Transcript
Clerk
Thank you for waiting. Here is your large fries with lemon and salt.
Sayo
Thank you very much.
Sayo
(Not wanting to be seen purchasing this at nearby stores has made things difficult, but I can finally try this limited-time flavor...)
Sayo
Where's an empty seat...? This looks like a good spot.
???
Sigh...
Sayo
...?
Sayo
(That was a very loud sigh coming from the next table...)
???
Ugh~...
Sayo
(... Hm? That girl... I think we met at the sakura party...)
Sayo
... Kirigaya-san?
Touko
...? Ah, Sayo-san... Hi...
Sayo
... Is something wrong? You seem down...
Touko
Sigh. Does it look that way...?
Sayo
Quite clearly... Is something bothering you?
Touko
Ugh... Listen to this... You see...
Sayo
... So even though you have a concert soon, you are still unable to play the song.
Touko
I'm so totally doomed... I can't move my fingers fast enough, and I can't even keep track of what I'm playing...
Touko
What's more, I have to take this exam for the band before the concert...
Sayo
An exam?
Touko
I'm playing the highlight of our new song, but Rui, the one who wrote it, says she won't allow a half-baked performance.
Touko
She's saying if I can't play it perfectly, she's gonna take my part away from me and do it herself! Can you believe that?!
Sayo
...? That sounds perfectly reasonable...
Touko
What~?! Sayo-san, whose side are you on?!
Sayo
I'm not taking sides... However, I can see that your situation is serious.
Touko
Yeah, I'm totally doomed~... I wish there was some trick to getting better at the guitar fast... You wouldn't happen to know something like that, would you?
Sayo
A trick...? If you ask me, the quickest way to improve your skills is to practice repeatedly...
Touko
Figures~... Sigh. I'm doomed. I'm completely and utterly doomed~...
Sayo
You should not say such things, even in jest. As a member of a band, you have the responsibility to-
Touko
But I don't feel like I'm getting any better even though I've been practicing on my own~. I can't stay focused at all... Ah.
Sayo
Are you okay?
Touko
Sayo-san... Please teach me the guitar!
Sayo
... Huh?
Touko
I don't do well alone. I'm the type that does better when there's somebody to teach me! I think! Probably!
Touko
When it's just me, I can't tell if I'm even playing properly... Please, Sayo-san!
Sayo
I understand, but... I am not good enough to teach...
Touko
No, no, you're totally good enough! You can be sure of that! I'm certain you'll be able to, Sayo-san!
Sayo
You overestimate me... Wait, why am I the one being cheered up by you?
Touko
Ooo~... Please~... Don't abandon me~...
Sayo
It's not about abandoning or helping, it's-
Touko
You're the only one I can turn to...! If you abandon me, I'll be completely doomed for real!
Sayo
K-Kirigaya-san, could you try to keep it down?
Customer
That table's being pretty loud. I wonder what's wrong.
Customer
I think she said, "Don't abandon me." ... What's going on?
Sayo
P-please be a bit more quiet. The other customers are staring...!
Touko
How can you listen to them but not to me~?!
Touko
I'm begging you! Please lend a hand to your poor underclassman in need!
???
... Hm? Hikawa-senpai and... Touko?
Sayo
N-no... You must have the wrong per-... Oh, Hanazono-san?
Tae
I thought you two looked familiar. Looks like I was right.
Tae
... Ah, those are the new fries. Are you two eating together?
Sayo
N-no, we are not!
Tae
Oh, guess I was wrong. What are you two doing then?
Sayo
We are not really doing anything... What is happening is...
Tae
... So that's why you don't want to teach the guitar.
Sayo
Yes, I do not think I will be able to meet her expectations. I have never taught anyone properly, after all...
Tae
... I see. That makes sense.
Sayo
I am relieved you see things the way I do.
Tae
In that case, I'll also help you teach her.
Sayo
... What?
Touko
Really?!
Sayo
... Wait. How did you arrive at that conclusion?
Tae
Hm? You were saying no because you aren't sure if you can teach her properly, right?
Tae
But guess what? I actually have experience teaching the guitar to Kasumi.
Tae
With both of us teaching Touko, you'll have nothing to worry about, Hikawa-senpai.
Sayo
No, that's not-...!
