"That's exactly why it took me so long to think about it. When it comes to me, most of what I can come up with is dark lyrics."
[So?]
"But since it's for the band to perform and sing, right? Probably no one wants to hear that kind of style. Plus, since Kita-san is the one singing, it definitely has to be cheerful lyrics. The motivational kind."
Gotoh Hitori explained.
Actually, if she wrote in her own style, she could probably finish it in a day. But for the sake of the band, she had thought about it a lot—even though this wasn't something she liked or was good at.
Still, changing for the band was something she could accept.
[Wouldn't it be fine to just write what you like? It's your lyrics after all. Write whatever you want, right? As long as it's not too outrageous.]
Although she really wanted to agree with Saiki, Gotoh Hitori stood up and said somewhat fearfully:
"If I write it, it'll be way too dark. No one would want to listen. What if during the performance the audience throws fruit at me!"
[They probably wouldn't throw fruit…]
"I'm not afraid of the one-in-ten-thousand chance, but what if they do? If that happens, I'll have to move to another planet to live."
[That's way too exaggerated.]
"Haa~"
Gotoh Hitori sat back down, picked up her teacup, downed it in one gulp, and let out a long breath.
"So what do you think? Is it good or not?"
[I don't know.]
"(°ー°〃)"
"What do you mean you don't know?"
[Something like this should be asked to a professional. Yamada-senpai would be better.]
Gotoh Hitori pouted: "That's exactly why I asked you instead. I'm too scared to ask her."
[My advice is just do whatever makes you happy.]
"So you're saying you agree with me writing that weird kind of lyrics?"
[You can think of it that way. It's very much your vibe. Changing your style for the band is pretty common, but do you really like doing that?]
"I…"
Gotoh Hitori fell silent.
Gotoh Hitori [I don't like it, but what if everyone else does? You always have to cater to the masses somehow…]
(Is this really something worth agonizing over so much?)
Saiki didn't think it was a big deal. Looking at the hesitant Gotoh Hitori, he gave a suggestion.
[It's fine. Just write what you like. They're not going to laugh at you or anything. It's just lyrics. Try it out and see how it feels.]
[If it doesn't work, you can always change it later. You could ask them what they think about the type of lyrics you want to write.]
"Um…"
Gotoh Hitori fidgeted beside him and said shyly: "Could… could you ask them for me?"
After all, she still wasn't good at talking about things like this. Just thinking about others critiquing or reviewing the lyrics she worked so hard on—and getting a lukewarm response—made her feel like she'd want to move to another town. And if everyone felt it was bad but still encouraged her for her sake, that would hit her even harder.
Saiki stood up and said:
[If you keep this up, you're going to turn into someone useless. Gotoh, I can't help you forever.]
"Σ(っ °Д °;)っ"
Gotoh Hitori once again pictured herself being rejected and abandoned. She immediately dropped to her knees in apology.
"Sorry, sorry, I know I was wrong! Even though I'm just an amoeba, I'll definitely work hard to change myself! Someday I'll evolve from a protozoan into an animal! Please don't abandon me!"
[At least evolve into a human!!]
...
[You okay?]
Saiki looked at Gotoh Hitori collapsed on the floor, still muttering to herself about how she would work hard, deny herself, and then strive to surpass amoebas. He felt a little awkward.
Actually, Saiki had just said it casually. He hadn't expected her to end up like this again.
With no other choice, Saiki took out his phone, waved it in front of Gotoh Hitori, then leaned close to her ear and whispered like a devil:
[If you don't snap out of it soon, I'll send your middle school black history to other people. Starting with the people in your band, and then…]
"Nooo!!"
Gotoh Hitori shot up instantly, hands trembling.
Gotoh Hitori [This guy Saiki really does keep my old black history.]
(I'm not that kind of person. It was just a threat. How could I actually have it? Mm…)
Saiki got to the point and suggested:
[You said you came up with those lyrics so quickly. How about this: finish writing the motivational style you've got now, then write another one in your own style. Prepare both versions anyway. Show them to the others and see what they think.]
After getting the approval, Gotoh Hitori perked up and said: "Okay! I'll definitely pour everything into writing my masterpiece! I'll show it to you later—no, right now, wait just a bit!"
[Again with the waiting? Maybe forget it.]
"No, don't worry, it'll be quick."
Gotoh Hitori's eyes sparkled. She seemed to have made up her mind.
Gotoh Hitori [Saiki's suggestion is a good one. If I show them both later, then I…]
In Gotoh Hitori's mind played out a scene of her pulling out two sets of lyrics and handing them to Ijichi Nijika and the others for review, reaching a conclusion:
In the half-stick-figure art style scene, stick-figure Gotoh Hitori and similarly stick-figure band members discussed.
Ijichi Nijika and the others praised her personal style.
Ijichi Nijika: "Not bad at all, Bocchi-chan. It's got a real flavor—pretty unique style."
Kita Ikuyo: "As expected of Gotoh-san! Such amazing lyrics!"
Yamada Ryo: "Mm, nice."
Gotoh Hitori scratched her head in the corner, her art style twisting into a deranged grin after the praise: "N-no, it's nothing. Saiki suggested I stick to my own style, hehe."
Then another version where everyone agreed on the motivational style.
Ijichi Nijika: "Oh~ This is good too. Even though you tried both styles, Bocchi-chan, we'll go with the one that fits current pop music trends and see how it goes."
Kita Ikuyo: "Did Gotoh-san write this? Really nice!"
Yamada Ryo: "Mm, nice."
Gotoh Hitori scratched her head in the corner: "Eh, it's okay. Actually I started with this style too. I'd already written half, but Saiki suggested trying the dark and heavy kind. Ah well, couldn't be helped. But in the end they picked this one—not bad."
...
"Hehe."
In real life, Gotoh Hitori hugged the notebook and smiled foolishly.
Gotoh Hitori [Although I'd prefer the scene where everyone in the band approves of my lyrics, the other one isn't unacceptable either. As long as they acknowledge me, it's fine. Worst case, I can just insist on my own style later!]
In the end, Gotoh Hitori had indirectly relied on Saiki to give herself an excuse. That way, when facing everyone, she wouldn't feel so awkward. No matter which one they chose, she could push it onto "Saiki's suggestion" to make herself feel better.
Gotoh Hitori turned her head, cheeks faintly red, and gave a soft laugh.
"Thank you, Saiki!"
(Yare yare daze, you sure can fantasize for a long time.)
[Don't thank me yet. Hurry up and write your lyrics. Later just treat me to coffee jelly and we're good.]
Gotoh Hitori dove back into the closet.
"Mm, okay! Two portions are no problem!"
[Heh.]
Saiki chuckled and didn't mind. When the time came, he was going to eat three.
...