Sidearm Upon the Water

(The demo Natsume-san sent me last night.)

(It's a melody that stays with you. Really lovely.)

(If I arrange it... and can make it even better.)

(Both Comet Rising and the disbandment... I can bring everyone closer to their wishes, right!)

(...But.)

What's going on...? Just this phrase here won't fit well...

I shouldn't be doing anything strange... Hmm... Ah!

That's it, I figured it out! I put in a development I like!

(Oh, it was just me being careless!)

(That feeling is just my selfishness. millsage's music doesn't need it.)

(It's simple, right!)

...Okay. I'll rethink it from scratch. I'll make it the best piano part, one that surprises everyone who hears it!

And then, surely...

Hotaru~? Piano's fine, but it's about time you came to eat breakfast~

Ah... Is it that late already!? Coming~!

(I have band practice after school today, too... It's going to be busy!)

...!

Hehe, nice weather.

I wonder if everyone else is awake yet?

*Yawn*...

...Huh, still sleepy? Even though you were asleep until I came to pick you up?

Ah, no, this isn't about not getting enough sleep... Hm?

It's from Natsume-chan.

I wrote a new song.

I'll let you hear it at practice today.

A new song...! It's finally here~!

Ah... This is for Comet Rising, right?

Yeah! The one we'll use for the first round's audio screening!

First round... Um, to win the whole thing, what has to happen again?

Come on, I explained it once already!

Aha, sorry.

Can't help it... Then this time, make sure you remember, okay?

First, to participate, we need to enter. Right now is the application period.

Once that period ends, it's the first round. They'll judge the recording of our original song that we submitted with our entry.

That's the song Natsume-senpai is writing, right?

Exactly! Then the second round is a studio screening. It seems we'll perform in front of the judges.

So scary...

Right? I bet we'll be so nervous... After that is the third round. An actual live performance screening at a live house.

And the bands that win the audience vote there get to stand on the finals stage... at Suzuya Music Hall, I think.

It's a long road.

You think so? Once it starts, I'm sure it'll fly by!

Let's do our best so we have no regrets.

...Yeah.

(Ah.)

(It's really starting.)

...

...It's like this. It's still a demo, so I'll polish it from here.

...Yeah, it's good! It's really good!

Hehe. We only just talked about writing a new song... and it's already finished.

Hmph! We're submitting it for the audio screening. If I don't put in the effort now, when will I?

As expected of Natsume-chan! I'll work hard on the lyrics too~!

...

Um...!

? What's wrong, Hotaru-chan?

Actually, I received this demo last night a little early... So I came up with a piano arrangement.

If you'd like, I want you to hear that too.

Huh, last night... Hotaru-chan, did you not sleep!?

No...! I just woke up a little early.

Th-That's a relief... I thought we were pushing you too hard.

More importantly, the arrangement. Let us hear it already.

Ah, yes!

...I'm thinking of going in this direction. What do you think?

Amazing... Yeah, you're amazing, Hotaru-chan!

*Sigh*... I never thought you could change it this much in one night.

Huh...

I-I'm pretty sure it's okay! If it were bad, she'd be angrier... right?

...Tentatively accepted.

! Thank you! What about you, Houka-san and Nagi-san?

...I think it's very good♡

But... as Mahoro-san said, are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?

Yes, I'm fine! There were times in the past when I'd realize I'd been playing all day.

...I see. Then maybe it was just my imagination.

?

...

(All day, huh.)

(I guess geniuses really are different creatures or something.)

...So, what about you, Nagi? Not just the arrangement, but the new song itself.

Huh? Ah... I think it's good, but...

? What is it?

Um... Isn't this one kind of hard?

Of course. We have to make it stick in the judges' ears. If it's the same as always, there's no point.

Honestly, I don't want to rely on cheap tricks like that, though.

...Can this be made easier or something?

Of course not.

Seriously...?

There, there. We still have plenty of time in the entry period, so let's work hard together, okay?

