It feels good.
You know, Momoka...
THE CENTER OF THE WORLD
You're too close. We're piling on top of each other!
Hold yourself together.
Why are we stuck here in the first place?
Because the other rooms are taken.
But the studio we used before is free.
But expensive to rent.
Are we going to make it? The festival is so close.
"Are we going to make it? The festival is so close."
We're wasting time here.
Okay, so the song, are you all good with it?
I start where you said, then?
Do you want me to set the tempo?
I'd appreciate that.
- Are we really keeping this part? - I'm wondering about that myself.
I prefer the song as it is.
Both versions work, it's up to Momoka to decide.
So?
Hard to tell, since we're all playing at the same time.
Let's do it again without my guitar.
At the last chorus.
OK!
I'm exhausted.
But no, Burton Sister is closing the festival!
For real?
What, are you a fan?
Not really...
Just a bunch of good-looking guys.
I don't care about that band.
Look, there's our name!
Well, of course. We're playing too.
Do we go on the first day?
Yes, we kick things off.
So we'll get to enjoy the last concert.
And this live show, that one too...
Because you're going to see them all?
Of course I am.
We're getting in for free, might as well make the most of it.
How many people will be there?
It's a festival, it fluctuates quite a bit.
It’ll be packed for the
headliners and empty for the unknowns.
And this is where we're supposed to prove ourselves?
- Exactly... - Hey girls!
Apparently, they've changed your performance date.
Brace yourselves.
- We might play on the second day. - What?
Well, one of the bands had to cancel.
We'll be playing on the same stage but at a different time.
It goes on all night.
Which means we'll have a bigger crowd.
That's perfect!
Does that bother you?
I have a feeling everything's going our way.
Do you have a moment?
- Wait, isn't that... - Oh yes, it is.
I told myself it would be good to do a bit of scouting.
We're going to play in such a huge place?
- No, that's the main stage. - The main one?
We'll be on the side stage, much smaller.
There are several stages?
You really don't know anything.
The stars play on the big stage, and
the lesser-knowns on the small one.
Diamond Dust plays on the big one, obviously.
I'm really super happy.
It's really impressive.
We're going to challenge the giant
Diamond Dust from our little stage.
- Just like in Giant Killing. - Still waters run deep.
Don't get carried away.
Neither the group nor the fans think that way.
But we do. Momoka and I.
Are you sure this change doesn't bother you?
It's okay?
Perfect.
It's going to be great to play under a starry sky.
Momoka!
Lend me a guitar for the fest!
Alright, I'm off to work!
Huh? Weren't you working together?
Yes, but she found...
a second job.
I don't know if she's selfish or capricious.
She'd rather give herself the means to succeed.
Still, she has come a long way, hasn't she?
But can she play the guitar?
Well...
FROM: TENDO AWA
Seriously.
Not everyone is that lucky.
It irritates me.
Liar.
I'm not a liar.
I don't think Subaru mentioned the group to her surroundings.
I love that side of your personality.
I don't care, though.
I hope one day your relationships will calm down.
I doubt it.
You never know what the future holds.
It's impossible.
At least they are within your reach.
Maybe you don't see them anymore, but they are still very much alive.
Me, the people I love
have turned to mere ashes.
But you have me.
Thank you.
Why do I make music?
Probably because it allows me to connect with others.
Because it helps me to be myself.
Let's see...
I can forget everything and finally feel free.
For me...
it's a way to prove myself right.
That's quite a crowd.
The serious stuff is about to begin.
Who are you?
Toge Toge. Togenashi Togeari.
Oh, I recognize you. Park over there.
- Are we playing in the evening? - Yeah, watch the time.
We'll be able to watch a few concerts.
What? But it's D-day!
Maybe, but seeing other bands can give a boost.
But don't be late.
I promise!
Can I come with you?
No way!
Mean.
Is this our dressing room?
You could say that.
TOGENASHI TOGEARI
Hi!
So you came after all!
Mine?
- Bad timing? - On the contrary.
Good to see you again.
- Hello. - It's been a while.
You could have given me a heads up.
It would have spoiled the surprise.
Still, it's a big deal to play on the second day at this time!
That's nice, thanks.
But it was just luck.
And you, how are you?
Good, but my guitar skills are still not there.
That's great.
You seem more and more comfortable.
Really?
Yes, you have everything a real singer needs.
So cool.
Are you done chatting?
Introduce me already.
Yo.
Take cover!
Oh, sorry.
This is Kyoko.
What a small world!
Hi.
Hello.
If you want to know, she's a huge fan.
Yeah, I love your voice.
We should jam together again sometime.
If you want me...
Are you in? Awesome!
A photo to capture the moment?
Make a funny face.
A funny face?
You too, girls.
Huh? Why?
Ready?
Come on, smile!
You guys look ridiculous.
It's not cool that you ditched us, you two.
We got a bunch of "likes".
And comments.
Saying they can't wait to see us.
We're finally getting noticed.
It's all-you-can-drink!
Lucky.
Cheers!
Stop.
Just a sip.
You'll never stop at just one.
Oh, Miura!
You're Miura, right?
Mistaken identity!
Huh? Did I get it wrong?
- Chug! - No.
Meanwhile, still no sign of Subaru.
She must be listening to someone.
That's not fair. I would've liked that too.
She's back in the dressing room.
Really?
No entry.
TOGENASHI TOGEARI - Subaru.
- Yo.
So, did you catch any sets?
Yeah.
Lucky. I would've loved to come.
