On the night of the day when the recording was completed, Noel stared at his mobile phone in his own room.

It was not to the extent of saying that he made up his mind, but after being troubled about what he should say, he pressed the dial button.

He heard the dial tone when he put the phone against his ear, then a woman’s voice could be heard from the speaker.

[Hello……?]

It seems like she did not know who called her as he had changed his phone number. The other party’s reply sounded wary.

“Ah, it’s just me. Noel—“

[Noel-sama?!—Kyaa?!]

Before Noel could finish his sentence, Marie’s high-pitched squeal and the sound of something falling to the ground could be heard.

“Oi, you okay?”

[I, I’,m, I’m okay! But, wh, why would Noel-sama call me……?!]

“Ah-……um. It’s not a big deal or anything……”

How should he tell her, he was troubled over this even after she picked up the call.

Marie telling him that she would support him became one of the strengths that helped him venture into his debut. He wanted to tell her that but he was not capable of smoothly dishing out such embarrassing words.

In the end, what came out of his mouth was a report of the recent events.

“……We’ve decided on a debut song. The recording, well, somehow we finished it.”

[Well! Congratulations then! I’m looking forward to what kind of song it would be from now on!]

Marie congratulated Noel in a lively voice upon hearing his words.

“So…….I just wanted to tell you that if you want an interview, inform Ichizou. Because I can’t decide that on my own.”

[Thank you for going out of your way to call me……! Aah, it feels like I’m having a pleasant dream…….ngh! I will certainly interview you.]

“Yeah…….well, that’s all.”

(No, it’s not like that, I…….!)

He covered his face but the words that were sealed up did not return. Noel, who was only left with the option of hanging up, then heard Marie’s anxious voice in his ears.

[Noel-sama!]

Marie calling his name made him stop his hand that was in the midst of removing his phone away from his ear.

“What is it?”

[Thank you very much for making the decision of singing.]

The voice that came over was not one of excitement but one of calmness. Noel frowned upon hearing the words carried along by that voice.

“……why are you thanking me?”

The one who wants to say something is me, Noel muttered within his heart as Marie spoke to him in an elated tone.

[Because I am Noel-sama’s fan! I can even say that Noel-sama is my hope!]

Marie’s exaggerated words. If it was Noel from before, he would probably have rejected those words. But now, being called someone’s hope honestly made him feel delighted.

If he did not say anything. He could not keep silent towards this woman who put in so much effort into supporting him.

“Thank you for supporting me. That’s all.”

[Noel-sama……!]

“See ya.”

In the midst of everything, he became embarrassed and hung up, closing his mobile phone before Marie’s voice came back to him.

“……It was better not to say anything after all.”

While his ears were feeling a bit warm, Noel muttered to himself. After letting out a sigh, he opened his mobile phone again.

There was one more person he wanted to call. He looked at the name card he received recently and dialed the number.

After the sound of the dial tone, a calm male voice was immediately heard.

[This is Yamaguchi.]

“It’s me……Noel.”

[Oh. It’s unexpected getting a call from you. How have you been after that?]

Noel gave him the answer that he could not give during the interview.

“……We came up with a debut song and the recording was just finished today.”

[Well well. You worked hard. Did it become a good song?]

“Yeah. It was the best……I have done till now. So, I thought I would like you to listen to it.”

[Yes, of course. I will be all ears.]

Yamaguchi’s voice was calm but just a tiny bit, his tone went up. Through this tone, even without seeing Yamaguchi’s face, Noel could tell what his real feelings were.

Noel was at a loss for words and he fell silent. Yamaguchi was waiting for Noel to say something. Noel knew that but unexpectedly, he was not feeling anxious about it. He could speak anytime once he got his words in order. That was the attitude that was being shown to him.

“……I was lying during the interview with you.”

[Indeed.]

“You knew.”

Noel spoke while laughing and a calm laughter was transmitted from the other side.

“It doesn’t really matter what you recorded about what I said during the interview. However, after that song is out, people can’t imagine that that’s “me”. It was a song made by “me” who lived that kind of life.”

A song that definitely could not be made by someone who was loved in that kind of way. He wanted Yamaguchi to know about the “Noel” who was the only one who could come up with that song.
(T/N: Errrr….considering it was Revo who wrote it and…I think from the Anikan interview, Revo led a pretty well loved life.)

“I would like you to know about me someday. I apologise to those readers for the lies I told at that time.”

[I understand. Then, let’s go ahead with that—Noel-san]

Noel got a bit nervous when he was addressed in a formal way. However, what he heard next was laughter mixed with a cheerful voice.

[Of course, I won’t disclose that or anything……Can you sing just for a bit now? Well, it’s just a selfish request of mine, it doesn’t matter if you refuse.]

“What, just something like that? That’s fine by me.”

What are you saying, Noel thought and smiled, relieved.

Playing along, he sung in a slow tempo.

“To outrun my sadness……”

Each word was slowly delivered through the phone.

“I’ll search for [A place to consume my life in fire]<a star>…”

After he finished singing that phrase, Noel exhaled and smiled slightly. As expected, this was not a song that could be sung in a relaxed manner.

“……like that, but it’s really a rock song.”

[Oh, this is a special version that can only be heard here then. Thank you very much.]

Perhaps the slow tempo allowed Yamaguchi to hear the lyrics properly, he repeated the words.

[Search for a star……is it? How nice.]

There was something embarrassing about hearing the lyrics written by himself being repeated. Noel kept quiet and perhaps Yamaguchi could guess Noel’s state so he laughed a little.

[I will certainly root for you, Noel-san. Find your “star”.]

“……Ah, thank you.”

Answering in a voice that directly left a mark on Yamaguchi’s heart, Noel hung up the call and sank into his bed.

There were people who supported Noel. They probably were not lying about their feelings. He believed that and must meet their expectations. That was the kind of environment Noel was in now. What came after was to give his all and deliver the song in its best form.

(In its best form, huh…….)

Noel patted his own chest as though to touch the small empty gap within it. Since the gap was tiny, even if it was empty, it did not bother him that much. —-However.

Noel turned to his side and stared at his guitar that was set upright.

(It’s probably not enough.)

Noel gripped the front of his chest as though to get rid of the empty gap within him.

★

The bar [ICHIZOU].

A shop that Noel had become familiar with as Ichizou brought him here frequently to ensure that he, who had a tendency to forget his meals, ate his meals. Today, the owner’s wife, that is, Ichinosuke’s wife Yurika was helping out in the store too. Just as expected from someone of her name, she was a beauty with fair skin. Thanks to her, Ichizou was not being made to help around by his brother, Ichinosuke as much.
(T/N: Yurika means fragrant lily.)

But why was Noel sandwiched between Revo and Eiji while seated at the counter.

