(*Sigh*

I can't believe I left my sheet music behind in the classroom...)

(Was I that interested in Shiho's story...?)

(To be honest, it pained me to hear what she went through...)

(However...

I was able to learn a little more about Shiho.)

Oh...

Oh. Hi, KAITO.

H-Hello...

Um... You're early...

I know. I was hoping to work on a few things before the others got here.

What are you doing here, KAITO?

I left my sheet music here...

(I don't want to interrupt her with her practice. I should find that sheet music and...)

Huh...? It's not here...

Oh, Luka and Honami were cleaning up the locker area yesterday. They may've swept it up and put it away somewhere by accident...

I'll help you look.

It's the sheet music for song you were practicing the other day, right?

Oh, um... Yes...

(We might find it faster by working together, and free her up to practice...)

(I'd rather not take away from her time...)

Alright... I'll try looking over here.

Okay, I'll look over there.

...

...

(This is nice... Sort of...)

(Is it because I learned about an important phase of her life yesterday...?)

...

...

Sorry, but...

Hm? Yes?

Do you always come here this early to practice on your own?

No, only when I have some free time.

I usually just practice at home.

I see...

I don't see that sheet music anywhere.

Same.

We can try... That shelf, maybe?

Here...?

Oh, this looks like a bundle of sheet music...

But I'd feel bad about taking it apart after it's been so neatly put together...

We can just bundle it back up.

True...

Alright...

Can you take this half?

Sure...

Why are you giggling, Shiho...?

Sorry, I couldn't help it. We've never really had a chance to talk like this is all.

Oh... Do you feel uncomfortable talking to me?

No, nothing like that...

Actually, it feels like you've been tip-toeing around something for a while now...

No... Not intentionally at least...

Okay, that's good.

I don't talk very much when I'm in these kinds of situations, so it feels a bit unusual.

Oh... I feel the same way...

It's not that I don't like chatting, but I'm not very talkative...

Same.

Oh, that's right... You said that you've always had trouble working with others on things.

Exactly.

Talking in particular has probably been my biggest failing.

I always have trouble holding back and tend to just speak my mind, which usually doesn't end well...

I regret my mistakes and know I need to fix that part of me, but it's so hard.

I see...

(But I've never seen her raise her voice or get mad over something for no reason...)

(She's also the one who usually suggests when to take breaks, which clearly means she's looking out for everyone.)

...

Saying hurtful words isn't good...

But being too afraid of taking chances and not saying anything just wouldn't be you, Shiho.

Ichika and the girls...

I'm certain that they're willing to listen to everything you have to say.

That's why I think you should just say what you feel whenever you're with them.

And if that doesn't work out...

It's okay. You'll always have us.

I guess that's one way to go...

Thank you, KAITO.

Don't thank me. I was just speaking my mind... Oh, here it is.

Thank you, Shiho. I found my sheet music.

I'm glad.

Oh, I know. I was planning on practicing this song, so why don't you join me for practice?

A-Are you sure...?

(We might be able to play it really well right now...)

Okay.

I'll go get my guitar.

Exactly.