Seika's critique at End Band's rehearsal
"Not bad," Seika said, but her tone shifted. "Though I'd like to praise you…"
Her gaze fixed on the stage, merciless: "Drummer, shoulders too tense. Guitarists, too focused on strings. Bassist, lost in your world."
Seika, arms crossed, evaluated.
The girls' faces fell, fearing failure.
"Keyboard…" Seika faltered, eyeing Hotaru. No issues.
Her cheeks reddened, losing face, she turned away, sipped water. "Cough, thirsty."
End Band stayed silent, not calling her out.
Miss Pa smiled knowingly.
Seika glanced at Hotaru, most satisfied with him.
If her old band had a keyboardist like him… No, too painful to recall.
Still, not perfect. "Keyboard's good, but too elegant. Rock band, not a piano contest."
Hotaru nodded humbly. His piano roots showed despite efforts.
Seika's experience shone through her tsundere facade.
"Your band has a unique style," she said, avoiding their eyes.
"Thanks for the advice," Nijika said, disappointed.
Seika's indifference suggested failure.
Hitori feared End Band's end. Street gigs with Hotaru boosted her confidence, but she still looked down at her strings—Hotaru wasn't beside her, reducing her security.
Ryo stared silently at her bass.
Hotaru clarified loudly, "Cheer up, we passed!"
Seika was too subtle.
"Really?" Nijika asked, unsure.
Miss Pa confirmed, "Hoshika crossed out 'pending'~"
"Fast!" the girls exclaimed, joy replacing disappointment.
Seika pouted, "Wasn't I clear?"
"Cryptic!" Nijika yelled, waving drumsticks.
"I knew we'd pass," Ryo said calmly.
"Armchair general," Nijika shot back.
"Great, Gotou-san! We passed!" Ikuyo hugged Hitori.
"Pa-passed…" Hitori chuckled, then vomited from Ikuyo's embrace.
"Clean up before leaving," Seika said, pulling Miss Pa to work.
Post-rehearsal
Ikuyo waved her phone at Hotaru, smiling, "We saw the video!"
Myamu's viral performance with Hotaru and Kairin.
"You're famous! Everyone's asking your band!" Ikuyo's eyes sparkled, probing for details.
What happened with Myamu after parting?
Nijika hesitated, "I… saw it too."
The video's performers outshone End Band, raising her doubts. Could they match that?
Hitori panicked, fearing Hotaru found a better band. My guitar's not even good. My fault, 6д9!
Ryo eyed the video's bassist, thoughtful. She'd commented on Myamu's post.
Hotaru explained, "Myamu and I were guest musicians. No juicy story."
"Eh, that's it?" Ikuyo pouted.
"What else?" Hotaru rolled his eyes.
Nijika and Hitori sighed in relief—just guests.
"You gave your first live to others," Ryo accused.
"Not that serious! End Band's first was already done," Hotaru said, referencing Nijika, Ryo, and Hitori's prior flop.
"I have the recording," Hotaru said.
"When'd you record it?" Nijika asked, shocked.
"I want to see Ryo-senpai!" Ikuyo said.
Hotaru played it; the trio cringed at their failure.
Nijika rallied, "This time, five-person End Band will nail it!"
All nodded.
Ticket quota discussion
"Ticket quota: 20, so 4 each," Nijika said, distributing tickets.
"Tickets?!" Hitori gasped.
"We're unknown, so we cover some ourselves," Nijika smiled. "Sell to friends, like Ryo and I did."
Nijika realized Hitori had no friends.
Hitori's eyes spun, dizzy. My only friends are bandmates.
Ikuyo beamed, "I'll get all my classmates!"
Hotaru, distressed, held four tickets. Light Music Club would take them, but he promised Soyo.
"Not enough tickets," he sighed.
Nijika, concerned, "Can't sell them?"
"No, need more!" Hotaru said.
He looked at Hitori. "Bocchi-chan, sell me one?"
Hitori nodded eagerly, leaving her with three.
Hotaru suggested, "Sell to your fans and that drunkard."
Hitori, with their contacts from street gigs, lit up but froze—she couldn't ask for money.
Hotaru chuckled; Hitori had to face this herself.
------------------------------
Thank you for enjoying my stories! If you want to go further and support my work,
Patreon is the best way to do it — many of the newest chapters will be posted there!
👉 pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ
💖