Stars' Song: Clef

Chapter 21 : Battle of the Bands

21-1

Pollux had spare time to be a part of the spectators. Considering the jam-packed population, we were at the very back of the herd. A congested Amadome was thrilling in and of itself. Because the eventgoers fought for a clear view of the stage, the rear of the Amadome was comfortably spacious.

"Sierra High! Make some noise~!!!" The Supreme Student Government vice president acted as the host of the show. Ear-piercing roars quaked the covered court, our mere cheers barely adding to the noise. "Today, we will get yet another chance to appreciate the musical talents of our schoolmates as they compete against each other... in Sierra High School's Battle of the Bands Contest!!!"

"This is overwhelming..." I was able to catch Amber's susurrations regardless of the shouting.

Another reason why the five of us must remain at the rear-end of the crowd was to make it easier for any SSG members to find us when it was time for preparations. From this viewpoint, nearsighted students might find it difficult to see the musicians. Students continued to fill the venue as the emcee introduced the judges and thanked sponsors.

Ronin turned to Amber, who took advantage of friction to warm her palms. "You okay, Amber?"

"J-just a little nervous!"

A scheming Ronin glanced at Keith, who had a sly expression of his own. The two nodded at one another, their synchronization succeeded by Ronin's cunning tone. "The first time we performed, the four of us held hands so we wouldn't be nervous!"

"No, we didn't," Cyril refuted.

"Yes, we did." Keith elbowed Cyril's ribs.

"No, we- oh, yeah, we did." What a quick change of opinion.

"No, we-"

"Shut up, June. You don't have a say in this." Ronin shooed me. Huh?! Why not?!

"Oh...! R-really? I see!" Hook, line, and sinker. I didn't expect someone as bright as Amber to be deceived by someone as moronic as Ronin. Hold on a minute, this means-

"Yeah! So, let's put our hands together, okay?" Accomplished, Ronin hopped in situ.

With the way we were lined up, I was going to hold the hands of...

"June..." Amber's expectant gaze aimed at me.

This is nothing! We're just calming Amber down! Yup! Nothing at all! "Okay." My entire body shivered to the contact of her icy paw. "Oh... you're really nervous."

"Mhm... but this helps... thank you, guys." Amber's notorious bow struck once again.

"No problem! You're welcome, June! I mean, Amber!" Ronin winked and provided me a thumbs-up.

With my hands occupied, I couldn't wallop his skull. Instead, I huffed at his antics.

"And now, for the first band who will kick off this event. These students have constantly played in all the Battle of the Bands contests in their school year! And astonishingly, they have won two of them!"

The single detail was enough to heighten the throng's delirium. The emcee read from a piece of paper—it likely contained the descriptions required from each band for their introductions.

"They are a group of friends with an intense passion for making music, and said passion is fueled by the overwhelming support from... every single one of you!"