Sound! Euphonium (2015) s01e07 Episode Script
Crybaby Saxophone
1
Because this year you'll each
have to audition for your seat.
[indistinct chatter]
I got sheet music and CDs for
both parts of the competition.
♪
Hey, best of luck
at your audition!
Huh?
♪
We're not sounding entirely
solid as a group yet.
-Make sure you use your ears.
-[ORCHESTRA] Okay.
You should be listening
to yourself
and to everyone
who's around you.
Make sure you all stay
together while you're playing.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
All right, let's take five.
[HARUKA] If you need
the bathroom, go quickly.
[indistinct chatter]
[KUMIKO] We're done
with exams now,
so we're starting to practice
more seriously
for the competition.
[RAINA] What?
I thought we sounded good!
[KUMIKO] Each of
us has been practicing
the competition
piece tirelessly,
to prepare for
the upcoming audition.
[JUNNA]
Thanks a bunch!
Crescent Moon Dance
[SUMIKO] Are you leaving
for cram school now, Aoi?
Yeah, I'm sorry.
[AOI]
Take care of the rest for me.
Um, okay.
[sighs]
♪
Episode 7
Crybaby Saxophone
♪
[claps]
[NOBORU]
Tanabe,
the opening roll should
be played fortepiano.
Exaggerate the accent
a bit more.
Yes!
[NOBORU]
You have a great attitude
Oh?
[NOBORU]
but you left your fly open.
[gasps]
[all giggling]
Let's take it from the top
one more time, everyone.
[ORCHESTRA]
Thank you, Mister Taki!
[YUUKO]
Hey, Kaori!
Would you mind if I walk home
with you today?
Sure, that sounds good.
Yippee!
♪
[grunts]
Yuuko, what's wrong?
That Reina is what's wrong!
She keeps practicing
to audition for the solo.
You're already
playing the solo!
[KAORI] There's no
rule that says first-years
can't practice the solo parts.
I know I've asked before,
but you're not ignoring her,
or being mean to her, are you?
No, of course, I'm not.
-Hey, there, Reina.
-Yes?
[YUUKO]
Our rehearsal is over.
Clean up your stuff.
Okay, I will.
[KAORI]
See? She's cooperative.
[sighs]
[YUUKO] Huh?
Kaori, did something happen?
What's the problem?
You should head home
without me, sorry!
[groaning]
[MIDORI]
All done.
That was everything, right?
[KUMIKO]
Yep.
[HAZUKI] Huh, looks like
it's going to rain.
I'm a super huge fan
of the rain!
-Hey.
-Oh, hey.
[NATSUKI] Do you mind
helping to put that
chair back somewhere?
[KUMIKO]
Oh, of course.
Should it go in storage?
Oh, are you taking that home?
[NATSUKI]
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, for once.
Oh.
I can't believe all of you
are in my way!
[NATSUKI] Then just walk
through us, Yuuko.
[huffs]
Excuse me then!
[gasps]
Why would you do that?
[NATSUKI]
Hmm!
They don't really get along.
They've always been like that.
[KUMIKO]
Oh.
[KAORI]
Oh, so, I heard from Aoi.
-[KUMIKO] Aoi?
-[HARUKA] Mm-hmm.
[HARUKA]
I asked her to wait,
at least until we're done
with the competition.
So for now, we have her
on hold, at least.
[KAORI] Well, you know
how Aoi can be.
Pretty stubborn.
Have you told Asuka?
[HARUKA] Yeah. College entrance
exams are coming up
so she thinks we shouldn't
force people to stay
if they don't want to.
[KAORI] That sounds like
something she'd say.
She's quitting?
Aoi's quitting.
♪
[rain splattering]
-[SHUUICHI] Hey.
-[gasps]
[KUMIKO]
Oh, Shuuichi.
I think this is about
the only place around here
that you can get out of
the rain without having to pay.
So, you just heard about
Aoi, didn't you?
[KUMIKO]
Huh?
[SHUUICHI] It's not like
I was keeping it a secret.
I heard it from one
of the upperclassmen
the day before yesterday.
[KUMIKO]
Oh. Gotcha.
Why is she quitting now,
though?
As soon
as the competition ends,
she'd have more free time.
-What do you think?
-Hmm..
Hey, do you know something?
No, I don't.
But I guess one of the
older kids in my section
suspects that maybe it has
something to do with last year.
Wait, do you mean
how a lot of the current
second-years quit last year?
[SHUUICHI]
Mm-hmm.
[KUMIKO] But wasn't that
whole thing about issues
between the students a year
above and below Aoi?
Kitauji Cram School
Private Tutoring
[SHUUICHI] Well, it didn't
affect her directly, of course,
but she was definitely
stuck in the middle.
