A Bright Future!!/Story

## Transcript

* Episode 1
* Episode 2
* Episode 3
* Episode 4
* Episode 5
* Episode 6
* Episode 7
* Episode 8

**Lyrics That Suit This Song**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 School SEKAI

Shiho
Okay, I think we're set with this song... **Shiho**: Okay, I think we're set with this song...

Saki
Yay! Finally, we played it without missing a note! **Saki**: Yay! Finally, we played it without missing a note!

Miku
Great work, girls. **Miku**: Great work, girls.

Ichika
Thanks, Miku! **Ichika**: Thanks, Miku!

Ichika
It's like the pieces for this song just started falling into place once we worked out each individual part. **Ichika**: It's like the pieces for this song just started falling into place once we worked out each individual part.

MEIKO
I can't wait to see you all perform. **MEIKO**: I can't wait to see you all perform.

Saki
I can't wait to play it either! The very first, completely original Leo/need song♪ **Saki**: I can't wait to play it either! The very first, completely original Leo/need song♪

Honami
I feel the same way...! **Honami**: I feel the same way...!

Ichika
Our very first original song. It carries so much more weight when you put it that way. **Ichika**: Our very first original song. It carries so much more weight when you put it that way.

Ichika
Saki, Shiho, thank you both. **Ichika**: Saki, Shiho, thank you both.

Shiho
Saki's the one who actually wrote it. I didn't do anything by comparison. **Shiho**: Saki's the one who actually wrote it. I didn't do anything by comparison.

Honami
That's not true at all. **Honami**: That's not true at all.

Honami
Sure, Saki came up with the overarching melody, but we wouldn't have known how to put the rest together. **Honami**: Sure, Saki came up with the overarching melody, but we wouldn't have known how to put the rest together.

Ichika
Exactly. We would've kept wandering in the dark if it weren't for you, Shiho. **Ichika**: Exactly. We would've kept wandering in the dark if it weren't for you, Shiho.

Saki
So, Shiho, thank you so much...! **Saki**: So, Shiho, thank you so much...!

Shiho
You're welcome... **Shiho**: You're welcome...

Shiho
Anyway, we'll start practicing this song in full tomorrow. **Shiho**: Anyway, we'll start practicing this song in full tomorrow.

Shiho
In the meantime, we'll throw in some placeholder lyrics while Ichika works on the actual words. Then, we'll need to see how her lyrics fit into the song. **Shiho**: In the meantime, we'll throw in some placeholder lyrics while Ichika works on the actual words. Then, we'll need to see how her lyrics fit into the song.

Saki
Okay! **Saki**: Okay!

Rin
Grrr... **Rin**: Grrr...

Honami
Is something the matter, Rin? **Honami**: Is something the matter, Rin?

Rin
Sort of... Is he really just gonna keep hiding like this...? **Rin**: Sort of... Is he really just gonna keep hiding like this...?

Honami
...? **Honami**: ...?

Luka
Don't mind her. It's just something we're dealing with right now. **Luka**: Don't mind her. It's just something we're dealing with right now.

Honami
Okay...? **Honami**: Okay...?

Shiho
Still, I can't wait to see what you've come up with, Ichika. **Shiho**: Still, I can't wait to see what you've come up with, Ichika.

Saki
Yeah! I'm so excited to see what kind of lyrics you wrote♪ **Saki**: Yeah! I'm so excited to see what kind of lyrics you wrote♪

 The next day

 Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Class 1-C

Ichika
Hmm... **Ichika**: Hmm...

Ichika
A slight tone of uncertainty or a sense of doubt might make it sound better during the chorus... **Ichika**: A slight tone of uncertainty or a sense of doubt might make it sound better during the chorus...

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Ichika
A song that's just for us...? **Ichika**: A song that's just for us...?

Saki
Yeah! **Saki**: Yeah!

Saki
I do think that it'd be really great to make music that touches people's hearts like Shiho says... **Saki**: I do think that it'd be really great to make music that touches people's hearts like Shiho says...

Saki
But I realized something while I was writing this song! **Saki**: But I realized something while I was writing this song!

Saki
It finally hit me that it's probably gonna be more challenging that we could ever imagine! **Saki**: It finally hit me that it's probably gonna be more challenging that we could ever imagine!

Honami
Especially considering how difficult it is to compose music from scratch. **Honami**: Especially considering how difficult it is to compose music from scratch.

Shiho
Hey, I warned all of you. **Shiho**: Hey, I warned all of you.

Saki
I know, but...! **Saki**: I know, but...!

Saki
But then I realized something else! **Saki**: But then I realized something else!

Saki
As hard as it was to write this song, we might have to make even tougher decisions along the way while we try to go pro! **Saki**: As hard as it was to write this song, we might have to make even tougher decisions along the way while we try to go pro!

Saki
That's why I wanted to come up with something that could help cheer us up if we do start having a tough time and stuff. **Saki**: That's why I wanted to come up with something that could help cheer us up if we do start having a tough time and stuff.

Saki
That's what I want this song to convey...! **Saki**: That's what I want this song to convey...!

Shiho
I see... **Shiho**: I see...

Honami
Hehe. Thank you, Saki. **Honami**: Hehe. Thank you, Saki.

Ichika
Thanks, Saki...! It really is a wonderful song. **Ichika**: Thanks, Saki...! It really is a wonderful song.

Saki
Hehe♪ I'm so glad that we managed to finish it! **Saki**: Hehe♪ I'm so glad that we managed to finish it!

Ichika
(That's the message Saki wants to send... My lyrics need to reflect that as well.) **Ichika**: (That's the message Saki wants to send... My lyrics need to reflect that as well.)

Ichika
How lost I may be doesn't matter, I know everything will be... **Ichika**: How lost I may be doesn't matter, I know everything will be...

Ichika
N-No, that's a little too direct. That's more like how I feel instead of what Saki wants to convey... **Ichika**: N-No, that's a little too direct. That's more like how I feel instead of what Saki wants to convey...

Ichika
Something more roundabout might actually be better in this case...! **Ichika**: Something more roundabout might actually be better in this case...!

Ichika
I could throw in that here... Oh, and this rhymes perfectly. **Ichika**: I could throw in that here... Oh, and this rhymes perfectly.

Ichika
This might actually sound really cool when we put it all together. **Ichika**: This might actually sound really cool when we put it all together.

**\***Door Sliding**\***

Saki
Ichi, good morning! **Saki**: Ichi, good morning!

Ichika
Wah! S-Saki... **Ichika**: Wah! S-Saki...

Saki
Hm? Whatcha writing? **Saki**: Hm? Whatcha writing?

Ichika
Oh, just some lyrics. But they're still a work in progress... **Ichika**: Oh, just some lyrics. But they're still a work in progress...

Saki
Wait, you are?! Lemme see♪ **Saki**: Wait, you are?! Lemme see♪

**\***Paper Flick**\***

Ichika
W-Wait, Saki! **Ichika**: W-Wait, Saki!

Saki
Hmm... Lost. So lost in total sadness, but being with you is true happiness... **Saki**: Hmm... Lost. So lost in total sadness, but being with you is true happiness...

Saki
Whoa, Ichi, this is so you! I love it! **Saki**: Whoa, Ichi, this is so you! I love it!

Ichika
B-But it's still a work in progress! **Ichika**: B-But it's still a work in progress!

Saki
No, this is awesome♪ I wanna keep reading! **Saki**: No, this is awesome♪ I wanna keep reading!

Haruka
You two seem awfully excited this morning. Did something happen? **Haruka**: You two seem awfully excited this morning. Did something happen?

Saki
Haruka, good morning! **Saki**: Haruka, good morning!

Ichika
Saki won't give me back my notebook... **Ichika**: Saki won't give me back my notebook...

Haruka
Your notebook? **Haruka**: Your notebook?

Saki
Yeah! Ichi was writing lyrics just now for this song I wrote! **Saki**: Yeah! Ichi was writing lyrics just now for this song I wrote!

Haruka
Oh, Tenma, you can write your own music...? **Haruka**: Oh, Tenma, you can write your own music...?

Saki
Well, my band, Leo/need, you know♪ **Saki**: Well, my band, Leo/need, you know♪

Haruka
That's incredible. And you're writing the lyrics, Hoshino? **Haruka**: That's incredible. And you're writing the lyrics, Hoshino?

Ichika
Y-Yes. They're still a work in progress so I'm not really ready to show them to anyone yet, but Saki... **Ichika**: Y-Yes. They're still a work in progress so I'm not really ready to show them to anyone yet, but Saki...

Saki
But I really wanted to see what you came up with♪ **Saki**: But I really wanted to see what you came up with♪

Haruka
Hehe. I fully understand how you feel right now, Hoshino... **Haruka**: Hehe. I fully understand how you feel right now, Hoshino...

Haruka
When it comes to singing and dancing, I'd rather have people see the finished product as opposed to something that I'm still practicing. **Haruka**: When it comes to singing and dancing, I'd rather have people see the finished product as opposed to something that I'm still practicing.

Saki
Really? You go through that too, Haruka? **Saki**: Really? You go through that too, Haruka?

Haruka
Yes. Well, that's just me. I know some who have no problem showing others their own processes... **Haruka**: Yes. Well, that's just me. I know some who have no problem showing others their own processes...

