Casual: potential socializing with the deadpan girl

[forgottencarol]

It was a regular occurrence since the beginning of the school year. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Seung Mi stayed after practice to tidy up the music room. Sometimes she would even practice by herself; it wasn't uncommon for others in the hallway to hear the sound of a clarinet. Such behaviour quickly became routine for the girl. Her fellow club members admired her dedication, but the exchange student seemed to have an anti-social aura that deterred people from holding too long a conversation. Not that she minded. It was more time for work, and more time for practice.

Today, like most days, she would be the last one to leave the music room.

Comments

[seiyayamada]

Being the social bee she was, Seiya gladly did the talking for both of them. "I'm Seiya Yamada. Would you mind if I watched you play? Or I suppose I should say listen." She laughed at herself, taking a seat before waiting for an answer.

[forgottencarol]

Seung Mi flipped through the pages of sheet music on the stand. She avoided eye contact with Seiya, and seemed to not even acknowledge the other girl's existence further. That is, until she found the notes she was looking for and finally spoke. “Seung Mi Lee.” It was only proper to introduce herself as well, wasn't it? It's not like she minded people knowing her name.

With a shrug, she lifted her clarinet once more. “I don't mind.” That was code for 'I'll pretend you're not there.'

[seiyayamada]

"It's nice to meet you." Reverently, she silenced herself as Seung Mi prepared to play. Seiya crossed her legs, hands folded politely in her lap as she awaited the first note.

[forgottencarol]

The club had agreed on an intermediate classical piece as their first song of the year. Like most other subjects, it was hard enough to require lots of practice and dedication from everyone involved. As Seung Mi began playing, it sounded it, too! The notes switched between slow and fast, and high and low, and one wrong movement would've messed her up for sure. But for Seung Mi, who practiced more often than she probably needed, it was a piece of cake!

The song continued for about five minutes at most, with the occasional pause to flip the sheet music, or retry a part she deemed off. If there was a section in particular that bothered her, she quickly wrote an annotation is music-lingo above the line. The third year rehearsed the song as if she was in complete solitude, but she was still aware of Seiya's presence. She half-expected the other girl to leave, though. It's what Seung Mi's awkward silence usually did...

((So wordy, I AM SORRY))

[seiyayamada]

Seiya was absolutely captivated. She hung on every note, eyes lit up with appreciation. It certainly wasn't every day that you heard something so beautiful. When Seung Mi corrected herself on several parts, Seiya's brow furrowed. It had been so beautiful the first time.

Knowing little about musical structure, she didn't say anything. At the end of the peace, she clapped enthusiastically, jumping to her feet.

[forgottencarol]

“You're still here.” It was more of a statement than a question. She didn't sound it, but Seung Mi was surprised to still have her one-person audience in the room. She wasn't quite sure how to feel about the applause, either. The normal reaction would be to smile and say thanks, right? It was also a well-mannered solution, but...

“Thank you.” Seiya's enthusiasm was met with indifference and a shrug. “It sounds best when the group is together,” she followed up, offering at least that much conversation, since the other girl seemed to enjoy the piece.

[seiyayamada]

Easing back into her seat, she grinned. "You're welcome! Thank you for the wonderful piece."

Seiya took in the full view of the room, admiring all the seats. She could almost imagine each and every musician playing in unison. "I bet. I'd love to hear that some time."

[forgottencarol]

“Mmhmm...” Seung Mi glanced to the clock hanging on the wall, figuring she could get in at least another half hour of practice before she had to head home. Company or not, she was determined to get her part just right! “We don't have a performance date set. It might be a while.” She may not have been too enthusiastic, but interest in her club's projects was always worth addressing.