Although to those below the stage, it was just an outfit that could transform, for the wearer on stage, the moment the zipper came undone, the sense of liberation from being suddenly freed from a constraint was equally unforgettable.
"...So light."
This was Soyo's first feeling after unzipping it.
However, when this lightness transformed into gasps of amazement from the crowd and the looks of relief from Sakiko and Tetsuya in the distance, an indescribable sense of elation welled up in Soyo's heart.
"Sakiko, and Chihaya Tetsuya... this must be what you wanted to say to me, right?"
Looking back at the two of them, Soyo couldn't suppress the smile that spread across her lips.
"This is going to be trouble."
She, who was supposed to be the calmest one at this live, was now the most emotional one on stage.
But, that was fine too.
Because the song that was to follow... required exactly this state of mind.
...
The moment Raana's guitar rang out, a look of stunned disbelief, as if a lifetime had passed, appeared on Sakiko's face.
A familiar melody, an unfamiliar instrument.
The distance of having gone from a performer to a spectator, and the emotional impact of seeing the outfit she had made with her own hands shining on stage.
A multitude of feelings tangled together, making Sakiko feel for a moment as if she were in a dream.
On the other side, ever since Soyo had broken free from those chains that represented her restraints, the usually expressionless Mutsumi finally showed a rare, faint smile.
"Even though she's the bassist... she's still the most dazzling one on stage."
At this, she turned to Sakiko and continued:
"It's thanks to the clothes Sakiko designed."
"..."
Looking at the gradually smiling Soyo, Sakiko felt an indescribable warmth rush to her eyes along with a wave of emotion—
"With this, [CRYCHIC]... should be officially over now."
This memory, which had once belonged to only five people, had now taken on a brand-new form.
And that beauty, which she could once only gaze at from afar, was no longer a treasure belonging only to her. All the regrets, pain, and shadows it had left behind were now gradually melting away, fading and dimming at a visible rate.
This song, which she had once seen as the end of everything, had finally fulfilled its original mission, heralding a brand-new beginning.
With this, whether it was her, the creator of this song, or that fleeting band, they could surely welcome a happy ending—
"...It's not over."
Suddenly, Mutsumi's words brought her feeling of closure to a halt.
"Mutsumi? What do you mean, it's not over—"
"Because all five of us are still here."
Mutsumi said.
"As long as the five of us are here... [CRYCHIC] won't disappear."
Under Sakiko's astonished gaze, Mutsumi spoke in her usual calm tone:
"As long as everyone is here, then [CRYCHIC] and [MyGO!!!!!] will both continue to exist."
"!"
Sakiko understood. Even now, after all the knots in their hearts and misunderstandings had been resolved, her relationships with the members of [CRYCHIC] would still undergo unpredictable changes as they each went through their own different experiences.
But even so, as long as she accepted these changes, then even with different instruments, they would still play that melody she was so familiar with.
If that was the case...
"If we have the chance in the future, let's play Haruhikage together again."
Under Sakiko's gaze, which had at some point become blurry with tears, Mutsumi said:
"Not the [MyGO!!!!!] version, but the one with the piano... the [CRYCHIC] version."
"...Mhm!"
Sakiko wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded forcefully.
"I'll... I'll look forward to that day!"
...
[Cutting through the clouds, sparkling bright]
[The feelings in my heart, filling and overflowing]
[Before I knew it, my cheeks were]
[Warmly, warmly drenched]
[Why is your hand so warm?]
[Hey, please]
[Don't let go of me like this again]
The glimmer that slid from the corner of Sakiko's eye did not escape the notice of the girls on stage.
Whether it was Soyo, whose own eyes were welling up, Taki, who had already started to cry quietly, or Tomori, whose voice was nearly trembling, all of them had finally walked out from under that gray, rainy sky.
You can hear us, can't you? Sakiko, Mutsumi?
Even after a year has passed, even after so many painful things... we are still on this stage, playing Haruhikage.
And not just now... not just for this one live.
Next year, the year after, and even in the distant future, this song will definitely not disappear.
It is still the beginning we can cherish forever, and it will always be the beginning of a lifetime.
And, it will also be the beginning of our [MyGO!!!!!].
...
It was an infectious power that had nothing to do with skill or stage effects.
The audience didn't know why the drummer and bassist on stage had tears in their eyes, nor did they know why the lead singer's voice was suddenly tinged with an inexplicable sob.
But even so, the audience was still drawn into this song.
If you were to ask why—
"This lead singer is 'special'."
Ai, who had been silent since the song began, suddenly whispered:
"That understanding of the song's emotion, and that whole-hearted performance... it transcends vocal technique."
"...Because for her, it's not a performance. It's her truest voice, straight from the heart."
Tetsuya said.
"Just like the song you sang for me just now."
"..."
Ai fell silent again.
The unprecedented high she had felt on stage earlier still puzzled her.
She, who had always performed through acting and careful thought, had never been so dominated by emotion as she was just now.
And yet, even after losing her reason and ability to think, she had still successfully... even exceptionally, completed her performance.
And now, the reason this high school band, which was full of flaws from a professional standpoint, could deliver such a moving performance was probably for the same reason.
"But, if it wasn't for Tetsu's outfits, their state of mind definitely wouldn't have reached this level."
Ai said.
And faced with this blunt critique from Ai, Tetsuya smiled.
"That's true. But the fact is, they are wearing my outfits."
Under Ai's increasingly wary gaze, Tetsuya said:
"And, in the future, they might continue to wear new clothes that I've designed."
"...What do you mean by that, Tetsu?"
"They're playing two songs today. So don't be in such a hurry, Ai."
Tetsuya once again raised his finger, making a shushing motion.
Neither this long day, nor this somewhat special live, was over just yet.