(I'm glad Shiho told us about what she went through during junior high.)
(But it was so painful to hear...
I keep beating myself up about not being there for her then too...)
Like I said before...
The point of me doing this wasn't to make you all feel this way.
Again, don't beat yourselves up over this. The moral of my story is that...
That you're glad you didn't give up, right...?
Huh?
Back then, I just couldn't give up.
I'd convinced myself that we couldn't really be friends anymore, but deep down, I was hoping that we could.
As a result, I had to suffer for it.
I was so afraid that I'd end up creating more problems instead of solving them. However...
I endured, and I was rewarded with Ichika and Saki getting our band back together. I'm here today because I didn't give up...
So I'm really glad that I held on to my music, and more importantly, all of you...
(I want our band to do well.)
(I want to make it so she knows that not giving up was worth it and that it's fun to be in a band with us.)
Okay!
Time to fix all the mistakes I made during practice today!
I'll start by going over my part for tomorrow and...
Wow, Shiho, your lunch looks amazing♪
No Salisbury steaks for you.
Haha. I know they're your favorite, so I won't do that to you! But those croquettes...
No.
Why not?!
Saki is one of those people who likes to swap entrees.
Hehe. I understand how she feels. It's sort of like seeing what it's like to eat at a friend's house.
Tenma, there you are.
I hate to bother you during lunch like this, but do you have a minute to talk...?
Of course! Sorry, be right back!
Isn't she the captain of the soft tennis club...?
Yeah, what do you think's going on?
Welcome back, Saki.
What did the captain want to discuss with you?
So, we're having a little get-together with students from another school soon.
But I had to duck out of practice before I could hear about it the other day, so she came to tell me about what happened.
She invited me to come along since it's supposed to be more fun and recreational...
Do you not want to go...?
No, I really do...!
It's just... I've been avoiding going to these because I'm always worried that I wouldn't have enough stamina...
But lately, I've been able to keep up with the other first-years during practice, so I'm thinking about giving this one a shot.
At the same time...
(We've only just started being a serious band...)
I'm glad music... No, I'm glad you found a way back to your friends, Shiho.
Thanks...
...
...
You should go, Saki.
What...?
You're worried about balancing that with band practice, right? You should still go.
B-But...!
Our last show went so well.
If we practice really hard right now, our next show could be...
I'm glad that you're so motivated.
I know we're trying to go pro, but it's important to have time for yourself. Like they say, “All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl.”
Plus, you're already doing plenty...
What...?
You've been putting plenty of effort into not just our band, but work, school and club activities.
That's why I want you to take advantage of these sorts of opportunities. I mean, you still have to make up for all that time you missed in junior high, right?
Shiho...
She's right. We know your club means quite a lot to you.
Yeah, you should have as much fun as possible with them too.
Hona, Ichi...!
*Sob*
I love you girls so much!!
Wah! S-Saki!
You're next, Hona! Bear hug!
Eep! Hehe. Oh, Saki.
Last but not least! Shiho, come here!
H-Hey, don't make me drop my lunch!
Haha.
Hehe.