A band you'd find anywhere else...?

They were a lot like your band, Ms. Tenma...

A group of friends from school who got together and started playing music together.

Huh...?

Just like Leo/need, they were discovered while they were still in school and made their debut... They even made quite a name for themselves.

Wow! That's so cool...!

They definitely had luck on their side.
However...

In terms of skill, it was the bassist and frontman who did the heavy lifting.

Obviously, everyone around them understood that, but after they debuted and when it mattered most...

They were headhunted...
Someone else had the idea of using the frontman and bassist to form a new band.

Wait, that's...

It was a big talent agency that handled many top-level artists, too.

There was talk of a massive ad campaign for them, and a spot at a big summer music festival.

Looking back, it was an unbelievable offer. What's more, switching to that agency would mean...

...a chance to have their music heard by more people.

Oh...

B-But...
If they took that offer... The band they made with their friends...

They broke up.

...

But...
If that were me...

The bassist felt the same way as you, Ms. Tenma.

They chose playing music together over having their music heard by more people.

Yeah, so...!

However...

The frontman cared more about having his music become more popular by jumping ship.

...!

Naturally, the original band broke up.
After that...

The frontman...
Actually, I don't know what became of him.

Wait, so...

In retrospect, I'm sure there were a number of factors, but...

His music was recognized because of the band he was in, and leaving probably caused all that to change.

Oh...

Ultimately, that band lost everything.

Which is why I... I understand...

Wanting to have your music heard by others...

...and wanting to keep playing music with the people you were lucky enough to meet.

Being a band isn't about choosing between those feelings...

It's about never losing sight of either.

Never losing sight of either...

In that respect, Ms. Tenma, you seem to be doing just fine.

So, I believe there's no need for you to feel scared. Not only that...

Wanting to stay together and wanting to have your music heard by others...

Those feelings are tough to balance, but I believe that balance lies at the heart of Leo/need's music.

Also, I decided to start these talks with you because I personally like your music.

So, I'm sure you'll do just fine...

Mr. Shindo...

(He's right...)

(We don't need to decide what our “number one goal” is because both of those things are equally important.)

(I mean, my feelings...
All of our feelings... They're a vital part of Leo/need's music...)

(So...)

(Then, I...)

Oh, look at the time...

Old men like me can't help but ramble on, but I hope you feel a little better now.

I do...

I'm okay with how I feel now.

That's good to hear...

Then, see you again this weekend.
I'll be looking forward to our meeting.