Kazami Haru emerged from the crowd with a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. He hadn't expected the main stage performance outside to be that lively, just the number of spectators alone had packed the entire area around the massive stage.
As soon as he realized the live show at the main stage had begun, Haru decided not to keep wandering around the festival. He said a crisp goodbye to his bro Yahata Umiri and headed back to the backstage rest area alone.
But the surging waves of people nearly made him lose his way back. If he hadn't zigzagged through the side routes at the right moment, who knows if he could've made it back in one piece.
"Sorry I'm a bit late! There were just too many people crowding the stage, I spent forever trying to squeeze through."
"Uuuh, I should be the one apologizing to you, Haru-san! I didn't think just buying an omamori would lead to getting separated from you… I couldn't find you anywhere, so I brought Bocchi back here first…"
Kita Ikuyo, who had made it back earlier, immediately rushed up to him with tears brimming in her eyes. She didn't even wait for Haru to speak before spilling her regret.
"Next time, even if Frieza invades Earth, I won't let go of your hand again!"
"Nah, I think in that case it's probably smarter to run."
Holding out a bottle of mineral water to Haru, Nijika offered a resigned sigh, clearly stepping into her usual role as the group's straight man.
Seeing Haru finally return, she let out a subtle sigh of relief. Even though he'd messaged her not to worry, if he hadn't made it back soon, she really would've gone looking.
"Haru, I didn't make you late, did I?"
"Right on time!"
The blonde girl froze for a beat, then flashed a beaming, sunshine-like smile, showing her tiny white teeth. She even gave a playful wave with her two brand-new drumsticks.
The moment he saw them, Haru shared a knowing smile with her.
From behind, Bocchi, who always observed everyone closely, noticed the new drumsticks and blinked curiously.
When did Nijika get new sticks?
Even Yamada Ryo, who had just woken up, noticed the change. But as usual, she didn't ask anything, just stared at Haru with her cool, clear eyes.
Haru had been about to say something when he suddenly noticed something odd. He raised an eyebrow and asked in a puzzled tone—
"…Wait a minute, where are your stage outfits?"
"Ah—"
The same awkward response came out in unison from all the girls.
…
"You actually forgot your stage costumes? You idiots!"
Wearing a black knitted cardigan, Ijichi Seika's face twitched as she deadpanned. She had seen the stage outfits lying in the rest area and had actually wondered if she had misremembered the show time.
She'd never imagined these kids would just forget them.
"We're really sorry!!!"
Terrified, Nijika and Kita tearfully shouted their apology, then grabbed the dazed Bocchi and Yamada and bolted for the dressing room. Only Haru remained, calm and unmoving.
His relaxed attitude made the blonde older sister glance at him a few extra times.
"You're not even nervous? You're going on soon."
"What's there to panic about? Everyone's got solid skills."
It's a live show, not life or death. No need to freak out.
Besides, this version of Kessoku Band wasn't the same as when they first formed. Even Kita, who was once a total beginner, had trained hard and drastically improved.
They might not match the popularity of veteran bands yet, but performing a live like this? They were totally capable.
"Hmph, someone's confident."
Hearing Haru's casual tone, Seika raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Fear of the unknown, tension before challenges, those were natural human instincts.
"This isn't STARRY. If you screw up out there, I'm not cleaning up the mess."
She really did live up to Nijika's nickname for her, "Tsundere x6." Even now, she couldn't just express her care honestly.
But Haru understood the sentiment hidden in her words, and he received her awkward kindness with sincerity.
"No worries, Seika-nee. If we really bomb the performance, I'll hop on a table and lighten the mood."
"…Why would standing on a table help anything?"
Seika rolled her eyes, clearly not understanding the nonsense he was spewing, and waved him off like she was shooing away bad energy.
"Go, go! Stop wasting time here and get changed!"
"Roger that."
Without delay, Haru headed to the men's changing room to suit up.
His stage outfit was a blend of bright red, orange, and white silk threads: sleek and somewhat Western-style. Emblazoned with the "Kessoku Band" logo and adorned with vibrant orange-red circles, it perfectly fit the festive energy of the Summer Festival.
