Chapter 47: Miss Cola and the Bass

Part One

At the crossroads, the four newly acquainted bandmates part ways.

“I’m heading this way. Moving the next two days, so I can’t join band stuff,” Yuki Matsuhisa says, facing the right path.

“I’ve gotta set up my room too! No problem! Oh, right, I’ll make a LINE group—everyone accept the invite later! We’ll chat online when we’re home!”

“O-Okay…”

“Let’s plan another meetup soon—Byakuya, you going this way?”

“Taxi’s easier on the main road, right?”

“Taxi, huh…” Cola smacks her lips. Japanese taxis aren’t like %%’s cheap rideshare apps—they’re a legit luxury, prices skyrocketing for longer trips.

“Alright, bye! Don’t forget LINE!”

“Mm, Liuli and I are going this way. We live close.”

“Oh—childhood friends?”

“Cough, no…”

Before Cola can finish, Liuli jumps in: “Y-Yeah! I’ve known Cola since we were little!”

“I moved a lot, so no childhood friends for me. Ugh, I’m so jealous…”

“Hmph, hehe…”

Cola side-eyes Liuli, unsure why she’s so smug.

After goodbyes, the two head home.
It’s not far—about twenty minutes on foot.
The sun hides behind clouds, the breeze cooling slightly.

“Since meeting you, life’s gotten so full,” Liuli says, speeding up and turning to wait for Cola, smiling. “I’m doing things I never dared to. I thought I’d need ages to prepare.”

“For most people, the longer you prep, the less you succeed,” Cola chuckles. “Overthinking makes you hesitate, kills the drive to charge forward.”

“You always say such wise stuff!”

“Cough, that’s just from reading too many novels…”

“I read light novels too, but most are just fluff.”

“Haha, calling it out like that?”

“I mostly buy them for the gorgeous art.”

“All thanks to the artists…” Cola smacks her lips. “Never thought I’d start a band. I was just a karaoke guy before.”

“How’s it feel to buy a bass?”

“Dunno… I wasn’t attached to bass, but now that I’ve got it, I’m pumped. Feels like I’ll play it like a pro soon.”

“Pfft… Start with the beginner’s manual when you’re home.”

“Yep, can’t wait to try.”

“When I started piano, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep for days. I’d sneak up at midnight to play… Electric piano with headphones, so I wouldn’t wake anyone. I was totally in my own world.”

“Haha, as a kid, I just wanted to game. I’d sleep early, then sneak up at 2 a.m. to play.”

“Why?”

“‘Cause Mom was asleep. I could game without getting scolded.”

“Pfft…”

“Ah… good times. But it tanked my studies—sleepy all day, wired at night.”

“That’s the vampire life.”

“Yep, we’re both prime vampire material…”

Part Two

Cola says goodbye to Liuli at her apartment building but doesn’t head up. Instead, she wanders to the small parking lot out back.
There’s an old vending machine—too old for QR codes, coin-only, its bill slot taped shut.
It’s rusty, looking broken, but up close, it glows faintly, dispensing chilled drinks.

Clunk…
A can of cola drops. Cola grabs it, pops the tab, and chugs it.
“Phew… nearly died in that sun. Cola saves the day… Ran out at home. Buy a case? Nah, too tired today…”

She hasn’t done much, but meeting new friends is draining, especially with four people—she has to mind everyone’s feelings, unlike chilling with just Liuli.

Back upstairs, she carefully sets the bass by the door, flips on the AC, and heads to the bathroom.
In this apartment, the toilet and bath are separate, like most Japanese homes.
The toilet’s in a tiny space, making the bathroom feel roomier.
She fills the tub halfway, washing up before sinking in.
It’s her first soak since moving in.
Fatigue melts away, her body relaxing.

Cola squints, savoring the moment.
“Need a waterproof phone pouch… play games in the tub…” She scoops up water, impulsively sipping it. “Hmm… tasteless… Cough! What was I expecting, cola flavor? I’m not a bath bomb…”

The windowless bathroom, door closed, is a sealed space.
No outside view, but it sparks imagination, letting her sink into her own world.
Her mind drifts to medieval vampire legends, picturing herself in a fantasy world with her own castle—fully lit with electric lights, because dark hallways suck.
Then her thoughts spiral: Did America’s Fat Man and Little Boy nukes vaporize any vampires? If vampires and werewolves exist, what about druids and elves? Soon, she’s imagining a stunning, long-legged elf girl, her body heating up.

“Maybe I should chill…” she mutters. “But it’s fine for girls, right…”

Part Three

“Phew…” Steaming and dripping, Cola stumbles out of the bathroom, nearly crashing into the door.
Weak-kneed, she struggles with the handle, finally pushing into the bedroom.
She collapses on the floor, eyeing the wardrobe, wanting underwear but too lazy to move.

“Whatever, commando it is… Guy shirts are big enough, cover my knees anyway.” She mumbles lazily. “Keeps me cool…”

Lying on the tatami feels nice once you’re used to it. The only hassle is wiping it down daily—gotta keep the sleeping spot clean.
Staring at the bass bag, she finally crawls up, pulling out the red-and-black bass and hugging it.

“This is my bass now… Hehe… Cough, what am I, a little girl? Big guys don’t get sappy…” Despite her words, she doesn’t let go, plucking a string with one hand.

“Like strumming cotton… Oh, right, electric bass needs an amp…”

Muttering, she grabs the practice amp from the bag, struggling to plug it in, then connects it to the bass. She plucks again.

“Whoa… deep, heavy. Like a gravelly-voiced uncle. Nice.” She caresses the bass fondly. “Just a few plucks, and it sounds good. Maybe it’s not hard. Simple tunes, I could nail fast… Beginner’s manual, where are you… Got it!”

She flips open the manual, diving in—hand positions first, then basic note recognition. Sheet music? Mostly gibberish to her.
But memorizing finger placements, she manages a simple beginner tune.
Practicing until sunset, she finally plays a full song.
It’s basic, but the achievement makes her feel like she’s soaring.

“Haha… nailed it… Am I a genius?” Grinning, she flops back, holding the bass aloft, imagining herself as a star bassist shining on stage. “But… bassists don’t shine much. Gotta be lead singer and bassist!”

She bolts upright, still buzzing, but her stomach growls.
“Kinda hungry… Let’s eat. Got that bag of Gugu rice the other day. Cook some up… but no veggies at home…” She strokes the bass a few more times, reluctantly setting it against the wall. “Mm…! Eat, then practice more!”