|
Bloom Of The Blue Rose
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
Lisa
Yukina~☆ I was just about to go check out that new accessory store. Do you wanna come—
Yukina
Not interested... Early start tonight. I need to hurry.
Lisa
W-wait, hold on! Could we at least walk to town toge— Ah!
Student 1
I'm sorry! Are you okay?
Lisa
I'm fine! Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going...
Student 1
... That was Minato-san, wasn't it? She's... not the easiest to get along with... You really have a gift, huh Imai-san.
Lisa
No no, Yukina's a really nice girl! Honestly! She had the biggest, sweetest smile you know! It's just recently she's a little... I dunno, different...
Lisa
... Ah! Yukina?! Sorry, I've gotta run!
Lisa
Yukina~! Ahh... phew... Gotcha!
Yukina
...!
Lisa
What kinda girl leaves her best friend behind like that? ... I mean, that was probably the 100th time already. Haha~!
Yukina
... I'm not going.
Lisa
Huh?
Yukina
... I'm not going to that store. I don't have the time. I don't have time for anything except singing.
Lisa
... Hmm. Okay! Don't worry about it. I'm pretty much used to it by now, anyway.
Lisa
But still, the accessory store's right by the live house, right? I'm just saying we could at least walk there together♪
Yukina
...
Rinko
...
Rinko
(... Too many people... I don't like this... Where are you, Ako-chan...?
Ako
Ahem. ... O great Sorcerer, who did fight the Grand War by my side...
Ako
This very night, as the seals of Fire and Darkness do break among our World of Shadow, face me in true battle...!
Ako
... Perfect! Sorry I'm late, Rin-rin. These lines you gave me though, they really are the coolest!
Rinko
Hello, Ako-chan... Yes... That was very cool.
Ako
Hehe, thanks. Come on, let's go! ... Ah!
Sayo
... I'm sorry. Did I hit you with my case?
Ako
Oh, no, it's fine!
Sayo
Oh, okay then. Bye.
Ako
... Hey, Rin-rin. Is that a guitar case she's carrying? She must be in a band, huh. Lucky. I wanna join a band, too...
Rinko
(Ako-chan always talks about her sister and her band... It's amazing, really... A whole world I could never be a part of...)
Ako
Rin-rin, let's get going! I want to keep a tight schedule today!
Rinko
Ah. Okay...
Lisa
So how was the test, Yukina? Do you wanna hear my results? Do you?
Yukina
... I have more important things on my mind right now.
Lisa
I know you're busy and all, but don't go flunking any tests, okay? I want us both to graduate together.
Yukina
Low grades mean extra study and less time for music. I won't let that happen.
Lisa
... Haha. I guess you're right. You really are busy recently though, huh. Every day, another new live house...
Yukina
... Yeah.
Lisa
You're going there to sing, right? ... You're not on stage every day though, are you...?
Yukina
...
Lisa
... Hey. I know you don't wanna talk about it, but... You are still looking for band members, aren't you?
Yukina
Of course. Entries are already open for the festival contest. 3 people per band. This year, I will find them.
Lisa
Still, though, I mean...!
Yukina
I will find them. I have to. For dad. You know more than anyone, Lisa. What happened to his band, when he got his break.
Lisa
Yeah...
Yukina
I am going to this festival... Future World Fes will see the power of my music.
Lisa
... I do know, Yukina. I know it was tough for your father, but...
Lisa
That's exactly why I don't want to have to go through what he did.
Lisa
(Yukina's family don't even talk about music any more... All I want is to see her smile again, but... it's been such a long time now...)
Lisa
Hey, I used to play the bass, didn't I? I understand how you feel about music, it's just... I don't want to see you hurt yourself over it.
Lisa
B-but hey, I'm not all diligent like you are. I'm the one who gave up music to do her nails all through high school...
Yukina
I'm just doing what I want to do.
Lisa
But—
Yukina
I'm serious. This is everything to me. I'm going to make the perfect band. Fun and enjoyment have nothing to do with it.
Yukina
Here's the live house. Aren't you going to the accessory store?
Lisa
Ah... Yeah, sure... Haha, you really can be difficult, huh...
Lisa
(Not that I thought I could change her mind anyway...)
Lisa
... Which is why I've decided I'll just be there for her.
Lisa
(Still, Yukina... Is this really going to help your father? ... Is it really something you want to do?)
Yukina
(This band... The guitarist is great. The rest aren't worth mentioning. Their whole balance is off...)
Yukina
(... But that girl... Her phrasing is one thing, but even the basics are far beyond normal skill...)
Yukina
(No regular practice can make you this good... Just how much does she play exactly...?)
Sayo
... Thank you all for listening.
Audience Member 1
Sayo~! You're the best, Sayo~!
Yukina
Sayo...
Audience Member 2
Hey, is that Yukina? She looks so intense this close up.
Audience Member 3
Shh, she'll hear you. She's not the type to forgive that talk, either.
Yukina
...
Performer 1
Oh, Yukina! Thanks so much for the—
Yukina
...
Performer 1
Ah... She left. Do you think she didn't hear me?
Performer 2
Are you kidding? Yukina doesn't acknowledge people she thinks are beneath her.
Performer 1
What, really? I know she's incredibly talented, but that's a little rude, isn't it?
Performer 2
She gets offers from huge agencies every day. I guess she just doesn't have time for us amateurs.
Yukina
...
Yukina
(I don't care what people say... I just have to stay focused...)
Band Member 1
That is it! I cannot be in this band with her any more!
Yukina
...!
Sayo
... I'm just speaking the truth. That practice was atrocious. If we don't make some big changes...
Yukina
(... It's Sayo, from earlier. She's arguing with her band members.)
Sayo
However much you try to hide it up on stage, you're just not getting the basics. And one by one, those bands that are will just leave us in their wake.
Sayo's Band Member 1
But... but still...! Ever since you joined... Between practice and homework, we don't even have time to sleep... We're still just high schoolers...!
Sayo's Band Member 2
... Sayo. I understand. I really do. But you have to understand too. Being in a band is not just about skill, is it?
Sayo
Yes, actually. It is. Otherwise it's all just a waste of time and energy.
Sayo's Band Member 1
That... that's so mean! We all joined this band hoping to make it big some day, but... we're all still friends, too!
Sayo
... Friends? You don't need instruments, studios, and live houses to make friends. You can chat amongst yourselves in a cafe, like regular school kids.
Yukina
(... She thinks just like me. A high school student, too...)
Sayo's Band Member 1
You're the worst...! I give up! We're done! This band is over!
Sayo's Band Member 2
Calm down. We're not splitting up. Only one of us here has a problem. ... Right, Sayo?
Sayo
... Right. It's best for everyone if I just quit. You can carry on without me. Thanks for everything.
Sayo
...
Sayo
... Ah! ... I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone else was here.
Yukina
I watched you perform up there today.
Sayo
... Oh, right. The outro on our last song, my chord change came in too late. I truly apologize for ruining the performance.
Yukina
...! You're right, it was a little late. I don't think anyon noticed, though.
Yukina
(... If a little mistake like that ruined her performance... she must have very high expectations. Perhaps... she could be...?)
Yukina
Sayo, was it? I have a proposition for you. I want you to form a band with me.
Sayo
... What?
Rinko
(What is this place...? I keep hearing music from the building next door... It must be really, really loud...)
Ako
So then I took the new choreography to dance club, and Lisa-senpai told me it was really good! ... Hello~? Are you listening, Rin-rin?
Rinko
Ah... Yes... I'm listening... Do... you hear that sound...?
Ako
Fufu. So you noticed, huh? A question for you, Rin-rin! What kind of building is next to this cafe~?
Rinko
... What...?
Ako
Rin-rin. Do you know what a live house is?
Yukina
Form a band... with you? ... I'm sorry. I can't give you an answer. I don't even know how skilled you are.
Sayo
It's my first time at this live house, but... Are you a regular here?
Yukina
I am. Yukina Minato. Solo vocalist. I'm looking for band members for the Future World Fes. I assume you've heard of it?
Sayo
...! I've always wanted to perform at the Future World Fes...
Sayo
... But even true professionals don't make it past the entry contest. They say it's the Everest of our genre.
Sayo
I've made my own bands in the past, too. They say even amateurs are welcome, but... We never seemed to have enough skill...
Sayo
(I did everything I could to stop people comparing me to "her"... But my band members are always holding me back. I can't keep on wasting my time like this...)
Sayo
I have to be sure whoever I play with has true talent, otherwise...
Yukina
The two of us. We can do it. I'll be up in two more acts. You can listen for yourself.
Sayo
Hold on. Even if you are a great singer... listening to one performance isn't going to tell me how much passion you have for music.
