Lost Stars, Echoing Cries

Ah...

Saki-chan! I'm so glad you came! You're soaking wet! Are you all right?

...

You didn't come to school, and you didn't reply to anyone...

I came here today because I have something to say.

...

I am quitting CRYCHIC.

What...?

...

W-wait... Why don't we sit down for a bit...?

Why are you doing this...? Did something happen...?

Is it something you can't tell us? Or is it because of us? If there's something wrong, we'll fix it, okay?

It's my problem and mine alone.

But why? Our last live show was fun, wasn't it? You said you wanted to do it again, didn't you?

I never said that.

Y-You didn't...? But you're the one who started CRYCHIC, Saki-chan. If you quit, then...

...

Are you really quitting?

Tomori asked you a question. And isn't this kind of irresponsible of you?

Why aren't you saying anything?

Taki-chan, don't...

Then, could she stop causing trouble for us? Even today, we were waiting for Sakiko, so we...

Taki-chan!

You can do it without me, can't you?

What?

If you want to practice, then just do it. There's no rule that says we all have to be here for it. Don't blame other people.

But Saki-chan, if you're not here...

Could you please not talk like a spoiled child? Tomori, you need to practice more than anyone else. What have you been doing all this time?

Tomori was waiting for you!

...! ...

Wait...! Let's talk this out! After all, we've had so much fun getting to where we are... Mutsumi-chan, you think so too, don't you?

...

I... I've never thought being in this band was fun, not even once.

What...?

Hmm~~! The interview is over~!

(I think I did pretty well~ My grades are good too, so I'll probably get in no problem.)

This is where I'm going to start over.

Hm?

Hey, did you drop something?

Ah...

(What's this girl looking for...? Hm? She's picking up rocks?)

Umm... are you taking those rocks back with you?

......?

!?

You finally noticed me. I've been talking to you...

...!

...Huh? What was that...?

Nice to meet you! I'm Anon Chihaya! I'll be a member of this class from today!

Due to my family's circumstances, I'm transferring in at a weird time, but I hope we'll get along. I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

Chihaya-san, go ahead and sit in the seat furthest back.

Yes.

Oh, the rocks...

...?

Ah, ahahaha, nice to meet you.

(Phew, my greeting to the class went smoothly, that should do if I want to fit in here, right?)

(My seat is behind this girl, huh... I think she's the one who was picking up rocks on the day of my transfer interview, right?)

Chihaya-san...

Huh? What's wrong?

I'm Tomori Takamatsu. Nice to meet you...

Y-Yeah... Nice to meet you.

(Oh no, it's the lunch break...! Who should I be friendly with?)

(They're way too high energy... They're... too serious.)

Tomori-chan, heading to the astronomy club again?

Yeah.

(The trio over there... yeah, they seem easy to talk to.)

Um... do you mind if I eat with you?

Yeah, of course! Tell us your stories, Chihaya-san.

Really!? Yay~ I was worried I wouldn't find anyone to eat with.

It's hard when everyone's already grouped up, huh? I totally get it.

Your family name, Chihaya, it's like a first name. It's cute. What did they call you at your last school?

Um...

...You can call me Anon!

Then, Anon-chan it is! You mentioned that you transferred in late because of family stuff. That must be rough.

Oh, yeah! It's super rough! I mean, everyone's formed their cliques already, right?

Huh? But you know Tomori-chan, right? You talked with her this morning.

Oh, no! I just ran into her earlier while she was picking up... rocks?

Yeah, sometimes she picks things up like that.

That's Haneoka's guileless girl for you!

She's like a cute little animal, isn't she?

The other day in the courtyard...

(Huh...? Are we done talking about me already?)

...

(What is she looking at...? Well, whatever. Those girls from before are...)

Ah! Let's head home together!

Huh?

What's wrong?

I just noticed that lots of people in this class brought their instruments.

You also brought yours. Are you in a band?

Yeah, we only just started though. I think a lot of us in this school probably are in bands.

I think the only one in our class who isn't in a band is Tomori-chan.

Oh... Everyone really is in a band...

What about you, Anon-chan? Do you play any instruments?

Huh? Ah... Yeah, a little. I guess I did guitar and vocals...

Oh! Me too! Me too! If you'd like, Anon-chan, why don't you join our band? We just need one more guitarist to play an Afterglow song!

(Guitar? Joining as a guitarist among the three of them...)

(Which would mean... I'd probably be off to the side...)

Thanks! I'll think about it!

*Sigh*... I'm so tired~ My face muscles are dead...

But I made some friends. For the first day, it's not bad.

Umm... where did I put the guitar...

Found it!

I mean, everyone's in a band, right? I have to be in one, too.

Huh?

I'm sorry! I'd like to be in your band, but it's been a while since my middle school cultural festival, and I don't really know Afterglow yet, so...

(And if I'm gonna do it, I'd rather do guitar and vocals.)

What? You don't have to worry about that!

I was happy you invited me, but I'll try finding the members myself.

Oh, that's a shame...

If you're looking for members, you should check out the bulletin board at a live house. A new live house called RiNG just opened, so why not check it out?

Really? RiNG, huh? Thank you for telling me~

Looking for members at a live house, huh...

I don't really want to get that serious about the band though. I hope I can find the members in the school...

Hm... this piano sound... From the music room?

...

(She's the one playing the piano...! It's... not a club activity, right? She's alone.)

(I mean, she's really good...)

Phew...

You're really good at playing the piano...!

...? Are you in the wind instrument club?

Oh, nothing like that! I just came to listen...

Um... want to be in a band with me?

What...?

Ah... Sorry for bringing it up so suddenly. Um, I'm a first-year. My name is Chihaya. Ah, please call me Anon.

I'm looking for band members right now. I do guitar and vocals... So I hope you can play the keyboard or something...

No. I'm sorry. I can't meet your expectations.

No good, huh... I thought I finally found an amazing keyboardist...

I wonder if there's anyone who'd like to form a band with me...

Hm? The girl over there is...

(Didn't they say that she isn't in a band either?)

I guess I'll ask, just in case.

Oh, there you are! Hey! Um... Takamatsu-san, eek!

Ow... My legs got tripped up...

You tripped...?

Oh, I'm fine, don't worry. I just scraped my palm a little...

Bandages...!

Huh? W-Wait... where are you rushing to!?

Oh, there you are. I was so surprised that you suddenly started running... What's wrong?

Bandages... which would you like?

Huh? Wow. They're all bandages!?

Yeah.

I can really use one?

Yeah.

Really? Sorry. All of them have cute patterns~ Oh, I like this penguin one.

...! It's a bearded penguin!

What? Moustache?

It has a moustache on its head here, see? It's in the same genus as the Adélie penguin and the gentoo penguin. There's more in the penguin series of bandages...

Takamatsu-san, do you like penguins?

What? I do think... they're cute...

Why do you sound so unsure?

I was just collecting them, that's all... I think what I like is finding them... probably.

Oh. I get that. If I see cute pens, I buy them even though I don't need them!

Really!?

I have a cape penguin, a macaroni penguin, and a king penguin, too!

W-Wait, wait, I don't need that many.

Ah... I see...

O-Okay, I'll take them!

(Mmm, don't get depressed so quickly...)

Alright, bandage is on... that should do it!

Takamatsu-san, are you in the astronomy club? There's a telescope, so this must be the astronomy club room, right?

Y-Yeah...

Hm? That's a band poster. I think it's Roselia... right?

Apparently, the previous club leader liked them. She wrote a lot in the notebook.

Notebook? You mean this activity log? Let me see... "I saw the stars today. It was a la, la, la sort of starry sky." "La, la, la"? What's that...?

...The astronomy club seems to attract a lot of dreamers, or is it maybe quirky types?

Want to join? I'm the only one in the astronomy club... If you joined, it would make me really happy!

What? Ah~~ Okay, I'll think about it!

Ah... okay, I see...

(Mmm, and she's depressed again. Don't get depressed so quickly... Hm?)

Oh, is this your notebook, Takamatsu-san? You keep a diary too? Can I read it?

