Ephemeral Garden

Welcome to the stage of the girls.

What you are about to see is, her story, with a secret.

What awaits ahead? Bliss or doom? Until the moment the curtain falls, let us witness together the opera of the dolls.

...

Doloris... Now, it's the night of the awakening.

Shall I wake her up?

If you force her to wake up, you might break her soul.

Onee-sama.

It's alright. The moonlight will wake her up.

The moon swallowed by shadows comes back to life, and the poor doll once again takes on a temporal life...

...!

Now, let's begin... tonight's masquerade!

That was another breathtaking performance! Could you share your enthusiasm for the upcoming Budokan performance?

Our mission is to create a dream-like experience for our guests.

We would be delighted if you also immerse yourself in the world of Ave Mujica at Budokan next time.

Budokan is amazing!

It hasn't been long since our debut.

Emphasize that it's the "fastest ever"!

O-Okay. How about you, Mortis-san?

! I... ......

As you can see, Mortis is a little shy. Mortis, let's end with a gratitude.

Thank you very much...

Thank you for your time. I'll take my leave now.

Have a good evening.

Phew... finally, I can take it off~

Don't take it off until you are back in the dressing room. You never know who is watching.

Huh? Am I getting exposed? Amoris is actually Nyamuchi...

Amoris

So, do you mean that... we are going to keep these masks on forever? It's messing with our faces and numbers.

...

Uika from sumimi. Daughter of the great comedian Wakaba and the star actress Minami Mori.

We could simply take the masks off to make the whole world notice us.

Ave Mujica does not undersell. First, we need to build a track record, then work on our music...

"I liked it yesterday, but got bored of it today."

!

The world is cruel, and they might get bored if you keep messing around.

...

I am not going to let this band be just a passing fad.

I told you. Give me the rest of your life.

Saki-chan...

Hmm...

I know the proper moment to play my card. We will take the masks off at the best stage and at the best moment.

Saki-chan, wait. Let's go back together.

Uika

I was touched. I realized how much you care about Ave Mujica.

That's right. I am entrusted with your lives.

I can't believe how popular we've become upon debut. Saki-chan really is amazing!

It's all thanks to you, Uika.

I couldn't have asked for a better frontwoman for Ave Mujica.

Was it okay? <ruby=・>At </ruby><ruby=・>that </ruby><ruby=・>time</ruby>, you didn't even ask anything.

Yes.

Uika, you're surely the type to get talked into buying crystals.

That was mean~

Even under the same agency, it must be tough to work as sumimi simultaneously. I'll try not to make it a burden for you.

It's not a burden, not at all. It's actually quite refreshing... And...

My dream of being with you forever came true...

Uika...

Excuse me... ...!

Is it for work?

Yes... See you later.

Hey, pull yourself together! How many times is this now that you've ended up in trouble with the police?

Ugh... You're better off without me...

Stop talking nonsense...! Please sleep properly in the futon.

Phew...

...

(Four more songs before Budokan. I need to write at least two songs by this weekend to give Uika time to write lyrics...)

(For me, there is no other path left...)

Looking back, I was truly a happy child.

Surrounded by loving parents, spending every day playing the piano I adored... Those carefree days truly seemed to sparkle.

But those days came to an end when mother passed away.

Father did his best to protect me... but he simply couldn't recover from that deep sorrow...

Yet, what saved me was...

It's the music festival in the afternoon. Let's go to the auditorium.

Saki, let's go.

Okay...

...!

Mutsumi, who are those people?

They are seniors who formed a band for the first time in Tsukinomori.

Band... Mutsumi! We should start a band too!

Eh?

A band!

Soyo Nagasaki-san. I'm glad she's a pleasant person. And then the vocal...

...

...? What's that girl doing, leaning so far over the bridge...?

Ah...

!!

No, don't!!

Ugh...

Ouch... Are you all right?

I'm sorry for pushing you... But you mustn't die!

What...?

You were trying to die, weren't you!?

N-No... The wind took the flower I was holding... I just reached out my hand...

Flower...?

Which is more important, a flower or your life!?

Oh, wait... Flowers have life too, don't they...?

It was a falling flower, so I think it was already dead.

Dead!? What!?

...

...It seems I misunderstood. You weren't trying to do anything like that...

She stopped me as I was about to leave, and invited me to her home to tend to my injury.

When I found the songwriting notebook in her room, my heart truly raced with excitement.

I still believe that our encounter at that time was destiny...

♪

...

"The Song About Wanting to Become a Human"... These truly are wonderful lyrics...!

I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Sakiko Togawa.

What's your name?

Tomori...

Tomori-san... won't you start a band with me?

Starting now, we are a band... We'll play music together and our destinies will become one!

...

After that, every day was truly wonderful. Practicing in a studio for the first time, going to karaoke...

I even did things like shouting my heart out from the pedestrian bridge.

All of those exciting days eventually found their way into that song.

This...

What is this...?

This is the first time I've written lyrics.

I understand. This is...

......

!

Saki-chan, are you okay?

"Haruhikage" is... our song, isn't it?

I will write music worthy of Tomori's lyrics.

Haa... Haa...

Thank you... very much...

(Uika... you came to see us...!)

(...? Father?)

Huh? What's with this reaction!? They don't understand anything about Tomori's songs!

I'm blocking them.

Taki-chan, it's better to mute than to block.

(What happened to father?)

Father, have you arrived?

We can't live together anymore.

Sakiko... please be happy.

What...?

...?

Grandfather! Where is my father? You know, right?

That one is no longer with Togawa. He took responsibility for the fraud and quit.

Fraud...?

It's a loss of 16.8 billion yen.

No way...!

It was bad luck. Forget your father and become my daughter. You're Mizuho's memento. I don't want you to have a hard time.

...!

Sakiko! How is a sheltered person like you going to survive?

I ended up rushing out... But at least I was able to bring along the memento doll.

Is here... father's new residence...?

! Empty beer cans...

Ugh...

Father! Wake up, father!

Mmm...

He's breathing... Thank god...

After that, I was simply desperate. I had to earn money to cover our living expenses. I had to somehow make things work in Father's stead...

I know I'm asking for the impossible. But please, would you hire me?

"Even if you say that, we can't hire junior high school students. What about your parents? What are they doing?"

That's...

"I'm sorry, but we can't do that. I'm so sorry."

Okay... Sorry for bothering you.

The balance is almost gone... Even if I deliver more newspapers... it's only a drop in the bucket. At this rate...

Are you really going to quit?

Mutsumi, did you know? The tuition at Tsukinomori is very expensive.

What about CRYCHIC?

...

I'll find time for it somehow. Don't tell anyone yet.

I don't want to... cause any trouble or worry for the members. I absolutely don't want to quit CRYCHIC...!

I have to make this work. I have to... I have to!

I finished earlier than expected. I can still make it to practice.

Can you come today?

Can you come today?

? Who could that be...?

Yes... this is Togawa. What...?

Why do you need alcohol...?

Sakiko... I'll do my best...

Father...

Everyone's waiting.

What's wrong?

If something's wrong, I'll listen.

...

(I can't... take anymore...)

I came today because I have something to say.

I am quitting CRYCHIC.

...!

Eh?

Seriously, isn't that a bit irresponsible?

But Saki-chan, if you're not here...

Could you please not talk like a spoiled child? Tomori, you need to practice more than anyone else. What have you been doing all this time?

Wait...! Let's talk this out! After all, we've had so much fun getting to where we are... Mutsumi-chan, you think so too, don't you?

...

I... I've never thought being in this band was fun, not even once.

But... it felt like my chest would tear apart.

If only I could have told them the truth. If only I could have told them I wanted CRYCHIC to go on.

I hurt everyone. So... this pain in my chest is my punishment.

Waaaaahhh...

(All I have left is, Ave Mujica.)

(That's why the Budokan must be a success. There's no turning back now.)

(I want to forget everything as soon as possible...)

I'm heading out... Father, you're awake?

You're going to Budokan, right?

Yes... I see that you knew.

You're amazing, Sakiko... Haha! You're moving forward on your own... I can't hang on anymore...

