I Just Want A Single Ending!

Well, well, look at you! So dedicated, you've earned a little extra treat! 🎉

---

"Wait, that quick to say yes?"

Saku was a little surprised at how fast Chihaya Anon had agreed.

"Oh, come on, it's no big deal! Anyone in a band has to get used to being on camera, right?" Anon replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Her reason for being in a band was simple: to stand out, to be in the spotlight.

Appearing in one of Saku's videos? That was exactly what she wanted.

Actually, now that she thought about it, maybe she didn't even need the band to stand out after all.

Compared to the effort of rehearsing her guitar skills and coordinating with the others, helping Saku with a video shoot was way easier, way faster, and a much simpler path to recognition.

Was her true talent destined for videos rather than band performances?

No, no, she thought to herself. The band was something she'd started with Saku.

It was their thing, practically a shared home. No way was she giving it up.

"You're right about that,"

Nijika agreed, nodding along with Ikuyo Kita.

Anyone serious about the band would naturally be comfortable in front of a camera, whether it was for filming music videos or shooting promotional photos.

They all felt surprisingly little hesitation about appearing on screen.

"Anon, please think this over seriously, though. There's a downside I have to mention, just to make sure you're aware."

Even though she'd already agreed, Saku wanted to formally address the potential impact.

"I mean, once you appear in my videos, there's a chance that random people might recognize you in public and come up to say hello. It could affect your daily life a bit."

"So please consider carefully whether you're okay with that kind of attention."

"I don't want you to feel pressured into this because you think I'll be hurt or disappointed if you say no."

"If you feel obligated to do this just for my sake, that would actually make me more uncomfortable."

"But if you do choose to help, as I said before, I'll make sure you're properly compensated, as an acknowledgment of any disruption this might bring to your life."

Saku didn't want to lure them in by hiding any risks. He wanted them to choose freely.

"Isn't that a good thing, though?"

Nijika's eyes sparkled. "For a band, getting more exposure is great!"

If she were just a regular girl, she might be worried about strangers interrupting her daily life.

But as a band member, extra visibility could only help her goals.

With their band still new and unknown, this was exactly what they needed.

Saku's account had nearly 600,000 followers—even if just one percent of those followers showed some interest in their band, it would be amazing.

"Right? So, will we have time for self-introductions in the video?"

Ikuyo chimed in, catching on to the potential immediately.

"Of course," Saku nodded. "Since we'll rotate who's on camera, each of you can at least say your name."

"If we can say, 'I'm Nijika Ijichi, guitarist for Kessoku Band,' that's free advertising for us!"

Nijika was practically bouncing with excitement.

"It'll be like instant popularity!"

Ikuyo echoed, smiling at the thought.

But Nijika then hesitated, looking a little bashful as she asked, "Sorry, but… would that kind of introduction be okay in the video?"

"Absolutely."

Just a simple self-introduction was no problem at all.

"In that case, please let me join!" Nijika agreed enthusiastically.

Even if promoting a band in a cosmetics review felt slightly out of place, the benefits far outweighed the weirdness.

They'd be boosting the band's name while helping Saku. It was a win-win.

"My answer's the same as before—I'd love to be in the videos."

After hearing Saku's honest explanation, Chihaya Anon felt even more excited.

She'd already begun dreaming of a future where fans would recognize her, maybe even ask for her autograph or for photos.

Speaking of which… I'd better practice my signature!

"Count me in too."

Ikuyo Kita was right there with them.

With her regular social media posts, appearing on camera was no big deal, and she'd get to help Saku and promote the band.

"Thank you. Really, thank you all so much."

Saku's gratitude was sincere as he thanked each of them.

Now, even if Nyamu wasn't available, he didn't have to worry about the video project stalling.

"About the pay…"

Saku was about to continue, but Nijika interrupted.

"You don't need to pay me. Letting me introduce the band in your video is more than enough!"

Just the chance to promote Kessoku Band made her feel like she'd already received payment.

"That won't work. Compensation is a must!"

Saku's refusal was immediate and firm.

"Regardless of how you feel about the impact this might have on you, or whether you think it's more beneficial than harmful, that's beside the point."

"This payment is your rightful compensation, as well as an acknowledgment of any inconvenience this might bring."

"Most importantly, if you refuse to take your payment, other people who do want it might feel awkward about accepting it."

"Oh… You're right." Nijika apologized, realizing her oversight.

She'd only thought of how to help Saku and maybe save him a little money, forgetting about the others who might also want the payment.

She realized that, if she really wanted to waive her compensation, she should have discussed it with him in private.

"Actually, Anon and I were thinking the same thing,"

Ikuyo Kita nodded, glancing over at Chihaya Anon, who looked just as reluctant to take the payment.

Saku: "..."

Wasn't anyone willing to just take the payment normally?

---

This bonus chapter is like an encore after a rousing performance—totally worth staying for, wouldn't you say? Oh, and don't worry, my lyre's got plenty more tunes to play next time!

But for now, it's time to take a bow. Thank you for the applause (and all that wonderful support). If you're feeling extra inspired, you know where to find me—[patreon.com/WiseTL]. Toss a coin, and who knows? Maybe the next bard will sing your praises!

Now, go forth, Traveler, and revel in the wonders of this world. Until next time! 🍃✨