Phew...

(I should be plenty warm now.
My arms feel ready to play.)

(And the others should be arriving soon. Until they do, I can...)

(Oh...)

(I still don't know...)

(Mr. Shindo asked me to think more about that...)

(The others already know...
So I need to hurry up and figure out what I want.)

(They said that I don't have to rush, but I can't keep them waiting forever...)

Hona, you're here already?!

Oh, yes...! I came early to do some warm-ups.

Okay.
Then, we should hurry up and get ready.

Sounds good.

♪————!!!

Wow...

This is awesome...!
It feels like they have more momentum than usual for some reason...

They've gained a few levels since last time.

(They're right about that.)

(The others are playing with much more confidence than usual.)

(But why...?)

(Wait...)

(Is it because they know what they want to aspire to?)

(Are they channeling their feelings through this performance? That'd certainly explain why I feel so much momentum...)

(Then, I also need to...)

Honami, keep up!

*Gasp*

I-I'm sorry...

(Stop thinking. Focus on playing right now...)

Nice job, girls.
That was a great performance.

Thanks, Miku!
I had a lot of fun playing!

But we're still falling out of sync in some parts. Let's try it again after our break.

Okay, let's do that...

Is everything okay, Honami...?

Huh?

You seem a little more tired than usual...
You even lost focus for a second back there while we were playing.

Yeah, she's right...
Did something happen?

No, I'm fine...
I just had something on my mind.

That reminds me! I almost forgot about the honeyed lemons I made. I'll go get them now, so let's have some together.

Oh, Hona, thanks...!
I can't wait to try them!

Hehe. Okay, wait right here.

...

Phew... Look at the time.
I didn't even get to have lunch...

Oh well...
Getting this proposal ready takes priority.

Working hard, Shindo?

Oh. Hey, Boss.
Just getting back from lunch?

Yes, but I think I had too much to eat.
The older I get, the less my stomach's able to handle oily foods...

But you... Did you skip lunch?
I know you're busy, but don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Thank you. I'll be careful.

Anyway, what are you working on? Something for Leo/need?

Yes, that's right...
It's a proposal I'm going to present during our next meeting.

I see.
I'll be looking forward to a good presentation.

Please don't put so much pressure on me.
It's no different from usual. I'm coming up with a plan, putting a schedule together...

I mean, things are always busy when we're getting a band ready for their debut. Even lunch takes a back seat.

Really? You say that...
But you seem to be enjoying yourself.

Huh? You think so...?

It may be hard for you to tell, but it almost feels like you're back with your old band.

Stop it. That's ancient history...

Hahaha!
Anyway, how's Leo/need coming along?

Well...

They're definitely a good band, and their performances are going to keep getting better... Most importantly, they've got heart.

Heart, huh...?

They still have a lot to learn...
But they don't shy away from their feelings when it comes to deciding what they want to accomplish with their music.

That strength is why I believe they'll be able to overcome any hurdles that come their way...

...

I see...

That is very important.
It wouldn't matter how good their performances are if those kinds of problems got the best of them.

Exactly. However, their success also depends on us holding up our end of the bargain.

Right.
Okay, I think I have a good understanding of them now...

Great...
But is that all you came here to talk about?

Yes, that reminds me...
A big offer came across my desk this morning.

A big offer...?

Can you give me more details?