As if like Alice chasing after Rabbit, you had to follow after your own kitty who was for some reason unknown to you in a tantrum mood, cutting through the alleys of a place you've never came in before.

Before it was only Kitty's light aggressive meows which could be heard here and there when you attempted to catch her, but soon as you ventured more into the depths of this unknown street, an increasing sound of music was reaching your ears.

And gradually, it wasn't only you and Kitty there- The street scape had changed.

It was crowded with excited people, you saw some were cheering on, some almost dancing and jumping, some simply kept a knowing smile. Above all everyone looked to be in high key spirits.

But what attracted you the most wasn't the crowd- it was the source of it.

This music...this intense beat accompanied with the energetic vocals tranced you in,

Involuntarily you pushed through the crowd to face the keyed up singer right in front of your eyes.

♪♪♪----!! ♪♪------♪! ♪♪♪----!! ----♪♪---!!

"Oh! This is...is this is what they call street music? Wow! They can dance this good too?"

Simply put, you were captivated. You didn't imagine you could catch such a show like this here, but at the same time deep down you knew that if anything, this unique place was probably where you could catch the most unorthodox sort of thing.

After all... something was different about these two performers. You could sense it with your Artist's intuition. If it was only average passion, then the words and intonation wouldn't hit so powerfully like the orange-haired boy you couldn't take your eyes off.
The melody wouldn't be half as strong like the dual blue-coloured boy either.

It seemed like the crazy song was reaching its highest point of the song,
the song only got more complex and complex,
Bursting with energy.

"Umm-"
You saw that Kitty had nimbly walked side to your toes, as if not to disturb this moment.

The song's progression turned the choreo far harder, you could see the genuine effort they were giving, especially the boy with the yellow hoodie and black jacket.

And at last, the final minute of the song is what drew you even closer.

You could see his face, now clearly flushed red with the heat of the stage-as well as heat of the rhythm-

A different kind of determination sparked in his eyes, grasping the mic so strongly it could break, desperately trying to send the feelings of the song and singer--

You saw it in your own eyes.

Soon, the instruments gradually slowed down, the dance was shortly ending.
And you could have sworn that at that instant your E/C orbs met for a brief second with the tangerine's olive green eyes.

"*Sigh* Great, isn't it?"

"Oh?"
............

"That was the best performance so far.... wasn't it Toya? But bet on it, this definitely wouldn't be our the best."

"I know exactly what you mean... let's keep working for it more, Akito."

"And that was the another banger performance by BAD DOGS...! Oh man, we know you two are something else for rookies but don't ya think today you guys kinda outdid yourselves!?"

"BAD DOGS...huh." You noted in your head, hugging Kitty in your arms now.

That was your first meeting with the duo called BAD DOGS.
Ever since then, you memorized the specific route leading to this road and awkwardly strolled alone for a few times, wishfully or maybe you had it in your back of the mind to get more information about the music gigs that take place here...

To your surprise, you were reached out by a lot of the other, which you were sorry to say- intimidating or flashy looking passerbys if you didn't know any better.

They told you how this street was Vivid Street and how this was no ordinary place; few years ago there was a tremendous event taken place here, known as the RAD WEEKEND performed by Ken and his teammates.

Apparently, that event was their last one. And one which is considered by many, to be one in a million.
You dedicatedly heard the onlookers say, that the night of RAD WEEKEND was something the BAD DOGS were aiming to defeat.

They're still not up there, but if they keep honing on their skills they have a high chance to put on a show as grand as that.

After that you started opening up to the others in Vivid street more, you got to know about the onlooker who let you on so much, was also a local musician here as well as a vast majority here are all musicians or fans or both.

You now found yourself enjoying a BAD DOGS live a regular every now and then, whenever a show or event comes up.
Even so, each time it feels like their determination and strength only grows better.

And it was only your personal preference, but something about Akito's stage presence- his vocals or just simply the way he carried himself caught your eye very much.
It caught your eye even at the first time.

You've heard from your classmates countless times, how they want to meet this or that celebrity, singer and idol- but you never really considered someone like that. Until now.

I guess he's special because through him you to got into street music, along with many other talented musicians- like his partner Aoyagi Toya himself and how can you not mention... Shiraishi An, who is the talented daughter of the legendary Shiraishi Ken himself.

So from the audience you really wanted them to reach their dreams. Unbiasedly, you wished that Shiraishi-chan also reaches her dream somehow too.