...! My mother will be sad if she sees you now.

She told you, your virtue is...

Shut up!

Eek!?

Leave me alone already...! When I see that you are such a fine daughter, I...!

I feel miserable...! I beg you, just get out of my sight...

...!

What a rotten father...! Does he understand how I've been feeling...

Saki...

I will never go back there. I can't go back...

Saki. Are you okay with Budokan?

Of course, it's going to be okay.

...

What do you think I've worked so hard for?

(Cut off the unfulfilled memories and forget all about it, with that sole purpose in mind, I created Ave Mujica...)

(All started... from that moment.)

I...! All I can do is try my absolute hardest!

Because my songs are screams from my heart!

Tomori...

...!!

(This song is...)

♪

Haruhikage, but not from CRYCHIC...

♪Please, just stay like this, and don't let me go

...!

Ah, Saki...

Haa... Haa...!

(Only the memories......! Only "those days," I wanted them to stay unchanged... to remain pure...!)

They were destroyed... Never... coming back...

(Uika...)

"Saki-chan?"

Uika...

Make me forget everything...

I'm sorry. I know I'm the one who invited you out, but I have to get back soon.

It's all right. I'm glad to see you, even if it's not for very long. It's been about a year since we've seen each other, right?

When I look at the messages from you, it always gives me courage. The ones you sent when my debut was confirmed...

"You're finally going to be the pro that you've yearned so long to be." That one always...

You memorized it?

I told you. I read them all the time.

Is your work going well?

Hmm, it's going all right. What about you, Saki-chan? You're in a band, right?

What was it again, the band name? CRY...

Please stop talking about that.

Ah... sorry.

It's all right... Why did you want to come to this roof?

Hmm, because it's close to the sky.

We always looked up at the sky together in the summer, didn't we?

That was much fun. When summer came, you would come to the island.

I never imagined that I'd be able to be your friend.

You invited me to go bug hunting, didn't you?

What? You invited me, Saki-chan.

Did I?

You did. And then a huge spider popped out and you went, "Aaargh!"

That was you, Uika!

Hehe...

It feels so nostalgic.

Yeah, really.

Uika... Today, there is something I very much wanted to discuss with you.

Would you like to form a band with me?

What, a band?

Yes. We will be professional as well.

All right. I'm in.

Really? I haven't even...

It's a request from you, Saki-chan.

(Uika readily agreed without even asking for details.)

(Then, I began negotiations with the other members... This time, to form an unbreakable and perfect band... I must gather perfect pieces.)

...

Nyamu-san? I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. I'm the one who contacted you, Sakiko Togawa.

I'm Nyamu!

I'm very grateful to you for taking the trouble to come here today.

Ah... It wasn't a problem.

Sorry~ I picked this place. Was it hard for you to come here?

Not at all.

So, you want Nyamu to be in a band, was that right?

You wrote in the DM that you watched my video, but... why me?

Your face and the numbers.

Oh~ I like that kind of thing♡

You're ambidextrous, aren't you?

Huh?

The unique way you play drums is photogenic and showy in a very lovely way. I would very much like to have that in my band.

Of course, I would need you to improve quite a bit on the drums.

Hmm... So, is there any merit for me in this?

Please look at this.

What? What image? Ah~ That's Mutsumi Wakaba. She's the daughter of the actress Minami Mori, right?

She's one of my band members. On vocals, we have sumimi's Uika. I've already arranged it with her agency.

Hang on. Are you saying this for real?

And on bass we have someone whose skills compare to any pro out there. As a band, the formation is rock solid.

What do you think? Will you consider my offer in a positive light?

Yūtenji... My name is Nyamu Yūtenji.

Then allow me to ask once more, Nyamu Yūtenji-san.

Will you give me the rest of your life?

The other members have already joined. You are the only one left.

I'll join.

What...? Okay. You understand there won't be any going back?

Because you seem like you're about to break apart, Saki.

!

Well, it must be nice being you.

...! I'm sorr...

You may keep your concern. The weak version of me... has already died.

Doloris. I do not fear sorrow.

Mortis. I do not fear death.

Timoris. I do not fear fear.

Amoris. I do not fear love.

Oblivionis. I do not fear forgetting.

(I am Oblivionis. My weak self is already in the grave...)

Cut off all unfulfilled memories and forget all about it. All I have left is Ave Mujica.

...

"Take a good look at... this perfect smile..."

"If you don't want to smile, you can cry. I can make any face I want."

What a boring script. I'm heading out.

...

Now, it's time for our guests to come in.

Who's coming?

Doloris, look ahead.

Friends.

Mortis, your hair is a mess.

They are the new owners.

Timoris, keep your shoulders up.

Today is the day they will find me~♪

Amoris. You need perfect grooming and a perfect smile.

You must show the best of yourself to the guests.

Okay~

Thank you for your patience. Welcome to Ave Mujica's masquerade.

We have prepared beautiful dolls for our guests this evening!

Amoris the Merciful.

Timoris the Intelligent.

Mortis the Obedient.

Doloris the Kindhearted.

And I am... Oblivionis the Noble.

Take a good look at this perfect smile.

Perfect?

(? She messed up the line...?)

Ahahahaha! No one wants to see such a forced smile!

You need a sincere smile... Like this!

...!?

Eh, Nyamuchi!?

Nyamuchi? That streamer!?

Hehehehe!

What have you done...!

I can't hear you~

Hey, Mortis. What does your real face look like?

...

Let me see!

!!!!

She's the daughter of Wakaba and Minami Mori!

...

What a crumpled face!

What is your plan?

What's your face?

...

Umiri from DISRUPTION!?

What a beautiful face~ That's boring~

(Ugh... You've actually done it.)

(Saki-chan...)

(I can't stop this. I have to step back...)

Oblivionis, look ahead~

!

Look, your hair is a mess. You need to~ keep your shoulders up, right?

(This is...!)

You need perfect grooming... and a perfect smile!

You must show the best of yourself to the guests. Right?

(Now that it's come to this...)

...

What a nice face♪ How about you?

...

(Uika, you need not to expose yourself as well...)

...

(Uika...!)

<Size=175%>It's Uika-chan!

How!? Ave Mujica is insane!!

Her secret is revealed under the moon, and the dolls regain their human form.

Is that bliss or doom, The wheel of fate will never stop.

A shattered mask cannot be restored... That is the beginning of the end...

Finally the wheel of fate is set in motion. Behold the circus of ruin and love and hate.

What on earth do you mean? Why would you do something that thoughtless?

Huh~? But didn't it go super well? Look, the notifications are non-stop.

What?

...

Taking off the masks on the best stage, at the best moment. Was there any better time than today to do it?

I get what you're trying to say. But that only works if the band is solid to begin with...

Hey~ You would agree with me, wouldn't you, Umiko? Wait, are you leaving now?

DISRUPTION's live is in just a few days. Well, I'll take my leave first.

Hey? What about the afterparty?

Yūtenji-san, I haven't finished speaking yet.

*Sigh*... We're the fastest to make it to the Budokan after debut, you know? What is there to object to?

It's the speed I'm opposing. Doesn't that make wearing masks meaningless? It might even affect sumimi's activities...

Ahhh, Sorry, Uiko~

It's nothing...

Hey, look! We're trending everywhere!

"Nyamuchi" is in there too! Super cool~ This momentum is unstoppable~

...

(? There's a sticky note attached. What's this...?)

...!

(What are you trying to do... Tomori.)

Did you hear about it!? Ave Mujica!

It really shocked me! I didn't expect Oblivionis to actually be...!

...

!

Um, Togawa-san... do you have a moment? It's about Ave Mujica...

(I knew this would come...)

Good morning~ Tomorin!

Good morning...

Did you and Soyo-chan go together...? To the concert.

Ah... Yesterday's Mujica live? I went~ It was pretty impressive, I'd say?

?

It's kind of noisy. What happened?

Ah! Anon-chan, Tomori-chan! Have you heard? I heard that Oblivionis from Ave Mujica is Togawa-san from Class B!

!

Saki-chan...?

