The following next day, you woke up from your bed earlier than usual, nearly forgetting about yesterday before getting up from the bed and everything rushed over to you.
It probably didn't matter to many people, but it was like a dream come true for you.

"You're coming tomorrow too, right?"
Even when cutting carrots for your lunch, you thought back on it.
You gave him a word, didn't you.
As you packed your bag, you made up your mind that you'll visit the cafe after school, in the end.
You're still hesitant, but you are also not the type of person to get back on your words.

"Bye! Y/N!"

"Bye see you tomorrow!"

It was already after school. You made your way to Vivid Street, then turned to weekend garage. It's open and thriving. Timidly, you pulled the glass door open, peeking in.

"Heya! Isn't that Y/N?!" You were bombarded with a excited chirp, no doubt it was An's.

The following was a much more subdued and calmer voice,

"Yo, we meet again."

"Fufu, nice to meet you all again." You had a more vibrant tone to you than last time.

"Well, then Akito was saying we should start to continue practice, didn't he?" Speaking, Touya shot a glance towards Akito.

Akito just mumbled a "yeah yeah."

"But haven't we practiced for quite a while in seka- oh no, no, let's sing actually!"

"Seka...?" You tilt your head meekly towards Kohane.

"It nothing. I think we should show our fan how cool we are when we practice."

He interrupted with a smooth grin on his expression, causing you to unknowingly start your heart racing. You don't quite get it, but you felt like they're very nice to someone they just met.
Just like the last time, you nodded merrily.

Their practice spot was located in the interior of the shop, it really was an ideal zone- all equipments like mics, speakers and headphones were there.
Akito told you that Vivids, aka An and Kohane would practice first followed by Bad Dogs aka him and Touya.

You were noting all the details (as a fan would), frankly fascinated with their attitude and caliber.
During their practice, sometimes Akito also signaled to you asking if he's performance is going well or not, and you would always answer with a sheepish chuckle and a thumbs up.

It was fun. And maybe because it was fun, you were also feeling like you were missing something important to do...

The next day, Tuesday 13th April, you found yourself visiting the cafe once again after school.
Just like yesterday, you were sitting in an audience position viewing as they take turns to practice, in between chatting but never forgetting their main goal.

"Just like this...one two, three, one two, three...four...."

"You're doing really good, Akito." Touya commented.

"Hmm...Those dance steps aren't really that easy...I guess you could say that Akito's doing good? I wonder what Y/N thinks of this...hehe." An tried to make her compliment sound like a question.

"I think she would also agree how much all of us have improved. The hard work is really paying off! Right Y/N?"

Obviously, the answer is very simple but it'd be a lie to say you weren't a little nervous now that all eyes were on you. An's eyes were even sparkling slightly deviously.

"Huh? O-of course I think you guys are doing great...! I'm always watching carefully..."

"Oi what's with asking Y/N about it all of a sudden? We've only just began."
Akito interrupted with a little embarrassed frown on his face.
Was there a slightest hint of redness spread on his cheeks too? You weren't sure of it, but he was trying to hide something for whatever reason.

"Why? You were looking like you wanted to ask for her feedback right there and then since you were staring eagerly at her so much."

An dropped a bomb quite nonchalantly, her devious smile gone.

"Ha--? I wasn't staring that much! Just once or twice maybe...!"

The embarrassed scowl along with his reddish tinted cheeks only grew after An's statement.
You weren't too different from him at all, for some reason picturing the scene of him looking at you so pleasingly also drove your heart beat faster.

"Yes! It's just like Shinonome-kun said! Shiraishi-chan I think you may have been mistaking once or twice as a couple of times....ehehe."

"Hmm. Really? But that's not what I get from my observation though."

An rolled her eyes, dubiously alternating between you and Akito.

Akito looked like he was particularly sensitive towards this kinds of topics, almost hanging on to his last nerve.

"Uh! Look at the time, you guys don't have the time to waste on gossiping!! You've got to show how cool you all are!"
With your fists up, you diverted them back to training again.

"Yeah, that's right. What are we even talking about..." Though he heaved a sigh even Touya was grinning at Akito just a little bit.

So annoying...was what Akito thought.
..................................

From what you've learned from just a few days, this An and Akito had a bit of rivalry going on. But today his temper was showered on all three of his teammates, one hour extra practice. Punishment due to time killing.

