Chapter Text
“Yuutenji-san!”
A familiar scene unfolds before Yahata Umiri once again. They just finished their rehearsal–it was good as always, though Yuutenji-san didn’t have any serious background in drumming prior to this, she was quite good. Overall, it is a satisfying rehearsal except for a few parts that are still manageable, Umiri thinks as she is lax on the sofa while drinking her energy drink, enjoying the break session.
“Don’t you think you are too stingy, Sakiko? It is just post-live, you know. It won’t let anyone know that we are Ave Mujica!”
“With Mutsumi in the background!?”
Yep, another ordinary scene for Ave Mujica. Wakaba-san is eating the cucumber in her hand, looking tired–she pushed herself to play that solo guitar part and has no energy to meddle between Yuutenji-san and Togawa-san, maybe because she was too tired with their routine every day? Or does she just trust Togawa-san so much because they are childhood friend? Umiri didn’t really understand. But, at least this is not a serious level, just typical banter of Yuutenji-san and Togawa-san.
“It is fine! No one knows Muuko and I come from Ave Mujica!”
“No! People will make speculation! I already let you leave a lot of hints in your personal videos!”
“Both of you…”
“Uika! Don’t talk as if you don’t have any relation with this! Yuutenji-san has your picture on the background too!”
While the vocalist is trying to become a middleman between them, she got scolded harshly. Poor Misumi-san. Wait, but Misumi-san looks happy getting scolded by Togawa-san. Okay whatever.
But, Umiri won’t take action–let the one who can talk. Good luck, Misumi-san! She can handle it. So is Togawa-san. It is nothing. While Yuutenji-san’s antic made Togawa-san angry, she knew the boundaries and she knew Togawa-san was right. So everything will be okay. It should be okay. Like, it is Ave Mujica's normal routine.
Their routine is like this:
- Togawa-san will threaten Yuutenji-san, she will either do this with or without confiscating Yuutenji-san’s phone.
- Then, reluctantly Yuutenji-san will agree.
- After that, Misumi-san will pat Yuutenji-san’s back and calm both of them.
- Despite what happened, not long after that Yuutenji asked for a group gathering and celebration. Togawa-san will reject it, saying she has some other business.
It is typical and mundane group banter, Umiri can enjoy this a bit–
BANG
And that should be it.
It happens so fast. Umiri barely registers what happened and Togawa-san is already lying on the floor with blood on her nose. Yuutenji-san’s shocked face. Misumi-san is calling Togawa-san repeatedly and betraying her ikemen persona. While Wakaba-san looks shocked and immediately rushes to Togawa-san’s side.
It happened so fast.
And Umiri didn’t realize how pale and cold Togawa-san was that day–no one did.
Because their leader has perfected her mask to look healthy and fine.
“Togawa-san! Togawa-san! Can you hear me?”, Umiri called Sakiko’s name a few times after that she opened her eyes.
Sakiko slowly opened her eyes with a slight headache. The first thing she sees is the ceiling. Then a black-haired girl who is looking right at her with stoic expression that resemble her childhood friend. Sakiko tried to sit, but the girl was holding her shoulder and pushed herself onto the sofa gently, “Wait please lay down first, Togawa-san”, she instructed gently.
Sakiko honestly can’t respond with anything, so she can only nod. It seems like that girl is right. She can feel the blood rushing to her head–making it a bit uncomfortable for a while. After a moment Sakiko decided to sit, thankfully the other girl helped her by putting her hand carefully on Sakiko’s back.
“Sakiko uh, are you okay?”, this time, there is another girl. She is rather tall and has short purple hair, that girl looks anxious and then hands Sakiko a warm cup. Based on the scent, it is Darjeeling tea.
“Here, please drink it”
“Thank you…”
Sakiko nods and brings the cup to her lips. It is good. Sakiko smiles as she drinks the tea. Both aroma and taste are equally good. It is a good tea, Sakiko concluded and smiled.
After a while, the purple girl laughed awkwardly, “Um, Nyamu didn’t do it purposefully, okay? I am really sorry, Sakiko~ Please forgive me, okay?” as she clapped both of her hands.
Sakiko blinked, “Why should I forgive you?” she asked.
The other girl felt shiver–’ oh god she is going to scold me a lot, is she? ’, the other girl thought nervously and ready for her punishment. It is after all, partially her fault.
