A few more days passed, and the unexpected buzz around Chasing Stardust continued to grow, turning their once modest journey into something none of them had fully anticipated. They started receiving attention from indie music platforms, a handful of small media outlets, and even local agency scouts. With it came an offer from an up-and-coming agency called DreamWave Entertainment. It wasn't a major label, but it was reputable enough, known for giving indie bands the space to grow without the pressure of immediate stardom. Kaede, Risa, and Yukina finally decided to accept the offer. For Kaede, it was the first time she felt they were moving forward with a real sense of purpose—a nudge that validated every small step they'd taken.
With the help of their new agency, they released an album a month later, titled Gravity and Dreams. The album was small but full of heart, a collection of five songs written and composed by the trio themselves, including the reflective track, A Star That Shines Too Bright. It didn't hit big numbers, but to them, each sale represented someone choosing to listen. Kaede could barely contain her excitement, feeling a sense of fulfillment she'd never experienced before. Though their busy schedules meant she and Mirei had even less time to meet, the understanding between them had only deepened. They spoke less, but each conversation, each supportive message, seemed to mean more. Their relationship also became mature.
A month later, on October 7th, 2025, Chasing Stardust prepared for their very first live performance. It wasn't a huge venue; the space could only hold around eighty people. But to Kaede, it felt monumental. This was it—their first true test, facing an audience, however small, for the first time. She had messaged Mirei about the performance, not expecting her to come but just wanting her to know. Celestial was busy preparing for their second upcoming album, which Mirei said would release in December, and Kaede knew her schedule was packed. Still, even through the screen, Mirei's words had given her strength: "I'm so proud of you, Kaede. You're going to do amazing."
Backstage, Kaede's nerves were showing. She, Risa, and Yukina could hear the other bands performing, their music muffled but energetic, filling the air with anticipation. The thought of going out there, singing her own lyrics in front of so many people, made Kaede's hands tremble. Risa, sensing Kaede's worry, tried to lighten the atmosphere with a few silly jokes and impressions, earning a reluctant laugh from Kaede and a snort from Yukina. Yet, the butterflies in Kaede's stomach only seemed to flutter more wildly.
"It's going to be okay, Kaede," Yukina reassured her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. "We've practiced so hard for this. And we're here together, remember?"
Kaede took a deep breath, nodding, trying to let Yukina's words sink in. She was the vocalist, after all, the one who'd have to step forward and lead them. But tonight, the words felt heavy on her tongue, her mind racing with the fear of messing up, of failing to deliver the emotions she'd poured into her songs.
"Risa," Kaede murmured, giving her friend a nervous glance, "can you handle the talking part? I'm… I don't think I can do it. Not without stumbling over every word."
Risa gave her a reassuring smile and a thumbs-up. "You got it, Kaede. I'll take the lead on that. Just focus on singing. We've got your back." Kaede let out a small, relieved sigh, grateful for her friends beside her. Their support was what had gotten her this far, and she wasn't alone on that stage.
Finally, a stage manager waved them forward, signaling that it was their turn. They each exchanged a last look, a silent boost of courage, before stepping onto the stage. The moment Kaede felt the lights on her face and saw the small crowd cheering and clapping, her heart pounded even faster. Sixty people may not have been a lot in the grand scheme of things, but to her, it felt as vast as an arena. She gripped her mic stand tightly, her gaze shifting from the front rows to the floor and back, anywhere but directly into the audience, trying to keep her anxiety at bay.
Risa took a confident step forward, introducing them with a steady voice. "Hey, everyone! We're Chasing Stardust, and we're so grateful to be here tonight. It's a big night for us," she said, her voice calm and friendly, putting the crowd at ease. "We just released our first album, Gravity and Dreams, which is all about our journey, from scattered dreams to forming this band by chance. We've been through a lot together these past months, but we kept going because we love making music. So, please support us and check out our album if you like what you hear." She finished with a bow, and the crowd responded with warm applause, a tangible energy that Kaede could feel on her skin.
Kaede swallowed hard, stealing a quick glance at Risa and Yukina. This was it. They were here, and she was about to perform something deeply personal. She took one more shaky breath as she positioned herself at the mic, her hands finding some comfort in the familiar weight of her guitar. The stage lights dimmed slightly, setting the mood as they prepared for their first song.
Their opening track was the title song from the album, Gravity and Dreams. The soft, steady beat of Yukina's drums began, grounding them, followed by Risa's bassline, creating a warm rhythm that steadied Kaede's heart. She took her cue, and as she began to sing, her voice started out soft, almost unsure, but with each note, she found a bit more strength.
Do you remember when we barely knew,
Just scattered hopes, a wish or two?
Didn't know where this road would lead,
But somehow you're here, standing with me.
I remember, those endless nights,
Chasing dreams under city lights,
Just a bunch of kids, nowhere to go,
But you kept me close, wouldn't let me fall.
Her singing feels soft and comforting in the low notes but bursts with powerful energy in the high notes, like a storm breaking through. It's strong enough to give pop songs an emotional punch, yet still carries a sweetness that makes it unique and memorable.
Gravity pulls, but we're still here,
Holding tight through every fear,
Side by side, we're breaking the seams,
Together, yeah, in gravity and dreams.
The lyrics flowed out, her words weaving the story of their journey—the scattered pieces that fate had brought together, the gravity that pulled them through moments of doubt, and the shared dreams that kept them going even when the world felt unsteady.
I almost gave up, lost in the dark,
But you showed up, with that spark,
Told me, "We've come too far to quit,"
And suddenly, it all made sense.
We made a promise, didn't we?
To keep fighting, no matter what we see,
Now, every scar, every broken part,
Feels like proof we've come so far.
Kaede's nerves still lingered, but the more she sang, the more she lost herself in the music, the melody lifting her, pulling her deeper into the emotions she had crafted so carefully. The crowd watched, some swaying, others completely still, listening intently. The weight of that connection settled around her, and for the first time, Kaede felt like she was truly being heard.
Gravity pulls, but we're still here,
Holding tight through every tear,
Side by side, we're breaking the seams,
Together, yeah, in gravity and dreams.
If I fall behind, would you wait?
Always, I'll be there no matter the weight.
And if we stumble?
Then we'll rise again.
As the song neared its end, Kaede allowed herself to glance up, just once, and met the gaze of a few faces in the crowd. They were smiling, nodding along with the music, and Kaede felt a surge of warmth bloom in her chest.
So here we stand, with scars and pride,
Bound by this journey, side by side,
With hands held tight, we know what it means,
To chase our fate in gravity and dreams.
She finished the song with a soft, lingering note, letting it hang in the air as the room erupted into applause and cheer. For a moment, she felt a tear prick at the corner of her eye, a mix of relief, pride, and the overwhelming realization that they'd done it.
She turned to Risa and Yukina, who were both beaming, and the three of them shared a look that needed no words. They had taken their first step, the first of many, and they had done it together. As they prepared for the next song, the crowd still cheering, Kaede felt a new confidence stirring within her. She was no longer just a girl with dreams—she was a part of Chasing Stardust, and tonight, their dreams were real.