The next day
Vivid Street
Leader of EVER
Alright, I understand...
Leader of EVER
So you guys are looking to put on an event with teams who seriously want to surpass RAD WEEKEND?
An
Yeah, that's right!
Kohane
S-So, if you do feel the same way, would you like to put on this event with us?
Leader of EVER
What gives you the impression that we want to surpass RAD WEEKEND...?
Toya
Tono told us already that you've recently made surpassing RAD WEEKEND a goal of yours.
Leader of EVER
I see...
Oh, Tono...
Oh, Tono...
Akito
Mind if we ask how you really feel...?
Leader of EVER
It's all true...
Leader of EVER
When we lost to you guys at “STAY GOLDEN” last time... No, when we heard the way you guys could sing... That's what led us to this.
Kohane
Huh?
Leader of EVER
Initially, we were happy as long as we could keep singing here... But you guys showed us that tirelessly working towards an impossible goal makes you just that much stronger.
Leader of EVER
We want to be that kind of team.
That's why we've been trying so hard to surpass it lately.
That's why we've been trying so hard to surpass it lately.
Akito
...!
Leader of EVER
So, we may've lost last time, but we aren't going to next time. Got it?
Kohane
Huh?
Does that mean...?
Does that mean...?
Leader of EVER
We're in.
Tatsuya
Once more... My name is Tatsuya Okazaki, the leader of EVER. I'm looking forward to working with you, Vivid BAD SQUAD.
An
Yeah, right back at you!
We're not letting you hog all the glory!
We're not letting you hog all the glory!
Kamiyama Street
Akito
Okay, that makes three...
An
I wasn't expecting things to go so smoothly. We should really thank Arata later!
Kohane
Yeah!
Also, it was so nice to hear that they decided to make RAD WEEKEND their goal after hearing us sing...!
Also, it was so nice to hear that they decided to make RAD WEEKEND their goal after hearing us sing...!
Toya
Yes, it was.
Toya
Now, one more entrant to cap things off would be ideal...
An
Hmm... Yeah, I'm totally drawing a blank...
Kohane
Tono even said that he wasn't really sure outside of EVER.
Akito
Just one more... But who...?
???
Yeah!
I won!
I won!
Kohane
Eep!
An
Wah! Who was that?!
Akito
Oh, it's you...
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here?
Kotaro
Can't you see?! I was in an event!
I wish you guys could've been there to see me win!
I wish you guys could've been there to see me win!
Akito
Okay, we get it. Congrats.
Kotaro
Grr... What happened to showing respect for your elders...?
Kohane
H-Haha... Sorry...
Kotaro
Anyway...
What are you guys up to?
What are you guys up to?
Toya
We were just looking for a team to participate in our event.
Kotaro
What?! You guys are putting on an event?! Not entering into one?! Seriously?!
Akito
Yeah, that's right.
Akito
We thought that it's something we'd eventually have to do if we're ever gonna surpass RAD WEEKEND.
An
Which is why we're gathering up good teams who're seriously pursuing that goal.
Kohane
Right now, Tono and EVER have agreed to join us.
An
Oh, hey! Know any other teams like that? They don't have to be in a team either. Another solo act like Arata would work too...
Kotaro
A solo act...?
Akito
What's wrong?
Kotaro
This event of yours... Can I be in it?!
An
What?
An
Whoa, hold up! Weren't you listening just now? We're looking for people who're serious about surpassing RAD WEEKEND...
Kotaro
I-I'm serious too!
Kotaro
I... I feel terrible about ruining that one event for you guys.
Kotaro
But I saw the way you guys just kept at your music... And I realized that I also needed to do better...
Kotaro
I practiced like crazy, entered into events and before I knew it, I found myself wanting to surpass RAD WEEKEND too...
Akito
You serious...?
Kotaro
Yes!
Kotaro
I know I sort of said it as a joke the last time I met you and the others, Akito...
Kotaro
But, that event had just as big of an impact on me. So big that I was too scared to say anything about surpassing it...
