#digpro

【7:30 AM】

I opened my eyes.

"Ugh, what's this? On a day like today, I could have slept a bit longer..."

As I mumbled my complaints, drowsiness quickly caught up, and I let out a big yawn. Today is December 6th, my birthday that comes once a year. Mashiro, anticipating this, showed up the day before with some alcohol, and we spent the night drinking while crossing over the date, engaging in pointless conversations. Though I intentionally avoided looking at the clock, it must have been close to dawn when I finally went to sleep. Despite being completely sleep-deprived, my eyes felt strangely alert, and I couldn't bring myself to go back to sleep.

(I guess oversleeping isn't a habit of mine.)

Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I changed into sportswear and headed to the gym within the apartment building.

【8:55 AM】

After breaking a sweat at the gym, taking a shower, and returning—it's almost nine o'clock. As I entered the living room, Kurono's voice greeted me.

"Good morning."

"Morning... huh?"

On the table, there was a neatly sliced shortcake and a cup of black coffee.

"Since it's Akane-san’s birthday today."

"Oh, right."

Suppressing a strange ticklish feeling, I took a seat at the table. After midnight, Mashiro enthusiastically cut the cake and we had it with champagne. This was the remaining portion.

"When did we start having cake for breakfast?"

"I believe... it was the year after I moved in."

"Ugh, I don't want to count."

Because it's my birthday, cake for breakfast is a tradition—originating from a childish whim I expressed long ago. It was decided that the morning after cutting the birthday cake, the leftovers become breakfast. It's easy to say I'm not a child anymore, but stopping something I've done every year since childhood feels somewhat nostalgic.

(Well, it's only once a year.)

With a big bite, I see Kurono squinting happily. This happens every year.

"I said it last night, but again. Happy birthday."

"Thanks... by the way, where's Mashiro?"

"The bastard is passed out in the guest room."

Kurono's expression slightly turns stern.

"How late were you two up?"

"Oh... I don't remember."

"I should've kicked him out before the date changed."

"Well, let's enjoy cake without saying that."

【11:30 AM】

After soothing Kurono and finishing breakfast, I tackled the accumulated trivial tasks—checking audio files and documents, making calls, organizing mail, and other miscellaneous chores. Just as I was contemplating taking a break and stretching, my phone conveniently rang. The name on the screen was Haiji.

"What's up, Haiji?"

"Akane-san, happy birthday!"

"Oh, thanks."

"Did you drink with Mashiro-san yesterday?"

He’s quick to catch on—I thought. But yeah, that's probably it. Knowing Mashiro, he most likely posted about it on social media.

"We had a few drinks with the stuff he brought."

"Oh, unfair. I told him I couldn't make it."

"Are you coming today?"

"Yes. I'll come by in the evening."

"Once the meeting's done, I'll let you know. I'll pick you up, so be ready."

"Thank you!"

【4:00 PM】

In the afternoon, I headed to DigPro. Accompanied by Iwahara manager, we greeted the promoter and discussed concepts for next year's live performance. The enthusiasm on the other side was unexpectedly high, leading to an unplanned lengthy conversation.

"Oh, by the way. I saw BLAST."

"The energy is incredible, right? Not just RUBIA Leopard, but Impish Crow too. DigPro's newcomers are doing great."

"DigPro, led by RUBIA Leopard, has everyone with fantastic momentum."

"This was my first time on the scene, and I was surprised by the number of men more than I thought."

"There was that CM for the instrumental-only album a while back. It sparked quite a discussion even among hardcore rock fans."

"Oh yeah! That was amazing too!"

"I think there'll be more instrumentals on the next album. Looking forward to it."

I nodded in gratitude, suppressing the urge to say, "Did you finally realize we're not just a face for tie-ins?" I couldn't say it, not even if my life depended on it.

(What's his deal, holding a grudge against me?)

I stifled a laugh that was about to burst.

"So, here's the thing. We're thinking of expanding the venue a bit more next time. We're confident about the audience turnout."

"Please, consider it positively."

I glanced at the manager with a smile before interjecting, "Regarding the size of the venue in relation to the fanbase, it's my request."