Ah, that is...

Takamatsu-san, you are in a band!

"Haruhikage." I don't know that song.

...

I'm not... in a band anymore.

For real? Then, want to be in one with me? I do guitar and vocals, so you can play anything you like aside from those!

(If I bring the class's mascot character, we'll definitely attract attention!)

...I won't do it.

Really? That's okay!

Even if I were in a band...

It would just go wrong again, so...

...

Oh, honestly!

Tomori-chan, let's go have some fun!

What...?

Times like this call for karaoke. Let's go!

Huh? What?

...

You've been spacing out for a while now. What's up? Wait, is this your first time doing karaoke?

No. I've been here before.

Okay. Then, can you sing sumimi's stuff? I'll do Uika's parts, so you sing Mana-chan's.

Who... are they...?

Huh? You don't know sumimi? They're pretty popular right now, though... They're a duo, and they're super cute~

...

Oh, you don't know them... Would you rather sing something you like?

I won't sing. I'm not good at singing...

It's okay if you're not good at it! We came here together. If I'm the only one singing, it's a little... You know?

...

Hmm... so, what was that song from earlier? "Haruhikage"... hmm, I can't find it no matter how much I search.

That's... because it's a song we wrote together as a band.

Oh, it was an original song...? Tomori-chan, is your band like, pretty serious or something...?

...

Hey... what did you mean when you said "it'll just fall apart again"?

Why do you think joining a band will just end up breaking it apart again? Did your last band have a lot of drama?

Huh... could that be it? Musical differences or something!?

Huh?... No, I don't think so.

It was probably... my fault...

I see. That's rough...

...

...But, isn't it better to just try your best so it doesn't fall apart again?

What...?

When things go wrong, if you don't believe that you can start over... I mean, life is long, right? You'll never make it otherwise!

Next time, you might find super amazing members, like a miracle, right?

Ah, I can't say that I'm that person. But I wish you'd be in my band~♪ You know? And Tomori-chan, you have experience.

...... Then...

Will you be in a band with me for the rest of our lives?

Huh...? Our whole lives? Ah... Ahaha, Tomori-chan, you're funny.

Ah... I-I'm sorry...!

Ah! Tomori-chan!? Where are you going!? Wait a second...!

Tomori-chan! Wait!

...!

Haa... Haa... I'm sorry for laughing...

It's fine... I'm the one who said something weird.

Thank you for inviting me to join your band... But... I'm sorry.

Tomori-chan...

Tomori!

!?

Tomori, are you okay!?

Who are you? What do you want with Tomori?

W-What...? Who's this? Tomori-chan, do you know her?

I'm the one asking the questions here!

...!

Huh, Tomori-chan!? She ran again...!

Tomori... Who are you to Tomori?

I'm telling you, I'm her friend...

Her friend? But, you were chasing Tomori, weren't you?

I was only chasing her because she ran from me! All I did was invite her to join my band.

What? You... invited Tomori to join your band?

Huh? Yeah, I did. And you know, there's no need to take that tone with...

You scum.

!? What!? You're the one who came running in.

That's enough. Don't ever get close to Tomori again.

Hey! What's with that girl!? That was so rude!

Did something happen? Are you all right?

Ah, um... I-It's nothing~

Ah...

...

Ah, Mutsumi-chan! I'm sorry. I just wanted to see you for a moment before club activities started.

Did something happen?

Have you heard from Saki-chan?

No...

I see... I thought that since you and she have been friends since you were little, she would have contacted you at least.

I went to RiNG yesterday, but... I wasn't able to meet up with Taki-chan~

I wonder where Saki-chan is now. Do you think she's doing well?

...

Back then... when Saki-chan said she was quitting the band, I should have really... really listened to her properly.

...

Oh... I'm so sorry, Mutsumi-chan!

It isn't your fault, Mutsumi-chan. Don't blame yourself too much, okay?

...

I think I might try going over to Saki-chan's place sometime. Mutsumi-chan, you know her address, don't you? I'd be happy if you could tell me.

I'll try... contacting her again...

I see. Thank you.

...

Don't worry. Things will go back to being the way they were. Just leave it to me.

Morning~

Anon-chan, morning~

Morning!

...

(Uh oh, Tomori-chan's depressed...)

(Given yesterday's situation, it's no wonder... It seems like Tomori-chan's band has been through a lot.)

(I still don't really get the "whole lives" thing... But it leaves a bad taste in my mouth... Okay.)

Morning~ Tomori-chan.

...! Anon-chan...

Oh, you're looking at penguin bandages again, aren't you? What kind of penguin was that again?

What...? This is... a bearded penguin...

Oh right, the bearded penguin! It was also on one of the bandages you gave me in the club room.

You remembered...?

Um... I'll give this bearded penguin to you, too.

I'll take it. Thanks~

Oh right. Did you go to RiNG? There were quite a few recruitment posters up.

Um, not yet~

It's hard to go inside alone, right? It's always nerve-wracking the first time you go somewhere~

We're rehearsing in the studio today! If you'd like, let's all go together!

(I'm not really that serious though...)

(But I can't say that... *Sigh*...)

Thank you, all of you~! It's a good opportunity, so please take me along~

(RiNG... I thought I've seen it somewhere...)

(It's the place I got into a fight yesterday.)

(They've gone to the studio for practice, so I'll just check the bulletin board notices and go home.)

Um, bulletin board, bulletin board... Hmm... No one's looking for guitarists or vocalists. I'm going home.

Ah! The person from Tsukinomori yesterday!

(Speaking of Tsukinomori, it's the most elite of elite girls' schools...)

(I've heard only children of politicians and celebrities can get in. Maybe it'd be a good idea to become friends with her...!)

Hey! Thank you for yesterday!

...?

You asked if I was all right at the entrance here!

Oh, you're the girl from that time? Don't mind, it's fine.

That time, some random girl started picking on me. I didn't know what to do after getting yelled at like that by someone I'd just met...

I see. I'm sorry my friend caused you trouble. But I don't think she meant to be mean or anything...

(What? Oh no...! I never imagined that she and the girl from yesterday would know each other...!)

Ah... I'm sorry for complaining about a friend of yours...

Hehe, it's all right. Getting spoken to in that tone of voice with no warning, it's only natural to be surprised.

Well, instead of standing around, why don't we have tea together at that Café?

Welcome~ Should I call Taki-chan out here?

Thank you. A little later, if you would.

Is there anything you recommend?

Maybe the black tea? It's so delicious. It's one of my favorites.

Hehe, you've been speaking so politely this whole time, but we're probably the same age, aren't we?

What? Are you a first-year in high school? You're so composed, I thought you must be an upperclasswoman~!

See? You're still speaking politely!

Ahaha... Um, may I ask your name? I'm Anon!

Anon-chan, is it? I'm Soyo.

Soyo-san!

...

Rāna-chan. Are you here for the open mic?

Yeah.

Just a sec, okay?

Have you decided what you want from the menu?

Hey! Excuse me!

Coming! Taki-chan! Could you cover the floor, please?

Got it.

We'd like to order, please.

Ah...!

(It's the person who harassed me yesterday! Ugh... Someone I never wanted to see again has appeared...)

I'll have the usual. What about you, Anon-chan?

What's your usual?

Earl Grey, hot.

Oh, how lovely~ I'll have the same!

Tch.

You just clicked your tongue at me!!

Taki-chan, that isn't polite.

Two Earl Grey, hot.

So, Anon-chan, are you looking for band members?

You were looking at the bulletin board. So I thought you might want to join a band~

Ah... yeah, that's right, but I didn't see anyone looking for the part I want to do...

What about social media then? If you search, there are posts recruiting all sorts of positions.

Huh, social media... I didn't know that. Soyo-san, you know so much!

That's because I was in a band before.

What? I'm sort of surprised that someone from Tsukinomori would be in a band...

Is it really so unusual? Back in middle school, a friend invited me to join~

You're so lucky~! Everyone at my school is already in a band~ I can't really find any bands looking for my part...

