"I pray that I can meet you again... I pray that I can meet you again."
After finishing the piece, Goto Hitori stopped. She felt she was in good form today, playing without any mistakes.
"You're really amazing, Goto!" Chen Yao looked at Goto Hitori and praised her. "This song is an insert from Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Cat Returns', right? Before I trans... no, before I studied abroad, I heard it before. It's a very beautiful song. Although it doesn't have a flashy accompaniment, the ordinary and sincere lyrics are full of color and the feeling of a journey. I'm very gratified, Goto."
"Ehehe... is it really that good?"
Goto Hitori let out a silly, embarrassed giggle and asked shyly.
Suddenly, a passing girl also said excitedly, "Yes, it's really amazing! Your playing is so smooth, and your singing voice is lovely. This performance was truly wonderful. Classmate, are you in a band? Would you like to join our band as the guitarist and lead vocalist!?"
Hearing a girl behind her give such an enthusiastic evaluation, Goto Hitori froze as if her whole body had stiffened. She turned her head mechanically and saw a cute girl with yellow hair and a side ponytail looking at her with excitement, inviting her to join a band.
"Uh... y-you... who are you?"
Goto Hitori's voice became filled with extreme dread as she asked in a small, pained whisper.
Chen Yao noticed that Goto Hitori had reverted to her social anxiety mode again; she seemed to think her performance just now was something shameful.
"Sorry, my name is Ijichi Nijika. I'm a second-year at Shimokitazawa High School. I'm currently forming a band and especially need a guitarist. How about it? Would you like to come and form a band with me, Classmate?"
The yellow-haired girl leaned in excitedly and asked.
Goto Hitori's face turned pale. In the first second, she stood up; in the second, she stuffed her guitar into its bag; and in the third, she bolted toward home, shouting, "I'm sorry!!!"
"Wait, please wait a moment!"
The girl named Ijichi Nijika reached out and called after her, but her foot slipped, and she fell directly onto the ground, exposing her underwear.
Ijichi Nijika immediately covered her skirt and looked back at Chen Yao with a bright red face. Chen Yao's breath hitched, and he quickly turned his head to look elsewhere, pretending to admire the scenery.
"How strange. Is there a need to be that scared? It's not like I look that terrifying..."
The cute high school girl patted her knees and muttered a regretful complaint.
Just then, Chen Yao asked with a smile, "Classmate, you said you were forming a band, right?"
"Yes, do you play guitar too? Both boys and girls can join our band."
Ijichi Nijika's eyes seemed to sparkle as she leaned in to ask.
"No, I don't play guitar. However, that junior of mine just now is not only capable but an expert. But she has a bit of a psychological barrier; she has social anxiety. Even so, would you be willing to let her join your band?"
Chen Yao's eyes sized up Ijichi Nijika.
"Social anxiety? Impossible. Guitarists are extroverted musicians. How could an introverted person..." As Ijichi Nijika spoke, she thought of the image of Goto Hitori running away at top speed and immediately stopped mid-sentence.
She pondered with some surprise, murmuring to herself, "Hmm? That's strange. It shouldn't be... Is there really a guitar expert with social anxiety..."
But facing this sharp-eyed yet friendly-looking boy, she thought it over carefully and replied, "I'm fine with it. And my teammates are very tolerant in that regard. After all, we're a band focused on playing music..."
Looking at this girl with pure eyes and a vibrant aura, Chen Yao finally made a decision. He took a small notebook from his pocket, wrote down a string of numbers, tore it off, and handed it to Ijichi Nijika, saying, "This is my junior's contact information. If you decide you want her in the band, try contacting her. She's actually never been in a band before."
After receiving the note, Ijichi Nijika blinked and immediately broke into a smile, saying, "Ah, thank you!"
After introducing Goto Hitori to the band, Chen Yao finally felt like things were progressing. Although he wasn't sure if the band was right for Goto Hitori, at least, as he had said, she needed to take the first step. He could check on how Hitori was doing in the band later.
However, for now, he was really at a loss regarding the school's baseball game. Seido High School was said to be a famous baseball school. Even though they hadn't made it to Koshien Stadium in five years, they were more than capable of crushing second-tier baseball high schools. Could he alone make it through this difficult game... When Goto Hitori calmed down after returning home, she realized she hadn't said goodbye to Chen Yao.
"Ugh, what on earth am I doing..."
Goto Hitori sat on the sofa and sighed.
But just as she was about to send a text to apologize, a text from Chen Yao arrived first.
She read it carefully. Chen Yao explained that the girl was looking for a guitarist and that he had given her Hitori's contact information. He hoped Goto Hitori would be brave enough to give it a try, offering encouraging words that she might find her confidence in the field where she was most self-assured.
"Joining a band..."
Goto Hitori remained silent. She had actually thought about joining a band to escape her isolation, but she was still very afraid of the social issues involved in groups.
