"The 'vibes' won't help if you drop a beat, Ritsu," Mio grumbled, though she couldn't hide the fondness in her eyes.

They packed up their gear, turned off the lights, and walked down the stairs together, their laughter echoing through the empty hallways. Outside, the cherry blossoms were beginning to bud—a silent promise that while seasons change and students move on, the melody of the Light Music Club would always linger in the wood of the floorboards and the steam of a shared cup of tea.

As the sunset turned from gold to a deep, bruised purple, the room fell into a comfortable rhythm. They eventually picked up their instruments. There was no grand audience, just the five of them and the ghost of a tea party. When Yui struck the first chord on "Giita," the sound was warm and fuzzy, filling the dusty corners of the clubroom.

Across the table, Tsumugi—Mugi to everyone else—was beaming. To her, these quiet, aimless moments were more precious than any sold-out concert. She began slicing a strawberry shortcake with surgical precision. "I think we’re all part of the same chord," Mugi said softly. "Individually, we might be a bit dissonant, but together... we make the 'After School Tea Time' sound."

"Mio-rin is so serious!" Ritsu barked, suddenly appearing behind Mio and slamming her drumsticks together. Mio jumped, her pen skidding across the page. "The heart of rock and roll isn't practice, it's the tea! And the snacks! And the... uh... the vibes!"

Azusa, who was busy tuning her Mustang, "Muttan," didn’t look up, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Probably a sharp. Just to keep you from falling asleep during practice."

"It can't," Mio replied softly, hugging her back. "But that's why we have to make sure the tea stays warm while we're here."

"Ehhh? So mean!" Yui rolled over, reaching up to squeeze Azusa’s cheeks until the younger girl let out a protested "Nyan!"