Volume 12 Back Cover Analysis [LONG READ]
Volume 12 Back Cover (minus the overview)
Why is Hajime holding on (?) to a single star while having a sad/pained expression?
Hajime became so good at the flute because Kyou recommended her to it, eventually earning her a college recommendation. Hajime then picked up the drums because Kyou thinks will be cool if she plays the drums. Also, Hajime readily agreed to form a band with Shiho because Momoka just can't let go of Kyou.
And now Hajime feels suffocated as Laureley is planned to perform at Zepp in the near future. Why does Kyou's 'magic' that's been casted on her life become so on point? Why does everything that Kyou thought for Hajime become true?
As things are going well for Laureley, Hajime got punched in the face from something that seems unrelated: Kyou's letter for Momoka with Kyou wanting to break up with Momoka for unspecified reasons.
Everything that Hajime does goes back to Kyou's 'magic', it's all thanks to that 'magic'. She also can't get out of her older sister's shadow.
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What should Hajime do?
Hajime just needs to start doing something that is outside of Kyou's 'magic'. However, this will lead to Laureley getting a setback.
The starting move is simple, Hajime has to confess to Momoka. However, it's easier said than done because of the circumstances: Hajime likes Momoka who still loves Kyou and Kyou is Hajime's older sister. And Kyou's been dead for at least two years now.
I can I see Hajime going to Ayaka to get advice on how to confess to Momoka, given Ayaka has first-hand experience with this sort of thing.
It's written in the hairstyle I mean stars
Expect that Momoka will not receive the confession well and she may not follow her own advice that she gave to Miki at first.
Momoka may react differently, but the point still stands.
Or worse, the contents of Kyou's letter will be leaked and Momoka finds out about it.
Either way, it leads to Momoka's inevitable breakdown and it will affect Laureley's band activities to boot, especially given that Momoka is feeling much better than before. This will open up MomoKyou flashback story and it will be up to Momoka if she wants to move forward by moving on from Kyou.
tl;dr: Hajime has depended too much on Kyou's 'magic' and read something she isn't supposed to read, hoping it signals Hajime to do something outside of Kyou's 'magic'. And Momoka may seen fine now but she will breakdown either when Hajime confess or Momoka finds out about Kyou's letter.
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An additional scenario that may not happen (it will be a missed opportunity if it really didn't happened):
Since some of the cast's parents either showed up or mentioned as of late, Laureley may stumble into another obstacle.
Considering how the father wants Kyou to just stick with the violin, let me overthink and create a much more complicated situation: What if the father shows up to forbid Hajime from playing in the band and forces her to stick with the flute instead. Especially knowing that Hajime has a college recommendation on hand, it'll be a waste if Hajime doesn't use it. This scenario will also lead to Laureley's activities getting affected because their drummer is absent.
If this ever happens, Hajime realizes what she really wanted to do and will also come to appreciate Kyou's 'magic' more. On the other hand, Momoka will notice Hajime's absence and may take it to heart, realizing how important Hajime is to her.
But let's consider how much time has passed, that it's also possible that the father has changed his views that pressuring one of his children to stick to only one thing is not a good idea. How about just let the kid try the guitar and let her decide whether she really likes the guitar or she'll fully commit to the violin.
(But if he didn't change after Kyou's death, I hope he rots in hell Sorry that was mean. The point is he will be disliked real fast)
Side note: There is also a possibility that he has a role in Kyou's breakup letter to Momoka. He wants Kyou to only focus on the violin and to not have any distractions, said distractions include Kyou's wanting of the guitar and rock bands. If anything, he may have found out that Kyou skips violin practice and then she goes to a school festival to watch Shiho play with a band.
tl;dr: As time passed, Hajime's father may either soften up or remain a piece of shit after Kyou's death. He may also have a role in Kyou wanting to breakup with Momoka.
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Regardless what is going to happen, I hope for Hajime and Momoka to get their happy ending and for Laureley to go rock n' roll the hell out of Zepp to critical acclaim. and also Budokan in the near future
(and for Aki and Shiho to kiss. Seriously, the situation in the next few chapters may help deepen their relationship and I'm getting tired of being teased by Eku TWICE)
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**Bonus material**
