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V4 Chapter 8: One More Bassist in the World
🕑 Added 2025-05-27 06:38:27 +0000 UTCThe next morning.
When Kazami Haru climbed out of bed, he felt more refreshed than he ever had before.
Not only was there not a trace of the fatigue or weakness from his fever, even the sickly pallor he'd carried for the last two days had completely vanished, replaced by a healthy flush. His body was showing… signs of being a bit too healthy.
Sheesh, this is almost too much vitality.
"Looks like I'm fine now."
He'd bounced back even faster than expected.
Just a day after coming down with a cold and fever, he was already back at full strength. Waking up that morning, it felt like he had boundless energy. The fatigue, the coughs—completely gone.
He had thought that being so close to Anon-san yesterday might've resulted in some shared flu-virus cross-infection or something…
Guess that was overthinking it.
Opening Line, he found a stack of new messages.
From Kita Ikuyo's adorable stickers and a cheerful "let's hang out again," to a thank-you message from the still-groggy Anon, and even a note of concern from Nagasaki Soyo.
The only one who hadn't messaged him… was Shiina Taki.
She hadn't contacted him since she left yesterday.
It probably meant she was still hard at work composing. She hadn't even posted anything in the band group chat this morning, likely because both he (the keyboardist) and Anon (guitarist) had taken sick leave, so rehearsals were temporarily on hold.
Still, everyone knew the live performance was coming up soon. Even without practice, they were all likely rehearsing at home.
"No RiNG rehearsal today, and I'm not on shift at the café either…"
And with it being summer break, he didn't have school either.
"…This is kind of weirdly relaxing."
Haru chuckled and shook his head.
He wasn't used to having this much time off.
Still, since he'd been given the day, he might as well take advantage of it, like a certain Yamada-san, who always wandered around solo, he'd spend some time doing his own thing.
It was also a good chance to reflect on what to do next.
...
[Thank you for joining us for today's stargazing program.]
[Please watch your step when exiting the dome.]
A recorded announcement echoed through the wide dome. The dazzling artificial night sky above faded away, replaced by a plain, dark ceiling.
Leaning back in a recliner, Haru slowly exhaled before sitting up.
"Coming to see constellations once in a while isn't bad at all."
He'd been to the "Evening Primrose" planetarium once before with Takamatsu Tomori. Back then, it was just a cute little date with her—he hadn't cared much about stargazing.
But now that he'd come on his own, he found himself gradually starting to appreciate it.
Just lying back in that chair, the stars glittering above, he could let go of everything and lose himself in his own world. In that moment, the surrounding fog of emotions and thoughts just… cleared away.
As the program ended, the dome lights warmed with simulated daylight.
"Guess I'll take a walk through Shimokitazawa next, find a good-looking spot for lunch while I'm at it."
With a relaxed smile tugging at his lips, Haru headed for the exit.
"Haru?"
Just as he stepped outside and turned toward Shimokitazawa, a soft, hesitant voice called out behind him. A voice so familiar that he turned without thinking.
And there she was, Takamatsu Tomori, stepping out of the same planetarium.
At the sight of him, her lowered, gentle gaze widened slightly in surprise. Her small frame and naturally quiet demeanor gave off a faint aura of melancholy, always making people instinctively want to protect her.
Little Tomori, huh?
"Didn't expect us to be at the same showing…"
Haru hadn't expected to run into Tomori here of all places.
Guess the planetarium really was one of her "random encounter" spots.
"So it really is you, Haru."
Once she confirmed it wasn't a mistake, Tomori's lips curved into a soft smile.
She wore a simple dark hoodie and loose, pale-gray shorts—basic clothes, but they didn't conceal her charm one bit.
There was a gentle, animal-like softness about her that pulled at the heart.
"Haru, what are you doing at the planetarium?"
"…I just wanted to relax and look at the stars. After watching it with you that time, I realized this place is actually kind of nice."
Maybe it was hearing that he'd come to "Evening Primrose" because of their last visit together, but a subtle joy blossomed in Tomori's eyes, like the happiness you feel when someone truly understands something you love.
She pressed her hand lightly to her chest, lashes lowered, a gentle glow in her gaze.
But beneath that… was a hint of worry.
