Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

But I also know the need to keep my distance.

Coupled with the band's relationship, there is no way to escape.

and--

Of course, Toyokawa Shoko will not attend tomorrow's practice.

Although to some extent, such things don't matter. With him around, perhaps everything can still be maintained as usual.

but……

Iruma Hibiki is afraid of getting along with Nagasaki Soyo at this moment.

What's up? Mu?

Just like at this moment, Iruma Hibiki quickly interrupted Wakaba Mu's chat and responded.

【Auspicious things.】

When seeing the news about Wakaba Mu, Iruma Hibiki was slightly shocked.

[Mu, didn't you say you wanted to keep it a secret? ]

【Um. 】

Wakaba Mu admitted it.

Yes, this part was not misremembered because of his recent late nights and irregular lifestyle.

But it is the genuine article, as Ruo Yemu once said.

Said——

【Xiang won’t let me say it.】

This is a bit pitiful, being caught in the middle and having to keep it secret.

why?

What if Ye Mu suddenly changed his mind?

【I want to tell Xiang.】

[Wait, if Xiangzi finds out, you'll be hated and become a snitch. Is that okay?]

Now it was Hibiki Iruma's turn to reject Mutsushi Wakaba.

after all--

If you really want to know Toyokawa Shoko's family background, Iruma Hibiki actually has other ways.

There is no need for Ruoye Mu to be the bad guy in this.

He can rely on his father.

You choose the truth and you bear the consequences.

The reason why he didn't ask his father was actually very simple.

Probably--

He didn't want to do anything that went against Toyokawa Shoko's ideas.

He would not touch the secrets that Toyokawa Shoko did not want him to know. He only hoped that he could be Shoko's support, hug her fragility, and give her courage until the day she was willing to tell it.

Iruma Hibiki prides herself on having such gentleness and broad-mindedness.

After all, he also has a past that he can never tell anyone about.

He could empathize with that feeling.

He still has Nagasaki Motoyo, who knows some of his past.

And what about Toyokawa Shoko?

【It doesn't matter. 】

Wakaba Mu's reply came quickly.

【Xiang, do you want to listen? 】

【Mu...】

Iruma Hibiki was shocked at the moment when he saw Wakaba Mutsu.

Probably a little bit overwhelmed.

01 I prefer Kasuga Shadow

"Let's stop here for today's rehearsal."

After Shiina Riki's words, the rehearsal ended. Everyone was in good spirits today, and there was a hint of anticipation. The news of Iruma Hibiki's return finally washed away some of the loss and distress brought about by Toyokawa Shoko's absence.

At least for Shiina Riki——

If there really is a comparison.

Then the position of that annoying guy Toyokawa Shoko in her mind would probably be ranked after Paramecium.

The fact that Iruma Hibiki was coming back was enough for her to look forward to.

The same is true for Takamatsu Touma.

Today, a rare look of joy appeared on her face.

In fact, she was the first person to know that Hibiki Iruma had returned, because Hibiki Iruma updated the fairy tale he had shown her on the plane.

She really liked the story of SpongeBob and Patrick that we told her today. Squidward, who was jealous of SpongeBob and smashed things around, ended up creating a great sculpture. It was as if—

It was like she was talking about herself.

She also envied others and wanted to be human.

Later, after meeting Toyokawa Shoko and Iruma Hibiki, he went "crazy" and brave for once, and finally created the current Kasuga Shadow.

Although there have been twists and turns.

but--

Takamatsu Deng felt as if the things he could rely on had returned to him.

"Aren't you going to continue?"

So she asked this at the end.

"Deng, everyone's exhausted today, so it's best to stop here. If we try too hard today, it'll be bad if Hibiki doesn't show up in top form tomorrow."

Nagasaki Suyo gently came to Takamatsu Deng and soothed her restless mood.

"Yep……"

Shiina Riki nodded and agreed to Nagasaki Suyo's words.

"Deng's performance today was amazing..."

Then she clumsily praised Takamatsu Deng.

"Speaking of which, Lixi, the corners of your eyes are a little red today? Did something happen?"

Nagasaki Suyo actually noticed it at the beginning, but just never mentioned it.

【The rehearsal is over.】

Behind them, Wakaba Mu was chatting with Iruma Xiang on his cell phone with his back to them.

During the previous break, the topic about Toyokawa Shoko was still going on.

"No, it's nothing..."

Shiina Riki avoided Nagasaki Suyo's questioning.

"Are you crying because of your lover?"

But she didn't expect that after her response, Nagasaki Suyo suddenly asked another question.

"Aha?"

Naturally, the topic of "lovers" caused Shiina Riki to ask a question in return.

"Lixi, I have a lover..."

Now, even Takamatsu Deng was attracted by the current topic.

As far as she knew, she only knew that Hibiki Iruma and Shoko Toyokawa were lovers.

That day, when the three of them went to the planetarium together, the atmosphere made Takamatsu Deng feel as safe as at home.

So, Takamatsu Deng has some strange expectations about things like [romance].

Not to yourself.

But to others.

"No, no! I haven't talked about it yet..."

Shiina Riki quickly blew himself up.

His face was as red as a boiled prawn.

"And why are we talking about this here? It's so weird!"

Then she used her signature anger to cover up her inner anxiety, as if she was a hedgehog that was frightened and raised its sharp spines. While shivering in the corner, she tried her best to show her powerlessness.

"Because I'm really worried about Lixi. If something unexpected happens to Lixi, we'll be missing a very important drummer, right?"

Nagasaki Suyo chuckled.

Then she spoke in a sweet and gentle voice.

"..."

Obviously, such a conversation would be a sure-win for Shiina Riki.

[Very important]

The moment this word appeared, she was able to do anything.

"Have you seen the updates for Guitar Hero and Hibiki?"

Then she said this.

"When I listened to that song, I felt like... the words were screaming at me, and then I..."

Shiina Riki hung his head and remained silent.

She felt deep regret for herself at that time and wished she could go back to the past and slap herself in the face for being so naughty.

Especially after hearing Hibiki Iruma's song.

That song——

A song about being powerless yet hoping to save him.

Although she is one of the few people who knows the truth about the "Alien Composer", Shiina Riki still believes that there is something in that song that is calling out to her.

"I felt that, no matter what, I should work harder for him and the lamp. Then, unknowingly,..."

Although it sounds easy to say.

But perhaps only Shiina Riki herself knew the tears she shed at her desk last night and the powerless roars she dared not make out.

"I listened to that song too. It's a really touching song!"

Gao Songdeng was also speaking at this moment.

Then she and Shiina Riki found a common topic.

……

Of course, Nagasaki Suyo was not completely unmoved.

Or maybe there is no one who is unmoved by that song.

【Because I believe in Xiang.】

Wakaba Mutsu replied to Iruma Hibiki again.