...Aha.

Even if it hurts, I can't step down.

I don't want to use having nothing as an excuse to end it...!

(I don't get it.)

(Because no matter how hard you try...)

(Someday it'll all be wasted anyway.)

...Phew.

...

(...Lately, for some reason, Hotaru's playing keeps getting more and more polished.)

(She was already good, but how should I put it, it's even more...)

...Mahoro, Houka. The rhythm section still isn't locking in.

If you two fall apart, the whole thing falls apart. Keep that in mind.

Yeah...! Houka-chan. Let's try using more eye contact during the chorus.

That sounds good. It should make it easier to match our timing, too.

Hotaru... Well, you're fine.

Huh? Um, you don't have to hold back. Please tell me anything!

I'm saying what you're doing now is fine.

! Thank you!

...

And then... Nagi.

!

Are you actually practicing? You're slacking off on phrases here and there, aren't you?

...No, that's not true.

I mean, aren't I always like this?

Huh? It's not like I let it slide normally either?

This time it's an audio screening, so I'm not compromising on any part more than before.

Otherwise winning is a dream within a dream. We decided to aim for it, didn't we?

...Right.

Um, Nagi-san!

If copying by ear is hard for you, I can write out just the chords on a score for you!

Natsume-chan never gives us scores, you know... I'm always struggling over here too.

For original songs especially, I'd like a score...

Hmph. That's just coddling. Pure coddling.

Anything else, please tell me anything! If there's something I can do, I'll do anything!

...

(Ah...)

(I'm a burden right now.)

...Yeah. Thanks.

Yeah!

...

Ugh, I'm totally exhausted...

...Aha. Good work.

Yeah, you too, Nagi-chan.

...This song is really hard, huh~ I'm doing all I can just to keep up.

Ah... Sorry.

Ah...! No, that's not what I meant! We just started playing together, so it's okay!

Oh, right! If you want, how about we practice just the two of us?

Like when you practiced with me before! Even hard practice might be easier when you're with someone!

...Maybe. I'll let you know when I do.

Huh? Ah... Yeah.

Ah~ I'm really hungry now. ...Oh, there's a lollipop in my pocket. Lucky.

I'll just eat it now.

...Can candy fill you up? It's one of your weird flavors again, right?

Yeah. Steak flavor. I figured it'd tide me over until I get home.

S-Steak... Ah. Speaking of which, we're having braised pork at my place today.

It's not steak, but want to come over and eat? I'll ask my mom right now...!

No, I'm good. I have to go home and do homework.

Thanks.

I'm home~

Ah, Nagi! Welcome back~!

Huh... Big sister?

Jeez, you've completely switched to calling me that. You could still call me big sis Itsuki like you used to.

...Nah, I'm in high school now. Anyway, you came home?

Yep! It's so nice to be back at my parents' house after so long~ A big sofa and my beloved family! Right, Roy?

Nagi, were you at band practice? You're working hard, huh~

Uh... yeah.

Is Mahoro doing well? I'd love to see her after so long~

Aha. I'll tell her.

You two, dinner's ready.

Wow, sushi! Delivery?

Yes. A college student living alone probably isn't eating anything decent anyway.

Ahaha... You hit the nail on the head. I'm swamped with work and club activities.

Well, I'm glad you look well. Nagi, you too. Go put your things down.

...Yeah.

...

(Big sister looked like she was doing well.)

(I wonder if she's okay now.)

(...I just don't get you, big sister.)

(Have those days... already become nothing but memories to you?)

That was back when I was in about second grade.

It's a stone-skipping battle! Whoever gets the most skips is today's leader!

You get to decide everything we do! No complaints!

Okay! I'm definitely not losing!

Oh? If I win, then y'know! Today we're hunting for a big ol' crab!

Huh? Crabs again? I wanna look for sea glass!

...

Nagi! Which one do you want?

Huh? Um... both sound fun...

