Two weeks later.
With the script polished, the music arranged, and the members' hard work and growing synergy, Ave Mujica finally welcomed their long-awaited concert day.
"Haru-kun, how did you manage to convince this sponsor called the Ryuju Group? Without their sponsorship, our stage sound, chandeliers, and other equipment for our crucial debut performance would have been greatly compromised."
Dressed in a Gothic performance outfit that accentuated her pale skin and striking purple eyes (just like in her character art), Togawa Sakiko tightly held the sponsor list in her hand, looking at Kazama Haru with surprise and joy.
For Ave Mujica, which focuses on creating a theatrical atmosphere, lighting and sound quality are just as important as the members' dedicated performances. For this debut performance with no proven commercial value yet, she had originally prepared to make some compromises on equipment. But her Band Manager's ability to attract sponsors far exceeded her expectations. With this crucial influx of funds, the stage equipment was almost completely upgraded to a top-tier standard she had never dared to dream of.
During rehearsal just now, as she passionately recited her chuunibyou lines (inspired by her favorite anime villains), she caught sight of the dark-toned chandelier she'd longed for on the dome. It still felt like a dream.
Kazama Haru shrugged. "It's a secret. Besides, there's no need to understand the tedious and boring process of attracting sponsors, right?"
"Eh?" Togawa Sakiko pouted in disappointment. "Is it necessary to be so mysterious? I thought we were already close enough to talk about anything~"
"Well," Yahata Umiri chimed in from where she lounged on the sofa scrolling through her phone. "Everyone has experiences they don't want to share with others. Kazama-san should be the same."
"Exactly," Yuutenji Nyamu added with a sly grin at Haru. "Saki-chan, aren't you a bit too curious about our manager's privacy? Maybe he did something very humiliating without telling us... like selling his body to please a female executive in charge of funding?"
Nyamu's gaze lingered on Haru's face—a face that could easily pass for an idol or host in Ginza—and smirked mischievously.
"Nyamu-chan," Misumi Uika interjected gently (her long brown hair framing her soft features), "I think even if Haru-kun has a good temper, it's best not to say things like that."
She watched Haru carefully for any sign of offense but saw only his usual harmless smile.
"Haru-kun," Uika continued warmly, "you've really worked hard these past few days. Without your silent efforts behind the scenes... I definitely wouldn't have been able to appear on stage with Saki-chan—no, with everyone—so quickly."
Haru waved off her gratitude modestly. "It's just my job. Chiharu, there's no need for you to say these words of thanks."
"And Nyamu-chan probably just wants to use humor to ease pre-performance tension," he added with a wink at Nyamu. "If teasing me helps everyone relax before our big show... then tease away!"
"How generous and reliable," Uika said softly—and began to understand why Saki-chan always spoke so fondly of their Band Manager.
"Haru-kun," Wakaba Mutsumi piped up quietly (her short green hair tucked behind one ear), "Sakiko mentioned your drink-mixing skills are very good—is that true?"
Togawa Sakiko immediately perked up at this topic—eager both to praise Haru and assert her closeness with him before anyone else could claim him.
"Whether it's tea or coffee," she declared proudly (her eyes shining), "Haru-kun can mix them as deliciously as if they were brewed by an alchemist from another world! In my heart he's the best drink mixer ever~"
After showering him with praise (and sneaking glances at his profile), Saki couldn't help but feel possessive over their shared history—from working part-time together at a café during Ave Mujica's early days...to recently spending late nights together in the lounge after work (albeit mostly discussing business).
She noticed too how all the girls now affectionately called him by his first name—not just Nyamu who was always clingy but even shy Chiharu and stoic Mutsumi...
A sense of anxiety crept in: The treasure I discovered first is starting to be coveted by others...
"The best huh..." Umiri mused thoughtfully before turning back to Haru: "I also have something I really like drinking—vegetable juice! I even eat it as a meal when I'm busy... Do you have confidence making something like that taste good?"
Haru grimaced inwardly at such an anti-human request—but after considering his [Drink Mixing LV4] ability seriously replied:
"...Umiri you're someone who prioritizes health over taste right? If I have time I'll research ways to improve vegetable juice for you..."
Umiri blinked in surprise; she'd only asked half-jokingly but saw genuine consideration in his furrowed brow.
This Band Manager is strange...but interesting...
She smiled slyly: "Is that so? Then I'll look forward to your improved version! Will it be my reward for excellent performance?"
Speaking of rewards—that gave Haru an idea!
Since everyone seemed interested in his drink-mixing skills again he might as well fully utilize them—to tie down their taste buds and loyalty post-show!
He grinned: "How about this—after our concert ends smoothly I'll personally buy a coffee machine and tools for our lounge and make everyone their favorite drinks!"
"Really?! Love you!" Nyamu squealed dramatically and clung tightly onto his arm—the softness pressing against him made him freeze up...
"Even though you're youngest among us you're so reliable~ You're practically perfect boyfriend material!" She blew seductively into his ear before whispering: "...If you can make authentic Kumamoto-style tea maybe your Nee-san will 'reward' you handsomely~ Are you looking forward to it?"
"Nyamu!" Saki yelped and tried prying Nyamu off—jealousy flaring up inside her chest...
"If you're going act like an elder then don't do such lewd things!"
Nyamu winked playfully back: "...Sorry but this kid is just too cute and capable—I can't help myself~"
Then raising her voice teasingly: "...Every time I touch Haru-kun Saki gets so anxious! Could it be she's fallen for him?"
"Really?!" Chiharu blurted out excitedly from across room while Umiri watched drama unfold gleefully...
"N-no it's not like that!" Saki stammered guiltily—then quickly changed subject before things spiraled further out-of-control:
"It seems everyone's mentality is fine now! In that case if anyone dares make silly mistake during our most important debut performance later don't blame me for being merciless!"
The familiar pressuring Saki was back!
Haru chuckled inwardly then checked time and got up for final preparations—walking over quietly beside Mutsumi:
"Mutsumi do you need your guitar re-tuned or spare non-slip pick?"
"No need." She shook head slightly then handed him guitar instead:
"Haru-kun can I borrow yours? Can I hear you play one more time before we go on stage?"
Ever since seeing his playing skills last time she'd been unable forget how beautifully he made guitar sing—it was realm she'd always aspired towards herself...
And perhaps first step towards growing closer together…