(Why do I have to be in this situation…….)

After talk of going home after having a meal at [ICHIZOU] once the briefing for the promotional materials have ended, Revo showed up and said he wanted to go too. Because Ichizou said “Please, you definitely should come along!” before Noel could refuse, Revo ended up tagging along with them.

Once they reached [ICHIZOU], Eiji, who went there to drink by chance, was there too. At some point in time, Ichizou became friends with Eiji and told him about where this shop was.

“Heh–, I’m super touched to be able to meet the character of the so-called urban legends, Revo-san!”

“I’m sure referring to mysteries as mysteries are what makes them interesting. Maybe my next goal should be to become a world heritage.”

“You sure aim high!”

Noel who was caught between Revo and Eiji who were talking in high spirits, thought that his body was literally being pressed on.

“Both of you! Talking while trapping me in between. If you two want to talk, shouldn’t you sit next to each other?!”

“What are you talking about, Noel?”

Revo’s lips curled into a broad smile and from that mouth, he said to Noel.

“It’s in-ten-tion-al.”

“You Sunglasses bastard…….!”

The disposable chopsticks Noel was holding seemed to have made a sound. On the other side, Eiji was roaring with laughter.

From another side, Ichizou, who was helping his older brother out, came over and he looked at Noel, his head tilted.

“Noel, you’re spacing out quite a bit today, are you tired?”

“I’m tired! Because this guy is here–!”

In reply to Ichizou’s question, Noel yelled while point at the black clothed man sitting on his left. Afterwards, he gave in to the desperate situation and gulped down his Shochu.

“Oh, that’s a good drink! Your debut song is already out so drink your heart out, Noel!”

Eiji’s words came in a jovial way as he was drunk in the good atmosphere, however Noel frowned when he heard them and drank another mouthful.

“Hm……I agree.”

“Well, what’s with that half-hearted attitude?”

As though Revo’s casual words drew him in, Noel suddenly said something. Perhaps it was the Shochu swirling inside him, his face felt pleasantly warm.

“…….It was something on my mind during the recording, I really…….”

“? Really?”

Revo returned the question and Noel came to his senses from his drunkenness. He quickly swallowed the words that were about to escape from his mouth.

“No, it’s nothing.”

Noel was still not capable of making such a desire come true. It was not something that can come true just by speaking of it. The major debut was not something he pulled off alone. Now, he knew that everyone had put in a lot of strength to support him and he could not say something that would add to their burden.

Suddenly, he felt a gaze on him. A black gaze. It was not a metaphorical expression, it was exactly as it meant.

“Wh……what?”

Noel glared at the Sunglasses that was glancing at him and Revo, who was staring back with a straight face suddenly smiled sweetly.

(What, I have a bad premonition…….)

Noel had his guard up but Revo unexpectedly shifted his gaze away and looked in the direction of the counter where Ichinosuke was and spoke.

“Bartender, recommend a drink for this guy here.”

“Of course.”

This store did not seem to be of that type but Ichinosuke got into the rhythm and matched Revo well. He answered as though he was really a bartender and bowed in an exaggerated manner.
(T/N: Though I call this [ICHIZOU] a bar, it’s an Izakaya which is kind of different from a western bar that Revo was pretending this place was.)

“Wh, what are you doing all a sudden…..”

Noel looked in Revo’s direction with suspicion in his eyes and the other party laughed while replying.

“You worked hard during the recording. Just accept my treat, Noe-rin.”

“I said stop increasing the number of nicknames……!”

“Bwaha! No, Noe-rin……!”

“Eiji, that’s not the main point! Dah! I can’t handle the both of you when I’m clear headed!”

Eiji was hugging his abdomen and Noel who, could not deal with Revo who was poking fun at him, started drinking the Shochu which Ichinosuke served to him.

Since it was a treat, he will just drink with reckless abandon—that was not what he was thinking. In no time, Noel’s face became red and he flopped onto the counter.

“Noel, haven’t you drank a bit too much? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine! I’m still sober!”

“Aren’t those the words of someone who’s drunk? You’re not speaking properly either……”

“Not drunk!”

Ichizou smiled wryly and placed water instead of Shochu in front of Noel.

“So, Noel, what were you trying to say just now?”

Revo, who was the only one with an unconcerned expression, asked Noel such a question and Ichizou’s face became stiff once he heard it.

“Revo-san, don’t tell me, for the sake of hearing that……? Ah, no, I didn’t say anything…….”

Ichizou said something but Noel who was dead drunk did not catch anything. Only Revo’s question remained in his head.

–What he wanted to say just now.

That was a thought that was always in his mind after the recording was finished.

“I……”

Revo’s sunglasses was looking in his direction. Thinking that the other party wanted to listen, the words left his mouth.

“I……really want to form a band!”

Eiji questioned Noel further in surprise upon hearing his words.

“A band……How about the members?”

“That’s it………I was in a band, it’s just a fight……but those guys wanted to get in my way and they stole my song……It can’t be helped since they’re rotten…….”

“No, Noel, such a thing actually……?!”

“Exactly, they’re so mean!

Noel looked at Ichizou’s pale face and he also hit the table, angry at what he remembered. However he immediately weakly fell back onto the table.

“But I don’t have the ability to bring them together, connect with them and communicate…….”

Noel’s voice became softer and smaller. Eiji and Revo made comments about Noel who was in this state in a bemused way.

“It’s somehow refreshing to see Noel being so hesitant!”

“It seems like it would great to show Marie-chan this. Should I send her a picture?”

“Please don’t do that!”

Ichizou stopped Revo who looked like he was about to take out his mobile phone.

Eiji, who was next to Noel who had flopped onto the table, nodded while looking into space.

“Well, it certainly seems like Noel always sung in a band.”

“I know right?!”

Noel got up sharply in response to Eiji’s words and raised his voice.

“If I’m going to do this, I might as well do it in a band! In a live, I want to race through the entire thing with that kind of feeling at one go!”

The words that he said were not stronger than the feelings that were within him. And it was not only because he was drunk. It seems like the small empty gap within his chest was larger than he had thought.

“Fu—hm……”

Revo, who was next to him, nodded a little. A small smile appeared on his lips.

It was not going to work, that phrase had not been spoken yet. Noel looked straight at Revo. The sunglasses reflected a comical looking red-faced man. However that man’s eyes were serious.

“…….Just like I thought, I want to do this with a band! I’ll look for band members! Is that alright?!”

The ones shocked by that speech were Ichizou and Eiji.

“Ehh? N, Now?!”

“Aren’t you being kinda unreasonable……?”

The two of them made a lot of sense. If Noel were in their position, he would likely say the same thing which was why he was unable to talk about it until now.

“Now…….But! It might be unreasonable! But I don’t want to hold anything back! So……!”

