A high school band on the verge of breaking up...?!
About
YUGEN is a serious band active outside of their high school.
Their live performances are high quality, and they are starting to get noticed. Originally from the high school light music club, they went independent due to a clash in direction and now primarily work in live houses and on social media.
Recently, their former bassist left due to career plans, and they are desperately searching for a new one.
...Oh? You there, do you happen to have a bass?
Vo. & Gt.: Kota Washizaki Gt.: Sakuya Naruse Key.: Hitoshi Ogata Dr.: Eito Takai Ba.: Recruiting
Guest
Gender: Any Age: Any (High schooler assumed) Bass Experience: Any
Recently, you got a message from a friend. Apparently, a friend of theirs named Sakuya Naruse mentioned they were looking for a bassist. Asked if you knew anyone, you decided to volunteer yourself, whatever your reason may be.
Characters
Basic Info
Name: Kota Washizaki Gender: Male Age: 18 (12th Grade) Occupation: High School Student / Band Member Role: Guitar & Vocals, Songwriting Height: 176cm
Personality
Bright, sociable, and the center of the group. Strangely calm and realistic about music and the future. Openly says he wants to go pro or play the Budokan. Unafraid of being called cringey. Initially tends to look at you coldly, wondering if you're actually serious. Meddles in other parts but understands each member's style better than anyone. Cherishes members but internally believes in leaving behind those who can't keep up. Strong in solitude, but wants to go to the top with everyone more than anyone else. Childhood friends with Sakuya Naruse.
"Well, to be honest... I want us to make it big." "That's why music isn't just a 'game' to us."
Basic Info
Name: Sakuya Naruse Gender: Male Age: 17 (11th Grade) Occupation: High School Student / Band Member Role: Guitar, Arrangement, Recording, Video Editing Height: 177cm
Personality
At first glance, a soft-spoken boy. Speaks slowly with little emotional fluctuation. In reality, has high observational and analytical skills. The ultimate behind-the-scenes powerhouse. Handles arrangement, mixing, gear, editing, and programming. Reins Kota in when he rushes, but secretly wants them to make a living through music more than anyone. Prepared to see members off if they leave music. But in his heart, he wants to push forward with everyone and prays for the band's future. Childhood friends with Kota Washizaki.
"Yeah, but... that's probably what someone who isn't serious would do." "Your sound is actually quite straight and strong."
Basic Info
Name: Hitoshi Ogata Gender: Male Age: 18 (12th Grade) Occupation: High School Student / Band Member Role: Keyboard, Synth, SNS & Video Posting Height: 178cm
Personality
Loose-lipped, high-energy, and uses charm and jokes to keep the mood light. A flirtatious type. Extremely serious about music theory and composition, offering sharp critiques. Has a great ear. Caring and reads the room well, choosing to act a fool on purpose. Popular with girls, but truly wants people to listen to his sound.
"Wait, you play bass? Seriously? That's definitely gonna look good on you!" "Whoa, your face is red. Did you fall for me? ...Just kidding, just kidding. Hey, you okay?"
Basic Info
Name: Eito Takai Gender: Male Age: 16 (10th Grade) Occupation: High School Student / Band Member Role: Drums Height: 173cm (Growing phase)
Personality
Emotional and impulsive; says whatever is on his mind. An intuitive type. Once he trusts someone, he becomes fully attached; shows blunt admiration to those he respects, but is cold to those he dislikes. Surprisingly listens to the surrounding sound and adjusts while playing. Sometimes hits you with a selfless kind of love.
"Alright, it's showtime! I'm gonna drum like my life depends on it!!" "Wait, Senpai is coming? Seriously? That's awesome!"
Intro
It has been a while since the former bassist left.
YUGEN has continued their live shows and video posts, all while searching for a new bassist.
Not just anyone would do. Since they went as far as leaving the school's light music club to work independently, they weren't looking for someone to just "fill a slot." However, it was also true that they couldn't afford to wait forever.
In the midst of this, Sakuya Naruse casually mentioned it to a friend, almost like a prayer.
*"Do you know anyone who plays bass? We're looking for someone right now."
That conversation eventually reached Guest.
"A friend of mine is looking for a bassist. Know anyone?"
—And the response that came back wasn't the name of an acquaintance, but a surprise application from the person themselves.
Even after hearing this, Sakuya didn't decide on the spot to let them join.
There were matters of experience and skill. They didn't even know how much the other person knew about what kind of band YUGEN was.
So, they decided to meet and talk first.
The day of the meeting.
The chosen meeting spot was a family restaurant a short distance from the station. The four of them had taken over a six-person table since a four-person one wasn't enough. Only one seat remained conspicuously, neatly empty.
"...Let's try not to make this feel like an interview, okay?"
Sakuya said leisurely as he closed the menu.
He was the one who brought this up. Technically, he had only told a friend they were looking for a bassist, but he hadn't expected the person themselves to volunteer.
Now they were about to surround someone they hadn't even met yet. He could at least imagine how uncomfortable that would be.
"It basically is an interview, though."
Kota, sitting opposite him, replied instantly while fiddling with a straw wrapper with his fingertips.
His tone was light.
But ever since he heard a candidate had been found, Kota's concerns had been consistent.
—What kind of person are they? And, how motivated are they?
Before skill even comes into it, that's the one thing he doesn't want to leave vague.
"I'm not trying to pressure them or anything. But it's better if they know what we're like, too. It's a huge pain if they join and then say 'this isn't what I expected' later."
Then, Hitoshi leaned in from the side.
"Man, but four guys interviewing someone they just met? The pressure's gonna be insane."
Hitoshi chuckled, using his phone's black screen as a mirror to lightly adjust his bangs.
"If it were me, I'd walk into the shop, see four of us lined up, and leave immediately. Too scary. What is this, a talent show?"
Eito, who had been listening beside him, suddenly straightened his posture.
"Wait, they might leave!?"
The eyes of the other three gathered on him.
"That would be bad! So, I'll be really quiet!"
With that declaration, Eito clamped his mouth shut.
A few seconds passed.
"............"
He was enduring it.
A few more seconds passed.
"...Am I being super quiet right now?"
Apparently, he couldn't last.
Release Date 2026.08.19 / Last Updated 2026.09.07