I'm back! I got what you asked for, Dad.

Great, thanks.

Take a break if you like now.

Oh, in that case... Can I have an orange juice?

Who's working for who here...?

Fine, here...

Yay! Wait, huh...?

Akito, you're here already...?!

Yeah.

Do you think you can focus during practice now...?

Hm? Hmm... Maybe?

Huh? What do you mean, “Maybe”...?

I mean that I figured out what was bothering me and I've made a decision.

But...?

But I don't exactly know what I'm supposed to do, so I can't really guarantee anything.

So there... Maybe.

...

Don't worry.

I know that I just “gotta keep going” now.

And every time I think that, I'm reminded of just how much I want to sing with Kohane by my side. I want to be a partner that she can respect and be proud of.

So I'm gonna do whatever I can to make that happen.

Good.

This is more like your usual self.

Hehe. That's right...

Also, there might be no point in asking this now...

Then don't ask.

It's important!

I was wondering if you and Toya went through what I just did...

Yeah...

I knew it...

It's been like two years since you partnered with him, right? How have things been?

What do you mean?

You know, everything...?

How am I supposed to answer that?

Just tell me how you feel things have gone up to this point...!

How things have gone...?

I still think about all the stuff that happened in the events we performed in, good and bad...

But I've never regretted choosing Toya as my partner. Not once.

...!

Not even once?

Nope. You too, right?

Huh...?

Despite everything that's happened, from what happened during events or anything you've done, you've never thought about finding a new partner, right?

...

Yeah, I guess not...

That just means you have to keep going and make what you believe a reality.

Yeah, you're right...!

I feel much better now!

Thanks, Akito.

I might have to ask you again about this since you and Toya have more experience with having a partner.

Sure. And if you ever feel like running from your problems, I'll be there to set you straight.

Can't you say that a little nicer...?

But I understand. Again, thanks.

Crap!

Hello!

Hey, Kohaneee♪

Wah! A-An, I know I've been telling you this every time, but it's not safe to throw yourself at me like this!

Haha. Sorry.

...

Here you are, Akito.

Hm? What's with the bag?

There's a bunch of snacks in it.

One of the machines at the game center had some snacks that I know you like as prizes.

Before I knew it, I had a whole assortment of them on my hands.

How did you...?

Nevermind. We can eat these after we're done practicing.

Okay. Azusawa, Shiraishi, you're both welcome to have some as well.

Oh, really? Thanks, Aoyagi!

Alright, now that we're all here, let's start practicing.

Yeah!