“Sure.”

“Also, if this wasn’t done in a band, I feel that that song can’t come to life……Hm?”

In the time when Noel was rambling non-stop, he heard Revo’s words and let out an idiotic sound.

“……What, did you say?”

Noel stared at Revo, flabbergasted and the other party returned a stare back at Noel with a curious expression.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to perform in a band?”

Revo spoke as though the matter was nothing significant, making Noel feel perplexed.

“Uh, yeah. So I will look for band members seriously……”

“Sure. If these band members are up to standards. It should be interesting.”

Noel seemed to relax for a few seconds after Revo said that then he spoke loudly.

“Are you seriously saying that?! Isn’t there hardly any time left?!”

“But you wanted to do this with a band, right?”

“Ri, right……!”

He was happy—his heart was beating with loud thumps and that joy coursed through his entire body.

“Yes……!”

Without think, Noel balled both hands into fists and he did a fist pump.

(T/N: Original text said guts pose. Go google it yourself to see what it looks like.)

That elation that made him clench his teeth and suddenly, he noticed his vision was getting weird. Revo’s face was no longer in front of him , instead it was a wood grained surface.

“Wah-! Noel-!”

Ichizou’s shouting voice, followed by pain on Noel’s forehead, and finally his consciousness being cut off.

“GON” and with a rather loud noise, Noel’s head struck the table. However, just like that, he lay on the table and fell asleep. Ichizou’s complexion turned ashen when he heard that loud noise.

“Is, is he alright……?”

“He just fell asleep, he should be fine.”

Revo said as he poked Noel, finding the situation amusing. Still with Noel stuck between them, Eiji looked at Revo, grinning.

“So, Revo-san, are you planning something?”

“Don’t say that, I’m always planning something.”

“Then I look forward to it-!”

Revo looked at Eiji, who was having fun, with a seemingly innocent look and Ichizou could only put on a strained smile.

“Revo-san is just that kind of person……”

Ichizou stared at Noel with a look of pity however Noel, who was in a land of dreams, was unable to receive that sympathy.

★

The next day, when Noel came back to his senses, he had returned to his apartment. Did someone send him back or did he return with his own power, he could no longer remember.

However he did remember ending up telling Revo “I want to do this with a band” at [ICHIZOU].

And then that guy agreed to the proposal easily as though it was a trivial matter with a “sure.”

Was is really okay to do this in a band? Was it really okay to say such unreasonable things at this point of time?

–It wasn’t a dream, was it.

Noel tried to call Revo numerous times to confirm this reality but perhaps Revo’s mobile was not on, he was unable to contact him.

“Why doesn’t the call go through……”

While Noel was being distracted by his phone, Ichizou came by to pick him up and he briefly abandoned the task of contacting Revo.

 

In the car that was headed towards BUNNY ONION for the meeting about the promotional materials, Noel crouched over, pressing on his forehead.

“My head hurts…….my forehead too….”

“Do you have medicine?”

“In the first place, those guys cans really drink……!”

For a moment, Noel glared at Revo and Eiji who were not present but as the pain in his head worsened a little, he looked up at Ichizou.

“Ah. Hey, did you contact Sunglasses today?”

“Aah, he had something to do today……so you won’t be able to call him even if you wanted to, he said so yesterday.”

“What, right after yesterday’s……where did he go?”

“What’s wrong, Noel? You look like you’re concerned about something……”

Now that he thought about it, Ichizou was present at that place too. He should have heard the entire conversation as well. Even if he could not confirm what had happened with Revo directly, he could just ask Ichizou.

“Hey, about what happened yesterday…….”

“Yesterday?”

Because he said those words under the influence of alcohol, he had no confidence if it was a dream or reality. No, even if he was not drunk, he could not believe it so he had to confirm it once more.’

“Yesterday, you see……”

However he became embarrassed when he remembered that incident. He placed one hand over his face to hide his flushed cheeks and spoke to Ichizou.

“……I, said something about wanting to perform as a band……”

“Ahh! Oh, that! Noel thought of that kind of style huh. But I also think that it’s good to do it as a band. It would definitely be cool!”

So Ichizou did hear it after all. But what he wanted to hear were not compliments.

“Ah, yeah……That’s great but……did that guy say anything?”

“That guy? Revo-san? Didn’t Noel hear it as well?”

“I did hear it but…..”

Ichizou looked puzzled and gave an answer that matched Noel’s memories.

“He said sure, didn’t he? As long as they were band members that he approved and all. Don’t you remember?”

“Yes, I remember! But that guy agreed in such an amazingly callous manner so I thought it could have been a dream!”

“Ah…….I see.”

Ichizou also nodded with a strained smile, then he spoke in an attempt to cheer Noel up.

“It’s fine, I heard it clearly, so did Eiji-san. If you don’t mind, Nii-san probably heard it as well.”

It was difficult to get it wrong with that many witnesses but Noel hung his head when he thought about all those people heard him speak out his true feelings under a drunken state. It was all Revo’s fault for making him drink more and more Shochu. But it was also his mistake to drink recklessly after being teased. At that time, Noel slowly began to realise what Revo had anticipated.

“……Did I get taken for a ride again……?!”

Noel said with a look of despair and Ichizou shifted his gaze away, nodding with a sympathetic expression.

“……Yeah, that’s how it is. Got taken for a ride & taken for a ride…….”

“That bastard…….!”

There was nothing Noel could take his anger out on and he scratched his own head. However he stopped that abruptly and calmed down.

(Well, thanks to that, it became okay for me to do this as a band.)

The alcohol probably gave Noel a chance to say the things he could not say.

“Oh right, Noel. About the band members, got anyone in mind?”

“Uu……”

Noel let out a short moan in response to Ichizou’s words but he quickly spoke, clenching his hands.

“Don’t have any……but I’ll look around. I did decide to do it after all.”

“Yeah, I thought as much, here.”

Ichizou handed Noel a flyer for an event at a Live House. It seems like a few famous artists will be present.

“There’s going to be an event at this Live House tomorrow. I thought you could ask around there. And you’re off tomorrow too.”

“A Live House……”

A place where Noel carried out his activities. The Live House where he wandered into aimlessly thinking that he could sing professionally. If one was a band member carrying out activities there, they would likely be familiar with the place.

“That’s true, sounds good. Alright, let’s go there tomorrow.”

Ichizou wanted to go too as he had not been to a Live House for a while. Rather than Noel going alone, it would be easier to talk to others if Ichizou, who was more apt at socialising, went along as well. Therefore the two decided to go together.

★

On the day of the event, Noel met up with Ichizou and headed for the Live House. Ichizou was dressed in a suit as well today. Noel told him it was alright to dress casually since it was his off day.

“If I want to do networking, I thought it might be better to look trustworthy.”

