The formation of [CRYCHIC] was because of Sakiko.
And the end of [CRYCHIC] was also because of Sakiko.
First, she burst into everyone's lives like a fierce storm, and then she left just as brutally and whimsically, leaving only a scene of utter devastation.
For such a self-centered, storm-like person, how did Tomori, who had been hurt by her undisguised harsh words, truly see her?
"..."
Shiina Taki picked up Tomori's lyrics, and a bitter, unresolved smile appeared on her face.
"...'Rock,' huh. It's true, in a sense, Sakiko really is a 'rock' kind of person."
Whether it was her swift and decisive style, her captivating talent, or her do-as-she-pleases ego... they could all indeed be called "rock."
And because of that, the moment she decided to quit the band, everyone's reaction wasn't to object, but simply to know why she had made that decision.
"Thinking about it now, during the [CRYCHIC] era... probably no one would have dared to question Sakiko directly."
Trust, respect, admiration... whatever the feeling, everyone naturally saw her as the center and leader, and placed their absolute trust in her.
The decision to form the band, the decision to write their first original song, the decision to perform live, and the final decision to quit.
Thinking about it now, [CRYCHIC] as a band back then was far too dependent on Sakiko alone. More than a band, they were like a group of followers trailing behind her.
And because of that, the moment Sakiko quit, there was no longer any possibility for [CRYCHIC] to continue.
And what about this band now?
Anon might be a bit of a glory-seeker, but she also possessed an initiative and drive comparable to Sakiko's.
Tomori was still a bit introverted, but she had already started trying to change, and the lyrics of this song were the best proof.
Soyo might still be unable to let go of [CRYCHIC] in her heart, but she had also begun to see this band as her new home.
Raana... besides her incredible guitar skills, her tendency to do her own thing might be even stronger than Sakiko's.
As for herself, she had been forced to take on the composing duties that Sakiko once held.
"Although there's no absolute core like Sakiko... her duties and personality have been completely dispersed among everyone."
Thinking of this, Taki couldn't help but shake her head with a wry smile.
"In the end, it's this band, rather than [CRYCHIC], that feels more like a 'whole'."
Looking back on that time now, besides the idealized beauty, there were also lessons and experiences.
In order to not repeat the mistakes of the past, in order to build a group that could truly be called a band.
Every single one of them had to properly shoulder their own responsibilities.
"Surpassing her... maybe I really can't do that right now."
Just as the current Anon didn't have Sakiko's knack for planning, Soyo didn't yet possess the smoothness to coordinate everyone, and Raana couldn't possibly have Sakiko's comprehensive talent.
In order for this band to become a new band that could negate all the past mistakes of [CRYCHIC], every single one of them needed to grow more—
And that growth had to begin with a farewell to Togawa Sakiko.
"Different from [CRYCHIC], and completely unrelated to 'Haruhikage'... This is both our farewell and our beginning."
Suddenly, inspiration flashed through Taki's mind like an electric current, directly taking control of her body.
She involuntarily lit up her computer screen and quickly opened her music arrangement software—
Ah, so that's it.
The reason Sakiko was able to write a song like that back then must have been because she had truly resonated with Tomori's feelings, right?
"I can do it."
Taki had never believed in herself as strongly as she did now, and had never been so eager to turn the surging emotions and thoughts in her mind into actual notes and melodies.
An incredibly clear image appeared in her mind.
She saw the new band on stage, bathed in lights and cheers.
Their gazes no longer followed a single person, but were fixed on each other, working together to complete a performance that belonged to the entire band.
Lead guitar, bass, drums, rhythm guitar, vocals.
Every part was unbelievably distinct, yet they harmonized together into one.
Although the content of this song might not be as personally relevant to Anon and Raana as it was to the other three.
But this was for the new band. She'd just have to ask them to bear with it for a little while.
"We're a band, after all. I'll have to ask you two to see us through this final farewell."
Right, I haven't changed the new project's name yet...
I'll just use the song title Tomori came up with—
[Goodbye to Rock you]
...
The next day, when a weary Shiina Taki handed the new song to Raana, she slumped powerlessly onto the table.
Seeing the severe dark circles under Taki's eyes, Soyo couldn't help but ask:
"Taki, last night you..."
"Didn't sleep a wink."
Taki's voice was slightly muffled from under her arms.
"I was too excited while writing this song... I couldn't sleep at all."
"!"
Soyo was surprised at first, but then a smile couldn't help but appear on her face.
"I see. That must have been tough... Want me to get you a coffee?"
"Yes."
Taki lifted her head.
"Put it on Chihaya-san's tab... It's all because of the ridiculous things he said that day that we're being forced to go through all this trouble."
"Tell me about it. He's such a terrible guy."
Hearing this complaint directed at Tetsuya, Soyo nodded in complete agreement.
"Raana, you'll have your usual matcha parfait, right?"
Just as Soyo was about to order for Raana as usual, Raana suddenly put down the music sheet.
"Not today."
Then, under Soyo's astonished gaze, she picked up her guitar and walked straight towards the studio—
"Eh? Wait, Raana, what are you?"
"The song is interesting. I'm going to go play it."
Leaving behind that simple and clear answer, Raana continued on her way to the studio.
Meanwhile, after hearing her reply, Taki couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"Interesting, huh? That's great. It seems we really can make it in time for this live."
"It seems so."
Just as Taki and Soyo were feeling pleased about the new song's approval, the door to the café was suddenly pushed open, and then, Chihaya Anon rushed over to them with hurried steps—
"Everyone, listen! I know Nii-san said we just need to move at our own pace... but, no matter what, I need to ask you all to participate in this live with me!"
Under the other two's utterly confused gazes, Anon said in an anxious tone:
"Otherwise, Nii-san is going to be snatched away by [Summer Zodiac]... by Hoshino Ai!"