"*Pant... pant*...Akito had to hold a grudge for such a small thing...?"

"Sometimes Akito's a bit overly sensitive like this, Shiraishi.... It's his scary mode..." Touya trailed off.

"I need to drink water...here, An-chan you should too."

"Thanks Kohane--! I was about to say I needed it-!"

"And my one's right here."

"*Phew*...Good work, everyone. I'm thirsty too...oh."

Akito moved around his neck to find his water bottle.

"Ah... it's not here too...wait, wait."
Tilting his head, the boy looked worried.

"Oh? I'll search it for you. You're tired, so yeah." Giving a gentle smile at him, you spoke.

"Ah...if it's okay with you...yeah."
The orange head muttered, his worry wasn't completely erased but he was pleased.

"Ah? Is this the one?"
You showed him the flask you had found not too long after.

"Yeah. It's the one."

You ran cutting the short distance between you two, and nicely handed it to him.
Your fingers slightly touched with his as he took the flask from your hand.

"Thanks Y/N." He smiled.

"I don't know why you're thanking me, it's really nothing...ehehe." You say in a smaller voice.

...............................................

Wednesday, 14th April.

Today was a harsher school day for you, so you thought it would be better if you rest at home first.

"Oh, Y/N you're home early today."
It was your dad.

"You're home early too today, dad." You replied, wearing a smile.

"Yes... that's true ha ha ha. Well we're just glad you have more friends now.
Well taking a breather from art is good for itself after all."

"Friends...I guess you could call them that. At any rate it isn't boring with them.... You're right. I think I need a breather from art..."

Your mom comes out quickly from the bathroom, a towel wrapped on her hair.

"Oh? Welcome home Y/N! How was your day-"

"It was fine, mom! I'll actually go to meet my friends after a short while, so I think I want to rest now."

Apologetically cutting her off, you dashed for upstairs to your room.

"Ah? Y/N's dad did you also think that Y/N had a sulk on her face? She seemed a bit down to me...I think I said the wrong thing at the wrong time... geez." Your mom face palmed.

"Is she being bothered by the art club again?"
.................................................

Wearing a different casual clothes this time, you headed to An's cafe yet again.

Pulling on the glass door, you only saw the figure of one orange head in his seat.

"Yo, it's you Y/N."

"Hello, Shinonome-kun. Are your teammates not here with you?" You ask, taking the seat beside him.

"Oh, that. Well, basically everyone besides me who have stable clubs are busy. Touya has library duty, An has her meeting as the disciplinary committee president and Kohane is also busy with school work...."
Akito explained the situation, this probably just means that they'll be a little late coming to training.

"Oh, I see. But it kind of surprised me that you don't have a stable club ahaha, seeing Shinonome-kun is so hard-working and talented after all." Turning your face towards him and with a genuine warm smile onto your face you say.

He briefly turned his face away from yours. He didn't understand why his pulse rate increased like this so suddenly.

"Huh, it's nothing. I've to keep on improving myself towards the goal after all. We'll need to keep on working hard, practice and practice...."

With a pause, Akito continued.

"Also, I don't have a stable club but I do help out sports clubs every now and then."

By this time, you two had ordered your favorite foods and greeted Ken-san.
Today was unusually quiet. In every sense, since neither An or Kohane or Touya were here and that aside from you only two other customers sat at the opposite corner.

And Akito doesn't really talk when he's eating a very delicious food, so the air around you was ever so slightly anxious. But you decided to cut it yourself.

"Um-"

"Y/N-"

You both interrupted nearly the exact same time. It wasn't only you who didn't like the silence after all.

"Hehe, you go on first Y/N." He urged you.

"What does Shinonome-kun like to do besides singing?"

Akito took his hand close to his face and said,

"Well...I do have a hobby for fashion styling I guess. It's not bad. I even work as a part-time clerk for a retailer."

It clicked. You always thought he had a good sense of style. Particularly his street wear always catched your attention. ...Well, that could be said for everyone in VBS... though.

"Wow! That's so cool! Do you even coordinate the costumes for VBS then?" You say excitedly.

"Hm? Sometimes. Yeah. By the way Y/N..."

"Yes?"