"But… are you really feeling okay now?"
Her brows drew together slightly.
The sun caught in her brown, amber-tinted eyes, causing them to shimmer with gold. Her long, dark lashes trembled just like the unease in her heart. Her lips pressed together in quiet concern.
It was obvious at a glance.
But Haru felt perfectly fine. Light, even.
"I feel like I could outlive a Cursed Spirit right now."
"…Eh?"
Tomori blinked in confusion.
She didn't fully get the reference, but from Haru's smirk and his healthy expression, she could tell he was totally recovered.
The heavy feeling in her heart finally lifted.
"That's a relief…"
Tomori smiled—an honest, heartfelt smile that bloomed like a flower.
Her concern wasn't exaggerated or showy. It was pure, gentle, and deeply personal. And it stirred something in Haru's chest.
Tomori had never been good at expressing herself with words.
She always used actions instead.
Even in the simulation… no matter how deep her feelings ran, she'd carry her sorrow alone. Quietly rejecting his confession on the footbridge, choosing silence over expression.
If Anon's love was blazing fire, then Tomori's emotions were a deep, still river.
No matter whom he chose, someone would be hurt.
"…Haa."
Haru let out a breath, the peace he'd just found quickly slipping away again.
It wasn't Tomori's fault, it was his own.
He didn't know how to face their feelings. No matter who he chose, it would inevitably hurt someone else.
"Haru?"
Tomori, ever attuned to emotion, felt a tightness in her chest.
She tilted her head, brow furrowed in concern. At first glance, Haru looked the same as always, but… something was different. There was a subtle shift in his presence, hard to pinpoint.
Yet when she looked closer, it was like nothing had changed at all.
"I was just thinking about how Taki's arrangement is going. The live show's coming up soon, after all."
"If Shiina's song ends up being better than mine, I might be out of a job."
Kazami Haru quickly forced down the emotional surge in his chest, returning to his usual calm and easygoing expression.
Just standing in front of Takamatsu Tomori was enough to rattle his emotions. His thoughts were spinning out of control, but he still put on his usual mask.
If he stayed alone with Tomori any longer, he felt like his brain would melt into mush.
"Your song… it's amazing!"
Tomori shook her head firmly, her gentle eyes suddenly glowing with conviction.
No matter what anyone else thought—
To her, Haru's music was the one that truly conveyed her feelings.
After CRYCHIC disbanded, she had been drowning in self-blame and sadness. Even if she filled notebook after notebook with "poetry" to express her inner world, it never felt like she belonged anywhere. She was trapped in constant confusion and couldn't move forward.
She was lost, like sinking into a swamp. The more she struggled, the deeper she sank.
But then he appeared, a boy with black eyes and black hair.
So gentle, and yet so strong. He was everything she wasn't… and yet, he understood her. He turned her "poems" into "songs." With his talent, he gave her scattered heart direction.
Together, their songs had meaning.
Only with him by her side did she feel like she had the courage to face the world.
A faint light passed through Haru's deep black eyes. He wanted to reach out and gently pat her soft head like usual, but at the last second, his hand pulled back.
All he could manage was his usual smile as he softly thanked her.
"Thanks for the compliment, Tomori. I'm heading over to check on Shiina's progress."
"Let's go to the planetarium again next time, yeah?"
His voice gentle, Haru offered a farewell that was starting to crack around the edges of his usual calm.
"…Mm."
Tomori only gave a small nod, her amber eyes laced with worry as she watched Haru's back grow distant. Her right hand clenched tightly over her chest.
Running away… really is the band's tradition.
Haru hadn't eaten all day since waking up. A gnawing fatigue crept in—not the physical kind, but the emotional kind that scrambled his thoughts even more.
He just wanted to close his eyes and sleep until it all went away.
"Pathetic."
He let out a self-deprecating laugh.
Maybe it was the lack of food, but his whole body felt heavier than usual.
Knowing full well that moping around wouldn't help, Haru decisively walked over to the nearest takoyaki stall to get something—anything—into his stomach.
"One order of takoyaki, please."
"One order of takoyaki, please."
The same words echoed from beside him. Spoken almost in perfect sync, they made Haru turn reflexively.
