A few days later 
A few days later
Hospital 
Hospital
Toya
I'm eager to get started today, Soma.
Toya: I'm eager to get started today, Soma.
Soma
Haha. You're so old-fashioned. It's no biggie. I'm just giving you a few tips regarding sampling.
Soma: Haha. You're so old-fashioned. It's no biggie. I'm just giving you a few tips regarding sampling.
Toya
No, I need to properly show my appreciation since I'll be taking up so much of your time with this.
Toya: No, I need to properly show my appreciation since I'll be taking up so much of your time with this.
Soma
I get how you feel, but let's just try to have fun, okay? Anyway, let's get started!
Soma: I get how you feel, but let's just try to have fun, okay? Anyway, let's get started!
Soma
By the way, Aoyagi, you already know a thing or two about sampling, right?
Soma: By the way, Aoyagi, you already know a thing or two about sampling, right?
Toya
Oh, yes. I know a little bit.
Toya: Oh, yes. I know a little bit.
Toya
You take existing sounds, phrases and whatnot from existing songs, and create new works out of them, yes?
Toya: You take existing sounds, phrases and whatnot from existing songs, and create new works out of them, yes?
Soma
Yeah, that's right. To be more precise, it's not just songs. You can use sounds from the natural world, people, machines... Anything that creates noise, really.
Soma: Yeah, that's right. To be more precise, it's not just songs. You can use sounds from the natural world, people, machines... Anything that creates noise, really.
Soma
However, you're pretty much spot on when it comes to street music, Aoyagi.
Soma: However, you're pretty much spot on when it comes to street music, Aoyagi.
Toya
Is this how you've always made your own songs, Soma?
Toya: Is this how you've always made your own songs, Soma?
Soma
No, I started doing this for the very first time after I got into street music.
Soma: No, I started doing this for the very first time after I got into street music.
Soma
I wanted to learn as much as I could about the culture surrounding street music, and sampling became a part of that.
Soma: I wanted to learn as much as I could about the culture surrounding street music, and sampling became a part of that.
Soma
Oh, speaking of culture, you mentioned something the other day that caught my attention.
Soma: Oh, speaking of culture, you mentioned something the other day that caught my attention.
Toya: Hm? I did?
Soma
Yeah, the thing about having a background in classical music keeping you from fully understanding sampling and street music culture.
Soma: Yeah, the thing about having a background in classical music keeping you from fully understanding sampling and street music culture.
Soma
Why would knowing how to play classical music make things more difficult?
Soma: Why would knowing how to play classical music make things more difficult?
Toya
Ah, well... This has to sort of do with my own feeling.
Toya: Ah, well... This has to sort of do with my own feeling.
Toya
When I was still playing classical music, my dad taught me to give absolute respect to each note of a piece of sheet music.
Toya: When I was still playing classical music, my dad taught me to give absolute respect to each note of a piece of sheet music.
Toya
He was adamant about understanding the motives of the composer and playing said music the way they originally intended.
Toya: He was adamant about understanding the motives of the composer and playing said music the way they originally intended.
Toya
On the other hand, sampling involves using snippets of songs. You're essentially doing the opposite of what the creator intended, which I seem to have trouble dealing with...
Toya: On the other hand, sampling involves using snippets of songs. You're essentially doing the opposite of what the creator intended, which I seem to have trouble dealing with...
Toya
For instance, my dad once said that it would make sense if one were to use an entire movement from another composer's work, like Chopin did.
Toya: For instance, my dad once said that it would make sense if one were to use an entire movement from another composer's work, like Chopin did.
Soma
Yeah, I understand. That would make the process of picking and modifying one part of a song kinda hard.
Soma: Yeah, I understand. That would make the process of picking and modifying one part of a song kinda hard.
Soma
At the same time, in my mind, sampling is actually really similar to what you just described.
Soma: At the same time, in my mind, sampling is actually really similar to what you just described.
Toya
Huh? What do you mean?
Toya: Huh? What do you mean?
Soma
At its core, sampling involves properly respecting the works that others have made.
