Volume 1 | Episode 3 - Stage Frights

[ Location ] [ Ushigome Residence ]

The sun rises above the distant clouds as morning came. Accompanied by a gentle riff from an electric guitar.

The younger sibling of the household was currently wearing her school uniform. Preparing for the day as always. She briefly gazes towards the sunlight through her window, contemplating about something we barely know any of.

She went to see her sister Yuri in their room, who was sitting down on her chair as the source of the guitar playing came from her.

"Did I wake you up?" The older Ushigome asked as she paused from playing her guitar. The younger sibling gently shakes her head in response.

"Is that a new song? It sounds cool!" Rimi says in admiration towards her big sister.

"It's a phrase I used for practice." Yuri said.

"If you start working on new songs in the morning, you might never want to leave for school." Rimi stated, to which Yuri then replied.

"Don't worry. Our members are rather strict when it comes to following the rules." She says in reassurance. To which the both of them giggled.

"Is that so?" Rimi smiled softly.

"Hm.. Oh right, I forgot to ask. Have you made any friends yet at school?" Yuri asks.

"I think..." Rimi speaks meekly as she recalls the many attempts the she made to socialize.

Though she's not an introverted girl, it's just her shy and cowardly nature that keeps her from making any sort of progress.

But in spite of that, she really does tries her very best. To which that's something Yuri would always encourage her for, because she believed in her little sister. Though she also hoped that one day, someone will be able to give her that push that she needs.

Yuri simply gives a gentle smile towards her little sister. She walked up to her and gave her a pat on the head. "Just don't give up, okay?"

Rimi nodded cutely in response. "Mm! I will!"

[ Meanwhile ]

[ Location ] [ Hanasakigawa Girls (?) School: Entrance ]

Kasumi Toyama was as joyful as ever as she walked inside the school grounds. Alongside her were her two friends; Arisa Ichigaya and Katsuhiko Natsuki.

Kasumi smiles as she hugged her recently gifted Random Star in between her arms.

"You just don't have any plan on letting that go, do you?" Arisa commented as she eyed Kasumi and her guitar.

"Nope! Not a chance in life!" Kasumi Toyama expressed as she rubbed her cheek against the bridge of her guitar. "It's a gift by you and Katsuhiko-chan after-all~"

Arisa then looked over to Katsuhiko, who then looked right back at her. "Don't you dare look at me like that. You technically did gave that thing to her you know?" He retorted.

"Who bought it?" Arisa questioned.

"My sister."

"Don't use that kind of logic to me! I'm being serious here!"

"How am I supposed to know that without you being any specific?"

"You're making yourself sound dumber."

"Who says I was smart to begin with?"

As the two went on with their pointless arguing, meanwhile, Kasumi stared at the both of them with an innocent and oblivious look on her face. But she smiled regardless of what's happening right in front of her as she thinks the two are really getting along with each other.

Meanwhile, the trio's attention were caught when a few student council members - counting the president herself - approached them.

"Good morning!" Kasumi greeted. Still hugging the guitar in her arms.

"Confiscate that." One of the council members said. Suddenly surprising Kasumi in the process.

"W- What?! Guitars aren't allowed here?!" Kasumi exclaimed. Her eyes filled with disbelief as she watched her guitar being slowly taken away from her hands.

"Come to the student council room right after school." Says the bespectacled student council president before the three of these council members left the scene.

Kasumi slumped dejectedly.

"Not a chance in life, she says." Arisa snickered, to which Katsuhiko simply just narrowed his eyes towards her in disappointment.

"Don't worry, Toyama-san. You'll be getting it back after school." Katsuhiko assures her. Here, Kasumi went and grabbed onto his shoulders, shaking him vigoriously. "O- Oi!"

"Katsuhiko-chan!! What should I do?! I can't let my Random Star go!!"

"Were you even listening to me?! You'll get it right back after school! It's not like they're gonna sell it off or something!" Katsuhiko explained to her while he was busy dealing with motion sickness. "...To-ya-ma-saaan!!!"

"K- Kasumi-chan!" A voice saved Katsuhiko from vomitting when Kasumi abruptly stopped shaking him as she looks at a particular face right behind the trio.

"Rimi-rin!!" Kasumi runs up to her, leaving Katsuhiko with his eyes comically spinning from all of the motion sickness. Arisa casually held him to stop Katsuhiko from ever falling over.

Meanwhile, Kasumi was hugging the noirnette girl as she continued to whimper. "Um.. If it's Nana-cha... I mean, the student council president. Then you'll be alright. You'll be getting it back later." Rimi says in assurance.

Little tears were visible in Kasumi's eyes as she lets go of Rimi.

"That's what I just said!" Katsuhiko yelled, a pout evident on his face. Meanwhile Arisa would roll her eyes.

Silence ensued momentarily before Rimi spoke up. "Oh, um... Kasumi-chan.."

"Oh right! Practice! Let's do that at Arisa's place!" Kasumi said. Not even letting Rimi finish what she was about to say.

"Don't just invite people to my house!" The blonde said in annoyance.

"Practice for what, exactly..?" Katsuhiko asked with a puzzled expression.

"To perform as a band, of course!" Kasumi explained.

"But it's just you..." He pointed out. "Unless Ichigaya-san had already jumped in?"

"I wouldn't think so..... maybe..." Arisa said, mumbling the last part out as she looked the other way.

"And wait... You've already planned this out with Ushigome-san?" Katsuhiko asked once, Still confused as ever as he glanced over to Rimi. "Does she play an instrument?"

"Of course!" Kasumi replied. "She... uh... she..." It was pretty obvious for Katsuhiko and Arisa that Kasumi did not know.

"I'm sorry!" Rimi suddenly spoke up aloud. Grabbing their attention. "I-... I can't join your band!"

"Huh?" Was all Kasumi could ever utter in response, a look of confusion and worry on her face.

. . .

[ First Person POV ] [ Katsuhiko ]

She... Ran away...

Huh... well that happened..

"Huh... Since when did you ask her to join your band exactly?" I asked for confirmation to Toyama. Who then looked at me after having to somewhat recover from that light shock from Ushigome's words.

"Since that time you were busy with your club activities." Toyama explained, before momentarily she went back to being glum, either from her guitar or from Ushigome rejecting her invitation. Or both, but I highly think it's the latter.

"Why can't she join the band..?" Oh, I guess I was right.

"Probably because you were being too pushy." Ichigaya stated.

