Green plums cannot become lovers.

"Besides you, who else here knows music? The rest of us—"

She ran her fingers over Marina, Shizuka, and Ai, "Two of us draw comics, two write novels, and one is an idol. Who among us knows anything about band stuff? Instruments, arrangement, harmony... it's completely outside our area of ​​expertise!"

She became more and more excited as she spoke, and her face turned a little red.

"And have you forgotten? You said it yourself that once Ember Knight was finished, we would start planning a new game this summer! How long have we been waiting for this day? I've even watched the tutorials for the new engine several times! And now you're telling me you want to go play in a band first?"

She slammed her hand on the table, making a dull thud.

“So,” An and Asuka tried to explain, a little taken aback by her intense reaction, “it’s not like we’re completely giving up on games. We can… do it in parallel. We can work on the initial conception and preparation for the games while also trying out the band. The timing is manageable…”

“Parallelism?” Eriri almost screamed as she interrupted him, her eyes wide. “An and Asuka! You want to work us to death so you can conveniently go out and find new, ‘more professional’ band members, right? I knew it! Men are all like that, always looking for something new!”

Her accusations were clearly off-topic, tinged with personal emotion and exaggeration, but they did represent a certain concern—confusion about the change in the organization's direction, unease about the potential marginalization of her own value, and disappointment at unmet expectations.

The atmosphere in the activity room suddenly became somewhat stiff.

Marina, Shizuka, and Ai exchanged glances, wanting to say something but holding back for the time being. They were also surprised, but compared to Eriri's direct resistance, they were more confused and waiting for an explanation.

Just then, Kasumigaoka Utaha closed the book she had been pretending to read—in fact, she hadn't turned a page since An and Asuka started talking.

She pushed up her glasses, her wine-red eyes calmly looking at An and Asuka through the lenses. Unlike Eriri's emotional questioning, her voice was steady and clear, carrying a rationality as if she were trying to sort things out.

“Junior,” she began, successfully drawing everyone’s attention and easing the tension caused by Eriri, “can you tell us why you suddenly… want to form a band so much?”

Her gaze fell on An and Asuka's faces, probing: "Was there some special opportunity? Or are you temporarily tired of game creation and want to change your way of expression? Or... is it like Eriri is worried, that you feel the game club is limiting your other possibilities?"

Her questions progressed step by step, giving An and Asuka room to explain, while also pointing out the doubts that might exist in the hearts of others.

An and Asuka met her gaze and remained silent for a moment.

The sunlight outside the window shifted slightly, and a patch of light crept across the edge of the table onto the blank notebook. Tiny dust particles floated slowly within the beam of light.

How could he explain it? Explain the exhilaration of his impromptu performance on the street that night? Explain the nostalgia for the "Bluebird" days after reuniting with Nanami Aoyama? Explain the deep-seated impulse within him to connect with more people through music in a more direct and immediate way?

Some of these reasons sound too emotional, some involve other people's privacy, and some seem too abstract.

In the end, he avoided those complex inner monologues and chose the simplest answer, one that best reflected the surface truth. He tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile that was both helpless and self-deprecating.

“There’s no particularly complicated reason.” He lowered his eyes, his fingers unconsciously tracing the cover of the notebook. “It’s just… I couldn’t resist the urge to touch it.”

"..."

This answer was clearly unexpected by everyone.

The activity room fell silent once again.

Eriri's expression froze, her anger caught in mid-air, unsure whether to continue her outburst or simply remain silent. Kasumigaoka Utaha raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by this overly "willful" answer, yet also as if she understood something from it.

Marina, Shizuka, and Ai exchanged glances.

My hands are itching unbearably.

Four simple words. For a creator, this is perhaps the most genuine and irrefutable reason. Just as a painter suddenly wants to pick up a brush and apply color, or a writer suddenly wants to write down the sentences swirling in their mind. It's an instinctive yearning for a medium of expression.

An and Asuka are musicians, and that has never changed. Game development is another of his talents, but the melody of music always flows in his blood.