Yukina
You're worried I might have the talent, but not the drive to make any use of it? Is that it?
Yukina
I will do anything to perform at the festival. And from what I know of you so far, I don't think I have any less drive, any less passion for music than you do.
Sayo
... Okay. I'll listen to your performance.
Yukina
Good. That's all I ask.
Rinko
Live... house...?
Ako
Yeah! Right next door to this very cafe! I'm really into the live music scene recently.
Ako
Entertainers of the underground, known only to a select, lucky few... Doesn't it just sound so cool?
Rinko
... Yes, I suppose...
Ako
Right?! Well, guess what? I found the coolest of the cool already! My own lucky entertainer!
Rinko
Really...? You do like cool things... don't you, Ako...? That's good... I'm happy for you...
Ako
Thank you~. You're always my partner-in-cool, Rin-rin.
Ako
I love the way you always help me out online and stuff, too. The quest you got me through the other day helped me finally make this amazing new weapon, and...
Ako
... Whoa, I got completely sidetracked! Anyway, so yeah, Rin-rin! Let's go to the live house!
Rinko
... What?
Rinko
... G-go... to the... live house...? With... all the people... and...!
Ako
Oh, right, yeah. There will be a lot of people. But it'll be quieter around the bar! We can just hang out there.
Rinko
N-no, no way... Too scary...! I... I should... go home...!
Ako
Don't worry, I know you don't like crowded places, Rin-rin. We'll leave just as soon as my super special singer's done her set, okay? Please...!
Rinko
B-but...!
Ako
It's almost time! Let's go!
Rinko
I... I don't...
Ako
I'll be right there with you, Rin-rin. I want to do this for you... to say thanks for all the times you've helped me in the past.
Rinko
... Ako-chan...
Ako
She's called Yukina, and she really is one of the coolest people ever! I just know as soon as you hear her voice, you'll be hooked just like me!
Yukina
...
Audience Member
... Yukina~!
Sayo
(Such atmosphere... Does she really have this many fans? It's almost time, but the crowd is so patient... It's as if they're all just waiting for her...)
Ako
Here, we found the bar. It's the furthest we can be from the stage, so we should be okay, yeah? ... Rin-rin?!
Ako
Whoa whoa whoa~! Rin-rin, your face has gone blue~!
Rinko
I... should... be... going...
Ako
Rin-rin! Pull yourself together, Rin-rin~! You can't die without seeing Yukina perform~~!!
Sayo
(Is that... Shirokane-san, from school? Is she a fan too? I wonder who the loud one is with her...)
Sayo
Would you two please...?
Yukina
~~♪
Sayo
...!
Ako
...! She... is so... cool...!
Rinko
(...?! That voice... I... I've never...)
Sayo
(... I've never heard anything like it. Each and every word she sings... I can see their color, I can sense their smell, I can feel them filling out the hall...)
Sayo
... This it... She's the one... I've finally found what I've been looking for...
Yukina
... So? How was my performance?
Sayo
I... don't know what to say. Your performance was better than any music I've ever heard before.
Sayo
I want to join your band. And... I want us to perform at Future World Fes. I think together... we can achieve great things.
Yukina
... I'm glad we could start this band together. Should I go ahead and make a studio reservation? I don't want to waste any time.
Sayo
I agree completely. Do we have any other members?
Yukina
No, not yet. We'll need a bassist and drummer for rhythm. Plus, this genre requires someone on keyboard, too.
Sayo
Three more people... We should hurry. We need to find skilled and dedicated members and all start practicing as soon as possible...
Yukina
Then we write the perfect song, make the perfect performance and enter the contest.
Sayo
... I really think we'll make great music together.
Yukina
... I think so too. I'll see if I can write a melody based on what you heard me sing today.
Sayo
Then I'll get started on the bass and start thinking- ...?!
Ako
I-i-it's her... Rin-rin, it's her...! It's Yukina...! Wh-what do I do...? I thought I might meet her if I hung around here after the show, but... it really happened...
Rinko
Ah... Ako-chan... I... I have to... go...!
Ako
Umm... I'm sorry, I kinda overheard, but... is it true? Are you really forming a band... Yukina-san...?
Yukina
Yes, I am.
Ako
...! A band...! I-I've been a fan of yours since forever, Yukina-san...! S-so, umm... please let me join your band!
Rinko
...?! ... Ako... chan...?
Ako
I'm the second best drummer in the world, y'know! The best is my big sister, of course. So... I mean... if you still need someone on drums...!
Sayo
Excuse me. This isn't some after-school club—
Yukina
We don't have time for games. I would never play with someone who takes pride in second place. Let's go, Sayo.
Sayo
Okay.
Ako
Ah...
Sayo
(No time for games... Minato-san and I really are in sync. Perhaps we will make a great band after all...)
Ako
Okay... Today's the day! Yukina-san, I was wondering—
Yukina
Go home.
Ako
Ack...!
Ako
This time, this time... Yukina-san! Please let me—
Sayo
Please just give up already.
Ako
Oof...! Failure again~? I'm not gonna give up... I'm really serious about joining the band... Why won't they believe me?
Ako
I'm home~. Sigh... This just sucks. Maybe I'll talk to Rin-rin about it...
Rinko
Ah... Ako-chan logged in... Ah... Oh... She got turned down again...
Rinko
"It might take more than just words to convince her."
Ako
"...? So what should I do, then?"
Rinko
"If you could make her believe through music, just like when you and I first heard Yukina-san herself sing..."
Ako
"... Through music..."
Rinko
"Hearing her perform really was incredible. There was a feeling there that words cannot describe. I think that's probably what being in a band is all about."
Ako
"... Whoa... I think... I think I understand..!"
Tomoe
I'm back~... Your face, Ako. I guess it didn't go so well today, then? Your "Quest To Join The World's Coolest Band," was it?
Ako
Ah, welcome home sis! Yeah... It's the guitarist, Sayo-san... Her defense is way too high. But I'm gonna find a way around her!
Tomoe
Well, I'm rooting for you. ... Did you say Sayo-san? The Sayo-san who's making a band with Minato-san?
Ako
Huh? Do you know them, sis?
Tomoe
Hahaha. I wouldn't go that far. They go to the same school as me, I see them around campus. I'm guessing Minato-san is this mystery cool person, then?
Ako
Yeah! When I saw her singing live, I really felt this weird kind of electricity! She was just so, so cool~.
Tomoe
Minato-san, huh... It won't be easy, but I'll be here cheering you on. Hey, did you know? Minato-san's really good friends with Lisa-san, from dance club.
Ako
... What~~?!?! I had no idea! Lisa's always talking about her best friend!!
Lisa
What? Are you actually serious, Yukina?!
Yukina
I am. I have formed a band, with a girl called Sayo. We only have guitar and vocals so far, but we are looking to write songs to take part in a band contest.
Lisa
Wow... Hahaha☆ How about that? I'm surprised, you didn't tell me anything!
Lisa
(I always knew this day would come... and now, here it is.)
Lisa
So you're finally starting up a band~. I was starting to get worried, you never seem to hang out with anyone other than me~.
Yukina
Lisa... I really am serious about this. Sayo and I share the same goal, of playing at the Future World Fes. That's why we've come together.
Yukina
Pkus, with my father...
Lisa
Yeah... I know. I don't know about yoru goal there, but... I'm happy for you. I'm really glad you found someone you can practice with♪
Lisa
But Future World Fes needs three or more people per band, right? What are you gonna do?
Yukina
... Aren't you going to try to stop me?
Lisa
Would you listen if I did?
Yukina
Lisa...
Ako
Y-Yukina-san! Please, please!
Lisa
Hmm? Ako? What are you doing here?
Yukina
... Do you know her, Lisa?
Ako
Please! Please please please! I promise I'm really, really good at playing the drums! Just... please!!
Lisa
... Hold on, hold on. I don't have a clue what you're talking about. You play the drums, Ako? You want to join Yukina's band, is that it?
Ako
Yeah! But she keeps saying no... So I thought real hard about how to convince her I'm for real, and...!
Ako
I learned to drum along to every one of your songs, Yukina-san! I practiced, really, really hard...! So, umm...
Ako
Please! Just give me one chance... just once chance to perform with you! And... if you still say no... I promise I'll give up asking!
Yukina
I keep telling you... this is not a game.
Lisa
(Ah...)
Lisa
Come on, Yukina☆ I'm sure you can play with her just this once, right? ... Right...?
Ako
Ahh~!
Yukina
...?
Lisa
Those sheets... They're all tattered and torn. Have you really been practicing with them that much...?
Ako
...!
Lisa
Look at that, Yukina. I mean, I know Ako from dance club. I know that when she puts her mind to something, she can get it done.
