<Wow, so this is Vivid Street.>
<It's an interesting place, huh.
So full of singers and music.>
Yeah. There are a lot of musicians active in this area.
Even Shiraishi's place we're headed to is well-known for its live music.
I heard she herself sings there sometimes. It'd be great if we could hear her sing today.
<Hehe, I agree.>
<You and Ichika had so much to say about this girl that I got really curious about her, so I'd be happy just to see her.>
<Thanks for bringing me along, Shiho.>
Let's see now, we turn here and...
Oh. I think that's the place.
Alright, let's go. Be careful not to be seen, okay?
<Got it.>
Welcome!
Oh, Hinomori!
Hello. I'm supposed to be meeting Kohane. Is she here?
Yeah! The flyers, right? Wait just a second!
Kohane! Hinomori's here!
Sorry for having you come all this way, Shiho!
Don't mention it. Actually, we're the ones who asked you the favor, so I should be apologizing to you.
Hehe. Either way, we don't get many Miya Girls students among our customers. I'm glad you're here.
Anyway, you two feel free to use that table over there!
Okay! Over here, Shiho!
Oh...
You're the girl from the School Festival...
You're the guy who was scared of the zombie wolf.
Huh?! Who said I was scared? I was just surprised.
It was a realistic zombie wolf after all.
But... I see.
So the girl Azusawa was waiting for was you, Hinomori.
Yes! Actually Shiho, we all watched your band perform at Shibuya Festa. Your performance was really cool and exciting!
Thanks. We were pretty satisfied with our performance that day ourselves.
And you were all amazing too. I liked how you sang with so much power.
Hehehe, that's good to hear!
Though, we all still need to put in the work!
Speaking of which, Shiraishi. Weren't you singing out there on the street the other night?
Huh?
I didn't want to disturb you since you seemed to be concentrating... But you were singing with so much power. Like, enough to make my heart ache.
To make your heart ache?
Ah... I guess that was when I stayed back after practice. I was pretty in the zone.
I'd been wanting to sing with more emotion, so I was practicing that.
...
I see.
Well, I get how you sometimes just feel the urge like that. But don't overdo it.
Hey, I know that. You worry too much.
...
But yeah, thank you!
...?
Anyway, our last event was a big success thanks to Kohane, and we need to bring even more energy next time!
Hey, An's all fired up!
Now I wanna hear you sing.
Can you do just one song?
Oh... Sure! I suppose I can spare you one song!
On that note, sorry Hinomori! Please give your order to my dad.
Got it. Break a leg.
(What was with Shiraishi just now...?
She seemed a little off.)
(Did I say something I shouldn't have?)
Oh yeah, Shiho.
I left the flyer samples in the back, so I'll go get them now.
Got it. Thanks again.
No problem! It looks like An's going to sing now, so why don't you listen while you wait?
Alright, looks like the mic's on!
(Who'd have guessed Shiraishi really would sing for us?
Miku's gonna get to hear her after all.)
Miku, it looks like Shiraishi's going to sing.
<So it does. I think I'll listen in.>
Okay, here I go!
♪————! ——————!
(Wow, this girl's just like Shiho said. Her singing is so cool and powerful.)
(And I think I can see how Ichika had so much to learn from her.)
(Street music has a totally different kind of power from rock... This feels so new and exciting.)
♪————~~~~!
Way to go, An!
One more song!
(The customers are so into it. I can tell how much they love her singing... There's a great atmosphere here.)
(But...)
(It's not quite the same as that time.)
(I don't feel the same power that made my heart ache...)
<She's just like you said, Shiho. She's cool and sings really well.>
...
<Shiho...?>
Oh, uh... It's nothing.
I just—
Thank you for waiting!
Here are the flyer samples!
Oh, great. Thanks.
I drew up a few different samples based on my discussion with Honami. What do you think?
Wow, the overall feel changes a lot with just a tweak to the balance of the text. Which should we go for...?
Huff...
Okay, it's time to wrap it up!
Thanks An!
You really got some pipes on you!
Hehe, that's sweet of you!
(But...)
(It's not enough... At this level, I'm still so far behind. I need to practice more.)
Since you want to be someone she can “respect and be proud of”, An, you want her to like and be excited by the way you sing.
But...
You're worried about not being able to do that if Kohane keeps improving at her current rate, right...?
(I need to practice more, to sing more. Right now, that's...all I can do...)
See you later, Hinomori!
See you. And Kohane, thanks for all your help.
Of course! I'm glad to be of help. Good luck with your solo show!
It looks like the flyers will turn out well thanks to Kohane. And on top of that, I got to hear Shiraishi sing.
But...
<Shiho, what's up?>
Oh, Miku...
<You had something on your mind when you were watching Shiraishi before, right?>
Yeah. Her singing just now was incredible, but it was pretty different from when I heard it the other night.
<Different? In what way?>
Last time, her singing was so powerful that my heart ached. But I didn't really get that from her today.
She was singing so well...
So, why do I feel this way...?