Chapter 32 : Second Performance(3)

The Second Performance

[Some people dismissed our performance as no big deal.]
[Why? We did well, didn’t we?]
[Objectively, I think we nailed it.]
[There are always those people who see something trending and go, ‘It’s nothing special, just overhyped.’]
[Though, thankfully, they’re not the majority.]
[Still, there are always a few who like to ruin the vibe or criticize for no reason.]
[And there will definitely be people saying, ‘How can you judge from just one performance?’]

“That’s possible,” Iseo thought.

The world is full of diverse perspectives, including those who oppose just for the sake of it.

“In that case, we’ll show them an even better performance this time—a stronger bassline, a stronger presence.

So they won’t even dare to make such remarks.”

Of course, even The Beatles had their detractors, calling them overrated.

So no matter how skilled Iseo was, criticism of their band was inevitable.

But if that criticism served as motivation, wasn’t that a good thing?

Concert Day.

“What do you think of the bands this time?”

Yeongshin, the event organizer, glanced at the lineup during rehearsals.

His boss, the director, stood beside him, awaiting his response.

“Well, it’s mostly the usual bands we always see. You know, three of them have been here before.”

“But there’s a new group, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, two we haven’t played with before. One’s experienced but just hasn’t worked with us yet—they’re average at best.”

“This leaves one completely new name.”

“True, but I’ve only seen their videos. And videos can be deceiving with edits and all. Plus, they joined last minute, so they probably won’t be in top shape.”

Yeongshin scratched his head.

When he first watched their submission video, he only gave it a cursory glance.

Their performance met the booking criteria, but he couldn’t shake his skepticism.

“Are they really that good? Videos can be misleading. And YouTube always has its share of overhyped acts.”

As these thoughts lingered, the first band’s rehearsal ended.

Polite applause from the staff and organizers accompanied the descent of the band members, slightly sweaty.

“How did we do?”

“Not bad. Looking forward to your performance.”

Yeongshin’s words seemed to reassure the band members, who nodded in relief.

“We didn’t have enough time to practice, but it looks like we’re okay.”

Carrying their instruments, they headed to the waiting room, where familiar faces gathered.

“Oh, Se-in! Long time no see!”

“Hey, nice to see you! Has it been three months? I think we last met in Hongdae.”

“You should keep in touch more!”

They exchanged casual banter, knowing nothing significant would come of it.

Still, in such a small scene, a bit of networking was essential.

Just then, the door opened, and another band entered—four girls no one recognized.

The other bands instinctively glanced at the newcomers.

The keyboard player was… ordinary. The drummer—passable.

Next came the bassist, whose bold makeup and striking aura seemed out of place but undeniably attractive.

Finally, their eyes landed on the guitarist. For a moment, the room froze.

“Does she know where she is? She doesn’t look like someone who’d play in an otaku band.”

“Is she an Otasahime or something?” someone whispered, referencing an unusually stunning figure in otaku culture. But with all four members being women, that theory didn’t seem right.

“Um… Are you a band?” someone hesitantly asked.

“Ot… 41. 01…”

“Oh, nice to meet you! We’re a brand-new band. This is only our second gig!”

Before the keyboard player could respond, the bassist stepped forward with an enthusiastic greeting.

“What’s your band name?”

“Are we sticking with the same name as before?” the bassist asked, turning toward the guitarist.

“There’s no reason to change it,” the guitarist replied coolly.

“Our band name is Group Sound,” she said.

“Group Sound?”

“Yes. Group Sound.”

“Oh… so these are the ones.”

When the final poster was released, the lineup included a mysterious name no one had ever seen before.

The band members glanced at it, puzzled, and now realized the newcomers were that very band.

“Oh, so you’re the group planning to perform four songs from Bocchi the Rock?”

“Yes, that’s us!”

“Wow, that’s a tough one. Those aren’t easy songs.”

The casual, easygoing vibe of the anime, coupled with the story of a band clumsily formed with a complete beginner, might mislead people.

But in reality, Kessoku Band’s repertoire consisted of highly challenging tracks—not just for the lead guitar, but also for the drums and bass.

The rhythm guitar might seem the easiest of the parts, but even it wasn’t simple, especially since it also involved vocals.

For a group of high school girls, including two members who didn’t even look musically inclined, tackling such songs seemed improbable.

“Do they think they’re the actual Kessoku Band or something?”

Naturally, every other band present was skeptical about the girls’ abilities and whether they could even pull it off.

That doubt wasn’t surprising; it was, in fact, expected.

“Judging by their faces, no one believes them.”

Ha Su-yeon observed the expressions around the room and smirked.

It was inevitable.

Assuming others can’t do something simply because you can’t is a deeply ingrained habit of those who lack ability themselves.