Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

"As for 'Godknows...', if you want to perform it, that's fine. Just consider it as me giving you permission."

"Really?"

Looking at Kaname Rakuna's cute heterochromatic eyes with a hint of surprise, Iruma Hibiki couldn't help but wonder - is it really possible to understand a person's thoughts so easily?

At least getting along with Kaname Rakuna was the easiest thing for him.

"Well, really, Guitar Hero and I have an agreement regarding the licensing part. Besides commercialization, we will allow any other forms of performance."

Iruma Hibiki responded affirmatively that he wanted Rakuna.

"I see."

But then, Yao Lenai didn't seem to play at all. Instead, he packed up his guitar and put it back on the cart, as if he was preparing to leave the Ring.

Iruma Hibiki was not surprised by such things.

After all, since Lenai is always so elusive, it’s not surprising that she is not there at some point or suddenly appears at some point.

"but--"

But after packing up her things, Yao Lenai still stopped.

“The hilarious version is the best and very entertaining.”

She turned around and spoke to Iruma Hibiki, then with the sound of a cart being pulled, she opened the door of Ring and walked out.

"The wild cat is gone?"

At this moment, Shiina Riki opened the backstage door at the right time and stayed in the empty front desk with Iruma Hibiki.

"Yeah, I just left not long ago."

"Did you say anything?"

"Just some music-related topics."

Iruma Hibiki didn't want to talk more about this issue, so he decided to leave the topic at that for now.

"Come to think of it, what was your reason for refusing? Did the other party seem unreliable?"

Iruma Hibiki asked Shiina Riki.

In fact, he had probably been able to sense Shiina Riki's anxiety a long time ago.

When it comes to music and bands, Shiina Riki has a strong sense of anxiety, as if something precious to her will disappear if she can't join the band to perform and sing soon.

So in fact, Shiina Riki's previous rejection was a bit strange and unbelievable to Iruma Hibiki, and he also felt a little worried about Shiina Riki.

"How about stopping caring about me and focusing more on your own business?"

As expected, the response to Iruma Hibiki was Shiina Riki's somewhat cold words that were also filled with some disgust and "resentment".

"my business?"

"Well, you should know what Wildcat is thinking about your own affairs."

When Shiina Riki asked this question, Iruma Hibiki was silent for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

"Wildcat, was that just a spur-of-the-moment thought? And... I really don't have any plans to join a band or become active again as a guitarist anytime soon."

Iruma Hibiki responded softly.

He looked at the scenery outside the window, and his expression no longer had the reluctance and sadness that he had when he talked about this topic before.

On the contrary——

Release VI cage ② [栮衣死巴巴⑷.

Shiina Riki didn't know why he could see such an expression on Iruma Hibiki at this moment.

"It's so ugly."

Then she threw out some rude words and immediately left the front desk, leaving Iruma Hibiki sighing as he looked at her back.

And this topic is actually far from over——

During this strange time when everyone was off work, Hibiki Iruma and Tatsuki Shiina were in charge of the final finishing work.

Today is their turn to do this.

"You and Guitar Hero, aren't you planning on releasing new songs?"

Just when everything was almost done, Shiina Riki suddenly tried this.

As for Iruma Hibiki, he was a little slow to react for a moment.

"Well, there are no such plans for the time being."

After hesitating for a moment, Iruma Hibiki answered this way and was glared at by Shiina Riki.

In fact, it is very common for Shiina Riki to glare at people. After all, she is that kind of person. She is strict with others and even stricter with herself.

but--

Iruma Hibiki could accurately feel the emotions in Shiina Riki's eyes at this moment.

This was a different, more complex gaze than before.

Therefore, Iruma Hibiki felt a little uneasy.

Did he answer some important question incorrectly, causing the relationship between the two to be pushed to the forefront at this moment?

Things like this——

"The main reason is that I haven't had any inspiration for music lately."

Iruma Hibiki explained quickly, then added anxiously:

“Although I’ve written lyrics before, I haven’t touched the guitar in a long time.”

"And speaking of which, the term 'Alien Composer' is actually a misunderstanding."

As expected, Shiina Riki did not get the answer she wanted. For the rest of the day, the atmosphere between the two fell into a strange silence. Until they finally parted ways after get off work, neither of them said anything.

It was around the time when Shiina Riki was boarding the train home that she received a message from the leader of the band she had rejected before:

[Shiina-san, is there anything about our band that makes you dissatisfied?]