"That's... probably the case." I said in reply. "Look, I know how motivated you are about this, but-"

"I'm gonna go after her!" Toyama says determinedly, cutting me off mid sentence as she began to run off to our classroom.

"H- Hey!" I tried to call out to her, but to no avail. "Seriously..."

"She's just ain't giving up now, can't she?" Ichigaya stated as she walked ahead of me.

"As a matter-of-fact." I muttered with a light sigh.

Momentarily as I was walking down the hallways. I saw Toyama right outside of our classroom, with a very audible "Rimi-rin!" coming from her. I stopped right next to her to look inside, But Ushigome was nowhere in sight.

But I managed to caught sight of two little feet at the bottom of the pink curtains.

That's not a very good hiding spot, if you ask me...

Obviously enough, Toyama knew exactly where Ushigome was as she went and hugged her. "Rimi-rin! Found you!"

"Waah! Kasumi-chan!"

"Heheh, You're not getting away this time!"

I stood there, watching this scene play itself out with amusement plastered on my face.

"Ugh.. She's so annoying." I hear Ichigaya speak from behind me with an annoyed look on her face. I simply just rolled my eyes in response to that.

"Ah, Katsuhiko-san!" A familiar voice grabs my attention. And judging from that all too familiar pastry smell that I for some reason managed to whiff out by human instinct. "Oh, and Ichigaya-san is here?"

"Good day!" The blonde turned to the pony tailed girl, formally greeting her before walking off to the opposite direction.

"Huh?" Yamabuki sounded ever so confused, which is understandable.

"Just what was that about?" I questioned as I looked to where Ichigaya was heading before disappearing from my sight.

Not questioning it any further, me and Yamabuki then walked inside the classroom, and as we did. I noticed that Toyama was still bothering the poor little Ushigome.

I walked up to them before delivering a chop towards Toyama's head. To which she yelped and lets go of Ushigome. The latter pops her head out of the curtains, gasping for air.

"Katsuhiko-chan, that was mean!" Toyama pouted to me as she held her head.

"You shouldn't be bothering her like this." I said as I gave Ushigome an apologetic look. "Sorry about that, she tends to be like this."

Ushigome simply shook her head in response, "N- No, it's fine..." She says meekly as she looked down on the floor.

"Why can't you join?" Upon Toyama asking the question out of genuine curiousity. Ushigome remained silent. Looking unsure of how to answer her question. "Did your parents say no?"

Ushigome shook her head cutely, replying with a muttered "No."

"Is someone threatening you?"

"What gave you that idea?" I asked, looking at her deadpanned. "Who would even do such a thing to her anyways?"

Again, Ushigome responded with another "No."

"...Then... Am I the reason why you don't want to?" Toyama says with a worried expression. And by that, Ushigome was shaking her head intensely "Nooo!!"

"Hey, that's not heal- oh nevermind." I was about to say something, but refrained myself the moment I saw Ushigome falling down to the floor.

"I'm sorry....." Ushigome murmured. "Fue..."

"She passed out... from that? "I pointed out. Cocking my head as I was merely baffled.

Toyama went over to the fallen Ushigome worryingly. I just stood there whilst heaving a gentle sigh. "Just give her some time, okay?" I said to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Toyama glanced to me, before sighing dejectedly. "...okay..."

. . .

[ Location ] [ Hanasakigawa Girls (?) School: Culinary Club ]

After some time in this club of mine. I've finally gotten somewhat of a learning experience with cooking. Though I'm still not sure about the procedures, but hey, at least it's worth the try.

I did follow all of Miss Yui's advice, though I am not too sure whether I've applied it correctly.

Well, I guess making rolled eggs wouldn't be that hard.

As I did some last finishing touches for my lunch this afternoon. Wrapping it up with a silky green cloth. I concluded by wiping the sweat off of my forehead.

I really gave a whole lot of effort into this, so I hope it's worth it in the end.

I haven't even tasted it myself yet either, because I'm planning to share this with the others just to hear their opinions.

Welp, time to get going.

"Oh, Katsuhiko-kun." Before I could walk off with my newly crafted lunch. A certain senior of mine called out to me, that particular senior being the club president of this club that I'm in.

I turned around and noticed her walking up to me in a somewhat of a flamboyant yet elegant manner. Is what I can best describe. "Do you need anything?"

"I was wondering if you're busy this weekend." Miss Yui asks.

"I guess I'm not." There's that stream that I have to tune into on saturday, but that's about it. "Why do you ask?"

"Would it be alright for me to invite you this saturday? There will be this live concert that I'm hoping to see." My purple haired senior flashed two tickets with a confident grin on her face.

"A Live Concert?" I repeated, to which she nodded. "Sure, I guess? Though, which venue is this concert taking place?"

"Live House SPACE. As it states here." She replied, showing me the info she read through her phone. And once I saw the details and the photo of that particular live house. It's safe to say that I won't be going any place far from where I live.

"Huh, that's the same live house me and Toyama-san have went to recently." I commented. "And it says here that Glitter*Green will perform again."

"Glitter*Green, you say? Have you managed to see them perform? What were they like?" Miss Yui asks of me with genuine curiosity. Her eyes seem to show a hint of interest.

"They're good overall. And I admit that I would be willing to listen to them perform again if I ever get the chance."

"Ah, if that's the case. Then I can be rest assured that the next generation is in proper good faith." Miss Yui proudly stated vehemently, placing a hand over her chest to express her relief. "I've had my eye on Glitter*Green ever since I've heard about their name from our fellow club members. But I was unfortunately never given the chance to see them perform. At least, sooner, I will."

"Don't worry, Yui-senpai. You'll definitely enjoy their music." I gave her a thumbs up. To which she giggles in response.

"I'll take your word for it. Katsuhiko-kun." She gave me a warm, and elegant smile. "Now with that out of the way. I best make some preparations ahead of time. But til' then. I shall see you on our little date." She winked to me as she hopped on the window sill. "Cheerio~" I waved my hand as I see her went off... Jumping outside...

Through that... window..

. . .

EH?!?

"YUI-SENPAI?!!?" I yelled as I went to look through the open window. And there I saw Miss Yui landing face first into the shrubs. "That's not so close to making a perfect landing..." I muttered, incredulous from witnessing that scenario as I watched my purple haired senior being taken care of by a few school mates.

They don't seem to express the same shock as I do though...

[ Later . . . ]

"And that's how it happened." I told both of my classmates about what had just happened earlier.