But she suddenly remembered the logic Chen Yao told her that afternoon: 'If you decide to pitch, don't hesitate, otherwise it will only be a bad ball.' This made her reflective; she couldn't be too hesitant and needed to choose a path decisively.
Leaning against the sofa, Goto Hitori immediately became lazy. Once she quieted down, her mind kept recalling the experience of pitching that afternoon. Gradually, a baseball-themed guitar song began to sprout in her mind... "Hmm? This feels pretty good. Let me write it down first..."
Goto Hitori hurriedly took out some sheet music and recorded the tune.
Although she occasionally sang while playing, this was the first time she had sung in front of a senior. Although her mentor's personality was a bit strange, in the days she had known him, she felt... as if she really had grown a bit... ~·~·~·~·~·
Meanwhile, in the Student Council of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, a draft document was handed to Student Council President Horikita Manabu.
"Summer Deserted Island Survival Plan?"
Horikita Manabu was slightly stunned when he saw the proposal and asked.
"Yes, I heard it's a plan arranged by the Board of Directors. In order to make the first-years more capable of self-care and to cultivate the principles of independence and environmental protection, they planned this special exam activity."
As the Student Council Secretary, Tachibana Akane, who wore her hair in a bun, helped explain.
Horikita Manabu flipped through it, checking the exam content and the confirmed dates, and said, "Since when did our school start teaching students deserted island survival?"
"Haha..."
Tachibana Akane laughed awkwardly; she actually didn't understand why the school authorities suddenly made such an arrangement either.
"Moreover, these rules are very disadvantageous to a certain class, aren't they? It's clearly a bit targeted."
Horikita Manabu analyzed the situation, noticed some issues, and spoke.
"Heh..."
As he continued reading, he suddenly started laughing.
Tachibana Akane, seeing the President think of something, asked curiously, "President, what are you thinking? Is it that funny?"
"Ah, it is a bit funny. However, I will make this matter funny in an even more interesting way..."
Horikita Manabu looked at Secretary Tachibana and said with a smile.
Chapter 040: Hero and guitar hero
On Thursday afternoon, a torrential rain fell from the sky, turning it a hazy gray. Crossing lights flashed warning signals in the rain, and groups of commuters in white-shirted work uniforms hurried through the hexagonal traffic lights. Various idol advertisements were still playing across the sky.
"Why are musical instruments so expensive..."
Walking out of the instrument store, Chen Yao carried a gift box and couldn't help but sigh.
Today was Goto Hitori's first rehearsal performance after joining the band. To celebrate her official entry into the band, Yukinoshita Yukino would represent the Service Club in buying a gift for Goto as a congratulation, which also signaled that the Service Club's commission was basically complete. As for himself, being her senior and mentor, he naturally had to buy a gift to congratulate her as well.
However, he glanced at the guitars in the instrument shop and felt they were incredibly expensive; they ranged from 150,000 to 1.5 million yen. Ultimately, considering the principle that it's the thought that counts, he decided to buy a three-thousand-yen guitar maintenance kit as a gift.
As expected, those who play instruments are all from wealthy families, which had absolutely nothing to do with a poor manga artist like him.
In the misty rain, the building advertisements displayed various rock stars and beautiful idol performances and commercials, looking very cool. Chen Yao looked up, lost in thought. If Goto Hitori truly stepped into the music world, would she be able to grow enough to stand on her own?
Chen Yao arrived at the train station. At this moment, there were relatively few people at the station; besides a few high school girls and housewives waiting for the train, he was the only male. Just as Chen Yao was boredly taking out his handheld console to play a game, his phone suddenly rang. He took it out and saw it was a call from Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Hello?"
Chen Yao answered the phone and asked.
——[Mr. Chen Yao, have you bought the gift yet? Yuihama student, Hachiman-kun, and I have already gotten off at Shimokitazawa Station.]
Yukinoshita Yukino and the other two had taken the bus and got off at the station, preparing to walk to the performance location.
"Not yet. I just bought the gift and am waiting for the train. I should arrive around five o'clock."
Chen Yao stood at the station in the rain and replied.
——[Then hurry up. After all, the only person who can currently communicate normally with Goto is probably the top Male Dancer, Mr. Chen Yao.]
"Wait a second, what do you mean by top Male Dancer? It's because Goto values my character, which proves that my character is exceptionally excellent, you know?"
Chen Yao squinted his eyes slightly; Yukinoshita's sharp tongue was late but inevitable.
——[Fine, we're about to leave the station. Although there's still a bit of a gap before Goto overcomes her social anxiety, at least she's joined a group band. The Service Club didn't do much in this commission, but I still want to congratulate Goto for having the courage...]
Yukinoshita Yukino had already reached the exit. She was also aware that most of the credit for this commission belonged to Chen Yao, but they cared more about the problem being solved; they didn't dwell too much on who deserved more credit.
