Afterglow/Band Story 2

Associated pages| * Afterglow
* Band Story
* **Band Story 2** (You are here)
* Band Story 3
* Discography
* Events

Tied to the Skies

**What happens when the rest of Afterglow no longer understand Ran's lyrics...?**

* Chapter 1
* Chapter 2
* Chapter 3
* Chapter 4
* Chapter 5
* Chapter 6
* Chapter 7
* Chapter 8
* Chapter 9
* Chapter 10
* Chapter 11
* Chapter 12
* Chapter 13
* Chapter 14
* Chapter 15

 Studio
**Tomoe**Cool, that seems like a good place to stop. Why don't we call it a day?**Himari**Great work today, you guys!**Tsugumi**You too! ... Ah, Ran-chan, I just remembered something.**Ran**Hm? What is it?**Tsugumi**I was downtown the other day and ran into your father. He said his schedule has been too tight to come to our concerts recently. He was pretty sad about it.**Ran**He's kinda had his hands full with flower-arrangement meetings... Not that it matters! He doesn't have to come to everything!**Tomoe**Haha... You could say your dad coming to our shows is something that's the "same as always."**Ran**I wish we couldn't.**Moca**Hello~, put some pep in your step, guys~. If we don't clean up faster, Yamabuki Bakery's gonna close~.**Himari**You sure don't change, Moca. Just relax, there's no reason for us to rush. It'll be fine.**Moca**A second saved is a second earned, and I wanna use my seconds to choose which buns I want~.**Tomoe**I guess we're doing this. Alright, guys, hustle.

 Downtown
**Tsugumi**I bet you're happy now that you bought your bread, Moca-chan.**Moca**And I couldn't have done it without you all~. Thank you~.**Himari**Are you actually planning to eat all of those by yourself though?**Moca**Yes ma'am~. I'll have some after dinner, some for breakfast tomorrow, some before noon, and some after school.**Tomoe**That still doesn't seem like it adds up...**Ran**Ah...**Tsugumi**Something wrong, Ran-chan?**Ran**Sorry, do you guys mind if we stop at this flower shop?**Himari**Mmm, smells nice~♪ They're all so adorable.
**Tomoe**Which one did you wanna look at, Ran?**Ran**Here... This one.**Moca**That's pretty funny looking~. It doesn't really say "flower," you know?**Ran**Either way, it's still a type of rose.**Tsugumi**Oh~! Interesting~. What's it called?**Ran**It's known as a great burnet.**Ran**It'd be pretty tough to make it the centerpiece of your arrangement, but its dark color can help accentuate parts of it. Just using it can help bring out the mood you're going for. I really like this one.**Himari**Yeah, it does seem like the only thing you'd need to create something more mature!**Tsugumi**This is my first time hearing about this flower. Of course you'd be able to tell us about it, Ran-chan.**Ran**I-I mean... that's what happens when you spend more time with flowers than the average person...**Moca**Once upon a time, you used to avoid them more than the average person.**Himari**Hey~! You shouldn't say stuff like that, Moca!**Tsugumi**I love hearing you talk about them, Ran-chan! Could you tell me about some other ones?!**Ran**That's fine with me...**Himari**Fufu. You've really changed, Ran~.**Tomoe**Yup. Stopping by a flower shop, telling us about your dad... There's no way you would have done that stuff before.**Ran**S-so what?! It's not a problem, is it?! Now stop talking about it...**Moca**Oh~, Ran's getting blushy~.**Himari**Fufu! Now this is the Ran I know ♪**Tomoe**That's one thing about you that stays the same~.**Ran**Himari! Tomoe! Shut up already!**Himari & Tomoe**Ahahahaha.

 CiRCLE - Lobby
**Ran**Let's see... There's Tuesday and Thursday of next week...**Ran**And then...**Himari**Huh? Wow, Ran, you're already here?**Ran**I had a flower arrangement thing before this. I came after that was done, but I still ended up being a bit early.**Tomoe**Oh, okay. Hope you're not too tired yet.**Ran**You were all together?**Tsugumi**We actually just ran into each other. We still have some time before our rehearsal slot, right? I guess we can all just wait here.**Tomoe**What were you up to, Ran?**Ran**Just checking my schedule. I have flower-arrangement meetings and stuff...**Himari**Ah... I see. Is it a bad time to have a show then?**Ran**A show? Did we have one planned?**Tsugumi**No, but we were just talking about it. The only thing we've been doing recently is playing in the studio, so we thought it might be a good time to have one.**Tomoe**And while we're at it, we thought it'd be cool to come up with a new song too. You seem kinda busy though.**Ran**Sorry... I still wanna have a performance. The new song is a good idea as well.**Moca**Welp, you heard the woman. Let's have ourselves a show with a new song. Of course, we'd have to figure out when we can have it.**Himari**Yeah, sounds like a plan! But don't push yourself too hard, okay, Ran? I'll put together everyone's schedule, so make sure you guys update your chat calendars!**Ran**Can't. Don't know how...**Moca**Ugh~, didn't someone teach you the last time~?**Ran**Yeah, Moca did, which means nothing was explained and I didn't learn jack... You show me how to do it.**Himari**The calendar's not the only thing you don't update, Ran! You never add anything to your photo album!!**Ran**You already know I don't take pictures.**Himari**W-well, yeah, but still~!**Ran**You're the one in charge of it anyway. Forget about that. I'm asking you if you can teach me how to use the calendar...**Himari**Oh... right! Sorry about that. Okay, so first...
**Himari**... Then you just have to tap the "Confirm" button, and you're good to go!**Ran**Confirmed...**Tsugumi**Ah, there it is! Your calendar updated!**Moca**You leveled up, Ran-chan~♪**Tomoe**... Whoa. That's a full schedule you got there.**Himari**Yeah! Wait, mine has less stuff on it than everyone else's...**Tsugumi**So you have a flower-arrangement study session. Good luck with that, Ran-chan!**Ran**Sorry...**Tomoe**It's all good. Not much we could've done. I mean, we only just started planning for the concert.**Ran**I won't be able to make it to any rehearsals next week, but I plan to write the music and the lyrics during my free time...**Moca**Okay, then we'll be practicing the songs we already have in the meantime~.**Tomoe**That's right! Can't wait to see what you come up with, Ran. Don't overdo it though, got it?**Ran**Got it. Thanks.**Moca**Hii-chan, you're not gonna do the thing?**Himari**Huh? Am I forgetting something?**Moca**You mean you don't know~? Whatever~, I'll guess we'll just skip it~.**Himari**Wait, what are you talking about?!**Tomoe**I think she means... You know...**Tsugumi**H-hey, hey, hoh~... No?**Himari**Ah!**Ran**Aw man~. And I was just in the mood to do it too.**Himari**What~?! You are totally lying~!**Moca**Boy, you really missed out, Hii-chan~.**Tomoe**Ahaha. That's too bad, Himari.**Himari**Hmph!!**Moca**Let's make this show a good one, Ran~.**Ran**You know we will.

