LLLLVoices

She called me Kosuzu-san... out of respect? I-is that something to be happy about? Izumi-chan’s words keep echoing in my head: ‘If it’s something you want to do, then you should be the one who decide it.’ Come to think of it, when I crossed the lake, Sayaka-senpai offered to help me but I turned her down. Is that something to be proud of? I hope so

We just finished performing “Garland Flash”. This was actually a song I desperately wanted to do with Sayaka-senpai, so I pushed for it even though things were insanely busy. Ever since what happened last month, this huge urge welled up inside me. I just wanted to work on something new with Sayaka-senpai. I tried thinking through different ideas, even attempted composing a bit, but… none of it worked at all. Then Kaho-senpai took me to the Warehouse. She said, ‘If you explore here, you might find some clues.’ The Warehouse is this massive place where all of Hasunosora’s history and precious things are stored—photos, records, outfits, everything. And that’s where I found it: a traditional song I’d never even heard of. Before, I would’ve told myself, ‘If Sayaka-senpai hasn’t done it, then she must have a good reason,’ and left it at that. But this time... I had this strange, baseless confidence that maybe there is something I can do for her too. So I gathered my courage and said it: “I want to perform this with you.” And then she said, “We can, but we don’t have much time... so prepare yourself.” There’s no turning back now. Chesto!

We’re traveling, preparing for the 2nd Zuiren Festival, and working on a new song. Every day is packed! It’s exhausting, but it actually feels kind of refreshing too. When Sayaka-senpai and I were practicing ‘Garland Flash’ together, she told me, ‘The feeling that made you want to do this song... maybe that’s what the song itself is trying to express.’ For a second I had no idea what she meant. She looked unnecessarily worried because I wasn’t reacting ...but that was totally my fault. I was so out of breath that my brain wasn’t getting enough oxygen. To me, “Garland Flash” is a song about two people standing together, showing each other a light bright enough to reach the moon. And maybe that’s why: the fact that I, the junior, told Sayaka-senpai that I wanted to do it together, brought those words out of her. I realized something recently, too. When I’m performing next to her, standing at her side... Sayaka-senpai’s have a great face.