Then Nagi-chan's with me for sea glass! Come on, let's look for stones together!

Ah! No fair!

Kanata and Mahoro, my two childhood friends.

Mahoro and I have known each other since kindergarten. Kanata moved here around when we started elementary school.

I was always tagging along behind the two of them.

Ah... but...

?

Can I... skip it well...?

What if I'm really bad at it...?

Ya won't know unless ya try, right? Well, ya might not beat the great Kanata though!

Kanata! You're gonna make Nagi-chan cry!

Uugh...

Ugh. Geez, I said sorry! Look, let's just do the battle.

Nagi-chan, how about this stone? It's cool, huh?

...Yeah. I'll use that one.

All right! Everyone got one? Then here we go... ready, set... go!

...Hup!

One, two...

Five! I got five skips!

I got five too! What about you, Nagi-chan?

...Three skips.

I see. Then me and Kanata are tied? Who won?

Mine went farther!

Huhh? I didn't see that~

Then what're we s'posed to do?! Crab~!

Back then, my world was those two noisy girls a year older than me, and...

Ah, there you are! Heeey!

!

I came to pick you three up~

Big sis Itsuki...!

What are you three making a fuss about now?

Um, so! We did a stone-skipping battle! Mahoro won't admit she lost!

No! Kanata's the one lying!

...Okay, got it. Leave it to Sis Tsuki!

!?

I'm gonna skip a stone too, so watch. We'll decide who wins by how many times it skips.

If it's odd, Kanata wins; if even, Mahoro... something like that?

What're "Otter" and "Evan"?

I dunno. Maybe they're some fluffy characters?

Ahaha... Well, let's give it a try! Ready... set... go!

My sister, whom I admired.

Those three filled up my whole world.

...!

Go, go! Big sis!

...! Amazing, amazing! Goal!

Whoa! That one just now, it went swoosh-swoosh, and then wham!

Right! It was so cool!

...! Ehehe.

Itsuki Kotohira. My sister, four years older than me.

She was in sixth grade, and she was the ace of her basketball club team.

Big sis is always in the garage, practicing super hard!

And then! Since she's so good at basketball, she's going to a middle school with a strong basketball team!

...Phew.

Nagi, is it fun watching me the whole time?

Yeah! It's fun! 'Cause I love watching you practice, big sis!

I see, I see. Guess I gotta work even harder.

Hey, when can I watch one of your games? I wanna see you look cool, big sis!

Ah... well, just wait a little longer, okay?

I told you, didn't I? Our basketball team is super strong. So even the first-years are all really good.

And the upperclassmen are even better, so honestly, it's tough to suddenly be a regular or even make the bench.

...? I see.

But once I'm in second year, I'll definitely get to play!

Yeah!

...I'm home.

Ah, welcome home, Itsuki. Aren't you using the garage today?

Ah... yeah. Nah.

Huh...? You're not gonna practice?

...Yeah. I'm tired, so I'm taking today off.

...? Okay.

And then, in the summer when my sister was in her third year of middle school.

...

...?

(Where's big sis going at this hour?)

(The garage... maybe she's practicing for the first time in a while...?)

Ugh, seriously!!

!?

Huh...?

(What was that sound just now...?)

Damn it, damn it, damn it...!

Why... why, why, why!!

Just why?!

...Big... sis...?

!!

...Nagi. Why are you here?

Huh... Ah...

I'm quitting basketball.

...What?

Huh, huh, why...? Why're you quitting? But big sis, you practiced so much every day...

...I couldn't.

...?

I couldn't get in! Not even the bench!

It was my last tournament! I couldn't even make the bench!!

...!

...I kept pretending not to see it. In my first year, in my second year, the whole time.

I told myself I just hadn't practiced enough... I believed that if I tried harder, if I did my best, it'd pay off! And yet!!

If it was gonna hurt like this... I wish I'd never started at all.

Huh... ah, wait...

...

(...Why? Big sis worked so hard, and yet...)