And that's when he met a pair of calm, dark green eyes.
"Kazami-kun. Fancy seeing you here."
The girl in front of him had sleek, shoulder-length black hair and a refined face without a hint of emotion. Her tone was cool, but ever so slightly tilted upward. Dressed in a black jacket and carrying an instrument case, she gave off the composed aura of a true cool beauty.
Haru recognized her immediately.
It was Yahata Umiri, the famously stoic bassist-for-hire in Shiina Taki's class.
He remembered her well, especially since back when they first started forming the band, Taki had brought Umiri in to help cover for the lack of a bassist.
That had been Haru's first time meeting her.
They occasionally ran into each other at RiNG after that, exchanging brief greetings at best.
Seeing her again now—this relaxed, confident "mercenary"—somehow calmed Haru's chaotic thoughts.
"Yeah, what a coincidence... Yahata-san, do you also like teriyaki sauce on your takoyaki?"
"Because it tastes good." Yahata blinked, replying with perfect honesty.
Teriyaki sauce had a unique sweet-salty blend. A bit intense for some, but to someone like Haru, who had a sweet tooth, it hit the spot.
"If you like that, I recommend adding bonito flakes and seaweed flakes before drizzling the sauce. Trust me."
"Is that so?"
Without hesitation, Yahata went with his recommendation.
Despite her cool demeanor and boyish looks, the way she delicately tasted the takoyaki was surprisingly elegant. Haru couldn't help but steal a glance.
"I see."
Just one bite into Haru's suggested combo and her usually still expression softened slightly with visible approval.
She nodded in appreciation, gently setting her bass case against the bench next to them.
With her food tray in hand, Yahata sat down and calmly started eating. Then, noticing Haru still standing, she tilted her head slightly.
"Kazami-kun, it's not convenient to eat while standing."
"There's a seat here. Please."
She gestured politely with her free hand.
"Well then, I'll gratefully accept."
Even though Yahata often looked aloof and unapproachable, her polite and composed nature was actually quite warm. Spending time around her didn't demand anything and for Haru whose mind is a little confused now, that made her easy to be around.
"Last time I had this... was the last time."
Starving, Haru popped a piping hot takoyaki into his mouth.
Only to immediately get punished for it.
The molten filling burst like a soup dumpling, scalding his tongue and throat. A fine layer of sweat instantly formed on his forehead.
Yahata, seeing his expression twist, seemed to understand immediately.
She quietly swallowed her own bite, then calmly pulled out a small chocolate pudding drink from her case.
"If you don't mind. Here."
"Thanks."
Haru took the drink and gulped it down, finally soothing the pain.
He'd just been sneak-attacked by a takoyaki. That's what he got for letting his guard down.
Still, he couldn't help but feel grateful to Yahata for saving him. No wonder even someone like the prickly Taki got along well with her.
In that moment, Haru truly thought—what a cool woman.
"Yahata-san, heading to work?"
"There's a live at RiNG later. I've still got some time."
She responded seriously as she continued to eat.
Even in this unbearable summer heat, she was hopping between live houses. No wonder they called her the strongest support bassist—someone who'd subbed for thirty bands.
There's a saying: Learn guitar, and the world gains one more guitarist.
But if you learn bass, the world gains a whole new band.
And then there's Yahata Umiri—who single-handedly gave birth to thirty bands.
Haru admired her dedication deeply. Of all the bassists he'd seen, her skill was unmatched. If he had to assign levels like a game sim, Yahata would easily be Bass Lv. 3.
A true prodigy for her age.
Bzzt—
Her phone vibrated, making her pause.
Setting her tray down on her lap, Yahata picked up the call while still watching her takoyaki. Her expression didn't change in the slightest.
"Hello? Yes, I'm already on my way."
"…Hmm?"
Her gaze shifted slightly, then locked onto something to her right.
Haru, who had been admiring how generous the takoyaki was with actual octopus bits, noticed her eyes were now firmly fixed on him.
Instinctively, he leaned back slightly to avoid her stare.
It didn't work. Her pale jade eyes were still locked onto his.
Without missing a beat, Yahata Umiri—expression cool and voice calm—spoke clearly:
"Kazami-kun, I have something I'd like to ask you to help me with."
