Although Kael already knew that Hitori would wear a cardboard box on her head during the concert, seeing it in person still felt strange. It was a completely different feeling compared to watching it on television. That's you, Bocchi. Kael couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Not only Kael, but the bar's audience was also caught off guard by Hitori's stunt. Everyone was stunned, speechless. They had seen odd things before, but never something this absurd. Wearing a cardboard box—was it because she was too ugly to show her face? Or was she afraid of scaring the audience?
People around began to whisper.
"What's with that guitarist?"
"No idea, maybe it's some new gimmick."
"Am I the only one wondering why it's a cardboard box?"
Marin heard the murmurs and turned to Kael, asking again: "Are you sure this is okay?"
She hadn't seen many concerts, but even she knew Hitori's act was bizarre. Kael didn't know how to answer, but still said: "Don't worry, it's fine."
Then the performance began. Frankly, as Kessoku Band's first show, it could only be described as mediocre. Despite countless rehearsals, once on stage, problems arose. Someone missed the beat, the vocals fluctuated, the guitarist rushed. Even Nijika, the leader and drummer, tried desperately to cover the mistakes, but the outcome was poor.
After one song, the audience's reactions were polarized. Some said, "What kind of performance was that?"
Others said, "You should just get off the stage."
In short, negative reviews poured in, with almost no praise.
Even Marin could tell the performance was bad. Worried her cousin Ikuyo would be crushed by criticism, she pulled Kael backstage after the show.
There, Kael saw four defeated girls slumped in corners. Hitori was the worst, curled up in a corner, muttering to herself.
Her voice was faint, but Kael heard clearly: "…It's over. The band, my life… all over… ahaha… ahaha…"
Ikuyo blamed herself endlessly. Ryo said nothing, fiddling with her bass. Nijika looked drained, her face full of despair.
But when Kael and Marin entered, the Shimokitazawa angel perked up.
"Sorry." She stood to greet them. "You came to cheer for us, but ended up watching such a terrible performance. I'm truly sorry."
Indeed, she lived up to her title. Her words warmed the heart.
Marin quickly waved her hands. "No, not at all. Though the performance wasn't great, I could see how hard you all tried. Each of you worked so hard. And people who work hard shouldn't be mocked."
Hearing this, Nijika's dim eyes brightened slightly. The others also looked at Marin.
She continued: "I can tell you all love music. Ikuyo always talks about you with excitement, as if she found something worth fighting for. So I was curious about her bandmates. Now that I've met you, I feel reassured. You're all wonderful people.
This performance had flaws, but no show is perfect. I believe one day you'll deliver an amazing performance. Everyone will cheer for you then. Keep going. I'll always support you."
Ikuyo, moved to tears, hugged her cousin.
"Thank you, cousin."
"You're welcome." Marin hugged her back. "We're family. Of course I'll always support you."
Then she turned to Kael, signaling him. "Renjou-kun, say something too."
Seeing she wanted him to encourage the band, Kael pulled out his phone and made a call, putting it on speaker. After a few rings, a clear, pleasant female voice answered. "How rare, you actually called me?"
Nijika and the others were captivated by the beautiful voice. It sounded familiar.
"Because I need a favor," Kael said.
"A favor?" she asked curiously. "Something even you can't handle?"
"There are plenty of things I can't handle," Kael replied confidently. "But this involves your expertise."
"My expertise?" she asked. "What, are you planning to debut as an idol? If so, I could help a little."
"No, I'm not planning to debut." Kael refused firmly.
"Then what is it? Never mind, whatever it is, I'll help. Just don't make it too troublesome. You know I'm busy."
Hearing her agreement, Kael smiled. "It's nothing troublesome. I have some friends who formed a band. They had their first underground performance today.
But they're new, and it didn't go well. I want you to guide them as someone experienced. Teach them how to stay calm before an audience. I believe you're perfect for this, Mai."