The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

Because the four members of C&C and the five members of Afterglow would come to borrow the two practice rooms in Heishin's house on weekdays, the five members of Roselia would usually rent the practice room in the livehouse if they wanted to practice ensemble during this period.

But when Lisa Imai went to fill in for the convenience store where they worked, they realized that it was because someone had been working silently that they could practice so easily and happily every time.

When Shirogane Rinko called to change the equipment, her voice was too soft and the other party misheard her and brought the ukulele and percussion instruments. At this time, the remaining four people would remember: Ah, it turns out that it was Lisa who handled these things before.

Ako Udagawa's painstakingly thought-out, yet unresponsive (and perhaps even chuunibaku) remarks went unanswered except by her close friend, Rinko Shirogane. Sometimes, indifference can be more hurtful than direct words. The "only singing" and "only guitar" women had no idea what she was talking about, and it was then she realized that it had been Lisa who had been silently observing and responding to everyone's every move. Without that person keeping the atmosphere in check, the five-person practice session felt anything but harmonious.

After two hours of non-stop practice, all three were exhausted, their wrists and shoulders needing a rest. However, Yukina Minato, who was solely responsible for singing, was unaware of this, and even her own singing wasn't going well. Without their only normal supporter, this group of troubled children instantly became a "group of ascetics," completely devoid of self-care, with no one even asking them to take a break. Even professionals wouldn't practice like this.

During the intermission, everyone was enjoying themselves, eating and drinking. After all, everyone had eaten together several times under Ping Xin's influence, so there was no problem. However, the cleaning up after practice could only be described as tragic.

Yukina tripped over the guitar string on the ground, and when she fell, she knocked over the hot milk (warm) that Shirogane Rinko had left there without finishing it.

The floor was stained white by milk. When Yazi wanted to clean it, she accidentally slipped and sat on it, and her skirt got wet.

But the most dangerous thing was accidentally spilling it on the equipment. If water got into these delicate electronic devices, it was basically over. Shirogane Rinko hurriedly pulled out her handkerchief and tissues, but found that she had already used up all the tissues during the previous eating and drinking session.

Fortunately, Lisa Imai arrived at the critical moment, though late. She calmed everyone down and then, using a towel and handkerchief, helped Ako and Yukina clean the milk stains. She then quickly assigned tasks, and with Lisa's (the mother) presence, the band quickly resolved the issue with a clear division of labor.

She showed up in time to resolve the farce and saved the family (?), Lisa Imai, my superman!

Luckily, the milk only got wet, especially on rubber-wrapped components like guitar and microphone cables, and didn't spill onto the effects pedals and speakers, which are the big money-makers. All I had to do was clean up the spilled milk and I didn't have to pay for the equipment. Thankfully, that was a relief!

After the "Superman Returns" segment, the four people, feeling the importance of Lisa (their mother), became much more relaxed. Ako excitedly hugged her, Rinko Shirogane stared at her with burning eyes, Sayo also took out the precious item "Hanasakiya Honey Candy" x2, and the eldest son Yukina even rubbed her shoulders. Everyone reached a unanimous consensus -

Roselia (this family) cannot live without Lisa Imai (mom)!

Even the chuunibyou Ako Udagawa, the socially anxious Rinko Shirogane, the cold beauty Sayo Hikawa, and the "unintelligible" singer Yukina Minato spoke directly about their feelings, expressing their profound shock at the "accident." And Lisa Imai, who had always considered herself "the worst" and "a drag on the team," was moved to tears by the outspoken expressions of respect. Having finally caught up with Yukina, she feared the sudden arrival of a skilled bassist and the possibility of her taking her place.

*It is only when someone is not present that her value can be proven~

However, Ping Xin knew nothing about these things, because this was their daily life, Roselia's daily life.

Hiranobu is currently worried about the new song that Yuki Minato made that week, but he doesn't know that Yuki has completed not one but three songs, and one of them was inspired by the "Imai Lisa's disappearance" incident a few days ago, and she is waiting to give Hiranobu a big show during her first independent performance.

Chapter 4000: Blooming Blue Rose ()

The time came to the next day, June 6 (Sunday), and the venue was the most familiar livehouse CiRCLE——

"..."

There are so many people, and so many women, it’s overwhelming!!!

