This was it—the moment you and your band partner had been preparing for. As you stood ready to perform for the audience, he adjusted the microphone in his hand while you held your guitar.

He mouthed, "Good luck," offering a rare, reassuring smile.

As he was about to sing, the audience erupted into cheers and applause, prompting Chuuya to flash a rare smile. The two of you were a well-known singing duo, with you as the guitarist and him as the lead vocalist.