Concert and thereafter

The cheering of the crowd didn’t quiet down. In fact, it only increased in volume once they felt the band start their performance. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome the sound of their music.
I wasn’t big on anything, but their performance still felt special. It was something different from the security gigs I had worked before. Not only that, I had something to compare it to. As we had met each-other years before, and had gotten along, they would hand me CDs from time to time. And to show my appreciation for the gesture, I would naturally listen to it. So, for once, I could compare a recording to the raw performance. And was sure of that, as there was no one guys like them would result to play-back.
The intensity of the drums, the riveting of the guitar and bass cords, the shifts in tonal range. It all seemed to make the performance more vivid than a recording could ever hope to capture. Sure, it wasn’t as harmonic as a perfected record would show, but overcame that bridge by making up for it with spirit.

Sadly, I couldn’t focus on it too long. I was here for work, after all, and intended to pull through on it. Albeit, there wasn’t much to do. Either I had gotten lucky with my position, or the fans were exceptionally well behaved, as there wasn’t much to do.
Starting to relax in face of this could lead to a lapse of judgment, so I made sure to keep my focus up, never letting my thoughts stray too far. Though, in the end, it proved to have been unnecessary.

We all had worked late into the night, tired from either performing, or using up our concentration. The rock band members, typical to their character, still wanted to go out and drink to their success. They had way too much energy. Knowing each other, and wanting to thank me for handing them the chance for this, I got invited. Attending would have been an option, at least after a last get together from the security group. Still, I excused myself, saying I had to check in to work the next day. Not only that, but I wanted to check in the other venue as well.
Calming them with saying we could meet each-other at a proper after party the next day soothed their tempers, and I was left of the hook for the day. Now, I had plans for the next day, but that would be trouble for tomorrow’s me.
From there, after the last meeting, I went off on my own to visit the idol concert. This wasn’t officially part of work, but I wanted to take a look at how they did. As I had played with that thought before, I came to work with a private vehicle, allowing me to get there easily.

Of course, their concert had already ended once I arrived, and most of the guests had already left. As the concert was on a smaller scale, I had assumed it would end earlier too. But it looked like size and duration were not always in correlation, as both lasted roughly the same time.
Once at their concert hall, naturally I would be stopped and questioned wishing to enter the off-limits area. Showing my ID card from work, I got in without any problem. Especially after saying I was meeting up with Takeshi. Making my way through the hallway, I got slightly lost. Going for the easiest solution, I went to the main stage. There, I found someone I wasn’t expecting. Hanekawa stood there, typing on her phone. Contrary to her usual appearance, she was smiling happily.
“Hello.” I offered a simple greeting.
She looked over to me, then turned to her phone. Finishing whatever it was she had been doing quickly, she put it away, walking to me. “You came to look for them?”
“Yeah, kinda. Curious as to how it went for them.”
The happiness was even more apparent now. “Good, I can tell you.”
“Have you been here the whole time?” I asked in plain curiosity.
“Yes.” She blushed a bit. “They gifted me a backstage ticket.”
“We had those?” During the few times I happened upon them on rehearsals, I had never heard of anything like that.
“No. They spoke with Takeshi, and I was just let in. The ticket was hand-made.”
“Quite happy about that, aren’t you?”
She shot me a glare, which softened quickly. She was quiet, but it seemed to me as if she wanted to say something. I tried a direct take, thinking it should be fine.
“Come on. We already had straight talks. You can tell me whatever you are thinking, I won’t get upset.” Showing a casual smile, I relaxed my posture. No need to be on guard right now.
It looked like I got through to her. She mumbled something in a voice so small, I couldn’t make it out. Before I could ask her to repeat it, she looked at me, and quietly said “Thank you.” For the first time, her actions seemed cute to me. A bit shocked by the sudden contrast to her usual stern behavior towards me, I was so taken aback, I forgot to say anything.
Interpreting my silence differently, she continued. “Not only for making em talk to the girls more. But also for organizing this. The hall was nearly filled out. So, the other hall would have been more than half empty, if all of them had come. The tickets would have been more expensive, in a different location. So, while it would not have been a disaster, it could have taken a serious toll on their minds and publicity. So, thank you.”
“You are welcome.” I wasn’t quite sure why she was thanking me, but I accepted it. “So, where are the stars from today?”
“In the changing room, calming down, and taking a well deserved rest after their performance. They were really excited, and it only got more once they saw the assembled crowd. This in turn led them to really pour their heart and soul into todays songs. It was really nice.”
“You speak like their older sister. Fits you.” I gave her a smug smile.
To evade having to reply to my remark, Hanekawa changed the subject. “So, how did you get here? Your side okay?”
“Yeah, the concert was successful. The members wanted me to tag along for drinks afterwards, but I managed to refuse based on the argument that I am part of the official staff and that it would leave a bad impression. However, they want to throw an after party tomorrow, which I will attend.”
“Huh. Well-” Before Hanekawa-san could finish her sentence, I felt a pull on my shoulder, dragging me down.
“What is that about meeting me?” Takeshi was next to me, breathing down my neck in mock-anger.
“Oh!” ‘Crap, I forgot.’ “I was looking for you, got lost, ended up on stage, and started talking with Hanekawa. Must have slipped my mind.”
“Sigh. So, I guess nothing important.”
“Well, yes. I just wanted to see how the girls did.” I was released from his hold.
“Fabulously. But, I guess your talk partner already told you as such.”
Taking a look at him now that I was free, I saw carrying a tripod under his arm.