The man, whose gender is out of tune with the female audiences around him, and who is wearing a suspicious three-piece outfit of baseball cap, sunglasses and mask, unconsciously puts a huge pressure on passers-by, but he himself looks like a wrinkled dried plum with an embarrassed expression and huddled in a ball. At this moment, he is being swept forward by the crowded crowd in the livehouse, like a small boat on the sea in a storm.

Fortunately, staff member Ms. Marina arrived in time. Regardless of whether she will be promoted or get a raise for her rescue, Hiraishi did not expect that so many audiences would come to Roselia's first independent live performance today.

The number of viewers this time has completely surpassed the crowds of Afterglow's first independent live. In addition to ordinary audiences, there are also scouts in suits and ties, producers from the agency and reporters in casual clothes who come to watch.

However, this does not mean that Roselia is necessarily more valuable than Afterglow. It’s just that the two companies are taking different routes. First of all, their promotional strategies are completely different.

Afterglow is a band formed by five childhood friends to maintain their bond, so their collective will is paramount. While they're quite popular in the area, they're a hobbyist band whose popularity is built on word-of-mouth from the audience.

Roselia, under Ping Xin's consideration, is currently using the operating model of a professional agency in order to quickly accumulate popularity and step onto the stage of the Tokyo Summer Music Festival, and then use this as a springboard to obtain the qualification to leave for the Future World Fes. preliminaries.

It can be said that the publicity and promotion efforts of the former Afterglow (almost zero) are completely incomparable to Roselia's publicity strategy. After all, in order to make the popularity grow quickly and steadily, Pingxin not only used its own thinking but also mobilized think tanks and some other resources.

However, he hadn't expected to be so crowded that he couldn't even move. It seems that the expansion of CiRCLE or the construction of a larger livehouse should be considered...

Still standing near the drink bar in the last row, Pingxin knew the performance was about to begin as the lights changed. She wondered what kind of performance this independent live organized and planned by them would bring.

*The actual performance design is based on the real Roselia's first live performance

With the familiar prelude, the name of the first song is about to come out -

"BLACK SHOUT," Yukina's first original song, is also the first cry the band Roselia makes to the world (they first appear at the end of the first volume). It's the perfect opening song..."

This time, however, the performance was more mature than the last. After the previous "absence incident," Lisa Imai became the sole true god with the highest voice. She combined her experience in the dance club with her study of other bands' live styles, ultimately transforming this knowledge into practical results, improving Roselia's stage style and commercial design.

When Yukina sang "I exist here (私は 此処に今)", she pointed her finger at the audience and called out names. She accurately pointed out four fans, causing the crowd below to scream, and she even struck a powerful pose.

"...Everyone at CiRCLE, let me hear your voices!"

"Oh oh oh oh!!!"

Even Heishin was surprised to see the enthusiasm of the entire audience ignited.

Previously, Yukina was obsessed with pursuing her own "purity," a tendency to be impatiently utilitarian and technically oriented in her approach to music. But now, as if untangling a knot, she's finally unleashing her true self. While she hasn't yet revealed her full potential, this significant transformation has already taken the audience by surprise, as evidenced by their enthusiastic support.

“Black~”

"Hey Hey!"

“Shout!”

"Hey Hey!"

Seeing Yukina Minato swaying to the rhythm on stage, Hirayuki could sense that she was enjoying herself to the point of being completely oblivious. After all, the conscious Yukina was still the same "Lonely Songstress (155cm)" she once was. However, seeing her swaying, Hirayuki fell into thought.

Why does it look so much like some wobbly little animal?

Specifically,...

penguin?!

And it's a rockhopper penguin!

Even Hikawa Sayoko, known for her skill without emotion, was more lively than when Hirayoshi saw her last time. Lisa Imai was a natural, and Roselia's lively bassist was always the center of attention. Today, she looked even more confident and beautiful.

etc--

Looking closely, their outfits have undergone some minor changes compared to last time. In addition to being more beautiful, they have also further incorporated each member's own elements. But why are their armpits still exposed?

*It’s time to turn off the lights to save electricity. Just be content with having clothes to wear.

