(Again...)
(Again, from the beginning.)
(Until you get it right.)
(Otherwise, you'll be seen as a failure.)
(Mom... Dad...
Everyone has such high hopes for me...)
(But...)
(How long do I have to keep doing this?)
(When am I going to satisfy their expectations?)
(I...)
(I...don't think I ever can...)
...
Is this really it for you...?
*Gasp*
It was a dream...?
(I feel like that's all I've been seeing lately...)
(I keep getting thrown back to that time. All these wounds are opening back up...)
(No, I don't have time to be dealing with those things right now...)
(I have to keep working...
I have to complete at least one song...)
Toya...?
Oh, Mom...
Is something wrong?
You're up again early today...
I was worried that you haven't been getting enough sleep since you've been staying up so late recently.
Th-Thank you...
But I'm...
I know what you're working on means quite a lot to you, Toya.
But it'd be all for naught if it took a heavy toll on your health. Why don't you take a little break...?
But...
Yes, you're right...
Then, I'll try going for a walk.
You will...?
Please be careful, okay?
I will.
(I feel terrible about making her worry so much...)
(But I don't have a second to spare.
I need to keep working on this song.)
(So, if I can't work at home, then I should go to...)
Alright...
(I'll continue working at MEIKO's place.
I may even be able to ask KAITO for help if he's there.)
*Wince*
This isn't good...
I feel dizzy and sleep-deprived...
No, I don't have time to rest...
Not now. Not here...
Toya?
That voice...
MEIKO...
Why are you squatted down like that?
Are you by chance not feeling well?
No, this is nothing...
I just need to take a short break and...
*Wince*
No.
I can't just let you wallow in pain.
Sit tight.
I'll go get you a drink from the cafe.
No, you don't have to...
Toya, do as I say.
Okay, I'll sit tight...
Phew...
Thank you very much.
I feel much better after having some of your tea and snacks.
Thank goodness.
Looks like you were just sleep-deprived.
If you're feeling better, then you should go back and get some real rest. Please stop by after you've had a chance to recover.
I will.
Again, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you.
This was nothing.
But I don't feel great about how you've been pushing yourself so hard...
Is your song giving you that much trouble...?
Yes...
Every time I feel like I've got it right, I realize that I'm still nowhere near achieving the energy Ken and his team produced.
And no matter how much I think about it, I can't figure out why...
...
Then, what if you went back to square one?
Square one...?
Yes.
Back to the moment when you started working on this song.
Remember how you took down notes about the others' feelings?
Oh, yes...
I have it right here actually.
Then, why don't you take another look at it?
I believe it's best to go back to where you started when you can't find the answer to a question.
I see...
(Lately, all I've been thinking about is why I haven't been able to achieve that same energy. I just kept looking for whatever it was that I was missing.)
(But going back to the beginning may allow me to see it with a fresh pair of eyes.)
Thank you.
I'll try doing that.
Also, Toya, would you mind if I had a look at your notes?
What?
You showed them to KAITO already, right?
I'm actually a little curious myself as to what you wrote...
Yes, of course.
I'm sure the others would also be okay with it.
So, when you all performed in STAY GOLDEN that second time, Kohane decided to believe in herself because An believed in her.
Yes, that was what stood out to her the most. And I'd like to weave what she felt that time into my song...
Hehe. I'm looking forward to hearing what that sounds like.
Still, this notebook...
It's really full of everyone's thoughts and feelings.
Yes. I was under the impression that these notes would help me come up with a good song...
But things just aren't going that way...
Hey, Toya.
Your notes went into great detail regarding how Kohane, An and Akito feel.
But there were only a few tidbits about you.
Huh?
Oh, you're right...
But I already know how I feel, so I don't think I need to spell it all out in words...
Are you sure?
Your feelings are also going to play a major role in your song, no?
So, what if you do for yourself what you did for the others? Try writing down everything that you've felt until now.
Everything I've felt...?
(I...)
(I...don't think I ever can...)
*Wince*
Toya?
Oh... Sorry.
It's nothing.
Really?
Are you sure you're feeling better...?
No, I do feel better.
It's just...
Whenever I think about my feelings, I'm reminded of quite a lot of other things.
Other things?
Yes...
Things that I'm not entirely proud of...
Then, why don't you try reflecting on those things...?
What?
You don't seem like you want to talk about whatever this subject matter is.
What if that's what's keeping you from completing your song?
Yes...
If I'm going to incorporate the others' feelings, then I'll need to take a closer look at my own as well...
Thank you, MEIKO...
I'll try doing that today after I get back.
Okay. Good luck, Toya!
But please try to get some rest first.
I wouldn't want you to start feeling dizzy again.
I will.
And thank you for the concern.