And before I could get a scolding about using his name, I was saved, by the entrance of three angels.
“Ah, you came!”
“Kinda late though.”
“But he came.”
They still wore their bright performance outfits.
“Naturally. You still wear your stage clothes?”
“Yes, we wanted to take a picture with everyone. Join us.” ‘So my timing was impeccable.’ “But first.” The three lined up, and bowed in sync. “““Thank you for your help.”””
At first I wanted to say, I didn’t actually do anything, but that would be disrespectful. So instead, I offered a simple “You are welcome.”
“Now, let’s do this!”
As their shiny clothing had captured my attention, I hadn’t noticed Megumi quietly standing behind them, fiddling with a large professional camera. Once she appeared satisfied with the settings, she looked up. Seeing me, she gave me a quick nod, which I reciprocated.
After Takeshi had put up the, she put the camera on it, setting a timer. The seven of us got together, posing for the photos. We took a few with varying poses and expressions.
“Once I am home, I will check the pictures, and send them to all. Is that alright with everyone?” Megumi announced, holding the camera.
“Wouldn’t it be better if we had a chat group for something like this? Would make contacting everyone easier.”
Upon Shizuka’s remark, one was quickly established. I wanted to mention adding me might not be necessary, as Takeshi had all but completely recovered, and I would no longer work with them. But it would have killed the mood, so I refrained.
“So, who’s up for party!” Though I doubted I could ever do anything to defeat that enthusiasm.
“Haru, you are forgetting something. We have a meeting tomorrow, to discuss matters regarding the event.” Asumi quickly reminded her.
“Agh, I forgot! Then, tomorrow! After work, I expect everyone to be there!”
“Maybe we should ask everyone first?”
“Well, this old coot has nothing else to do. Hanekawa, you are fine too, right?”
“Yes, but…” Her eyes turned to me. With this, everyone else’s vision followed.
Now, this had turned awkward… “I kind of already agreed to meet up with the other band.” What to do…