## Chapter 3

 A Few Days Later
 Studio
**Tomoe**It's been a while since the five of us have been in the studio together! Ran, you're just coming from one of your flower-arrangement meetings, huh?**Himari**What do you actually do at those things?**Ran**A bunch of stuff.**Himari**Okay~, but like what~?!**Ran**The iemoto... Well, my father in this case... My father talks about a specific topic, or he helps us students care for and arrange flowers... Sometimes we'll just get together and have tea too, though.**Moca**That sure seems like something you'd hate~. Do you manage okay?**Ran**I more so don't like having to talk to strangers... But these are people I arrange flowers with, so... I guess you can call it good learning experience.**Tsugumi**That's pretty amazing, Ran-chan...**Ran**N-not really... Anyway, enough about that. I have something more important to show you, guys. Our new song.**Tomoe**Oh! Seriously?! You were so busy though. Thanks for doing that.**Ran**I already thought of the lyrics too. Give it a listen.**Himari**Wow! This is so exciting! Let's get to it already!
**All But Ran**...**Ran**Uhhh... Pretty awkward silence, guys...**Tsugumi**I thought it was really cool! I especially liked the part leading up to the chorus!**Tomoe**I think it's a good song too. I can't wait to see what kind of arrangements we can come up with. It's just... Well...**Tomoe**I'm not sure I could follow the lyrics.**Ran**Huh...?**Himari**They were pretty hard for me too. They felt kinda different than the ones you usually write.**Ran**That's not what I was going for... What exactly makes them so hard to follow?**Himari**Hmm~. I'm not sure what to say... I don't think I could put it into words...**Tomoe**Well, you know how you normally write stuff based on our experiences? That makes it so that we all get it... So that we're all on the same page...**Tomoe**This time, they were a bit over my head. Like they didn't really click with me, you know?**Tsugumi**They're definitely cool! They have the right feeling to them! But... there were parts I had a hard time understanding.**Ran**Oh...**Ran**That's my bad. I'll take another look at them then.**Tomoe**Sorry for all the negative feedback, Ran. I know you took time out of your busy schedule to write those.**Tomoe**I think the melody is awesome though. While you're thinking about the lyrics, we'll work on adding our instruments to the mix.**Himari**Yeah, that's a good plan!**Ran**...**Moca**...
 Walking Home
 Residential Area
**Himari**Oh yeah. After looking at everyone's schedule, I found a concert we can actually take part in. Check the chat, okay? I already sent the information!**Tsugumi**Thank you, Himari-chan! We'll have to work hard during the coming days to prepare for it.**Moca**Hii-chan, about this show... Isn't this in the afternoon on a weekday?**Himari**What?! Show me... Oh... You're right... Ngh, sorry...**Tomoe**Ahaha, no biggie. Just the fact that you're looking makes a big difference.**Tsugumi**It sure does! Sorry to always leave this responsibility to you.**Himari**Ohhh, you two are so sweet~...**Ran**...**Moca**What's wrong, Ran? You've had this look that says "hmph" going on for a while now~.**Ran**Nothing...**Moca**I see. So that's just your resting Ran face, huh~?**Ran**Exactly.**Moca**So you're not thinking about the lyrics~?**Ran**Just trying to figure out why they didn't make sense to everyone else.**Moca**I think I'd agree about them being different. It kinda feels like they're trying to reach new heights~.**Ran**You think?**Moca**I don't think. I know~. I am an English-language genius after all~.**Ran**Right. Either way, I'll just try writing them over. I wanna have a new song, you know?**Moca**Yeah. Good luck~.**Moca**(Does she not realize? There's a reason your lyrics can't reach us.)**Moca**(And it's probably because...)**Moca**...

 A Few Days Later
 Studio
**Himari**Hmm~... So maybe the bass part should be like this?**Tomoe**No, no, then it won't sound right when you and Moca play together.**Himari**Oh. Hmm... It's no good! I can't think of anything that works!**Tsugumi**We haven't made much progress with the arrangement, have we...?**Ran**Doing it without the lyrics is pretty tough, huh...? Sorry.**Himari**No, that's not it!**Tomoe**When I read the lyrics, I kinda got a sad vibe from them. The melody is upbeat, but something just makes me feel blue... Like this part about the flowers blooming and falling being a cycle.**Tsugumi**I actually have a more optimistic view of that section. I can't explain why though...**Himari**What image were you going for when you wrote these, Ran?**Ran**I'm not sure how to answer that... I wanted "the same as always," but... I can't really explain it.**Moca**The same as always you say~...? Now that's a hard one.**Himari**But if that were really the case, then we should be able to understand them, right? Hmm, I wonder why we're all reading them differently.**Ran**Sorry I can't say more. I'm gonna give writing them another go.**Tomoe**We can't thank you enough for doing this with your hectic schedule. Let's practice the songs we already have! We can also take another look at the arrangement.**Moca**Ehhh~, I've already got our old songs down perfectly though~.**Himari**Don't you start that again! We have to practice hard for our next show.**Tsugumi**Speaking of that, have you found any good ones, Himari-chan?**Himari**... Ah...**Tsugumi**H-Himari-chan... Did you forget...?**Himari**I-I'm still looking! I just need a bit more time! Yeah~, you might think it just comes down to searching online, but it's actually pretty tough finding one!**Tsugumi**Th-thanks for always taking care of that! I'd be happy to give you a hand. Just let me know if there's anything I can do.**Moca**I sure hope there's a nice concert out there for us to be part of, Hii-chan~.**Himari**Ngh... I'll look as hard as I can.**Tomoe**Haha. Cool, then let's get to practicing some songs. What should we start with?**Ran**...
**Tsugumi**... Yep, looks like it's all cleaned up. Shall we head home?**Tomoe**Nice work today, guys! I'm kinda hungry now. Y'all up for grabbing a bite?**Himari**I sure am!**Ran**I wanna get back to writing the lyrics, so... I'm gonna leave.**Himari**Oh, okay...**Ran**Sorry I can't spare more time for you guys. Feel free to eat without me though. See ya...**Himari**Ran...**Tomoe**I wonder if she's okay... Sounds like she's having a pretty hard time with those lyrics.**Himari**I hope it's not that she's dealing with something and keeping it to herself again... You know she likes to stay quiet about that kind of stuff.**Tomoe**Maybe we should just keep an eye out for now.**Himari**It's just that we've never been stumped when it comes to Ran's lyrics before. It makes me worry~...**Tomoe**You think she's going through something at home like last time...?**Moca**I wouldn't bet on that guess. In fact, judging from how she talks about flowers and stuff, sounds like things are going pretty well.**Tomoe**Good point...**Tsugumi**I want to try reading over the lyrics again! I think they're lovely, and I can tell how cool they are. I just can't say anything more than that...**Moca**If only we could see inside Ran's mind~.**Himari**Yeah...

