Chords in The Wind (2)

I've been thinking about what to do differently according to your advice, but I couldn't come up with any alternative ideas.

I don't usually do many interesting things, so finding a variation of nothing would be the same as... nothing. I'm almost sounding like her in that sense.

It was a calm afternoon, so luckily, there wouldn't be much movement around. That being said, I think I can go ahead with this idea on my own.

Maybe it's better to go down this path today...

[...]

It was just a big walk around the entire block. Where I live, there are only two routes, and no matter which one you take, it always leads to the same place.

If I didn't see anything that interesting, at least I could take a walk and return to the square. Since I had my guitar with me, I could at least practice a little.

Of course, I switched masks for that. She said small changes would be taken into account, so why not do the same?

Unlike my usual one, this one was red and covered my entire face. I'd say it's one of my favorites because of that.

I feel like this was a waste of time. There's not much to see in Los Angeles once you've lived here for a long time. The flashy billboards, the giant buildings, and people walking everywhere—especially that—don't become a big surprise overnight.

At the very least, I wish I had a better way to get around here. The buses are packed, and taking the subway everywhere would make me nauseous, so my only option is to walk aimlessly.

I was hoping to see some street performances, but things are slower than expected. Usually, they happen on more popular streets like this one. If I get lucky, maybe I'll run into someone around here.

Counting on her luck, she succeeded.

As she walked, she noticed a young man with messy dark hair holding a microphone connected to a speaker.

Maybe this could be interesting—hearing a different voice just for a change...

Not many young people spend their time watching street performances around here. Most only do it when they hear rumors that a talent scout is in town looking for new aspirants, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

While waiting to hear his voice, he tested his microphone. However, Alex was caught off guard—the young man started improvising a beatbox performance.

Some people gathered to watch him and then continued on their way. He knew he wasn't drawing enough attention yet.

A few passersby tossed coins and bills into his cap to support him.

That's a good technique he's using.

Beatboxing requires a lot of concentration, preparation, and practice. The way he does it allows him to insert two sounds while maintaining the first one uninterrupted.

He must have practiced for quite some time. Not that I've ever tried, but anyone could tell it's a difficult technique.

His rhythm is interesting, and his timing is impeccable, but it feels like something is missing to give it an extra touch...

Without even realizing it, with her guitar in hand, she started improvising some loose notes, gradually matching the young man's rhythm.

Noticing this, he was surprised for a brief moment but soon smiled slightly, showing curiosity about how far she could go.

His beats sped up, and she kept up with her chords.

Little by little, the rhythm of his beatboxing was influenced by the sound of the acoustic guitar, blending into a single melody. He finished with a deeper sound while she ended with a sharp, high-pitched note.

When they noticed, a much larger crowd had gathered, applauding their duet performance. Both thanked the audience as the young man gathered his things, and the crowd dispersed.

Well, that seemed to work.

Beatboxing alone can be a great way to catch attention and showcase vocal talent. But when combined with an instrument in an improvised jam, it can be even more surprising. I feel like something more could be done if I...

If I...

Wait, what am I doing?!

Before she realized it, she was already standing with her guitar in a more open stance, holding her pick between her fingers.

What the hell am I doing? Did I really let myself get carried away and act like that woman?! Damn it!

I might have interrupted... No, I definitely did. The others are leaving, and he even decided to go! What did I do?! Damn it, Alex!

— Sorry for interfering! I didn't mean any harm! When I realized it, I was already playing, and—

— Hey, relax, chill.

The young man reassured her with his calm voice, noticing that she seemed flustered by the situation.

He didn't know it, but Alex had a bad habit inherited from her old mentor. With her analytical ear, she always found ways to improve things she already considered good. However, she hadn't meant to interfere, let alone participate in a performance that wasn't hers to join.

— What you did back there was amazing. I know beatboxing can be mixed with guitar, but it's really hard to do, especially with a stranger. — he said, impressed.

— Thanks... Your rhythm was also... not bad... But I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt you! — she apologized nervously while complimenting him.

— Interrupt me? On the contrary, you helped me! I haven't seen this much money since I got my allowance, and that was a while ago. — he said, showing his cap.

