Roadshow
Chapter 17:
Viva Las Vegas
After a long night of practice, the coach took Hokago Tea Time, their manager/club advisor, and a few others back to the Palms for their final night inside the SkyVilla. The bus was eerily quiet as it exited the Sam Boyd Stadium parking lot. Perhaps the girls were too focused visualizing their performance to even think of anything else, who knew.
Jun Suzuki, annoyed by the lack of noise, was the first to complain. "Why is this bus too friggin' quiet?" she yelled.
"Too much done today," Mio Akiyama inferred, yawning.
"Giita needs to rest," Yui Hirasawa said.
"I think we're really focused on tomorrow, and putting on a great performance," Tsumugi said.
"I need some shut-eye," Ritsu Tainaka murmured.
"They all took the words out of my mouth," Azusa Nakano conceded.
"How can they all take the words out of your mouth?" Jun complained. "Aren't you people excited? You're gonna be lighting up Las Vegas tomorrow!"
"Jun-chan, I think onee-chan and the others want to conserve their energy," Ui Hirasawa suggested, providing an alternate explanation for the subtle mood.
"I think so too," Nodoka Manabe said. "I mean, after the practice, Yui just slumped over and had to hang on to me for dear life so that she didn't collapse."
"But Nodoka-sempai, this is Las Vegas. This like the West Coast version of New York City!" Jun shot back.
"No, that's Los Angeles."
"But it's Los Angeles with slot machines and casinos."
"Well, technically both cities are in the desert, but Las Vegas doesn't have movie sets like Hollywood."
"I lose this argument. Dammit." The tears came down Jun's face.
"Jun-chan, are you all right?" Ui asked her.
She embraced Ui, crying. "Ui, this is it. We're gonna be leaving this place tomorrow! I don't believe it. I've only started to appreciate this city, and now I won't be able to when the concert is over! This fucking sucks!"
"Come here, Jun." Ui hugged her, patting her sobbing head. "Look, all good things have to come to an end. We didn't expect to be here in the first place, so it's an honor to even be riding back to one of the best hotels in one of the best cities in America. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Jun. Things like this don't last forever."
"Ui..."
"Look, Jun. We have a long semester ahead of us back home. We have a lot of stuff we need to do, with school and everything. I have to help onee-chan out, too. This is only a vacation, and even vacations have to end sooner or later."
"Ui...I kind of feel tired as well."
"Maybe I should cheer you up. How about this?" She elected to lock lips with Jun, Ui did. For some reason unknown to Jun, it caused her energy to come back, triggering wild sensations and causing the kiss to become deeper, richer, stronger and more wanting. Jun always liked it when Ui kissed her, and it not only cheered her up, it made her want more of it.
Azusa smirked and sighed. "Hey Azunyan, what are Ui and Jun-chan doing?" Yui asked.
"Ui's just cheering her up," she deadpanned.
"Is Jun touching her in places she shouldn't or something?"
"Oh dammit, not this shut again," Ritsu moaned, craning her neck for a look at the scene. "Fuck." She slumped back on her seat, leaning next to Mio.
"Ritsu, what's wrong?" Mio asked her.
"Those two...Ui and Jun...are making love behind us on the bus."
"I hope you aren't up to something when we get back to the hotel."
"Mio. I'm too fucking tired to make love to you."
"There's the jacuzzi, though..."
At that moment, Ritsu's mood changed. "Oh yeah, I forgot!"
"Dear God, your mood just changed at the moment I mentioned a jacuzzi! What is up with you and your jacuzzi fetish?"
"That's just what I need to soothe these tired arms and legs."
"Las Vegas has been so nice to us this week," Mugi said. "I miss being back at home, though."
"Mugi-sempai, I feel the same way," Azusa said. "But we have to give something back to the fans here in America for supporting our music. It's only right, you know?"
"Hey driver, how much longer till we get to the hotel?" Yui asked Jerry, the driver of the bus.
"We are five minutes away from the hotel," he said. "There's not a lot of traffic until we get to the Strip. It's a weeknight, and it's not Friday night. On Friday night, it's a bit different. It will be heavy."
"Weekend traffic, huh?"
"The traffic is not that bad, so we will be there quick enough so that you can get some rest before the concert."
Yui punched the air. "All right, some R and R!"
"All right, all right, relax," Mio said to her.
Yui responded by sinking into her seat, looking at the lights lazily. "Look at all those lights. This dream may only be beginning."
"I know, right?"
Jun watched a flurry of shooting stars pass by. "This weeks keeps getting better and better."
"All right, back to our bedroom," Yui said, opened the door to the SkyVilla with the others. She proceeded to collapse on the bed, quickly falling asleep.
"Tomorrow is the big day," Ritsu said to Mio, who was busy packing her bags. "What are you doing?"
"Packing my bags. We're checking out of our hotel rooms tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. You should go ahead and do the same."
"Whatever, mother."
"I'm not your mom. Your mom's at home."
"I know that, geez." Ritsu proceeded to pack up her suitcase.
"You know something?" Mugi asked the two of them.
"What's that, Mugi?"
"We need to consider picking our outfit for tomorrow."
"That's right," Mio said. "What are we going to wear?"
"Why not our school uniforms?" Azusa suggested as Ui packed Yui's suitcase.
"But I like us to wear something with it."
"I think I have something to go with that," Sawako said, bringing in a pack of colored light track jackets.
"What are these?" Ritsu asked, holding up a yellow jacket that looked more like a vest. "And is this supposed to be mine's?"
"These are your jackets that you will be wearing. They will go with your uniform."
"They will?" Mugi asked, holding up a purple jacket. "Oh, these have our name and our crest emblazoned on it."
"Ritsu's is yellow, Mio's is blue, Azusa's is green, Yui's is red and yours is purple," Sawako explained.
"Eh? Do we get jackets as well?" Jun asked Sawako. "Me, Ui and Nodoka-sempai, I meant."
"Yes, you do." She handed three jackets to her. "Yours is light blue. Take a look at the back."
"Hokago Tea Time 2010, Las Vegas, USA," Jun ready. "And there a picture of a teacup with steam. Awesome. I am so going to wear this. Thanks, Miss Sawako."
"You guys will be fine. Where's Yui, I don't even see her?"
"She's sleeping," Ui said.
"Well, folks, that should be a sign that you guys need to get some rest. Big day tomorrow. Better go get some sleep."
"Right, Sawa-chan," Ritsu said, saluting her.
"Okay then, I will see you all tomorrow, good night everybody."
"Good night," the others said. Minutes later, it was lights out all around as the cars continued to make their way up and down Las Vegas Boulevard.
She was lying there, her eyes open, and she sighed. Being on the bed was not going to do her any favors. She needed to be at the jacuzzi to meditate and contemplate the week. Azusa Nakano slowly took off her clothes, and she looked back at Yui, who was snoring without making a sound. Smiling, she opened the window, and felt the desert wind blow through her locks. Slowly and steadily, she immersed herself in the waters of the jacuzzi, and closed her eyes.
It was a very long week, with so many things that were done, from hiking, to shopping, to fine dining and rehearsing. This was what people called a whirlwind week. And Azusa, aside from getting a tan, felt the effects of the week catch up to her. The water felt so cool as she began to float, almost like a little flower. A water lily, at that.
Azusa was concerned about the others. Would the others survive the final semester without any issues? More so, she was concerned about Yui. Did she have any plans in store after she graduated? Did she even think about them? They were such painful thoughts to consider as Azusa opened up the big, white case of what-if scenarios. What was the worst that could happen to Ho-Kago Tea Time after the vacation was over, and it was back to school again?
As Azusa sighed, the window opened. "Yui-sempai!" Azusa said, startled. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I should be asking that same question, but to answer yours, all I really needed was a little power nap before anything else."
"Sempai...are you really that worried about me?"
"Actually, you seem to be more worried about us." Yui paddled over and laid next to Azusa, two souls immersed in the jacuzzi, looking at a full moon and a full complement of stars.
"H...How did you know?"
"Because you're always like that, Azunyan. A cat's tendencies are so predictable whenever you're with us."
"Do you have any plans though, sempai?"
"Well, I guess..."
"You don't have any plans? Mou..." Azusa pouted as Yui petted her head. "How can you be so ill-prepared for your future when we're here on vacation?"
"I do have plans, Azunyan. I have plans to take you home when we get back to Japan."
"No, that's not what I meant! I mean, college? A job? That type of stuff? Do you have something. I know everyone else does."
"Azunyan, I want to go to the same university as Mio-chan, Ricchan and Mugi-chan. We're still making up our minds as to where we want to go."
"I'm glad," Azusa said. "At least you have an idea."
"But why do you ask that?"
"You said I was worried about you, and I am. I want everyone to do well because I'm going to be the club president next year, and when I become president, I know the people that left me here are in good hands, you know."
"We've got everything under control," Yui assured. "I don't like when you are so worried about us because it makes you feel lonely, and that's not right."
"Sempai..." Azusa blushed as her heartbeat became to quicken a bit.
"Do you want me to cheer you up?" Yui asked.
"How are you going...to do that?"
"Shhhhh...close your eyes."
"What are you...?"
Yui went in for a deep kiss as she embraced Azusa, who was in tears. As her hands moved down her body, Yui thrust her tongue deeper so as to invite Azusa to play. Not to be outdone, the kouhai moaned as she fondled Yui's chest, feeling the fullness of her breasts as the two lovers continued to make love under the moon. Soon enough, they were sitting on the steps of the Jacuzzi, deeply savoring each other, with the moans become more pronounced as they hit all the right places, rubbing all the right spots, easing the burden they put on themselves.
"You can open your eyes now," Yui said.
Azusa opened them. "What the heck?" The sun was shining, and the others were packing the bags. "It's morning already?"
"You fainted after I made you come, so I carried you back to your bed. Good morning, Azunyan," she said with a smile.
"Yui-sempai is that strong? I can't believe it."
Yui made a muscle. "I'm not as strong as Mugi-chan."
"Yui-chan, actually I was the one that carried her after I saw you two make love in the Jacuzzi," Tsumugi said, combing her hair in her nightgown.
