458: I Want to Continue Singing (2)

"Thank you, Ikuyo, for telling me all this."

"Ah… no, it's really… nothing!"

"?"

Chisato was a bit puzzled by Ikuyo's sudden shift in tone, but didn't press the issue.

"So, the reason you were late this morning, Ikuyo…"

"Yeah, I got into another argument with my parents at home because of the performance at the summer festival.

I had kept it from them all this time and didn't tell them anything about it, but they somehow found out—maybe from the festival posters or some other way—and blocked me at the door this morning to keep me from leaving.

They've always spoiled me, but this time, they were completely unwilling to budge when it came to my determination to pursue music. 

They didn't want me on stage again, didn't want me to be in the spotlight anymore, worried I'd attract more of those ill-intentioned types."

"I can understand how they feel… But in that case, how did you manage to leave the house today?"

"Because… I didn't want all our hard work up to now to be wasted, so I used a little trick. I lied…"

"What lie?"

"I said I'd already signed a contract for this performance. That if I didn't go through with it, the lawyers would get involved and I'd have to pay a huge penalty."

Ikuyo flashed a proud, expectant grin.

Chisato, quick to pick up on the moment, gave her the praise she wanted.

"Nice move. But I'm guessing that wasn't the only reason your parents let you go so easily, right?"

"..."

This time, Ikuyo fell silent for a long time.

Chisato didn't push her, waiting quietly.

Ikuyo clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"...I promised them. If they let me go today and finish this performance… I'd do as they said from now on, and follow the path they want for me."

"Eh?!"

The loud cry of surprise didn't come from the calm-faced Chisato.

It came from behind him, around the corner.

Chisato didn't turn his head. Ikuyo stared blankly past him.

Several girls ran up, brushed past Chisato, and surrounded Ikuyo.

"E–Everyone? When did you get here?"

"You can't be serious! Didn't we all agree to aim for the top together as a super-popular band?"

Nijika grabbed both of Ikuyo's hands, her face full of worry.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier about the trouble with your parents? We're bandmates, aren't we? It's natural to face difficulties together!"

Ryo also spoke up from the side.

"U–Um…"

Hitori thought she should probably say something too, like the others were doing, to comfort Ikuyo. But when she tried, she couldn't think of what to say.

She'd forgotten that she wasn't good with words—her usual role in the band was more like a mascot.

So, after stammering for a while, all she managed was to give a thumbs up.

"D-Don't get discouraged, Ikuyo-chan… G-Good luck!"

It was a strangely vague comment.

The tearful mood briefly froze. The other three turned to look at her.

"Alright, you just stay put and don't make things worse."

"Ugh…"

Chisato pulled her over to his side by the hand.

"I'm sorry… I did think about telling you all, but I didn't want to burden everyone with my problems."

Ikuyo looked down at the hands Nijika was tightly gripping. Her eyes were starting to turn red again.

"Geez! Ikuyo-chan, don't be such a stranger!"

"Yeah, seriously."

"A band means we're like family. We're together now, and from now on, we support and help each other."

"Exactly!"

"So no matter what kind of trouble you're facing, don't keep it all to yourself. You can tell us. We'll do everything we can to help!"

"Yeah!!"

Ryo, who had been agreeing to everything so far, raised her hand at this moment.

"So with all that said, Nijika-chan, could you lend me some money? I saw this super-cool EVA-themed bass the other day…"

Smack!

"Ahh—!"

Ryo's hand was coldly slapped away by Nijika.

"Alright, stop messing around. You come over here too."

She was also dragged to Chisato's side by her shirt collar.

With the usual idiot's interruption out of the way, the mood returned to something more touching.

"I know you're feeling uneasy right now, Ikuyo-chan, but it's okay. If you're brave enough to speak your mind, no matter how tough it gets, we'll be there for you!"

Nijika placed both hands on Ikuyo's shoulders, showing the dependable side of a true band leader.

Having just arrived and now leaning against the wall, licking a popsicle, Seika smiled like a proud mom at the scene.

"Really… is it okay?"

"Trust us, Ikuyo-chan. Besides…"

Nijika pulled Ikuyo into a hug and whispered softly into her ear.

"Even if Bocchi-chan and I can't figure something out, we still have Chisato-kun, right? He definitely won't just stand by, don't you think?"

With her chin resting on Nijika's shoulder, Ikuyo met Chisato's gaze. He responded with a dazzling smile, like sunshine dispersing the darkness.

Tears welled up again uncontrollably. Her nose tingles and her throat tightens.

"I really… I still want to be with everyone. I want to build a fun band with everyone. I want to keep singing…"

"I understand. Leave it to me."

Chisato took two steps forward and handed her a tissue.

"I'll take care of your troubles. So don't cry anymore. You look better when you smile, Ikuyo."

…

"Excuse me, the evening rehearsal is about to begin. Please come with me."

A staff member came over to invite them.

"Okay, thank you."

Nijika politely responded and stood up with the others.

Now composed, Ikuyo tossed her used tissue into the trash, met Chisato's encouraging gaze, and, brushing off her earlier despair, gave a beaming smile and followed the others toward the stage.

Chisato watched them leave.

At the resting area, only he and Seika remained.

"Did you hear it?"

"Hear what?"

"That thump… the sound of a maiden's heart skipping a beat."

Still holding the popsicle stick in her mouth, Seika teased him.

Chisato didn't entertain the joke.

"Meaningless nonsense…"

Seika shrugged.

"Even though we played along with the mood just now, convincing Ikuyo's parents to let her keep doing band activities won't be easy. Adults don't change their minds that easily."

Chisato shook his head.

"Even so, since I promised Ikuyo, I'll keep trying until I succeed."

Click.

Seika gave a mysterious chuckle.

"That cool line just now from Chisato—got it recorded."

"Manager, you're unusually energetic today. You haven't even been drinking."

"It's just… I haven't felt this youthful in a while. It's nice~"

"Don't say dumb stuff."

Chisato stood up, grabbed his phone, and put it in his pocket.

Seika looked puzzled.

"Where are you going?"

Chisato corrected her.

"Not just me—you have to come too, Manager."

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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

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