Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 35

The girl took out her key and opened the door, only to find to her surprise that the living room lights were already on.

Looking in that direction, she saw the boy's half-open bedroom door and the equally lit kitchen.

Perhaps because the rumbling of the range hood masked the sound of her opening the door, the figure in the kitchen did not turn around.

Subconsciously slowing her steps and half-closing the door, the girl tiptoed behind Yuan Xudou.

She peered over and saw the boy retrieving golden-brown, crispy tempura from the sizzling oil, with several plates of chopped fresh vegetables on the counter beside him.

The faint morning light shone through the crack in the window beside his face, casting a shimmering halo on his long, thin eyelashes, which were adorned with a few water droplets.

Beneath the light blue apron, loose casual clothes draped loosely over the boy's body, the slightly open collar revealing his prominent collarbone full of sexual tension.

My gaze drifted uncontrollably downwards, only to be stopped by the faintly swaying, sheer fabric.

With his sleeves casually rolled up, his slender and well-proportioned forearms were glistening with dew, and the smooth, flowing muscle lines were slightly taut, revealing distinct curves.

His eyebrows were lowered, his dark and deep eyes flickered barely, and half of his handsome face was hidden in shadow. His expression, clearly divided, was both languid and focused.

Perfect physique, perfect composition, perfect light and shadow.

If this moment were captured and depicted through the eyes of the young girl with the brushstrokes of an artist, it would surely become a masterpiece that rivals those timeless classics.

Nagasaki Motoyo, who thought she had become completely accustomed to Genjiro's face and that she would no longer be surprised by his appearance unless he showed a different expression or posture, realized at this moment how weak her willpower was.

She stood somewhat absentmindedly behind the boy, swallowing hard as her throat tightened.

Nagasaki Motoyo suddenly felt a slight itch in her heart.

So, following her heart, the girl quietly raised her arm, her wicked, fair hand sliding towards the back of the person's neck...

"coming?"

Having already noticed Nagasaki Motoyo's approaching presence, Genji Xudou, who was busy cooking and didn't turn around, spoke casually.

Because he had just woken up, his voice had a perfectly husky and magnetic quality.

She pulled her hand back as if she'd been electrocuted, and then, in a sweet, completely unperturbed voice, asked a question with curiosity.

"Xu Doujun, what are you doing up so early?"

"Prepare lunch."

After scooping all the tempura out of the pot and arranging it neatly on a plate, Yuan Xudou turned off the gas stove and bent down to take out six brand-new lunch boxes from the cabinet in front of him.

After giving them a quick rinse, he opened each lunchbox and arranged them one by one on the counter, calmly answering the girl's questions.

"I got up a little early, so I made a few bento boxes to take with me."

Upon hearing this, Nagasaki Motoyo blinked her light blue eyes with some confusion.

"But...didn't they provide lunch at the venue?"

"Yes, there are, but they're in a group meal format, and the order in which we're seated isn't quite right..."

Yuan Xudou paused for a moment, then sighed softly.

"...Never mind, just think of me as being a little nervous and doing something useless."

"It's not a useless thing at all; everyone will be happy to see it!"

She immediately refuted his statement, took a few steps forward, and stood next to Yuan Xudou.

"Shall I help with the preparations?"

"...Okay, then I'll leave it to you."

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.

The pre-arranged minibuses started from the Roppongi area, passing through the agreed locations one by one, picking up everyone on board, and then drove towards the meeting venue notified by the community.

On the way, Toyokawa Shoko and Minamoto Kōdō checked each other's arrangements for today to make sure there were no mistakes. After confirming that everything was in order, the girl turned around and looked at the four people in the back seat, whose expressions were different but who all looked nervous.

"Everyone……"

"Let's talk about boosting morale when we get there."

Yuan Xudou gently pressed down on her shoulder.

The principle of pressing ahead with one effort also applies to this situation. We're still some distance from our destination, and talking too soon might backfire once the initial excitement wears off.

At the same time, the boy turned around.

A warm and soothing voice rang out, spreading a peaceful atmosphere that slowly filled the space inside the carriage.

"Let everyone rest for a while and recharge their energy."

Enveloped in that tranquility, their expressions gradually relaxed.

Following Yuan Xudou's instructions, and temporarily freed from the burden that had been weighing on their minds, everyone felt much easier to breathe, relaxed their limbs, and settled into a quiet rest.

A balance between work and rest is key. Don't let your mind be constantly on edge. Just like after a long period of preparation, give yourself a day off the day before the exam, don't think about reviewing or doing practice questions. After relaxing your mind and body, it's easier to achieve the desired results.

The slightly bumpy bus, carrying six people with wandering minds, arrived at its destination without them even realizing it.

Yuan Xudou, who was the first to get off the bus, helped everyone unload their belongings, then went back to arrange a return time with the driver. Afterward, he walked towards the girls, who looked much better after resting for a while.