“You even gave me Darjeeling tea, why should I get upset at you? I should be thankful of you, um... Nyamu-san, right?”, Sakiko smiles calmly.
‘Oh god she is really angry! Muuko please help me! Darjeeling tea isn’t working!’, Nyamu nervously thinking while trying to channel SOS signal to Mutsumi. And Mutsumi the ever so expresionless guitarist saying nothing.
“Ah sorry, if I were wrong. I didn’t even catch your name, sorry, miss..?”
“Huh?”-okay, even if Sakiko is angry, that one is kind of stepping out of line!
When Nyamu is about to protest, she can only find a polite and confused look on Sakiko’s face.
“Um, Sakiko, don’t you think you are being too mean if…”
“...?”
Okay, she is not kidding around, Nyamu gulped panic. O-oh maybe, she is acting! Y-yeah, it can be. After all, Sakiko is a great actress! That’s what Nyamu thought but Sakiko’s innocent and pure gaze made her think that is impossible.
“Togawa-san?”, this time Umiri kneeled down, albeit slightly there is concern in her emerald eyes.
“Yes? I am sorry, ah, how did you know my name?”
The whole room instantly went quiet at that moment. No one opens her mouth. The blue-haired girl is still smiling while tilting her head, waiting for an answer patiently.
“... Saki?”, finally there is someone brave who calls her name.
“Ah! You are here, Mutsumi!”, Sakiko then smiles widely at the guitarist, just noticing that her childhood friend is in the same room. Sakiko then looks a bit relaxed, then she pushes the blanket away and approaches Mutsumi who stands like a stone–her face barely changes but she is shocked.
“I didn’t see you! Are those ladies your friends, Mutsumi?”, Sakiko asked as she encircled her hand around Mutsumi’s arm while looking at Nyamu and Umiri.
“... Yes”
“Oh my! I am sorry for my rudeness before then. My name is Togawa Sakiko. It is a pleasure to meet you um may I know your name?” Sakiko bowed a bit as she made her polite and elegant introduction.
“N-N… Yuutenji Nyamu”
“Yahata Umiri…”
Both the bassist and drummer can’t help but to answer it normally. The only difference is Nyamu’s blatant shocked face and Umiri’s stoic face. But both of them are equally awkward as they are trying to process all of this.
“Then, it is my pleasure to know you, Nyamu-san, Umiri-san!”, Sakiko answered cheerfully.
‘Did she really…?’ that question is sitting still in the corner of the room, hiding the presence but it does exist in their minds.
But, they decided to leave the question blank for a moment.
Also, Sakiko is calling Umiri and Nyamu by first name? Okay, she still adding the suffix, but it is certainly one step more familiar than just the surname plus ‘san’ honorific she usually uses.
“Ah! Sorry, I just back! The convenience store unexpectedly has a long line! Has Saki-chan wake–”
“Ah, Uika! Oh my! You are here as well! Why you didn’t tell me you are in Tokyo!”
Without waiting, Sakiko immediately hugs Uika happily. Uika looks so flustered, Umiri swears she can see steam from atop her head. Uika squeaked her name, but Sakiko looked so content hugging her, before finally letting the blonde go–there was a subtle pout on Uika’s face, Umiri could see it. Definitely.
“W-Wait! Don’t give me that, Sakiko!”
Nyamu then grabbed Sakiko’s hand, looking in disbelief as she finally broke the spell, her brain finally working again, “What do you mean by ‘It is a pleasure to know you’?”
“Eh? Since it is our first time meeting each other, isn’t it fitting, no?”, Sakiko tilted her head, looking confused.
Uh-oh. Finally, Umiri took action–her gear finally functioning, oh god, “Togawa-san, I am sorry, uh, we…” before she completely silent, wait, how to talk to their leader again? And how to explain this?
Right, question first. Testing the water. Then make the strategy.
“Can you tell me what year is today?”, Umiri started, looking unsure.
“2023!”
“… I see”, Umiri glanced at the calendar, it was roughly one years ago.
There is a long pregnant silence in the air. Okay, no one wants to ask, so Umiri volunteered herself again, “Togawa-san can you tell me about yourself? Like class, school, hobby, and uh, anything really”
Uh, oh, that’s a WEIRD question, no doubt. Nyamu facepalming her face. Sakiko looks so doubtful hence she shares a glance with each person here. Especially her childhood friends. Maybe considering there are two of childhood friends here, Sakiko can answer that question honestly.
