Loneliness and Rock and Roll with Band Observer

This unexpected move once again caused an uproar among the remaining audience.

"What's going on here, a script?"

"What's wrong with that kid? He's dressed so neatly on the beach."

“Is this the stage where you draw lucky audience members? I want to try it too! Pick me, pick me!”

While everyone in the audience was discussing the matter, Aine on the stage made an even more unexpected move.

"Runa-chan! You should keep your guitar, Goto-san can just use mine!"

She also rushed forward and handed her guitar to Yili.

“…Aine?”

The impact this had on Ichiri was probably even greater than that of Lenai who suddenly appeared before.

And Qiu Hui, who had remained calm behind the stage, was even more dumbfounded.

Aine gave the guitar to Ichiri... From the perspective of ordinary people, this is probably just a normal "lucky audience member draw" session.

However, due to the inexplicably complicated relationship between Akie, Aine, and Ichiri, this behavior suddenly took on countless symbolic meanings in Akie's eyes.

Lenai gave a playful smile, returned to his seat with his guitar, and watched the subsequent developments with interest.

Aione handed over the guitar and whispered to Ichiri, "...Let's give it a try?"

You are different from me, you are a formal teammate of the senior.

In that case, let me see your determination?

Although she didn’t say it out loud, Aine could sense that Goto Ichiri in front of her might have understood what she meant.

"……Um."

Goto took the guitar from Aine and came onto the stage.

"Come on!" Suddenly, the audience cheered from the performers.

This was just an informal rehearsal after all, so whatever happened was understandable.

Both the audience and the lights on the stage were looking forward to how this inexplicable episode would turn things around.

Goto Ichiri turned his head and winked at Akie behind him.

After a brief blackout, Qiu Hui reacted immediately.

She randomly picked a mode and began a simple improvisation, using a bass-like tone to create the basis for the melody.

Practicing in the band all the time has made the two of them develop an instinctive understanding.

At the most suitable beat, Goto Ichiri closed his eyes and then plucked the strings with all his concentration.

A more powerful melody sounded on the beach.

This feeling... is very refreshing.

Free yourself from the entanglements of interpersonal relationships and devote yourself to the realm of clear and bright performance.

This feeling made Goto Ichiri feel like he was reborn.

Yes. For me, just being able to play is enough.

The melody flowing from the fingertips declares its own existence.

As long as I can keep playing like this...

...I will always have a reason to stand by Qiu Hui!

Chapter 87: A Great Slump in Emotional Concepts

After this simple roadshow at the seaside, the training camp came to an end.

This rehearsal for the official performance has helped Deng to be mentally prepared for the upcoming show.

There were no major problems with the ensemble, so even Shiina Tachibana didn't have too many worries about the performance a week later.

As for the appearance of Goto Ichiri, it ultimately just added a harmless episode to the story.

Everyone in the No Name band knew in advance that she was "Akie's official teammate", and Touma and Rakuna were already quite familiar with her.

Therefore, everyone had lunch together happily.

After this, the training camp was successfully concluded.

The check-in staff will be responsible for arranging everyone's luggage, and everyone will return by tram in batches.

Although they all lived in different places, Aine, Akiie, and Ichiri were together.

Sandwiched between two pink-haired girls, Akie looked a little uneasy.

"……so."

She hasn't forgotten the fundamental reason for inviting Yili here.

"I said before that we would have a good chat...but it seems like I never found the chance." Qiu Hui sighed.

“After all, we’ve been together since the performance.” Aine smiled, “If we want to talk about the things between the three of us, it seems like now is the only time to do it.”

This question was somewhat embarrassing, so it seemed that only Aiyin, who was more sensible, would take the initiative to bring it up.

"Yes." Qiu Hui nodded.

"In general, there are two things to address."

“First, it’s about the band. After the official performance, I will no longer be the supporting keyboardist for Aine. Instead, I need to focus further on ending the band.”

"This shouldn't make sense to everyone, right?"

Looking at Akie who had a serious expression, Aine shook her head helplessly.

"It would be unrealistic for me to insist that Akie stay at this point."

Ichiri Goto was very happy with this statement.