Anon-chan, which part do you play?

I'm vocalist and guitarist!

!!

...

Wow.

You're already done?

I'm satisfied.

She was amazing, wasn't she?

Worst case scenario, I wouldn't mind letting someone else play guitar... But I really want to be on vocals...

Earl Grey, hot.

...

Such a bad attitude...

Why are you two fighting?

No idea. I was talking with my friend and she showed up out of nowhere. She asked me what I wanted, if I was really her friend...

"If I really asked Tomori to be in a band," and then she suddenly snapped... I really don't get it...

...!

Tomori...? Do you mean Tomori Takamatsu-chan ?

What? Um, yes... We're in the same class and... Um, do you know her?

She's my friend.

I see. So, she's at Haneoka...

You said you invited Tomori, right? Are you going to be in a band together?

Umm... she turned me down...

Oh, right, Soyo-san. Which part did you play in the band?

I played bass. Did Tomori-chan say anything?

...?

I see.

Uh, umm, how well do you play bass?

I'm average. I play it in my after school club~

Oh, in that case! I have a suggestion for you...!

(She seems experienced with bands, and knowledgeable and reliable...)

(Moreover, her musical skill seems to be about the same as mine! And in terms of band roles, mine gets more attention...!)

Soyo-san... Will you play with me?

Of course~

What? For real!?

Oh, but I might like to start as just a support player~

Oh, that's totally fine! In that case, may I have your contact info?

Yeah, of course~

(Yay~~~~!! I love you, Soyo-san!!)

I see. So, Tomori-chan turned it down. Well, she is a sensitive girl~

...?

Thank you for today~ It's totally okay with me if you're just a support member. I'm just super happy to get to be in a band with you!

I'm looking forward to everything from here on out!

That's a relief... I might be able to build a band.

I wonder if I'll be able to start over this way.

...

Tomori...? Do you mean Tomori Takamatsu-chan ?

I wonder where Tomori-chan and Soyo-san became friends...?

Thank you for inviting me to join your band... But... I'm sorry.

She's sensitive, huh...? I might have been a little too pushy about it.

...

Maybe later.

...

Tomori-chan, morning~

M-Morning...

I'm sorry about before! Being so pushy in inviting you to join my band.

Ah...

I won't invite you anymore, so don't worry, okay?

......

That girl's wearing a Tsukinomori's uniform, isn't she?

Isn't she the daughter of that comedian, Wakaba!? I saw her on TV~!

Actually, her mom is a super famous actress, which means she's super rich. Of course she goes to Tsukinomori~

......

Saki...

Why did you come to Haneoka without asking?

Because I sent messages, but you didn't answer me...

I told you that I didn't want you to tell anyone where I am, didn't I?

I haven't told anyone...

If you act in a way that attracts attention like that, it's the same as telling people. Everything is ruined.

Soyo is worried about you. She says she wants to go to your home...

Could you tell her that I moved or something?

......

*Sigh*... You can't pull off a trick like that, can you, Mutsumi?

I'll be going now. Mutsumi, don't turn yourself into a carrier pigeon.

Farewell.

Why are you here?

Soyo-san asked me to come here~ She said she had something to talk about the band.

Ah, Soyo-san's here! Soyo-san!

Anon-chan, sorry to keep you waiting. Sorry, I called you out but made you wait.

No! I haven't been waiting long at all!

Hey, you're being overly polite again~

Well then, I'll get back to work.

Ah, wait, Taki-chan. I have something to talk with you, can you spare me just a little time?

What? We're talking about the band today, right?

Yes. We have to do things like decide on the combination of instruments, so I thought we should decide on members. I'm on bass, right? And Anon-chan, you're on guitar...

I'd like to be on guitar and vocals!

And we need a keyboard, too. I do have an idea for a drummer, though.

Taki-chan.

What?

Anon-chan and I are forming a band. Do you want to be in it with us, Taki-chan?

What!? Soyo-san... what are you saying!?

I won't do it.

Soyo-san! We don't need her!

Hey, Taki-chan. If Tomori-chan said she'd be in it with us, what would you do?

There's no way Tomori'll do it. After what happened... Tomori's hurt.

All of us are hurt.

I'm getting back to work.

Taki-chan...

......

(Huh...? What is all this about? Tomori-chan being hurt and...)

(Hm? Wait... The band, that Tomori-chan said went wrong...)

Soyo-san, could it be... the band you were in before...

Yes. We were all in the same band as Tomori-chan.

It's called CRYCHIC... Tomori-chan didn't tell you about it, did she?

What kind of band was it?

......

Can you take a look at this?

Smartphone video...?

Yes, the video quality is a little rough, but...

Is everyone ready?

Wait a second, I need to adjust the camera position. Ah, Mutsumi-chan, you're going to be out of frame~

Mutsumi, you have to be a little more to your left. You need to act like you're going to be in the center.

Yeah...

How about you, Taki-chan? Adjusting the drums?

No, it's already done. Okay.

I see, then... Tomori-chan?

......

Are you okay?

You don't have to try to sing really well. You just have to get your feelings across.

Besides, if you make a mistake, we can just re-record it, so you don't need to be nervous~

I can only go all-out once.

Honestly, Taki-chan! Tomori-chan, you can do this!

Yeah...

We're CRYCHIC. We're going to play "Haruhikage."

When these three stars are connected with lines, it forms a giant triangle. It's called the Summer Triangle.

Actually...

......

And that is the end of our programming for today.

......

...?

Can you meet up right now? Anon-chan says she wants to see you.

......

Ah...

Sorry to call you out so suddenly.

Soyo-san told me what happened with CRYCHIC.

Huh...

Tomori-chan, you were the vocalist, right? Tomori-chan, your singing was really good.

I watched your performance video... You were really enjoying singing.

......

Tomori-chan... don't you actually want to be in a band?

......

Why would you...?

Because "Haruhikage" is a great song. It sort of resonated with me... I can't really explain it, but it surprised me a little.

The feeling of being so happy you'd joined the band really came through.

It's because it was my fault...

It's my fault that CRYCHIC broke up...

I don't think it was your fault, Tomori-chan. I mean, isn't the girl who suddenly decided to quit the one at fault?

She didn't say why, right? Seems kinda selfish, doesn't it? And because of it, Tomori-chan and everyone else got hurt...

It isn't Saki-chan's fault either.

Ah...

It isn't... anyone's fault.

Soyo-chan...

It's been a while... Tomori-chan.

If it's no one's fault, then why did we break up?

......

...

Tomori-chan...!

......

Thank you...

Huh...?

Anon-chan, because of you, I was able to speak with Tomori-chan for the first time in a long time.

Tomori-chan said that it was her fault, right?

Yeah. I wonder why she thinks that.

I wonder what everyone else thinks about it. Plus, Saki-chan is missing. I don't have any idea where she is.

What? The girl on the keyboard? She's at my school...

...! At Haneoka!?

Y-Yeah...

I see... She's at Haneoka...

......

...

It isn't... anyone's fault.

......

(It was probably because I was out of step.)

(Ever since I was little, always...)

Even before I could feel sad...

I couldn't help thinking that I could keep the tears aside somewhere.

I think I've always lived slightly out of step with everyone else.

I first felt that way when I was in kindergarten.

Tomori-chan, do you like leaves, too? I like them too!

...!

I'm so sorry. My daughter likes to collect things that roll. She probably thought it would be all right. No, I'm very sorry. Yes... please forgive us.

I know you like pill bugs, but I don't think I'd like it either if you gave me a whole bunch.

I felt sad because I was out of step, like I was the only one missing something.

So I, like everyone else, try not to get out of step with the world.

Then, I became a middle school student...

Yesterday's drama was so moving~! I cried so much~!

I cried~! My mom cried too~! Tomori-chan, did you watch it too?

Yeah... it was sort of scary...

Huh? It was scary? I don't think there was such a scene though...

Hey, wasn't that insane!? Ai-chan was...

I made friends like everyone else, but...

Even when I'm with everyone, it still feels like I'm alone.