Haruka
But Hoshino's trying to reach a certain level of completeness, right? So it may be best to give her a little more time. **Haruka**: But Hoshino's trying to reach a certain level of completeness, right? So it may be best to give her a little more time.

Haruka
Would you mind giving back her notebook, Tenma? **Haruka**: Would you mind giving back her notebook, Tenma?

Saki
O-Okay... **Saki**: O-Okay...

Saki
I-Ichi, I'm so sorry! I'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with! **Saki**: I-Ichi, I'm so sorry! I'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Ichika
Saki... **Ichika**: Saki...

Ichika
Thanks, both of you. I promise to write something that'll do your song justice. **Ichika**: Thanks, both of you. I promise to write something that'll do your song justice.

**Special News**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

**\***School Bell**\***

 After school

 Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Class 1-C

Ichika
\*Sigh\*... **Ichika**: \*Sigh\*...

Ichika
I was hoping to finish writing my lyrics by today's practice, but that didn't really go as planned... **Ichika**: I was hoping to finish writing my lyrics by today's practice, but that didn't really go as planned...

Ichika
Our show's coming up too. If I don't get my act together, we won't have enough time to practice... **Ichika**: Our show's coming up too. If I don't get my act together, we won't have enough time to practice...

Ichika
(I just don't understand. No matter how many times I try, I can't seem to find the right words for this...) **Ichika**: (I just don't understand. No matter how many times I try, I can't seem to find the right words for this...)

Ichika
(When I first heard Saki's song, I thought I knew what I wanted to write...) **Ichika**: (When I first heard Saki's song, I thought I knew what I wanted to write...)

Ichika
(But how do I put those thoughts into words...) **Ichika**: (But how do I put those thoughts into words...)

**\***Door Sliding**\***

Saki
Ichi! Wanna head to practice? **Saki**: Ichi! Wanna head to practice?

Ichika
Oh, uh... Sure! **Ichika**: Oh, uh... Sure!

 School SEKAI

Rin
Hi, everyone! You seem good, Shihoppy♪ **Rin**: Hi, everyone! You seem good, Shihoppy♪

Shiho
You want to see how I react, don't you, Rin...? **Shiho**: You want to see how I react, don't you, Rin...?

Rin
I have no idea what you're talking about. **Rin**: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Ichika
Miku, would you mind helping us with practice again? **Ichika**: Miku, would you mind helping us with practice again?

Miku
Of course. Are you practicing for your next show? **Miku**: Of course. Are you practicing for your next show?

Ichika
Yes, there's that and... **Ichika**: Yes, there's that and...

Miku
...? **Miku**: ...?

Honami
We still need to practice our song. **Honami**: We still need to practice our song.

MEIKO
Oh, the one you finished the other day? **MEIKO**: Oh, the one you finished the other day?

Saki
Yeah♪ I've been so excited about finally getting to play it as a band! **Saki**: Yeah♪ I've been so excited about finally getting to play it as a band!

Shiho
Me too. I'm sure you all pretty much know it by heart now, but we still need to polish it up for our show. **Shiho**: Me too. I'm sure you all pretty much know it by heart now, but we still need to polish it up for our show.

Shiho
Did you bring your lyrics, Ichika? **Shiho**: Did you bring your lyrics, Ichika?

Ichika
Um, about that... **Ichika**: Um, about that...

Saki
Ichi, what's wrong? **Saki**: Ichi, what's wrong?

Ichika
I'm sorry, they're still not done yet. **Ichika**: I'm sorry, they're still not done yet.

Shiho
Oh, okay. **Shiho**: Oh, okay.

Shiho
I'm sorry for making you rush like this. You still have plenty of time. **Shiho**: I'm sorry for making you rush like this. You still have plenty of time.

Ichika
No, I'm the one holding you all up. I'll keep doing what I can to actually finish them. **Ichika**: No, I'm the one holding you all up. I'll keep doing what I can to actually finish them.

Shiho
Anyway, shall we get started with practice? We can start with Miku's songs that are gonna be in our show... **Shiho**: Anyway, shall we get started with practice? We can start with Miku's songs that are gonna be in our show...

Rin
Oh, wait! Can you hang on just one second?! **Rin**: Oh, wait! Can you hang on just one second?!

Ichika
Hm? Is something the matter? **Ichika**: Hm? Is something the matter?

Rin
Actually, I have some special news that's gonna knock your socks off! **Rin**: Actually, I have some special news that's gonna knock your socks off!

Saki
Special news?! Tell us! Tell us! **Saki**: Special news?! Tell us! Tell us!

Rin
Okay, here it goes...! We have a really cool new addition to our group! **Rin**: Okay, here it goes...! We have a really cool new addition to our group!

???
I can take it from here, Rin... **???**: I can take it from here, Rin...

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

**\***Door Sliding**\***

Ichika
KAITO...?! **Ichika**: KAITO...?!

KAITO
Hello... **KAITO**: Hello...

Honami
I wasn't sure what you mean by special news at first but... **Honami**: I wasn't sure what you mean by special news at first but...

Saki
This is so amazing! It's KAITO! Like, the real deal! **Saki**: This is so amazing! It's KAITO! Like, the real deal!

Shiho
Yeah, this is pretty big news. **Shiho**: Yeah, this is pretty big news.

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

KAITO
You didn't have to go that far, Rin... **KAITO**: You didn't have to go that far, Rin...

Rin
Hey, you wouldn't have come out of your hidey hole if I didn't! **Rin**: Hey, you wouldn't have come out of your hidey hole if I didn't!

Rin
You sounded so eager to meet them yesterday too! But lo and behold, you were too scared to actually meet them! **Rin**: You sounded so eager to meet them yesterday too! But lo and behold, you were too scared to actually meet them!

Rin
And the worst part is how you tried to slyly walk in after the girls had left! Isn't it fair to say you were gonna do the same thing today? **Rin**: And the worst part is how you tried to slyly walk in after the girls had left! Isn't it fair to say you were gonna do the same thing today?

KAITO
I mean... **KAITO**: I mean...

Luka
I'm with Rin on this one. To be honest, I would've forced you out of hiding if she didn't do what she just did. **Luka**: I'm with Rin on this one. To be honest, I would've forced you out of hiding if she didn't do what she just did.

Miku
Right. This is all on you, KAITO. **Miku**: Right. This is all on you, KAITO.

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

Honami
Um... If now isn't a good time, we can wait until later to properly introduce ourselves to each other... **Honami**: Um... If now isn't a good time, we can wait until later to properly introduce ourselves to each other...

MEIKO
Oh, it's nothing like that. He's just shy is all. **MEIKO**: Oh, it's nothing like that. He's just shy is all.

Shiho
Shy...? **Shiho**: Shy...?

Luka
Hehe. Yes, very. **Luka**: Hehe. Yes, very.

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

Miku
However, he's also very good at what he does. It's as if he can converse through music. **Miku**: However, he's also very good at what he does. It's as if he can converse through music.

Rin
Yeah☆ He really knows how to create a great atmosphere during performances! **Rin**: Yeah☆ He really knows how to create a great atmosphere during performances!

Rin
He's taught me so much already! **Rin**: He's taught me so much already!

Ichika
I see... **Ichika**: I see...

Ichika
Then, would like to stay and watch us practice? **Ichika**: Then, would like to stay and watch us practice?

Saki & Honami
Please! **Saki & Honami**: Please!

KAITO
Sure... **KAITO**: Sure...

Rin
Oh, why don't we all greet each other by playing something together?!? **Rin**: Oh, why don't we all greet each other by playing something together?!?

Miku
Wait, right now? **Miku**: Wait, right now?

Saki
Yeah! I'm totally for that! I really wanna hear what KAITO's like when he plays! **Saki**: Yeah! I'm totally for that! I really wanna hear what KAITO's like when he plays!

Honami
If he really can converse through music, I'd like to hear that as well. **Honami**: If he really can converse through music, I'd like to hear that as well.

Shiho
Yeah, me too. **Shiho**: Yeah, me too.

Ichika
Me as well...! That is, if you're both okay with that, Miku, KAITO. **Ichika**: Me as well...! That is, if you're both okay with that, Miku, KAITO.

Miku
What do you think, KAITO? **Miku**: What do you think, KAITO?

KAITO
Okay, I'll do it... **KAITO**: Okay, I'll do it...

Miku
Okay, here we go! **Miku**: Okay, here we go!

Miku
————♪ ————♪ **Miku**: ————♪ ————♪

Honami
Oh wow... **Honami**: Oh wow...

Shiho
...! **Shiho**: ...!

Ichika
(I wasn't expecting anything like this...!) **Ichika**: (I wasn't expecting anything like this...!)

Saki
(So powerful...! It's like I'm being pulled into the song...) **Saki**: (So powerful...! It's like I'm being pulled into the song...)

Shiho
(It's not like he's just showing off either. He's playing so that his sound compliments everybody else's, but he still has this incredible presence...) **Shiho**: (It's not like he's just showing off either. He's playing so that his sound compliments everybody else's, but he still has this incredible presence...)

Shiho
(Also...) **Shiho**: (Also...)

Honami
(It almost feels like the music is somehow alive... As if he's trying to tell us something.) **Honami**: (It almost feels like the music is somehow alive... As if he's trying to tell us something.)