After all, this way, Akiie can continue to be a keyboardist in "my band".

However, she instinctively realized another possibility.

This possibility made her subconsciously hold Akie's hand, and then she timidly asked, "Aine..."

"what's wrong?"

"What is your relationship with Akie... right now?"

Goto Ichiri raised his doubts.

Aiyin has relaxed about the band's affairs, so will she... make up for it in other ways?

For example, dating, dating, or dating and the like!

"Akie liked you, but you rejected her. But now..."

"I did reject you, senpai. So, we are not dating now."

This sharp question made Aine a little uncomfortable. She smiled awkwardly and reiterated her position.

"My senior and I actually discussed this issue the night before yesterday. The conclusion we came to was, don't think too much!"

"Because, Senpai is really a troublesome person. She always thinks about what she should do for others, and then messes up her own affairs! So, although... I haven't really planned to date Senpai yet, I also think that I should be a little more... partial to her."

Goto Ichiri nodded, not quite understanding.

"I understand... maybe?"

In other words, the current arrangement is to take Qiu Hui's feelings into consideration?

Ichiri looked at Akie beside him, trying to get evidence from her response.

"I……"

Qiu Hui sighed helplessly.

"Although I have always believed that you don't need to care about my feelings. But since you are so insistent, if I continue to resist, it will only cause trouble for you..."

Qiu Hui reached out and rubbed her itchy eyes.

"…So, now I also think that maybe it would be better to 'not think too much'."

"Who likes me, who do I like, who should I establish a relationship with... maybe it's better to put aside these uneasy questions."

"Put aside the restrictions of these titles, and adopt the attitude that everyone thinks should be used to treat each other."

"Perhaps, considering our respective situations, this is the best decision..."

There was a hint of surrender and depression in Qiu Hui's eyes.

“…When I write novels, I sometimes design plots where all the conquestable targets can eventually establish relationships with the protagonist. When I play games, if there is a multiplayer ending, I will basically try to play it out.”

"But, when something like this really happens to me..."

Qiu Hui let out a long sigh.

"...I just realized that this kind of thing is not as interesting as I thought."

Qiu Hui turned and looked at Yili.

She had not reacted at all to Ichiri holding her hand from the beginning.

But now, she increased the strength of her hands.

"...I will definitely do my best to finish the band thing."

The eyes behind Togawa Aki'e's lenses cast a determined gaze.

"Because the end of the band and its development into what it is today are inseparable from my willful interference."

"Similarly, the fact that Ichiri thought that about me was also the result of my own actions."

"At this point, I can no longer escape the responsibility I have for you."

Qiu Hui could feel that Yili's palms were oozing with sweat at this moment.

"So, let's keep working hard together from now on. Whether it's in the band or in other areas."

Goto Ichiri nodded vigorously in response.

I did the right thing.

As long as I keep working hard as a guitarist.

Qiu Hui will definitely...

……

Chihaya Aine's thoughts were a little strange.

As she watched Qiu Hui and Yili talk to each other and make agreements, she felt a kind of... indescribable feeling in her heart, not sure whether it was good or bad, but anyway, it was a feeling that made her not want to think too much about.

I am certainly happy that my senior’s knot in his heart has been untied and he can stop hurting himself with a tangled mentality.

If Senpai and Ichiri can gradually develop a so-called "exclusive" relationship from now on, Senpai won't have to worry about my affairs anymore. This is of course... even more worthy of my happiness.

However, Aine always felt that a small voice seemed to have split out in her mind.

Just like those cartoon representations of angels and demons, the voice whispered something in her mind, but Aine couldn’t make out a single word.

There's no need to be too serious about it.

Qiu Hui has everyone who ended the band.

I also have small lights and bands for everyone.

At this point, we are no longer in a relationship where we need to rely on each other to get anything.

The sunbae used to be very worrying...but now the sunbae has her novel and the support of the band's career in life, and the band members also help him emotionally.

They are all very nice people, and there will be no problem for the senior to be among them.

Moreover, the current senior may also be slowly moving away from the person she once hated the most.

Chihaya Aine's mood became cheerful.

If I were to say that my seniors only like me because they admire someone like me.