Phew...

(So much happened today.)

(I'm in a new class, got to talk to my seniors, had band practice, ran into Kanade and Ena...)

What made Kanade feel that way...?

<Ichika?>

Oh, Miku.

Sorry, I was just spacing out.

I was thinking about everything that happened today.

<Yes, you had quite an eventful day.>

<And I had a lot of fun as a result.

I got to learn so much about the new term at your school, and see all your friends.>

<Also...>

<I got to see that Kanade person feel encouraged by your words.>

What?

<Remember what she said?

She felt like trying harder after hearing your story.>

<You did what the others did for you, Ichika. You became a source of encouragement for Kanade.>

Oh...

<I feel that all of that may be connected little by little.>

<Seeing others try their hardest causes people to feel a variety of things. You may want to give them your support, you may want to do better yourself or match their efforts...>

<One person giving it their best causes others to want to do the same.>

<Isn't that wonderful?

Your efforts may be encouraging and motivating them without you knowing it.>

I'm encouraging them...?

Hehe. I sure hope so.

But if that's true, then I want my music to give others the push they need.

<Huh?>

My words and attitude helping others is one thing, but I also want to do that with my music.

<Right.

And I'm sure you'll be able to, Ichika.>

*Nod*

Thanks, Miku.

Okay...!

I'm going to practice on my own until dinner.

<Oh, then... Why don't you come over to SEKAI? I'd like to play with you.>

Oh, are you sure?

Then, if you don't mind having me...

<Okay.

Then, I'll start getting ready over there.>

Oh, wait...!

I forgot to say something really important.

<Hm?>

Miku.

Thank you for joining me today.

And I'm looking forward to working with you more.

<I'm looking forward to that as well, Ichika.>

(I thought I was just going to start being a second-year in my new class today.)

(But Miku made me realize it was much more than that.)

(I'm so glad I started to see it as a special day and decided to be conscious of how everything made me feel...)

(Now I feel like I'm ready to take another big step.)

I'm going to keep doing my best in my second year...!