(Okay, morning classes are finished. I should go get the music room key.)

[Fade in/out.]

Oh, hey. Want to get some lunch? I'm eating in the cafeteria today.

Sorry, Ayumu. I'm going to the music room today, so I can't join you.

Writing music again? You've been writing after school too. Are you doing all right? Are you eating well?

I'm fine, don't worry. I'm going to write a brilliant song, just you wait.

Okay…sure. Do your best!

[Fade in/out.]

(The last part should be strong… No, a gentle piece would be better.)

(That's no good. It makes the final part of the song stand out too much.)

Hey!

Wha?! K-Kanata?! And everyone?! What are you doing? I thought you guys had practice.

We're done! Now we're here to see you.

You were so focused. You didn't even notice us come in.

I even thought you were ignoring us.

You did? I'm sorry.

Are you okay? It's not good to hole yourself up like this. Taking a break will help you come up with ideas.

Ahaha, you're right. Thanks, but I'm okay. I'll clean this up, so can you guys give me a minute?

[Fade in/out.]

(The beginning will be nice and bright, with an up-tempo melody to get the listeners going. Change keys at the hook and…)

(…No no no! This isn't good enough to beat μ's! They're definitely writing a much better song!)

(I need to rewrite this. Everything will be fine. I'll definitely write the winning song.)

[Fade in/out.]

We've been waiting for you, Nijigasaki!

Long time no see! How've you been?

We've been good! You guys look great, too.

Emma, this is enemy territory! You shouldn't be so friendly!

Kasumi, you sound like Nico did a couple weeks ago.

They really are alike.

Did you write your song?

Yeah. Good luck today.

You too! Thanks for coming.

Now, for the tenth and final contest between μ's and Nijigasaki, the song-off!

We never decided who should go first, did we?

I'm okay either way.

Then whoever wins rock, paper, scissors will go first! Maki, put your hand out!

Okay.

Rock, paper, scissor, shoot!

…Ah.

Maki goes first.

…

This seems like a bad omen.

K-Kanata, you don't need to say that!

Don't worry about what Kanata said!

Y-Yeah, we just decided who would go first, nothing more.

Don't worry, guys. I'm fine.

I'm going to start.

[Fade in/out.]

(Wh-Whoa! As soon as she started playing, the entire atmosphere seemed to change!)

(The music has so much passion it almost seems alive! The melody is flowing around like blood, pumping the heart of the song. It's so hot and exciting…)

(I know this feeling! It's the same thing I felt when I saw their show with Aqours in Akihabara, and when I saw Aqours' show in Numazu.)

(When I close my eyes, I can see μ's singing to this song. I want to see them sing this on stage for real!)

[Fade in/out.]

Hey. Hey!

Get it together! Come on!

[Fade in/out.]

*Gasp*

Maki finished her song.

Are you okay? You seem like you're in a daze.

S-Sorry! I'm fine. It's my turn, right? I'll start.

(Calm down, just do it like in practice and everything will be fine.)

(Maki's performance was incredible, but I haven't lost yet. Over these past two weeks, I lost sleep over this song. I practiced my butt off, too.)

(I researched μ's songs and put everything they didn't have into mine. I can't lose. This song will win. Then, everyone will sing it on stage…)

(Wait, but…)

(What did everyone sound like again? Those voices that will sing my song…)

(What were our shows like? I can't remember.)

…

Umm…hello?

Are you going to start or what?

I can't.

What?

I'm sorry. I can't play this.