Hmm, what should I get for lunch today? Maybe the special?

…Hmm, is that Ai? Hey, Ai!

Hmm? Oh, heya!

Where're you running off to? The cafeteria?

Nah, I'm going to the library. There's something I wanna look into.

What's that?

I heard something in class that caused a total lightbulb moment. Now I want to go see if I have it right!

That sounds fun. Can I come with?

Yeah, totally! And hey, I might make the breakthrough of the century here!

[Fade in/out.]

Ah…

What's wrong, Ai?

I guess my lightbulb moment wasn't so bright after all. Shucks. I thought it was related to this theory, but I guess not.

I could have sworn I'd hit upon a good algorithm I could use in the program I'm writing right now!

What's an algorithm?

Uh… Well, to put it simply, it's a series of steps you follow to reach a goal.

Let's take your morning routine, for instance. What do you do after you wake up to reach the goal of leaving the house?

Uh, let me see. First I turn off my alarm, then I go out to my veranda to say hi to Ayumu, and then I eat breakfast, brush my teeth, and wash my face.

I change into my uniform, get all my school stuff together, watch TV for a bit, and then head out. Something along those lines.

Yeah, uh-huh. That's an algorithm.

Huh, really?

I guess I get it. Okay, so what makes for a “good” algorithm like what you're hoping to come up with?

It all comes down to efficiency. Like if we go back to the example of your morning routine, maybe you could get your stuff ready the night before.

Or, if you cut down on saying hi to Ayumu or your TV time, you could get out the door a little faster, y'know?

Oh, okay, I see what you mean! But I don't think I can stop saying hi to Ayumu in the mornings.

Ha ha, for sure.

I'm impressed, Ai. You look stuff up the minute it grabs your attention in class, and you're great at explaining things to people.

Oh, was that a good explanation? Yay, glad to hear it.

Y'know, I've always been quick to go research stuff. I don't have the patience to wait.

Looking into something that catches your interest lets you make one discovery after another. You know what I mean?

Plus, I feel super lucky that I can find new stuff outside of my interests while I'm at it. And it's fun!

Oh wait, shoot! If we don't hurry, lunch will be over before we get a chance to eat!

I guess the best algorithm would be to buy rice balls or something at the student store, huh?

We can take them back to class and eat.

Hey, you're getting it! Yeah, let's buy something there.

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, Misato!

Hello, Ai. You know, you really don't have to come see me every day. It can't be easy for you.

Nah, don't sweat it. I've got tons to chat with you about.

Guess what? Today the prez was like…

[Fade in/out.]

…But when I looked back on it later, I freaked out like, “Wait, what am I doing talking technical comp sci stuff to a kid in the music department?”

But it sounds to me like she enjoyed listening to you.

Heh heh. Yeah, I guess!

It's a shame, though, that your flash of inspiration didn't lead anywhere.

Yeah, well. I was sure I had it when it got mentioned in class, but that'd be too easy, huh?

Still, I had a stroke of luck in another way.

How so?

I got to learn her whole morning routine! Nah, I'm just fooling around.

*Giggle* Ever the comedian, aren't you?

You sound very fond of your club president.

I sure am! That's because she always has our backs.

I'm so glad to know her!

Oh, by the way, isn't your thing tomorrow?

What thing?

Your chance to try out a class in the music department. The one with the girl you've been gushing over.

Oh! You're right, that is tomorrow. Oh boooy, I can't wait. I wish it was here already!