Inside the [RiNG] recording studio, just as the members of [MyGO!!!!!] were about to start practice as usual, a soft knock on the door suddenly interrupted them.
And when they opened the studio door, a figure appeared that was completely unexpected to everyone—
"Sakiko?!"
Soyo couldn't help but cry out in surprise.
"Eh?! What's going on? Why are you here all of a sudden at this time?!"
She first looked behind Sakiko, and after seeing that she hadn't brought her keyboard, the surprise on her face subsided a little.
"Is there something you want to discuss with us?"
"Precisely."
Sakiko nodded.
"I have a request... that I'd like to ask of everyone in [MyGO!!!!!]."
...
"You're saying... you've prepared two songs for [Summer Zodiac]'s May live..."
Even though Soyo had already heard from Tetsuya that Sakiko would be involved in the arrangement, she was still incredibly shocked to hear that Sakiko had already completed two songs in such a short amount of time.
"Isn't that a little too fast..."
"I'm actually quite surprised myself."
Sakiko said.
"During my time as Chihaya-nii's apprentice, I spent much less time on music than I used to, so I was worried I might have forgotten how to compose... But it seems that the experiences of this period have actually helped me accumulate more useful inspiration."
At this, she suddenly turned to look at Taki, who had been staring intently at her from the start.
"Taki, you must have felt this too, right? After going through some particularly unforgettable experiences, your mind for composing suddenly becomes exceptionally open."
"...Mhm, that's true."
Taki nodded.
"After the last live... I wrote several songs at home by myself..."
"Eh...? Then why didn't you just bring them here?"
Anon's voice was filled with confusion.
"Wouldn't it be great to strike while the iron is hot and make a few more new songs?"
"Well... about that..."
Taki's expression was a little hesitant.
"I did write the songs, but I feel like they're a bit lacking compared to the first one..."
"Oh, come on, don't be so serious! We could at least try them out together! Maybe we can all help you revise them or something!"
Anon pouted.
"If our goal is a major debut, just one original song is nowhere near enough!"
"Jeez, I already told you the quality isn't as good as the first song..."
Although Taki's tone was still wavering, considering the future, she finally nodded in resignation.
"But you have a point. One song definitely isn't enough if we want to go major. I'll pick a few to try out next practice."
"And then Tomori can try writing lyrics to the music! Right, Tomori?"
"Mhm!"
Tomori also seemed very excited.
"I want to try!"
"Alright, then it's settled! Raana probably won't have any objections as long as the song is interesting. As for Soyo... the bassist's opinion isn't important!"
"..."
Hearing this comment, Soyo just smiled, silently staring at Anon.
Anon, who was starting to get the creeps from the stare, quickly shrank back.
"I was just kidding! Anyway, you definitely wouldn't refuse, right?"
"...Sigh."
A look of resignation appeared on Soyo's face.
"Sakiko isn't even done with her request. Can you wait until after she leaves to mess around?"
"It's alright. I believe it's this delicate balance where harmony and discord coexist that makes the band [MyGO!!!!!] different from others."
Sakiko just smiled and shook her head.
"And as the one making the request, I'm not so impatient that I can't wait for this."
"..."
After hearing this response, an image of Tetsuya unconsciously surfaced in Soyo's mind.
Although Sakiko's words and actions had always possessed a composure far beyond her years, she had now taken it a step further, adding a touch of gentleness to that composure.
This further maturity, besides resolving that year-long knot in her heart, must also be due to Tetsuya's influence...
At this thought, an indescribable envy faintly welled up in Soyo's heart. But then, when she thought of the contract that repeatedly left Tetsuya speechless, a smile blossomed on her face once more.
"Well then, let's get down to business. What is it you want to ask of us, Sakiko?"
"Just as Uika said at the celebration party, for this May live, there's one song I'd like to entrust to you to perform. And in order to make this collaboration happen..."
At this, she suddenly turned to look at Tomori.
"Tomori."
"Eh?"
"In a little while, I'll send you the demo for the song."
Sakiko said.
"And the lyrics for this song, you will be in charge of completing them."
"E-E-Eh?!"
Tomori let out a cry of shock.
"H-How can I do that?! This is a song for [Summer Zodiac], isn't it?! I-I-I, my lyrics aren't worthy of such a big stage—"
"They are."
Sakiko calmly interrupted Tomori's self-deprecation.
"In fact, it's only through your unique sensibility that the full emotion of this song can be brought out."
"Huh..."
"And... Raana-san."
"Hm?"
Raana, who had thought this had nothing to do with her, looked up and stared at Sakiko with curiosity.
"What's up?"
"This song requires a rather special effects pedal, a type completely different from what you usually use. Are you okay with that?"
"Mhm, as long as the song is interesting enough."
"Good. Then, what about the rest of you?"
Sakiko looked at Taki and Anon.
"May I ask if you will accept this request of mine?"
"No problem!"
Anon agreed readily.
"After all, making an appearance at such a grand concert would be an amazing promotional opportunity for us!"
"...I have no objections either."
Taki nodded.
"It's something we agreed on before, after all."
"Mhm, then it's settled."
Having received everyone's affirmation, Sakiko said with a smile.
"I will be in contact with all of you again soon... Now then, for the sake of the band, and to help Chihaya-nii, let's all do our best."
"Yeah!"
"..."
She's definitely matured, but that natural leadership and aura, as well as her exceptional talent in music, really haven't changed.
I wonder if, after becoming a designer, she'll ever form her own band again... like with [CRYCHIC].
Watching the figure wave goodbye to everyone, Soyo couldn't help but wonder.