"You can just call me Akito. I don't mind." Crossing his arms, he held a relaxed atmosphere about him.
That relaxed expression sort of brought a soft smile to your face too.

"Okay. Akito then."

"What club are you in?" He asks immediately.

Your expression darkened a little,
"It's the art club..."

Taking notice of your expression he frowned a bit,
"Oh, nice isn't it? But I wonder if you coming to our practices hinder with your club work or not..."

"Ah...well that's...." Your head hung subconsciously, closing your eyes shut shyly.

"Yeah, it does. Next time, bring your sketchbook and materials with you. Don't half-ass it okay?"
He lectured you onto it, but it didn't feel bad. Rather a sense of comfort started welling up. Your heart felt really warm. He told you to give it a new chance, so you would.

"I won't! I'll try another shot!" You pump up your head with newly found motivation.

Before Akito could say the next word, however the quiet atmosphere was busted with a cheerful voice coming from the entrance door. With the usual greetings, you proceeded to chat with them.
Today you also asked An and the others about their club activities and more casual stuff.
At first they were contemplating whether to begin working or not, before the familiar orange head declared that they can't afford to lose even a single day- they've to give it all for not just this event, but they're goal too.

You thought Akito looked cool when he was so determined.

But he also looked cool when he secretly took care of everyone...
I'll sit with my piece today, midnight... I'll see it through. I want to paint. I won't half-ass it.
...................................................
Thursday, 15th April.

The next day, you brought in some pencils, erasers, colours and sketchbook in your F/C handbag.

An and the others were quite intrigued by your interest. While Akito just gave you a knowing smile.

"Well, then... let's start Y/N shall we."

"Yes! Akito let's do it!" You say ecstatically.

"Hm? Oh~I see, what kind of secret development did you two have when you were alone?"

An raised a brow as she gave a smug grin mostly directed towards the boy with the ginger hair.
But felt your cheeks heat up all the same.

"Whatever do you mean An? I-It's just a name! Besides you call me by my name too!"
Was the boy's ears a bit red too?

Touya shrugged and Kohane heaved a sigh like usual.

"Well I've known you since middle school and a teammate in the same band, but her? It doesn't really convince me." An says, shaking her long ombre hair.

"Why you... Seriously?" His flustered face grows more irritated. He's trying to control, but he may have torn his mask a little by that point.
Sigh...these two. You felt a little sorry for him now.

"A-An! You shouldn't bully Akito like this! Besides, Kohane and Touya are getting bored...!" You cut in with a shrill voice.

An flutters her hair, a curve up her lips. She seemed satisfied at this conclusion.

"Uhh...if Y/N says so. I won't. For now, that is!"

At that instance, the green orbs and
Y/C met again.

"I-I'm starting my drawing so you all should start too...! You gather up the courage to say it out loud.

"Yeah... let's go guys! We'll start with 'Echo' today....."

Today felt refreshing. The sound of the strokes as your piece came near finishing, felt enjoyable after a long time. You wanted to take it slow, but consistent just like how Vivid bad squad are when they perform.
You thought your enemy isn't invisible, and you are close to knowing how to fight.

Around the time when the performance is approaching its end, as usual Akito waved a hand to you.

"You're doing great! Um, keep on fighting...!"
With a paintbrush on your right hand, you shot a thumbs up with your left hand.

"Fighting... that's what I've been doing.
Yeah! We're gonna keep going until we're tired."
A grin plastered on his face.

Feeling joyful, you promptly went back to colouring your work.
Before slightly feeling a presence near to your right shoulder.

"Ah-"

"Uh, my bad if I've startled you. But, whoa...I didn't know you draw this good... it's impressive, really." He took a finger on his chin as he surveyed the painting.

You turn your neck towards him, eyes glimmering and a tint of redness on your cheeks and ears,

"Is it really...? Thank you, Akito! I'm so happy to hear that."

The orange head seemed focused on your expression before covering his face with his hands.

"No problem..."
.............................................

Friday, 16th April.

Today, Miyu- your pet cat has been especially clingy with you.
It was a great deal hassle to let her out from clutching your toes, sigh...

Making your way through the colourful vivid street, you found two of your familiar acquaintances there.
It has been a while, you wave back to them.

"It's kind of great to be friends with your favorite artists, isn't it? My I'm kinda jealous." The taller of the acquaintance said.

