Having watched Bocchi the Rock!, Kael knew well that Kessoku Band had talent. Unfortunately, their mentality was poor. On stage, seeing the audience and all those eyes, they became nervous and kept making mistakes, resulting in a terrible performance. If they could fix this small flaw, they would be a competent band. That was why Kael invited Mai to give them some guidance.
But this development was beyond the band's expectations. Especially when Kael mentioned Mai's name, everyone exclaimed in surprise. Naturally, Mai heard this on the other end of the call. She realized Kael was calling her in front of his friends.
Out of courtesy, she greeted them: "Hello, I'm Kael's friend, Sakurajima Mai. You must be his friends too.
Where are you now? I happen to have some time. I can't promise guidance, but as a friend, we can talk."
Nijika was so shocked that she stammered "W-we-we… we're at…"
Seeing her struggle, Kael said: "We're at the Starry Music Bar in Shimokitazawa. It's well-known. Call me when you arrive, and I'll meet you."
"Alright, I'll call you soon."
After a few more words, Kael hung up. At once, the band crowded around him. Even the socially anxious Hitori stared at him in amazement. Ikuyo looked at him with newfound respect. Even Ryo, though expressionless, showed a subtle change in her eyes.
"Is this real? Sakurajima Mai is really coming?" Nijika still couldn't believe it."
Kael waved his phone. "Didn't you hear it yourself?"
Nijika fidgeted nervously. "I heard, but I still can't believe it. That's Sakurajima Mai!"
Kael teased: "So what? Does she have an extra nose or an extra pair of eyes?"
Ikuyo asked curiously: "How do you know Sakurajima Mai?"
Though directed at Kael, her gaze was on her cousin Marin. Marin recalled Kael once mentioning seeing a bunny girl in the library. Of course, she couldn't tell her cousin without Mai's permission.
So she vaguely said: "Renjou-kun has wide connections. He has many friends. Sakurajima-san is one of them."
Everyone turned to Kael, eyes questioning. He nodded. "I do know a few celebrities."
Nijika asked: "Besides Sakurajima Mai, who else?"
"Okino Yoko."
"Eh!!!"
As expected, this caused another uproar. Yoko was even more famous than Mai. Her popularity was immense—two or three Mais combined equaled one Yoko. She was undoubtedly a top star.
Nijika was very curious how Kael knew such celebrities. But wisely, she held back, knowing her relationship with him wasn't close enough to ask. She changed the subject.
Only Ikuyo grew more suspicious. This man even knew beautiful top stars. From his conversation with Mai, it was clear they were close.
What was their relationship? Lovers? Impossible—she was Sakurajima Mai. If not lovers, then friends? She couldn't understand. He wasn't particularly handsome, just decent-looking. So why did he know so many beautiful women?
He must be a playboy. Cousin, don't be fooled by him.
Meanwhile, Kael, unaware of Ikuyo's thoughts, chatted with the band until his phone rang again. It was Mai.
"I'm at the entrance of Starry now."
"I'll come get you."
He hung up and left the backstage, finding a girl outside wearing a mask and hat, disguised completely. It was Mai. Her disguise was understandable—she was a star. Without it, she'd cause a commotion.
Kael chuckled. "You're a big star. Couldn't you at least disguise yourself better? You look so plain."
Mai retorted: "And whose fault do you think that is?"
"Not mine," Kael said. "I never told you to dress so poorly."
Mai replied: "I was in a hurry."
Kael was annoyed. He hadn't rushed her.
Just as he was about to argue, Mai waved her hand. "Enough. Stop talking. Take me inside."
Kael: …
That instantly killed his momentum. He gave up arguing.
"Fine, follow me." He led her backstage.
He didn't notice the mischievous smile on Mai's lips. Entering backstage, Mai glanced around and saw five beautiful girls, each unique, none inferior to herself. The quality surprised even her, someone used to seeing stars.
She looked around and teased Kael: "You really like making friends with beautiful girls."
Kael rolled his eyes. "Isn't that obvious? What man doesn't like making friends with beautiful girls?"
Mai was speechless. She couldn't refute him. It was simply too true.