I just want to live like everyone else.

I want to become a human.

That was when I met Saki-chan...

No, don't!!

Ugh...

Ouch... Are you all right?

I'm sorry for pushing you... But you mustn't die!

What...?

You were trying to die, weren't you!?

N-No... The wind took the flower I was holding... I just reached out my hand...

Flower...?

Which is more important, a flower or your life!?

Oh, wait... Flowers have life too, don't they...?

It was a falling flower, so I think it was already dead.

Dead!? What!?

...

I completely misunderstood... You didn't mean to do that...

Yeah...

Oh, your knee...

...? Oh my, I've done it... It seems I scraped it when I pushed you away.

It's all right. This is not a problem. Well then, farewell.

W-Wait! My home is close, so...

What...?

Um... Bandages...

It was my misunderstanding, yet you treated my wound... I feel terribly sorry.

Still, what a lovely room. So many pretty cans and boxes...

Oh, these notebooks...

I used to use these, too. There are so many different covers, I always had difficulty choosing...

...! I have all of them!

This is sweet pea...! It flutters like a butterfly... And here are cosmos and flower mantis...!

My, there are so many. I'm amazed you collected them all. This is bringing back memories. I often used the one with the rhinoceros beetle...

Rhinoceros beetle? Um...!

Oh, don't mind me... I've used this sweet pea too. Actually, the grid was large and easy to use...

...!

Did you write this article?

What?

"I made friends like everyone else, but even when I'm with everyone, it still feels like I'm alone..."

That's... um...

Are they song lyrics!?

What...?

U-Um... Where are we...?

This is my home.

Ah...

...

"The Song About Wanting to Become a Human"... These truly are wonderful lyrics...! It's amazing that you can write this.

I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Sakiko Togawa.

What's your name?

Tomori...

Tomori-san... won't you start a band with me?

Tomori-chan, you live behind Tsukinomori, don't you? We might have passed each other somewhere!

Ah...

Soyo-san will play bass.

She plays contrabass for the wind instrument club. Their performance the other day at the Tsukinomori Music Festival was so wonderful, I just had to ask her!

I was surprised when she asked me out of the blue.

This is Mutsumi. She's had an interest in guitar since she was very young, so we can rely on her.

...

You're being modest again?

Are the two of you... Sakiko-chan's friends...?

I've known Mutsumi since we were little. Soyo-san and I are in the same grade, but...

But this is practically the first time we've talked, isn't it? And the same goes for Mutsumi-chan!

Yeah...

There's one more. The drummer. This is the first time I'll be meeting her.

Well then, Taki-san. Could we ask you to introduce yourself?

I'm Shiina.

...

Taki-chan's older sister is really amazing!

She was the leader of the wind instrument club, and she was in the local orchestra at the same time. She even placed first in competitions!

That connection is actually why I reached out to her.

Does that have anything to do with this?

What...? Oh, it doesn't have anything to do with this. I'm sorry.

Apologies. Once again, thank you all for coming today.

I have been greatly looking forward to meeting all of you!

Starting now, we are a band... We'll play music together and our destinies will become one!

Destiny, huh...?

What kind of music will we play?

That's a good question. Tomori-san and Taki-san, have you heard of the band Morfonica?

Don't know it. No.

It's a band made of seniors from Tsukinomori. I'd like to play the song they performed for the music festival!

It was wonderful, wasn't it? The student council recorded it, so I'll ask them later so that Tomori-chan and Taki-chan can watch it.

The strength hidden beneath that elegance... I was deeply moved by it!

And I also think that one day I'd like for us to perform our own original songs.

What, original?

We've never even played together, you're aiming pretty high, aren't you?

No, not at all. I can compose music...

And Tomori-san is a lyrical genius!

...!? What...?

Really...?

Tomori-san, will you allow us to look at those notes of yours?

...

We won't know until we take a look.

I'd like to see them, too~

Sakiko-chan...

Don't worry!

Y-Yeah. Then, here...

I finished reading.

That kind of thing, huh?

I've never written lyrics, so just the fact that you were able to do it is amazing~

Tomori-san has lots of notebooks filled with lyrics at her home!

I have music I played on the piano. I'll play it for you in the studio later.

...? The studio...?

CiRCLE was completely booked. Sakiko-chan, It's a shame, isn't it?

A shame? Their success is a wonderful thing.

What? But if it were at CiRCLE, I thought we might run into someone from Morfonica, right?

What...? That's so disingenuous.

...

Why are you just standing there?

Oh, Tomori-san, could you stand in the middle?

Why?

Because you're the vocalist!

What?

I'll get your mic ready!

Eh... Ugh...

...?

I'm... going to sing...?

...

Tomori-san, don't be too discouraged. Failure is a natural part of the first attempt.

But... I couldn't sing at all...

You're just not used to singing in front of people. With enough practice, I'm sure...

Why...

...?

Why me...?

They're lyrics that you wrote. It's obvious that it would be better for the writer herself to sing them.

Tomori, the lyrics that you wrote are screams from your heart.

I want to! Become a human!

Saki-chan!? Please don't raise your voice that loudly...

With the car noise being this loud, no one can hear my voice at all.

You can scream as much as you like on this pedestrian bridge. Now, Tomori-san, do it with me!

Eh... But...

Tomori!

O-Okay...

I just want to... live like everyone else...! I want to... become a human!!

You can do it if you try...! That's the spirit!

But I get nervous in the studio... It's different from here...

Don't worry, there must be a good way! Next time we practice, let's discuss it with everyone!

Yeah.

What's this place...?

It's karaoke~ Could it be that it's your first time?

I've heard talk of it for some time now...

I have one in my house.

Really? That's amazing! Do famous people come to your house?

...

Hey, can we hurry up and talk to the receptionist?

Oh, good point. Excuse me~

Does this machine have a variety of beverages?

Drink bar. You can take whatever you like with you.

Taki-san, you know a lot about this.

Not really...

(This button...?)

The beverages came out! Mutsumi, did you see that!?

Yeah.

Tomori, how did you make it come out!?

Um... I pushed that...

Here? Oh? It didn't come out...

What are you doing...? That's not the right spot.

Please don't play with that. Come on, let's go to the room.

Karaoke is so wonderfully fun!

We haven't even sung yet. Oh, the song is starting.

Hey... Why are you just trying to sing like normal?

What?

Oh, that's right! It's this singing practice for Tomori?

But if we told her to sing right away, she'd get nervous. Right, Tomori-chan?

Yeah...

So, all of you pick songs, too.

I'd rather not.

That's not allowed♪

In that case, I'll do one of Morfonica's songs!

Since they haven't officially debuted, it probably isn't in there...

Is that so...

The song has already started, Taki-chan, are you going to sing? We can try playing the video.

...I prefer singing karaoke alone. Sakiko, why don't you sing?

Me-Me!? Tomori... will you sing?

I-I don't know this song...

Even though~♪

What...?

She's singing...

Oh my! You're so good, Mutsumi!

Dazzling

Come on. Taki-chan, you put in a song, too.

I said I'm fine. Tomori. Here. If you do a search, songs will pop up.

Kind

Songs... pop up...

Taki-san, will you teach me as well?

Huh...?

Taki-chan, you can do it~♪

Beautiful

Your singing was wonderful, Tomori!

Feeling a little less nervous now?

...Better than at the studio.

That's good.

Oh, next one's mine~♪

Now it's Soyo's turn! You can do this~!

The song hasn't started yet.

Buh...! Hehehe...!

She laughed...

Mutsumi-chan is laughing~

Mutsumi does laugh, you know.

Hehe...

Warm

Um... How is it?

So these are the new lyrics Tomori wrote...

The title is ''Haruhikage''?

Yeah...

I understand. This is...

......

Eh...

Saki.

Are you crying...?

My apologies... Tomori's feelings... everything she wanted to express... It reached me clearly.

"Haruhikage" is... our song, isn't it?

I want to hurry up and play it.

Yes.

Make it a good song.

Of course. I will write music worthy of Tomori's lyrics.