Yamabuki gives off a light-hearted chuckle at my story. Almost sounding as if what I told wasn't anything new. "That's not the first time she's ever done that, as I've heard." She says. Which made me raise a brow quizzically. "She does that whenever she gets the chance to. Though I think her reason was something about wanting to be cool just like her cousin..? I'm not too sure."

"i'm still surprised she managed to survive a fall from that height." Yamabuki added with a pondering look on her face.

If what she says is true about Miss Yui doing this sort of action not just once, but a number of times. Then it would be likely for someone to question it.

Hm... It's best not to question it further... I most definitely want my mind to be reserved for something else.

Like, I mean. . . She's fine, right??

"Fughh...." Our attention would soon shift as soon as we hear Toyama's audible whimper. She looks rather glum.

"Ushigome-san isn't coming, isn't she?" Yamabuki said.

Toyama was being all cheery just a while ago before lunch. What happened now?

"Just to be sure, you were just trying to invite Ushigome-san to lunch, right? Nothing else?" I asked Toyama. And in response, she avoided my gaze whilst pursing her lips. "Oi, don't you dare look away from me..."

"What are you three muttering about?" Our attention - thus including Toyama - was once again shifted as a new voice came into our vicinity. It was in a form of a blonde pig-tail haired girl, who etched a deadpan expression across her face.

"Oh! Arisa is here!" Toyama shifted excitedly upon the arrival of Ichigaya Arisa. She pats her hand on the open seat, prompting the blonde to sit next to her.

Though, instead of doing so. She instead went to our side of the seat. "Scooch over." She said to me stoically.

"Geez, not even a please?" I sighed as I moved a few inches away from Yamabuki. To which the blonde then takes that now open seat in between us.

"This, is part of our agreement." Ichigaya said.

"What agreement?" Yamabuki curiously asked towards me, but Toyama answered instead.

"Arisa said she wanted to eat with us!"

"I never said that."

"Yes you did!"

"Those weren't the words that I used!"

"I guess she means... "In.. Return... at Lunch time... We should... eat together... Just the three of us..." "

"I did not give you the right to repeat my words, Katsuhiko!!" The blonde fumed at me, to which I could only chuckle in amusement.

"Huh, since when did you three get so-"

"WE'RE NOT!!" Ichigaya retorted, cutting off Yamabuki before she could say anything.

. . .

"Waahh!! Arisa! What should we do?!" Exclaimed the distressed Toyama.

"About what?!"

"Rimi-rin, why can't she join our band?"

"What band?" I asked as I think I may have missed something.

"The band that I am planning to form! You did gave me this guitar for extra motivation!"

Yeah, I totally didn't miss anything of the sort. "Aren't you moving too fast with this? You should just take it slow."

"Hm... You're right..." Toyama responded. But then shook her head. "Mou, But I wanna know why Rimi-rin can't join our band!"

Were you even listening to me?

"Just ask her yourself." Ichigaya spoke.

"But all she says is sorry..." Toyama murmured.

"Maybe try a different approach next time." I sighed as I ended up giving her some little bits of advice.

"Like how?"

"Just try not to sound so desperate. It may scare away people like Ushigome-san." I said, sighing afterwards. "Ehem, Why don't we just proceed to our lunches, yeah? Look! I finally made my own lunch!" I spoke proudly with glee as the three of them turn to me and the boxed lunch I held up with my hands.

"What are you having?" Yamabuki curiously curiously.

Grinning from ear to ear, I then uncover and show what's inside of my boxed lunch. A comical glow of holy light flashed before their very eyes for when they witnessed the very sight of my cooking. "Tadah! Golden Rolled Omelettes!~" I spoke proudly.

"Woahhh..." The girls eyed my lunch with awe while my sentiment lingers.

"That... looks good..." Toyama commented. Her eyes comically sparkled.

"The overall texture... It's... Mesmerizing..." Ichigaya spoke as she examined my meal.

"I've never seen anything like it..." Yamabuki was last to comment.

Ah... I can feel their wonderous auras of envy~

"I'm willing to share this, of course~" I said.

"Can we?!" The brunette bounced in pure excitement. To which I nodded in response. "Well then, if you'll excuse me~" Toyama then went and took one piece of egg roll from my lunch box.

"W- Well, if you insist..." Ichigaya followed with her own chopstick as well.

"I'll take one too!" Yamabuki as well went and took a piece.

With all of them having a piece of their own. They all have looks of anticipation. Me as well as I cannot wait for their feedback.

"Itadakimasu~" They all said in unison before taking a bite. "Amph~"

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

Why in the world did their faces turn pale? Is something wrong? My eyes are probably playing tricks with me...

"So?? What do you think?" I asked in anticipation. But they all seem to flinch upon my question. Which was strange.

"It's..." Toyama began, a trail of saliva dripping down her chin which was eventually wiped off with her handkerchief.

"How do we say this..." Yamabuki said.

"Katsuhiko... Just what did you put into your egg rolls??" Ichigaya asks.

"Oh, just the simple recipe to making it." I explained, to which she looks confused, so I added further. "I also added four cups of sugar to make it sweet.. Then a little bit of vinegar to add a bit more flavor... uhh... Peppers.... olive oil..."

"Bphpf...!" Ichigaya covered her mouth as she looked away. "w- what the heck....?!"

"Did you... even taste test your food first???" Yamabuki asked.

I shook my head in response. "I was saving it for this lunch. And for the record, the food looks good. And if it looks good, it should taste good, right?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Right???"

Why are they avoiding my gaze?

All of a sudden, each of them shared to me their own lunches. Which was sweet, but I guess this is in return for the meal that I shared as well.

"L- Let's just eat our lunches..." Yamabuki suggested. The others nodded in agreement, including myself.

"I can't wait to eat this!" With pure excitement, I grabbed one piece of egg roll with my chopsticks.

"A- Ah..! Katsuhiko-san, I don't think you should-"

"Omph~"

. . .

. . .

. . .

It took me a moment to register the taste.

. . .

. . .

. . .

I think my soul just left my body...

I feel like my body is disintegrating out from existence...

I'm fading...

"guhhhh..."

"Katsuhiko-chan!? Oh no! Are you okay?!"

"Katsuhiko-san! Don't go into the light!"

"Don't die on us you idiot! Come back!!"

. . .

[ Later . . . ]

[ Location ] [ Ushigome Residence ]

"Okinawa, so cool..." Rimi murmured in awe.

She was currently helping out packing some stuff for her sister's trip.

"While we're there. Want any souvenir?" Yuri asks. Piling up all of the necessities inside of her bag

"I want the chocolate flavored Santa Andagi."

