Okay, sound check's done. Equipment setup's done...

All that's left is to wait for the band to get here, and today's lineup includes...

Oh...

We're not open yet...

Wait, are you performing today?

Uh, yes! Excuse me!

I'm with STANDOUT...

Huh...?

(Someone from STANDOUT...?

I didn't see this person last time, so maybe they're staff or something?)

Is something the matter?

Our bassist won't be able to make it today and we were hoping that you'd be able to play in her place during today's show...

M-Me?

Yes, I understand that you can play a few of our songs.

Well, I mean...

I can play what I know, but it's hardly anything I'd want other people to see.

More notice in advance would've been preferable...

I... I'm sorry. I beg you.

Please, just for today...!

...

STANDOUT's not scheduled to come out until the end, right? I still sort of remember what they played last time, so if I start practicing now...

Th-Thank you so much!

Here's the sheet music...!

Okay, fine.

Please, just don't let this happen again.

I'm so sorry...

Huh...?

What's going on...?

Not being able to make it all the sudden...

Maybe they came down with something... Anyways...

Hinomori!

I-Iori...

I hate to do this to you but...

Would you be a dear and sub in as the bassist for our show today...?

Yes, I already heard and was given some sheet music. Your bassist isn't able to make it today?

Can't make it...?

Who did you hear that from?

I'm not sure, but she looked around your age, Iori.

...

Mind if I take a look at those?

Oh, sure. Here...

I knew it, these are Mio's. After promising to get ready for this show too...

She just isn't ready to try and make it as a pro. At this rate, we're gonna need a...

...?

Anyways, thanks for doing this. We'll adjust our setlist to include song that you can play.

I want us to play our best together.

I know...

Everyone coming today has been looking forward to seeing you play...

Yeah... True...

You're a lifesaver.

Wow, everyone so far has been so good...!

I know, right?! Everybody here's having so much fun! I can't wait to do a show with you guys!

The next band's probably the last one, right? I feel like there's way more people here now than before...

Oh, I saw the lineup for today. The last band is supposed to be one of the more popular ones out there right now.

Really?

They're called STANDOUT.

They're even about to debut with a major label.

Whoa! They're signed to a major label?!

We need to learn everything we can from them for Shiho's sake!

Hehe. Let's do just that.

Oh, here they come.

This is so exciting!

Wow...

They're so cool.

They are.

(What an incredible performance, and this girl's singing on a completely different level than me...)

(This is what professionals sound like...)

*Gasp*...!

Wait, Ichi, Hona!

Is that Shiho playing bass up there?!

Huh?

It is...!

She looks so cool!

But why's she playing with them...?

It could be that their regular bassist couldn't make it today, maybe?

Yeah! She subs in for other bands sometimes, right♪

Oh, right...

They sound amazing too.

I don't think I can ever sing like that...

But...

I want to put on a show like this with everyone...

STANDOUT was sooo amazing!

And Shiho played so well too. It's like she was a completely different person up there.

Hehe. Let's do just that.

I think I also learned a lot about what we'll need to put on our own show too, like MC'ing and how to get the crowd excited...

Hehehe. Ichi's gonna be our MC?

I can't wait to see that♪

M-Me? Oh, right...

The frontman usually does all the talking, but what am I supposed to talk about...?

What if you talked about any yakisoba buns you want to recommend to everyone, or how Honami likes apple pies so much?

But Shiho might say, Don't get ahead of yourself. Keep practicing!

Was that supposed to sound like her?

Hehe. That's cute.

Maybe we should actually ask Shiho herself?

I might burst into tears laughing if she gives the same response.

Hahaha♪

But where is she anyway...?

She should've gotten off work by now...

Hinomori, wait...!

...!

I said we're done talking...

Is that Shiho?

Something feels wrong...

Enough about me joining STANDOUT...

Huh...?

Shiho...?

You guys...

What's going on...?