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“Now where could it be…?”
The pianist of Ave Mujica wandered the backrooms of the concert hall, desperately looking for her oasis in this desert of gray walls. Was it her worshipers band? Her keyboard? Her piano? Her Oblivionis costume?
The silence of the endless hallways were shattered by the sound of a stomach rumbling. Sakiko began to pick up her pace, hoping there was no echo in here.
You see, the pianist had forgone breakfast and lunch, knowing that complimentary snacks and drinks would be provided during the concert. Having been subject to providing for herself and her father for a year, Sakiko knew not to look a gifted horse in the mouth, and never passed up a free meal. Even after she moved in with Uika, the habit never died, and she always skipped meals on days she knew she would be provided sustenance. Even as she so dearly wished to gourge herself as she looked at the fridge this morning, those days of living with her father played in her mind, and Sakiko steeled her resolve. Some may say she was being idiotic, others may say she was so full of herself that she didn’t think she needed to pay for food, but to Sakiko, she was just being frugal. Why waste food one had when more would be provided later on at no cost? She can savor the food she already had the next day anyway.
The problem today was that the event planners did not lay out food in the dressing rooms. Instead, they told her band that there was a small buffet table set up in another room, which happened to be as far from their current location as possible. Sakiko fought the hunger pains as she passed door after door, following the scent of nirvana. She stopped at the scent’s source, an open door leading to paradise.
Sakiko practically floated to the small tables containing multitudes of fresh pastries, cookies, fruit, parfaits, and so much more. If she wasn’t raised to have the utmost decorum even when alone, Sakiko would have been drowning in drool.
Eventually, Sakiko settled on a matcha parfait, figuring the fruit, yogurt, and nuts would be the most filling. Plus, she felt the green tea flavor would add some much needed kick to the dessert. However, as she reached for the parfait at the front, another hand came into contact with her.
While it only lasted a second, to Sakiko, it felt like a millennia. She turned her head to see who she encountered. Short white hair, mismatched eyes, an impassive expression. Ah, it's her. The lead guitarist for MyGo. Sakiko never learned her name, but she recognized her as being part of Tomori’s band. Today’s concert had MyGo and Ave Mujica performing, so it made sense that she would eventually run into one of its members.
It was also within that split second that Sakiko registered the physical contact she was sharing with the girl. She… was not the most used to others touching her. The cold aura she exuded fended off most who would even try to get within a few centimeters of the pianist. Yet, something about her hand touching this other girl’s hand, it sparked something in her. Was it just because of how long she’s had contact with someone that wasn’t packed with emotions? Or was it maybe because the two girls both desired the same thing (matcha parfait)?
Eventually Sakiko snapped out of her stupor, and within a blink of an eye, the parfait she had chosen worthy enough to fuel her for today was firmly in the grasp of the guitarist. Already the girl had a spoon in her mouth, savoring the dessert as Sakiko took in her surroundings again. She noticed that the food provided had already been halved, crumbs everywhere. She also noticed similar crumbs all over the guitarist’s black shirt.
‘Could this girl… be like me?!’
Perhaps this white-haired, mismatched-eyed, emotionless girl also saw the value in free food! Why else would she devour so much before a show? She too must skip meals to save on her finances before a concert! Yes, even the way she was dressed, so simple, so cheap! Truly, a master in the art of frugalness! Growing up in a rich family like the Togawas, Sakiko was amazed to meet someone who could live off the ways of the land in every way. If only she had met someone like her when she felt she was at the bottom of the world, she could have taught Sakiko her techniques!
And the amount of food she devoured, this girl must understand the beauty of flavors. This was no glutton, no, she must be someone who has gained true understanding with these desserts. A food Buddha, how fascinating!
As the girl devoured her matcha parfait, Sakiko forgot why she was even here, entranced by the sight of this economic master. Well, she was also entranced by her face. Covered in yogurt and fruit juices, it was honestly… cute. Sakiko was reminded again of her hand brushing against the hand currently holding another spoonful of sweetness. Her heart started to beat just a bit faster, and she could feel a warmness in her cheeks. Something about this girl, this kindred spirit, made fireworks go off inside her. Sakiko felt like she would never meet someone like her, not since she destroyed all she loved in her own twisted way of protecting them. Even when she was able to re-connect with them, she had changed so much since those innocent days, she was not the same person. But maybe, just maybe, she can try again, try to get close to someone who she had no past with, no drama hanging above both of their heads.
“Ah, excuse me, but can I get your n-” Sakiko tried to squeak out, only for her phone to buzz. Nyamu let her know that they would be going on soon. Ah, she took too long, and she still needed to get into costume. Looks like introductions would have to be saved for another time, maybe after the show? The guitarist hadn’t said anything, but neither did Sakiko, and if they truly were kindred spirits (or perhaps… soulmates?), she must have felt the same feelings Sakiko did and would seek her out.
And so, while her stomach may have been empty, Sakiko Togawa left the room with a full heart.
Raana Kaname did not even realize there was another person in the room as she finished her matcha parfait.