(We're gonna write the best song ever...)

(Ichi said that she'd turn my feelings into music.)

(To make sure Leo/need's debut single turns out amazing...)

(And I don't want to let her down!)

Ichi, I've come up with a rough melody!

Okay, I'll listen to it now.

Yeah, I like it...

What you said was all there.
It let me know that everything is going to be okay, and how we can all move forward together.

Really?! Thank goodness...

*Nod*
But...

Oh, what's up?!

What if you took this part of the chorus and added it to the beginning of the song?

Huh?

The melody for the chorus is really compelling, so I think it'd leave a nice impression if I sang right from the beginning...

This song's about telling the listener they'll be able to move forward despite whatever is bothering them, so I feel like that'd be a good way for this song to start off.

Then, you could gradually add more instruments to show the listener that they're not alone. That they'll be able to move forward together.

Like we did with our band...

Oh...

What do you think?

Yeah, you're right...
Thanks, Ichi!

Then, we'll add the chorus to the beginning, and start with just us on keyboard and vocals...

Okay, sounds good.

So, um... Are we increasing the tempo towards the end of the chorus?

Yeah! That'll make it feel like we're running towards our goal together!

Then, once we have every instrument involved, we could throw in a break to signal the start of the next part. How does that sound...?

If we start playing again with just the right timing, it should provide the listener with a nice sense of togetherness.

Oh, I really like that idea...!

In that case, the following verse should try to maintain that momentum while telling the next part of the story.

How do you want to do that?

I guess this part will be about pain or doubt... But with the sense that you need to start moving forward.

Then, we might want to keep it a bit subdued like it already is...

Really?

Yeah. This verse really hits home when I think about everything we went through...

I can almost feel this melody wrapping its arms around me when I look back on what happened...

Oh...

I know. What if we placed more of an emphasis on moving forward one step at a time?

One step at a time...?

Oh, we could throw in some triplets.

We could even have Shiho sing for this part, and Hona here!

Yeah! Then it'd feel like we're each taking the next step!

Hehe! Alright, let's do that!
Next, we have...

(This is the opposite of earlier. We can't stop coming up with good ideas now...)

(Is this because Ichi decided to do what Miku and the others did? She really understands how I feel now...)

(Which means...)

(We can do it now.)

(We have to succeed...!)

(Ichi, Miku and everyone are giving me all the help they can!)

(I have to make this the best song ever!)

It's done...!

It finally is...!

Your message about moving forward despite any pain or doubt is so clear...

Which makes me really glad...

Yeah...! And I couldn't have done it without you, Ichi. Thanks for all your help!

No, I didn't do anything...

We have Miku and the others to thank for this.

Because Miku and MEIKO...
Everyone in SEKAI helped make this song a reality.

Yeah...

Hehe. This is so cool.

We first started our band so that we could play Miku songs together, and we really owe her and the others a lot.

Now, on top of that, they helped us produce an amazing debut single...

Which sorta means we never would've been able to get this far without our VIRTUAL SINGER friends.

Saki...

I agree completely...

Right?! Oh...!

Hey, you've been posting Miku versions of our songs online, right...?

Huh? Yeah, I have...

Then, can you post this one too?

I want lots and lots of people to hear it. Also, I wanna hear what it sounds like when Miku and the others sing it...

They made this song possible, so I want to give it the respect it deserves!

Saki...

Yeah, you're right...!

Then, let's ask Mr. Shindo about this when we have him listen to it!

Okay. However, there is a real possibility that we'll be told this song isn't good enough...

No way!
I mean, this is our best song yet♪

Shiho and Hona also need to listen to it!

Right!

Oh, also...

Let's make a song that properly reflects how we both feel someday, okay...?

What...?

We went with my feeling this time, right?

But I wanna make a song about the both of us someday. Even if we can't agree on everything...

Alright, let's pinky swear...

Someday, we're going to write a song about us!

Yeah!

Interesting...

I was expecting you two to come up with a song where both of your styles and personalities would be there at the forefront...

That being said, this is still a remarkable song.

...!

Within this kindness... This empathy I'm feeling... There's a subtle but strangely powerful sound. It's like I'm being told that I'm not alone...

You two did an excellent job making those work together. I take it you lead in writing it, Ms. Tenma, with Ms. Hoshino as more of an arranger...?

Y-Yes, that's right... We actually tried to do what you said just now at first, Mr. Shindo, but we couldn't get our feelings to really mesh...

No, I'm beyond impressed that you were able to come up with this in such a short amount of time...

Well done.

It doesn't matter how things transpired.
You two worked hard to make this happen, and I believe this is a good representation of what Leo/need's music is going to sound like.

Does that mean...?!

Yes, let's go with this song.
I'm sure Mr. Shimizu is also going to enjoy hearing this.

And above all else... I've got a feeling that this is going to hit home with a lot of people.

...!

Th-Thank you very much!

That's wonderful to hear...!
Thank you both for all your hard work!

It's pretty incredible how you were able to come up with something this good so fast.

Hehe♪
I have Ichi and our “seniors” to thank.

Huh?

Miku and the others gave us some advice.

Ah, I see.

Oh, that reminds me.
Mr. Shindo, there's something we'd like to ask you...!

Hm? Yes?

We were hoping that we could make a VIRTUAL SINGER version of this song to post online...

Huh?

It's just... We think that it'll help give this song more reach!

Would that be okay...?

I see. A VIRTUAL SINGER version...

I like it. Why not...?

Really?!

Yes, as long as you post it after the official Leo/need version has been released. That way, people will know which is the original.

It'll be a nice way to advertise your band.

We can discuss when you'll be able to post it at a later date.

Woohoo! Thank you very much!

Hehe. I want lots and lots of people to hear it.

They will. Very soon.

However, you'll need to actually record it first. I'll be there for that, so let's all do our best to do this song justice.

Record it...!

I-It really feels like we're pros now!

I'm a little nervous...

You'll get used to it in no time.
Things will go smoothly as long as you relax and play the way you normally do.

O-Okay...!

He just told you to relax.

Haha. Sorry!

But still... I don't blame you for feeling nervous or anxious. After all, this song means a lot to the both of you.

Also, it is an amazing song...

So, thank you both...

I'm looking forward to playing it as a band.

Me too...!

*Sigh*
Seriously, how are they running this late?
I'm so bored...

<...——♪ ——♪ ——♪>

Huh? Whose song is this?

I kinda like it...

Hey, did you get a chance to listen to that song?

Yeah, it's really good. I feel so encouraged by it...

They even made a VIRTUAL SINGER version, which is also really amazing...

You've been listening to that song basically on loop lately.

Yeah, I find it really soothing for some reason. It helps put my mind at ease, and gives me a nice boost of energy.

You should give it a listen.
I'll send you the link now.

<You gotta listen to this song!>
<You haven't heard? Everyone's been talking about it!>

<This song motivates me to try harder.>
<Miku sounds so awesome!>

<What's this band called again?>

<Leo/need!>