Why did Takamatsu Tomori associate "reliable" with "keyboardist"?
If you were to ask someone for the answer to this question, Togawa Sakiko would undoubtedly be the most suitable person.
As the eldest daughter of a zaibatsu who received an elite education from a young age, Sakiko was multitalented.
Among her many talents, she showed astonishing genius on the piano—that quintessential "ojou-sama's instrument."
Not only did she start practicing from a young age and never once neglected it, but even now, with her family's decline, she had no intention of giving it up.
It was under this influence that when the idea of forming a band arose, she naturally took on the role of keyboardist.
CRYCHIC, the band Takamatsu Tomori had been part of, was exactly this situation.
At the same time, in Takamatsu Tomori's eyes, just how "reliable" this blue-haired devil of a senpai once was needed no further elaboration.
Not only did she affirm many behaviors that Tomori herself couldn't quite understand, but she also praised her abilities multiple times during their interactions and creative process, calling her a "genius lyricist" and her lyrics "a cry from the heart."
In the early days of Tomori joining the band, unlike Shiina Taki who constantly "sighed" and piled on pressure, Sakiko offered infinite tolerance and patience, which gave Tomori the courage to bravely sing the cries from her heart.
The meaning of being human, what "ordinary" and "taken for granted" truly were—these abstract concepts that Tomori had always been exploring gradually became clear because of Togawa Sakiko's "reliability."
Therefore, in Takamatsu Tomori's subconscious, the two seemingly unrelated words "keyboardist" and "reliable" had already merged into one.
Takamatsu Tomori's suddenly downcast eyes further confirmed Kazama Haru's inner suspicion.
What to do? Should he exchange for another instrument skill to accommodate Tomori's feelings?
This thought only flashed in Kazama Haru's mind for an instant before being quickly rejected.
He could, but there was no need.
The Q&A with Tomori just now was merely a trivial interaction; even if he didn't choose the position she guessed, nothing would happen at all.
Since he had already spent money on a guitar and decided to be the band's initial guitarist before Chihaya Anon appeared, he didn't want to waver again.
Whether in a band or a relationship, people who are wishy-washy generally don't end up well.
Furthermore, Kazama Haru had already planned to gradually retreat behind the scenes and serve as band manager once things matured. As long as he could successfully connect with Togawa Sakiko and build a bond, he would have a chance to bring her into his band as well.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to form something like a [Girl Band 48] with rotating performances?
*r efers to AKB48, the massive Japanese pop idol group that popularized the "48 Group" concept.
Known for their concept of "idols you can meet," the group features dozens of rotating members divided into sub-teams who perform daily at their own theater. This model has been replicated into numerous international sister groups.
At that time, Takamatsu Tomori would have plenty of opportunities to perform on stage with the keyboardist, Sakiko.
Moreover, Kazama Haru's difficult experiences from a young age had instilled in him a habit of being frugal.
For his currently not-so-abundant wish points, he hoped that every single point could be used on the blade's edge.
As someone who had to fulfill the wishes of every girl, he couldn't just focus on the band alone.
The hidden danger Amaori Renako had planted with Riko Nakamura might suddenly erupt on some day in the near future.
If that moment truly came, he hoped he would possess enough ability to protect Amaori Renako from any harm.
"Kazama-san...?"
Seeing Kazama Haru suddenly fall silent, Takamatsu Tomori's heart tightened, thinking that her gloomy expression had affected his mood.
"Ah, sorry, I spaced out for a moment."
Kazama Haru's gaze refocused on the little penguin before him.
To lighten the mood, he joked in a tone like he was coaxing a small animal, "I'm afraid, Tomori-chan, this Kazama here isn't only mediocre at playing the electronic piano—I might not even be as reliable as you say."
"But I think Kazama-san is very reliable."
Although Kazama Haru's statement was highly prone to misinterpretation, fortunately, Takamatsu Tomori was the type who was extremely stubborn once she decided on something, and she also understood that Kazama Haru was trying to cheer her up.
Though she didn't laugh out loud, the corners of her mouth quietly curved into a smile, forgetting her brief gloominess from earlier.
"So, what instrument will Kazama-san play after all?"
"It's the guitar, the guitar!" Kazama Haru made a gesture of holding a guitar and strumming it.
Takamatsu Tomori nodded as if enlightened: "Hmm... Kazama-san is so good-looking, the guitar... suits him very well."
"Then, Kazama-san, can you accompany me as a co-lead vocalist? A guitarist... can also double as lead vocalist."
"Dual vocalists?"
Kazama Haru's eyes widened slightly; he had never imagined that Takamatsu Tomori would actively invite him to be co-lead vocalist with her.
"Mm." Takamatsu Tomori nodded slowly, speaking with some hesitation: "As a lead vocalist, my ability is a bit... lacking. Before... someone also said that I needed more practice..."
Gazing into Kazama Haru's dark eyes, Takamatsu Tomori said softly, "If Kazama-san is there to sing with me, perhaps... I can gain more courage, and my singing... might become a little better."
Kazama Haru scratched his head. So the crux of the problem was still Togawa Sakiko, huh.
But, dual vocalists?
Kazama Haru began to seriously consider Takamatsu Tomori's suggestion.
Unlike the dispensable keyboard skill from earlier, if his "accompanying vocals" could truly restore Takamatsu Tomori's confidence to sing again, then he absolutely should do it.
While his singing voice couldn't be called exceptionally pleasant, it was at least listenable.
In this way, he, who was already prepared to be Takamatsu Tomori's supporting act, didn't need to immediately exchange for an advanced vocal skill.
He would rely on the system's built-in learning ability and gradually improve from his current level, one step at a time.
The lower his performance level during training, the more confidence he could build in Tomori, who was also a lead vocalist, by comparison.
The more Kazama Haru thought about it, the more perfect it seemed: "Alright, let's do it."
Seeing his ready agreement, Tomori was also very happy, a blush of excitement appearing on her cheeks: "Thank you, Kazama-san, you really... are a reliable person."
Out of gratitude for Kazama Haru's " always granting wishes, " Takamatsu Tomori became even more determined to make this band experience a good one.
So, after some hesitation, she gathered her courage to actively suggest, "Although the rest of the band members haven't been finalized yet, I want to practice more in advance, so... I won't drag down the other members during performances."
"I had the same thought." Kazama Haru nodded in agreement: "How about we find a time and go to a karaoke place to practice together?"
"Mm!" Takamatsu Tomori nodded heavily, the smile on her lips becoming even more pronounced.
This was what she had meant, but she was a bit embarrassed about actively inviting Kazama Haru to such a "date-like" extracurricular activity.
Kazama Haru's ability to accurately voice her thoughts gave her a subtle sense of happiness.
"Then... let's make it today!" Takamatsu Tomori seemed eager.
Kazama Haru smiled wryly and shook his head: "I'm afraid not... I have a work shift today, and I won't finish until almost 9 PM."
"Alright." Takamatsu Tomori's expression instantly dimmed considerably. After a moment of silence, she still couldn't resist asking, "Then tomorrow... surely that's possible?"
"No problem."
The affirmative answer immediately put Tomori at ease: "Okay, then it's tomorrow. There's a karaoke place near Ikebukuro East Exit in Toshima Ward... that I've been to before. We'll go there to practice."