for you? Anyways, welcome back, Hiroyuki-kun." Yuuki greeted.

"Hello to you too, Yuuki. Is Kouya here?" I asked.

"Yeah, he's at the back doing some maintenance. You can go there if you want." Yuuki said.

"Maybe later. Though I need to ask you something, what does Kouya wanted for a present?"

"H-Hiroyuki," Keisuke dramatically gasped. "I never thought that you have a liking to our little Kouya!"

"W-wait, that's not i-" I flustered as I defend myself.

"You idiot, what makes you think that giving a present is some form of a proposal of love?" Yuuki said.

"Could it be a present from... a secret Santa?" Said by someone behind me.

"Oh, Jun-kun, you're here!" Keisuke greeted.

Jun nodded in reply.

"Its nice meeting you again, Jun-san." I also greeted.

"Hiroyuki-san, it's been a while. Please excuse me for intruding your conversation earlier." Jun replied.

"Oh no, no, it's fine. We're just talking about what Hiroyuki will get for our little Kouya." Keisuke gave a stupid grin.

"Please not so loud Keisuke, Kouya might hear us. By the way Jun-san, how did you know that it was a secret Santa?"

"Oh yeah, we haven't told you yet Hiroyuki. You see, aside from his silent nature, Jun-kun here has a very high concluding abilities. It means that his intuition is sometimes... no, always right. Trust us when we say that his intuition oftentimes scare us." Yuuki shuddered.

"Yeah Hiroyuki. Sometimes he can reveal other's secrets or special hiding places out of the blue!" Keisuke added. "Like than one time when he find out where Yuuki-kun stacks his po-oomph!"

Then Yuuki covered Keisuke's mouth with his hand. "I think that's enough explanation, Keisuke. Ehe..." A cold sweat formed on his head. As I turned to Jun-san, an unmistakable smile is etched into his face. I wonder what Jun-san found out?

"Hiroyuki-san, regarding to the present you're looking for, Kouya wanted to buy something that's he's been saving for weeks. If you want, you can surprise him with that." Jun said.

"Oh? What is it? Please tell me, Jun-san."

Just when Jun was about to tell me what it is, Kouya came out of the studio holding a monkey wrench.

"Hey guys, the maintenance is now complete so we can practice agai- Hey, what's the commotion here?" Kouya asked.

"Er ah... it's nothing. Nothing really. Ahaha! Right guys?" I asked them to ride along.

"Y-yeah! We're definitely not talking about any Secr-oof!" Yuuki elbowed Keisuke as he grimaced in pain.

"What Keisuke meant to say is that since Musikus is complete once again, we should as well celebrate it with a meaningful band practice. Right Jun-kun?" Yuuki covered and Jun-san nodded.

"Rriight... Well what are we waiting for? I thought we're going to have a 'meaningful band practice'?" Kouya asked.

"Yeah!" we all replied in unison.

Then we all entered the studio, the same since I last saw it. Nothing had changed except a few minor decorations. Still, it brings back memories from last summer. As the others prepared their instruments, I sat to my usual spot. And after reassuring their places, Keisuke tapped his drumsticks thrice and Kouya started the melody of their song. The sweet nostalgic tune came once again to my ears and the lyrics are so mesmerizing to my mind. I closed my eyes and reflect onto the song they're pouring their hearts into. Everything from last summer came back to me as if it was yesterday.

"All right, let's take five everyone!" Keisuke gestured. "Kouya, you sure do seem happy today. Anything you want to share?"

"I-idiot. What makes you think that?"

"Well, aside from your tail swaying side to side and you're playing the guitar lively, my guess is that because of Hiroyuki's return." Yuuki added.

"Hoo-wee! I think lover boy here has found an inspiration for today!" Keisuke sneered.

"H-hey you guys," I interfered. "I think everyone here is lively today. I guess it's been a while since I've been with you all."

"Hiroyuki's right." Yuuki agreed. Just who is he actually siding with? "We've never play this actively since back then. I guess your presence has given us enough encouragement to give our all. Thanks Hiroyuki, for once again enlightening Musikus. We never made this far if it weren't for you."

"Yeah, thanks Hiroyuki." Keisuke followed, then Jun nodded afterwards

Kouya gave a wink to me and finally gave his speech, "And as a way of saying thanks, here's a song we recently wrote. Now sit back and enjoy our music. This one is called 'Letters to you'." Then Keisuke once again tapped his drumsticks and Kouya played out a melodious combination of country, rock, and ballad tunes that soon filled the air. And for the first time, Kouya is the lead singer and is being accompanied by Yuuki. Together, they sang this song from the bottom of their hearts.

As I sit here, I couldn't think of anyone but you, Along with the many things we can possibly do. I took out a simple paper and begin to write, Things I wanted to tell ever since that night.

Of all the things I want to say, it will soon reach you right away. But I hope you can reply very soon, so I can read how you feel about me too.

I hope you still remember me, somewhere in your memory, and all the things we do, just to let you know, I long for you.

All my silly thoughts I poured into, the ones I believe I can only share with you, wanting to hear something out of the blue, 'For I too, feel the same for you.'

Of all the things I want to say, it will soon reach you right away. But I hope you can reply very soon, so I can read how you feel about me too.

Oooh, 'For I too, feel the same for you'...

The band practice ended without any further ado. We shared moments of our life and after that, we have to go in our separate ways. As I was about to take my leave, Jun whispered something significant. And after that, he said to me "I wish you both eternal happiness and everlasting relationship." with a warm smile. I guess Yuuki was right, his intuition is kinda scary. But if I look it at some point, it may as well seem as a form of a compliment. Either way, I thank him and sat on Kouya's bike as we skimmed once again the road back to Minasato.

"Someone's happy today." Kouya said.

"Nah, I'm just feeling nostalgic that's all."

"Oh? Then you must be remembering our special times together, correct?

"Somehow, yeah."

"And maybe you're also remember that 'night', huh?" Kouya teased.

"Kouya, if you keep on teasing me that way, I swear that you should provide me blood if I get anemic from all the nose bleeds I'm going to get in the future."

"Haha, right. By the way, what were you guys talking about before I left the studio?"

"It's confidential."

"Oh? Are you planning on giving me a surprise party?"

"Maybe."

"Will you tell me if we go on a bath together?"

"Y-you mean y-you a-a-and I, t-together? In the SHOWERS?!"

"Nope. Jus' messing with 'ya."

"You have a mean way of saying things, you know Kouya?"

"Haha, I kid. If it's your secret, then I respect it."

"Thanks Kouya. One day, you'll know it sooner or later."

"Then I'll await for that day."

With that, our conversation ended inevitably. Next time, I'll be back again to Kazenari to buy that item that Kouya has been saving for. I hope no one's going to buy it before I do, because according to Jun, it's the last thing available there. Well, with thoughts aside, my grip to Kouya had tightened as we glide our way back home.

Next Chapter: Kotatsu