A lot must have happened.
That's why none of
our third years
really want to talk about
what happened last year.
[KUMIKO]
Mm.
That night,
the air felt a bit cold,
as though we'd skipped summer,
and we were headed
straight into the fall.
Part of me was still holding on
to the hope
that Aoi wouldn't
quit the band.
32nd Kyoto Competition
But sadly,
the next morning,
she had made her decision.
Saxophones, I'd like to hear
you play that part once more?
Up to the oboe solo.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
One, two, three.
♪
It sounds disjointed.
Could you please try to play
a bit more legato?
[NOBORU] You want to lead
the oboe section in gently.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
[NOBORU] And, tenor sax, your
beginning notes were shaky.
Let's play one more time.
-[NOBORU] Saito.
-Yes.
-[NOBORU] And
-[blows]
♪
[NOBORU]
One more time, please.
What's wrong?
Aoi.
If I must ask.
-[NOBORU] Aoi Saito.
-Yes?
[NOBORU] When
do you think you'll be able
to play that part?
Unfortunately, the competition
won't wait for you.
[NOBORU]
Why don't you set your goals,
and choose a time frame
to meet them.
Unless you get there
and improve,
we won't be able to give
a good performance.
-[NOBORU] Understand?
-Yes.
[NOBORU]
We need a beautiful harmony
accompanying the melody.
However, you alone
are muddying the sound
on tenor sax.
I know you're busy studying
for entrance exams.
But at the same time,
you're a concert band member
preparing for a competition.
So, I'll ask again.
When do you think you'll be
able to play the part?
[AOI]
Mr. Taki.
What's the matter?
I have to quit concert band.
[indistinct chatter]
And do you have a reason?
Because if I spend
any more time on this,
I don't think I'll get into
the college I'm hoping for.
[AOI] I've been considering
this for a while.
And if practice is going
to get even longer,
I simply can't continue.
I understand.
It's your decision.
[NOBORU] Please come
to the staff room later.
[AOI]
Okay.
[SHINOBU]
Wait, Aoi, no!
Please don't quit!
[HARUKA]
Aoi, wait!
[indistinct chatter]
-[Kumiko shaky breathing]
-[RAIMU] Haruka, wait.
[gasps]
[HAZUKI]
Kumiko.
[indistinct chatter]
[Kumiko panting]
Aoi.
-Aoi.
-[Haruka gasps]
[HARUKA] Are you really
quitting now?
[AOI] Don't you remember
what I told you?
I failed the high school
entrance exams,
so I really want to get
into my college of choice.
[HARUKA]
If practice is too much,
then you don't have to play
in the competition.
At first, I thought
that might work, too.
But, now, well
[AOI] Concert band
is so different from last year.
-[Haruka sighs]
-[AOI] I first noticed it
at SunFest.
And it's not just Mister Taki.
Everyone's more serious
this year.
All of you are working so hard
to win gold in the competition.
And I just don't have
the time for it.
I'm not going to let myself
wander aimlessly
towards Nationals.
I wasn't able to stop everyone
from quitting last year.
-Now you know how I feel!
-[gasps]
[grunts]
It's easier this way.
I really do have to study
for my entrance exams
and bring my scores up.
[AOI]
Then I'll feel better.
Aoi, wait.
Good luck at auditions,
you two.
[AOI]
Bye.
♪
You know,
I never should have been
the president of this ensemble!
[HARUKA]
If Asuka were the president,
well, if she were in charge,
this wouldn't have happened.
-Wait, but you--
-It's fine.
I've known about it
all along, Kumiko.
Everyone else thinks so.
Why am I the president?
And why isn't it Asuka
instead of me?
Haruka, no,
none of us think that.
You're seriously amazing, too,
and we all think that
you're a wonderful leader.
Okay, so tell me how, then.
[gasps]
Well, you're
You're considerate
and you're also so kind.
-Yeah, and?
-Uh.
You-You always make the
younger members feel welcome
and, you bring us treats
sometimes, and you're nice.
-So all I am is nice then?
-[gasps]
You tell someone they're "nice"
when you don't have anything
else positive to say!
You think I don't know that,
or what?
-[KUMIKO] I'm sorry.
-[sighs]
[sobs]
-Don't apologize, Kumiko.
-Oh.
Why are you bringing
a younger student into this?
-What's wrong with you?
-I did not!
Why are you here?
Everyone's worried because
you still hadn't come back.
Kumiko, you can go back
to the room without us.
All right.
Come on, wipe off your tears.
I can do it!
[sobbing]
[ASUKA]
This is no good.
You have to try to
pull yourself together.
Didn't Kaori
tell you that earlier?
The president of the ensemble
has to be imposing--
Well, why don't you be
the president, then?