It's Mujica, that band called Ave Mujica! All of them took off masks at the Budokan live~!

Oblivionis is the keyboardist! Do you think we can talk to Togawa-san too?

Let's try!

...

Sorry I didn't tell you! Yesterday I asked Rikki about it, and she told me not to say anything...

Saki-chan... in a band...

That Uika-chan from sumimi is Doloris. You are so incredible!

Sorry I didn't tell you all. I had to keep it confidential.

Ah~ I see. But seriously, our class is way too crazy! Timoris is in this class too!

...

Yahata-san isn't here~ I wanted to talk to Timoris~

Same here~

Your bag.

Oops. I didn't expect you to throw it over. Well, it's not that important anyway.

Timoris this, Timoris that, it's so annoying.

You're the only one who found me.

Huh? You left Misumi-san alone there and said that?

It's best to leave such things to the experts.

Why are you and Sakiko in the same band?

You knew Togawa-san?

...

(The cucumbers... are ruined.)

What even is in your mind?

Soyo.

Why are you in a band? After rejecting to be in one with me...

...

Saki-chan...

Didn't I say not to tell Tomori?

The whole school is talking about it. How could she not know?

Mutsumi-chan...

Yes, yes! Mutsumi-chan!

I didn't recognize her at all! Mutsumi-chan shows up on TV from time to time, right?

Her mom is the actress Minami Mori, and her dad is the comedian Wakaba, right?

...

You could've just told us...

There was no need to say it. Also, Mutsumi hates it... when people recognize her as a celebrity's child and make a fuss about it.

But Sakiko...

She said it was all Saki-chan's doing.

What do you mean by "all"?

The band was created by Saki-chan. The play and the songs too...

Uh...

Seriously? Unbelievable...

Saki-chan... back when she was in CRYCHIC, she was so warm, so bright. She even said my lyrics were screams from the heart, that they were our songs...

But this song...

It's a cry from a Saki-chan I don't know...

Hmm~~

Ah! Ave Mujica! Uika-chan~♡

I always thought Timoris' bass tech wasn't ordinary, but Umiri from DISRUPTION makes perfect sense.

Wakaba's daughter is so cute! She's like a doll~

Why~~!? Why is "Nyamu" not a hot topic at all?

You hinted at it so much in the video. To a point there's no surprise left anymore.

By the way, Umiko, aren't you just a normal person? How come you are in the spotlight? If it were famous people like Uiko or Muuko, I'd get it, though...

......

You know I have a pretty face, too.

That's true~ But I really didn't expect Sakiko to be famous as well~

"Ave Mujica's mastermind, Oblivionis, is the daughter of the Togawa Group's founding family!?" It's all over the news~

...

If you're a rich girl, wear better clothes! People will look down on you otherwise~

When we first met, you wore something completely inappropriate for the occasion at the hotel. Made me doubt you.

Let's move on to the main topic.

I updated the schedule for the nationwide tour. Please check it.

Okay~

On the final day of the tour, we'll debut a new song.

Umiri-chan's schedule is so clear and helpful.

You flatter me.

Wow! During the tour, we'll be on TV and in magazines. So busy! Looks like removing the masks was the right decision~

Either way, this won't last forever.

......

By the way, Muuko seems to have the most work to do~

Misumi-san is busy with sumimi stuff. So Wakaba-san will take on Misumi-san's parts.

It was specified by the client.

Hmm~ But being Minami Mori's daughter plays a big part~

...!

Seriously!? Is Minami that Minami Mori!?

Wow~~! Sooo amazing! The food is way too luxurious~~!

Everyone, help yourselves and eat plenty.

Thank you. I am grateful for your hospitality today.

Saki-chan! It's been a while. How have you been?

Eh? Does Minami-san know Sakiko?

Mutsumi-chan and Saki-chan have been together since kindergarten.

Oh... childhood friends?

...

Minami-chan, why...

Eh~ Didn't you talk about me?

By the way, you're called Minami-chan? That's so cute~! Can Nyamu call you "Minami-chan" too?

Of course, you can~

And, I'd like to try different things, like appearing on TV shows and stuff.

Then I'll talk to a producer I know next time.

Thank you so much!

Yūtenji-san, you're so shameless.

It's not like I can have this opportunity every day! Minami-chan, I heard you have a studio at home. Is that true~?

...!

Yes, because Ta-kun said he wanted one.

Ta-kun? Ah! You mean Wakaba-san.

Oh, right! Want to watch a movie together?

...

"Why now!? After all this time, you just show up like nothing happened!"

"Get out! I don't want to see you! Get out! You're a traitor...! You, and you too!"

I don't want to brag about it, but this is too good for you not to cry.

I'm crying~

It's amazing.

I'm so happy you get it! Come watch it anytime you want!

Why don't you and your band practice here?

Ah...

Really!?

It's a room built for fun, but it doesn't get used much.

I'm so happy~! Now we can practice anytime!

(But I had been using it all along...)

Next up are the members of Ave Mujica! I heard this is your first time on a live TV show?

Yes, I'm so nervous~

...

You're super popular now. Mutsumi-chan, did Minami-san say anything?

Ah...

Mutsumi-chan?

She's Mortis. Who is this Minami-san you're talking about?

Ah... Then, Mortis-san, have your parents said anything about your popularity?

We dolls don't have parents.

So cold and distant~

Then, what does Mortis-san think? Right now, Ave Mujica is such a hot topic!

Haa... Haa... Haa...

It won't last long.

!!

Ah...

...!

Ah...

This one, this one, and this article too! All with headlines saying "Ave Mujica breaking up!?"

What are you going to do about this!?

...

Saying "It won't last long?" We're just getting started!

I...

This is the most important time for me to make my name known! You probably wouldn't understand, Muuko...

The video comments are all about us breaking up.

...

It's not like that Mutsumi-chan had bad intentions.

Speaking of which, haven't you been on TV since you were a kid? Shouldn't you be used to interviews by now? Then why?

I just... when I talk...

Sakiko! Are you gonna keep being silent? Or are you forgiving her just because you're childhood friends?

...!

It's my fault for not managing things properly. Mutsumi, from now on, you need to stay professional when speaking.

Sorry...

Wakaba-san, you need to head to your next work location.

...

Wakaba-san...?

Yes...

...

...

Not bad. Let's switch to another pose, shall we?

...

Alright, let's take another one, here we go~

Is this news about their disbandment? One topic after another~!

But your mom is a famous actress, going down this path isn't bad either.

...

I'd love to see you and Minami-san act together someday~! What do you talk about at home?

Did your parents influence you to start playing guitar? Wakaba-san knows a lot of musicians, right?

Haa... Haa...

Don't be so nervous, it's okay~! I'm really looking forward to Mutsumi-chan's future~!

Ahaha... ahaha...

I...

...

Ah, that's it, that's it! Yes, wonderful! Just like a doll!

...

We had so many interviews today~

Sorry that sumimi got dragged into all the gossip too.

It's okay! They keep saying we'll disband or that we don't get along. I almost feel like shouting, "sumimi will never break up!"

Yeah...

Here you go! Half a donut for our hard-working Ui-chan! sumimi is two-in-one!

Yeah, thanks.

You've worked hard...

...? Is someone there?

...

...! Saki-chan, you've been sleeping here...?

Uika...

Why...

...

Ave Mujica will face the future during this tour... We must dispel rumors of disbandment and regain trust.

The new songs and scripts need to be revised to reflect the removal of masks as soon as possible. I don't want to waste time going home.

So you're sleeping at the office? Will you do this until the tour starts?

Can you really work well like this?

...

If your house is far away, why don't you come to stay with me? My place is close, as long as your family doesn't worry.

They won't worry...

Saki-chan...

You should come to my house. There's no need to say no. Alright?

...

If you need anything, let me know. Toothbrushes, snacks, whatever...

Yeah, thanks, Uika.

Are you sure... to sleep in the attic? Isn't it cramped?

It's enough. I don't have that much luggage.

Wow... this doll is so cute.

It belonged to my mother.

Eh...?

She passed away due to illness.

