For Takamatsu Tomori, lyrics were an extension of emotion. Therefore, what she created wasn't lyrics in the conventional sense, but rather a record of her feelings and thoughts at a particular moment... at least, that's how it was before Togawa Sakiko invited her to join [CRYCHIC].
Ever since she started the band, her creations had taken on a new meaning and quality. Although they were still filled with her inner voice and monologues, the rhyming and phrasing had gradually begun to align with the format of lyrics.
And now, just like a year ago, she had once again received a new request from Sakiko.
This was her first time writing lyrics for an existing piece of music. Not only that, but the song was not about herself, but two people who were originally completely unrelated to her life—
Chihaya Tetsuya and Hoshino Ai.
When Tomori received the instrumental from Sakiko and heard that it was a song written for those two, she was thrown into a state of deep distress.
She already knew why Sakiko had suddenly decided to compose with Misumi Uika, and she understood the purpose behind the May live and these songs. The problem was, her method of creation was different from others. Her work required not just a theme and a background, but also emotions so rich and full they were on the verge of overflowing.
And for her, who did not yet know the story of those two, it was incredibly difficult to empathize with them and write suitable lyrics.
It felt a bit presumptuous, but if she wanted to create lyrics that met Sakiko's standards, she had to understand more about their experiences... and the various details within.
...
"For the sake of creation, this can't be helped. For the sake of creation, this can't be helped. For the sake of creation, this can't be helped."
Clutching her phone tightly, Tomori repeated this sentence three times before finally pressing the send button.
For Tomori, actively contacting someone was already a difficult task, let alone an older male whom she greatly respected.
Although she knew that Tetsuya would certainly not refuse her request, nor would he be offended by her sudden message, her instinctive nervousness still made her pace back and forth in her room.
Fortunately, this anxious wait did not last long—
[Understood. I'll coordinate a meeting time with Ai.]
Seeing this message, Tomori finally let out a long sigh of relief.
And the very next message from Tetsuya brought an involuntary touch of emotion to her face:
[Takamatsu-san can decide the meeting place. After all, Ai is probably quite 'scary' to you, right? To ensure you can listen to our conversation properly, it's best to choose a place where you can feel at ease.]
This considerate reply filled Tomori's heart with a warm feeling.
Indeed, just as Tetsuya had said, Hoshino Ai was a rather terrifying existence to Tomori.
Whether it was her almost crazed pursuit and obsession with Tetsuya, her aggressive attitude towards Chihaya Anon, or her outrageous actions that night, all had left a deep, indelible impression on Tomori's mind.
But besides being scary, Tomori was surprisingly not that averse to Hoshino Ai.
Although she was a somewhat dangerous person, and her thoughts were filled with a self-destructive tendency one could not agree with, the ardent feelings she held for Tetsuya were something she found herself admiring.
She wanted to know what kind of emotions and thoughts were contained in this love so strong that she was willing to abandon everything for it.
She also wanted to know what kind of past had shaped the two of them into the people they were today.
And so, she first found a brand-new notebook on her desk, one she had just bought, printed with a starfish pattern. Then, after a moment's thought, she finally gave her answer—
...
"This makes it the second time."
After walking into the pre-booked KTV room, Tetsuya couldn't help but remark:
"I never thought Takamatsu-san would choose to talk here."
"Eh? D-Don't tell me you don't like it here, Chihaya-san?!"
Hearing Tetsuya's remark, Tomori, who failed to grasp his meaning, asked in a panic.
But Tetsuya just smiled, shook his head, and explained:
"No, that's not it. It's just... this is a place for people to sing and have fun, but both times I've come here, it's been to discuss serious business."
At this, he paused for a moment before adding.
"By the way, the last time I came here to talk was with Togawa-san and Wakaba-san."
"I-I see, that's a relief..."
Tomori let out a small sigh.
"Since we're talking with Hoshino-san this time, I thought a KTV room would be a suitable place to avoid others as much as possible..."
"Mhm, I can understand that."
After all, that was the same reason he had chosen to meet with Sakiko and Wakaba Mutsumi here before.
"But since we're here, want to sing a little before Ai arrives?"
Noticing that Tomori seemed a bit tense, Tetsuya hoped to help her relax a little this way.
However, upon hearing his suggestion, Tomori shook her head.
"Um... I think I'll pass. Once I start singing... it's easy for me to get into my own world."
Although she was a girl who wasn't very good at refusing others, for the sake of the important task at hand, she properly stated her reason for declining.
"I came here today to gather inspiration for lyrics, so... I want to stay as calm as possible."
"I see. I understand."
Tetsuya nodded in understanding, then smiled and remarked:
"Takamatsu-san, you're a really serious and good kid."
"N-No, not at all..."
Tomori's face flushed red at the compliment.
"After all, the topic we're discussing today is something I've been very curious about myself... so, I'm just doing it for myself."
Not only that, but if she successfully created a song that met Sakiko's requirements, she might be able to truly stop Hoshino Ai's self-destruction at the May live. Then, she wouldn't have to worry about Tetsuya eloping with Ai and disappearing from the public eye.
So, for whatever reason, she had to complete today's research.
Of course, she also understood that for this research to be a success, her efforts and Tetsuya's kindness were not enough.
The most crucial part, as expected, was the person who had just pushed open the door and walked in—
"I'm here, Tetsu."