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Chapter 58: Curtain Call and the Online Uproar
🕑 Added 2025-08-03 15:48:54 +0000 UTCAs Aoki Kei’s final words echoed through the venue, a brief silence fell over the Kyoto Sports Arena.
Then—an explosion of applause and cheers, far louder and more passionate than before.
The [Be Original / Rock Band Project] had been a two-day live showcase with only 1,000 tickets available due to venue capacity.
After accounting for no-shows and those who didn’t return for Day 2, the crowd now numbered around 600.
And yet, the energy they unleashed felt like ten times that number.
For many of them, this live performance would be unforgettable.
The members of Kessoku Band had nailed their performance—no mistakes, nothing off.
In fact, “outstanding” would be putting it lightly. And as for the lead vocalist and guitarist—suki-san—there was no question about their level of skill.
The live rendition of "Loser"?
Utter perfection. Almost impossibly so.
The raw cry of “Loser!” that captured every ear in the crowd, the electric guitar slide that kicked off the chorus with explosive force, and that final verse—each line climbing in pitch, pushing higher and higher until it became a shout rather than a song...
The lyrics might be about failure, but the energy? The delivery? It was defiant.
Unapologetic. Unrelenting.
That was the power of suki-san.
For many fans, one thought kept echoing in their minds:
"What kind of monster have I been following all this time?"
Even for those who had never heard of suki-san before tonight, one thing was now certain—they’d be searching up this artist and this band as soon as they got home.
Some in the audience hadn’t even come for Kessoku Band—maybe they just followed another group, or tagged along for a friend.
Some hadn’t even liked rock to begin with.
But after that performance?
They were curious now. About rock. About Kessoku Band. About this strange, overwhelming energy they had just witnessed.
In the backstage, after a short, breathless comment to the audience, Aoki Kei gave a small bow and exited the stage along with the rest of the band.
The results of the competition wouldn’t be sent out until tomorrow evening—judging would take place throughout the next day, and the verdict would be emailed to each band.
In other words, the project wouldn't officially end until tomorrow.
But even before the results...
Between what Kitagawa, Bocchi-chan, and the others had said last night at the barbecue restaurant—and today’s near-flawless performance—something had clearly shifted within the band.
They were tired. Physically exhausted. Sweat clung to their faces.
But in that exhaustion... there was joy.
They’d given it everything.
And no matter the outcome, this live had been a success.
Smiles tugged at the corners of everyone’s lips—even Ryo Yamada, who rarely let emotion show on her face.
Though that expression was quickly wiped off when Aoki Kei casually teased her with:
“You’ve got a great smile. Why don’t you show it more often?”
She instantly dropped the smile and went right back to her usual stoic look.
Putting Yamada’s fleeting smile aside, the band gathered and decided to head back to the hotel.
Nijika had wanted to hang around and catch more of the other performances, but knowing how overwhelmed Bocchi-chan got in packed crowds, she ultimately gave up on that idea.
While packing up her guitar, Kita Ikuyo spoke up cheerfully:
“This is actually my first time in Kyoto! Since the live’s done now... should we do some sightseeing this afternoon or tomorrow?”
She slung her guitar bag over her shoulder and glanced at the others with hopeful eyes.
But her enthusiasm was short-lived.
“It’s Monday, Kita-chan,” Nijika replied with a sheepish smile. “Ryo and I only took one day off from school... sorry!”
Kita blinked, momentarily stunned.
“W-Wait... Summer break hasn’t started yet?!”
“It’s only early August. Shimokitazawa High doesn’t start summer vacation until mid-August... I think Showa High’s break starts around the same time?”
“Yeah, I think ours starts on the 17th,” Aoki Kei added. After a beat, he continued, “Still, even if we can’t explore Kyoto tomorrow, we’ve got a few hours before the 3 PM train. Want to check out the area around the station?”
“Definitely! We should celebrate!” Kita chimed in enthusiastically.
Nijika nodded thoughtfully.
Bocchi hesitated... but eventually gave a shy nod.
Ryo didn’t say anything—though she also didn’t object.
And so began a lively debate among the girls about whether to squeeze in a quick sightseeing trip.
Meanwhile, Aoki quietly reflected.
It had already been over two months since he transferred to Showa High.
The second semester was wrapping up, and summer vacation was just ten days away.
Last summer, he had spent the entire break working—convenience store, bar, deli. Rinse and repeat.
But this year... maybe things would be different.
He glanced at the girls around him—laughing, smiling, arguing over what to do.
Instruments momentarily forgotten.
It had been a bumpy road. But the outcome?
Everything had gone right.
Kessoku Band was in sync. The members were close.
The performance had likely boosted their reputation, whether they won or not.
Just like last time...
“As long as everything’s okay... that’s enough.”
With a deep breath, he brought his focus back to the present.
“Let’s finish packing first,” he said with a smile. “We can talk about it more at the hotel.”
————————————————————————
Back at the hotel, they freshened up and quickly repacked their bags.
After checking nearby attractions, they decided to visit the Kyoto Aquarium, which was conveniently close to the station.
Around 10 a.m., the group hopped on a train and headed out once more.
————————————————————————
Meanwhile...
Unbeknownst to the members of Kessoku Band, who were still basking in post-performance glow and planning their morning adventure—
The live version of “Loser”, performed with Kessoku Band's backing and Aoki Kei’s raw vocals and guitar, had already exploded across the internet.
And it had only been an hour since the live show ended.
