I Just Want a Single Ending [48]
Chihaya Anon immediately stopped scrolling through her music app and looked over at Shiina Taki.
The others also directed their attention her way.
"Of course I mean a live show," Taki replied, sneaking a glance at Takamatsu Tomori. "Why else would we keep practicing Spring Shadows?"
"Well, I…"
With that answer, Anon found herself unable to argue.
Kaname Raana, equally intrigued, chimed in excitedly, "A live show!"
"A live show would be great, but I still think we should only use Spring Shadows as a practice piece," Nagasaki Soyo's voice was gentle, but it carried a clear undertone of resistance.
Spring Shadows was a CRYCHIC song, not a song for this band.
They absolutely couldn't perform it!
"Huh? What do you mean, 'just as a practice piece'?" Taki folded her arms, clearly displeased. "What's wrong with this song?"
"I just feel like a new band should have its own song."
Soyo twirled a strand of her hair, glancing off to the side.
She couldn't bring herself to say any more than that.
"Don't say things like that! Writing a new song isn't something you can just whip up," Taki huffed. "Anyway, for now, we'll keep practicing Spring Shadows."
"…"
Hearing her mention writing a new song, Takamatsu Tomori lowered her head slightly.
[Back up Taki]
[Back up Soyo]
Just then, Saku's system options popped up.
He clapped his hands, drawing their attention before speaking. "There's no need to argue about this. If we're doing a live show, one song definitely won't be enough."
"Anyone disagree?"
No one objected.
He continued, "Then, to get ready for a live show, we'd need Tomori to write at least two more songs."
"Barring any special circumstances, we'd need about three songs for a proper live set."
"So, we can use Spring Shadows to help the band gel while waiting for Tomori to finish her lyrics."
"And even after the lyrics are done, composing will still take time."
"So, there's no reason to be fighting over a live show right now."
"Sound good?"
[Strength +5]
"Fine by me."
Taki had no objections.
As long as it was a song written by Tomori, she had no issues with it.
Soyo smiled at Tomori. "Looks like we'll be counting on you for this, Tomori-chan."
"Tomori, don't feel pressured. Just take your time with the lyrics," Saku added, reassuring her. "There's no rush to schedule a live show just yet."
Saku didn't feel any urgency about the live show.
For him, as long as everyone stayed together and enjoyed the next three years, that was enough.
When and how many live shows they'd have didn't matter much to him.
"I'll do my best."
Feeling their encouragement and expectations, Tomori nodded determinedly.
If she could just write three songs, then Soyo and Taki wouldn't need to argue about whether or not to play Spring Shadows at the live show.
Seeing that the atmosphere in the practice room had returned to harmony, Saku felt a surge of relief.
At least, he wouldn't have to worry about this for now.
"So long…"
Raana murmured, still clearly focused on the idea of the live show.
"Want some snacks? I brought a bunch,"
Saku said, opening his bag and offering them to her.
"Yes!"
Raana immediately forgot about the live show, turning her attention to the snacks with a delighted expression.
"Save it for later; we haven't even started practice yet." Taki couldn't help but remind them. "Didn't she just finish a matcha parfait? How does she still have room for snacks?"
"I won't let her keep eating. She'll just have a bit," Saku assured her.
"Oh, fine."
Knowing she wouldn't win the argument, Taki let it go.
Watching this exchange, Soyo found herself smiling.
This was exactly the band life she'd always wanted.
Casual chatting, friendly banter, and light-hearted teasing—it was everything she'd wished for.
It was so comforting.
Whether or not they performed live didn't matter as long as everyone was happy together.
With this thought, Soyo glanced at Saku, the one who had made this atmosphere possible.
Once he brought along Togawa Sakiko, she'd invite Mutsumi Wakaba to join too.
Then, they'd have the perfect band.
---
Seeing that Kaname Raana had finished snacking, Kamigawa Saku closed the bag and gestured for her to go practice.
She didn't protest and obediently went over to her spot, leaving him with an odd feeling, almost as if he were training a cat.
Though, no cat would listen as readily as Raana just did.
After listening to a few rounds of Spring Shadows, Saku left the practice room and returned to the café.
"How's it going?"
He asked for Ijichi Nijika's thoughts.
"After you all left, her playing was a bit inconsistent. Some parts were good, others not so much."
Just as Nijika finished, the sound of guitar music filled the café once more.
Without a doubt, it was the quality of a pro-level performance.
Saku confirmed, "Was it really rough before?"
"Yeah."
"Seems like her confidence wavers," Saku mused. "But honestly, it's already impressive that she's able to play in front of people at all."
"Agreed."
Nijika shared his sentiment.
…
Later, when Gotoh Hitori took a break, Saku made sure to praise her for a good while.
Her cheeks turned crimson as she lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.
Seeing her flustered reaction, Saku simply chuckled.
She was still getting used to interacting with him.
All it took was a few compliments, and she was already like this. So easy to tease.
Just as he was about to head out, Hitori mustered her courage and, hesitantly, asked him, "Um… if our band has a live show, would you come?"
[I'd go]
[I wouldn't go]
"Of course, I'd go."
Saku didn't even need to think about his choice.
Only a fool would choose otherwise.
[Strength +3]
"Th-that's… that's great."
Hitori murmured softly.
With that reassurance, she felt confident she'd be able to perform her best at the live show.
For Saku's sake, she could do it!
…
Before they knew it, it was already time to wrap up for the day.
While Saku was cleaning up the snack wrappers Raana had left behind, Nagasaki Soyo took advantage of the moment, slipping over quietly when no one else was looking.
"Saku-kun, how about we head back together today?"