Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 38

As people gradually entered the venue, they wiped the fine beads of sweat from their foreheads, shaking off the sweltering heat outside. The noise and excitement gradually filled the not-so-spacious room.

After putting away their instruments and finishing their rehearsal time, they handed the stage over to other teams and went backstage to wait for the event to begin. At that moment, they were having lunch.

"Xu Dou, did you bring a lunchbox?"

Surprised, Toyokawa Shoko watched as Gen Xudou took out an insulated bag from the items he had brought with him, then took out six lunch boxes and corresponding tableware, arranging them neatly in front of everyone. She blinked her pale golden eyes and asked curiously.

"Since I didn't know what kind of lunch they would prepare here, I brought a few portions with me."

"There are also boxed meals provided by the organizers over there, you can..."

Before he could finish speaking, five slender, snow-white hands reached out at the same time and snatched the lunchbox from in front of him.

"This is a token of your goodwill, Xu Dou, how can we waste it?"

Speaking righteously, Toyokawa Shoko first lifted the lid, and then her eyes lit up.

The fried food, with its rich color and golden crispiness, is paired with fresh fruits and vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces, as well as glistening, soft yet firm rice grains... Because it's kept in an insulated bag, it still exudes a pleasant warmth, and as soon as you open the lid, an enticing aroma wafts out.

"It looks delicious...it must have taken a lot of effort to prepare."

"It's alright, it only took less than an hour."

"Wait a minute, didn't your family make this? Did you make it yourself?"

Hearing their conversation, Shiina Tatsuki, who had been staring blankly at the delicious-looking bento box in front of her, suddenly snapped out of her daze, looked up at Genji, and asked incredulously.

Upon hearing this, Toyokawa Shoko and Nagasaki Motoyo's faces immediately darkened.

They immediately turned towards Yuan Xudou, their eyes anxiously observing the boy's expression.

"...I did it myself."

Yuan Xudou's expression was calm, and apart from a slight pause, his tone remained relatively even.

Fortunately, Shiina Tatsuki did not intend to ask any further questions.

"You can even cook...that's amazing."

She simply sighed softly with a hint of admiration and envy, without doubting the truth of his words, picked up her cutlery, and joined Wakaba Mutsumi and Takamatsu Akari, who had already begun eating quietly.

Nagasaki Motoyo and Toyokawa Shoko both breathed a sigh of relief.

Although everyone had a good relationship, they were not close enough to talk about each other's family situations at will. Apart from Xiangzi and Su Shi, the other three did not know that Yuan Xudou was actually living alone at the moment.

Fortunately, Yuan Xudou's mental state was stable enough, and he didn't shy away from talking about family matters... Otherwise, the atmosphere would definitely be extremely tense, and it might even affect the mood of everyone present.

Most importantly, if they saw him with a sad expression—although it's unimaginable, there's no doubt that both of them would be furious and might even lose their temper on the spot.

If she accidentally reopens someone else's wounds, the innocent Shiina Ritsuki might become the object of everyone's cold stares... But before that, she'll probably be overwhelmed by her own guilt.

It's so good that that kind of thing won't happen.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"After two more performances, it will be our turn to go on stage."

Holding the program, Won Heo-doo walked to the backstage exit and looked at the opera performance taking place on stage.

"There are about ten more minutes. Is anyone feeling unwell right now?"

His gaze swept over the five girls in turn.

Their breathing was deep and their faces were tense, but the same unwavering determination shone in their eyes, which were of different colors.

Without needing a verbal response, Yuan Xudou understood that no matter what happened at this moment, they would not choose to stop the performance.

Whether your heart is pounding uncomfortably or your abdomen is cramping slightly from tension, none of this can hinder your next actions.

The resilience and determination that an excellent band should possess are slowly beginning to take shape under the supervision and care of the young man.

Feeling gratified by his achievements over the past period, Won Heo-doo gently put down the program report in his hand.

"Then, I'll go to the audience first."

"It's right at the very front; you can see it as soon as you look up."

