Loneliness and Rock and Roll with Band Observer

I recently finished my work with the band, which was basically a series of routine tasks.

However, the plan discussed with Xiangzi at this moment was completely imaginative and unrestricted.

Qiu Hui knew very well that even though she and Xiangzi had discussed issues related to making a living every time they met before, it was purely due to limited conditions.

Being able to form a band on her own and write songs like "Kasuga Shadow", Toyokawa Shoko is definitely not the kind of person who would stick to the rules and regulations of reality.

In addition to busy work, chatting about some slightly outrageous topics is a good way to relax, Qiu Hui thinks.

Moreover, we can see Xiangzi, who has been forcing himself to smile and struggling to make a living, cheer up because he has expressed his thoughts...

Qiu Hui thought that I seemed to understand her feelings, so I felt relieved too.

"Yes! Although the content has not been decided yet... I think it will probably be something like Latin or German. Or French is also fine, English lacks some mystery!"

Xiangzi felt that his vocal cords were almost out of his control.

It seemed to have come alive under a spell, and could not wait for the brain's command at all, and it couldn't help but exude the urge to confide in Qiu Hui.

"It's not just a code name. Starting from the mask element, we can incorporate more elements and build a 'world view' that is unique to this band!"

After she said this, strange words started to come out of her mouth.

Things like "dolls", "false life", "love", "forgetfulness", and things like "restoration" and "rebirth"...

Countless concepts are intertwined to form a big net that exudes a subtle middle school student atmosphere.

Qiu Hui, on the other hand, was sweating profusely after hearing this.

How should I put it? Xiangzi is really... a natural strong man. Can I really say these things in front of acquaintances?

It’s okay if it’s posted on the Internet and seen by strangers...but if the other person is a living person right in front of you, within your reach, wouldn’t you feel embarrassed?

"…That's about it. There are still many areas that can be improved!" Xiangzi concluded enthusiastically.

Akie smiled and commented, "Well, how should I put it? I feel like... well, this kind of group that emphasizes background settings is not unprecedented..."

Her somewhat awkward smile was seen clearly by Xiangzi.

Even Yili, who was sitting next to him, found it difficult to sit still.

"Toyokawa-san is really amazing..." She muttered to herself, not even caring about the relationship between Shoko and Akie for the time being. "I thought having an imaginary friend was already... that, but I didn't expect Toyokawa-san to actually..."

Ichiri's reaction finally made Xiangzi realize what he had done.

“…Don’t worry about it! The final result will definitely be different from what I just said!”

Xiangzi's face flushed. Although Qiu Hui's company had improved her mental state a lot, she was no longer the person who could say exaggerated words like "community of shared destiny" without batting an eyelid when she founded CRYCHIC.

"What's that saying? Oh, that's right! The impact during development does not represent the quality of the finished product!" She continued to argue.

"I know, I know!" Qiu Hui quickly comforted her, "Because I write novels, I can understand. Many touching plots, if condensed into a story outline, will sound ridiculous!"

"That's great..." Xiangzi lowered his head as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If those thoughts just now give Akihie a strange impression of me, then...

"But, I'm actually quite happy that Xiangzi can talk to me so much."

"what?"

Akie suddenly spoke, attracting Shoko's attention.

Qiu Hui took a sip of the drink in front of her and then explained, "We first met because of expiring products. After that, the few times we met, we talked about livelihoods, right?"

"But, I think Xiangzi-san is not just that kind of person."

"You can resonate with Tomo and create a song as touching as 'Haruhi Shadow', which means you should also have unique sensibility like Tomo."

Qiu Hui smiled and nodded.

"Now that you can talk to me about these issues related to worldview, it means that you may have room to think about things that have nothing to do with the cold reality."

Xiangzi nodded slowly: "Indeed...that's right."

"After Rakuna played Kasuga Kage without permission, I've actually been worried." Akie sighed, "Moshi has become like that, and as another person involved, you must have also been quite shocked."

"But I feel like Xiangzi is quite sensitive about this. If I bring it up rashly, will it cause secondary harm? Because I'm worried about this, I don't know how to start."

"However, seeing your performance just now, I feel a little relieved."

Qiu Hui smiled as if relieved.

"You should be ready to move on, right?"

"yes."

Xiangzi gave a restrained smile.

“This is also… all thanks to Akiie.”

Chapter 120: Beware of the Autumn Fall Phenomenon

after a while.

"...Thank you Akie for talking to me for so long."

Xiangzi put down the empty teacup and his heart was as clear as a mirror.

It was as if a wonderful warmth was flowing through her body.

It was just a chance encounter in a convenience store at first, but I didn't expect it to turn out like this.

She stood up and nodded slightly to Qiu Hui.

