Can I leave the cases for the horns here, Shiraishi?

Yeah, that should be good!

And we'll gather up all the saxes here...

Alright, we're done organizing all the instruments.

Tomorrow's the day!

We're still meeting at the time you sent us earlier, right?

That's right!

I'm looking forward to seeing you both there tomorrow, An, Aoyagi!

Yes, we look forward to being there.

Phew...

Tomorrow's the day.

(I've had a chance to clarify what to look out for and where to carry everything. It's a lot, but Shiraishi and I should be able to move it all before the doors open.)

(I can also more or less explain how each instrument works now. That just leaves...)

My customer service skills...

(Thanks to Shiraishi and the others, I've sort of gotten a hang of the basics...)

(But the more I feel the need to do well, the more I find myself tensing or freezing up.)

...

(I should practice a little more...

Just try to relax and be yourself...)

No, I'm still getting anxious.

I'll need to give this another try after I get home...

Huh? Toya? Is that you?

Hm?

That sounded like...

...!

Saki!

I had a feeling it was you!

Funny bumping into you this late!

Yes, I'm just as surprised.

Are you on your way home from practice?

Yup!

We also had a meeting that ended up running a little late. How about you?

I was just lending a hand getting some things set up for Shibuya Instrument Day.

Shibuya Instrument Day...?

Oh, isn't that the convention they're having at the hall by the station tomorrow?

My mom and I were talking about that last week! Unfortunately, some stuff came up, so we can't go...

I see. That is unfortunate...

I'll try to take in as much of the convention as I can in you and your family's place.

Hehe. Thanks!

Still, how did you end up helping out for it?

The shop we often rent equipment from is going to be there as a vendor, but they found themselves suddenly short-staffed. I volunteered to help out, since they've been so good to us.

Oh, okay!

I'd love to see you working as one of the staff.

I appreciate you saying that...

But I'm still very worried about my customer service skills.

Wait, you are?

Yes, because I've never done anything like this before. I can't seem to stop myself from tensing up.

I see...

Now that you mention it, you do always get a little anxious whenever you try something new.

Very true...

But I'm sure you'll do just fine!

Huh?

It's an instrument convention, right?

That means you have nothing to worry about!

Umm...

What makes you believe that?

Because I know you really love music and instruments, Toya!

Remember how nervous you were the first time you came over to our house?

But when Tsukasa shouted “We're having a recital!” and started playing the piano, you immediately went over to join him. Your eyes twinkled so much.

That was when I realized just how much you love music. I had so much fun watching you two play together.

So, I'm sure you'll do a great job of explaining how much fun music and instruments are!

Oh...

(My memories of playing the piano back then are not very pleasant ones, for the most part.)

(But I always had fun whenever I got to play with Saki and Tsukasa at their house. I felt pure joy. I was happy...)

(Now I see.)

(Instead of worrying so much about providing good customer service, it may be better for me to just remember what I felt back then.)

(About how much I love musical instruments. About how much I love music.)

Thank you very much, Saki...

I realize now that I may've been overthinking things a bit.

Haha. But I think it's normal for you to be trying so hard to do well, Toya♪

Huh? A message from Tsukasa?

He said, “You're late! Is everything okay? You should get back soon, since we're having curry loaded with veggies for dinner!”

Oh, he's such a worrywart.

Hehe. I think that's normal for him.

After all, you do mean the world to him.

Hehe.

That's Tsukasa for you!

Anyway, I'll see you later!

Good luck tomorrow!

Thank you!

I really appreciate it!

One more chair here and...

Okay, we're all set!

Alright, the demo area's good to go!

The doors should be opening soon...

An, Toya, are you two ready?

Yes, we're ready whenever.

Alright, that's great to hear!

Then, I'm going to go submit these registration forms. I should be right back, but feel free to call me if anything happens.

Okay!

Come back soon!

I thought this convention was gonna be all stuffy and strait-laced, but it's been set up in a surprisingly cute way!

Yes, I agree.

They did a beautiful job of making everything blue based on this ocean theme.

I know, right?!

I'm getting really excited now!

Also, Toya, you seem pretty relaxed!

I was expecting you to be more nervous.

Hm?

Ah, about that...

