Green plums cannot become lovers.

—The time is about to reach six o'clock.

—The first star has been set in the sky.

Kita Ikuyo's songs are bright and clear, carrying the unique vitality of youth. Her guitar steadily supports the melody, and every note is just right.

Goto Ichiri joined in with her guitar playing, smooth and precise, adding depth to the entire song. Her fingers danced across the strings, her eyes focused, completely forgetting that there were eight hundred people watching.

Ryo Yamada's bass is steady and powerful, like the pulse of the earth, tightly connecting all the sounds together.

Ichi Nijika's drumbeats were light and rhythmic, and her gaze would occasionally sweep over her teammates, conveying signals with her eyes.

They practiced this song countless times.

Every note, every turn, every combination is etched into my bones.

The audience fell silent.

Everyone was drawn to the light and bright melody.

An and Asuka sat in the audience, watching the four girls on stage, a slight smile playing on their lips.

They did it.

-

The song ended.

When the last note fell, the audience was silent for a second.

Then--

Applause and cheers surged forth like a tidal wave.

"End the band!"

"It sounds great!"

"One more song!"

The various shouts mingled together, forming a vibrant ocean of emotion.

The four girls on stage exchanged glances, their faces breaking into uncontrollable smiles.

-

Backstage, they finally couldn't help but cheer.

"I think we were pretty awesome this time!"

Kita Ikuyo was the first to speak, her eyes sparkling.

"Mmm!" Ichiji Nijika nodded vigorously, her smile as bright as a child's.

"I feel like we're on par with professional bands now." Yamada Ryo rarely boasted, his tone still calm, but the corners of his mouth were clearly upturned.

Goto Ichiri stood to the side and whispered, "Everyone's so amazing..."

The four looked at each other, unable to contain their joy any longer, and hugged each other and cheered.

"Great!"

Just then, a familiar voice came from the side.

Congratulations!

All four of them turned their heads at the same time.

An and Asuka were standing at the door, smiling at them.

Ijichi Nijika paused for a moment, and then—

She ran straight over and hugged An and Asuka tightly.

"We did it, Anhe!"

Her voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement, and she seemed to be floating on air.

An and Asuka were startled by the hug, but quickly smiled.

"Yes, yes, that's why I'm congratulating you."

He looked at the girl's bright smile, his tone carrying a gentle smile.

"hey-hey."

Ichi Nijika hugged for a few more seconds, then suddenly realized something and her face turned red.

She quickly let go and took a step back.

"Um... I... I'm just too happy... I'm sorry..."

Kita Ikuyo and Yamada Ryo watched from the side, their faces bearing meaningful smiles.

Kita Ikuyo deliberately nudged Yamada Ryo with her elbow and whispered, "Oh—"

Yamada Ryo nodded, his face expressionless, and said, "It's been recorded."

Goto Ichiri stood aside, quietly watching this scene.

She had originally intended to walk over there as well.

But when she saw Ichiki Nijika hug An and Asuka first, she unconsciously stopped in her tracks.

He just quietly watched.

-

The competition concluded at 3 PM.

The voting channel is closed, and the results are in.

Several people held their phones, staring intently at the screens.

The rankings slowly began to emerge.

First place: Morfonica 455 votes

Second place: Poppin'Party 450 votes

Third place: MyGO!!!!! 448 votes

Fourth place: End Band 430 votes

Upon seeing this number, the four girls were stunned.

Then--

"We've advanced!" Kita Ikuyo was the first to jump up.

"That's great!" Ichiji Nijika couldn't help but cheer.

Yamada Ryo rarely smiled, and Goto Ichiri also smiled.

430 votes, fourth place.

Although they are still behind the top three, this number of votes means they can advance to the next round.

"That's great, that's great, that's great—" Kita Ikuyo jumped and bounced around while hugging Iji Tomoka.

Ichi Nijika laughed as she shook her, but she didn't break free.

An and Asuka looked at them and smiled.

"Congratulations."

"It's decided!" Kita Ikuyo suddenly raised her hand. "Let's go have a victory celebration!"

“I agree!” Ichiji Nijika immediately responded.

Yamada Ryo nodded: "Okay."

Goto Ichiri also whispered, "Hmm..."

Kita Ikuyo looked at Anwa Asuka.

"Let's all come together, Anwa-senpai!"

An and Asuka thought for a moment and nodded.

"it is good."

So, a large group of people left the stadium.

-

This time, they went to the same barbecue restaurant as before.

The familiar storefront, the familiar aroma, the familiar owner.

The last time I came was at the celebration banquet after the school festival.

At that time, the band didn't have a name yet, and Goto Ichiri hadn't joined.

And now-

The four people sat together, chattering away as they ordered food.

An and Asuka sat to the side, watching them, and suddenly felt a pang of emotion.

"Anwa, what would you like to eat?" Ichiji Nijika handed over the menu.

"casual."

"Then let's order more beef!" Kita Ikudai decided.

The aroma of roasted meat gradually wafted through the air.

As night deepened outside the window, the lights inside the shop were warm and bright.

Five people, each holding a drink, clinked their glasses together.

"cheers--"

After the banquet ended, An and Asuka wanted to go back alone, but the three girls handed Goto Ichiri over to him.

"We're not going that way, so I'll leave Little Lonely to you."

Ichi Nijika smiled and pushed Goto Ichiri forward.

"Take good care of little Loneliness." Kita Ikuyo winked, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Goodbye." Yamada Ryo waved simply, then pulled the other two away and quickly disappeared into the night.

An and Asuka looked at the three figures running faster than rabbits, then at the pink-haired girl with her head down in front of them, and sighed helplessly.

"Let's go."

Goto Ichiri nodded slightly, holding her guitar case as she followed beside him.

-

The streets were quiet at night, the streetlights casting dim yellow halos around the ground. Occasionally, a tram would pass by in the distance, its rhythmic rumble echoing through the air.

The two walked side by side without saying a word.

Goto Ichiri lowered her head, staring at her toes as she moved step by step. Images were still replaying in her mind: the happy look on Iji Chi Nikka's face as she held An and Asuka, and the meaningful glances from Kita Ikuyo and Yamada Ryo.

And then there's the one who stands aside, quietly watching.

She didn't know why she didn't go over there at the time.

She clearly wanted to celebrate with the boy too.

Mingming also wants to

"Goto-kun."

An and the sound of birds interrupted her thoughts.

Goto Ichiri looked up and found the boy looking at her.

"You did very well today."

Goto Ichiri paused for a moment, then his face turned slightly red.

"Th-thank you..."