"I have things to do after this, so I won't trouble Akihime any more," she said with a smile.

Actually... I still want to stay with Qiu Hui for a while longer.

Although he thought so in his heart, Xiangzi still felt that he should not rely too much on the other person.

Precisely because of the joy I feel, I feel even more that I should cherish the time I spend with each other and resist the urge to become overly dependent.

Don't be too willful. Otherwise, you will become like Su Shi.

Xiangzi reminded himself silently.

"Indeed, there are all kinds of work to do in setting up a band. I'm sorry, I probably can't be of much help in this regard..." said Akie.

"It's okay." Xiangzi responded with a smile, "Akiei, there's no need to say that. After all, you have no obligation to help me, right?"

Such a straightforward statement surprised Qiu Hui a little.

However, the truth is just as Xiangzi said. In fact, the relationship between Qiu Hui and her has always been just ordinary friends.

In Qiu Hui's opinion, all the help she provided was just a piece of cake.

Even if she did all this for me, it doesn't mean that she has any special opinion of me...

Thinking of this, Xiangzi suddenly fell silent.

"…What's wrong?" Akie asked with concern, "Why did your expression suddenly become a little…"

"……nothing."

Xiangzi shook his head gently.

"By the way, I actually have a question for Akie."

She calmed herself down and put on a serious expression.

"If, I mean, if... I succeed in convincing the people at the agency, and the new band project can go ahead smoothly..."

Xiangzi knew that what he was going to say next would be difficult to say.

But she decided to speak out anyway.

I'm just asking about your intentions. It doesn't constitute an offense and it won't cause any trouble to Qiu Hui.

She and I are just ordinary friends, so she won't be forced to give an answer.

It’s okay to do this…

Thinking of this, Xiangzi finally spoke.

"...If that's the case, Akie, would you be willing to...even if it's just a cameo appearance, would you...participate?"

Xiangzi's heart was pounding as he waited for Akie's reaction.

Akie already has a contract with a band, and she also has to take care of the light novel matters.

Under such circumstances, it is indeed a bit inappropriate to extend such an invitation to her.

But... Xiangzi wanted to try to invite Akiie no matter what.

Because I want to expand my interactions with Qiu Hui.

My thoughts...are a little contradictory.

I knew I shouldn't rely too much on Qiu Hui.

I know there is no reason for us to deepen our relationship...

...But I asked it anyway.

Because I want to create a usable "reason".

If Qiu Hui agrees to my proposal, then there will be an additional working relationship between us.

The connection between each other will become closer.

But...if that's the case, wouldn't that be an excuse for my over-dependence on Qiu Hui?

Xiangzi was looking forward to Qiuhui's agreement.

But at the same time, some concerns in her heart made her hope that Qiu Hui would refuse.

If Qiu Hui refuses, then we can just pretend nothing happened.

Moreover, I can also... give up the idea of ​​deepening my relationship with Akie with peace of mind.

There may be a lot of irrationality in my thoughts about Qiu Hui. It is because of circumstances and a series of coincidences that I have developed such a good impression of her.

Perhaps we should not allow this trend to continue. This may not be a responsible approach for both Aki and me.

So, if I get rejected, that's fine...

Xiangzi's thoughts became a tangled mess.

Qiu Hui in front of her pondered for a moment and smiled: "Shoko and I are both keyboard players. If I join in, wouldn't that mean I'll be replacing you?"

"It's okay!" Xiangzi explained subconsciously, "Even keyboards can have different divisions of labor! Electronic keyboards can simulate a variety of instruments. If the number of keyboard players increases, it means that the level of music will become richer..."

...Wait a minute, what am I doing?

What Qiu Hui meant just now was obviously a polite refusal, right?

If she refused, I should have just accepted it. Why should I say all these words to try to keep her?

Xiangzi began to feel uneasy.

Could it be that... I... value my relationship with Akihime more than I thought?

Qiu Hui didn't notice Xiangzi's thoughts. She was just seriously thinking about the possibility of having two keyboard players in the band.

"Well... let's talk about this later." She responded, "Xiangzi can also think about this decision carefully when you are preparing for the band. Who knows, maybe it will be you who changes your mind by then."

"That's true." Xiangzi nodded a little guiltily, "Then I'll... leave first. Sorry for the impoliteness."

"Have a nice trip. And, I wish you all the best."

Qiu Hui bid farewell to Xiangzi with a smile.

Xiangzi ran out of the store with his head down, hardly daring to look at Qiu Hui's face...

…She quickly turned back.

"...I haven't paid my bill yet, waitress!"

……

Goto Ichiri felt mixed emotions as he watched Shoko hurriedly leave after paying the bill.