He said with a smile. Honestly, he was a reliable reinforcement for Noel.

Standing in front of the Live House that can hold a few thousand people, it seems like the event day was successful.

Noel noticed a familiar figure in front of the Live House. The Live performance was about to start soon but that person did not seem to be excited about it. Noel called out towards the back of the figure whose swaying hair reached past her waist.

“Eh, Marie……?”

“Noel-sama! Ichizou-san! To think I would meet the two of you here! You seem to have your hands full so I was wondering when would be the next time we could meet!”

Marie rushed over to Noel’s side and looked up at his face with both her hands clasped in front of her chest, looking elated.

Because of the phone call they had recently, Noel felt strangely embarrassed about it. While averting his gaze, he spoke.

“Well, I’m on leave today. What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to get information. A recently trending Visual Kei band is performing here today—Speaking of which, Noel-sama.”

Marie took Noel and Ichizou somewhere away from the crowd, where there were less people and asked in a soft voice.

“Are you doing this debut alone? I would definitely like to interview you about that…….”

“Not……”

Noel met Ichizou’s eyes. The two were troubled for a moment about whether it was alright to tell her but Marie would probably not carelessly disclose the information publicly. She might be able to help them.

“Actually……I said I wanted to perform as a band so we’re scouting out band members today.”

“My word! A band?!”

“Ma, Marie-san, your volume…..!”

“Ha! My, my apologies!”

Ichizou looked around his surroundings frantically while Marie covered her mouth after accidentally raising her voice and returned to speaking softly. At that time, the look of surprise became a smile.

“I also think that Noel-sama is more suited to be in a band!”

Marie directed words with such elation towards Noel that Noel became embarrassed for some reason and he looked away.

Just as he thought, it was probably good that he said he wanted to perform as a band.

Suddenly Marie returned to having a serious expression and stared at both Noel and Ichizou.

“You’re looking for band members together with Ichizou-san?”

“Yeah. Anyway, that’s the plan. Help me out if you see anyone who seems good.”

“Yep, of course! I will become Noel-sama’s power!”

Marie nodded melodramatically then tilted her head, as though she was perplexed.

“But, is it alright for you to do this without consulting Revo-sama?”

“It’s my band so shouldn’t I do the searching first. Also, I couldn’t get a hold of that guy since yesterday. I can’t keep relying on him and he said as long as they are band members he can acknowledge, it’s fine.”

“……fufu.”

“Wh, what? Are you laughing?”

Noel lightly scowled at Marie whose laughter spilled out despite covering her mouth.

“It’s nothing. That kind of thinking is also just like Noel-sama.”

Again, rather than being delighted, Marie smiled slightly with a look of relief.

“Somehow I thought there might have been something because you seemed to have changed just a bit and I got slightly worried…….But even though the Debut has been decided, Noel-sama is still Noel-sama.”

Marie spoke with such a gentle smile on her face and Noel got surprisingly shy about it. He looked away, scratching his head.

“How are you able to say such embarrassing things? Anyway, I haven’t changed, humans don’t change that easily.”

Noel spoke curtly but Marie’s smile never wavered,

“That’s true. However, you definitely have changed bit by bit without you knowing.”

“……Perhaps.”

As expected, Noel could only reply to Marie’s words in a blunt way.

He had seen his purpose for living, that can be said to be a huge change. For the sake of moving towards that goal, Noel might have changed. However he gets embarrassed when someone says that to him so he was unable to talk properly about it.

Ichizou suddenly prodded Noel’s arm. Noel turned his head and Ichizou signaled to Marie that he needed to cut the conversation. Pulling Noel’s arm, he whispered softly.

“Hey, Noel……Am I in the way & in the way? Should I just go back?”

“Ha? Why?”

Noel frowned and Ichizou’s eyes widened behind his glasses. Then covering his mouth, he looked away from Noel’s face.

“Eh, are you serious…….? Ah, if you didn’t notice then forget it. Sorry about that!”

“What’s with that reaction?! Also, we’re looking for band members so you can’t leave!”

Angrily yelling at Ichizou who was backing up with his face still turned away and Marie looked in their direction with a curious look on her face.

“Since we’re done talking, I actually have a question to ask…….is that alright?”

Marie directed the question at the two nervously and Ichizou looked back with a smile.

“Ah, yep. It’s fine, sorry for being a light bulb.”

“My word, a light bulb, that kind of……! That’s almost as though I am Noel-sama’s…….No, that kind of shameless…….!”

Marie’s cheeks became red from embarrassed when she heard Ichizou’s words and after placing her hands on her cheeks to hide her blushing, she turned her face away from Noel. Not knowing the meaning of Marie’s reaction, Noel returned to the question at hand right away.

“Oi, what did you want to ask?”

Noel’s words brought Marie back to her senses. She cleared her throat properly once and tilted her head, placing her index finger on her cheek.

“Revo-sama is rumored to be the kind of person who is extremely obsessed with music, right? Would that Revo-sama leave such an important task of gathering band members to just Noel-sama and Ichizou-san……? Ah, no! You both are not in any way inadequate for this task, that’s not what I’m implying!”

“Ah, it’s fine, I understand. That’s also something that crossed my mind……”

Ichizou smiled, trying to calm Marie who was waving her hands frantically, and he placed his hand under his jaw.

“I agree……That is true. Just that the fact that he’s quiet about this is fishy.”

They had their goal set on looking for members but going by how the pattern had been since the past, it was difficult to imagine that Revo would not do anything.

“What is that guy scheming…….?”

When Noel said that Ichizou, who had a lot of thoughts, raised his face and gave a strained smile.

“Speaking of which, Eiji-san asked the same thing. At that time, Revo-san said I’m always planning something……”

“That Sunglasses…….! What is he thinking, seriously……”

“Would you like to ask him?”

Marie’s gaze and voice went straight between the two. Noel and Ichizou looked down and the she smiled broadly at them.

“Though seeing a troubled Noel-sama is wonderful but a Noel-sama who would take action is more like it.”

Being told that, Noel and Ichizou looked at each other. Then Noel smiled first.

“……That’s true, that’s not like me at all.”

Noel took out his mobile phone from his jacket.

He did not know if the call would connect. Even so, he wants to know what Revo was thinking.

When “The Nighthawk Star” was created, he told Noel that they were相棒 [Partners]. It should be natural to want to know what one’s相棒 [Partner] was thinking, shouldn’t it? He did not want anything to be hidden from him anymore.

While looking for Revo’s contact number, Marie was beside Noel, looking at him with a grin on her face. It was difficult to ignore that smile and gaze and Noel gave Marie a sideways glance.

“……What is it?”

“Nothing. I feel that you should not worry, everything will be fine, Noel-sama. Revo-sama did choose Noel-sama after all. I’m sure he has something in his mind.”