Touko
That's super awesome! With both of you teaching me, I'm gonna become a killer guitarist!
Tae
Mmhmm, we'll do our best to help you become super awesome, Touko.
Sayo
Wait! I never said I would...!
Transcript
Sayo
Sigh... How did I end up being dragged into helping Kirigaya-san practice...?
Tae
...? Hikawa-senpai, is everything okay?
Sayo
Yes, it is nothing...
Touko
Whoa, so this is what the studios at CiRCLE look like! Ah, I don't think I've ever seen this kinda equipment before! I gotta take a picture!
Tae
Hm? Is this your first time in a studio, Touko?
Touko
Yeah, all the studios were booked when we started our band! We usually practice at the atelier at Nanami's place.
Sayo
Ah. They were fully booked for a while, weren't they? Things have started to quiet down, though.
Sayo
Anyhow, let's begin practice then. Could you show me your sheet music?
Touko
Ah, sure! Here it is!
Tae
Wow, this looks like a pretty cool song! The crowd's gonna love it if you can play the highlight.
Sayo
But there are also many difficult phrases for someone who only recently started playing the guitar. Could you play it for us once from the top?
Touko
Got it! Oh, there's this part where I look super awesome playing it, so be sure to pay attention, okay?
Touko
... There! What did you think? I think that's the best I've ever done before!
Sayo
... During the verse, you appeared to be waving your arm more than necessary. Could you explain why...?
Touko
I'm not surprised you noticed, Sayo-san! That's my own personal super awesome guitar-playing move!
Sayo
It's getting in the way of your per-
Tae
I thought it was amazing!
Touko
Right? You've got good taste too, O-Tae-san~.
Tae
I want to try it, too. Why don't we do it together, Hikawa-senpai?
Sayo
I will not! And neither should you, Hanazono-san!
Sayo
... Anyhow, your performance as a whole lacked accuracy.
Touko
Huh?!
Sayo
You also need to pay attention to how you accent the notes. I also noticed there were several sections where you were unable to maintain a consistent tempo.
Sayo
Aside from that...
Touko
S-Sayo-san! Wait!
Sayo
...? Yes, is there something you would like to discuss?
Touko
... Is it just me, or are there a lot of things I need to pay attention to?!
Sayo
There are. That is because this is a very demanding piece.
Touko
Ugh, I can't believe Rui's expecting me to do all of this stuff...
Tae
That must mean she trusts you a lot.
Touko
... What?
Tae
She probably wrote it this way because she believed you'd be able to do it, Touko.
Touko
She... believed in me...
Touko
Jeez, that Rui. I guess she realizes how good I am even if she's always giving me a hard time.
Sayo
... If you are finished, I would like to resume practice.
Touko
Ah, yeah! Of course!
Sayo
For today, let's start by going through each measure in order until you can play them accurately.
Sayo
Kirigaya-san, your fingering became sloppy again during the third measure.
Sayo
Your tempo grew slower as the song went on. Try to make sure you will be in harmony with everyone when the vocalist begins singing.
Tae
Hmmm...
Sayo
...? Wh-what is it, Hanazono-san?
Tae
For someone who seemed so unsure of whether they could teach yesterday, you're pretty enthusiastic today.
Sayo
I am not enthusiastic.
Sayo
I simply wish to do a proper job if I'm going to be teaching.
Sayo
Kirigaya-san, did you understand what I just said?
Touko
Kinda... But it seems really hard to do all of that while playing.
Touko
My fingers are already getting tangled up as it is. All this extra stuff is just gonna make it worse...
Sayo
... Sigh. Now isn't the time for complaining, is it?
Sayo
As I pointed out yesterday, as a member of a band, you have the responsibility to-
Touko
R-right! Yeah, I know!
Sayo
... As long as you understand. During the exam, be sure to keep in mind what I just said. You must also make sure you're playing in harmony with the other members.
Touko
There's more stuff I need to remember?! I can't do all of that at once~...!
Tae
Ah, you're complaining again.
Touko
Ah~, no, I wasn't complaining! I was, um, making an observation! Yeah! Just an observation!
Sayo
Sigh...
Sayo
(I wonder if she'll be able to play the piece in time for her exam...)
Transcript
Sayo
Kirigaya-san, the part I mentioned last time was offbeat again.
