Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy JHS - Rooftop
Shiho
Yes.
Start to finish without any mistakes.
Start to finish without any mistakes.
???
That was amazing...
Shiho
Huh? Wh-Who are you...?
???
I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop...
Shiho
You can listen all you want...
???
Okay.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Shiho
...
???
...
Shiho
Anyway, why are you here...?
???
Oh, I...
I was thinking about having lunch up here.
I was thinking about having lunch up here.
Shiho
Oh, okay...
Shiho
(That's pretty odd.
I've never seen anyone else come up here by themselves to have lunch.)
I've never seen anyone else come up here by themselves to have lunch.)
Shiho
(I won't be able to practice if she's here...
But there's nowhere else for me to go.)
But there's nowhere else for me to go.)
Shiho
...
Shiho
(I guess she won't be that much of a bother...)
The next day - After school
Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy JHS - Classroom
Shiho
(Finally, school's out.
I can go up to the rooftop and work on my bass...)
I can go up to the rooftop and work on my bass...)
Shiho
Oh...
Shiho
(Ichika and Honami are just outside the door. It definitely looks like they're waiting for me...)
Shiho
(If that's how they're gonna play...
I'll just go out the back.)
I'll just go out the back.)
Honami
What in the world is going on with Shiho?
Ichika
I don't know...
It's not like her to leave us in the dark like this...
It's not like her to leave us in the dark like this...
Honami
I have to think something's really bothering her. It may also be about us based on how she's been avoiding us.
Ichika
If that's true, I feel even more inclined to talk to her. Not being there for her when she needs our help is the last thing I want...
Honami
Yes, I feel the same way.
Shiho
...
Shiho
Sorry...
Ichika, Honami...
Ichika, Honami...
Shiho
*Sigh*
Shiho
(Avoiding them like this is only making them worry more about me...)
Shiho
(But...)
Shiho
(I'm not about to cause them any trouble.)
???
...
Shiho
(She's back...?)
Shiho
(Coming up here during lunch is one thing, but it's after school. She must not be in any clubs.)
Shiho
(I still don't really know why she keeps coming up here, but I guess I should just leave her be...)
Shiho
(Anyway, I don't want to think about anything other than playing my bass right now...)
One week later
???
...
Shiho
...
Shiho
(It's like she's always here now...)
Shiho
(But I've sort of gotten used to it.)
???
Excuse me...
Shiho
Huh...?
???
Oh, I apologize for interrupting you during practice, but there's something I'd like to ask you.
Shiho
Sure, what is it...?
???
I see you up here all the time by yourself. Are you not in a band or anything...?
Shiho
No.
???
Why not...?
Shiho
Because...
Shiho
I don't have anyone else to play with...
Shiho
A long time ago, I had some friends who wanted to be in a band...
???
But... Is it fun playing your bass all by yourself like this?
Shiho
Huh? What are you saying?
I've definitely been getting better, so it's been worth it.
I've definitely been getting better, so it's been worth it.
Shiho
Also, you have to know how to practice on your own if you want to become a professional bassist.
???
Really...?
Shiho
Yes, really.
???
Still, aren't you lonely...?
Shiho
I...
???
...
Shiho
I don't know...
But...
But...
Shiho
I feel at ease whenever I'm listening to music or playing my bass...
Shiho
Any further questions...?
???
N-No...
Shiho
Okay.
I'm gonna keep practicing now.
I'm gonna keep practicing now.
???
...
???
Music, huh...?
Next Chapter: Light Expectations