Marie smiled, delighted and joyful as though she was the one in the situation and Noel just nodded vaguely.

To ensure that his blushing could not be seen, he pressed the dial button and turned his face away while pressing his mobile phone against his ear.

“Can it go through, I wonder?”

He was unable to contact Revo from yesterday. He also recalled other staff members saying that they were troubled by the fact that they could not get through either. Just when he was thinking that the situation was not working out, the call tone rang out. Seems like the other party’s mobile phone was on.

While the mobile phone’s ringing tone was playing, he suddenly thought back to Marie’s words.

–Revo-sama did choose Noel-sama after all.

(Why did he choose me……?)

Now that he had thought about it, he had never really asked for the reason.

(What is it……something……)

–His chest was noisy.

Was Revo really only attracted to Noel’s singing? Could there be possibly any other reasons?

As though to shut out Noel’s uneasy thoughts, the call tone cut off. Just as he was thinking if the call got cut, a gritty noise could be heard from the phone. He was about to exclaim about the horrible reception when a voice he was familiar with listening came through.

[Hello.]

“Ah…….”

He was thrust into the feeling of suddenly being returned to reality from his dreams and for a moment, Noel was tongue tied.

At that time, he heard Revo’s playful voice.

[Hello, Noe-noe-? Noe-tan?]

“I already told you not to call me that!”

The feeling of discomposure in his chest was pushed to the bottom and Noel asked Revo across the mobile phone.

“Actually……Is it really alright for me to choose the band members as I like?”

[Yup, it’s alright.]

Noel yelled angrily at Revo who acknowledged the question so lightly.

“Then don’t just agree to it so casually! Wouldn’t anyone think that it’s just a dream?!”

[Ah haha, you thought you were dreaming?]

“At that time, I was drunk! That’s why I’m confirming it another time now!”

[Right then. Of course it must be members I approve of, ‘kay?]

“……You’re definitely plotting something.”

In response to Revo’s usual light-hearted answer, Noel replied with a tone full of suspicion but as expected, it was not effective at all. Only a teasing voice replied him through the phone.

[Eh! It’s unthinkable that Noe-noe would be suspicious of me! Do you have that little trust in me.]

“Yes.”

[Isn’t that answer a bit too immediate? I’m so sad~]

Noel realised something when he heard Revo’s joyful voice.

–If this goes on, he’s going to misdirect me again.

“Because you yourself are already suspicious so I can’t trust you.—However.”

The words that surfaced did not really want to leave his mouth. However, it was annoying to be misdirected.

Being able to say words like that, he definitely changed.

“I know how you’re like when it comes to music, so I only have trust in that……no, actually I don’t.”

He quickly became embarrassed in the midst of saying idiotically honest words, knowing that resistance is useless, he faked it at the end. It seems like he could hear surprised voices from behind him and Noel looked over his shoulder and glared at Marie and Ichizou.

The two frantically turned their faces away.

[…………]

There was no immediate reply from Revo’s side. Perhaps, just like Marie and Ichizou, he was also shocked by Noel’s words.

“Oi! Say something! Also where the hell are you, you bastard Sunglasses!”

Noel could no longer endure the silence and furiously yelled through the mobile phone.

[You have such little trust in me……]

He could hear a small chuckle from the phone.

[I’ll look for support members for this song and Noel’s sake, so can you leave it to me?]

“Eh…..”

His breath got caught in his throat.

At that instant, he could not give a reply. Because until this moment, has this guy been the kind of person who talked about his thoughts that easily? The thought that he might been planning something again flashed through Noel’s mind but Revo had told him before.

— In order to create the greatest song, I will also work my hardest till the end.”

That statement was not a lie.

(Is it alright to think that I can trust him……?)

Noel wanted to complain about nothing being said to him but that was a trivial matter. Members were going to be searched for his sake. That matter made Noel’s chest feel hot.

It was this feeling again. The same feeling he got when his back was being pushed. Security and elation.

He knew that feeling that was gushing up from deep within him however he also felt regret for being embarrassed for unknown reasons. However, it was a fact that there was something he had to tell him.

“……I’m counting on you.”

Noel gripped his mobile phone and only said that. I trust—while praying that only that feeling could be delivered. Right now, he would not be able to see Revo no matter what. However, Noel lowered his head towards him over the phone. Even just a bit, it feels like that feeling can be sent over.

[Ah, ok.]

Again, Revo gave a short reply. After that calm reply, noise could be heard from the phone and the call cut off.

“Noel……? What did Revo-san…….?”

Ichizou called out to Noel and Noel whose heard was still lowered straightened up and turned his head. Ichizou and also Marie were looking at him with surprised expressions

Noel looked down at the display of his call log. In the time of the short call, at one go, it felt like the trust between him and Revo increased.

Noel stuck his mobile phone back into his pocket and in contrast to the delight within his hear, he replied with an irritated tone.

“He only asked if he could search for the support members. That bastard, wasn’t that his intention in the first place.

Ichizou and Marie both smiled as though a light lit up suddenly as they heard the words spoken by Noel who had a sour expression.

“My word…….! If so, a band debut had been decided!”

“If it’s Revo-san doing the searching then there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Somehow.”

In fact, that was what Noel was thinking as well but somehow or the other, he was unable to say it honestly. It seems like he had reached his quota for being frank today.

“But, Noel-sama, you’re happy too right? Revo-sama’s handpicked members!”

“We’re looking forward & looking forward to it!”

“……whatever, as long as they’re fellas who don’t hold me back.”

Noel abruptly turned his face away from the two who were excited. However, no matter how he tried to hide it, he realised that the two of them witnessed the moment when he bowed his head and his ears became warm.

Did he have a face that was really that easy to read?

 

In the end, they did not search for any members at the Live House. As such, he enjoyed the event together with Ichizou and Mari.

Noel who was on stage more times than he was in the audience, looked at the scene from the audience’s point of view which he had not done for a long time.

Intense flashing lights. Riding on the loud music, the vocalist’s singing voice rang out strongly and the audience waved their arms around.

–I wonder what it would feel like to sing “The Nighthawk Star” over there?

While looking at the live performance, that was the only thought in his head.

“……I want to sing soon.”

Without thinking, the words that spilled out from deep within his heart were drowned out by the blasting noise as though telling him that it was not time for that yet.

★

Three days after the event at the Live House. Noel was summoned by Revo so Ichizou went to his place to pick him up. While walking in the passageway towards the recording studio, Noel tilted his head.

“Don’t tell me, he has already chosen the members……?”

“I didn’t hear anything either but I wonder if that’s what we’re going to talk about today.”

“There’s really no time left, huh?”

“I wonder what the new members are like. Somehow I’m getting excited about it……!”

