Backstage, preparations were complete.
The band, down to a female vocalist and guitarist, beamed at Kairin's success in finding substitutes.
Kairin was reliable.
Myamu, without her drum kit, would use the venue's spare.
As one band's performance ended, the makeshift trio's turn came.
The show began.
The audience initially felt nothing special—popular songs, an obscure band, new faces.
But soon, they sensed something extraordinary.
Skilled lead guitar!
Explosive drums, shaking the stage.
Powerful bass, driving the rhythm.
Passionate keyboard, notes soaring, harmonizing with drums, bass, guitar.
Instruments blended into a magnificent symphony, captivating the crowd.
An auditory feast!
Hotaru and Kairin were quietly amazed.
They'd underestimated Myamu.
Her intricate drum patterns were flawless.
Ambidextrous.
Myamu felt their gazes, played harder.
Hmph, underestimating Myamu?
She planned a trick: tell fans she just started drumming, a genius mastering it in 100 days.
In truth, a veteran.
The lead vocalist and guitarist, the band's core, seemed outshone.
But flaws didn't dim the brilliance.
Hotaru, Kairin, and Myamu's perfect synergy made singing almost enough.
…
The song ended, instruments faded.
Applause and cheers erupted.
A bottle flew randomly.
"Performed with Hachiman Kairin, Music Notes +2000."
"Performed with Yutenji Nyomu, Music Notes +2000."
Hotaru smiled, pleased by the rewards and the performance.
Stage gigs outdid rehearsal practice.
Reasonable.
Kairin brought water, said earnestly, "Thanks, payment later."
Hotaru, cheerful, said, "Pleasure working with you; great performance."
Kairin smiled faintly.
Hotaru's keyboard exceeded her expectations, complementing her bass perfectly.
First-time stage chemistry was incredible.
Myamu, checking her video, was satisfied, perfect for posting.
Worthwhile trip.
She showed off, "Look at my video."
"Can't film casually here," Hotaru reminded.
Kairin nodded; it was restricted.
"Don't worry!" Myamu waved, "I asked the manager, only filmed us."
Hotaru wondered when she asked.
Myamu joked, "Why not form a band?"
A casual remark to fit the mood.
Despite the great performance, Myamu preferred video-making, selling goods.
Occasional gig money tempted her.
Kairin's breath caught.
The idea of joining them crossed her mind, surprising her.
Never considered after 30 bands.
Could Hotaru and Myamu be her home?
Rikki's face flashed again.
Kairin hesitated.
Hotaru smiled, "I have a band; you saw today."
"Oh, forgot," Myamu laughed.
"Just kidding! Don't take it seriously," she told them.
Kairin glanced at Hotaru, replied softly, "Mm."
"Are you okay showing your faces? I want to post," Myamu pleaded, hands clasped.
She eyed Hotaru, recalling his morning video deletion.
"If not, I'll pixelate or add avatars."
Hotaru laughed, "Sounds like you're posting no matter what."
"I'm asking! If you disagree, I won't. Myamu's law-abiding," she insisted.
"Law-abiding?" Hotaru teased.
"No prejudice," Myamu retorted.
Hotaru said, "No objections."
Kairin nodded, "Me too."
Myamu beamed, "Thanks!"
Hotaru asked, "What's in it for Kairin and me?"
"Eh?" Myamu looked confused.
"Money share?" Hotaru pressed.
"Eh!?" Myamu panicked.
Kairin, amused, crossed her arms.
Myamu, pitiful, said, "I can't pay rent, I'll eat grass."
Hotaru and Kairin stayed silent, staring.
"Don't look like that!"
They softened, let her off.
"Qiu Zi and Hai Zi are the best, not caring about my money," Myamu smiled.
Hotaru groaned, "Weird nicknames."
"'-ko' is cute," Myamu tilted her head.
"So, Myamu-ko?" Hotaru asked.
"I'm Myamu!"
Kairin: "Why're you different?"
"Follow me again?" Myamu blinked, showing her QR code.
"You're… something," Hotaru muttered.
"Watch my video!" Myamu argued.
Fair point.
Hotaru and Kairin scanned her QR code, followed her.
…
After SICKHACK's show, Hotaru and Myamu bid Kairin goodbye.
They parted at a donut shop fork.
Hotaru returned to his apartment building.
A familiar figure stood at the intercom.
He was surprised.
Wakaba Mutsumi.
------------------------------
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