After the first section, the song entered its middle phase. Previously, the other four members of Roselia, except for the lead singer, just played according to routine, but today was different——

Lead singer Yukina left the center C position and waved to the audience, while bassist Lisa Imai and guitarist Sayo Hikawa each performed a short segment highlighting their personal instruments. Even the socially anxious Rinko Shirogane stood up and played a short piece.

Combined with the few lines of lyrics sung by everyone before, it can be said that everyone is the shining heroine in today's performance -

...Hmm? Are you asking about the drummer, Ako Udagawa?

I can only say that she was having a lot of fun playing, and you can tell by the smile on her face when she was playing~

"Hey Hey!"

Near the end of the background music, there was a short segment of intensive drum performance that caught Ayako's attention. It turned out that she was not forgotten but just left at the end... This setting is really good.

"Oh~~~~~~!"

Even after the final performance, the audience was still cheering enthusiastically. Yukina smiled slightly and continued, "Welcome to Roselia 1st Live, 'Rosenlied'!"

Then there was another round of music played by the four people, and the audience fell silent, waiting for their speeches.

"This might be a bit fast, but we're going to introduce the members now - Guitar... Hikawa Sayo!"

Today, the cool and beautiful guitarist took a step forward, played a solo that showed her personal understanding of music, and then went back in silence. The enthusiastic audience in the audience gave her face and cheered.

"Bess...Imai Lisa!"

Lisa Imai took a step forward with a smile on her face. If Hikawa Sayo was like a snow lotus on an iceberg, whose beauty could only be seen by those who were not afraid of the cold, then she was the passionate red rose on the stage. Today, she was confident and beautiful, emitting a dazzling brilliance.

After a dashing fingerstyle bass solo, Lisa Imai combined her index and middle fingers, tracing them upward from her temple, offering the audience a strikingly stylish welcome. Beautiful, gentle, and stylish, Lisa Imai, who shares the most about her personal life on her official account, is undoubtedly incredibly popular, drawing screams from the audience.

"Drummer...Ako Udagawa!"

After a brisk, rhythmic, and intense solo, Udagawa Ako, her twintails swung high, smiled and extended her hand to the audience. The jazz drums are the instrument that demands the most power, explosiveness, and endurance in a regular band. Her small frame holds incredible energy; she's both adorable and handsome!

"Keyboard...Shirogane Rinko!"

The music played by Shirogane Rinko during her solo session was like music echoing from a dark, dilapidated castle. The melody of the harpsichord and the electronic tones of the keyboard blended harmoniously with her personality, reflecting her "young lady who loves online games." Her greeting was also very stylish: she silently stepped back half a step and bowed.

"And then... there's our lead singer - Yukina Minato!" said Lisa Imai.

The four teammates once again provided support with their performances. Yukina, who provided her own band (human power) for the background music, gracefully and generously greeted the audience, "Please give us your guidance."

As Yukina's childhood friend and Roselia's indispensable central figure (mother), she is the most qualified and suitable person to introduce Yukina—

"...After all, one is a cold and taciturn beauty who only has a guitar, one is a cute little girl with a middle school age and personality, and the last one is an autistic girl who doesn't dare to speak even when it's her turn. When you think about it this way, they really are a group of problem children." Ping Xin sighed.

"...Thank you so much for coming to our first live today."

Yukina bowed, and the audience cheered.

"There are so many guests here. Will the people squeezed in the front feel uncomfortable? Are you okay?" Ako's cute and energetic voice spread throughout the venue through the microphone and speakers, and there were also mixed responses from people in the audience below.

"Is everyone okay? Are you feeling a little uncomfortable? Okay, okay~ People at the back, please don't push~ Just stand back and listen~"

Lisa Imai put her right hand together and placed it above her eyebrows, looking towards the audience, as if she was observing which "little baby" was being naughty. So the audience who had been trying to squeeze forward to see the performance clearly moved back and kept their distance.

"You are all good kids, well done. By the way, please also pay attention to hydration. I hope everyone can follow the rules and enjoy the live in a relaxed and happy manner, right, Yukina?" said Lisa Imai.

"Sodane (Yeah), our music doesn't need those extra words——"

The distance between the audience members was smaller, they could breathe more comfortably, and there was no more crowding. However, it was a pity for Ping Xin, who was standing at the back and had turned into an "Overwatch" with his super vision. The sudden appearance of several unfamiliar young beauties around him made him lose even the energy to talk to himself.