It's been 6 months.
BAD DOGS is now Vivid BAD Squad joining with the VIVIDS (Azusawa Kohane and Shiraishi An).

You felt yourself cheering on to them. You're now even more of a fan, happy knowing that your favorite artists teamed up together to beat their goal and relieved that your favorite duo didn't have to win while soiling over someone else's dream.
...........................................

Today is the fourth VBS live.
You usually aren't nervous at the live house now, but since this evening you were contemplating something new...you are.

You planned on giving VBS a fan appreciation comment as an artist, after the show ends.

Why should you be so nervous about it? They are high schoolers in their first year, just like you! Besides everyone says their more casual people than the casual.

You kept your hands fisted onto the hem of your skirt, trying to calm down your nervous heart and keep your eyes straight at the performance to keep your minds off.

"Wow---! That girl Azusawa can SING! I really take back everything I felt for her back when I saw her with Shiraishi."

"She's a natural talent...!! To be honest, doesn't it sound like a disrespect to Shiraishi too? 'Course she wasn't going to pick just any random partner from the street."

"Yeaaah that's why I'm so sorry!!"

"I didn't know Shinonome could sing that high---!"

"He always delivers!! They rock!"

"I'm speechless at how well everyone's voices harmonize with each other."

"Aoyagi nails those low notes!!"

"Aoyagi's the best at controlling all types of notes, in my opinion...!"

"I can't get over that line An sang...!"

"GUYS LET US HEAR THE SONG, IT'S ALMOST ENDING!"
Someone in the crowd quietly shouted.

"And that was another heart pounding performance by Vivid BAD Squad!! Give them a huge round of applause!!" As the MC signaled with a loud cheer, the bustling crowd started dispersing. You also gave a 'bye' to many of those audiences, and they returned you with an equally friendly wave. Well, normally you would also chat here and there with them after show, but your eyes moved to the members who looked like they're about to leave in a minute.

"Ah, it looks like they're leaving now...!" A slight frown on your expression, you timidly ran towards them.

The four of them turned back, now facing you. Now that you're in front of your street "idols", you feel like if someone else could start the conversation for you it would've saved a lot of heart beats...

"May I ask what it is? Is it about our performance today?"
The one with the orange hair cut-off the awkward silence coming from you. (For some reason, you saw the ombre haired girl's face twist for a millisecond there).

"U-um...yes! It's actually...that I've been watching your performances since the beginning... Your singing and dances are really amazing so it inspires me a lot. By since the beginning, I mean since when you were only BAD DOGS and VIVIDs... So I'm actually a fan!"

You clamped your eyes shut at the last word due to feeling the slightest anxiousness.

"*Giggle* We're really glad we could inspire someone with our music, even if it's a little bit. Thank you so much, it made my day." The pigtailed girl with a cute cap on was the first to replying your comment. She also gave a gentle smile.

"Hmm...come to think of it I've seen you in all of our performances so far ---san...? Ah! I didn't get to know your name!! That's a problem!"
So said the star-adorned girl in a quite high-raised, but nonetheless charming enthusiastic voice.

You let out a chuckle,
"I haven't actually said my name yet. It's Y/N. L/N Y/N.*"

"Nice to meet you, Y/N-san. Hope we continue to bring out the best events so you could enjoy it. Thank you very much for your genuine appreciation."
Akito glanced at you carefully and greeted you with a polite tone in his voice.

"Yes, we are really grateful for feedbacks like this. We will be glad if you see us through."
With a stoic yet gentle expression expression, he lowered his head slightly.

"Uh-uh... It's not needed. It's just a fan comment...!" Flustered, you tried to swing your hands showing that such a formal and polite manner isn't required at all.

Touya simply chuckled lightly while muttering a "Oh" and Akito shrugged possibly knowing his buddy's nature.

Seeing your focus, An, who had the same hair colour as the evening sky right now walked closer to your shoulders. You tipped your head slightly towards the girl asking if there was someone she wanted.

"Ah, it's her sense of distance working again." Akito mutters though it's inaudible to you.

"Y/N is it? Well you like our music and you seem kinda cool! Say, wanna come over at our cafe? It's right around here!"
The girl stared at you eagerly with visible "stars" glowing in her eyes.
Yep, she did give the impression of a very social and amicable person.

"Oi An- Well, only if it's alright with you Y/N-san."

"I-It's alright Shinonome-kun! I couldn't possibly say no to a request like Shiraishi-chan's...."

