This early, no one else should be here, which means I can focus on writing lyrics.

(But...)

(They really seemed to like it more when I didn't do anything fancy...)

(Is that how I should be thinking about this? Being more open and direct.)

But I don't have time to worry right now...

Saki and the others are waiting on me.
I have to keep doing everything I can!

...

(For now, I'll go with this. Still, it doesn't really leave anything to the imagination.)

(Is this really the best way to express what Saki's trying to convey through her song?)

Good morning, Hoshino.

Oh, Kiritani, good morning.
Are you coming back from your morning practice?

Yes. You're here quite early too, Hoshino.

I was, well... Working on my lyrics...

Oh, you mean for the song Tenma wrote?

Yes...

Are you having some trouble with them...?

Actually, yes...

I was so sure that I'd be able to write something good at first, but now I feel completely stuck.

I see...

By the way, what kind of lyrics are you going for?

Huh? Well...

Saki's song is about how things will get better even if they're not so great right now.

I'm trying to find the right words so that her message can be heard as clearly as possible.

But I keep second-guessing myself and wondering if what I have is really the right way to go.

Yes, I see.

On a scale of 1 to 100, Hoshino, where do you want your lyrics to be given that you finished writing them as they are right now...?

Hmm...
80, maybe? 70 at the very least.

That's very high for a first draft, no...?

A 70's high?

Yes. For reference, whenever I start learning a new song, I'd aim for around 30 first.

A 30?! Why?!

I try to go one step at a time.
First a 30, then a 50 and so on.

More specifically, that 30 from my first time around would also take into account how I interpret a song's themes, motifs or story...

Oh...

So if 100 is perfection, I'd like to start somewhere much lower, like a 30.

I understand... Whenever we start learning a new song, we begin by going over its theme or lyrics first...

That means you should try writing your lyrics in sort of the same manner, no?

The same manner...
By taking it one step at a time?

Yes. Would it be much easier to see where you are or how far you've progressed that way? Not to mention that it'd be significantly less stressful.

You're right...!

So if I were to aim for a 30...

Oh, I should work on creating a rough outline of the song's story first!

I've never written my own lyrics before and I'm sort of just parroting what I learned from working as an idol, but I'm glad I could help.

Yes, thank you! You've been such a huge help!

(For working as an idol...)

(I almost forgot that she used to be one of the most famous idols in the country. Her professionalism is just so incredible.)

(And she was kind enough to give me some useful advice. I can't let it go to waste.)

Oh, Kiritani, would it be okay if I jotted this down somewhere?

Yes, of course.

Thank you so much!

Okay... Take it one step at a time...
Start by aiming for a 30...

Oh...

But songs are about conveying how you feel to someone, Hoshino, so you may want to think about how you...

Interpreting a song's themes, motifs and story...

Hehe...
I'm sure she'll be just fine.