"I knew it..." Azusa snarked.
Yui fell to the floor in defeat. "My secret...it has been let out, the cat is out of the bag!"
"Quit overreacting, Yui-sempai!"
"You did carry part of Azusa over," Tsumugi recalled. "Her legs, I think, and you were licking them."
"They tasted so good," Yui said.
"Oh, heavens, I have to go take a bath," Azusa said, running over the bathroom to wash herself, clearly embarrassed by it all.
Mugi and Yui laughed. "Did you see the look on Azunyan's face?" Yui asked her. "It turned into a tomato!"
"Or a rose. A really red rose."
"Did you need a tissue or something?"
"No, I'm absolutely okay."
"Oy, Mugi," Ritsu said, "what is the meaning of this?" She was holding a blood-stained pillow.
"Oh. Oh, my."
"Mugi-chan!" Yui exclaimed. "Are you all right? You don't need to see a doctor, do you?"
"Eh?"
"There's a lot of blood on this pillow," Ritsu said. "Good thing housekeeping can fix this, and we're checking out."
"Okay, I'll go ahead and take a bath," Mugi said. I'll see you in a bit."
"Onee-chan, I have some tea," Ui said, handing her a bottle of iced green tea.
Yui quickly scarfed down the bottle. "Ahhhh, now that's more like it."
"Azusa was that worried about you, huh?" Nodoka said, fixing her hair and cleaning her glasses. She was already dressed in her uniform.
"Azunyan is always worried about us," Yui said, contemplating the Vegas sky. "That's just how she is. She always wants us to do well, but she doesn't want to see us go. We're like family to her."
"I see. Is your guitar good to go?"
"Yes it is. Giita got plenty of rest, and I think we are ready to do our thing."
"So this is it: concert day," Mio said, also in her uniform. "Everything we have done is going to come down to this."
"You fired up, Mio?" Ritsu said, placing an arm around her neck. "Cause I am."
"Of course I am. Let go of me."
"As you wish, your Majesty. But I have to say, we got some time before we head to the stadium. What time is it right now?"
"It's 10:00 a.m. right now, Ritsu-sempai," Jun said, primping her short twintails while in her uniform.
"Good. And I assume we got everything packed, right?"
"I packed onee-chan's belongings," Ui said.
"Thanks, Ui," Yui replied.
"Hello, Hokago Tea Time, the toast of America," Sawako said, ringing a cowbell for emphasis.
"Sawa-chan, what's with the cowbell?" Ritsu wondered.
"I am so excited for this concert that we are going to perform. Take a look at this paper." Sawako handed the girls copies of the morning edition of the Las Vegas.
"Hokago Tea Time invades Las Vegas? My God, the newspapers have a full-page spread on us!" And there was a picture of the entire band holding up strawberries in their 80's garb.
"The pressure's on us to put on a great show," Mio said to the others.
"We've got so much time before we have to be at the stadium," Ritsu said. "When do we have to be there?"
"We have to arrive at Sam Boyd at 4 in the afternoon," said Sawako. "The concert is at 7 p.m. Our flight back to Tokyo, via Los Angeles will leave at exactly midnight."
"I think we should hit the buffet right now, I'm hungry," Yui murmured, her stomach growling like a tiger.
"Everyone's hungry, it looks like," Sawako said. "Very well, let's have lunch at the buffet one last time. Where's Mugi-chan and Azusa-chan?"
"They're both taking baths right now," Nodoka said.
"Can you go tell both of them that we'll meet them downstairs in the lobby?" the teacher asked. "Also, we'll be bringing our luggage on to the coach, so tell them to bring their belongings with them."
"I will do that."
"All right guys, let's head downstairs and eat!"
"Mmmm, I love the sound of a good buffet," Ritsu said as she to the elevator with Sawako, Yui, Ui, Mio, Tsumugi and Jun with their suitcases and instruments.
"Azusa," Nodoka hollered at the bathroom door.
"Yeah?"
"We're going downstairs to eat at the buffet, but we're going to the lobby first. Bring your suitcases and your guitar when you're done, because we're checking out of our room before we eat."
"Got it, thanks Nodoka-sempai!"
"All right." Now she went over to the other bathroom. "Mugi?"
"Yes?
"We're heading to the lobby before we have lunch at the buffet. When you're done, meet us there so we can check out of our rooms and put our suitcases on the bus. Got it?"
"All right."
"Okay." Nodoka produced a book as she dragged her luggage down.. "Time to read a little history on the Mexican War..."
Downstairs, the Palms was bustling with activity on all ends. Some people were trying their luck on the slots, with cocktail waitresses handing out beers and pina coladas on the house. Others were checking out of their rooms, while more were checking in. Outside the main floor, the stream of automobiles ran up and down Flamingo Road as if it were a river made of still asphalt.
"Tee hee, once more into the breach," Tsumugi said, skipping along in her uniform.
"Oy, you seem to feel as if we're not even doing a concert, Mugi-sempai," Azusa snarked, disapproving of the exuberance.
"You gotta be able to live before you are able to get down and dirty. At least that's what Dad told me."
"Oy, Azunyan, we're over here," Yui hollered to the two of them.
"Mugi, we've been waiting for fifteen minutes," Mio said as the two of them reunited with the pack. "You ready?"
"Yes, I am."
"News flash, guys: the rest of our class is also eating at the buffet," Ritsu said. "The staff there is allowing us to eat at the buffet first before opening it to the public."
"They're going a bit over-the-top with this," Mio mused.
"Let's go right in," Tsumugi said to the crew.
"Well, hello there," Nobuyo Nakajima said, eating waffles, seated with a few others.
"The women of the hour are finally with us," Haruko Chikada said, nibbling on bacon while sipping a glass of Diet Coke.
"How are things?" Eri Taki asked Mio.
"Just had practice last night, what about you?"
"Did some cramming yesterday. We just spent the day studying in our rooms because we had nothing else to do. Then we went to the pool, and then we went back to do more studying."
"Akiyama-san, I have some photos of us at the pool," Youko Sasaki said, producing a camera. She pointed to a button. "Just press that to cycle around the pictures, okay?"
"All right." She was shocked to see some of the content. Youko had her top taken off by a rather sneaky Ichigo Wakaouji while they were playing some interesting games by the pool. "Oh dear." And a puff of steam came off of Mio's head as she fainted.
"Are you all right?"
"That was...a bit too much."
Yui walked by them, holding a plate stacked with a good deal of the good stuff from the islands of food. "What are you doing, Mio-chan? Go get something to eat."
"Right. I'll be back to talk to you guys about the coursework we need to go over when we get back home," Mio said, walking to the buffet islands to get some breakfast.
"You know, I've got a very weird feeling," Ritsu said to Mugi and Azusa while snacking on some hash *browns. "Once you're in Vegas for a few days, it doesn't seem to surprise you as to whatever the hell's going on. You feel like you've lived here all your life. Do you every get that feeling?"
"People seem to anticipate what to expect on the Strip, at least those that live here," Tsumugi inferred. "This is a city made for tourists, and those who haven't been to this city will feel like this is heaven in a way."
"A heaven full of slot machines and card tables?" Azusa snarked.
"And cigarette smoke."
"Right, right."
"You know what would be nice?" Ui said to them.
"What?"
"All of us make one final walk down the Strip, passing by every casino on it before we finally take the bus ride to the stadium."
"That would be nice," Jun replied.
"All right, that's what we're going to do," Ritsu said. "We are going to make one final walk down the Strip before we head over to the stadium."
"Don't forget to eat first, Ritsu," Mio said across from her with Youko and Eri.
"You go it."
Las Vegas, to Hokago Tea Time, became in some ways like a second home to them, even though they would be performing for only one night. The bright lights, the tits and glitz, the over-the-top debauchery and merriment that came from living in Sin City...that became another feather in this band's cap as the cars floated up and down the streets of the Strip. But for the members, they were merely tourists that were given the honor of performing in front of their biggest crowd yet. It was a great week for the band that was reaching its conclusion, its grand crescendo, and as the band members finished their last meal at the Palms, they were fully aware of what they needed to do first.
"So long, Palms-sama," Yui said, bowing to the hotel as the others got on the coach after packing all their belongings in the compartment.
Jerry looked at his watch. "We have about a few hours to go before you have to be at the stadium. Do you have a place in mind?"
"I want you to drop us at the Stratosphere, then we will meet you at Mandalay Bay."
Jerry looked at Yui as if she were crazy. "Why?"
"We want to walk down the Strip one last time, to show how grateful we are to be in your city."
He gave it some thought, and shook his head in disbelief. "You girls are something different, I'll tell you that. All right, I'll do it."
"So you are going to make one final walk down the Strip?" Sawako asked the band as Jerry began to drive the bus to Stratosphere.
"That's right, Sawa-chan," Ritsu replied with a smile.
Sawako sighed. "You really love Vegas that much, huh?"
"Are you kidding? This city has been so nice to us," Azusa said. "I want to come back here one day. This place is unbelievable."
"So it was invoked, so it shall be done," Sawako concluded. "Make sure you don't slow down just to say hello to everyone. Get back to Mandalay Bay by 3:00 p.m. at the latest."
"Okay," the others said.
Soon enough, the coach parked by the front entrance of Stratosphere. "Enjoy your walk," said Jerry.
"I'll wait inside the bus while you guys do your walk of glory," Sawako added.
"Let's roll," Ritsu said, skipping off the coach. The others followed her.
"How are we going to do this?" Mio asked her. "Ritsu, what are you...? Oh."
Ritsu held her hand, and Yui's. "Let's walk down the Strip, hand-in-hand."
"Are we in kindergarten again? You're got to be kidding me..."
"This is so much fun," Yui said, grabbing Azunyan's hand. "Let's all walk down the Strip together!"
"Solidarity, huh?" Azusa wondered, a sweat down her forehead as she giggled with a flat gaze on her face. "I feel like I am at a demonstration."
"This is something new," Jun wondered. "All right, then."
"And remember, don't let go," Ritsu said. "This one's for Vegas!"
"Yeah!" they all said. And the slow walk began, as they made their way down all the different hotels and buildings.
