Shibuya Instrument Day?

And you two are gonna go help out?

Yes, due to a slight emergency.

The manager of the shop who lends us the sound equipment we always use is gonna be there, but a few of his staff won't be able to make it, so he's shorthanded.

That's where Toya and I agreed to help!

You get to help sell stuff at a musical instrument convention?! That sounds like fun!

Yes, but it also sounds difficult.

Selling instruments means needing a certain amount of knowledge regarding them.

You're right. That's why I'm going to have the manager teach me, while also learning what I can on my own.

Hehe. I'm sure you'll get the hang of things really quickly, Aoyagi.

If anything, An, you sure you're gonna be able to explain how to play them?

I'm gonna brush up on what I can too, so I'll be fine!

I think...

So, what does Shibuya Instrument Day involve exactly?

Umm... It's a convention where people can try playing different instruments and even buy them. There should be a website for it...

Oh, these pictures from last year should help! They're supposed to have a bunch of booths lined up like this!

Whoa!

Look at all the trumpets and guitars and stuff!

This is incredible!

Each type of instrument comes in a variety of choices.

They all sound and feel different based on who made them, and using what materials. Each one is very intricately designed.

But so many choices...

Finding the right one seems really hard.

Yeah, but imagine how amazing it must feel when you do.

I see what you mean.

Finding the right instrument for you is like finding a trusty partner, yes?

A trusty partner!

Hehe. It sounds like fun when you put it that way!

Yes, if it means helping someone find the right partner, then it truly does feel worthwhile.

(That being said...)

What's wrong?

Oh, it's nothing serious... But...

I'm a little worried about having to interact with customers.

Huh?

I'll be moving instruments around and such that day, but the core of my job will involve actually selling them to customers.

However, I have no customer service experience. I'm not sure if I'll be able to send anyone who comes to visit us home smiling...

Feeling nervous is completely understandable, since you've never done anything like this before.

Hmm... Yeah...

Oh, I know!

Why don't we practice interacting with customers?!

Practice?

Yeah. My customer service skills are pretty good, so I should be able to teach you a lot about what to do and stuff!

In return, you're gonna help me learn about those instruments! Then we'll call it even!

I don't know if I'd say even, but teaching each other what you can does seem like your best option.

Yeah, to be fair, all I can teach him is how to interact with customers at a cafe. It's hard to say how helpful that's gonna be...

Still, with you as his teacher, he should be able to get in some good practice runs.

Yes, you may be right...

I'll be taking up some of your time, Shiraishi, but if you don't mind teaching me...

*Nod*

Okay!

I can play a customer for you, so let me know if you ever need me.

Yes, thank you.

I know. Why don't you all practice here? It should provide the perfect setting.

Are you sure?

Thank you so much, MEIKO!

In that case, let's start practicing right away!

Okay!

Thank you for coming!

We hope to see you again soon!

That's about everything...

What do you think? Got the hang of it?

I don't know if I'll be able to immediately put it into practice, but I've committed it to memory.

That should be fine!

You can learn as you go along!

Alright, Len, Rin, you're up!

Okay!

Whoa!

There's a really cool-looking cafe here, Rin!

Yeah, wow!

Let's go check it out!

They're just supposed to be playing the customers, but they seem really into it for some reason...

Hello!

We're your customers!

Oh, Toya, we have customers! Let's go!

Yes, let's...!!

Maintain good posture like Shiraishi, and be light on your feet...

I-Is it just me or is he sort of walking like a robot? His joints seem really stiff...

I get that he's nervous, but this is a bit much.

(Speak as loudly and clearly as you can...!)

Welcome!!

Th...!

Thank you for having us...?!

Ha...

Hahaha!

Toya, you're scaring them!

You gotta relax more!

Just act natural!

O-Okay.

Let me try that again...

Th-That was scary!

You literally jumped at us all of a sudden!

I'm sorry.

Trying to do this right is making me feel rather tense...

You'll get the hang of things right away if you keep practicing. Just take your time and learn things at your own pace.

Thank you for coming.

We hope to see you again soon.

Nice!

That was great!

You still seem a little tense, but you'd be perfect if you could relax a bit more!

Relax...

Yes, I agree.

Still, Toya, you've improved so much!

He's right! Remember how clumsy and scary your greeting was at first?!

Really? That's good to hear.

Hehe. Nice work, everyone.

Why don't we take a quick break here?

Sounds good.

Oh, Toya, can you tell me more about instruments after we take our break? I understand the difference between yellow brass and gold brass now, but there's a ton of other stuff that I still don't really get.

Yes, of course.

Also, I can try practicing with this a little more.

Oh, is that a mouthpiece for a trumpet?

Yes, I've been learning how to use it on my own.

My goal is to figure out how to produce a tone with it.

Wait, you're going that far?

Learning how to do that should make it easier for me to explain to novices how to actually play a wind instrument.

I won't be working in the demo area, so maybe it's unnecessary... But I'd like to take this opportunity to learn what I can.

And we wouldn't expect anything less! You're always giving these things your best effort.

I really admire how you see these kinds of commitments all the way through to the end!

I hope this event goes well!

I'll be rooting for you, Toya!

Yes. Thank you.

Let's see...

Ms. Mochizuki bought some bath cleaner for us already...

So that should be everything we need.

Okay.

Then, let's start heading back.

*Nod*

Thank you for coming with me to buy these daily necessities, Mafuyu.

It's okay.

I mean, I need them as well.

Right.

Huh...?

We will now be holding a special drawing for any shoppers who made purchases at these establishments!

We've prepared a wonderful lineup of prizes! You can win everything from gift certificates to event tickets, and even an all-expenses-paid trip!

Oh, they're having a drawing?

Ah, young ladies, you can participate if you have your receipt! Would you like to give it a spin?

Huh? Oh, umm...

Shall we give it a try?

Yes. I suppose we should, since we're here.

I'll just need to check the date on this receipt... Okay, you're all set! Feel free to spin the wheel!

Thank you.

Then...

A ball popped out...

Oh, a red one. Is that good?

*Gasp*

Congratulations!!

You win the Shibuya Prize!!

Huh? The Shibuya Prize?

Yes, it's sponsored by the city!

The winner receives a pair of tickets to Shibuya Instrument Day!

It's a convention that's taking place this weekend at the hall by the station, where vendors will be selling a wide variety of instruments. Professional groups will also be performing a concert, and these tickets will allow you free entry!

A concert...

(Come to think of it, I haven't had a chance to listen to anyone perform live recently.)

(It could also be a nice way for Mafuyu to take a quick break from things...)

Since we're being given free entry, would you like to go?

...

I don't have any plans this weekend, so if you want to go, Kanade...

Okay.

In that case, let's go.

*Nod*