"And then, that girl who suddenly barged in first glanced at Taki's sheet music, then immediately plugged in her guitar and effects pedal, and just started playing on her own!"
Chihaya Anon complained to Chihaya Tetsuya about the afternoon's events with a look of annoyance.
"The most infuriating part is, she memorized the entire score after just one look, and she played it super well! Doesn't that just make my playing seem even worse!"
"So, you're admitting she plays better than you?"
"...Yeah."
Even though her tone and expression were full of dissatisfaction, Anon still nodded her head honestly.
"A lot better than me. Whether it's fundamentals, musical sense, or the completeness of her playing style, we're on completely different levels... We were trying to decide what style the band should go for, but after hearing her guitar, basically everyone started leaning towards 'hardcore'... After all, a major characteristic of hardcore is its extremely aggressive guitar."
"I see..."
Tetsuya, having heard the whole story, nodded slightly.
"So, what happened after that girl finished playing on her own?"
"This is the important part! She first played a whole bunch as if she owned the place, then she suddenly went up to Tomori and asked her, 'Do you want to play in a band together?'"
"And Takamatsu-san's reaction?"
"Tomori was completely stunned! But, seeing her expression when she was listening to that girl play, she probably wasn't against her. Taki and Soyo also rated her playing level quite highly."
With that, Anon flopped over in Tetsuya's direction and naturally pillowed her head on his lap.
"This is terrible. Not only did I lose the vocalist position, but now I'm even going to be demoted to rhythm guitar. This feeling of being less skilled and helpless about it... A high school band really is completely different from a middle school one."
"Hm?"
Hearing this, Tetsuya couldn't help but look down at her with some curiosity.
"You're full of complaints, but it doesn't seem like you're actually against her joining the band."
"...Because she's really good, that's an undeniable fact. If we're serious about forming a band, then of course the more skilled person should be the lead guitarist."
Anon sighed softly.
"Without her impromptu performance, we definitely wouldn't have been able to reach a consensus on the band's style so quickly. Besides, once we really decide on the 'hardcore' route, with my current skills, I definitely wouldn't be able to master that playing style in a short amount of time. So that girl's arrival, in a way, has helped share my responsibility and pressure."
"But this way, you'll be further and further from your goal of becoming the band leader, won't you?"
Tetsuya asked.
"Are you okay with that?"
"About that... actually, ever since I talked with Tomori that day, my way of thinking has changed a little."
Recalling her conversation with Tomori about the past and their respective reasons for joining the band, Anon's tone became filled with emotion.
"'As long as you have the skill and effort to match your popularity, then it's not vanity, but a shining star.' But in reality, I'm not as hardworking as she said, nor do I have any skills worth being praised for. So, to be able to become the 'star' she mentioned with a clear conscience, the first thing I should do is improve my skills, rather than being impatient for success and craving recognition I don't deserve."
"And if I want to be the band leader, I don't necessarily have to be the vocalist or lead guitarist. Like taking the initiative to handle MC duties during performances, being the group leader when we hang out, or being responsible for mediating the atmosphere within the band. If I can do all those things, I'm sure I'll naturally become the core of the band!"
Under Tetsuya's incredibly surprised gaze, Anon raised her voice slightly:
"In conclusion—! Although I'm a little annoyed that she just barged in and started shredding on the guitar, I'm not against her joining the band! Mmm, that's right."
With that, her eyes shifted slightly, and she began to look Tetsuya in the eye.
"How was that, brother? Have I become a little more mature than before?"
"More than just a little..."
Tetsuya couldn't help but reach out and gently ruffle his sister's hair.
"The fact that you can say these things proves that your way of thinking has completely broken free from the influence of your middle school days. Not only that, but this willingness to take a step back for the sake of the band is enough to show the growth in your character. I'm really proud of you, Anon."
"Hehe... you think so?"
Being praised while her brother stroked her hair, Anon revealed a sweet, bashful smile.
"Compared to anyone else's approval, my brother's is the most important to me... but this means you might have to design one more outfit."
"That's not a problem... More importantly, I need to find a chance to meet that girl."
Tetsuya said.
"Anon, can you help me arrange a meeting with her?"
"That... might be a little difficult."
Anon's tone became a bit troubled.
"According to Taki, that girl is like one of RiNG's stray cats. She could show up at any moment, and she could disappear at any moment. Just like how she crashed our studio session today, basically no one can grasp her 'living habits'."
"Since she said she wants to play in a band with you all, she has to come find you eventually, right?"
"But she didn't exchange contact information with any of us after that. She even ate Taki's matcha parfait and left without paying!"
"Eh? Is a child like that really going to be okay..."
After hearing Anon's description, Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head.
No wonder Shiina-san described her as a stray cat. That self-centered, impossible-to-communicate-with, and free-spirited style really does have the feel of a cat.
"Then what should we do? I could make a loose, one-size-fits-all outfit based on just her height and a general description, but as a designer... I really don't want to create such a sloppy piece of work."
"Hmm, let me think?"
Anon sank into thought.
"How about we lure her in with snacks, then take a picture when she's not looking?"
"That's exactly how you'd photograph a wild animal. Would that really work on a person?"
"Then the next time she comes to the studio, we suddenly lock the door, and I'll give you an emergency call?"
"We'd probably be arrested for illegal confinement before you could even get here, right?"
"Oh, come on. In the end, the easiest way is for you to just come by RiNG and check on us every day, brother."
Anon said.
"Just treat it like you're dropping by. You don't have to stay long. When she shows up, you can observe all her features with your own two eyes, right?"
"...Drop by every day?"
Tetsuya thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"That shouldn't be a problem. And I happen to have something I wanted to confirm with Shiina-san anyway... Mmm, let's do that. Starting tomorrow, I'll stop by RiNG every day to see if that 'stray cat' shows up."
"Mhm! I'll be keeping a close eye on her too!"
And so, after a series of "rigorous" discussions, the Chihaya siblings decided on this "Stray Cat Capture Plan."