"If you don't know where to look while playing, come find me."

Gen Xudou's gaze lingered on Takamatsu Akari and Shiina Tatsuki for a moment, receiving completely different responses.

His amber eyes were soft and moist, gazing at Takamatsu Tōdō with trust and adoration.

A faint blush rose on his face, and his deep purple eyes still projected a strong and resolute gaze, yet a hint of barely suppressed dependence shone in his eyes as he stared intently at Shiina Tatsuki.

Having received two similar yet different hopes, the young man, who could easily afford them, relaxed his handsome brows and looked at himself with ease.

The gentle and inclusive voice easily receives those unspoken expectations.

"I will always keep my eyes on you."

Xu Dou,

Shoko Toyokawa, who was standing at the very front, stepped forward, her bright, golden eyes flashing with dazzling confidence, representing the response from the crowd.

"Everyone will live up to your expectations. CryCHIC's debut will definitely end in the most perfect way!"

A steadfast yet gentle melody, as soothing as a spring breeze, made a promise to him.

The girl's intense gaze almost dimmed the lights in the room.

Yuan Xudou gazed at that earnest and bright, beautiful face, then looked past her to the four people behind her.

The same warmth, the same confidence, the same desire not to disappoint his expectations—so she cast aside her nervousness and revealed her most tender smile.

Yuan Xudou felt an urge to turn his lips up.

But in the end, his handsome face still couldn't completely shake off his old habits. He just nodded calmly, exhaling that smile through his breath.

"...I will keep an eye on it."

Chapter 52 The Person Who Wants to Respond No Matter What

The performers on stage stood in a row, holding hands and bowing to the audience below.

Sparse applause broke out, and then the curtain slowly closed.

"...For such a small venue, the equipment is quite professional and formal." Yuan Xudou sighed inwardly, then adjusted the camera next to him to ensure the best angle for recording the scene.

The soft sounds of objects being moved drifted through the curtain, and when it was lifted again, girls carrying their own instruments appeared on the stage.

Hello everyone, we are [CryCHIC].

With a dignified and solemn smile, Toyokawa Shoko truly revealed her elegance and nobility as a young lady at this moment. From her clear and moving words to her beautiful and lively eyes, she exuded an inviolable air of nobility and confidence from the inside out.

After only a short speech, her bright and dazzling presence quickly attracted the attention of the audience, and the greetings and whispers gradually disappeared.

"It is a great honor to have the opportunity to perform for you here today, the first time our band has performed in public since its inception."

Unfazed by everyone's attention, Toyokawa Shoko briefly introduced the band members one by one.

Then, she brought the topic back to itself.

"Although we are not famous yet, and although this song is just a cover... please listen to our music, and to our heartfelt 'cry'!"

"...The lamp, please."

Toyokawa Shoko handed the microphone to Takamatsu Akari.

Originally, the role of MC (host) for the band should have been taken by lead vocalist Akari Takamatsu. However, considering that it would be too demanding of a young girl to do this on her first performance, Toyokawa Shoko, wanting to ensure that the first performance was perfect, took on the responsibility herself.

She indeed perfectly accomplished the task of arousing the interest of the entire audience. Her clear, loud, and fearless words made everyone start to pay attention to this band that claimed to be newly formed.

In this day and age, even a completely inexperienced, previously unheard-of new band can deliver a stunning performance on their first show and become a rising star in the music industry.

Therefore, even after hearing Shoko Toyokawa's introduction, the audience was not disappointed; on the contrary, they were even more eager to see what kind of performance they would deliver.

Now, all the expectant and scrutinizing gazes shifted to the delicate gray-haired girl standing at the very front of the stage, as Toyokawa Shoko handed over the microphone.

Once again, the heavy burden of speaking in front of everyone fell on Takamatsu Akari's frail shoulders, but Toyokawa Shoko no longer felt the unease and worry she had when she was asked to showcase her singing to her teammates at the founding of CryCHIC.

