"Why would [Sumr Zodiac] suddenly join today's live, and why are they performing right before us?!"
After seeing the program schedule, Taki demanded an answer from the senior who had initially invited them to this live.
"This is too weird, isn't it? Shouldn't a high-profile guest like that be the closing act?!"
"About that... we did communicate with [Sumr Zodiac], but it seems they have other arrangents for tonight, so they couldn't perform in the final slot."
Taki's senior shook his head.
"From the results of our negotiations, the current performance order is the best possible solution to preserve the rhythm of the entire live."
"So you're saying... you're using our band as a 'buffer zone' for after they leave?"
A hint of anger began to appear on Taki's face.
"Isn't this arrangent way too unfair to us!"
"..."
Hearing Taki's complaint, the senior hesitated for a mont before sighing softly.
"Of course, I know that, but... [Sumr Zodiac]'s popularity and comrcial value are just too high. For every live house, they are a cash cow that we absolutely must secure. So, we have to make concessions to their demands."
"But—"
"Running a live house is different from a school festival, Taki. To [RiNG], to society, the influence and value of your new band is completely incomparable, not just to [Sumr Zodiac], but to the other bands as well. I don't doubt your ability and talent, Taki, and I'm more than willing to believe that you'll beco a super popular band one day. But right now, at today's live... you are indeed the 'weakest' among all the perforrs."
The senior shook his head with a regretful expression.
"So I'm sorry, Taki. For today... we can only ask you to put up with it."
"How could this be..."
Taki lowered her head, her face full of frustration.
"It's our very first live, and sothing like this happens..."
For Taki, who was desperate to prove herself with this live, this news was like a bolt from the blue.
She could already imagine how awkward and dead the atmosphere would be after [Sumr Zodiac] left the stage.
"..."
On the other side, Soyo, who had also heard the explanation, thought for a mont before suddenly speaking up.
"Actually, this performance order isn't necessarily all bad for us."
"...Huh?"
Taki couldn't help but turn to look at Soyo, her eyes full of confusion.
"What good could possibly co from being their sacrifice?"
"Although most of the audience here today ca for [Sumr Zodiac], that doesn't an all of them will leave after their performance. For us, who have no fanbase to begin with, this is practically a free audience."
Soyo said very calmly.
"If we can attract these audience mbers with our performance... then we might gain more fans and exposure from this live than we originally expected. Although our fate as their 'buffer zone' is set, at least we won't walk away with nothing."
"...Isn't that way of thinking a little too optimistic?"
Taki shook her head.
"I've only seen [Sumr Zodiac]'s music video online by chance, but their skill definitely matches their current popularity... Do we really have the ability to shift the audience's attention from those two to us?"
"That... I don't know."
Faced with Taki's doubt, Soyo shook her head frankly.
"After all, I've only ever participated in one live, so I don't have a clear concept of the stage or performing. But—"
At this, she suddenly lifted the bag in her hand.
"At least when it cos to our outfits, we absolutely will not lose to any band here today... not even [Sumr Zodiac]."
"..."
Hearing this, Taki was stunned for a mont, then she couldn't help but look at the bag in her own hands.
"Co to think of it, our outfits and [Sumr Zodiac]'s... were both made by Chihaya-san."
"To be precise, they are the joint work of that guy and Sakiko."
Soyo said.
"If you compare them individually... our outfits certainly can't beat the one he tailor-made for Hoshino Ai. But as a whole ensemble performing on stage, our outfits will absolutely not lose to theirs! So, even against [Sumr Zodiac], we won't be completely defeated! We might even have a chance of winning against them in so aspects!"
"..."
Taki was silent for a good while, then a helpless, wry smile appeared on her face.
"You... you've been like a different person ever since you t with Sakiko that day."
"Well, the experience of that day completely resolved the knot in my heart. And from that day on, I found my own goal."
Soyo's grip on the paper bag tightened slightly.
"And in the end, no matter how bad a position we're put in, what we have to do doesn't change at all, does it?"
"Oh! You two are here so early."
Suddenly, Anon's voice ca from behind them.
When they looked in the direction of the voice, they both revealed looks of utter astonishnt.
"You two... what are you holding?"
"Eh? I just saw them selling these downstairs, so I bought them on a whim."
Anon said while giving Tomori, who was beside her, a look. Then, they both switched on the light sticks in their hands—
"When Tomori and I were buying them, the fans next to us even taught us [Sumr Zodiac]'s support colors. Hoshino Ai is red, Uika is gold... both are so vibrant."
At this, she suddenly looked up and asked the two of them.
"By the way, should our band decide on a support color or sothing too? I'd prefer pink! Tomori seems to prefer blue... What do you guys think?"
"You're really sothing else..."
Looking at this person in front of her, who wasn't the least bit anxious and was instead positively discussing the future, Taki suddenly felt that all her earlier wavering had been aningless.
That's right. Just as Soyo said, no matter what, what they had to do next wouldn't change at all.
Whether it was Tomori seeking change, Taki yearning to prove herself, Soyo seeking a new place to belong, or Anon pursuing greater popularity, everything they needed had to start with this live.
So, all they needed to do now was focus on the live, just as they had originally planned!
"By the way, where's that stray cat?"
"Oh, she saw Nii-chan outside the cafe just now. She's pestering him to buy her food right now."
"..."
Perhaps, compared to these fearless people, she, who was always worrying about everything, was the biggest idiot.
"Let's do our best, everyone."
After taking a few deep breaths, the now-resolved Taki put on a serious expression again and said to the others:
"Even as a buffer zone, we're going to give the audience the strongest turbulence!"
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