Chapter 13: Sincerity

Nijika clapped her hands softly, reminding the two to snap out of it, then said,

"Now that Hayato-kun has the skill to perform on stage, Ryo-senpai and I are also fine, and Kita-chan is an experienced Guitarist..."

With an expression of long-awaited anticipation, she excitedly pressed down on the table and leaned forward.

"I'll go ask Big Sister to let us perform on stage!"

Kita Ikuyo, who hadn't yet recovered from Ishikawa Hayato's incredible skill and his nonsensical reasoning, subconsciously agreed.

"Hmm."

Hmm?

What did she just agree to?

Perform?

When?

Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!

"I have no problem."

Ryo-senpai still had a calm, unruffled expression, but a slight quickening in her voice suggested a hint of interest.

Ryo-senpai!!

Kita Ikuyo was about to cry. Even she knew that learning the Guitar wasn't something one could master in a short time; she couldn't possibly go on stage so soon.

Someone save her, she'd do anything! A god, please!

But the last member of the band completely disregarded Kita Ikuyo's inner turmoil and spoke with a smile.

"Let's go, pervert!"

Kita Ikuyo's heart had already died.

"Then I'll go ask Big Sister."

Nijika stood up with a radiant smile, her happy expression, like someone walking on the path of their dreams, was healing just to witness.

But it couldn't save the person who was about to break down.

"That... that..."

Kita Ikuyo wanted to quickly explain... explain... After she spoke, everyone's gaze turned to her.

More than anyone else, Kita Ikuyo was most concerned about the gaze of Ryo-senpai, who sat opposite her. That calm, expressionless look made her nervous.

She imagined what Ryo-senpai's expression would be if she said she couldn't play the Guitar at all.

No, more than her expression, her impression with Ryo-senpai would be ruined first, and she would never be looked at directly again.

A piece of trash who lies about music — Ryo-senpai would look down on her with piercing, condescending eyes.

"Kita-chan, what's wrong?"

Nijika asked, puzzled.

And even a social butterfly has things they fear, words they dare not speak.

"That, um, it's nothing."

Kita Ikuyo lowered her head, her expression one of being crushed by guilt.

Ishikawa Hayato looked at Kita Ikuyo, who said nothing, and sighed.

...

Nijika and Ryo weren't foolish. They naturally noticed Kita Ikuyo's conflicted expression.

But Kita Ikuyo's immediate response earlier made them not think she didn't want to perform.

Noticing her secretly glancing at Ryo, they assumed she was worried about coordinating with Ryo, or minor issues like performance style.

"It's okay, we'll practice together before we go on stage, and it's just covering popular songs, right, Ryo?"

Nijika finished speaking and asked Ryo-senpai for confirmation.

And despite Ryo-senpai's occasional sarcastic remarks, she still cared deeply about her companions.

"Hmm, a relaxed performance."

"Yes..."

Kita Ikuyo hadn't even finished speaking when Manager Seika's voice called out to Nijika.

"A customer has arrived."

"Okay~"

Nijika responded loudly and sweetly, then said to the others,

"Then let's talk about it tomorrow. Everyone worked hard."

"Hmm."

Ishikawa Hayato nodded and then stood up.

"Then I'm going home too."

"Bye bye." Ryo-senpai waved her hand.

"Me too."

Kita Ikuyo, looking determined, slung her Guitar over her back and followed Ishikawa Hayato towards the livehouse exit.

"Kita-chan, be careful on your way!"

Nijika stood at the counter, calling out from afar to Kita Ikuyo, who was standing on the steps.

But Ishikawa Hayato, who was a few steps ahead of Kita Ikuyo, paused when he heard this, his mind filled with questions.

He knew Nijika was reminding Kita Ikuyo not to overthink things and to stay focused on her way back, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off...

Leaving STARRY, walking down the sunken stairs to the ground level, the city's hustle and bustle and the lonely wind ruffled Ishikawa Hayato's school uniform, but Ishikawa Hayato stood motionless like an iron tower.

He looked up at the sky, which was a fiery orange-blue.

Another beautiful day.

But today had a negative mark.

He turned around, looked at the dejected Kita Ikuyo, and stopped, waiting for her to catch up.

During this time, one or two laughing customers, preparing to go to the livehouse, passed by him, chatting happily, full of anticipation.

Kita Ikuyo, head down, reached the top step. Feeling a presence beside her, she looked up.

Ishikawa Hayato stood still, as if deliberately waiting for her.

Kita Ikuyo forced a smile and then asked Ishikawa Hayato,

"Ishikawa-kun, what's wrong?"

"When you encounter troublesome things, you need to be decisive. Running away isn't always a bad thing."

Ishikawa Hayato hinted, reminding her.

Kita Ikuyo thought for a moment, then was startled. Had he seen through her?

Seen that she couldn't play the Guitar?

"That... Ishikawa-kun..."

She hesitated, trying to explain, but then heard Ishikawa Hayato say calmly, in a tone different from his usual excited one,

"Since we're in the same band, you can just call me by my name. Also, I look forward to your performance."

What did he mean?

Kita Ikuyo was confused.

First, he told her to escape, then he said he looked forward to her performance; she was utterly bewildered.

But feeling the concern in Ishikawa Hayato's words, Kita Ikuyo still smiled and nodded.

"Hmm, I'll do my best."

...