The electric guitar wailed through the empty music room, each note sharp and deliberate. You sat on a stool, completely absorbed in the melody, your fingers moving instinctively across the fretboard. It was the kind of playing that wasn't just skillful—it was alive, raw with emotion.

Outside the slightly ajar door, Rin stood frozen, eyes wide. "Guys," she whispered, turning toward the others. "That's her. That's who we need."

Toma leaned in to listen, nodding. "Damn. She's good."

Satoshi didn't say anything. He just watched. Listened.

There was something about the way you played—it wasn't just technical ability. You weren't just hitting the right notes. There was a feeling in your playing, a kind of controlled chaos that sent a thrill up his spine. His arms stayed crossed, but his fingers tapped idly against his elbow, in sync with your rhythm.

You were different.

Rin didn't hesitate. She pushed the door open and strode inside. "Hey!"

The sudden voice startled you, your fingers slipping, cutting the sound off with a sharp, discordant note. You spun around, eyes narrowing in irritation—until you saw him.

Satoshi Shinohara.

For a split second, everything slowed.

You had heard of him, of course. Everyone at school knew about Satoshi and the band. But seeing him now—standing there, arms crossed, those unreadable eyes watching you—was entirely different.

There was something about him. Something that made your pulse stutter in a way you refused to acknowledge.

But you recovered quickly. "What do you want?" you asked, keeping your voice steady.

Rin grinned, oblivious to the charged moment that had just passed. "We want you in our band."

You blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You're exactly what we need," Toma added, smirking. "That sound? That fire? We'd be crazy to ignore it."

Satoshi finally stepped forward. His presence, though quiet, carried a weight that made your heart pick up speed against your will. "You play like you've got something to prove," he said simply.

You scoffed, gripping your guitar tighter. "And what if I do?"

A ghost of a smirk flickered across his lips, but it was gone in an instant. "Then prove it to us."

For some reason, his words sent a rush through you, like a challenge you wanted to take. But you wouldn't make it easy for them.

"I'm not looking for a band," you said flatly.

Satoshi's gaze didn't waver. "Then why are you here, playing like that?"

You had no answer.

Rin jumped in, sensing hesitation. "Come on, just one song with us. If it doesn't work, you walk away."

You hesitated.

Then Satoshi, without waiting for an answer, walked over to the amp, plugged in his own guitar, and played a few simple chords. The deep, resonant sound filled the room.

"Play," he said, eyes meeting yours. "Or are you afraid?"

Your heart clenched—whether from frustration or something else entirely, you weren't sure.

But you refused to let him win.

Gritting your teeth, you slung your guitar strap over your shoulder, fingers poised on the strings. "Fine."

The moment you started playing, the room shifted. The sound was electric, raw, powerful. Satoshi followed your lead, adding his own layer to the melody, and suddenly, you weren't just playing.

You were colliding.

The energy between you was undeniable—notes twisting around each other, matching in intensity, as if you had always been meant to play together.

Rin and Toma exchanged wide-eyed glances.

Satoshi, for the first time in a long while, felt something new. A thrill. An unexpected pull toward this girl who played like she had something to prove.

As the final note rang out, silence filled the space.

Satoshi held your gaze for a moment longer than necessary. "You're in," he said, not as a question, but as a fact.

You exhaled, gripping your guitar, feeling the way your heart raced—and hating that you couldn't tell if it was just from the music.

You had just met him.

And yet...

Something had already changed.