Soma: At its core, sampling involves properly respecting the works that others have made.
Soma
You borrow the parts of songs that you want to use, but if you don't know how to use them effectively, it ends up being a pointless exercise.
Soma: You borrow the parts of songs that you want to use, but if you don't know how to use them effectively, it ends up being a pointless exercise.
Soma
You sorta need to be open about how it's influenced you. Only then can you create something that's new and reflects who you are.
Soma: You sorta need to be open about how it's influenced you. Only then can you create something that's new and reflects who you are.
Toya
I see. I never thought of it that way...
Toya: I see. I never thought of it that way...
Soma
Yeah, songwriting's interesting because you can look at it from so many different angles.
Soma: Yeah, songwriting's interesting because you can look at it from so many different angles.
Soma
Also, it's really cool to hear about how much you studied classical music!
Soma: Also, it's really cool to hear about how much you studied classical music!
Toya
Oh, um... My dad's a classical pianist and a composer...
Toya: Oh, um... My dad's a classical pianist and a composer...
Soma
Wait, what?! That's incredible!
Soma: Wait, what?! That's incredible!
Toya
Life wasn't easy since he was a very strict teacher...
Toya: Life wasn't easy since he was a very strict teacher...
Toya
But thanks to you, Soma, I was able to discover the connection between classical and street music. It's put me at ease.
Toya: But thanks to you, Soma, I was able to discover the connection between classical and street music. It's put me at ease.
Soma
Alright, since we've sorta laid your fears to rest, why don't we give it a go...?
Soma: Alright, since we've sorta laid your fears to rest, why don't we give it a go...?
Toya
You write songs on your laptop?
Toya: You write songs on your laptop?
Soma
Yup. This is the one I used when Arata and I still sang together.
Soma: Yup. This is the one I used when Arata and I still sang together.
Soma
And here are all the audio files that I was collecting until four years ago. They're all in this sampling folder.
Soma: And here are all the audio files that I was collecting until four years ago. They're all in this sampling folder.
Toya
Oh, there are so many! This one's titled... "Crowd"? And this one's "Underpass"?
Toya: Oh, there are so many! This one's titled... "Crowd"? And this one's "Underpass"?
Soma
Yeah, I like to use snippets of existing songs, but I also enjoy using sounds you can hear from the world around us.
Soma: Yeah, I like to use snippets of existing songs, but I also enjoy using sounds you can hear from the world around us.
Toya
I see... And there seems to be more. Cracking an egg open, the sound of slippers and other things from regular life...
Toya: I see... And there seems to be more. Cracking an egg open, the sound of slippers and other things from regular life...
Soma
Haha. I guess you can chalk it up to me interpreting all these sounds as music.
Soma: Haha. I guess you can chalk it up to me interpreting all these sounds as music.
Soma
Also, by using these kinds of sounds, you can tie your music to day-to-day life.
Soma: Also, by using these kinds of sounds, you can tie your music to day-to-day life.
Toya
Hehe... That's a nice way to think about it.
Toya: Hehe... That's a nice way to think about it.
Soma
Isn't it? Since you're saying that, let's try putting a song together!
Soma: Isn't it? Since you're saying that, let's try putting a song together!
Soma
Well, that's what I want to say...
Soma: Well, that's what I want to say...
Soma
But I can only use one of my hands right now, so typing and stuff's a bit of a challenge. Thanks for taking over...
Soma: But I can only use one of my hands right now, so typing and stuff's a bit of a challenge. Thanks for taking over...
Toya
No, this is the least I could do since you're going out of your way to teach me.
Toya: No, this is the least I could do since you're going out of your way to teach me.
Soma
Now, let's start by choosing a beat.
Soma: Now, let's start by choosing a beat.
Toya
Right. We can't begin unless we do that.
Toya: Right. We can't begin unless we do that.
Soma
We'll need a base sound... What should we use?
Soma: We'll need a base sound... What should we use?
Soma
Oh, I know. There's this song I listened to a lot on my way to school. We can try creating a beat by looping its intro.
Soma: Oh, I know. There's this song I listened to a lot on my way to school. We can try creating a beat by looping its intro.