 Recess
 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Roof
**Ran**...**Ran**(What is it that's keeping the others from understanding the lyrics?)**Ran**(I just wrote them how I usually do. They were the same as always...)**Moca**Guess who~...**Ran**Huh?**Moca**C'mon~. I told you to guess 'who'. There's no way 'huh' could be the right answer~.**Ran**Okay, but you didn't even cover my eyes. Who says that when they're just gonna show themselves from the start?**Moca**Heh heh~. Oh, don't be like that~.**Ran**Can I help you?**Moca**Nuh-uh, not especially. Oh, did you tell Papa Ran about the show?**Ran**Nope. Actually, I never tell him, but somehow, he always shows up. How? ... Someone must be leaking him the info...**Moca**Who could it be~? Hii-chan would be our best guess, no?**Ran**I wish she would cut it out. And now, all of his other students know I'm in a band too.**Ran**And when I asked them how they know, they said my dad told them. Seriously, why does he do that? I don't see the point, and I didn't ask him to share my business.**Moca**Ohhh~, we should invite all of them to our next show then~.**Ran**That's the exact opposite of what I just said I wanted!**Moca**Don't say that~. They might even send over flowers to the venue, you know~.**Ran**Please stop. The band is one thing, and flower arranging is another. They should be separate.**Moca**... Up until recently, we were the only ones you were spending time with.**Ran**Did you say something?**Moca**It's nothing. Just talking to myself~. I was saying how you have gloriously spread your wings and flown into the flower-arrangement world.**Ran**... What? It's definitely not as serious as you make it sound.**Moca**Well~, I don't know about that~. It seems like a pretty big deal to us. Anyway, Ran, have you been thinking of new lyrics?**Ran**Yeah, kinda. Nothing's really coming to mind though. I wonder what the problem is with the first ones.**Moca**What, indeed~. Isn't the afternoon a bad time to be trying to come up with lyrics though? You won't come up with anything. Pretty sure you wanna stick with the evening.**Ran**Huh...**Moca**Being showered in the sunlight leaves you all warm and fuzzy, and then you get drowsy. I really don't think it's a good time for writing a song~.**Moca**And with that, I sleep. Wake me up in 20~.**Ran**Ah, hold on! ... Sigh, fine, whatever.**Moca**(She's been putting so much time into flower arranging. That's something of note to us, but right now, it just seems normal to Ran.)**Moca**Night~...

 After School
 Studio
**Tsugumi**Ran-chan, how are the lyrics coming along?**Ran**I think I need more time. Sorry.**Himari**It's not often that it takes this long for you to put them together. Did something happen recently, Ran? You've been so busy. Maybe you're not feeling well, or something like that...?**Ran**Nah, I'm fine.**Tomoe**Are you sure?**Ran**Yes. I just said nothing is wrong.**Tomoe**If something comes up, let us know right away, okay? We wanna be there to help you too, you know?**Ran**Seriously, I'm okay.**Himari**B-but—**Moca**I know writing lyrics is hard and all, but you guys are making it sound like this is all Ran's fault. That's not right, is it?**Tsugumi**Th-that's true... We're sorry, Ran-chan.**Ran**Don't worry about it...**Tsugumi**How about we practice our other songs again today?! There are some parts I wanted to focus on.**Tsugumi**Ran-chan, can I ask you to join us?**Ran**Sure...**Tomoe**Something's... not right. This feels weird...**Himari**Yeah... Is this still our "same as always"?

 A Few Days Later
 After School
 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Class 1-A
**Himari**Ah, Ran~!**Ran**Huh? Hey, guys... What's going on?**Tomoe**Interested in joining us at the studio?**Ran**What...? But we're not supposed to have rehearsal today.**Tsugumi**Yes, that's true, but we were only asking in case you had time. And we feel bad about making you do all the work for the new song, so we were hoping we could help somehow.**Ran**Ah...**Moca**Is this a bad time?**Ran**Sorry... I thought we weren't gonna practice, so I planned to go to the flower-arrangement meeting... I already put it on my schedule...**Tomoe**Oh...**Himari**Th-the lyrics! We wanted to think about them together! If not today, what about tomorrow? Or, even better, we can take just five minutes right now!**Tsugumi**Himari-chan...**Ran**Can't, I gotta go... I have an image for the lyrics I wanna work out in my head. Just give me a little more time, then we can—**Himari**... You've changed, Ran.**Ran**What...?**Himari**You've been really weird lately. It's not only the lyrics, it's a bunch of things...**Tomoe**I've been worried about you too. What's been going on with you?**Ran**... Yeah. I have changed.**Himari**Huh...?**Ran**You're right about that. And I did it so that we could continue being together, the same as always. I did it so that... our band could stay together!**Ran**I've faced my issues with my father, I've dealt with all the flower-arrangement stuff... So yeah, I've changed! And I did it so that we as a group wouldn't have to!!**Himari**...!**Ran**So, what?! You wish I didn't?! You want things to be like old times?! Should I be a part of the band just so that I can run away from my problems at home instead?!**Himari**N-no, Ran! That's not what I meant! I—**Ran**I'm doing what I can so that we can stay together... Why...? Why would you say something like that?**Ran**Why...?**Himari**... Sorry. I'm sorry, Ran.**Ran**...**Tsugumi**Ah! Ran-chan!**Moca**...**Himari**Why... did I say that to her...? Ngh...**Tsugumi**We have to catch up to her...!**Moca**Nah, she said she had that flower thing to go to. It's probably better not to go after her.**Tsugumi**Oh...**Moca**I don't think we'd catch up to her at this point anyway.**Himari**Now what...? What am I supposed to do...?**Tomoe**...**Moca**(I realized that Ran changed, but I didn't say anything... Tsugu wanted to chase after her, but I stopped her... There has to be a reason I made these decisions... What are they?)**Moca**(Is it because... I was scared?)**Moca**... Just what are we supposed to do?