"Fufu, You got it~" The elder Ushigome said, smiling warming at her little sibling.

"Hey, Onee-chan.. What about your concert? It'll be at the day when you guys return."

"We'll be meeting in the morning to rehearse for the show, Just like always." Yuri giggles as she faced Rimi with a smile on her face. Rimi felt a sense of reassurance. Though slightly.

She sat of the floor. Whilst lightly gripping onto the umbrella next to her. "I hope you guys would make it in time."

"Don't worry. We'll make sure~" Yuri winked.

. . .

[ Time skip ] [ The Next Day ]

[ First Person POV ] [ Katsuhiko ]

I can't shake it off my head about what happened yesterday. Didn't think it was that bad to the point that it literally gave me a dose of unbearable tummy aches.

Why didn't it have the same effect towards the girls? Well, it's probably because I added something in that I was entirely allergic to.

How did I know that?

Well, I remember adding a slices of bell peppers in my rolled eggs.

Why did I do that? You may ask?

That's would be the same question I would ask to myself, in all honesty.

Sometimes, my stupidity can be frightening. Even my sister suffered the same fate as those three. I felt guilty for having her spend five hours inside of the bathroom...

"Looks like I still have a long way to go.." I heaved an exasperated sigh.

I have more or less recovered from my distress yesterday. . .

A helpful cleanser would do the trick, which is why I stopped by to Yamabuki bakery to purchase some delectable buns. I'm sure these could help cure my ruined taste buds from yesterday.

"It's been a while since I've tasted anything chocolate." I muttered as I peeked through the paper bag which contains a few pieces of chocolate cornets. I chose this by Yamabuki's suggestion since I couldn't make up my mind at that time.

With this in hand. It was now the time for me to head to school. Though I yet to have seen Toyama, for some reason. She hasn't shown up to where we usually meet up.

Please don't tell me that she's at it again...? There couldn't possibly be no other reason... "If anything, I'll just assume that she'll eventually stop the moment Ushigome-san puts her foot down."

While I mused. As soon as I turned a corner around the streets. I was then suddenly bumped into someone. Causing me and the person in question to land on our butts.

"A- Ah...! I'm sorry! I didn't see you there!" A panicky voice spoke up.

Though, it sounded familiar.

As soon as I got my vision back after the light impact. My eyes were met with a very familiar figure in the form of red velvet eyes and short black hair. She also wore the same uniform from a high school in which I attend to.

"Ushigome-san?" I uttered aloud. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"E- Eh? Are... Are you... Natsuki-san...?" She speaks meekly

"The one and only." I gave a dry chuckle as I went to help her up. "What's the rush? Isn't Hanasakigawa supposed to be that way?"

"O- Oh... Uhm..." Ushigome stammered, avoiding my gaze as she twiddled her fingers. I noticed that in her eyes, it seemed to look like she was crying.

"Were you... crying?" I pointed out as I leaned a little close just to confirm it for myself. Though ignoring the blush on her face. I soon confirmed it myself the moment I saw faint tears. "What happened?" I spoke in genuine worry.

[ A Few Moments Later ]

I sat with Ushigome on a nearby bench. She began to explain - though sounding a little reluctant or nervous - the reason why she was in tears. And it was because of Toyama. The same person I suspected in the first place the moment she was absent on our "walk-to-school-together" routine.

I know the same thing happened when she was bothering Ichigaya. But hey, that already passed.

"I figured..." I sighed. Rubbing the back side of my head.

"D- Don't get me wrong.. Kasumi-chan didn't do anything wrong at all! This is just a me problem..." Ushigome explains.

"Yeah, sometimes, extroverts can be scary. So I get the feeling." I chuckled. "Toyama-san can be a little bit pushy. But hey, it's not all that bad. She knows her limits, so I bet that she's going to be guilty and worried for making you cry."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't apologize for something you didn't do. It's only a natural cause." I then went to my paper bag and fished out a piece of chocolate cornet. "Here, this'll cheer you up... I think?"

Ushigome eyed the bread I have in my hand like a curious little child. "A- Are you sure..?"

"I'm offering. So don't miss the chance." I jokingly said, though still insisting on giving her the cornet.

Momentarily, she went and took the cornet slowly out of my grasp. She held it in her own before slowly nibbling on it.

. . .

Oh my gosh, she looks like a squirrel...

It's so adorable....

Must... Resist.. To Pat...!!

"You like it?" I asked as I continue to watch this adorable little scenario play out.

"Mm.." She nodded cutely as she glanced to me. "They really perk me up. Especially choco coronets~" Ushigome meekly responded to me.

"I can see why." I said. "I personally love the taste of chocolate. Though it's been a while since I had one." I took out one cornet from the bag for myself to eat. And I nibbled it the same way Ushigome would.

"K- Kawaii..."

"Hm..?" I uttered as I glanced to her. To which she immediately looks away.

"N- Nothing..!"

. . .

. . .

We sat next to each other for a little while longer. Then after a brief moment, I began to ask something. "Why do you not want to join Toyama-san's band?" I said. Though I may have an inkling as to why.

. . .

Ushigome turned the other way, with a wistful gaze before turning back to me. "I'm just scared that I would upset her..."

"For what?"

"I might hold her back because of how shy I am.." She spoke with honesty. Her hands would clench slightly on her skirt. "I'm too scared. . . Especially the thought of going up on stage. . ."

"When everyone's looking at me, my mind goes blank... And I would tend to freeze up.. I am happy that Kasumi-chan invited me to her band... But... it's just that..."

"I get what you mean. Don't worry." I interjected. "It's just like what you said, you're worried that you may just be a burden to her. And you don't want to disappoint her."

"If that is how it is, then Ushigome-san. Why don't you just tell her the truth? I know she'll understand."

"B- But..."

"Trust me, it'll be fine." I assured her. "She's been bugging me about the same thing you know? But she eventually stepped down the moment I explained to her why."

"The next thing I knew. Boom! She goes to find somebody else to recruit. And here we are with Ichigaya-san... Those two can be quite quirky." I chuckled in amusement.

Then all of a sudden, I hear Ushigome gave out a soft laughter. I just let her be on whatever sentiment she's having right now.

"I can see that." Ushigome smiled wholesomely.

Must...

RESIST-!

"N- Now then..." I let out as I hopped out of the bench. "I think it's best that we get going now. We still have time, so we don't have to be late."

"O- Oh.. Sure..!" Ushigome followed behind. Leaving the bench, hands now empty after eating the Chocolate Cornet.

"Come on, how about we walk there together?"