Soma
To me, this song says, "You may not feel great now, but something good will happen tomorrow." It's really uplifting and always found a way to cheer me up.
Soma: To me, this song says, "You may not feel great now, but something good will happen tomorrow." It's really uplifting and always found a way to cheer me up.
Toya
This song must mean quite a lot to you, Soma.
Toya: This song must mean quite a lot to you, Soma.
Soma
Yeah, it does. Listening to it in the morning gets me so pumped up!
Soma: Yeah, it does. Listening to it in the morning gets me so pumped up!
Soma
So, we can try making a song that encapsulates a fun and happy morning. Once we've finished inputting everything for the bass and drums, let's move on to phrases...
Soma: So, we can try making a song that encapsulates a fun and happy morning. Once we've finished inputting everything for the bass and drums, let's move on to phrases...
Soma
A sax should help jazz things up and make it sound more hip. Also, it might be fun to throw in an acoustic guitar somewhere.
Soma: A sax should help jazz things up and make it sound more hip. Also, it might be fun to throw in an acoustic guitar somewhere.
Soma
That's what's great about all this. You can express yourself however you like and just go with what you feel when you hear these sounds. It doesn't matter if something personal comes to mind either.
Soma: That's what's great about all this. You can express yourself however you like and just go with what you feel when you hear these sounds. It doesn't matter if something personal comes to mind either.
Toya
Something personal... Does that mean you'd try using some of those sounds from day-to-day life here, Soma?
Toya: Something personal... Does that mean you'd try using some of those sounds from day-to-day life here, Soma?
Soma
Hey, you're pretty sharp. Yeah, I'd probably toss in the sounds of some dishes clinking or birds chirping.
Soma: Hey, you're pretty sharp. Yeah, I'd probably toss in the sounds of some dishes clinking or birds chirping.
Soma
Oh, but Arata would usually say, "These clash too much with the other sounds," when I got a bit overzealous...
Soma: Oh, but Arata would usually say, "These clash too much with the other sounds," when I got a bit overzealous...
Toya
I see... I will bear that in mind.
Toya: I see... I will bear that in mind.
Soma
Um... Toya, by the way...
Soma: Um... Toya, by the way...
Soma
Why do you seem so determined to write your own songs?
Soma: Why do you seem so determined to write your own songs?
Soma
This is just based on my own experience, but I feel that good performances are what get a crowd going.
Soma: This is just based on my own experience, but I feel that good performances are what get a crowd going.
Soma
So, I really don't think you need to focus so much on writing your own stuff. If Shinonome's good at that, then I feel you can just leave it to him.
Soma: So, I really don't think you need to focus so much on writing your own stuff. If Shinonome's good at that, then I feel you can just leave it to him.
Toya: But...
Toya: ...
Soma: Aoyagi?
Toya
Akito said that I should just keep trying until I feel satisfied...
Toya: Akito said that I should just keep trying until I feel satisfied...
Toya
Which means he's willing to wait until I finish my song.
Toya: Which means he's willing to wait until I finish my song.
Toya
But I can't make him wait forever.
Toya: But I can't make him wait forever.
Toya
Azusawa started singing not too long ago and is growing at a tremendous pace. She has a natural talent for it and surprises me every time we perform together.
Toya: Azusawa started singing not too long ago and is growing at a tremendous pace. She has a natural talent for it and surprises me every time we perform together.
Toya
Shiraishi has guts and is very good at interacting with the audience. Every musician in town admires her very much.
Toya: Shiraishi has guts and is very good at interacting with the audience. Every musician in town admires her very much.
Toya
And Akito has this uncanny perception when on stage. He's able to monitor what's going on during a performance and support the rest of us while keeping his foot on the gas pedal.
Toya: And Akito has this uncanny perception when on stage. He's able to monitor what's going on during a performance and support the rest of us while keeping his foot on the gas pedal.
Soma
Right... Arata's told me all about Vivid BAD SQUAD. You guys are all such powerful performers and seem to really care about one another.
