Chapter Text
Ever since I was little, I loved music.
When I was younger,
I had a small group of friends who cherished music as I did.
We said that we would make a band when we grew up and play for people all over the world…
We went our separate ways during middle school, I guess that’s just how life goes sometimes.
I felt like they didn't take music seriously anymore, so I pushed them all away…
But sometimes I wonder,
Was it me who was at fault for our falling out?
{Middle School - Hinomori Household}
Shiho sat at her computer, she just got back from the practice studio. Her fingers hurt at this point but she didn't care. If she wanted to take music seriously, if she wanted to take herself seriously, she’d get over it.
She wasn't sure what she was doing, looking up Miku songs and whatnot, specifically the songs that she remembered playing with her “band” in elementary. She guessed she was just bored when she decided to download a software and start making random compositions, mixing her bass with other online instruments.
Shiho worked at it until she was satisfied and posted it. A simple song, really. Nothing too special. For some reason, it garnered attention, good attention.
Shiho didn't necessarily care about other’s opinions, not really. However she still wanted to be taken seriously…is this how that would happen? Composing..? She didn't mind it, she was still playing her bass. Sure, it wasn't originally how she planned to make music, but it still made her feel accomplished.
“I’ll be a composer."
….I still don't know.
{Two Years Later}
“This seems alright….it could be better….maybe more layering? Yeah, that would make it sound smoother." Shiho mumbled to herself, it was 24:00. Shiho heard a small chime.
“A DM, it’s from..Hoshi.” She murmured, clicking on it.
(sent at 24:01)
[Hoshi]: Here’s the link to the lyrics for the composition you sent me earlier this week! Sorry I took so long!!! I hope you like them!! :D
(sent at 24:04)
[S]: It’s ok. I don't mind.
‘He always types with a bunch of exclamation marks..’ Shiho thought to herself.
(sent at 24:09)
[Hoshi]: I didn't expect you to be awake!! I guess we do chat at night, but sleep is still VERY important! Are you ok!?!
(sent at 24:12)
[S]: Yea. I’m fine, thx 4 asking. I’m just making sure everything sounds smooth in the song. What about you? You’re usually the first one asleep when we call. If something’s bothering you, you can always talk to me or the others.
(sent at 24:15)
[Hoshi]: Oh? I’m fine! I’m just making sure that I work hard too!! Even if we don't know each other's faces in real life, I’d still like to contribute my part!!
(sent at 24:19)
[S]: I get that. Still, don't overexert yourself.
(sent at 24:22)
[Hoshi]: Of course! Same goes for you haha!! I do say, I have to go because beauty sleep is valuable if I want to look presentable at school lol!! Goodnight S! Chat with you tomorrow!!
(sent at 24:30)
[S]: Goodnight Hoshi, talk to you tomorrow.
Shiho closed Nightcord and yawned a little. She should probably go to bed as well. She got up from her chair and stretched before she saw a notification from her ‘files’ app. A new file…? Maybe Amia sent her the animation…no they already did that…what could it be?
“Huh?” She opened the app and saw a file called ‘Untitled’. She supposed she could give it a listen before she went to sleep, well at least that was before she noticed colorful particles surrounding herself, god she really did need to go to sleep. Shiho was about to just pause it and listen to it tomorrow until she got blinded by a flashing light and suddenly, she wasn't in her room anymore.
{???}
Shiho blinked blearily. “What the…" She looked around to see an eerie looking boutique.
There were dress form mannequins everywhere. Some had actual clothing on them, some were completely bare, and some looked like somebody was doing a project that wasn't quite finished yet.
The overall colors were faded tints of usually bright elements, like they were trying to be bright pinks, yellows, oranges, and greens but they just couldn't. There were pieces of lace on the walls, a few tied in cute bows, some hanging loosely from the ceiling.
The floors weren't anything special, a few papers with…music? Written on them, a few fabrics. The floors themselves were a simple faded white tile. Shiho looked around to see a couple fabric shears on desks covered with drawings of clothing ideas.
The place was off-putting if Shiho was being honest, but it still had a certain charm to it. Just then, Shiho heard footsteps, multiple.
She turned around to see two blondes. “..." They stared at each other in silence, green eyes looking into two sets of blue ones, before Shiho blinked and the girl of the two cried “I WIN!” and jumped up and down. “What now..?” Shiho mumbled.
The boy rolled his eyes, “No you didn't Rin, Shiho didn't even know you were trying to have a staring contest." he huffed. That immediately started a bickering match between the two. Ah, so that’s what it was. Wait….Rin….that sounded familiar. “Excuse me?” Shiho interrupted.
They both looked at her before the boy said, “Oh yeah, we’re sorry. I’m Len Kagamine, and this is my sister, Rin.” he said calmly. Shiho blinked. “As in, the virtual singers..?" She asked.
Rin nodded, “Mhm! We’re here to help you and the others find your True Feelings!” she claimed. Len seemed to agree.
The others..? Were there other people here just as confused as Shiho..? Where were they?
Shiho was sure this was just some odd fever dream that came with staying up as late as she did.
“Uh, sorry, this is a lot…” She muttered. “That’s okay! We understand!” Rin said with a smile.
Then, another girl walked into the boutique. This time, Shiho instantly recognized her, it was Miku! Like the actual Hatsune Miku! This Miku did look a little bit different though. Her hair was a faded turquoise and the texture of it was a little bit more curly than the original Miku, however it was still in her signature pigtails. They were held up by black lace bows, the same ones on the wall.
She wore a slightly confusing dress, the base was black however it had multiple colors of lace attached to the skirt of it. Most of the colors were a dull blue, but there were still tints of pink. She had Bishop sleeves and mismatched knee high socks. One of them was white with black stripes and the other was a soft teal.
Her overall look was gentle yet confusing and her usually cheery blue eyes were much softer and almost sad.
“Miku!! Look! Shiho got here!” Rin chirped and hugged the pigtailed virtual singer then pointed at the grey haired girl. Shiho backed away, she wanted to wake up from this strange dream.
“Oh! I’m glad, are the others here?” Miku asked but Len shook his head. Miku’s smile fell a little. “Well, that’s okay, until then, we’ll wait. Shiho’s probably tired, let’s send her back.” Miku suggested, the twins agreed and went over to Shiho.
“Sorry, I know this is probably overwhelming, but you’ll understand soon, as soon as the others discover SEKAI-”
“SEKAI..?” Shiho asked. Rin nodded, "You’re in the boutique SEKAI! It’s made from you and the other’s True Feelings!” she explained.
“Who are ‘the others’?” Shiho questioned.
“The people who share your true feelings.” Len said.
True feelings….? Shiho was so confused and the three seemed to sense that. “Like I said, I know it’s a lot, so we’ll send you back now, but just know, you can click ‘Untitled’ and you’ll teleport here and we will help you.” Miku said and put a hand on Shiho’s shoulder.
{Shiho’s Room}
Shiho blinked and she was back in her room…she checked the clock, “4:30..? I was asleep for awhile huh..” she mumbled.
‘what an odd dream’ She thought to herself. She could get in a few more hours before it was time to get ready for school. Shiho shut down her computer. She plugged in her phone to her charger, got in bed, and went to sleep.