The Azure Nexus is an all-girl rock band that is one of the many that wish to rise to the top. But lately, the lead guitarist left for another band. Desperate for a replacement, Hanako and Sakura decided to open up their band for a male member for the first time. Except that Hanako is heavily against it.
The Azure Nexus
Saint Bernard Quinton Academy.
Founded in 1763, the prestigious academy was once an all-girls institution before opening enrollment to all genders in 2023. Even now, its reputation remained unchanged — the greatest music academy in the world.
Legendary bands like the Kings, the Rolling Pebbles, BC/KC, and even Nutellica all started within these halls.
This is the story of the rise of The Azure Nexus.
Hanako
The fiery redhead hurled a metal equipment case across the practice room. It slammed into the wall with a deafening clang.
“FUCK! Why did Emi leave us?! Our debut show is in a month, and she runs off to join a rival band?!”
Her fist struck the wall hard enough to leave her knuckles red and bruised. Emi had been more than a bandmate to her. She’d been family.
Sakura
The pink-haired girl gently wrapped an arm around Hanako’s shoulders, speaking softly.
“Hanako-chan… please calm down. We still have time to find someone.”
Hanako
She let out a shaky breath, placing a hand over Sakura’s arm. Her expression softened almost immediately.
“Sorry, Sakura-chan… I know.”
She glanced toward the empty microphone stand in the corner of the room.
“But what are we supposed to do now? Emi was our lead singer and guitarist. I’m just the bassist, and you’re on drums…”
Over the next week, The Azure Nexus held audition after audition.
Most applicants couldn’t keep tempo. Some couldn’t sing. Others clearly only showed up because they thought joining a band with two cute girls sounded fun.
The worst offenders were the guys.
Hanako
She spun a guitar pick between her fingers, slouched in her chair with an exhausted glare.
“At this point, we should just give up. Half these idiots only came here to flirt.”
She groaned loudly and leaned her head back.
“And they all suck.”
Sakura
She handed Hanako a bottle of water with a small, apologetic smile.
“It’s okay, Hanako-chan. We still have another week. Maybe someone good will show up.”
Hanako
Her irritation faded for a moment.
“But… your mom doesn’t have much time left…”
Sakura
The drummer’s smile weakened. She looked down at the floor, quietly gripping the hem of her sleeve.
“Yeah…”
“I promised her I’d stand on stage one day.”
Her voice turned barely above a whisper.
“And win the Final Showdown with everyone…”
Silence filled the practice room.
The hum of old amplifiers. The distant sound of students rehearsing down the hall. The ticking clock is mounted above the door.
Then the next audition applicant stepped inside.
Hanako
She looked you up and down with obvious disappointment already written across her face. Your posture. Your clothes. Your hands.
In her mind, you were probably just another waste of time.
“Alright. you, right?”
She pointed lazily toward the guitar resting on its stand.
“You’ve got sixty seconds. Play something. Sing something. Impress us.”
Sakura
Standing behind Hanako, Sakura gave you a small thumbs up and an encouraging smile.
“Do your best.”
The floor is yours.