Soma: Right... Arata's told me all about Vivid BAD SQUAD. You guys are all such powerful performers and seem to really care about one another.
Toya
Yes, I can always count on them for help...
Toya: Yes, I can always count on them for help...
Toya
Which is also the reason why I can't make them wait more than they need to. I want to show them some good results.
Toya: Which is also the reason why I can't make them wait more than they need to. I want to show them some good results.
Toya
I want to be more of a contributor...
Toya: I want to be more of a contributor...
Toya
When it comes to singing and performing, I feel confident about keeping up with the others now. However...
Toya: When it comes to singing and performing, I feel confident about keeping up with the others now. However...
Toya
I can't help but be bothered by the things I'm still now able to do. Am I asking for too much...?
Toya: I can't help but be bothered by the things I'm still now able to do. Am I asking for too much...?
Soma: ...
Soma
No, I don't think so. That's just how life is, right?
Soma: No, I don't think so. That's just how life is, right?
Toya: Yes, well...
Soma
You too, huh, Aoyagi...? You wanna be more of a contributor...
Soma: You too, huh, Aoyagi...? You wanna be more of a contributor...
Nurse
Excuse me, Mr. Miyata.
Nurse: Excuse me, Mr. Miyata.
Soma & Toya: Huh?
Nurse
Oh, you have a friend visiting.
Nurse: Oh, you have a friend visiting.
Nurse
I'm sorry, Mr. Miyata, would you mind coming with me? It's time for that test...
Nurse: I'm sorry, Mr. Miyata, would you mind coming with me? It's time for that test...
Soma
Oh, that's right! I completely forgot that I was supposed to do that today!
Soma: Oh, that's right! I completely forgot that I was supposed to do that today!
Soma
Sorry, Aoyagi, I need to go for a bit! I'll be back in like thirty minutes!
Soma: Sorry, Aoyagi, I need to go for a bit! I'll be back in like thirty minutes!
Toya: O-Okay... Um...
Soma
Oh, right. You won't have much to do while I'm gone. I know. You can try listening to the other sounds on my laptop!
Soma: Oh, right. You won't have much to do while I'm gone. I know. You can try listening to the other sounds on my laptop!
Soma
They should all be in the folder at the very top!
Soma: They should all be in the folder at the very top!
Nurse
Alright, we really need to get going.
Nurse: Alright, we really need to get going.
Soma
Again, sorry! I'll be right back!
Soma: Again, sorry! I'll be right back!
Toya: Oh...
Toya
I feel kind of bad... I didn't realize that he had to do a test today.
Toya: I feel kind of bad... I didn't realize that he had to do a test today.
Toya
But I have some time on my hands now. What should I do...?
Toya: But I have some time on my hands now. What should I do...?
Toya
Soma said that there were more sounds in that folder. Is it this? The newest one...?
Toya: Soma said that there were more sounds in that folder. Is it this? The newest one...?
Toya
Hm? It was last used yesterday? These songwriting tools also seem to have been used fairly recently.
Toya: Hm? It was last used yesterday? These songwriting tools also seem to have been used fairly recently.
Toya
He said that I could listen to them, so I guess I'll take him up on his offer and...
Toya: He said that I could listen to them, so I guess I'll take him up on his offer and...
Toya: *Gasp* This song...
Soma
Sorry about that, Aoyagi! It went by quicker than expected.
Soma: Sorry about that, Aoyagi! It went by quicker than expected.
Soma: Wait, that song...
Toya: Oh, Soma...
Toya
This is the incomplete song that Tono showed us. Were you working on it just recently?
Toya: This is the incomplete song that Tono showed us. Were you working on it just recently?
Soma
Oh, wait... The very top... Okay, that was my mistake. Of course you'd find it...
Soma: Oh, wait... The very top... Okay, that was my mistake. Of course you'd find it...
Soma: But you're right...
Soma
Remember how you said you want to be more of a contributor, Aoyagi? I feel the same way.
Soma: Remember how you said you want to be more of a contributor, Aoyagi? I feel the same way.
Soma
I want to help Arata as much as I can, and I decided to finish the track I was working on before my accident.