 Haneoka Girls' Academy - School Gate
**Himari**Maybe... we shouldn't have practice today?**Tsugumi**Yeah... maybe not.**Himari**...**Tsugumi**... Are you alright, Himari-chan?**Himari**I can't say that I am... Ehehe. I... finally realized something after what Ran said.**Himari**I had thought that with all the things we were doing as Afterglow that I was growing as a person.**Himari**But that actually wasn't true. Ran was the only one moving forward... Meanwhile, I was stuck in the same old place being the same old Himari.**Himari**...**Tomoe**Himari...**Tomoe**I'm pretty much in the same boat. I thought I understood Ran and everything she was going through, but I didn't.**Tomoe**At some point, I must have stopped moving forward, as did my view of her. Both are frozen in time, and I didn't even realize it.**Tomoe**Ran fought and fought, just so that the band could keep going. She faced her problems head-on. She changed herself so that everything else could continue to be the same... But what have I done?**Tsugumi**Huh...?**Tomoe**What exactly have I been able to do for the band?**Tsugumi**We supported Ran-chan and gave her the push she needed... At least, that was the idea...**Tomoe**Yeah, we all lent her our strength, but in the end, she was the only one who had to struggle through hard times. We encouraged her to change... and we just looked on.**Tomoe**But we hardly saw what was happening, both to Ran and to ourselves...**Tomoe**There's no way Ran's lyrics would have ever been able to reach me...**Himari**I wanna apologize to her... For real this time...**Tomoe**That's something we can do very easily. I feel like what's happening right now is much bigger than that though.**Tomoe**If we wanna get closer to her lyrics, then we... we have to change too. No doubt about it.**Himari**But how?**Tomoe**I'm not sure... We're still at the point where we have to figure that out.**Tsugumi**W-well...! This is something we need to do if we want to stay together. I'll have to do everything I can.**Himari**And I will too. I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to do or how I'm supposed to do it, but...**Himari**I'll try my hardest to catch up to Ran. I mean, Afterglow is gonna be together forever, right?

 Park
**Ran**...**Ran**(What is wrong with you?)**Ran**(And you said you changed? How? Can you really say that when you're crying and storming out like that?)**Ran**... So stupid.**Moca**Ah...**Moca**Ran...?**Ran**Moca...**Moca**...**Moca**I'm sorry, Ran.**Ran**Huh...?**Moca**I'm really sorry.**Ran**With that temper tantrum I threw, and the way I ran out... I guess I haven't changed at all, huh?**Ran**I tried to because I wanted us all to stay together, but when it comes down to it, I'm still the same person on the inside.**Moca**No, you have changed. And you've reached a place we don't even know about yet.**Ran**What...?**Moca**You may not have realized it, but with all those things you're doing, like trying your best to make everything work out at home... That has opened your eyes to parts of the world that we're probably unaware of...**Moca**You can see things that we're still blind to.**Moca**Ah...! B-but that's not to say you're in the wrong here. It just means that the rest of us have spent a lot of time being unable to pull ourselves away from that roof.**Moca**... This isn't your fault, Ran.**Ran**...**Ran**I don't even know where this place that I reached is. And now I have no idea what the rest of you can see.**Ran**If this was how things were gonna end up... then maybe it would have been better if I didn't change...**Moca**That's... not true... No, you're wrong!**Ran**But I don't understand you guys anymore! Nnn... Ngh...**Moca**Ah... S-sorry. But hey...**Ran**Ahhh... Nnn...**Moca**... I'm sorry, Ran.

 Mitake Residence - Ran's Room
**Ran**...
**Moca***No, you have changed. And you've reached a place we don't even know about yet.***Moca***You can see things that we're still blind to.*
**Ran**(You guys... Where are you? What can you see?)**Ran**(Tell me... Please...)**Ran**Hm...? Tsugumi?**Tsugumi**"Hey, Ran-chan! Sorry about what happened last time. We shouldn't have invited you to the studio when you were so busy. Himari-chan was saying that she wanted to apologize too."**Tsugumi**"Another thing"...**Tsugumi**"About the lyrics you wrote for us. I thought about them and did my best to understand them! Could you look at this and tell me if I got it right?"**Ran**Tsugumi...**Tsugumi**"Sorry if I got it completely wrong ＞＜ But hey! I really like them! It's so cool!"**Ran**...**Ran**"So that's what you thought of when you read them..."**Ran**... Actually, never mind.**Ran**(I was simply trying to write the lyrics the same way I always do. I've done all I can to figure out why the others don't understand them...)**Ran**(Did I really have us five in mind when I was writing?)**Ran**... I just don't get it... Any of it.

 A Few Days Later
 Convenience Store
**Lisa**Oh, Moca! Can you fill out the product order form?**Moca**Okay~...**Lisa**What? Wait, what's wrong?**Moca**Right away~.**Lisa**Moca... Is everything okay? You always complain about how much work it is to do inventory and then don't do it. This is pretty weird for you.**Moca**Hmm~... Are you sure~...?**Lisa**I knew something was up! The way you're answering, it's like you're not even paying attention!**Lisa**We get off at the same time today, right? Don't leave without me, you hear? You can talk to me about whatever's on your mind!