-[both gasp]
-[HARUKA] The only reason
I ended up having to take
the position this year
-is because you wouldn't.
-[ASUKA] Okay, then.
[chuckles]
You should have refused
the position, too,
don't you think?
[gasps]
-[KUMIKO] Oh.
[ASUKA] Right?
♪
[rain splattering]
♪
Staff Room
Withdrawal Notice
Aoi Saito
Reason: To focus on
studying for entrance exams.
[rain splattering]
♪
Okay.
Euph section, were you playing?
-Yes.
-[gasps]
I'm sorry.
What's up? Do you need
to tune your instrument?
-[KUMIKO] No.
-[ASUKA] Then play your part.
Okay.
♪
[claps]
Let's take it again
from measure two oh four,
just the bass section, please.
[BASS SECTION]
Okay.
[NOBORU]
And
♪
-[NOBORU] Miss Oumae.
-[KUMIKO] Huh?
[NOBORU]
You're dragging a bit.
You've been behind
the group this whole time.
-[NOBORU] Please concentrate.
-[KUMIKO] Right.
[NOBORU] Okay,
I think we can call it a day.
[ORCHESTRA]
Thank you, Mister Taki.
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
-I'm beat.
-Are you all right?
I don't think
I've ever seen you get
yelled at that much before.
[KUMIKO]
Been a rough day.
[sad chuckle]
[MIDORI]
They say music vanishes
once it's played,
and you can never
take it back after that.
So you always have to play
like you mean it.
[KUMIKO]
Hmm.
[NATSUKI] There's no point
in worrying about it too much.
It's because of Aoi, right?
She has entrance exams.
There's nothing we could do.
[KUMIKO]
Right.
So that was messing
with your playing?
[HAZUKI] Well, they've been
friends since they were little.
[sighs]
Um, hey, Natsuki.
[NATSUKI]
Hmm?
[KUMIKO, NATSUKI] Ready, and
[KUMIKO]
There we go.
Thanks for your help!
[NATSUKI] I suppose
you're starting to notice
that a lot happened last year,
huh?
Yeah. So, what made you decide
to stay in the band, Natsuki?
[NATSUKI] I guess, I never
really cared much either way.
But at the time,
I really did think
it was the right thing to do.
Oh, really? Why's that?
[NATSUKI] So, you know
how band isn't like soccer
where you keep score
and there's
a clear winner and loser?
And the judges' decisions
are totally subjective?
[KUMIKO]
Yeah.
[NATSUKI] Well,
having your whole world rocked
by evaluations
with zero objectivity
is not at all how music
is meant to be enjoyed.
That's what the more
indifferent
upperclassmen would say.
And I used to think
that way, too.
But honestly, I realized
that was just an excuse
to avoid the grueling
practice needed to improve.
Do you really think so?
Yeah.
When some other members told us
that they wanted to take
band more seriously,
the rest of us
completely ignored them.
We tuned them out,
like they weren't even there.
And we kept that up
until they all left.
-[gasps]
-Are you serious?
That's horrible, why?
[NATSUKI] Because, no one
was in the position
to argue against them.
We had to do
what the third years said.
They were intimidating.
[NATSUKI] But Kaori and Aoi
kept trying hard to fix things.
They didn't tune them out,
like the others.
They listened to both sides
and tried to bring
them together.
[MIDORI] But all of
those first-years still quit.
[NATSUKI]
Mm-hmm.
And now,
Haruka, Aoi, and Kaori
are all stuck
thinking to themselves,
"If only we could have
stopped them from quitting,
by now we'd be this or that."
Asuka's probably the only one
who doesn't feel the same way.
[KUMIKO]
Really? Asuka?
Yeah, because last year
she refused
to take sides
with either group.
She stayed neutral.
The same way that she is now.
[KUMIKO]
Oh.
[NATSUKI] Anyway, that's how
different the mood is now
since last year.
'Cause after how little
I used to care,
even I'm taking it
seriously now.
[KUMIKO]
They just tuned them out?
[YUUKO]
Huh? Hey, where's Kaori?
I think she went home already.
Huh? Again?
-[doorbell ringing]
-[rain splattering]
Yes? Oh, Kaori?
Baked potato?
[MIDORI]
Here we go!
Don't you have dinner
when you go home?
[MIDORI] Sure, but I always
have room for dinner!
Go ahead,
have some of my fries.
I'm glad we weren't going
to this school last year.
I think we might have quit,
too if we had.
[MIDORI]
Honestly, I think I probably
would have still played.
I love music too much.
[MYSTERIOUS STUDENT 7A F]
I'm never going to
accept you, Kumiko.
Huh?
-[MIDORI] Kumiko?
-Huh? Oh.
[KUMIKO]
Sorry.