The intense focus and intensive work during the later stages of development of "Ember Knight" may have indeed created a strong "hunger" for a freer and more emotional creative world for him.

"What the heck..." Eriri's momentum deflated, and she muttered something under her breath before sitting back down in her chair, though her face still showed obvious displeasure and entanglement.

Kasumigaoka Utaha leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest as she fell into thought.

It was Shizuka who broke the silence.

She closed the book on her lap with a soft thud. Then, she looked up, her gaze gentle as she looked at An and Asuka, her voice as calm and gentle as ever:

"Flying Bird, what exactly is this band you're talking about? Does it require each of us to learn an instrument? Or will it be like before, where you're responsible for most of the music composition, and we... participate in some other way?"

Her question was very practical, immediately pulling the discussion back from an emotional level to a more actionable, realistic one. This also gave others a way out to consider, "If we really had to do this, what would we do?"

An and Asuka looked at Shizuka and smiled gratefully. He opened the blank notebook, and on the first page, a preliminary framework had already been drawn with simple lines.

“My initial idea is,” he pointed to the notebook, “that we don’t expect everyone to become an expert in their instruments immediately. We can assign roles based on each person’s characteristics and interests.”

His gaze swept over the crowd.

"I am primarily responsible for music composition and playing the main instruments. But the band is more than just that."

He looked at Xiao Ai and said, "Xiao Ai, your vocal qualities and stage presence are readily available advantages. The lead vocalist position is rightfully yours. Moreover, although there are differences between performing idol songs and band songs, your training in vocal techniques and emotional expression is definitely a huge plus."

Xiao Ai's eyes lit up instantly, her purple pupils sparkling with excitement. She nodded vigorously: "I can do it! I've always wanted to try singing in a style different from idols!"

An and Asuka then looked at Marina and Eriri: "Marina, Eriri, your expertise lies in visuals. The band needs a unique visual identity—logo design, promotional images, background visuals during performances, and even the concept for music videos. You two are experts in this area. Moreover, if you need simple rhythmic percussion instruments for performances, such as rattles, maracas, or to learn the most basic keyboard chords, with your sense of rhythm and learning ability, it shouldn't be difficult for you to pick it up."

Marina immediately perked up: "Band l11 Mio Tear Scars Ikiji Rikuogo! Promotional poster! I'm in! It looks so cool!"

Eriri pouted, but her eyes no longer showed the same resistance as before. She muttered softly, "The visual design is fine... simple percussion, well, it's not like I can't give it a try..."

Finally, An and Asuka looked at Shizuka and Kasumigaoka Utaha.

"Shizuka, your writing skills are a treasure to us. The band's lyrics require concise emotions and poetic expression, which you are absolutely capable of. Moreover, you have a calm personality and a meticulous mind, so you can also serve as the band's 'manager' to help coordinate practice time and organize materials."

Shizuka smiled and nodded: "Okay. Lyrics... I'd like to give it a try."

“Kasumigaoka-senpai,” An and Asuka met her gaze, “your insight and analytical skills are equally important to the band. You can take charge of planning and positioning, helping us clarify the band’s style direction and target audience. In addition, if you are interested, you can also try some ambient electronic sound effects production, or simple sampling arrangements, which will make the music more layered.”

Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't answer immediately. She remained silent for a few seconds, her wine-red eyes gleaming as if she were quickly weighing her options. Then, a very faint, slightly amusement-tinged smile curved her lips.

"Analysis, positioning, and planning? That sounds more interesting than simply writing novel reviews. Electronic sound effects... that's a new field, I'd like to look into it."

This can be considered tacit approval.

An and Asuka breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the tense atmosphere ease considerably. He closed his notebook and looked sincerely at everyone.

“I know this proposal came as a surprise and disrupted everyone’s expectations for the new game. I assure you, the game concept will not stop. We will slowly gather inspiration, and when the band is on track and we have more time, we will fully commit to the next game project. The two are not entirely contradictory; in fact, the band’s experience may even bring new inspiration to the game.”

He paused, softening his voice, but making it sound even more sincere.

