Note: This chapter is inspired by 'Kick it Up a Notch.' So there will be spoilers for that event.
Chapter 15 Already Amazing
Akito's POV
Vivid BAD SQUAD was at Weekend Garage; discussing our event that would surpass RAD WEEKEND.
"Let's get to work on the set list", Arata started. "I think we should start off with an opening act, just like at Crawl Green."
"I was thinking the same thing", Kotaro revealed. "Everybody loved Azusawa-San's performance, so I definitely think we should do that again!"
"I agree", Toya said.
As everybody was talking, I turned to look at An…and noticed that she looked sad?
"An", I started in concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm great", An replied.
But I could tell she was lying.
…
I had arrived in Sekai and was on my way to Crase Café.
When I got there…I saw An outside the café, who was performing along to a video on her phone.
I got a closer look, and saw that it was footage from RAD WEEKEND. Specifically…it was footage of Nagi's solo performance.
Suddenly…An became frustrated.
"No, no, no", she exclaimed angrily. "What am I missing?"
This made me concerned, so I decided to walk up to her.
"An", I started.
"Akito", she said in shock. "What are you doing here?"
"I saw you getting frustrated just now", I revealed.
Then…I put my hands on An's shoulders.
"An", I started. "Are you okay?"
When I asked this…tears began falling from An's eyes. Then…she ran into my chest.
I wrapped my arms around her. Then, I cupped her face so she would look at me.
"What's wrong", I asked. "Is it about Nagi-San's health?"
"It is about her", An revealed. "And about Kohane."
"Kohane", I asked in confusion.
"When she did her solo performance at Crawl Green, It reminded me of Nagi-San.", An revealed. "I've been trying to be like her for years, But I'm still not there yet. But Kohane is, and she hasn't been performing for nearly as long as me."
"Oh", I said in realisation. "I get it."
After I said this…more tears began falling from An's eyes.
"What if…", she started. "What if I never reach Nagi-San's level? At least…not before it's too late."
After An said this, she burst into full on crying again, so I pulled her into another hug.
Then…I pulled away to look at her.
"An", I started. "Why does it matter so much to you that you become like Nagi-San?"
"Because Nagi-San is amazing", An replied. "Her singing is so inspiring."
"But you're inspiring too", I stated. "Remember, it was you who inspired Kohane to become a performer in the first place."
Saying this made An think.
"Look An", I started. "I know what it's like to feel like you're not as good as your teammates, but thanks to you guys…I realised something important."
"Which was", An asked.
"The point of being on a team is that they can help you in the areas you are lacking in", I revealed. "And you can help them in the areas they're lacking in."
"But what areas is Kohane lacking in", An asked.
"Experience", I replied. "And that's something you have way more of than the rest of us. Plus, you were witness to the behind the scenes of RAD WEEKEND, and that gives us a big advantage in trying to surpass it."
"I never thought of it like that", An revealed.
"Look An", I started. "You may never be like Nagi-San, but I honesty don't think that you need to be. I think you're already amazing and inspiring. Just the way you are."
After I said this, An took a moment to think about it.
Then…started crying yet again, so I pulled her into yet another hug.
"You know", I started. "You are actually quite a cry baby."
"Shut it", An command before playfully hitting my chest.
I then pulled away…and saw that she was smiling.
"There's that beautiful smile", I said before cupping her face. "I missed it."
…
We were at Weekend Garage, and An was about to do a solo performance.
She looked at me…and I nodded.
Then she took a deep breath…and began singing.
Her singing was even more passionate than before. It was amazing.
When An was done, everybody broke out into a loud applause.
"Did something happen with An", Ken asked. "Her singing seems different today."
I simply shrugged before walking up to An.
When I got there, I saw Kohane giving her a big hug.
"That was amazing, An-Chan", she stated. "It made my heart race, just like when I first ever saw you perform!"
"R…really", An asked.
"Yeah", Kohane replied. "Whenever I hear you sing, it inspires me to surpass RAD WEEKEND even more!"
Hearing this brought tears to An's eyes, before she pulled Kohane into a hug.
Then, she looked up at me.
I mouthed 'told you so' before smiling at her.
She rolled her eyes, but smiled back.
