After Aoki's final words, the entire gymnasium went silent for several seconds.
Then, an explosion of applause and cheers, many times louder than before, rocked the venue.
The "Be original" finals had sold 1,000 tickets.
Factoring in those who didn't come back for the second day or didn't show up, there were at most 600 people in the crowd.
It was hard to believe that a crowd of only 600 could produce such a deafening roar.
For most of the audience, this was an unforgettable live show.
The girls of Kessoku Band had played perfectly—"outstanding" wasn't an exaggeration.
And the skill of the lead vocalist and guitarist, suki-san, was beyond question.
As for the live performance of "Loser"...
It was, without a doubt, perfect to an almost heaven-defying degree.
That first "LOSER!" that grabbed everyone's attention, the pre-chorus guitar slide that pushed the hype to its limit, and that final section, where each line climbed higher until the last was a full-blown shout.
The lyrics were about a failure, but the melody and suki-san's delivery were so... arrogant!
This was the "suki-san" standard.
Most of his fans were thinking, What kind of monster have I been following?
Audience members who had never heard of suki-san before were now thinking, I have to follow this singer and this band when I get home.
Even those who came for other bands, with no real interest in rock, were now filled with a desire to learn more about Kessoku Band.
On stage, after his short, breathless announcement, Aoki bowed lightly to the crowd and then led his bandmates off stage.
The judges' final results wouldn't be emailed to the bands until the evening of the next day.
This meant the project wouldn't be truly over until tomorrow afternoon.
But before the results even came out—
Thanks to Kita and Bocchi's heartfelt words in the restaurant yesterday, and today's virtually flawless, triumphant performance...
The band's atmosphere had changed completely.
Although everyone was exhausted, their faces beaded with sweat, it was the kind of exhaustion that brought "joy."
They had given their all. Regardless of the final results, this live show was a success.
Because of this, all the girls, even Yamada Ryo, had faint smiles on their faces.
(Though the blue-haired girl's smile vanished the moment Aoki said, "You actually look nice when you smile. Why are you always so expressionless?"
Ryo: [Resumes cool facade].)
...
...
Setting Ryo's antics aside...
Backstage, the band decided to return to the hotel.
Nijika wanted to stay and watch the other bands, but considering Bocchi-chan's inability to handle large, crowded places, they scrapped the idea.
In the temporary backstage room provided by the organizers, while packing her instrument, Kita Ikuyo finished first and spoke to the others.
"This is my first time in Kyoto. Since the live show is over... should we go sightseeing this afternoon or tomorrow?"
Her voice was full of anticipation as she slung her guitar case on.
But her hopes were dashed by Nijika.
"It's Monday, Kita-chan. Ryo and I only took one day off from school. So... sorry."
Kita blinked, stunned. "W-We're not on summer vacation yet?!"
"It's only early August. Shimokitazawa High's summer break doesn't start until mid-August. Most Tokyo high schools are the same, right? I remember Shuka is also... mid-August?" Nijika replied.
"Shuka High's summer break starts on August 17th," Aoki chimed in. He paused, then continued, "But even if we can't sightsee tomorrow, our train isn't until 3 PM. We could walk around Kyoto Station. How about it?"
"We should definitely celebrate a job well done!" Kita said.
Nijika considered it and agreed. Bocchi-chan hesitated but eventually nodded. Ryo gave no opinion.
As the girls debated where to go, Aoki was lost in thought.
It had been over two months since he'd transferred to Shuka. In about ten days, his second semester of high school would be on break.
Summer vacation...
He clearly remembered his last summer vacation: a three-point grind between the convenience store, the bar, and the deli.
But this summer...
It probably wouldn't be so exhausting.
His gaze fell on the girls, who had stopped packing and were now deep in discussion about where to go. He took a light breath.
The road had been incredibly bumpy, but the result was good.
The band's atmosphere was fine. The members' relationships were fine.
He couldn't guarantee they'd win, but they had at least made a name for "Kessoku Band."
Just like before—
As long as everything was fine, that's what mattered.
With a quiet sigh, he reined in his thoughts and looked at the debating girls.
"We can decide at the hotel. Let's finish packing and head back."
...
Back at the hotel, they packed their luggage.
They looked up attractions near Kyoto Station and decided to visit the Kyoto Aquarium.
Around 10 AM, the band boarded a train for the aquarium.
Meanwhile, the members of Kessoku Band, caught up in the afterglow of their performance, had no idea.
Their live version of "Loser"—with Aoki on vocals and Kessoku Band as his backing—was, at this very moment, causing a massive uproar on the internet.
And it had only been an hour since their performance ended.
-------
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