After a brief silence, it was Aoki who finally spoke up.
"And why not? Quitting isn't an option—we're counting on you, Yuujin. So, who's up for going out later… I don't know, grabbing some food or something?" Aoki completely ignored Yuujin grinding his teeth and waited for everyone's answers.
"Me! I'm totally in! I've been craving ice cream all day! And maybe we can catch the sunset too?" Max said, full of energy, moving closer to Aoki while Taylor followed behind.
"I don't have much going on at home today, so I'm good," Taylor said, arms crossed.
"I'll come too, just to keep you company," Yuri said, sitting next to Yuujin on the couch. "What about you, Yuujin? Are you coming?"
"I…" Yuujin looked up slightly, glancing to the side to meet her eyes.
"No need to be nervous, just come along. Who knows, it might even inspire you a bit," Aoki said, completely at ease about letting Yuujin join.
"I was going to say I should stay home and work on the lyrics," Yuujin said, hoping for some understanding.
"Man, you've got four weeks for that. Chill for a bit. You can finish it at home later, remember? Take a break, write afterward, and then hang out with us. Come on! So, what do you say?" Aoki held out his hand, flashing that contagious smile.
Yuujin looked at him—the bright blue eyes, the easy confidence—and took a deep breath before finally taking his hand. Aoki pulled him up, and the group gathered around for their usual team high-five. Taylor, as always, seemed mildly annoyed by it.
"So, which ice cream place are we going to? There are tons around here!" Max said, practically bouncing with excitement.
"We could try the new one at the mall near school," Yuri suggested, clearly interested.
"I was thinking somewhere with more options, like that one downtown," Aoki added. As they talked, Yuujin looked out the window, watching students passing by and sighing as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What do I do? He won't leave me alone if I don't write this stupid lyric. I don't even know what to write… but I can't just make a crappy song. If I'm forced to do it, I at least have to do it right," Yuujin thought, genuinely worried about finding the time and the right inspiration.
"Yuujin!" Aoki shouted, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Yuujin jumped and turned, startled.
"Taylor and Yuri will meet you near your place, then you can all head to the ice cream shop. I'll send you the location, alright?" Aoki said, hands on his hips, waiting for Yuujin's reply.
"But… you guys keep switching ice cream spots? Isn't there just one place you always go?" Yuujin asked, used to going to the same places.
"Of course not! Why stick to just one when Tokyo has tons of amazing options?" Aoki joked, making Yuujin laugh a little.
"Well… fine. Let's go to the place you guys are so hyped about," Yuujin sighed, finally giving in.
"Perfect! 6 PM, then?" Aoki and the others confirmed the time. Yuujin stepped back, glancing out the window again.
He clenched his fists, breathing a little slower, deliberately ignoring the chatter around him.
Hours later, Yuujin got home with Misaki and headed straight to his room. Misaki noticed how fast he moved.
"Again, Yuujin? What happened this time?" she asked, tossing her popsicle stick in the trash.
"How do you always know when I'm upset? You're starting to freak me out!" Yuujin said, stopping and turning toward her.
"I've lived with you since we were born… I guess it's just a habit," Misaki replied, putting her backpack down and heading to the bathroom.
"It's just that I need peace to write my song lyrics. Do you… have any advice?" he asked, watching her wet her face and plug in her hair straightener.
"And I'm supposed to know how to write song lyrics? I can barely write an essay," Misaki said, running the straightener through her hair.
"Ah… thanks a lot. Really helpful," he muttered, stepping aside to open his bedroom door.
"I didn't say I'd help you, but now that my creativity's been attacked by your whining, fine—I'll try. Write about something you like or feel, or… I don't know, just something," she said, clicking her tongue and continuing her hair routine.
"Something I like… that gives me an idea!" Yuujin rushed to his desk without even taking off his uniform, setting down the notebook Aoki gave him and starting to jot down ideas.
But as hours passed, the trash beside him filled up…
Sweat ran down his face, his hands shaking as he soaked the desk and the notebook. He bit the pen in frustration more than once.
"Ah! How can this be so hard? I've spent hours on this!" Yuujin yelled, leaning back in his chair. "What's wrong with me? Writing a stupid song lyric shouldn't be this hard… No, I must be doing something wrong." He got up and checked the time—it was almost time to meet the band at the ice cream place.
"Alright, time to stop for now. Maybe stepping away will help me think," Yuujin said aloud, heading to the bathroom for a shower and to get ready.
The water ran over him, but his mind didn't stop.
"I'm not going to slack off there. Maybe it'll even help me, like Aoki said. I can get inspired. I won't fail! I can't fail!" Yuujin punched the bathroom wall, startling Misaki a bit. She ignored it and went back to her routine.
"I don't care if they get annoyed with me. I won't mess this up—this is a promise, Aoki!" Yuujin pressed his hand to his chest as the water poured over him.
He was ready for whatever challenge and interaction today would bring…