act45side

Today's masquerade is another huge success!

Did you hear how loud they were cheering for the encore? I bet that one kid was a <i>total</i> Nyamuchi fan!

Like, her eyes were glittering like crazy when I came on stage! Man, that makes me happy.

We should add a little more fan interaction to our next show, whaddaya say?

It's one thing to think of ways to increase appeal, Yūtenji-san, but do not lose sight of Ave{@nbs}Mujica's worldview.

Bleeeh... What, you afraid I'll steal the whole audience away?

My fans are just here to soak up Ave{@nbs}Mujica's masquerades. Why not hook them on Mujica itself?

Your very posture is a part of the performance. We must not let our guards down until the curtains have truly fallen.

It is our mission to see our guests enraptured in this masquerade.

We must therefore present a convincing image—

Alright, alright.

Saaay, Muuko, didn't <i>you</i> get the biggest cheers when you took the stage?

You were happy, weren't you? You wanted even more fans, didn't you? Be honest.

I... don't...

Stop trying to incite Mutsumi, please.

Haha... come on, no arguing...

I just think everyone's looking forward to the next performance—

We've got so many people on our side right now. Here's our chance to repay them by giving our all.

Saki-chan's doing her best to compose the new song. The light in the loft's been on so late these past few days...

Be assured that in the face of all your efforts, I can hardly rest on my own laurels.

Saki-chan...

Sakiko, real talk. Remember to chill out a little.

We all get what you're putting into this, Saki-chan. I'll make sure the lyrics are worthy of the new song.

Togawa-san played me a sample before the show. It's a good song.

Well, if I had to say, maybe... the tempo could be a tiny bit slower?

Huh?! You all heard it already? When??

Just before the show today. I think you weren't in the dressing room?

I wanted to get the opinions of everyone, but time was short, so I simply played it for those present.

Nyamu made me go on her livestream as a guest... I didn't get to hear it.

Guh...!

What?!

Yūtenji, didn't I say not to—

L-Look, the light's turning green! We can talk about this on the other side!

*sigh* What a headache...

...It's so wonderful.

Hm? What's this all of a sudden?

I was touched by what you were saying just now.

Even after all we went through, even though we've fought, the five of us are still together as a band... It's so wonderful.

I've never asked them, but I'm sure everyone thinks that way... I know I do.

As for me, I'm so glad you can put your trust in me this way, Saki-chan.

I could offer my whole life to Mujica, I really could!

Sakiko follows Uika's gaze. A group of girls are merrily crossing the road.

They are unburdened, free of cares, as if this were all a beautiful fairy tale.

Though none say it out loud, they all owe a debt of gratitude to their Saki-chan. In Nyamu's own words, Mujica made her dreams come true.

A dream...

It's like how everything used to be... It's almost like we're dreaming.

Huh...

...Dreaming?

Come on, you two, let's not do this here...

Are you telling me to cast aside our identity as a band?!

Well, band or not, I don't care.

What?!

I mean, is there any reason we have to be a <i>band</i> for this?

What in the world are—

Besides, I don't hear Muuko complaining. Hell, she's the one who said 'it won't last' on TV.

Never mind being a band, I don't think she'd lose too much sleep over leaving Mujica.

That was—

...I won't let Mujica disband.

Where'd you get that from? I didn't say anything about disbanding.

A member leaving is the same as us disbanding. And it's a betrayal of our fans' support.

And what I'm saying is, we've already betrayed it just now. Besides, you talk a big show for someone too damn busy to show up to practice, don't you?

That's just irresponsible, isn't it?

How could you...!

If we're dealing in <i>responsibility</i> here, then I'd like to say you're the one who needs more practice, Yūtenji-san!

I've never felt Yūtenji-san to be lacking in practice. Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to your band members here?

Uika increases her pace to catch up with the other members who have gone ahead, but Sakiko lags dazedly behind the crowd.

She stares blankly at the flashing signal. Her legs feel as though they've been filled with lead. She can't put a single step forward.

Hey! What are you standing there for?

Did you leave something behind?

'You still don't trust me?!'

...Saki. The light's turning red.

'Saki, the Budokan, is it okay?'

Saki-chan?

'You should go back, Saki-chan. Better you never saw me again...'

We're not gonna wait for you if you don't keep up!

'...Disgusting.'

The traffic signal beeps its urgent warning. Sakiko tries to follow, but the light has turned red.

Car after car flies past. Sakiko lifts the wind-frayed tips of her hair. The traffic light highlights her face in silhouette.

Something falls into her palm.

Is this... rain?

Raindrops plummet from the sky, faster, heavier.

A torrent of memories comes rushing back—

The sound around her amplifies. The noise of the crowd and the horns of cars batter her eardrums.

Rain soaks into her clothes, becoming one with her tears.

Her sorrow and helplessness cannot be told, yet the way she cries towards the sky tells all.

Melancholy and despair sweep over her, and her vision grows blurry along with the memories.

Clank, clunk.

Sakiko? Sakiko!

Mm... hmm?

Time to get up, sleepyhead! It's a beautiful day.

M... Miss Vigna? Am I dreaming...?

Nope.

Excuse me, don't pinch my face!

I'm not pinching that hard. Just doing the check for you.

(Pinches own face) See? Not that bad.

You're not the one getting face-pinched without warning first thing in the morning!

Alright, alright, I'll lay off. Go get yourself ready; I'll wait for you outside.

She presses her ear against the cool wall. The whir of the mobility layer transmits through the structure of the landship.

Clank, clunk.

So that was the sound of the mobility layer...