“What are we going to do with you?”

Noel took a jab at Ichizou calmly while the latter was pressing a hand against his own chest. However, it was not as though Noel was not nervous about the situation at all.

The phrase “new members” rang out loudly within Noel’s chest. He had not had any fond memories of his band members. Some were even so bad that his audience could tell it was bad.

Will he be able to handle it well this time—no, he must do it. For the sake of delivering “The Nighthawk Star”.

They arrived at the front of the studio and Ichizou stopped right in front of it.

“Don’t get nervous!”

“I’m not nervous, I just don’t know if I should be bringing you here.”

“But this is the studio?!”

“I don’t know if I have to go in.”

Sighing at Ichizou whose face had turned pale from nervousness, Noel opened the studio door.

Inside were the usual staff and Revo. However, the staff members looked somewhat nervous.

Then looking towards the booth, Noel’s eyes widened.

“Eh……”

Noel was speechless and Revo spoke to him in his usual tone.

“Hi, you’re here. The preparations are already done so quickly get into the booth.

“……………….ha?”

Noel stared blankly with his mouth agape at the order just as he was in the midst of entering the studio.

“What are you doing~, Noe-noe. This way.”

Pulling on Noel’s arm whose owner was frozen on the spot, Revo opened the door to the booth.

“Noel is coming ~ in.”

With a “Pon”, his back was pushed and he was thrown into the booth. While staggering, Noel turned his head but Revo had already shut the door.

“Haaaaaaaaaa?!”

[You’re so noisy, Noe-noe. Get ready quickly.]

“Get ready but….”

The booth which he tumbled into. In it were five men. There were two on the guitar and the other three were with the bass, drums and keyboard. Those performers looked at Noel and smiled as though they were prepared a thousand times over.

The band members have been gathered.

“What’s the meaning of this……”

As though the answer the words that have been mumbled without thinking, the drums suddenly burst out into a beat.

The man with flashy orange hair waved his drumsticks around, having fun. This time the sound to fly to Noel’s ears was the low frequency of the bass. The red-haired man took a fleeting glance at Noel and smiled. The next was the flowing melody from the keyboard. The fingers of the stoic looking man gracefully glided across the keys of the keyboard. The two on the guitar exchanged glances with each other and at the same time, their sounds sprinted into the distance.

Without a word being expressed by them, Noel knew what they wanted to tell him.

—-Come and join us. If you can, that is.

Their sounds were demanding for Noel’s singing, loudly provoking him.

(What, is this……)

The air was vibrating with electricity and the sound rushed in violently, closing in on Noel.

It was oppressive. But more than that, the impulse deep within his body rushed out.

–I want to sing!

At the same time he thought that strongly, he could hear the guitar’s sound become the cry of the nighthawk within him.

Noel clung onto the microphone and his singing went up into the air.

“To outrun my sadness–”

In the torrent of sound that would drag him along or leave him behind if he lost focus, Noel’s singing continued to rise higher.

Each instrument continued to play the sounds that were so intense that it was almost violent. However they knew that all this was for the sake of Noel’s song. They gave their best, supporting Noel’s singing, pulling it along.

This feeling enhanced Noel’s exaltation. It felt like he could fly as far as he wanted. Even as high as the stars—

The last note ended and they looked at Noel, their gazes focused on him and Noel had a sensation that he woke up from a dream.

(What the heck is this….what the heck is this, what the heck is this………!)

The sweat that flowed from his temple went to his jaw and fell.

His breathing was ragged, his body felt hot and his heart felt like it was going to explode and this was not just because he sang with all his strength.

The ecstasy that was so great it was unbelievable lit his body up till it burned.

While adjusting his breathing and posture, Noel slowly asked the five men.

“You’re the band……members………?”

They grinned when they heard Noel’s voice.

“Nice to meet you.”

The flashy drummer said that with a smile and all of them opened their mouths at the same time, no cue needed.

“Noe-Noe!”

Being addressed as such by a perfect quintet, Noel was frozen. He was in that state for a couple of seconds but quickly the vein on his forehead popped up.

“It’s N-O-E-L! Damn Sunglasses! I told you to stop calling me weird names!”

Noel pointed in the direction of the booth where Revo was and yelled angrily through the microphone.

“Al-so, what’s up with this! If you’re gonna do something so awesome, you could have said something!”

[Surprise, as long as you like it.]

“It’s not that I like it or………!”

It was not known if Revo heard Noel’s rebuttal. He entered the booth and waved his hand towards the band members.

“That was a self-introduction.”

“Self-introduction?”

“I thought that this session would be the best way for all of you to know each other.”

He knew their abilities better than any words or handshake could accomplish. They probably felt the same way as well.

“So, what do you think?”

Revo peered at Noel and a smile formed on his lips, saying “though I already know your reply.”

Re-adjusting his breathing that was all over the place, Noel only said one thing.

“…….They’re the damn best.”

The exhilaration that he never felt before caused his hand to shake even now. His pulse had not really corrected itself either.

Once more, no, from now on, was he always going to perform with these members. With that thought, his heart started to race again.

“Everything is prepared so anything is fine.”

In front of such heat, whatever the act ended up like, it did not matter.

Noel looked at Revo and each of the members one by one and then declared in a strong voice.

“I don’t even know your names yet but if it’s not these members then I’m not performing!”

Hearing those words, Revo nodded, satisfied. The performance from earlier was already telling of the members’ answers.

The happiness became another heat, spreading out within Noel’s chest. As the heat soaked in, he heard Revo’s voice that had no tension.

“What are we going to do about the band’s name?”

It was a calm voice but what he said was of major importance.

Noel had not thought of this at all. However, at that moment, words appeared within Noel’s head like the twinkling of stars. There was no time for him to scrutinize his own thoughts and Noel spoke out that name.

“–, how about that?”

Hearing the words from Noel, the members also nodded, satisfied and smiles appeared on their faces.

“Then it’s decided.”

Noel was naturally unable to hold back his smile in response to Revo’s words.

★

It may be night but there were still a lot of people crowded at the scramble crossing. It was said that it was the end of the rainy season but only the people here could feel a considerable amount of humid heat. Noel stopped suddenly in the middle of the surging crowd and looked up at the large LCD screen that was placed on one of the buildings.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, he heard the synthesized sounds of stars twinkling. Words then leapt out. Behind the words were the background of a night sky and a silver haired man. A singing voice, one that he knew better than others, rang out from that man.

[VANISHING STARLIGHT]

Guitar YUKI

Guitar Leda

Bass IKUO

Drums JUN-JI

Keyboards AKITO

Vocal Noël

[The Nighthawk Star]

2014.10.01 On Sale

–The Nighthawk has spread its wings.