 Restaurant
**Lisa**I see~. So Ran has changed, huh~?**Moca**...**Lisa**Doesn't it feel like we've done this before? I sat and listened to what was bothering you. Ahaha, it's like déjà vu.**Moca**That was back when I didn't wanna be too pushy with Ran, so I thought I would just keep my thoughts to myself and look out for her...**Moca**But you taught me that that was the wrong thing to do, that I shouldn't just sit back and watch... And I told Ran what was on my mind... Not in the most graceful manner, but I did.**Moca**A lot has happened, but Afterglow is still here. Ran has willingly changed so that we wouldn't have to... But, yet again, she's the only one struggling through hard times.**Lisa**Hold on, Moca. Don't tell me you think what she's dealing with is your fault.**Moca**Well... It is, isn't it?**Moca**It just feels like all the choices I've made trying to help her up until this point have actually been the wrong ones.**Lisa**Moca...**Moca**I also had already realized that Ran was a few steps ahead of us, but I couldn't get myself to say anything...**Moca**I think I was afraid... Afraid of everyone else knowing. Afraid of Ran knowing...**Moca**... I was unable to do what you told me in the end, and now... everything is a complete mess.**Lisa**As I thought. You and I are alike, Moca.**Moca**Huh...?**Lisa**For example, you don't believe in the decisions you've made! Until very recently, I thought I had been doing the wrong thing, over and over, and I would blame myself for what was happening.**Lisa**But one thing is for sure: you're not the only one at fault. Ran was able to face what was ahead of her because you were there. I have no doubt about that.**Lisa**Ran wouldn't be who or where she is today if it wasn't for you four. I know it hurts to think about now, but I'm sure the day will come when you no longer believe that everything you've done was a mistake.**Moca**... You think so? I don't know~.**Lisa**Yes! I know it will!**Moca**... I wonder what I can do right now though. Is my only choice really just to wait?**Lisa**Hmm~... That, you'll have to think about!**Moca**Aww~...**Lisa**There's no point if I just tell you everything. If you don't come up with an answer on your own, you'll end up full of regret, just like now.**Moca**You're a tough teacher, Lisa-san~...**Lisa**Ahaha. I do it for you, my adorable little Moca-chan!**Moca**Ooo~...**Lisa**You can do it! If you really try, I'll reward you with some baked goods.**Moca**Ohhh~?! Okay, I will~.**Lisa**Jeez~, so quick to change your tune, aren't you~?!**Moca**Ehehe~. Thanks, Lisa-san.

 Hazawa Coffee
**Tsugumi**Let's see... "Great burnet, language of flowers"... Enter.**Tsugumi**Hmmm... "The flower represents change, transitions, as well as the aspirations of tomorrow"...**Tsugumi**(Very... fitting for Ran-chan.)**Tsugumi**...**Tsugumi**(She still hasn't answered my message... Maybe my understanding of the lyrics was incorrect after all...)**Tsugumi**Sigh...**Chisato**What happened, Tsugumi-chan?**Tsugumi**Huh?! W-with what?!**Kanon**You've been doing a lot of sighing. Is something bothering you...?**Tsugumi**W-well... not really...**Eve**Tsugumi-san! Please tell us if something is wrong! I would like to be of assistance!**Tsugumi**Uhm, it's just... Okay, I suppose now is a good time since there aren't too many customers. So...
**Chisato**Alright... so you don't understand the lyrics Ran-chan wrote. She said she comes up with them by taking what you all have felt and putting that into words, correct?**Kanon**Which means you've become unable to understand what Ran-chan is thinking, right...? I can see why you would feel uneasy about that.**tsugumi**Exactly. And that's what started this whole thing. Ever since, nothing seems to be going right. In fact, they're only getting worse...**Tsugumi**I've always had a lot of respect for Ran-chan, ever since we were little girls. Even as a kid, she held her own opinions. It was so cool how put together and tough she was...**Tsugumi**I've been trying to catch up to her ever since. But now... I feel like I'm losing sight of her... None of us can understand her lyrics... or her, for that matter...**Tsugumi**If things continue like this, we'll...**Eve**Tsugumi-san, hold back your tears! As long as you all want Afterglow to stay together, it will be fine! Surely, it will not come to an end!**Eve**You mentioned that Ran-san has changed, but she still loves Afterglow, isn't that right?**Tsugumi**Y-yes... I think so.**Eve**Then all will be well! Don't you agree, Chisato-san?!**Chisato**Fufu. Certainly. That sentiment is surprisingly important.**Tsugumi**And I feel the same way she does!**Chisato**Back when your band provided ours with that song, I thought of Ran-chan as being extremely serious and quite strong... Even if she wasn't very open with her feelings.**Chisato**Once she makes a decision, she's determined to follow through. She has the ability to take something from her struggles, and she can use her sensibility and intuition to make whatever it is a part of her.**Chisato**... That's the type of girl I see her as. Would that be accurate?**Tsugumi**Yes, I think you're right. With every challenge, she learns something new, and she takes that and turns it into lyrics or music... She's so amazing!**Chisato**If she's been putting forward a genuine effort toward her flower-arranging activities, then it's possible that she's picked up a new perspective or source of motivation along the way.**Tsugumi**That could be...! I... was actually just looking up some information about this flower that Ran-chan likes!**Tsugumi**I thought that, maybe, if I come to understand the things that are near and dear to her... I'd have a better chance of catching up to her.**Chisato**Fufu, that makes sense. On the other hand, if you all become Ran-chan, could you still say that you're Afterglow?**Tsugumi**A-ahaha... Good point. Either way, you all have given me advice that'll help me figure her out. Thank you so much.**Kanon**Good luck, Tsugumi-chan! And sorry I couldn't come up with anything too useful...**Tsugumi**But this was useful! Just by having someone listen, I was able to sort out my thoughts a little bit!**Tsugumi**The five of us have been friends since we were kids, so I haven't had many chances to talk to people outside of our little circle.**Tsugumi**That's why... I'm happy to have someone else who will sit and listen to what I have to say♪**Kanon**I know that feeling all too well. I think it's thanks to Hello, Happy World! that my horizons were broadened... And that's how I was able to become friends with you and the others, Tsugumi-chan.**Tsugumi**It's possible that being able to talk with you all like this is what change looks like for me!**Tsugumi**I think... I just realized something huge!**Chisato**Fufu, that's a pleased face if I've ever seen one.**Eve**Stay strong, Tsugumi-san!**Tsugumi**Mhm! I'll try! Thank you, Eve-chan!**Tsugumi**(Ran-chan, I'm almost there! Just a little further... and we may be looking at the same sky, once again.)**Tsugumi**(Please... Give me a little more time!)

