Starry, Saturday evening
Rain poured, dampening the sparse crowd's spirits.
Audience murmurs:
"End Band? Who?"
"Not interested."
"Came too early."
"Hope rain stops soon."
Backstage
End Band peeked at the lackluster audience.
Hitori trembled, nervous. Ikuyo's confidence wavered.
Hotaru patted their shoulders, whispered, "Hitori, it's a street gig. Ikuyo, it's karaoke. I'm behind you; I've got any issues."
They nodded, steadier.
Nijika, puzzled, "What're you talking about?"
"Need encouragement?" Hotaru teased.
"Eh?" Nijika startled.
"I'm confident in you and Ryo," Hotaru said.
"Such pressure!" Nijika replied.
Time's up.
On stage
End Band wore matching black "End Band" T-shirts with designs.
Ikuyo centered, Hitori left, Ryo right, Hotaru and Nijika behind.
Ikuyo smiled, "Nice to meet you, we're End Band. Thanks for braving the rain."
Only Light Music Club, Hitori's fans, Seika, Kikuri, PA-san, and Yamato Love Nika watched—mostly their own.
Casual audience stared at phones, waiting for preferred bands.
Nijika laughed awkwardly, "Kita, less formal…"
A few audience chuckles, but the vibe stayed cold.
Ikuyo, strained, "Our first original, 'Guitar and Loneliness and Blue Planet.'"
Instruments played. Ikuyo sang:
"Sudden downpour, no umbrella, annoying."
"Don't care about the sky's mood."
"What to wear for changing seasons?"
Lyrics matched the weather, but phones held focus.
Yui pouted to Mio and Ritsu, "Why all on phones?"
"Some only care for their bands. Bad weather sours moods," Mio and Ritsu sighed.
"Boring music," Yamato Love Nika said calmly.
Hotaru noticed flaws: Nijika's drumming lagged, Ikuyo's voice trembled, missing rehearsal marks. Ryo didn't sync. Hitori played mechanically, eyes on strings.
Worse than rehearsal.
Hitori reflected, Did I try? No.
Hotaru's keyboard surged, notes vibrant, less elegant, nearly disruptive.
Audience thought he erred.
He was rousing End Band.
Hitori's eyes sharpened, stomping into Guitar Hero mode.
Her pick blurred, fierce strings jolting phone-gazers.
A great keyboardist carries a band; a great guitarist shifts momentum.
Nijika and Ryo adjusted, syncing.
Ryo faced the band, no longer lost in her world.
Ikuyo's voice steadied, sunny and heartfelt.
The song stirred hearts.
Audience noticed the shift,放下 phones, praised:
"Not bad, better than expected."
"Interesting lyrics, music."
"Sunny girl, melancholic songs—unique."
"That keyboardist's from the viral video."
"Cool guy… music."
Light Music Club and Seika smiled at the turnaround.
"I just want to be, anyone will do."
"Foolish me sings."
"Pour it to the stars."
First song ended, rocky start overcome, hooking the crowd.
Ikuyo, confident, laughed, "Next original, 'That Band!'"
Her voice soared, emotional:
"That band's song, high-pitched laughter."
"Like a railroad crossing's pierce."
"Deep in my chest, my heartbeat."
"Don't want to hear anything else."
"Only my sound."
Second song ended, stage buzzing.
Rain stopped; more audience entered.
Ikuyo, flushed, excited, "Last song! 'Youth Syndrome.'"
"Liked dark, cramped places, in the hood."
"Eyes resenting the world, yearning for love."
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