You're the one who has it.
Not everyone can turn the page.
What's wrong?
You know, the first time I went to a festival,
a drummer said something that stuck with me.
That he always saw the backs of the other members.
At the time, it really resonated with
me, because I'm in the same position.
Subaru...
I sent a message to my grandmother.
What did you tell her?
That I wanted to do something other than comedy.
Seriously?
So, this is it, we have to keep this group alive.
Even if we fail here.
Are you sure?
You're the kind of stubborn girl who only does what she wants.
You're shy and not good with people. The kind that gets bullied.
And on top of that, you can't lie.
But the thing is, you always give it your all.
I want to see where you're going to take us.
Thank you.
I'm just messing with you.
You liar.
Come on, let's go.
Momoka?
But where?
Just follow me.
- It's really huge. - Of course, it's the main stage.
The crowd's getting bigger.
Do you see anything?
No, and I hate that.
Do you want me to carry you?
I see that it's become a reflex for you too.
It's starting.
This song...
Yes, that's the one.
Momoka.
Thank you for the warm welcome!
For those who don't know us, we are...
Diamond Dust!
Stay with us!
Are you going to play the victim for much longer?
You were wrong.
You're heading straight for disaster.
You must really be an idiot.
Shut up.
Let's go!
To the ends of the world where everything begins
Only doubt dances
Boredom only multiplies.
By living in a dream that will remain unfinished
I laugh completely cornered.
Ready to unleash myself to support your sharp gaze
But it will never be enough
Those who lack the courage to shout often reap all the laurels
A prayer for those who have changed
I will continue to scream again and again
Even imprisoned by the chains of a cruel destiny
In a different cycle of desperate sadness
Thank you very much!
- Good evening, everyone! - We see you, those in the back!
They're getting better.
It's true.
They took a beating when they
chose an idol as their singer.
But now, they're sending a strong message.
The message to not underestimate them, that they can create a surprise.
And the fans understand that. They’re not laughing anymore.
- They’re going to fight, huh. - Now, I'm pumped.
I love this kind of challenge.
We're going to steal all their fans down to the last one.
Yeah.
Togenashi Togeari for the soundchecks, thanks!
OK!
Wow.
Alright, start with the drums.
Alright!
OK, we're good.
And now the mic.
OK!
Perfect, thanks.
Thank you! This is awesome!
Good, and now the bass.
Alright.
Great. Do you use pedals?
Yes, distortion.
And nothing else?
No.
It'll be our turn soon.
- A little pick-me-up... - We said no alcohol!
By the way, where's Miura?
NEW TANTANMEN RAMEN
She sent me a message. She'll be in the audience.
Isn't she coming to see us?
I like that she keeps her distance. It looks more professional.
- Not sure that's the reason. - Too great!
Togenashi Togeari. Your turn to go on stage!
OK.
So, how about a hug?
I'd rather not.
How about... we just raise our pinky fingers?
Good idea.
Indeed.
That's lame.
We're about to give the most important concert of our life.
Nina, you need to sing at the top of your lungs and scream your heart out.
Electrify the crowd with your emotions.
Promise.
But no! You made her cry!
Pull yourself together, we're going to play!
I don't know how to play!
Nonsense.
Idiot.
That's rock.
Uh, well... nice to meet you. We're called Togenashi Togeari.
A brand new band.
And honestly, starting out isn't easy.
We're the reserved type, a bit wary and withdrawn.
Sometimes we don't even give 100%.
Are you talking about me?
Who's the withdrawn one?
Well, I'm just telling the truth!
Alright, that's enough.
Momoka on guitar and Tomo on keyboard!
Here is our modest one, Nina, on vocals!
And finally, Rupa on bass!
Long live the arguments!
And on drums, here is...
Subaru!
"Forget it. It'll never come true.
"It's impossible. Be realistic.
"Consider yourself lucky.
"It's hard for me too."
And that's how reality tried
to drown me, smiling all the way.
I wrote this song to set myself free.
But also...
to convert skeptics into believers.
To all those who have put me down...
I want to shout to them that I am still standing!
No matter what I achieve
If I manage and how much, how much, how much
I am never good enough
What could be more pathetic than discouraging others
Everyone wants to believe they are indispensable
The reason is clear
To shatter the emptiness
Once you see it with a softened gaze
Everything seems to light up
And what you've always wanted starts to become uncertain
I no longer want to die. I want to live fully
I swore it to myself. My soul screams it out loud
Nothing can stop this delirious fever
Unforgivable and lamentable
Everything is gradually becoming detestable
I hide my tears as best as I can
What could be more infuriating than forcing oneself to be obedient
THE ANGER OF BEING ALONE
A silent rebellion is a form of emancipation.
Sad and abandoned.
I kicked away the painful exile
THE JOY I LOST
An empty heart incapable of crying
AND THE SADNESS OF A LIE
I make myself forgotten, my voice now muzzled
IN THIS SONG
What I want to reach has faded, gradually evaporated
EVERYTHING
PUT EVERYTHING YOU FEEL
And what we always wanted starts to blur
I want to survive Destroy everything
A confused and distorted turmoil
The most nebulous of transparencies Amazes once reduced to ashes.
Pitiful, pitiful Everything is detestable to me.
Empty words, wheezing breath Goodbye rancid ideas.
Unschooled.
Terrified at the idea of resisting.
EMPTY AND CATHARSIS.
It was so good!
Momoka.
I'm not wrong, right?
To be continued: "And the sky darkened again."