The idea of "professionalism for the sake of making money" and "playing music together so everyone in the band can shine"
These two goals, when applied to the current Kessoku Band, were starting to feel a little at odds with each other.
That didn't mean the band had to give up its easygoing, fun atmosphere just because they were aiming to go pro.
But looking at the reality of Kessoku Band's current situation.
If they wanted to win competitions like Be Original / Rock Band Project, then a choice had to be made between pushing for professionalism or prioritizing everyone's feelings.
And that kind of decision... wasn't something one person should make on their own.
It wasn't something that could be decided just by giving a suggestion.
Saying the words "I'll sing 'Loser'" — turned out to be much harder than expected.
Even just saying them to Yamada Ryo felt heavy.
It meant going against everything he'd told the band before — about wanting everyone to just have fun with the music, not worrying about scores or results.
He knew Kita would never complain.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder: if he said those words to her, would she take it the wrong way?
Would it cause friction?
Would it make the others see him differently?
But deep down, Aoki knew — all of this stemmed from the choices he'd made.
He'd taken the wrong approach, and now the consequences were showing.
So even if it was hard to say... he had to say it.
And after that...
If Kessoku Band started having problems because of his presence, he would do everything in his power — no matter the cost — to fix it.
And if, in the end, a band that should never have had issues started falling apart because of him.
Then even if it meant running away, even if he'd already invested most of his time and feelings — he'd find a way to step away.
Let Kessoku Band return to the path it was meant to walk, free of his interference.
But right now...
He had to win this competition with Kessoku Band, no matter what.
Aoki drew in a quiet breath and forced his swirling thoughts to a halt.
Beside him, Yamada Ryo was silent, staring at him.
She prided herself on understanding Aoki's personality — so she had a rough idea of what was going through his mind.
Her own words, "It doesn't sit right with me," had probably changed something in him.
Pushed him to make up his mind.
But she also knew... that this decision was the exact opposite of what Aoki had originally believed in.
So—
A faint flicker of concern crossed Ryo's otherwise blank expression. Barely noticeable.
She parted her lips, wanting to say something to the boy next to her.
But before she could, Aoki turned toward her, speaking first — cutting her off before a single word left her mouth.
He didn't continue the earlier conversation.
Instead, as if nothing had happened, he changed the subject.
"It's too hot out here. There's air conditioning in the restaurant. Let's talk inside."
And with that, Aoki pushed the door open and stepped back into the restaurant.
Ryo hesitated for a moment, but eventually followed him in.
The two of them returned together.
After stepping back inside, Ryo didn't get another chance to speak.
At that moment, the atmosphere around the Kessoku Band table was still silent and heavy.
Once he sat back down, Aoki paused in thought.
Then he looked up and across the table.
He'd already made up his mind — so even though the words were still hard to say, after a brief silence, Aoki finally spoke.
"Ijichi-san, Gotou-san, Kita-san — about tomorrow's live performance…"
His eyes landed on Kita.
He was just about to explain his intentions when—
Suddenly, Kita stood up with a sharp motion.
She met his gaze.
Her sudden action broke his train of thought.
He blinked, momentarily confused.
And then, before he could say another word, Kita spoke first.
As if she had been hesitating for a long time and finally found her resolve the moment he opened his mouth.
Looking straight at Aoki, her voice was firm.
"I understand that you meant well, Aoki-senpai. I know your original decision was made for my sake."
"But I also know where I really stand, skill-wise."
"Aoki-senpai, you're kind. Sometimes… too kind. Always putting others first…"
She had heard from Hikigaya Hachiman about what Aoki had done — how he had taken a leap of faith for his dream of music, all alone.
That same kindness — the way he'd hidden his stress from the others, told the band not to worry about results, and even decided to let her be the lead singer — it hurt.
"Even though I was unsure... even though I didn't know how to say it... I realized — these aren't things that should be left unsaid."
"This situation shouldn't be what ruins the band's energy. I liked how we used to be."
"So—"
Kita took a deep breath, her eyes unwavering.
"Aoki-senpai, I think you are the one who should sing this song. If it's you leading us, I know we'll get a better result — all of us, together."
"So please, Aoki-senpai — sing 'Loser' tomorrow."
Aoki was stunned by her words.
He was silent for a while.
Then he looked over at Nijika and Bocchi across the table, and finally to Ryo sitting beside him.
His gaze returned to Kita.
What was he supposed to say now?
He was at a loss, unsure how to respond.
And then—
Before he could say anything, it was Gotou Hitori — who had been silent all this time — who suddenly spoke.
Her voice was a bit shaky, her eyes avoiding his.
But she still raised her voice more than usual.
"A-Aoki-senpai, y-you don't have to overthink it. I-I think sometimes it's okay to just... act first and think later! A-and also…"
She paused, her face turning red.
"A-Aoki-senpai, I-I-I think Kita's right! I don't like how things are in the band right now either!"
Her voice rang out, a little too loud for the quiet yakiniku restaurant.
And immediately after, she flailed and quickly apologized.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to shout like that… and yelling at you, senpai... I'm so sorry...!"
The meat on the grill had started to burn slightly.
Aoki glanced at it… and unexpectedly, laughed.
He looked up and shook his head lightly.
Then, he spoke again.
"It's fine. Thank you, Bocchi-chan. And thank you, Kita."
"And—about tomorrow's 'Loser.' I'll sing it."
————————————————————————
After returning to the hotel from the yakiniku restaurant, it was already around 9 PM.
Since Kessoku Band was the first to perform the next morning, they had to be at the venue before 8:30.
That meant an early night.
Aoki took a quick shower and lay down in bed.
He fell asleep quickly.
The night passed uneventfully.
By 8:21 the next morning, the group arrived at Kyoto City Gymnasium.
By around 9 AM, Kessoku Band was ready to go onstage.
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