...

There you are, KAITO.

Were you practicing just now?

Not really...

Is something going on?

We were hoping to get in some practice before the girls came.

We're looking for one more to fill out our group, but Miku and Luka are busy practicing a different song.

So, would you like to join us?

Okay, I will.

Really? Thanks, KAITO!

Phew...

Alright, that should be good!

Thanks for practicing with us like this.

You're very welcome!

I've been meaning to work on this song as well!

But I can still keep going...

Oh, if you're in the mood, mind working with me on this one part? It's still sort of bothering me.

Okay! Let's do it!

Yay♪ You're the best!

Thanks for helping out, KAITO.

You're welcome...

I really had nothing else to do.

Really? I felt kinda bad interrupting you at first since you seemed to be having fun playing your guitar...

You really don't have to mind me that much...

No, I understand how it's easy to get sucked into your own little world when you're working on something.

I honestly wouldn't want anybody interrupting my concentration.

Oh, I see. If I'm trying to focus on something, then I'd feel the same way...

Right? You know what they say...

“Good fences make good neighbors.”

Plus, Shiho's story taught me that I need to cherish the bonds I've established with others and take good care of myself.

Bonds...?

While we're on the subject, what do we call ourselves?

We're not “childhood friends” or just “friends”, you know?

Hmm...

How about “bandmates”?

Yeah, that's probably the best answer.

That reminds me... What was it like when you first arrived here and met everyone, KAITO?

What was it like...?

I was glad that they were here, I think...?

I mean, if I were the first one here, I'm not sure Ichika and the girls would've been able to discover their true feelings...

Oh, I get what you mean... Based on what I've heard from MEIKO and Luka, it took them a pretty long time, right?

Y-Yes...

What was it like in your case, Len...?

Hmm... Surprising since Rin started treating me like her junior...

But at the same time, the seniority system we have in place works really well for some reason.

Luka and MEIKO definitely seem like the seniors at this school.

Wait, what about me...?

You, KAITO...?

I'd say we're just barely classmates.

Just barely...?

Oh, I didn't mean that in a bad way or anything. I'm trying to say that you're really easy to talk to.

Ah, that's good to hear...

Haha!

It might be fun to ask the others about how they interact with each other.

Yes, it might. We really don't talk enough about ourselves...

Exactly. We always go on and on about music, practice, Ichika and the girls...

So we should have a chat about ourselves sometime.

I'd like that.