CH 61

After the successful conclusion of the Chaldea Music event, I entered the studio for Personia’s band practice with a grin on my face.

Shiina, who had arrived earlier to practice her drumming, noticed this and let out a sigh.

“Shion, you’ve been smirking all day and it’s gross… Don’t make that kind of expression unless it’s about me…”

“No, no, there’s way too little things that happen concerning you. It always saddens when it comes to things about you, but… first, make some friends and then I’ll be happy for you.”

Recently, I’d gained a “less-than-a-friend” existence in the form of Rinka, and I’ve started interacting with Shiorin and her friends too, so my self-confidence gained a considerable boost.

Don’t think I’m always this sad, pathetic being, you venomous-tongued loli!

Well, the one thing I can’t win against Shiina is the fact that she has a friend, namely Hasumi, to eat lunch with.

Damn, I’m so jealous…

“I don’t really care… I’m fine as long as I have Shion…”

“Oi, you little; don’t try to run away from making friends. Even I’m trying my hardest too.”

As we had this exchange with each other, the other members in our band gradually started gathering in the studio one by one.

“Yo! Shion, I’ve been listening to the songs of those idols you recommended!”

“Oh my, Shiina, don’t get any closer to Shion than that. It’d be shameful for him to associate himself with a grade schooler.”

“Him being forced to perform with a woman way past her prime like you is way more shameful.”

“―I-I’m still a university student though? But it’s certainly true that I may let show some more mature, womanly charms every once in a while.”

“There, there, don’t start a fight please. That’s almost always the reason why our practice runs late, remember?”

After everyone greeted each other, we each began fine-tuning our instruments.

I’ve been spreading the word about “Synchronicity” to the other members, and they all seemed to be looking forward to their upcoming solo concert next week.

“―Alright! Let’s put our all into practice today so we don’t lose to Synchronicity!”

I picked up the mic in lifted spirits.

With this, Shiorin and the girls’ problem was solved.

Now that they have become more skilled and confident in themselves, I’m sure they’ll be able to proudly continue their efforts to become popular idols.

“Well then, let’s start with our signature song, ‘persona’!”

Everyone else started grinning in response to my words.

Then, Shiina, a.k.a “Xena”, hit her drumsticks together and counted down the cue for us to play.

“One, two, one, two, three.”

The song started with a prelude by the guitar.

Then, the piano and bass followed… Wait a minute!

This is Synchronicity’s signature song, “Connect!” isn’t it?!

Now realizing why they were grinning, I dubiously looked around, but there was no sign that they were going to stop playing…

With expectant looks on their faces, everybody looked at me as they continued playing.

Damnit, they’re totally enjoying themselves knowing that I can do female voices…

If I get all shy here, I’ll be playing straight into what they want.

So, mimicking Shiorin’s voice, I started dancing as best as I could.

◇◇◇

“A, Ahaha! That was the best! Shion, you really are the best!”

“I can’t… My stomach hurts from laughing so much…!”

“Oi, have you all been practicing to be able to play ‘Connect!’ just for this?”

I sighed as I spoke, to which everyone else nodded vigorously.

“But still~, that was really good! Shion-kun always tries his best to live up to our expectations, huh?”

“Shion’s female voice… was really cute…”

“I’ve witnessed something good today~. I should’ve recorded it somewhere.”

I let out a big sigh of dismay once more at their overly baffling motivation, having memorized the song just to see me like this.

After everyone had their fair share of laughs, one of the members, Zenon, spoke up.

“By the way, I was just thinking that we also have a rehearsal on the day of Synchronicity’s live event, right afterwards.”

“True, true. We do rehearsals as if they were the real thing, so we can’t be late.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of time to make it for our rehearsal.”

“Right, I was just making sure.”

“These are Shion’s favorite idols. I will put them in their place―err, I mean, I will take note of them for future reference.”

Seeing everybody so excited for the concert made me as a fan happy too.

【Omake】

Personia band members (rough sketch)

・Xerena (Bass)

・Xylem (Guitar)

・Xenon (Piano)

・Xina (Drum)