Touko
I know, but I can't do it right because I have so many things to keep track of~!
Sayo
Kirigaya-san... You're complaining again...
Touko
No, no! That wasn't complaining! It was an explanation! So it doesn't count!
Sayo
Stop making excuses that make no sense.
Tae
... You may complain and make excuses, but you still keep practicing.
Tae
That really is something.
Touko
Grr~! I'm gonna play this song perfectly next time~!
Sayo
(... True. I had thought she would have given up earlier.)
Touko
Why can't I do this~...?
Touko
I'm fine when I play it slowly, but my fingers get all tangled up when I do it at a normal tempo...
Sayo
... Your performance habits may be getting in the way.
Touko
My habits...? What do you mean?
Sayo
I am referring to your inability to keep your fingers in a proper position and the unnecessary amount of power you put into your arms.
Sayo
If we could identify those habits, we would be able to offer you advice for fixing them...
Touko
Seriously?! I had no idea! I thought I was playing normally~!
Touko
My playing habits, huh~...? How am I supposed to fix something that I can't even see?
Touko
I can't play properly until I fix them, though~...!
Kaoru
Misaki, I must thank you for accompanying me today. Inspiration struck me as I pondered the immortal words of Shakespeare.
Misaki
No problem... I did wonder what the deal was when you suddenly asked me to come, though.
Kaoru
Fufu, my apologies. However, your assistance has brought me one step closer to giving birth to a masterpiece rivaling my "Theme Song of Fleetingness."
Misaki
Ahaha, great... Hm? Hey, isn't that...?
Kaoru
Yes, it is Touko-chan. It must be fate that has brought us together under the fleeting sunset.
Touko
Hmm... What should I do...?
Misaki
She hasn't noticed us at all... Hey~, Kirigaya-san.
Touko
...? Ah, Misaki-san! And Kaoru-san too!
Kaoru
Greetings, Touko-chan. Why does sorrow cloud your face so? Is your heart troubled?
Touko
Actually, yeah. You see...
Kaoru
So the chains of your habits are keeping you from the perfection you so deeply desire...
Touko
Yeah~! And I have no idea what to do...
Kaoru
Hmm, would you allow me to offer you my assistance?
Touko
Huh? Does that mean you'll help me out...?
Kaoru
Indeed, I shall. As a fellow guitarist, I am certain there is much wisdom I will be able to bestow upon you.
Touko
Wow~! You're so awesome, Kaoru-san! Thanks so much!
Touko
This is the sheet music, and this is the part I'm having trouble with...
Kaoru
I see... You did mention the cause was your habits. Might I suggest playing this section... fleetingly?
Touko
Fleetingly...? Oh~, Fleetingly... Gotcha. Fleetingly, huh...?
Touko
Wait, what's playing fleetingly like?!
Misaki
... Kaoru-san, if you've got an idea, it'd be faster if you just showed her by playing.
Kaoru
Fufu, as the Great Bard himself once said, action is eloquence. And act I shall.
Kaoru
Well?
Touko
Oh~! That was so awesome! I've never seen anyone spin around so much!
Kaoru
A fleeting turn, was it not? It is a favorite among my little kittens.
Misaki
Kaoru-san, you didn't have to move around that much just to show her how to play, did you?
Misaki
This isn't a concert. All that leaping and flying around seems excessive.
Kaoru
...? I merely wished to demonstrate how to play fleetingly.
Kaoru
It is such a lovely melody, after all. I thought it best to surrender to it, to let it guide my body and express itself.
Misaki
It still seemed like a bit too much.
Touko
Ahaha! I kinda know what you mean! I also find myself moving to the beat when I'm playing!
Touko
I can't believe you can move around and play properly at the same time, Kaoru-san!
Kaoru
With a little practice, I am sure that you too will be able to do so. Now then, why don't we start from the beginning?
Touko
Huff... Puff... This is harder than it looks...
Kaoru
Fufu, you are doing splendidly. Your performance of the parts I demonstrated are most fleeting.
Touko
Ahaha, sweet! And thanks, Misaki-san!
Misaki
Hm? I haven't done anything, though...
Touko
No, whenever I've been unable to get what Kaoru-san's saying, you've been translating! It's been super helpful!
Misaki
Ahaha... I guess you're welcome, then. By the way, I know you're both having fun, but shouldn't you be working on the part of the song that's giving you trouble, Kirigaya-san?
