Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093075629868223/episodes/16818792438379267337
―――One week ago.
“I’m thinking of starting a band.”
I said that in our living room.
It was past seven, but the approaching summer kept the room faintly bright.
My sister was running late for her university club activities, and my parents were also working their usual night shift.
Instead, sitting in the living room was―――
“Huh? Tsu-kun, you’re going to start a band!?”
Yuzuki, dressed in her loungewear, lit up with excitement.
The word “band” seemed to spark her curiosity.
“Yeah, yeah! Tsu-kun finally decided to start a band… After all, what’s a cultural festival without a band! Performing solo rock in front of everyone is what makes it a cultural festival!”
If it’s just about playing solo rock, I’ll probably be the only one on stage.
“But why now? If you don’t start practicing sooner, I doubt you’ll even be able to play one song properly by then…”
“Well, there were various reasons, Yuzuki-san.”
Meanwhile, Shiori-san sits in a chair in front of the living room, sipping her after-dinner coffee.
It felt a bit unusual to see her here at this hour. Apparently, she was planning to stay over at Yuzuki’s place afterward.
“Honestly, I think the band’s skill level is secondary.”
“Huh? But it’s a band!?”
“For me, the reason to do a band as a solo act is ‘to gather people’.”
At my words, Yuzuki tilted her head cutely.
“If you’re not good, won’t people stop coming…?”
True, at first, just the word ‘band’ might draw a small crowd.
But if the skill doesn’t match, it’s obvious the audience will gradually dwindle.
However—
“With Yuzuki and Shiori’s visuals, drawing a crowd is guaranteed.”
“Whoa, now I’m being lumped into the idol category sold purely on looks.”
By the way, I’m useless.
“Let me be clear! Even if we start practicing now, we won’t be able to play anything decent!!!!”
“I know that, but the person who suggested this is saying that!?”
“That’s why I think skill isn’t really the issue!”
“Now what am I supposed to say to that!?”
It really can’t be helped. Time is time.
I know I’m relying heavily on others and walking a dangerous tightrope.
“Each individual performance slot is fifteen minutes. If you want to do various things within that time, two songs is the limit. Conversely, that means as long as you can play two songs satisfactorily, it’ll be fine.”
Two songs… well, if I really push myself, I should be able to manage.
If it’s somewhat shaped up, I should be able to cover it up with the vibe of the moment.
Of course, I’ll need the resolve to firmly refuse any requests for an encore.
“Beyond that, pick songs that are as current as possible and easy to play.”
“Worst case, there’s always the option of an air band.”
“Hmm… I’d rather avoid that if possible. This time, it’s about demonstrating the basis for my argument.”
Ideally, I’d like to decide today, using the time for practice too.
But if we do that, song selection becomes quite a…
“…Hey, Tsukkun?”
As I was racking my brain, a glare suddenly pierced me from the sofa.
“What’s up?”
“What’s up? Well… I’m not really following the conversation right now.”
Damn.
Now that she mentioned it, I hadn’t properly explained things to Yuzuki.
Maybe I was a bit flustered, but I’d completely forgotten. Just as I was feeling bad about that—
“…Is this… for Ku-chan?”
“W-well… yeah, that’s part of it.”
“Alright, then that’s fine!”
Way too straightforward.
I was planning to explain properly, but she accepted it before I could.
As I found that strange, Yuzuki flashed a small smile and said,
“I decided to leave Kuu-chan to you, Tsukkun. I promised I’d do anything for you, after all.”
“……………”
“I’m not as perceptive as Shi-chan-senpai, but I think it’ll be fine if I leave it to you, Tsukkun.”
…Even though she didn’t seem very confident or certain herself.
Hearing that, strangely enough, my chest felt warm.
“Hehe, I should have sat next to you and said something like that too.”
“This method is my exclusive patent!”
Somehow, in that moment, sparks seemed to fly between the two of them.
It struck me as odd, but I turned back to them and stated my goal.
“Our goal this time is to gather as many customers as possible.”
“Yeah!”
“As long as you bring in the customers… I’ll handle the rest.”
“To do that, we first need to invite Kurisu-san to the cultural festival.”
I’ll contact her about that properly later.
I don’t know if she’ll come… but I have no choice but to believe she will.
(I won’t let her ever say she won’t see me again)
―――It’s impossible for me to stop seeing Kirishima.
Precisely because it’s impossible, all that’s left is for Kirishima to believe it too.
“After this is over… shall the four of us go around the festival together?”
“Oh, that sounds great!”
“Hehe, suddenly I’m really looking forward to it.”
There’s anxiety, no time, and no guarantee of success.
But we have no choice but to try.
One more week… At the festival, I’ll save Kirishima―――
“Hey, by the way, Bocchi Rock is a four-piece, right…?”
“Don’t be so selfish.”
Who in their right mind would agree to join us now, when we’re completely swamped with festival prep? Seriously.
“But, us three can’t sing very well, right?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
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