Circus Circus. Riviera. Encore. Wynn Las Vegas. Fashion Show Mall. The Palazzo. Treasure Island. The Venetian. Casino Royale. Mirage. Harrah's. Imperial Palace. Flamingo. Caesar's Palace. Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon. Bally's. Bellagio. Paris. Vdara. Cosmopolitan. Planet Hollywood. Aria. Grand Chateau. The Signature. Mandarin Oriental. Monte Carlo. New York-New York. MGM Grand. Excalibur. Tropicana. Luxor. THEHotel. Four Seasons. And finally, Mandalay Bay. These were the buildings that the band passed by on their walk down the Strip, and the smiles that came down their faces were hard to remove.
For Mio, tears were actually coming down. Shining, beautiful tears of happiness. For her, she had finally made it as a performer, as a musician, as a student. To perform in the Entertainment Capital of the World was a moment she would never forget.
Yui felt like she was in a dream that she would never wake out of. There were times when she would dream that was living in a America looking like a cowgirl with a short leather vest, bandeau top, pink cowboy hat and denim shorts, holding a toy guy playfully in the desert on a horse. She had never been to Arizona, but to be in the best part of Nevada seemed to be consolation enough.
Ritsu was living it up. She was addicted to life in Las Vegas. She wasn't going to have a future living as a showgirl, but to bang her drums in a venue like Las Vegas was something that would never be forgotten.
Tsumugi could knock this trip of her list of childhood dreams. This was a pretty big one: to play a show in Vegas while still attending school. It was a lot of pressure, but as the daughter of one of the most important businesspeople in Japan, it wasn't anything she couldn't do.
For Azusa, she doubted why she had to be here, especially with the others having to focus on their studies. Even though she was enjoying living the rich life in the Hefner SkyVilla, there was a part of her that wondered, was this really necessary? The band would do just fine staying at a regular hotel room. But Hokago Tea Time was well known in the west coast of America, and the Incident that happened a while back was the driving force behind the American HTT fan base. In the end, she had to take it for what it was. And that was okay with her, too.
By the time the band reached the bus parked at Mandalay Bay, it was exactly 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Four hours to the show. "Did you guys enjoy your walk?" Sawako said to them.
"We could use a bit of a bite to eat," Mio said as the others got on the bus.
"That's why I specifically said 3:00 p.m. so that you have time for lunch. You can't play on an empty stomach."
"No, you can't."
"And that's why you should take a look at your seats."
"What the heck?" Ritsu said, surprised. On their seats were their colored jackets and sacks of food and drink.
"Pocky, ramune, some fries, Hi-Chews, a Big Mac and a quarter-pounder, chicken McNuggets, and a tall bottle of some orange-colored drink called Morning Rescue?" Nodoka said, examining the contents of her bag.
Jerry started the coach, and the bus began to roll out of the Mandalay Bay. Sawako went on. "Some mysterious girl with long black hair, a Gothic-looking dress, a red ribbon and a weird-looking animal on her shoulder brought these bags and said to me, 'Are you Hokago Tea Time's manager?' I said yes, and she said, 'Lunch is on Madoka.' Then she took off."
"Nothing wrong with having some more McDonald's before we do our show," Mio said, happily snacking on her Big Mac.
"Wipe the sauce off your face, Mio," Ritsu snarked.
Mio snatched the napkin her ladyfriend was offering. "Shut up!"
"I don't know who this Madoka person is, to be honest," Sawako mused, "but she seems to be a nice lady."
Azusa, Yui and Ui looked at each other and smiled before putting their fingers to their lips.
Sam Boyd Stadium. There were lines of people waiting outside the entrance to get inside as the bus pulled outside the green room that would lead to the stage at the scoreboard end of the stadium. All of the news people were at the stadium, and there were press members from Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Canada and Australia, among others. Hawkers were outside selling glow sticks, a dollar a piece, while fans were carrying signs and flags showing their appreciation for their new beloved invaders from Sakuragaoka.
"I am here with a number of fans from Japan who have flocked to America to see Hokago Tea Time here in Las Vegas," said Doug Johnson of FOX 5. "Miss, what's your name?"
"Kurisu Makise," she said, blushing.
"Why did you come here to Vegas?"
"I want to see the band and I hope they put on a wonderful show for everyone here."
"You came here from Japan. What's your job."
"I'm an academic researcher. Right now I am on break with my fiancée Rintarou Okabe, and we're here to see HTT live and in person."
"Awesome. Thanks a lot. And here's another one we have with us. What's your name?"
"Kodaka Hasegawa, from St. Chronica Academy in Tokyo."
"You brought plenty of friends along for the ride. What makes Hokago Tea Time awesome?"
"Sena, who is the girl with the butterfly on her head, loves their music and decided to bring all of us to the concert tonight. She really loves Hokago Tea Time, and so does my sister Kobato."
"Is this Kobato?"
"Hello, sir," the girl said.
"Who's your favorite band member?"
"I like Yui."
"Nice. Hope you folks enjoy yourselves. And here's another one with us tonight. What's your name?"
"Himea Saito."
"What makes Hokago Tea Time special?"
"The way they play is fantastic. Me and Taito love Mio's voice, and Azusa's guitaring is world-class. I think there is a wonderful future with this band."
"Excellent. And what is your name?"
"Hercule Barton."
"Your thoughts of Hokago Tea Time?"
"The best rock band ever. These girls know how to play their hearts out. Me, Nero and Sherlock love to play Fuwa Fuwa Time when we do our work over in Japan."
"Who's your favorite member?"
"I like Mio, because she is the mysterious one. And she wears some really cute underwear."
Doug laughed. "I see. All right, here's another fan with us. What's your name?"
"Minami Kawashima."
"You're wearing a Mio badge. What's great about Mio?"
"Her bass playing. For someone her age, she knows how to rock it like it's nobody's business. The best player on the band, hands down."
"Who's your second-favorite?"
"I like Ritsu and her drumming."
"Great. And what might your name be?"
"Elucia De Lute Irma. And I'm here with my partner-in-crime, Haqua du Lot Herminium."
"Hi," Haqua said.
"Both of you," Doug asked, "who's your favorite player on the band?"
"Yui for me," Elucia replied.
"And for you, Haqua?"
"I like Mio and her bass-playing. Just superb."
"It seems to me we have ourselves a lot of Mio fans here. Here's one that likes Mugi. What's your name?"
"Astarotte Ygvar."
"What is it about Tsumugi Kotobuki that makes her special."
"Takuan-shaped eyebrows, blonde hair like me, and she is rich."
"What's takuan?"
"Oh, those are pickled radishes. They're pretty good. You should try it."
"I shall. And what might your name be, miss?"
"Yuno."
"What do you like about Hokago Tea Time?"
"Me and my friends love to sketch, they love to play, but we all love to enjoy life. They enjoy life to the fullest, and I really dig that."
"I dig that as well. And what might your name be?"
"I am the Squid Girl-degeso!"
"The Squid Girl?"
"Yes, the Squid Girl-degeso. And I came to Las Vegas to cheer for Hokago Tea Time-degeso!"
"Who's your favorite band member?"
"Yui is the best-degeso! I love her guitar-degeso! I want to buy one-degeso!"
"So you plan to take up guitaring?"
"That will be my ultimate ambition, along with taking over the world-degeso!"
"Good luck with that. And who might your name be?"
"My name is Aria Holmes Kanzaki."
"Why are you here in Las Vegas?"
"To relax with my boyfriend Kinji, of course, what do you think? Mou!"
"What makes Hokago Tea Time unique?"
"The music, the way they present it, and their club meetings. My favorite bass player is Azunyan, because she has twin tails like me."
"One more person here, what's your name?"
"Haruka Lovely Morishima."
"What do you expect out of your trip here to Vegas?"
"A great show from the band and plenty of fireworks to go with it. Vegas is heaven, baby! Woooooo!"
"As you can see, we have a loud, rowdy, and ready crowd on hand here at Sam Boyd Stadium. The show will begin in a few hours. Live from Sam Boyd Stadium, Doug Johnson, FOX 5."
Ritsu yawned as the girls entered the green room to have a little time for reflection. "So this is it, an hour or so before the concert begins, huh?"
Mio looked at her watch. "5:30 p.m. 90 minutes."
"You can see all the people start to file into the stadium," Mugi said, looking out to peek, as the Mio Fans Club and the rest of Class 3-2 got in first to take their seats, at the very front of the stage, which was on the 30-yard line at the scoreboard end. Above the stage was a video monitor that had plenty of floodlights and different light panels to give the feeling like they were seeing a U2 concert, only better.
"This stage is one of the best," Mio said. "I love it.
"One night only, huh?" Yui wondered as she sat next to Giita. "I wonder if Giita is ready for it."
"Muttan is always ready," Azusa replied, stroking her Fender Mustang."
"Attention, attention," a voice said over the intercom as time passed and the fans continued to take their seats. "By the artists' request, there will be no flash photography or video cameras allowed at this event. Anyone who uses flash photography or video cameras at tonight's concert is subject to removal from the stadium. Thank you."
"I didn't know we requested that," Yui said, scratching her head.
"That's because I did," Sawako said, adjusting her frames with a smile. "If the flash is on, and the video cameras are rolling, this could be a problem in terms of your performance. I did this so that you guys can do your job."
"Awww," Ritsu said. "So now people can't see Mio's panties anymore? Owww!" A headbump.
"Will you shut up with that?" Mio growled. "Damn!"
"Sorry."
"I think at concerts, artists can choose to allow video cameras or photography," Mugi said. "They didn't say anything about non-flash photography, so they can still take photos."
"Precisely," Sawako said. "See, you people are learning something about how a concert is run. Think of this as a little learning experience in how the entire process is set up."
"So the classroom has been extended to a show, huh?" Azusa said with a flat gaze.
"A serendipity doo-dah," Jun Suzuki said. "Hey, we're going to join the others at the front of the stage. Ui, Nodoka-sempai, let's go."
"Onee-chan, good luck," Ui said, hugging Yui.
"Don't worry, Ui, I got this under control."
