Takamatsu Tomori's expression changed in a way that didn't feel natural—at least, not to Kazami Haru.
Logically speaking, it made sense that Takamatsu would be afraid of live performances. After all, her previous band, CRYCHIC, had disbanded at lightning speed right after their first live show.
Maybe the real culprit was that spiky little hedgehog, Sakiko-san.
Ever since then, Takamatsu had believed that CRYCHIC's breakup was her own fault. She kept spiraling into a pit of guilt and self-blame.
After Haru became her friend, providing her with safety and warmth, perhaps her closed-off heart had opened up a little, but her emotional scars likely remained.
So when she looked sad just now, why did she instinctively look at him first?
Haru suddenly had a strange feeling.
The real Takamatsu Tomori and the version from the simulation, who depended on him like crazy, seemed a bit too similar.
Could it be that from this point in the timeline, she was already starting to rely on him?
Or was it...
Had the simulator caused some kind of subconscious effect without him realizing it?
[Simulation content is based solely on textual memory and virtual reality. It has no effect on real life or personality.]
"Yeah, right..."
Haru still had his doubts. Maybe he was just being overly sensitive.
"Alright! Since we've formed the band, let's head to the live house together!"
"Go! Go!"
Chihaya Anon beamed with excitement, her cute little fang sparkling in the sunlight.
Right after forming the band, she immediately launched into action, having already planned the next step, checking out the RING venue they researched the night before, and finding more members.
"I'll pass. I've got work soon."
Haru glanced at the time on his phone and decisively turned her down.
"Work? Are you broke or something, Harumi~?"
"…What the hell kind of cringe nickname is that?"
He felt goosebumps from her sudden change in tone. Wasn't she just calling him "Kazami-kun" like a normal person?
Now she's calling him some cheesy nickname?
"Well, we're in the same band now, so of course I need to call you something more affectionate!"
"Because 'Haru' sounds too serious. 'Harumi' is way cuter, don't you think? Like 'Kurumi'~"
Haru inhaled deeply, suppressing the discomfort. Expressionless, he muttered:
"If you're using that logic, then it'd be 'Haruki' from the kanji for 'Haru,' right?"
"Don't sweat the details! Guys who nitpick don't get girls!"
Chihaya earnestly explained her reasoning behind the nickname. The more she talked, the more Kazami's face darkened.
He'd never met a woman this difficult to deal with.
He regretted not choosing her route during the simulation and teaching her a lesson.
"Anyway, I'm going to work. You and Takamatsu can go without me."
"If you're really short on cash, I could help you out a little, you know. Harumi~"
"I told you, don't call me that."
Looking at Chihaya, whose shamelessness could rival the Walls of Maria, Haru resisted the urge to squish her soft cheeks. He picked up his bag, said goodbye to Takamatsu, and turned to leave.
Chihaya stood in place, pouting with her hands on her hips.
"Geez~ tsunderes are such a pain."
"Anon, what's a 'tsundere'?"
"Don't worry about it, Tomori. Just know that they're a pain!"
…
In the blink of an eye, Chihaya had dragged Tomori to RING.
Tomori's mouth parted slightly as she looked up at the massive white building. The word Livehouse was displayed prominently. The entire place gave off an overwhelming air of commercialism, completely different from the vibe of STARRY in Shimokitazawa.
"This is my first time at a live house. Is this how they usually are?"
"Let's head inside first, Tomori!"
Chihaya, practically bouncing with excitement, tugged her in.
The white interior with Western-style decor was surprisingly charming. Everywhere she looked were girls carrying instrument cases, many wearing familiar uniforms from Yujigaoka.
At the recruitment board, where bands posted flyers for new members, there were only a few scraps of paper.
Looking closely, almost all of them were looking for bassists and keyboardists. Chihaya raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Not a single one was recruiting a guitarist?
"Say, Tomori, what instrument does Harumi play again?"
"…He's a keyboardist and a composer."
When Chihaya heard the words keyboardist and composer, her eyes shot back to the flyers.
Several mentioned they were looking for keyboardists. But nearly 80% were looking for composers.
"Whoa, that's impressive. Everyone's looking for composers…"
"He's that talented, huh~"
She couldn't help but marvel.
Although she didn't know much about music, even she could tell composing must be difficult, especially if the demand was this high.
Then it struck her.
Had she accidentally recruited a genius without even realizing it?
She imagined bragging about it at school, how she got Kazami Haru to be their keyboardist and that he even composed their original songs. She could already picture the envy in everyone's eyes.
Oh man, just imagining it gets me hyped!
"Alright! Let's make our own recruitment flyer too!"
"Customers! If you need paper and pens, there's a free supply upstairs in the lounge! You can even relax with a coffee while writing!"
A black-haired girl suddenly popped up beside Chihaya, startling her. The girl wore a camera around her neck, the RING staff uniform, and an employee badge on her chest.
Shameimaru?
What a strange surname.
"Thank you! C'mon, Tomori, let's go upstairs and get started!"
Chihaya politely thanked the staffer, then eagerly pulled Tomori, who was still counting the ceiling lights, toward the second-floor lounge.