"Moreover, for me, music, games, and you all... are all important things I want to dedicate my life to. I don't want to separate them just because they belong to different 'departments'. I hope that our little group can embrace more of each other's possibilities."

"Fine, fine, I just can't do anything with you."

In the end, Eriri gave in. Actually, she wasn't that resistant; it was just that the news came so suddenly that she couldn't accept it for a while.

After all, she had been looking forward to this game for a long time. She saw making games as an opportunity to showcase her abilities, and without making games, she wouldn't have such a good chance to demonstrate them.

But the boy told her that even music can provide an opportunity to showcase oneself.

So she can give it a try; it's definitely a completely new field for her.

Thinking this way, Eriri felt a little hopeful.

When Eriri finally uttered a hesitant "Okay..." tinged with resentment and resignation, the air in the activity room seemed to undergo a subtle shift.

"Game Development Department - Music Division"—this somewhat incongruous yet surprisingly fitting name was officially adopted by the five girls, with varying degrees of approval—sometimes with joy, sometimes with reluctance, sometimes with calm, sometimes with enthusiasm. Although the small wooden sign at the club's entrance that read "Game Development Department" wouldn't actually have a line of smaller text added, in the hearts of the six girls, a new tributary had quietly merged into the original river.

An and Asuka surveyed their companions, knowing full well that among the six, only they themselves and Ai, an idol with formal vocal training, truly "understood music." Marina could hum along to pop songs, Shizuka had some knowledge of classical music, and Eriri and Kasumigaoka Utaha... were probably only at the level of "being able to tell whether something was good or bad." Expecting this hastily assembled group to immediately produce a mature piece was nothing short of a pipe dream.

Moreover, beyond music, gaming remains their indispensable foundation and shared dream. Dividing their already limited free time in two—one half to work on the band, and the other half to brainstorm and prepare for their next game project—sounds crazy, and progress will inevitably be snail-paced, with neither side likely to be mastered.

But An and Asuka felt that this "alternating" approach might be just right—when encountering a bottleneck or feeling tired in music, they could turn to the game's world-building or character sketches to refresh their minds; when game ideas stalled, perhaps a few chord combinations could unexpectedly open up new avenues of thought. It's okay to go slower, as long as they keep moving forward and creating.

Now that the band's name was settled, the next two most important and symbolic things were put on the agenda: the band's name and its "face"—the logo.

“I think,” An and Asuka spoke first, proposing an idea that they considered humorous and contrasting, “how about calling it ‘Toyosaki Game Development Department Band’? It’s straightforward and clear, and also a bit unconventional and fun.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a disdainful glare, almost tangible, flew from Eriri's direction.

"Rejected! You're not allowed to speak again!" Eriri ruthlessly suppressed his naming rights. "What an aesthetically unappealing and boring name! A band's name is the first impression of its soul! Let us think of one!"

As a result, An and Asuka were deprived of their right to make suggestions and could only watch from the sidelines with their chins in their hands.

Volume 1: Taking a Day Off

I need to take a day off to rest; I'm really exhausted lately.

Book 1: Chapter 204 Praising Music

The discussion lasted for an hour. An and Asuka listened from the side, feeling drowsy, their heads nodding and their chins almost hitting the table.

The girls' arguments buzzed in his ears—whether it was better to call it "Echoes of the Stars" or "Behind the Rain Curtain" was more poetic.

Eriri insisted on a touch of Britpop coolness, Kasumigaoka Utaha thought the name should have a literary metaphor, Marina simply thought it sounded good, Shizuka gently offered a compromise, and Ai blinked and said, "It can sound like an idol group name too."

Finally, as yet another yawn spilled from the corner of her mouth, An and Asuka rubbed their eyes and interjected in a sleepy voice:

"I think we should call it 'Praise Music' instead."

The girls, who had been having a heated discussion, suddenly stopped.

The activity room fell silent instantly, with only the faint sounds of noise from the playground outside the window. Five pairs of eyes, some surprised, some puzzled, some thoughtful... all fell on him at the same time.

An and Asuka felt a little uncomfortable being stared at, and cleared their throats: "Uh, if that doesn't work, we'll try another one."