Lisa
(I don't know if it's right to not gther Yukina members. But I've never seen Ako so fired up about anything. I can;t help but giver her my support...)
Yukina
... Sigh. ... Fine. Just one song.
Ako
... R-really?! ... Really really?! Yay~! Thank you, Lisa! Thank you!
Lisa
Hooray~☆ Isn't that great, Yukina? Can I come watch you two?
Yukina
... If you really insist to. Why the sudden interest? You haven't been to the studio in ages.
Lisa
Wh-why...? No real reason~. Maybe I just wanna see you sing somewhere other than the live house for a change?
Lisa
And... I'm kinda interested in meeting this Sayo girl, too~.
Yukina
... Fine. Do as you please.
Lisa
Yay♪
Lisa
(Why am I so interested...? I've always been happy watching from the sidelines, but... I feel so intrigued by Yukina's new band...)
Lisa
It's been so long~. It feels good to breathe this studio air again☆ I haven't been here since, what, 8th grade?
Yukina
7th. Have you forgotten already? You spent your whole 8th grade summer at the beach.
Ako
Wow... Did you go too, Yukina-san? D-did you sing on the shore...?! So cool...
Yukina
I didn't go.
Sayo
Yukina-san. Who are these people?
Lisa
Ah. Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Lisa Imai. I'm a long-time friend of Yukina's. I just came to watch you all practice today♪
Ako
I'm Ako Udagawa! I'm here to audition to be your band's new drummer!
Sayo
... Audition?
Yukina
I'm sorry, Lisa just... N, no. I said she could come for a trial performance.
Sayo
So that means... she does have some skill, then?
Yukina
... She is willing to put in the effort, at least. I'm sorry to use our rehearsal time like this. It will only tak five minutes.
Sayo
Don't apologize. I trust your instincts, I'm just... surprised, is all. I didn't think you for someone who would mix her own emotions with the music.
Yukina
It'll be jusging her on the criteria that I know we both share. If she doesn't have the right level of skill, they'll both be going home.
Ako
Understood!
Lisa
Wait, what? Me too?
Yukina
You're here to watch Ako. You've already met Sayo. ... Lisa, this isn't like when we were young. We're not just playing band any more.
Lisa
Oh, y-yeah, of course. Haha, I'm sorry! I'll go straight home once she's done♪ Sorry, I just... got kinda carried away with nostalgia, I guess~.
Ako
Lisa~! I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure I pass this audition, okay?
Lisa
I know you will. You can do it, Ako☆
Sayo
We're going to need a bassist if we want to fully assess the rhythm unit as one...
Lisa
...
Yukina
You're right. Drums alone won't give us much to work with...
Lisa
U-umm... Maybe I could fill in, for now?
Yukina
Lisa?
Ako
Y-you're a bassist?!
Lisa
I used to play a long time ago. You don't have anyone else yet, right? Let me give it a go♪ Wait here, I'll grab a bass guitar!
Lisa
Okay, I'm back! I'm all ready to go☆
Sayo
Minato-san. Does Imai-san have experience playing the bass guitar?
Yukina
She does. I think she should still be able to perform the basics.
Sayo
Yes... The basics...
Lisa
Oh, what, my nails? Don't worry! I don't play fingerstyle anyway.
Sayo
That guitar belongs to the studio. Please try not to damage it with any strange styles. This is Udagawa-san's trial after all, so... you can fill in for now.
Yukina
Okay. Let's go.
Yukina
(...! What is this...?)
Sayo
(... This feeling... It's like my fingers are being moved by some invisible force...!)
Lisa
(What...?! I haven't played in so long, and yet...!)
Ako
(... Whoa! I'm doing even better than in practice...! But... I dunno, something's not quite...)
Yukina & Sayo
...
Ako
Umm... You've all been real quiet since I stopped, but... am I in the band, or...?
Yukina
Right... yes, I'm sorry. You passed. What do you think, Sayo?
Sayo
I agree. It's just...
Ako
Woo-hoo~~!!
Ako
That was... that was... amazing!! It was only our first ever attempt, but I could feel my body moving by itself, like it knew what to do!
Lisa
...! Me too...! I felt exactly the same! It was a pretty incredible performance♪ ... Don't you think...?
Sayo
I do. It was...
Yukina
This studio, this song, this equipment, these instruments... these members. It wasn't skills, it wasn't conditioning. It was a single, unique moment of sound.
Sayo
We were a band, in the very purest sense. That was something that not every musician gets to experience...
Sayo
I've seen it talked about in interviews and such, but...
Ako
W-wow, that's like... some kind of miracle!
Lisa
Yeah! Like magic♪
Sayo
I can't disagree... We all experienced something incredible today. Thank you. Now all that's left is to find a bassist and keyboardist...
Ako
Huh? But we have Lisa on bass right here!
Lisa
Hey, no, I'm just... y'know, helping out, is all~...
Sayo
Imai-san was just helping out her friend, accompanying you for your audition. Isn't that right?
Ako
But you are still lookng for people, aren't you? If Lisa just performed that well with us, why not make her a new member...?
Yukina
... It's true. She doesn't yet have the skill and shouldn't be accepted to the band.
Lisa
Ah...! Y-yeah, no, you're right... Haha...
Yukina
However... although she might not have the technique, I cannot ignore that performance today. I'm sure you cannot either, Sayo?
Sayo
I... I...! Her performance for that one song today was good, I admit...
Ako
So, come on then! Let's make a band, the four of us!
Yukina
...
Lisa
What...? ... I mean, what...?!
Ako's Chat
And then they said both me and Lisa could join the band! I'll never ever forget this day!
Rinko's Chat
Congratulations, Ako-chan! I'm so glad they understood how hard you worked.
Ako's Chat
I don't think it was just hard work, though!
Rinko's Chat
What do you mean
Ako's Chat
As soon as I heard the music, my body just started moving! I was playing amazingly well! Lisa said it was magical! We all felt something we never had before!
Ako's Chat
Everyone agreed it was something special! Even Yukina-san said so! Isn't that amazing?!
Rinko'a Chat
That does sound wonderful. It must be an amazing band.
Ako's Chat
It is! Being in a band is just the best! It's just so much fun hearing everyone perform together! It's so much more emotional than just practicing alone!
Rinko
... Everyone together...
Rinko
(I've been playing the piano by myself for so long... I do love it, but... I've never even thought about... playing with others before...)
Ako's Chat
Who knows what'll happen the next time we all meet up?! I bet this is what miracles are made of!
Rinko
... Miracles...
Rinko's Chat
I'm sure you will all be very successful. I'll be cheering for you.
Ako's Chat
Thanks! I'm just so happy! You should start playing something too, Rin-rin! Maybe you'll feel this amazing feeling, too!
Rinko
Ah... I... I never told Ako-chan about piano...
Ako's Chat
We haven't decided on a band name yet, though. Any ideas, Rin-rin?
Rinko
...
Ako's Chat
Rin-rin? Hey, you're not playing online, are you? If you are, there's a new skill I wanted to show you! Wait just a second!
Rinko
... Ah...
Rinko's Chat
I'm not playing yet, no, but... do you think we could talk about your band some more first?
Ako's Chat
Of course! I'll talk up some tales all through the night!
Rinko's Chat
Thank you. That would be nice.
Rinko
... It's strange... Just hearing her talk about the band... It's so much fun...
Sayo
(Today's session... was a strange one...)
Hina
Hey, sis~! ... What are you looking at?
Sayo
...! Hina... I told you to not look at people's phones like that.
Hina
What's the site? Future World Fes...? What is it, some kinda rock event?
Sayo
It's got nothing to do with you, Hina.
Hina
... Nothing to do with me, huh~. Okay, sure, fine. Come with me to the living roon, then. Dad's watching that show you like about the dogs.
Sayo
It's recording, I'll watch it later. I'm busy right now. And you don't even like dogs, Hina.
Hina
But you do though, don't you? We're twins, right? It's nice to do things together sometimes...
Sayo
You always want to do everything together.
Hina
...! Sis, I was just...
Sayo
Just because we were born on the same day, doesn't mean we have to be around each other all the time, does it?
Sayo
We agreed that we wouldn't get in each other's hair like this once we started high school. Now go back to your room. I have practice to do.
Hina
... Okay. ... I... I'm sorry.
Sayo
(If I told Hina sbout the event, I just know she would copy me and try to join herself...)
Sayo
(And, like always, she would be far better than me through sheer genius alone... no matter how hard I try...)
Sayo
I don't want to live in her shadow any longer. ... This time, I will reach the top...
Lisa
Well today didn't turn out how I imagined at all☆ Joining a band with Yukina, huh. I'll do my best!