...!

Uika, you have met my mother, right?

Yeah... Yes.

Make me forget everything...

I see.

That's why you're "Oblivionis"... why you're "Forgetfulness."

...

You can stay here as long as you want. I'll always stay by your side...

...

Mutsumi-chan hasn't arrived yet.

It seems her previous work ran overtime.

By the way, what's up with today's script? Is it targeting me?

It's just part of the plot. The dolls who lost their masks... will face a harsh reality.

Haa... Haa...

Ah, Muuko's here... Wait, her sweat is crazy.

...

Can you bring Mutsumi-chan's costume? I can't completely fix the makeup, so I'll just hide the dark circles.

We're out of time. Let's start. Mutsumi, just listen from there.

...

Tonight is our first masquerade ball as the ones who lost their masks. It's also the first day of the nationwide tour.

...

Whether we can immerse the audience in Ave Mujica's world today... will determine the true worth of our band!

Failure is not an option.

Haa... Haa...

(Failure is not an option... There's no turning back... Haa... Haa...)

Give me back my perfect face! Give me back those beautiful, pitiful eyes! Give me back those gracefully curved lips...!

...!

(It started? When?)

This... this isn't the real me!

Amoris, this is what you wished for.

No, I...! Ah, the moon... The moonlight will surely make me shine...!

Right, the moon, it surely will...!

How unfortunate. The moon heals no one.

Not only that, it will press closer and closer.

Haa... Haa...

Once broken, you'll have to live with this face forever...

...!

...

There's... no escaping now...

Even so, if you still seek solace...

Then leave everything to Ave Mujica!

♪

(Failure is not an option...)

(Failure is not an option, failure is not an option, failure is not...)

...!

...

...!

...

(Amazing...)

Mutsumi-chan, you were amazing! The audience was so surprised too. I didn't think you could pull off a performance like that.

...

Did you plan it out with Togawa-san?

Huh...?

Because it was so perfect, it didn't seem impromptu...

Anyway, at least the staff was convinced. Why did you do something like that?

The guitar... I made a mistake.

!?

You mean it wasn't pre-planned or an impromptu?

Mutsumi-chan, I didn't know you would make mistakes during live performances...

And you just froze on stage without even trying to bluff your way out?

Bluffing her way out, Mutsumi isn't capable of that...

I see...

Saki-chan, you're incredible too. You can react so quickly. Thanks to your impromptu, we managed to get through after that.

...

...

...

Mutsumi-chan?

You can't sleep again?

Why do I always... mess things up so badly?

Mutsumi-chan! Welcome to our show today!

Ah...!

So cute!

She's just like her mom!

Do you think she'll become an outstanding actress like Minami-san?

"Like Mom? What does that mean?"

...

(What should I say? I don't know.)

"Since a long time ago, Mutsumi-chan has never been good at talking."

Not good at talking? Completely unlike her dad, who only knows how to talk. That's a relief.

You're so annoying. Who are you calling all talk and no action? (lol)

Born with her parents' aura? And not just one parent, double aura! But she's so cute!

That's right! Mutsumi-chan is super cute and incredibly talented. This isn't just me being biased toward my child.

All those praises belong to Minami-chan and Ta-kun.

"Not a single one belongs to Mutsumi-chan."

~~♪

...

"That guitar sings so vibrantly."

Ah...

"She practices for a long, long time every day, and they're always together."

"Mutsumi-chan finally found something that belongs only to her."

I want to sing too♪

Eh...?

I... can't do it...

"But the gods are cruel. They didn't give Mutsumi-chan the ability to let her guitar sing."

Wow, amazing! Tomori-chan's song was so good! Taki-chan's drumming is so cool!

!

Soyo-chan's tone is always so gentle. And Sakiko-chan is... really amazing!

...

Let me sing too, please? It would make me so happy!

I can't sing... I can't do it...

So...! I can't... enjoy the band...!

I am quitting CRYCHIC.

Waaahhh...

!!

No... That's not what I mean...

I can't feel the joy of being in a band, it's because... I'm terrible at it...

I can't make the guitar sing...

"Mutsumi, lost her directions."

I'm the one... who ruined CRYCHIC.

"Filled with despair, she curled into herself..."

...

...

<align="center">Ave Mujica Nationwide Tour First Day: A Huge Success! Praise for Mortis (Mutsumi Wakaba)'s Performance

<align="center">The motionless Mortis looked just like a real "doll."

Mutsumi-chan's performance was amazing! I absolutely want to see it live on the nationwide tour!!

...

At least it's resolved now. Thank goodness.

I don't want the audience to think that's what Ave Mujica's world is like.

I should've been more attentive to her. Normally, Mutsumi doesn't make mistakes during performances.

Bringing her into this world, pushing her into this situation, that was me.

I knew all along what kind of girl Mutsumi is. I have known since the beginning.

Since the beginning...

Hey, I have donuts here. Want to have some together? There are many flavors, chocolate, strawberry...

Sorry, I still have things to do.

Ah... okay.

Phew~ I guess that's about it.

Oh, the video! Has it been uploaded...? Huh? How is it still uploading?

Alright then. Guess I'll check the analytics... Huh!? What's this? The view count is skyrocketing...!? Which video...

Mutsumi-chan herself doesn't appear in it?

Do you hang out with Mortis-san regularly?

Well, as I expected...

Honestly, at first, I thought she was using her parents' connections. After all, that's a kind of talent too, you should make use of everything you can.

But...

Just sitting there and THAT alone? How does that even work... Muuko is a true genius.

Good morning... Hm? Muuko alone?

...

Say, Muuko, don't you use social media? Let's add each other as friends~

I don't use it...

Don't look so scared~ I just want to get along with you, Muuko.

Alright, alright, let's film a video for now...

I can't. Saki will get mad.

Ah... Sakiko is pretty strict. Then how about we both leave Mujica and go solo...

I'm not leaving.

Why not?

Because Saki's about to fall apart.

Huh~~?

If Mujica breaks, Saki will too...

What are you talking about? Sakiko again?

I want to become a multi-talented artist. For that, I'll do whatever it takes.

If there's a chance, I'll grab it. If there isn't, I'll carve out my own way.

That's why I joined Ave Mujica. Are you satisfied with just staying as you are, Muuko?

Eh?

Isn't Sakiko obviously holding you back? At this rate, you'll both go down.

Nyamu, why do you keep saying such awful things?

Are you trying to trick Mutsumi with your one-sided arguments?

Oh my, you heard that~?

If you don't want people to hear it, don't say it in the recording room.

Well, I'm glad that I said it here. That way, you heard every single word, didn't you?

...!

If you're going to argue, please do it after practice is over.

Oh, Umiko! How's that going?

Which one?

You know, the one mentioned in the email, The invitation to perform on the Music Floor!

...

I don't like Sakiko-chan!

...!

Just like Nyamu-chan said, because you always listen to Sakiko-chan, Mutsumi-chan is suffering so much.

It's not good for her health!

I... I just don't want her to break.

You don't want the band to fall apart, right? But if this continues, Mutsumi-chan, you will break first.

When you're feeling troubled, speak up! I'm so worried about Mutsumi-chan.

...

Wakaba-san, Wakaba-san.

!

Wakaba-san, Are you listening?

...

We're discussing the Music Floor. This time, we'll be appearing as guests.

Amazing! It's a national broadcast during prime time. Minami-chan is such a goddess! I can't believe she helped us get introduced!

The offer itself is fascinating, but...

The client has specific demands regarding the program. They want Mortis to recreate the performance from the first day of the tour.

Eh...

They're asking for the performance to be deliberately interrupted...?

That's like they're saying Ave Mujica's music isn't needed.

You said it was a mistake before. Can you recreate it?

...

There's no need to even think about it. We'll just refuse.

Then what about the tour?

We've received a lot of similar requests. The agency says they want to add the performance starting from the next regional tour.

Of course, that's also...

There's no reason to refuse, is there?

We're finally in the spotlight, it's the natural next step. Isn't it a good opportunity for both Mujica and Muuko?

This isn't what Mutsumi wants.