“Then, let’s just all celebrate together!” Haru shouted out.
“That… might be an unexpectedly good idea.” Shizuka remarked.
“Hey, why unexpected!?”
“Then, we can also thank them for agreeing.” Asumi provided additional reasoning.
“I also wouldn’t mind meeting them, knowing who it is that managed to drum a crowd together quickly like them.” Takeshi’s interest had been woken. “By the way, how was their concert?”
“Well, good from what I could make out. I was actually working, you know? Still, I had an eye over everything during patrol. The hall was crammed, everything sold out.”
“We might be able to learn from them.”
“Drawing people in, they are pros.”
“Now, first, give me a minute.” I pulled out my phone, and selected Saji from my contacts. After a few rings, he picked up.
“Oh, you comin’?” Loud cheering could be heard. They were definitely partying hard.
“Not quite. Do you remember the girls of the idol band that changed venues with you? They wanted to celebrate tomorrow too, and we were wondering if we couldn’t put the two together.”
“Wait a second. Hey everyone! Shut up for a second!” I heard him shouting. The noise settled down. I waited through the silence, until he got back to me. “Okay, everyone is in agreement. Already decided on a place?”
I watched over to the others, and gave them an okay sign. They cheered slightly “No, not yet.”
“Then, how about Misato’s?”
“Master’s bar?” I thought about it. The atmosphere there was calmer, meaning no one would get wild drunk like they were right now. It seemed reasonable enough. “Should work on our end. For a group of this size we should contact her first though.”
“Don’t worry, that I already taken care of. We planed to go there anyway. If we are more, I don’t think she is going to complain.”
‘Dude, that attitude got you into quarrels with her before. I was there.’ “When did you plan to meet up?”
“Well, about seven.”
“Okay, one second. Is tomorrow seven pm alright with everyone?” I got no objections. “Works for us.”
“Good. Then, see you tomorrow.”
“See you.” I hung up, and turned to our group. “Well, it worked out. We will meet up at a bar tomorrow at seven. I will send the address to everyone.”
“A bar?”
“Well, fits for celebratory drinks, I guess.”
Several more murmurs arose. I send the necessary information into our new group. Also, I quickly sent a message to master as a heads-up, to not totally surprise her tomorrow. “I know the place well, as I have worked there before. Don’t worry, it is a good place.”
“You worked there?”
“Yeah, as a cook during high school as a part time job.”
“Isn’t that illegal?”
“I know what you mean, but we checked and made sure. I wasn’t allowed near the alcohol, but working in the kitchen, until not too late is alright.”
“Ah.” Asumi-san had come to a realization. “So that’s why you were out walking at night.”
“Yes. I was on my way home from work. That was a good coincidence.”
“So, you can vouch for them.” Takeshi directed this at me. It seemed he was slightly distrustful.
“Yes. I don’t know if it helps, but Sei-, Himura-san frequents the place too.”
“She does? Hmm… then it should be fine.” He looked over to the girls. I followed his gaze, and saw them acting excited. Had they not been in a bar before? If not, this first experience should be a good one.
From there, we called it quits soon, and scattered, to be rested for the next day.

***

The next morning was practically no work, so I could relax. I had to go to the office to check in for details from yesterday, but that was about it. So I went to work, and headed for security. Recently I got back into the habit of visiting here. For two months, I frequented the area less and less. With the two concerts coming up, I increased my attendance again.
Surprisingly, the person waiting for me this time was Seiko. “Yo, long time no see.”
“Not that long. We saw each other at work quite often recently.”
“I know, but I meant in private, being able to talk easily like this, not work related.”
“Not minding the talking aspect, I saw you a few times when I checked in on my sister.”
“Wait, why don’t I remember.” She was genuinely surprised to hear that.
“More often then not, you were either asleep or still dead out drunk.” Before saying this, I made sure others weren’t around. Despite it being her, her image at work was actually reputable.
“Ugh.” She acknowledged it, but showed no embarrassment. It was too late for that, after all these years.
“So, something I need to know?”
“Not really. The boss is still thinking on where to put you next, I was told.” She rolled her eyes. “But, how did you feel about this? First time sticking so long with one group.
Assuming a question like this would come, I had thought about it beforehand. “Good, I have to say. But I must admit, it really depended on them. If I had to be stuck so long with people I wouldn’t get along with, well… I think I could fake through it, but it would be tiring.”
Seiko nodded to herself several times. “That’s right. So, your job is not only to protect them, but also build a connection to them, if possible. If they see you as a human, and not only as a worker, most of the time their interactions with you change to the better. Just something to keep in mind.”
I tried to put this to memory, as it was one of the rare moments when Seiko said something worth remembering.
“Now, you can head out if you want.”
“When should I be here tomorrow? Usual?”
“Ask Takeshi tonight.”
Wait a second. “Why do you know I will meet him. Did he tell you?”
“Yes. Or well, kinda. He had asked me about the Misato’s bar. Mentioning the details around it.”
“Sorry, if it was uncomfortable.” I knew she preferred to keep this things separate.
“It’s fine, don’t worry. Now, go out. I have other things to do.”
“You actually do work?”
“Get out. Now.”

