Tokusatsu musebox

It's the same all over again... well... sort of. I peek out from behind the curtain as the orchestra files out on stage to take their positions. I don't get a seat, since I was invited as a guest violinist. Instead, there's a microphone and music stand set up for me near the conductor. I don't really need the stand... I'm only playing one song, and it's my father's song that I've been playing for years.

Maybe it's worse that it's only one song... what if I screw up playing the one melody that's nearest to my heart? I can see my friends in the front row - Nago-san, the cafe owner, Megumi-san, Shizuka-chan, and Kengo-kun. I know it's not Kengo-kun's taste in music, but I'm glad he's here. And then there's the rest of the audience. This isn't like the time Shizuka-chan invited the ladies from the neighborhood to hear me play. Aside from my friends, I'm not sure I know anyone else in the room.

I suddenly hear the conductor call my name. I was agonizing so much over my performance, that I didn't notice the orchestra had already played through the pieces leading up to mine. I walk out slowly, trying desperately to mask my nerves and block out the modest applause. I watch the conductor as I make my trek, and he nods when I get to the microphone. "I'm Kurenai Wataru," I carefully say into it.

I bring the violin up to my chin, and ready the bow. I momentarily catch my friends' eyes, and it's the best I can do to keep the feeling of panic off my face. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and begin to play.

When I finish, the applause is stronger. I smile, relieved that it's finally over, bow to everyone in the hall (including the conductor and the rest of the orchestra), and quickly make my way back to my green room.

~

After the concert ends, I notice my friends waiting by the exit. They're all full of smiles and hugs and handshakes. But what's surprising is how many other people are also waiting.