Nice.

They're all in sync today!

Yes, and handling the difficult parts without any issues. However...

It seems like something's on all of their minds...

Phew...

Miku, Luka, how was that just now?

Oh, um...

That was very good.

Yay!

Luka praised us!

Practicing solo seems to have really paid off.

I think so too.

(Something's definitely bothering them.

They just don't seem like their usual selves...)

Hey, quit being so clingy!

Aww, don't say that!

Huh? Len, Rin, what's going on?

Another fight?

What did we tell you about...?

We're not fighting!

I was just asking Len to practice with me, but he keeps turning me down!

Didn't I already tell you that I want to practice on my own today? And you just keep following me around...

Because I really want to practice with you, Len! Being apart is just way too sad!

Oh...

...?

Being apart? What are you talking about? But fine... Just this once, okay...?

Really?!

Thank you so much Len-Len☆

Geez, and you came up with a weird nickname for me...?

Weird? You don't think it's cute?

Hehe. Those two really do get along, don't they?

Yeah, they really do.

...

Did something happen to all of you?

Huh?

It seemed like something was on all of your minds the entire time you were playing just now...

Oh, about that...

We're a little worried about a couple of people who've been coming to see our shows...

As in audience members?

Yes.

They're our very first fans, but they seem to be struggling with some issues at home...

At the same time, we probably shouldn't be nosing around in another family's business...

But we can't help but worry...

I mean, they're our very first fans, and...

Never getting to see someone you care about so much ever again sounds so awful...

I agree...

I see.

But you can't help but worry about them regardless of whether or not you can do anything about it, right?

Huh?

At the same time, it's also understandable that you'd feel this way after dwelling on something like this for so long.

Still, I think it's okay to worry if it's genuinely bothering you all that much.

Yeah, especially since it'll start affecting the way we play if this continues...

True.

Thank you, Luka.

You're welcome.

And... Can you tell us more about what happened?

So, after our show the other day...

That really happened...?

Isn't there any way we can help them...?

One can only hope...

But the brother said he won't be returning, so there's no guarantee that his sister will come back to see us again...

Which means you won't get a chance to hear more from them...

That's terrible! You finally have some fans but they have to go through this awful mess!

You're right about it being a tough situation...

Yeah...

But the sister still wants to come to see us play again, right...?

I think so.

He even asked us to speak to her if she does show up.

It might be good to have a plan for when that happens.

A plan...?

But what...?

How about being ready to play for her in case she does show up...?

From the sound of it, she really likes seeing us play.

I agree...

Yeah...!

Let's make our next show a really good one!

...

I still believe the bridge can sound better! What do you think, Shiho?

Having a more subdued sound gives the last chorus more impact. If anything, we have something to gain by having less.

I agree that it's a bit monotonous as it is, but we can work on that tomorrow...!

...

(Thank goodness.

They seem much better after getting back to practicing...)

(I need to do my best for our next show too!)

(But...

The brother must be feeling awful right now...)

(Seeing those two reminds me of what happened back then.)

(You want to be there with someone but can't.)

(I have to think that's what they're both feeling right now...)

Huh...?

What's wrong, Saki?

Um, girls...

That person over there. Could it be...?

The sister?

She's sitting all by herself.

You think something happened...?

What if she's here to pass the time because she feels so uncomfortable at home...?

Yeah...!

Wait, is she gonna be okay by herself?

Oh no...!

Excuse me!

Are you free to talk right now?

We're doing a quick survey and were hoping that you'd be willing to answer a few questions.

Oh, um... I don't think I should...

It won't take any time at all.

Just ten minutes or so!

Isn't that...?

I know. It's getting late, so how about we move to that cafe?

Some of our friends are over there already. We usually study and watch movies together...

I... Um...

They're being so forceful...

Yeah, is it just me or does it look like they're trying to rope her into something?

Alright, let's go!

It's just this way!

W-Wait...! Please, let go of me...!

...!

Huh?! Ichi?!

Excuse me!

Huh?

She's here to meet us...

Can I ask who you are?

L-Leo/need...?!

No way...!

If you have some business with her, I'll stay and listen. What exactly were you asking of her...?

Oh, you were waiting for your friends...

That's too bad...

Feel free to drop in if you get a chance.

*Sigh*

Thank goodness they didn't push back...

E-Excuse me...!

You're Hoshino, right...? From Leo/need...?

Y-Yes!

Um...

(What do I do now...?

I jumped in without really thinking...)

(I even went as far as saying, “She's here to meet us.” She's probably petrified now...)

Um... Th-Thank you so much for saving me from them! Also...

I'm sorry about what happened the other day...!

Huh...?