Hey, Akito, do you know how many people in our class are in the brass band?
The brass band?
Yeah, remember what we talked about?
Shibuya Instrument Day?
And you two are gonna go help out?
Yes, due to a slight emergency.
The manager of the shop who lends us the sound equipment we always use is gonna be there, but a few of his staff won't be able to make it, so he's shorthanded.
I wanted to learn a little more about trumpets before Shibuya Instrument Day.
So, you wanna ask some people in the brass band about them?
Exactly!
I remember that Makita's in the band, but who else in our class is?
Huh? I dunno... Probably no one else, right?
Hmm... Then, I'll start by asking Makita.
I vaguely remember seeing her play the trumpet during the school festival, so she should be able to help me.
Hold on a second.
Have you actually talked to her before?
Huh? With Makita?
Umm... We say hi sometimes, and we also talked a bit during the meetings for that film we made...
Then, you need to be careful not to scare her by getting all up in her face. Remember what happened with Kusanagi?
Oh...
You wish to have lunch with Kusanagi, but things haven't been going as planned?
It's like my timing's been really bad, you know?
Well, I suppose life happens.
At the same time, you're in the same class this year, so I'm sure you'll get more opportunities to invite her.
Assuming your aggressiveness hasn't scared her off already.
What? I haven't scared...
No! Nuh uh! I definitely haven't...!
(She hesitated...)
(Yeah, that did happen...)
Thanks, Akito.
I'll try to be careful.
(Don't get up in her face, and try not to scare her...)
Um, Makita?
Are you free right now?
Hi, Shiraishi. How can I help?
(Yes, she doesn't look scared! I'm off to a good start!)
Sorry, I know this is really sudden, but I wanted to ask you a question.
Huh? Ask me?
Yeah! This manager of a instrument shop I know is gonna be participating in Shibuya Instrument Day, and I'll be helping him with his booth.
But I don't really know anything about musical instruments, so I was wondering if you could tell me a little about them.
Umm... I only joined the band in high school, so all I can really talk to you about is playing the trumpet...
Not a problem.
That's actually why I'm here!
I see.
Then, I may be able to help.
Thanks, you're a lifesaver!
So, the shop I mentioned is on Vivid Street and I've known the manager for a really long time!
He's always lending us his sound equipment, so I wanted to give back somehow!
...
(Oh no...!
I'm talking like I always do now!)
(After getting off to such a good start!
She seems a little overwhelmed now...)
Um, Shiraishi?
Y-Yeah...?
It's on Vivid Street?
Next to that general store?
Huh? Yeah, that's right...
I knew it...!
That place has also been really good to me.
I go talk to the manager there whenever I'm having trouble playing something, because he loves trumpets and saxophones so much.
What?! You know him?!
Wait, does that also mean you know about Shibuya Instrument Day and...
Thanks for giving me so much helpful info about trumpets, Makita!
No, if anything, I'm sorry for only being able to talk about really basic stuff. I'm still just a beginner myself.
I wish I could be there to help the manager since he's been so kind...
But the convention is right before that big competition, right?
I'm guessing he didn't ask you to help because he already knew about that.
Oh... Come to think of it, I did promise him that I'd do my best...
Then, you gotta keep your promise!
In return, I'll work twice as hard to help the manager during the convention.
Shiraishi...
Okay, thanks!
Oh, we got so caught up in our conversation that we both forgot to eat. Did you bring a lunch today, Makita?
No, I was thinking about buying something at the school store or cafeteria.
Really?! Then, let's go together!
Okay!
The store's probably run out of stuff already, so how does the cafeteria sound?
Perfect! Hehe. I wonder what they're serving for lunch today.