“Of course”, Sakiko paused once again looking towards Mutsumi and Uika, “I am Togawa Sakiko. I am childhood friend of Uika and Mutsumi so I think you two are familiar with them. Let’s see… I am third year at Tsukinomori Girls Academy in middle school. Oh, I am in class 3-C. And hobby… I love playing piano!”
“Middle school of Tsukinomori?”
Oh god. No doubt this Sakiko’s mental state has somehow regressed to her middle school era. Wait, third year in middle school? What happened to Sakiko? She IS clearly a typical cheerful and all-smiling girl now!? So, she changed into uh their strict leader who mostly frowns and nags within just one year?
“Oh! Currently, I also want to make a band!” she tugged at Mutsumi’s arm, “Both Mutsumi and I want to make a band actually!” she looked beamed as she asked Mutsumi's support, the latter absentmindedly nodded. High chance she is too speechless to reply with anything.
“...................”
Seriously they need to group up to discuss how to handle this situation.
“Saki-chan…”, finally someone spoke! And this time it is Uika. Well, they are childhood friend, yes? So, maybe Uika knows better and has a better mentality to speak.
“Actually, um… I know it sounds ridiculous but, will you believe me?”, Uika started, then Sakiko smiled brightly at Uika, “Of course! I will trust you, Uika!”, seriously what happened during that one short period of time for their distrustful leader who can’t leave anything to staff and personally will check stage setting to this… this normal all trusting girl?
“Saki-chan this is actually 2024” Without waiting, Uika pointed at the calendar on her phone, “And I think…” Then she threw a glance at the drummer, making Nyamu averted her eyes.
“Due to some incident, you… uh, lost your memory. I- I mean, you often see this kind of thing in manga, right? L-Like sci-fi thing! You see?”
‘But, this is not manga, Mutsumi-san’, Umiri replied dryly in her head. No, no, it is already a sufficient explanation. Perhaps. Umiri doesn’t know. Heck, no one in this room knows! Sakiko looks shocked, of course, why wouldn't she? Then she put her finger on her chin, looking troubled and thinking. Then she looks at each of them slowly and thoughtfully.
The silence feels so long and awkward.
Then, her lips curved into a really wide smile and her eyes are sparkling, “Oh my! That’s certainly interesting! How did it happen? It feels like I come to the future!”, Sakiko’s exclamation somehow made all of them sigh in relief. That’s certainly a positive attitude.
“It is accident… Um, I am really sorry, Sakiko”, there is no trace of playfulness in Nyamu. She bowed a bit, looking serious as she sought Sakiko’s forgiveness. Sakiko simply laughed, “It is okay! It will be a novel experience for me! And as you said, it is unintentional, yes? So it is fine. Please raise your head, Nyamu-san!”
Ugh. All of them can see a bright halo on her head. Is she a goddess or what? Is this the same person who will grunt and glare almost all the time?
“Then, I shall enjoy this experience haha! Oh, but, may I ask about this current timeline?”, no, no she is definitely enjoying this. There is blatant excitement in those golden eyes. The same eyes which were usually cold but always burning with quiet determination and ambitions. The same eyes which only look at the goal and cutting things for efficiency.
“Well, there are a few good news for you, Sakiko. You said you wanted to form a band? This is our band. And the name is Ave Mujica! And we are quite popular, you know?” Nyamu put her arms around her shoulder familiarly, the usual Sakiko would slap her hand, but the current Sakiko? She is gleaming with excitement.
“Oh, my I succeeded formed a band? Mutsumi! We have succeeded in forming a band, you hear? Isn’t it good? Oh my, that’s good news! Also, Ave Mujica? That’s a good name! Oh! Woah! I am so delighted! Mutsumi! Do you know this?!”
Oh god, is it possible for Sakiko even brighter than this? Mutsumi looks surprised. Then the edge of her lips turned upwards, really, she is smiling? The ever so stoic member of the band? She is smiling.
“I am so happy!”
Mutsumi didn’t reply with anything. She is just smiling lightly, but everyone in the room knows she shares the same sentiments. Sakiko is extremely happy, it is as if she shows happiness for both of them.
“Ah! Then, then, Is this a studio?”, Sakiko looks around, she looks amused, checking the room. The mirror, the guitar, the mic, the keyboard, the bass, and the drum. She then put her hand on her keyboard, her gaze softened a bit, it seemed like it was her keyboard from middle school, or maybe even longer?
