Loneliness and Rock and Roll with Band Observer

If I could see Qiu Hui, this strange situation would probably be alleviated, right?

Ichiri, who had this thought for some reason, walked into the store with Kita.

However, the first person to greet them was not Akie, nor the others who had finished the band, but Chihaya Aine.

"Aine!" Kita smiled and stepped forward to respond to Aine's greeting.

“Good afternoon, Kita-san!” Aine looked at the other person’s face with great interest, “Did you change to a new style today?”

“Indeed, it’s said that it’s the type that can emphasize the moist feeling. Aine is really sensitive!” Kita said with a smile.

After talking with Kita, Aine also came to Ichiri.

"One more mile, good afternoon!"

“Ah… um, um, Chihaya… No! Aine-san! Hello…”

Ichiri looked at Aine timidly. Although the latter was called by the wrong name, she didn’t care at all.

"I'm here with my senior today." She introduced with a smile, "I think everyone is going to discuss signing a contract today? I was very interested, so I followed along."

“Ah, ah, so that’s it…”

Goto Ichiri shrank his neck and took a half step back, looking for Akiie in the store.

The latter did not let her wait too long. After noticing the two people's appearance, she took the initiative to greet them.

"Pochi, and Kita," Akie greeted with her usual gentle smile, "Now everyone is here, shall we gather at the table over there?"

“I want to sit in the audience!” Aine looked for a suitable seat with great interest.

"..."

Goto Ichiri observed Akie's expression with some fear.

She looked very natural, and there was no trace of falseness in her gentle smile.

The inexplicably depressed atmosphere that had originally enveloped her seemed to have dissipated completely at this moment.

Somewhere I don't know...

At a time I don't know...

Because I don't know...

...has completely dissipated.

"What's wrong, Pochi?" Akie took two steps closer and looked at Ichiri, who looked lost for some reason. "Is there anything wrong?"

"…Nothing. I'll be right there."

Yili lowered his head and fled from Qiu Hui like a thief who had been discovered, and quickly sat down in his seat.

It seems that Qiu Hui's problem has been solved.

Although I have no idea what happened...but, the result seems to be good.

I should be happy about this.

Goto Ichiri grabbed his thighs through his sweatpants.

...Well, there's no need for someone like me to do anything, right?

I may be a guitar hero, but... at the end of the day, I can only play the guitar.

As for other problems, even if you give them to me, I won’t be able to solve them.

So, if Akie's problem disappears without my knowledge, then... that's a good thing. I don't have to worry about it.

but……

Goto Ichiri lowered his head dejectedly.

Meanwhile, the five members who finished the band took their seats.

The meeting on signing matters officially began.

"I think everyone knows what today's topic is, so I'll make it short..."

First, Qiu Hui briefly recounted the situation as an opening for the meeting.

"Well, now it's time for the members to express their opinions in turn."

Akihime, who has become everyone's default host, spoke.

"I will abstain from voting for now. Hong Xia will speak first. Please indicate which of the two options you support and briefly explain the reasons."

"You're so formal, Akie-chan. I'm a little uncomfortable with this."

Hong Xia smiled and then started to speak: "If you ask me, I still support ending the band's overall contract, right?"

"On the one hand, I hope to end the band and become popular, and signing a contract is a good opportunity. Although I don't understand the details, it's not wrong that there will be more opportunities for exposure, right?"

"On the other hand... I would feel bad if Akie-chan had to bear the pressure from the agency alone."

Hong Xia smiled friendly.

"Since we are 'family', we have to face everything together!"

Akie nodded. "That was a very clear statement. How about Kita being the next speaker?"

"As for me... well, how should I put it? Actually, I think it would be better for Akiie to sign the contract alone." Kita expressed his thoughts apologetically.

"Huh?" Hong Xia was shocked, "Why?"

"Sorry!" Kita clasped his hands together, "I may be a little selfish... but, I'm actually not ready to become a signed artist at all! Although becoming popular is great, but... the requirements for signing a contract should be very strict, right?"

"My guitar skills are still at the beginner's level, and my singing skills are also lacking in practice. Also...my family may not agree."

Kita, feeling somewhat guilty, stated the last reason lightly.

"Family... Phew, it's unexpected but also reasonable." Akie nodded, "Then it's Ryo's turn next."

"Ikuyo-kun has his own difficulties too..." Ryo said with a straight face, "I abstain. Anyway, I can accept both sides."

"Really?" Akie was a little surprised. "I actually thought that you would prefer to remain a free agent after the band ends."

All in all, there are now two abstentions, and the remaining two votes are tied at one to one.

This means...

...The vote of Goto Ichiri, who is still in a depressed state, will determine the outcome of this vote.

Chapter 79: Pochi with only his guitar left

“…Huh?”

Realizing everyone's gazes, Goto Ichiri finally broke free from his depression.

But this did not improve her situation. She understood the current situation and realized the weight of the vote in her hand, and was caught in a dilemma.

What should I do? I don’t have any special opinions…

I don't know how to play anything except guitar, but I've thought about becoming a star and making a lot of money by playing guitar, so if I can sign a contract as a member of a band...

