Chapter 75

Kita was used to being teased by Ishikawa Hayato, noticed something was off about Ishikawa Hayato's words and calmed down to ask.

"Is it okay, so suddenly?"

Nijika waved cheerfully and walked towards Kita while talking to Seika.

"It's okay~ She agreed to it very readily last time."

After she finished speaking, she asked Seika with great trust, "Right? Sister."

Holding her notebook, pondering the band's upcoming Seika, she turned around as if hearing Nijika's voice, her tone indifferent.

"Huh? I didn't intend for you to go on stage."

Upon hearing this voice, Nijika froze on the spot.

"Huh?"

As her thoughts gradually returned to normal, Nijika pursed her lips and tried to think positively.

"Why? Haven't we already created an original song?"

Previously, Seika had secretly overheard their conversation and thought the original song was quite good. She was looking forward to the emotions that would be released after the song was imbued with the performer's own style.

However, that's only true if the performer is skilled; otherwise, no matter how good the piece is, without sufficient skill, no one will be able to listen to it.

She didn't want to see Nijika on the stage in her shop again, looking so sad yet trying to put on a brave face.

As she typed in the previously chosen band name into the text, she stared at the computer screen and explained.

"It has nothing to do with this."

The silly little sister still hadn't noticed the problem and continued thinking about what she had missed. She took out the money she hadn't even warmed yet and said...

"Ah, we don't have enough audience members. We'll cover the costs if we don't meet the target."

Seika looked at the computer screen and sighed inwardly.

"It's not about the money."

She stopped operating the computer, turned her head, looked at her clumsy and impulsive sister, and gave her a gentle reminder.

"It's a matter of strength."

Nijika finally realized what was happening, but she still wouldn't give up.

"But didn't you let us go on stage before?"

Seeing that Nijika still wouldn't give up, Seika's temper flared up a little, and she said something thoughtless.

"That was a special permission granted so that you could have wonderful memories."

These words shattered any remaining hope in Nijika's heart.

Seeing her younger sister suddenly freeze and look dejected, Seika softened her tone and reminded her.

"Don't you know that I usually audition and review band samples?"

Nijika looked away, slightly upset.

"That's right... that's correct."

"I'm sorry, but your performance level is still the same as your first one. I will not allow you to go on stage."

"If we're not allowed to go on stage, then what are we...?"

Seeing that Nijika still didn't understand, Seika said dismissively.

"You guys can just play house with your band for the rest of your lives."

After hearing this, Nijika ran out in a huff, followed by Kita, Ryo, and Bocchi.

Only Ishikawa Hayato remained in the shop, standing by the handrail, looking at Seika with a relaxed smile as if he didn't care at all.

"My little sister is so cute, she's a bit clumsy."

"What do you say about other people's younger sisters?"

Realizing she had just gone too far, Seika was in a terrible mood and reacted as if she had swallowed gunpowder when facing her 'arch-enemy'.

Ishikawa Hayato, however, seemed completely unconcerned by her tone and calmly replied...

"I will explain everything to Nijika. When is that time?"

A voice sounded like both aggrieved and relieved.

Next Saturday.

Seeing that Seika seemed a little more at ease, Ishikawa Hayato turned and walked up the stairs, leaving behind a meaningful remark.

"I think being rejected by family members is more painful than the sadness of a failed performance. There are ways to make everyone happy, so why not do it?"

Behind him as he walked up the stairs, Seika wore a somber expression.

Ishikawa Hayato didn't rush out; he slowly walked up the stairs.

He thought to himself, "They really are sisters, with the same impulsiveness."

As he left the store, Ishikawa Hayato leisurely asked passersby for directions while searching for Nijika and the others.

Just as he was about to ask the next passerby, he saw three people comforting Nijika not far ahead.

His gaze met that of the four people.

"Oh."

Ishikawa Hayato gave a sunny smile.

"Ishikawa-kun..."

Kita didn't want to make the atmosphere even more tense at this moment, but he still harbored some resentment towards this guy who couldn't see the situation clearly.

Ishikawa Hayato walked over, looking as happy as if he had brought good news, and he said exaggeratedly.

