Week later, Sakuragaoka Shuka Academy
Hotaru submitted his light novel to Undying River Bunko.
He began teaching Soyo piano. Her talent was lacking; despite hands-on guidance, she got distracted, making little progress. Her proactive nightly practice reassured him.
RiNG, same day
Rikki wiped coffee cups, reflecting on practices. Anon and Soyo slacked; Bocchi was late. Kairin was fine. Tomori's enough.
Nearby, Rinko and Saaya discussed a joint Poppin'Party-Afterglow concert. A band's withdrawal left a ten-minute gap.
"No other bands?" Saaya asked.
Rinko shook her head, "School cultural festivals keep them busy."
"A new band would be great," Saaya said.
Rikki hummed, catching their attention.
Their eyes lit up, turning to her.
"Huh? What's wrong?" Rikki asked, summoned by her seniors.
After school, Light Music Club
Ritsu and Yui griped about Hotaru's absence, joking he'd forgotten them for "other women."
Hotaru entered, surprising them. Their faces turned cold.
"Who's this?" Ritsu feigned ignorance. "Trespassing?"
"It's me," Hotaru said, taken aback.
"Don't recall you," Ritsu teased, asking Mio, Yui, and Tsumugi.
Yui and Tsumugi puffed cheeks, shaking heads. Mio, coerced, apologized with her eyes, "I don't know him…"
Ostracized? Hotaru felt awkward. "I've been busy. Didn't I invite you to our live show?"
"Right!" Yui nodded, convinced.
"Don't forgive him!" Ritsu scolded.
Yui, swayed, faked anger, "Too much, not coming!"
Ritsu added, "Heartless!"
"You didn't say that when you begged me," Hotaru teased.
"Was there such a thing?" Ritsu laughed.
"Yes," Hotaru nodded.
"Stop messing around," Mio mediated.
They sat. Hotaru eyed Yui's hand on his pastry, letting it slide. "My refreshment share went to you, right?"
"Eh hehe!" Yui admitted.
"I was always watching you," Hotaru said.
"Really?" Ritsu crossed arms, skeptical. "What've we been doing?"
Hotaru spotted a "Cultural Festival" poster. "Preparing for it."
Ritsu gaped, "How'd you know?"
"Aki-kun, amazing!" Yui exclaimed.
Tsumugi clapped. Mio, noticing the poster, calmed, knowing he'd seen it.
Mio held a camcorder with past performances, inspiring them after End Band's show.
"How's prep?" Hotaru asked.
Mio glanced at the others, wry, "Haven't started…"
She looked pleadingly at Hotaru for guidance.
"Mio-chan wrote lyrics!" Yui showed "Fuwa Fuwa Time."
"Let's hear it," Hotaru said.
"Now?" Yui asked.
He nodded.
Excited, they began.
"One, two, three, four!"
Practice ended.
"Not spectacular, but crowd-drawing," Hotaru said.
The girls drooped, then rallied.
Yui's guitar skills outpaced Anon and Kita.
Before leaving, Hotaru reminded Ritsu, "Submit the performance form."
Mio nodded, "You must remember."
"Trust me!" Ritsu patted her chest. "I won't forget!"
Hotaru and Mio exchanged skeptical chuckles.
Outside
Hotaru met Kita, startled, hands behind her back.
"Kita? What're you doing?"
"Bai Qiu-jun!" Kita looked guilty.
Hotaru eyed the Student Council room's cultural festival registration box. Bocchi wants to perform.
Can two bands perform at one festival?
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