While Chen Yao was on the phone, he noticed an unfamiliar girl in a sailor uniform about five or six meters away. Her head was bowed, her expression was numb, and she was wrapped in many bandages. Something seemed wrong with her.
Meanwhile, a non-stopping train began to speed toward the platform. The girl in the sailor uniform started to take steps, running quickly toward the tracks. By the time others noticed this scene, the high school girl was already exposed in front of the train's engine... Consequently, Yukinoshita Yukino, walking on the sidewalk, suddenly heard a 'bang' sound from her phone, followed by several female screams, as if things were in chaos. She felt a vague sense of unease and asked: "Hello? Hello? Mr. Chen Yao? What happened on your end?"
About half a minute later, Chen Yao's voice came through the phone again: [What did you just say? The train just arrived, and I've already boarded.]
"Phew, you gave me a scare... Since you're on the train, let's meet at the shop entrance."
Yukinoshita Yukino breathed a sigh of relief and said.
——[Okay, I'll be there soon.]
After Chen Yao finished speaking, the call ended.
Yukinoshita Yukino put away her phone and headed toward the rock exhibition hall with Yui Yuigahama and Hachiman Hikigaya. For some reason, the noisy sounds she had just heard made her feel as if something had happened.
"My leg still hurts a bit... but the liniment Chen gave me is indeed effective. I hope no one else notices..."
As she thought this, she looked up at the sky. The day after tomorrow was the round of sixteen advancement match. It would be great if it cleared up on the day of the competition... ~·~·~·~·~·~·~
In an underground exhibition hall in Shimokitazawa, Goto Hitori was still adjusting her mindset backstage. After all, five o'clock would be her first rehearsal performance with the team.
"You are guitar hero, you can definitely do it. You promised your Master, you can definitely achieve it. After all, you're a guitarist with thirty thousand fans..."
Goto Hitori kept chanting to herself in the darkness. Next, she would be playing in front of the store manager, the Service Club, and most importantly, her Master. She had to perform her best.
"Hitori, have you adjusted your mindset now?"
Just then, Ijichi Nijika asked from outside. Soon, a ray of light shone from the floor as Goto Hitori's cardboard box was lifted by her. Goto Hitori immediately covered her eyes: "My eyes! I can't see!"
Ijichi Nijika looked at her helplessly, thinking: "Where did this Shiba Inu-chan come from?"
Ijichi Nijika watched Hitori rolling on the ground. Although she had witnessed Goto Hitori's superb guitar skills, this guitarist was unexpectedly socially anxious, as if she had put all her skill points into guitar skills... Just then, her sister's voice came from the front desk: "Nijika, some guests are here to see you."
"Oh, okay. Hitori, your friends are here. Shall we go out to meet them?"
Ijichi Nijika smiled and said to her.
Goto Hitori stopped struggling. Thinking her Master had arrived, she felt a surge of joy and immediately scrambled up. She then opened the door and said with a happy smile: "Master, thank you for your hard..."
However, the ones outside the door weren't Chen Yao, but Yukinoshita Yukino and the other two. Goto Hitori's expression went blank, and then she slowly backed away, preparing to close the door again.
Ijichi Nijika quickly grabbed the edge of the door and said: "Hey, hey, you're being too rude, Hitori. Everyone, you must be Hitori's friends. Welcome to watch our team's first performance. Please take a seat over there."
"It's fine, we know Classmate Goto has this kind of reaction. This is our gift to celebrate Classmate Goto's first performance. Congratulations, Classmate Goto."
Yukinoshita Yukino handed over a snack from a brand-name shop and said with a smile.
"Congratulations, Classmate Goto." Yui Yuigahama congratulated with a smile.
"Yeah, congrats." Hachiman Hikigaya said.
Goto Hitori dithered for a moment, took the gift, and nodded in thanks: "Thank you very much... Classmate Yukinoshita... and everyone..."
She timidly retreated, while Ijichi Nijika led them to sit at a table. Before leaving, she took out her phone and muttered dissatisfiedly: "Sigh, why is Ryo late again? This is bad, can my band really keep going like this..."
"The leader seems to have it rough."
Hachiman Hikigaya commented, watching the scene.
"Please don't say that, after all, it's raining today..." Yui Yuigahama said.
Yukinoshita Yukino remained silent, her gaze fixed on the door as if she were concerned about something.
After all, she had heard that concerning noise on the phone. She hoped nothing had happened to Classmate Chen Yao... But soon, the door opened, and Chen Yao hurried in. Seeing Chen Yao arrive safely, Yukinoshita Yukino breathed a sigh of relief and waved him over: "Over here, over here."
Seeing Yukinoshita Yukino gesturing for him to come over, Chen Yao smiled slightly, walked up, and greeted Hachiman and the others.
"Why are you so late? And why are you empty-handed? Didn't you say you bought a gift earlier?"