I wanted to avoid blindly enlarging the scale, risking the diminished sense of delivering songs to each individual. Letting the surrounding enthusiasm accelerate on its own, rolling into areas I couldn't perceive, and collapsing at the last minute—I didn't want that again.

(I won't make the same mistake as with RUBIA.)

Consciously and unconsciously, I had been thinking about that for the past three years.

"But, I think it's about time to take a step forward."

"Thank you for considering it," I said, bowing my head. Iwahara next to me let out a small sigh of relief. He, who had been aware of everything, might have been the most anxious over the past three years. Otherwise, I couldn't find a reason for him to present the song of Impish Crow at that particular moment.

"So, as a trade-off, I have a suggestion. We've been relatively low-key so far, separate from the tour, throwing a bit of a curveball might be interesting."

"Oh, that sounds good!"

"Please allow me to assist with that as well."

【6:50 PM】

Once the meeting concluded, Iwahara promptly gestured for me to follow him to the manager's office.

"What's up, Iwahara-san? Nagging me?"

"Do you have any idea why?"

"Too many, I can't keep track."

"Ugh... let's just get this over with."

"... Alcohol?"

"Happy birthday."

"Seriously?"

"Just say 'thank you.'"

"Thanks. But, a birthday present from you that doesn't fit your character?"

"You're sharp. This is a joint gift with my housemate."

"What a hassle. A pack of cigarettes would've sufficed."

"If I gave you a present that would harm your throat and health, Haiji would scold me."

"Is it okay for me to be drinking all night?"

"Haiji is going to your place today, right?"

"A set of chaperones and a present. I see.”

【7:05 PM】

After convincing Iwahara to take a break for a smoke, I contacted Haiji and got into the car. Haiji and Iwahara's apartment was just a stone's throw away from the office. We'd be there in about five minutes.

(Everywhere is already in full Christmas mode.)

Navigating through the main street, I parked the car in a random alley and took a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't particularly fond of December. The city was lively and festive, and it felt like I was the only one standing still.

(So, that's why the shortcake.)

When I was a child, I lacked the ability to bridge the gap between the bustling city and the quiet home. When I realized that our home and others were somehow different, the most I could do was express small whims. Kurono was the only one who indulged those whims.

(But, it was okay back then.)

As I grew taller, my desires grew too, and I had more capabilities. Music filled the gaps and spaces.

(Still, enjoying it just within the confines of home wasn't enough for me.)

As my thoughts wandered off, the phone suddenly rang.

"Akaneeeee! Happy birthday, my little brother!!!"

The volume on the speaker seemed ten times louder than usual, and my brother, Mikado, continued.

"You must be happy, right? Of course! And why am I calling at this hour? Because, my dear brother, I'm in New York right now!"

"Oh, really?"

"Mikado, you have to go running soon or you’ll be late for the morning meeting."

"Oh, right, Kaede. Well then, I'm going for a run in Central Park! Kaede, I'm counting on you! That's all!"

As I was about to hang up, Kaede's voice came through the speaker.

"Wait, Akane."

"What?"

"Did you have cake this morning?"

"...Yeah, I did."

"I see. My breakfast was shortcake too. Well then, take care of Sora for me."

He said what he wanted to say and hung up. Immediately after, a message arrived—it was from our parents.

"A-chan, happy birthday. We'll send you something surprising again this year. From Mom and Dad."

"No, don't send anything."

I couldn't help but speak aloud.

(Man, my family, seriously, none of them have any sense of delicacy.)

Yet, their eagerness to make me happy came across 120%. It was quite annoying. But if I twisted about it, I'd just be a fool. I convinced myself of that, and it saw me through the sensitive teenage years. Or so it feels.

(Really.)

Throughout my life, there have been various thoughts. I've been hurt in trivial matters, but they never turned into significant pain or obstacles to moving forward because I've been incredibly fortunate. Now and then.

【7:10 PM】

"Akane-san."

The sound of tapping on the side window accompanied the call of my name. I hurriedly opened the door.

"Haiji, sorry. I was lost in thought and didn't notice."

"No, not at all. I just arrived!"

【7:30 PM】

I set off in the car with Haiji. By now, Kurono would probably be preparing some extravagant meal. While hurrying home, I received a call from Mashiro.

"Good morning, both of you."

"Huh, Mashiro-san, were you sleeping until now?"