Then we'll have to ask Muuko herself.

!

Mutsumi, what do you think?

...

Mutsumi...?

See? She hasn't said she doesn't want to perform~

But she hasn't said she wants to either!

This is about the direction of our band. We can't decide without Misumi-san present.

Fine~

...

Say, aren't you going to perform?

We won't. Does a band that takes their performances lightly even have a reason to exist?

Huh? Of course they do. Responding to what's requested is what entertainment is about.

If you only do what you want...

What are you even trying to say?

Do you even understand what the audience wants?

...

Ignoring the audience's expectations, what's the point of that!? This is such an important moment. Do you really think this is okay?

I think it's fine. How many times do I have to say it for you to understand?

Have you even looked at the audience? The guests are all downcast.

They came in the rain, but they didn't see what they wanted!

...

You two shouldn't be arguing here...

Are you telling me to abandon the band's identity!?

I'm fine with not performing as a band. In the end, do we really have to be a band?

What are you saying...

Besides, Muuko herself hasn't even said anything.

She said during the TV interview it wouldn't last long. Forget the band, Wasn't that practically saying she could even give up Mujica?

Ugh, that's...

I won't let Mujica disband.

Why are we even talking about disbanding? I never said anything about that!

If a band member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding. It's also betraying the fans who support us.

Didn't I already say we've betrayed them once before?

...

Besides, don't act like it's so important. Uiko is so busy, you barely even come to practice, right?

...

Isn't that completely irresponsible?

!!

And isn't this kind of irresponsible of you?

Speaking of responsibility, shouldn't you, Yūtenji-san, practice more?

Tomori, you need to practice more than anyone else. What have you been doing all this time?

Haa... Haa...!

I've never thought Yūtenji-san lacked practice. Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to the members?

!

Don't say unnecessary things. Anyway, I can't accept this.

Sorry, let's not argue. Let's calm down and talk this through.

Wait! Let's talk this out!

Haa... Haa...!

(What should I do...?)

(I don't know... I don't know, I don't know...)

(Help me, Saki...)

...

Mutsumi-chan is following us...

Can you go back first?

O-Okay.

How far are you going to follow me?

...

Why don't you just say you don't want to do it? You want to play the guitar more than perform, don't you? But you...

Whenever I speak up, I ruin everything...

Stop playing innocent!!

!

Is this the time to worry about that? If this continues, Mujica won't be Mujica anymore!

Saki...

You used to talk more. You used to smile more. Now you leave everything to me!

Why...? Why aren't you on my side!?

Mujica is... This world is all I have left!

!

...!

...

It's time for a commercial...

Get a grip! This is a live broadcast.

I'm only saying this because if we don't fix it now, it'll be too late.

Hey... they're still arguing.

Isn't this bad? At this timing. What are we supposed to do now?

I thought we agreed we'd just play.

(Mujica will fall apart.)

I'm telling you! It's not finalized yet. I can't accept this!

You don't have to accept it.

Huh!?

(Again... it's my fault.)

It's painful, isn't it?

It hurts, doesn't it?

I'm the only one on Mutsumi-chan's side.

Mortis...

Huh...?

The commercial is ending! Five seconds until we go live! Four, three...

Every awakening brings rebirth. Only eternal death will bring no awakening.

Let me weave a cradle for you. A lullaby wrapped in velvety darkness, like a coffin. Gently enclosing you...

Guiding you into dreams unaware.

What's happening?

I, I don't know...

...

So, there's no need to worry!

Mutsumi...?

Goodnight. Sweet dreams.

Is this sleep, or is it death? At least... may it be at peace.

I watched Ave Mujica on Music Floor yesterday! The talk segment was so entertaining, I couldn't stop watching!

Thank you.

The interaction with the host ended up feeling like a comedy skit, didn't it? Mutsumi-chan, you're amazing as always.

Not really. The host did a great job picking up on what I was saying and making it entertaining. Professional hosts really are amazing~

That was so much fun! Ahaha!

...

Ah~ I'm so tired~

I have macarons. Which color would you choose?

I can't decide...

Red or black... By the way, I'm still on a diet.

Let me have one then. Even if I eat, I won't gain weight.

Sesame-flavored?

*Munch*... Yeah, it's sesame-flavored.

I'm so jealous of Umiko's constitution~

If we share half, the calores will be halved! right?

I see! No, no, saying things like this isn't good~

Ahaha.

What's wrong?

What?

Not long ago, everyone was still...

I won't let Mujica disband. If a band member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding.

This is such an important moment. Do you really think this is okay?

Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to the members?

Whenever I speak up, I ruin everything...

What's the big deal~ Finally, we're in the best state now.

That's true, the atmosphere of the band has improved... I was worried we might just disband like that.

It's all thanks to Mutsumi-chan.

Eheheh.

Really impressive to dispel negative rumors with such powerful acting.

Even the rumors of disbanding have disappeared.

Indeed~!

But having such a lazy attitude, like you did in that interview earlier, is unacceptable!

Although the direction may differ slightly from what Togawa-san expected from Ave Mujica...

Wakaba-san also expressed Ave Mujica's worldview in her own unique way. It is a sort of success too.

Isn't that why we got a magazine feature?

Starting now, we're a band. We'll play music together and our destinies will become one!

I will write music worthy of Ave Mujica!

...!

Huh? That sounded just like something Sakiko would say~

A shared destiny means just that.

Shared destiny, huh... I like the Mujica we have now.

Thank you, Uika-chan.

Are you really going to settle like this? I haven't finished talking yet!

Ughhh~? What a hassle.

We worked so hard to come together, but you're still so laid-back!

We had a tour scheduled, but we didn't even practice properly!

Yeah, we have to perform a new song on the last day of the tour.

When will it even be finished~? I want to practice too~

...

Saki-chan has been pretty busy lately too. I'll help out too.

Misumi-san, Wakaba-san, it's about time to go.

You're off to shoot the cover for "ERA," right? That's so nice~

I'll let the editor know.

Yay! Should I come too? Just to observe for future reference~♪

...

...

Saki-chan... I wonder if she's exhausted?

...

She'd never shown that side of herself before.

It's all those invisible jobs, like directing live shows and writing scripts. She's handling all of it.

I want to ease her burden, even just a little, but... She's composing at home all the time too... Yesterday, she even pulled an all-nighter.

It's not good for her health!

Eh?

Then just tell her! Tell her to sleep properly!

When there's too much work, she forgets herself. And things start to fall apart.

Hehe, Mutsumi-chan, you kind of remind me of Mana-chan.

The Mana-chan from "sumimi"?

Yeah, when I'm with Mutsumi-chan, I feel really at ease. You even brought all of us together.

But the first time we met, you didn't talk much. I had no idea you were this amazing.

Didn't Uika-chan say before that "if a member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding?"

I think the same as you.

Now, the closest person to Sakiko-chan is Uika-chan. Please take care of Sakiko-chan.

Alright!

Ah, Uika-chan. What we just talked about, keep it a secret from Sakiko-chan, okay? Hehe.

(What's wrong with you? Mutsumi...)

Saki-chan, you are still awake?

I need to compose.

It's not good for your health!

Health?

You're not sleeping enough. Go to sleep for today. You can't come up with good songs without sleep.

But...

Saki-chan.

Alright.

Your handwriting is easy to read. That helps a lot.

*Yawn*...

Didn't you get enough sleep?

Not really. I'm working on songs for the next live... What about math?

I'm pretty good at it. No thanks.

I see.

I never thought I'd one day borrow notes from you.

Me neither. I never thought I'd see Umiri on TV five days a week.

So? How is it?

What do you mean?

The band. Didn't you say it might disband?

That's been resolved. The tour is going well too. The schedule is filled with TV appearances and interviews.

It's like a sparkler about to burn out.

Huh?

Hmm... Can you try to be more expressive?

...

Your expression is too stiff. Look, smile more like me♪

Yeah, yeah~ Relax more! For example~ maybe put your arm around my shoulder? Like this.

W-Wait, what are you doing all of a sudden?

Uika-chan and Umiri-chan, come join too!