(Why does she have to go through something so painful?)

(Isn't working hard supposed to be a good thing?)

...

Hey! Check out this flyer!

..."Little Kids' Mini-Basketball Tournament"? What's this?

Apparently it's at the gym nearby! It's a three-person team, so let's enter!

!

Huh? But Kanata, you just got out of the hospital, right? Are you sure you're okay?

It'll work out!

Really...? Besides, none of us are really good at basketball, y'know?

That's why we're gonna do super intense training from now on! Then I'll awaken and learn some special move or something!

You read too much manga. Well, but we do need to practice together, huh.

Oh, how about we ask Sis Tsuki to teach us?

Sounds good! We'll practice hard every day!

...!

(Even if I try hard... what if it still doesn't work?)

(That's scary.)

(I don't wanna get hurt...!)

...I'm not doing it.

Huh?

Sorry... I don't wanna enter the tournament. Sorry...

Huh? Why not~? Let's do it together~

...Nagi-chan?

Ah... your hands are shaking...

...!

...Kanata. Let's not do it after all. There's plenty of fun stuff besides basketball.

Hmm... Well, I guess we'll do that then...

...

(If trying hard and hoping just means getting hurt...)

(I'd rather stay like this forever... just keep everything blurry.)

After that. As if that night had never happened, my sister went back to normal.

And just like that, she retired from her club.

Itsuki? Stop watching TV and go take a bath already.

Just a little longer! My fave's part isn't over yet!

...

! Look, Nagi! My fave! So cute~!

...Ehehe, yeah.

How was my sister able to recover?

Or maybe she still hasn't.

I didn't have the courage to find out.

After that, time flowed gently by.

I became someone who doesn't try hard.

The world isn't fair at all, and trying hard is meaningless.

So I figured, just relax, and if things are good now, that's enough.

Living like that is the smartest way.

...Aha.

Hey, hey, have you decided which club to join? I've been swimming forever, so I'm thinking the swim club~

Actually... I applied for an idol audition.

Whoa, nice! I applied to study abroad!

...

By the time I became a middle schooler, everyone around me was sparkling.

Sometimes I felt pathetic in comparison, though.

...Nagi-chan?

Ah, sorry. Those girls who just passed by are in my class.

Huh, really? Was it okay not to say hi? It's April, so we should get friendly with them while we can!

It's fine... Anyway, Mahoro, are you doing student council again this year? You were in general affairs, right?

Huh? Ah... no, I think I'll skip this year. I wasn't really much help anyway.

...Aha. I see.

Yeah. ...Ah, the bus to the hospital is here! Hurry!

Because Mahoro was next to me, I felt like it was okay.

*Sigh*... Fine. I'll do it, but I don't know much about bands.

So even if you two come crying to me like always, there won't be much I can do.

I know, I know~! Leave it to the great Kanata, the one who started this whole thing!

This pattern has never once ended without a hitch...

I-I'll help too! Okay?

All right! Our ultimate band life starts now~!

...

(We actually formed a band.)

(I thought it was just another one of Kanata's whims.)

(But this time, she seems pretty serious.)

...This place has changed completely too.

(Well, but still.)

(If we can make fun memories... I guess anything's fine.)

Thank you! We were millsage!

*Pant*... *Pant*... Hey, did you see that?! A packed house, and everybody was hyped!

Yeah, yeah! It's like... a dream...!

Hmph...! Want me to pinch your cheek if you're worried?

Oh my. And you're one to talk, Natsume-san, your knees are shaking too, you know?

Huh!?

...

I thought maybe.

Man! Last year was rough, but this year's a comeback! A grand slam!

...Yeah. We might've knocked it clean over the back screen.

Oh, what's this? Is that the crybaby Nagi I haven't seen in a while~?

Shut up. It's okay every once in a while, right?

Maybe Kanata's the one who'll smash this boring reality to pieces for me.

