Not even Uika had expected that the moment the lights came on, the sign patterns formed by the street graffiti would become so brilliant and conspicuous.
It was only after hearing the audience mention the reflective material that she finally realized the seemingly simple outfits held such an ingenious secret.
"They even used a reflective finish? What an interesting design..."
Listening to the waves of gasps from the audience, Uika couldn't help but glance in Tetsuya's direction.
When she saw the figure hugging his arm tightly, she frowned imperceptibly.
(...This will be no laughing matter if someone finds out.)
Thinking this, she immediately turned her gaze to Soyo.
And as expected, Soyo had also noticed what was happening in the back row and was looking back at her, as if asking whether they should start the performance now.
Unfortunately, compared to the other girls who lacked stage experience, only the two of them had managed to collect themselves. The other four, having never faced such an enthusiastic crowd before, were all frozen in a state of shock.
"...As I thought, they can't handle it?"
Seeing this, Uika couldn't help but shake her head slightly.
For a performer, seizing the right moment to start is an extremely important lesson. Right now, the audience's anticipation and enthusiasm had been completely ignited by the outfits Tetsuya designed. For these stage newcomers, who relied on external factors like atmosphere and costumes, this was the absolute best time to begin.
However, not only had these newcomers failed to notice this, they were instead dazed by the audience's cheers and the excellence of their outfits.
Looks like I can't count on them after all...
Just as Uika picked up the microphone, intending to continue controlling the crowd as the MC, Soyo spoke first:
"We... are a band that should have never come together."
This completely unexpected opening line instantly silenced the noisy crowd below. It also snapped the other dazed members back to their senses—
"We have each experienced different failures. We came from different mindsets, with different goals, and formed this band."
"Even though we're standing on the same stage right now, our hearts and minds are probably still not in unison."
As she spoke, the road sign patterns on their outfits once again caught the audience's attention.
"Turn left, turn right, no entry, u-turn. Like lost children, we stumbled forward, each in our own different direction."
"But even so, ahead of these seemingly unconnected paths... there is a place that, for a brief moment, can hold all of our thoughts and feelings."
"We are lost souls, gathered here by a series of chance encounters."
"And the one who guided us here... is right in front of us."
As she spoke, Soyo placed her hand on the zipper on her chest.
"We are the new band, [MyGO!!!!!]. Our next song is... Haruhikage."
...
Before this, only Soyo's outfit was different from the others.
The other four had clear road signs on their outfits, while Soyo's pattern looked like a generic street-style design, with the graffiti not forming any particular shape.
However, the moment Soyo gently pulled down the zipper, the outfit underwent a change that no one could have anticipated.
The outermost jacket suddenly split apart. The top half draped over her shoulders like a cape, while the bottom half directly became the hem of the outfit.
And at the same time, after the jacket had undergone such a complete transformation, the inner lining that had been hidden was finally revealed.
It was only in the instant that the pattern on the inner lining and the pattern on the transformed jacket were displayed together that everyone finally understood what the true design of the outfit was—
"It's the 'Go Straight' sign!"
"That's right! All the other directions were there, but we hadn't seen a 'Go Straight' one!"
"So that's it, that girl represents going straight ahead!"
"What an interesting outfit!"
This sudden change elicited different reactions from everyone.
"That's right, it's 'Go Straight'. The simplest... but also the most important sign."
As the person who had been looking forward to this moment ever since seeing the design sketch, Tetsuya smiled as he looked at Soyo on stage.
"Although the Nagasaki-san from the beginning was indeed the most lost one in this band, after she reconciled with the guide she once held most dear... she will no longer lose her way."
"What do you think, seeing your own outfit on stage for real?"
Tetsuya asked, turning to Sakiko.
"...Soyo has already said everything I wanted to say."
Sakiko, however, kept her eyes fixed on Soyo on the stage, murmuring in an almost dazed tone:
"Because of my and Chihaya-nii's outfits, Soyo... is now the most dazzling person on this stage."
"Mhm, that's how it is."
Feeling the embrace on his other side tighten, Tetsuya then turned his gaze to Ai.
"I'm really happy... that you were willing to wear that outfit to perform today."
"..."
Ai was silent for a moment before replying:
"But the meaning that outfit is trying to convey... I have no intention of accepting it."
"...That's fine."
Tetsuya just shook his head.
"That outfit only represented my misunderstanding and thoughts at that moment. After seeing you in person, my thoughts have also changed."
"!!!"
Hearing these words, an unparalleled look of joy bloomed on Ai's face.
"Tetsu... you're not going to reject me anymore?"
"I told you, didn't I? Before we talk business, let's finish watching this live."
Tetsuya shook his head slightly, then turned his gaze back to the stage.
On the other side, having received this "guarantee" from Tetsuya, Ai gave up her rush to get a result.
('My thoughts have changed after seeing you in person'... that must mean he's not going to reject me anymore, right?)
Gazing at his calm side profile, Ai thought to herself.
(If that's the case, then today, or rather, after the live is over... could we perhaps...)
Amidst anticipation, joy, and a slight touch of impatience, Ai slightly loosened her embrace.
And at the same time, the first live of [MyGO!!!!!] began.