"See you then, Yui," Nodoka said, leaving the green room with the other two.
"Oooh, one of my favorite Lady Gaga songs is playing over the intercom," Tsumugi said. Poker Face. The lights of the casinos on the other side of the city were aglow, the cars continuing to crawl up and down Las Vegas Boulevard South. it was officially Friday night.
"I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas please
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me (I love it)
LoveGame intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me (I love it)
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun, fun
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lying I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunning
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand cause I'm marvelous
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(she's got me like nobody)..."
Miss Sawako came into the room minutes later, holding a box. "Why are you guys sleeping?"
They all woke up, shocked. "What time is it?" Yui asked.
"Damn, we were all sleeping?" Ritsu said, rubbing and eye.
"Apparently we were," Mugi said, yawning.
"What time is it?" Azusa asked.
"It's ten minutes to showtime, girls. Thank god I was able to get this. Here." She handed each of the members a yellow can.
"Hey, this is the same drink we drank over at the Mount Charleston hike," Mio said.
"Yep. Rockstar Recovery. A van was offering free Rockstar to the concertgoers, and I was able to obtain this for you. Go ahead and guzzle this down, then get ready to play your hearts out."
"Thanks, teacher!" the others said.
"I want you all to do your best. You're not just representing yourselves and this school, but you're also representing Japan. Good luck, and I will see you after the show." And so she left.
"Ahhh, that feels fantastic," Ritsu said after finishing her can.
Azusa put on her jacket, as did the others. "We are ready to do our thing."
"This is for all the people in Las Vegas, and everyone in America," Tsumugi said, her confidence reaching critical mass.
"It's go time," Mio concurred.
"Let's give it all we got, everyone," Yui said, as she placed her hand in with the others, a true sisterhood of rock. "HTT on three, HTT on three! One, two, three!"
"HTT!" they shouted. Azusa, Yui and Mio put on their guitars and Ritsu carried her sticks. Tsumugi's keyboard was already on the stand.
Outside, the lights were out, and the crowd roared, knowing that the girls would be making their appearance on to the stage. It was a loud, continuous roar and squeal of humanity, of masculinity and femininity. "HTT! HTT! HTT!" they all shouted. Not a single seat was empty: it was a sellout.
As the band took their positions in the darkness, the calm before the storm, Mio pointed at Ritsu to provide the signal.
"One, two, three!" A few riffs. Showtime. Mio did the lead vocals as the glow sticks and flags waved across the Vegas air.
"Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money that's ready to burn,
So get those stakes up higher
There's a thousand pretty women waitin' out there
And they're all livin' devil may care
And I'm just the devil with love to spare
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas
How I wish that there were more
Than the twenty-four hours in the day
'Cause even if there were forty more
I wouldn't sleep a minute away
Oh, there's black jack and poker and the roulette wheel
A fortune won and lost on every deal
All you need's a strong heart and a nerve of steel
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas with you neon flashin'
And your one armbandits crashin'
All those hopes down the drain
Viva Las Vegas turnin' day into nighttime
Turnin' night into daytime
If you see it once
You'll never be the same again
I'm gonna keep on the run
I'm gonna have me some fun
If it costs me my very last dime
If I wind up broke up well
I'll always remember that I had a swingin' time
I'm gonna give it everything I've got
Lady luck please let the dice stay hot
Let me shoot a seven with every shot
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas
Viva, Viva Las Vegas.."
The crowd roared, and the students in the front were jumping up and down. The girls smiled, soaking in the noise.
"Hello Las Vegas!" Yui said. "We are Hokago Tea Time! Thank you for coming tonight!"
Another roar from the crowd.
"This song is called Cagayake! Girls. Ricchan."
"One, two, three."
And the second number began.
"Chatting Now
With grace we have a noisy and Never Ending Girls' Talk
We can't wait for the final bell!
Although we're late, skipping school is a No no no!
With all our might, we'll Study After School
My excitement wont' stop! Thoughts go at Full Throttle!
Wrap hope, desires, and passion with a ribbon!
Gather all the materials and immerse yourself in the New Type Version!
The book prohibited from the guys are our diary of Love!
If we shorten our skirts by 2cm, we can fly
further than yesterday, higher than the day before yesterday's Octave!
Jumping Now
With grace we have a wonderful Never Ending Girls' Life!
We must be serious every day or our Live will be now or never!
Although you wake up early, sleeping early is a No No No!
With all our might we're shouting Wasshoi!
With grace we have a wonderful and Never Ending Girls' Song!
Bring on afternoon Tea Time!
Even with unrequited love, with honorable defeat Here We Go!
If we sing we'll be Shining After School
Are we living too relaxed? We have trouble every day!
Differential and Integral Calculus are supplementary, so no love for now…
I sing for two hours, my stomach is a fourth dimension.
Oh no! Suddenly I'm limited…"wait" was written in my secret book.
I cut 3mm from my hair bangs and saw it,
although my test paper is completely white, it's ok if my future is Rose colored right?
Chatting Now
With grace we have a noisy and Never Ending Girls' Talk
We can't wait for the final bell!
Although we're late, skipping school is a No no no!
With all our might we Study to Enjoy!
With grace we have a wonderful and Never Ending Girls' Song!
Bring on afternoon Tea Time!
With an unusual Chord Here We Go!
If we sing we'll be Shining After School
We'll infinitely loop it!
Size down up down up,
but our mood is always
up up up & up!
Gathering just for smiles,
and singing only for happiness
…it fairly echoes tenderness to the world!
Jumping Now
With grace we have a wonderful Never Ending Girls' Life!
We must be serious every day or our Live will be now or never!
Although you wake up early, sleeping early is a No No No!
With all our might we're shouting Wasshoi!
With grace we have a wonderful and Never Ending Girls' Song!
Bring on afternoon Tea Time!
Even with unrequited love, with honorable defeat Here We Go!
If we sing we'll be Shining After School
So
Shining Shinier Shiniest
Girls be ambitious & shine..."
"This song is one of my favorites, and it's called 'My Love Is A Stapler.'," Yui said. "We're actually students from Japan than decided to come here to America, and we sing this song with you in mind."
"Moe~~~~~!" a fan in the back row cried as the others laughed.
"Thank you. This is 'My Love Is A Stapler.'"
A flourish, a few chords from Azusa, and then it was Yui and Mio teaming up on the vocals.
"I wonder how?
That night I had you on my mind
This feeling
I'll try writing it down in a letter
Perhaps
Maybe this is just a whim
But even so it's only a few sheets
I have to keep writing!
A calculated formula probably derived from love
I wish I had it and yet…
A sparkling request
And a messy worry
That's it! Let's bind them together with a stapler
It's just the beginning but I'm feeling light
Before I knew it, it was too thick
I can't put in anymore staples
Lala, see you tomorrow
What should I do?
I reread it; It's embarrassing!
This and that
I wrote it all!
These feelings
Need to go into the trashcan
My chest aches
Maybe I should just hold onto them
I'll express my current feelings
I'll search for words not even in dictionaries
Completely excited plans and
And exhausted developments
Let's bind it all with a stapler
Remember today's events
My heart is always tightening
I no longer have any staples so I need to buy some more
Lala See you tomorrow
A sparkling request
And a messy worry
That's it! Let's bind them together with a stapler
It's just the beginning but I'm feeling light
Before I knew it I was too thick
I can't put in anymore staples
Lala, see you tomorrow..."
The glow sticks were waving, and a few in the crowd were in tears as they applauded.
"Thank you," Mio said. "Now this song is a very fun one, I hope you guys get up and dance to this, Las Vegas. It's called 'Genius...?' Ritsu!"
"One, two, one, two, three!"
A few strums by Azusa, Yui joining in, and Ritsu brought the crowd to its feet as they danced on a wonderful Friday evening. All five were on vocals this time. A few people were even crowd-surfing on this one.
"I tie my tie tight and now depart
While my heart is tied tight, too
A stage that's shown only to us
Let's go gathering our power
However many times I depart, it feels like the first time
Deciding one song is exciting and tense
But when we exchange looks, that easily
Changes mystery into happiness
We bask in the spotlight, light from around the world
We're just about gathered, almost radiating
Because we're not incomplete, our motto is fun
Because we're serious
That riff just now was cool, it felt pro
Oh no, I'm already in high spirits
Could it be that we're geniuses...?
Nobody says so, but...we must be...!
There aren't any flashy accessories
Our sparkling sweat substitutes for jewels
We don't have makeup, either, just unpainted faces
But to that extent, we're honest
Our smiles in full bloom, people around the world
If we can make them smile, it's amazing, touching
Because we want to sing, the atmosphere is love and peace
Because our dreams are huge
This harmony is perfect, knack instead of pitch
Oh no, I'm already nervous
We don't sit down, our feet on the ground
Making good use of the fluffiness, soaring, happy
We encountered it, we found it
The supreme bliss of playing, a sense of unity
Before knowing it, we won't go back to being lucky
So we're going to go forward, tea time is our energy
Because we love everybody
Extending the loop, an awesome outro, tension doesn't have a ceiling
Then let's go, let's go more
Come on, because we're not incomplete, our motto is fun
Because we're serious
That riff just now was cool, it felt pro
Oh no, I'm already in high spirits
Could it be that we're geniuses...?
Nobody says so, but...it's true...!"
"HTT! HTT! HTT!" the crowd chanted.
"Thank you everyone. I want to go ahead and introduce ourselves," Yui said, as Ritsu took swig of a water bottle. "Yui Hirasawa, lead guitar and vocals."
"Mio Akiyama, bass and vocals."
"Tsumugi Kotobuki, keyboard."
"Ritsu Tainaka, drums. Hello world."
"Azusa Nakano, guitar."
"We are Hokago Tea Time!" the five of them said, to the lustful roar of the fans.
"Here's our next song, entitled 'Fude Pen, Ballpoint Pen,'" Yui said. "Ricchan!"
"One, two, three..."
Azusa and Ritsu led the way for this one, with Yui taking up lead vocals.