Touko
Hm? What part?
Misaki
You know, the part you're having trouble playing!
Touko
... Ah! I totally forgot!
Touko
Hm? But I didn't have any trouble playing it just now...
Misaki
Huh? Why...?
Touko
I dunno either... Ah! Maybe my talent just suddenly blossomed!
Misaki
W-well, I'm glad you can play it now.
Touko
Me too! This has also given me ideas for extra moves I can throw in when I'm playing during the show!
Misaki
Ah, do you also like giving a showy performance, Kirigaya-san?
Touko
Of course! Who doesn't wanna look cool when they're doing a show?
Kaoru
Fufu, indeed. It is only natural for the heart to yearn for that which is fleeting.
Touko
So~... If it's alright with you, I'd like to make the other places look cool too...
Kaoru
You wish for my continued assistance then, is that it? Alas, the sun will not permit us to continue further. It would be best if we continue another time. Would that be sufficient?
Touko
Sure! And thanks a lot!
Kaoru
After our schoolwork is done, Misaki and I shall be searching for fleeting melodies here. You are welcome to seek us out whenever you have need of us.
Transcript
Touko
...!
Touko
Yeah! Did you see that?! I made it all the way to the end, right?!
Tae
Mmhmm, you did. I'm glad you've learned how to play it.
Sayo
Yes. It is starting to sound like a proper performance now. Not only that, you smoothly played the part that had previously given you trouble.
Touko
Phew... What a relief. I was so worried I wasn't gonna make it in time for the exam~...
Sayo
(Her performance is still not good enough for a concert, but at least we have something to work with now.)
Sayo
(I'm surprised she was able to fix her habits on her own, though. Despite her complaining, there seems to be more to her than meets the eye...)
Tae
Hikawa-senpai? Are you okay?
Sayo
Yes, I just realized I may have misjudged Kirigaya-san...
Sayo
(However, there is something that bothers me...)
Tae
... You're concerned with the way Touko's playing?
Sayo
Yes. Hanazono-san, what did you think of her performance?
Tae
She's gotten a lot better. It's like a frozen hamburger steak that's slowly being defrosted.
Sayo
I'm not sure I understand your metaphor, but... have you noticed the way she plays has changed? She added a number of theatrics one would see during a concert...
Tae
Ah, you might be right. I don't think that's a bad thing, though. She's no longer having trouble with that one part of the song either.
Sayo
And that is what I'm confused by. Her playstyle has changed, and her performance of the area troubling her has improved...
Sayo
I do not understand how or why...
Tae
Hmm... Did you try asking her?
Sayo
I did not. If it is something she is doing subconsciously, pointing it out may cause her to lose the progress she has made.
Sayo
Anyway, since her performance has improved, I think it is safe to watch and observe for the time being.
Tae
Ahaha, you're totally acting like her teacher, Hikawa-senpai.
Sayo
Th-that is not my intent... I'm just attempting to fulfill my responsibilities to her...
Tae
I see. You know, we should go see her show if she passes her exam.
Sayo
Yes, we should.
Sayo
... Hm?
Sayo
That is Kirigaya-san, is it not?
Tae
Kaoru-san and Misaki are there too. And Touko and Kaoru-san have their guitars...
Touko
Kaoru-san, like this?
Kaoru
Splendid. With each passing day, your performance grows increasingly fleeting.
Misaki
Oh... I had no idea something could grow more fleeting...
Kaoru
You are doing everything I have taught you flawlessly, Touko-chan. It is so fleeting that my heart trembles...!
Touko
Awesome! Do you think we can do something new today, then? I wanna improve this part here!
Kaoru
I see. Then you should strike a pose here.
Touko
Ooh, I like that! I'm totally taking that idea! Ah, but if I do, I want something a bit more flashy!
Kaoru
Fufu, how about a jump after striking a pose then?
Touko
Kaoru-san... Are you a genius or something? I love that!
Kaoru
Then today, I shall teach you how to jump fleetingly. The key is to imagine yourself becoming a swan as you leap through the air.
Touko
A... swan?
Kaoru
Indeed. Just as a swan gracefully takes flight from a lake, you must spread your wings wide as you dance through the air...!
