NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30
I leaned against the wall of the live house, silently gazing upwards.
The live performance had ended, and as I watched the crowd slowly disperse, my mind replayed everything that had just happened—the performance by Avant Garde, Chiaki’s band.
Exhausted and in poor spirits, I had somehow managed to drag myself to this spot. To conserve what little energy I had left, I rested my weight against the wall, trying to relax.
But now, things were different. My fatigue had disappeared, as had my earlier malaise. Though my body still felt tired, any sense of discomfort had vanished.
—
*Sigh.*
—
I was blown away. It was overwhelming, breathtaking. I was completely absorbed, captivated. Words can’t quite express how incredible Avant Garde’s performance was.
I now understood what Ogata meant by “charisma.” Chiaki’s commanding voice pulled me in without question. It was impossible to look away—that’s the kind of presence you call charisma.
Now I get it. Being the headliner made perfect sense. They stood out, miles ahead of the others in terms of quality. No wonder the live house was packed.
—
“Oh, you’re still here?”
“Ogata-san. Yeah, I thought I’d wait until the crowd thinned out.”
“Gotcha. So, what did you think? How were they?”
—
Ogata, who had earlier left to handle some tasks, had returned, and judging by the smirk on his face, he seemed eager to hear my thoughts.
—
“They were amazing. That’s really the only word for it.”
—
I wasn’t about to be coy. Amazing things deserve to be praised, and it would feel wrong not to give them their due credit. I was overwhelmed, to the point where any hesitation seemed sinful.
So I didn’t hold back. I flashed a wry smile, and Ogata seemed satisfied by my honest praise, grinning broadly in return.
—
“I see. Well, you should tell her that yourself. Got a minute?”
“Yeah, I’ve got time.”
“Then hang around here for a bit. I’ll go fetch Chiaki in a sec.”
“Got it. But is it okay? They’re already packing up.”
“Don’t worry. The manager here is giving you permission, so if the staff gives you any trouble, just drop my name.”
“Ah, okay.”
—
With that, Ogata left again. It seems things get busy after a live performance wraps up.
I looked around, letting my thoughts wander. Looking back, this was a rare experience. My first indie live, and I ended up experiencing the whole thing, start to finish…and in a rather close proximity to the people running the show.
The audience was leaving, the staff was beginning to clean up, and over by the drink counter and merchandise tables, people were still hanging around.
Where had all the earlier excitement gone? While the term “impermanence” might not be exactly right, there was a certain melancholic air about the scene.
But at the same time, the atmosphere was perfect for savoring the afterglow of the event. With so much to process, I was grateful for this quiet moment to sort my thoughts.
Chiaki’s image in my mind had definitely changed after this performance. If her goal had been to show me a cool side of herself, then—annoying as it is to admit—she succeeded spectacularly.
She really was cool. This was the first time I’d ever been so captivated by a live performance. Her singing was stunning, and her presence on stage was incredibly stylish. As overused as the word “amazing” might be, it’s the only word that truly captures it.
—
“It was seriously incredible…”
—
Just recalling it sent a chill down my spine. Perhaps it was the contrast with her usual self, but that only made her seem even cooler. Honestly, it felt like I had just witnessed a dream.
—
“Haruto-kun!”
—
But it wasn’t a dream. The same Chiaki who had just shaken the live house with her powerful vocals was now running towards me, energetically waving her arms like an overexcited puppy.
—
“You waited for me! Thanks! So, how was it!?”
“….”
“Wasn’t it awesome!? Wasn’t I cool!? I really gave it my all today!”
“….”
“Haruto-kun?”
“It’s like the wolf turned into a big, goofy dog.”
“Woof!?”
“No, no, responding with ‘woof’ is definitely not the right move here.”
—
She really had been cool, though. Why does she have to come off so goofy the second she steps off the stage?
Although… thanks to Ogata’s commentary earlier, I now realize that she was giving off a bit of a goofy vibe at the beginning of the performance, too. So I guess the only time she’s *actually* cool is when she’s singing.
—
“If only you could keep that stylish Siberian husky aura going, at least.”
“Hmm? Oh my, did my sweet little pup wait for me after all?”
—
Why did she suddenly lean in for a wall slam and chin lift? Also, who’s your “sweet little pup”?
—
“Uh, wait. Hold on. Is this what you think ‘stylish’ means?”
“That’s a lot of lip flapping. Want me to shut you up?”
“Is your idea of ‘cool’ taken straight from some outdated, cheesy otome game?”
“Heh… you’re quite the funny girl.”
“I’m a guy.”
The real funny one here is you, Chiaki. In every comedic sense of the word. You’re definitely not the type who’d make a good romantic heroine.
“And could you please get off me? You’re in the way.”
“Would it kill you to be a little more flustered?”
“If it were the Chiaki who was singing earlier, maybe.”
“Both of them are me, though!?”
—
No, they’re not the same at all. At least in terms of how I see you, they’re totally different people. When Chiaki’s holding the mic, she’s cool and beautiful.
I told her as much, and though she pouted, she reluctantly backed off. Still, I could tell from her expression that she was beyond pleased. Easy to read.
—
“I see… so, I was cool and beautiful, huh? Guess I really blew you away, huh?”
“Yeah, you totally did.”
“Did I make you a fan!?”
“I’d definitely buy your CD if you released one.”
“Did you fall for me!?”
“I really liked your music, and as a band, you’re pretty solid.”
“What about as a girl!?”
“I know my boundaries as a fan.”
“Why nottttt!?”
—
Why are you stomping your feet now? You’re not a kid anymore…
“Isn’t this the moment where you’re supposed to fall for me!?”
“I never had any feelings for you to begin with.”
“But I’m cool, right!? And I’m pretty, right!? You could at least think about it!”
“That was only when you were singing on stage.”
“And I’m telling you, both of them are me!!”
“No, they’re totally different.”
“They’re the same!!”
But right now, you’re just an entertainingly goofy girl…