Starting Over

After the audition, I thought about waiting for Mina and approaching her, perhaps even walking out of school together.

But I thought better of it and left without delay. My face felt so hot and my heart was pumping hard. I couldn't believe I really came to play in front of Mina and even end up joining the band.

As happy as I was, I was also very worried.

Is this really gonna be okay? Surely I can't go through the next month without having any interaction with Mina when we are in the same band, practicing daily for the show?

And I can't imagine Tasha would approve of this. Not that I need her approval for anything, but she hates my guts and she will surely be unhappy that Mina and I are going to see each other again.

"Nana-, wait up-"

I stopped and turned around to see Mina as she called out to me but when I did, I realized she got way too close to me with the momentum she was running at. This is not good -

Then Mina gave me a bear hug like she used to, it was more like she was the baby bear and I was the big bear. My heart skipped a beat and my face must have gone beet red.

"Er... Hi... Long time no see"

Then Mina let go of me quickly and shot one step back.

"Sorry, I was just-"

"It's okay"

"Is it really okay?"

"Yeah, but let's not do that again"

"Okay.."

I stood there feeling so embarrassed and didn't know where to look. She was just way too adorable being all fidgety. She hasn't changed at all.

"I didn't know you played guitar"

"I just picked it up last year"

"Wow. You are pretty good for a beginner"

"I've practiced a lot"

"Why… did you want to join our band?"

"I don't know what came over me. I'll quit if you don't feel comfortable"

"No, no! That's not what I mean"

"Right"

She then stood there with her hands clasped behind her back, looking up at me expectantly as she waited for further explanations.

"Really. There was no reason. I just wanted to try something new"

"Uh-huh"

"I mean it"

"Right"

She then extended her hand toward me as if offering a handshake.

"Are we gonna be okay now?"

She asked me, both nervous and aloof.

I rubbed my hand on my skirt to wipe the sweat off and shook her hand.

"Yeah, we are gonna be okay"

"That's great-"

Mina shot me a smile that I'd missed for so long.

"I will see you on Monday for the practice then!"

She said cheerfully and ran off.

Seriously. Is this it? It was so easy? Just like that?

I was still confused, trying to process what happened today.

But I couldn't stop smiling all the way back home.