Tae
They're jumping around in the air while holding their guitars. I don't know what they're doing, but it looks fun!
Sayo
What in the world is going on...?
Transcript
Sayo
I see... So you have also been learning how to play the guitar from Seta-san.
Touko
Yeah, Kaoru-san's so amazing! She can play properly even while doing really flashy moves and dancing around so much!
Touko
That's why I've been having her help me come up with some moves for our song!
Kaoru
Fufu, to be drawn to fleetingness is fate.
Touko
And I don't really get it myself, but it's easier to play when I do the moves she's taught me.
Sayo
You have an easier time playing when you incorporate her movements...
Sayo
I see...! I have finally solved the mystery!
Misaki
Huh? What mystery?
Sayo
Well, you see...
Misaki
Gotcha, so she suddenly fixed her bad habits and played the part that was giving her trouble.
Sayo
Correct. However, I was troubled by how her playing style had shifted towards one tailored for concerts.
Misaki
Yeah... That's Kaoru-san's influence for sure...
Tae
...? I get why the way Touko plays changed, but why would her habits be fixed?
Kaoru
Fufu, 'tis the power of fleetingness.
Misaki
Kaoru-san. That doesn't explain a thing.
Sayo
No, it is as Seta-san says.
Misaki
Huh? Sayo-senpai, you're joking, right?
Sayo
No, I am not.
Sayo
I have seen Hello, Happy World! perform on stage several times. Seta-san is someone who emphasizes the more theatrical aspects of a performance.
Tae
She does! She's always moving around on stage. I sometimes wonder how she can do that and still play properly.
Sayo
... And that is exactly it. Seta-san has developed her own way of playing the guitar that is not hampered by vigorous movement.
Sayo
And if Kirigaya-san is learning from Seta-san, that means...
Misaki
Oh, I get it...
Sayo
Yes, Kirigaya-san's habits have been overwritten by Seta-san's.
Misaki
You're making it sound like fighting poison with a stronger poison... Well, calling it poison is a bit much, but still...
Misaki
I thought you said playing your way would allow her to overcome her habits, but all you did was give her yours...
Sayo
I had never considered such a method for fixing Kirigaya-san's habits...
Kaoru
As Shakespeare himself once said, "And to the manner born, it is a custom more honored in its breach than its observance."
Tae
Ah, there goes Kaoru-san quoting Shakespeare again.
Misaki
Ah, you can just ignore her, Sayo-senpai. She just... does that. She's got Shakespeare syndrome or something.
Sayo
No... I think Seta-san is telling us we need to question our preconceptions if we hope to achieve better results.
Kaoru
... Fufu, it is... but that.
Misaki
C'mon, you definitely weren't thinking that, Kaoru-san.
Sayo
It is as she says, though. I had never conceived of such an approach.
Sayo
... Seta-san. Could you teach me how to play the guitar just like you have been doing with Kirigaya-san?
Misaki
S-Sayo-senpai?!
Touko
Huh? Are you going to practice with me, Sayo-san?!
Sayo
Yes. I believe learning the guitar from Seta-san will allow me to make new discoveries I had never thought of.
Misaki
No... I'm sure there are better ways of doing that...
Tae
Ah, this looks like fun. Could you teach me too? The melody you make with your guitar always sounds so fun, Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
Fufu, I would be honored to do so. Nothing brings me greater joy than to know that my humble guitar can be of use to my little kittens.
Sayo
Yes, thank you!
Misaki
The situation seems to be rapidly going off the rails...
Misaki
This did happen at the festival too... Sayo-senpai doesn't seem like it, but she's pretty easily swayed by people like Kaoru-san...
Kaoru
That was a most fleeting performance, everyone.
Sayo
W-was it...? I do not think I was able to play like you, Seta-san.
Kaoru
Fufu, there are as many flavors of fleetingness as there are stars in the sky. There is meaning to simply feeling fleetingness.
Sayo
That is true... If you had not taught me, I never would have known just how much attention you pay to how a performance appears to the audience.
Kaoru
That is because I wish for the little kittens attending our shows to see only the best that I have to offer, no matter where in the audience they may be.
Sayo
I see... So that is the kind of performance you aim for.
Tae
Oooh, you're so cool, Kaoru-san!
Misaki
Yeah, that's one of the few things I can respect about you.