"Well it's decided then! Let's go right now to Weekend Garage~!"

You stared at all four of them, pausing before you could give an answer.
Wait...were you really going to be hanging out with who you consider as "idols"? That certainly makes you happy but isn't this a bit too fast!?

"Shiraishi's cafe is famous for its exquisite blend of coffee and desserts. At any rate, you'd be able to enjoy a delicious snack there."

Touya speaks and Kohane nods.

"Well, it's nothing. If you're a regular in Vivid Street you must've checked Ken-san's shop at least once."
This time, Akito reassures.

In awe of both the sudden, unexpected development and their welcoming and friendly aura you quicky, though with a nervous excitement, nodded to their request.

During the walk, all four of the members were still chatting about many things you didn't know what to respond with, so you kept a distance and smiled while modding every now and then.
Between this time, Akito kindly glanced at at you probably trying to say 'it's alright you don't have to be so awkward with us.'
It's really just a tiny gesture but it still made you happy.

It's a small but cozy shop, from the glass door you could see that the cafe was running the business quite well at this time. But the shop itself was decorated with many coloured festoons and even graffiti there.
As you were about to enter, your mind was more interested thinking about how it'd be to sketch the shop...it should work well as a landscape piece......
Maybe like this....
Maybe you forgot about your footing there lost in thoughts...

"Hya-! I almost tripped..."

Absentmindedly, you were about to fall down to the wooden floor before a pair of strong arms caught you.

"Are you okay? You're not hurt right?"

You realized it was Akito, and you popped out of your daze instantly.

"Thank you...Shinonome-kun..."

"Your welcome...?"

Noticing that he still kept you in his grasp, a growing tint of red blush crept up to your cheeks.

"Akito-? I think you need to let go of
Y/N-san though." Touya interrupts.

"Ah- yeah, sorry. *chuckles awkwardly* there you go."

"Y/N-san...! Come over here quick! An-chan said your seat is here!"

Following Kohane's voice, you took one of the round seats that were placed right in front of the counter.
Your left seat was An's, but she was currently talking to a middle aged man in stylish street wears. You didn't have much doubt that he was her father.

While in your immediate right was Akito. He was peering at your side too like he had something to say.

"You seem to be the thinking type, don't you?" He starts up a new conversation.

"Thinking type...? By that do you mean I'm usually very engrossed thinking about a lot of things...?"

"Yeah. It seemed like you were taking notes of all the things you saw in this cafe. You're very observant. That's a good thing, but sometimes you should give attention to other parts of your surroundings too."

Oh. He's referring to your trip incident. Talk about being attentive...
He's caring, isn't he.

"My parents and friends also affectionately call me clumsy times like this too...ahaha. I'll try giving more attention starting now!"
Your fists raising up, you went to your "ganbatte" mode while giggling a tad bit sheepishly.

The vacant seat beside you was finally occupied, the girl gave you a grin.
You grinned back at her.

"Are you a friend? It's your first time here after all, just ask out while playing. Anything from our food menu is good."

"It's my dad Y/N! What do you want to order?"

"Umm.... Let's see. Is there anpan...?"

"I'll have my usual coffee and cookies, Ken-san." Touya causally orders. Oh yeah, he told you how the coffee here was pretty good.

"Oh! I'll also have one cup of coffee...if possible with milk and sugar because I can't handle bitter foods very much. Not at all, if I'm being honest."

"*Giggle* Same, Y/N-san." Kohane agrees.

"Then, I'll just have a pancake and the usual drinks. Y/N, the pancake here is nice." Shinonome Akito adds.

You lean your head slightly,

"Is it delicious? U-m! Cancel anpan I think I'll have pancakes today!"

"Alright then~"

An stands up and quickly runs to the kitchen, while humming the same song they had just performers today.
After a few minutes, she professionally served your orders.
It seems she had a rum-raisin ice cream for herself, while Kohane had a fruits parfait. Touya was relaxing with this warm cup of coffee, dipping cookies and eating it.

Akito is right. The pancake here is...good. The fluffiness of the bread, it was the perfect balance of buttery smooth texture which doesn't crumble like some cakes do.
And the caramel that was dripping tasted like honey and chocolate, it was so sweet mixed with the tender sourness of the butter.

"Shinonome-kun you're right... it's so delicious~! Ohh, my?"

His plate was empty, as he smilingly licked the last of its flavours.
This Shinonome Akito could devour a big pancake like this in just three minutes. You considered yourself a fast eater when it comes to cakes and pastries, but you are still less than halfway through finishing it.