No choice, I guess.

I was trying not to overlap with my sumimi image, though.

Everyone, gather together and strike a pose!

Yeah, it's amazing! It feels like the new Ave Mujica.

Wow, it's really great! I love this photo~

I love this photo too.

Everyone's unique charm shines through... Wow~ I'm really looking forward to Mujica's future!

I want us all to bring out each other's strengths and make Mujica even bigger~!

Yeah! Let's make Mujica even better!

Let's do our best.

Umiri-chan, you too!

Well... I do hope that Mujica will become a new home for me.

Umiko, honestly... Couldn't you try matching everyone else's energy a little?

Well, that's just my nature.

...

I heard you all are going to Fukuoka for a tour this weekend.

We'll do our best to give the audience a dream-like experience.

Nyamu-chan... Amoris's family will be coming too, right?

That's right~ But, well, since we're technically dolls, family...

Hakata dolls!

Huh? Oh, right...

Minami-chan has a favorite shop. I'm really looking forward to visiting it.

Please leave your recommendations for places to visit in Mujica's social media comment sections! We'd really appreciate it.

That's right! Actually, next week's show will have a Fukuoka special. Will you all be coming again?

Thank you so much! I'll ask the manager...

Ah, the gesture says no... So it's a no...

We'd love to have you anytime.

We might actually come by!

Aha... ahaha...

Ahhh... I ended up buying a grande café latte...

Whatever! Forget it! I'm drinking it! I'm drinking the whole thing!

Gulp, gulp... gulp, phew! I quit~~!

How come she's leavin' the topic to me, then takin' it right back to herself? It's just so frustratin', I tell ya~ This is what I get after tryin' so darn hard~ Guess talent really is everythin'! Ah~

Ma~ma~

"Why ya soundin' so down? What happened?"

Ugh, where do I even start~?

I thought for sure I'd grab myself an opportunity in Tokyo, but turns out I'm surrounded by geniuses.

"Oh dear, how'd it come to this?"

Yeah. I thought I could bounce off Muuko during today's recording, but she completely took over and I couldn't get a word in edgewise~.

That's why, even though I don't usually drink this stuff, I went and bought the biggest latte they had today.

"Don't worry. Your name Nyamu."

"It means wheat only grows stronger after bein' trampled on. Tomorrow, you'll be somethin' even more amazin', ya hear?"

Ugh... Mama~

"Mama! I want to talk to big sister~ Mama! I want to talk to Nyamu-sister~"

Wait your turn! Don't y'all fight~

"Nyamu-sister, thank ya for the cat plushie!"

"Big sister, you were on TV. I'm so proud~!"

I see. Alrighty! Big sister is feelin' fired up now!

I'll set off a big ol' firework for y'all. Make sure y'all watchin'~

"Take care now. We're all rootin' for ya!"

Y'all look forward to the Fukuoka concert the day after tomorrow, ya hear? Give a holler to the big brother and big sister for me, will ya? Good night, y'all~

Phew... okay.

We'll start checking the sound equipment. I heard you haven't been able to play together at all. Should we try playing a few songs first?

My sincere apologies, we'll leave it to you.

Mortis-san, your guitar.

I don't need a guitar~

Mutsumi, what are you saying?

Because I don't know how to play guitar at all.

Huh?

What do you mean by that?

But you've been playing it all this time!

I can't play it because I've never played it before.

Is it your fingers or arms that hurt?

You can't even play the songs from the first day of the tour? The setlist hasn't really changed.

I can't play any of them~

Wait, what are you talking about? I can't understand a thing.

Are you serious?

What's the problem? I was doing fine without the guitar, right?

...!

What are we supposed to do? The TV performance was fine since it was only one song, and we could get by without Mutsumi-chan's guitar...

But that's a different story if we're playing the full set...

Wait, what about rehearsals?

Come with me.

It hurts... Hey, don't pull me.

They're gone.

What are you thinking? You already ruined the performance with improvisation, and now you're saying you won't play?

You used to care so much about the guitar! I can't understand you anymore!

This is all for Ave Mujica.

Sakiko-chan said it, right? That Mutsumi-chan left everything to you.

So, I spoke to everyone on behalf of Sakiko-chan.

...?

Uika-chan, Umiri-chan, Nyamu-chan, Everyone really loves Ave Mujica.

If things stay like this, we can stay together forever, Sakiko-chan.

What nonsense are you talking about...

Do you really not understand? Sakiko-chan is so fixated on the band. Isn't it because of this?

That's...

"Sakiko-chan"? Mutsumi... wouldn't call me that.

Are you... really Mutsumi?

Mutsumi-chan is already dead.

...!

Ah, I got it wrong. It's more like she's asleep, as if dead.

Don't joke around!

I'm serious.

What do you mean by "asleep"? Explain it to me!

My name is Mortis.

A long time ago, I chatted with Mutsumi-chan, played with dolls, and had lots of fun.

A long... time ago?

After Mutsumi-chan started playing guitar, she joined Sakiko-chan's band, with no idea that would be the start of her suffering.

One day, when Mutsumi-chan couldn't sleep from all the pain, she desperately followed Sakiko-chan, seeking help.

But Sakiko-chan, only thinking of herself, scolded Mutsumi-chan harshly.

Ah...

Why...?

Why aren't you on my side!?

...

Just like this, with all the wounds on her, Mutsumi-chan sank into a deep, deep slumber.

That's why I hate Sakiko-chan.

...

Don't worry. I will protect Mutsumi-chan and her favorite band.

But...

If Sakiko-chan keeps being like this, Mutsumi-chan might never be back.

I...

Saki-chan...! You were here.

I just passed by Mutsumi-chan, are you done talking...?

That... wasn't Mutsumi...

Wakaba-san said that... That just came out of nowhere.

A split personality?

!!

Were you calling for me? Ah, everyone's here~ What were you talking about?

Is it true you have a split personality?

Hmm... So you told everyone about it, Sakiko-chan♪

...

Let's decide what to do moving forward. We didn't even get to rehearse... Tomorrow's live will have to be canceled, right?

We can't cancel it...

Mutsumi-chan's guitar recordings...

We don't have it.

This is the downside of insisting on live performances.

Mutsumi-chan's guitar is the core of the songs. I can't handle it all on my own.

If we're going to hold the live, I'll immediately find someone to help.

I can handle it, no matter how many hours it takes!

Whether they're here for a play or the music, I'll make sure my performance satisfies them completely!

But that... doesn't count as a band anymore...

You know, I've been holding back for a long time.

Eh...

Even when Muuko stole the spotlight and I was ignored, I kept smiling for the audience's sake.

Whether it's the band or the live, it's not just us doing it. There are countless people working tirelessly behind the scenes... They're the ones staying up all night for us!

Have you thought about the audience looking forward to tomorrow's live?

It's not just ticket money. They spend so much on travel and accommodation...

Saving up from their jobs for Ave Mujica's live concert. Are you going to betray them?

...

Then you quit!

Nyamu-chan!

Then, should we expel Muuko?

...

What are you suggesting?

I want Mutsumi back.

You fool! I'll quit.

!!!

When I saw your clothes at first, I thought you were sloppy, but then I assumed you'd leave your high-society status behind to take this seriously.

I really thought we'd climb to the top together.

What "Give me your life"! I don't have time to play house with a rich girl!

...

Uiko, if one person quits, Ave Mujica is over, right?

Ah, that's...

Huh? How did it come to this?

Calm down...

I am calm. She did say it, didn't she?

Yes, you did.

If I hadn't said it back then...

Uika-chan, you are always lying. Didn't you say it was because you wanted to stay with Sakiko-chan?

...

That's why we don't have to disband!

...

I don't want it! Absolutely not! We absolutely won't disband!

A band is about playing music together and destinies becoming one! Our mission is none other than to give our guests a dream-like experience!

Now is the time to determine the true value of the band! Sakiko-chan, isn't Mujica the only thing you have left in this world?

...

*Sigh*... It's only a matter of time. Not many bands last.

Why? Why are we even talking about disbanding?