Honami
(This sound...) **Honami**: (This sound...)

Ichika
(Is this what they meant by conversing through music...?) **Ichika**: (Is this what they meant by conversing through music...?)

**\***Applause**\***

MEIKO
You really are something else, KAITO. Can you tell us what was going through your mind while you were playing that? **MEIKO**: You really are something else, KAITO. Can you tell us what was going through your mind while you were playing that?

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

KAITO
I wanted you all to see a new door opening in front of you... **KAITO**: I wanted you all to see a new door opening in front of you...

Ichika
A new door...? **Ichika**: A new door...?

KAITO
Yes... **KAITO**: Yes...

Saki
Does that mean you were trying to cheer us on?! **Saki**: Does that mean you were trying to cheer us on?!

Honami
Yes, it certainly did have that feel to it. **Honami**: Yes, it certainly did have that feel to it.

Shiho
Yeah. The way he played went so well with how everyone else was playing too. I'd love to learn how to do that. **Shiho**: Yeah. The way he played went so well with how everyone else was playing too. I'd love to learn how to do that.

Ichika
Me too...! **Ichika**: Me too...!

Ichika
Thank you very much for that, KAITO! **Ichika**: Thank you very much for that, KAITO!

Ichika
(I need to finish writing those lyrics if we're going to fully open that door KAITO just showed us...) **Ichika**: (I need to finish writing those lyrics if we're going to fully open that door KAITO just showed us...)

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

**Expressions**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 School SEKAI

**\***Guitar Strum**\***

Shiho
Yeah, our song's coming along nicely... **Shiho**: Yeah, our song's coming along nicely...

Saki
That felt so good! **Saki**: That felt so good!

Honami
Yes, that was so exciting...! **Honami**: Yes, that was so exciting...!

Ichika
We're still not quite at your guys' level, Miku, but that did sound pretty good. **Ichika**: We're still not quite at your guys' level, Miku, but that did sound pretty good.

Shiho
Yeah. We're improving so fast probably because we have such a vested interest in it as well. **Shiho**: Yeah. We're improving so fast probably because we have such a vested interest in it as well.

Saki
Especially considering how much editing went into it. As tough as that was, it was totally worth the effort. **Saki**: Especially considering how much editing went into it. As tough as that was, it was totally worth the effort.

Honami
Hehe. It's all thanks to Shiho's incredible attention to detail. **Honami**: Hehe. It's all thanks to Shiho's incredible attention to detail.

Shiho
I mean, it's sort of like Saki's baby, so I wanted to take good care of it. **Shiho**: I mean, it's sort of like Saki's baby, so I wanted to take good care of it.

Saki
Shiho...! **Saki**: Shiho...!

Shiho
Anyway, we should be ready to play this during our show as long as we keep it up. **Shiho**: Anyway, we should be ready to play this during our show as long as we keep it up.

Shiho
But that also leaves... **Shiho**: But that also leaves...

Ichika
Right, the lyrics. I'm so sorry... I'll keep trying as much as I can. **Ichika**: Right, the lyrics. I'm so sorry... I'll keep trying as much as I can.

Shiho
Don't worry, we still have time... **Shiho**: Don't worry, we still have time...

Honami
Is it giving you that much trouble, Ichika? **Honami**: Is it giving you that much trouble, Ichika?

Ichika
Yes, it kind of is... **Ichika**: Yes, it kind of is...

Saki
I hope it's not because of how I wrote our song. I'd feel awful if that's what's causing your writer's block...! **Saki**: I hope it's not because of how I wrote our song. I'd feel awful if that's what's causing your writer's block...!

Ichika
No, it's nothing like that. **Ichika**: No, it's nothing like that.

Ichika
Your song sends a clear message that even if things aren't going great for us right now that it'll get better if we just keep trying. **Ichika**: Your song sends a clear message that even if things aren't going great for us right now that it'll get better if we just keep trying.

Ichika
I want my lyrics to match what you're trying to convey. **Ichika**: I want my lyrics to match what you're trying to convey.

Ichika
But... **Ichika**: But...

Miku
Um, Ichika? How much have you actually written? **Miku**: Um, Ichika? How much have you actually written?

Ichika
Well... I have a full outline, but I'm still not happy with what I've come up with. **Ichika**: Well... I have a full outline, but I'm still not happy with what I've come up with.

Miku
Would you mind if we had a look? **Miku**: Would you mind if we had a look?

Ichika
B-But... **Ichika**: B-But...

MEIKO
Yes, I see. It may be better to share the load instead of carrying this weight all on your own. **MEIKO**: Yes, I see. It may be better to share the load instead of carrying this weight all on your own.

Saki
Yeah! When I was writing that song, I got lots of advice from everyone else! **Saki**: Yeah! When I was writing that song, I got lots of advice from everyone else!

Saki
I really don't know anything about writing lyrics, so my advice might not be that great... But I want to help you, Ichi! **Saki**: I really don't know anything about writing lyrics, so my advice might not be that great... But I want to help you, Ichi!

Ichika
Saki... **Ichika**: Saki...

Honami
I'd like to help as well, Ichika. **Honami**: I'd like to help as well, Ichika.

Shiho
Me too. **Shiho**: Me too.

Ichika
Okay, I understand... **Ichika**: Okay, I understand...

Ichika
Um, here it is... **Ichika**: Um, here it is...

Shiho
Lost. So lost in total sadness, but being with you is true happiness. Someday, we'll find that rainbow... **Shiho**: Lost. So lost in total sadness, but being with you is true happiness. Someday, we'll find that rainbow...

Saki
Oh, you wrote this the other day! **Saki**: Oh, you wrote this the other day!

Miku
Wow... I didn't know you could write anything like this, Ichika. **Miku**: Wow... I didn't know you could write anything like this, Ichika.

Honami
Hehe. They're very current. **Honami**: Hehe. They're very current.

Shiho
It's hard to understand what you're trying to say, but I get what you're trying to do... **Shiho**: It's hard to understand what you're trying to say, but I get what you're trying to do...

Ichika
I knew it... That's the problem. **Ichika**: I knew it... That's the problem.

Ichika
It never felt quite right. These lyrics just don't do Saki's song justice and I don't know how to express her message... **Ichika**: It never felt quite right. These lyrics just don't do Saki's song justice and I don't know how to express her message...

Shiho
How to express her message, huh...? **Shiho**: How to express her message, huh...?

Miku
Oh, there's more on the previous page... **Miku**: Oh, there's more on the previous page...

Saki
Yeah, look at that! Hm? **Saki**: Yeah, look at that! Hm?

Ichika
Wait, that's...! **Ichika**: Wait, that's...!

Saki
How lost I may be doesn't matter, I know everything will be all right as long as we're together... **Saki**: How lost I may be doesn't matter, I know everything will be all right as long as we're together...

Honami
Oh, that's so sweet...! **Honami**: Oh, that's so sweet...!

Miku
Yes, it captures the kindness in Ichika's heart so well. **Miku**: Yes, it captures the kindness in Ichika's heart so well.

Saki
I think I really like this one! **Saki**: I think I really like this one!

Ichika
N-No, we can't use that...! **Ichika**: N-No, we can't use that...!

Shiho
Why not? **Shiho**: Why not?

Ichika
Because it's so direct... It also makes it seem like I put far too much of my own feelings into these lyrics... **Ichika**: Because it's so direct... It also makes it seem like I put far too much of my own feelings into these lyrics...

Shiho
Okay...? What's wrong with that? **Shiho**: Okay...? What's wrong with that?

Shiho
You're the one writing these, so I don't see any problems with you doing that. **Shiho**: You're the one writing these, so I don't see any problems with you doing that.

Ichika
Sure, that may be true but... **Ichika**: Sure, that may be true but...

Saki
Yeah, I think I like these lyrics more, you know? **Saki**: Yeah, I think I like these lyrics more, you know?

Honami
Me too. However, if you're still not satisfied with what you have, you may yet find a better way to express what you're trying to say. **Honami**: Me too. However, if you're still not satisfied with what you have, you may yet find a better way to express what you're trying to say.

Shiho
Yeah... **Shiho**: Yeah...

Ichika
Again, I'm so sorry... I'll keep trying. **Ichika**: Again, I'm so sorry... I'll keep trying.

 The next day

 Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Courtyard

Honami
... **Honami**: ...

Shiho
Oh, Honami? **Shiho**: Oh, Honami?

Shiho
(Her eyes are completely locked in on her phone... What could she be doing?) **Shiho**: (Her eyes are completely locked in on her phone... What could she be doing?)

Shiho
Hi, Honami. **Shiho**: Hi, Honami.

Honami
Eep! H-Hi, Shiho...! **Honami**: Eep! H-Hi, Shiho...!

Shiho
Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering what you were doing. **Shiho**: Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering what you were doing.

Honami
Oh, this...? I was just listening to a STANDOUT song. **Honami**: Oh, this...? I was just listening to a STANDOUT song.

Shiho
STANDOUT? Why? **Shiho**: STANDOUT? Why?

Honami
Remember how we discussed Ichika's lyrics yesterday? **Honami**: Remember how we discussed Ichika's lyrics yesterday?

