Chapter 8: Searching for Recording Members
In the end, Ren never got to hear Hitori's performance. After finally managing to bring Hitori's spirit back to her body, the recovered Hitori became so nervous she couldn't speak clearly, let alone play her instrument.
Therefore, Ren could only postpone their arrangement. Under others' gaze, Hitori seemed to lack the courage to perform, her social anxiety was extreme, likely indicating severe mental health issues, which explained why she'd become so withdrawn.
Still, this level was within Ren's acceptance range. At least she wasn't being overly dramatic, just too nervous to speak.
Even if Ren could understand Hitori, Hitori couldn't forgive herself.
She only felt humiliated, having failed to meet Ren's expectations. She deserved to die for this, perhaps she should commit seppuku to apologize after returning home today.
Thus, throughout the entire afternoon, Hitori didn't dare speak to Ren, even when Ren initiated conversation.
The classmate in front of them, Gabriel, slept through the whole day, embodying the true spirit of attending school.
After school ended in the afternoon, after bidding farewell to Gabriel and Hitori, Ren checked the map and headed toward RiNG. Meanwhile, Hitori, withdrawn, went to a park where she sat on a swing with her head lowered, continuously tormenting herself while vowing to definitely play next time.
Then she noticed a man in a suit sitting on a nearby bench and felt comforted at finding a kindred spirit. People who came to parks alone must all be lonely like her, she thought.
Just as Hitori was seeking this sense of belonging, a young girl and a woman approached the man. Hearing their family plans and seeing their happy, perfect appearance, Hitori trembled while gripping the swing's chains, letting out internal screams as tears fell uncontrollably. Was she the only failure here?
Then Hitori's phone chimed with a notification. Checking it, she discovered her online account had reached thirty thousand followers.
This brought her some comfort, indeed, the internet was her only true refuge. If only Ren had contacted her online instead, then she could have boasted about how amazing she was and performed without any pressure.
Plus, wouldn't Ren be surprised to learn she was a music blogger with thirty thousand followers?
Might he even admire her for this achievement?
Hehehe~
Imagining various scenarios, Hitori let out a foolish giggle, immersed in her beautiful fantasy world.
"Oh! A guitar!"
Just then, a lively voice came from nearby as a golden-haired girl with a side ponytail ran over, looking at Hitori excitedly.
"Eeek!?"
Startled, Hitori's body instantly stiffened, but the golden-haired girl continued staring at her excitedly: "That's a guitar on your back, right? Can you play it?"
"Uh..."
Even though Ren had already spoken to her, Hitori was still too nervous to utter a word, standing rigidly frozen in place.
The blonde girl smiled apologetically at the sight and introduced herself: "Sorry for suddenly bothering you. I'm Ijichi Nijika, a second-year student at Shimokitazawa High School."
"I-I'm Gotou Hitori, a first-year student at Toyosaki High," Hitori mustered the courage to introduce herself while quietly stepping backward.
"Nice to meet you! By the way, I'd like to ask about your guitar skills, Hitori-san?"
"They're... somewhat acceptable."
Being addressed so familiarly right away was overwhelming for Hitori, this was clearly an outgoing extrovert, and she felt she might melt under the other's bright and cheerful energy!
"I see. Well, I'm in a bit of trouble. It's totally fine if you're not available, but even though it's fine, it's quite difficult for me... Ah, forget it, I'll just be direct! Onee-gaishimasu, please be a temporary guitarist for my band for just one day!"
As she spoke, Nijika brought her hands together in a pleading gesture toward Hitori.
Eh?
A band?
And just like that, Hitori's life was completely saved.
Meanwhile, Ren arrived in Ikebukuro, found RiNG in the shopping district, entered the store, and approached the counter where she tapped to get the attention of a staff member who was slacking off playing on their phone due to the lack of customers.
"Sorry, how can I help you?"
The alerted staff member quickly put away their phone, their expression turning serious and even somewhat imposing. A mole under their left eye added a touch of charm to their sharp demeanor. Though they didn't look old, they already carried the grace of a mature woman.
"I'd like to ask about the specific details of the recording studios available here."
After glancing at the other person, Ren got straight to business. Shina Ritsuki then began explaining the corresponding packages to Ren, hourly rates with different studio specifications costing differently, typically around ten thousand yen per hour.
The prices were quite reasonable. Perhaps they were keeping prices low to accommodate high school girls' bands?
After learning about the studio rates, Ren also inquired about the registration fee for hiring band members to record. This was much cheaper, only one thousand yen per month.
So Ren decided to recruit members first. Ritsuki glanced at the requirements and noticed Ren was looking for someone who could play piano, string instruments (violin, viola, and cello all needed), electronic drums and auxiliary percussion, bass, and someone who could handle synthesizers.
What kind of lineup was this?
Ritsuki didn't quite understand but was impressed. This combination was far more unusual than the conventional setup of vocalist, guitar, drums, and bass.
Seeing that Ren didn't seem to be joking, Ritsuki proceeded to help with the registration as requested.
"What are the requirements for performance level? And what's the compensation? These need to be clarified in advance to prevent disputes and speed up the registration process."
The final point was to confirm the details. Ritsuki looked at Ren, seeking his opinion.
Ren was still wearing his Toyosaki High School uniform. Since they were all high school students, the usual compensation would be about 10,000 yen per person. But that would typically only attract fellow enthusiasts, which might not meet Ren's desired standards. She would remind him of this later.
"Let's look for people at a semi-professional level. As for compensation, 200,000 yen per person. I'm not very familiar with the market rates. Would this salary be attractive enough for people of that caliber?"
After thinking for a moment, Ren said somewhat hesitantly. He didn't understand the market situation, if 200,000 yen wasn't enough, he could always increase it to 500,000 yen. That should probably successfully hire someone with semi-professional skills.
"That's more than enough just for recording one song."
If her own skills were at a semi-professional level, Ritsuki would have signed up on the spot.
This was the era of all-girl bands, and talented high school girls were everywhere. The 200,000 yen compensation would definitely attract them.
"Then I'll trouble you with the registration."
Hearing this, Ren smiled, left his contact information, paid the 1,000 yen registration fee, and left RiNG.
Was he a rich kid playing with music? But he didn't seem like he was joking. Well, whatever, if he had money, he could do as he pleased.
Watching Ren's retreating figure, Ritsuki couldn't help but gossip to herself. She wanted to earn that 200,000 yen too, but unfortunately, her skills weren't up to par.