Good work, everybody.
Thanks. You too.
Oh, it's already this late...
(But I can focus on band practice now that my class representative duties are out of the way.)
(And thanks to Saki, our original song is actually starting to take on a real shape.)
(Next...)
I'd like to try writing the song, if that's okay...
While Saki was playing this song for us just now, I wondered what it would be like if it were given lyrics to go along with it.
I'd like to give it a try.
I want to come up with lyrics that match our song.
(It's my turn to step up.)
(Honami and Saki have work today too, so I can spend some time thinking about that while I practice.)
Oh...
Shiho, it's you!
You're finished with your meeting already?
Yes. Have you just been practicing on your own?
Pretty much.
I see.
(I don't want to disturb her by encroaching like this. Maybe I should try a different classroom...)
Um, Ichika...?
Y-Yes...?
Thanks, you know, for the other day...?
The other day?
When you asked me to invite Saki to have lunch together.
Ohh...
You did that because you know I was worried about Saki, right?
Right. I know I might've sounded a bit overbearing but...
No, I don't think so at all. Saki and I were able to have a nice chat because of that.
I see.
In that case, I should be thanking you too.
Huh?
I'm in the same class as her and feel like I should be the one to first notice if anything is wrong...
But when push comes to shove, sometimes I don't have the confidence to be as open as I need to be with her...
I find myself putting how she feels first before what I should be doing. As a result, I might've made her work harder than she needed to.
But you're always willing to put your foot down, Shiho. You know when to say, Stop.
I guess so...
I know so.
Because I know, I ended up having to lean on you this time...
At the same time, I had this feeling that it needed to come from you more than anyone else.
So I'm beyond glad that you were able to talk to her about overworking herself and not having to try so hard...
...
I'm just as glad as you are.
Huh?
I was worried that I'd be saying too much and that I'd need you or Honami to put some fires out because I went too far...
When we were little, every time Saki and I fought, you two were there to make things better.
This time was no different.
I was able to talk to Saki because you and Honami were willing to listen. You two were the ones that gave me that opportunity.
Shiho...
I see. I'm glad I was able to help.
You helped a lot.
More than you can imagine.
Um, Ichika...?
Yes...?
I already told Honami this, but...
Thank you.
I'll be relying on you a lot more from now on.
...!
Anytime!