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Taiga
Well, this place is sort of like my backyard. It's only natural for me to want to check up on it.
Taiga
More importantly, why do you look so flustered? I thought you won that battle just now.
Taiga
Yeah. I was out for a stroll and saw you guys singing. So, I decided to stop and watch.
Akito
So, a long time ago, I lost to them pretty badly. But I managed to beat them today...
Akito
I didn't like how this brief sense of relief came over me. I can't forgive myself for letting that happen...
Akito
Most would probably say that I was able to win today because of how much work I've been putting in until now...
Akito
However, I won't be able to move forward if I let myself feel satisfied over something like this...
Akito
Yes, because I can still remember the way you guys sang during RAD WEEKEND. I still can't believe what happened that night...
Akito
I need to learn how to do that.
So, I can't hesitate or let myself feel satisfied for even a second.
So, I can't hesitate or let myself feel satisfied for even a second.
Taiga
Yeah, he always has that cool look on his face, but I don't know anyone who loves music more than him.
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Taiga
But things were different in the beginning. He was the opposite when I met him for the first time in junior high. I mean, he was so boring back then.
Taiga
He overcame every obstacle that was thrown at him, but it was like he didn't care. He acted like he was so mature and hardly ever paid attention to anyone else.
Akito
(I heard rumors that Ken and Taiga didn't get along, but I guess they were at least partially true.)
Taiga
I can tell you this because enough time's passed. I actually kept a close eye on him whenever I was in town.
Taiga
We both grew up around here, so we saw each other constantly. Be it school, sports or whatever, he always managed to come out on top.
Taiga
Singing was the only thing I was better at than him. However, a part of me always worried about what would happen if he also started taking that seriously...
Taiga
I'd been singing here since I was little, and I believed I was gonna become world famous.
Taiga
One day, Ken walked by while I was doing a street performance... He gave me this look of boredom which really bothered me.
Taiga
I thought, “Hey, don't ignore me! You know I'm here! Isn't there anything you feel passionate about?!”
Akito
(Not even Tono could stand up to Taiga... I can't imagine what he's like when he fully unleashes...)
Taiga
I guess it goes to show that you gotta take something seriously if you want others to notice.
Taiga
I couldn't believe it when I saw Ken practicing for the first time. It was like I'd stepped on a sleeping tiger's tail...
Taiga
He'd sing for so long that he'd lose his voice and get this dejected look on his face. Despite that, he kept going. It didn't matter if he could hardly make a sound.
Taiga
He probably didn't know what to do with all that newfound energy. I have a feeling that he was so excited that he had no other choice but to act.
Taiga
He sang and sang and defeated everyone in his path, but he never felt satisfied. He just kept going.
Taiga
Come to think of it, your eyes... Ken always had that same look. Actually, you really reminded me of him during your show today.
Taiga
Yeah, it's like you're only looking towards the top, and you're mindlessly doing everything you can to reach it.
Taiga
You might actually have what it takes to become just like him. But it's gonna be tough... Really tough.
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Taiga
Anyway, I think this old man's wasted enough of your time. I didn't mean to tell you such a long story.
Taiga
Oh, while we're on the subject...
I heard that you guys want to do an event at Crawl Green.
I heard that you guys want to do an event at Crawl Green.
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Taiga
Hey, don't give me that. Ken and I probably would've jammed our feet in the door and squeezed our way through.
Akito
Wait, I really don't think we should go that far. I mean, this event means a lot to us, so we're trying to go about this carefully...
Taiga
He even said how everyone's been talking about the events you guys have been putting on recently.
Taiga
Sure. That is, if you manage to book Crawl Green. When you guys do, save a ticket for me, okay?
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Taiga
He'd sing for so long that he'd lose his voice and get this dejected look on his face. Despite that, he kept going. It didn't matter if he could hardly make a sound.
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Akito
And I've been doing what I can until now after choosing to go down this path. Still...
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Taiga
Come to think of it, your eyes... Ken always had that same look. Actually, you really reminded me of him during your show today.
Taiga
You might actually have what it takes to become just like him. But it's gonna be tough... Really tough.
Ken
It's easy for your mind to fall into the trap of believing there's no more use in trying. That there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
Ken
So, whenever you feel that way, don't listen to your mind. Listen to your heart. Follow it. Go after what gets your blood pumping.
Ken
That's right. If you feel down and like everything's falling apart, but your body still wants to sing...
Ken
That means you shouldn't quit and singing is the only way you'll break through your ceiling.
Next Chapter: Someday, Even If It's Not Soon