Afterglow's members entered the CirCLE's backstage, and as they passed by Marina and me, she complimented them on their performance.
"Ohh~ Ran-chan, that was a nice performance," Marina said with a smile.
But Ran's response left us puzzled. "It's not better yet."
"Not better?" Marina and I exchanged glances, both confused.
"Tell me how it's not better yet? The performance was one of the best I've ever heard," I said, expressing my genuine admiration.
Ran looked at me and Marina, a glint of determination in her eyes. "We're always pushing ourselves to get even better, to create unforgettable experiences for our fans."
"Honestly, Ran is quite shocked right now because Roselia has gotten more audience than us," Himari said, with a sigh.
Ran quickly tried to deny it, "O-Oi! That's not t-true at all!"
"If only we could also get an MV..." Tomoe sighed. "I wonder who made that MV?"
My body stiffened, and I couldn't help but look away. "Hmmm~ m-must be a good editor," I stammered, my nerves getting the better of me.
"I-If only we also had a good editor, right, Ran-chan?" Tsugumi said looking down with a sad expression.
I feel guilty now.
"It's okay, Tsugu... We'll improve and then beat Yukina Minato!" Ran declared, her eyes blazing with determination.
Meanwhile, Marina-san struggled to hold back her laughter, her hand covering her mouth and her face turned away.
"By the way... Marina-san?" Moca asked, staring at Marina. "Why are you laughing?"
Marina finally let out a giggle and admitted, "I'm sorry; I couldn't help it. You guys are just too cute!"
"By the way Nakasone-kun," Tomoe said with a warm smile, "I heard you've been spending time with Ako lately. Thanks for that."
I returned her smile, feeling at ease. "Of course, Ako's great to hang out with. We've had some fun times."
"That's good to hear," Tomoe replied, her eyes shining with gratitude. "She's really enjoying it."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice Tsugumi sitting quietly, a gentle smile on her face.
Tomoe suggested, "Alright, let's get some ramen, everyone!"
"Sounds good," Moca replied, her voice soft and timid.
"Mmhm," Ran only nodded as she responded.
"Me too, me too," Himari chimed in.
But Tsugu seemed a bit hesitant, "Ehh? Ramen again?"
"Why not? It's great anyway," Tomoe insisted.
"Alright then, have a good night, everyone," Marina said with a wave as the Afterglow members left. Then, she turned to me and continued, "Well then, Nakasone-kun, why didn't you mention that you were the editor?"
I sighed and confessed, "I didn't want more work."
Marina chuckled, "You say that, but you're always ready to help them."
"You got me, Marina-san."
"Hehehe, well then, let's clean up the place and close for today. I'll be gone tomorrow, so I'll leave the rest to you," she said, as she headed out.
"Roger," I nodded and started cleaning up the lounge.
After completing my shift at the CirCLE, it was already 9:30. Marina-san had dismissed me early, as she was taking a day off tomorrow. I quickly changed back into my school uniform in the staff room and made my way out of the livehouse.
However, when I exited the venue, I was greeted by a familiar face. Mitake Ran was sitting on a chair in the cafe area.
I thought she was with her childhood friends. Did she come back?
"Yo," she greeted me casually.
"Hello," I replied, a bit surprised. "Wait, were you waiting for me?"
Ran nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, I have something to ask you."
I nodded in response to Ran's question. She then stood up and approached me, looking quite serious.
"SO it was you who made that MV too," she mused, tapping her chin in thought.
I nodded again, slightly puzzled by her reaction.
But then, to my surprise, she groaned, "I was almost close as well!"
Hm? Close? Wait... I've heard from Marina-san that Roselia and Afterglow are rivals... Eh? Don't tell me... I got in their way?!
Ran looked at me and sighed, "You can go now, that's just what I wanted to know."
I hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Wait... Mitake-san."
She turned to me, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Huh? Is there something else you want to say?"
"I'll help Afterglow too."
She blinked in surprise but then shook her head, "Sorry, but I think we can handle this with just the four of us."
"Eh?"
"Yeah, don't feel guilty. I'm guessing Minato-san asked for your help with the MV, right?"
I nodded in confirmation.
Ran let out a small, knowing smile. "I thought so."
I mumbled an apology, feeling a bit awkward.
Ran reassured me, "I said it's fine already. Don't worry about it. You can go home now. I'll be taking my leave too."
Even if you say that... It's kinda hard to not think about it.