The observatory?

Yes! Let's all go next Saturday! You don't get to go inside
that often, you know!

Oh, I heard about it too! They're mostly closed to the
public.

They will be hosting an open lecture about stars. I was
thinking of going myself!

I should have known, you're such an astronomy buff!

You're exaggerating... Besides, that place is quite famous.

That's very interesting, a place where you can see the
stars and learn about them.

I can imagine that knowing more about stars makes gazing
at them even more enjoyable.

Right?

You don't need to go to an observatory to see the stars.
They even look prettier when seen with the naked eye.

That's... That's a fair point to make, but it'd be nice for
a change and we could all go together.

We could also go to a cafe, check out clothing stores, and
go karaoke on the same day.

Is that the main reason you want to go?

Um... Those are just other fun things we could do...

Hona! Shiho's being mean to me...

There, there. No need to get upset.

Are you not interested in going to the observatory, Shiho?

It's not that. I just think it's not worth going so far for
that.

That time would be better spent on more band practice.

You're so down to earth, Shiho. Or should I say, down to
play bass.

Is that supposed to be funny?

Was it not?

Sometimes the things you come out with are kind of bizarre!

Bizarre...

Saki, you can't say that!

If you just want to hang out, we can do that close to our
station. There's no need to—

It's important to be in sync with each other in order to
make good music as a team.

Huh?

There's no harm in connecting through things other than
music every now and then. It can only help you as a band.

Yup, I agree.

Shiho... You really don't want to go?

Sigh... Give me a moment to think it over.

I've got work on that day, so I'll have to swap my shift
with someone else.

So you'll come? Yay!

Stop being so clingy. I get enough of that from my sister.

Sounds like you persuaded her, Luka.

I only gave Shiho a little nudge in the direction she
already wanted to go.

There's one condition, though. Don't start slacking off with
band practice because of this trip.

If I see you start to get lazy, I'm out. Got it?

No worries! I'll practice diligently every day!

Every day? But you also have soft tennis practice, and your
part-time job. Won't that be too much?

I'll be fine! I'm not as weak as I used to be!

You say that now, but just the other time you overworked
yourself and caught a bad cold that kept you in bed for
a whole week.

I can manage! You two worry too much.

Nothing's going to stop me from enjoying my wonderful
teenage life♪

All right, then.

Let's have a wonderful time!

Yeah!

Is something the matter, Luka?

No, not really. Nothing too important.

That only makes me more curious. What is it?

It's just that... Saki's a little different today.

Hm?

The tone of her voice told me that she was straining herself.

Her voice sounded strained...?

This rings a bell... I don't want that to happen again...

Thank you, Luka. I'll make sure to look after Saki.

Please do.

Shiho, let's get started with band practice!

All right. Saki, it's good to be enthusiastic, but don't
push yourself past your limits, okay?

Don't talk to me like I'm a child who can't take care of
herself...

I can play our songs perfectly now, you know!

Really? Okay, let's make a bet. If you make a mistake,
you've got to buy me ramen.

Whaaat?!

It shouldn't be a problem if you're so confident, right?
And if you play everything without slipping up, I'll treat
you to bubble tea. With toppings, the price's the same.

You promise to treat me? I'm going to win this bet for sure!

Oh!

A-Are you okay, Honami?

When you think about it, it makes no sense! Why on earth
would ramen cost the same as bubble tea?

When you think of the cost of the ingredients, it just
doesn't add up...
What's wrong?

Honami...

We thought something was seriously wrong when you suddenly
shouted.

Oh? I...I'm sorry! It just suddenly hit me, you know...

Hahaha! You made us all jump!

Sorry! Let's um, let's start our practice session!

Okay! Let's start from just before the chorus. Get ready!

They seem to be having fun. Are you still worried, Luka?

A little.

Maybe I'm overthinking it.