I Just Want A Single Ending!

"Calm down first, and let me explain slowly."

Seeing the spark of energy returning to Shiina Taki's eyes, Kamigawa Saku offered a reassuring smile.

"Okay."

Taki nodded compliantly.

"First, let's establish something," Saku began thoughtfully. "In our band, are we planning to always have Tomori write lyrics first before we compose music?"

"Of course."

Taki agreed without hesitation.

Although some bands start with the composition and add lyrics afterward, theirs definitely wasn't one of them.

"Then, does that mean our compositions should be based on Tomori's lyrics?" Saku continued.

"That's a given."

If Tomori wrote lyrics with a sad theme, they couldn't just pair it with a cheerful melody. That would completely clash.

"That means the more closely a song fits Tomori's lyrics, the better it is, right?" Saku pressed the point further.

"Since we're writing to the lyrics, absolutely."

Taki nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"When lyrics come first, the song that best matches those lyrics is, by definition, the ideal one, right?"

Saku gave an example, though slightly unconventional. "Take Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, for instance. It's a masterpiece, right? But if you tried to set those famous notes to the lyrics of Happy Birthday, it'd feel totally off."

It wouldn't make the song bad, but it wouldn't suit those lyrics.

Taki nodded. "Exactly."

"So maybe that's the real difference between a genius and an ordinary person," Saku went on. "A genius can make a composition that truly fits the lyrics, while an ordinary person might come up with something that just barely fits."

"That's exactly it."

That was why Taki felt so inadequate.

"Quick question," Saku said, "Why do you think geniuses can so effortlessly create compositions that suit the lyrics?"

"Uh… a deeper understanding of the lyrics, maybe? I'm not sure. It's probably something to do with talent and ability."

Lacking that genius herself, Taki could only speculate.

Saku shared his take. "When composing for lyrics, I think geniuses are simply better at understanding those lyrics, which lets them create a song that feels like a perfect match."

"But you're a genius composer," Taki pointed out. "Why are you speaking so uncertainly?"

"How should I explain it?" Saku paused, thinking. "Genius composers still have their own unique interpretations and specialties. Even though they're skilled, one genius might focus more on rhythm, while another might excel at emotion. It's not one-size-fits-all. For me, understanding lyrics is key."

"Alright."

Taki accepted this. Regardless, geniuses were always going to be leagues ahead of her—that much was certain.

"So, after all that, what exactly are you getting at?"

Her patience was beginning to thin, especially as Saku spoke at such a leisurely pace.

"All of this was just the setup; now let's get to the main point."

He brightened his phone screen and replayed the song he'd created using the learning card's boost, Ichishizuku Sky.

"Based on what we discussed, would you say this is the song that fits Tomori's lyrics the best?"

"Definitely."

Taki nodded without a second thought. She couldn't imagine any song better suited to Ichishizuku Sky's lyrics than this one.

"I hate to break it to you, but it isn't."

Saku stopped the music, refuting her assessment calmly.

"Impossible. What are you talking about?"

Was he trying to make a fool of her?

Not that she was dumb enough to buy this, even if she felt like it was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard.

"You think this song is perfect, don't you?"

He kept his calm, steady tone.

"Of course."

Taki admitted it willingly.

Saku smiled and nodded. "By all measures, given Tomori's lyrics, it's certainly the perfect song. I think so too."

"Then why are you saying otherwise?"

Her doubt in him was growing. Let's see how he plans to explain himself out of this one, she thought.

"Now, I need to share a fundamental truth with you. It's something irrefutable."

After setting the stage, Saku finally delivered the crucial point.

"Tomori's lyrics are her innermost voice."

"Her innermost voice?"

Taki found herself repeating the words.

"We agreed that the song needs to match the lyrics as closely as possible, right?"

Saku met her gaze with a soft smile.

"And if Tomori's lyrics are her innermost voice, then to truly understand her lyrics, wouldn't one also need to understand her heart?"

"Yes, I suppose that makes sense."

Taki considered this seriously.

"Now, let me ask you something," Saku continued. "What would happen if a genius composer tried to create a song based solely on Tomori's lyrics without understanding what she was feeling?"

"I... I don't know."

Taki looked uncertain.

"I've already given you the answer."

Saku pointed to the screen where the song was displayed.

"If a genius composer works to their fullest potential, they'll create something that perfectly matches Tomori's lyrics."

"But it would only match the lyrics."

"No matter how talented a genius is, they're still human; they don't have the power to read minds."

"They can't know what Tomori was truly feeling when she wrote her lyrics."

"So I'll say this directly—this song may be flawless, but it doesn't quite fit Tomori's lyrics."

"Because it doesn't fully convey the emotions she poured into them."

"As for what feelings Tomori wanted to express?"

"Only she knows the answer."

"I…"

Taki wanted to respond, but she wasn't sure where to start.

Saku patiently encouraged her. "If you have any questions, just ask."

"Why are you so sure that Tomori's lyrics reflect her innermost feelings?" she asked, feeling a bit apprehensive.

If he could answer this, then everything he was saying would make sense.

"Remember how I helped her when she struggled to write lyrics?" Saku reminded her.

"Yes."

Back then, she'd felt a twinge of jealousy, watching him assist Tomori.