In the middle of millsage. Maybe she'd show us a shining miracle...

But it didn't turn out that way.

Steady effort and miracle comebacks don't exist.

All I can do is give up.

...

Good work today! Based on the feedback we got today, I tried coming up with another arrangement!

Thank you ❤

Thanks! I've only written up to the first verse, but I'll send you the lyrics!

Before tomorrow's practice, make sure you fix the issues from today!

All of you, practice even if you have to skip school!

...!

...I don't wanna hear it.

...I don't wanna move forward...

...!?

...

(Ah... I guess I fell asleep like that last night.)

! Oh no.

Wow... that's rare...

I never thought Nagi-chan of all people would oversleep...

...Aha. Well, everyone has days like that, right?

I guess so? Nagi-chan's only human, after all.

...Sorry if I'm wrong, but Nagi-chan... did something happen?

...Huh? Why?

No, it's just a hunch... You seem less energetic than usual.

Is it about the new song, maybe?

...

(Give me a break. Why are you only perceptive at times like this?)

Ah, um... if it's hard to talk about, it's okay, you know?

But hey, I mean, I also confided all kinds of things to you along the shore the other day, right, Nagi-chan?

And that made me feel so much better, so...

Mahoro

!

Thanks. But this is my problem.

Huh...

Ah, y'know. I mean it's not a big deal.

Come on, let's hurry.

...

...

(She's definitely lying.)

(I've never seen Nagi-chan look so cold.)

(What could Nagi-chan's problem be...?)

(Isn't there some way I can help?)

(But she said it's her own problem...)

...That's it!

Hehe♪ It's rare for you to invite me to lunch, Mahoro-san.

I-I guess so... it might be the first time at school...?

Sorry for suddenly asking you to join me.

No, no. If a senior calls, how could I refuse?

Ahaha, thanks... So, getting right to the point...

Has Nagi-chan seemed off lately, or anything?

...? I can't really think of anything, but... Why do you ask?

Ah, yeah... this is really just a hunch, though. I feel like Nagi-chan's been acting strange lately.

So I asked her this morning too, but... how should I put it, she clearly dodged the question.

...Oh my.

This has never happened before, even with how long we've known each other... I just can't leave it alone.

So I thought maybe you, Houka-chan, since you're in the same class, might know something.

I see. I understand the situation.

It's true that Nagi-san and I are close first-year friends, but... unfortunately, I haven't noticed anything in particular.

I see... but yeah, I figured. Nagi-chan doesn't talk much about herself.

That's true... she seems capable, but she's actually awkward.

...Huh? Awkward? Nagi-chan?

Yes. It's not that she won't talk, but that she can't... or maybe there are things she doesn't want to talk about.

The resignation that no one will understand anyway... or the pride of handling it all by herself.

...Something like that might be the case, you know?

...!

(...I have to atone.)

(With millsage, standing at Suzuya Music Hall. I have to deliver music all the way to Kanata beyond the sky.)

(Otherwise, I...)

(I'll never forgive myself, even in death.)

...

(Back then, I told Nagi-chan everything... and still chose to struggle on, thinking "even so.")

(And that let me face forward just a little.)

(But what about Nagi-chan?)

(She's not an idiot like me. Maybe the same approach won't work.)

...Mahoro-san?

(The new song... No. If it's the band that's making Nagi-chan suffer...)

(I can't just leave that alone.)

Yeah, got it. Thanks, Houka-chan.

(...I have to think.)

(Of a way to help Nagi-chan.)

Are you messing around here?

...!

You haven't changed even a millimeter since last time. You haven't been practicing, have you?

Do you really think you can keep up with that half-assed attitude!?

(...So annoying.)

...Well, you said it yourself, Natsume-senpai. That it's a harder phrase than usual.

So naturally, it takes time to perfect it, right?

Don't lie to me!

I can tell just by listening. What you're playing is completely different from the sound of someone practicing to get better!

N-Natsume-chan. Isn't that a little harsh...?