How did it come to this? We talked about this already, didn't we? All of us!

Uika-chan! After I told you to "take care of Sakiko-chan," didn't you smile happily?

...

Nyamu-chan! Didn't we talk about using everyone's strengths to make Mujica even better?

...

Even Umiri-chan said, "if Mujica could become a place I can call home, that would be great."

...

You've got it wrong.

What "wrong"!?

Why are you in Mujica in the first place?

Eh?

When you acted as a doll, honestly, it scared me to the point of trembling. Even though I knew there were no strings...

I saw the strings pulled tight, then snap.

Even though I felt frustrated, I realized that this is what true genius looks like...

You shouldn't belong here.

Why? Why would you be mean to me? Is it because I can't play the guitar? Say something!

Nobody's leaving, right? We'll stay together as a band, right?

Sakiko-chan! Uika-chan! Umiri-chan!

How could this happen...

The moon sinks into the earth.

Stop!

Our fleeting lives end here.

Why would you say something like that?

The dolls no longer exist.

But I'm still here!

With tonight's masquerade...

Stop! Don't say it!

We announce the curtain call of Ave Mujica.

Nooooooo!

...

Then, let's confirm this matter later in the board meeting... Please make time for it.

Excuse me.

Yūtenji-san, what's the matter?

May I take a moment of your time? I have something to discuss with you all.

Good work. I'm off.

Oh, good work. Once you're back in Tokyo, I'll hear the details from you.

...

Sorry to rush you, but could we schedule the recording for tomorrow? For this show, we have no choice but to have sumimi perform.

Yes.

...

(Saki-chan...)

...

<align="center">The famous girl band Ave Mujica announced their disbandment! Their agency also addressed the reasons for the disbandment.

Is it true they announced the disbandment without even performing a single song? That's too harsh.

I took a break and bought train tickets, im crying. Can't recover from it.

It's sad that they disbanded, but Mutsumi-chan was cooking till the end~! She was screaming a lot, is she okay...?

Really disbanding? No~~! What's gonna happen to everyone!?

...

...

You don't have to answer. You can stay here as long as you want.

Even without Mujica, will you stay with me?

...

(Even if I continue staying here... Uika will forgive me...)

(That's why I can't...)

Uika-san, could you talk about Mujica's disbandment? It's said you broke up due to bad relationships.

Ah, I don't think it's about Mujica right now...

Right now, she's Ui-chan from sumimi!

Mana-chan...

I'm back. Saki-chan, I brought pudding home! Saki-chan...?

To Uika: Thank you for everything.

...!!

I'm back now.

...

You fell asleep with it on again...

And now! Today's guests are from unique backgrounds! Let's first introduce Nyamuchi!

Here I am!

We see you on variety shows every day~

Thank you! We had that setup of us being dolls, right?

Ahaha! Do you want to start from there? But now, you are doing videos, streaming, and all sorts of things, right?

I want those who support me to feel like, "Being a fan of Nyamuchi is amazing!" So...

I should finish this assignment now before it's too late.

Seriously~ Uika-chan is so pitiful. sumimi really had it rough, huh? They went through so much to fill Mujica's gap.

That's right~ And Minami-san said that Mutsumi-chan locked herself in her room and hasn't come out.

No way! She was so popular! What a waste~ Ave Mujica's disbandment must have been a huge blow.

You think? They just threw it out like "Yeah, disband~" In the end, wasn't it just a rich girl's band game?

Good morning~

Morning.

Ah... good morning! Oh, I have an urgent meeting to attend!

Me, me too!

Unbelievable. It's been a month, and people are still saying that stuff.

Sorry.

Ui-chan, you don't need to apologize.

...

What's wrong?

Hmm... I can't get in touch with Saki-chan.

Oh, the keyboardist?

Good morning~

Ah, good morning, Nyamu-chan!

Morning...

...

Fukurokoji-san, is the studio free after three? I want to practice my vocals.

...

Again...

...

Hey... Umiri-chan. Have you contacted anyone since then?

No.

Ah... What about Saki-chan? Do you know how she's doing?

Why don't you check for yourself?

...

I have work to do, so I'll take my leave now.

...

Grandfather.

...

I've seen the news. You must have learned a lot too. You don't need to worry about anything.

I covered the compensation for the canceled tour. Come back.

But... Father...

*Sigh*... Didn't I already say he's no longer part of the Togawa family?

...

(I've ended up coming back here again...)

(Abandoning my father and disbanding the band...)

(Holding the memento doll... alone again.)

I... hate myself.

Phew.

Yes, this is Yūtenji. Huh? You're talking about a stage play? The audition invitation came directly from the producer?

Ah...

I'm still working on improving my acting skills. Right now, I'd like to focus on variety shows...

Yes... I know it's such a rare opportunity, I'm really sorry. Thank you.

Have a nice day.

...

...

Please take care.

Thank you.

Where are you?

Are you okay?

Please contact me.

Saki-chan...

(Mutsumi-chan... doesn't come to school either. I wonder if she's okay...)

...!

(I have to... go and see Mutsumi-chan...)

Ah, Tomorin, Look at that!

Saki-chan...

Welcome back, milady.

...

Wow! She really is a rich girl!

Wasn't she all over the internet when she debuted? Oblivionis is part of the Togawa Group...

The Togawa Group...

Eh~? Didn't Minami Mori also do an ad for them? To-ga-wa Group♪

...

...

Um...

This part is for the guitar, Mutsumi's section. Next is for the keyboard, so it's my part.

Yeah...

Then comes Soyo's section. The bass part. The last one is Taki's part.

If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me anytime.

Well, what a lovely view. Ah, you can see that pedestrian bridge from here.

Yeah...

We screamed from over there before. It was my first time doing something like that.

Every day was so much fun, I looked forward to practicing every day. The five of us forming CRYCHIC is true happiness...

...

It made me want to scream, Listen to our music! Just like our band's name.

Saki-chan...

(! Again!?)

...

So, Tomorin.

Eh, what was that sound just now?

...?

! Wait, Saki-chan! Saki-chan!

Wait, what's going on?

(Enough already!)

(I'm happy? You want to know about me? What do you think I've been feeling all this time!?)

(You don't understand! You can't understand! You, who are still in a happy band!)

Wait, Saki-chan...!

(Tomori...)

...! Saki-chan...

Tomorin, are you okay? Wait, is Sakiko-chan over there?

(Why? No matter how many times you fall or get hurt, you...)

(You...!)

Milady?

No, it's nothing.

Wait...!

Leave it to me. I was the anchor runner for my class all through middle school!

Give it to me.

Sakiko-chan! Wait up!

Excuse me...

I'm her friend!

...

Excuse me for intruding. Oh, Tomorin, over here.

Haa... Haa... Haa...

We're departing now.

Yeah.

(What are they planning, following me like this without asking?)

(Even though it's already over. Even though there's nothing that can be done...)

The house is amazing... isn't it enormous? And there are roses, too. It's like a royal family's!

Huh? A pool table? That's amazing.

Tomori, didn't you have something to say?

...

Saki-chan...! Let's be in a band!

Eh...

(What was I expecting? I knew this would happen. And yet, I obediently bring them here...)

(I really, really... hate myself.)

Let's be in a band together, just like before... And then...

I already told you to stop it.

But, Saki-chan, you were crying...

What could you possibly understand about me?

You think being in a band will make me happy?

If that's what you think, then you're more than being completely wrong. I have nothing more to say.

Ah...

Please excuse yourselves...!

...

Let's go, Tomorin.

...

...

(I expected, then rejected, and still, I can't let go of Tomori's words. I'm really... foolish.)

Sorry, sorry! I'm late!

You're so late! Do you know that the live is coming soon?

That's why I'm apologizing. What about Soyorin?

Not here yet.

Good~

Seriously... Tomori, what's wrong?

...

Ah... Tomorin might be a little tired today.

What happened?

She went to Sakiko-chan's house to ask her to be in a band. But we got kicked out...

Tomori, is that true?

I just wanted... to talk to Saki-chan.

I don't think that's necessary.

Eh?