...But didn't Qiu Hui also say that if we really signed the contract, the agency would have great power and would be very strict with everyone, right?

A beginner like Kita may not be able to adapt to it... Besides, can Ryo accept the interference of the agency?

Yili lowered his head with a slight tremor and shook his head gently.

"...I don't know." She whispered, "What do you think... is better?"

On the train coming here, Ichiri had repeatedly thought about the issue of signing the contract, but instead of coming to a conclusion, he only unnecessarily increased his fear of the problem.

As a result, she unknowingly threw the problem back to Qiu Hui.

This fact made Goto Ichiri feel guilty and regretful. Didn't he say he would do something for Akie? Why did he end up causing trouble for her?

Facing Ichiri's question, Akie looked embarrassed: "It's a bit difficult. Didn't I say it before? I choose to abstain. If Pochi doesn't know what to do, he can also choose to abstain..."

"But in this case it's a one-to-one tie and nothing has been decided yet." She sighed.

Yili nodded mechanically.

Yes, so nothing has been decided.

Because of my weakness and unwillingness to take responsibility, I guess I have made things difficult for everyone.

"I'm sorry... I don't know what to do..."

Facing Ichiri who was shaking slightly due to self-blame, Akie smiled and comforted him, "Don't blame yourself too much, Pochi. After all, if it's your turn to vote at the end, you'll feel like 'I have to make the final decision on this matter', right? Pochi may not be able to adapt to it yet, I understand."

"Thank you, Akie..." Ichiri nodded timidly.

As a result, she had to tolerate me again.

I am really... useless. If I could be... braver and speak out my decision...

While Ichiri was feeling guilty, Akie continued to speak to everyone.

"Actually, I've also thought about what to do in the event of a tie. If that happens, I'll cast the final vote myself."

Having said that, Akie still looked a little conflicted when she announced the decision.

This is only natural, Yili thought. After all, she chose to abstain from voting in the first place because she felt that she was not suitable to express her opinion.

However, the difference between Qiu Hui and me is that even if she feels that she is not suitable for this responsibility, she will choose to take on this responsibility.

In order to save Akie from this distress, Goto Ichiri tried his best to gather his little courage.

I don't want to just give up and let Qiuhui worry about how to make a decision.

I...I need to muster up the courage...

Ichiri blushed and was about to speak when he was interrupted by Ryo's voice.

"Akihie, you seem very conflicted. Do you not know what to do?" she said.

Qiu Hui nodded slightly, her expression serious: "Yes. After all, I don't think it's appropriate for me to have a bias on this issue."

"If that's the case... I'll do you a favor." Liang Yun said casually, "I changed my mind and think it's better to sign the entire band. So it's two to one, right? Approved!"

"Liang, you actually?" Hong Xia was a little surprised, "I thought..."

"I've already said it, haven't I? I won't object to anything that can make money." Liang said bluntly, "As for what will happen in the future, there's still time to discuss that later."

"If Ryo-senpai thinks this is better... then, I agree too!" Kita also quickly changed her words, "Even if it's strict, I will work hard to practice guitar in order to catch up with the seniors! As for the parents... well... anyway, if it's for Ryo-senpai, there must be a way!"

She didn't seem to have analyzed the pros and cons of the matter too seriously, so her change of stance was somewhat casual.

"You're really working hard, Ikuyo." Ryo smiled, "I'm happy to think that you've become so positive because of me."

"In this way, after excluding the abstentions, it will be passed unanimously." Akie also smiled as if relieved.

“It’s great that it’s been decided.” Aine beside her also commented with a smile, “Rather than whether or not to sign the contract, I think it’s more worth being happy that everyone agrees!”

All in all, there was a happy atmosphere among the crowd.

"Well, don't be too happy too soon." Ryo reminded, "Didn't Akie mention it before? There will be an audition on Sunday. We have been discussing it for a long time and finally agreed to sign a contract with them; but to be honest, if the audition performance is too bad, I'm afraid they will change their minds, right?"

“Although I think it’s probably just a formality…” Qiu Hui said, “but it’s important to take every performance seriously. Even if it’s just a formality, we should let the other party see our best side.”

"Oh! So passionate!" Kita also became excited for some reason.

"So, the next thing we need to do is practice for the audition, right?" Hong Xia was also eager to try.

Even Aine, who had nothing to do with the group, joined in the joyful atmosphere: "This way I can see the band practice finish with my own eyes! If I make a video and post it online, will it be unexpectedly popular?"

"Don't really take pictures, okay?" Qiu Hui was startled and warned seriously.

“How could we really take a photo? Of course I was joking!” Aine walked forward with a smirk, and using her height advantage, she stretched out her hand and rubbed Akie’s head, “Stupid senior!”

"…What are you doing?" Qiu Hui turned her face away expressionlessly, but tacitly agreed to the other party's behavior of doing whatever he wanted over her head.

Everyone was immersed in the high enthusiasm for performance, and even the audience seemed very excited.

There was only one person who was not embraced by this warm atmosphere.

"Pochi-chan? What's wrong?" Hongxia came in front of Ichiri, "Is it time to go to the practice room?"