"E- Eh? I- Is it really fine?"

"I'm offering. So don't miss the chance." I jokingly said once again. To which Ushigome giggles softly.

"Okay then.." She replied hushedly as she followed behind.

"Just remember, don't be afraid to tell Toyama-san. Alright?"

"Mm.." Ushigome nodded. "A- Ah.. Um.. Natsuki-san?"

"What is it?"

"I'm sorry... That I didn't show up at lunch with you guys yesterday because of what happened... So.. I.."

I raise a palm as I interrupted her. "No need to apologize for it. There will be a next time, so I'll be looking forward to that."

"Mm!" She nodded cutely.

. . .

. . .

RESIST!!!

OH GOD WHY DOES SHE REMIND ME OF GURA-CHAN?!?!

. . .

A group of high school students gathered around in line to board their flight. But deliberate news relayed.

"Boarding for the 10:35 AM flight to Haneda Airport has been delayed due to air-traffic congestion. Thank you for your patience."

One particular female student looks at her phone. Seeing the time, she grew worried if she and her group would make it back in time.

They have a concert to perform after all...

. . .

[ Time Skip ]

[ Location ] [ Natsuki Residence ]

The sun settle down the horizon as Saturday evening greets us with its gentle orange and blue hue.

That would've been the color right now, but instead, we got blue and gray...

"Huh... It's been pouring a whole lot today..." I mumured as I looked through my glass window. The visible gray clouds loomed over the city as it makes pitter patter drops of rain. I could only watch with a wistful gaze, but just momentarily before I went back to my computer screen.

"Hit here... and here... strong attack... corner them once again... Then spell card combo.."

I muttered. My fingers moving as they should while my eyes were fixated towards my opponents every move.

And thus concludes to another win of mine.

Let's see... This is perhaps the 50th win now. This proves it to me that even with the highest difficulty on. It's still a piece of cake.

My opponent's move were so predictable that they couldn't even land a hit on me. Is it just me, or is the AI itself really stupid? Even when it's programmed to be a difficult combatant?

Hm.. doesn't matter anyways. Regardless of whether or not that was an actual fact. I have yet to grow any ounce of boredom towards this game.

. . .

hmm... should I go for another round??

Before my mind could make that decision. A sudden phone call resounded within my room. I turned my head, curious as to who the caller may be. It's definitely not my sister since she's currently downstairs, and I doubt that she would make a phone call just to tell me to get out of my room.

My question was answered as soon as my eyes see the name of the caller.

"a." I let out

Since when did I add Miss Yui into my contacts?

Without a second thought. I pressed my finger against the screen. Answering the call. And once I did, I held my phone right next to my ear. "Hello?" I said. My ears registered some obvious background ambience... She's probably outside somewhere.

"Katsuhiko-kun? Are you there?" The elegant voice of my senior responds.

"Hey, uhh.. what's up?" I asked. Wondering why she called me this time of day.

"I'm already here outside of Live House SPACE. So I was wondering when you will arrive?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Hm? Now don't tell me that you forgot about my invitation?"

Invitation?

What could she possibly mean-

. . .

. . .

. . .

Oh...

"Katsuhiko-kun?"

"Y- Yeah.. Sorry. I actually forgot about it.." I could only chuckle, leaving no excuse whatsoever in this ridiculous predicament of mine.

The rain would've been a wonderful excuse though.

"I assume that you got distracted?"

"You could say that..."

"Hm. Well that's fine. If you go now, then you'll have plenty of time to catch up." Miss Yui explains. I imagined her looking through a stop watch as she says that. "The place here seems to be almost packed. So it's best if you hurry."

"Alright then, Yui-senpai. I'll be on my way." I replied. I can almost sense that she's striking one of her poses.

"Fufu. I'll be here waiting!~ Cheerio~!"

. . .

The call ended.

I could've sworn I heard her jumping off of something. Though maybe that's just me.

. . .

. . .

I guess I should go and prepare.

[ Location ] [ Live House SPACE ]

I finally arrived in front of the Live House. The place itself illuminated the area from the enveloping darkness of the evening.

What else stood within those illuminations was a familiar figure with purple hair. She smiled pleasingly upon seeing my arrival.

"Ah, you have arrived." Miss Yui went to greet me. I examined her more and she seems to be wearing a fancy looking one piece dress or whatever it is you may call it... It shared the same color as her hair.

Almost everything she has with her are on the same color... Purse, umbrella...

She's almost like my sister...

"There were some little delays. But hey, I managed to get through." I merely just shrugged. To which Miss Yui simply giggled. "Anyways, shall we?" I gestured. In a manner of a gentleman.

"Fufu, such a gentleman you are."

"Gentleshark."

"What?"

"Nothing..."

Katsuhiko... That wasn't necessary!

. . .

As soon as we stepped inside of the live house. We were welcomed by the cold air conditioner that gave a pleasant feeling towards my skin.

Though, too much of it can be dangerous for me... which is why I always have my hoodie with me.

"Hello Madam!" Miss Yui greeted casually towards the person behind the counter. That being Owner herself. Still holding up that stoic look on her face just as usual. "Two tickets for the concert, please."

"Are you high school students?"

"Most certainly~"

"That'll be 600 yen."

"Huh.. Seems so cheap." Miss Yui uttered in surprised before rummaging through her purse to get her payment. "Here you go~"

With Owner taking the payment, afterwards, we received our tickets along with two small green tickets

Huh.. If I remember correctly, you use this to order drinks, right?

"Come along, Katsuhiko-kun! Adventure awaits us." Miss Yui beckons to me, to which I trailed behind her.

We soon arrive within the concert hall. Many people were here for the concert. The same amount of people who attended the last one.

While waiting for the concert itself to start. I began reading the list of bands performing tonight through my phone. "KiLL CURE. . . Rabbit Voice. . . Gimmick Star. . . Glitter*Green. . . "

"It looks like we won't be waiting long for Glitter*Green to perform." I said. Scanning through the list once more.

"Does it matter? As long as we get to hear them play, then that's all there is. Is it not? Regardless of whether or not they play last."

"I guess you're right on that note."

"Besides. It wouldn't hurt to see the other Band's performance, just out of pure curiosity." Miss Yui handed me a purple glow stick. I took it and began waving it lightly in the air.

A few moments later, the first band was currently making their performance. And as we listen to it. It's safe for me to say that it wasn't all that bad.

A few of the bands had already done their queue. And just like the first one. Their performance wasn't anything bad as well.