Tae
... Ah, I know! Why don't you guys join our practices?
Sayo
That would be more efficient.
Kaoru
Fufu, your wish is my command.
Misaki
Seeing as I'm already involved anyway, I guess I can stick around. Is that all right with you, Kirigaya-san?
Touko
Totally! I get to be taught by four upperclassmen! You guys are like an invincible team!
Misaki
Ahaha, I dunno about that.
Sayo
Well then, since your exam will be soon, we should work on refining your performance.
Kaoru
Oh? What is this exam you speak of...?
Sayo
Kirigaya-san has to pass a band performance exam, or else she will lose the part she is playing. I believe you said it was in two weeks, correct?
Touko
Yeah, it's in two weeks exactly! I added it to my scheduling app, so I'm absolutely certain of the date!
Touko
... Huh?
Misaki
Is something the matter?
Touko
Uh... The slot that's two weeks from today says, "Day of the show!"
Sayo
... Kirigaya-san, when is the exam?
Touko
It's supposed to be ten days before the show, so...
Touko
... Ummm, in four days.
Touko
This is bad, this is bad, this is bad! I am totally, absolutely, and completely doomed!
Sayo
... Take a deep breath. We should return to CiRCLE and resume practice immediately.
Kaoru
Fufu, it seems we will have busy times ahead.
Tae
... I'm starting to get fired up.
Misaki
I'll call now to reserve a studio for the next three days starting tomorrow.
Sayo
Practice will not be easy, so you should be ready, Kirigaya-san.
Touko
Ooo... Th-thank you...!
Transcript
Sayo
Kirigaya-san, your timing is still off. Try to play that part slightly quicker.
Touko
Got it!
Kaoru
The part I taught you during the second measure was done wonderfully. If you are able to do so on the day of your concert, the performance is sure to go well.
Touko
Ah, okay!
Tae
It might be easier to play the part Hikawa-senpai indicated if you straighten your fingers a bit more.
Touko
O-okay...
Misaki
Um, why don't we take a break? It seems like Kirigaya-san's at her limit...
Touko
I... I don't think I've ever practiced this much in my entire life...
Sayo
... A break it is. Let's resume in fifteen minutes then.
Tae
Tomorrow's the big day. Do you think she'll make it in time, Hikawa-senpai?
Sayo
It will be close, but I think she will be able to make it. Seta-san and Hanazono-san are also helping her, after all.
Misaki
I'm not sure she'll have enough stamina. You rarely see people that exhausted.
Kaoru
Indeed. Passing the exam will be for naught if she falls ill before the concert.
Sayo
That may be, but if Kirigaya-san stops now, she will be the one who regrets it the most during her performance.
Kaoru
Fufu, truer words have never been spoken. As her elders, we must do our part to help her on her journey.
Sayo
Yes, let's work together to help her... Hm? Where did Kirigaya-san go...?
Touko
Ugh, I'm super tired...
Kaoru
I was wondering where you had fluttered off to.
Touko
Ah, Kaoru-san. Just trying to get some fresh air...
Kaoru
That is understandable. You have practiced hard for three days, after all. It is important to rest when able.
Touko
I'm really grateful for all the help you've given me. I owe you guys!
Kaoru
No, 'tis nothing for my sweet little kitten.
Kaoru
The others surely feel as I do as well.
Touko
Kaoru-san... Ahaha, you're all so nice!
Touko
If I were a god, I'd definitely grant each of you one wish!
Touko
I'm really lucky I've had all of you help me practice.
Touko
I've also seen that none of you are satisfied with simply being able to play a piece.
Kaoru
What is it that you mean?
Touko
Like in your case, you throw in extra moves and stuff. You also put a lot of thought into how the audience sees you.
Touko
Skill-wise, Sayo-san is like a guitar god compared to me, but she practices so hard. She never settles for anything less than perfect...
Touko
Seeing guys like you made me realize I shouldn't be satisfied with where I am now!
Sayo
Indeed. That is what it means to be entrusted with a role within a band.
Touko
Sayo-san...
Sayo
To be frank, I was not interested in helping you practice when you first asked me.
Sayo
You were always quick to complain, and I did not sense any commitment towards your band or the guitar.
Sayo
But as I saw you practice, I came to realize that despite your complaining, you show commitment in your own way.
