『...Yes, this is Amane. Or do you have business with Ichikawa?』
「...Hello,」
I tried my best not to step into the same trap again.
「...Amane.」
Yes, I called her by her name.
『...Yes, this is Amane.』
Then, the same words as before sounded a bit more relaxed.
「Um, about today... I wanted to apologize.」
『What are you apologizing for?』
「Well... for trying to use the time we promised to meet just the two of us for band practice without even checking with you first...」
『...Hmm.』
It’s obvious, but the voice on the other end didn't suddenly brighten up just from that. She really isn't easy, Azuma-neesan...!
Even so, I have to start by apologizing.
「...I'm sorry.」
『...Even I,』
I could imagine her pouting slightly.
『Even I want the recording to get better as soon as possible, and as Ichikawa, I think that part of Konuma-kun is good. Or rather, I'd probably do the same thing...』
「Yes...」
『But... I ended up feeling a little lonely.』
「...I'm sorry.」
As I could do nothing but apologize, Ichikawa continued.
『...And then, I felt miserable thinking that Konuma-kun might be disillusioned with me—with the me who thought she'd rather go on a date than practice with the band.』
「Why...?」
『Because an Ichikawa Amane like that isn't cool.』
She whispered like a sulking, ordinary girl.
「I won't be disillusioned by something like that. If anything, it wouldn't be strange if I was the one you were disillusioned with...」
As I was trying to find the words,
『Then, say you like me.』
「..................Eh?」
Time stopped at the words suddenly released from the other side of the phone.
It was so sudden that my thoughts ground to a halt. What, so suddenly...!?
『...See, you do hate this side of me after all.』
「Eh!?」
While I struggled to answer, Ichikawa poked at me from the other side of the line while looking away.
『You can't say something you don't mean because you hate it, right? Konuma-kun is an honest person, after all.』
「Eh, no, that's not it...!」
『It’s fine already. Anyway, you aren't interested in anything about me other than my music, Konuma-kun.』
What should I do? I never thought the day would come when I'd think this.
No, of course, it’s far too much for me, and I wonder who I think I am.
Even so, Little Konuma was screaming inside my heart.
...This person is incredibly high-maintenance!
『If you aren't going to say anything, I'm hanging up?』
「Wait a minute.」
『...What is it?』
I can't tell if she's expectant, sulky, angry, or just pouting because I can't see her face.
But I know what I have to say.
「...I, l-l...」
『...』
A comedian said on TV recently that the more you hesitate with stuff like this, the harder it is to say. No, is it already too late? Even so, there's no other way...
...Alright.
「...I, I like you, I-Ichikawa, no matter how you are.」
『...The fact that you call me Ichikawa there, Takuto-kun is really Takuto-kun, isn't he?』
「No, that was Erina-san's...」
『And then the way you immediately call another girl by her name, you really are Takuto-kun...』
「I said I'm sorry...」
You guys aren't even that close, so could you please stop sharing weapons to attack me with...?
『...Well, whatever. Ehehe. I'm happy you called me, Konuma-kun.』
「Oh, well, that's...」
I can't say it. I definitely can't say that Azuma just egged me on.
「...Amane. Um... are you free tomorrow after the pre-pro?」
It might be presumptuous to call it a makeup date, but at least I should be the one to invite her.
『If such a time as "after pre-pro" even exists, then of course, I'm free.』
「That's true...」
『Are you going to make it up to me?』
「...If such a time as "after pre-pro" even exists.」
『Ahaha.』
I felt relieved to hear a slightly amused laugh come back.
『...I want to do something couple-like.』
「Like what...?」
『I have no plans for now but... you know, that kind of thing.』
That kind of thing...?
..................That kind of thing!?
『Ah, Konuma-kun, more importantly, have you made the reservation for tomorrow?』
Ichikawa-san suddenly threw a business-like topic at me just as my delusions... I mean, my imagination was starting to expand. Yeah, she's very sensible.
「Right, I have to call the studio...」
『To Maika-senpai?』
「To the studio... I don't even know if Kanno-san will be the one to answer.」
She keeps throwing in these bittersweet, poisonous bits every now and then.
『Ahaha, that's true. Then, please LINE me when the time is set tomorrow. I'll be waiting without sleeping.』
「I'll call the studio right away. You don't have to act all heavy on purpose.」
After confirming Ichikawa's laughter, I hung up and immediately called the studio.
『Hello, Octa Studio speaking—』
「Ah, I'm Konuma, I called to make a reservation for personal practice tomorrow...」
『Oh, it’s Takuto.』
It really was Kanno-san...
『You've got a mumbling voice. I bet things didn't go well today, did they?』
「Yes, that's right...」
Well, my voice is just because I'm bad with phones, though...
No, even so.
「It was exactly as Kanno-san said. A lot of things came up that we wouldn't have known from just regular practice... It gives me the chills to think we might have just gone straight into the real recording.」
『Right? So, personal practice tomorrow?』
I feel like I owe her a great deal, but I secretly think Kanno-san is cool for brushing it off with a simple "Right?" without making a big deal of her own contribution.
「Yes, Ichikawa's part... um, the guitar and vocals haven't been recorded yet.」
『I see, I see. Wait a sec...』
I heard the sound of paper rustling on the other end of the phone.
『Ah—... Sorry. We're full tomorrow.』
「Ah, is that so? I guess it was too last minute...」
While I was pouting, troubled,
『Wait, you got the drums recorded today, right?』
「No, the drums and bass are recorded. So all that's left is the guitar and singing...」
Then, she said it in her usual brisk voice as if it were nothing.
『Then you don't even need to come to a studio. Why don't you just do it at Amane-san's house or Takuto's house?』
「............Excuse me?」