"Glad to see Akito enjoyed it like always." Touya smirks.

"As expected of the desert eating monster~!" An teased.

"Oi! Who-....Crap I forgot I had to be polite for a second there..."

Looking at you, he blushed a bit.

"With this my stomach is full~ see? I'm fast too *nom*"
You stuffed the last piece of your cake and shot a smile at him before gulping it down.

"Glad you liked my recommendation.
...... Anyways, we could make another successful event today again. An was talking about a gig yesterday, right? I think we'll start tomorrow since we're a bit tired."

"Yeah, also Akito you did see the gig specialized in dancing, correct? We've to give it our all practicing then."

"Let's do this! I mean...not now, but starting from tomorrow! I think it will be very fun to practice all together."

"Yeah--!! So everyone get a cool relaxing sleep so we could start working hard early...!" The star-clad girl cheered on.

Finally it strike you again, that you were indeed hanging out with the VBS members in their base camp, and how  you were chatting with them as if they were friends all along.
Even observing them have a brief yet serious discussion about their upcoming event, and all their determination to practice better–
You also realized something.
That is, about how little you actually knew about them from just this short span of time.
You thought you got to see a very different side of Akito and the others, but still remaining that same spirit.

You didn't realize spent so much time before you realized you had gotten a message from your mother telling to come home thinking it was too late.

"Ah! I'm sorry but I've to go now, it's a bit late so my mom's worrying. Thank you, Shiraishi-chan, Shinonome-kun, Aoyagi-kun and Azusawa-chan for having me here."

"Oh? Y/N's leaving already? No, no! Don't mention it. We just wanted to have fun talking that's all." An told.

"Oya? Where's my thanks? It's my shop, you know ahaha."

"My apologies Ken-san! Thank you very much for your food...!"

"Why, you're welcome, come back later again."

"Ah... I'll try! Then, I'll take my leave now. It was fun. Bye bye~!"

Just as you were about to leave through the front door, An interrupted.

"No! No! That's not right, hey Akito you should walk her home that's just common courtesy."

"Hah-? W-well I'm not sure if Y/N-san would like it... So, I'll have to pass..."

"Ah- I can go home by myself no problem...so..."

"Huuh? Akito?"

"Okay...whatev- no, let's walk to your home."

"Yes...if it's alright with you..."

You two didn't really talk for a while when you just started strolling steadily, but you didn't feel very uncomfortable either. You weren't nervous, you were sure of it.
But you couldn't help but feel the loud thumping of your heart at times, especially when you were seeing that one of your favorite musician was walking side by side with you.

"Hey! Shinonome you're performance rocked!"

"Well it's nothing, anyways thanks."

"Shinonome, how do you sing that cool? I couldn't sing like that even if you trained me hahaa."

"Don't say it like that, with practice and enough dedicated hard work even you could do it."

"I can't stress enough how much more incredible you've gotten. You sing and dance great along with the rest of your teammates! Please keep it up!!"

"Haha, I'm being flattered, aren't I.
It's because I never half heatedly do anything is why I could sing a little better... We're working hard for it, yeah. Bye."

"Shinonome-kun you guys are really stars... It's so admirable."
He is so confident in his abilities, it feels so difficult for you.

"Ahh...it should be that way. We're not just playing around, you know. We're aiming for RAD WEEKEND.........
More importantly, is your home somewhere around here?"

"No, it's actually just a straight way from here."

"My home's also just a straight way from here... Got it. So I'll just drop you  after a minute."

A short while later, he dropped you by a small convenience store which you said is just a walk away from house.
Once again, staring into his face, you thought something very eventful happened today.

"Well, then excuse me."

"Yeah...later." He paused for a brief moment.

You turned your back but you were called out again.

"You're coming tomorrow too, right?"
Akito said, with an expectant gaze albeit nonchalantly.

"Huh? To Weekend Garage? I think I should... I'll have another pancake then..."

"Hope we'll be there as well."

With that, you both parted your ways.

With a dark sky where lots of marshmallow-like grey clouds were floating, the summer's cool breeze blew on your warm shoulders.
Still wearing a soft smile, you calmly tried to take in everything that had happened today.

To be continued....

-------------------------------------

i won't talk much bcuz u probably had to read it with a lot of patience xD
nah i hope it's not too bad & u enjoyed it.

BONUS:
The 2 minute sketch I did for An