“Then, do we resemble Morfonica?” Sakiko asked, then put her hand on her mouth, “Oh, Morfonica is our senior in Tsukinomori! I really love their music! Is our band like Morfonica?”
Morfonica? The symphonic rock band? THAT is her aspiration? No, no, Ave Mujica is indeed a rock band. But, the vibe is completely different, though? Like 180°. Wait, then how did Sakiko come to make Ave Mujica–the goth, horror, and rock band? Also those dolls concepts too?
Did Sakiko go through edgy phrase or something?
Wait, she is a middle schooler now. High chance she was being edgy and then turned into their normal strict edgy leader of Ave Mujica? Hm. Is that possible? And wait, how to answer this question? Those questions flooded into the members' brains.
“It is not” Mutsumi shook her head slightly, “It is not… like Morfonica, but…”
“Oh, is that so? Oh well, that can’t be helped!”
… Is this seriously the same person?
“Then, what kind of band is Ave Mujica?”, Sakiko asked, looking curious and full of expectations. Mutsumi after a few seconds, is showing her phone. Her screen is their latest poster and magazine.
“Oh my!” Sakiko gasped, looking happy, “What a beautiful band! It is not what I aimed for, but I certainly also take a linking to this direction! I see! Our concept is like this! We are the dolls! Oh, my! That’s very interesting! Ah, I can picture this!” Sakiko looks elated as she scrolls down to the images and news, “What made Ave Mujica grasp this concept? It is so interesting! Is this based on our collaborative ideas? I love everything!”
Oh, so Sakiko didn’t go through middle school's edgy phrase.
“No, Saki, you are the one who pursues this concept”
“Oh! I see! My future self is certainly amazing! I can see it! Maybe because I loved Western dolls too!”
Oh, so she from the very beginning is already like this.
Oh, well. It means no matter how cherry and bright her disposition is, in the end, she is still the same person. Just… more innocent, more flower-ish, honest, and more dreamlike. It doesn’t completely change Togawa Sakiko. The essence is the same. Her pride as an artist and her artistic sense.
“Then, may I see the music sheet? I want to know what our original songs are like!”, Umiri blinked. Original, huh? It is certainly a high standard for a middle schooler. Making an original song is not easy, but Sakiko is very confident.
Wordlessly, Mutsumi gave Sakiko their music sheet and the lyrics. Sakiko hummed slightly, singing their song in her head. She taps the table few times. After that, there are few droplets of tears flowing from her eyes–wait, what?
“Saki-chan?”
“Sakiko?”
Uika immediately rushed to her side, giving her a handkerchief, but Sakiko shook her head slightly. Wait, did she cry because of the song? Because the song is the opposite of Morfonica?
“Oh, we really have a song!”, Sakiko then smiled, she looks so happy and relieved. There is also pride blossoming in her eyes. It kind of resembles their leader, albeit just more cherry and more open to her emotions.
All of them unknowingly smile as they see that sight.
“I am so happy”, she whispered and hugged the music sheet. She is prone to cry and show her raw emotions. Completely different from their current leader. And yet, she still has the same artistic passion.
“I want to play our song! Let’s play this!”
And all of them agreed to Sakiko’s invitation.
It is nothing big, honestly. And in the first place they are in the studio for rehearsal. So, it doesn’t really drift away from their original purpose.
And yet.
No matter what, all of them understand this person–even though she has regressed to her flowery and innocent self in middle school–is their leader. Sakiko didn’t make many mistakes. In the first run, they were a bit not sync with each other. But, in their second run? It is perfect. Completely perfect. Sakiko’s play is good as always as if nothing happened. Her skill is top-notch.
She is really a prodigy and can do anything.
“Oh! We are done! It was really fun! Playing in a band is really fun, huh!”, Sakiko looks at them happily, satisfied with their play. She completely nailed it. The rhythm and the melody from her keyboard. Normally Sakiko would just say ‘It is good play. Good work everyone’ and bowed a bit before leaving the room after she packed her stuff.
“Nyamu-san, you are ambidextrous, huh? The way you hit the drum precisely is really cool! I like the sound of your drumming!”
“Eh? T-Thank you!”
“Uika, is that a seven-string guitar! Oh my! You have really improved! I like it when you do this part! Drrr! Your singing voice is really cool, Uika! It resonated with me!”
“S-Saki-chan?”
