So sleepy...

We did have another hard practice today...

(I've been feeling fatigued as well since I've been staying up so late recently. I should try to go to bed early tonight...)

(No, this is no time to be resting. Akito got everyone's attention for us through his performance.)

(Just ten more minutes.

I need to—)

<Hi, Toya! How are you doing?>

Huh?

KAITO...?

What brings you here at this hour?

<Me? Well, you know...?

I wanted to see you since it's been so long!>

<Remember how you came to ask us for advice the other day? I've been wondering how you've been doing since then.>

Oh...

(Come to think of it, I haven't been to SEKAI in a little while... Did that cause them some concern?)

I apologize for not catching up with you sooner.

<What? No, you don't need to apologize! We know you've been busy with practice and all.>

<Today's probably no exception. I'm sure you're tired.>

I am...

That evening event was also pretty draining.

<What sort of event was it?>

A team that we performed with in a past event invited us to sing in theirs...

The teams that performed there were all local legends, so they sort of had a home-field advantage...

<I see...

That sounds like a tough event.>

<But... I'm sure you all managed to find a way to knock everybody's socks off!>

It wasn't that easy...

But I think we left our mark at the very least.

<Ah, I had a feeling!

Hearing you say that makes me feel proud!>

It does?

Then, I'm glad I got this chance to tell you.

So, KAITO, how have things been for you all lately?

<Oh, us...?

Recently...>

<Ah, that's right!

We had a meeting recently where we came up with new menu items for MEIKO's cafe.>

<It wasn't all that serious, but we each presented our ideas and had MEIKO decide whether or not to try them out.>

That sounds like fun.

Did she end up using any of your ideas?

<Yes! She decided to give Len's idea a try!>

Len's...?

What did he come up with?

<Lemonade!

But not just any lemonade...>

<It's suuuper sour!>

<We all tried drinking it, but it was so sour that it made us all scream.>

And MEIKO was okay with that...?

<Hehe. There's a reason behind that!>

<It tastes surprisingly good when you drink it after you practice singing for a while.>

Ah, I see.

Now that you mention it, I've heard that lemon tastes better after you've worked up a sweat.

<Exactly! She wanted you and the others to have something nice and refreshing during your breaks!>

<But it definitely was too sour.

She's apparently going to add some honey when it does become available for order.>

Yes, I see...

I'll ask the others to see if they'd like to try it out.

<Great! Len probably won't know what to do with himself! Please be sure to tell him what you all think.>

<Between practicing and working on your individual tasks, I know you're all very busy right now...>

<But you should come over to take a break if you ever feel the need! MEIKO's place will always be your oasis!>

KAITO...

You're right...

We'll try to rest when we can since we need to in order to perform at our best.

<Yes, excellent!>

<Oh, I need to apologize!

I didn't mean to do all the talking...!>

<You're such a wonderful listener that I couldn't help myself... I'm sorry!>

No, um... That's not a problem.

(There's really no need for him to apologize. If anything, today...)

Thank you, KAITO.

<Huh...?>

<Wait, why are you thanking me...?

I don't remember doing anything to be thanked for...>

No, that's not true.

I really appreciate what you've done.

<You do...?

Then, I'm glad to hear that!>

<Anyway, Toya, good night!

Make sure to stay warm, and don't forget to set your alarm!!!>

Thank you. I appreciate the concern.

I plan on getting a good night's rest so that I'm ready to do my best again tomorrow.