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Th-Thank you very much...!

(*Sigh*

I can't get into a good rhythm...)

(My voice just isn't there.

That's probably why so few people are stopping to listen too.)

(Trying to sing while something's on my mind really isn't good, is it...?)

But...

Huh...?

I-Iori...?!

Long time no see. Ichika, right?

Fancy seeing you here.

Y-Yes, well...

I didn't realize you were here.

Thank you...

Yeah, I was sort of in the neighborhood.

But I'm a little disappointed...

Huh...?

Compared to when I saw you the other day, your voice lacked power.

When you opened for our show that time, you did everything you could to make sure everybody knew how you felt through your song.

But your performance just now...

I mean, it's like you were lost or something. As if you're not sure about what to do next, you know...?

Oh...

Looks like I was right...

Are you free after this?

I'd like to chat a little.

Huh...?

Welcome. What can I get you?

Not sure. Any recommendations?

In that case, would you like to try our cold-brewed iced coffee? It has a very fruity aroma to it.

That sounds nice. Then, I'll have one of those.

Of course. Thank you very much.

And what would you like...?

Um, I'll have the same...

Two cold-brewed iced coffees.

Just give me one moment.

Hehe. Strange, isn't it?

Us sitting together at a cafe like this...

Yes, it is. I'm starting to tense up a little...

Relax, will you?

All that stress is gonna make you clam up.

Anyway, is something going on...?

I'd like to help if I can.

Oh...

Thank you.

Actually...

As a result, I haven't really been able to write lyrics that does her song justice...

I see.

That's a pretty tough one. It really is hard to find the right words, sometimes.

Huh...?

You find it hard sometimes too?

Of course.

I have my own system for writing lyrics now, but it was rough when I was just starting out.

I listen to all these songs by so many different artists to learn how they expressed themselves and tried copying them...

But when I realized that I should just go my own way, everything became so much easier.

Go my own way...?

Um... Would you mind showing me how you go about writing lyrics, Iori?

I still don't really know what my way is, which is clearly why I'm having so much trouble right now...

Sure...

This is just me talking, but I try to come up with the best way for me to get my thoughts across through any particular song.

Some people do that in a pretty circuitous manner, but I try to just say what I'm feeling.

That means you're able to say what you really want through your songs...

That's so cool...

...?

I've been listening to STANDOUT songs quite a bit, and I keep thinking that it's so cool how all of your lyrics, even when you throw in some clever twists, fit their respective songs so well.

I wish I could write lyrics the way you do, but I just can't. I don't know how to express my thoughts.

Hey, can I ask you this...?

You just said that you wish you could write lyrics the way I do... Why's that?

Wh-Why...?

Because they sound so cool.

I could listen to them over and over again...

I see...

That might be what's causing all this, Ichika.

Huh...?

I think you're putting too much stock into making your lyrics sound cool, novel or whatever, you know?

Honestly, when I'm writing, I could care less about any of those things.

Oh, really?

Yeah, really. I mean, sure, some of the stuff I write comes out a little vague, but they're written that way because that's what I felt was best.

I try to find the right words for the best way of expressing my thoughts. That's all.

The best way to express my thoughts...

Essentially, I'd rather choose words that get my point across instead of anything that sounds cool.

Because what I absolutely don't want is for people to not understand what I'm trying to say by using some fluffy words.

...

I do actually want to go with lyrics that take a more direct approach...

But for some reason, it doesn't feel quite right...

Why's that?

Because it's so plain and simple...

I feel like it won't do my friend's song justice if I go with something like that.

Really? I actually believe otherwise.

Huh...?

Remember when you girls opened for us?

Remember how the three of you wanted to tell Hinomori that you want to make music that can touch people's hearts with her?

And you succeeded with flying colors.

You got through to her, Ichika.

Not only that, you girls managed to reach everyone that was there that day.

So that direct approach you were talking about might be the best way to go, you know...?

Oh...

You should have more faith in yourself, Ichika, because I genuinely believe that you girls have the power to really move people.

So try to find the right words, okay? Your words.

Iori...

Okay, I will. Thank you so much!