Chapter 10 More Than a Band

An's POV

Vivid Bad Squad was at Weekend Garage, and we were about to perform our new song.

"Everything's set up, so you're good to go", my dad revealed.

"Thanks, Dad", I said, before looking at my teammates. "You guys ready?"

"We are", Toya replied. "But are you, Shiraishi-San?"

"Yeah", I replied. "I am."

"Are you sure", Kohane asked in concern. "I mean…we don't want you to become overwhelmed like last time."

"I'll be okay", I reassured. "Because I have you guys by my side."

"Right", Akito agreed. "We've got your back, An."

"You can count on us, Shiraishi-San", Toya added.

"We're here for you, An-Chan", Kohane said.

"Thank you guys", I said, before taking a deep breath. "Okay. Let's do this."

With that, we all walked onto the stage.

I have to admit. When I got up there…I started feeling nervous.

Luckily, my teammates seemed to have noticed this, because Kohane grabbed onto my hand, and Akito put his hand on my shoulder. These gestures calmed my nerves.

"Hello everyone", Kohane started. "Today, we're going to perform a new song we wrote."

"This song is different from the ones we usually write", Toya revealed. "And with it, we wanted to convey a special message."

"Right", Akito added. "And that message is…how important An is to us, and how much we want to help her while she's going through a tough time."

"Akito", I said, touched by his words.

Then, I cleared my throat before looking at the audience.

"Anyway", I started. "We hope you all enjoy our song."

With that, the music started playing. Then…we started singing.

Kohane

I can't pretend

To know how you feel

But know that I'm here

Know that I'm real

Toya

Say what you want

Or don't talk at all

Akito

I'm not gonna let you fall

Kohane

Reach for my hand, 'cause it's held out for you

My shoulders are small

But you can cry on them too

Everything changes, but one thing is true

Understand

We'll always be more than a band

Yeah

Toya

You used to brave the world

All on your own

Now we won't let you go, go it alone

Akito

Be who you wanna be

Always stand tall

Not gonna let you fall

All (minus me)

Reach for my hand, 'cause it's held out for you

My shoulders are strong

But you can cry on them too

Everything changes, but one thing is true

Understand

We'll always be more than a band

An

I never knew you could take me so far

I've always wanted to hope that you are the ones I need

All

Reach for my hand, 'cause it's held out for you

My shoulders are strong

But you can cry on them too (Cry on them too)

Everything changes, but one thing is true

Understand

We'll always be more than a band

Me

Reach for my hand, 'cause it's held out for you

My shoulders are strong

But you can cry on them too

Everything changes, but one thing is true

Understand

We'll always be more than a band

With that, the song ended, and everyone applauded.

"Thank you so much everyone", I said.

Then, we all walked off the stage.

"You did it, An-Chan", Kohane said before giving me a hug.

"I knew I could I do it with you guys", I said.

"That was a beautiful song", my dad said as he walked up to us. "Also, I'm glad that you were able to perform again, An."

"It's all thanks to my group's support", I stated. "And…your support as well, Dad."

With that, I gave my dad a hug.

"Thank you, Dad", I said.

"You're welcome, An", my dad said, before letting go of me. "So, what's next?"

"Now that An can perform again, our next step is to once again try to show everyone that was helping us that we can surpass Rad Weekend.