Thanks for waiting.
We should be ready now.

Okay.
From the top.

Honami, count us in.

Right.
One, two, three, four...

(Not bad. We sound sharper than usual because of how focused everybody is...)

(But...)

(We're still not reaching the level we did during that show. Like our sound is still missing something...)

...

Sorry, I need to head off for work soon...

Of course. We can practice on our own from here.

Okay. Oh, also...

This can wait until next time, but there's something I'd like to talk about before practice.

With all of us?

It has to do with what we'll be doing as a band, like how to actually become a pro and stuff.

I'd like that too. I tried looking up some information regarding that, but it was hard to say what our best options would be.

That actually goes for me too.

I've also been thinking about what would be best for us or what we need to start focusing on...

So I'd like it if we had a little discussion surrounding that.

Yeah, sure♪

Thanks, everyone!

That was great, Shiho!
You were a lifesaver back there!

I was just doing my job.

But if you don't mind me asking, what happened to your regular bassist?

Stuck doing overtime!
We might be in a band, but we still have day jobs.

Yes, I see... That must keep you very busy.

It does. But this also might be the first time we couldn't all make to a show. To be fair, we didn't get to practice together much before this.

Wait, based on how your performance went, I never would've gotten that impression...

Really?! That's a load off my mind...

We don't always have time to practice, but we also don't want to give our audience a bad performance.

(They didn't actually practice all that much, but still sound great when it counts...)

Um, would you mind if I asked you a question?

Sure, what is it?

How is that you guys can play so well on stage even though you haven't had much time to practice?

Well... Having known each other forever is one thing. We've been playing since we were still in school so...

Oh, I see...

And we decided that since we're doing this, we're gonna play in front of people...

So instead of practicing at a studio or something, we usually try to find a park or public space that we can use.

It's just so different when you have real people really listening to your stuff, you know?

I know exactly what you mean.

(So we really are just lacking that real-world experience.)

(And that doesn't have to be events or shows. It can just be playing in front of people in whatever ways we can think of.)

(Ichika started to really improve after she started doing street performances too...)

Thank you for this opportunity. I really appreciate the advice you've given me.

Anytime!

Speaking of which, you're in a band with your friends from school, right? We should do a show together sometime!

Yes, someday.

(There's the manager. Oh, he's talking to the owner...)

Ah, Hinomori. Great work today.

Thank you as always, Shiho.
You're always a huge help.

I'm just doing my job, really...

But, um... Would it be alright if I asked the both of you for something...?

For you, anything.

Wait, really? But I haven't said what yet...

You want our permission to let you put on a show here, right?

Y-Yes...
How did you...?

It was written all over your face.

I also heard about that show you did with Iori at that outdoor stage. Congratulations on a successful first show.

I heard it was really something else. I wish I was there to see it happen.

Oh, uh... Thank you...

But that has nothing to do with what I'm asking now, right...?

I'll let you in on a little secret. I generally try to help those that are chasing after their dreams.

That's why I want you girls to play here to since you've decided to go down the path of trying to become pros.

Plus, we owe you for the work you've been putting in here and all the times you subbed in on bass.

Our regulars also like seeing new faces and bands, so they'll be greeting you with open arms!

So we'll try and help however we can, Shiho.

Both of you...

Thank you so much.
We promise not to let you down.

And please allow me to introduce you to the rest of my band next time.

Of course, I can't wait to meet them.

Thank you!