(I'm glad it's sunny again today.
Rain would've kept me from going up to the rooftop.)

(Hm...?
It sounds like someone's already up there...)

Is that your acoustic guitar...?

Um...
I bought it last week.

Last week?
Why all of a sudden?

That talk we had the other day...

It made me believe that I might not have to feel so alone if I learned to play music.

You're lonely...?

I'm not sure...
Maybe that's not the right word.

The thing is, I've had to switch schools so many times already. I have a hard time getting myself to make new friends since I don't know how long I'll be here...

At the same time, it felt like I was spending too much time on my own, so I decided to buy this.

I see...

Oh, would I be making too much of a racket...?

Um...

No, I won't mind...
Feel free to practice as you like.

Really?
Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself to you...
My name's Miu Takagi, a second-year.

I'm Shiho Hinomori.
Also a second-year...

Nice to meet you, Hinomori.

Likewise...

Ichika! Are you heading home now...?

...!

Uh, yes.
How did club activities go for you today?

The seniors are all hyped up for regionals, so they're making us practice extra hard! You should stop by for a change!

Me...?!
I-I'd really rather not...

Haha! I was kidding!

Hehe. You had me going there for a second.

...

Is she your friend...?

Not really...

Or rather...
We used to be friends.

But things are different now.

I see...

Aren't you gonna play your bass...?

Huh?

It's just, you don't seem as lonely whenever you are...

That's because...

No, you're right.

I'll start practicing...

Ow, my fingers...

You should try using your fingertips more when fretting, especially for chords...

Oh, you're right. That makes things so much easier. Thanks.

Sure thing.

Class is adjourned!

(I think I'll go up again today...)

Hey! You're Hinomori, right?
The second year?

Huh?
And you are...?

We're third-years from the Light Music Club!

Light Music Club?
I didn't realize our school had one of those...

We literally just started it.
Our goal's to play during the School Festival.

But our bassist has some conflicts to deal with, so we're looking for someone experienced to replace her...

That's when we heard about you, Hinomori. Wanna try playing bass for us?

Oh...
It's already this late. We should head home soon.

...

Um...

Hm?
What's up?

Some third-years invited me to play for their band, so you might start seeing less of me up here starting tomorrow.

Wait, really...?

That's great. You found a band.

I hope it goes well...

Huh? Did you say something just now?

It's nothing...
Bye.

Wait, Hinomori...!

Yeah...?

Good luck...

Right. Thanks...

...

I can hear my guitar so clearly when it's just me playing...

At the same time, everything's so quiet...

I can't wait to get started, Hinomori!

Same.
I've been looking forward to this.

Alright, why don't we jump right in?
We only have three months until the School Festival.

Yeah, you're right.
Let's give it a quick run!

Okay.

(They're pretty good. They might be more experienced than I realized...)

(If we really work at it starting now, we should be able to put on a great show for the School Festival...)

Yeah!
You're doing great, Hinomori!

Totally! I can't believe you figured everything out in one go!

Th-Thanks.
I'm just glad I didn't disappoint any of you.

I mean, we're pretty much all set now, right? There's not much else to work on...

I know!
What if we started working on another song?

Yeah! Let's do that!

Um, I'm sorry but...

Hm?
What's up?

I think there's still some room for improvement.

I feel like you can make the snare sound a little more dynamic. Also, we might be able to sing and use the keyboard in a way to build up to the chorus better.

Would it be alright if we gave that a try?

Yeah, I guess you're right...

Okay, let's give it another shot.

Great.
Thanks.

Sorry! My bad!

Haha. All good.
Just do better next time!

...

Oh, we should head home soon.
Let's start putting everything away.

Hey, wanna stop by a cafe on our way back? There's this new one that just opened by the station!

Yeah, let's go!

Um, can't we practice a little more since we have the time...?

Where? We don't have anywhere to practice.

We'll have to walk a little way, but I know this good studio that lets you rent for really cheap...

Yeah... I get what you're trying to say, but breaks are important too, you know?

She's right.
Practicing's important, but all work and no play, am I right?

What...?

You should come with us, Hinomori!
What do you say?

No thanks...
I'll pass.

You sure?
Alright, I guess we'll see you tomorrow!

Later!

...

(The only good practice we've had so far was during our first day.)

(Even asking them to practice on their own at home got tabled...)

(What am I supposed to do in this situation...?)