"My calligraphy pen, FUFU
Is trembling, FUFU
As I'm writing my first ever GREETING CARD to you
My throbbing PASSION
And overflowing ACTION
Might just spurt out
I imagine your smile
And I want to show you my good points
I grasp my passion
I gotta make you notice me!
All right, I'm gonna write smoothly with all my love
So that me and you can be connected by happiness when you've received it
I'm showing you my dreams as my characters dance around
Hang in there, calligraphy pen, you've made it this far
I'm totally serious
To my calligraphy pen, FUFU
I might be being overdoing it, FUFU
It seems I might be crushing it, but
My handwriting's on a MISSION
Red-hot TENSION
Normal print is so boring
At the point where I close, the point where I stop
This heart-throbbing is most definitely love
"Please treat me well from here on out"
I add that single phrase
My cheerful lettering is so shiny, look how well polished it is
It'd be wonderful if they could go straight into your heart
The running lines shine until they dry
You'll have to wait, calligraphy pen, sorry, ballpoint pen
You'll have to rest
I'm totally serious
I imagine your smile
And I want to show you my good points
I grasp my passion
I gotta make you notice me!
All right, I'm gonna write smoothly with all my love
So that me and you can be connected by happiness when you've received it
I'm showing you my dreams as my characters dance around
Hang in there, calligraphy pen, you've made it this far
I'm totally serious!"
The crowd roared, its appetite for more of HTT's music never seeming to be satisfied. Such a beast in the thousands. It needed more. Much more.
"This is a song that Mio wrote in the middle of the night when she had nothing else to do aside from studying for the next test," Yui said.
"Yui, quit spreading lies," she said with a flat gaze. The crowd broke out in laughter.
"And it's called 'Don't Say Lazy.' Here we go."
"One, two, three, four..." A few taps of the cymbals, and they were off.
"Please don't' say "You are lazy"
because I'm actually crazy!
The swans, that's right
what you can't see is that they thrash about when swimming!
I'm obedient and loyal to my instincts, I'll even accept being made fun of!
A bright future is offered to me…
that's why I take a break once in a while.
With these eyes I'll confirm
my destination and Mark it on my map!
If there's a shortcut, that would be easier,
if there's are wings to make it even shorter, it would be great!
Damn! I broke a nail, so I fixed it with glue.
With that I somehow I got a feeling of achievement.
The important thing is to love oneself,
if you don't love yourself, you won't love other people.
Please don't say "You are lazy"
because I'm actually crazy!
Skilled hawks, that's right,
they hide their talons!
I try hard to imagine it, but reality drives me up into a corner…
I'm midway to development…
that's why I suddenly go out of pitch.
It won't be projected in my eyes because
my Motivation breaks the Meter…
I always dream with all my power,
but in return, I sleep with all my power.
I lost a bit of weight…in my excitement, I ate…
Why did that happen? I feel defeated…
Without any delay, I lower my own objectives.
I'm flexible enough to adapt…my Kabuki dance will win!
Please don't say "You are lazy"
because I'm actually crazy!
The peacocks, that's right,
they say "This is it!" when they are enchanted by beauty!
I struggle and push for my whole body to lose weight…to be a beauty,
though, there are lots of temptations…
that's why I desperately break my will.
Damn! Don't tell me…a Red Point! No, barely cleared it!
With that I feel omnipotent!
The important thing is to accept oneself,
if you don't forgive yourself, you won't be able to forgive other people!
Please don't' say "You are lazy"
because I'm actually crazy!
The swans, that's right
what you can't see is that they thrash about when swimming!
I'm obedient and loyal to my instincts, I'll even accept being made fun of!
A bright future is offered to me…
that's why I take a break once in a while."
"I can see a lot of people crowd-surfing in the back," Yui said. "Give it up for the crowd-surfers!" A few security people were imploring the crowd surfers to get back in their seats, which they did.
"You saw crowd surfers, sempai?" Azusa said.
"Yep. Such courage. I love it."
"I think we should switch the tempo a bit to something more subdued. Like honey," Tsumugi said. "Right?"
"This song is called Honey Sweet Tea Time, written by Mugi-chan, our keyboardist," Yui said.
"I love you, Mugi-chan!" exclaimed one happy fan in the seats. "Will you marry me and have my babies?"
"Check with me after the show, dear," she said, blowing a kiss. The fan fainted, suffering a nosebleed.
"Ritsu, take it away," Mio said.
"One, two, three..." And the arms were swaying in the air.
"The honey colored afternoon passes by
A honey sweet tea time
The honey colored afternoon passes by
A honey sweet tea time
A macaroon airship
The clock is a langues du chat
Let's go to a place where my heart tightens
Under the sky where smiles bloom
Curiosity overflows
In maxi singles
Tied with a ribbon the color of the equator
The earth is a box of sweets
And it's packed with dreams
How does the honey colored afternoon taste?
A honey sweet tea time
How does the honey colored afternoon taste?
A honey sweet tea time
A galette parking lot
A stray cat sachertorte
Today, let's start doing the things we've always wanted to do
In the town where I spilled the paint of light
Everything reflected in my eyes
Is part of the recipe of the future
Wrapped in paper the color of the blue sky
The world is a present
Is it okay to open it?
If you should lose your way
Let's have some tea
Wishes go on the caddy spoon
Pain goes in the teapot
Mix up these feelings, stir left and right
May all your troubles clear up tomorrow
Under the sky where smiles bloom
Curiosity overflows
In maxi singles
Tied with a ribbon the color of the equator
The earth is a box of sweets
Let's eat
In the town where I spilled the paint of light
Everything reflected in my eyes
Is part of the recipe of the future
Wrapped in paper the color of the blue sky
The world is a present
It's okay to open it!"
"Thank you, Mugi-chan," Yui said as Tsumugi bowed. "Is the fan all right down there?"
Tsumugi saw the fan with his nose plugged, flashing a thumbs-up and a smile. "He's fine."
"All right. Here's our next song, called 'Samidare 20 Love', written by Mio-chan. Ricchan, you know what to do."
"One, two, three..." Mio's bass and Ritsu's rhythm set the stage for Tsumugi's keyboarding to tell the story. The night sky became more vibrant as Mio took the lead vocals once more.
"Raindrops begin to fall; how pretty they are!
They look like drops of sparkling soda, stopping the town's yawning
I count three drops and catch the big ones on my forehead
The rain speaks to me
The fifth drop is surely a little bird's mini tiara
That's right, the seventh drop is the power line's pendant and chain
Eight drops on my eyelashes; the ninth dances on the leaves
I may have fallen in love; the tenth drop intrudes and I still don't know
Twenty, love
Though it's still faint
This dream is a watercolor painting
The brush that paints the rainbow
Is right here in my heart
Teardrops, don't fall; nobody has an umbrella
The rain gently washes away the footprints from a second before
Very soon, eighteen drops become polka dots, like jewels
With the twentieth drop, I wonder if I'll know if my love will continue
In a sudden flash
I want to give light
To this dream of mine
So the hands that will break up the rainclouds
Will come from my pockets
Twenty, love
Though it's still faint
This dream is a watercolor painting
The brush that paints the rainbow
Is right here in my heart
In a sudden flash
I want to give light
To this dream of mine
So the hands that will break up the rainclouds
Will come from my pockets..."
"We'd like to do one more song before we take a bit of a break. This one is called 'Go Go Maniac,' Yui said.
"One, two, three, four," Ritsu counted out before the boogie began.
Oh no, I can't stop, I won't stop
During day, during night, during morning, I'm singing so loud
I'm just doing the things I love, Girls Go Maniac
I want to go search for
A melody like that, lyrics like these, more and more
Together with everyone, Chance Chance, let's show
Jump Jump, our wishes
Fun Fun, and say, Shout Shout, how we feel
If we mess up, then we'll rehearse one more time!
Everyone has a microcosm known as a heart
It's tightly packed with a gamut of emotions and love
I'm busy feeling down and getting excited
Let's turn the days loaded with chaos into songs
Let's confess frankly to each other
Even during class, I unconsciously research musicianship
Doing it in air is OK, the atmosphere is what's important, we suddenly shred out a rhythm
Our beats and minds communicate to each other, and we freely enjoy it
We win if we had fun
Sorry, I can't let it go, I won't let it go
Down and across and diagonally, I'm swinging around
I'm just making the sound I love, Girls Go Maniac
I want to go try
A groove like that, a reverb like this, forever and ever
Make us in tune with each other, Chase Chase, let's dream
Break Break, of tomorrow
Faith Faith, and swell up, Shake Shake, with strength
If we get showered in cheers, we won't be able to forget about it, right?
Truly, reality is really stranger than fiction
No matter how much I space out, I bump into encounters
It's funny feeling my heart throbbing and leaping
What? Is this destiny? Well then, let's lose ourselves
Let's satisfy ourselves the best we can
Before a test, as always, I can't tear apart our friendship
Even though we didn't promise so, we unintentionally get together after school
No matter where the place the members are gathered is, it's instantly our stage
You can hear it, right? The count
Of course, I smile with a smile
In spring, in summer, in fall, I'm stepping out, now
I'm just with my friends who I love, Girls Go Maniac
I want you to take
Drumming like that, cutting like this, please oh please
Make our eyes meet, Tune Tune, let's synch
Amuse Amuse, our hearts, too
Loose Loose, and improve our technique, Shoot Shoot, comfortably
We should still be able to go on, right? Actually!
Adults say so, they say we'll fail
Doing only the things we love, but is that true? What will we do?
Hey, the moment when I become absorbed in what I love doing
It feels like I'm alive…I'm happy…so it's okay.
So it means we won't fail.
I knew it, I can't stop, I won't stop
During day, during night, during morning, I'm singing so loud
I'm just doing the things I love, Girls Go Maniac
I want to go search for
A melody like that, lyrics like these, more and more
Together with everyone, Chance Chance, let's show
Jump Jump, our wishes
Fun Fun, and say, Shout Shout more
Chance Chance, let's show, Jump Jump, our wishes
Fun Fun, and say, Shout Shout, how we feel
Because it feels good, Yeah, encore, one more time!