The primary designer had been Anon from ANONTOKYO, and Haru had even consulted idol Uika for feedback. They'd finished the costumes just in time.
As a guy, he got changed quickly. But even after he finished, he had to wait a while before the rest of the band finally stepped out.
"Haru-san, look look!"
Kita Ikuyo, now in the girls' stage outfit, spread her slender arms with pride. As she stepped forward, the hem of her white skirt twirled softly, her youthful energy fluttering like a dancing butterfly.
Beside her, Ryo yawned sleepily, tall and composed. Her mature elegance and cool demeanor added a striking contrast of charm.
So hot. Like, ridiculously hot.
"Thanks for the eye candy. My dreams tonight are taken care of."
Kazami Haru took a deep breath with a sigh of admiration, then turned his gaze toward the back.
"Where are Nijika and Bocchi?"
Kita Ikuyo frowned slightly, her delicate brows drawing together as she replied with a hint of exasperation, "Ijichi-chan said the stage outfit is too socially fatal. She refused to come out for the longest time after putting it on. Nijika-senpai's still inside trying to convince her."
So even now, they hadn't quite overcome that hurdle.
Haru had expected as much. Just as he was about to head in to offer some encouragement himself, Nijika appeared 'now dressed in her outfit' leading a visibly trembling Bocchi out by the hand.
Unbelievable.
"Incredible. Bocchi actually came out on her own."
Even Ryo, normally expressionless, raised a surprised brow. She had been thinking the same as Haru, who would've thought Bocchi would walk out by herself?
Even Nijika nodded slightly in astonishment, and that alone told Haru all he needed to know: this time, Bocchi really had stepped forward by her own will.
"Th-That… Don't worry, I won't crack my voice!"
Trembling from head to toe, her face pale like she'd faint at any moment, Bocchi still forced herself to step forward. Her eyes were full of fear, her body weak—but she lifted her head and met his gaze with effort.
Those sapphire eyes peeked out from under her bangs, hiding neither the seriousness nor the resolve burning within them.
She didn't want to regret anything tonight.
Just like Haru had once said—
No matter what happens, just give it your all.
As long as you make the decision, there's nothing to regret.
"…Why do I feel so proud all of a sudden?"
Flooded with mixed emotions, Haru let out a deep breath. He really had underestimated the strength of the "Guitar Hero."
Gotoh Hitori was the kind of hero who could stand up when it truly mattered. It felt like watching his own child grow up. Honestly, they could've huddled together now and chanted "Omedetou" already.
…
The distortion-heavy roar of instruments from the main stage had crept into earshot, the final riffs of a guitar echoed by an eruption of deafening cheers.
No previous band had received such wild audience reactions, it was clear the performance had been a resounding success.
The members of Kessoku Band, already a bit tense, fell into a brief silence. Even the usually peppy and cheerful Nijika gulped under the pressure.
"The other bands were seriously amazing…"
Kita's voice held a touch of awe.
As the moment of their own performance approached, the easy-going façade began to crumble. Competing on a professional stage against popular bands, it was a weight that pressed down like a mountain.
"It's fine, Kita-chan!"
"We've been practicing for this Live for ages, haven't we? Our rehearsals went great, so the real thing will too!"
Nijika quickly swung her little fists in encouragement, trying to ease the atmosphere. But clearly, it wasn't very effective.
"Yeah…"
Aside from the unshakable Ryo, Kita managed a nervous smile, while Bocchi, pale as ever, actually looked like the calmest one there.
Just as Haru was about to say something, a shout came from the side—
"Kessoku Band! You're up next!"
"Yes!"
As team leader, Nijika called back immediately.
The girls rose from their seats, just as a band clad in black-and-gray punk outfits stepped off the stage. Leading them was a brown-haired girl in a black beret.
She straightened her back proudly the moment she spotted Kessoku Band approaching.
"Great work out there, senpai! Your performance was incredible!"
Kita, ever the social butterfly, greeted her with a bright smile but the girl froze, her body stiffening in response.