That wasn't a surprise either.

Some street performers showcase their talents hoping to earn some money. Indirectly, of course—if they want to profit legally, they need a city permit, which is pretty hard to get.

But this was pure luck. After all, I just made a huge mistake.

— Nice mask, by the way. Do you always wear it? — the young man complimented.

— Thanks... About that...

— Oh, my bad. Sometimes I get really curious. Wade Silvers.

— Alex Rose.

The young man extended his hand after introducing himself, and Alex shook it in return.

I thought it would be difficult and awkward to start a conversation after how I acted, but it seems to have turned out fine.

He doesn't seem that extraordinary. Not that I'm underestimating him or anything, but this Wade guy seems like a pretty regular young man. His clothes fit the style of performance he gave—unlike me, of course, wearing more casual clothing.

— So, Alex, thirsty? Let me buy you a drink to make up for the backup you gave me. — he offered.

— A-ah, no need, I don't want to be a bother or anything.

— Come on, I insist. I don't like being helped and not repaying the favor.

What a situation... How do I get out of this?

He stepped closer to me, and it seems like he won't take no for an answer... I'll have to go along with it for now...

[...]

Luckily, there was a convenience store across the street from where we were.

I ended up sitting on one of the benches while he went to grab the drinks. I felt like I could leave at any moment, and no one would judge me for it. After all, I didn't know him, and I'd be within my rights. But it just didn't feel right.

He hadn't done anything to me so far, but that didn't mean he didn't have ulterior motives. I mean, we just met today—what intentions could he have?!

Not that I'm overvaluing myself, but walking around alone with a stranger... Was that advice she gave me that night some kind of prophecy?

The young man returned from the store with a small bag and two cans.

— They only had Sprint or Pepsi. Which one do you want? — he asked, offering the two options.

— Sprint's fine... — she replied nervously, taking it.

— Here, I got this too. Hope you like something sweet.

He handed me a chocolate-filled sweet bun. Honestly, that's a great snack—I definitely prefer sweets over savory foods. Not that I was in a position to choose or demand anything, but I accepted it anyway.

[...]

— So, Alex, new in town? — he asked curiously.

— Not really. I've lived here my whole life...

— Seriously? How have I never seen you before? I mean, it doesn't seem like this is your first time performing on L.A. streets.

[...]

— Hmm... You seem really skilled. If you were a GLT student, I probably would've met you by now.

— Wait, you study at GLT?! — she asked, surprised.

— Yep! Not that it looks like it, but I'm among the greats... Or at least I try. What about you? Thinking of trying your luck this year?

Trying my luck? I suppose he means the entrance exams...

It's true that there will be an edition taking place sometime soon, but I'm not considering any of that... at least that's what I imagine.

— I, uh... let's just say I'm thinking... that's it! — she replied uncertainly.

— Don't think too much, that place is amazing! Except for the boring part, which is the mandatory activities, but... aside from that, you have so many possibilities, or as they like to emphasize... find your own shine — he said, making air quotes with his hands.

Find my own shine... What a thing, even this place has such a suggestive slogan.

It seems like suddenly everyone around me wants to send me a message, whether indirectly or directly...

But being at GLT...

— I think it's impossible... — she murmured.

— What?

— A-ah, it's nothing, I was just thinking out loud. If everyone there is as talented as you, I definitely wouldn't stand a chance.

— You're kidding, right? This is nothing. If you want to see real talent, you have to be there. You'll see all kinds of incredible people. No one is better or worse than anyone else. Of course, there are those who think they're better than others, but what place doesn't have that kind of person, after all?

— But you seem really good at what you do, it looks so natural. — she complimented him directly.

— Years of practice and long months of sore throats and shortness of breath, but I finally got the hang of it.

I figured he had practiced for some time. After all, he seems like a great guy, he didn't even act cocky about being part of that place, nor did he look down on the way I act.

Maybe he's the popular type among girls, which wouldn't be surprising since he has good looks, a fit physique, charisma, and a smooth way of talking.

— GLT has all kinds of people—former child stars, sponsored talents, people already in the entertainment industry, and of course, regular folks like me. It's not perfect, but it's definitely not unworthy of praise either. — he commented.

