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Minase Girls' Academy - School Gate

Natsume...

Natsume"Most students go to a Café after school. Me? I'm swamped with composing and band practice. Same as always."

Natsume"No carefree after-school days for me. But that's okay. I knew the sacrifices this path would demand when I chose it."

Natsume(Good... That came off cool.)

Natsume(Self-branding matters these days. By letting people see my life and what I stand for, I can...)

Middle School Student AOh, you have practice today? Good luck!

Middle School Student BAre you free tomorrow? Maybe we could go to a Café together~?

NagiAh... Sorry. I've got to go.

Natsume...

Middle School Student ABy the way, when's your next live? I'm definitely coming!

Middle School Student BOh, me too~! I'll bring you some snacks!

NagiThanks... But... I need to get through here now... Ah—

NatsumeUgh.

NagiHey, Natsume-senpai. Good work todayyy.

Natsume...

NagiWait, seriously? Natsume-senpai, don't ignore me.

NatsumeAh... I thought I heard an annoying little gnat buzzing.

NagiAhaha. Someone's grumpy.

Middle School Student AWait, was that about us? That's so mean!

Middle School Student BRight~? Isn't she that weird girl from the roof? Poor Kotohira-senpai, getting stuck in a band with someone like her.

NatsumeWill you two just give it a rest already...?

NagiUh-oh.

NatsumeTwenty seconds.

Middle School Student B...?

NatsumeThat's how long you two just wasted. I could've done one set of finger exercises in that time.

NatsumeMaybe ordinary people like you wouldn't understand, but time is limited. And it's precious.

NatsumeDon't make me waste it on something so pointless.

Middle School Student AExcuse me!?

NatsumeCome on, Nagi. We're losing practice time.

Middle School Student BW-Wait, Kotohira-senpai—

NagiSorry. See you around.

NagiNatsume-senpai... wait up. You didn't have to go that far.

NatsumeIf you've got a problem with it, I'll ignore you next time.

NatsumeAnd you're no better. Don't let a bunch of girls fawning over you go to your head.

NagiI wasn't letting it go to my head... Besides, you're just giving people more to gossip about, Natsume-senpai.

NatsumeHmph. Let them say whatever they want.

NatsumeIt's not like I care whether that lot likes me. All I need is the approval of people who know what they're looking at.

NagiIs that how it works?

NatsumeThat's how it works. Someone who knows what they're looking at won't suck up or make themselves small. They've got to have a bit of nerve.

NagiAhaha. You're making me blush.

NatsumeWhat...?! Don't get ahead of yourself. You're just cheeky, that's all.

NagiAm I, though? I do respect you, you know.

NatsumeThat's exactly what I'm talking about! You don't take me seriously at all, do you?!

NagiAhaha. As if.

NatsumeThat's what I'm sayinggg!