Yukina
... We were all in a strange place after that performance. I didn't want to say it then, but you don't have to join just because they asked.
Lisa
I know, but... I feel like I should be by your side, Yukina. It's like I have a duty never to let you feel alone. So I think I'd like to join.
Yukina
That has nothing to do with the band—
Lisa
I know. I'll enjoy the band for what it is, too. If it means I'll be together with you, Yukina.
Lisa
(Right until the day you smile like you once used to...)
Lisa
Does that make sense?
Yukina
... If you can't keep up, you're out. Childhood friend or not.
Lisa
Okay~! I'll just have to practice like crazy, then~!
Yukina
Once we have our members, we'll be entering a contest to perform at Future World Fes. Do you understand?
Lisa
Yes... Yeah, I understand.
Yukina
The festival that my father worked so hard for... The festival that made him sell out, only to cut him loose before he could even perform...
Yukina
... He had to quit music altogheter. He had to leave the stage he so loved, for good... That is why failure is not an option for us.
Lisa
I know. And I know that I have some gaps... that maybe my skill isn't quite there yet. But I am going to try my hardest.
Lisa
(I can't leave her now. Not when she's acting like this.)
Yukina
... Then join, if you want.
Lisa
I will!
Ako
Ah. Yukina-san! ... And Lisa, too! I'm looking forward to today's rehearsals!
Lisa
Oh, hey Ako. Are you on my schedule or something? I feel like I see you every day~.
Ako
Well we are in the same dance club. We'll dance together, perform together and make a perfect rhythm for Yukina-san's singing.
Lisa
Whoa whoa, we won't be dancing on stage, you know. Come on, let's head to the studio☆
Yukina
I'll go on ahead.
Lisa
What do you mean, ahead? We're going the same way! ... Hey, Yukina! After her, Ako!
Ako
Okay! Yukina-san~! Stop right there~!
Yukina
... Out of my way.
Lisa
... Maybe that was a little much~. I'm sorry! But we are all going to the same studio, so why not go together?
Ako
Yeha, why not together~?
Yukina
... Sigh. Fine. Just try to be a little quieter.
Lisa & Ako
Woohoo!
Yay~!
Yay~!
Yukina
... Maybe I was being too hasty letting you both into the band...
Ako
... Whoa, wait! What happened to your hands, Lisa?! Your pretty nails... they're all jagged and plain...!
Yukina
...!
Lisa
Oh, yeah... I just, erm... Well, there's more to fashion than just pretty nails, right? I thought I'd try a little makeover. Starting with my nails!
Ako
Lisa... This wasn't... for playing the bass, was it...?
Lisa
More importantly, Ako! Don't you wanna go for some crepes after practice today? There's a new place that just popped up in town♪
Ako
Crepes! I know the place! It always has that huge line of people outside, right?
Yukina
... Lisa. Removing those nails was the right move. But you should pace yourself. I don't want you—
Lisa
I know, I know~☆ I'd invite you along too, Yukina, but I know you'd never come~, hahaha. I'm definitely gonna get extra whip on mine!
Yukina
... Lisa...
Yukina
Ako. Your timing is off.
Ako
...! Understood!
Sayo
Imai-san, focus on the tempo Udagawa-san is setting.
Lisa
... Roger!
Lisa & Ako
Ahh~~... I'm beat.
Sayo
Listen up, everyone. We now have our original songs together, so it's time to think about which ones we'll use for the contest. I was thinking of these here...
Yukina
This is just the list we need to ensure a high enough base quality. I want everyone to practice them for next week.
Lisa & Ako
But... our crepes...
Ako
I'm back~! ...! Sis!! Are you going out somewhere?
Tomoe
Yeah. I'm going to see some friends downtown. Do you wanna come with me?
Ako
I do, I do! But... I'm so tired~. But I wanna go with you... but I'm tired... Aww... Maybe next time...
Tomoe
Hahaha. Next time it is. You got into that band with Minato-san, then. Let me know when your performance is. I'll come and watch.
Ako
Okay! Love you, sis!
Tomoe
And I love you too, Ako. Keep going at those drums. I want you to get even better than me. I'll see you later.
Ako
See you later! Teach me some new tricks when you get back!
Ako's Chat
... So I mean, I do still get told off sometimes, but at least now they accept me as one of the band!
Rinko's Chat
That must mean you are starting to fit in with them. You must be getting better at the drums already, too.
Ako's Chat
Hah... This much is easy-peasy!
Rinko
... Fufu. ... Hearing her talk about her band like this... It is so much fun...
Ako's Chat
Then allow me to present, specially for my dear comrade Rin-rin, our marvelous performance caught on film!
Rinko
Hmm? A video...? Let's see...
Rinko
... Wow, Ako-chan, with Yukina-san...
Rinko's Chat
Thank you. That was amazing! You all come together to make one single sound. I see what you mean about everyone working hard.
Ako's Chat
...
Rinko
... Hmm?
Rinko's Chat
Ako-chan?
Ako's Chat
...
Ako
Zzz... zzz... Nyam-nyam...
Rinko
Ako-chan has never logged off of the chat before me... I wonder if something happened...
Rinko
(That video... I feel like it is almost calling me, somehow...)
Rinko
... What if I... maybe...?
Rinko
(Maybe... just maybe, hypothetically... What if my piano could be part of the performance...? Just like Ako-chan's drums...)
Rinko
... I... I wonder...
Rinko
(... What if... I played along to the video...? Maybe I should... try it, just once...)
Rinko
...!
Rinko
(... This is... What is happening...? I feel like... like I have always known this song...)
Rinko
(It's... it's so much fun...!)
Lisa
Whew...
Ako
Another long day~.
Sayo
Udagawa-san, Imai-san. This is a public area. Try to have a little more decorum.
Yukina
Excuse me. Could I make another studio reservation?
Staff
Of course, Yukina-chan. By the way, are you free this time next month? You don't have any gigs booked, do you?
Yukina
Not at the moment we don't, no...
Staff
Oh, right, of course. You're in a band now, aren't you? Perfect. A slot just opened up next month, and I can't count on anyone else to fill in~...
All
...!
Ako
Wow... We've already got our first gig lined up...
Ako
I heard talent scouts go to that event looking for new bands, too... C-could it be...? Is this our debut...?
Sayo
They do say this event is like a gateway to success for local bands like ours. But we're not exactly looking for a break like this...
Yukina
She's right. We have our sights set much higher than that. A major debut is not everything. And we don't need anyone who doesn't think the same, Ako.
Ako
What...? Really? But... I thought if I could get my debut, then I might become all cool someday, too...
Yukina
What exactly is "cool" about it? Signing a deal like that is where all becomes about money. They don't know anything about real music...
Sayo
...? I don't think that is necessarily always the case...
Sayo
(Minato-san... has something happened? You're getting worked up over nothing...)
Sayo
But she's right. We are all here to achieve our own set of goals. Udagawa-san, you talk a lot about your sister...
Sayo
If you are not here for the music, if you are just here to become a "cool" musician like your sister, then I suggest you go and form a band with her instead.
Ako
...! B-but I wanna be in this band. I mean, my sister's a drummer too, so... that is why I wanted to be like her, playing the drums, but...
Sayo
Like your sister...
Sayo
You always want to do everything together.
Hina
...! Sis, I was just...
Sayo
Udagawa-san. ... I admit you do have great skill. But this obsession with being cool is just you copying others.
Ako
... Th-that's not true... I... I just...!
Sayo
It is true. Answer me this, without using your sister as an example. What do you really think it is to be cool?
Ako
I... It's...
Sayo
You see? For the good of this band, I need you to change this way of thinking of yours.
Lisa
O-okay everyone, maybe that's enough? Sayo...? She may not look it, but Ako can be very serious when she needs to be. She can think for herself... right, Ako?
Ako
... Y-yeah...
Sayo
Well, I'm glad to hear it. And what about you, Imai-san? Do you know anything about our genre, our scene? You are making some drastic changes already, I see.
Lisa
...! Oh, yeah... Don't worry about the nails. As for this scene, I mean... I've heard Yukina talk about it a lot, so...
Lisa
(... Huh. I guess I'm the only one hre who knows about Yukina's dad... I wonder when she plans on telling them...)
Yukina
...
Lisa
... Yukina?
Yukina
We should be discussing the keyboardist. We cannot be a part of this genre without one, but I cannot find one anywhere... and we already have a gig coming up.
Lisa
Hmm... I guess all we can do for now is keep on searching, really...
Lisa
It's been a week already...
Ako
And we still haven't found anyone to play keyboard...
Yukina
It's incredible enough that we four managed to get together in such a short time. I don't want to make compromises just to get a fifth.
Sayo
She's right. Better that we put on a great performance with the four of us than force in a new member. Though, our songs all have keyboard parts written already...
