Part 1
Shopping Mall
Shiho
(Ichika's been having so much trouble with writing lyrics for our song...)
Shiho
You're the one writing these, so I don't see any problems with you doing that.
Ichika
Sure, that may be true but...
Saki
Yeah, I think I like these lyrics more, you know?
Honami
Me too. However, if you're still not satisfied with what you have, you may yet find a better way to express what you're trying to say.
Shiho
Yeah...
Ichika
Again, I'm so sorry...
I'll keep trying.
I'll keep trying.
Shiho
(But there's no such thing as a right answer when it comes to these things, so there isn't much we can do.)
Shiho
(Still, I should probably try to learn more about songwriting...)
Shiho
Hmm...
I doubt this place carries any books like that.
I doubt this place carries any books like that.
Shiho
I'm guessing I have to find a bigger bookstore with a special music section...
Shiho
(That one on the other side of the station might work. I think I'll go take a look.)
???
Oh, Shiho, I thought it was you.
Shiho
Hi, Ichika.
Shiho
This is a nice surprise.
Are you out shopping?
Are you out shopping?
Ichika
No, I'm still stuck with my lyrics, so I was thinking about clearing my head by going to a cafe.
Ichika
But I'm looking for a new place to go since the cafe I was hoping to go to is too crowded.
Shiho
I see...
Shiho
(She's still stuck...)
Ichika
I'm... I'm so sorry that I'm taking so long. I'm the one that volunteered to write them and...
Shiho
Oh...
Shiho
(She read my reaction...)
Shiho
No, it's okay. It's our first original song, so I know it's going to take some time.
Shiho
Also...
Shiho
I was wondering how I could help. You know, by coming up with certain words or phrases...?
Ichika
Shiho...
Thank you.
Thank you.
Ichika
Oh, actually.
Can I ask you a question?
Can I ask you a question?
Shiho
Sure, what's up?
Ichika
I've been trying to expand my vocabulary by reading novels, poems and lyrics by other popular artists...
Ichika
But do you know if there are other ways to go about that?
Shiho
Well, I was going to say something about working out a theme or narrative, but you're already doing that.
Ichika
Right. I still don't feel great about it, but I'm trying.
Ichika
And seeing what others have written, they just seem worlds different from what I have...
Shiho
Yeah, the learning curve is pretty steep.
Shiho
Those that can clearly imagine what they're after probably have a much easier time...
Ichika
Clearly imagine what I'm after...?
Ichika
Such as seeing things from a protagonist's perspective? In this case, Saki, maybe...?
Shiho
Yeah, that might work.
I think that's a good way to look at it.
I think that's a good way to look at it.
Shiho
Especially if they're a real person.
That may simplify things quite a bit.
That may simplify things quite a bit.
Ichika
Okay! Thanks, Shiho.
Your hint might be just what I was looking for!
Your hint might be just what I was looking for!
Shiho
You're welcome.
Ichika
Alright...!
Ichika
I promise to finish writing these soon, so please, just give me a little more time!
Shiho
Okay.
Shiho
(First Saki, now Ichika...)
Shiho
Seeing you work so hard is great and all, but don't overdo it, okay?
Shiho
You can call or text me whenever you're in trouble. Promise that you'll do that?
Ichika
Yes, of course...!
Shiho
...
Ichika
Anyway, see you at practice tomorrow!
Shiho
Okay, see you tomorrow.
Shiho
She should be just fine...