The night before Shibuya Instrument Day
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Instrument Shop Manager
Alright, we're done organizing all the instruments.
Instrument Shop Manager
That's right!
I'm looking forward to seeing you both there tomorrow, An, Aoyagi!
I'm looking forward to seeing you both there tomorrow, An, Aoyagi!
Scramble Crossing
Toya
(I've had a chance to clarify what to look out for and where to carry everything. It's a lot, but Shiraishi and I should be able to move it all before the doors open.)
Toya
(But the more I feel the need to do well, the more I find myself tensing or freezing up.)
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Saki
Shibuya Instrument Day...?
Oh, isn't that the convention they're having at the hall by the station tomorrow?
Oh, isn't that the convention they're having at the hall by the station tomorrow?
Saki
My mom and I were talking about that last week! Unfortunately, some stuff came up, so we can't go...
Toya
I see. That is unfortunate...
I'll try to take in as much of the convention as I can in you and your family's place.
I'll try to take in as much of the convention as I can in you and your family's place.
Toya
The shop we often rent equipment from is going to be there as a vendor, but they found themselves suddenly short-staffed. I volunteered to help out, since they've been so good to us.
Toya
Yes, because I've never done anything like this before. I can't seem to stop myself from tensing up.
Saki
Now that you mention it, you do always get a little anxious whenever you try something new.
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Saki
But when Tsukasa shouted “We're having a recital!” and started playing the piano, you immediately went over to join him. Your eyes twinkled so much.
Saki
That was when I realized just how much you love music. I had so much fun watching you two play together.
Saki
So, I'm sure you'll do a great job of explaining how much fun music and instruments are!
Toya
(My memories of playing the piano back then are not very pleasant ones, for the most part.)
Toya
(But I always had fun whenever I got to play with Saki and Tsukasa at their house. I felt pure joy. I was happy...)
Toya
(Instead of worrying so much about providing good customer service, it may be better for me to just remember what I felt back then.)
Toya
Thank you very much, Saki...
I realize now that I may've been overthinking things a bit.
I realize now that I may've been overthinking things a bit.
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Saki
He said, “You're late! Is everything okay? You should get back soon, since we're having curry loaded with veggies for dinner!”
Oh, he's such a worrywart.
Oh, he's such a worrywart.
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Shibuya Instrument Day
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Instrument Shop Manager
Alright, the demo area's good to go!
Instrument Shop Manager
The doors should be opening soon...
An, Toya, are you two ready?
An, Toya, are you two ready?
Instrument Shop Manager
Alright, that's great to hear!
Instrument Shop Manager
Then, I'm going to go submit these registration forms. I should be right back, but feel free to call me if anything happens.
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An
I thought this convention was gonna be all stuffy and strait-laced, but it's been set up in a surprisingly cute way!
Toya
Yes, I agree.
They did a beautiful job of making everything blue based on this ocean theme.
They did a beautiful job of making everything blue based on this ocean theme.
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Len
<Okay, we'll be careful!
You don't have to worry about us while helping your customers!>
You don't have to worry about us while helping your customers!>
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Instrument Shop Manager
Hey, sorry about the wait!
The doors are just about to open!
The doors are just about to open!
Young Man
Excuse me, miss?
Would you mind answering a question for me?
Would you mind answering a question for me?
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Young Man
I'm sort of interested in these trombones, but what's the difference between them? Some are skinny and some are wider, but what does that do?
An
The thinner ones are designed to produce bright, high-pitched sounds. The wider ones require more air, but can produce a much louder and richer sound. That's probably the biggest difference between them!
An
Would you like to try playing them?
Actually hearing what they sound like should help clarify things!
Actually hearing what they sound like should help clarify things!
Young Man
Oh, I can try playing them?
Then, if it's alright...
Then, if it's alright...
Len
<Wow!
An's a total pro! Even though this is her first time, it's like she's been doing this for years!>
An's a total pro! Even though this is her first time, it's like she's been doing this for years!>
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Saki
I'm sure you'll do a great job of explaining how much fun music and instruments are!
Elderly Gentleman
Oh, young man, would you mind if I asked you a question?
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Elderly Gentleman
Actually, I haven't decided yet...
Do you have any instruments that a complete novice such as myself could possibly play?
Do you have any instruments that a complete novice such as myself could possibly play?
Elderly Lady
We were hoping to enjoy our golden years by learning to play something together.
Elderly Lady
I have some experience playing the piano, but my husband here has never touched an instrument in his life. Do you have any recommendations for someone like that?
Elderly Gentleman
Preferably, something that sounds cool.
Toya
Then, how about the saxophone?
It's the easiest to pick up out of all the wind instruments here.
It's the easiest to pick up out of all the wind instruments here.
Elderly Lady
Really?
It looks difficult to play...
It looks difficult to play...
Toya
I can understand why you'd feel that way.
Not only are there all these keys, it also requires a reed to play.
Not only are there all these keys, it also requires a reed to play.
Toya
I also thought that it must be an incredibly complicated instrument when I first saw one.
Elderly Gentleman
Oh, you felt the same way?
Toya
Yes, when I was little. I didn't think it would be possible for me to operate all the keys while blowing into it at the same time.
Toya
In reality, it's not as complicated as it looks. For example, just by pressing this key, you can play C.
Elderly Gentleman
Oh, that's surprisingly simple.
Elderly Gentleman
Are you sure? If you're offering...
Hmm... It's also surprisingly easy to hold.
Hmm... It's also surprisingly easy to hold.
Elderly Lady
Really? It looks pretty heavy.
Toya
Yes, an alto sax does weigh about 2.5 kg, so you will feel it. However, a strap will help lessen that burden quite a bit.
Elderly Gentleman
Plus, the sax sounds so good, too.
I might just be able to get her to fall in love with me all over again.
I might just be able to get her to fall in love with me all over again.
Elderly Lady
Honey...!
My husband thinks he's so funny!
My husband thinks he's so funny!
Toya
Of course, this is your first time, so it may be difficult to produce a proper tone... But I'm sure you'll be very thrilled when you do figure out how.
Elderly Gentleman
Right...
Then, let's go give it a try!
Then, let's go give it a try!
Toya
Alright, I'll get the manager.
This couple would like to try playing the saxophone. Would you mind helping get them set up?
This couple would like to try playing the saxophone. Would you mind helping get them set up?
Instrument Shop Manager
Ah, Aoyagi, thanks for bringing them to me! Please feel free to use these chairs, you two!
Elderly Lady
Thank you very much for the explanation, young man. You made things so easy to understand.
Elderly Gentleman
Yeah, you seemed to enjoy talking about instruments so much that I really want to try playing one now!
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Toya
It's nice knowing that I was able to play a small part in them understanding how fun it can be to play the saxophone.
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Young Lady
Excuse me. I have a question about this instrument...
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Next Chapter: The Boy and the Trumpet