"Ah~?, Tohru-senpai, Tohru-senpai, they played so well, can our future concerts be this lively?!"

"Hmm...it's really amazing—"

Is this the kind of person he trained? We're not good enough now... Toru thought.

The girl with the light brown hair in a bun said to the girl next to her with short brown hair with cyan highlights, "Judging from their intimate behavior and youthful beauty, they must be high school students from a nearby school." As for the concert... could it be some underground idol from somewhere coming to learn from them?

If that's the case, the passionate junior and the cool senior characters are quite compatible. However, unlike the girl with the bun, the girl called "Toru-senpai" has a sense of alienation that doesn't fit in with the people around her, and even... keeps a distance from the entire world.

But... I feel like I've seen this feeling before. Ping Xin stared at her, lost in thought.

"...Excuse me, do you have any questions?"

The girl who seemed to be traveling with the two people asked, and Ping Xin looked in the direction of the voice.

Her short brown hair, which fell past her ears, curled slightly at the ends, creating a wave that didn't look messy. Her bangs were framed by two small hairpins, one black and one red, creating a perfect arc. Her eyes, slightly open, looked lazy and casual, like the energy-conscious handsome man in a popular anime from a past life who never fully opened them. She wore a hoodie that (in Hirayuko's opinion) was "tasteful" and a simple JK-style pleated skirt. Her legs were covered in black stockings with a high-density coating that didn't show the color of her legs underneath.

Frankly, she's quite the type of person Hirayuma likes. While Hirayuma has always considered himself a fan of long hair, that's nothing compared to true charm. Just like some Juru fans choose girlfriends who are "unambitious" or even "mediocre," though it's possible some of them are just playing the "cultivation game" game...

And seriously speaking, most homosexuals do not fall in love just for the sake of being homosexual, but they fall in love with being homosexual. If it is true love, they will accept even the other person's shortcomings. This is the love that Ping Xin understands.

At that moment, the strange girl's alluring, mysterious purple eyes flickered with suspicion. Her arms folded across her chest told Ping Xin she was feeling insecure. After all, as a grown man, not only were you listening to two young girls talking, but you were also staring at them. It was hard not to suspect he was being sexually aroused or perhaps recognizing you as a fanboy.

If it were more aboveboard, it would be fine, but Hirayuko's "fugitive" outfit directly raised Higuchi Enka's suspicion to the maximum——

After all, how could a normal person dress like this in a dimly lit and crowded room!

Even now he was still wearing a three-piece set of a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a mask. Because of his half-vampire physique and super vision, the sunglasses did not affect Ping Xin's vision, so he naturally forgot about it.

The two stood facing each other in the poorly lit auditorium filled with the sound of music. For the two who had never actually met each other on that rainy day, this was their first meeting.

"I--"

Chapter 56 Encore & New Songs

"Next up is a song everyone's very familiar with, a medley of three separate songs. So, please listen—"Soul of Rufus ~Hacking to the Gate ~ETERNAL BLAZE""

Hmm... As expected, the second song was the "bug song" we played before, Soul of Rufran ~Hacking to the Gate ~ETERNAL BLAZE. A band with its own fanbase, using songs familiar to their regular audiences, always managed to keep the rhythm going. It's called that because it's a medley of three different songs, the total running time after the arrangement is about seven minutes, but it only counts as one song.

As the second song was about to begin, Ping Xin suddenly remembered what he was here for, but he was not in a good mood at the moment. Because he always felt that he was being led by the "second brother", so he, the "big brother", was very angry -

Is this good?

This is very bad!

So he left the area where the three people were and went to the other side of the last row near the door after saying something incoherently like "You have good taste in clothes". Only the lady in the "strange sweatshirt" was left standing there alone, not knowing what she was thinking.

"...What's wrong, Higuchi?"

"No... maybe it's just my imagination."

Turning her gaze away from the suspicious man walking through the crowd, Higuchi Enka answered.

"I see... I couldn't come today, Koito."

"It can't be helped...after all, I have to go to cram school."

"Ah↑ha~? How about we take a picture and show it to her when we get back together?" Ichikawa Hina suggested.

"Don't be silly, didn't you see the sign next to it prohibiting photography?"