“Mutsumi! What’s that play! That solo part is cool! Oh! Is this the future you? You are really cool, Mutsumi! You are so good!”
“...”
“Umiri-san! Your bass is really cool! It is like bram! I really love it when you play the bass at this part and this part! I feel at ease when I hear you!”
“... Thank you”
But, no. She immediately praises each of them, not because of politeness but pure of admiration. Unhidden and being released freely. It makes all of them feel ticklish and warm when they receive their’s leader praises. It is not like the normal Sakiko doesn’t praise them. It is just rare and she doesn’t show her emotions more, only technical and some criticism and a curt thank you for play.
“Sakiko, you really didn’t mind with the lyric and uh, our vibe?”, Nyamu asked carefully. Sakiko put her hand under her chin, “It is unexpected, yes? But I don’t mind. Besides lyric is a scream from heart! None of them are wrong! In fact, I also like this kind of lyric! Who is the lyrist at our band?”
–Kuro no birthday is?
None of them is brave enough to voice their doubt. Except for the said lyricist of the band who blushed and clearly flattered as she raised her hand, “M-Me, Saki-chan”
“Uika? You made it? Oh my! I really love it! You are a genius, Uika! The lyrics really resonated with me! A person who has been reborn! I love it!”
“Ehehe, thank you, Saki-chan. I am happy you are happy”
Oh, well, in one sense and another, it is really a good song. Umiri smiled at the sight before her. She also quite loves Kuro no Birthday.
Uika blushed. Sakiko never rejects her lyrics or asks Uika for revisions and always accepts her lyrics as it is. It does give Uika a sense of reassurance and satisfaction whenever Sakiko says ‘It is good. Thank you for your hard work, Uika. I will make sure we do it well’. But, Sakiko never once gave her utmost praise like this. It sounds really personal. Just two of them. It feels nice. Different kind of nice.
“Okay! Let’s play this again! Or shall we play another song?”
When they are about to choose another song to play, there is a ringing sound from the phone. It is beeping loudly, indicating they only have five minutes to pack their stuff before the studio closes.
“It is time to go”, Umiri announced and checked the watch–yep, it is almost 10.
“Oh? It is time to go?”, Sakiko asked sadly. Ugh, Nyamu could see a pair of cat ears on top of their flattened down as Sakiko looked downward sadly while gripping her lower arm.
Is this really their strict leader who just bowed her head a bit while saying, ‘Thank you for your good work’ and left? Nyamu feels an arrow stab her conscience right now.
That’s why she can’t help but put her arms around Sakiko’s shoulder as she hugs her closer, “Awwww, don’t worry about it Sakiko! We will still do rehearsal and performance again later!” as she pats the shorter girl’s head playfully.
“Hehe! Is that so? Thank you, Nyamu-san! I'm just so sad that I can only play with you for a short while! But, it is certainly reassuring when you put it that way.”
'Uwa… who is this angel!?'
“Then, let’s pack our stuff”
“Saki, wait!”, suddenly Mutsumi called Sakiko. She looks a bit uncomfortable and quiet for a while, but Sakiko stays and waits.
“Your phone… Can I borrow your phone?”
“My phone?”
Mutsumi nodded wordlessly, thus Sakiko gave her phone to her childhood friend.
“What are you doing, Mutsumi?”, Sakiko asked as Mutsumi typed something in her phone. ‘Manager’ it said on the recipient of the message column.
“Hm?”, Sakiko blinked as Mutsumi gave her phone back. Mutsumi looks nervous as she glances a few times at the other bandmates, “Part-time… I ask for your absence tonight to your manager” she whispers to not let anyone know.
But, her action is wasted, since Sakiko is so loud, “Part-time? I have it? Oh my! Really?”
Part-time? Is that why their leader is always left immediately after their rehearsal? And more importantly, it is already 10 pm? What is their leader’s part-time? Night shift? For a high schooler?
Mutsumi nodded wordlessly as she averted her gaze, sensing the gaze of the three others.
And doesn’t their agency already pay them well? Plus they don’t have to pay for studio sessions as their agency already paid them beforehand? Why Sakiko is still–
“Oh my! It is really amazing that my future self is doing part-time! I thought my parents would not allow me to do that!”
“...”
Usually, Sakiko is very aware of her surroundings. But right now she is too amazed to hear that news from Mutsumi. So she is not aware of Mutsumi’s nervous look or Umiri, Nyamu, and Uika’s looks at each other.