【It’s a problem on my side.】

Shiina Riki didn't want to explain too much, so he decided to end the topic like this.

If you have any concerns, I'd like to hear them. From your previous contact with Shiina-san, you seem to have a deep understanding of music. Furthermore, I can hear your anticipation for music in your words.

……

Looking at the other party's reply, Shiina Riki remained silent.

I've seen the work you've posted on your account, Shiina-san. I think you're a really good drummer! It would be fantastic if you could cover Iruma Rengen-sensei's songs!

【ha? 】

Shiina Riki suddenly saw a familiar name in the band that he had suddenly wanted to learn about.

[Could it be that Shiina-san is a fan of Iruma-sensei? ]

On the other side of the screen, in the center of an 800-square-meter living room with a luxurious chandelier hanging above it, Shoko Toyokawa sat elegantly on a soft and gorgeous sofa with a delighted smile that said "I got it."

09 You will abandon your guitar, but your guitar will never abandon you

"The total cost of maintenance and string replacement is 3000 yen. Do you have a student ID? If you're a student, you can get a 8% discount and a coupon for accessories next time you come."

"some."

In a music store near his home, Hibiki Iruma took care of his beloved piano.

The black 7-string guitar with green decorations still touched him even though he hadn't seen it for a month or two.

After all, coming here for maintenance tonight was just a spur of the moment decision.

There is a feeling that it would be a shame if such a precious thing were left to spoil.

While watching the guitar being taken to the workbench by the clerk for adjustment, Iruma Hibiki found a seat and sat down.

He planned to confirm the details of tomorrow's meeting with Goto Ichiri.

And speaking of which—

It seemed that it was also his job to inform Goto Ichiri about Aine's farewell party.

But will Goto Ichiri come?

Iruma Hibiki thought for a while and finally decided to ask the person himself.

But when Hibiki Iruma turned on his phone, he saw a greeting from Kita:

[Iruma-san, did something happen to you? ]

【What happened? 】

What does this greeting mean?

Hibiki Iruma thought for a while. To be honest, he had been experiencing some strange and sudden things recently.

On the contrary, when it came to mentioning which one specifically, he was a little confused.

【Nothing special, why are you asking? 】

So Iruma Hibiki asked back.

[Today, when I was chatting with Goto-san, I asked if you and Goto-san had any plans to collaborate on a new song, but I didn't get a response at all... Afterwards, Goto-san did see my message online, but she didn't reply at all, so I'm a little worried...]

Don't worry, nothing special happened. Maybe Goto-san doesn't know how to explain it, and she's also suffering from social anxiety.

Hibiki Iruma responded to Kita.

Then he thought for a while before continuing:

[The music of "another world" created with Goto-san will continue.]

[Really?! I'm really looking forward to it!]

Yes, really.

Iruma Hibiki responded to Kita affirmatively.

"Guest, your piano has been tuned."

"OK, thanks."

At this time, Iruma Hibiki's piano was also tuned. He stood up, carrying the piano bag on his back and walked towards home.

By the time he got home, it was already night. Iruma Hibiki put down his guitar bag and planned to contact Goto Ichiri as usual. Then he turned on his computer and either wrote or played games to end the last time of the day.

but--

When he saw the black guitar bag beside him that he had cleaned up without a trace of dust, he hesitated slightly.

As Lenai said, he has made a lot of progress.

Would you like to try it?

For some reason, this thought came to Hibiki Iruma's mind.

【Is Goto-san free? 】

So he sent a message to Goto Ichiri.

[Sorry! I was just getting ready for tomorrow! I couldn't reply right away! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I'm free! Anytime!]

Five minutes later, a hurried reply came from Goto Ichiri, which made Iruma Hibiki smile slightly.

If Goto-kun is busy, just focus on what you're doing. Actually, I want to—

Iruma Hibiki gently stroked the newly replaced strings, and a rustling sound came from the speakers.

[Let Goto-san listen to my song "Godknows..."]

[Iruma-san has started practicing guitar again?!]

Bang!

On the other side of the screen, Goto Ichiri kissed the wooden ceiling of the closet with her head, then she hugged her head and cried out in pain with tears in her eyes like a young lady without any dignity. However, despite this, her eyes were still fixed on the chat on the screen.

Goto Ichiri was delighted by Iruma Hibiki's invitation.