460: Magnificent Music (2)

"…No need to get overly nervous. Just treat it like one of your regular performances at STARRY Hall."

Chisato spoke with a relaxed tone, trying to ease the tension for everyone about to go onstage.

Ikuyo unclenched her tightly gripped hands slightly, and the tense expression on her small face gave way to a smile.

"I remember you said something similar before that music festival, Chisato-kun, to cheer us up."

"Really? I don't quite remember. But as long as you all perform the way you do during practice, there won't be any problems. Please trust me on that."

"Yeah!"

After comforting the core members, Chisato turned to Ryo, going over a few last-minute details about their stage performance.

Although she was often unreliable in various ways, once on stage, she was the most dependable. Her bass skills were superb, and she had a way of guiding the others in her own unique style.

Watching Chisato talking to Ryo, Hitori instinctively wanted to walk over to him, like always—maybe link arms with him or tug on his shirt for a sense of comfort in the crowd.

But just as she was about to do so, she recalled what Chisato had told her in private.

"Hitori, I just thought of something. Not just for this performance, but in public from now on—unless absolutely necessary—please don't have overly intimate contact with me."

"Why?"

"There'll be a lot of cameras broadcasting around the stage. Kesshoku Band is still in its early stages, and it's best not to stir up any waves. 

So our relationship needs to stay secret from the public. It's for everyone's future. Do you understand?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you."

The memory faded.

Hitori understood. Even if she wasn't usually interested in entertainment industry gossip, she knew enough from living in the modern, information-overloaded world. 

There were many stories of popular actors, singers, or idols whose love lives were exposed.

Once fans found out that the person they supported wasn't single, their careers often suffered a steep decline, sometimes to the point of no return.

That kind of thing wasn't rare.

Of course, there were also celebrities who went public with their relationships and thrived.

But Hitori didn't think that kind of story had anything to do with her.

After all, her boyfriend, Chisato, wasn't the type of devoted person the public would readily accept. 

If fans focused on him because of her and uncovered the fact that he was also living with Utaha and Eriri…

That would be a complete disaster—not just for them, but for everyone around them too.

Hitori may not talk much, but her thoughts were sharp. She easily came to that conclusion.

She figured that might've been why Chisato didn't try to ride the wave after saving the day at the music festival. 

His popularity soared briefly, yet he didn't use that opportunity to boost himself further. He must've had these concerns in mind.

She understood his worries. And for him and for the band, she was willing to restrain herself.

It didn't really matter—if she couldn't get affectionate with Chisato in public, then doing so in private was fine.

She was determined to give it her all for today's performance and aim for a great response.

Then, at the afterparty…

Gufufufu… gufufufufufufufu…

"…Nngh!"

Hitori was lost in her silly fantasies and giggling to herself when Nijika lightly karate-chopped her back to reality.

"We're about to go on stage soon, BOCCHI-chan. Don't slack off now!"

"Don't worry, I'll give it my all!"

"Good."

Time slowly passed, and night gradually fell.

All the spotlights around the stage had lit up at some point.

Because of a giveaway campaign for prize coupons, the open-air stage was packed with people. A sea of heads stretched as far as the eye could see.

This kind of turnout far exceeded their music festival debut.

"Ten minutes left. Just ten minutes. Kesshoku Band, please get ready to go on stage."

A staff member relayed instructions from their earpiece to Chisato and the others waiting backstage.

"Got it."

Chisato turned around and saw Hitori tracing the kanji for "person" on her palm and swallowing it for good luck, and Seika and Ikuyo nervously rubbing their hands or pacing in place.

Only Ryo remained completely unfazed, still munching on a chocolate banana she'd somehow procured.

Chisato was just about to say something when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked it quickly and slipped it back in.

"Everyone, good luck out there. I'll see you after."

"Wait! Chisato-kun, where are you going? Aren't you staying with us until the last moment?"

"No need for that. I believe in you. I'm heading down to the audience to watch your performance from a fan's perspective. Go all out and enjoy your moment on stage."

"Sure, but take lots of good photos! We'll need them for social media later."

Ryo waved him off casually.

Chisato gave an "OK" gesture and vanished backstage.

But instead of heading to the audience area, he jogged off while checking his phone several times, eventually arriving at a street not far from the stage.

He spotted the couple he'd met that morning and approached them, bowing slightly in greeting.

…

[Two minutes remaining.]

[Final performers wrapping up. Countdown: thirty seconds. Emcee, stand by. Next performers, standby.]

[Lighting check, all clear.]

[PA system ready.]

Every department was busy but orderly, and thanks to their efforts, the performances had gone smoothly so far.

Kesshoku Band stood at the stage entrance, clapping their hands together for a final boost of energy.

[Kesshoku Band, countdown to stage entrance—ten… nine… eight…]

[Three.]

[Two.]

[…]

"Let's go!"

As the stage lights dimmed on purpose, Kesshoku Band made their entrance—and in that instant, dazzling lights exploded across the stage.

"Nice to meet you, everyone. We are the Kesshoku Band."

"Everyone! Are you having fun at the festival?!"

Ikuyo, full of her signature charm and energy, did her best to hype up the audience.

The crowd's response wasn't overwhelming, but even so, a few people smiled, clapped, and cheered in reply.

Unlike the music festival, the summer event had a packed program, including performances by well-known singers, comedy acts, traditional street dances, and even a choir of children from a nearby welfare facility. 

As such, Kesshoku Band was only given five to six minutes to perform.

With time that tight, aside from the introduction and crowd engagement, they had room for just one song.

But that was enough.

"This is what you call the path your daughter is determined to walk? I don't see her brimming with joy—I see her looking nervous and uneasy on stage."

"Mr. Kita, this is only the beginning. Please watch until the end. I'm sure you'll understand her resolve."

From the side of the stage, in a staff-only area, Chisato stood with the couple.

"Well then, without further ado, we dedicate this song to everyone here. We hope it gives you a joyful and unforgettable summer memory."

"This song is called—Zankyo Sanka!"

With her in-ear monitors in place and following the countdown from stage direction, Ikuyo gave her intro. 

Then, smiling brightly, Nijika struck her drumsticks together.

A catchy intro burst to life.

At that moment, several kilometers behind the stage, fireworks shot into the sky and burst in sync with the music, showering the night with vivid petals of light.

♪ "A phantom flower blooming from one's sleeve—"

♩ "Love falls and lingers only here—"

♫ "Like melting vivid colors in brilliance—"

Chisato glanced at the stunned couple beside him and smiled faintly.

At this moment, the grand symphony had begun.

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

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