Honami
I was ready to help her by giving whatever advice I could, but in the end, I couldn't since I just don't know enough about writing lyrics... **Honami**: I was ready to help her by giving whatever advice I could, but in the end, I couldn't since I just don't know enough about writing lyrics...

Honami
But I still want to help Ichika. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as I can right now by listening to some music. **Honami**: But I still want to help Ichika. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as I can right now by listening to some music.

Shiho
I see... **Shiho**: I see...

Honami
However, it hasn't gotten any easier... **Honami**: However, it hasn't gotten any easier...

Honami
The lyrics Ichika first showed us were nice and all... **Honami**: The lyrics Ichika first showed us were nice and all...

Honami
But I still like the ones where she just wore her heart on her sleeve much more... **Honami**: But I still like the ones where she just wore her heart on her sleeve much more...

Honami
Yet STANDOUT's lyrics are so modern and work with their music so well. **Honami**: Yet STANDOUT's lyrics are so modern and work with their music so well.

Honami
It's so strange how similar lyrics can be presented so differently. I just can't seem to grasp how that happens... **Honami**: It's so strange how similar lyrics can be presented so differently. I just can't seem to grasp how that happens...

Shiho
Because there's no right answer when it comes to music... **Shiho**: Because there's no right answer when it comes to music...

Shiho
Some people don't mince words while others can take a much more scenic route. **Shiho**: Some people don't mince words while others can take a much more scenic route.

Shiho
The main problem is... What does Ichika want to say and how does she want to express that? **Shiho**: The main problem is... What does Ichika want to say and how does she want to express that?

Shiho
But I have no experience writing lyrics, so I doubt that I'll be able to give her any good advice... **Shiho**: But I have no experience writing lyrics, so I doubt that I'll be able to give her any good advice...

Shiho
That's the worst part... **Shiho**: That's the worst part...

Shiho
I couldn't help Saki at all either... Songwriting's the cornerstone of any band, but I can't contribute to that in any way. **Shiho**: I couldn't help Saki at all either... Songwriting's the cornerstone of any band, but I can't contribute to that in any way.

Honami
Shiho... **Honami**: Shiho...

Honami
Isn't there anything we can do for her...? **Honami**: Isn't there anything we can do for her...?

**Unexpected Advice**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 The next day

 Live House

Manager
I see. How to write lyrics, huh...? **Manager**: I see. How to write lyrics, huh...?

Shiho
Yes. I was hoping that you'd know something since you've seen so many bands come through here. **Shiho**: Yes. I was hoping that you'd know something since you've seen so many bands come through here.

Manager
I understand. However, Hinomori, just as you say, each band has their own style, so there really is no such thing as a right answer. **Manager**: I understand. However, Hinomori, just as you say, each band has their own style, so there really is no such thing as a right answer.

Manager
My impression is that you should let your friend work through her process until she finds something that rings true with her. **Manager**: My impression is that you should let your friend work through her process until she finds something that rings true with her.

Manager
To be fair, I've never done anything like that before, so I'm probably not the best person to ask. **Manager**: To be fair, I've never done anything like that before, so I'm probably not the best person to ask.

Shiho
I see... **Shiho**: I see...

Honami
I guess there really isn't much we can do for her... **Honami**: I guess there really isn't much we can do for her...

Iori
Hi, about our next show... **Iori**: Hi, about our next show...

Shiho
Oh... **Shiho**: Oh...

Iori
Oh, Hinomori? I didn't know you were working today. **Iori**: Oh, Hinomori? I didn't know you were working today.

Iori
And this is...? **Iori**: And this is...?

Honami
Oh, this is Mochizuki, the drummer for Leo/need. It's been a little while. **Honami**: Oh, this is Mochizuki, the drummer for Leo/need. It's been a little while.

Iori
Nice to meet you, Mochizuki. **Iori**: Nice to meet you, Mochizuki.

Iori
But did something happen? You all seem really concerned. **Iori**: But did something happen? You all seem really concerned.

Shiho
It's nothing that serious. **Shiho**: It's nothing that serious.

Manager
Wait, Hinomori, why don't you ask Iori for some advice...? **Manager**: Wait, Hinomori, why don't you ask Iori for some advice...?

Shiho
Huh...? **Shiho**: Huh...?

Manager
She's the lyricist for STANDOUT, so this might be an incredible opportunity for you and your band. **Manager**: She's the lyricist for STANDOUT, so this might be an incredible opportunity for you and your band.

Iori
Sorry, hang on. What's this about exactly? **Iori**: Sorry, hang on. What's this about exactly?

Honami
I-If you'll let me...! We're actually in the middle of composing our own song, but our friend is having some trouble writing lyrics for it... **Honami**: I-If you'll let me...! We're actually in the middle of composing our own song, but our friend is having some trouble writing lyrics for it...

Honami
We've been trying to find ways to help her by listening to songs by other bands and such, but we haven't been able to find a good solution... **Honami**: We've been trying to find ways to help her by listening to songs by other bands and such, but we haven't been able to find a good solution...

Iori
Oh, okay. Writing lyrics for a song, huh...? **Iori**: Oh, okay. Writing lyrics for a song, huh...?

Honami
And...! Would you mind if we asked you for some advice regarding this...? **Honami**: And...! Would you mind if we asked you for some advice regarding this...?

Honami
There must be something that we're just not seeing, so we're wondering if you could help us, Ms. Iori... **Honami**: There must be something that we're just not seeing, so we're wondering if you could help us, Ms. Iori...

Iori
... **Iori**: ...

Iori
Yeah, I'd love to help but... **Iori**: Yeah, I'd love to help but...

Iori
I don't know what's on your friend's mind or what she's going through, so nothing I say will probably end up helping. **Iori**: I don't know what's on your friend's mind or what she's going through, so nothing I say will probably end up helping.

Iori
Because in the end, she's the one who has to work it out and put pen to paper. Doing something some stranger says doesn't sound like a great solution. **Iori**: Because in the end, she's the one who has to work it out and put pen to paper. Doing something some stranger says doesn't sound like a great solution.

Honami
I suppose you're right... **Honami**: I suppose you're right...

Shiho
... **Shiho**: ...

Iori
But she must be such a strong girl. **Iori**: But she must be such a strong girl.

Shiho
Huh...? **Shiho**: Huh...?

Iori
I mean, writing lyrics is all about taking a hard look at yourself, right? **Iori**: I mean, writing lyrics is all about taking a hard look at yourself, right?

Iori
Having a few clever-sounding words strung together doesn't mean it's gonna turn into a good song. **Iori**: Having a few clever-sounding words strung together doesn't mean it's gonna turn into a good song.

Iori
But based on what you've told me, that's not who your friend is. I can tell that she's really digging deep and trying to find those perfect words. **Iori**: But based on what you've told me, that's not who your friend is. I can tell that she's really digging deep and trying to find those perfect words.

Iori
I love it when someone really commits to their music like that. **Iori**: I love it when someone really commits to their music like that.

Honami
Ms. Iori... **Honami**: Ms. Iori...

Iori
I think the best thing you can do right now as her bandmates is to not shy away from whatever she writes or comes up with. **Iori**: I think the best thing you can do right now as her bandmates is to not shy away from whatever she writes or comes up with.

Shiho
I see... **Shiho**: I see...

Honami
We kept thinking about what we could do for her all this time... **Honami**: We kept thinking about what we could do for her all this time...

Honami
But this really may be the best time for us to just put our faith in Ichika. **Honami**: But this really may be the best time for us to just put our faith in Ichika.

Shiho
Like we did with Saki... **Shiho**: Like we did with Saki...

Iori
So this Ichika is your lyricist? Is she your front too? **Iori**: So this Ichika is your lyricist? Is she your front too?

Honami
Y-Yes...! **Honami**: Y-Yes...!

Iori
Now I see. Is she still working on those lyrics you were talking about? **Iori**: Now I see. Is she still working on those lyrics you were talking about?

Shiho
In all likelihood... But there is a chance she's doing a street performance right now. **Shiho**: In all likelihood... But there is a chance she's doing a street performance right now.

Iori
A street performance? That's pretty cool of her. **Iori**: A street performance? That's pretty cool of her.

Shiho
Yeah, she started doing them as a way to practice singing. Now, she's sort of a regular out there. **Shiho**: Yeah, she started doing them as a way to practice singing. Now, she's sort of a regular out there.

Iori
Wow, really...? She must have a great work ethic. **Iori**: Wow, really...? She must have a great work ethic.

Iori
Thanks for letting me know. I'm wishing you and your song the best. **Iori**: Thanks for letting me know. I'm wishing you and your song the best.

Honami
Yes, thank you very much...! We really appreciate your help! **Honami**: Yes, thank you very much...! We really appreciate your help!

**\***Footsteps**\***

**What Was Said and Unsaid**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 Main Street

Ichika
♪————!　♪————...! **Ichika**: ♪————!　♪————...!

**\***Guitar Strumming**\***

Ichika
Th-Thank you very much...! **Ichika**: Th-Thank you very much...!

**\***Applause**\***

Ichika
(\*Sigh\* I can't get into a good rhythm...) **Ichika**: (\*Sigh\* I can't get into a good rhythm...)

