Invasion from Seoul (8)

Being young and pretty. Other than that, there was nothing particularly noteworthy about the four of them. The girls, dressed in achromatic long-skirt outfits that gave off a school-uniform vibe, each took her place.

“The song is titled ‘Mirage.’ Then, we’ll begin.”

‘What the hell.’

Her cold tone, as if dousing them with cold water, left the fan feeling vaguely insulted.

The previous bands had come onstage, said a word or two, and at least smiled before starting, but these girls did not. The other audience members seemed to feel the same way, and the murmuring continued, but…

That mood did not last long. The audience could sense the tension among the bands watching the stage.

The song opened with the sound of a keyboard. It flowed languidly, dragging out its trailing notes. Perched atop it was a bass line that was blunt and low, and all the sweeter for it.

And then, the guitar.

The beginning was nothing special. Just the ordinary sound of a guitar ringing out. She wondered if there was something different about it, but she couldn't clearly identify what.

Outside the window...