The choir recital was so much fun, wasn't it?

Yes! Everyone was so enthusiastic! I had a great time!

Hehe, I wish I could've heard everyone sing too.

So who ended up winning?

My class got bronze.

We were so close! We all practiced so hard too...

Hehe. The most important thing is that you enjoyed yourself, right?

Right. Regardless of the outcome, you should cherish such wonderful memories.

True! The best reward was all the fun we had!

I'm still not a big fan of events like that.

But you did your best anyway, so we're proud of you too!

I just didn't want to be the one to drag everyone else down.

But every class sang so well.

Well, Honami's class was in a league of its own...

Yeah! They even beat the third year students to win gold! The whole place was in an uproar when they announced the winners!

The teachers couldn't stop praising them either.

Hehe, thank you... But it's because everyone put so much effort into it...

And it's also because of all of you too that my class worked up the enthusiasm to go for the gold.

Huh?

Talking to all of you gave me the courage I needed to speak up and tell my classmates how I really felt.

So... Thank you, everyone.

I'm glad it worked out, Honami.

Me too!

Shall we start our own practice now?

Let's do it!

Shiho, I was practicing the part you told me about the other day at home. Can you take a listen before we start?

Yeah, okay.

How about we go grab our instruments too?

Hehe. I'm so glad.

Um... MEIKO?

Yes, Honami?

I just wanted to say thank you.

You helped me muster up the courage to move forward. So if there's anything I can do to repay you...

Hehe. I didn't do anything.

You found the answer and moved forward all by yourself, Honami.

But without the push you gave me...

Well, in that case...

How about we practice drumming together again sometime?

Oh, you want to practice together?

Yes. I don't always get to practice with somebody else. What do you say?

Of course!
I'd be happy to!

Great. I can't wait!

MEIKO! Hona!
We're about to start!

Coming!

Shall we, Honami?

Yes!!

Good morning. I'm good to start.

Ah, can you take care of the setup?
And the flyers too.

Got it.

There's a lot of people here today.
I wonder who's performing...

(Hm... "STANDOUT", huh? They've always been good, but they've been attracting more fans lately too.)

Did you hear that STANDOUT's debuting with a major label soon?

Seriously?! But I'm not surprised.
They've been so awesome lately...!

Oh, but I heard they're swapping out one of the members before making their debut.

Then it must be the bassist.
She's just been coasting for a while now...

...

(A major label, huh?
Maybe someday, I...)

Hey. You're Hinomori, one of the staff here, right?
I've seen you sub as a bassist a few times.

Huh?

My name is Iori, the vocalist for STANDOUT. Sorry if this is out of the blue, but I wanted you to know that I love your sound.

And... Would you like to join my band?

...!