Hello.

Oh, Toya, welcome.

Is it just you today?

Yes, I was hoping to have some coffee.

Would you mind making my usual, MEIKO?

My house blend? Coming right up.

Toya, come sit and chat with us.

Are you sure? Well, if none of you mind...

We just heard from Rin and MEIKO that An's dad is going to start watching you and your team practice.

Yes, and he's going so far as to temporarily close his own shop to do so.

I see. You must be a little sad that you won't be able to have his coffee for a while, no?

I am. Fortunately, I can still come here to have MEIKO's coffee.

Oh, that's so kind of you to say.

Also, here's your coffee.

Thank you very much.

I'm sure your practices are going to be very demanding, so please feel free to stop by and take a break anytime.

Thank you, we will.

Oh, that reminds me... Are your friends all coming back?

No, we haven't made any progress on that front...

Okay...

Their lack of skill and commitment were made plainly clear. It may take them quite a while to get back on their feet, and the right trigger too.

It may...

I've been there before, so I understand that they won't immediately be willing to come back...

...

Um, Toya...?

Would you mind telling me a little more about what you experienced...?

What...?

It's just... I was the last one to arrive here, so I still don't know as much about you and the others as I'd like...

That's why I'd really like it if you could tell me more about yourself. Please...?

Thank you, Luka.

I'd be happy to tell you more about my past.

Really? You don't have to if you don't want to.

I don't mind.

It's all ancient history at this point.

I'm sure Rin and MEIKO are already aware, but my dad started teaching me how to play the piano and violin when I was very little.

Outside of school, I had to spend all of my time practicing. I wasn't really permitted to play with my friends.

His practices were hard, but I admired the way he played the piano. I dreamt of being able to perform like him someday.

However...

When I heard one of his performances in person, I was absolutely staggered.

I continued practicing to meet my parents' expectations...

But I slowly began losing motivation.

Toya...

Before I knew it, I'd begun disliking classical music and distancing myself from my dad.

I see...

However, I've since returned to liking classical music and enjoying his piano performances.

I even told him the other day about how Ken is going to watch us practice.

I asked him for permission to start coming home later because we want to practice more and make our dream a reality.

Y-You did?!

What did he say?

He said he wasn't sure if I should be spending what precious time I have in life on this dream.

And that I need to prove that my dream is worth it if I'm going to call myself a musician.

Whoa! Talk about tough love!

But that essentially means he's okay with you investing more time into practicing, right?

Oh, right!

I don't know how things will go for us, but I was so glad to get the sense that he at least partially understands how serious I am.

That's wonderful, Toya.

Yes, it is♪

Thank you for telling me all this!

I promise to keep giving you all the support I can, so feel free to ask if you ever think you need help!

Yes, thank you.