It's only been a few hours now, and this was the last band to perform. The next one being the band Miss Yui and I were anticipating. Though there are still some bands left after them,

"That was wonderful." Miss Yui applauds with excitement. "I do love the feeling of genuine excitement. It gets your body all moving with zest!"

"I do agree on that sentiment." I nodded to her. "Well, it looks like Glitter*Green is up next."

"Marvelous!" My senior responds with utmost enthusiasm. The crowd began to cheer again, in which signals the arrival of Glitter*Green...

or so we thought...

"Hm? Is that them?" I hear Miss Yui say with some confusion in her tone. "They don't look anything green like how their name says they'll be."

"That's not them..." I let out. That's literally the same band who performed earlier. Where are Glitter*Green?

In a sudden motion. Our attention was caught by a few worried looks from the one of the band members from another band. To Which one of them soon rushed out of the concert hall.

Yeah, this definitely screams "Problem"

"Something must've happened?" Miss Yui states. We looked at each other for a brief moment before deciding to check what's going on.

Here upon entering the waiting room. We were greeted upon a commotion. Every single performer were busy with themselves.

"We're up next!"

"No wait! I'm not done with my make up yet!"

"Should we extend the MC?"

"We can try to do one more song!"

"Stretch it out as long as you can, alright?"

"Okay! We'll do what we can!"

W- What's going on?

I looked around the room and I see no signs of any Glitter*Green members. Not a single one!

"Is Glitter*Green... Late to arrive?" Miss Yui says incredulously.

"It... Seems like it." Was all I could say. I wonder what's holding them up?

"Rimi-rin!" I heard an unexpected voice and an unexpected name. I turned around and noticed two particular individuals approaching Ushigome whom I didn't notice was even here to begin with.

"Kasumi-chan."

"Huh, Katsuhiko? And.. Takahara-senpai?! What are you two doing here?!" Ichigaya exclaimed.

"E- Eh? N- Natsuki-san?" Ushigome turned towards us.

"Curiously, we were just wondering why Glitter*Green hadn't showed up yet.." Miss Yui briefly explains. "I suppose some of you know?"

"Ushigome-san. You're the younger sister of Glitter*Green's vocalist. Do you have an idea why they're late?" I asked to her.

"Y- Yes..." Ushigome answered meekly. "They were on a school trip until yesterday, but their flight was delayed because of a typhoon, they're on their way now. But... I don't think they'll ever make it in time..."

"That's terrible!!" Miss Yui said aloud. "They're the most anticipated band, shouldn't they be giving them some more time?"

Toyama nodded in agreement of our senior's statement. "That's right! Can't they wait for them?"

"No!" We heard the loud voice of the Owner. "No matter what the issue is, we can't make the audience wait!"

"That's preposterous!!" Miss Yui retorted with no remorse. "That is no reason to cancel their upcoming performance!"

"So, do you have any better idea's to resolve this, Young lady?" Owner stared down with a stern look. Miss Yui looks unaffected but it seems that she doesn't know what to respond with. "If I ever end up at a loss, they'll never set a foot in this venue again."

I looked around even though knowing that there isn't anything I can find to solve this situation and all I could do was stand around.

"Ushigome-san, I'll try and contact my family to fetch your sister's band at their corresponding train station." Miss Yui takes out her phone and begins contacting her family.

She's too kind.

But, will that really save a lot of time?

. . .

. . .

A few number of bands have already ended their performance and Glitter*Green still has yet to have arrived. Some of the bands even did their best to stretch out their songs longer enough to buy some time, but it still wasn't enough.

We could only put our faith on the remaining bands as we hope for them to buy more time.

But our hopes might've been low as the four of us could see the list stuck on the wall. Each names of the band have already been crossed out, meaning they have already finished their performance, which leads to Glitter*Green being the last band to play.

"Traffic?! Are you honestly being serious here?! Now of all times?! " We hear Miss Yui talk through the phone, and by the looks of it, it looks like bad news.

"What happened?" Ushigome went to ask after Miss Yui hung up her call.

"The family vehicle have already managed to pick them up after they got off from their train. But, traffic just had to be another problem to deal with... I apologize, but this is all we can do."

"Are they almost close to the venue?" Ichigaya asked.

"Yes. However, judging by the situation right now. They won't be able to make it on time by going on foot."

We heard the cheers coming from the stage room as it indicates the end performance of the current girl band.

"Space! Thanks for sticking out 'til the end!" I heard the band leaders barely audible voice through the microphone.

"I guess this is it..." I murmured. Truly, we couldn't do anything about this at all.

"N- No..!" Yui-senpai exclaimed, being incredulous of this.

. . .

[ Third Person POV ]

Alas, this is concludes the current live show for SPACE.

Kasumi, Arisa, Rimi, Yui and Katsuhiko didn't get the chance to see Glitter*Green perform again.

The rest of thge Bands did their utmost best, but it still all lead to this outcome.

Sadness was evident on Rimi and Yui's face as the four high school students were in the waiting room, seeing as all of the bands are packing up. "Come on, clean up." Owner's voice can be heard inside.

Yui sighed in frustration. "This isn't what I had long been dreaming of... This brings a shame to the Takahara family! Oh we aren't supposed to fail at helping people!" She cried whilst covering her face with her two hands.

Rimi could only pat her back to comfort her, despite feeling the same sadness as she does.

Meanwhile, Kasumi only stood there looking towards the whole situation. "I have to do something..." She thought to herself before walking towards the door that leads to the front stage.

She looked a little reluctant, and nervous as she took each steps towards the stage. However, that doesn't stop her from doing whatever she planned to do.

A bead of nervous sweat trickled down from her cheek as she looked towards the remaining people in front of the stage. She took a deep breath before she attempts to get their attention.

. . .

"Hey, uh... Where did Toyama-san go?" Katsuhiko asked, to which the girls only noticed now.

"She Jus-" Arisa was about to speak but was later interrupted when she heard Kasumi's voice from inside the stage hall.

"H- Hello! I'm Toyama Kasumi!"

"Huh?" All four of them said in reaction to that familiar voice.

"That's... Toyama-chan? What is she doing?" Yui spoke in a tone of curiosity.

There was a moment of silence after they heard Kasumi's voice from the stage, Yui decided to take a look, followed by Katsuhiko, who was also curious by what Kasumi is trying to do now.

There, inside the stage hall. They spotted her standing in front of the microphone. Judging by the way her legs are shaking, it doesn't look as if she planned this out thoroughly.

"She's not doing what I think she's doing, is she?" Katsuhiko asked, which was left unanswered.