What? So you're saying we should spoil her and it's okay if we lose at Comet?

That's...

...Um. Even so, I still think we should talk it out a little more.

Maybe the cause lies somewhere else...!

That's true... However, it's also true that the band's overall practice isn't progressing much.

And the entry period will be over soon, too...

Exactly. We don't have time to wait around for her.

...

(It's impossible.)

(Effort, hope... I can't do either.)

Nagi

...?

I'll watch you, so practice right here, right now.

...Huh?

Of course. You're the only one who can't do it. So we'll keep going until you can. That's all there is to it.

Come on, start with the intro riff. I'll turn on the metronome.

Huh...

Come on, hurry up. You guys stay out of this.

...

...!

(I can't escape.)

(I can't fake it.)

That's it. Keep going.

...!

(I don't wanna do it... I don't wanna try hard.)

(I don't want to try hard and end up... disappointed in myself...!)

...What? See? You can do it if you try. I told you to do that from the start. Come on, one more time.

...Hey, Natsume-chan, isn't this enough?

No. If we don't make it perfect right here and now, it'll end up holding the whole band back.

...Nagi-san...!

...

*Pant*... *Pant*...!

(No... no, no, no, no, no...)

...!!

...

...? What's wrong? Hurry up and play.

...I can't play.

Sorry... I don't wanna play. Sorry...

Nagi-chan...?

Ah... your hands are shaking...

...!

Sorry, everyone, let's take a break!

What!?

Oh my.

Nagi-chan, come with me.

Huh...?

Mahoro-san, I'll...

Sorry, Hotaru-chan. Let me handle this.

Come on, Nagi-chan!

Ah... wait...!?

...

(I can't play... Of course I can't...!)

(Did everyone find out...? Did Mahoro...?)

(How am I supposed to face them and go back...?)

...Are you okay?

!

Here, water... and a lollipop.

Sorry. The convenience store nearby only had pudding flavor... You don't like sweet things, right?

...No, it's fine. Thanks.

(Mahoro helped me.)

(It kinda feels like we're back to the old days.)

...Sorry for suddenly dragging you out. But I just couldn't leave you alone.

...Yeah.

I kinda figured out that you're carrying something, Nagi-chan... and that you don't wanna talk about it.

You're probably suffering from something I can't understand, right?

...

(Ah.)

(I made Mahoro worry.)

(I didn't mean to make her look like that.)

(I'm the one who's supposed to protect Mahoro...!)

...Sorry... I'm sorry...!

...

...Nagi-chan. Is the band fun?

...Huh?

...Up until now, y'know. Whether it was when Kanata was here, or after Hotaru-chan joined... I thought we all felt the same.

But... seeing you lately, Nagi-chan, I'm not so sure anymore.

...?

Me? I wanna do the band together with you, Nagi-chan.

But... if that makes you suffer, Nagi-chan... making you look like you did earlier, I don't think that's right.

So... maybe. Just maybe, okay?

If it's too painful... you can leave the band, you know.

...Huh?

(Did she just... say I can leave?)

...Why?

(I feel the same as you, Mahoro, you know?)

(I wanna do it together, you know?)

(That... at least that isn't a lie, and yet.)

...Of course, I don't mean right now. It's just that it's an option.

Whether it's really better to do that, probably... I think you should think about it more carefully.

...

...For now, let's end today's practice here. I'll try to convince Natsume-chan somehow.

So... let's go home? Together.

...Sorry. Just for a bit... let me be alone.

...I-I see. Yeah... okay. If anything happens... contact me, okay? See you.

...

...Aha.

What am I even doing...?

(I pretended not to see Mahoro's kindness... and just flailed around on my own.)

(I didn't wanna change, so I kept running away, and this is what I get.)

(Even though there's no way I could run forever.)

...I'm such an idiot.

...I have to make sure I don't get left behind, too.

(Acting all confident like "it'll work out somehow.")

