Green plums cannot become lovers.

The two chatted for a few more minutes, then An and Subaru glanced at their phones and exclaimed in surprise.

"Ah, it's almost our turn! I have to go find them!"

"Go."

Good luck in the game!

"You too."

An and Subaru waved and jogged away, disappearing into the crowd.

-

When An and Asuka returned to the audience, it was just in time for the fifth band from Group A to perform.

The stage lights dimmed and then brightened again.

Three people walked up.

An and Asuka spotted An and Subaru sitting behind the drum set at a glance. He had long, straight black hair, a focused expression, and exuded an aura different from his usual self.

Beside her was a girl who looked somewhat mature, holding a guitar, with a calm expression.

The lead singer's seat is empty.

An and Asuka were a little confused, but soon, the guitarist spoke up.

"The clothes that Renna would rather die than wear are the best. Don't overthink it. You just need to focus on one thing."

"That is to express the purest feelings in your heart."

The girl mumbled a bunch of things.

Then--

"Nina!"

The girl shouted.

A figure rushed out from backstage.

An and Asuka looked at the lead singer and almost couldn't help but laugh.

Her outfit was flamboyant—a large pink bow on her head, a pink tutu, and green stockings.

Yes, it has its own unique characteristics.

The lead singer ran to the microphone and took a deep breath.

Then--

"Ahhh—!"

She yelled into the microphone.

The sound was extremely penetrating; An and Asuka almost covered their ears, their faces showing a helpless expression.

But the next second, the music started.

An and Asuka's expressions turned serious.

The moment the lead singer, Renna, opened her mouth, her entire aura changed. Her voice was straightforward and powerful, every word sounding like it was roared from the bottom of her heart.

All those complex emotions—anger, grievance, resentment, and longing—were poured into the song.

The guitar accompaniment was also very layered, with mature technique and the lead singer's raw energy creating a wonderful complement. The drumbeats were steady and powerful, and An and Subaru had a great sense of rhythm, keeping the whole band firmly together.

The song ended.

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

An and Asuka also clapped.

He saw An and Subaru wink at him from the stage.

He returned the smile.

-

After the performance, An and Asuka waited at the exit for a while.

An and Subaru ran out quickly, their faces flushed with excitement.

"How was it? How was it?"

“Very good.” An and Asuka smiled. “Your lead singer is quite unique.”

“Right!” Anwa Subaru smiled so much his eyes narrowed. “Nina may seem strange normally, but she’s completely different when she sings.”

As she spoke, she waved behind her.

"Rin-chan! Momo-ka! Come here for a second!"

Two figures slowly walked over.

The lead singer, Renna, approached and looked somewhat nervous. Her gaze fell on An and Asuka, her eyes widening.

"You, you are..."

"Anwa Asuka." Anwa Asuka nodded. "Hello."

Rencai's mouth opened into an "O" shape.

"Asuka?! That Asuka?!"

She suddenly turned her head to look at An and Subaru.

"Subaru! Why didn't you say so sooner!"

“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you,” Anhe Mao said with a grin.

The guitarist, Momoka, stood calmly beside him, while Asahi and Asuka nodded in agreement.

"I've heard so much about you."

An and Asuka nodded in agreement.

After chatting for a while, Rencai was in a state of "Oh my god, I really met her in person" the whole time, and her words were a bit incoherent.

"Um! I absolutely love your 'Summer'! And 'If It Can Shine'! And 'Play'! And..."

"Alright, alright," An and Subaru interrupted her with a smile, "If you keep going like this, you'll scare the birds away."

Rencai then realized what was happening, and her face immediately turned red.

"I'm so sorry..."

An and Asuka smiled.

"It's okay, keep it up, and we look forward to the next performance."

"Okay, okay!"

-

At 3 PM, the ninth band from Group A took the stage.

An and Asuka stood backstage, waiting for the staff's signal. On the stage in front, the eighth band was putting on their final act, with applause and cheers faintly audible.

When he walked onto the stage with five girls, a commotion arose in the audience.

“We are ‘Hymn to Music’,” An and Asuka introduced themselves briefly into the microphone.

The audience erupted in uproar as soon as he finished speaking.

"Isn't that a bird?!"

"It really is! That Asuka!"

"What's he doing here? In this kind of competition?"

"Hey, isn't that lead singer, the popular idol Hoshino Ai? What's she doing here?"

"A competition? No way, is he that good that he'd participate in this?"

Isn't this bullying?

Various voices of discussion came from all directions. Some people were taking pictures with their phones, some were whispering among themselves, and some even stood up to get a better look.

An and Asuka ignored the sounds.

He only glanced back at his teammates and then nodded.

-

In a corner of the audience.

Toyokawa Shoko's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, almost sliding off her seat.

"It's out! It's out! It's out!" Yutenji Wakana grabbed Toyokawa Shoko's arm tightly.

Toyokawa Shoko winced as she was being gripped: "Nyan, be gentle! I know! I saw it!"

But Yutenji Wakana's eyes remained fixed on the figure on the stage, muttering to herself, "It really is Asuka... a living Asuka... I've finally seen her..."

Shoko Toyokawa didn't care what she was saying; her gaze was completely drawn to the boy on the stage.

He stood in the center of the stage, holding a guitar, his expression calm, the spotlight shining on him, outlining his handsome features.

-

In another direction, An and Subaru excitedly shook the celery next to them.

"Nina, look! Asuka's on stage!"

Jing Qinrencai was still savoring the performance of her band when she heard these words, and she sat up straight abruptly.

"Where?! Where?!"

"On stage! That one!"

Jing Qinrencai looked at the six people on the stage, her mouth slowly opening wide.

"It really is him... he really came to participate..."

An and Subaru said with a smile, "How about that? Impressive, right?"

Jing Qinren nodded vigorously, her eyes fixed on the stage.

-

The music is ringing.

"Play".

The piece they had practiced countless times was being performed in front of so many people for the first time.

The intro features An and Asuka's guitar, with a clear melody that flows out like water, instantly captivating everyone's ears.

Then comes Xiao Ai's voice.

Her voice was gentle yet powerful; every word seemed to flow from the depths of her heart, carrying warmth and emotion, striking straight into the hearts of her listeners.

Marina's drumbeats steadily supported the rhythm, Shizuka's bass flowed gently in the low register, Eriri's keyboard spread out like a thin mist, and Kasumigaoka Utaha's guitar echoed from the side.

And An and Asuka's guitars are a constant presence throughout, connecting everyone's performances and forming a complete whole.

The murmurs from the audience gradually subsided.

Everyone quieted down and listened to the song.

Those who initially thought "Asuka's participation in the competition is bullying" now have to admit that he is indeed amazing, but his teammates are also shining brightly.

The song ended.

When the last note fell, the audience was silent for two seconds.

Then--

Applause and cheers surged like a tidal wave, almost lifting the roof off the stadium.

"awesome!"

"It sounds great!"

"Flying bird!"

"Praise the music!"