A key change during the third measure and...

Okay...
At this rate, I should be able to finish everything by tomorrow.

<Hey, K, mind taking a look at what I drew for the chorus? I'm not sure if this is the right way to go...>

<Sure, I don't mind...>

<So... What do you think?>

<I like the overall theme...>

<But you're using darker colors than I expected. This song's more about wandering through a mist or fog as opposed to darkness.>

<Right... In that case, I'll stick with this design but try using some colors with more value...>

<Hey, you guys...
Sorry I'm late. Everything going okay?>

<Hello, Amia.
The song's almost complete.>

<Sorry, I can't really say the same. I'm probably going to need more time.>

<That's all good!
I'll use this time to look for some new tools and materials.>

<Sorry for the wait...>

<Hey, Yuki. What's up?
You finish all your homework?>

<Yes... K...
I'd like to make some adjustments to the lyrics. Are you free right now?>

<Yes, I can help.>

<Alright, we'll be in the chat room.>

<Let us know if you need anything, okay?>

<Okay. We'll talk later.>

<K, it's about this part...>

<Right.>

<I see...
Then, I'll try making adjustments based on that.>

<Thank you.
When do you think you'll be done?>

<I don't have cram school or club activities tomorrow, so I should be able to finish it by the night after tomorrow if I sit down and focus on it.>

<Okay.>

<However, finals start next week for us, which means I likely won't be able to log in until the end of the month...>

<I understand...
Please be sure to let us know if there is a day when you can log in next week onwards.>

<I will. I'll get back to work now.>

Finals...

(It's already that time of year.)

(This was about when dad collapsed too.)

(Dad...)

...

It's been two years since then...

How about I clean and make you some extra food today that you can have later?

It's been getting chilly lately, so I'll put on a pot of stew for you tonight!

Oh, thank you.

In the meantime, Ms. Mochizuki, I'll be working in my room.

Okay!

Phew... It's finished...

Oh, the kitchen smells nice.
I guess she did say that she's making stew...

I might go take a peek.

Hello, Ms. Yoisaki.
I'm just about finished making the stew.

Thank you. It smells really nice.
I'll be sure to have some for dinner tonight...

Hehe. Would you like to have some now? It'll be warm and delicious coming right off the stove.

Yes, that does sound good...
I think I'll have some if you don't mind...

Okay, let me just get you a bowl... Oh, it's going to be very hot, so please be careful.

...

Now that I think about it, didn't you make stew for me the first time we met, Ms. Mochizuki...?

Oh, you're right.

Hehe. We really didn't get a chance that time to talk very much either.

I remember going up to your room to let you know that your stew was ready, but I didn't want to bother you since you seemed so focused on composing.

Oh, I remember that too...

(She's right...
We hardly ever spoke at all back then...)

(Looking back, that was pretty rude of me.)

It's been two years since we first met, Ms. Yoisaki...

Two years...

(I was so desperate back then.
All I did was compose, upload, rinse and repeat.)

(Eating even took a back seat.
Thinking about that...)

I'm so much more at ease now compared to back then...

I feel like I have an easier time relaxing now.

A easier time relaxing...?

Now that you mention it, you do seem much friendlier than before.

It must be because your group is full of such nice people.

Huh?

Having people around that you can open up to makes it much easier to talk to others, no?

People I can open up to...?

You may be right...

I'm bored...

The others must be busy with their new song right now.

Weren't you bored out of your mind when you were all alone here, Miku?

Only a little...
But...

Mafuyu and the others sometimes come here with some sad feelings weighing on their minds, so it's okay if they're not always here.

After all, they seem much better now.

Oh? Hehe. I suppose that's one way to look at this.

But what if we start seeking them out whenever they do come here? Don't you think it'd be more fun for them if we're with them...?

More fun...?

I never thought of it that way.

See my point?
Oh, why don't we go see them right now...?

Huh...?

Hehe. Isn't it a wonderful idea?
Let's go, Miku!

W-W-Wait...