... How was it...?

You sounded wonderful just now!

''Haruhikage'' is really coming together~ At this rate, think we can pull it off live too?

Alright, next is the real deal. We need to shoot the entry video.

We are taking it already?

Otherwise we'll miss the sign-up deadline for the next live~ Oh, have we decided on a band name yet?

Anything is fine as long as it's not weird.

Come on~ put some thought into it.

Ahem... How about "CRYCHIC"?

Classic?

No, it's "CRYCHIC."

"Cry" means to call out... and "chic" means elegance and refinement...

Ah...

Screams... from the heart...

It makes me want to call out, "Please listen to our music!"

Is everyone ready?

Wait a second, I need to adjust the camera position. Ah, Mutsumi-chan, you're going to be out of frame~

Mutsumi, you have to be a little more to your left. You need to act like you're going to be in the center.

Yeah...

How about you, Taki-chan? Adjusting the drums?

Nah, finished already. Ready to go.

I see, then... Tomori-chan?

......

Are you okay?

You don't have to try to sing really well. You just have to get your feelings across.

Besides, if you make a mistake, we can just re-record it, so you don't need to be nervous~

I can only go all-out once.

Geez, Taki-chan! You got this, Tomori-chan!

Yeah...

We're CRYCHIC. We're going to play "Haruhikage."

Haa... Haa...

Tomori... Tomori! Are you all right!?

I...

Tomori...! Seriously, you... wahhh...

What...?

It's amazing... CRYCHIC is amazing...!

There are no words, are there...? I never imagined it would become such a wonderful live show...

The performance... Did I sing everything...? I got so lost in it, I don't remember...

Huh!?

You're kidding... you were that focused?

What are you talking about? You were awesome!

Yes... Thank you, Tomori...!

You turned this special day of ours... CRYCHIC's first live... into a great success.

...Everyone, we made it...

We absolutely must perform together again!

Yeah!

Tomori... that is a wonderful look on your face!

Hey, everyone, check social media! They're saying that Tomori-chan's song really moved them!

What? Are there comments on today's live show already? I'm gonna look.

There are a lot of reactions using our hashtag, too. They're writing so much~ Look, Tomori-chan!

It's true...

Wow...! There are so many comments...

"I was super moved"... "#CRYCHIC Looking forward to next time!"... "I can't stop crying..." That's what they're saying!

And... Ah...

...? What's wrong?

"The vocalist was trying too hard..."

Huh? What's with this reaction!? They don't understand anything about Tomori's songs! I'm blocking them.

Taki-chan, it's better to mute than to block.

Besides, look, pretty much everyone else is complimenting you...

Ah...

Saki-chan...?

......

...?

I think something was off again.

Maybe my singing just wasn't enough. ...Saki-chan probably felt it too...

I came today because I have something to say.

I am quitting CRYCHIC.

(I guess I was the one who was out of place.)

I'm the only one who can't cry.

Is it because I'm just cold? Am I missing something... as a person?

I don't have anything that's precious to me like everyone else does.

I want something like everyone else has, something so precious it makes me cry.

If I did have something... it was...

CRYCHIC.

(Tomori-chan's been down since morning...)

(It seemed like she hadn't let go of the band yet...)

(Maybe I'll go check on her at the astronomy club.)

Anon-san?

Ah...

Have you found any band members?

Ah... yes. Nagasaki... Nagasaki Soyo-chan.

I see.

Ah...

......

Tomori-chan, about yesterday...

!?

H-Hey. There's no need to be so surprised...

No, it's nothing... Ah!

You dropped your notebook...

......

Hm?

(This is the lyrics she showed me before, "Haruhikage"...)

Tomori-chan... If there's something you're thinking about, saying it out loud is the best thing to do.

......

Another girl from Tsukinomori. Didn't someone from there come here the other day, too?

...!

It's been a while.

...

Wait...! Please, I want to talk!

I have no business with you.

I've been looking for you all this time!

Why... did you change schools?

...!

Was it because of CRYCHIC?

It had nothing to do with that. Now, please don't involve yourself with me any further!

Saki-chan...!

......

...? Anon-chan...?

Soyo-san, where are you? Can you come to RiNG?

......

Ah...

Tomori-chan.

Come on, hurry up!

Hey!? I'm working right now...

But if we don't work this out, Tomori-chan won't ever be able to be in a band!

Huh? Tomori?

Ah...

Okay, talk it out! Hey, Soyo-san, you sit down, too.

What?

Hold on a minute... Anon-chan, did you bring Tomori-chan here for us?

Yeah, you should really talk it through.

I see. Thank you, Anon-chan.

And Tomori-chan, thank you for coming too. I also wanted to continue yesterday's conversation.

You asked why CRYCHIC broke up, didn't you?

...

After that day, you stopped coming to rehearsals, too. And, little by little, we stopped being able to get everyone together.

It's Sakiko's fault. She's the one who said she was quitting out of nowhere.

I think... she had her reasons for that.

What reasons?

I don't know, but...

It's because... I couldn't sing well at our live show...

That's why Saki-chan stopped coming.

Why would you think that? That song, "Haruhikage," is super good.

Outsiders can keep their mouths shut.

Yes, we all know that already.

What...?

Tomori-chan, so that's what you've been thinking. Thank you for telling us.

But you know, I don't want you to blame yourself any more...

After all, it wasn't anyone's fault. I don't want you to start hating bands!

Taki-chan, you feel the same, don't you?

Huh...?

Taki-chan was waiting for you to come to rehearsals, Tomori-chan.

You aren't angry at me?

I could never be angry with you! For me... it wasn't the fight, it was the fact that you stopped coming that hit hardest...

I knew it. It's my fault...

!? Wha...!?

No, it isn't. After all, Taki-chan really loves you, Tomori-chan.

...

Hey, you think we can start over again?

What...?

With the band. Me and Tomori-chan and Taki-chan.

We misunderstood each other and missed our chance to connect. But now, we finally understand. And yet, it's just too sad if we end up going our separate ways like this...

Let's try it again, together!

Together?

That's right...! And this time, we'll be sure to talk things out!

If we do that, I'm sure we'll be all right...

Tomori...

......

Um... What about me?

What? Huh?

Yeah. You too, Anon-chan. Let's do it...

Our whole lives.

What...?

Our whole lives...?

Yeah... I just don't want to go through that again... Losing the band...

......

I swear. If it's with you, Tomori-chan, I wouldn't mind doing it all my life.

I swear, too.

Yeah.

H-H-Hang on! Our whole lives!? She's talking about our whole lives!

So?

Do you know the average lifespan? They say that when we're old ladies, we'll probably be living into our nineties, you know?

And you never know what's going to happen in life... Are you going to play drums even when you're a grandma?

I am.

Huh... Ah, um... My whole life... A lifetime, huh...?

...!

It's all right. You don't have to force yourself...

......

O-Okay, I get it, I get it! We'll start with short-term goals... Why don't we start with a week?

Then, a month!

Then, what about until we do a live performance?

I don't know about spending a lifetime on this, but to start with, let's try to do a live performance! All of us together! Okay?

Then, staying until our first live performance is non-negotiable.

*Sigh*... You really are super serious about every little thing... Oh, I'm just kidding! I'll work really hard!

A lifetime is a lifetime, you know? You sure you want that girl in the band?

Lifetime...

What an interesting woman.

Morning~!

Morning~ Did something good happen?

What? No, nothing happened.

Ah, Tomori-chan, morning! Hey, what should we do about rehearsals? Our band rehearsals!

Band!?

Ah...

Tomori-chan, you're in a band?

We didn't think you were interested.

So you actually like it?

Uh, um...

(Huh...? What about me...?)

Tomori-chan, can you play an instrument?

No, I can't...

(I can be in a band with Tomori again...)

You're in high spirits.

...!? Umiri... I'm not.

Really? I didn't know that nailing your air drums first thing in the morning was part of your routine.

Umiri, what bands are you with today?

"Notoria," "Jasmine＆Husky," "DISRUPTION."

