The song ended, and Bai Qiu still felt a lingering thrill.
However, Ichika Nijichi, Ichiri Goto, and Ryo Yamada were already clapping enthusiastically.
So Bai Qiu abandoned the idea of playing another piece.
After being praised one after another by the three, Bai Qiu felt a bit dizzy with pride.
Maybe I should buy another piano sometime?
It's not that expensive anyway.
"By the way, Ryo, do you still remember how to play the bass?"
Nijichi asked suddenly.
Ryo Yamada froze for a moment, feeling a cold sweat break out on his back.
But in the next instant, he regained his confidence and replied, "No problem!"
"That's good."
Nijichi exhaled in relief and smiled gently.
"Well then, it's about time. Let's go back to Hoshizora to practice!"
"Ouoh~"
Bai Qiu and Ryo Yamada drew out the sounds in response.
Ichiri Goto, caught off guard, looked at Bai Qiu and Ryo in panic.
The two of them looked back at her, as if to say, What are you doing?
"Ah… oh… oh…"
"You don't have to force yourself, Ichiri," Nijichi said, unable to help but comfort her.
…
Back at Hoshizora.
Practice room.
Ichika Nijichi, Ryo Yamada, Ichiri Goto.
The three of them began their first ensemble practice.
Since the piece Nijichi had prepared at first didn't include any parts for the electronic keyboard,
and Bai Qiu hadn't brought his keyboard,
he chose to be a spectator.
…
The song ended.
The three of them exchanged glances.
Soon, Ryo Yamada and Ichiri Goto admitted defeat.
One hung his head, the other whistled softly.
Ichika Nijichi looked at the only audience member—Bai Qiu.
Then, hesitantly, she asked, "Bai Qiu-kun… what do you think of our performance?"
Bai Qiu blinked. "You really want me to tell you?"
"Yes! Yes!"
Nijichi nodded decisively.
"It was… terrible."
Even someone like Bai Qiu, who had just started playing professionally, could clearly see that the three of them were terribly out of sync.
Ryo Yamada looked as if he didn't even know how to play the bass, sweeping the strings recklessly with the pick.
Ichiri Goto's movements were professional and precise, but she kept her head down the entire time, never looking at her bandmates. Her guitar solo ran nonstop from beginning to end.
Ichika Nijichi started off okay, using the drums to guide the rhythm, but under the influence of her two bandmates, her playing quickly became chaotic.
In short—it was hard to describe in words.
Bai Qiu couldn't bring himself to lie to spare their feelings.
Nijichi forced a smile. "Ah… yeah… I guess so…"
"Bai Qiu-kun, are you saying the opposite of what you actually think?" Ryo Yamada asked stubbornly.
His words gave Ichiri Goto and Nijichi a glimmer of hope.
"Not at all."
Bai Qiu stated firmly.
The three sighed in unison, a bit disappointed.
Then, looking at Bai Qiu with exaggerated resentment, as if to say, You're too cruel.
Bai Qiu comforted them: "Well, it's normal… after all, it's your first time. With more practice, you'll definitely improve."
Nijichi brightened up again.
"That's true, Bai Qiu-kun. Also… Ryo, your bass sounded kind of weird, didn't it?"
Nijichi remembered how Ryo had been strumming weirdly with the pick earlier, producing strange sounds.
"Ah, really? I thought I played fine."
"You didn't completely forget, did you?!"
Seeing Ryo still trying to defend himself, Nijichi ruthlessly exposed the truth.
"It's okay. The audience can't even hear the bass clearly."
For the first time, Ryo realized how convenient it was that the bass sound was drowned out.
Nijichi blinked. "That… actually makes sense."
Ryo smirked. "But the guitar… now that's a problem."
"Ah, sorry! It's all my fault!"
A voice came from somewhere—but where was it?
"Huh? Ichiri, where are you?"
"There." Ryo pointed.
Bai Qiu moved the flammable trash can from the corner over.
Ichiri Goto was crouched inside, hands over her head, trembling uncontrollably.
"Ah!" Nijichi jumped.
"Ichiri, why are you hiding in the trash can? Come out, it's not clean!"
"I… I've committed such a grave mistake… a person like me really should stay in the trash can."
"It's fine! We won't blame you, right? Bai Qiu-kun, Ryo?"
Ryo replied, "Flammable trash, huh? Pochi, you went in the wrong trash can. You should be in this one instead."
Ryo brought over the non-recyclable trash can.
Ichiri popped her head out in confusion.
Nijichi froze, instinctively asking, "Why?"