Though, eventually, they were about to find out.

"K- Kira. . . Kira. . . Hikaru. . . Osorano Hoshi yo. . ." Kasumi began to sing through the mic, though her voice sounded meek. She continued to sing, but the shaking of her legs still lingers from the nervousness.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Arisa spoke from the back stage. She looked disbelieved by whatever Kasumi is doing.

Kasumi saw her and went towards Arisa. While still singing, she grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her in front of the stage.

"Wait! What the heck are yo-..." Arisa stopped as she noticed the audience looking at her. Kasumi kept singing and Arisa could only have her mouth agape because of this entire situation she's in right now.

"Mabataki shitte wa. . . Minna wo mitteru. . . Kira. . Kira. . Hikaru. . ." Kasumi turned the microphone to Arisa, indicating for her to sing as well.

Visible reluctance was plastered on her face and she blushed from the embarrassment she's going to get herself into.

Eventually, she decided to give in as her eyes were facing downwards. ". . .O- Osorano. . . Hoshi yo. . ."

The two continued to sing the song repeatedly.

Rimi was watching from the sidelines as she was dumbfounded by the two. Not only because they're doing this to buy some time, but the way they're singing in front of the audience without care makes her want to join them.

They were are singing in front of the crowd. They were singing as if it's barely like nothing to them. To some extent.

She nervously starts to make her way towards them, carrying what seems to be a green electric bass guitar. The two stopped singing for a moment, mainly Arisa questioning about what in the world they are doing. But it was then Kasumi and Arisa noticed Rimi with a guitar in hand.

Rimi walked towards the nearby amplifier, plugging in the guitar before she takes a moment to make a strum.

The results were too loud as the audience - plus the three on the stage - were covering their ears.

Readjusting the volume and frequency, Rimi takes a deep breath before she starts playing barely quiet notes. Which was entirely normal for a bass instrument.

Kasumi looks dumbfounded by this and showed a smile.

Seeing as Rimi is helping them, Kasumi continued to sing in front of the mic. "...Mabataki shitte wa. . . Minna wo mitteru. . ."

Meanwhile, Yui and Katsuhiko were watching from the back as Katsuhiko's eye twitched upon the scene he is witnessing in front of his very eyes. "W-What are they-"

"Katsuhiko-kun!" Yui says in a deterimined voice, interrupting the male with his questioning.

"Come! We should lend a helping hand!"

"H- Hold on! What are you saying?!" The boy says in utter disbelief.

"Toyama-chan... She's doing this to save Glitter*Green! Oh We must not let it go to waste!" Yui said with pure determination. "And this might be a way to pay back for my near-failure!"

"But I don't have an instrument to play with!" Katsuhiko retorted. The response given to him was Yui dragging him by the wrist. "O- Oi!!"

Dragging him all the way to the front stage, of course earns them all the stares coming from the audience's. Much to Katushiko's dislike.

"Here." He hears Yui again. This time, with two instruments in hand, one electric guitar and one Violin. "Choose. The Violin or the Guitar?"

"Uhh... The Violi- Wait. Where the heck did you get those?!"

"Enough questioning and take the instrument!" Yui demanded, to which Katsuhiko nervously obliged.

Placing the rear end of the Violin, he nervously looks at the audience. "I swear, I feel like this was fated to happen..." He thought as he played the notes required to flow through the song Kasumi was singing.

Yui followed as well by playing some calm melodic notes. Arisa played with the castanets given to her by Kasumi as a way of percussion.

All in one, they were as if in a sort of makeshift band.

The audience started to like their makeshift performance as they slowly waved their glow sticks through the beat.

[ Interlude ]

"This is as far as we can go." Said the black suited driver, stopping at the streets where the live house is only a few blocks away. One by one, the girls from Glitter*Green got off from the vehicle, where they are escorted by a suited woman. "The path towards Space is kinda narrow for our vehicle to even get through."

They each opened up their own umbrella's. Protecting them from the falling drops of chemical water.

The leader Yuri, thankfully smiled at them. "We thank you for your help, Is there anything we could do to repay you?"

"I work under the Takahara family. The only reward we want to receive is the gratitude from the people we've helped." The driver then shows a thumbs up. "Good luck with your performance!"

"Thank you very much!" They all bowed at the same time to give their gratitude. Eventually, they hurriedly departed.

. . .

[ Interlude ] [ End ]

The song kept going to entertain the audience

The way the five individuals perform on stage was really nice for the audience to hear. No... The word 'Nice' is a bit of an understatement. What's the most relevant word to use to praise their performance?

One thing for sure, this whole performance had one or few or more people think that these people may have a potential to be a great band.

Rimi's bass playing, Arisa's simple Castanet clicking, Yui's acoustic guitar playing, Katsuhiko's Violin back-up play, and Kasumi's surprisingly beautiful voice.

"Kira Kira Hikaru. Osorano Hoshi Yo~" Kasumi takes another deep breath as she attempts to sing the song one more time.

But before she could, the awaited bands were now finally here.

"Sorry we're late!" One of them said, earning cheers of utmost excitement coming from the audiences

Just upon their arrival, Kasumi could only smile in happiness while the blonde girl sighed in utter relief.

Rimi saw her sister looking at her, and the expression showed by the older Ushigome followed by a nod says that she's proud of her little sister. Which results to Rimi smiling.

. . .

A few minutes later, the members of Glitter*Green were now setting up their instruments on the stage. The drummer practiced a few beats in order to make sure her part of the instrument was okay.

Rimi was about to unplug the bass guitar from the amplifier, but was later stopped by one of the members of the band. A nod from her head indicating Rimi should join them.

"Space! Are you ready to rock?" Yuri said through the mic, in response are the enthusiastic cheers coming from the audiences.

Meanwhile, Kasumi, Arisa, Yui And Katsuhiko - The latter two mentioned were still holding their temporary instruments - were standing at the back stage as they watch Glitter*Green starting their performance.

The male let out a relieved sigh, "Glad that's over..." All that tension feeling was gone now that Glitter*Green was here.

"You said it." Arisa nodded in agreement

"If only we could play some more, I actually find it quite enjoyable!" Yui said from beside them.

"I agree with you, Yui-senpai!" Said Kasumi in agreement to the Takahara's wish.

Just then, the bassist of Glitter*Green named Uzawa Rii walked up to them. "Well then, Allow us to make your wish come true!" She said as she pushed the four of them towards the front stage. "Come on!"

"W-Wai-.."

