(Has the ocean always looked like this?)

(The ocean I know is far more blue. It sparkles and soothes your soul just by looking at it.)

(So what's with this? Why does it look like this today?)

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, um…

[Fade in/out.]

……

Hello?!

Oh, it's Riko. What's up?

I should be asking you that. I thought there was no way you'd really be here slumped over on the beach, and yet it really is you.

What are you doing all the way out here? You have an event coming up soon, don't you? You said you were really busy with it when we talked the other day, too.

Um, well… I'm just…on a trip. To clear my mind, I guess?

A trip?

Yeah. I thought maybe if I just change my surroundings, it might give me inspiration for this song.

I was trying to think of where to go and thought, well, I know Uchiura. I can relax there, and the ocean will be really nice to look at too.

I've certainly been there.

What do you mean?

Well, I've done the same thing before. I wanted inspiration and thought a change of environment might help.

Huh. I didn't know. Come to think of it, you said that listening to the sound of the ocean is what helped you play piano again, wasn't it? Is that what you mean?

Yep. I tried jumping into the ocean at the start of spring just to find it. Chika tried to stop me, and we both wound up falling in.

Hahaha. Wow, I never knew.

It sounds like it worked out for you then. The songs you write for Aqours are incredible.

Do you think I'll be able to write again if I listen to the sound of the ocean too?

Huh?

If I feel the sounds of the ocean reverberating through my whole body, I should be able to write good music again, right? Then I'm going to go.

[Fade in/out.]

W-Wait! Are you serious? You can't just jump into the ocean like that! You don't have a swimsuit or a change of clothes, do you? You're gonna make yourself sick!

But… But I have to get better again. Everyone's waiting for my songs.

If I don't write them…they won't have anything to sing!

I understand! I get it, so please just wait!

………

You know, I've been worried about you ever since you called me last. I didn't think it was my place to say anything at the time, but…something's wrong, isn't it?

Riko… Oh, Riko… What am I going to do?!