Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 23

But at the same time, watching the band grow and everyone smile at the bright future, he felt a joy he had never experienced before when he handled everything with ease.

As the founder, Shoko Toyokawa seems to have the intention of making CryCHIC a real, high-class band, rather than just treating it as a hobby and being satisfied with just hanging out in various small live houses.

She would regularly assign songs from other bands for all members to practice, strictly monitor everyone's progress, and rehearse after they were almost proficient to improve their teamwork and prepare for possible future live performances.

For Takamatsu Akari, who was not yet ready to take on the role of lead singer, Toyokawa Shoko followed Genji's advice and had her recite a few lines of lyrics into the microphone each time they rehearsed. This was to first cultivate basic trust and habit, and then gradually improve her timidity in front of strangers.

During a rehearsal, Gen Xudou pointed out a mistake that Toyokawa Shoko herself hadn't noticed during the performance. As a result, it was discovered that he was actually very good at music, so he was also given the task of critiquing their ensemble and pointing out problems after the performance.

He had no objections, thinking it was much better than just sitting there waiting for them to finish playing, and readily accepted.

In some cases, when language alone is insufficient for someone to understand their problem, he will even step in and play the correct piece for them.

The notes flowing from his nimble, long fingers were often more beautiful and fluent than the tunes they had practiced dozens of times. If it weren't for Gen Xudou's insistence on not performing on stage, Toyokawa Shoko had no doubt that he could replace any member of the band except the lead singer at any time.

She can coordinate the relationships among band members, help her manage logistics, and also act as the best mentor to point out problems during performances—the girl firmly believes that Yuan Xudou is the greatest help that fate sent to her to realize her musical dreams.

They became increasingly confident in his abilities and further invested that trust in the band.

Finally, in the afternoon after a day of practice, Toyokawa Shoko announced her plan to everyone.

"Everyone!"

With a smile as dazzling and noble as the sun, she stood in front of the five people who were resting.

"I think it's time for [CryCHIC] to officially appear before the audience!"

"……Um?"

Sitting between Nagasaki Motoyo and Takamatsu Akari, Minamoto Koto put down the crepe in his hand and looked up at her with a puzzled expression.

"Are you preparing for your first live performance?"

Shiina Riki, who was wiping her mouth nearby, also frowned and looked at her with confusion.

"Isn't it too hasty to let the lamp sing in front of everyone yet?"

“It’s not a live performance.” She shook her head. “I think we can record our practice sessions first, post them online, and gradually build up our popularity.”

The girl articulated her vision clearly and logically, her golden eyes gleaming with hopeful light.

She gently raised her eyes, scanning each person before her, and looked at her companions with eyes full of trust and approval.

Then, bring your slender hands together in front of your chest.

Her long, sky-blue hair cascaded down, reflecting a purity like the azure sky under the incandescent light.

"And so, supporting each other, we moved forward little by little..."

"Because we are a community with a shared future, we will definitely be able to continue on this path."

"There will definitely be a lot of things to go through."

"Perhaps...we can get on too."

Reaching the finish line of all the bands—

The pinnacle of what is known as the Budokan.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Let's go to karaoke together?

Upon hearing the girl's vision, everyone's face displayed a different expression.

Shiina Tatsuki, her eyes filled with longing, seemed inspired by that grand and lofty ideal.

Nagasaki Motoyo was somewhat surprised by her idea, but was quickly moved and smiled approvingly.

Takamatsu Akari was a little scared of standing on such a stage, but couldn't help looking forward to being able to express herself in front of so many people.

Knowing in advance of Toyokawa Shoko's wish, but still smiling faintly and genuinely happy when she actually said it;

as well as--

"...A martial arts gym."

Genjiro tilted his head slightly, revealing a gentle expression, and couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the future that Toyokawa Shoko had described.

"A good goal."

If we can get to that point, perhaps we can prove that our father's views are not so correct.

Then... that promise can be put aside now.

"But why bring this up all of a sudden?"

Shiina Tatsuki, the first to snap out of her reverie, shook her head, clearing her mind of lingering thoughts, and asked a question bluntly.

"In our current state, they're saying they want to go to the martial arts gym..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but everyone present understood what she meant.

After these days of getting to know each other, we've gained some understanding of each other's skill levels.

Perhaps because of the training she received from a young age, Toyokawa Shoko's piano playing and Wakaba Mutsu's guitar playing are at a professional level. With some effort, reaching the Budokan is not out of the question.

However, her drumming and Nagasaki Motoyo's bass playing were only slightly better than average band members, far from reaching the level of a professional band.

Even if Toyokawa Shoko were ruthless and kicked one of the two out, replacing him with the capable Gen Kōdō, there would still still be at least one position missing.

Moreover, with the unwavering support of both Toyokawa Shoko, who is nominally the band leader, and Minamoto Kōdō, who actually controls the band's affairs, no one can shake her position as the lead vocalist. However, Takamatsu Akari has yet to sing a song with them...

Given the current situation, saying you want to join the Budokan is not just wishful thinking, but it's definitely a pipe dream.

Seeing the question in Shiina Tatsuki's eyes, Toyokawa Shoko smiled slightly, as if she had been prepared for this.

“Lixi is right. In our current situation, we are far from being able to hold a martial arts gym, let alone a live performance.”

"So, the next step is to find a way to solve this problem."

She shifted her gaze to Yuan Xudou's side, blinking nervously as she sensed the somewhat awkward atmosphere, and subconsciously leaned closer to the boy, Takamatsu Akari.

A bright smile, seemingly tinged with a strange joy.

