Uika Yahata looked over at Bai Qiu, recalling the scene from a few days ago when she had seen him playing the bass.
"You?"
A hint of confusion crossed her face.
"Yeah."
Bai Qiu nodded before explaining,
"Sorry, I accidentally overheard your phone call."
Uika simply shook her head, indicating she didn't mind.
Bai Qiu continued,
"I'm actually a keyboardist as well, and I'm pretty interested in performing on stage."
As he spoke, he turned around and pointed to the keyboard case on his back.
Uika glanced at it, her expression shifting slightly.
If that was the case, there shouldn't be any problem. The band that had asked for help had said anyone competent would do.
Still, out of personal curiosity, she asked,
"How good are you?"
"My keyboard skills are quite a bit better than my bass."
Bai Qiu answered honestly.
While he wasn't at a professional level, he was more than capable of filling in as a session musician.
Besides, before his own band's official live debut, he wanted to perform on stage at least once to gain some practical experience.
The drink she had given him the other day had left a good impression on him, so he didn't mind helping her out.
Better than his bass...
Uika gave a small nod, her curiosity toward his keyboard playing growing.
"Then I'll be counting on you."
She paused before adding,
"There'll be payment."
"Sounds good."
Bai Qiu smiled.
Whether he got paid or not didn't really matter to him.
What he cared about was gaining experience.
With that...
They had found a keyboardist.
Now they only lacked a drummer.
An earnest face with a beautiful tear mole unconsciously appeared in Uika's mind.
Should I ask Shiina Taki?
"I can help too!"
A sudden voice interrupted her thoughts.
It was Nyamu, who had also been waiting at the traffic light.
She hurried over to Uika, waving enthusiastically.
Nyamu had overheard not only Uika's phone conversation, but also her discussion with Bai Qiu.
A live house...
The moment she heard those words, her interest was piqued.
Since she had already decided to pursue music, visiting a live house sounded like a great opportunity.
She could even film some videos while she was there.
Besides...
This cool-looking girl had just mentioned there would be money.
The image of Shiina Taki instantly disappeared from Uika's thoughts.
She looked at Nyamu in surprise.
Do I not need Taki anymore?
I found someone just like that?
What a coincidence.
Bai Qiu was equally surprised by Nyamu's sudden appearance.
"You're a drummer?"
he asked curiously.
"That's right."
Nyamu proudly raised her chin.
Uika heard the exchange and folded her arms, giving the girl some thought.
This woman carrying a selfie stick...
She didn't exactly look reliable.
At least, not as reliable as Bai Qiu.
Seeing Uika remain silent, Nyamu couldn't help turning toward Bai Qiu.
"Bai Qiu-kun, say something for me!"
Uika immediately shifted her gaze to Bai Qiu, curious to hear what he'd say.
Bai Qiu blinked and spread his hands helplessly.
"Sorry, I can't really help you."
Looking back at Uika, he continued,
"I honestly don't know whether she can play the drums or not. We only met today."
"Eh... Come on..."
Nyamu pouted.
"We climbed a mountain together, didn't we? That should count for something."
But only moments later...
Uika looked at Nyamu and said,
"Then I'll be counting on you as well."
Nyamu's face instantly lit up with delight.
She shot Bai Qiu a triumphant look.
As they walked, the three got to know one another better and exchanged contact information.
When Bai Qiu and Nyamu learned that Uika worked as a session musician for more than thirty different bands, both of them stared at her in shock and admiration.
Nyamu immediately became curious about her income.
"In reality, only around ten of those bands are active."
Uika explained calmly.
A little later, she sent the songs they would be performing to Bai Qiu and Nyamu so they could familiarize themselves with them beforehand.
The moment Bai Qiu received the files...
He heard Nyamu ask how much they'd be paid for this support performance.
Uika answered in her usual calm tone,
"Probably... a few thousand yen."
Nyamu's eyes sparkled.
Shinjuku District
A live house called Folt.
Led by Uika, the three of them arrived at the venue.
The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by an atmosphere overflowing with music.
Bai Qiu was slightly surprised.
So it's here...
This was the very venue where Kikuri Hiroi regularly performed.
Well...
Although her band, SICK HACK, was practically the headlining act here...
Kikuri herself didn't seem to command much authority inside the venue.
At that very moment...
She wore a miserable expression while sweeping the floor with a broom.
Every now and then, someone nearby would remind her to keep working, making sure she didn't slack off.
With sharp eyes, Kikuri quickly noticed a few familiar faces entering.
A brilliant excuse to avoid work immediately sprang into her mind.
She hurried over to Bai Qiu and Uika, greeting them enthusiastically.
After returning the greeting with a nod, Uika excused herself to meet with the band she had come to support and explain the situation.
Once she left, Kikuri smiled at Bai Qiu.
"Thanks again for last time. If it weren't for you and that pink-haired girl, I would've ended up sleeping on the streets."
Recalling the incident, Bai Qiu couldn't help twitching the corner of his mouth.
"You should really drink less."
"And honestly... you weren't exactly shy about asking for things."
Back then...
She had asked for water...
Hangover medicine...
A blanket...
Even a bed...
"Ahaha... Did I?"
Kikuri laughed carefreely.
Then she added excitedly,
"Are you here to watch the performances?"
"If you are, make sure you stay until my band's set!"
"You won't be disappointed."
She spoke with absolute confidence.
Bai Qiu nodded.
After chatting for a little longer...
Kikuri was dragged away by her bandmates, looking completely unwilling as they forced her back to work.
Left standing where they were, Bai Qiu and Nyamu curiously looked around the venue.
Compared to elsewhere...
There were plenty of people dressed in punk fashion like Uika.
In fact, many were even more avant-garde.
Their hairstyles were wildly unique.
Leather clothing and metallic accessories reflected cold flashes of light.
Some even wore dramatic makeup—
Dark black eyeshadow...
Deep crimson lipstick...
Every detail emphasized their individuality.
Looking down at his own casual clothes—the outfit he'd worn for a day out—
Bai Qiu suddenly felt completely out of place.
Compared to Starry and RiNG...
This place was undeniably far more rock-oriented.
Nyamu, meanwhile, found plenty of interesting scenes to film and couldn't help feeling she'd made the right decision by coming.
They didn't have to wait long.
Uika soon returned and led the two of them backstage to prepare for the performance.