461: Everyone is Happy

The intense drumming and deep bass reverberated around, as the performance of the band on stage continued.

All the audience in attendance were captivated by the performance before them.

In the middle of the performance, some people had already started to tap to the rhythm, nodding their heads and cheering, with the lively atmosphere of the festival reaching a climax.

Everything was under control, with no issues arising; today's performance could be called perfect.

Especially the lead singer on stage, who sang with a light and bright voice, paired with cheerful dance moves that had not been rehearsed, fully immersing herself in the lively atmosphere.

Chisato did not forget the request given to him before the band took the stage. 

He turned on his phone's camera mode, focusing on the stage, but for most of the time, his gaze was on the couple beside him.

He watched as their expressions shifted from indifference at the start to a surprising, almost unbelievable reaction—one person covering their mouth in disbelief, the other showing a satisfied expression.

From this, he could roughly conclude what had happened.

Earlier in the afternoon, he had secretly taken Seika to Ikuyo's house, without the knowledge of the other members of the band…

To be more precise, he had done so without informing Ikuyo, and had suddenly visited to speak certain words and make some promises.

Although this had been somewhat impulsive after learning of Ikuyo's troubles, and not well thought out,

At least from what he could observe now, everything seemed worthwhile.

After all, as an outsider, his verbal persuasion was limited, and although he promised Ikuyo to help resolve the obstacles she faced with her parents, ultimately, this was a matter that should be resolved between parents and children. 

He could only mediate.

The performance on stage was nearing its end.

As the lead singer finished singing, the drummer gave a final intense beat, with the guitar and bass following suit, strumming their strings with power.

Suddenly, a burst of bright, smokeless fireworks erupted in front of the stage, illuminating the excited faces of the crowd, and sparking another wave of cheers from the audience.

"Thank you, everyone!"

After the song ended, Ikuyo's voice remained bright as she loudly thanked the audience, bowing ninety degrees, pausing for a long time.

Respecting and thanking the audience who supported them was one reason, but another was that she wanted to take this short moment to adjust her emotions.

Before joining the band, she never thought of herself as the kind of girl who would cry easily.

But after joining, although she performed on stage more often, she couldn't always control her emotions as she wished.

After every successful performance, seeing the satisfied faces of the audience below, she couldn't help but feel a slight soreness in her nose, which was hard to suppress.

However, this overjoyed satisfaction wasn't necessarily a bad thing, so she didn't mind too much.

In the fervent atmosphere, the host came on stage and, due to the somewhat overactive excitement, added two extra minutes to introduce the members of the band.

Ikuyo, still excited, found a moment to sing along with Nijika, while also promoting the band's public account.

Afterward, due to the tight schedule and other performers waiting backstage, even though the passionate audience shouted "One more song!" and similar requests, the host had no choice but to ignore them.

The band successfully completed their mission for the day and exited the stage from the side.

Backstage, they saw Seika and Chisato waiting with smiles. They quickly walked over and high-fived them in celebration.

"You did great."

Given Seika's usual proud and slightly spoiled personality, hearing these words could be considered the highest form of praise.

The band members exchanged smiles after looking at each other.

"Do we have anything else to do next?"

In response to Ryo's question, Chisato nodded,

"The organizers have booked a hotel banquet hall, and there will be a late-night snack later as a celebration after the festival. It's not mandatory, so if you don't want to go, that's fine."

Ryo looked at the others,

"What do you think?"

"Skip it."

Nijika raised her hand.

"I second that."

Ikuyo agreed with the captain's idea.

A crowded and noisy environment couldn't possibly be more interesting than strolling around the festival with everyone.

"I'm in the same boat, so give us some money for shopping, President."

Ryo extended her hands toward Chisato, who had become increasingly open about asking for money.

The three of them had the same idea, and as for Hitori, whether she spoke up or not didn't matter.

However, she didn't mind. As long as she could stay with everyone, especially Chisato, she didn't care how things were arranged, as long as she could call her parents and let them know in advance so they wouldn't worry.

Chisato took out his wallet. This time, he didn't hit Ryo on the head, but instead pulled out a stack of cash, both small and large bills, and handed them to her.

He had anticipated that after the performance, they would all want to wander around nearby, so he had already exchanged money earlier.

"Thank you, President. You're so generous. As thanks, I'll have Bocchi-chan serve you tonight."

"No need for that."

Chisato responded, irritated.

"So, should we change clothes now, or…"

"Let's just go. This yukata is really cute. I still want to take more photos with everyone later."

"Good idea! If we see any shops selling or renting yukatas, you two should get one too. It'll make it feel even more festive."

"Great suggestion, please do!"

As high school girls, it was in their nature to enjoy playing, and the successful completion of the performance had boosted their spirits even more.

However, although a bit disappointing, there was still something important to do before that.

"The performance just ended, so sit here and rest for a bit. 

Even if we're not going to the after-party, I still need to go greet the organizers and thank them for their hospitality. Also… Ikuyo, come with me."

"Huh, just me?"

"Yep, just you."

Under Chisato's gesture, although puzzled, Ikuyo trusted him and obediently followed him out of the backstage area.

"What's this about? Why is Chisato asking Ikuyo to go alone?"

Nijika looked at her older sister.

And Seika's answer was simple and to the point,

"Ikuyo's parents are here."

"Ah?"

_______

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

_______

If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!