"...Hmph! It was so-so! But unlucky for you, your set is right after us, SIDEROS. Try not to kill the mood we worked so hard to build!"
Leader Ohtsuki Yoyoko crossed her arms and declared coolly. But to Haru, her stiff tone and forced frown were oddly adorable.
From the twin tails and petite frame alone, Haru could already guess what kind of person she was.
"Senpai, someone as impressive as you must have a ton of friends, right?"
He couldn't resist teasing her.
Yoyoko instantly froze again. Her eyes widened like he'd hit a nerve. Then, as if trying to save face, she blurted out seriously—
"F-First let's define what we mean by friends, okay?!"
Pfft—
Ryo couldn't hold it in any longer and snorted, quickly covering her mouth like nothing had happened. But the teasing glint in her eye delivered a second hit to Yoyoko's pride.
"We—we've got over ten thousand followers on Twitter, okay?!"
Her voice cracked with frustration as her eyes began to water.
Seeing this, Ryo found her even more amusing. She now understood exactly why Haru had baited her like that. But before she could escalate things further, Nijika jumped in—
Smack!
Without hesitation, Nijika slapped a hand over Ryo's mouth. She couldn't let this agent of chaos say anything more. Then she quickly turned to Yoyoko with a reassuring smile.
"Sorry! Ohtsuki-senpai, please don't mind us! We'll do our best not to let your momentum go to waste, we'll definitely keep the energy alive!"
It wasn't that she feared the sharp-tongued tsundere, Nijika just knew this twin-tail senpai stood no chance against the likes of Haru and Ryo's combined mischief.
If they pushed her too far and she started crying backstage, it'd be a disaster.
"Hmph… Hmph! If you mess up, I will laugh at you!"
Yoyoko tossed a line that sounded more like a pout than a threat, turned on her heel with watery eyes, and left with her twin tails bouncing. The other members of SIDEROΣ, already used to her antics, rushed over to apologize to Kessoku Band.
"That girl's hilarious."
Ryo grinned, barely suppressing her laughter. Thanks to Yoyoko's comedic detour, the air among the group had lightened just a bit.
Seeing traces of lingering anxiety in everyone, Haru couldn't help but smile softly. In a lighthearted voice, he spoke—
"You heard her, right?"
"If you don't want to be laughed at by that smug twin-tail, then go out there and show them a performance that leaves hers in the dust!"
This time, Haru didn't offer comfort or encouragement. He didn't say, "It's okay if we mess up."
No—this time, his confident, self-assured grin mirrored Yoyoko's, as if he'd never even considered the possibility of failure.
"Haru-san, teasing a senpai like that's kinda mean…"
Kita said that, but there was no scolding in her voice. She simply clutched her black mesh mic tightly, like all those karaoke sessions with Bocchi had drilled into her muscle memory.
"Can I request BBQ for the afterparty?"
Ryo, clutching her bass, wiped her mouth and smirked, her golden eyes glittering with mischief.
But this time, Haru didn't shoot her down like usual. He narrowed his eyes and replied coolly—
"Just BBQ? Ryo, you know what to do."
"Strike hard and strike true!"
At her shout, Ryo's presence seemed to swell. The beauty mark at her eye's corner accentuated her already icy, stunning expression—now colder than ever.
Kita leaned back like she'd seen a power level detector explode.
Power level… 530,000?!
What an astonishing number!
As her teammates shifted into gear, Nijika felt her heart lift. She clutched her new drumsticks to her chest, noticing Haru watching her with a deep, meaningful gaze.
That look gave her courage.
"You're right. We're no worse than any of them!"
Everyone in Kessoku Band had poured everything into this Live. That subtle but ever-present nervousness? It now gave them laser focus. Their pounding hearts & trembling limbs, every sensation made them feel more alive.
Only Bocchi said nothing. She simply smiled 'a soft, flowery-like smile' and was even prepared to take the stage solo if needed.
But as long as Haru stood with her…
Even someone as timid as her could move forward without hesitation.
No fears. No regrets. Just play the guitar with everything she had.
"Alright then, let's hit the stage!"
---
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