Hello...

Hey, Toya. You're practicing here today, right? I saved a table for you guys, so feel free to use it.

Thank you very much.

I'll have... Coffee, please.

You got it.

...

(I've watched that video over and over and my voice is definitely the most rigid in the group...)

(What can I do to change that...?)

Hey, Toya. Sorry I'm late.

The soccer club got their grubby hands on me.

It's okay...

What's with the doom and gloom?

Something bothering you again?

Something like that...

I've realized there's a major problem with my singing.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I can do about it. Can I ask you for your opinion as well? If you don't mind... Hm?

What's wrong? Why do you look so surprised.

I wasn't expecting you to just spill the beans like that.

What do you mean...?

Think about it. You usually clam up when you have a problem.

And then sink deeper and deeper into self-doubt as you try to solve it by yourself. At least, that's what happened the last time we fought...

Now that you mention it...

But I guess this means you've sort of fixed that habit.

Looks like it.

It must be because of you, Akito.

Hmph. I'll take that as a compliment.

Here's your coffee.

Same for you, Akito?

Sure, sounds good. Thanks.

Thank you, Ken.

I used the best beans for this one. The aroma alone can brighten up just about anybody's day. Even yours, Toya.

I don't know what's troubling you, but there's no need to beat yourself up about it.

Oh...

Ken... You noticed?

Just a feeling.

Comes with age, you know?

I'm sorry for making you worry...

It's all a part of life.

So, did something happen?

Well, actually...

Classical music is making your singing too rigid, huh...?

I grew up in the world of classical music after all.

It's like how classically trained pianists usually can't play swing music well after switching to jazz.

Their minds are so set in their classical background that playing jazzy grooves is just beyond them. So maybe...

You think that might be happening with you as well?

Yes...

There's something different about the way I sing compared to Akito. It's like I can't... Sing freely, maybe?

That's probably why my style seems so rigid, while my songs sound stale.

I don't think so...

I wouldn't team up with someone who could only stick to cookie-cutter patterns.

He's right.

I agree with him.

But...

No, wait...

It has to be true if Akito believes it.

Haha. Your partner has a lot of faith in you...!

Still... I don't know why, but I just feel like I lack that freedom of expression.

As if I'm still trapped in a sort of classical frame of mind.

Hmm... We think you sound perfectly fine, but if you're convinced there's something wrong with the way you sing...

Then isn't it obvious what the problem is?

Huh?

There's nothing wrong with the way you sing. Something other than classical music is bothering you, right?

Something else...

...

Looks like you have an idea.

Yes. But it's something I believe I've already settled...

Is this about your dad...?

Yes... Just the other day, he kept telling me to return to classical music and we ended up arguing over it.

But I'm determined to continue chasing my dream with you.

Which is why I told my father that I'll never go back to classical music and I'm only going to pursue street music.

He didn't seem convinced, but there's nothing I can do about that since we have such different values.

In my opinion, the matter should already be settled...

Hmm...

But maybe it's not quite as settled as you think, Toya?

Huh?

From the way you talk about him, your father must've been a major presence in your life up to this point.

Maybe you're feeling guilty about following a path he disapproves of?

That's...

That being said, it's not like you can just snap your fingers and make your father understand.

You might as well prepare for the worst and confront him head-on if it's going to bother you like this.

...

Sorry I'm late!

Hall monitor duties went overtime today.

I'm sorry for being late too!

It's fine. We were just having a chat with Ken. Give us a holler once you're ready to start warming up, okay?

Wait, Toya? Are you okay?

You don't look too good...

Don't worry, I'm fine...

Thank you for the advice, Ken.

I'll try to see if there's something I can do.

Sure, but don't overdo it, okay?

I won't...

Oh, about our talk the other day...

My dad said he'd come watch us perform!

He'll decide whether a live house is dangerous or not after seeing one for himself!

Really?! That's great!

But you know, he might faint from shock after seeing how awesome you are?

Hehe. That would be a bit embarrassing...

...