Even if you tell me the band names, I'm not gonna know them.

You're the one who asked. Taki-san, will you be working?

Day off. But I'm still going to RiNG.

Did you find new band members?

That's not it.

Then, your band is getting back together? That's great.

*Sigh*...

So, with both Taki-chan and Tomori-chan, we are going to play in a band again.

Really?

Yup. And I found Saki-chan, too.

...!

Saki-chan was at Haneoka.

I see...

Once everyone's gathered, I'll ask you over too, Mutsumi-chan. Just wait a little, okay?

......

Hehe, finally, I think we've taken a step forward.

Band Meeting?

Yes! Let's have a proper discussion about the band's direction and image first!

There's a lot of stuff for us to decide, but first on that list has to be who plays what, right?

Why are you running things?

I'm good at this stuff. I've been student council president before!

(My brain was full of, "Yay. I'm so lucky to have put together a band♪" But it's not the time to get carried away.)

(Tomori-chan was a vocalist, so I have to make sure she doesn't overlap with my guitar and vocals...! I'm not ever gonna give up the center position!)

Tomori-chan, you can play tambourine, right?

...?

What?

A triangle would be good, too~!

Castanets would be good, too!

Tomori-chan, you can choose whichever you like!

I'll work hard at all of them!

Wha... Tomori!?

Then, that's decided! I'm on guitar and vocals, so...

Tomori's on vocals.

Backup vocals?

Main vocals!

Fine, then. I guess we can have a vocalist and a guitar-playing vocalist.

You mean twin vocals?

Are you messing around here?

I am not. I'm being serious.

Hey, Anon-chan. Why don't we talk about some other things we'll need to do for a live performance? For example...

The band name, right?

What?

I've actually been thinking about that~

Well... for example, there's "Unknown." And "Ano Ne." And there's "Ano Sweet Potato"...

They all sound like your name.

Yes, and?

This isn't your band...!

What? You've been really demanding... Then I'll put your name in, too. What Kanji characters do you use for "Taki"?

It's "standing" plus the beginning of "hope."

...! Hey...!

Really? "Standing" plus the beginning of "hope"... Wouldn't you read that "Rikki"?

What?

Or, like, "Ooky"! Oh, but "Ooky" wouldn't work as a band name.

It's enough! This girl seriously ticks me off!

Now, don't talk about her like that.

Umm... Should we talk about our band name next time?

Hmm, but it's important, isn't it? Soyo-san, you suggest something.

What?

Rikki, what's your family name?

Who's Rikki?

Rikki is Rikki! More importantly, your family name!

It's Shiina.

Huh, that's such a cool name! It's so unfair that your name is Shiina.

No one asked you...

...

We didn't end up deciding anything in the end.

It's because Rikki keeps complaining, right? Tomori-chan said she'd work hard at the tambourine, though.

Hey, Tomori-chan! Let's properly decide the parts at the next band meeting, okay?

Yeah... Anon-chan... thank you.

What?

I didn't think I'd be able to go back...

...! Yeah... You're welcome!

...

Tomori, you wanted to go back to the band, too?

? Yeah...

I see. Your high school. It's Haneoka, right?

If I'd graduated as planned, we could've gone there together...

...?

I'll see you later.

What...? Yeah... Be careful on your way home...

...

What do you think? That's a C chord. I think it's pretty close~

Incredible...

Um... what else can you play?

I can play anything! G or A minor... oh, even F!

*Sigh*... That's just a chord. It's even more hopeless than I thought.

We finally have a chance to perform a live show, but we can't even stand on stage like this.

Live show?

A live show organized by Afterglow and Poppin'Party.

Apparently one band that was supposed to perform canceled, and they asked me if we'd like to fill in.

A live show hosted by those two bands! That's amazing!

B-But, isn't it too soon for us to be performing live?

What? You said that playing live was our short-term goal, didn't you?

But we haven't rehearsed even once...

You shut up. Tomori, what do you think about playing live?

I... I think...

But, you can just try your hardest so that it doesn't go wrong next time, right?

I'll work hard.

Well then, that settles it.

We don't have much time left until the actual performance, so we'll reserve the studio as much as we can.

B-But what about the songs? We don't have a single song we can play!

Umm... For now, why don't we look for something we might be able to play? Maybe a cover of another band...

We can just play "Haruhikage."

...!

But that song is...

What? Are you holding back because of that girl?

...

Tomori-chan, what do you think?

I don't have any other songs I can sing.

I've only ever heard that once!

Since Anon-chan's saying so, Let's find a song that'll be easy for all of us!

I brought the sheet music for "Haruhikage." We're starting rehearsals, so get ready quickly.

Wait, Taki-chan...

...?

Where's the amp?

Huh? What are you suddenly talking about...?

Huh... Wait, why are you getting the guitar ready!? Did someone ask her to rehearsal?

Aren't you going to do it?

You mean... doing what...?

Band.

I'll play guitar.

Wha... That's my sheet music...!

...

...!?

(She's good at playing guitar...)

*Munch*...♪

Um... Rāna-chan, was it? You like matcha parfait?

Yeah. And soba noodles.

I see... She plays on this stage sometimes, doesn't she?

She's called RiNG's stray cat...

...

What did you mean about doing a band...?

You want to join our band...?

I'll do it.

Why!?

Um... But why our band? You're so good, other bands must have invited you to join, right?

They were all boring women.

...

But...

Eh...? Um...

...

Ugh...

W-What...!? Stop staring, you're scaring Tomori!

What an interesting woman.

Hey... She's just a little scared, so...

Um! I have something to do, so I'm going home now!

Huh? Why suddenly...

Sorry, I'll text you!

Is band time over?

Bye-bye.

Um...

*Sigh*... Wait, she didn't pay for her parfait!

Ahaha...

...

Honestly, what's with all of them? Leaving in the middle of a discussion like that...

And we still can't tell if that stray cat joined our band or not...

"Haruhikage" is different now, isn't it?

You don't have to hold back around Sakiko, you know?

I'm really happy that I can play in a band with you again, Tomori. Because your song... I haven't been able to forget it...

What...?

... Bye, I'm going home too...!

...?

This is bad, this is bad...!

(That girl Rāna... Her personality is weird, but her guitar skills are like a pro's...!)

(And yet... Talking about "G" and "F," just how embarrassing can I possibly be!)

(And, if that Rāna girl joins the band... then I'll be as invisible as air!)

Ah~~ What do I do~~!?

Even if I start practicing now, it's not like I'll get good right away...

Hm? A notification on my smartphone? Nyamuchi's makeup video, a new one's been uploaded!

"Good Even-nyamu-nyamu~ Today, I'm going to show you more make-up recommendations~"

"Everyone has a certain way they want to look, right~?"

...?

"So, this time, I'm going to show you easy, perfect make-up!"

"With this, you'll be fine even on busy mornings! Let's make things easier by using time-saving techniques and level-up a rank!"

Make things easier by using time-saving techniques...

...! This might be it...!

Hey, Tomori-chan, what do you think about writing a new song?

What?

I was thinking that a new band really needs a new song!

A new song...

And about the guitar part, I thought it might be nice to start off with something a bit easy.

I mean, we have other stuff to get ready, too. So something quick and decent would be good...

Anon-chan... I'm sorry. I can only write lyrics...

Oh... right! Sorry, I was getting ahead of myself... haha...

(Ugh... The "Make Things Easier by Saving Time Plan" has failed...)

...

Um? What's wrong? You seem a bit down...

Uh, um...

? Something hard to say?

Um...

I don't... want to perform live...

What...!?

You don't want to perform live? Why...?

We don't have a band name, and we don't have costumes either. Tomori-chan said she wasn't sure about doing the live show, too!

...

Tomori-chan, why not do it?

I just told you!

Tomori, why...?

I just said...

It'll end...

If we perform live... That'll be the end of the band...

...!

What...?

That'll be the end... You mean like the last band...?

...

Tomori-chan, thank you for telling us. You're scared, right?