Kotaro
But... I'm serious about trying to surpass RAD WEEKEND now... No, I'm going to surpass it!
Kotaro
Because I know that I'll finally be able to have some pride in myself when I do...
Akito
Dude...
Akito
You heard who's gonna be in this, right? This event isn't gonna be some walk in the park...
Kotaro
Guh...
Kotaro
Yeah, I know...
I used to sing for no real reason other than being kinda good at it...
I used to sing for no real reason other than being kinda good at it...
Kotaro
Right now, I'm having trouble keeping up with you guys. There's no way I can surpass RAD WEEKEND at my current level, but...
Kotaro
But I still want to try!
Kotaro
I want to seriously chase after it like you guys! I promise to put on a worthwhile performance!
Kotaro
So please! Let me join you!
Toya
I'm okay with him joining...
Toya
We're trying to discover how the “atmosphere that pushed everyone forward” was born by putting on this event, as well as what's necessary to bring that about, no?
Toya
Which is why I believe that we should have those who feel the same way as us participate.
Toya
What do you all think?
An
You're being absolutely serious...?
Kotaro
Yeah, I am!
Akito
...
Akito
(The last time I saw him, I was heading home after we discussed putting on our own event... Which was probably sometime past eight at night...)
Akito
(He was practicing all alone like there was no tomorrow... I'm guessing that he was out there pretty late that night.)
Akito
Alright, I'm taking you at your word...
An
Good...
You look like you mean it.
You look like you mean it.
Kohane
I agree...!
I'm really glad you're joining us.
I'm really glad you're joining us.
Kotaro
*Gasp*
Awesome!!
Awesome!!
Kotaro
Now I've gotta train for it!
Just wait, you guys! You're all gonna be totally blown away!
Just wait, you guys! You're all gonna be totally blown away!
Akito
Okay, we get it.
Toya
Again, we appreciate you joining.
Kotaro
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too!
The next day
Weekend Garage
An
So, everyone here's gonna be in our event! Thanks again, you guys!
Arata
Yes, thank you.
Let's make this event a good one.
Let's make this event a good one.
Tatsuya
Definitely. Just let us know if you ever need help finding a place or extra hands.
Kotaro
R-Right!
I'll help with that too!
I'll help with that too!
An
Thanks!
We'll let you know if something does come up. Also, please contact Toya regarding any clerical business.
We'll let you know if something does come up. Also, please contact Toya regarding any clerical business.
Akito
Kohane's gonna be in charge of flyers, and I'm gonna be dealing with who performs in what order along with some other stuff. Let me know if you have any ideas.
Arata
Okay, got it.
We'll be counting on you all.
We'll be counting on you all.
An
Alright, you guys, thanks again!
Akito
As far as venues go, “Ultramarine” should work for us. We performed there once before and it's just the right size for this event.
Toya
I agree. I also heard that the staff there is very flexible with its clients.
Kohane
Um... I tried taking some photos for our flyers... What do you guys think?
Akito
Hey, these are pretty good...
I thought you were all about snakes and amusement parks.
I thought you were all about snakes and amusement parks.
An
What are you talking about?
Kohane's the embodiment of good taste!
Kohane's the embodiment of good taste!
Kohane
Huh?
N-No one's ever said that about me before...
N-No one's ever said that about me before...
Studio
Akito
Alright, we're gonna do a full run together today. You guys all ready...?
Kotaro
Yeah!
I warmed up my voice this morning!
I warmed up my voice this morning!
Tatsuya
Same.
We're ready when you are.
We're ready when you are.
Arata
Yes, me too...
Arata
Oh...
Akito
Hm? What's up...?
Arata
Oh, it's nothing.
Anyway, let's get started.
Anyway, let's get started.
Akito
Okay...?
Akito
(What's going on...?
He's been eyeing his phone this entire time...)
He's been eyeing his phone this entire time...)
An
Alright, let's get this run on the road!
Akito
(For now, I need to focus on this...)
Akito
(Time to see if this crew can produce that atmosphere...)
Next Chapter: Ungraspable Feelings