Sunday afternoon, RiNG, minutes earlier
Soyo approached RiNG, brows furrowed, mood neutral.
Her bond with Mutsumi had deepened, fueling her confidence to pry info about Sakiko from her.
Determined to reunite Crychic, despite Sakiko's resistance.
Start with Rikki and Tomori.
Soyo, recovered from illness, hadn't seen Rikki lately.
Despite Rikki's friction, Soyo, for Crychic's sake, forgave her.
She knew Rikki's shift schedule—a calculated move.
Unlike Rikki, whose eyes fixed on Tomori, Soyo spotted Tomori, Rikki, Hotaru, and three strangers.
A reunion? Her eyelids twitched, unease rising.
Hurrying over, she broke the silence, "What are you all doing?"
All turned.
Rikki: "Soyo?"
Hotaru, surprised: "Why's Soyo here?"
Tomori, softly: "Soyo…"
Soyo nodded calmly, hiding her growing dread. "Just passing by, saw you all. What's up? You seem happy."
She prayed it was casual.
Tomori hesitated, guilty, feeling she and Rikki abandoned Soyo.
Rikki: "Forming a band."
"A band…?" Soyo's vision darkened, stumbling back, steadying herself.
Xiangzi's rejection had toughened her.
Breathing deeply, she smiled softly, "I'm Nagasaki Soyo, friend of Rikki, Tomori, Bai Qiu-jun. Can I join your band?"
Stunned silence.
Hotaru eyed her oddly. Only Crychic in your heart. Planning something?
He'd considered Rikki and Soyo for bassist and drummer but avoided them to let Tomori move on, not recreate Crychic.
Three old members plus Anon would be awkward.
Yet, Rikki and now Soyo appeared, drawn by some force.
Hotaru spoke, "Sorry, Soyo, we have a bassist."
Soyo's pupils dilated. "Bai Qiu-jun?"
He shook his head, "Hailing."
Kairin nodded, recognizing Soyo as Rikki's ex-bandmate.
Soyo smiled, "I can play other roles."
Hotaru asked, "What do you all think?"
Rikki: "Fine with me." Just need Tomori.
Kairin nodded after pondering.
Nika, indifferent, ate parfait.
Tomori, happy, "I want Soyo too."
Anon, stunned by the ease, agreed, "I'm fine." Soyo seems nice.
Soyo's fingers clasped, "Thank you."
Hotaru: "Can you play keyboard or guitar?"
Soyo froze, pinching her nail. Keyboard? Saki-chan's spot. Guitar? Mutsumi's.
Sorry, Xiao Mu, temporary.
"Guitar. It's like bass," she said.
Anon blinked, More guitar competition?
Rikki frowned, "Too many guitars."
She didn't mind Soyo but saw three guitarists as excessive. A keyboard suited better.
"There are three-guitar bands," Soyo countered, pausing her nail-fiddling.
Rikki nodded, "I know, but a keyboard fits our setup."
Tomori whispered, "Keyboard…" glancing at Hotaru.
Anon, curious, "What's wrong, Tomorin?"
She hoped Soyo'd pick keyboard—less guitar rivalry.
Tomori shook her head, wanting Hotaru but knowing he had End Band.
Hotaru agreed, "Keyboard adds song variety. Soyo, your choice."
Anon nodded eagerly, "I support keyboard!"
Soyo sighed inwardly, smiling, "I'll be keyboardist."
Last to join, must fit in, gain trust.
"I take piano at Tsukinomori," she added.
No one doubted her; Tsukinomori ladies learned many skills.
Rikki nodded, mildly surprised.
Anon gasped, "Tsukinomori?! The noble school?"
Soyo: "Yes, music classes cover many instruments."
"That's your focus?" Hotaru teased Anon.
"Tsukinomori! Famous for young ladies!" Anon gushed, awed.
Soyo chuckled, Easy to handle.
New band lineup
Vocalist: Takamatsu Tomori
Drummer: Shiina Rikki
Guitarists: Chihaya Anon, Yamato Love Nika
Bassist: Hachiman Kairin
Keyboardist: Nagasaki Soyo
Led by Hotaru and Anon, the band took shape.
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