But you know, this time we'll talk about everything, so it'll be all right. So... you see? Let's try playing live, okay?

...

...

Taki-chan, are you all right?

...

For Tomori-chan... what happened with CRYCHIC really was a huge shock...

But at this rate, everything will turn out the same way.

Should we give up on the live show?

...!

We can just keep going like this, never performing live. We can play as a band just in the studio...

I want to perform live.

When I first heard Tomori's song... I thought it was about me. All the feelings I couldn't put into words, Tomori turned all of them into a song...

It told me that it's all right for me to be alive.

Taki-chan...

That's why... when we were going to be a band again, it made me really happy... I thought Tomori felt the same way... but...

Hehe... You should tell Tomori-chan all of that.

It's all just coming from my own ego, so...

Why is it that we can never say the things that are most important? That's why everyone in CRYCHIC ended up not connecting with each other...

But we don't want to repeat the same thing, right?

Taki-chan, you should try telling Tomori-chan how you feel.

Just like Tomori-chan's song reached you, I'm sure that your feelings will reach Tomori-chan... I just know she'll understand.

...

I don't ever want to make Tomori feel lonely again.

I agree...

...

So, what's this about...?

Today, I want to have a real talk about what we're doing next.

By "what we're doing next," you mean the live show, right?

No, I'm talking about further in the future.

Right now, we're all on different pages, right? Is there really any point to being in a band like this?

...!

When we decided to form a band again, we said we'd make sure to talk everything through, right?

But we're already failing to connect... At this rate, everything will go wrong again...

I think doing the live show is the best option.

!

I think that for all of us to come together and move forward, we need a common goal.

It's because we don't have a goal that we haven't been able to rehearse. And some of us won't even try to practice.

...

I think everyone should hear Tomori's song. That's why...

I think we should do it so that this doesn't end. Do the live show.

...!

But... Tomori-chan is saying she doesn't want to perform!

And isn't it way too short notice to perform this time? Let's get everything ready the right way and perform at our best!

Anon-chan...

If we do that, then I think that even Tomori-chan will want to...

Who do you think you are?

What?

You keep pretending you're advocating for Tomori, but you just don't want to perform, right?

Tomori is worried that the band will break up if we do the live show.

That's...

You're using that to run away, aren't you?

...!

You're running from the guitar.

I... I'm not running away.

You can't play guitar, can you? You're always trying to dodge practice.

I-I am practicing!

The only things you seem fired up about are things like where you stand, the band name, or stuff like G and F chords. If we don't perform live, you surely will run away.

Because that's what you've done up until now...

!! I'm not running away!!

! Anon-chan...!

Ah...! Tomori...!?

...

It was something someone was bound to say eventually.

...

Haa... Haa...

I said I wasn't running away, and then I ran as fast as I could... I really am just running away, ain't I...

Hey...? It is Chihaya...!

What...?

It's been such a long time! Since our middle school graduation, right!?

No way, why...

How was studying in England?

......!

If you're back in Japan, you should tell us... Are the schools over there on break already?

...

I was surprised when Chihaya decided to study abroad. Hey, how was the school over there?

(Wait. Don't ask any more...)

Hey... Wait, why are you wearing Haneoka's uniform...? I thought you studied abroad, didn't you...?

Ah...

Um, well...

Chihaya...?

(Oh no... It's all gone wrong... This is the end for me...)

Anon-chan!!

T-Tomori-chan... Um... I...

Come!

What...!? Wait, Tomori-chan...!? Where are we going...?

Why aquarium...?

This tank has many penguins...

(Could this be her way of trying to make me feel better?)

......

There's a penguin doing some weird pose. What is it doing?

I wonder if it's itchy.

Pfft, I see... hehehe.

...?

*Sigh*... Ah, Thank you... I feel a little better now.

Earlier, what Rikki said... She was right.

What...?

That I was running away. I transferred in at a weird time of year, right?

I said it was due to family's circumstances when introducing myself, but... Actually, it was because I was studying abroad.

Studying abroad...?

But I couldn't keep up at all. So I ran away...

Those middle school days were fun.

Every school has one popular kid who stands out, right? At my middle school, that position was mine.

I don't mean to brag, but I had good grades, and I was the student council president, and my friend group was the most dazzling one in school.

When we performed as a band at the school culture festival, it was super hype, and underclasswomen looked at us with admiration.

I felt like maybe I was the one at the center of this school.

But in reality, I think it was just going too well, and I couldn't see myself clearly.

Because I was good at English, I left Japan with the momentum like "Let's study abroad!" But it was completely different from what I imagined.

I thought I could become the popular kid at school in England, like I was in middle school, but...

Actually, I stumbled right from the self-introduction. I couldn't even say half of what I was thinking...

Moreover, everyone was highly motivated, had a clear vision for the future, and was studying abroad to achieve it...

I studied abroad with nothing but vague confidence and momentum, and I was completely out of place there.

In the end, I wasn't even accepted into any group, let alone become the center of the school. Then I came back to Japan.

......

Those were friends from middle school that I ran into just now. Since I was wearing this uniform, they found out that I failed at studying abroad.

My whole life has been running away. I thought that I could start over... but this is the end for me.

It isn't the end...!

Huh?

Anon-chan, you told me... that I just needed to try hard...!

That's why I... but then I couldn't! ...!

Tomori-chan...?

Huh? Wait... Where are you going?

Here.

"It's fine to run away," "Feeling lost..."

Anon-chan... you're moving ahead. Even if you run into a dead end, you look for the path... You try to move forward...

And you pull me forward, too... That's why the band formed. Even if you move forward, it isn't the end...

I also... I also... want to move forward, even if I feel lost...

......

Feeling lost, huh...?

In that case, should we move forward together?

What...?

As lost girls, the two of us.

......

I wonder how far they went.

Ah...

......

Um...

...!

We...

Will do the live show!

How was that!? The performance just now!

That's amazing! You can play it now~

Right~?

Can you play it to the end?

I-I'm just getting started!

Anon-chan. Let's work hard for the live.

Yeah, let's work hard...!

Then, shall we decide what to play for the live show? I've found a few good songs~

We can just play "Haruhikage."

Hmm~ I think it'll be good for practice, but...

What do you mean by "for practice"? Do you mean we won't play "Haruhikage" at the live show?

Um... Here...

...! That notebook is...

Wow...! Could it be a new song!? You made it for us?

Yes. Anon-chan asked me to...

Oh... right, make things easier by saving time... No, I mean, I asked you to compose a song.

I can't compose music, so it's just the lyrics...

Can I take a look at that notebook?

I'm curious too! Let me see, let me see~!

......

Hehe, Tomori's new song, It'll be perfect for our first live performance!

Hey, Taki-chan, this is something Tomori-chan wrote for us, a new song, just for us.

All right. I'll write the music.

What? What?

Taki-chan, you can compose music, too?

I'm still learning, but since Tomori wrote this for us, I'll do it.

And that's why I'm going to be performing at RiNG with Taki-chan and the others.

......

Once that's finished, I'll invite you to join the band, too, Mutsumi-chan.

......

I was thinking of talking with Saki-chan on the way home today. Do you want to go with me, Mutsumi-chan?

I won't go.

Why not? I don't think you have piano lessons today, do you?

I won't go.

...

I mean, my hands hurt, you know? But if I put bandages on, they slip when I try to play guitar.

I had someone teach me some finger agility exercises. Apparently, when you do those... Ah, Soyo-san!

Ah...

So you waited for us!?

I had something to do nearby, so... Shall we go to rehearsal together?

Anon-chan, nice~ You're getting more stable with each practice session~

Ehehe, really? At this rate, maybe I'll be able to play it when the new song is finished, right?

Hmm, it depends on Taki-chan's song... But Anon-chan, I'm sure you can finish it before the live show~

Ah, Taki-chan...

Oh. Taki-chan, you changed clothes before coming here?

I skipped.

What?

I wrote the music.

Huh!

Already!? Taki-chan, you're amazing!

For real?

I put it on my phone, so listen. Okay?

Yeah.

It's kind of like this, how is it?