"*Chuckle* It has been very fun so far... They're all really kind people..."

"Cool. And you also get to see exclusive content before all of us can, right? That's pretty awesome. Seeing all the behind-the-scene stuff!"
The shorter one said.

Around this time, Akito could be seen approaching towards you three. An, Kohane and Touya were in the back.

You were surprised to find them here and your acquaintances were screaming, "look who's here now!"
While...Akito seemed to squint at them for the fraction of a second there, standing close to you.

"Hello, everyone!" You beam and turned your heels towards the usual cafe, before a soft voice interrupted,

"Oh! Also L/N-chan we're going to practice in Shibuya park today! If it's fine with you, will you come with us?" Kohane said sweetly.

"L/N hasn't shown us her work yet, so I'm also looking forward to it."

Touya also smiled gently.
You wave bye to your acquaintances and join in with the rest...

The group members proceeded with their discussion for the upcoming event next month. It was one of their bigger events, so they've been going at it for almost all round the week.
Soon the speakers started blasting the BGM, as they took turns polishing their craft.

The loud beats gave you energy and the lyrics gave you the inspiration needed to bring it on and get ready with your work.
That's what it has been like since BAD DOGS.

With equal dedication as the musicians, the final stroke landed on the paper and you considered your piece to be finished. You let out a sigh of satisfaction, gazing at the passionate singers.

"You done? Let me see it... wow. It's great. You've done well on the colours." Akito peeked in to get a better view of the painting.

"I'd expect no less from you Y/N!! Ahh, look Kohane isn't the rabbit in her painting so cute too?"

"L/N-chan, it's amazing...you could draw like this... it's more realistic but the rabbits still look really cute. Fufu."

"It's a fantastic piece. I hope you had fun working with it." Touya complimented.

"Well, she sure had. If our music's playin' then everyone should at least be a little happy." The gingernette wore a soft smile on his face.

Being surrounded by such positive comments, you honestly felt like you could tear up. Peering at these four people, you were glad that you had found them.
Thanks Akito for giving me the force needed.

"Akito? Is break still going on? I think you need to start soon now." You say with a smile as bright as the sky.

"Yeah. Let's do our best."
Akito replied.

Just like this another day had passed.
Akito was walking you home, in the meantime simply having a pleasant silence. As usual, he is popular– many people casually approached and praised him and his band mates.
At these times, however you would feel a little left out. You weren't a musician or anything, you weren't sure if being side by side really added to anything.

"This is the place, right?"
Akito asked, taking your attention.

"Yeah. It's the one...and?"
You trailed off noticing his expression which wanted to say something.

He took a hand and patted your head gently, out of nowhere.
If it was a little earlier, you could've seen each others' blush a little darker.

What he wanted to say was muttered in a low voice,

"Idiot..."

.......................................................

Saturday, 17th April.

It might be a little surprising that you hadn't exchanged your contacts despite hanging out for what seemed like a while.

An also added you to the group chat, despite you protesting that you don't need it at all.

"What do you mean you don't need it? You're like our manager after all."
Akito argued.

"Manager...Have I been doing anything as good as that...?"

"L/N-chan, I think you should have a little more confidence for yourself." 
Kohane reassured.

Well, by this point you were indeed like the manager of the group. You would remind Akito and the others whenever it's time to return to work, give feedbacks and suggestions, all the while accompanying them.

You admired them. But they admired you for your dedication too.

"I'm going back to sketching... You guys should too...!"

"And to not call yourself a manager..."
Touya chuckled.

..........................................

Over the following days, you were living through a similar routine.
On the first sunday, everyone took a day-off and went for a outing in the shopping mall.
Together with Akito, you looked around the shop finding an outfit of your choice.

It was a simple yet cute yellow and pink tops. The colours were in pastel tone, which you liked and its size and sleeves were fashionable.
But the reason it was kept so tidily in your closet, careful as not to ruin it even a tiny bit was probably different.

"This one. Hmm...buy this one. It kinda suits you."
He took the dress and placed it above your shoulders.

"Ah, I really do like this one! I thought it was pretty the moment I saw it!"

"So you like it?" He asked, after gasping as lightly as a the sound a piece of small paper makes when falling.

"Obviously!~ It's important because I chose it together with you, Akito! And I've already said how pretty it is too."