"More importantly, where are you now?"

"I'll be home in about five minutes."

"Then, is it not snowing there?"

"Snow?"

"Oh, right!"

Haiji joyfully pointed to the sky. Snow in Tokyo at this time of year would likely stop in no time.

"I haven't seen snow in a while."

"This is such a rare sight for Tokyo in this season; it'll probably stop soon."

Shoma: It was so refreshing!! .....Oi megane? Shion: .....I feel sick Shoma: But you played like you were fine today! ... God,can’t be helped. Shoma: Sogo-san! I'm taking this Megane to the Aid room! Sogo: Got it! I'll clean up over here. Call me if anything happens. Shoma: Thanks! Shion: I'm sorry.... Toya: You're not going with them? Sogo: It will be alright, I have to take my drum apart too, and they getting along pretty well. Toya: I see .... Sogo: ? Sogo: What? You're in daze. Are you feel sick too? Toya: It's opposite Sogo: opposite? Toya: I could still perform. I want be on stage more. Sogo: Hee—It's rare that you're not tense after a stage. Toya: Tense... Sogo: Usually you're mumbling, 'I should have done that better', 'I should have done this'. Toya: I see..... Sogo: You're not going to say something like that today? Toya: It's not that. But reflection and regret can come later. That's what I feel now. Haiji: Umm....sorry to interrupt.. Toya: You are... Sogo: Aren't you Haiji-kun? Haiji: It's been a while Sogo-san. Sogo: Sorry, I'll hurry up and clear out. Just give me a minute. Haiji: Eh? Is just the two of you here? Toya: One member was sick and went to the first aid room. Kurono: That's seem tough. Let me help. Toya: Thankyou, but it's fine don't mind us. Kurono: As we all share the same stage, don't hold back. Mashiro: I mean, if Hauro doesn't clear out, we can't get in. Haiji: Mashiro-san! Sogo: Thanks, then, I will accept your kind offer. Mashiro: Forget about that. Just get your hands to work over there. Sogo: Ouch, Okay. Haiji: Cable over here, done! Kurono: It looks fine.  I think I can move the keyboard with this. Sogo: Oh, thank you. I'll take care of the rest. Hey, Toya. Haiji: Eh— I'll help. Toya: it's fine, your kindness is enough. Haiji: But— Toya: Now you need to concentrate on your turn. We need Rubire to be in the throne for a while longer. Mashiro: Hee— Toya: Otherwise, the impact when Hauro overtakes Rubire will be small. Mashiro: You heard that? Kurono: Well, if that's the case, then I'll stop helping you here. Haiji: I understand. . Sogo: ... I'm surprised. You're going to overtake Rubire? Seriously? Toya: You have problems with that? Sogo: No, but I don't think you'd come with something big. Toya: That's right. But, with the current Hauro I'm sure we can do it. I look forward to your performance. See you then.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"Yeah. What time is it now?"

"It's four in the morning."

"Seriously?"

 Checking the clock, he confirmed what Haiji said. It was indeed early morning, and a faint light was starting to appear outside the window.

 "Wow, damn..."

 "Is there some urgent work?"

"Not really. I'll probably get scolded by Iwahara-san for going wild like this."

"There was a missed call earlier. Someone probably wants you to wrap up and go home already."

"Yeah, I figured. But that call came in at two in the morning. I can't say anything to others either."

"You're still a workaholic."

"So, when I get back, I'll apologize directly. 'Sorry for enjoying myself so much and being late', or something like that."

 Haiji's face brightened as he murmured, "This might be the first time."

 (Nice expression.) Akane's lips naturally softened at the sight of Haiji's genuinely cheerful demeanor. (At first, I was just scaring him away.) He couldn't think of a way to ease the tension back then, and he even felt that things were fine as they were. Trying to be greedy ended up in failure, so he discarded everything that could be discarded and gathered only the things he truly desired. If sacrificing music was necessary to achieve that, then so be it. He didn't need anything else. (I'm an idiot.) Recalling that determination at the time, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of tragic emotion, causing him to smile. (Can't say anything about others. Even I have changed.) (Actually, getting drunk and falling asleep in front of people is probably a first.) It might be the first time he did something like this.

