I am the Entertainment Tycoon

Chapter 656: Backstage With Rockwave Society



Backstage at the Yukihime High School Mini Music Festival, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The Harmony Union Acapella Group had just finished their powerful performance, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. The second music club had just started their performance, and the crowd sang along as they performed a famous song. The venue was boiling with excitement and musical feelings. But behind the curtain, in the dimly lit backstage area, the mood was different-more intense, more personal.

The Rockwave Society Club members, collectively known as "Eclipsed Chaos," huddled together in a tight circle. At the center of the group were the Morioka twins, Rumi and Koan, the lead singers and driving forces behind the band. Rumi, with her long black hair, dark eyeliner, and black lace dress, exuded a gothic elegance. Her eyes, lined with a touch of red eyeshadow, were focused and determined, but there was a slight tremble in her fingers as she adjusted the microphone in her hand. Koan, her twin brother, stood beside her, his jet-black hair swept across his forehead in a typical emo style. He wore a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, a few strands of hair peeking out, and his jeans were ripped at the knees. Despite the cool exterior, his hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and he kept bouncing on the balls of his feet, trying to shake off the nerves that threatened to overtake him.

It was a surreal moment for them. Two years ago, when they had first founded the Rockwave Society Club as freshmen, it had been little more than a dream-a way to escape the cold, empty feeling of their home life. Their parents, always busy with work, had never shown much interest in their lives, and the twins had found solace in rock music, feeling a sense of rebellion and freedom that they had been denied in their own home. The club had been their sanctuary, a place where they could be themselves, and now they stood on the precipice of their first real performance as a band.

"Everyone, take a deep breath," Rumi said, her voice calm but firm as she addressed the rest of the band members. She glanced at Koan, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. "We've practiced for this. We've put in the hours. We know these songs inside and out."

Koan chimed in, his voice a little less steady, but full of conviction. "We've got this. I know the crowd is huge, and it's nerve-wracking to think about, but we're here to do what we love. Just focus on the music. That's all that matters."

The rest of the band members-Yuki on bass, Arata on drums, Sora on lead guitar, and the keyboardist, Emi-nodded in agreement, though their faces were a mix of excitement and anxiety. They had all been part of the club since its inception, sharing a bond over their love of rock music and the sense of belonging they had found in the group. Each of them had their reasons for joining, but today, those reasons seemed to converge into a single, burning desire: to prove that they belonged on that stage, that they were more than just a high school club, that they had something real to offer.

Yuki, the bassist, twirled her blue-streaked hair nervously around her finger, trying to mask her own anxiety. She had always been the quiet one, preferring to let her bass do the talking. She looked up at Rumi and Koan, finding some comfort in their confidence. "Rumi, can we really do this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rumi smiled at her, a reassuring smile, and eyes shining with determination never seen before, "Yes, we can. I know everyone here is a little nuts just like my brother and I are." She giggled, "But isn't this little craziness that drives us forward? It is what made us dare to dream to live our dreams to become artists!"

Everyone's eyes shone as they could feel Rumi's determination in her voice.

Everyone there wanted to prove something, and damn hell they would!

Arata, the drummer, cracked his knuckles and took a deep breath. He was usually the joker of the group, always quick with a sarcastic comment or a playful jab, but today he was uncharacteristically quiet. "I've got your back, guys. Just keep the beat steady, and I'll make sure we sound tight."

Sora, the lead guitarist, who had been tuning his guitar obsessively, finally looked up. He was a perfectionist to a fault, always striving for that perfect sound, that perfect note. "We've practiced this set a hundred times," he said, more to himself than to anyone else. "We know it like the back of our hands. Let's just go out there and play."

Emi, the keyboardist, adjusted her glasses and gave a small, determined nod. She had always been the most reserved of the group, preferring to stay in the background, but today she felt a sense of purpose that overrode her usual shyness. "Let's give them a show they won't forget," she said, her voice tinged with a quiet resolve.

The twins exchanged a final glance, a silent conversation passing between them. They had been through so much together, and this moment felt like a culmination of all their struggles, and all their dreams. They didn't need to say anything; they understood each other

completely.

"Alright," Rumi said, her voice stronger now, filled with a quiet intensity. "We're Eclipsed Chaos, and this is our moment. Let's make it count."

Koan nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "For the music," he said, raising his fist. The rest of the band followed suit, their hands meeting in the center of the circle, a symbol of their unity and shared purpose.

"For our dreams!" They all exclaimed at the same time.

The stage manager gave them a signal-they were up next, as the second club was about to finish their performance. The adrenaline surged through them, pushing aside the last remnants of doubt and fear. They could hear the crowd outside, still buzzing from the current performance, but they didn't let it intimidate them. They were ready.

As they moved towards the stage, Rumi and Koan led the way, their hearts pounding in unison. This was it. The moment they had been waiting for. They stepped into the wings, the lights from the stage casting long shadows, and the noise of the crowd grew louder, more distinct. The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, introducing them to the audience for the first time.

"And now, please welcome to the stage, the Rockwave Society Club's very own... Eclipsed Chaos!"

The roar of the crowd hit them like a wave as they walked out onto the stage, but it didn't faze them. Rumi and Koan took their places at the front, with the rest of the band falling into position around them. The bright stage lights were blinding, but they welcomed it, knowing that once they started playing, nothing else would matter.

Rumi gripped the microphone, her fingers steady now, and turned to face the audience. She could see the sea of faces, the eager expressions, and felt a surge of confidence. This was where she belonged. She caught Koan's eye, and he gave her a small, encouraging nod. The band took their positions, the instruments ready, the setlist imprinted in their minds. The crowd quieted, anticipation hanging in the air like electricity. Rumi took a deep breath, the mic close to her lips, and as the first chord struck, a powerful, distorted riff from Sora's guitar, she let herself get lost in the music.

This was their time.