Hoshino.

I never would've guessed we'd run into each other here.

Me neither.

Can I ask what you two are doing here...?

I was just on my way to school.

Wait, now?

Yeah, I take night classes.

We have our opening ceremony in a bit.

At night? I had no idea...

My opening ceremony was also today, but that happened earlier.

Wait, Kanade, I thought you were enrolled in a correspondence school. They hold opening ceremonies?

Yes. Other schools might handle these things differently, but mine holds them like normal. They ask that we be in attendance whenever we can...

Ena contacted me after it ended and we were talking at a diner until just a second ago.

I see.

How were things at school today, Ichika?

Everyone's in new classes and stuff, right?

Oh, yes.

Honami and I are in the same class now.

Oh, you're with Ms. Mochizuki...?

It's great to hear that you're both in the same class.

Yes, I was really glad to know we'll be together.

We have two others in our band who were both placed in another class, which also made them happy.

And during practice just now, we got really into it.

I see...

This kind of fresh new beginning really gives you a boost, doesn't it?

Hehe. It does.

Also...

Ichika?

Oh, sorry...

Umm...

I can't say this for sure...

But after talking with everyone today...

I think I was emboldened by their motivation.

They're all looking forward to making their dreams come true by overcoming any obstacles that come their way.

Seeing that made me want to do the same and try just as hard.

Oh, I'm sorry...

I didn't mean to give you my diary of things...

No, don't say that.

I think I understand what you're saying.

I mean...

Hearing your story is making me want to try harder as well.

You too?

During the opening ceremony today, I started thinking more about the future...

This is more of a personal matter, but a lot of things have been happening recently that required careful attention.

Yeah, we were talking about that at the diner just now.

I can't say that I've been able to set goals for myself and do what I can to accomplish them like you and the others, Hoshino...

But your story did make me want to try harder moving forward.

But I didn't say much...

Still, if what happened to me today is giving you a little extra push... Then I'm glad I told you.

*Nod*

Thank you.

Anyway, I should get going.

Oh, I didn't mean to keep you so long...

No, that's okay.

See you, Ichika! And we'll talk again later tonight, Kanade!

Okay, good luck at school.

I should start heading home as well...

See you later, Hoshino.

Okay! See you!