 "But still, Haiji, you're pretty good with alcohol."

"Just a little red in the face, but otherwise, Akane-san seem pretty much the same."

"But I couldn't drink this much alone. Thanks for keeping up with me."

"You're welcome."

"Come again, alright?"

"Sure. If it's such a fun request, anytime."

"...By the way, where's Kurono?"

"He's passed out in his room... Speaking of which, Mashiro-san took Kurono-san with him when they left, but they haven't come back."

 "Maybe they're both passed out in the room?"

"It's possible. Even though he was stumbling, he refused to let me take him home."

"That guy can be surprisingly caring."

 Kurono and Mashiro were still as direct as ever in their quarrels. But did the two of them realize that there was no one else with whom they could be so straightforward? (Speaking of which, that Mashiro guy is fine with this. Leaving his bass lying around here like this.) Akane lightly touched the bass case. (Kurono too. Collapsing in the living room like this.) He could easily imagine the excuses they would make once they woke up.

 "Haiji, you don't have to clean up the dishes."

"I'll take Akane-san word for it and just stack them here. The kitchen is Kurono-san's territory, so he might mind if someone else touches it."

"It's not like he'll say anything."

"Kurono-san is kind, you see…"

"Not that. Haiji, you're not just some stranger."

 Haiji blinked, looking surprised.

 "Um, Akane-san. Are you still drunk?"

"Not at all."

"Then, are you teasing me?"

"I thought Haiji might get embarrassed, but I'm serious."

Toki: Ah.... God. It feels so good! Hibari: What should I do.... I'm still shaking.. Mitsuru: That me too. Toki: But Tsugu was in really good mood today. Mitsuru: Un, he was doing great! Hibari: He sounds like he can't help but happy. But, aren't Toki-kun feel same way? Toki: Eh— as expected do I plays too fast? Mitsuru: It was thrilling and fun. Hibari: You were trying to hold on just in time, weren't you? Toki: Haha, I've been found out. Shion: Umm.... Excuse me. Mitsuru: Ah, It's Shion! Shion: Well... hello.. Toki: Hello! It's been awhile. Hibari: Anyway you look pale, are you okay? Shion: Ugh.... Mitsuru: Ah, I see, Shion, you can't be around too many people. Toki: There are a lot of people come today. Shion: Umm... That, can you stop reminding me about that? Hibari: Why don't you bring a blanket while you're at it? So you can sleep on stage if you need to. Shion: You're joking, right? Mitsuru: Isn't it fine? You can sleep if you feel hard. Hibari: as long as you're fine by sleeping why not? Shion: Ofcourse that's not good! Shoma: Oi, megane! Hurry up get on with the keyboard, you idiot! Shion: Shut up, yankee. Also, don't touch it without my permission! Shoma: Hah?! What are gou saying?! just say thanks for your help! Shion: I don't ask you to help me! Toki: We'll help you too! Now that we've done greetings, it's time for you to start setting up. Mitsuru: Yeah, keyboard looks so heavy. Hibari: Should I leave some space around here? Ah, watch your step over there. Shion: ....Thanks Shoma: What the hell, your attitude is so different towards me! Shion: That's ofcourse, you fool! Toki: Oh, is the placement like this? Shion: Yup, I will do rest myself. And.. umm.. Mitsuru: Keyboard sure is looks so cool. I'm looking forward to see Hauro performance. Toki: We were the first one up, but I'm glad we finished first. Hibari: And we can listen to the stage afterwards, calmly. Mitsuru: Shion, do your best! Shion: Yeah, thankyou very much... for everything.. Toki: Geez, why did you use honorifics? Shion: No, that, I am nervous.. Hibari: At this rate, You were going to throw up just before the show. Shion: Can you stop reminding me about that? I'm about to vomit! Mitsuru: After all, wouldn't it be better to bring a blanket? Shoma: You guys, don't play with this megane too much. He'll get a nosebleed right away. Shion: Stop talking nonsense. Mitsuru: Okay, I've got it. I'll get a box of tissues with the blanket. Shion: No need! Shoma: Ah... Sorry, I'll take care of this guy from here. Hibari: Okay, I understand. Well, we're leaving. Toki: I'm looking forward to your performance! Shoma: Yeah! pull your sleeves out.

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