"Hang on-!" Both Katsuhiko and Arisa exclaimed.

All four of them were now back at the front stage again, With Kasumi and Katsushiko nearby the lead guitarist. Arisa in front of the keyboardist alongside her is the same person who pushed them there, who's now carrying a tambourine on her hand. And Yui, with the same guitar in hand, was standing beside the keyboardist

From the sounds of the music playing, and a nod from the leader herself. It prompted them to follow along.

Yui started playing the guitar, followed by Arisa and Rimi. Katsuhiko played afterwards when

Kasumi herself starts to sing.

It felt like the same thing, but at the same time, it felt different, as it was more thrilling and sparkling just like how Kasumi would describe it.

~ Kira Kira Hikaru ~

~ Osorano Hoshiyo ~

~ Mabataki shite wa ~

~ Minna wo miteru ~

~ Kira Kira Hikaru ~

~ Osorano Hoshiyo ~

It was short, but at the same time it was an astounding performance. Leading to cheers of excitement coming from the audiences.

Yui herself was practically enjoying herself throughout the entire performance. It was in fact her first time ever playing along side a band. Not to mention these were the band she highly anticipated earlier.

She came here to watch them perform, but because of her lending a hand, she was rewarded to play along side them. It was worth it, as she says so internally.

Meanwhile, our temporary Violinist himself stood there whilst acknowledging the audiences.

He had a straight face all throughout the entire performance. He looked to the side to see Kasumi and Yuri, and the rest of the band members.

For some reason, this triggered a memory. A very familiar scene flashed before him.

The scene contains four teenage girls with and in front of their designated instruments. The keyboardist has a light blue hair, crystal blue eyes and is wearing a pair of glasses.

The drummer has a red hair tied in a pony tail. She has scarlet red eyes and gives of an aura like she was a young girl. The bassist has a dark-ish blue hair and orangey yellow eyes. She herself was standing right next to the keyboardist.

Lastly, is the lead guitarist, who has a yellow blonde waist-length hair and golden eyes. Katsuhiko, who was standing right next to her. He was looking at this scene with melancholy.

He didn't notice that tears were starting to form in his eyes.

. . . 

[ First Person POV ] [ Katsuhiko ]

That was... a little surprisingly fun...

After that little performance we had with Glitter*Green. The Band in question now continues on with the rest of their concert.

Me, Ushigome, Ichigaya and Miss Yui were at the waiting room, all contemplating by our recent experience.

"Oi!" That ever so cheerful voice came launching towards us with a group hug. "We performed live!! And We all sang!!"

"H-Hold on a minute, You clearly have no idea how embarrassing that was!" Ichigaya nervously retorted.

"I had second-hand embarrassment. . . But I endured it. . ." I said to her, whilst letting out a light-hearted chuckle. "Though, I had to say, that was some stupid stunt you did back there Toyama-san."

Toyama then chuckles. "Hehe, I really had to do something."

"Does it really have to include something like that...?" I could hear Ichigaya mutter a comment. But I don't think Toyama even heard.

"It looked so pretty from the stage, it's like I'm seeing a beautiful ocean." Ushigome said.

"They waved their glow-sticks, didn't they?"

"We would have been in serious trouble had Ushigome-san not been there!" Says the blonde.

"Big trouble!" Toyama-san said cheerfully.

"Hey!" Ichigaya-san said in utter annoyance.

"You were so cool, Rimi-rin! You were sparkling out there!" Toyama commented. To which I highly agree.

"And you didn't freeze up like you told me you would when a crowd stares at you." I said to her, a smile forming across my face. "You really did a great job Ushigome-san."

Ushigome showed a relieved smile upon our compliments to her. "It's just... Watching you and Arisa-chan made me want to try my best too... It was scary... But I had fun!"

"Indeed, that's what me and Katsuhiko-kun here felt as well!" Miss Yui butted in.

"That was only just you... I was obviously got dragged into it..." I muttered to her, in which she let out a laughter as she puts an arm around my shoulder. "O-Oi.."

"Now don't you lie, you were having the time of your life out there!" She said with a visible smile.

"I suppose..." I only said as it was no use to argue with her at the moment...

"Natsuki-san, Takahara-senpai... You two were cool as well." said Ushigome-san, which only caught me off guard by the sudden compliment.

"Why, thank you Ushigome-chan." Miss Yui responds with a genuine smile. "That guitar lessons I took back then surely pays off."

"Didn't know you can actually play an instrument Katsuhiko." Ichigaya said in surprise. "The way you played with that violin was surprisingly good. Though, to be entirely honest. I was half expecting you to ruin the whole thing."

"I was expecting you to ruin the whole thing!" I retorted.

"I literally had talent back there." She says that with a proud look on her face.

"Anyone can play the castanets!"

"The way you played that violin out there, Katsuhiko-chan. Really was really sparkling and heart pounding! You should definitely Join the band!"

"Denied."

"Slump..." she slumped.

I then turned to Ushigome. "How about you, Ushigome-san? Would you care to join her band instead?"

The girl looked at me then towards to Toyama upon the question asked to her. She thinks about it for a moment before giving us a smile that almost speaks out her answer.

"Yes! I would like to join your band, Kasumi-chan!"

I looked towards to Toyama, and by the looks of it. She looks genuinely happy. She squealed in utmost excitement. "Rimi-rin!!" She said as went and gave Ushigome a hug.

She then turned to Ichigaya. "You too, Arisa!"

"Huh!? No way!!"

"Gotcha!" Toyama and Ushigome surrounds her before giving the blonde a tight hug, Much to Ichigaya's dislike.

"This is a pleasant sigh to see. Is it not?" Miss Yui says with amusement in her voice.

"Mm. I can agree." It's a wholesome scenario. And a funny one.

Ichigaya, that one was for you!~

"Though I can safely say that this is going to be a normal occurrence." I added.

"A bond between friends is as strong. Let's hope nothing tears them apart. Because it looks like they have a bright future ahead of them." Miss Yui showed a prospective smile.

. . .

. . .

. . .

A Bond Between friends...?

. . .

A Bond Between friends is as strong...

. . .

Nothing tears them apart. . .

. . .

Nothing should tear them apart. . .

Nothi-

"WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU?! YOU HAVE TO MOVE ON!!!"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"I should probably go home right now. . . I have a stream to tune into. . ."

[ Chapter End ]

[ Up Next! ] [ Episode 4 - The Other Guitarist ]

Word count - 10,008 words

There is a Wattpad version of this story. You should go check it out! It includes visuals and the like!