(I'm glad I got to talk to Shinonome yesterday. I want to do the same...)

(I want to take music seriously. Even more than I do already...)

(Shiho sounds really good again... I'm getting super excited!

It's like her feelings are being carried by the music!)

(Shiho really is amazing. She just keeps getting better and better...)

(We need to try and keep up...!)

(I can count on everyone's performances.)

(Even if I push forward, Ichika and the others will always end up beside me.)

(In that case, I've gotta make sure they can follow me further than we've ever gone...!)

Phew...

We were really good just now! Ichika was so cool during the chorus...

Thanks. Shiho was producing a really incredible sound, so I guess I...followed her.

Yeah, I get what you mean! She had me going all out to get on her level!

It's just what I thought, then. I knew you guys felt that way based on how you were playing.

Well then, let's ride this wave and go one more time.

Okay!

Nice work, guys.

*Sigh*

We really went for it today! Hey, do you guys wanna stop at the cafe for a while?

Sounds good. I'd like that.

I can't, sorry. I need to go collect the amp I took in for repairs.

Oh... Yes, it was due for collection today, wasn't it?

In that case, how about the three of us go today?

Right. I'll join you guys another time.

Then, we'll make sure to thoroughly check the menu for anything new you might like!

Sure thing.

Alright then. I guess I'll get going.

Oh yeah.

(If I'm going there anyway, I can let Miku know.)

<Thanks for bringing me along again, Shiho.>

Don't mention it. I was coming here anyway for my amp.

And you seemed to really like this street.

<Yeah. It really is an interesting place.>

<With so many people performing, it's as if the city itself is singing their love of music.>

I agree. Though, this area is a little out of the way, and I don't see anyone performing.

<Oh, but I can hear someone singing over there.>

Oh yeah. But, that voice...

♪——————!!

It is her...

♪————!! ————!!

<Wow...>

<The way she's singing is totally different from when we heard her at Weekend Garage.>

Yeah...

She's singing with so much force it's heart-rending... Just like when I heard her the other night on this street.

<Heart-rending...?

I see what you mean. She's putting her heart and soul into it.>

<It sort of reminds me of Ichika and the others during those intense training sessions.>

Huh?

<It's as if Shiraishi is trying to catch up to someone with her singing, like the others tried to catch up to you.>

Oh... Yeah, you're right.

Shiraishi is just like the others were that time.

(Even today... They performed with so much intensity.)

(Shiraishi has something just like the strength I felt that time...)

Huff... Huff... Huff...

Time for a quick break, I think.

Where's my drink...? Oh, I'm all out.

I better go buy something.

Do you want this?

Huh?

Oh, Hinomori? What brings you here?

I had an errand at an instrument shop around here, and now I'm on my way home.

I haven't opened this yet, so please take it.

Wait, are you sure?

I bought it, but never got around to drinking it. Call it my treat.

Hahaha. Well then, don't mind if I do.

*Sigh*

Back to life! Thanks, Hinomori.

I'm glad to hear it.

Your singing was amazing just now.

Huh?

I'm not sure how to put it... You just sang really well, with so much feeling.

Hahaha... Really? I mean, I wouldn't say it was that good...

No, I mean it.

I...

I remembered the others when I heard you sing.

Oh... As in, Ichika and everyone?

Yeah. I'm not sure how to put it, but your singing...

Your singing was so powerful. Like the feeling of desperately wanting to be around someone. Like thinking about someone dear to you and...following them...

...

Uh... Sorry for suddenly rambling on like that.

That's fine. But what made you think that?

Oh, uh... It's my band, you see.

The thing is, I'm the most experienced member.

Oh, I didn't realize. But now that you mention it, I did think your bass playing was really advanced when I saw you guys perform.

*Nod*

And until recently, I was holding myself back to match the others' level...

But lately, something has changed with them...

Huh...

The others told me to stop holding back, and that they'll catch up to my level eventually. After that, I took a good look at myself and started to play with all I have.

At the time, they all had this really intense look in their eyes.

And when you were singing just now, you had a look just like that.

Oh...

Wow, you hit the nail on the head.

I'm also...