(Far from being left behind, I haven't moved a single step forward. I'm the only one who's still standing still.)

(And Mahoro, who used to stand still right next to me, just like me... isn't there anymore.)

(Even after having her talent shoved in her face, even after realizing who she is, she chose to take on the challenge.)

(Even without me, Mahoro can walk on her own.)

...!

(No...!)

(I don't wanna be left behind. I can't stand being the only one who's pathetic!)

(But... trying hard is scary...!)

(I'll definitely fail someday. And then I'll know that's as far as I go!)

...I can't decide... I don't know...!

Ahh, geez...!

...Someone... choose for me...!

I'm gonna skip a stone too, so watch. We'll decide who wins by how many times it skips.

...!

(Quitting the band... trying hard... I don't wanna do any of it...)

...Then...!

(If it's even, I'll do it... if it's odd, I won't...)

You decide for me...!!

One, two, three...

...!

Nagi-san...! Um, are you feeling better now?

We were worried, you know. You never came back after that, after all.

...Yeah. Sorry.

...Nagi-chan.

...Mahoro, I'm sorry too.

But I... I properly came up with my answer.

...!

...Nagi.

I think you're just someone with no motivation.

...

But I also think you can do it if you try.

I mean, there's no one in this world who can't do it if they're prepared to die trying.

Whether it's painful or tough, you just have to do it. Understand?

...I don't really want to understand, though.

Why you...!

...So...

Five...

(Five skips... odd...)

(I won't be in the band...)

...Haha.

(Isn't that great... now, with this, I won't have to suffer or waste any more effort.)

(I can be... at ease...)

...!!

*Pant*... *Pant*...!

(No one's here... My guitar is... still here.)

Damn...

Damn it... damn it, damn it!!

Why...?! Why did it have to be odd?! Why?!!

Why...

Why am I so... pathetic...

...Ahh, jeez...!

Let's practice.

...!?

(Working hard on guitar and aiming for Comet...)

(Quitting the band and being left behind by Mahoro...)

(And only me living on aimlessly...)

(Both are a living hell, but...)

...

(When I saw how the stone skipping turned out, I finally understood.)

...? Nagi-chan?

(I can't stand being alone.)

(It's not about what I want to do or any noble reason like that.)

(Just the more bearable hell.)

(I chose that one. That's all.)

Mahoro. I'm counting on you from now on, too... okay?

Huh...? Nagi-chan? Hey, are you really okay...?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

I made the decision myself, after all.

(If we keep going like this, we'll get a result no matter what form it takes.)

(What I really am as I struggle will be exposed.)

(But that... right now...)

(I don't even want to think about it.)

Then, let's do this. Is everyone ready?

Huh, yeah...

I'm ready!

Anytime♪

(I'm still scared.)

(But I have no choice but to do it.)

(Surely, when Comet Rising ends...)

...Aha. Okay.

(I'll probably end with it, too.)

Wow, that looks wonderful on you, miss!

...Th-Thank you.

This piece has a pretty bold design, but with a figure like yours, it doesn't look out of place at all~!

It's also versatile, so it'll be perfect for college classes and clubs~!

Ah, no... I'm actually starting middle school this spring.

Whaaat, really!? You don't look it at all!

I'm so sorry... You had such a mature vibe, I just assumed you were college age...!

...

(Thank goodness.)

(This looks better than I expected.)

...I'll take this one.

...

Who...?

...Wait, what do you mean, "who"...

N-N-N-Nagi-chan!? What's with that outfit!?

Hey... Mahoro. Back off.

But you look totally different from when we saw you two days ago!?

You weren't wearing accessories, and, um, your... your belly button is showing...!

Mahoro... cut her some slack. Nagi isn't the crybaby Nagi we know anymore.

She became a middle schooler... and went bad...!

Whaaat...!?

She just graduated elementary school. It's that age when you want to act out...

Before long she'll stop coming to school and start hanging around arcades, and she won't hang out with us anymore...