Oh My God! No No music, No smile
Oh My God! No No friends, No life
All Right! No No No stop going our way
We have a fabulous BODY, SOUL & LOVE
No No music, No smile
Oh My God! No No friends, No life
All Right! No No No stop going our way
We have a fabulous BODY, SOUL & LOVE
No No music, No smile
Oh My God! No No friends, No life
All Right! No No No stop going our way
We have a fabulous BODY, SOUL & LOVE
No No music, No smile
Oh My God! No No friends, No life
All Right! No No No stop going our way
We have a fabulous BODY, SOUL & LOVE!"
"Thank you everyone, we'll be back!" Yui said.
The crowd gave a standing ovation as the band members returned to the green room to quickly recharge.
"Oh man, that felt nice," Ritsu concurred. "The rush of the crowd! It feels insane!"
Azusa placed her guitar on its rest and stretched. "Hey Azunyan," Yui said to her.
"Sempai?"
"You look cute when you're stretching."
"You always find me cute when I'm doing anything. As if that's even supposed to surprise me!"
"Yui-chan seems to say some of the most flattering statements," Tsumugi said, staring at the ceiling as she sat down on the sofa.
Jun walked in the green room, handing out some bottles of water. "Great stuff you guys. You are the best."
"That's just the first set," Mio said, sipping her bottle.
"Onee-chan, I saw some people floating amongst the crowds," Ui said, walking in. "It looked weird."
"That's called crowd surfing, Ui," Ritsu said. "Or mosh-pit. It's a fun spectacle, but it can be dangerous at times."
"I see."
"The place was loud, I could barely hear the others singing," said Yui. "But we really brought in the energy. We're bringing it."
"Five minutes before you're called back on stage," said one of the event crew to the band.
"Should we start our set with some songs about food?" Yui asked.
"Why not?" Ritsu said, conducting the air with one of her sticks. "Let's whet their appetite, and then, we kick it up a notch. How about it?"
"Parfait, Tokimeki, Curry," Mio said. "Sounds like a plan."
"We know what to cap it with, right?"
"Right," they all said.
"Let's head back and finish this show right."
"Good luck you guys," Ui said as she and Jun returned to their seats. "Have fun, onee-chan."
"Leave it to us, Ui," Yui said, beaming. She now turned to the others. "This is for everyone! Let's do this! HTT on three, one, two, three!"
"HTT!" they all said, and they took their instruments and returned to the stage for their next number, to the roar of the crowd.
"A hug between vanilla and strawberry -
They're a pair that fits better than anyone.
Lovely, happy! ?
Whipped cream like pure white lace,
So sweet that it puts me in trance…
Soft and wavy!
I have to hurry before it melts.
I have to give nourishment to my heart.
The taste of today's dream is perfect. ?
It flows through my body, that Sweet Sweet Berry Sauce.
It's the force that drives our hot Girl's Talk.
More to come! Joy! Joy!
I tried my best, so I'll give myself a reward.
Let's try hard again!
The strawberry parfaits just don't stop!
Pressed hard against the glass bowl,
The sparkling and heart throbbing are packed in.
A marbled pattern! ?
Cornflakes, don't get in the way!
The coolness of the brain freeze
Feels nice.
It's a seasonal food.
Don't worry about calories.
With the speed of a flicker of light, lick, lick! ?
I only respond to delicious things.
I have an antenna – hey, I'm a girl!
More, more! Taste! Taste!
There's another stomach for dessert! It's not a puzzle.
It's a complete black hole, you know.
I, I, I just can't stop myself!
It flows through my body, that Sweet Sweet Berry Sauce.
It's the force that drives our hot Girl's Talk.
More to come! Joy! Joy!
I tried my best, so I'll give myself a reward.
Let's try hard again!
The strawberry parfaits just don't stop!"
"I want some ice cream," hollered an old man in the back, waving his shirt around like a rally towel. "Could you spare me a pint?"
"We'll have our crew spot you a bucket after the show," Ritsu said, to the laughter of the crowd.
"That was 'The strawberry parfaits just don't stop,'" said Yui. "Here's another song that Mio wrote, about a baker, and it's a tribute to the great desserts you can find on the Strip. It's called 'Tokimeki Sugar.' Ricchan?"
"One, two, three, four..."
Mio's bass led the way, and her vocals were soon to follow.
"Caramel sauce for you, dearest
Granulated sugar, brown sugar
Caramel sauce for you, dearest
Maple, honey, fine-grain sugar
Caramel sauce just for you
My heart is also caramel sauce
Even if it gets a little burned
Your flame will make it delicious
I'm a pastry chef of love
For you, who's moderately sweet
I'll make a homemade sauce
Even though I've been watching you all along
Why haven't you noticed?
If you want a taste, just say so, okay?
You've got some on your cheek!
My true feelings are custard pudding
The secret hidden flavor is throbbing sugar
My true feelings are custard pudding
Brown sugar syrup, thin sugar, manuka honey
Why has this caramel sauce become bittersweet?
I'll just fix it with some more sugar
Since I don't have a measuring spoon
I'll season it myself and make it delicious
I'm a pastry chef with a sweet tooth
Just thinking about you
Saturates my heart
But, you see, where I am right now
I don't plan to use my voice
If I dream an extremely sweet dream
I'll be happy tonight
I've got everything sweet inside the cupboard
It can't be beat once I boil it down
Heartbeat bittersweet
Fantasy eternity
Dizzy dizzy sympathy, I'm feeling it!
Just 'cause...
I'm a pastry chef of love
For you, who's moderately sweet
I'll make a homemade sauce
Even though I've been watching you all along
Why haven't you noticed?
If you want a taste, just say so!
I'm a pastry chef of love
Just thinking about you
Saturates my heart
Someday we'll meet eye to eye
And at that time, my concoction will be ready
It'll be the most delicious thing ever
You've got some on your cheek!"
"Sugar, Sugar, Sugar, Sugar," the fans chanted. It got louder and faster until it melted into rapturous applause, cheers and whistles.
"From something sweet, to something spicy," Yui said. "We want to do this number for you, it's called 'Curry Nochi Rice.'"
"One, two, one, two, three, four," Ritsu counted. Mugi's keyboarding hooks were too irresistible to resist as the fans bounced up and down.
"I might be irresistibly in love with you, Bubbly Wobbly
This hungry feeling won't stop, Dizzy Giddy
Please!
A piping hot plate of curry
Give me a stimulating spoonful of spices
Instead of sweet, today will be medium-spicy
For a mature flavor
Meat, vegetables and a secret special seasoning
A growing child's greed awakening love
I love you!
Simmering well-made curry
Let's try two spoonfuls of spices
But keep it limited; It's no good if it's too spicy
Tingly, Fiery, Spicy
Oh… No no no no no no…!
Just a tiny bit of curry and a lot of rice
When you're not here it's lonely at the table
Someday we'll be on good terms with you on my silver spoon
Sorry!
Curry without roux;
Girls like sweet curry
I long for you but mildly-spicy is too much
I love you!
Simmering well-made curry
Let's try two spoonfuls of spices
But keep it limited; It's no good if it's too spicy
Tingly, Fiery, Spicy
Oh… No no no no no no…!
Just a tiny bit of curry and a lot of rice!"
"This is a number that we recently wrote while back at school," Mio said. "I hope you guys enjoy it. It's called 'Our Magic.'"
Ritsu counted down, "One, two, one, two, three..."
The coyote from yesterday wandered outside, then slept outside the stadium if only to have a listen. HTT's harmonies were on display.
"(It's the 6th sense, special magic music
It's the 6th sense, great magic music)
Let's all go hum what we feel
Shy people and people who like show off, comfortably, freely
I want you to tell me your real
Let's draw out and play our aspirations and ideals
A dream like catching the clouds, for example
I want it to challenge our real
Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, full of the five senses
I switch on that state without sleep or rest
Cute, loud, good, sweet, comfortable
If you entrust this and that to a song
Let's communicate with the sixth sense, heart to heart
Slap, mute, glissando, roll, trill
All of them together are a conversation
If we have too fun a time, we might forget it
Oh, like a needle rushing over a record
We could play for eternity
(It's the 6th sense, special magic music
It's the 6th sense, great magic music)
It's okay! Let's open our hearts about our worries, too
Sometimes we feel down on hard everydays
I want to go climb over them, our fight
Body and soul, full of the five senses
Let's be proud of our sensitivities
Ugly, quiet, bad, bitter, uncomfortable
If you engulf even those in sound
Let's connect with the sixth sense, courage to courage
The audience is together with us
A session of giving out yells
Tear-stained faces smile, smiling faces smile more and more
Yeah, they're not even in harmony with the score, a miracle
Is occurring
(It's the 6th sense, magic music...)
Let's communicate with the sixth sense, heart to heart
Even in decrescendo, our bond
Is infinitely in crescendo
If we have too fun a time, we might forget it
Hey, like a needle rushing over a record
Let's play for eternity
(It's the 6th sense Special MAGIC MUSIC
It's the 6th sense Great MAGIC MUSIC)
(It's the 6th sense, special magic music
It's the 6th sense, great magic music)..."
The crowd was on its feet as the number concluded.
"Thank you," Yui said. "Here's another one for you guys, it's called 'Girls In Wonderland.'"
"One, two, three, four..." Ritsu counted.
"All fiction falls short to our Wonderland
When the five of us approach, it's bizarre
I've written the truth in my diary
Now I've read it and I can't calm down
It wasn't supposed to be this way!
These high school days are way too high
It's a very Fantastic World
But I'd gladly give in to a happy miscalculation
What will happen on the pages of tomorrow...!
I wonder what's written there
Today's heart and beat are already at their max
I've begun to think this way every day
The innovations of miracles are a bit scary, but I can't stop
Believe me
Our luck goes on!
No kind of art can depict our Funny Faces,
The faces determined by our five senses and honest emotions
Just like conversations, our photographs have piled up
Everyone's always giving the peace sign
That's the way it was!
We were fine even if we cried
It's a very Peaceful World
With our warm music and friends
What will happen with the finder of the future...!
I wonder what kind of faces and scenery will be reflected on us
Even if reality strikes hard against us
We'll just hum our favorite phrases
Singing only of courage and love,
We'll be fine
Our Dreams Will Come True!