Ichika
(My voice just isn't there. That's probably why so few people are stopping to listen too.) **Ichika**: (My voice just isn't there. That's probably why so few people are stopping to listen too.)

Ichika
(Trying to sing while something's on my mind really isn't good, is it...?) **Ichika**: (Trying to sing while something's on my mind really isn't good, is it...?)

Ichika
But... **Ichika**: But...

**\***Clapping**\***

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

Ichika
I-Iori...?! **Ichika**: I-Iori...?!

Iori
Long time no see. Ichika, right? Fancy seeing you here. **Iori**: Long time no see. Ichika, right? Fancy seeing you here.

Ichika
Y-Yes, well... I didn't realize you were here. Thank you... **Ichika**: Y-Yes, well... I didn't realize you were here. Thank you...

Iori
Yeah, I was sort of in the neighborhood. **Iori**: Yeah, I was sort of in the neighborhood.

Iori
But I'm a little disappointed... **Iori**: But I'm a little disappointed...

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

 Cafe

Iori
Compared to when I saw you the other day, your voice lacked power. **Iori**: Compared to when I saw you the other day, your voice lacked power.

Iori
When you opened for our show that time, you did everything you could to make sure everybody knew how you felt through your song. **Iori**: When you opened for our show that time, you did everything you could to make sure everybody knew how you felt through your song.

Iori
But your performance just now... I mean, it's like you were lost or something. As if you're not sure about what to do next, you know...? **Iori**: But your performance just now... I mean, it's like you were lost or something. As if you're not sure about what to do next, you know...?

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Iori
Looks like I was right... **Iori**: Looks like I was right...

Iori
Are you free after this? I'd like to chat a little. **Iori**: Are you free after this? I'd like to chat a little.

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

Shop Clerk
Welcome. What can I get you? **Shop Clerk**: Welcome. What can I get you?

Iori
Not sure. Any recommendations? **Iori**: Not sure. Any recommendations?

Shop Clerk
In that case, would you like to try our cold-brewed iced coffee? It has a very fruity aroma to it. **Shop Clerk**: In that case, would you like to try our cold-brewed iced coffee? It has a very fruity aroma to it.

Iori
That sounds nice. Then, I'll have one of those. **Iori**: That sounds nice. Then, I'll have one of those.

Shop Clerk
Of course. Thank you very much. And what would you like...? **Shop Clerk**: Of course. Thank you very much. And what would you like...?

Ichika
Um, I'll have the same... **Ichika**: Um, I'll have the same...

Shop Clerk
Two cold-brewed iced coffees. Just give me one moment. **Shop Clerk**: Two cold-brewed iced coffees. Just give me one moment.

**\***Footsteps**\***

Iori
Hehe. Strange, isn't it? Us sitting together at a cafe like this... **Iori**: Hehe. Strange, isn't it? Us sitting together at a cafe like this...

Ichika
Yes, it is. I'm starting to tense up a little... **Ichika**: Yes, it is. I'm starting to tense up a little...

Iori
Relax, will you? All that stress is gonna make you clam up. **Iori**: Relax, will you? All that stress is gonna make you clam up.

Iori
Anyway, is something going on...? I'd like to help if I can. **Iori**: Anyway, is something going on...? I'd like to help if I can.

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Ichika
Thank you. Actually... **Ichika**: Thank you. Actually...

Ichika
As a result, I haven't really been able to write lyrics that does her song justice... **Ichika**: As a result, I haven't really been able to write lyrics that does her song justice...

Iori
I see. **Iori**: I see.

Iori
That's a pretty tough one. It really is hard to find the right words, sometimes. **Iori**: That's a pretty tough one. It really is hard to find the right words, sometimes.

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

Ichika
You find it hard sometimes too? **Ichika**: You find it hard sometimes too?

Iori
Of course. I have my own system for writing lyrics now, but it was rough when I was just starting out. **Iori**: Of course. I have my own system for writing lyrics now, but it was rough when I was just starting out.

Iori
I listen to all these songs by so many different artists to learn how they expressed themselves and tried copying them... **Iori**: I listen to all these songs by so many different artists to learn how they expressed themselves and tried copying them...

Iori
But when I realized that I should just go my own way, everything became so much easier. **Iori**: But when I realized that I should just go my own way, everything became so much easier.

Ichika
Go my own way...? **Ichika**: Go my own way...?

Ichika
Um... Would you mind showing me how you go about writing lyrics, Iori? **Ichika**: Um... Would you mind showing me how you go about writing lyrics, Iori?

Ichika
I still don't really know what my way is, which is clearly why I'm having so much trouble right now... **Ichika**: I still don't really know what my way is, which is clearly why I'm having so much trouble right now...

Iori
Sure... **Iori**: Sure...

Iori
This is just me talking, but I try to come up with the best way for me to get my thoughts across through any particular song. **Iori**: This is just me talking, but I try to come up with the best way for me to get my thoughts across through any particular song.

Iori
Some people do that in a pretty circuitous manner, but I try to just say what I'm feeling. **Iori**: Some people do that in a pretty circuitous manner, but I try to just say what I'm feeling.

Ichika
That means you're able to say what you really want through your songs... **Ichika**: That means you're able to say what you really want through your songs...

Ichika
That's so cool... **Ichika**: That's so cool...

Iori
...? **Iori**: ...?

Ichika
I've been listening to STANDOUT songs quite a bit, and I keep thinking that it's so cool how all of your lyrics, even when you throw in some clever twists, fit their respective songs so well. **Ichika**: I've been listening to STANDOUT songs quite a bit, and I keep thinking that it's so cool how all of your lyrics, even when you throw in some clever twists, fit their respective songs so well.

Ichika
I wish I could write lyrics the way you do, but I just can't. I don't know how to express my thoughts. **Ichika**: I wish I could write lyrics the way you do, but I just can't. I don't know how to express my thoughts.

Iori
Hey, can I ask you this...? **Iori**: Hey, can I ask you this...?

Iori
You just said that you wish you could write lyrics the way I do... Why's that? **Iori**: You just said that you wish you could write lyrics the way I do... Why's that?

Ichika
Wh-Why...? **Ichika**: Wh-Why...?

Ichika
Because they sound so cool. I could listen to them over and over again... **Ichika**: Because they sound so cool. I could listen to them over and over again...

Iori
I see... **Iori**: I see...

Iori
That might be what's causing all this, Ichika. **Iori**: That might be what's causing all this, Ichika.

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

Iori
I think you're putting too much stock into making your lyrics sound cool, novel or whatever, you know? **Iori**: I think you're putting too much stock into making your lyrics sound cool, novel or whatever, you know?

Iori
Honestly, when I'm writing, I could care less about any of those things. **Iori**: Honestly, when I'm writing, I could care less about any of those things.

Ichika
Oh, really? **Ichika**: Oh, really?

Iori
Yeah, really. I mean, sure, some of the stuff I write comes out a little vague, but they're written that way because that's what I felt was best. **Iori**: Yeah, really. I mean, sure, some of the stuff I write comes out a little vague, but they're written that way because that's what I felt was best.

Iori
I try to find the right words for the best way of expressing my thoughts. That's all. **Iori**: I try to find the right words for the best way of expressing my thoughts. That's all.

Ichika
The best way to express my thoughts... **Ichika**: The best way to express my thoughts...

Iori
Essentially, I'd rather choose words that get my point across instead of anything that sounds cool. **Iori**: Essentially, I'd rather choose words that get my point across instead of anything that sounds cool.

Iori
Because what I absolutely don't want is for people to not understand what I'm trying to say by using some fluffy words. **Iori**: Because what I absolutely don't want is for people to not understand what I'm trying to say by using some fluffy words.

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Shiho
It's hard to understand what you're trying to say, but I get what you're trying to do... **Shiho**: It's hard to understand what you're trying to say, but I get what you're trying to do...

Ichika
I knew it... That's the problem. **Ichika**: I knew it... That's the problem.

Ichika
It never felt quite right. These lyrics just don't do Saki's song justice and I don't know how to express her message... **Ichika**: It never felt quite right. These lyrics just don't do Saki's song justice and I don't know how to express her message...

Ichika
I do actually want to go with lyrics that take a more direct approach... **Ichika**: I do actually want to go with lyrics that take a more direct approach...

Ichika
But for some reason, it doesn't feel quite right... **Ichika**: But for some reason, it doesn't feel quite right...

Iori
Why's that? **Iori**: Why's that?

Ichika
Because it's so plain and simple... I feel like it won't do my friend's song justice if I go with something like that. **Ichika**: Because it's so plain and simple... I feel like it won't do my friend's song justice if I go with something like that.

Iori
Really? I actually believe otherwise. **Iori**: Really? I actually believe otherwise.

Ichika
Huh...? **Ichika**: Huh...?

Iori
Remember when you girls opened for us? **Iori**: Remember when you girls opened for us?

Iori
Remember how the three of you wanted to tell Hinomori that you want to make music that can touch people's hearts with her? **Iori**: Remember how the three of you wanted to tell Hinomori that you want to make music that can touch people's hearts with her?

Iori
And you succeeded with flying colors. You got through to her, Ichika. **Iori**: And you succeeded with flying colors. You got through to her, Ichika.

Iori
Not only that, you girls managed to reach everyone that was there that day. **Iori**: Not only that, you girls managed to reach everyone that was there that day.