No way, Nagi-chan! We're gonna play together forever~!

...Don't get carried away by yourselves.

This is... just a new look. I haven't turned into a delinquent.

Th-Thank goodness...

I mean, you two changed your hairstyles when you started middle school, didn't you?

Singling me out is... not fair, right?

Aw, c'mon, don't sulk. It really does suit you. Honestly, it's cool. Yeah.

You know, it gives off a tough vibe...? Like that?

I get it~ It's mature and cool!

...I see.

(Right.)

(The way I am now... can't be wrong, right?)

But you know, it's a little surprising. I thought you liked dressing like Sis Tsuki.

!

Oh, true. A little more... cute? You used to wear that kind of stuff a lot.

...Nothing. I just had a slight change in taste.

Come on, we're going shopping, right? Let's go.

Oh right! I need to buy new sneakers.

Huh... don't tell me you still haven't given up on joining a sports club?

Of course! Friendship! Effort! Victory!

Don't come crying to me if your doctor yells at you again~

Huh~? Mahoro, join me too!

Nah... I'm good. I kinda feel like taking it easy in a cultural club.

Aww, come on~ Then Nagi! You started middle school, aren't you gonna try something new?

Ah...

(A challenge. And a new step forward.)

(A pitch-black darkness with no light ahead.)

...Aha.

I think I'll pass on that for a while.

Everyone, shall we take a breather?

...Yeah. We've been playing nonstop for a while.

Yay, break time...

Actually, I brought some delicious sweets. Could you wait a moment?

...?

I had them chilling in the fridge... Here they are.

...! Is this... tiramisu? It's so cute in this little jar!

May I have one?

Of course. My big sister gave them to me to bring for everyone as a treat. There's enough for everyone, so please help yourselves.

Yay! Thank you~! Look, Nagi-chan, they look delicious!

...Oh, wait. Is tiramisu okay for you, Nagi-chan...?

Could it be that this counts as a sweet, too?

...No, I'll have some. Thanks.

...?

All right, you can listen while you eat.

Mahoro and Houka. Your tempo still wavers from phrase to phrase.

You two are the backbone, so keep it steady.

Ugh... I'll do my best.

I'll be careful♪

And, Nagi.

...Yes.

You still have some rough spots, so next time focus on playing more carefully, too.

But it wasn't as bad as I expected.

...Thanks.

...

Next, about Hotaru...

Yes! If you noticed anything at all, please tell me.

Things to reflect on, things to improve. I'll fix them all.

...Nothing in particular.

When you first joined the band, for better or worse, you really stood out.

Lately that's gone, and you've been blending into the band's sound.

I suppose that means you've finally settled in.

...! Thank you!

But I want us to perform even better... If anything else bothers you, please tell me anytime!

Hehe. Is that humility, or greed...?

Right? If it were me, I might need a little courage.

Natsume-chan definitely wouldn't go easy on me. Like a hot-blooded demon coach?

Oh? Then next time I'll stand right in front of you the whole time and watch you. You should be grateful.

See, Hotaru-chan! This is what I mean! She's scary!?

It's okay! Advice and feedback are all things I'm grateful for!

If that helps us give a good performance... then working hard isn't painful at all!

...

(Hotaru's amazing.)

(So dazzling, unlike me.)

...Thanks for the food.

...

(If she shines this close to me...)

...? Nagi-san, is something wrong?

Was it too sweet after all? Want me to take it?

You just want it for yourself, don't you?

No, I don't~!

So tiramisu isn't your thing after all...?

Nagi-san...?

...

(That's right.)

(Sweet things and dazzling things. Both of them.)

(But...)

No.

(Just for now, this sweetness...)

(It collides with the brightness and dulls it.)

(It makes me feel at ease.)

It's delicious.

...

! I'm glad!

...I hope that's the case. Forcing yourself to eat something you don't like won't do you any good.

...Aha.

It's true.