Because I don't want you to get hurt digging too deeply.

Ah...

!?

Let's play.

Wait, Soyorin isn't here yet.

She'll come around.

...

Mutsumi-chan...? Are you there? I'm coming in.

Yes, yes...

(She's on the phone with someone...?)

Yes, yes....... No, she's been asleep the whole time.

Hello? Is this the doctor? Yes...... Yes, Mutsumi-chan isn't waking up.

Yes, yes... She's been asleep the whole time.

Mutsumi-chan?

!?

...

Eek...

Soyo-chan... Soyo-chan, Please wake Mutsumi-chan up...

Hey, look. I just wanted to protect Mutsumi-chan.

I need to go to school.

No! I don't want you to go! Please, wake Mutsumi-chan up! I only have Soyo-chan to rely on!

Let me make it clear, I wasn't that close to Mutsumi-chan.

That's not true at all. I know everything. Because I've seen it all.

Eh?

Soyo-chan really loved CRYCHIC, didn't you? Mutsumi-chan felt the same.

...

Sakiko-chan was so mean! Mutsumi-chan didn't want to ruin the band, but Sakiko-chan always ends up destroying it.

Saki-chan did?

She only cares about herself and always ruins the mood. Even Mutsumi-chan couldn't handle her anymore, so I stepped in instead.

Then she insisted I play guitar. She said it doesn't count as a band if I don't.

That's why I want to wake Mutsumi-chan up to have her play the guitar. Then the band will go back to normal, right?

...

...

The phone...

Eh?

I need to call!

Hello? Is this the doctor? Hello? Can you hear me?

(This can't go on. But what should I do...?)

Soyorin, are you okay? Can you come tomorrow?

...

Hello? Can you hear me? Is this the doctor? Hello? Hello?

Yes, how can I help you?

Oh, is this the doctor? Um... I actually want to take away Mutsumi-chan's band and guitar.

Because she looks like she's in pain. But if I do that, Mutsumi-chan will be sad.

Then, how about playing guitar together with everyone?

I think experiencing new things would be good for Mutsumi-chan.

Meeting others, listening to performances... I'll go with you too, okay?

...

It's been three days. She hasn't even looked at her messages. It's worrying. This is definitely one of those times. Soyorin is depressed all by herself again.

...

*Sigh*... She always sinks so deep when she's down.

True~ In that case, we'll have to go to her place. Or to catch her at the school...

She's here.

Huh?

Soyorin!

Mutsumi-chan...?

...

Why, why? Why are you with Mutsumi-chan? Amazing, so cute! Nice to meet you!

...

Mutsumi...?

She's sleeping.

!

There are two people.

Can you see them, Rāna-chan?

There are two people.

Can you see Mutsumi-chan?

I gotta go. Bye-bye.

Huh? Wait!

Mutsumi, wait.

She's gone... Wait, what do you mean she's sleeping?

She said her name is Mortis-chan.

Eh? Mortis... Wait, what's going on?

Mutsumi-chan is currently asleep inside her body.

Huh? Explain from the beginning.

Meow~

Haa... Haa... Finally caught up with you. What's your name?

Huh? Cat.

No, I mean your name.

Rāna

Mortis.

Who's asleep?

Mutsumi-chan.

Hmm.

Meow~

She likes Mortis.

Huh? Hehe...

What's this about?

Do you all know about that matter?

What matter?

Mutsumi. Of course... Is it true she has a split personality?

Yeah... Of course, because she was the trigger for Ave Mujica's disbandment.

Everyone agreed that with Wakaba-san in that state, we couldn't stay in the band anymore.

But I had a feeling it would fall apart sooner or later.

...

Well, I see. It's been a month, and nothing has changed.

What are you saying?

Huh?

Umiri, were you really part of Mujica?

What do you mean?

Nothing. That's all.

...

What is she trying to say?

*Munch*...

Hehe... Is the matcha parfait delicious?

She made friends with that stray cat.

Even though I stayed with her for three days and nights...

What should we do? We can't just leave her alone.

...

It seems like the Mujica members gave up on her.

What's going on!? Who told you that?

That person.

Huh? Timoris?

Playing guitar.

Wow... it's tattered.

♪

Wow...!

<cspace=0.25em><voffset=0.25em>Singing<voffset=0em><voffset=0.25em></voffset>.

Hm.

...! Mutsumi-chan?

?

Mutsumi-chan woke up!

Mutsumi-chan! That's great! I thought you were really dead.

...

Mutsumi-chan?

!

Mutsumi-chan, you have been sleeping all this time. Even after consulting with the doctor, you wouldn't wake up. It's been so tough for me.

Ah...

But now, Mutsumi-chan, you can just play the guitar, the band will be back to normal, right?

Huh? What happened?

Until now, what...

Mutsumi-chan is already dead. Ah, I got it wrong. It's more like she's asleep, as if dead.

That's why I hate Sakiko-chan.

I want Mutsumi back...

Saki...

It's okay. I'll protect you from any harm. So Mutsumi-chan can just focus on playing the guitar.

Why would you say that?

Eh?

You said to leave everything to you. That's too much.

Saki... where's Saki?

...!

Mortis? Let me see Saki.

No!

!?

Mutsumi-chan, you don't understand anything!

What's going on?

She's gone. She just mentioned Mutsumi-chan...

Wait, Mortis-chan.

Please, let me see Saki. I want to talk to Saki.

I said no, didn't I!? Saki this, Saki that, I hate Mutsumi-chan...

Like this! Don't you remember how deeply Sakiko-chan hurt you!?

It's not like that.

She pushed you to the point of breaking when you were fragile!

I didn't want to see Saki with that face...

That's why I'm going to take your place...

Mutsumi-chan...!

Why did you destroy it...

Even if you want to see her, Sakiko-chan doesn't feel the same way!

Because CRYCHIC fell apart, so this time, I want to do my best.

Eh, is that Mutsumi-chan from Ave Mujica over there?

It's true! Is it some kind of filming? Where's the camera?

But she hasn't come to see you even once!

But Saki... only has Mujica left.

She hasn't reflected on anything, and she hasn't changed! If you go to see her, you'll just get hurt again!

Please, just listen to me!

I want to... see Saki.

Hey, let's take a picture too!

This performance is amazing~!

...

!

No photos, please! No photos, please!

...

It's okay... It's okay!

Good mornyamu~ Today, we're here! I'm gonnyam try super spicy ramen~

So, this is spice level MAX, said to bring rebirth! Alright, let's dig in this "Rebirth"~

*Munch*... *Munch*... Huh? Nyamuchi seems fine!

So spicy! No way! What is this!? It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! It's killing me~!!

Thank you~ I'll be leaving now~

Great job~

*Sigh*... This ain't good! Serious, I ain't kiddin', this thing's hot! My mouth's still burnin'!

Hope all this sweatin' didn't make me look a downright mess. This is unbearable~

Huh? Muuko?

Even if you want to see her, Sakiko-chan doesn't feel the same way!

Because CRYCHIC fell apart, so this time, I want to do my best.

But she hasn't come to see you even once!

But Saki... only has Mujica left...!

This is...

...

Togawa-san, good morning. Hey, have you seen this?

Even if you want to see her, Sakiko-chan doesn't feel the same way!

Because CRYCHIC fell apart, so this time, I want to do my best.

!

This is Mutsumi-chan... right?

And Saki refers to Togawa-san? Is that a solo performance of Ave Mujica's show?

Could Mujica be making a comeback? Was the disbandment part of the act? Amazing!

...

Ah, Togawa-san...!

Mutsumi...

Why...? Why aren't you on my side!?

Mujica is... This world is all I have left!

...

Every awakening brings rebirth. Only eternal death will bring no awakening.

Let me weave a cradle for you. A lullaby wrapped in velvety darkness, like a coffin. Gently enclosing you...

Guiding you into dreams unaware.

Mutsumi...?

Goodnight. Sweet dreams.

If Sakiko-chan keeps being like this, Mutsumi-chan might never be back.

It was me... I destroyed Mutsumi. If I wasn't here... Mutsumi could...

Mutsumi...