Iori
So that direct approach you were talking about might be the best way to go, you know...? **Iori**: So that direct approach you were talking about might be the best way to go, you know...?

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Iori
You should have more faith in yourself, Ichika, because I genuinely believe that you girls have the power to really move people. **Iori**: You should have more faith in yourself, Ichika, because I genuinely believe that you girls have the power to really move people.

Iori
So try to find the right words, okay? Your words. **Iori**: So try to find the right words, okay? Your words.

Ichika
Iori... **Ichika**: Iori...

Ichika
Okay, I will. Thank you so much! **Ichika**: Okay, I will. Thank you so much!

**Don't Be Embarrassed**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 Ichika's Room

Ichika
Go my own way. Say what I feel... **Ichika**: Go my own way. Say what I feel...

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Ichika
(I tried to make each phrase sound cool or rhyme well as much as I could until now...) **Ichika**: (I tried to make each phrase sound cool or rhyme well as much as I could until now...)

Iori
I think you're putting too much stock into making your lyrics sound cool, novel or whatever, you know? **Iori**: I think you're putting too much stock into making your lyrics sound cool, novel or whatever, you know?

Iori
Honestly, when I'm writing, I could care less about any of those things. **Iori**: Honestly, when I'm writing, I could care less about any of those things.

Ichika
Oh, really? **Ichika**: Oh, really?

Iori
Yeah, really. I mean, sure, some of the stuff I write comes out a little vague, but they're written that way because that's what I felt was best. **Iori**: Yeah, really. I mean, sure, some of the stuff I write comes out a little vague, but they're written that way because that's what I felt was best.

Iori
I try to find the right words for the best way of expressing my thoughts. That's all. **Iori**: I try to find the right words for the best way of expressing my thoughts. That's all.

Ichika
(It really just comes down to not having confidence in myself.) **Ichika**: (It really just comes down to not having confidence in myself.)

Ichika
(But I'm done running now...) **Ichika**: (But I'm done running now...)

Ichika
(I'll be much more direct and write exactly how I feel...) **Ichika**: (I'll be much more direct and write exactly how I feel...)

**\***Sketching**\***

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Ichika
Done... **Ichika**: Done...

Ichika
(This is the message I thought Saki was trying to convey. This is what I felt when I heard her song.) **Ichika**: (This is the message I thought Saki was trying to convey. This is what I felt when I heard her song.)

Ichika
(I think I finally got it right.) **Ichika**: (I think I finally got it right.)

Ichika
At the same time, it's so embarrassing to think that I actually wrote this... **Ichika**: At the same time, it's so embarrassing to think that I actually wrote this...

Ichika
It seems so self-absorbed or conceited... **Ichika**: It seems so self-absorbed or conceited...

Ichika
Wait, I know... **Ichika**: Wait, I know...

Ichika
Miku might be able to help me with this too! **Ichika**: Miku might be able to help me with this too!

 School SEKAI

Ichika
Hello...? **Ichika**: Hello...?

Ichika
Oh, KAITO! Is Miku or anyone else here? **Ichika**: Oh, KAITO! Is Miku or anyone else here?

KAITO
They're in the AV room... They should be watching that action film that Saki left here the other day... **KAITO**: They're in the AV room... They should be watching that action film that Saki left here the other day...

Ichika
I see. I probably shouldn't interrupt then. **Ichika**: I see. I probably shouldn't interrupt then.

Ichika
But what are you doing here, KAITO? **Ichika**: But what are you doing here, KAITO?

KAITO
I was doing some mental rehearsals... **KAITO**: I was doing some mental rehearsals...

Ichika
Oh, okay... Maybe I should come back later. **Ichika**: Oh, okay... Maybe I should come back later.

KAITO
Are you sure...? **KAITO**: Are you sure...?

Ichika
What? **Ichika**: What?

KAITO
Isn't there something that you'd like to talk about...? **KAITO**: Isn't there something that you'd like to talk about...?

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Ichika
Yes, there is. I actually want you to take a look at my lyrics...! **Ichika**: Yes, there is. I actually want you to take a look at my lyrics...!

Ichika
This is what I have... **Ichika**: This is what I have...

KAITO
Okay... **KAITO**: Okay...

Ichika
So... What do you think...? **Ichika**: So... What do you think...?

KAITO
... **KAITO**: ...

KAITO
Yes, I like it. **KAITO**: Yes, I like it.

Ichika
R-Really...? **Ichika**: R-Really...?

KAITO
It's clear that your friends mean so much to you based on this. **KAITO**: It's clear that your friends mean so much to you based on this.

KAITO
And these feelings should be amplified quite a bit when sung alongside the actual song. **KAITO**: And these feelings should be amplified quite a bit when sung alongside the actual song.

KAITO
At least, that's what I thought... **KAITO**: At least, that's what I thought...

Ichika
Thank goodness...! **Ichika**: Thank goodness...!

Ichika
Oh, but... Did I go too far? Were they too plain or simple in any way...? **Ichika**: Oh, but... Did I go too far? Were they too plain or simple in any way...?

KAITO
They seemed fine. **KAITO**: They seemed fine.

KAITO
How interesting these lyrics sound isn't what's important. How you feel should take priority, Ichika... **KAITO**: How interesting these lyrics sound isn't what's important. How you feel should take priority, Ichika...

Ichika
So there's no need to feel embarrassed... **Ichika**: So there's no need to feel embarrassed...

Ichika
(Is that what I was trying to tell myself...?) **Ichika**: (Is that what I was trying to tell myself...?)

Ichika
(I was wandering in the dark for so long while not knowing what I really wanted to do with myself.) **Ichika**: (I was wandering in the dark for so long while not knowing what I really wanted to do with myself.)

Ichika
(Somewhere along the way, I'd convinced myself that my words wouldn't be able to reach anyone...) **Ichika**: (Somewhere along the way, I'd convinced myself that my words wouldn't be able to reach anyone...)

Ichika
(But...) **Ichika**: (But...)

Honami
Oh, that's so sweet...! **Honami**: Oh, that's so sweet...!

Miku
Yes, it captures the kindness in Ichika's heart so well. **Miku**: Yes, it captures the kindness in Ichika's heart so well.

Saki
I think I really like this one! **Saki**: I think I really like this one!

Iori
Remember how the three of you wanted to tell Hinomori that you want to make music that can touch people's hearts with her? **Iori**: Remember how the three of you wanted to tell Hinomori that you want to make music that can touch people's hearts with her?

Iori
And you succeeded with flying colors. You got through to her, Ichika. **Iori**: And you succeeded with flying colors. You got through to her, Ichika.

Iori
Not only that, you girls managed to reach everyone that was there that day. **Iori**: Not only that, you girls managed to reach everyone that was there that day.

Ichika
(It's not about my words not reaching anyone. It's about not closing myself off and giving my voice a chance to be heard...) **Ichika**: (It's not about my words not reaching anyone. It's about not closing myself off and giving my voice a chance to be heard...)

Ichika
(Not just my voice. Our voice. I want them to hear us as Leo/need...) **Ichika**: (Not just my voice. Our voice. I want them to hear us as Leo/need...)

Ichika
And I have to start by believing in what I say... **Ichika**: And I have to start by believing in what I say...

 The next day

Shiho
Oh, Ichika. You're here already? **Shiho**: Oh, Ichika. You're here already?

Honami
Does this mean you finished writing your lyrics? **Honami**: Does this mean you finished writing your lyrics?

Ichika
Yes, I did...! I'd like it if you all gave them a look. **Ichika**: Yes, I did...! I'd like it if you all gave them a look.

Saki
Oh, I can't wait! Lemme see♪ **Saki**: Oh, I can't wait! Lemme see♪

Ichika
So, what do you think? I felt much better about these compared to what I had before. **Ichika**: So, what do you think? I felt much better about these compared to what I had before.

Saki
Ichi... **Saki**: Ichi...

Ichika
Y-Yes...? **Ichika**: Y-Yes...?

Saki
Out of everything you've written so far, this is my absolute favorite...! **Saki**: Out of everything you've written so far, this is my absolute favorite...!

Saki
These lyrics are sooo good! This is exactly what I was trying to convey through my song, Ichi! **Saki**: These lyrics are sooo good! This is exactly what I was trying to convey through my song, Ichi!

Ichika
Really? **Ichika**: Really?

Shiho
Yeah. These get straight to the point and you've made how you feel crystal clear... **Shiho**: Yeah. These get straight to the point and you've made how you feel crystal clear...

Honami
Yes, these are really incredible. **Honami**: Yes, these are really incredible.

Honami
I'm happy to see that you feel this way about us, but it's also a little embarrassing... **Honami**: I'm happy to see that you feel this way about us, but it's also a little embarrassing...

Ichika
Shiho, Honami... **Ichika**: Shiho, Honami...

Honami
Anyway, since you're done, why don't we do a quick play-through? **Honami**: Anyway, since you're done, why don't we do a quick play-through?

Honami
I'd love to hear what our song sounds like now that it has words to go along with it. **Honami**: I'd love to hear what our song sounds like now that it has words to go along with it.

Shiho
Yeah, me too. Ichika, is your guitar all tuned? **Shiho**: Yeah, me too. Ichika, is your guitar all tuned?

