Kanade's Room
Mafuyu
<...>
Kanade
<How is it, Yuki?>
Mafuyu
<...>
Mafuyu
<I don't know...>
Ena
<What? Still?
But this demo sounded amazing.>
But this demo sounded amazing.>
Mizuki
<Yeah, I thought so too. I guess this one couldn't really get its hooks into Yuki.>
Ena
<But this is the fourth one now, right? Can't you say anything more than just, “I don't know”...?>
Mafuyu
<I'm not sure...>
Ena
<Ugh...! K's been working her butt off trying to make this song better, so you should do her a little courtesy and try a little harder.>
Mafuyu
<...>
Kanade
<It's okay. I can make it again.>
Kanade
<This one didn't resonate with Yuki, so I'll keep trying until something does...>
Ena
<K...>
Mizuki
<I guess we don't really have a choice. Also, K, have you been getting enough sleep lately? Take a break if you need one, okay?>
Mizuki
<All work and no play turns your brain into mush, right?>
Kanade
<Okay, I'll take a quick break...>
Kanade
<Yuki, I'll try making a new demo but you'll have to wait until tomorrow night to hear it.>
Mafuyu
<Okay...>
Mafuyu
<I have to get up early tomorrow, so bye.>
Kanade
<Okay, good night.>
Mizuki
<Laters!>
Ena
<I don't get it. Does Yuki just not understand how hard you've been working on these songs, K?>
Mizuki
<Calm down, girl. I'm sure she's trying her best, so let's just give her a little more time.>
Ena
<I know but...>
Mizuki
<Anyways, I'm gonna log off too.
See ya!>
See ya!>
Ena
<Hey, wait...!>
Ena
<*Sigh*... Amia...>
Kanade
<...>
Ena
<Um, K? I know we just mentioned this, but don't push yourself too hard, okay?>
Ena
<I get that you want to make a song that can save Yuki, but I don't think rushing like this is the right answer.>
Kanade
<Thanks, Enanan...>
Ena
<Sure...>
Kanade
This one didn't work either...
Kanade
(It seems like she's been able to feel more lately, but it's still not enough...)
Kanade
(How do I actually make a song that can save Yuki...?)
Kanade
...
Kanade
No, thinking about it won't get me anywhere...
Kanade
I just have to keep composing...
The next day
Scramble Crossing
Mafuyu's Friend
Bye, Mafuyu!
See you tomorrow!
See you tomorrow!
Mafuyu
See you at school.
Mafuyu
...
Kanade
<How is it, Yuki?>
Mafuyu
<...>
Mafuyu
<I don't know...>
Mafuyu
(Until now, Kanade's songs made my chest ache or helped me relax when I listened to them.)
Mafuyu
(Even now, I feel something there...
A part of me that isn't at ease...)
A part of me that isn't at ease...)
Mafuyu
(But I don't know why that is...)
Mafuyu
(What's doing this to me...?)
Mafuyu
I just don't know...
Kanade's Room
Kanade
Done...
Kanade
(Yeah. I like how this song's coming along...)
Kanade
(This one might just...)
Kanade
<Thanks for waiting, everyone.
The new demo's done.>
The new demo's done.>
Ena
<You're done already, K?
That was really fast...>
That was really fast...>
Mizuki
<Oh, what's it like? I can't wait to hear it!>
Mafuyu
<...>
Kanade
<Yuki?>
Mafuyu
<It's nothing. Can I listen to it now?>
Kanade
<Sure. I'll upload it to Nightcord... Oh...>
Kanade
<Would it be okay with everyone if we listened to this together in SEKAI...?>
Mafuyu
<Huh?>
Empty SEKAI
Miku
Oh...
Hello, everyone...
Hello, everyone...
Mizuki
Ta-daa!
The N25 Rangers are here to save the day!
The N25 Rangers are here to save the day!
Miku
N25 Rangers...?
Ena
What are you talking about?
Mizuki
Whoa, cold as ice!
I saw this superhero cartoon on TV this morning, so I wanted to tell Miku about it is all...
I saw this superhero cartoon on TV this morning, so I wanted to tell Miku about it is all...
Ena
Yeah, yeah...
You really like dumb stuff like that, don't you...?
You really like dumb stuff like that, don't you...?
Ena
(But Mizuki does look more cheerful than before...)
Mizuki
But it's pretty rare for you to suggest doing something like this, Kanade. I mean, we can just listen to it together on Nightcord.
Kanade
I want to hear what you all have to say in person this time.
Kanade
(I know that Mafuyu can feel strong emotions in certain situations.)
Kanade
(Like that time when we saw those cherry blossoms. She clearly spoke her mind and even smiled as we looked on...)
Kanade
(That has to be some kind of hint. I don't want to let that go and miss my chance to make a song that can save her.)
Kanade
Alright, let's start...
???
Oh, hello there...
Kanade
Huh...?
Ena
No way... Are you Megurine Luka?
Luka
Yes, that's me.
I just recently arrived in this SEKAI.
I just recently arrived in this SEKAI.
Luka
It's nice to finally meet you all.
Miku's told me all about you.
Miku's told me all about you.
Kanade
Uh, right... It's nice to meet you too...
Ena
First MEIKO and now Luka?
This place is starting to get crowded all the sudden.
This place is starting to get crowded all the sudden.
Mafuyu
Why are you looking at me like that...?
Ena
This is just me talking, but maybe you really are starting to change inside, Mafuyu.
Mafuyu
...
Luka
So what brings you all here today?
Kanade
Oh, we came here to listen to a demo of our next song together. Would you mind giving it a listen as well?
Luka
Of course. I'd love to hear it.
Kanade
Thank you. I'll get everything started.
Ena
Oh, this intro's awesome...!
I love this vibe.
I love this vibe.
Mizuki
Yeah, it really tells you what's going on from the start. Nice one, K!
Kanade
Thanks.
Kanade
(I wonder what Mafuyu thinks.
I hope she feels something.)
I hope she feels something.)
Mafuyu
...
Kanade
Oh...
Miku
That was a beautiful song.
Luka
Yes, it was very nice...
Kanade
No, I'm not sure it actually was...
Kanade
I appreciate you all gathering here for this, but I need to start making fixes to this demo.
Ena
What? But it was such a good song... Right?
Kanade
Maybe...
But I feel like it needs adjusting...
But I feel like it needs adjusting...
Kanade
(This song didn't reach Mafuyu either...)
Luka
...
Luka
Well, when you're finished, I'd love to hear it again.
Kanade
Sure...
Kanade
(Nothing's working...)
Kanade
(I've been trying to compose songs around what Mafuyu seems to be thinking or feeling...)
Kanade
(But lately, songs that I've been making this way haven't been striking a chord with her...)
Kanade
(I want to make something that really resonates with what she's feeling but...)
Kanade
How do I do that...?
Next Chapter: Luka's Words