To your comment and how happily you were hugging on to the piece of fabric, the boy quickly turned his face away from you before walking up to his partner.

"I think the pretty one is you though..."

It was around a month before the big event.

It had been a while since BAD DOGS last performed as a duo, so the three of you were there to check it out.

Even though the crowd was growing in number increasingly, at the end of the performance Akito still managed to shoot a meaningful smile at you, and as usual you gave your thumbs up of appreciation.

"*Clap* *clap* *clap* You guys really rock. Encore!"

"Yeah give Akito and Touya a huge round of applause!"

"Aren't those guys pretty good? I think they perform with two other girls too as...as vivid bad squad I think? Gotta check them out!"

"Hehe, thank you all very much for joining on this street performance for today. Yeah, it's Vivid bad squad. Make sure to engrave it into your brain. We're the future ones who're gonna beat Rad Weekend after all...!"

Akito said playfully but becoming more determined at the end.

"As performers it's our number one priority to have the audiences riled up... I think we're doing very good with that seeing today's reactions. Thank you all." Touya concluded.

"Rad Weekend, huh..."

That takes you back.
Today once again in the audience seat you are reminded just how much you're perception of these people had grown.
Before then, you were only observing them from their profession viewpoint only– it was only about their music and performance.

You didn't know how much An hates tomatoes, you didn't know that Akito despised carrots and changed them with his buddy Touya in exchange of squids.
You wouldn't have ever imagined someone like Kohane would ever have a pet snake.
And not to mention their laughingstock faces as they talked on about their daily lives and random things gave you a new kind of appreciation for them, different from the musician one.

And best of all, was how they were someone you could rely on whenever you had a bad day.
Especially when most of the major favours come from your favorite carrot-disliking singer, a strange and funny sensation welled up in your chest.

You didn't know why, but he always supports you whether directly or indirectly.

To cheer on him after an awesome performance.

To be patted on the head and hearing it's going good.

To give support and be supported.
Everything is pleasantly overwhelming to you...
But yet.....

......................................................

It was May 26th.

More than a month had passed.
As the "manager" and artist of the group, you had lots of hand in set decoration. Inside the live house too, you will hung something like a curtain containing the silhouettes of the VBS members as painted by you.

Akito was quite overjoyed when he saw this the first time, nearly gave you a heart attack as he was about to hug you.

He's just a close friend....

"Hmm... Look at that Akito trying to score points on Y/N~" An would tease about it.

"I haven't really seen him acting this nicely with anyone." Touya would comment from his experience with his slightly aloof partner.

Eventually, taking one of the front row seats the show began.
One after other, artists performed.
Damn... today's performers weren't bad, thought.

And the last grand performance was taken up by who you could consider now, your friends.
It's about time when your heart would stop.

♪---♪♪---♪----!! ♪♪-----! ♪♪~♪♪

The progression of the song, their each moves, the vocals– everything felt even more vivid as the four continue to grow together and as you now know where the dedication comes from.

As always Akito would instantly catch your attention. He liked hearing your opinions and feedbacks after all...

But there's one thing you always try to brush it off during any live performance, it's that you always end up thinking that he looks handsome.

"A truly thrilling and exciting performance by none other than Vivid bad squad! Cheers!"

A colourful event had finished, once more.

"Akito--! It was one of the best, really!"

"Hoh? Thanks." He said, scratching his neck but keeping a smile.

"*Phew* It felt really good! We really had all the crowd riled up there."
An came rushing.

"It was really heart pounding, I barely managed keep myself synchronized..." Kohane said.

"But since we've managed to keep ourselves calm, that implies our hardship hasn't been going to vain."
Touya said.

"Well, we've used our chance to show them an exciting show." Akito spoke up.

They seemed to be in high energy despite the show, and wanted to hang out more but you had to cut it off there, though with a slight disappointment but what to do.

"Um... Actually...I had to go home early for work soon...so later!"

"Oh? Going home already? Alright. See ya."
He gave you a nice smile.

With that, you gave your usual partings and started walking for your home.
The crowd was still as lively as ever, the atmosphere was nowhere near depressing yet you couldn't shake away this little foreboding feeling...

Was it because you still had a lot of work left to do?
That might just be it....

To be continued.
----------------------------------------

This was so needlessly difficult to write. But glad I'm done.