Noel continued to look at the LCD screen and he felt it. At the same time the nighthawk spread its wings, his heart cried out as well.

Someone’s shoulder bumped into Noel.

“Ah, sorry about that.”

Hearing that man’s apologetic voice, Noel gradually returned to reality.

“It’s fine…….”

Absentmindedly replying the man, he stared at the display of the large LCD screen once more. The display had already been changed to another image. While looking at it, Noel smiled.

There was already nothing stopping the nighthawk from soaring.

★

On that day, even though it was past midnight, Noel remained in the studio. Other than him, there were three other staff members and Ichizou staying back. Everyone was looking at a laptop. The display of the laptop showed the website of a radio program “The Oil King, Aladdin’s Arabian Limited.”
(T/N: I can’t even…whut?)

“How nerve-wrecking, huh, Noel?”

“Well…..”

Noel was seated right in front of the laptop and stared intently at the radio program that had yet to start.

He noticed that Ichizou, who was next to him, was using his smart phone.

“That’s unexpected, instead being nervous, you’re playing with your phone.”

“I was sending information to the fans! Revo-san told me that this was my job.”

Ichizou said as such and showed Noel the display. One the display was the announcement for the debut date as well as information and such about the debut song “The Nighthawk Star”. The notice for the radio programme today was clearly there as well.

He noticed the words that was right on top of all the information.

“Falsely Similar Horizon LINE……? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Something like, it has become something that people from other worlds can also see. That’s what Revo-san said.”

“Seriously…….”

Noel looked towards Ichizou with a doubtful gaze but the latter smiled brightly.

“I don’t know but that means no matter where the place is, there are people who support Noel, don’t you think that’s something to be happy about. Ah, since it’s a rare chance that you’re here, do you want to write a message to your fans?”

“……I don’t do those kinds of things, just say what you think I would say、–The programme is about to start.”

The time displayed on the laptop changed to 01:00 and the sound of the radio programme came out from the laptop. It started with radio DJ’s free talk then the requested songs started playing. Picking up with the CM, the first corner.

[Now let’s introduce the newest music news! The first release of the debut song by VANISHING STARLIGHT on the first of October!]

““Here it is!””

Both Ichizou and Noel raised their voices at the same time when they heard the light-hearted talk together with the introduction of the band.

[It’s the band that’s fully produced by the mysterious musician Revo and it has been garnering attention and become the center of discussions. The vocalist Noel is an outstanding talent who had been scouted by Revo himself, no wonder there’s been so much attention. Anyway, today we’re have their debut song “The Nighthawk Star” on air, earlier than anywhere else!]

“Here it comes, Noel……!”

“I know that.”

Noel, who was more nervous than Ichizou, gave him a small push but his eyes never moved an inch from the laptop. His heart was pounding in a noisy manner.

He could tell that in the background of the DJ’s chatting, “The Nighthawk Star” was playing softly yet prominently.

[Someday we will invite them to this show. I would really love to hear why Revo, who had never produced anything before, decided to do a production for Noel.]

Noel who had been nervously fidgeting, suddenly came to a complete stop. Ichizou stared at Noel with a curious expression on his face but he quickly returned his gaze to the laptop when he heard what the DJ said next.

[Now, do you all want to hear? [The Nighthawk Star] by VANISHING STARLIGHT!]

“It’s here, Noel!

“Ye, yeah!”

After the short exchange between the two, the intro started playing. It was supposed to be something he got used to hearing but it felt different to hear these sounds being played through the public radio waves.

Right now, thus sound was being delivered to the ears of a great number of people who were tuned in to the radio.

Would this get delivered to them.

What kind of people would be listening to this song carefully.

Would this song that Noel sung with all his might give someone support.

Instinctively, Noel clasped his hands together and listened to his own song as though in prayer.

[And that was [The Nighthawk Star] by VANISHING STARLIGHT.]

After the song ended, the DJ introduced the song gently without disturbing the end of the song.

The short version of [The Nighthawk Star] used for promotions finished in a blink of the eye.

[A lot of people got the goosebumps listening to this novel and fast-paced rock tune, right? Look forward to this song on its release date, the first of October! This is a band you should not take your attention off of from now on! Next up is–]

The DJ introduced the next song.

It had ended.

Noel, Ichizou as well as the staff present all let out a sigh of relief. It was not as though they all held their breaths but the tension made them feel like they did not get enough oxygen.

“It was really on air!”

“Yeah……for now anyway.”

Noel smiled while saying as such and he released his hands that he had been gripping tightly. Looking down at his hands that had turned white, he suddenly started thinking.

— I would really love to hear why Revo, who had never produced anything before, decided to do a production for Noel.

(That’s something I want to ask too…….)

It was something that was asked time and again during magazine interviews. At that time, with half a laugh,

“He had always been observing me. Like a stalker.”

He had answered in such a manner but even Noel had not heard a clear answer. He never asked either.

Somehow or other, he had always avoided asking.

(No……it’s not that, I’m…..)

–Afraid to ask.

Even so, he felt that he needed to know the truth.

Finally he had a partner who thought he could be trusted, a partner who he could trust. He never thought that he wanted to know everything about him. No matter what, that man would probably not give him an answer. However, just the fundamental reason for why he wants Noel to sing, shouldn’t that be something he needs to know no matter what? As the days went by, that feeling just became stronger.

(I have to ask him.)

This was above all, unpleasant. If he debuted with these kinds of feelings, the songs that he painstakingly tried to deliver would be messed up by pointless things.

Noel stood up and walked out of the studio. Feeling agitated, he took out his mobile phone when he stepped outside.

After the call tone, the call connected.

[Do you need something?]

Revo answered without any particular confusion in his tone despite it being late at night.

Noel spoke frankly.

“I have something I want to talk to you about.”

★

The next night after [The Nighthawk Star] was on air, Noel leaned against the fence on the roof and looked down at the night scenery. He idly stared at the artificial lights that looked like stars twinkling when he heard the sound of footsteps beside him.

Revo stood right next to Noel.

“The air sure is cooling up here.”

“…….But it makes me feels like its sweltering hot after looking at you.”

Noel let out a strained smile when he looked at Revo who was still dressed in pitch black as usual even though its summer. It was almost as though there was a blackout only at the place Revo was standing.

Suddenly, without any hesitation, Revo balled his hand into a fist and held it right under Noel’s chin. Noel’s eyes widened and Revo spoke to him in a joking tone.

“The song went on air without a hitch, how do you feel about it right now?”

Apparently, he was holding an imaginary microphone. Noel turned his face away thinking that the situation was idiotic but he still answered.

“……Well, it’s just one step forward, isn’t it?”

“Oh my, you’re surprisingly humble. Thank you for your calm and dull reply.”

“You’re so annoying! That’s how it is!

