For the current Kessoku Band, "professionalism" (making money) and "playing music to bring everyone together and let each member shine" were, to some extent, in conflict.
It wasn't that going pro meant the band had to abandon their relaxed atmosphere forever.
But given their current situation, if they wanted to win—especially in this "Be original" project—a choice had to be made between professionalism and protecting everyone's feelings.
And this wasn't a decision that could be made lightly, based on one person's suggestion.
The words "I'll sing 'Loser'" were much harder to say than he'd imagined, even just to Yamada Ryo.
Saying it would overturn the promises he'd made to the band—that he wanted them to have fun playing music, regardless of the results.
He knew Kita Ikuyo wouldn't complain, but he still worried that if he said it, she would overthink things.
It could create a rift.
It might make the others see him differently.
But in his eyes, all of this was ultimately his own fault, the result of the bad choice he'd made from the start.
So, no matter how hard it was, he had to say it.
And after...
If the band truly fell apart because of him, he would do everything in his power, pay any price, to fix it.
And then—
If a rift truly did form in a band that should have been fine, it would undoubtedly be because he had joined. So, call it escapism, but even after investing so much time and emotion—he would find a chance to quit. He would let the Kessoku Band he had interfered with get back on track.
But for now...
This competition. He had to find a way to lead Kessoku Band to victory, no matter what.
...
Aoki took a shallow breath, halting his train of thought.
Beside him, Yamada Ryo watched him, silent.
She felt she understood Aoki's personality well enough. In this moment, she could more or less guess what he was thinking.
Her earlier comment—"I feel a bit frustrated"—had probably changed suki-san's mind and pushed him to this decision.
But she also knew this decision was in complete opposition to his original intentions.
And so...
A trace of worry, so faint it was almost invisible, flickered across her impassive face.
She opened her mouth, looking at Aoki, wanting to say something.
However, before she could speak, Aoki turned first and cut her off.
He didn't continue their previous conversation. Instead, as if nothing had happened, he changed the subject.
"It's too hot out here, and the barbecue place has AC. Let's talk inside."
With that, Aoki pushed the door open again and stepped back into the restaurant.
Yamada Ryo's words died in her throat. She watched him go, and after a brief hesitation, she followed.
They both returned to their table.
The atmosphere at the Kessoku Band table was still quiet.
After sitting back down, Aoki was silent for a moment.
Then, he looked across the table.
As he'd thought, the words "Let me sing lead tomorrow" were incredibly difficult to say.
But the decision was made. After a beat, he spoke.
"Ijichi-san, Gotoh-san, Kita-san. About tomorrow's live performance..."
He spoke, his gaze landing on Kita Ikuyo, ready to voice his thoughts. But before he could, just as the first half of his sentence landed, Kita suddenly shot to her feet.
She looked up at him. They locked eyes.
His words were cut off by her abrupt movement. He stared, confused, but Kita spoke before he could ask.
It was as if she had been hesitating for a long time. After so many false starts, Aoki speaking first had finally steeled her resolve.
She looked at him, and ignoring his confusion, she forcefully spoke her mind.
"I understand your kindness, Aoki-senpai. I know your original decision was for my sake."
"But I know my own skill level better than anyone."
"You're too kind, Aoki-senpai. Sometimes you worry too much about others..."
Kita had heard from Hikitani Hachiman about Aoki's all-or-nothing gamble on his music dream.
So, right now, she felt pained by his kindness—this kindness directed specifically at her.
Hiding his own pressure, telling the band not to worry about the results, letting her be the lead vocalist...
"I was hesitant, and I didn't know how to say it... but I don't think this is something we can't talk about. This isn't something that should make our band's atmosphere so silent. I liked how we were before, so—"
Kita took a deep, sharp breath, her gaze firm.
"Aoki-senpai, I think you are a much better fit to be the lead vocalist for this song. If it's you, I know you can lead all of us—including me—to a better result tomorrow. So, Aoki-senpai... for 'Loser' tomorrow... please, you sing it."
"..."
Hearing Kita's voice, Aoki was stunned into silence.
He froze for a few seconds before his mind rebooted.
He glanced at Nijika and Bocchi, then at Ryo beside him.
Finally, his gaze returned to Kita.
What was he supposed to say?
He was silent, thinking, unable to find the right words.
And so, before Aoki could speak, Hitori Gotoh—who had been silent the entire time—spoke up.
Her voice was stumbling, her eyes darted away from Aoki, but her volume was surprisingly loud.
"A-Aoki-senpai, you don't have to think so much! I... I think sometimes... it's okay to act first and think about it later! A-And..."
"Aoki-senpai! I-I-I... I agree with Kita-san! I don't like... the band's atmosphere right now either!"
Her voice rang out.
It was a little too loud for the restaurant.
A second later, Hitori immediately apologized.
"S-Sorry... I was too loud... a-and I basically shouted at you, senpai... S-Sorry..."
The meat on the grill was starting to burn. Aoki glanced down at it, then suddenly smiled.
He looked up and shook his head.
Then, he replied,
"It's fine. Thank you, Bocchi-chan. Thank you, Kita."
"And... I'll sing 'Loser' tomorrow."
...
...
By the time they returned to the hotel from the restaurant, it was already around 9 PM.
Since Kessoku Band was the first to perform tomorrow morning, they had to be at the venue by 8:30 AM, which meant they needed to sleep early.
Aoki took a quick shower and lay down on his bed.
He fell asleep. The night passed uneventfully.
The next day.
They all arrived at the Kyoto City Gymnasium at 8:20 AM.
After setting up, 9:00 AM arrived.
Kessoku Band walked onto the stage.
-------
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