I can only see what's in front of me, there's no turning back
Today I'll go on with all my might, simply surrounded by what I "love"
What will happen to us tomorrow!
No one knows
But we always sing "Oh yeah" "Take it easy"
What will happen on the pages of tomorrow...!
I wonder what's written there
Today's heart and beat are already at their max
I've begun to think this way every day
The innovations of miracles are a bit scary, but I can't stop
Believe me
Our luck goes on!"
A few thousand fans chanted. "We Love The Tea Time, We Do, We Love The Tea Time, We Do, We Love The Tea Time, We Do, Oh Team Time We Love You!"
"We love you guys as well," Azusa said, wiping herself dry with a towel before flinging it to a lucky fan with a wink and a kiss blown in his direction.
"This is a fun song that I'm sure you guys will have fun dancing to," Tsumugi said. "It's called Let's Go. Let's party, Las Vegas!"
"Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go!" the band shouted, and the fans joined in as Ritsu's drumming led the way. In an interesting twist, they modified the song to fit the scenario.
"I messed up! I got up at 8 o'clock
Crap, nobody woke me up
Instead of a Ferris wheel, I'll go-go by a roller coaster
Speed over scenery
Departure is in standby, I'm a bit nervous
But since I came this far, I'll fasten my seatbelt, ok!
Just barely late, I make up a funny excuse; How are things going? Going down
In times of trouble, even in times of tears, don't give up! Okay, let's go!
I got an F? Shock shock shock!
At the stoplight, wait wait wait!
On a whim, rock rock rock!
Keep on going!
Even if you want to reconsider, have no regrets
By all means, "Let's go!"
Diet! Sure, but pay attention - your daily calorie count is off course
Checkmate? Don't you mean check? Yeah, it's life's ups-and-downs version
Days that seem to be going smoothly could turn upside down
I'll become stronger and won't look back twice, ok!
Bring in those sweets, then we'll do homework; but my thoughts are fantasies - ah, pleasant!
In delicious times, even in times of cheering, go with all your might! Okay, let's go!
Blue sky, go go go!
Skirt, check check check!
Vaulting horse, jump jump jump!
Keep on going!
Just having fun is the norm - isn't that okay?
Count on me, "Let's go!"
The "absolute clock" is turning and turning
Even if you mess up, there's no turning back
Get lots of sleep and you'll be fully charged
Combine our voices, "Let's go!"
We've got tomorrow off, tonight's Friday - let's meet at 10 at the usual place
In times of bursting, even in times of melancholy, don't be late! Okay, let's go!
Everyone, clap your hands!
Each day's a chance chance chance!
Carefree, jump jump jump!
Keep on going!
Just having fun is the norm - isn't that okay?
Anyways, "Let's go!" "
The fans were on their feet, and immediately, Ritsu proceeded to the band's next number.
"Hey, Hey, Come With Me," Yui said to the crowd. Soon, Mio joined in, then Mugi and Ritsu, and finally Azusa. Every one of the five took turns sharing the vocals before they all sung as one.
"Hey, smile! Hey, with everyone!
This is youth, right? Let's make some noise!
(Come on!)
The answer is "dreams" times "wishes"
If you want to find out, come over here
'Cause fun awaits
Are you ready! Let's go together
I feel like strolling along on the way to school
But I forgot my bag - a sudden curve!
Lessons are only just starting
I completely understand, or at least pretending to
Even though problems go over capacity
(It'll be all right)
We'll have enough luck to solve them
Hey, smile! Hey, with everyone!
This is youth, right? Let's riot!
(Come on!)
The answer is "heart" plus "happiness"
If you don't understand, it's okay to make it up
Let's combine answers
We'll gather and go together
Let's see what happens after school
Found a cute cat, powerfully dash!
By chatting, we've reached the end
Don't worry about homework, or at least pretend not to
Even small things can cause times of trouble
(It'll be all right)
Just try to reflect while sleeping
Hey, smile! Hey, with everyone!
This is youth, right? Let's make some noise!
(Come on!)
The answer is "dreams" times "wishes"
If you want to find out, come over here
'Cause fun awaits
Are you ready! Let's go together
Clap your hands now! Hey!
Clap your hands now! Hey!
Clap your hands now! Hey!
Clap your hands, clap your hands,
clap your hands, woo... YEAH!
Even if you fail, try to add it up
'Cause a bigger answer will come to you
Whatever that happens to be
If we're together, we've got nothing to fear
The answer is "heart" plus "happiness"
If you don't understand, it's okay to make it up
'Cause we'll combine answers
So from now on, forever and ever
Let's go together - join hands and go
Hey! Let's be happy!
Hey! Let's be lucky!
Hey! Let's be lovely!
Come with me
Come with me!"
The crowd were bouncing, their energy level at an all-time high. "Come With Me, Come With Me, Come With Me," they all chanted.
"Let's change the scene a little bit," Yui said. "This song is called No Thank You."
Tsumugi's keyboarding led the way towards what was an energetic piece, and one of the band's favorites.
"We jostle each other around the whiteboard
Making graffiti of our free wishes
Even if the after school chime echoes in the setting sun
You can't diss the power to dream, unfortunately
Let's sing with a louder, louder, louder voice
Carry hope on your lips
Every time when you release words, they turn into light
They're our pieces
I don't need memories
Because I firmly and deeply love "now"
Getting immersed in my memories is a sweet, adult-like luxury
But not yet…I want to hold back from it
Drawing wildly with a marker in the notebook of my heart
It only has points about how I feel like crying when I get pushed
When I'm with everyone, pain and joy
Stick in me with an infinite reverb, how strange
Let's fly always, always, always to the yonder
Our ambition can't wait for the countdown in the tailwind
Every time when I mark the beats, they turn platinum
They're our wings
I don't need promises
Because no one can live besides "now"
Desiring promises is an innocent, child-like frailty
I've already long since…graduated from it
Forever, at any place, I'll certainly keep listening
Even though I don't even need eternity, why can't I seem to lose it?
Our Splendid Songs
Let's sing more, more, more, even if our voices grow hoarse
Praise this moment with your lips
Having maps with the same routes, we were able to encounter each other
It's our bond
NO, Thank You! I don't need memories
Because I firmly and deeply love "now"
Getting immersed in my memories is a sweet, adult-like luxury
But not yet…I want to hold back from it."
Mio closed her eyes and soaked it all in. The crowd's appreciation of the band and the cheers and whistles were music to her ears. "Are you all having a good time?"
"Yeah!" the crowd responded.
"I think they said 'Yeah,'" Yui said.
"Cool. This is another of my favorite songs. This one is called 'Listen!' Get up and dance!"
"One, two, three!" Ritsu counted before starting up their next number. Once again, the crowd was on their feet, shaking and losing themselves in the power pop that came from Hokago Tea Time.
"It's deep deep, deep in my heart
In the sanctuary where nothing echoed
heat heat, it caught on fire, so I can't return
It's shock shock, a shock that I send you
Saying, "Hey, let's go everywhere together"
rock rock, the storm and tsunami of sound lure each other
A dropped pick, a broken stick
Aren't problems at all
We're within the same sound, and that's actually a miracle
We'll sing, we'll sing as long as we feel like it
No matter how quiet it is, it's our single song in the world
I want to live with all my might
So much that I won't regret it even if I die today
Release, passionate
This is a PRECIOUS Heart Beat of ours
We'll sing
Non sweet, sweet, your true nature is more comfortable
Than sweet words, right? Touch of mind, yeah
wit wit, it'd be fun to tell me, always and forever
Non stop stop, because my newborn feelings
Are hurrying faster than light
rock rock, I've got to catch them with sound and tell them to you
A running rhythm, a crazed tuning
Are all within my assumption
I'm choosing the same dream, and that's the power for tomorrow
We'll shout, we'll shout even if we're on an away stage
Because no matter how scared we are, we're not alone
Even if it's unfinished, I don't mind
I really want to play it
Reach, truthfulness
We were finally able to meet, this is our TREASURE Heart Beat
We want to know…to live…to love
The countless prayers-
Make them heard, make them into wings, Can Fly High
We'll sing, we'll sing as long as we feel like it
No matter how quiet it is, it's our single song in the world
I want to live with all my might
So much that I won't regret it even if I die today
Release, passionate
This is a PRECIOUS Heart Beat of ours
We'll sing, TREASURE Heart Beat
Listen!"
The number finished, and the crowd roared in approval.
"Everyone, you have been a wonderful audience," Yui said. "We enjoyed our time here in Fabulous Las Vegas."
"Yui, tell them what we did," Ritsu said.
"We got to stay in one of the most expensive rooms in the city in the Hugh Hefner SkyVilla."
"Ooooooh," the crowd said.
"We got to hike up Mount Charleston."
"Oooooooh..."
"We got to watch a show on the Strip, I think it was Love by Cirque du Soliel."
"Oooooooh..."
"We got to go to the arcade at Circus Circus and ride at the top of Stratosphere."
"Oooooooh..."
"And before we came here to play for you, we made one more walk down the Strip just to show how much we love your city."
"Oooooooh..."
"You love to say 'Oooooooh,' don't you?" They laughed and applauded. "Well, anyway, we are going to treasure the time we spent here in Vegas, so we have a couple more songs before we say goodbye."
"Awwwwww," the crowd said.
"We're students, everyone. We have school tomorrow after this. We even brought some of our classmates here to say hello. Say hi to everybody, Class 3-2 and the Mio Fans Club!"
The students waved to the crowd, who also applauded their presence at the show.
"Here's our next song, it's called Utauyo Miracle. This song is for you. Ricchan, count it."
"One, two, three..."
"I love you all!
It's our never-ending lu-la-la Miracle Sing Time
I'll sing, I'll sing, it's the absolute best way to express my love!
Even if the composition is clumsy or the lyrics are iffy
I want to convey my soul with all I have!
What can we do, we can't follow this time table
That's been decided for us automatically
Billowing waves of us infinite dreamers dash out and assemble in the hallway
Sorry if my manners are bad! But don't mind how I look
I'm totally addicted to playing; a sparkle, maybe this is what youth is
ever ever... Forever shine
I really love you!
