Double Planet Episode 13

Double Planet
Episode 13: "I desperately wanted her to praise me."
Satoru Aono (Furuta Jun & Kanda Yota / Radio Shonan personalities)

Where do I even begin? First, let me try to recall the vivid memories of this past month. Everything started to change dramatically from that day. It was the night I played Tamaru-san my first ever song, "Sky and Puzzle." Exactly the length of the song had passed when Tamaru-san called me. The moment I answered the phone, there was no greeting whatsoever; the first thing he said was, "It's amazing," and it hit me right in the gut. A warmth like a hot water bottle slowly spread throughout my body.

It paid off.

Those words were running through my mind. Back then, I had never written a song before, and I didn't have the courage to do so, but I desperately wanted to create something. I was only thinking about fulfilling my own desire to express myself. But now that I've managed to create something of my own, I realize that expression can inspire something in someone else, and that has come back to me like a boomerang. Is this the true joy of expression? Did I want to create music not for myself, but for someone else? In that sense, Ms. Tamaru was my first customer. Indeed, Ms. Tamaru came to mind many times while I was creating the song. I desperately wanted her to praise me.

"Can I use this song in the upcoming online performance?"
"Huh?"
"Let me use it."

 

 

A few days later, I was to visit Tamaru's high school. I was to be interrogated by Natsuki, who was apparently his best friend. She wanted to know who I really was. Tamaru should have told me all about it, but she seemed unable to rest easy until she could confirm it with her own eyes and ears, and she asked me all sorts of questions. Standing behind Natsuki, Tamaru put his hands together and quietly moved his lips, saying, "I'm sorry."

"I listened to the song."

Natsuki said with a serious expression.

"So, how was it?"

I waited nervously for her to answer. Even if Tamaru liked her, it would be difficult if Natsuki said no. I was prepared for that.

"You haven't plagiarized anyone's song, have you?"
"picture?"
"Are the rights issues okay?"

Rights? What do you mean?
It was a word I hadn't anticipated at all.

"Doing that in a live-streamed performance would be a no-no."

I see, that makes sense.
I must prove my innocence here. Like a man.

"I wrote the lyrics and composed the music. There's no doubt that this song was created by Satoru Aono."

Is this a courtroom?
My response ended up being so stiff and formal that I wanted to scold myself.
Deep down, I felt like I had lied. It's true that I completed the song all by myself. But, Tamaru-san's words and feelings are deeply intertwined in the song's foundation. It was only because I knew about them that this song could have been created. It may seem like I created it alone, but I could never have created it alone. This isn't just empty talk; it's the truth.

"Okay. Let's play this song in the last scene!"

 

 
Having somehow gained Natsuki's trust, the project for the online performance of "Sky and Puzzle" began to move forward at a rapid pace. I visited the rehearsal space several times to observe the practice sessions. I simply watched the rehearsals in silence. To the first-year students who didn't know the full story, I must have seemed like a complete stranger. The old me wouldn't have been able to withstand such stares. But somehow, my nerves had become thicker.

"Natsuki, I'd like you to say that line with a little less force."
"Huh? No way? That way?"
"Yeah, I think I'm trying a little too hard to act."
"You have to go a little overboard here for it to get the message across!"

There were many times when Tamaru and Natsuki would start arguing fiercely. Rehearsals would be interrupted each time. An awkward atmosphere would begin to hang over the first-year students. But the two of them didn't seem to mind. They would continue arguing until they both agreed. Their passion for the work was overflowing. This intensity might be what I've always longed for. A fragment of my youth that I let go of when I decided to do things alone because I wanted to form a band but couldn't. I think I've always avoided arguing with people. I've chosen a life without conflict. But conflict only arises when both parties are serious. It means having an opinion that you won't compromise on. In other words, it means knowing the meaning of your own life.

I wonder if it's still not too late for me.

In just two months, my second year of high school will be over. This past year has gone by so quickly.
Only one year left until graduation. Just one year.
I ask myself if it's still not too late.

"It's up to you."

It felt like the stronger, more resilient version of myself was pushing me away.
I took a roundabout route to get back to the starting point.

Try talking to someone.
I'll say I want to form a band.
They might not take me seriously.
But let's persevere.
I will tell you this again and again.

I want to form a band and perform live.

 

 

I was heading to practice that day as well.
After leaving school, I bought 10 cream puffs at a pastry shop near the station.
This is a gift for the drama club.
I've always admired men who can do things like this so effortlessly.
I am about to become that now.
With my heart pounding with excitement, I ran up the stairs of the pedestrian overpass.

Then, I received a call from an unknown number.
It was Natsuki.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

After an awkward silence, Natsuki said, her voice strained.

"...Luca tested positive for COVID-19."

"to be continued"

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