 Park
**Ran**...**Ran**(I can't come up with anything. I don't understand anything, so I can't write anything.)**Ran**Sigh...**Hina**Look who it is! Hello~, Ran-chan~!**Ran**H-Hina-san?!**Hina**Whatcha doin'? Oh, are these new lyrics? Lemme see~!**Ran**Ah, h-hey...!**Hina**Hmm~... So, uhhh, what does it mean?**Ran**Huh...?**Hina**I don't get it. They seem cool, sure, but that's about all I'm getting from them.**Ran**... I don't even know.**Hina**What?**Ran**Pretty much no one gets what they're supposed to mean. That's why I'm having trouble in the first place...**Hina**Why don't you know?**Ran**That's what I'm trying to tell you! I don't know!**Hina**Hmm, I see.**Hina**You know though, I find things that I don't understand to be super interesting!**Ran**... Well, I don't. They always come with more than their fair share of pain.**Hina**I always have people telling me that they don't get me. The girls in Pastel✽Palettes are different though.**Hina**Whenever something stumps me, we all think about it together. And they even do their best to understand me. That's why I love them so much!**Hina**When something is a mystery to me, I get enjoyment out of it. Still, my love for my band members is even stronger than that! If anything comes up and confuses me, they help me work through it!**Ran**Together...**Ran**So you mean—**Hina**Ah! I have a job I have to do for Pastel✽Palettes now! Gotta go! See ya, Ran-chan!**Ran**Wha—Wait! Hina-san!**Ran**Think together... huh?**Ran**(The unknown has been unsettling. It makes me feel very sad and lonely, but... these feelings are nothing but a waste of time.)**Ran**(If I feel lonely, I just have to do something to change that. We can... think together.)**Ran**(We should all have time for that... right?)

 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Class 1A
**Ran**...**Ran**("I have something to tell you all. Come to the roof.")**Ran**(... Nah. I just can't come up with the right words. What am I supposed to do?)**Ran**Sigh... Here I am wasting time, yet again...
 Haneoka Girls' Academy - School Gate
**Himari**Tomoe~, ready to go~?**Tomoe**Where are Moca and Tsugu?**Himari**... Not sure. I guess Tsugu has student council stuff.**Tomoe**What about Ran?**Himari**... I don't know.**Tomoe**You don't, huh? Yeah, I don't know about her either.**Himari**I've read her lyrics over and over, but no matter how many times I go through them, I don't understand them like I used to.**Himari**I just keep feeling unsure about what to say and what to do, and it gets me worked up and I start to freak out...**Himari**What are we supposed to do, Tomoe? At this rate, Ran will become a complete mystery to us, and the band... will start to fall apart...**Himari**If only I had kept what I said to myself...**Tomoe**... Himari...**Tomoe**Wanna go to the roof?**Himari**Huh...?**Tomoe**You know, 'cause the sunset's lookin' nice.
 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Roof
**Tomoe**Man, watching the sun go down from here is always the best, don't you think?**Himari**Yeah. It is.**Tomoe**... Hey...**Tomoe**It's always sunsets with us, isn't it?**Himari**M-mhm...**Tomoe**Yep. No doubt about it.**Himari**Tomoe...?**Tomoe**Ever since we formed the band... Actually, no. Before that even. We've seen so many of them, and they were all moments to be treasured.**Tomoe**Along the way, while experiencing so many different things together, we came to realize how great the night sky can be too. No sun, no sunset... But you know what? This view right here is my favorite.**Tomoe**... I wonder if Ran still enjoys the sunset.**Himari**Wh-what are you talking about? Why would you say that...?**Tomoe**Check this out.**Himari**One of the photos... from Inoshima? It's the one Ran took. She used the monochrome filter, even though she was taking a picture of the sunset.**Tomoe**Right. It came up when I was looking over our photos in the chat. It's the only one she's ever uploaded... Do you think this is what she sees when she looks at the sunset?**Himari**Huh...?**Tomoe**I'm... afraid...**Tomoe**When I look at us now, I wonder if we all see the same thing when we gaze at the sky. I wonder if Ran... if you all like to watch the sun set...**Tomoe**What if everything just keeps changing...?**Himari**T-Tomoe! Don't talk like that! That's not gonna happen! I'm sure of it!**Tomoe**But look! We've been friends for so... so long, and now we can't understand each other?! How are we supposed to deal with something like that?!**Tomoe**I can't stand to go through this kind of change... It's just too scary for me.**Himari**Then don't! You don't have to!**Tomoe**Himari...?**Himari**If you don't wanna change, just stay the way you are!**Himari**This is the same as when you decided you wanted to keep being Ako-chan's version of cool. You can stay the same and continue loving the sunset the way you do.**Himari**Besides... I don't think this is what change means.**Tomoe**What do you mean by "this"?**Himari**I mean if there are things you don't plan on changing, then there's no need to force them to! That's the whole reason why Ran is doing what she's doing! Isn't that what she said?**Himari**So, basically... y-you know what I'm trying to say, I think...**Tomoe**Pft... Ahaha!**Himari**St-stop laughing~!**Tomoe**Sorry, my bad! Thanks, Himari! You're right though. We can't go changing the important stuff.**Tomoe**Not if we wanna continue being together. Yeah... That sounds right.**Himari**Hey, Tomoe! Let's get everyone up here!**Tomoe**Y-you mean now?!**Himari**C'mon! Do you see how pretty this sunset is? No one should be allowed to miss this!**Tomoe**B-but... it looks like Ran is busy with one of her flower-arrangement meetings...**Himari**Ugh~!! Whatever! Just call them up here already! It'll be pointless if you're not the one to do it~!!**Tomoe**F-fine, fine! Alright...**Tomoe**"SOS! Everyone to the roof!"

