"When we're working on music, I'll leave the step recording to Ina-chan, while I work through my initial [creative] impulses. This combination is clearly defined, yet unspoken. That's why I think we're both driving forces in this band."

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[Interview excerpt from UV magazine volume 10, August 18 1996]

00 The World Without You

Loud! Too loud! Just stop!

After an all-nighter drinking, I had just managed to finally rest my hungover head, when the phone started ringing, mercilessly.

"Who can it be...? In this ungodly hour... Too loud..."

As soon as I picked my cell phone up, I heard Goto-san, hide's director at the recording company, speaking in a shaky voice.

"Ina-chan, something terrible happened... Matsumoto-san is gone... I'm at Hiroo Hospital right now..."

Huh? Ugh, again. He's done it again? What injury would it be now? Hospital? Is he hospitalized?

"Goddamn it. What happened? What did he do now?"

I was more pissed off at having my sleep interrupted than worried.

"No, Ina-chan, you don't understand! He's dead!"

Matsumoto... hide... dead?

"......... What?"

"I'm telling you the truth! Hiroshi and his parents have just arrived. Ina-chan, you should come too, hurry..."

Goto's voice started to fade, and time finally stood still.

My heart thumped loudly once, and after a small moment of stillness, the room was engulfed in my screams.

May 2, 1998.

I opened my eyes and started living in the world without you.