A bit of bantering, and I left. Now, before I left, I went to the musical department. There, I checked the list, and saw that the girls actually had a room reserved. Deciding checking wouldn’t hurt, I made my way over.
Unsurprisingly, I met Hanekawa-san in front of it. ‘Is she ever actually working? Well, asking her that might not be a healthy choice.’
“Hello.”
“Hi.”
“They aren’t in?” I asked, though it was kind of obvious.
“No. They are still in talks, and might not come here. This room was reserved in case they discussions started to involve their movement during the performance, so they could show and adjust details. Takeshi is of to somewhere.”
“Okay.” Now, with no one else here, talking came to a screeching halt. Just walking away seemed like an option, but felt wrong. Instead, I racked my brain, and remembered something.
“So, how did you feel about their performance?”
“Hm?”
“I mean, you have been following them for so long, surely it was a highlight for you.”
To my surprise, her face twisted in displeasure. Then, after looking at me and down several times, she decided to share her opinion with me. “I felt jealous.”
“Huh?” Now that was surprising. As a model, I would have picked her to be used to getting attention herself.
But, it was only for a moment. “Nothing. Forget I ever said anything.”
It didn’t seem unimportant to me. Wishing to help, I continued on the topic. “I know I might not be that reliable, however, if there is something you wish to share, I can at least lend an ear.” The offer was sincere. I didn’t know much about her friendship circle, but I knew for this she couldn’t confide in the people she was jealous off, thereby already excluding several familiar faces.
“…” Looking at me, she hesitated one more. “Sorry.” And it looked like I wasn’t cut out for it. Seeing my face, she quickly added. “Not that I wouldn’t ask you for help. Just… this concerns a lo of my past, you know? Right not might not be the best time…”
I felt as if she really meant those words, and wasn't adding them as lip service. “Alright, got it. If you ever want to talk about it, hit me up. You got someone to lend you a shoulder.” I too knew a bit about things connecting to a lot of things in one’s past, and how hard it was to open up to someone else.
Exchanging forlorn smiles, we quickly put that topic behind us.

To change the mood, I shifted to today’s event. “So, you still on board for tonight?”
“Yes. I thought about not going, but it doesn’t seem like an option.”
“I told you before, the girls want to be friends with you, even if you view yourself more like an older sister watching over them.”
“I never said that, those are your words from yesterday.”
“Touché.”
“I just think, I might not fit in. It isn’t much, but there is still the age difference between me and them.” Her uncertainty was clear to me
“So? I am a year younger than them, and you talk perfectly fine to me. Besides, I can assure you you will have a good time?”
“Hoh? Now that is a boast I would like to see come true.” Hanekawa was challenging me.
To be fair, I was more counting on master for that. But I had a feeling those two would be getting along. “So, don’t worry to much. Just try to enjoy it. I will be there too, after all.” I added the last part jokingly.
“Then, I will be counting on you.” A thin smile returned to her face. Waving me, she went of, probably back to work. With not much else to do, I got on my way too. And as time passed, the celebration drew closer…