Soma: I want to help Arata as much as I can, and I decided to finish the track I was working on before my accident.
Toya
For Arata... Yes, I see.
Toya: For Arata... Yes, I see.
Toya: Um, Soma...
Soma: Yeah...?
Toya
I really enjoyed the new parts you've been working on too. They feel so free, liberating and harsh, but also kind.
Toya: I really enjoyed the new parts you've been working on too. They feel so free, liberating and harsh, but also kind.
Toya
They're a wonderful expression of your courageous nature and sensitivity...
Toya: They're a wonderful expression of your courageous nature and sensitivity...
Toya
I would be very envious of the person who got to sing this track.
Toya: I would be very envious of the person who got to sing this track.
Soma: What...?
Soma
Ohh. Haha... You have this way of catching me off guard whenever I talk to you, Aoyagi.
Soma: Ohh. Haha... You have this way of catching me off guard whenever I talk to you, Aoyagi.
Soma
It's just... You were so straight with me that I feel a bit stupid for being awkward...
Soma: It's just... You were so straight with me that I feel a bit stupid for being awkward...
Soma
I'm slightly embarrassed by what you said, but I also really appreciate it. So, thanks!
Soma: I'm slightly embarrassed by what you said, but I also really appreciate it. So, thanks!
Soma
Unfortunately, I haven't really been getting anywhere with it, and I'm not really sure when I'll be able to finish it.
Soma: Unfortunately, I haven't really been getting anywhere with it, and I'm not really sure when I'll be able to finish it.
Toya
Is it giving you that much trouble?
Toya: Is it giving you that much trouble?
Soma
Yeah, not being able to move my body around freely has something to do with it...
Soma: Yeah, not being able to move my body around freely has something to do with it...
Soma
But remember how I said Arata and I used to work on stuff together?
Soma: But remember how I said Arata and I used to work on stuff together?
Toya: Ah, yes, I remember.
Soma
I prefer to create as I go based on how I feel, but Arata's the logical type. It doesn't matter that he isn't great at coming up with phrases since he is good at putting things in the right order.
Soma: I prefer to create as I go based on how I feel, but Arata's the logical type. It doesn't matter that he isn't great at coming up with phrases since he is good at putting things in the right order.
Soma
Which is why it took both of us to create a song from start to finish.
Soma: Which is why it took both of us to create a song from start to finish.
Toya
Ah, that explains why Tono said you were the one who wrote that song...
Toya: Ah, that explains why Tono said you were the one who wrote that song...
Soma
To be fair, it sounds like he can do just about anything on his own now...
Soma: To be fair, it sounds like he can do just about anything on his own now...
Soma
The truth is, I wish that I could write entire songs on my own...
Soma: The truth is, I wish that I could write entire songs on my own...
Soma
Um, Aoyagi, can I ask you for a favor...?
Soma: Um, Aoyagi, can I ask you for a favor...?
Soma
Every so often, could you stop by to give me your take on things like you did just now?
Soma: Every so often, could you stop by to give me your take on things like you did just now?
Toya
Yes, of course, but my opinions? Are you sure?
Toya: Yes, of course, but my opinions? Are you sure?
Soma
Yeah, I'm sure. Arata and I used to discuss which sound is best for a given part, and that always helped a lot.
Soma: Yeah, I'm sure. Arata and I used to discuss which sound is best for a given part, and that always helped a lot.
Soma
But I sorta get lost when I have to write songs all on my own like this. That's why I need to hear from someone else. Only then will I know how I'm really doing.
Soma: But I sorta get lost when I have to write songs all on my own like this. That's why I need to hear from someone else. Only then will I know how I'm really doing.
Toya
If you're okay with me being that person...
Toya: If you're okay with me being that person...
Toya
But why me...? Can't you just make them again with Tono...?
Toya: But why me...? Can't you just make them again with Tono...?
Soma
No, I'd like it if you didn't tell him about this...
Soma: No, I'd like it if you didn't tell him about this...
Toya: What?