"The store manager just cried and hugged my leg, saying..."

'Please, I beg you, Lord Ishikawa, please explain to Nijika for me. I was just trying to get her to pass the audition before she could go on stage. My tone was terrible, and I want to apologize to Nijika.'

Ishikawa Hayato finished speaking without changing his expression, then shrugged and sighed.

"Honestly, there's nothing I can do about her like that. I can only try to explain for her."

After he finished speaking, he received unanimous disbelieving looks from the four girls opposite him.

Nijika pouted resentfully and said, "That's definitely a lie."

"Ishikawa-kun, stop joking around at a time like this."

Kita sighed.

"Although the process was a joke, the content is not fake. Next Saturday, the store manager will give us a chance to rehearse."

Ishikawa Hayato said with a hint of seriousness.

Nijika wanted to subconsciously deny it, but seeing Ishikawa Hayato's serious expression and his words that even specified the time, she changed her mind.

She blinked her beautiful red eyes and asked.

"Real?"

Ishikawa Hayato nodded.

The cheers from the sidelines instantly dispelled her last shred of doubt.

"Very good!"

Kita exclaimed in surprise. She looked around at Ryo and Bocchi beside her, and finally asked Nijika for confirmation.

"If I pass the audition, I can go on stage to perform, right?"

"Yes!"

Nijika's spirits rose as well, but after her initial excitement, she added with some dissatisfaction, "You could have just said that from the beginning, sister, you're so mean."

Kita once again entered his workaholic mode, speaking in a sunny voice that made the others uneasy.

"However, we just need to work hard from now on."

Only Bocchi, who was already used to her like this, was infected by her emotions and, for once, showed a happy expression, nodding vigorously.

"Uh-huh."

"That's great!" Kita breathed a sigh of relief and celebrated with Bocchi.

"Finally, we can perform!"

In the midst of this joyful atmosphere, Ishikawa Hayato opened his arms, closed his eyes as if preparing to be embraced, and even casually placed a handprint on his chest that said, "Please give me a thank-you hug!"

But after glancing at him, the four men gave him different looks, and none of them paid him any attention.

After glancing at Ishikawa Hayato, Nijika turned her gaze to the two guitarists who were the most excited and loudest at the moment.

One player had good skills but couldn't show them at all, while the other had only been learning guitar for almost two months.

Seeing how happy they were.

The thought of the audition a week later suddenly made her understand why her sister had become so strict, and instantly, cold sweat beaded on her cute face.

At that moment, Liang approached her and whispered, revealing his secret to her.

"You have this expression that says these two are the most worrying people."

Nijika, whose true feelings had been exposed, panicked and almost ended up looking like Bocchi with distorted features.

Liang ignored her and went over to the two guitarists, giving them serious instructions.

"Then we'll use pre-recorded audio for your parts. You just need to practice your fake playing posture."

The two guitarists, showing no pride whatsoever as performers, responded simultaneously in an instant.

"Good!"

"Wait, wait, that's how the manager will reject you, right?" Ishikawa Hayato stepped forward to stop him.

Nijika also agreed with Ishikawa Hayato's idea.

"Yes, my sister is quite strict."

Ryo glanced at Ishikawa Hayato, his opposition greatly diminished, but he still expressed his opinion.

"There's only one week left, there's no need to work too hard."

Nijika didn't intend for them to practice too hard, but instead encouraged them.

Even if you play badly, as long as you try your best and convey your passion, that's enough.

When Bocchi and Kita heard Nijika's first words, they were dumbfounded and shrugged.

"Played terribly..."

"Pfft." Ishikawa Hayato chuckled, looking down.

Ryo stared speechlessly at Ishikawa Hayato and Nijika.

Nijika panicked immediately.

"Ah, sorry, but you guys are much better than before, right, Ryo?"

She quickly sought outside help.

But Liang tilted his head back, feigning deep thought.

Nijika quickly looked at Ishikawa Hayato beside her.

He crossed his arms and let out a heavy sigh.

Please help me out.

Nijika angrily yelled at the two pillars of the band.

While Nijika was wailing, Bocchi silently crouched down and crawled into the cement pipe next to him.