The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best - Chapter 58

After the commemorative photo session ended, I went around bowing my head to everyone involved in the cultural festival, both to thank them and to apologize. Because I was aware that I had asked for something unreasonable.

Saori (Kimishima)-san, Nanako (Fukata)-san, Tsukune (Kirishima)-san, and Sachiko (Makino)-san also apologized together.

I couldn’t go into detail because I was in a hurry, but when I mentioned my family situation a bit, they helped me out. They’re really good kids. I feel like I can’t hold my head up anymore.

“No, it’s fine.”

“In the end, it was a success, and everyone was happy, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to include such time in the program in the future.”

“Of course, since the progress has been delayed, we’ll have the warriors help with the cleanup.”

“Yes. Of course.”

While waving goodbye to the audience who were leaving the venue (gymnasium), I helped with the cleanup.

I caused a lot of trouble for my mom and sister. After the hospital nurse contacted me saying I needed to be hospitalized, I received a disownment notice through a lawyer without ever seeing them again, so I thought they hated me.

Even so, my sister came to see me… I was so happy. She waved at me. I almost cried. She must have gone through so much because of me.

Seeing my sister like that brought back memories of the nostalgic days we spent as a family of three, and a wave of emotions surged within me. With Mom around and my sister there, I realized how good those unchanging daily routines were.

That feeling continued even after the live performance ended, and before I knew it, I was bowing my head to the senior members of the cultural festival committee who had praised me with handkerchiefs in their eyes, saying, “It was really great.”

I asked for permission to take a commemorative photo. The wording might have been slightly different, but it was something along those lines.

Since I finally got to meet my sister, I thought I wanted at least one photo as a memory, especially since there might not be another chance. But if I just approached her normally, I would end up bothering her again.

It’s a bit of an unreasonable request, but the senior from the cultural festival committee contacted the teacher right away and said that 30 minutes should be possible.

As expected of a senior who has been entrusted with organizing the cultural festival, their work was quick. They immediately contacted various places, and together with us, they took the stage and energized the crowd by announcing a surprise event.

For a moment, I broke out in a cold sweat. I wondered if filming with just us, who are merely students, would really be a surprise. Just as I was thinking that, the other performers from today joined us for the shoot. Thank goodness. Were they all still there, or were they listening to our performance? Thank you very much.

I couldn’t help but look at the seniors, and they were giving a thumbs up.

Then, unexpectedly, we ended up taking a commemorative photo with everyone who was at the venue.

I can’t believe it. I was quite surprised, but the problem was that my sisters were leaving. I desperately searched while hoping my sister would stay, and I was relieved to find her in line with people who wanted to take a photo together.

The people I got to know on the internet asked me various questions, but I barely remember any of them. I think they were probably asking if they could make a video of our performance and upload it, or something like that…

It seems that the idol group from Masaka Corporation (January) and the members from the Makeup Yuu Channel specifically chose to come to this event in our prefecture, but I think Yuu and Mii pulled my arms from both sides and asked me to guest appear next time… Since time was limited, I can’t remember what I replied. I think I told them to let me know later on MAIN.

Besides that, Niiyama-sensei was crying the whole time, and Kaori-san seemed satisfied to keep her place next to me. Someone tried to talk to me, but it was too noisy around, so I couldn’t hear well.

I think she said something like, “I’ll take care of the after-party preparations.” But as soon as the shoot was over, Kaori-san was ushered off the stage, so I had to check with MAIN later.

Because time was limited, we had to move at a rapid pace and it was so busy I felt dizzy, but I’m glad we managed to shoot with my sister safely.

When I was overwhelmed with emotion and hugged them on impulse, I was surprised myself. I’m really glad they didn’t push me away saying it was creepy.

After finishing the cleanup, the closing ceremony began immediately, and it concluded without any issues.

Normally, we would return to the classroom and disperse here, but the teachers instructed us band members to stay backstage to avoid any confusion.

When I peeked outside, there were still quite a few external customers remaining. Everyone else might not have noticed if they changed into their uniforms, but I couldn’t do that.

“Thank you all so much.”

I want to take a moment to thank everyone again. For inviting me to the band, for practicing together, for hanging out to unwind—there were so many things.

If I hadn’t been in a band, I wouldn’t have met my sister either. So I can only be grateful to everyone.

“Uh-uh.”

“We had fun too.”

“Music really is great, isn’t it? Right, Tsukune… Tsukune?”

Saori (Kimishima)-san, Nanako (Fukata)-san, and Sachiko (Makino)-san were all smiling happily, but Tsukune (Kirishima)-san was the only one who was looking down.

“It’s my fault.”

“?”

“Tsukune…”

“Tsukune-san.”

“Because…”

It seems that Tsukune-san thought she would be approached by someone in the music industry.

But that didn’t happen. It seems she wants to say that the reason was because the song she made was bad.

“That’s not true, ‘By Your Side’ is a really good song. I like it.”

“That’s right. Besides, the music industry people might just not have happened to come this time.”

Tsukune-san shakes her head.

“I saw it. The third-year seniors were being approached after their performance.”

Tsukune-san says that since the seniors were overjoyed to receive the business cards, it must be true.

“…H-Hey, we were all flustered right after we finished and went straight into the photo shoot, right?”

“That might be true, but since Taketo-kun stands out, I think you could have at least said something while cleaning up.”

Indeed. I was quietly tidying up, but if someone spoke to me, I would at least engage in a normal conversation.

“…”

——Could it be…

“Did Tsukune-san want to pursue a career in music?”

If that’s the case, I feel a bit sorry. I was only thinking of enjoying the cultural festival with everyone.

“That’s not it, but I wanted to continue the band with everyone, and I wanted to hear Taketo-kun’s singing more and more. And…”

“And?”

“Ta, Taketo-kun, there are various things for girls too.”

“That’s right.”

“That’s right, Taketo-kun.”

“?”

The reason for continuing the band is because of girls? I don’t get it…

——Huh!

I suddenly realized something. Unlike men who can get by without working, women have to earn a living.

Future living expenses? No, or perhaps something more immediate, like the fact that you originally had economic concerns and wanted to continue the band to earn money and enrich your life?

I don’t get a flashy vibe from the four of them. They don’t seem like spendthrifts.

Speaking of which, Sachiko (Makino)-san has a bento channel, and she clearly said it was to earn money for her college tuition.

Economic matters can’t be taken lightly, so there’s a good chance of that. Tsukune-san said she finished the second song too.

In that case,

“Well then, if everyone is okay with it, how about we create a band channel with this lineup and continue our activities? But honestly, I’ve done a lot in the past, so I don’t want to be the one to open the channel. So, it will be the four of you, Tsukune-san and the others, who will set it up. But if we can monetize it, it would be great if the four of you could split it and use the rest as activity funds.”

“Eh.”

Well, they weren’t the type to be satisfied with that.

Since I want to continue the band, I’ll go ahead and set up the channel, but I was reminded that the revenue will be split equally among the six of us after monetization.

Split it among five people, and one person’s share will go towards activity funds. If there are any issues, we can discuss them as they arise.