Ichika
Yes, I'm ready! **Ichika**: Yes, I'm ready!

Saki
Awesome! Lemme go get my synth ready! **Saki**: Awesome! Lemme go get my synth ready!

Ichika
(This was the way to go...) **Ichika**: (This was the way to go...)

Ichika
I can't wait to sing it. **Ichika**: I can't wait to sing it.

Ichika
Our song... In front of a crowd...! **Ichika**: Our song... In front of a crowd...!

**The First Step**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 The day of the show

**\***Chattering**\***

 Backstage

Saki
Oh, they're starting to let everyone in! **Saki**: Oh, they're starting to let everyone in!

Honami
Yes, they are... Six, seven... I see maybe ten people? **Honami**: Yes, they are... Six, seven... I see maybe ten people?

Ichika
So not too many. I was expecting to see much more for a second there. **Ichika**: So not too many. I was expecting to see much more for a second there.

Shiho
To be fair, the show isn't starting for a while. **Shiho**: To be fair, the show isn't starting for a while.

Shiho
The bigger names go on stage starting about halfway through, so it's a good bet that more will show up then. **Shiho**: The bigger names go on stage starting about halfway through, so it's a good bet that more will show up then.

Honami
I see... So we shouldn't expect to see too big a crowd when it's our turn. **Honami**: I see... So we shouldn't expect to see too big a crowd when it's our turn.

Shiho
Yeah, I'd say so too. **Shiho**: Yeah, I'd say so too.

Ichika
Okay, that's good to hear... But I am starting to get a little nervous. **Ichika**: Okay, that's good to hear... But I am starting to get a little nervous.

Saki
Yeah, my heart's really starting to pound! **Saki**: Yeah, my heart's really starting to pound!

Shiho
Just try to relax. We played in front of way more people during the STANDOUT show, right? **Shiho**: Just try to relax. We played in front of way more people during the STANDOUT show, right?

Ichika
But that was when we were absolutely desperate... **Ichika**: But that was when we were absolutely desperate...

Ichika
We even have an original song to worry about this time. Do you think it'll go over well with them...? **Ichika**: We even have an original song to worry about this time. Do you think it'll go over well with them...?

Saki
Y-Yeah, Ichi, it has to...! **Saki**: Y-Yeah, Ichi, it has to...!

Honami
Yes, I agree. **Honami**: Yes, I agree.

Honami
We all worked so hard on it and practiced so much. I'm sure that they'll see that. **Honami**: We all worked so hard on it and practiced so much. I'm sure that they'll see that.

Ichika
Honami... **Ichika**: Honami...

Shiho
She says that while her hands shake. **Shiho**: She says that while her hands shake.

Honami
Oh... **Honami**: Oh...

Shiho
Again, just try to relax. **Shiho**: Again, just try to relax.

Shiho
It's our very first show, so no one's going to be judging us or expecting us to do something we can't. **Shiho**: It's our very first show, so no one's going to be judging us or expecting us to do something we can't.

Ichika
R-Right... **Ichika**: R-Right...

Shiho
But that also gives us much more freedom. We can show them what we've got while playing just the way we like. **Shiho**: But that also gives us much more freedom. We can show them what we've got while playing just the way we like.

Shiho
And considering how much we practiced, I'm sure we'll be able to do just that. It may be a small crowd, but we can still try to reach each of them. **Shiho**: And considering how much we practiced, I'm sure we'll be able to do just that. It may be a small crowd, but we can still try to reach each of them.

Honami
Shiho... **Honami**: Shiho...

Saki
Yeah, I promise to do my best! **Saki**: Yeah, I promise to do my best!

Saki
So don't worry! If push comes to shove, I'll take over and really get them going! **Saki**: So don't worry! If push comes to shove, I'll take over and really get them going!

Shiho
That's Saki Tenma for you. **Shiho**: That's Saki Tenma for you.

Saki
Hehe♪ **Saki**: Hehe♪

Saki
Oh, I know! Here, huddle up! **Saki**: Oh, I know! Here, huddle up!

Honami
Huddle? **Honami**: Huddle?

Saki
Yeah! Let's all put our hands together and get ourselves psyched up for this! **Saki**: Yeah! Let's all put our hands together and get ourselves psyched up for this!

Shiho
Sure, why not? A lot of other bands do it too, so... **Shiho**: Sure, why not? A lot of other bands do it too, so...

Ichika
Okay, then... Let's give it a try. **Ichika**: Okay, then... Let's give it a try.

Saki
Yay♪ Alright, everyone make a peace sign! **Saki**: Yay♪ Alright, everyone make a peace sign!

Shiho
A peace sign? **Shiho**: A peace sign?

Saki
Yeah! Like this and... **Saki**: Yeah! Like this and...

Saki
See? It turns into a star! Like our band name♪ **Saki**: See? It turns into a star! Like our band name♪

Honami
Hehe. Oh, Saki. **Honami**: Hehe. Oh, Saki.

Saki
Hehe♪ Okay, Ichi! Lead the way♪ **Saki**: Hehe♪ Okay, Ichi! Lead the way♪

Ichika
M-Me...? **Ichika**: M-Me...?

Ichika
Uh, okay... **Ichika**: Uh, okay...

Ichika
Everyone, let's do our best. Let's show this crowd what we're about and tell them exactly how we feel! **Ichika**: Everyone, let's do our best. Let's show this crowd what we're about and tell them exactly how we feel!

Ichika
Are you ready?! **Ichika**: Are you ready?!

Everybody
Yeah! **Everybody**: Yeah!

**\***Chattering**\***

Audience
Hey, that last band was pretty good. **Audience**: Hey, that last band was pretty good.

Audience
Who's next...? Leo/need? Never heard of them. **Audience**: Who's next...? Leo/need? Never heard of them.

Audience
Wait, I actually might have. Didn't they open for STANDOUT that one time? **Audience**: Wait, I actually might have. Didn't they open for STANDOUT that one time?

Audience
Whoa, say what? That means they're pretty good, right...? **Audience**: Whoa, say what? That means they're pretty good, right...?

Ichika
Hello, we're Leo/need! We're so honored to be playing here for you all today! **Ichika**: Hello, we're Leo/need! We're so honored to be playing here for you all today!

Ichika
We'd like to start with a cover of a Miku song that we as a band really love. **Ichika**: We'd like to start with a cover of a Miku song that we as a band really love.

Ichika
We hope you enjoy it! **Ichika**: We hope you enjoy it!

Audience
Hey, I know this song! **Audience**: Hey, I know this song!

Audience
Sick bass line! **Audience**: Sick bass line!

Audience
Yeah, they played this when they opened for STANDOUT! They've improved a lot since then too! **Audience**: Yeah, they played this when they opened for STANDOUT! They've improved a lot since then too!

Ichika
(Thank goodness. They seem to like it so far...) **Ichika**: (Thank goodness. They seem to like it so far...)

Shiho
(Just gotta keep this up through our first two songs. Warm them up by playing something they all know...) **Shiho**: (Just gotta keep this up through our first two songs. Warm them up by playing something they all know...)

Saki
(Yeah, let's really get them going!) **Saki**: (Yeah, let's really get them going!)

Manager
Hinomori looks like she's having fun. I've never seen her smile like this while on stage before. **Manager**: Hinomori looks like she's having fun. I've never seen her smile like this while on stage before.

???
Excuse me. Do you still have any same-day tickets available? **???**: Excuse me. Do you still have any same-day tickets available?

Manager
Yes, there's still plenty. Which band are you here to see? Huh? **Manager**: Yes, there's still plenty. Which band are you here to see? Huh?

Iori
Leo/need, of course. **Iori**: Leo/need, of course.

**\***Applause**\***

Ichika
Phew... **Ichika**: Phew...

Ichika
Thank you! These Miku songs are what brought us together as a band, so I'm glad you liked them! **Ichika**: Thank you! These Miku songs are what brought us together as a band, so I'm glad you liked them!

Ichika
But we'd like to end with an original song. **Ichika**: But we'd like to end with an original song.

**\***Chattering**\***

Audience
An original song? So something they made? **Audience**: An original song? So something they made?

Audience
Aww, I kinda wanted to hear another Miku song... **Audience**: Aww, I kinda wanted to hear another Miku song...

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Ichika
To tell you the truth, it took us quite a long time to reach the point of being able to perform on stage like this... **Ichika**: To tell you the truth, it took us quite a long time to reach the point of being able to perform on stage like this...

Ichika
There were times when we doubted ourselves and thought about giving up, but we're here today because we have each other. Because we're Leo/need. **Ichika**: There were times when we doubted ourselves and thought about giving up, but we're here today because we have each other. Because we're Leo/need.

Ichika
We're still just getting started as a band, but this song represents all the hard work we put into getting to this stage. **Ichika**: We're still just getting started as a band, but this song represents all the hard work we put into getting to this stage.

Ichika
Please, we hope you enjoy it! **Ichika**: Please, we hope you enjoy it!

Saki
(Here we go. Our song...!) **Saki**: (Here we go. Our song...!)

Audience
Not a very catchy intro... But that girl on the bass is off the hook. **Audience**: Not a very catchy intro... But that girl on the bass is off the hook.

