Performing on stage and practicing in private are two entirely different things. The audience's gaze can ignite tension.
Of the four girls in the Kessoku Band, only Ryo had previous performance experience. The other three were somewhat nervous, with Hitori being the most visibly affected.
Standing at the front of the audience, Chisato could even see Hitori's hand tremble slightly on her guitar.
Although her social anxiety had improved considerably after that dream, her core nature remained unchanged.
Even Nijika and Ikuyo, who are usually cheerful and outgoing, looked slightly stiff in front of such a large crowd, so it was no surprise Hitori felt nervous too.
Noticing this, Chisato raised his hand, giving a thumbs-up to get Hitori's attention.
As his lips moved slowly, Hitori's eyes lit up as she read his silent encouragement: "You've got this. I'll be right here watching."
Romantic love is truly mysterious. It can inspire a once-drifting person to find a new direction and give strength to someone in an emotional low.
With thoughts of not wanting to disappoint him, Hitori managed to suppress her fear and hesitation.
She slowly raised her head to face the audience, her eyes still tinged with unease, but her grip on the guitar was steady.
"Hello, everyone! Welcome to Starry! We're the Kessoku Band!"
After a quick glance to ensure everyone was ready, Ikuyo took hold of the microphone for the opening announcement.
"Next, we're bringing you the song Listen! from After School Tea Time! It's a great song, and we hope you'll enjoy it!"
The audience, friendly and enthusiastic, responded with generous applause.
The band members exchanged glances.
Once the applause subsided, Nijika tapped her drumsticks twice as the cue to start. At the sound of the drums, the guitar and bass jumped in, filling the air with a lively intro.
As the lead singer, Ikuyo captured the beat perfectly, took a deep breath, and began singing smoothly:
"It's deep, deep, reaching the heart—
In this silent temple—
…"
Many in the audience nodded along to the rhythm of the song.
Seeing them settle into the performance, Chisato felt relieved.
Despite the initial nerves, once they began, the tension melted away, and they performed as well as they had in rehearsals.
At the end of the first song, there was applause—much more enthusiastic than at the start.
This response was clearly a show of approval; their first song left a positive impression.
Now for the second song.
Chisato felt a bit nervous. Whether his idea would work or not would be decided in the next five minutes.
"Haah… thank you, everyone!" Ikuyo caught her breath during a break as she introduced the band members.
She then introduced the second song.
"Next up is an original song by our band, Sorry for Being So Cute. It's a song we really love, and we're excited to share it with you! Hope you enjoy it!"
Ikuyo had a natural charm that energized the crowd, her shining eyes standing out in the camera Chisato was using to record.
The second song, with a gentler intro, began. Chisato watched the band intently, lips tightening slightly in anticipation.
"I love myself—
Is there something wrong with that—
…
Chu! Sorry, I'm cute—
Chu! Sorry, I'm a little clever—
…"
Ikuyo sang with all the energy she'd practiced.
Midway through, she boldly took the mic off its stand, moving to interact with her bandmates in playful poses.
Hitori smiled, albeit a bit stiffly; Ryo flashed a V-sign, and Nijika leaned in to sing a few lines into the offered microphone.
The band's vibrant presence, paired with the song's catchy quality, quickly amped up the crowd.
By the time the chorus repeated, some audience members were playfully chanting "chu~" along with Ikuyo.
Seeing their successful performance, Chisato finally relaxed.
After the second song, he stopped recording and returned to the bar.
Seika pressed a cold can of Coke to his cheek.
"Congratulations."
Chisato shrugged and took the can. "Thanks."
…
By 9:30 PM, the Starry venue was still lively, with another band performing energetically on stage.
Tonight, the shop would likely stay open until the early hours, but Chisato's work was done for the night after a little overtime.
"Thanks for your hard work. These are for you."
Before the Kessoku Band left, Seika handed each member an envelope.
"The new songs are great, and the performance was solid. Keep it up in the future," she said simply, making Nijika, who was already overjoyed, laugh even more.
For her sister, usually so reserved, to give such praise was a true sign of how well they had done tonight!
They all walked out together, not rushing to say goodbye at the door.
Instead, they headed to McDonald's, ordered a family-size meal, and clinked their juice cups in celebration.
"I never expected it to go so well!"
"Right? At the end, a few audience members even wanted to take photos with us! Soon enough, people will be asking for our autographs!"
"All in all, it was a huge success!"
"And Sis said she's counting on us for next Friday's performance."
"Honestly, when I first came on stage, seeing all those people, I was so nervous I nearly cried."
"Haha, that's an exaggeration…"
At the table near the window, Ikuyo and Nijika chatted excitedly.
Ryo, while happy, focused mainly on her burger and fries.
Chisato sat sipping through a straw, gazing out the window, lost in thought.
As for Hitori, she stayed silent, her face flushed as she kept her head down.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Nijika slapped her forehead, and Ikuyo immediately caught on.
Both took out their envelopes, pulling out 20,000 yen each, and handed it over. Though Ryo looked reluctant, she did the same.
Chisato looked down in surprise at the six 10,000-yen bills in front of him.
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