Ruby! Sorry I'm late!

It's okay. I just got here.

I missed the bus because I was preparing a bunch of stuff to give you. Here!

Whoa! Back issues of school idol magazines I couldn't buy! Thank you! Can I really borrow these?

Of course! I'm glad you like them. I brought the new issue that was released yesterday, too. Want to read it with me?

Seriously?! Let's do it!

[Fade in/out.]

This month's issue was amazing!

There was a ton of info on new school idols. Looks like things will be getting more exciting… Hm?

What's wrong?

I think I heard something.
…There it is again! It's like an instrument or something. Maybe the concert band is practicing.

Oh, that might be…

[Fade in/out.]

…

Wait, Dia?! And she's playing a…koto?!

She has permission to practice here sometimes. She was supposed to practice at home today, but someone came over.

I see. So she plays here because she can't at home.

(How beautiful. If the word grace had a sound, this would be it…)

(It's like each reverberation of the strings purifies the air. I could listen to this forever.)

Please do not hide yourself over there. Come in.

Huh?!

[Fade in/out.]

D-Dia…

I'm sorry! I shouldn't have been eavesdropping.

I don't mind, but you should have said something. I was frightened half to death when I saw your eye through the slit in the door. I thought you were a ghost.

I'm very sorry…

That music was absolutely lovely. The air around you seemed so different.

So you were unable to address me?

Oh, no. That's not…

I'm only joking. Thank you. I'm honored to receive such a compliment.

I thought the same thing, that the air was different. When I hear the koto at home, I always feel like I need to be quiet.

Yeah, like something bad will happen if you make any noise.

Wait a moment! That makes it seem like my music has some kind of strange magical property!