Part 1

Ichika's Room

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1

Ichika

Oh, that's right...
I need to change out the strings on my guitar.

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2

Ichika

We have practice tomorrow, so I should probably do that now before I go to bed.

3

Ichika

Let's see... I'm pretty sure I put those packs in this drawer... Wait, huh?

4

Ichika

Oh, right... I ran out last time.
That means I need to go buy more tomorrow...

The next day

Instrument Shop

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5

Ichika

I'm always staggered by all the different strings they have available...

6

Ichika

Let's see... The ones I always buy are... Oh, here they are. I should probably buy a few packs just in case.

7

Ichika

Also...

8

???

Oh, hey...

9

Ichika

Huh?

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10

Ichika

Oh! Hi, Iori!

11

Iori

I had a feeling it was you, Ichika.
Fancy seeing you here.

12

Ichika

Yeah, what a nice surprise.
Are you also here to do some shopping?

13

Iori

Yeah, I'm here to buy some strings too.
They should be right around... Aha, here they are.

14

Iori

Why is it that no matter how many extra strings you have, you never seem to have enough?

15

Ichika

I know exactly what you mean!
I just noticed that I ran out yesterday...

16

Iori

Haha. Yeah, it happens to the best of us.

17

Ichika

Initially, I only changed them every one or two months... But I realize now that I need to keep my guitar in the best condition possible if I'm going to continue down this path.

18

Iori

I know.
It's hard not to want to do that when your band's goal is to make it big.

19

Iori

While we're on the subject, Ichika, your band's signed to a label now, right?

20

Ichika

Yes, we are.
But we haven't actually done anything as pros yet.

21

Iori

Right.
A lot does need to be discussed before you can debut.

22

Ichika

Exactly. We went into the office the other day, and to help decide our marketing strategy, we were asked a question: “What aspirations do you hold for your music?”

23

Iori

Hmm...
Aspirations for your music...

24

Iori

You seem to have a good manager if they're giving you time to find answers to that sort of question.

25

Iori

I mean, I've heard rumors that some managers just make you do everything they say.

26

Ichika

Really...?

27

Iori

Yeah.
I'm glad to hear your label isn't like that.

28

Iori

Once they've figured out a marketing strategy for your band, next will probably be your publicity photos or your debut single.

29

Iori

So, Ichika, I have to think you're pretty excited about the future.

30

Ichika

Yes. I am really excited...

31

Ichika

Still, the more time passes, the more I feel worried about what's gonna happen after we go pro.

32

Iori

I know what you mean.
There's just so much to think about.

33

Ichika

Wait, Iori, you too...?

34

Iori

Yeah. I'm betting my life on music, so it was hard for my brain not to worry.

35

Iori

But I've got it now.
Regardless of where you are, what matters most doesn't change.

36

Ichika

Huh...?

37

Iori

My goal is still to put on good performances and give the crowd the best music I can.

38

Iori

So, as professional musicians, let's both do our best.

39

Ichika

Yes, let's. Thank you for saying that...

40

Iori

Also, feel free to ask me for help if you ever think you need it. As a fellow pro with a bit more experience, I'll teach you whatever I can.

41

Ichika

Thank you.
I really appreciate it.

42

Ichika

So, does this make you my senior now...?

43

Iori

Hehe.
I like your thinking, Ichika.

44

Iori

It's great to have a junior as cute as you.

45

Ichika

Oh... Thank you.

46

Iori

By the way, Ichika, what are you doing after this?

47

Ichika

I have to go to practice in a little bit, but...

48

Iori

Then, mind hanging out for a bit until then? I kinda want to try some of these instruments.

49

Iori

It's always easier to distinguish what's good and bad about an instrument when you have a reliable session partner.

50

Ichika

Yeah, sure... That sounds great.

51

Iori

Hehe. Thanks.
Then, let's see if we can borrow that space over there.

52

Ichika

Yes, let's!