Lisa
But that would mean we couldn't perform our music to its potential, at its absolute best...
Lisa
... Wait! I mean, I have a lot of friends... I could try just calling around, seeing if anyone knows someone who might fit...
Ako
Okay! I'll do the same! I want us to reach our goals.. and I want to find my own style of cool!
Rinko
(... Playing along with Ako-chan's band like this, over and over... It feels strange, but... it is so much fun...)
Rinko
... Phew. ... Hmm? Is that really the time...? I... I got carried away again...
Rinko
A call from Ako-chan...? Hello...? Ako-chan...?
Ako
"Rin-rin~! You have to help me~!! We can't find a keyboardist anywhere~. And we're already booked for a gig!"
Ako
"Do you know anyone who can play, Rin-rin? Keyboard or piano, either one is fine! I mean... they do have to be good at it, though...
Rinko
...! Yes... of course...
Rinko
(Piano... I... I... can play piano... but... me...?)
Rinko
(Yukina-san is so serious about her band, but... I just... play here in my room... alone...)
Ako
"Hmm? Rin-rin? Of course? Does that mean you do know someone...?!"
Rinko
It's... I... I... I can...
Ako
"... Yeah, I didn't think it'd be this easy. Well, if you do think of any really, really good players, please tell me, okay...?"
Rinko
... Play...
Ako
"...? Rin-rin...?"
Rinko
... I... I... can play...! I... I play piano...!
Ako
"... What~?!"
Ako
Ah, Rin-rin's here! I can't believe you actually play piano... In all the years I've known you, you never mentioned it!
Rinko
Ako-chan... I'm sorry... I couldn't find the right moment...
Ako
Hey, no, I'm not upset or anything. I'm just shocked, is all! And, I mean...
Lisa
Is this Rinko-chan? When she said she was bringing a friend, I sort of imagined someone a little more... like her.
Ako
Rin-rin is amazing, you know! She's invincible in online games!
Rinko
A-Ako-chan... please, no... no talk about... games...!
Yukina
I'd rather talk about music. Rinko-san, is it? Are you able to perform our music?
Rinko
Yukina... san...! Ah... I... I... The video... and... I played... along...
Yukina
Video? I'm asking if you have the skill to play our songs. Are you telling me you don't?
Sayo
Shirokane-san, we're in the same class, aren't we? But I don't think we've ever spoken before. You won a music contest with your piano playing before, right?
Sayo
You are always so quiet in class, I never would have thought you would come to a place like this.
Rinko
... That contest was... a long time ago, now... I... I just...
Rinko
(... I just want to... perform with you all. That... is the only reason I came here...The only way I ever could...)
Sayo
Udagawa-san. Are you sure this is all okay?
Ako
Rin-rin is my comrade and best, best, best friend. I have 1000% faith in her, always.
Rinko
...! ... Ako-chan...
Yukina
But you've never heard her perform, have you?
Ako
I don't need to! I believe in her!
Yukina
... She can audition with one song, just like you did. If she isn't good enough, she'll have to leave.
Ako
Okay! I'll do my best!
Lisa
Hahaha. You're not the one under pressure, Ako~.
Rinko
Yes... I... I will... do my best, too...
Sayo
... Sigh. I just hope against hope you can play.
Sayo
Here we go. Are you ready, Shirokane-san?
Rinko
Y... yes...
Rinko
(...! Wow... It feels so... different to the video...)
Yukina
...!
Sayo
(... This girl...! What is happening? I can feel the keyboard pulling me in, or... No, wait... This feeling...!)
Lisa
(This feeling... It's just the same... Just like the first time we four performed together...! ... Only this time...
Yukina
~~♪
Lisa
(Yukina... Just like before, she's...)
Ako
(Whoa... Rin-rin really is invincible!)
Rinko
(... This is so fun...! Much more fun... than playing on my own...! More... I want to play more... and more!)
Lisa
That was... incredible. Even better than just the four of us...
All
...
Sayo
I don't have any objections. ... But... What did you think, Minato-san?
Yukina
... Why...? Why does this... keep happening...?
Ako
What...? D-does that mean... she didn't pass? After a performance that amazing...? Wh-why, though...?
Yukina
Ah... No. There were no problems at all. She has the skill and the technique. An easy pass.
Rinko
... Ah...
Ako
You... You passed~~!! Rin-rin, you're amazing! The best best best!! Barely any practice, but you didn't miss a single note!
Rinko
Th... thank you... but I... I did practice... at home... over and over... with the video...
Ako
Ah! The rehearsal video I sent you the other day? You were playing along with it?
Yukina
... I see.
Sayo
I thought I felt a strange kind of synergy...
Yukina
Okay. Ako, Rinko-san... and Lisa. We will try performing live at our next event, the five of us.
Rinko
L-live...?! Ahh...
Lisa
All right~☆ Okay then, Rinko-chan... No, Rinko. I look forward to playing with you♪
Lisa
... Wsit, are you okay there, Rinko? Your face had turned blue! You did explain everything to her, right, Ako?
Ako
I did~. I said, "let's join the band! Come play keyboard with me at the studio~!"
Lisa
... Hmm... Ako? Don't you think you left out qui~te a lot of information, there...?
Rinko
I... didn't... think that... far ahead...
Yukina
Go home, then.
Ako & Rinko
...!
Yukina
Howeve rmuch skill you might have, I don't have time for people without the motivation to perform. I would rather search for another keyboardist.
Ako
Y-Yukina-san...
Rinko
... I... I... want... to play!
Ako
...?! I-I've never heard her shout before...
Rinko
I... I want to perform... with all of you... I... I'll give it... everything I have... Please... please, let me join...!!
Yukina
... That's it. That's the Rinko I want to see up on stage with us.
Lisa
(Sigh... Tomorrow's the big day, huh...)
Hina
Hey, Lisa-chi~. Did you really join a band with my sister~?
Lisa
Your sister...? Oh, right, you have a twin. ... Wait, and Sayo's surname is...
Hina
Yup, Hikawa. Sayo Hikawa. My sister. She never tells me anything about herself, so... I thought maybe you might talk to me about it~.
Lisa
...? Sure, but... why won't Sayo talk to you?
Hina
Hmm... That's not important, really. So how is she when she's playing with you guys? Does she look happy? Is she having fun?
Lisa
Oh, umm... Yeah, she is... Just the same as usual, really...?
Ako
The day has finally come. Come on Rin-rin, cheer up! Take a look at the board, it's got our band name on it!
Lisa
Roselia... Huh. Yukina had a lot of different ideas for names. I guess this is the one she went with~.
Ako
All right! Roselia's first live show! Here we go~! Ohhhhh~!
Rinko & Lisa
...!
Oh~...
Oh~...
Ako
... Wait, what? Are you getting nervous too, Lisa...?
Lisa
I... Of course I'm not, no~. You know me, you've been on stage with me before at dance recitals, right? Hahahaha...
Lisa
(... She said, putting on a brave face... I really am getting nervous, though...)
Lisa
Okay, let's go~! We're running out of time. We don't want those two getting mad at us!
Sayo
You are 1 minute and 35 seconds late.
Lisa
S-sorry, sorry! We were just doing some pre-show chanting to psyche ourselves up☆ I wish you two would have joined us~.
Yukina
That's enough. You should ready yourselves long before you arrive, otherwise we are all in trouble.
Lisa
...! I-I know, it'll be fine. I can do this, no problem~.
Lisa
(At least... I think I can... The whole reason I gave up playing in the first place was because I didn't think Yukina would be interested...)
Rinko
M-me... me too... I... said I wanted... to perform with you all... so... I-I'll... do my best...
Sayo
Show us with music, not with words.
Lisa
(... I'm the only one in the band who doesn't have the skills... All I can do is try. I have to succeed, so I can stay by Yukina's side...!)
Ako
Roselia's Drummer of Darkness is ready to give it all she's got, too! Roselia... It's such a cool sounding name... How did you come up with it, by the way?
Yukina
It's a rose and a camellia. A blue rose, to be specific... That is my image of our band...
Ako
Your image...?
Rinko
(A blue rose... If I remember rightly, they symbolize achieving the impossible...)
Yukina
Our last song for today... BLACK SHOUT.
Audience Member
Yeeaahh~~!! Yukinaaa~~!!
Composer 1
They're still in high shcool, right? Roselia... These girls are going to create a lot of hype. I think they might even rank #1 this month!
Composer 2
Yukina has rejected offers from so mayn talent scouts... I guess she just wanted to form a band all along...?
Ako
(Ya~y! Look at us, everyone! We're Roselia, and we're amazingly cool!)
