I see.

How to write lyrics, huh...?

Yes. I was hoping that you'd know something since you've seen so many bands come through here.

I understand. However, Hinomori, just as you say, each band has their own style, so there really is no such thing as a right answer.

My impression is that you should let your friend work through her process until she finds something that rings true with her.

To be fair, I've never done anything like that before, so I'm probably not the best person to ask.

I see...

I guess there really isn't much we can do for her...

Hi, about our next show...

Oh...

Oh, Hinomori?

I didn't know you were working today.

And this is...?

Oh, this is Mochizuki, the drummer for Leo/need. It's been a little while.

Nice to meet you, Mochizuki.

But did something happen?

You all seem really concerned.

It's nothing that serious.

Wait, Hinomori, why don't you ask Iori for some advice...?

Huh...?

She's the lyricist for STANDOUT, so this might be an incredible opportunity for you and your band.

Sorry, hang on. What's this about exactly?

I-If you'll let me...!

We're actually in the middle of composing our own song, but our friend is having some trouble writing lyrics for it...

We've been trying to find ways to help her by listening to songs by other bands and such, but we haven't been able to find a good solution...

Oh, okay. Writing lyrics for a song, huh...?

And...!

Would you mind if we asked you for some advice regarding this...?

There must be something that we're just not seeing, so we're wondering if you could help us, Ms. Iori...

...

Yeah, I'd love to help but...

I don't know what's on your friend's mind or what she's going through, so nothing I say will probably end up helping.

Because in the end, she's the one who has to work it out and put pen to paper. Doing something some stranger says doesn't sound like a great solution.

I suppose you're right...

...

But she must be such a strong girl.

Huh...?

I mean, writing lyrics is all about taking a hard look at yourself, right?

Having a few clever-sounding words strung together doesn't mean it's gonna turn into a good song.

But based on what you've told me, that's not who your friend is. I can tell that she's really digging deep and trying to find those perfect words.

I love it when someone really commits to their music like that.

Ms. Iori...

I think the best thing you can do right now as her bandmates is to not shy away from whatever she writes or comes up with.

I see...

We kept thinking about what we could do for her all this time...

But this really may be the best time for us to just put our faith in Ichika.

Like we did with Saki...

So this Ichika is your lyricist?

Is she your front too?

Y-Yes...!

Now I see. Is she still working on those lyrics you were talking about?

In all likelihood...

But there is a chance she's doing a street performance right now.

A street performance?

That's pretty cool of her.

Yeah, she started doing them as a way to practice singing. Now, she's sort of a regular out there.

Wow, really...?

She must have a great work ethic.

Thanks for letting me know.

I'm wishing you and your song the best.

Yes, thank you very much...!

We really appreciate your help!