It's a tension-rising lu-la-la Powerful Gig Time
My heart is, my heart is, an excitement-seeking genius
Even if I say "Huh!" or start racking up misses
I want to set free my boiling bravery
On with the tremolo, followed by flam
Ain't it awesome, ain't it awesome, ain't it awesome to feel so good
I'm always so happy, it's the way "now" feels
Live on, fair maidens, with your bare instincts
No matter what, there's subjects more important than homework
It's our after school tea, chatting and practice
I get so much humor, feeling natural and dazzling smiles it makes my stomach hurt
Our breathing was excellent! But there were some riffs that weren't so good
Will you give me some special training? It's just about my curfew, but I don't wanna go home
Never never... Can't Say Good-bye
I love you so much!
It's a totally awesome lu-la-la Wonderful Show Time
Music is, music is, already so us!
Even without standing ovations, prizes or an audience
We wanna play this moment for real
Yesterday's regrets, tomorrow's concerns
Frankly, frankly, what good do they do? Who do they do good for?
I'm always so lucky, it's something I've grasped "now"
Be desirous, fair maidens, if it's not given to you, say farewell
It's not written in any book or taught even a bit in class
But in my whole life I'll never forget
The miracle I never thought existed in this world: when we sing together
I can believe, I can be strong!
I love you all!
It's our never-ending lu-la-la Miracle Sing Time
I'll sing, I'll sing, it's the absolute best way to express my love!
Even if the composition is clumsy or the lyrics are iffy
I want to convey my soul and larger-than-life life with all I have!
Does today seem like yesterday? Tomorrow like today?
It's fine, it's fine, as long as you're having fun it's a huge success!
I'm always a rocker, "now" is my rebellious stage
Onward, fair maidens, embrace your hopes!
I love you, I love you, thanks for loving me too
I'll sing, I'll sing, I'll sing again today with all my heart
I love you, I love you, thanks for loving me too
I'll sing, I'll sing, forever I'll sing with all my love!"
The audience was on its feet, and they knew that their time with HTT was starting to end. The sweat shined off the five band members as they looked at each other, beaming with accomplishment.
Ritsu nodded at Mio, who nodded at Tsumugi, who nodded at Azusa, who nodded at Yui.
Then Yui uttered the title of their signature piece. "Fuwa Fuwa Time!" Her riffs led to the others joining in. And then, it was done.
"When I'm looking at you, my heart is always going B-BMP ? B-BMP
My wavering feelings are fluffy ? fluffy like marshmallows
The view of your face from the side, always working so hard-
Even if I'm looking at it all the time, you don't notice me
Even though the distance between us can be shrunken if we're in a dream
Ah, dear God, do me a favor
Please give us our own Dream Time ?
Hugging my favorite bunny, I say good night, too, tonight ?
Fluffy fluffy time, fluffy fluffy time, fluffy fluffy time
My heart goes THUMP ? THUMP at your unexpected gesture today
I read too deeply into your nonchalant smile and over heat!
Your serious face that I saw on some other day-
Even if I close my eyes, it appears
Because it's okay if it's a dream, I want our own Sweet time
Ah, dear God, why?
Is the Dream night as painful as I fall in love?
I took out my treasured teddy bear; will I be all right tonight?
If I muster a little more courage
And talk naturally
Will something change?
That's how I feel, but…
(But that's the hardest thing
What to do about a chance to chat?
Heck, it's totally not natural to be thinking about a plan at that point in time
Ah, enough already, I'm gonna sleep, I'm gonna sleep, I'm gonna sleep!)
Ah, dear God, do me a favor
Please give me a Miracle Time for just once!
If I can easily talk to you, then afterwards…I'll somehow do it
Fluffy fluffy time, fluffy fluffy time, fluffy fluffy time..."
As Yui soared into the heavens on the final chords, the fireworks set up outside the stadium came out as the five members did their curtain call. They were shedding tears of joy as the crowd gave them one of the longest standing ovations they had ever seen.
"Thank you Las Vegas, we love you, good night!" the five members said in unison.
It was like out of a movie. Fireworks, a standing ovation and waves of relief. The roadshow had become a success.
As the members walked back into the green room to get one quick breather, Miss Sawako was waiting and gave each of the members a hug. "You guys were awesome," she said. "That was the most awesome show I had ever witnessed. You set Las Vegas on fire tonight!"
"We sure did," Mio said. "I never felt so happy in my life, you guys. We did it! We finally arrived!"
"This is a night we will never forget," Ritsu said. "We still have to do the school festival and the class play and the college exams, but this will be the biggest feather in our cap."
"I enjoyed every minute of it," Tsumugi said. "I was floating on air, playing my synthesizer. I don't ever recall getting off the ground."
"So this is what it means to be a professional performer," Azusa said to the band. "I hope there aren't a lot of people outside the bus, so that we can get back to the airport on time."
"And what if I told you there was, Azunyan?" Yui snarked, a naughty expression on her face.
"Wh...What are you implying, sempai?"
"Everyone has left, but there are a few hundred fans lining up outside the bus for autographs," Sawako said. "When you were performing the last number, a few hundred fans rushed out of the stadium and stood outside the bus. They want your autographs."
"Oh, brother..."
"Don't worry. We have about two hours before the plane leaves, so we can get this done ASAP."
"Have the crew packed our instruments into the coach, Miss Sawako?" Mio asked the teacher.
"They are just about done packing them up," Sawako said, looking out the door. "I'm going to the bus and inform the fans that you are on your way to meet them and sign some autographs."
"We'll see you in a bit, Sawa-chan," Ritsu said as Sawako took off.
"I'm still pinching myself: we did a live show in America," Mio said. "We did a live show in America. In Las Vegas. If you were to tell me before that we would be performing in a place like this, you would be crazy."
"But we have," Ritsu said. "I think we should go ahead and meet those fans."
"Let's do it!" Yui said, walking off with the others.
"I hope my arms don't get tired," Azusa said.
"Uggghhh, I can't even move my arms," Azusa said as the bus left the Stadium on the way to McCarran International Airport. "Or my hands."
"We signed 500 autographs over 30 minutes," Mio said. "We're still going to make it on time. But now we are really tired."
"Onee-chan, you were awesome tonight," Ui said. She was already on the bus with Jun and Nodoka after the show was over. Following the bus were coaches of Sakuragaoka students who were also heading back to Tokyo. They would take a commercial flight back, with a layover at LAX.
"You never cease to amaze me, Yui," Nodoka said.
Yui blushed, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. "Eheheheheh..."
"You're a pro at playing the bass, Mio-sempai," Jun said to her. "You and the others need to play at gigs on a frequent basis."
"One of these days, we will," Mio replied as the bus went west on Tropicana Avenue.
"I liked that moment when flung that towel at a lucky fan," Yui said. "Have you gotten all horny now that you are a rock star?"
"Sempai, I...it was just a spur of the moment...I was only..."
Yui licked Azusa cheek playfully. "It's all right if you wanted to be like that. That shows you've got a little showmanship in you."
"I think whenever we play a show, Yui's sex drive reaches a very dangerous level that would destroy those power readers in Dragon Ball Z," Ritsu said.
"So what's next, girls?" Sawako asked the band.
"Some sleep, maybe," Ritsu replied.
"And also studying for next semester," Mio added.
"Remember that in a few weeks, you have the school marathon to take part in," Sawako added. "Get some rest, but be sure to warm up those legs for the event."
"Got it, Miss Sawako," Ui said. "I love this jacket, onee-chan, it looks cute on me."
"I like mine's because it's red," Yui said. "That's all."
"We can wear this wherever we go," Tsumugi said. "People will say, oh, you're from the band that played in Vegas not too far back. I like being noticed that way."
"You do?" Ritsu snarked.
"Yes. I look lovely in purple."
"At least you don't look like Grimace from the McDonald's commercials."
"Isn't Grimace already phased out of the McDonald's commercials?" Azusa asked her.
"I remember seeing old commercials featuring Grimace. He and the Hamburglar are a comedy pair. Worse than the Three Stooges."
"I love that show," Mugi chimed.
"You like the Three Stooges, Mugi?"
"Yep!"
"I feel so sorry for you, I really do."
"Here we are," Jerry said, the coach approaching the tarmac of McCarran. "Listen up, guys, it has been a pleasure being your chauffeur this week. I hope every one of you have a safe trip back to Japan."
"Thank you, Jerry!" said the others, who all hugged the driver after the bus stopped next to the plane.
"Ladies, this plane is going straight to Tokyo," said Sawako. "It will not stop over at LAX, so that you may get home without any problems."
"Awesome," Ritsu said.
"I can't believe our time here in Vegas is ending so soon," Tsumugi said. "Let's get on board."
The McCarran staff moved the luggage to compartments under the plane as the nine of them got inside. They had arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule, so the plane was able to leave early.
"Did you all have a great time?" Sawako asked the band.
"Yeah!" they all said.
"All right. We're heading back to Tokyo on this plane, so you can go ahead and sleep if you want. Actually, you might as well."
Soon enough, the plane was slowly taxiing down the runway, getting ready to leave Las Vegas.
As the plane began to take off, Yui noticed something outside. "Hey you guys, take a look!"
"Whoa," Ritsu said. The Strip was full of fireworks as the plane left. This was their way of wishing the band well. Some of the people on the Strip were taking photos of the fireworks, somewhat confused as to why they were placed there to explode in the first place. When news broke out that Hokago Tea Time just finished their performance, everyone on the Strip applauded. The plane hovered over Las Vegas Boulevard south before making its gradual ascent into the heavens.
"I will never forget you, Las Vegas," Yui said, the tears coming down her eyes as she smiled. "I love you. Till we meet again, America. Viva Las Vegas."
And with that, the plane vanished out of sight, the memories of their time in that wonderful city now etched in their lifetime forever.
ROADSHOW
THE END
A/N: And that concludes a fic that took me several months to write. I am so glad that this fic is finally over. I hope you wonderful readers enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Cheers, JRS.