Because he believed that Takamatsu, trusted by the person he had entrusted with his trust, would never betray that trust.

Yuan Xudou must have made preparations to allow the girl to sing in front of a crowd—even though she didn't know what he had done, she trusted him unconditionally.

Thus, that belief also extended to the girl in front of him, dispelling all hesitation and doubt.

Toyokawa Shoko firmly handed the microphone to Takamatsu Akari and turned back to her keyboard.

"The lamp, you absolutely must make it."

Those bright golden eyes cast down that hope.

At this point, all sounds in the venue fell silent, and in the quiet air, only the eager, intersecting gazes so clearly stimulated the senses.

"……call."

The scrutiny, the questioning, the curiosity, the anticipation... the gazes, hundreds or even thousands of times stronger than when he first showed himself to his teammates, were like sunlight focused through a convex lens, scorching Takamatsu's skin.

My throat started to feel dry, my fingers started to feel weak, and my slender legs, which were supporting my body, were spasming uncontrollably. I had to use all my strength to suppress the trembling of my limbs.

The fear and loneliness of not being understood by others screamed, and her body's instincts resisted being exposed to so many expectant gazes, ordering her to immediately curl up and run away like a small insect afraid of the light.

The shadow that lingered in her heart once again pressed against her ear, whispering the words she feared most.

...I'll mess everything up.

Unable to meet others' expectations, unable to make others understand one's feelings... just seen as a freak by others, everyone will feel disappointed...

Amidst the throbbing pain that felt like it was tearing his internal organs apart, Takamatsu Akira bent over as if struck by a heavy blow, managing to let out a short, weak gasp.

If I can't do it, I'll disappoint others...

...I've thought about this way too many times.

'...No way.'

No matter what, no matter how many times, the person who will never be disappointed in themselves and believes in their ability to do it... isn't that right here?

Resisting her body's instinct to escape, Takamatsu Akari propped herself up on her thin shoulders and raised her head. Her amber eyes, blurred by sweat or tears, reflected a pure light.

'Ignore all of that...just focus on your own heart.'

Yuan Xudou's teachings gradually painted a picture of an unrestrained world in her mind.

They treated the not-so-spacious, quiet meeting room as a secluded, rugged forest.

Questioning and scrutinizing gazes are like annoying, blinding sunlight, while expectant and curious eyes are like a gentle breeze brushing against your face... The music played by your companions is like the murmuring of a clear spring, and the silence in the room is like the soft murmur of all things.

Climbing along the forest path, at the end, there are gentle eyes that are darker and deeper than the night sky, yet filled with a bright halo like stars.

Excluding everything else... leaving only myself and the guiding star I've chosen in my heart.

Courage naturally emerged from the dark clouds pierced by the light of the stars.

Her breathing had returned to normal, and the pain in her abdomen seemed to have vanished as if it had never existed. Simply by focusing on the boy's eyes, which were also looking at her, she felt she drew strength from that exchange of glances, enough to sustain her body.

Takamatsu picked up the microphone.

As long as you treat everything you say as if it were directed at him, there won't be any problems.

"...Because we are still an immature band."

"We don't have our own original songs yet, and we haven't been able to prove ourselves... Although we've practiced for a long time, we're still very scared, scared of messing everything up, scared that people won't like our performance..."

In stark contrast to Toyokawa Shoko, she was small and timid, yet possessed an incredible, magical quality that drew people in, her words slowly drifting from the girl's lips into everyone's heart.

Incoherent, weak, and disjointed... a speech that was completely unqualified for a host, yet miraculously silenced everyone present.

One can sense that a swirling vortex of pent-up emotions is slowly forming at the center of the stage.

"but……"

Gao Songdeng gripped the microphone tightly, his suppressed voice stubbornly breaking free of its restraint, letting out a shout that was almost shattered.

"Because I have companions I trust, and people I want to respond to no matter what...!"

"Therefore, we will absolutely not give up like this...!"

The emotions that had been buried and hidden for so long suddenly surfaced so clearly in my heart.