"You're working part-time too, right, Haru-san? You can occasionally work here at STARRY too~ That way, hitting the targets shouldn't be a problem."
Kazami Haru froze for a moment, suddenly remembering that today was also his workday.
He originally planned to drop Tomori off at home and then head to work, but after being hit with her charm attack, he'd completely forgotten.
Still, even without him, sensei Sakiko could probably manage on his own.
He'd definitely get his pay docked though, and at this rate, he was going to run out of money. If he ended up broke with no food, he might really have to go forage wild vegetables in the mountains with Ryo.
If it came down to it, he might as well go all in and win over Ryo—then mooch off her as stylishly as possible.
"Once we find a vocalist, let's start writing our own songs and performing on stage!"
"And then, as high schoolers, sign with a record label, make a glorious debut as a professional band, and eventually perform at the Budokan as a super popular rock band!"
Ijichi Nijika was visibly thrilled while planning out their future. When she spoke of "playing at the Budokan," her face radiated dreams and anticipation, it was her ultimate goal.
"I should be fine handling the composition part."
As the "ghost member" of the band, he had already promised to take on composition. With his current skills, writing a few solid tracks wouldn't be difficult.
And if needed, he could always reuse songs from the simulations.
Like "Blooming Blue Snowflower" from Ryo's simulation, or "Wisteria Bird" from Tomori's simulation. In the worst case, he could even use "Snowwind" written for him by Sakiko.
Especially "Wisteria Bird", a song written for Tomori, it had even appeared in the popular music magazine MUSICA in the simulation and was one of Mygo's breakthrough songs. Its quality was undoubtedly top-tier.
Since it was technically written by a simulated version of himself, he could use them guilt-free.
He'd worked so hard in those simulations, ditching part-time jobs and everything, surely he deserved a little payback?
Keep playing the music, and keep dancing!
"I can help with composition too."
"I'll write songs with you. Just have some sweets ready at home as payment, and I'll come over."
Haru looked at Yamada Ryo, puzzled. Why did she sound kind of weird when she said that?
After discussing some details about the band and deciding everyone should pitch in with part-time work, Kazami Haru left STARRY with Takamatsu Tomori.
It was getting a bit late, and he felt responsible for making sure she got home safely.
After they left, Tomori had a subtle but constant smile on her face.
Compared to her earlier expression of sorrow and anxiety, she was now clearly in a much better place emotionally. To show her joy, she even walked shoulder to shoulder with him.
Was it because he promised to form a band with her for life?
Before he knew it, they arrived at a familiar overpass, framed by towering buildings and shimmering rainbow neon lights in the distance. Nearby was a glowing karaoke bar.
Standing there, Kazami Haru felt a strange sense of nostalgia.
This place was a battlefield for him.
On top of the bridge was where he confessed to Tomori and got rejected. Underneath was where he got "killed" in front of Kita.
If not for walking her home, he really wouldn't want to come here again.
Tomori suddenly spoke, catching his attention.
"Are you really okay with this?"
"You still have to practice with Nijika and the others, right? If you're splitting your energy to start a band with me too, won't that be exhausting?"
Tomori still looked a little worried, afraid he might overwork himself.
No matter how much she wanted to form a band with him, the thought of him burning out made her anxious.
She was scared he'd push himself too hard, not caring about his own well-being.
"Tomori, do you not want to form a band with me?"
"N-no! Of course I do! It's because it's you that I want to form a band again..."
Tomori panicked, hastily grabbing his sleeve. Her shoulders trembled slightly—she was terrified he'd misunderstood her.
"Then it's settled. I did promise to be in a band with you for life."
A cool spring breeze swept through, lifting the dark ponytail behind the boy's head. His perfectly sculpted face wore a gentle, familiar smile—just like in Tomori's memories.
Those gentle, dark eyes always gave her the strength to move forward.
She had seen that smile countless times.
As if no matter what challenges lay ahead, if he was smiling, everything would be okay.
Tomori clenched her left fist over her heart. Her eyes burned with a determination Haru had never seen before.
"No matter what happens, you can't push yourself too hard."
"Make sure you eat properly, sleep well. If you ever feel tired, please lean on me."
She wasn't going to repeat the same mistakes.
She hated sadness, hated pain, hated being unable to say the important things when they mattered.
A streak of scarlet sunlight pierced the dense clouds and towering buildings, casting a warm glow on the girl's face as the sun set.
Her amber eyes shimmered in the fading light.
Kazami Haru looked into those eyes, and for a moment, was completely stunned by her beauty.
She was like a ray of sunshine lighting his path, and he couldn't help but want to respond to her sincerity.