The morning was quiet and very serene, with birds fluttering along the branches of trees, basking in the summer sun. At least, that's how it was outside, but the Takahashi household was almost like a different planet in comparison.
"HEY! HARUTO!" Someone was shouting at the front door. Haruto stuck his head out of the house, his hair a mess. Bijan was standing there, a bag slung over his shoulder. Lila was in the car, stopped near the curb.
"Took you long enough!" she shouted.
"Huh? What is it? It's really early, y'know…" Haruto mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Bijan furrowed his brow.
"Don't tell me you forgot what today is!" He checked his watch and looked a little sick. "Haruto, we're gonna be late for the show!"
"The show…?" His eyes widened. "OH!" He began to stammer, his face pale too. "G– Give me a sec, okay?!" He shut the door, scrambling into his bedroom and throwing a hoodie on in a hurry. Pix, who was already dressed for the day, floated into the doorway, yawning.
"What's all the hubbub? You're usually not up this early…" Haruto was gathering his things and slinging a messenger bag across his chest.
"I'll explain on the way," he said, rushing through and nearly knocking Pix over. "C'mon!" He grabbed him by the hand and dragged the other boy out the door.
The car ride was about as lively as it could be for eight in the morning. Haruto was still half asleep, and nearly nodded off a few times. When he finally did doze off, he drifted to the side, falling onto Pix's shoulder. Pix's face flushed, and he shifted a little, letting Haruto rest against him. He felt eyes on him, though, and, expecting it to be Lila looking in the mirror, glanced up.
Bijan was in the passenger seat, staring at him coldly. Pix flinched.
EEK! What's his deal… He shrunk a little into the light yellow sweatshirt he was wearing. Bijan looked away, and Pix decided to just let it go. Well, it's not my business. I guess he's mad that Haruto forgot… Hey, wait, speaking of which…
"Uhh, Lila?" he asked. "Where are we going, exactly?"
"Oh, Ruto didn't tell you?" She smiled at him through the mirror. "Me and Bijan play in a band together. We've got a gig today, and that sleepyhead back there promised to help us set up for it!"
"Ahh, I see…" He nodded thoughtfully. He didn't know what a gig was, but figured it would be something similar to the concert Haruto took him to. That's pretty neat, then. I wonder what kinds of instruments they play… He couldn't seem to think about much else, though, because what was on his mind was how soft Haruto's cheek was against his shoulder. It seemed those feelings just wouldn't go away, and it made his chest feel twisted up, like a tangled string.
The concert venue was at a local diner, which had a small stage in it. It was a themed event for rock music– which Pix understood, thanks to Haruto– and small bands would be coming in to play all day. Lila and Bijan's band, Vervain, was going to play in an hour and a half.
"Alright," Lila said, rolling up the sleeves of her leather jacket. "Let's do this. Ruto, come with me to tune these. Bijan and Pix, you guys set up the other equipment, 'kay?" She grabbed her guitar, which was in its case, and carried it off with Haruto holding a bass. Pix and Bijan were left alone to set up the drums, which Bijan would play, and some other sound gear. It was already uncomfortable enough, but Pix realized he didn't know what any of this stuff did, let alone how to set it up. Luckily, Bijan got to work immediately, and was nearly done with the setup within minutes. It seemed he didn't really want Pix to do anything.
Sheesh! He works fast… He tried to help with the drums, but Bijan swatted him away.
"No. Let me do it." Pix sat on the floor in defeat.
He's not very friendly, is he… He sighed, resting his chin on his knees. How am I supposed to be helpful?
"Look," Bijan said, setting up the drumset, "I get that you're probably a good person. But it's just hard to trust you, I guess."
"How come?" Pix was frowning at him. "I mean, why would it be hard to trust someone you don't even know yet?" Bijan looked at him with a strange expression.
"Because you and I both want the same thing," he said, looking sour. "I mean, we're kind of rivals, aren't we?"
"... HUH?" Pix sat with his mouth wide open. Bijan rolled his eyes.
"I'm talking about Haruto, you IDIOT! We BOTH LIKE HARUTO!" There was a moment of silence.
"N– No, wait a sec! You've got it all wrong!" Pix's face was bright red. He began to wave his hands frantically. "That's crazy! Haruto and I are just friends, nothing more!"
"Oh, really?" Bijan's eyes narrowed. "So you don't mind if I confess to him, then?" Pix startled, drawing himself in, staring at Bijan with a hurt expression.
"Th– That's… Well…"
"Exactly," he sighed, "because Haruto is special to both of us. So…" His eyes softened, only for a moment. "What do we do?" Pix opened his mouth to speak.
"Bijan, I–"
"It doesn't matter," Bijan snapped, cutting him off. "I won't let you have him!" He whirled around and stomped away, leaving Pix alone there. Tears dripped down his cheeks onto his hands, which were balled into fists.
What do I do now…?
TO BE CONTINUED IN VOLUME TWO!