Hachiman Kairin recognized Hotaru from his bass performance days ago.
"You?" she asked, puzzled.
"Mm." Hotaru nodded, explaining, "Sorry, I overheard your call."
Kairin shook her head, unbothered.
Hotaru continued, "I'm a keyboardist, interested in performing."
He showed his keyboard bag.
Kairin's expression shifted slightly.
That worked; the band needed someone.
Curious, she asked, "Your skill?"
"Much better than my bass," Hotaru said.
His keyboard skills, though not pro, were enough for mercenary work.
He wanted stage experience before End Band's live show.
Kairin gave him a drink last time; he liked her.
Better than bass.
Kairin nodded, curious about his keyboard.
"I'll trouble you," she said seriously. "There's pay."
"Alright," Hotaru laughed lightly.
He cared about experience, not pay.
Keyboardist secured.
Now a drummer.
Rikki's face flashed in Kairin's mind.
Should she ask her?
"I can help!" Myamu, at the traffic light, chimed in excitedly.
She overheard Kairin's call and Hotaru's talk.
A live house was perfect for her music venture, plus content and pay.
Rikki's face faded from Kairin's mind.
Kairin, surprised, glanced at Myamu.
Found someone already?
Too coincidental.
Hotaru was surprised too.
"You're a drummer?" he asked.
"Exactly." Myamu lifted her chin proudly.
Kairin, arms folded, pondered.
Myamu, with her selfie stick, seemed less reliable than Hotaru.
Seeing Kairin silent, Myamu nudged Hotaru, "Say something for me, Hotaru-kun."
Kairin looked at Hotaru.
Hotaru spread his hands, "Can't help. Don't know if she drums. Met her today."
"Eh, how could you?" Myamu grumbled. "We climbed a mountain together."
Kairin said, "I'll ask for your help too."
Myamu beamed, glanced triumphantly at Hotaru.
…
En route, they exchanged contacts, bonded.
Learning Kairin worked with over 30 bands, Hotaru and Myamu were shocked, admiring.
Myamu, curious, asked about Kairin's income.
"Only about 10 bands are active," Kairin clarified.
She sent the performance song to Hotaru and Myamu to study.
As Hotaru received it, Myamu asked about pay.
Kairin, calm, said, "A few thousand."
Myamu's eyes sparkled.
…
Shinjuku Ward, "Folt" live house.
Kairin led them in; music filled the air.
Hotaru was surprised.
Hiroi Kikuri's venue?
SICKHACK was the main act, but Kikuri had no authority.
She was sweeping, urged not to slack.
Spotting Hotaru and Kairin, Kikuri saw a chance to loaf.
She greeted them warmly.
Kairin nodded, went to explain to the band.
Kikuri thanked Hotaru, "Thanks to you and that pink-haired girl, I avoided the streets."
Hotaru's lips twitched, recalling her demands—water, hangover cure, blankets, bed.
"Drink less. You were rude," he advised.
"Haha, really?" Kikuri laughed carelessly.
"Here to watch? Stay for SICKHACK's show," she urged confidently.
Hotaru nodded.
After a brief chat, her bandmates dragged her back to work.
Hotaru and Myamu observed the venue.
Punk styles abounded, bolder than Kairin's—vivid hair, leather, metal accessories, black eyeshadow, crimson lips.
Hotaru, in casual clothes, felt out of place.
Folt was more rock than Starry or RiNG.
Myamu, seeing unique scenes, knew she chose right.
Kairin returned, led them backstage to prepare.
------------------------------
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