Alright, Ichi!

Let's get cracking on our song!

Right. But I still don't know how we're actually going to write a song together.

Yeah... Mr. Shindo said that we should, but nothing about how, huh...?

I don't know what we're supposed to do either, but let's just do what we can for now!

Okay.

Why don't we first decide what we want it to be about? Then we can come up with a melody for it.

Okay! What do we want it to be about...?

Oh, I see.

So that's why Ichika and Saki are writing a song together.

Imagine what Leo/need's gonna be like when they reach the next level...! I can't wait to see!

What do you think their song is going to be like...?

I'm very much looking forward to hearing it.

Alright, let's give them some space by practicing over there.

Okay!

I know! Why don't we have ourselves a little jam session?

Sure. I kinda want to see how far I can push you, Honami.

Hehe. Likewise.

I did train quite a lot, remember?

Pretty big talk.

Anyway, shall we?

Good luck, everyone.

Even if we do manage to reach the next level as Leo/need, it'll still be important for us to be ourselves.

Yeah! So, if we want it to be an expression of our past and future selves... I think we should come up with a cheerful melody.

Oh, I like that.

What about a riff like this?

...

This sounds like us...

But not really next level...

Hmm... Then, let's give it some more edge! What if we threw in some chord progressions that other people have been using a lot?

Hmmm...

Maybe a little too eccentric...

Or rather, so pop that it doesn't really sound like a Leo/need song anymore.

Hmm... This is so hard...

No, let's give it another try!

Oh, it's already this late...?

Yeah, look at the time!

I'm gonna get an earful if I don't get home soon...

But we weren't able to come up with any good ideas for our song...

Yeah...

Hmm... This is so hard. What's next-level Leo/need supposed to sound like? How do we come up with a song that reflects that...?

We're back, you two.

Oh, Hona! Shiho, you too...?

Are you two done with practice?

Yeah, we just found a good place to stop.

How'd things go, you two?

Us...?

Not all that well, to tell you the truth.

Really?

Yeah...

We tried coming up with a theme and a melody like usual, but...

I see...

Then, what if you made some changes to your process?

Huh?

This other band I know told me one time that they change how they write songs whenever they hit a block.

So, someone who usually starts with the melody might come up with the chord progression first instead.

I see...

Yeah, it might be good to change things up if the way we're used to doesn't work!

We were working on the melody for it just now, so let's start with some chord progressions next time...!

Sounds good.

Oh, also...

What if we each came up with some chord progressions and tried building a melody off of what the other person wrote?

I feel like that'll be a lot easier than trying to discuss things each time. In theory, we should be able to express who we each are while also clearing a path to the goal.

Oh, I like that idea...!

Yes, it's interesting how chord progressions and melodies feel drastically different depending on who comes up with them.

Wait, doesn't that mean you'll end up with two different songs in the end?

Good point...

Then, what if we pick one somewhere along the way and focus on that?

Yeah, that should work!

Then, we'll try this new method starting tomorrow.

Okay♪

Oh, I know! Let's make coming up with chord progressions our homework, and have a listening party the next time we meet...!

Huh, why not?

Sounds like it'd be interesting.

Yeah, I agree.

Woohoo!

I'm gonna come up with some really good ones!

Hehe. I'll need to do my best to match your enthusiasm.

Which chords should I use for this...?

Ones that reflect me.

Ones that show Leo/need on the next level...

Hmm... That's really hard...

Saki, can I come in?

Oh, Tsukasa!

Sure, what's up?

I've been sent to let you know that dinner's ready.

Hm? Were you working on a song just now...?

I was! It's gonna be our debut single!

Also, guess what?!

Ichi and I are writing it together!

Ah, a collaborative effort!

That sounds like quite a bit of fun!

But is everything okay...?

Is it giving you some trouble...?

What?! How did you know?!

You were groaning so loudly that I could hear you from outside your room. You even exclaimed, “What do I do? This is so hard!”

Y-You heard me...?

Now I'm really embarrassed...

But you're right...

It hasn't been going very smoothly...

I see...

Wait, Saki.

What if you held a songwriting camp?!

A songwriting camp?

Yes. I still remember brainstorming the night away in our hotel room back when we were doing those ambassadorial performances. We came up with some wonderful ideas!

So, I think writing your song somewhere different and more relaxing than usual should help you come up with some new ideas.

Remember how Mom and Dad are taking that trip this weekend? Why don't you invite Ichika and spend some time together working on your song?

What?! A-Are you sure?

Of course. And if Ichika's coming, then I'll plan a training camp dedicated to acting research.

So, you two should be able to focus on writing your song without any distractions.

Tsukasa...

Thank you so much!

(If Ichi and I hold our own songwriting camp, then I'm sure we'll come up with some amazing ideas...!)

(Hehe. And write a great song! All thanks to Tsukasa!)

(He and everyone else are giving us whatever support they can, so we've gotta come up with the best debut single ever!)