 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Roof
**Tsugumi**Tomoe-chan, Himari-chan! I got the message! What happened?!**Tomoe**H-hey... Tsugu, you came.**Tsugumi**Of course. You said it was an emergency...**Moca**Sending out a distress signal, huh, Tomo-chin~? What's wrong?**Tomoe**Well...**Himari**Moca, where's Ran?**Moca**Hmm~, no clue. Think she'll come?**Ran**Tomoe! I saw your message. What's up?**Tomoe**Ran! Thanks for coming. ... Uhm... I sent the SOS because, well...**Tomoe**The sunset was really pretty... I wanted us to see it together.**Ran**... What?**Tsugumi**R-Ran-chan!**Tomoe**How do I put this...? It's just... I had something I wanted to tell you, Ran. Actually, it's for all of you to hear... But I wasn't sure how to get everyone together...**Himari & Tomoe**I...!**Himari & Tomoe**Ah...**Himari**Ran, I... I feel bad about saying something so inconsiderate to you.**Ran**... I shouldn't have yelled and stormed out either...**Himari**It's okay. I... wasn't thinking about your feelings...**Himari**I'm really sorry.**Tomoe**I wanna apologize too. I was shocked to hear you were changing so that we could stay together.**Tomoe**It made me wonder what the rest of us have been doing while you were trying your best to deal with your problems at home.**Tomoe**I felt like we'd been encouraging you to go through painful times by yourself and just sitting back... You kept on changing and we just stopped... "The same as always" sounds exactly right for us.**Ran**Th-that's not—!**Tomoe**And those thoughts started to make me worry. Maybe more and more things would start to change... Maybe we would no longer be able to watch the sunset together.**Moca**...**Tomoe**B-but you know what?! I'm gonna keep watching it from here!**Ran**Tomoe...?**Tomoe**I-it's like... You've changed so that we could be together, right? But if we want that to continue, I think there are also things that need to stay the same.**Tomoe**I love watching this sunset together, and I wanna keep treasuring that feeling for as long as I possibly can.**Tomoe**As I think about it, I realize change is scary for me. So instead, I'll protect the things that need to stay the same.**Tomoe**... Sorry. I don't even know what I'm saying at this point.**Ran**It's fine. I got it.**Tsugumi**I did too, Tomoe-chan! We feel the same. This sunset is my favorite thing in the world as well.**Tomoe**I-it is...? Awesome...**Ran**I was able to change because you were all there for me.**Ran**At first, I was afraid to, and that's why I continued running away from so many things. But you all were the ones who pushed me and watched out for me. You're the reason I'm the person I am today.**Ran**It was my choice to change myself, but I started understanding you all less, and that scared me. That's why I ran out. It made me uneasy. I felt lonely... I wondered why my lyrics didn't make sense to you.**Ran**I think I was being selfish, though. What I wrote couldn't reach you guys because I didn't properly understand you or myself... I'm sorry.**Himari**Ran! That's not why! We're the ones at fault...**Ran**You all always end up lending me a hand... and it's like I haven't been able to do anything to return the favor.**Moca**...**Ran**So...**Ran**... If changing in order to keep things the same will help us... I'd like to continue trying to move forward. And I'll do it for real this time.**Ran**I won't stop. I'll keep going so that this roof, the place where everything began, will be with us forever.**Himari**Ran...!**Moca**Ran...**Tsugumi**Once again, you're showing just how cool you are, Ran-chan... I've just been thinking and thinking, and I still can't come up with a way to catch up to you.**Tsugumi**It might... not even be possible for me at this point. Ehehe... Oh, but still!**Tsugumi**That world you're looking at right now... I want to see it too one day. Until then, I'll be chasing right after you!**Ran**Thanks... I appreciate that.**Himari**Ohhh... Ran~!!**Tsugumi**H-Himari-chan, are you crying?!**Himari**I-it's just...! Ran is so awesome...**Ran**H-hey! Get off of me! What's wrong?!**Himari**I know the Ran I've been looking at is one that was frozen in time. Maybe I couldn't accept that you were changing and, at some point, started pretending like I couldn't see what was happening.**Himari**But I think I've finally laid my eyes on the person you are now. You've become so cool and strong...**Tomoe**So it hit you hard then, huh?**Himari**Y-yeah... You really have changed, Ran.**Moca**Mhm, ya sure have. Before, you would've been having a big ol' fight with Tomo-chin.**Tomoe**You might be right...**Tsugumi**If you think about it, that must mean that Tomoe-chan is changing little by little too!**Ran**Yep. You're looking a bit cooler yourself, Tomoe.**Tomoe**Ahaha... You know it.**Moca**Ran, don't go too far ahead and leave little Moca-chan behind now~. I'll be so lonely~.**Ran**Can't promise I won't. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.**Moca**What~? You're breaking my heart~...**All Except Moca**Ahaha.

