The neon stage lights flickered as the four members of Kessoku Band performed earnestly on stage.

It was likely their first live performance—their expressions were slightly tense at first, but as the song progressed, they gradually relaxed.

Shin watched as their nervous expressions melted away, eventually replaced by smiles as they played. Satisfied, he nodded.

Kessoku Band hadn't yet written their own original songs, so this performance was a cover—apparently of a well-known rock band's track.

Unfortunately, while Shin thought they sounded great, he had no idea what the song was called, what genre it belonged to, or which band it came from.

It couldn't be helped—he didn't know much about rock music. He wasn't even sure if his Stand's name, "Blackbird," was a reference to a band or song.

But even if he didn't recognize the song, he could still tell whether it sounded good or not.

"They're amazing..."

It wasn't just Shin. Beside him, Eriri gazed up at the stage, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Opportunities to shine on stage like this were rare. Though Kessoku Band's performance was solid now, it was only after countless hours of practice behind the scenes.

On Shin's other side, Kato Megumi's eyes sparkled as she watched the performance—no one understood Kessoku Band's journey better than her.

She had literally witnessed them grow from disjointed, uncoordinated playing to their current level.

The audience's reaction was equally enthusiastic. While Kessoku Band's performance wasn't flawless, it was certainly good enough to satisfy the crowd.

Perhaps by their next performance, they'd be playing their own original songs.

Shin recalled that in the original story, Gotou Hitori had been the one writing lyrics—he wondered how much progress she'd made on that front.

Originally, Ijichi Seika had only allowed Kessoku Band to perform live after they'd written their own songs.

But this time, with Kato Megumi handling logistics, their training had been more efficient. Seeing their rapid improvement, Seika had permitted them to take the stage early.

And judging by the results, Kessoku Band hadn't disappointed—though still a bit rough around the edges, their skill was undeniable.

From a corner of the venue, Ijichi Seika watched the performance, her gaze distant, as if seeing her younger self reflected in them.

As a former band member herself, she knew how much of Kessoku Band's progress was thanks to Kato Megumi's support—handling countless small tasks so the band could focus on practice.

Her eyes drifted toward Kato Megumi in the audience… only to find her practically glued to Shin's side.

Seika's lips twitched—No good. I really can't stop worrying about Nijika getting swept up by Shin.

---

"Thank you, everyone~!"

After the performance, Ikuyo Kita waved cheerfully at the audience, her face lit up with joy.

As the most outgoing member of Kessoku Band, she was the only one who could comfortably interact with the crowd post-performance.

In contrast, Gotou Hitori, standing not far away, looked like she had completely short-circuited from the stress. Just making it through the set without collapsing was an achievement.

Still, Shin noticed that while Ikuyo Kita appeared to be waving at the entire audience, her gaze was locked onto him.

Smiling slightly, he pointed toward the green room, signaling that they'd meet there afterward.

---

"We did it! That was so nerve-wracking!"

The moment they entered the green room, Nijika Ijichi let out a long, relieved sigh.

Performing was stressful, but the exhilaration afterward was indescribable—this was exactly why she'd wanted to form a band.

Compared to her, Gotou Hitori was practically a wreck, her facial features twisted in post-performance trauma.

For someone as socially anxious as her, the pressure had been overwhelming. The second she stepped offstage, she desperately needed a safe space to recover.

And for her, "safe spaces" usually meant small, dark places—like cardboard boxes.

The first time she'd played with Kessoku Band, she'd done so while hiding inside one.

Unfortunately, there were no cardboard boxes in the green room this time. After frantically scanning the area, she lunged straight into Shin's arms, burying her face in his chest.

If there was no box, then Shin was the only thing that could calm her down.

Just being held by him made the performance seem far less terrifying in hindsight.

"Uwahhh..."

Ikuyo Kita gasped as she watched Gotou Hitori cling to Shin.

She was shocked—she'd never thought Gotou Hitori would have the courage to hug Shin so openly in front of everyone.

But seeing how quickly Hitori's trembling subsided, she understood.

As Hitori's self-proclaimed "guitar junior," Ikuyo Kita knew exactly how severe her social anxiety was.

The stage pressure must have been too much, leaving Shin as her only lifeline afterward.

Still, understanding didn't mean Ikuyo Kita was willing to lose in this little competition. She immediately stepped forward.

"That's so sneaky, Gotou-san! I want Shin-kun to comfort me too!"

"Ah...! S-Sure, go ahead..."

True to form, Gotou Hitori stiffened at Ikuyo Kita's voice and hastily retreated from Shin's embrace.

Ikuyo Kita didn't hesitate—she threw herself into Shin's arms next.

Then, tilting her head up, she flashed him a mischievous wink and whispered:

"Just a hug isn't enough, though~ Next time, when there's fewer people, you'll have to comfort me properly."

With that, she pulled away and glanced meaningfully at Ryou Yamada and Nijika Ijichi.

Ryou Yamada, ever direct, walked up to Shin with a blank expression and opened her arms.

Shin was surprised—he hadn't expected her to join in.

Amused, he gave her a brief hug—more like a friendly pat on the back compared to the ones he'd shared with Gotou Hitori and Ikuyo Kita.

(He didn't notice the faint blush on Ryou Yamada's face.)

"Eh?! M-Me too?!"

Nijika Ijichi, seeing the rest of Kessoku Band take turns hugging Shin, flustered instantly.

Normally, she wouldn't have hesitated—it'd just be a celebratory hug between friends.

But after her sister's earlier words, her heart was in chaos.

Still, as Ryou Yamada stepped aside, Nijika hesitated for only a second before turning beet red and throwing her arms around Shin.

(End of Chapter)

Advance 100 Chapters are up on my Patreon!

pat reon.com/AlphaSenatus