Sayo
And that is why I decided to continue assisting you.
Touko
H-huh? I didn't expect such serious praise from you, Sayo-san! This is really embarrassing!
Sayo
It was not my intent to offer you praise. I merely shared my thoughts with you.
Touko
And that's what makes it so embarrassing!
Touko
... Anyway, looks like I've got high expectations to live up to! But I won't disappoint you. I'm a genius, after all!
Sayo
Fufu, I had a feeling you would say that.
Tae
... Hm? I was wondering why none of you had returned. What were the three of you up to?
Misaki
It's already past break time.
Kaoru
You have my apologies for the wait. Shall we resume practice then?
Touko
Yeah! Thanks again for sticking around to help me!
Sayo
You're welcome. Let us continue doing our best until the end.
Transcript
Sayo
... The day has finally arrived. I wonder if Kirigaya-san will be okay...
Misaki
Ahaha... You're worrying too much, Sayo-senpai. You've been like that all day.
Sayo
I know, but...
Misaki
She said she passed the exam. Besides, she's practiced so much. I'm sure she'll be fine.
Kaoru
We have done all that we can. All that remains for us is to watch over her.
Sayo
... Y-yes, you are right. I should learn from how relaxed Hanazono-san is... Hm?
Misaki
Ah, she's over there. It looks like she's getting something to drink... Ah, she's coming back.
Tae
Hm? Aren't you going to get something to drink? I recommend the orange juice here.
Sayo
... Perhaps she is too relaxed.
Misaki
Ahaha... Yeah.
Kaoru
The concert is beginning. Let us bear witness to Touko-chan's moment in the spotlight.
Touko
Thanks, guys~! Our next song's gonna be a new one!
Touko
I'll be playing the super awesome highlight, so start getting hyped! All right, it's all yours, Shiro!
Mashiro
U-um... This song is...
Sayo
Wh-why is she raising expectations for herself...?!
Kaoru
Fufu, that is because the blood of a true entertainer courses through her veins.
Tae
Guys, it's starting.
Sayo
Her start is going well, but the next phrase is difficult... I wonder if she will be able to play it properly...
Misaki
Ahaha, Sayo-senpai, you're acting like a guardian at school on parents' day.
Tae
... Ah, it's the part that was hard to teach Touko. She struggled with it a lot.
Sayo
Yes. What's more, she has to deal with the pressure of performing it at this concert. I hope she will be able to do it...
All
...
Misaki
... She did it! Did you see that, Sayo-senpai? She did it perfectly!
Sayo
Yes, that was her best performance yet! And here comes the highlight...
Kaoru
She poured her heart into its mastery. I am sure her performance will be splendid...
Kaoru
Fufu, it appears words are unnecessary. The cheers are a reflection of her efforts.
Touko
Thanks for coming~! Our next gig's gonna be super awesome, so don't miss it either, okay?
Customer A
What was that band called? Was it Morfonica? They were pretty cool!
Customer B
That girl on the guitar was Touko, right? I didn't know she was that good.
Misaki
... It's over.
Kaoru
Yes. Words cannot do justice to how fleeting the concert was.
Tae
Mmhmm, I got goosebumps.
Sayo
...
Misaki
Hm? Are you crying, Sayo-senpai?
Sayo
I-I am not!
Sayo
It's just... This was a different experience from reviewing my own concerts or watching another group perform.
Sayo
In a way, it was more nerve-wracking than performing on stage. All I could do was watch.
Tae
I could tell from the way you were clenching your fists the whole time, Hikawa-senpai.
Kaoru
Indeed. The determination to not miss a single note was clearly written on your face.
Sayo
I had not realized I had become so engrossed in the show.
Kaoru
Fufu, neither did I. Come, let us go and share our thoughts with Touko-chan.
Sayo
Yes. It was a good performance, but we should let her know that there is still room for improvement.
Misaki
Ahaha, you're so strict, Sayo-senpai...
Tae
Ah, looks like she's coming to us.
Touko
There you guys are! I've been looking for all of you~!
Sayo
We were about to go to the dressing room. Are you sure you should be out here, though...? If the audience finds you...
Touko
Ahaha, no biggie! So, what did you think? Was I awesome?!
Sayo
... Fufu.
Sayo
... Yes, you were. It was a very good concert.
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