I've finished cleaning up the counter. I'll be heading out after I've mopped down the floor.

Ah, good. Thank you.

Nice work.

Thank you.

(I managed to get a hold of that bassist who's usually here and they even said that they'll see who'd be interested, so that should be a few more tickets...)

(But who's left...?

Ideally, we can get people who'd enjoy seeing us perform...)

By the way, Hinomori, how are ticket sales going? It's your first time, so it can't be easy.

Oh, um...

I've been selling them by myself because the others in my band are a little busy right now.

What? All by yourself?

Yes. It seemed like what's best for our band.

I see...

But I'm sure you've come to realize that it's harder than it looks. Selling all thirty won't be easy.

I know...

But we've decided to have a new song ready for our next show, so I want them to have time to practice playing it.

Which is how I arrived at selling these tickets on my own. I believe it's what is best for my band.

If you say so, Hinomori.

I can't stop you...

But I'd like for you to at least keep this in mind...

Yes...?

Bands that make one person carry most of the load usually don't last very long.

I understand that you have a lot on your plate right now, but if this keeps happening, nothing good is going to come out of it.

It'll probably also start affecting your music.

...

I like Leo/need. I like your band's music. I want to keep supporting you and seeing your band grow.

I know that it's none of my business, but I sincerely believe that you should talk to your friends about this. One person shouldn't have to do all this on their own.

I understand...

Yay! It's done!

Oh, your second song?! It's finished?!

Yes, it took much longer than expected, but I think it's become something really special...

That's great! Congratulations, girls!

Thank you.

But we still have a lot left to do.

Yeah, we're gonna have to play things by ear while we make any adjustments we think are going to be necessary.

Oh, me next!

Wanna try playing through it once?

I can't wait much longer...!

Sure. Let's get tuned up and do a quick sound check before we start.

Okay!

This is so amazing! I don't know what to do with myself!

You've had that smile on your face all day, Saki...

Hehe. I understand how she feels. I had a lot of fun playing that song together with everyone too.

Yeah, me too.

...

Hey...

But some things did give me a bit of trouble, so I'll need to keep an eye on those parts...

Oh, me too!

I'll make sure to practice my parts so that I'm ready for next time...

Oh...

Then, why don't we focus on that for next time and try going through it together afterward...?

Yeah! Thanks, Miss Shiho! You're the best!

I'll be sure to keep practicing my parts too.

Okay, good.

...?

Shiho, are you...?

I'm fine, really.

It's nothing.

Anyway, I should get going. Bye.

Bye bye!

(Shiho...?)

Okay, I can play this section just fine...

(Which leaves the leadup to the chorus...

The last time we played this, it really felt like my and Saki's sounds weren't meshing well.)

(Maybe I should tone down my drumming to let the synth shine through more since this is such a happy song.)

I can play that part like this and...

Oh, I wonder what was on Shiho's mind today. I could've sworn that she was trying to tell us something...

I think I'll ask her tomorrow when we discuss our schedule...

(I couldn't find Shiho at her class or the cafeteria. It looks like she hasn't even read my messages. Where could she be having lunch?)

(Huh? Is that Shiho over there...?)

Yes... Okay...

I see. You have plans that day...

No, it's not an issue.

I should be the one apologizing to you.

But thank you. I hope things will work out next time...

Another no...

What do I do? I still have so many to sell...

Shiho...?

H-Honami...!

Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.

Were you on the phone just now?

Yeah, just a quick call...

Anyway, what are you doing here?

Were you looking for me?

Y-Yes...!

I was hoping to check in with you about what we'll be doing for practice next week...

Oh, next week?

We'll be going through our new song on Sunday, so we're all gonna need to brush up on any parts that were giving us trouble until then.

Okay, I understand.

Also, Shiho...?

Yeah?

About that call you just made...

Is everything really okay?

Yes, I'm fine...

Are you sure? You can tell us about anything that's bothering you, okay?

Oh...

...

Shiho?

Thanks...

But I'm fine, really.

Huh? But...

Break's almost over...

I'm gonna head back.

Wait, Shiho!

...

(Shiho... Is everything really okay...?)