Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

Even though the feeling of loss is overflowing.

but--

At this moment, all she wanted was to see Hibiki Iruma cheer up and start playing the guitar again.

"Well, it's not bad, but recruiting people is really troublesome."

"..."

Iruma Hibiki was silent for a while.

He looked at the genuine worry on Ichichi Hongxia's face and smiled in relief. After a sigh that no one could hear, he spoke:

"How's Goto-kun?"

"Eh?"

Then, facing Iruma Hibiki's suggestion, Ijichi Nikka widened her eyes.

Perhaps, this moment was the most shaken she had ever been, even deeper than the day the band ended.

16 Reasons for Persistence and True Relief

"Aren't you going home today, Dad?"

Sitting in a luxury black car, Shoko Toyokawa received a call from her father.

"Yes, Xiangzi, I'm sorry. The recent negotiations have reached a critical point. Daddy is deeply sorry that I can't accompany you. In fact, I feel sorry too, but I am needed here anyway. This is a very important meeting for the Toyokawa family. Daddy has to do his utmost to protect Xiangzi's home."

A gentle male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Then Dad, just do your own thing peacefully. As for me—"

"I will work hard and will definitely try to help you, Dad, in the future."

Toyokawa Shoko said firmly.

"Oh? It sounds like Xiao Xiangzi has his own plans? Can you tell dad about it?"

The middle-aged man's voice on the other end of the phone became much softer.

There seemed to be a faint urging voice coming from the other end, but then, accompanied by a burst of rapid footsteps and the sound of a sliding door, the voice from the other end became fleeting.

“I want to start a band.”

Toyokawa Shoko said this to her father.

"Band, Xiangzi, you're old enough to be interested in a band. Well, if I remember correctly, this is the first time you've made a decision of your own. Have you discussed it with your mother?"

"not yet."

A look of confusion appeared on Toyokawa Shoko's face.

"Then don't tell her."

"How is this possible?"

Hearing her father's playful voice on the other end of the phone, a smile appeared on Toyokawa Shoko's face.

"I'm in charge this time. Go ahead and do it, Xiangzi. Do whatever you want to do. Don't ever regret it, and don't ever give up. You must persevere to the end, okay? Just like your father."

Toyokawa Shoko's father smiled tiredly but with some pride on the other end of the phone.

Perhaps for him, as a relative by marriage, he took on the greatest pressure for the Toyokawa family at this moment, which was already a glorious heroic act.

He also hoped that his courage and education, as well as this simple phone call, could make up for some of the neglect he had shown towards Toyokawa Shoko during this period due to work.

"I know, Dad. I won't give up. I will definitely form the band I want—"

"So just don't worry."

Toyokawa Shoko spoke gently.

At this moment, she is the daughter who can't wait to prove her ability to her father.

Perhaps, after she formed the band, her father would be able to feel a little more at ease, thought Toyokawa Shoko, who had the time to decide her own affairs for the first time in her life.

"The young lady has been laughing a lot more recently."

In the driver's seat, the driver spoke lightly.

To some extent, this is just socializing.

It is necessary to maintain a good relationship with your master.

"Well, there are so many things I want to do and things I look forward to. It would be great if they could see and recognize my efforts."

Toyokawa Shoko smiled faintly.

"No, I will make sure they approve of it."

Then she showed a confident expression.

"Besides, if it's Mu..."

When mentioning the name "Mu", Shoko Toyokawa paused slightly.

"It would be great if Mu could see my efforts and decide for herself a little bit. Mu has always been a little indecisive, so I'm a little worried."

"The eldest daughter of the Wakaba family?"

"Ah."

"I wish you success, Miss."

The driver ended the chat for today.

In fact, just a few words made him sweat profusely.

Toyokawa Shoko is different. She is a young lady who can actually respond to the servants' social activities as a topic of conversation.

[I must succeed——]

Then Toyokawa Shoko turned on her cell phone.

Crychic's planning interface contains detailed plans and future routes.

At this moment, the members above are almost full.