Audience
The lyrics are kinda dull too. Been there, done that, you know...? **Audience**: The lyrics are kinda dull too. Been there, done that, you know...?

Ichika
(Oh no, we're starting to lose them...) **Ichika**: (Oh no, we're starting to lose them...)

Shiho
(But this is to be expected. Most of these people are here to see much more famous bands.) **Shiho**: (But this is to be expected. Most of these people are here to see much more famous bands.)

Shiho
(Unlike the Miku songs we just played, this is something no one's ever heard of by a no-name band. It's only natural that they lose interest.) **Shiho**: (Unlike the Miku songs we just played, this is something no one's ever heard of by a no-name band. It's only natural that they lose interest.)

Shiho
(But...) **Shiho**: (But...)

Honami
(We put everything into this song. We can't give up. Not now!) **Honami**: (We put everything into this song. We can't give up. Not now!)

Saki
(Shiho even said that this song is Leo/need! This is us!) **Saki**: (Shiho even said that this song is Leo/need! This is us!)

Saki
(We can do it! I know we can!) **Saki**: (We can do it! I know we can!)

Ichika
(We have to reach them. We have to give this song everything we have!) **Ichika**: (We have to reach them. We have to give this song everything we have!)

Audience
Hey, this isn't bad... **Audience**: Hey, this isn't bad...

Audience
They're a bit spotty, but they're really giving it 100%. **Audience**: They're a bit spotty, but they're really giving it 100%.

Manager
Yeah, this is nice. Hinomori's band's doing pretty well for themselves. **Manager**: Yeah, this is nice. Hinomori's band's doing pretty well for themselves.

Iori
It's hard to believe that this is their very first show. **Iori**: It's hard to believe that this is their very first show.

Ichika
♪————... **Ichika**: ♪————...

**\***Applause**\***

Ichika
...! **Ichika**: ...!

Ichika
Our first song... **Ichika**: Our first song...

Ichika
Thank you for hearing our very first song! Thank you all very much! **Ichika**: Thank you for hearing our very first song! Thank you all very much!

**Opening Doors**
*Characters*

**Transcript**

 Scramble Crossing

Saki
Wow, that was so much fun! My heart's still pounding... **Saki**: Wow, that was so much fun! My heart's still pounding...

Honami
Hehe. Oh, Saki. There's no way to temper that excitement, is there? **Honami**: Hehe. Oh, Saki. There's no way to temper that excitement, is there?

Saki
That's because I am really excited! I still can't believe that we really got to do a show together like this♪ **Saki**: That's because I am really excited! I still can't believe that we really got to do a show together like this♪

Ichika
Me too. It was a lot of fun... **Ichika**: Me too. It was a lot of fun...

Saki
So, when's our next one gonna be? I can't wait to do another one! **Saki**: So, when's our next one gonna be? I can't wait to do another one!

Shiho
Hold your horses, Saki. Let's talk about how today's show went first. **Shiho**: Hold your horses, Saki. Let's talk about how today's show went first.

Saki
Aww, come one! Can't we celebrate just a little bit...? **Saki**: Aww, come one! Can't we celebrate just a little bit...?

Shiho
No. We need to discuss everything while it's still fresh in our heads. **Shiho**: No. We need to discuss everything while it's still fresh in our heads.

Saki
No, Shihooo...! You're like one of those really mean drill sergeants from the movies...! **Saki**: No, Shihooo...! You're like one of those really mean drill sergeants from the movies...!

Shiho
You could just stop coming to practice, you know? **Shiho**: You could just stop coming to practice, you know?

Saki
Th-That was a joke! I was joking, okay?! I promise to keep practicing! I'm sorry! **Saki**: Th-That was a joke! I was joking, okay?! I promise to keep practicing! I'm sorry!

Honami
Hehe. And we'll be right there with you, Saki. Let's keep doing what we can for us and our next show, okay? **Honami**: Hehe. And we'll be right there with you, Saki. Let's keep doing what we can for us and our next show, okay?

Saki
Yeah, you're right! Hehe. Our next show... **Saki**: Yeah, you're right! Hehe. Our next show...

Ichika
Still, I have to think that people are starting to warm up to us. Especially considering how small our audience was today... **Ichika**: Still, I have to think that people are starting to warm up to us. Especially considering how small our audience was today...

Shiho
This is pretty par for the course... **Shiho**: This is pretty par for the course...

Shiho
It's beyond rare to see anyone have any interest in a band that literally no one's ever heard of. **Shiho**: It's beyond rare to see anyone have any interest in a band that literally no one's ever heard of.

Saki
But some of them got really into it! I even heard a couple of them say that they really liked what we played! **Saki**: But some of them got really into it! I even heard a couple of them say that they really liked what we played!

Honami
Hehe. So did I! **Honami**: Hehe. So did I!

Shiho
Yeah. Not many people were here to actually hear us play our song, but we definitely reached some of them. **Shiho**: Yeah. Not many people were here to actually hear us play our song, but we definitely reached some of them.

Shiho
As long as we keep at it, that number will keep increasing. So let's keep trying our best. **Shiho**: As long as we keep at it, that number will keep increasing. So let's keep trying our best.

Saki
Yeah! We took a big first step as Leo/need today. **Saki**: Yeah! We took a big first step as Leo/need today.

Ichika
(It wasn't exactly a great success or anything...) **Ichika**: (It wasn't exactly a great success or anything...)

Ichika
(But I'm so glad that we actually managed to get through to some people...) **Ichika**: (But I'm so glad that we actually managed to get through to some people...)

Ichika
(This feeling...) **Ichika**: (This feeling...)

Ichika
... **Ichika**: ...

Saki
Ichi, what's wrong? **Saki**: Ichi, what's wrong?

Ichika
Oh... **Ichika**: Oh...

Ichika
Well, it's just... I was thinking about how I could turn how I feel right now into lyrics. **Ichika**: Well, it's just... I was thinking about how I could turn how I feel right now into lyrics.

Shiho
Huh...? **Shiho**: Huh...?

Honami
You're ready to write another song? I'd love to read what you come up with! **Honami**: You're ready to write another song? I'd love to read what you come up with!

Saki
Me too! Me too! How you feel right now means... It's gonna be a super happy song, right♪ **Saki**: Me too! Me too! How you feel right now means... It's gonna be a super happy song, right♪

Ichika
We'll see once I get a chance to put pen to paper. **Ichika**: We'll see once I get a chance to put pen to paper.

Ichika
But... **Ichika**: But...

Ichika
(I'm able to express how I truly feel without holding back because I have them here with me.) **Ichika**: (I'm able to express how I truly feel without holding back because I have them here with me.)

Ichika
(Because of what we did today as Leo/need. Because we're together.) **Ichika**: (Because of what we did today as Leo/need. Because we're together.)

Ichika
(It's okay for me to feel confident about what I write... Now, I know that.) **Ichika**: (It's okay for me to feel confident about what I write... Now, I know that.)

Saki
Ichi? **Saki**: Ichi?

Ichika
Uh, it's nothing. **Ichika**: Uh, it's nothing.

Ichika
I'm just hoping that we get to keep playing our own music like this. **Ichika**: I'm just hoping that we get to keep playing our own music like this.

Shiho
Yeah, I hope so too... **Shiho**: Yeah, I hope so too...

Honami
Then, once we're done with this debrief, shall we start discussing our next song? **Honami**: Then, once we're done with this debrief, shall we start discussing our next song?

Saki
Yeah! Let's think up some music that goes perfectly with Ichi's lyrics! **Saki**: Yeah! Let's think up some music that goes perfectly with Ichi's lyrics!

Shiho
I'll make sure to contribute to the next one. **Shiho**: I'll make sure to contribute to the next one.

Shiho
And we'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with, Ichika. **Shiho**: And we'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with, Ichika.

Ichika
So am I...! **Ichika**: So am I...!

 School SEKAI

Miku
——♪ ——♪ **Miku**: ——♪ ——♪

Rin
Phew! We're doing great today too☆ **Rin**: Phew! We're doing great today too☆

Rin
Especially, you, KAITO. I can't put my finger on it, but something seems different about the way you're playing. **Rin**: Especially, you, KAITO. I can't put my finger on it, but something seems different about the way you're playing.

KAITO
Oh...? **KAITO**: Oh...?

Rin
It's like... You're really happy! **Rin**: It's like... You're really happy!

MEIKO
Oh, I sensed that too. Almost as if each note is jumping for joy. **MEIKO**: Oh, I sensed that too. Almost as if each note is jumping for joy.

Luka
Did something good happen? **Luka**: Did something good happen?

KAITO
Well, I suppose so... **KAITO**: Well, I suppose so...

KAITO
I have a feeling that the girls were finally able to step through that door. **KAITO**: I have a feeling that the girls were finally able to step through that door.

Miku
I see. That means we have to keep doing what we can too. **Miku**: I see. That means we have to keep doing what we can too.

Luka
Hehe. We're not about to let them leave us behind, are we? **Luka**: Hehe. We're not about to let them leave us behind, are we?

Miku
No way! We need to keep doing everything we can as their seniors. **Miku**: No way! We need to keep doing everything we can as their seniors.

Miku
So how does one more song sound? **Miku**: So how does one more song sound?

KAITO
Sure... **KAITO**: Sure...