Takamatsu Tomori's single sentence made the atmosphere in the room instantly turn awkward.
First to react was the usually silent Gotoh Hitori. Behind her long bangs, her expression was one of utter shock.
Although she had vaguely sensed that Takamatsu might want to form a band with Haru, she never imagined she'd blurt out such a heavy line, "Together for a lifetime?!" That's way too heavy! Super heavy!
But Bocchi could also relate. Now that her own band had formed successfully, she often felt the same, like wanting to "stay in a band for life." It would be ideal if she could live her life through music. If she couldn't be in a band with everyone, she might really turn into a helpless little bug...
Ijichi Nijika was the first to snap out of it, sharply turning to look at Kazami Haru sitting next to Ryo.
"Together for a lifetime in a band", what the heck did that mean?!
Was this really a band invitation? or… was it a proposal?
Since when did forming a band become such a life-defining declaration?!
Even the usually expressionless Yamada Ryo showed a rare flicker of emotion on her face. Though she said nothing, no one could guess what was going on in her head.
PIC: Ryo[1]
She stared deeply at Takamatsu with a hint of wariness, then glanced at Haru again, as if confirming something.
This girl... she wasn't in any of the "intel" she had gathered.
But without a doubt, she's an "enemy."
Ryo could tell immediately, Takamatsu Tomori definitely harbored special feelings for Kazami Haru. Even Ryo herself wouldn't casually say something like "together for a lifetime in a band."
From appearance alone, Tomori seemed like the timid type, similar to Bocchi. Even if she was cute, she didn't appear too dangerous, at least not yet.
Her words had caught Ryo off guard, but still within her tolerance.
Threat level: C
For now.
"Ugh…"
Takamatsu Tomori felt a bit nervous. She had blurted out those words without thinking.
Haru already had a band, even if he was only a "ghost member." Asking him to form another one would only burden him, splitting his time and attention.
How could she have been so selfish?
Just as she was about to flee in embarrassment, Kazami Haru spoke—
"No problem."
"If you need me, I'll be there."
Tomori slowly lifted her amber-colored eyes, staring deeply into Haru's gentle smile.
Was it true that she'd always been alone?
When she was with him, she felt complete.
A faint smile spread across her face. She gently grabbed the hem of Haru's shirt, a small act of closeness that made Yamada Ryo raise an eyebrow.
Not bad.
Ryo mentally upgraded Tomori's threat level to "B."
A girl like her, innocent and insecure, might show surprising strength at key moments.
"Tomori, have you already formed a band?"
Ijichi Nijika quickly caught on to something: this girl clearly had deep feelings about band formation.
Her serious expression earlier was like someone making a major life decision.
"Not right now… I used to be in one."
Tomori's mood had visibly improved since earlier.
To her, being in a band with Haru would bring her the greatest happiness.
She used to think she wasn't good enough for him, but watching him be in another band felt painful.
Avoiding the problem would only lead to regret, and that was something Tomori couldn't accept.
She still wanted to be with him.
Without Haru, she couldn't function.
"I see~ What role did you have in your old band?"
"I… I was the vocalist."
Vocalist?
Vocalist!
Ijichi Nijika snapped to attention and exchanged a knowing glance with Yamada Ryo.
Just going out on a walk had netted them a wild guitarist and keyboardist before, that was already lucky enough.
Now, their band's biggest gap, a vocalist, just waltzed in?
Is this real life?
"Do you still have bandmates you want to work with?"
"Yeah… I still want to reunite with Ritsuki and the others."
Kazami Haru could instantly tell what Nijika was scheming with those sparkly eyes.
She was clearly eyeing Tomori as their band's lead singer.
But that couldn't happen.
If Tomori replaced Kita's role, what would happen to Mygo?
Would they have to exile Kita to Mygo as the new vocalist?
"Ah, I see! Our band actually doesn't have a lead singer right now. We were kinda hoping you might join us..."
"I-I'm sorry…"
"No worries at all! Even if we can't be in a band together, you're always welcome to hang out with us!"
Nijika gently patted Tomori's head. Her hair was so soft it made Nijika gush inside, Tomori was just like a cute little animal. So lovable!
Too adorable!
"By the way, Nijika, weren't you going to talk about the band's future plans?"
Haru casually tossed out a reminder, and Nijika immediately froze.
She'd been having so much fun that she completely forgot!
"Aha… right, I totally forgot."
"Cough! It's nothing too serious, really. I just wanted to go over some stuff like roles and our live show goals."
Nijika cleared her throat and raised her index finger.
"Being in a band is actually really expensive! Instruments and equipment cost a lot. Plus, most bands have to rent practice studios, and selling tickets for live shows is also our responsibility."
"But since my family owns STARRY, at least the studio is free!"
[1] https://imgur.com/Uv5gJeA