Revo laughed as Noel angrily yelled rude words to the reporter. It was just those few words but that was his answer.

“It’s only over the radio and it’s short but……do you think it got delivered…….properly?”

Somehow, as Noel ran his fingers across the fence, it was his turn to ask Revo questions. Revo gave a serene smile.

“The reactions were really big, didn’t you hear about it from Ichizou-kun”

“Big excites & Big excites, according to him……but somehow I don’t quite have feelings about it…….”

He tried to mimic Ichizou’s manner of speaking but the reality did not sink in yet. However, he knew that even at places where he could not see, there is an incredible force pushing things forward.

Revo unintentionally let out a chuckle when he saw Noel’s reaction and looked up at the sky.

“It’s going to get rough from here on out.”

Perhaps one can imagine that Revo’s expression when he said that seemed like one ready for a challenge.

In this time where CDs are said not to sell well, he was fighting on with something as unreliable as songs. That was something this man would always continue to do.

And Noel was already part of this battle.

“Yeah, from here on out.—That’s why.”

Noel’s eyes left the night scenery and he looked straight at the man standing next to him.

“I have something that I want to ask you.

Revo also stared at Noel straight in the face. Those black sunglasses reflected Noel’s reflection.

Gripping his trembling hands tightly into a fist, Noel opened his mouth.

“The reason for deciding to produce songs for me. I really think that zeroed in on my songs. Even so……”

Noel stopped talking and Revo tilted his head.

“You can’t trust me?”

“No, it’s not that! I really think that, seriously.”

Noel instantly denied Revo’s words.

If Revo did not acknowledge Noel’s songs, then the things done till now, rejecting his lukewarm composition, assisting him in composing a good song, gathering the best band members, should not have happened. This was not a mere ordinary amount of labour being put in.

Even so, he felt that it was not just that.

“…….Do you have some other motive?”

He had no evidence. He could only say that it was his gut feeling but no matter what, that was what he thought.

–Because I trust you.

Without any words, they spoke only with their eyes and Noel stared at Revo. For a moment, Revo also looked at Noel from the back of his sunglasses.

The time passed without words.

That was the answer.

He had another motive.

Sweat fell from Noel’s temple. It was said that it was because the midsummer nights were hot.

Noel thought that Revo had no intention of giving him a reply but unexpectedly, he opened his mouth.

“It’s true that I was drawn to your songs.”

What was behind the sunglasses could not be seen. However Revo kept his gaze locked on Noel and Noel knew that those were the words he wanted to deliver.

“On top of that, I was thinking that I want someone’s songs to reach people in a place that my songs won’t reach no matter what.”

“A place where your songs, can’t reach…….?”

As though Revo was telling him that the place is over there, he looked up at the night sky. Without thinking, Noel followed that line of sight.

It may be due to the brightness of the streets or there were clouds in the sky but only a few stars could be seen today.

“If it was your singing voice, just maybe, it would be able to reach that place. I was placing my stakes on your songs.”

Noel returned his gaze back at Revo with a troubled look. What was he saying, he did not understand at all. Firstly, was there really a place where songs could not reach. If the rumors were true, this man was supposedly able to cross worlds.

“Do you mean heaven, or something like that……?”

Revo, who was looking up in the sky, also looked back at Noel and straightened his sunglasses.

“Yeah, you could say they’re dead or they haven’t been born, perhaps. Or they don’t really exist.”

“What the heck is that? Some kind of riddle? Or are you trying to dodge the question again?”

“Not at all. At the very least, I am not lying to you.”

Just like always, Revo smiled and spoke calmly. For some reason, it was extremely infuriating—If it was such an important goal, spit it out so I can understand so I can cooperate.

He had not felt that irritation that cannot be erased for a while since [The Nighthawk Star] was created.

At this time, it would be best not to say anything. He would definitely say something to conclude this. Even though Noel understood that, words still slipped out of his mouth.

“So, you’re making use of me for the sake of some people who may or may not exist.”

“You’re wrong.”

Revo denied the statement clearly. However, nothing could be read from that face that had sunglasses on.

–That’s strange. I could understand him just now.

Looking at Noel, Revo put his words together.

“You and I are similar so our goals should be the same. Since you—“

“You and I are different!”

Covering up Revo’s words by speaking loudly, Noel clenched his fists.

“Why do you always decide to do things your way. Why don’t you discuss anything with me? Do you really mistrust me that much?”

He was clenching his fists tightly but his pulse and heart were beating in unison. Did he want to say this kind of thing all along, even he did not know anymore.

Ka-chi, the sound of the sunglasses being straightened. Noel raised his head, which was lowered, when he heard that. Noel looked at Revo and without moving, he opened his mouth.

“Isn’t it you, Noel, who doesn’t trust me?”

“Ha…….?”

He did not expect such words to be said.

For he had never trusted anyone this much.

“Stop bullshitting………!”

–Am I going to be betrayed again? Am I going to be abandoned? That’s not what’s supposed to happen. Revo and I are connected strongly by music.

And yet.

His frustration exploded and became words, hitting Revo.

“The debut, even the support members, you’re always, always deciding things on your own! How am I supposed to trust someone like that……!”

“I will not do things that will put you at a disadvantage. And I haven’t done such a thing have I? You should know that as well.”

Those words were spoken calmly but they only served to aggravate Noel further

I should know as well?

I can’t understand. A guy who does not tell me anything.

“Don’t decide things on your own! I’m not a brat who can’t make his own decisions anymore! Don’t you know how frustrating it is for you to decide every little thing?!”

Revo listened to Noel’s angry yelling to the end without any change to his expression.

Then he, in a tone that was as calm as ever, asked Noel.

“Then, doesn’t it mean there’s no reason for me to be here?”

In a tone that he had always used, Revo said the decisive words.

“…….Perhaps.”

Noel spoke quietly but the words did not vanish into the hustle and bustle of the city.

“I am no longer some existence that would be given things all the time. This time I must become someone who can contribute too. I can accomplish my goals even if you’re not around. I…….”

Staring at Revo’s black sunglasses, Noel said his conclusion.

“I don’t need you.”

–I said it.

Even so, he really thought that he should not just borrow this man’s power. If so, he did not say these words wrongly.

For a moment, only the sound of the city and the wind passed between the two.

The edges of Revo’s lips curled up into a broad smile. That was a reaction that Noel did not foresee.

“Then, why not try it out alone?”

Revo informed Noel as such as though he was giving him a request and walked towards the door.Without thinking, Noel wanted to call out to stop him but right before he could, Revo suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned his head towards Noel.

“Do your best.”

After saying that, Revo vanished into the direction of the door. Noel gave chase but when he reached the door and opened it, any sign of Revo was already gone.

 

From the following day onwards, Revo was completely uncontactable.