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Natsume(Cheese, ham, lettuce... Stack them in the center, then sandwich them...)

Natsume(Cheese, ham, lettuce... Stack them in the center, then sandwich them...)

Natsume(Cheese, ham, lettuce... Stack them in the center...! I'm getting a little used to it, but this job is brutal...)

Natsume(No... I'm doing all this for music...! It feels kind of cool, like I'm paying my dues!)

Natsume(The pay is good, and nobody here knows me... This is where I'm going to make my money...!)

Part-Time StaffNatsume-chan, it's almost time for your break!

Natsume! Yes...!

The Garage

NatsumeHey. Where is everyone else...?

HoukaIt would appear they have not arrived yet.

NatsumeI see. There's still about an hour until we're meant to meet, so I guess that's only to be expected.

NatsumeSo why are you here this early?

HoukaAn appointment I had this morning ended sooner than expected. I thought I might as well come here rather than pass the time elsewhere.

NatsumeI see. That's more or less why I'm here early too.

HoukaSince we have the time, shall I prepare some tea?

NatsumeI'm good. I'll just play around until everyone's here.

Natsume...

HoukaNatsume-san... Have you purchased another new effector?

NatsumeHmm...? You noticed that well. Unlike Nagi, you actually pay attention.

HoukaPurely by chance♪ So, what sort of effector is it this time?

NatsumeThis is a looper. The moment I step on it, it can record a phrase and play it back on a loop.

NatsumeIt's limited to short phrases, but with this, I can make two sounds at once all by myself!

HoukaMy. That seems to be a wonderfully versatile function.

HoukaEven so, you do have quite a collection of effectors, Natsume-san.

HoukaI am not especially knowledgeable about them, but aren't effectors rather expensive?

NatsumeWell, they're necessary expenses. You can never have too many options.

HoukaI see... You must have worked very hard at your part-time job. At the food factory.

NatsumeGah!?

NatsumeHuh...? What are you talking about?

HoukaOh... Was I mistaken? It may simply have been a misunderstanding on my part.

HoukaThe mother of someone I know works at a food factory... She mentioned that a Minase student named Izawa works there part-time.

HoukaApparently, she is very diligent, and although she only works on days off, she reliably takes shifts.

HoukaSo I naturally assumed she must be referring to you, Natsume-san...

NatsumeN-No...! It isn't me!

HoukaMy, is that so? Then please forgive my mistake.

NatsumeExactly! I spend my days off at a Café in the morning! Working somewhere else helps me reset my mind!

NatsumeI went today too! I was in such a good mood, I had three espressos!

NatsumeOh! I think I left something at home! I'm just going to run back and get it! Bye!

Houka...?

HoukaShe certainly is a busy one.