I'm feeling much better now. I was reminded of something very important yesterday.

Something very important?

Yes.

About the joy of playing music. It was a crucial reminder.

Hmm... I don't really get it myself, but as long as you're feeling better!

<Toya! An!>

<Hey, you guys!

We came to visit!>

<How are things coming along? You ready?>

Hey, Rin, Len!

We just finished setting everything up!

Check it out!

<Wow, so many instruments! This is so cool! Oh, mind if we take a look around?>

Sure.

You're free to look as long as you stay hidden.

<Okay, we'll be careful!

You don't have to worry about us while helping your customers!>

<Good luck, you two!>

*Nod*

Thanks, Rin, Len!

Hey, sorry about the wait!

The doors are just about to open!

Ah, he came back just at the right time.

Yup!

Alright, let's both do our best today!

Yes, let's!

Excuse me, miss?

Would you mind answering a question for me?

Oh!

Be right there!

Thank you for your patience.

Which instrument did you have a question about?

I'm sort of interested in these trombones, but what's the difference between them? Some are skinny and some are wider, but what does that do?

Thank you for asking!

The thinner ones are designed to produce bright, high-pitched sounds. The wider ones require more air, but can produce a much louder and richer sound. That's probably the biggest difference between them!

Would you like to try playing them?

Actually hearing what they sound like should help clarify things!

Oh, I can try playing them?

Then, if it's alright...

Of course!

Just give me one second to get you all set up!

<Wow!

An's a total pro! Even though this is her first time, it's like she's been doing this for years!>

Yes.

I can learn a lot from her example.

(I am still a little nervous.

But...)

(I should be fine.)

Oh, young man, would you mind if I asked you a question?

Yes, of course!

Welcome.

Which instrument would you like me to help you with today?

Actually, I haven't decided yet...

Do you have any instruments that a complete novice such as myself could possibly play?

We were hoping to enjoy our golden years by learning to play something together.

I have some experience playing the piano, but my husband here has never touched an instrument in his life. Do you have any recommendations for someone like that?

Preferably, something that sounds cool.

An instrument that a novice can learn to play that also sounds cool...

Then, how about the saxophone?

It's the easiest to pick up out of all the wind instruments here.

Really?

It looks difficult to play...

I can understand why you'd feel that way.

Not only are there all these keys, it also requires a reed to play.

I also thought that it must be an incredibly complicated instrument when I first saw one.

Oh, you felt the same way?

Yes, when I was little. I didn't think it would be possible for me to operate all the keys while blowing into it at the same time.

But...

In reality, it's not as complicated as it looks. For example, just by pressing this key, you can play C.

Oh, that's surprisingly simple.

It really is.

Ah, would you like to try holding it?

Are you sure? If you're offering...

Hmm... It's also surprisingly easy to hold.

Really? It looks pretty heavy.

Yes, an alto sax does weigh about 2.5 kg, so you will feel it. However, a strap will help lessen that burden quite a bit.

Plus, the sax sounds so good, too.

I might just be able to get her to fall in love with me all over again.

Honey...!

My husband thinks he's so funny!

Hehe. I can tell that you two are very close.

Now, would you like to try playing it?

Of course, this is your first time, so it may be difficult to produce a proper tone... But I'm sure you'll be very thrilled when you do figure out how.

Right...

Then, let's go give it a try!

Alright, I'll get the manager.

This couple would like to try playing the saxophone. Would you mind helping get them set up?

Ah, Aoyagi, thanks for bringing them to me! Please feel free to use these chairs, you two!

Thank you very much for the explanation, young man. You made things so easy to understand.

Yeah, you seemed to enjoy talking about instruments so much that I really want to try playing one now!

...!

Thank you very much!

<We saw what you did, Toya!>

<We're really glad for you! They seem so happy!>

Yes...

It's nice knowing that I was able to play a small part in them understanding how fun it can be to play the saxophone.

<Hehe. More than a small part!>

<Yeah!

Keep up the good work and... Uh oh!>

Excuse me. I have a question about this instrument...

Of course!

I'll be right over to help!

(Thank goodness.

He seems to be having a lot of fun talking to customers now.)

(Keep up the good work, Toya!)