The voice gradually lowered, like someone quietly approaching a small, crouching animal to catch and capture it in one fell swoop—

"Shall we all go to karaoke today?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

KTV.

In most cities, it constitutes an important part of nightlife.

For some young people, KTV is their playground for nighttime entertainment, a sacred place to enhance relationships, and a paradise for revelry, cheering, and unrestrained play.

So, being young people themselves, the six members of [CryCHIC] must have a lot to say about karaoke bars—

Nobody has ever been there.

Not to mention that, as young ladies of high birth, Toyokawa Shoko and Wakaba Mutsuko would be far more suited to scheming and plotting with others at a bright, spacious, and lavish aristocratic party than to frequent such dimly lit rooms that symbolize sensual pleasures and clamor.

Conservative and elegant, and without any close friends she could go to karaoke with, Nagasaki Motoyo had no interest in this place before.

Even if Shiina Tatsuki, with her serious personality, was curious about this kind of place, she would never invite her classmates to sing here after school.

Before joining the band, Won Heo-doo had an extremely healthy and regular lifestyle, staying away from almost everything related to nightlife.

As for Gao Songdeng... the only possibility she might be near the KTV is that she's picking up stones in the greenery in front of the building.

Therefore, going to karaoke should be a memorable experience for them, though it might become a bit chaotic due to the hectic pace. But it is precisely because of this that they can reveal a side of themselves that no one else knows, and it is a precious opportunity to strengthen their relationship...

This is what Shoko Toyokawa thought.

Therefore, the girl was so surprised when she saw Yuan Xudou calmly book a private room and prepare drinks and snacks to suit everyone's tastes, despite the surprised and admiring looks from the shop assistant at the counter.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one else was paying attention, she moved closer to the boy and asked him a question in confusion.

"Xu Dou, how come you're so skilled? Isn't this your first time...?"

This is a question that Nagasaki Motoyo, who has been following Genjiro, also wanted to ask.

Could it be that Yuan Xudou, who seemed so calm and composed, was actually a seasoned KTV regular, if she hadn't been in frequent contact with him?

"Hmm? This is my first time here too."

His expression remained unchanged.

"But aren't all service facilities like this? They're no different from hotels."

That being said.

A handsome man, accompanied by five women of similar age and all strikingly beautiful, arrives at a KTV to book a private room... The attention and attitude he faces are on a completely different level than when he checks into a hotel alone.

This only shows that Yuan Xudou's disregard for the opinions of others has reached a level that is incomprehensible to ordinary people.

"Besides, since I'm in charge of the band's affairs, we might need to perform in other cities or even tour abroad... These things are also within my responsibilities."

"...He's really reliable, Xu Dou."

For what seemed like the umpteenth time, Toyokawa Shoko marveled at the boy's thoughtfulness.

Upon hearing this, Nagasaki Motoyo, who was standing nearby, had a different thought in mind.

'Wouldn't it be much more convenient to travel with Xu Doujun in the future?'

'Maybe they won't even have to pay for it themselves. After the band becomes famous, they can use the guise of touring to travel on public funds...'

Only on topics like this does a young girl's imagination seem to leap so far.

As she transformed into a virtuous wife and loving mother, meticulously planning her future happy life with Yuan Xudou, the young man had already led several people into the private room designated by the shop assistant.

The heavy door to the private room closed silently, completely isolating the sounds inside and outside. Then, the screen controlled by the front desk lit up and began playing popular songs from the internet.

Yuan Xudou picked up the microphone from the glass table and casually sat down on the sofa.

Anyone want to go first?

Nagasaki Motoyo snapped out of her reverie, glanced around at everyone who seemed hesitant, and took the microphone from Genjiro Tou's hand.

"Then I'll go first."

When she was in the band, she wouldn't show any excessive closeness with the boys, so as not to interfere with practice or affect the relationships within the band. Until now, the only person who knows the true extent of her close relationship with Genjiro is probably Wakaba Mutsu.

At a time like this, it's not surprising that Nagasaki Motoyo, who usually presents herself as a gentle and considerate older sister, would step forward to set the tone for everyone.

And... this is also an opportunity.

What kind of songs will Won Heo-doo sing, and what kind of voice will he have...?

Although it's a bit unfair to the lamp to say this... well, she really wanted to know these things more than to make the lamp make a sound.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Song Sung for Whom

Motoyo Nagasaki requested a rather old-fashioned slow song, sang it a cappella, and warmed up the atmosphere.

With her leading the way, the initially reserved crowd gradually relaxed and took turns going on stage to sing.

A small, dimly lit room with stark contrasts in light and shadow, an environment completely isolated from the outside world—for these middle school students, this simplest of hints was enough to excite them.

Escape the constraints of daily life, and find yourself in this enclosed and crowded place with a few close friends, where even the air we breathe feels sticky and intertwined, as we shout and sing with abandon...

For restless young people, this is indeed a good place to vent their emotions and enhance their relationships.

The premise is that the person you enter with is indeed a trustworthy companion, rather than a stranger you've only met a few times who seems friendly but actually has ulterior motives.

In this atmosphere that blends repression and relaxation, privacy and openness, even the slightest provocation can easily stir up extremely subtle thoughts within, leading to capricious and extreme behavior.

Yuan Xudou downed the chilled mango juice on the table in one gulp, suppressing the slight fever and dizziness that had arisen from the shock of the sound waves on his eardrums.

The person on stage now is Mutsumi Wakaba.

He hadn't expected that this seemingly reserved and serene girl would have such a deep love for heavy metal and dark rock. Although she sang softly, the background music alone was enough to make his heart race and his fingertips go numb.

Yuan Xudou pressed his temples and gently exhaled.