Shoko Toyokawa is shaping the band according to her own ideas and expectations, and she firmly believes that everything she is doing at this moment is right.

So she quietly looked at the fleeting scenery outside the window.

Soon the vehicle stopped at the door of Fanxing.

How to buy tickets for Livehouse?

Although you can ask your servants to do it for you.

However, Shoko Toyokawa wanted to experience the feeling of going into a livehouse alone to watch a performance through her own hands and experience.

This is also part of her efforts and attempts this time.

She wanted to know what kind of place the starry sky was where Hibiki Iruma was before.

[Tickets? Toyokawa-san, which livehouse are you at? In Ikebukuro, it's usually—]

【I am among the stars.】

Looking at Toyokawa Shoko's reply, Iruma Hibiki fell silent.

[Then just tell the clerk at the counter and ask for directions to the performance hall.]

Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you.

【It doesn't matter. 】

Toyokawa Shoko's dialogue didn't actually mention anything, but it was still very aggressive to Iruma Hibiki. After all, the stars—

That was where he was active in the past.

Although it might be a bit presumptuous to think so.

But didn’t Toyokawa Shoko go to find him?

Being targeted by a troublesome beautiful girl.

Iruma Hibiki thought so.

Of course, this idea is a bit annoying.

In fact, this is something that most people would like to do, isn’t it?

but--

The reason why Hibiki Iruma didn't want to accept Shoko Toyokawa's invitation was actually very simple. His actual musical level was too poor and could not meet Shoko Toyokawa's expectations at all.

This is the main reason.

In fact, there may have been another reason.

But...

"Goto-kun? Haha..."

Ijichi Hongxia showed a bit of panic at that time, but quickly returned to normal.

"As for Goto-san, you and Ijichi-san could definitely form a classic 3Piece band."

Hibiki Iruma lowered his head and spoke softly.

"As for her, she's actually always wanted to form a band, but she just didn't dare to speak up."

Then he added to Hongxia.

After the fleeting loss, Iruma Hibiki actually let go of some of his obsessions.

The relationship between him and Ijichi Hongxia is not just about the band. Even if they were not in the same band, the goodwill and friendship they have for each other would not disappear in the slightest.

So, in this case—

At this moment, isn’t it the best choice to wish the other person to move towards a brighter place?

Hibiki Iruma figured it out.

So he felt relieved.

At this moment, he finally emerged from the shadow of his past band.

Of course, he had no idea what to do next.

But, perhaps, things will be a little better in the future?

That’s what Hibiki Iruma was looking forward to.

17 Best Bands

After the band incident was over, the relationship between Hibiki Iruma and Nijika Ijichi surprisingly improved.

The slight estrangement and caution that existed before seemed to have suddenly disappeared. Almost from the moment they separated in the evening, the conversation between the two returned to the state it was in early April.

【Goto-san agreed.】

After Ijichi Hongxia took the initiative to talk to Goto Ichiri, Goto Ichiri agreed in almost no time.

[Congratulations. I will definitely be there for your next live performance.]

Iruma Hibiki sent words of blessing to Ijichi Nikka.

At this moment, he was practicing the piano based on the music score displayed on the computer.

【However, Goto-san seems to be worried about where you, Iruma, are going.】

Although Ijichi Kouka didn't say where they were going, Iruma Hibiki could guess it. She was probably asking him what band he wanted to join.

As for me, I plan to resume band activities after I have improved my guitar skills. Before that, I will practice hard and focus on learning songwriting and composition.

Hibiki Iruma replied to Kouka Ijichi seriously. His response at this moment was serious, as he had responded to Shoko Toyokawa in the same way not long ago.

"In that case—why don't you come join the band's rehearsal, Iruma-san? It would be fun if we all practiced together, right? And Ryo and Goto-san would be perfect for you, Iruma-san."

"Actually, I'd have wanted to ask you guys for help even if I didn't know you were here. Actually, I've hit a wall recently and desperately need someone to teach me."

[That's a deal then. I'll let you know when the band rehearsal time is set!]