Rinko
(Strange... I was feeling so nervous... but now... I'm... I'm really enjoying myself... I didn't even think... I was capable of this...)
Lisa
(... There really is something special about this band. I perform so much better with everyone than when I'm alone...!)
Sayo
(Imai-san has gotten a lot better already. Udagawa-san and Shirokane-san, too... I can feel the music stronger than ever...!)
Yukina
(... I think we can do it. I think the band can do it!)
Ako
That was so amazing~. The moment we stepped out of the live house and heard those screams! I can't believe we've got fans already.
Rinko
Ako-chan... I think... they were there for... someone else...
Sayo
Don't get so excited over nothing. We have our sights set much higher than this...
Ako
Well, all I know is, I'm starving~.
Lisa
Haha☆ I suppose the drummer does move around the most on stage~♪ How about we all go and eat some place, together? Celebrate our first live show.
Sayo & Yukina
...
Sayo
All this band needs is skill and determination to reach our goals. Anything else is just...
Lisa
Okay, I know! We can't keep up our skill and determination to reach our goals on an empty stomach now, can we♪
Sayo & Yukina
...
Lisa
Hahaha! Oh, my stomach...! Again, Ako! Please...!
Ako
With these... Drums of Darkness... I kind of, erm... beat the Drums of Mayhem... and open the door to dystopia! For whence it came! The BLACK SHOUT!
Rinko
(I.. don't usually come to these places... but it's fun...)
Lisa
Come on, Yukina, Sayo! We're supposed to celebrating our first real show~. Could you try to talk a little more, maybe?
Sayo
... I didn't know you came to places like these, Minato-san. I for one can't deal with the additive-riddled excuses they call food here.
Yukina
...! ... I don't come to places like these, actually. I have no interest in them, Lisa, all I want to talk about right now is music.
Sayo
Agreed. ... Restaurants aside, that was a good performance today. I think you've gotten a lot better recently, Imai-san.
Lisa
...! I... Th-thank you...
Yukina
It's true. The whole band has improved well, in such a short time, too. That goes for you too, Ako, Rinko.
Yukina
If we are to go forward together, the five of us... Ako, Rinko... LIsa. It's time we told you about our goal.
Lisa
...! Yukina...
Sayo
I think you're right. It is the whole reason we started this band, after all. It's time we all got on the same page.
Yukina
We need to place third in a band contest, to earn the right to play at Future World Fes. To do that, I need all of us to improve our skills as much as we can.
Yukina
I'll send you all our rehearsal schedule later today. I can tell you all that it leaves no time for anything other than music. Anyone who can't keep up will be left behind.
Ako
Future...
Rinko
... World... Fes...?
Yukina
Ako, Rinko... Lisa. Are you prepared to fully devote yourselves to Roselia?
Sayo
(Today is our first rehearsal since we all talked about the festival... I just hope those girls can perform our set list...)
Clerk
Ah, hello Sayo-chan. Your show the other day was just fantastic! Look at this article they wrote about it! Have the others seen it, yet?
Sayo
Huh... There were a lot of photographers at the event...
...?!
...?!
Clerk
Yeah, I think they- Sayo-chan? Are you okay? I don't think it's that bad a picture...
Sayo
... No... the poster...
Clerk
Oh, this? They're this new... band? Our group? Or anyway, they just made their debut recently.
Clerk
Not quite idols, not quite a band. They're somewhere in between. Really interesting bunch... Hey. The guitarist kinda look slike you, Sayo-chan...
Sayo
I... I... I have to get to rehearsals... See you later!
Clerk
... Sayo-chan?
Ako
And then Rin-rin totally saved me from their next attack... She's just the coolest! In-game and out!
Lisa
Haha☆ And you sound just as reckless in-game as out, too~.
Rinko
P-please... no game talk... A-Ako-chan has... someone else to protect her... Her sister...
Lisa
Ah, Tomoe! She's a friend of mine. You know her too, huh Rinko? Now she really is a cool girl♪
Yukina
What's the matter, Sayo?
Sayo
... Huh? Did I say something...?
Yukina
I thought you would usually be telling them off by now for talking about anything other than music.
Ako
Sis plays the drums like... like... bo-boom~! Bang, bang, crash~~!!
Lisa
Hahaha! You always use those same sounds! "B-boom! Bang, bang, crash~~!!"
Sayo
I... I just...
Clerk
... Hey. The guitarist kinda looks like you, Sayo-chan...
Sayo
(There's no doubt about it... That was Hina. PLaying the guitar, too...! The one thing I had that was my onw...!)
Yukina
Sayo? If you're not feeling well, you should just go—
Sayo
N-no... I'm fine...! I just... I need to get some air for a second...
Lisa
You two used to still take baths together up until recently, right~?
Rinko
...! Really...?!
Ako
Huh? Of course we did. Everyone does, don't they?
Lisa
Yeah~, I don't know about that~... I mean, I don't have a sister, so...
Rinko
I... don't have one either...
Ako
Hmm. Well that's wht you don't get it, then. Having a big sister is like... having your own idol, who's also just the coolest person in the world to you.
Sayo
...!
Lisa
Now hold on a second~. What happened to Yukina being the coolest person in the world?
Ako
Well my sister's the actual single coolest, but Yukina-san is really, really super cool as well...
Sayo
... Shut up, all of you!!
All
...!!
Sayo
Sister this, sister that! Enough! You have no idea... You have no idea how much pressure there is being an older sister!
Sayo
Always copying and copying and copying! Can't you ever think for yourselves?! If you just copy your sister all the time, who even are you?!
Lisa
... Sayo... Are you talking about... Hina...?
Yukina
... Hina?
Sayo
...! I... I...
Ako
You... You even told me once before...
Sayo
It is true. Answer this me, without using your sister as an example. What do you really think it is to be cool?
Ako
Sayo-san... I... I'm... sorry...
Yukina
... Sayo...
Yukina
(Perhaps Sayo too is hiding the real reason for joining this band...?)
Yukina
I don't know what has happened. But you cannot bring your personal feelings into the band.
Yukina
Sayo. You weren't focused at all in rehearsals today, I think you should go home.
Sayo
...! ... Well, I have nothing to say to that. I'm going. Sorry for causing a scnee.
Ako
Ah... What do I do? I said something horrible to Sayo-san, didn't I...?
Lisa
Sayo has a twin sister. She goes to my school. Hina Hikawa. You might have heard of her.
Ako
Everyone knows her, she's always top in every test...
Yukina
Break's over. I know I keep saying it, but there is no room for personal problems in Roselia. If you want to keep discussing this, you can all go home, too.
Ako & Lisa
Ah.. Okay...
Yukina
(Although... I'm really not one to talk...)
Yukina
Here we go. One, two, three and...
Ako
... I'm home...
Tomoe
...! What's the matter, Ako? You had rehearsals today, right? You're usually bouncing off the walls when you come back home...
Ako
Am I a nuisance to you, sis...?
Tomoe
... What's happened, Ako? Come on, come here.
Ako
Do... do you hate it when I try to copy you...? Do you hate me thinking you're so cool...?
Tomoe
... Don't be silly. I've never once thought anything like that, Ako. Nor will I ever.
Hina
Sigh~. Full marks, again. Boring~...
Hina's Friend
Wow, Hina. People are usually pretty stoked about that kinda thing, you know?
Lisa
(Hina... We're not exactly close, but... I wonder if something happened with Sayo...)
Lisa's Friend
Lisa~, look what I found! "Rising stars, Roselia"!!
Lisa
Huh. I haven't seen this article... "Lone-wolf strongstress Yukina shocks all with new band"...?
Lisa's Friend
What do you mean you haven't seen it~? All the other classes can't stop talking about it! That Minato-san is like, actually famous!
Lisa
Yukina is certainly that... Wait, I'm in here too?! Ugh, this photo is just the worst~... Total bummer...
Lisa's Friend
Lisa, I think there's probably something else you should be more concerned about...
Lisa
... Huh?
Ako
I texted Yukina-san and Sayo-san, but they're not gonna show, huh... "This is supposed to be our Roselia Magazine Article Celebration Lunch!"
Rinko
Th-they said... they have better things... to do...
Lisa
... So hey, you two... What did you think about it...? Y'know... the article...
Ako
Oh, yeah... I, erm... Ah! I thought that part calling Yukina-san a "lone-wolf songstress" sounded really, really cool!
Rinko
Y-yes... That was... really, really cool, Ako-chan...
Lisa
What..? Come on, guys, I know you're just trying to avoid the subject, and it's only making things worse~. Come out and say it already!
Ako
O-okay... Umm... You did kinda stand out a bit, Lisa, being all... fashionable, you know...
Lisa
Ahh~! So it's true... Just like my friends told me~...