“I am so happy to hear that! But, why you didn’t let me do part-time tonight, Mutsumi?”
Mutsumi didn’t say anything, maybe it was already a heavy mental burden on her. Maybe because Sakiko kept it a secret from all of them except Mutsumi? Then, Mutsumi feels bad because well, due to Sakiko’s outburst, the secret is out.
So, Umiri decided to speak, “Remember your condition, Togawa-san? Maybe Wakaba-san is afraid your condition might get worse if you work at your current state”
“Ah! That makes sense! Thank you, Mutsumi!”
...
Honestly, it is the first time five of them come out from the studio together at the same time, or any place really, except the stage. Usually, Sakiko will leave first. And it is always like that. It is not a suffocating atmosphere or anything, really. It is just professional and a bit rigid–keeping everyone at arm's length but Sakiko, their leader, will definitely pull them in whenever she senses something is wrong–which Sakiko’s instinct is almost 100% right.
Togawa Sakiko is an excellent leader. Her instruction is always crystal clear. Her attitude is professional. She is a bit cold, but because of that same coldness, she is extremely rational. She makes perfect plans, immediately senses something is wrong, and will quickly adapt. Umiri is pretty sure none of them can complain seriously.
But, the current Sakiko? She talks to all of them with warmth and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is so straightforward and cheerful and looks around the studio with her big and sparkling filled with curious golden eyes.
It is clearly refreshing. While it doesn’t contribute to their technical, it made the atmosphere lighter. Umiri sighs contently as a different view unfolds before her. Nyamu is teaching stuff playfully to Sakiko while Uika is still paying attention in case Nyamu teach her something wrong. Then Mutsumi is looking at them with a tiny smile on her face.
“Umiri-san!”
Suddenly, Sakiko is before her as she grabs her hand, it is warm, “Umiri-san, what are you doing? Come here”
It will be definitely nice if Ave Mujica becomes Umiri’s home.
With that, Umiri smiled and nodded, “My bad”
As they step outside the studio, the crisp night air greets them. Sakiko smiled at them, “Once again, I thank you for your time today”, she smiled politely, “I shall take my leave here, I think my parents will be worried if stay longer than this”
“Ah, Saki, wait!”
It is very rare for the normally quiet guitarist to speak, especially with a loud voice. She tugged Sakiko’s sleeve and Sakiko tilted her head, “Mutsumi?”
“Ah, uh” Mutsumi blinked, she covered her mouth with her hand as she realized that they are in public now.
“.... Uncle… He is away on business overseas, he said you better have a sleepover with either of us”, Mutsumi said, her quiet voice almost like a murmur.
“Ah, is that so? You don’t have to worry, Mutsumi! I am perfectly fine staying alone”
“N-no… Saki… You can’t…”
Mutsumi shook her head almost frantically, “No… He said it is better to have a sleepover at my house…”
Sakiko doesn't respond for a while, but eventually she cracks into a smile as she watch her childhood friend's antics, “Very well, I understand, Mutsumi”
“Wait, Sakiko, you are going to have a sleepover?”, Nyamu asked while grinning widely, “Hey, hey, you often crash at Muuko’s place, right? How about in mine for change? It is not as fancy as Muuko’s but, we can talk all night ya see! Let this big sister teach you everything~”, Nyamu laughs as she dapped her arms around Sakiko again.
“Oh? May I?”, Sakiko smiled widely as Nyamu offered a lot of things. Sakiko is a bit interested as Nyamu told her about various things.
“Wa-wait, Saki-chan! It is also been a long time since our last sleepover! Stay at my place instead? There is so much I want to talk with you… and… I really missed you”, Uika said as she grasped Sakiko’s hand while blushing at the end.
“Oh! You are right! I miss you as well, Uika! We have so many things to catch up to!”, Sakiko clasped their hands looks excited.
Honestly, Umiri wasn’t sure why she spoke up, but before she knew it–“Togawa-san you said you like Morfonica, right? I have their CDs if you want to listen”
Then, there was a gasp from Sakiko as she looked at Umiri with her big golden curious eyes, “Morfonica you said? Oh my! They finally debuted and released their album?” and she gasped again after Umiri nodded silently.
“So, how is it, Saki-chan?”
“So, which one Sakiko?”
“Saki…”
“Togawa-san”
"Eh... Then, if it is not a burden, I shall..."