*Sigh*

We're finally through security and immigration...!

I got a little nervous when they checked our bags. I kept wondering what would happen if they took just me aside...

I know what you mean! I'm glad that we asked you beforehand about what we are and aren't allowed to bring onto the plane, Toya!

I see. The advice I gave didn't seem like much, but I'm glad that I was able to help.

We have about an hour until our plane's scheduled to depart...

Right. As long as we don't stray too far from our gate, it should be okay for us to take a look around and such.

I'm not seeing anything all that interesting, so why don't we sit down around here somewhere?

Yes, alright.

I know! If we're all gonna sit, then let's take a look at this guidebook and find places to visit!

Huh? But we already...

I'm talking about stuff unrelated to music!

The city's gonna be full of amazing cafes and tourist attractions, right?

I know we're not going there to sightsee, but we still should make the most of this opportunity!

Hehe. I agree.

We may have some time to stop by a few places while in transit.

Oh, like this street...

There's apparently a really famous cafe. Since you like coffee so much, Aoyagi, would you be interested in going?

A cafe? Yes, thank you for the tip.

Then, we can try checking it out when we take a break or something.

Oh, after we go there...

(I've only ever gone overseas with my family.)

(This is my first time waiting to board an international flight with such happy company.)

Aoyagi?

...!

I'm sorry, could you repeat that?

Sure.

Are there any places that you'd like to visit?

That I'd like to visit...?

(Well...)

Here.

The New York Academy of Music...?

Hm? Isn't that where...?

Yes, it's where my brother is studying music.

Come to think of it, don't you have two brothers? One's a pro, and the other is studying music in New York, right?

Isn't the New York Academy of Music really famous...?

I remember seeing on TV how it's extremely competitive, and produces world-class talent.

Yes, that's correct.

But why do you wanna go there?

You're not exactly close with your brothers, right?

...

Yes, I haven't spoken to them in quite some time.

After all, they both live overseas...

And they were certainly not pleased when I told them that I'd be pursuing street music.

...

But last night...

My middle brother sent me a message.

Hm? A message?

From who...?

...!

(Shuji?)

“Are you free to talk right now?”

(He wants to talk over the phone instead of through messages?)

(But we haven't spoken in so long. Why now...?)

(There's no point in wondering.

For now, I should reply to his message.)

(...!

He's calling.)

Hello?

<It's been a while, Toya.>

Yes, it has.

<Sorry for contacting you out of the blue like this. Mom told me you'll be visiting New York soon.>

She told you?

Is that why you decided to call?

<...

I was hoping to talk to you in person...>

<But I'm performing in a different state at the moment, so I may not be able to get back while you're still there.>

<So, I'm going to take this opportunity to finally tell you...>

...?

<All those years ago, when you came to ask me about how to talk to Dad...>

<I'm sorry for not listening. I'm truly sorry.>

What...?

But why...?

<Both Natsuomi and I really respect Dad.>

<When you were little, you dreamed of playing the piano like Dad too, yes?>

Yes...

I still remember how desperately I wished to play beautiful music like him.

<I was the same.>

<And in order to achieve that sound, I was willing to endure all those brutal practices.>

<So, when you said that you'd be quitting classical music in order to pursue street music...>

<I was absolutely convinced that you'd end up regretting it sooner or later. That you'd end up hating yourself for running away.>

<But I've seen your team's videos...

You're called Vivid BAD SQUAD, right?>

Huh...?

<You sounded good.>

<That's when I realized it.

You didn't run...>

<You found your passion. You're walking your own path in life.>

...!

I really appreciate you saying that...

However, it's true that I began pursuing street music in order to become a thorn in Dad's side.

So, I expected all of you to call me a coward... It was only natural.

But after that...

I found friends I can count on, as well as a dream to pursue.

And through that struggle, I've grown able to face Dad more properly than I could before.

And now, I'm setting out into the world as part of making a greater dream come true.

<...>

<I see...

You let me know if you ever need anything.>

<I'm prepared to give you all the help I can. I'll even tell you about the best restaurants I know...>

Thank you, Shuji.

I glad you're saying all this...

<I'm also glad...>

<That you haven't given up on music.>

Your brother seems like a good guy.

Not getting to meet him during this trip is a bit of a bummer, but I'm all for visiting his school!

Thank you. If we have the time, I'd very much like to go.

(Classical and street music. Our paths may have diverged...)

(But I'm glad I know how he feels now.)

Our gate should be opening soon.

Which means we get to board the plane! This is so exciting!

Hm? Come to think of it...

Is something the matter, Akito?

Aren't you afraid of heights?

How'd you fly when you were a kid?

Yeah, that's a really good question...!

Not to worry.

All I have to do is keep my eyes shut between takeoff and landing.

Wait, that's gonna be over ten hours.

That's how I've managed until now.

So, I should be fine... In theory...