Ako
B-but hey! Sayo-san was amazing up on stage, buyt she looked kinda bland, to be honest... It's not just you, Lisa!
Rinko
... We don't... have a look...
Lisa
Yeah... you're right, Rinko♪ That is definitely something Roselia is missing!
Lisa
... See, now that I think about it, you and Yukina share the same kind of tastes, right Rinko? You both mainly wear black and white...
Ako
Ah, so do I!
Lisa
What? No, Ako, you're more... kinda...
Ako
See these clothes I'm wearing now? Rn-rin made them for me. She's really good at that kind of thing!
Lisa
What? Isn't that, like, actually amazing?! It doesn't look handmade at all...
Rinko
I... I'm always at home... so... I have a lot of... time on my hands...
Ako
Ahh! I just had a great idea! ... We should make our own band costumes!
Yukina
~~♪
Yukina
(Not good enough... We'll never be as good as dad's band like this...!)
Yukina
... It's all because... I can't just... I can't just face the music like I should...!
Yukina
I've finished with Studio C.
Studio Staff
Thanks, Yukina-chan. JUst by yourself today, are you? Working hard as usual, I'm sure. How's the band?
Yukina
Nowehere near the level it needs to be.
Studio Staff
I bet you've set that bar pretty high, huh. If it's something you've always wanted to do, then I'm sure- Huh...?
Talent Scout
Excuse me for interrupting. Yukina-san, could I have a moment?
Yukina
Excuse me, but... who are you?
Talent Scout
Please, take my card. I'll get sraight to the point. I want you to sign with my agency.
Yukina
I'm not interested in getting signed. I want to earn success through my own music.
Talent Scout
Please, wait! You have it, you have that special something! And we can make your dreams come true! Join us, and you will perform at Future World Fes!
Yukina
...?!
Talent Scout
You might not remember, but you declined my offer once before, after your second ever live show. But I didn't give up... I kept on following your progress...
Talent Scout
I know how much you expect of your band. That's why I've preared the perfect members for you.
Studio Staff
Yukina-chan... This sounds to me like a major debut...
Talent Scout
You won't need to enter any contest.
Talent Scout
You will be part of the festival! Peforming on the main stage! Please, Yukina-san...!
Yukina
I... I...
Yukina
(I could perform, in a band, at my father's dream festival...! And yet... why am I... hesitating like this...?)
Yukina
It.. will be difficult for Roselia to reach the main stage of Future World Fes, that much is true..
Yukina
(Why am I making excuses? if I just sign here and now, I can actually perform at the festival...!)
Talent Scout
... Yukina-san? Is there something on your mind, perhaps?
Yukina
Just... I think I need some time. ...?!
Yukina
(What am I saying?! This has to be the best chance I'll ever get...!)
Talent Scout
I understand. I'll wait as long as you need to come up with an answer. I'll see you again.
Yukina
... Okay.
Yukina
(Why... didn't I just accept...? What am I making him wait for...?)
Lisa
Huh? Hey, Yukina~! We had a great time at lunch today☆
Yukina
I heard Ako and Rinko went. Did you not plan on practicing at all today?
Lisa
We're all practicing at home, of course♪ I'm about to get started! Plus, Yukina, we kind of had an idea today!
Yukina
...?
Lisa
Can we make some outfits for the band?
Lisa
Rinko even said she could make the outfits herself. I think it's a good way to really help people understand our perfomance, and who we are.
Yukina
Uh-huh... Make them then, if you want...
Lisa
Hehe☆ Thank you~! I'll let everyone know♪ ... Hmm? Are you feeling okay, Yukina?
Yukina
... I'm fine. Same as always.
Lisa
... Huh. You just seem... I dunno, like you're worried about something. Sorry, I must just be imagining things☆
Yukina
... Whatever happens, I will always believe in myself and my music to help me keep moving forward.
Yukina
(My music... It goes beyond just Roseia. This band was only ever meant to be for the festival... maybe even just for the contest.)
Yukina
I'm not worried about anything. I am going to take part in Future World Fes. That's all I need to think about right now.
Lisa
(It's not like Yukina to talk like this... I didn't even ask...)
Lisa
Okay, got it! Just promise me, Yukina. If things really do get tough, you'll come and talk to me.
Yukina
...
Lisa
Recently whenever I see you... I think about the past. When we used to perform those songs together with your father.
Lisa
You were already so good at singing, and I... I had to practice so hard to keep up with you... But it was always so much fun...
Yukina
I don't want to hear about the past. I have to go... I have things to do.
Lisa
Yukina...
Sayo
(No no no...! I've been practicing all week, but I just cannot get this phrase right!)
Sayo
...!
Hina
Sis?!
Hina
Are you okay? You look really sick...
Sayo
Shut the door. I told you not to come in here.
Hina
But... you fell down, so I...
Sayo
I just want to practice my guitsar! Get out of here!!
Hina
...
Sayo
I have to get better... I will get better... Ready for the contest...
...?
...?
Sayo
A text from Imai-san? ... What is this, a costume...? "Noble Knights of Darkness"...?
Sayo
Udagawa-san's idea from before... Sigh. I know we probably do need costumes, but... Perhaps I should tell her to cut the backstory.
Sayo
... Honestly. Just wasting all our time again.
Sayo
(Roselia must become the best band it can possible be. And me... I cannot let Hina be the better guitarist...!)
Yukina
... I'm home.
Yukina's Dad
... Yukina. You shouldn't be walking out late at night like this. It's dangerous. Please be careful.
Yukina's Mom
Yukina, would you like something to—
Yukina
No. I'm fine.
Yukina's Mom & Dad
...
Yukina
...
Yukina
(They know why I'm out so late every night. But they'll do anything to avoid bringing it up...)
Yukina
(Dad threw away all of his old music magazines... but I managed to keep hold of just one...)
Yukina
...
Yukina
(I am going to become bigger than he ever was and... I am going to make him smile again...)
Yukina
That's why... I don't have time for worries...!
Rinko
Ah... It's Ako-chan...
Ako's Chat
Sayo-san said something a little more stylish would better suit the band!
Rinko
Stylish... Perhaps I did lean a little too close towards Ako-chan's own tastes...
Rinko
(I've never been asked to do something like this by anyone other than Ako-chan before... I have to do my best...)
Rinko
Costumes to suit all five of us...
Ako
All five of us are gonna be wearing our own special costumes, and we're all gonna look really, really, really cool...!
Tomoe
You mean you're making your own outfits?
Ako
Yeah! We're gonna show the world our own musical style.
Tomoe
That's got to be the best thing about being in a band, right? That feeling of coming together as one...
Ako
I know what you mean! I started out thinking I wanted to become cool like you, sis... bt now I feel like I really found my own place with Roselia!
Ako
Ah... But Yukina-san still hasn't replied to me yet...
Lisa
... He~y, Yukina~...
Yukina's Window
...
Lisa
... Yeah, I didn't think so...
Lisa
(We always used to talk across our balconies like this when we were kids... but recently...)
Lisa
...
Lisa
(Oh, Yukina... What is really going on behind your curtains...?)
Yukina
(...! The man from the agency...)
Yukina
... Yes, hello... Yes, I have time...
Ako
Sorry I kept you waiting, Rin-rin. Wow, there's a lot of people here... Maybe we should meet up someplace else next time.
Rinko
Ah... N-no, it's... okay...
Rinko
(I always hated crowds... But with my keyboard in my arms... I don't really mind them as much...)
Rinko
Hey... Ako-chan... I... made you your outfit already...
Ako
What?! Really?! Yay~! We have to get to the studio! I want everyone to see it!
Rinko
Okay... I... I really hope you like it...
Ako
An outfit you made, Rin-rin? Of course I'm gonna like it! I can't believe we're finally getting our band costumes together! I'm getting all fired up!
Ako
... Hmm? Is that...?
Yukina
...
Rinko
A-Ako-chan... We should stop this...
Ako
Shh, Rin-rin... We don't want her to spot us...
Yukina
...?
Ako
...!! She... didn't notice... Phew~, we're safe...
Rinko
Why... are we following her...?
Ako
Because it's almost time for rehearsals to start. Why would Yukina-san be meeting some woman in a suit at a time like this...?
Ako
Maybe she's being threatened or something. Maybe she's confronting a stalker!
Rinko
Ako-chan...! She's... going to hear you...
Ako
Ack. They went into that fancy hotel. We've gotta go in after them!
Rinko
I... I don't think we... can...
Ako
... I guess we did get in. We won't hear anything from back here. We've got to get in closer...
Rinko
Ako-chan... This... doesn't seem like... a good idea...
Rinko
(I-I don't think the lady in the suit seems like much of a stalker, eithr...)