 Residential Area
 Walking Home
**Himari**Alrighty! Now, we just have to set our sights on our next concert and put in the work! I'll find us a good event and send the info to you guys. Make sure you look it over.**Moca**You make sure it's on one of our days off this time, okay~?**Himari**Of course I will! C'mon, a show during the afternoon on a weekday? Tell me, who did this?!**Moca**It was this girl~.**Himari**Ahaha... Sorry about that. I'll take a good look♪**Tsugumi**Himari-chan, you seem so happy.**Himari**Of course I am. I can finally get back to taking care of business as Himari, the leader of Afterglow.**Himari**I reserve our spot in concerts, schedule our time at the studio, and all sorts of things while Moca teases me... That's my "same as always."**Himari**And I will fulfill it so that the rest of you can keep yours going. That's my role as the head of the group!**Moca**You go, Captain Himari~!**Himari**Fufu~♪ That's right, keep it coming! Oh, that' right. Ran... what should we do about that new song?**Ran**Uhh, if you guys don't mind... Do you think we can come up with the lyrics together?**Tsugumi**Wow...! Yeah, I'd love to do that!**Himari**Me too... Although, I'm not sure how much help we'll be...**Ran**Those lyrics weren't created with the rest of you in mind. It's like I took off writing and blocked out everything that didn't have to do with me.**Ran**Please, forgive me... I feel like we're all on our way to "the same as always," though.**Ran**I wanna write these lyrics together.**Himari**Ran... Thank you! Yeah! The way things are now, I think the five of us can make the greatest lyrics ever!**Tsugumi**Mhm! I'll try my best!**Tomoe**Written by all of us, huh? ... Nice. Cool, now we just gotta find us a good concert.**Himari**I won't let you down~!**Himari**Let's see~... Ah, Tomoe! What do you think about this one?**Tomoe**Whoa! You already found one?! What do we have here...? Himari... This starts in the middle of the night.**Himari**What?! No way!**Tsugumi**A-ahaha... Looks like it takes place between two and five in the morning.**Himari**Y-you're right! Ngh... Sorry...**Tomoe**Ahaha. No biggie! 'Kay, how about I help you look? C'mon, there's gotta be something good.**Moca**...**Ran**Moca, you've been really quiet. What's up?**Moca**Hmm... Being childhood friends sure is tough~.**Ran**It is?**Moca**Absolutely~. But at the same time, we wanna be together, so... it's even tougher.**Ran**Fufu... Ahaha. Moca, I have no idea what you're talking about.**Moca**I don't even know what I'm saying~.**Ran**The very relationship we all have is what makes us wanna spend time with one another despite how hard things get, no?**Moca**Hm... Sounds right.**Moca**We do all wanna be together, so yeah.**Ran**Right. Thanks for always being by my side.**Moca**You're so open with your feelings, Ran~.**Ran**Oh, shut up. You won't hear me say it ever again.**Moca**Aww~.
**Lisa***But one thing is for sure: you're not the only one at fault. Ran was able to face what was ahead of her because you were there. I have no doubt about that.***Lisa***Ran wouldn't be who or where she is today if it wasn't for you four. I know it hurts to think about now, but I'm sure the day will come when you no longer believe that everything you've done was a mistake.*
**Moca**(I suppose... I haven't been making the wrong decisions then?)**moca**(They were helpful to the others... and to Ran. That's nice to know.)**Moca**(Still... I don't know if I would say I'm by Ran's 'side' at the moment.)**tsugumi**Ran-chan, Moca-chan! We found a good event. Take a look!**ran**Hear that, Moca? C'mon.**moca**Wait for me, Ran~. You're going too fast~.

 Haneoka Girls' Academy - Roof
**Moca**So~? How will we be fixing the lyrics? What would be the best way to go about this?**Ran**The same as always... I guess?**Himari**Oh, okay~! ... What does that mean?**Tomoe**I think we should take some time... to think about what "the same as always" means to us now.**Himari**We can think about ourselves and the lyrics at the same time if we do that. Nice idea, Tomoe!**Tomoe**Hehe~, I know, right? I'm like some sort of genius.**Moca**Hii-chan, see what you did~. Look how large Tomo-chin's ego is getting.**Tomoe**C'mon, can't you let me have a big head now and then~?**All Except Tomoe**Ahaha!**Himari**Okay, let's start by thinking about what the phrase means to us!
**Tsugumi**Uhhh... Alright, if we put all of our thoughts together...**Tomoe**"The same as always" means to change...? But some things must stay the same... Ahhh! This isn't working. We're not on the same page.**Himari**This is hard...**Tsugumi**Maybe we should stop for today. It's getting dark, anyway...**Moca**Out of time, huh~? I don't know, I kinda feel like we're about to figure it out~...**Ran**Hey, tomorrow's a day off, right...? You guys wanna stay at my place?**Himari**What?! Is that okay?!**Ran**Well, I don't wanna end things on this note either. That's only if you guys want to though...**All Except Ran**We do!**Moca**Wow~, I can't remember the last time I spent the night at Ran's house~. Ehehe~. Now to call my mama.**Himari**I'm gonna send my dad a message. This is so exciting~♪

 Mitake Residence
**Ran's Dad**I see the whole gang is here. Please, make yourselves at home.**Moca**Okay~, I will~.**Ran's Dad**It's not much, but I've prepared some food. Ran, share with the others.**Ran**G-go! Leave us alone! We can take care of that stuff by ourselves! ... To my room, guys!**Tomoe**Ahaha. I guess that works. Thanks for having us.
 Mitake Residence - Ran's Room
**Moca**Okay, so~? What is "the same as always"?**Himari**Hmm~... Good question.**Ran**I kinda saw this coming...**Tsugumi**It's hard to get the conversation rolling when you start to relax, isn't it...?**Tomoe**I mean, that's fine, no? This can be nice too, sometimes.**Ran**... Sigh, sure, I guess.**Moca**Mmm~, the sandwiches Papa Ran bought for us are... tayshty~... He has my gratitude~.**Himari**This is a new one for him right? Getting us sandwiches.**Moca**I hope this becomes part of our new "same as always."**Tomoe**If we think about it, a lot of new things have been added, haven't they?**Ran**Are you including that... thing... you do, too?**Moca**Nooo~...**Tomoe**Hey! Of course that's part of it!**Himari**Along with the fact that Ran's dad comes to all of our shows, right?!**Ran**C'mon, we don't need to add that!**Moca**How about me facing toward Yamabuki Bakery and bowing before our shows? Does that count~?**Tsugumi**You've been doing that?!**Ran**Tsugumi, you gotta learn not to believe everything Moca says.**Moca**Hehe~, maybe I'll make that a part of it.**Himari**Is there anything else that would be fitting for our new "same as always"? We might think of something if we say as many things as possible!**Tomoe**Agreed! Let's try it out... First things first. I want you guys to say that my "thing" counts.**Moca**I guess if we have too~.**Tomoe**Haha, thanks. Cool, is there anything else?**Himari**Hmhmm~, I've got the perfect thing for a time like this♪**Ran**What's that?**Himari**Ta-da~! It's the group-chat album! Everyone's been uploading pictures, right? We might come up with something if we look at these.**Moca**Wow~.**Tsugumi**Amazing, Himari-chan! That sounds like it'll be a big help!**Himari**Doesn't it? If we scroll to the beginning~... Ah! It goes all the way back to the first culture festival we took part in!**Ran**... You're right. Man, that takes me back.**Tomoe**Whoa, we're all so young! Oh yeah, this is that time when Himari...

Tied to the Skies Event Story/Chapter 14

Tied to the Skies Event Story/Chapter 15