He felt a bit of pressure and added, "I just feel that... the most fundamental reason we're in a band is because we love music and want to express something through music, right? 'Praising music,' it's simple and direct, that's what it means."

The silence lasted for about five seconds.

Then, Marina was the first to stand up, her eyes sparkling: "That's great!"

"Huh?" An and Asuka were taken aback.

“Simple and direct, really good.” Shizuka smiled and nodded, closing the notebook in her hand that had been recording the shortlisted names. “There’s no trace of deliberate embellishment, but rather a kind of simple power.”

Kasumigaoka Utaha adjusted her glasses, a hint of appreciation flashing in her wine-red eyes: "You used the word 'praise' quite meaningfully, junior. You unexpectedly said something quite good."

“What do you mean by ‘accidentally’…” An and Asuka muttered to themselves.

Eriri crossed her arms, tilted her head and pondered for a moment, then snorted, "Although it sounds as plain as the name of an amateur club... thinking about it carefully, it does fit our current situation. However, when we actually step onto the big stage, this name will probably have a kind of contrasting charm."

Xiao Ai clapped her hands happily: "I love it! It sounds so sincere!"

Thus, in this almost "natural" atmosphere, a band called "Praise Music" was officially established within the game development department of Toyonosaki Private Academy.

The moment the name was decided, the air in the activity room seemed to change.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, tracing paths of light through the air, where tiny dust particles danced slowly, as if accompanying the moment.

Eriri suddenly stood up, walked to the center of the activity room, put her hands on her hips, and her golden twin tails swayed gently with her movement. She took a deep breath, and then said in an almost declarative, slightly childish yet incredibly serious tone:

"Let's make this clear first: if we're going to do it, we're going to do it to the best of our ability!"

Her gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on An and Asuka.

"We're going to the Tokyo Dome!"

The moment she said those words, even she herself was slightly taken aback.

A year ago, if someone had told her that she was going to join a hastily put-together student band and seriously said that she was going to the Taipei Arena, she would have thought the person was crazy, then ridiculed them without hesitation, and then arrogantly distanced herself from the situation.

But it's different now.

She looked at the boy sitting by the window, the contradictory yet real guy who, in just over a year, had created two high-quality games from scratch, had countless fans in music, could be so calm and firm when facing his mother who abandoned him, yet could get lost in unfamiliar streets.

She saw hope in him. Not a pipe dream, not a daydream, but a real, tangible possibility.

From the moment he decided to make games, he actually made them; from the moment he started writing songs, he actually stepped onto the stage. His drive, talent, and the attitude of giving his all once he made a decision, were like a silent testament, making her believe—if it were this person, perhaps it really could.

Therefore, she was willing to accompany him in doing anything he wanted to do, even if the road ahead was unknown and even if they had to learn everything from scratch.

"And there's a martial arts gym."

Kasumigaoka Utaha added softly, her voice calm yet carrying a certain weight. She didn't look at anyone, only at the distant outline of the campus outside the window, but the very faint, almost imperceptible curve at the corner of her mouth revealed that she wasn't just saying it casually.

Marina, Shizuka, and Ai exchanged glances and then nodded almost simultaneously.

"Yes! I want to go!"

"It sounds like a long way off... but if it's with everyone, I'd like to give it a try."

“It’s one of my dreams for my idols to perform at the Taipei Dome… It would feel even more special if it could be done as a band.”

Finally, all five pairs of eyes turned to An and Asuka.

"Asuka, what do you think?"

As the boy looked at the group of chattering yet determined girls in front of him, he suddenly felt something warm slowly melting in his chest.

The sunlight streaming through the window was perfect, falling on their faces and the tips of their hair, gilding each of them with a soft golden edge. Their eyes sparkled, filled with expectation, trust, and an almost naive courage.

He remembered a long time ago, in that empty house in Aichi, he would hug his secondhand guitar and practice chords against the wall. Back then, his biggest dream was probably just to have someone listen to him sing a song.

Now, he has a partner to sing with, and a distant place he wants to go together.

Anhe Asuka smiled and slowly nodded.

"it is good."