Yukina
I have to get to band practice soon. If I could just have a little more time...
Suit
I have to apologize. My colleague is somewhat of a fan, you see. I imagine that's what caused him to say he would wait as long as it took. However, this is business...
Yukina
No, I... I understand...
Ako & Rinko
... Huh?
Suit
I assume you are receiving calls from other agencies, too? If they are offering better terms than we are, I can rescind our offer right here and now.
Yukina
... I haven't... heard anything from other companies...
Suit
Then the only choices you have are to enter the contest with Roselia, or let us take you directly to the festival main stage. It does not strike me as difficult.
Yukina
...
Ako
... Hey, Rin-rin... What does she mean...?
Rinko
... I... don't know...
Suit
... I'm surprised, honestly. I never would have expected the lone-wolf vocalist to make friends out of her band members.
Yukina
... No! No, that's not... I will do whatever it takes to be a part of that festival...! It's just... rehearsals are about to start...
Suit
... I will give you another week. I just pray you make the right decision, as an artist. Think about your future.
Yukina
I understand. ... I have to go.
Ako
Ah... She left... Umm, Rin-rin...? What... should we do...?
Rinko
... We should... go to the studio... and practice...
Ako
Y-yeah... Let's go meet up with everyone, first. We can deal with this later.
Ako
... I got a text from Lisa. She says it's just her and Sayo-san at the studio... They're wondering where everyone is...
Ako & Rinko
...
Ako
We... shouldn't tell them about what we saw... should we...?
Rinko
If Yukina-san is... headed there now... maybe she will tell us all... herself...
Ako
Y-yeah... Maybe... I'm sure we just misheard or something anyway. Come on, let's get to the stuido!
Yukina
... You're thirty minutes late. Do you even want to be in this band?
Lisa
You were fifteen minutes late yourself, Yukina~. A rare slip-up for you, that's for sure~.
Sayo
Just get yourselves ready, please. We have to make up for lost time.
Ako
(...! Yukina-san...)
Rinko
(It seems like... she hasn't told them about... what we overheard earlier...)
Ako & Rinko
...
Lisa
What are you two looking all moody for? Sayo-sensei's always getting mad at you, it's nothing new☆
Sayo
Imai-san! Please be serious. The contest is drawing even closer, you know.
Yukina
...
Ako
... Rin-rin...
Rinko
... Ako-chan...
Ako & Rinko
(... What do we do...?)
Ako & Rinko
...
Yukina
... Ako, Rinko. Faster.
Lisa
What's going on here? Is something the matter, you guys?
Lisa
(Yukina's been acting strange ever since she turned up late, too...)
Lisa
... Yukina?
Yukina
What?
Lisa
(Is she hiding something...?)
Sayo
Udagawa-san, if you are not willing to give it your all then maybe you should just—
Ako
U-umm...
Rinko
Ako-chan...!
Ako
I'm sorry, Rin-rin. I... I saw something today...
Sayo
What did you see?
Ako
I saw... Yukina-san... talking in a hotel, with a woman in a suit...
Yukina
...!!
Sayo
And why are you bringing this up now? Youh should not be concerned with Minato-san's private life right now.
Ako
B-but...
Rinko
Ako-chan... Maybe we should get back to...
Ako
I-I know, but... I just... I can't stop thinking about it...!
Ako
... I'm doing everything I can to hel us... to help Roselia find their own brand of music, their own brand of cool...!
Ako
And... and... I hate that we might not even be able to enter the contest!
Sayo
... What do you mean?
Ako
... I met with Rin-rin at the station today, and...
Sayo
... I understand, Udagawa-san. Minato-san. Is what they are saying true?
Yukina
...
Sayo
... As long as you make it to the main stage, you don't need us or this contest. Is that right?
Yukina
...! I... I just...
Sayo
... You don't deny it, then. In that case...
Lisa
W-wait, just wait! That's not what she means, it can't be! Let her have her say, please.
Lisa
Yukina...
Yukina
...
Lisa
... Say something, Yukina...!
Sayo
You told me that together we could achieve great things... You told us all that we would find our own brand of music...
Sayo
... But all along, you were just saying whatever you needed to whoever would do, just to get you into that festival...? Is that it?!
Ako
... Wait, so... Me and the others... we're all only here to help Yukina-san perform at the festival...?
Rinko
... Ako-chan, no one is saying that...
Ako
...
Yukina
The whole band has improved well, in such a short time, too. That goes for you too, Ako, Rinko.
Yukina
Ako, Rinko... Lisa. Are you prepared to fully devote yourselves to Roselia?
Ako
Praising us for improving so well... asking us to devote everything to the band... Those were all just lies, too?!
Rinko
Ako-chan... Wait... come back...
Lisa
Wait, both of you...!
Sayo
Minato-san. I truly respected the belief that you had in us all. And now I feel...
Sayo
I just want to practice my guitar! Get out of here!!
Sayo
I have to get better... I will get better... Ready for the contest...
Sayo
... I feel incredibly let down.
Lisa
Sayo. Please, wait a second. Let's just hear what Yukina has to—
Sayo
Her silence speaks volumes.
Lisa
Well, so... what's going to happen to us now?
Sayo
You and Minato-san are childhood friends, aren't you? I'm sure nothing will change there.
Lisa
That's now what I meant...!
Sayo
I'm starting to get irritated by all of this time we are losing. I'm sorry, I think I need to go.
Lisa
Sayo... Wait...
Lisa
Yukina. Is it true? Is all of it true?
Yukina
So what if it is?
Lisa
... Wh-what if it is...? You know what'll happen to the band, right...? Are you really okay with that?
Lisa
(If she was, she wouldn't have been so worried like she was before...!)
Lisa
Isn't there something you want to tell everyone—
Yukina
I don't care!
Lisa
...! Yukina...
Yukina
(... I don't... I don't know what to do, either...)
Yukina
I... I hav to join the festival! For my father! I've always said as much, haven't I?!
Lisa
... Yukina...
Yukina
... I'm going.
Lisa
Wh-what are you gonna do...?
Yukina
The only thing I need to do right now. Prepare for the festival.
Lisa
Yukina...!
Lisa
(What do I do...? I don't want the band to break up...)
Studio Staff
Hello~? Roselia~? Your time's up already~. ... Lisa-chan?! Where are the others?
Lisa
Ah... Is it that time already...? I'm sorry.
Studio Staff
You had your part-time job today too, right Lisa-chan? That's a lot of hard work for one day...
Lisa
Ah... Haha, yeah. I-I just have to do what I can for the band, you know? For Roselia~...
Moca
... Enjoy, or whatever~.
Lisa
Moca... I swear you're getting worse at these thank yous.
Lisa
(... I've still got a whole lot on my mind, but... it feels good to have another band girl here together with me...)
Lisa
... Huh, from Yukina. ...!!
Yukina
"I canceled next week's rehearsal. I've told the other members already."
Lisa
(But... that measn we don't have any more studio time booked... What do we do now...?)
Moca
Minato-san's a childhood friend of yours, right?
Lisa
Huh? Oh, yeah. She is! We've been neighbors forever, so...
Lisa
(We've been together forever... and yet...)
Lisa
K-kinda like you and Ran, right?
Moca
Mmm, I guess so... Yeah...
Lisa
(... She doesn't look too pleased... I wonder if she's worried about her friend, too...)
Lisa
Wow... I see... Ran's got her problems too, huh...
Lisa
(Just like with Roselia... Or rahter, it's me and Moca who are alike. Just being there for our friends... nothing more...)
Lisa
... I guess it isn't enough for there to be someone you care about... You hate to steer them away from bad decisions, too... That's what makes a true friend.
Moca
Not enough just to be there...
Lisa
I've always just let Yukina do whatever makes her happy, always standing by her side... even when I think what she's doing isn't right... But that was wrong of me.
Lisa
(Moca and Ran will be fine, I'm sure. But me... I have to go and make things right.)
Yukina
(A message from the agency... I know I should read it, but...)
Lisa
Yukina~! Open your window!
Yukina
(What...?)
Yukina
No. I'm busy.
Lisa
Busy lying around on your bed, huh~? Your curtains are open, silly☆
Yukina
(...! She can see everything from her balcony...)
Lisa
Hey~. Wow, I haven't been to your room in ages~! You do know we're neighbors, right? You should come over more.
Yukina
... We see each other every day anyway. Did you want something?
Lisa
Mmm... I wanted to say sorry, first of all. About this whole agency business. I didn't realize like, at all.
Lisa
You must have been worrying about it ever since that night I bumped into you outside... If I'd have realized what was happening, maybe I could have helped...
Yukina
...
Lisa
What I did realize, though... is that I've always just stood by your side.. and never really done much, huh~! All talk and no action, haha...