Chapter 162: Facing (Part 1)
On the other side, on the stage, after confirming the song order, lighting, and sound settings with the backstage crew, they went on stage.
They checked the condition of the various equipment on stage.
And facing a stage she had already gotten used to once, Hitori was not as scared as last time, to the point of turning her back to the audience.
But she still kept her head down.
Her thoughts were still lingering on Ohtsuki Yoyoko’s words.
'If you showed a little more spirit, maybe it will be somewhat interesting.'
It was this sentence that made her recall Hayato telling her a few months ago that he hoped she would persevere and work hard.
But had she really been working hard lately?
She had indeed been working hard on practice recently, but just like in the past, she still didn’t dare to take a step forward in other areas.
It had gotten to the point where Kita was even planning to help her.
She even showed an indifferent attitude towards Ohtsuki Yoyoko a few days ago, saying, “I just think people who rely on others and those who harbor romantic feelings can’t make good music.”
A little while ago, the older sister also said they were the same type of people.
She also felt it was true.
If it weren’t for Hayato, she might also end up getting drunk like the older sister in the future.
Perhaps even worse.
And the reason she didn’t want to run away just now was precisely because she felt that if she turned her back on Ohtsuki Yoyoko and left, she would truly make no progress, which is why she chose to move forward.
While she was lost in thought, the set was ready for them to take and start playing.
At that moment, Ohtsuki Yoyoko and her group also came out, but the five members in the middle of their own rehearsal and paid them no mind.
Instead, the two bands simply exchanged glances
As they began their performance, their sound spread throughout the venue.
And off stage, Ohtsuki Yoyoko, who had initially shown no interest, heard this completely different sound, immediately looked up at the stage, her eyes gradually widening, filled with disbelief.
Even other musicians off stage who had heard Kessoku Band play on audition day looked at the stage in shock.
And following SIDEROS who completed their rehearsal next, the staff began to get busy.
They carefully confirmed everything, ensuring they wouldn’t make mistakes on the day of the live performance.
Aside from the first band to take the stage, the other bands had left the venue.
Some headed to the side aisles to listen to the performance, while others went backstage to rest.
Kessoku Band and SIDEROS band walked together towards the waiting room.
“Your rehearsal level has improved too much since last time. Could it be that you weren’t playing seriously before?”
Hasegawa Akubi was talking to Nijika up front.
Nijika smiled apologetically and waved her hand.
“No, no, it wasn’t quite that intense. Our keyboardist just told us to play as casually as we usually do, but SIDEROS, you guys are really amazing—your performance and energy were absolutely amazing.”
Kita also followed along, smiling brightly.
“Indeed! Metal rock isn’t that scary after all. It’s quite cool.”
Watching the few people in front exchanging pleasantries, Ohtsuki Yoyoko heard a keyword pulled from the conversation.
Keyboardist.
Indeed, the keyboardist in their Band had extraordinary skill, and besides that, the lead Guitar was also quite remarkable.
She glanced over.
Those two were holding hands and chatting with the bassist next to them.
“What should we do about lunch and dinner later? Order takeout or go out to eat?”
Ishikawa Hayato looked left and right, asking both of them.
“Either way is fine,” Ryo replied indifferently.
“I also… takeout is better…”
Hitori heard Ryo say that and was about to agree when she saw Ishikawa Hayato’s gaze turn and meet hers.
She hesitated for a moment but still spoke her mind.
Ishikawa Hayato smiled and tightened his grip on her hand.
“Then it’s two votes for takeout. We’ll ask Nijika and Kita later.”
Hitori’s steps instantly became light with happiness, as if she was floating.
Hearing the conversation between those two, Ohtsuki Yoyoko’s inner voice was frantically pounding the ground.
Rock doesn’t need romance! Don’t get all lovey-dovey in such a sacred place!
But she had to admit, these two indeed had enough skill to earn praise from Hiroi-san.
Her previous judgment was indeed a bit hasty.
Just as she was thinking of going up to say something to those two to apologize.
She suddenly noticed.
Ishikawa Hayato and Gotoh Hitori being very close seemed to be no problem, but wasn’t the bassist next to him also a bit too close to him?
Their arms were almost touching, hey!
The Shinjuku FOLT corridor isn’t that crowded—what are you two doing talking so closely to each other!?
Althought shocked, Ohtsuki Yoyoko actually didn’t dare to go up.
...
At lunchtime, the five members of Kessoku Band no longer mingled with the SIDEROS Band.
They took chairs and sat by the aisle, eating takeout while listening to the music of the band currently on stage.
“I just went outside for a look, and there is a large crowd. It’s completely different from last time when we were here.”
As soon as Kita finished speaking, Ishikawa Hayato heard Hitori’s loud heartbeat from beside him.
He mused, Kita is really something.
She managed to hit two landmines for Hitori in one breath.
While he was still wondering how to comfort Hitori, he suddenly noticed that Hitori herself slowly regained her calm, lowered her head, and slowly picked up another piece of fried chicken to put in her mouth.
Her hanging bangs obscured her face, but her posture holding the meal box was as timid as ever.
Yet, he somehow felt that something about her was starting to change.
So Ishikawa Hayato didn’t say anything, listening to the others’ conversation.
“Definitely. It’s only morning now. Maybe there will be even more people later.”
Nijika said, also keeping an eye on Hitori.
Kita imagined the scene: hundreds of people, tightly packed together, listening to their performance.
Just thinking about it made her excited.
“Then we’ll be just like a truly popular Band!”
At this moment, Ryo suddenly spoke, her expression and voice appearing somewhat serious.
“Nijika.”
“Hmm?”
“Hurry up and go to the toy store next door to buy some toys to make Band merchandise to sell! We’ll definitely strike it rich.”
This money-grubber even laughed as she spoke, a look of pride in her cleverness on her face.
Nijika looked at her expressionlessly, but Ryo remained unmoved.
It wasn’t until Nijika reached for her drumstick that Ryo’s expression changed, and she quickly put away her smile.
“Honestly,” Nijika complained, but the next moment, she also showed a brilliant smile.
“But to prepare for today, I’ve also fully restocked our Band merchandise!”
“What kind of toys are they?” Ishikawa Hayato asked, leaning forward curiously with a smile.
“There are…”
Nijika had just smiled and taken out her phone to open her photo album, ready to show them their arsenal, when she realized something was wrong.
Isn't Ishikawa Hayato implying that she's just like Ryo?!
“Hayato-kun, what do you mean ‘toys’!”
She clapped her hands on her thighs, calling out indignantly.
Ishikawa Hayato couldn’t help but laugh loudly, and the others also followed with soft laughter, eventually even Nijika laughed easily.
Finally, Ishikawa Hayato extended his hand and said seriously.
“This time, it will definitely be perfectly completed.”
The four looked at his outstretched hand, and without hesitation, each placed their hand on top of his, their eyes filled with trust in him.
“Mm.”
“Absolutely no problem.”
“Let’s have a perfect performance.”
“Mm… yes.”
The five hands pressed down and then lifted together, meeting the infinitely shining lights.
...
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