Vivid BAD SQUAD was at Weekend Garage, and we were discussing our next event.
"I think the next event should have another opening act just like the one at Crawl Green", Arata suggested.
"Yeah", Kotaro agreed. "Everybody loved Kohane's performance, so we should definitely do that again!"
After Kotaro said this…I looked at An, who looked sad.
And then…I got an idea.
"Actually", I started. "I think An should be the one to perform the opening act this time."
"What", An exclaimed in shock.
"Have Shiraishi-San perform the opening act this time", Toya repeated.
"Why not", I asked. "I mean, out of all of us, she's the one who's been singing for the longest. Plus, she's the one who inspired Kohane to become a musician in the first place."
"Akito…", An started.
"I agree with Shinonome-Kun", Kohane said. "I would love to see An-Chan perform the opening act!"
"Kohane", An said.
"I agree", Toya said. "I think it would be a great idea."
"What do you say, An", I asked. "You wanna do the opening act at our next event?"
After I asked this…An looked down and thought for a moment.
"Okay", she replied. "I'll do it."
…
And so, An began working hard on preparing for her solo performance; a little too hard for my liking.
One day, I went to Sekai, and as I expected…An was still there; practicing.
"I figured that you'd still be here", I said as I walked up to her.
"Akito", she started in shock. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to tell you to go home and get some rest", I revealed.
"I can't mess this up", An stated. "I've gotta prove that I can be just as good as Kohane! Just as good as Nagi-San!"
"You don't need to prove anything", I stated. "I told you. You're amazing just the way you are, and you're gonna put on a great performance; by just being yourself ."
"You…", An started. "You really think I'm good enough just the way I am?"
"I wouldn't have suggested that you do the opening act if I didn't."
…
The day of our next event had arrived…and An wasn't at the venue!
"Where's An-Chan", Kohane asked.
"Sorry I'm late", we heard An say.
Then we all turned around…and we're surprised at what we saw.
We saw An…with shorter hair.
"An-Chan", Kohane started. "You cut your hair?"
"Y…yeah", An replied. "Does…it look bad?"
"Not at all", Kohane replied. "It looks really pretty, An-Chan!"
"I agree", Toya said. "It suits you, Shiraishi-San."
"Yeah", I agreed. "You look great, An."
"Thanks guys", An said.
"Well", Arata started. "I'm gonna officially start this event! You're gonna be up soon, Shiraishi-San!"
With that, Arata walked onto the stage to do the opening announcement.
I looked at An, who seemed nervous.
So…I took her hand in mine, resulting in her looking at me in shock.
"Remember", I started. "Just be yourself."
After I said this, An took a deep breath.
"Okay", she said.
"Now", Arata started from the stage. "To start our event, give it up for Shiraishi An!"
With that, everybody applauded as Arata ran off the stage.
"Break a leg, Shiraishi-San", he said.
"You'll do great, An-Chan", Kohane stated.
"We all believe in you, Shiraishi-San", Toya stated.
"You've got this, An", I stated.
"You guys", An said as she began getting teary eyed.
"Save your tears for after your performance", I stated. "Get out there!"
"Okay", An said.
Then…she turned around, and walked onto the stage.
She looked nervously at the crowd…before looking at me.
I simply nodded, and An nodded back.
Then…she looked back at the crowd, and the music began.
With that…she gave an amazing performance, and it wasn't like Kohane. It wasn't like Nagi. It was as herself.
When the performance ended, the crowd broke out into a loud applause.
"Thank you all so much", An said.
Then, she ran backstage.
"An-Chan", Kohane exclaimed before giving her a hug. "That was amazing! My heart was beating so fast! Just like when I first saw you perform!"
"Really", An asked.
"I agree with Azusawa-San", Toya said. "That performance was amazing, Shiraishi-San."
"I told you, didn't I", I started. "You don't need to be like Kohane or Nagi-San. You're amazing just the way you are."
"Akito", An started.
Then…she ran into my chest!
"Thank you, Akito", she said before looking up at me. "Thank you for believing in me!"
"You're welcome", I said. "Now come on! That was just the opening act! Let's make sure that the rest of the event is just as amazing!"
"Right", An exclaimed, with a fiery passion I hadn't seen in a while. "Everybody, let's do this!"