Oh, that's right...

I need to change out the strings on my guitar.

We have practice tomorrow, so I should probably do that now before I go to bed.

Let's see... I'm pretty sure I put those packs in this drawer... Wait, huh?

Oh, right... I ran out last time.

That means I need to go buy more tomorrow...

I'm always staggered by all the different strings they have available...

Let's see... The ones I always buy are... Oh, here they are. I should probably buy a few packs just in case.

Also...

Oh, hey...

Huh?

Oh! Hi, Iori!

I had a feeling it was you, Ichika.

Fancy seeing you here.

Yeah, what a nice surprise.

Are you also here to do some shopping?

Yeah, I'm here to buy some strings too.

They should be right around... Aha, here they are.

Why is it that no matter how many extra strings you have, you never seem to have enough?

I know exactly what you mean!

I just noticed that I ran out yesterday...

Haha. Yeah, it happens to the best of us.

Initially, I only changed them every one or two months... But I realize now that I need to keep my guitar in the best condition possible if I'm going to continue down this path.

I know.

It's hard not to want to do that when your band's goal is to make it big.

While we're on the subject, Ichika, your band's signed to a label now, right?

Yes, we are.

But we haven't actually done anything as pros yet.

Right.

A lot does need to be discussed before you can debut.

Exactly. We went into the office the other day, and to help decide our marketing strategy, we were asked a question: “What aspirations do you hold for your music?”

Hmm...

Aspirations for your music...

You seem to have a good manager if they're giving you time to find answers to that sort of question.

I mean, I've heard rumors that some managers just make you do everything they say.

Really...?

Yeah.

I'm glad to hear your label isn't like that.

Once they've figured out a marketing strategy for your band, next will probably be your publicity photos or your debut single.

So, Ichika, I have to think you're pretty excited about the future.

Yes. I am really excited...

Still, the more time passes, the more I feel worried about what's gonna happen after we go pro.

I know what you mean.

There's just so much to think about.

Wait, Iori, you too...?

Yeah. I'm betting my life on music, so it was hard for my brain not to worry.

But I've got it now.

Regardless of where you are, what matters most doesn't change.

Huh...?

My goal is still to put on good performances and give the crowd the best music I can.

So, as professional musicians, let's both do our best.

Yes, let's. Thank you for saying that...

Also, feel free to ask me for help if you ever think you need it. As a fellow pro with a bit more experience, I'll teach you whatever I can.

Thank you.

I really appreciate it.

So, does this make you my senior now...?

Hehe.

I like your thinking, Ichika.

It's great to have a junior as cute as you.

Oh... Thank you.

By the way, Ichika, what are you doing after this?

I have to go to practice in a little bit, but...

Then, mind hanging out for a bit until then? I kinda want to try some of these instruments.

It's always easier to distinguish what's good and bad about an instrument when you have a reliable session partner.

Yeah, sure... That sounds great.

Hehe. Thanks.

Then, let's see if we can borrow that space over there.

Yes, let's!