It's so good~! I think it fits perfectly with the lyrics Tomori-chan wrote~

It's really a song!

Tomori, what do you think?

Um... it's warm.

Hm? You mean it's good?

Yeah... I'll really work hard!

...! Okay... I'm glad you liked it.

Then, I'll send the sheet music. Let's practice...

...?

You're here.

Oh, it's the stray cat! Why are you here...!?

I'll do the band.

There's no part for you.

That's fine. I'll do it.

...!

Seriously...

Just by glancing at the sheet music, you can make an arrangement like this...

Ugh... This girl is really good at playing guitar...

I can play it. Let's do band.

B-But, there's no part for her, right? And Rikki just finished composing...

No... I'll rewrite it with this added in.

What!?

Stray cat... Come here every day from tomorrow's rehearsal.

...

Why isn't she coming?

You told her we had rehearsal every day. Should we start practice?

We're doing the version you sent this morning, right?

I'll rethink the arrangement.

What!?

What do we do about rehearsing?

...

...

*Sigh*...

Is something wrong?

...

Oh. You were struggling with this phrase here. Then, will this work?

...

Sorry! We got held up doing class duty.

I wish you'd just tell us if you'll be here or not.

What?

? I came.

Hmm... If you told us beforehand, I think that'd really help~

Stray cat, lend me your phone.

Here.

I added you to the group chat, so make sure you come. And you can't be late either.

...

Tomori, let's start rehearsal.

Um... Rikki...

What?

Which sheet music?

Yesterday's.

Huh~ I still can't play it...

Until you can play it, you'll practice alone.

Since we've all gathered, let's play together.

Let's start rehearsal.

...

I'm satisfied.

Hey! We're not done yet. Why are you trying to go home?

?

The performance still hasn't come together at all.

That's true.

Rāna-chan's performance is probably fine, you don't have to worry, don't you think?

And you? Are you really practicing?

You're worse than you used to be.

Really? But I'm working hard~

If we don't all play together, then we aren't a band!

And Anon, you're absolutely terrible! Double your practice!

Ugh...

And... Hm? Where's stray cat?

Um, she left just now...

Huh!?

She really is like a cat~

*Sigh*... We didn't even manage a decent rehearsal...

Do we do it without the stray cat? Or...

There's no guarantee she will even show up for the live. And if I keep changing the arrangement, a beginner like Anon won't be able to keep up...

I will write music worthy of Tomori's lyrics.

Please, tell me anything you think of. This is my duty as the music's composer!

Why am I remembering this now...?

What is the meaning of this? She came again today!

Soyo is in a band right now. And she's invited me to join.

Is she doing this to spite me...?

*Sigh*... This means that the more I attempt to avoid her, the more she will chase after me.

It appears it's necessary for me to speak with her.

Will you come to Tsukinomori?

...!! How could I possibly...

...

I think you could probably meet with her on the day of the live show.

When is it?

Ugh... I messed up...

What? She's not here?

Maybe she's not coming to practice today either...

Unbelievable...

She might just be late like she was last time.

...

Oh, I failed again...

Right there! That's wrong! When will you ever be able to play it properly!?

Please don't yell at me.

What?

Every time we practice, the arrangement changes and I have to relearn the song... Even when I try to play, I only get ignored or criticized!

Just try to think of others a little!

You don't know what I'm going through...!

Both of you, calm down!

I understand your anxious feelings. Taki-chan, you're working harder than any of us.

Stop it. Don't do that...

I'm sorry for leaving everything to you all the time.

I, um... Me too, if there's anything I can do...

Is there anything we can help with? If we work together, we can do it, right?

Does this mean you don't think you can depend on me?

What...?

I never said that...

I just can't do it like Sakiko can!!

...!?

Taki-chan...

...

...

I can't do it like Sakiko can!!

(Big sis and Sakiko could do it. Why can't I...?)

You're getting messages one after another.

"Where are you," "Please pick up," "Pick up," "At least mark it as read?" You're so popular.

Don't look at it without permission.

Don't you need to go to band practice today?

...

I see... It's nice when you're depressed because you're quiet.

Well then, I have band rehearsals, so I'll be going.

I'm amazed you can say that to me when I'm depressed about my band...

The fact that you can worry over your band makes me feel a little jealous. If that's all.

...?

...

Do you know how late you are?

...?

We've waited two hours fifty-six minutes and thirty-one seconds~!

Taki-chan...

...!

She ran!! Tomori-chan, let's chase after her!

A-Anon-chan! ...

Don't run away~~~~!!

I'm not running! This is because you keep chasing me!!

Then stop!

Why would I ever do what you say...? And you're trespassing!

It's fine! Even if they find out, I'll just write an apology, and I'm really good at writing!

It's not fine! I'll get scolded too!!

Oh, shut up! If you'd just stop, it'd solve everything!

I wonder where they both went...

Taki-chan...! And Anon-chan...

Tomori-chan, keep blocking the way like that!

What!? Oh, um...

Wah~~~~! Move, Tomori! That was close...!

I~caught~you~!!

Uwaaahhh!!

Anon-chan, Taki-chan, are you okay...?

Ow...!!

It's your fault I fell! What were you thinking, jumping at me like that!?

It was because you weren't stopping at all! Oww, I totally scraped my knee~~

...! Blood...

I got scraped too! What are you gonna do about this...!

This is the sixth sea creature series!

What...?

That's... bandages?

Reef manta ray, ocean sunfish, oarfish, whale shark... Ah!

These are the blue whale and the fin whale! Because they're large in size...!

...

Tomori.

Pfft, Ahaha! Hahahahahaha!

Huh? What are you laughing about?

Well, I mean, it's super cute, isn't it?

Of course Tomori's cute.

...?

Rikki, The live show's tomorrow. What'll we do? There's no running away anymore.

*Sigh*... I know...

Um... Tomori...

...?

Thank you for coming.

...! Yeah...

What about me? What about me?

Shut up.

Meow~~~~

Huh? A cat...? Where did you come from...?

What are you doing?

You...! Why are you here!?

Hm? I was playing with the cat.

Huh...!? Wait, you, that uniform... You go to our middle school!?

I'm a third year.

Seriously... I didn't know that at all...

Well... At least we found Rāna-chan.

Ugh... the live show is about to start...

I was so nervous at the rehearsal~

...

That wasn't even close to being a rehearsal.

I can't do this anymore... All the other bands are way too amazing. And there were people who played guitar and sang at the same time...

Then you should practice more!

I will, but still... You don't have to say it like that, do you?

Where's the stray cat?

Oh... she went off somewhere.

*Sigh*...

Ugh... I'm so nervous, so I'll take a walk around there.

Then, I was thinking of going around the dressing rooms to pay my respects. What about you, Taki-chan, Tomori-chan?

I'm fine.

...

Tomori, are you nervous?

Yes...

It's nerve-wracking. Me too.

At the actual show... there'll be people watching, right?

I think most of them will be fans of Afterglow and the other bands.

During our last live... The audience said "the vocalist was trying too hard."

You mean the social media post we saw after the live...? Why would you remember something like that?

!

Ah, I didn't mean it like that! I'm not criticizing you... Tomori, if you just do the show, that's enough.

Because your live performances are the absolute best.

Taki-chan...

I'm back~

I found Rāna-chan at the catering, so I brought her along.

...?

Don't go disappearing all the time. Make sure you're here for the performance. And don't just play your guitar without asking.

"Without asking"?

I think she means the rehearsal earlier~

Don't start playing randomly during the show. You can play the song after Tomori introduces us. And...

Is this a new request?

What?

Matcha parfait.

Ugh...

Okay~

Thank you for telling us! We'll be right out!

We're having the pre-show meeting.

I guess we'd better go...

That is so bad. Everyone's super excited out there...!

You can hear the audience all the way in here!

*Sigh*... Can we really do this...? Live...

I'm doing the show.

I know you can do it, Rāna-chan, but...

...

Honestly, Anon-chan. If you say things like that before the show, you'll make everyone nervous.