Soma
For Arata's sake, as well as mine, I want to finish this song. I don't know if I'll be able to make it right, but I really want to avoid disappointing him by not doing so.
Soma: For Arata's sake, as well as mine, I want to finish this song. I don't know if I'll be able to make it right, but I really want to avoid disappointing him by not doing so.
Soma
Which is why I don't want him knowing what I'm doing right now. If possible, can you not tell anyone else about this?
Soma: Which is why I don't want him knowing what I'm doing right now. If possible, can you not tell anyone else about this?
Toya
Understood. I won't tell Arata, Akito or anybody else.
Toya: Understood. I won't tell Arata, Akito or anybody else.
Soma
Thanks, that helps a lot...
Soma: Thanks, that helps a lot...
Toya
No, it's okay. I can tell that you care deeply about this song.
Toya: No, it's okay. I can tell that you care deeply about this song.
Soma
Yeah. I wanna finish it someday and hand it over to him.
Soma: Yeah. I wanna finish it someday and hand it over to him.
Toya
(Hand it over someday...)
Toya: (Hand it over someday...)
Toya
I know how you feel, Soma, since I also have teammates that I care very much about.
Toya: I know how you feel, Soma, since I also have teammates that I care very much about.
Toya
I also wish to be there for them as much as possible.
Toya: I also wish to be there for them as much as possible.
Soma: Aoyagi...
Toya
Um, Soma. You asked me to give you my thoughts, but is there anything else I can do to help?
Toya: Um, Soma. You asked me to give you my thoughts, but is there anything else I can do to help?
Toya
I'm also not very good at coming up with phrases and such, but I think I can assist you by adjusting sounds and arranging everything.
Toya: I'm also not very good at coming up with phrases and such, but I think I can assist you by adjusting sounds and arranging everything.
Soma
No, I shouldn't take up more of your time. I mean, you still have to get ready for that event, right?
Soma: No, I shouldn't take up more of your time. I mean, you still have to get ready for that event, right?
Soma
I know how serious all of you guys are about it, so I don't want to get in the way of you succeeding.
Soma: I know how serious all of you guys are about it, so I don't want to get in the way of you succeeding.
Toya
No, that won't be an issue. I have every reason to help you right now, Soma.
Toya: No, that won't be an issue. I have every reason to help you right now, Soma.
Soma: Every reason...?
Toya
Yes. They say learning by doing is best, and I stand to benefit and learn quite a by watching the way you write songs.
Toya: Yes. They say learning by doing is best, and I stand to benefit and learn quite a by watching the way you write songs.
Toya
I'd like to make some progress as well. So, Soma, will you be willing to help me with that?
Toya: I'd like to make some progress as well. So, Soma, will you be willing to help me with that?
Soma
Help you...? I wasn't expecting to hear that.
Soma: Help you...? I wasn't expecting to hear that.
Soma
Okay, got it. Alright, Aoyagi, I'll lend you a hand.
Soma: Okay, got it. Alright, Aoyagi, I'll lend you a hand.
Toya
...! Thank you very much!
Toya: ...! Thank you very much!
Soma
Sure thing, but... Let's hold off on working together until just before you guys' event.
Soma: Sure thing, but... Let's hold off on working together until just before you guys' event.
Toya: Wait, but...
Soma
I honestly don't know how long this is gonna take, so I can't really ask you to stay with me until I do.
Soma: I honestly don't know how long this is gonna take, so I can't really ask you to stay with me until I do.
Soma
But it'll be like us trading this for that. You'll help me with my track and I'll help you learn as much as I can about songwriting. How's that sound?
Soma: But it'll be like us trading this for that. You'll help me with my track and I'll help you learn as much as I can about songwriting. How's that sound?
Toya
Okay, I understand... I'll be looking forward to working with you prior to our next event.
Toya: Okay, I understand... I'll be looking forward to working with you prior to our next event.
Soma
Thanks, Aoyagi! I'll be looking forward to your help!
Soma: Thanks, Aoyagi! I'll be looking forward to your help!
Toya
Yes, I'm looking forward to helping as well.
Toya: Yes, I'm looking forward to helping as well.