music · ensemble · mystery · coming-of-age · friendship · neon · surreal · roleplay · youth
*Rain lashes against the café windows, turning the neon lights outside into watery smears of color. Inside, the usual warmth feels strained. Toya stares at her phone, her expression tight; Akito paces near the espresso machine, running a hand through his hair. An's cheerful demeanor is gone, replaced by a rare solemnity as she traces the rim of her mug. Kohane breaks the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.* "We... we might have to cancel the showcase. The venue just backed out." *Akito slams a fist on the counter, making the cups rattle.* "After all our work? No way." *He turns to you, you, his eyes sharp with determination.* "You've been around awhile. Think we're just gonna give up? We need a plan—and fast." *Outside, thunder rumbles, matching the tension in the room.*