— I see... that seems like a good way to look at things...

Then he stood up and started gesturing while coming up with an improvised verse in his mind.

— At GLT, there are no professionals, everyone aims for a spot in the global scene, most have a high spirit, and no one takes mean comments too personally, since we're all still young... after all~~

— Great improvisation. — she praised him.

Sounds kind of interesting... I mean, how can this place be so incredible and yet not be? At least the way he described it, I could imagine it.

Still, even considering the possibility of setting foot in GLT sounds impossible for me. Everyone there has talent, but I feel like I don't belong in that place, like I'm not even worthy of thinking about it.

But I won't act melancholic around him, since the way I think is completely different from his.

After we finished talking, we walked together for part of the way until we reached a nearby corner.

— Oh yeah, almost forgot, give me your number! That way, I can keep you updated on GLT news in real-time. — he suggested.

— M-my number? — she stuttered for a moment. — I'm still thinking about it.

— Relax, I won't spam you with messages. Besides, wouldn't it be easier to have someone inside the place keeping you informed about the important stuff?

He has a point...

If I want to learn more about this place called GLT, I'll need information, and getting it from someone who's already inside could be useful in some way.

Maybe this is the first time I've exchanged contact information with someone like this, but it all worked out. Aside from a few acquaintances, he would be my first extra contact on my list.

— Cool, when I get online, I'll send you a message to confirm. But if you're really considering taking the admission test, let me know. Maybe I can give you some tips. Besides, if you pass, who knows, we might be classmates.

— If you say so... well, I'll think about it. It was nice meeting you, and goodbye... — she said awkwardly.

— No, I don't do goodbyes. I only accept a see you later or catch you soon.

Wade raised his fist, hoping for a fist bump, and Alex, though a bit shaky, responded in the same way.

— In that case... see you later. — she said, stammering.

— That's right, see you.

With that, he went his own way. Looks like he lives on the other side of the city, maybe even farther.

Classmates, huh... obviously, he's exaggerating with an optimistic outlook.

The admission tests for GLT must be really strict. If they weren't, anyone with a very specific skill could become a student there the next day.

Whatever, I feel like I shouldn't keep thinking too much about this right now. My social energy has been completely drained, and I'll definitely be fed up with conversations for at least a week... Still...

Taking opportunities and doing something bold...

[...]

I got home around 7 PM. I thought it would take longer; I didn't even realize I was out for such a short time.

While taking the elevator up, I reflected on a rather risky decision. I'd need to share this with Becca, and at this hour, she was definitely home.

This time, there wasn't much drama from me. When I arrived, I set my guitar down near the couch and removed my mask before lying down.

As expected, that woman was already here.

— So? Can I know why you took so long? — Becca asked.

— Long story... to sum it up, I followed some bad advice from that woman... — Alex explained vaguely.

— And even though it was bad advice, you still followed it... weird, don't you think?

— Maybe... I thought you'd be on shift today...

— Yeah, but a new resident ended up covering for me today. Poor guy was new and went with the bigger group for training instead of doing rounds... but that happens to everyone, right?

— If you say so... — Alex just agreed, even though she didn't really understand.

She really is committed to her work when she wants to be...

If she wasn't busy with her book, she'd probably be playing one of her games. That woman has hobbies that don't match her age at all...

— Sigh I think she was right... — Alex admitted reluctantly.

— Why don't you tell her that directly?

— And let her tease me? No thanks... but she was right, doing something different really was a good idea...

Even though it's not like me, I feel like this would be a pretty bold move on my part. Maybe it's worth the risk... maybe... just maybe...

— I thought about it a bit and... I'm going to do it...

— Could you be more specific?

— The admission test... I'm going to take the admission test for GLT... — Alex said, still doubtful.

— Well... that was unexpected. I'd say it's out of your usual lane, but if it means anything, this is when I should be giving you my support, right? Whatever you decide to do, go for it. Just don't do anything reckless. — the older woman advised.

Reckless, huh? That, I can't be sure about. Besides, I have no idea what to expect from this so-called test...