Sorry for running late, Hoshino.

It's okay. I just got here too.

Thank you for always taking time out of your busy schedule to practice with me.

No, don't mind me. I didn't have much going on today. All I really did was make a list of stage props.

Anyway, wanna get started...?

Oh, before we do...!

There's something I need to give you.

What?

Here, it's a ticket for our next show.

I know you saw our solo show, but I'm really hoping that you'll also come to this one.

Oh, but...! You don't have to if you already have plans!

No, I really appreciate it.

I've been looking forward to going to your next show since your solo show was so much fun. Thank you.

I'm really glad to hear that...!

Thank you, Kusanagi.

But wow, you're doing another show already.

Your band must be doing pretty well...

Yes, because of our supporters...

Our next show is going to be our way of thanking everyone who's been there for us until now...

Which is why, Kusanagi, I'd like for you to come...

Me...?

Yes, since you've been teaching me how to sing. And...

Because you've been supporting my dream. As my friend.

Hoshino...

Thank you. I really appreciate what you're saying, but... I need to thank you as well.

What?

Well, um... I'm pretty shy around others and all...

Which is why I'm happy that I've gotten to know you so well.

And seeing you really go after your dream has motivated me to do the same, Hoshino...

So you've been supporting my dream a lot as well.

Kusanagi...

I'm not missing your show.

Okay, thanks!

I'm so glad I never stopped singing...

What?

Oh, um...

Singing's sort of the reason we became friends.

We go to different schools, so we probably never would've met under normal circumstances...

But that time...

We were able to become friends because you were willing to ask me to teach you how to sing.

Yeah, now that you mention it...

(She's right...

Singing is what brought us together...)

*Nod*

I'm really glad that I started taking singing more seriously after getting our band back together...

Kusanagi.

Thank you so much for everything you've taught me.

Y-You're welcome...

But it's a little embarrassing when you put it that way...

Anyway, wanna start practicing...?

So...

Would it be possible for you to come see our show?

A show for us...?

Yes, I'll be more than happy to go since you've invited me.

Th-Thank you very much...!

But have I really done anything worthy of being thanked?

No, Kanade, don't say that...!

You've taught me so much about writing songs.

You made me realize some very important things that time...

Important things...?

Yes. How to bring what I'm feeling into shape... And the importance of having the courage to believe in my choices.

That didn't just help me finish that song... What I learned that day will stick with me as I keep thinking about our music.

I see...

I didn't think I did anything particularly profound.

But I'm glad I could help you, Hoshino.

I'll be looking forward to the show.

Hehe. Thank you.

I promise to do my very best to make sure you enjoy it.

Okay.

(Thank goodness...)

(I also need to do my best to put on a good show for her.)

(Still...)

(Kusanagi was right.

I'm so glad I never stopped singing or playing music...)

(It's not just her.

Music is what led me to Kanade, too.)

Did something happen, Ichika?

You seem awfully happy.

Oh, um...

I was just thinking about how music gave me the opportunity to meet you, Kanade...

What?

So, Kusanagi and I sort of ended up talking about that when I went to invite her the other day...

How singing... How music helped expand our circle of friends.

That made me realize how music has the power to bring people together and create new connections.

Yes, I suppose you're right.

After all, that Miku CD was what led to us meeting in the first place.

Oh... Yes, I remember.

That CD is what led to us talking like this, and then you taught me how to create my own Miku songs...

Hehe. Miku's certainly had quite an impact.

Yeah, she has...

I mean, Kanade and I do talk about her a lot.

I see. Then, in other words...

Miku is in essence the one who brought you two together, no?

Oh...

(She might be right...

Miku's the reason why Kanade and I are friends at all...)

(No, not just her...)

(Meeting Miku in SEKAI brought us back together...)

(After the four of us reformed our band, we started meeting so many different people.)

(Oh, that reminds me...

When we were little, we decided to start a band because I'd listened to all those Miku songs and wanted to play them.)

You're absolutely right, Honami...

Music has given me a chance to meet all these people.

But Miku stands at the center of all that. She brought us all together.

In that case, Hoshino, it sounds like Miku's had the biggest impact on your life...

Oh...

Yes, I think you're right...!