I Just Want A Single Ending!

"A keyboardist?"

Kamigawa Saku blinked in surprise.

"Yes. What do you think?" Nagasaki Soyo nodded earnestly.

[Agree]

[Refuse]

"It feels unnecessary. Just for Spring Shadows, do we really need a dedicated keyboardist?"

Saku admitted their version of Spring Shadows might not match CRYCHIC's, but it wasn't far off. The idea of bringing on a new member seemed… suspicious. He suspected Soyo's reasons had less to do with the band and more to do with her own intentions.

For now, he decided to refuse, testing the waters.

[Strength +5]

"I understand it might seem excessive for just one song, but I genuinely think adding a keyboardist could benefit the band," Soyo replied, prepared with her response.

"Care to explain?"

"Of course." Soyo paused, then laid out her reasoning. "First, adding a keyboardist would enhance Spring Shadows and bring out its full potential."

"Secondly, a keyboardist could add versatility to our style. It's not essential for a band, but it can make a huge difference."

"And finally, a keyboardist could help with songwriting. None of us know how to compose, after all."

"I'll give you points for the first two," Saku replied, then countered, "but Shiina-san knows how to compose. Why are you assuming our new keyboardist would also be a composer?"

"Eh? Taki-chan can compose?"

Soyo's face betrayed surprise; this was news to her.

"You didn't know?"

Saku realized he might have caught her off guard.

"No, I didn't. At least back in CRYCHIC, she never did any composing."

"Ah, I see."

Saku remembered Shiina Taki mentioning "I'll write the music" when they invited Takamatsu Tomori to join the band. But Soyo hadn't arrived at practice yet and must have missed it. Since the topic hadn't come up since, it made sense she'd be unaware.

Soyo was momentarily flustered.

Not knowing this fact threw off her plan completely. She'd intended to bring Togawa Sakiko into the band under the pretext of finding a songwriter. Now that excuse was gone.

"There's still something you haven't answered—why are you so sure our new keyboardist would know how to compose?" Saku looked her straight in the eyes, pressing further. "Have you already chosen someone?"

"It's not that… I mean, there is a keyboardist I think would be a great addition."

Soyo hadn't expected him to catch on so quickly, or maybe she'd been too obvious.

"Are you talking about Togawa Sakiko, CRYCHICc's keyboardist?"

"…Yes."

Soyo decided to be upfront now that he'd guessed it.

"I thought so."

It was an easy guess. She had just mentioned that Spring Shadows was composed by CRYCHIC's keyboardist and immediately brought up adding a composer. It could only mean one person.

"So, are you hoping she'll join us?" Soyo emphasized CRYCHIC to sway his loyalty as a fan.

"That'll depend on the others' approval. I can't make that decision on my own."

As much as Saku wanted to say yes, he kept himself from agreeing too readily.

But would Togawa Sakiko really join them?

He recalled rumors that she'd left CRYCHIC because of family issues. Without a change in circumstances, would she even consider rejoining a band?

Or had Soyo already convinced her?

"If a keyboardist would help the band, they'd probably agree," Soyo said confidently.

"If no one objects, I'd certainly welcome her."

It would be fantastic if Togawa Sakiko joined them.

"That's a relief."

Then Soyo changed the subject slightly.

"But… there's something I need help with."

"What's that?"

Soyo sighed, troubled. "I can't seem to reach Sakiko. I was hoping you might help me find her."

"Can't reach her? Weren't you two in the same band?"

Despite his words, Saku had already guessed the situation.

Most likely, Togawa Sakiko had cut contact.

Soyo's answer confirmed his suspicions.

"I've messaged her with no response, and she's transferred schools, so I don't have any way of contacting her directly."

"So if you can't reach her, why do you still want her in the band?"

He had assumed she'd already discussed this with Togawa Sakiko.

But from the sound of it, she hadn't made any progress on that front. Or rather, she couldn't.

"I just think she'd really help us. And… there are things I want to say to her," Soyo admitted quietly.

"If you don't have any leads, it'll be hard to track her down."

At that, Soyo, who had been worried her plan was about to fall through, perked up.

"Does that mean…?"

"I may not know much about music, but if a keyboardist would benefit us, I'll give it a try," Saku replied with a slight smile. "I'll just need you to fill me in on Togawa's background and anything else you know. Otherwise, I won't know where to start."

He already had a rough idea of Togawa Sakiko's location, given her enrollment at Shuuka High School. With some patience, he could probably track her down.

He didn't mention this, though. This way, he could gain useful information about her from Soyo—and build rapport with her at the same time.

Plus, having a legitimate reason to approach Togawa once he found her was a nice bonus.

Helping Soyo here offered plenty of advantages.

After all, she had her motives for finding Togawa Sakiko—so why shouldn't he?

"Of course," Soyo agreed quickly.

Since he'd offered his help, she had no reason to refuse a reasonable request.

"Thanks, I'll be counting on you."

Saku's smile grew even brighter.

"Actually, I should be the one thanking you."

Soyo's own smile was equally warm.