Meeting their gazes, which shone with trust and expectation, Yuan Xudou's brows relaxed slightly, and he spoke softly.

"Someone will help us carry the instruments in. Everyone, please go in first and familiarize yourselves with the venue."

"If the rehearsal starts a little later, I hope no one will be uncomfortable, right?"

Everyone he looked at shook their heads.

"Then I'll go and report to the organizers. Xiangzi, you take them in."

"I'll be there soon."

Toyokawa Shoko led the others ahead to observe and familiarize themselves with the stage they were about to perform on. Genji Kōdō, following the directions of the staff inside the venue, found the person in charge of liaison and filled out the necessary forms.

When he returned to the five people, Toyokawa Shoko seemed to have finished her words of encouragement to the team members and was now directing the volunteers who were setting up the venue to place the musical instruments in the appropriate positions.

He walked over.

"Xu Dou, you're back?"

Spotting the boy out of the corner of her eye, Toyokawa Shoko's eyes lit up. She eagerly took his hand and led him toward the four people on the stage.

"The timing is perfect, we've been waiting for you!"

"what happened?"

Without struggling, Yuan Xudou tacitly accepted the other party's act of holding hands with him in front of everyone, and was somewhat puzzled.

"Hmph...you'll find out soon enough."

Toyokawa Shoko gave a mysterious reply and then waved to the people on the stage.

"Everyone—Xu Dou is back!"

Let's do that together!

Chapter 47 Lixi, do you believe me?

"Ah...do we really have to do this...?"

The first person to react was Shiina Tatsuki, who was standing at the back of the stage, leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed, waiting for the drum kit to be set up.

Hearing Toyokawa Shoko's call, she slowly walked over, her usually cool face showing an indescribable embarrassment and hesitation.

"Of course! Didn't we just discuss it?"

"But...there are so many other people here..."

"If Lixi feels embarrassed, we can do it behind the scenes."

Toyokawa Shoko kindly offered a way out.

"...No, let's stay here."

"The sooner we finish, the sooner we can rehearse... I don't want to waste time."

What is this talking about?

Yuan Xudou raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat confused.

Things I don't want to show off in front of others, things that require everyone to do together... and Li Xi's face turned red, is that normal?

Just as he was pondering what ingenious ideas they had come up with during his short absence, Toyokawa Shoko grabbed his wrist and lifted his arm up, palm down.

Then, the girl placed her hand on the back of his hand.

Shiina Riki followed closely behind, followed by the other three who arrived one after another.

The six people's hands are stacked together from bottom to top.

Having roughly realized what they wanted to do, Yuan Xudou's doubts disappeared, replaced by a sense of helplessness.

"Xu Dou... come and shout together."

The last one to place her hand on Takamatsu looked at him sweetly, her soft voice filled with expectant anticipation.

"There's no other way, Xiangzi insisted on doing it this way..."

Shiina Riki turned her head slightly, a blush rising on her translucent earlobes.

"Isn't this good enough?"

Nagasaki Motoyo wore a gentle smile.

"For our first performance, of course we have to shout our slogans out loud!"

With a cheerful smile, Toyokawa Shoko shook the hands of the six people piled together.

"...Xiangzi, slogan."

Ruoye Muku quietly reminded Toyokawa Shoko that she hadn't yet told Genji and the others the slogan they had decided on.

"Ah, I almost forgot... Xu Dou, let's all shout out our band's name together later!"

"...Didn't you plan this out beforehand?"

Using the band's name directly as a slogan... feels a bit perfunctory.

"Well... for the first occasion, your presence is the most important thing!"

Stunned by his subtle question, Toyokawa Shoko's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly widened her magnificent golden eyes and bolstered her confidence with a slightly willful and assertive tone.

Seeing this, Yuan Xudou's face showed a hint of helplessness.

...Well, Xiangzi's habit of acting on a whim isn't new. This move was probably something she just came up with on the spot to boost morale.

Thinking this, the boy's eyes softened, and he nodded gently.

Bearing the weight entrusted to him by the five people, he raised his hand.

"Then get ready."

Genjiro Tou's clear promise heralded the beginning.

"So--"

Shoko Toyokawa smiled happily and gently began the countdown.

"Three—two—one!"

The six people, as if by unspoken agreement, pressed their hands down heavily in unison.

The overlapping, resounding shouts echoed in the middle of the empty venue under the warm gaze of the staff.

"【CryCHIC】!!!"

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.

Before the performance, the six members rallied together, then went their separate ways to continue doing their own things.

“We arrived quite early, and the organizers said we could use this venue for about an hour or two to rehearse four or five times without any problem.”

"Move the instruments and sound equipment upstairs now, and we'll move them backstage when other teams need them later."