"It's because her lyrics come from deep within that I could help her overcome her writer's block," Saku said matter-of-factly. "Otherwise, how else do you think I could've helped?"

"I see…"

It all clicked into place for Taki.

There was no reason for her to doubt him.

The lyrics of Ichishizuku Sky were proof enough.

"Whether a song matches the lyrics depends on many factors, but primarily, it's about the lyricist's intent," Saku returned to the topic, speaking with ease.

"If it's someone else's lyrics, you can't always know the motivation behind them."

"For songs written for commercial appeal, the best-fitting composition is whatever's the most popular."

"Just like my friend's composition—it's perfect in every technical sense."

"But Tomori's lyrics are different. They're her innermost voice."

"In other words, only she can decide which song truly suits her lyrics."

"No matter how well a song is written, if she doesn't feel it fits, then it doesn't."

"That's why I said the conditions are strict."

"Only by composing for her lyrics can you create something that truly matches."

"You need to know her heart, down to every line she writes."

"Difference between genius and ordinary? Talent? Skill?"

"None of that matters."

"What matters is whether you can understand Tomori's heart. The more you understand her, the better you can match the music to her lyrics."

"That's why I asked if you'd be willing to compose for her lyrics for a lifetime."

"I understand now."

Taki's eyes lit up with renewed determination.

So this was the way to transcend genius.

No, talent gaps couldn't be bridged, but her connection with Tomori could give her an edge beyond genius.

It was a clever workaround.

If she composed for anyone else, the talent gap would still be painfully obvious.

But for her, this was more than enough.

All she wanted was to compose for Tomori.

She hadn't learned to compose just for the sake of forming a band.

No, she'd done it to create music for Tomori's lyrics.

"Music is a deeply personal thing. Everyone has their own taste, things they love or dislike," Saku added. "There isn't a single song that everyone in the world loves, no matter how amazing it might be."

"So, the song you write doesn't need to please everyone. It only needs to resonate with Tomori."

Right then, Taki felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The heavy cloud that had hung over her was gone.

"Th-thank you."

With her confidence renewed, Taki struggled to find the right words, but after a long pause, all she managed was a soft "Thank you."

"No need to thank me."

Saku flashed a bright smile.

It seemed like he'd actually managed to solve her problem.

Now he just had to think about what to do next.

As an expert in visual novels, he knew that solving such an emotional issue would naturally increase her affection for him.

Until now, their relationship was simply one of bandmates—acquaintances, at best.

Even with a huge boost in her affection, it would only move them up to good friends.

Falling in love with him because of this?

No way.

After all, she had previously shown him nothing but a cold attitude because of his friendship with Tomori.

How could that turn into something romantic?

"...Alright."

Blushing slightly, Taki averted her gaze after seeing his smile.

When had he come to sit so close to her?

"Well then, you're still the composer for our band," Saku confirmed, handing the role back to her.

"Right."

Taki didn't object this time.

Saku then suggested, "Although you only need to create songs that Tomori feels resonate with her, you should still work to improve your composition skills."

"If you're okay with it, I can teach you composition."

"Teach me?" she repeated, catching the key point.

"Yep! I'm a genius composer, after all. If I teach you, I think we'll be alright," he said with confidence.

As long as she agreed to this, he'd have more opportunities to interact with her.

He discarded his earlier idea of "musical exchange."

It was no use—her level was just too low to have a meaningful exchange.

The last time he'd suggested it, she'd turned him down, saying she didn't think she could contribute much.

"Are you sure it's okay?"

It wasn't that she doubted his ability but that she didn't want to burden him.

"It's no trouble at all. Honestly, I don't find composition that interesting," Saku replied casually. "Helping you learn will serve my purposes just fine."

"Huh?!"

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"What is it?" Saku asked, confused.

"You don't enjoy composing?" she asked, a little perplexed.

"Not at all," he nodded.

"Then why did you learn to compose in the first place?" Taki pressed on, puzzled.

Saku replied offhandedly, "Didn't Anon mention it before? I picked up composing to take some of the burden off you."

"That's not what you said. You told me it was to help the band develop," Taki pointed out, recalling his words clearly.

They'd even argued about it back then.

"Easing your burden helps the band grow, doesn't it?" Saku countered.

"I guess…?"

She couldn't find a way to refute that logic.

"It's the same here—if I teach you, it's another way to help the band grow," he continued lightly. "And, I never said I'd handle all of the band's compositions."

"But you're the genius composer here, aren't you?"

The way things were going, Taki felt increasingly baffled.

"Because I'm a genius composer, does that mean I have to be the band's composer?" Saku tilted his head, as though genuinely confused by her assumption. "Why would that be obvious?"

"I… guess it isn't."

Taki couldn't argue with him.

"So," he asked, his tone hopeful, "do you want me to teach you composition?"

---

Oh, you're still here? Nice. While I'm out here juggling revival matches and reminding villains why they should reconsider their life choices, someone's behind the scenes making sure my story reaches you. Gotta admit, they're doing a pretty solid job.

If you want to help keep this whole thing running smoothly, here's the link: [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Think of it as… supporting your favorite underdog. Everyone loves an underdog, right?

Anyway, time to get back to saving the day. See you in the next chapter—don't forget to stay out of trouble (that's my job).

— Xia Luo 🕸️