Saturday evening, a week later
Heavy rain poured, defying the clear forecast.
Starry's basement felt oppressive.
Miss Pa, soaked, hung her umbrella and raincoat, toweling her hair.
Seika sprawled listlessly on the bar counter.
Miss Pa eyed the teru teru bozu above.
Seika, without looking, said, "Nijika and them made it. Doesn't do anything."
Miss Pa nodded, sighed. "With this weather, ticket holders might not come. I hope they're not upset. They practiced so hard."
Seika, voice low, "Bands face tough times. Adjust, overcome."
Miss Pa heard a catch in her voice. "Handkerchief?"
"Go away!" Seika snapped, face hidden, showing worry and guilt.
She'd moved End Band's slot earlier for more exposure, but rain made it a disadvantage.
Few customers now.
Later slots might've avoided this.
Too late to change—unfair to other bands.
Seika glanced at the corner table.
She hoped it wouldn't crush them.
At the table, except Hotaru, the girls were dejected.
Nijika forced a smile, encouraging.
Ryo sprawled, "Let's livestream, treat it as a no-audience show."
Nijika, strained, "Some customers are here."
Hitori, gloomy, liked fewer eyes but knew it hurt End Band's efforts.
Hotaru sighed at Ikuyo's dimmed radiance. "My friends can't come," she said.
"Mine too," Nijika nodded.
"Relax," Hotaru said. "Rehearsal went well. Hitori, you've done street gigs. Nijika, Ryo, coordinate. Ikuyo, sing your heart out. Fewer audience? Fine."
The girls' eyes sparked faintly.
But Hotaru, seeming calmest, was the most nervous, Hitori noted.
"Aki-kun, don't force yourself," Nijika comforted, handing him water like coaxing a child.
"I'm relaxed," Hotaru insisted, taking the glass, exasperated.
What's this situation?
He gave up, waiting for the stage.
Messages from the Light Music Club arrived.
Kotobuki's driver brought them, nearly there.
Hotaru led Yui, Tsumugi, Mio, and Ritsu into Starry.
Despite the rain, they smiled, lifting the gloom.
Yui, excited, "Aki-kun, a livehouse! I want to perform!"
"You'll get a chance," Hotaru said.
Tsumugi observed curiously, Mio and Ritsu calmer, experienced.
Hotaru seated them.
Seika teased, "No male friends?"
"Cough!" Hotaru cleared his throat. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"The rain's bad… Bocchi-chan, I'm here!" Hiroi Kikuri's cheery voice came.
Hitori, surprised, "Drunkard Onee-san…"
"Here for Bocchi?" Seika, with a broom, asked.
"Yay!" Kikuri made a peace sign, hooked Seika's neck. "Senpai, celebration party tonight, right? Booked the pub?"
"Let go!" Seika snapped. "You reek."
"I know a great place!"
"You're soaked."
More arrived.
"Hitori, we're here for you," Fan A and B, her university fans, said.
"You came!" Hitori nearly cried.
"Of course, we're your fans," Fan A said.
"Hope your show blows the rain away," Fan B added.
Hitori's fans boosted morale.
Ikuyo and Nijika felt disheartened—plastic friends?
…
Soyo's home
Soyo eyed the rain, annoyed but relaxed, anticipating.
Recovered, her mood lifted from Hotaru and Mutsumi's visit.
Dressed, lightly made-up, bag in hand, she glanced at her bass.
Just watching, no need.
Rain unrelenting, she muttered, "Taxi it is."
She chose strappy heels, avoiding socks to stay dry, toes and heels gleaming.
Ready, her lips curved.
Doorbell rang, commotion outside.
"Mom?" Soyo murmured.
"Soyo, Mom's home. Open the door."
Soyo rushed, pouting, "Why no heads-up?"
Joy lit her face.
"Missed last week, so surprise!" her mother said, gentle, not the businesswoman.
Noticing Soyo's outfit, "Going out?"
"To a live show," Soyo nodded.
"In this weather?"
"Hmm…"
"Live show…" Her mother nodded, recalling Soyo's old band. Disbanded?
Rare for Soyo to mention music.
"I'll drive you," she smiled warmly.
"No, Mom works hard. Rare you're back," Soyo hesitated, torn.
Stay with Mom? Apologize to Hotaru later. Dinner daily to make up.
Mom was priority.
Smiling, "I don't want to go. Staying home."
Her mother, understanding, chuckled, "Don't worry about me."
Soyo hugged her arm, leading her in, "Let's stay together."
"Miss one show, I'll catch another. My friend won't mind," Soyo said firmly.
"He?" Her mother's playful smile appeared.
Soyo blushed, tilting her head. "Just a friend, don't misunderstand."
"Let me take you," her mother insisted, curious, concerned.
Despite her own failed marriage, she wouldn't block Soyo's dating, but vetting was needed.
"No need."
"Let's go."
The more her mother pushed, the more Soyo wanted to stay.
"I'll take you next time," Soyo said, grabbing her mother's bag. "Shower, change. I'll cook!"
"Soyo, don't push."
"I want to see the show too."
Soyo doubled down. "Next time."
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