Springtime - [Published ON AMAZON]

Episode Twelve: One-Sided

CHAPTER 12

After arriving at the ice skating rink, the stands were filled with fans, chanting their band's songs, screaming out their names and banners had bizarre requests for their favorite members. Their lightsticks were glowing like an ocean reflecting with the stars during the evening and balloons filled the air.

"Whoa!" Rose said as everyone came up beside her.

"I know!" Jinji yelled.

"Massive crowd, don't you think?" Tendo added.

"Yeah, they're so hyped up for this round!" Haruto smiled.

"I'm feeling kind of nervous," Rose said shaking a little before Haruto could say something else Otani held her hand.

"Don't be, I'm here for you," he flirted.

Haruto tapped Otani's hand away," Hands off my girlfriend, punk."

He looked at Rose who blinked. He continued, "Just stay beside me or hold my hand instead and everything will be better. I promise."

Rose hesitated but then she grabbed his hand. All of a sudden, her heart and nerves calm down as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and exhaled feeling relieved. As soon as she opened her eyes, Haruto kissed her and pulled away smiling.

"You're my girl remember that," he said.

Rose smirked, "I don't think so yet," she kicked his leg and got on the ice skating rink with the others.

"Rose! I promise you'll be my girl forever!" Haruto shouted.

"We'll see about that!" Rose smiled blushing.

"All bands assemble on the ice, one minute till performance," the announcer said.

They skated to their instruments, Rose stood in position with her keyboard and Haruto picked up his guitar and smirked, "Ready, babe?"

"Don't say that," Rose answered. "But yeah," she added.

"Let's play!" The announcer commenced.

Then the music started in order.

When This Is Us's Sunshine came on everyone was ecstatic. They loved the way Rose and Haruto performed the song exceptionally well. The crowd was on their feet dancing and singing along. It was a live concert broadcasted everywhere around the world, viewers and fans voted for their favorite bands. Next, the other bands performed soon and then no band was eliminated; what a shocking result, everyone move onto the fourth and fifth round, the finals. Single Debut Performance and Practice Session videos were held at the Flower Festival in Osaka. Everyone was dressed in their kimonos to perform on the outdoor stage as cherry blossoms' petals flew on the stage and float in the air. Plus holograms and drones were set up to showcase special anime characters and cool illusions depending on the mood of the song.

Erica and Yuri came along as support, make-up artists, stylists, and prep talk instructors. In their dressing room; everyone was laughing and eating, which helped calm their nerves.

"Everyone is rooting for guys! We can't wait to hear one of your new singles that will be in your new album," Erica spoke.

"Yeah, what's it called?" Yuri asked.

The guys looked at Rose and said, "Thousand Tears."

"It's an upbeat pop song with a sentimental touch," Haruto said.

"It's about love. When you love someone's tears of joy, forgiveness, and understanding it makes you realize your love for them is more than a thousand tears," Rose said.