Springtime - [Published ON AMAZON]

Episode Thirteen: The Winners [Final]

CHAPTER 13

All the bands were called back on stage as they dimmed the lights and the finals' music of anticipation played as the announcer spoke.

"And the winner of Springtime Band Championship is...."

Everyone got up from their seats screaming their band's name.

"This Is Us!" all fans: stadium audience and online crowds cheered.

"Congratulations to This Is Us! You are Springtime Band Champions!" the announcer declared.

"No way!" Rose yelled.

"We did it, guys!" Haruto smiled.

Jinji cried out, "I didn't want to cry on stage but now I'm a fountain."

"Come here, bro," Shinzo said patted his back and hugged him.

Tendo laughed, "This is weird but it feels good to win guys."

"Yeah, we worked hard for this," Otani added.

"Group hug!" Rose screamed.

Rose and Haruto hugged each other.

"Seriously," Otani and Shinzo frowned.

"Come here, you idiots!" Haruto laughed and everyone hugged and jumped around as confetti and balloons fell.

"I love you guys," Rose admitted.

"We're family, sis except for these guys," Tendo reminded and jokingly pointed at her step-brothers and Otani.

"Hey! At least she loves us," Jinji chuckled.

They received a massive silver-flower trophy and gold microphones. As they performed their main single, My Family. The crowd sang along happily. The next day, at school in their music club where they hang-out Principal Karen and Head Master Ken showed up.

"My champions! Welcome back!" they greeted with a smile.

"Thank you!" everyone replied.

"Tomorrow is officially summer break," Principal Karen said.

"Enjoy your holidays and world tour," Head Master Ken added looking to his vacation with Principal Karen in Switzerland.

"We'll post photos and do live streams so you won't miss out," Rose smiled.

"Looking forward to it. Oh, after everything settles with you guys as a band don't forget to turn in your assignments. Your teachers agreed to work with us for your special academic arrangement," Principal Karen mentioned.

"Okay, thanks," Jinji smiled.

"So you won't be left out on anything," Head Master Ken admitted.

"Once you complete all your assignments and be present in class," Principal Karen started until she got cut by Ken.

"You'll graduate," Head Master Ken confirmed.

"Okay!" everyone answered.

Months later, after graduating high school and completing their first tour as a band. Rose left home and spent her winter holidays with her grandfather, Naoto. He was going through an old photo book and showed her uncle and her mother until a little boy appeared in the picture holding onto her mother's hand.

"Who's that kid, Grandpa?" Rose asked as she saw him hold onto the photo dearly.

A bit surprised by her presence, "Rose-san! What are you doing here? I thought you left to meet your friend, Erica."