"My name is Wakaba Mutsumi, the guitarist for [Ave Mujica]."
Mutsumi bowed politely to the older Yuutenji Nyamu.
"The reason I've asked to meet with you today is, on one hand, to discuss the collaboration I mentioned in my message..."
She paused for a moment before continuing.
"And on the other hand, to address the work inquiry from last week that you did not reply to."
"Ah... about that..."
Nyamu never imagined that the work invitation she had ignored a week ago would lead to such a major development.
But it couldn't be helped. After all, who could have guessed that a high school girls' band that had just played its first live show would have any connection to Mori Minami's daughter and Misumi Uika? What she could have imagined even less was that this major opportunity, which could very well decide her entire future, was so closely tied to that very band...
(..This is a little bad.)
Looking at Chihaya Anon's extremely conflicted expression, Nyamu couldn't help but start to worry.
(This Chihaya-san... she wouldn't hold a grudge against me for ghosting her, would she?)
It's possible, very possible!
When she first came in, Nyamu had seen the two of them talking. If she wasn't mistaken, they were most likely talking about how she hadn't replied to their work inquiry last week!
No, the reason I ghosted them is too inconvenient to say out loud. To prevent the situation from becoming too passive for me, I absolutely cannot let them drag me into a "self-incrimination trap"! I have to apologize first and fast-forward the conversation to the "conditions of cooperation"!
Fortunately, these two girls were only just in high school. They probably wouldn't be too difficult to handle.
Thinking this, Nyamu immediately put on a smiling face and proactively said to Anon:
"I'm sorry, Chihaya-san. My work schedule was just too packed last week, so I wasn't able to see your band's message right away, and I completely missed the window to reply."
"But... you still replied to my message immediately."
Mutsumi's emotionless eyes were fixed on Nyamu.
"Was it because you just happened to see it?"
"Yes, I really only saw it recently!"
Even though it was a clear taunt, Nyamu went along with it without batting an eye.
"In order to shoot a new drum video as soon as possible, I put my work account on pause this week! I've been in seclusion practicing the whole time. I only made a few temporary posts on the day of the [Summer Zodiac] concert!"
Although Anon's presence had thrown Nyamu off a bit, she hadn't forgotten the real reason Mutsumi had sought her out—to form a band.
That was precisely why she used "practicing the drums" as an excuse to show how seriously she took the role of a drummer, while at the same time using "watching the concert" to express her admiration for another member, Misumi Uika. For high school students with simple minds and clear goals, this level of explanation was enough to meet their psychological expectations and win back a certain degree of goodwill.
And the result was just as she expected. After hearing her explanation, the expression on that Chihaya-san's face softened considerably.
Good, now I just need to keep saying nice things to make these two kids happy!
Just as Nyamu was about to press her advantage and continue to express her sincerity about joining the band, Mutsumi suddenly spoke up again.
"I have seen your practice videos and am aware of your 'ambidextrous' performance style. That unique flair is precisely why I've taken an interest in you. However, from a professional musician's point of view, your proficiency as a drummer is still lacking. I hope you can understand this."
"Mhm... I know."
Nyamu had no intention of making excuses for her actual skill level.
As a beginner, although she had learned much faster than other drummers thanks to her ambidexterity, her lack of experience was not something that could be easily overcome.
"But please rest assured, after joining [Ave Mujica], I will adjust the time I spend on my channel and on drum practice! I'll dedicate more time to practice."
Nyamu's response was filled with sincerity.
For this professional video vlogger, to use time meant for managing her channel on drum practice was basically saying she was willing to give up her main career for this band.
However, just when Nyamu thought this answer would surely satisfy the other party, Mutsumi gently shook her head.
"No, you're mistaken, Yuutenji-san. The reason I wish to partner with you, aside from your ambidextrous talent, is in large part because of your channel."
"...Eh?"
Faced with Mutsumi's response, Nyamu showed a rather puzzled expression.
She knew very well that when Mutsumi said it was "for her channel," she couldn't possibly be referring to her channel's popularity. After all, in this band, both the daughter of Mori Minami and the sensational new idol star had enough buzz and popularity to completely crush her channel. Although her beauty channel was somewhat popular, it was insignificant compared to these two.
If that's the case, what value could her channel possibly have for Mutsumi?
As Nyamu looked on in confusion, Mutsumi began to explain.
"This relates to the work inquiry I just mentioned, the one you shelved for a week. In reality, as the commercial band [Ave Mujica], aside from our basic band activities, we have another very important job—"
Hearing this, Nyamu realized the crux of the negotiation was coming.
"And that is to promote a personal brand called [Starry Sky]. As a brand that is currently aimed primarily at young people, we need someone with a combination of fashion sense, management ability, and PR skills to act as our promotional window."
Mutsumi said.
"And this is the main reason I am inviting you to join. Are you willing to join our team as the drummer for [Ave Mujica] and the promotional ambassador for [Starry Sky]?"
...
"That's right. Once [Ave Mujica] is formed, a team will be built around you, covering multiple fields like 'idols,' 'acting,' 'modeling,' and 'music.' And everyone on this team will be your backup and support."
"But, this support isn't free... The price you'll have to pay is to maintain a long-term, intimate relationship with everyone on this team. And to ensure the stability of this intimate relationship, how to satisfy all of us equally... is something you will have to think about."
Nagasaki Soyo smiled as she spoke to the utterly dumbfounded Chihaya Tetsuya.
"So, Tetsuya... are you mentally prepared to accept this 'harem'?"