Thank you for helping me carry all this, Asahina. I should be able to take it from here. I know you're very busy.

You're welcome.
Please feel free to ask again if you ever need help with anything else.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Phew...

(Next is class representative business...
I'm running a little late. I'll need to hurry.)

Sorry for being late, Hoshino. I didn't mean to keep you waiting.

It's okay. That actually gave me some time to get my papers in order. Anyway, shall we begin?

Yes, thank you. Let's.

If I recall... Oh, we were tallying up survey responses from every school event that's been held thus far.

Yes, and many students have been saying, “The event was fun.” Getting ready for the Sports Festival and choir recital in quick succession wasn't easy, but it seems like they all enjoyed working together.

That's good to hear.
It's a nice change from how a large plurality of the student body voiced a dissenting opinion last year.

Quite a few second and third years seemed to enjoy things but felt conflicted about not using that time to study for entrance exams...

Oh, I see.
Yes, it is almost that time of year.

It is. And when you become a second year, everyone begins pressuring you about what you'll be doing in the future.

At the same time, it'd be nice to keep organizing events that are both fun and accommodating in terms of the needs of others.

I agree.
These are special events, so they should have a special place in everyone's hearts.

Yes, I believe the same.

Anyway, shall we review proposals for the next event while going through these survey responses?

Yes, please!

Okay, we have some strong candidates now...

But we'll need to edit this more before passing it on to the rest of the student council or the teachers... That may take a while.

Hoshino, would you have time to...?

I... Um...

Is everything okay?
You can go if there's a pressing matter you need to attend to.

I'm so sorry...
It's not that urgent or anything, but the new CD for this artist I like goes on sale today...

A new CD?

Yes. They retired from producing VIRTUAL SINGER music for a little while, but decided to return recently.

They're not all that famous, but have a fairly strong following... And they even played some of their music at the Fan Festival this year.

...

Oh, could it be...? Was this artist's music difficult to come by before they retired?

*Gasp*...!
Yes, that's right!
Do you like them too, Asahina?

No, a friend actually told me about them. I remember because they seemed to really like this artist as well.

I see.
It's nice knowing that there really are other fans out there.

I'm just as surprised as you are.

And you've been looking forward to getting their CD right as it goes on sale, yes?

Y-Yes... But this is also a limited version that you can't buy online, so I may never be able to get this CD if I miss this opportunity.

There was no way to make any reservations either, so I've been worried about it selling out... I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to get in the way of what we're doing now.

No, it's okay.

But you seem genuinely concerned, so why don't we put a hold on things for now...?

Huh? Are you sure?

Yes. I suspect that your mind will be elsewhere even if we were to continue, but we nearly have everything ready so we can leave the rest until tomorrow.

I can clean up here, so you go on ahead, Hoshino.

Th-Thank you very much!
I really appreciate it, Asahina.
I'll see you tomorrow!

See you. Stay safe.

Phew...

(A limited edition CD...)

(I wonder if Kanade's going to buy it too...)

*Huff*... *Huff*...
Okay, the new CDs should be...

Th-There...!
The last one...!

Let's see, the CDs are...

Oh, there's one left.
Thank goodness...

I'll buy this and...

Huh?

Oh, um...

I'm sorry. You're here for this, yes?
Please, take it.

N-No, I couldn't. You had it first so...

No, it's okay.
Please, don't mind me.

But...

I've heard most of the songs on this already online, and...

I want as many people to hear this person's music as possible.

Oh...

Anyway, if you'll excuse me.

W-Wait!

She's gone...

(She must be a fan too...)

I feel awful...

<...>

<K, is something wrong?
You don't sound too well.>

<Oh, it's nothing...>

<...?>

<Hey, weren't you saying that you're getting that new CD today? Did the shop run out or something?>

<...>

<Wait, they really ran out?>

<No, there was one left, but this other person seemed to really want it so...>

<Oh, now I see...
Bad timing, huh?>

<Can't you get it online?
What about other stores?>

<No, it's not available online and it's only being carried by a few shops. There aren't many that do around here, so I may've missed my chance for good...>

<It's supposed to include songs with scores written by the artist, so I was really hoping to use it for reference later...>

<I'm sorry...>

<But I did feel a little happy in the end...>

<The person who ended up buying that copy seemed like they were really looking forward to getting it.>

<That means they're probably as big a fan of them as you, K.>

<Right. It was nice to meet another fan and I'm happy as long as they get to enjoy it...>

<But you wanted to listen to it too, right, K? I mean, you never know. They might do a re-release, so I'll check online for any info.>

<Yeah, I'll see who else is selling it.>

<Thank you...>

<...>