[chomps]
Mmm!
What's with the baked potatoes?
I was just craving potatoes.
With some milk.
Good, right?
You're supposed to be the
Lady Madonna of our band!
I guarantee the Madonna
liked potatoes.
[sighs]
[KAORI]
Mmm!
Asuka led practice?
[KAORI]
Perfectly, and without delay.
She's the vice president,
after all.
Thought so.
-[KAORI] But, listen.
-Hmm?
Well, I realized something
when I saw her.
Asuka didn't just refuse
to be president.
She knew at the time that
she wouldn't be able to do it.
[sighs]
I wonder.
I bet it took
a whole lot of courage
to take charge of the band
after everything
that happened last year.
[KAORI]
Asuka's a smart girl,
so I'm sure she thought
the whole thing through,
and she came to the decision
that she couldn't take it on.
Does that mean that
I'm stupid for doing it?
-Yeah, I guess so.
-You guess so?!
[chuckles]
[KAORI] No, I'm kidding,
it means that you had courage.
And it also means that,
at the very least,
all the upperclassmen
in the band know that.
[sighs]
[KAORI] And our band
only exists at this point
because you agreed to
take on the presidency.
Move
Remember
[sighs]
No, I think Mister Taki
is the reason.
Really? Because I think that
you're the main reason, Haruka.
[grunts]
Come on, you're a fan of Asuka.
[chuckles]
Yeah, she's an awesome girl.
And as a performer, I wish
I was able to focus
on my playing as seriously
and intensely as she does.
You're cheating on me now?
[Kaori giggles]
[Haruka sighs]
It's fine, I get it.
To tell you the truth,
at the end of the day,
I always wind up thinking
of Asuka.
Hmm.
[gulping]
[train chugging]
[HAZUKI] [groaning] She made me
eat way too many of her fries!
[KUMIKO] It's impossible
not to order a large
when it's the same price.
[TRAIN DRIVER 7A F]
The next station is Obaku.
-All right, time to get off.
-[KUMIKO] Mm-hmm.
[TRAIN DRIVER 7A F]
And stay clear of the doors
-as they open and close.
-Kumiko. -Huh?
I can't promise
that I'll actually be helpful,
but if you ever want
to talk, I'm here for you.
I'll listen.
-[chuckles]
-[gasps]
-Thank you.
-Of course, you're welcome.
-See you.
-Yeah, see you tomorrow.
[both gasp]
-[SHUUICHI] My bad.
-[HAZUKI] Oh.
[SHUUICHI]
Hey.
[sighs]
[SHUUICHI]
Apparently, President Haruka
is taking the day off because
of what happened yesterday.
Oh, Asuka didn't mention
why Haruka wasn't there.
I wonder if Asuka will become
the band's president
if Haruka decides
she wants to quit.
She won't quit.
Don't even talk like that.
Just sayin'.
-To be honest
-Huh?
I'm not such a big fan
of Asuka.
[KUMIKO]
Really, you're not?
She's a good leader.
Hmm. Yeah, obviously, I know.
But she's too perfect
all the time.
And I'm not able to tell
how much is an act
and how much is genuinely her.
[SHUUICHI] Plus, I bet
she'd kill me for saying
something like this to you.
[KUMIKO] Hmm.
I kind of know what you mean.
Crescent Moon Dance
But I wouldn't worry about it,
Asuka has her attention
set elsewhere.
[both gasp]
-When did she sit?
-Should we say hi?
I don't care.
[SHUUICHI]
Uh
I'd like to apologize
for taking yesterday off.
I feel a lot better now,
and I'm ready
to work hard again.
[applauding]
That really wasn't worthy
of applause.
[ASUKA] From now on, you better
have perfect attendance!
I'm only here to flirt
with my instrument, after all!
Yes, I know that.
Okay, let's tune to B-flat.
♪
[HARUKA]
Are you really quitting, Aoi?
[AOI] After all that
stuff before, I can't go back.
As soon as I quit,
I realized
it was my only option.
[HARUKA]
Aoi.
Looking back,
I guess I never really liked
concert band all that much.
[Haruka grunts]
[sighs]
-What about you?
-[gasps]
Um, I
[HARUKA]
I think
Well, um
Okay.
And next.
[KUMIKO]
With that, the concert band
was off to a new start,
playing without Aoi.
And
Egg Seaweed
Woo-hoo! Eggs three ways
for lunch today!
[humming happily]
-[HAZUKI] Hey, Kumiko.
-Mm-hmm?
-[HAZUKI] Hmm.
-[Midori gasps]
Are you going out with
Shuuichi Tsukamoto,
the trombonist?
[KUMIKO] Huh?
And so, the next piece begins!
To Be Continued
Because this year you'll each
have to audition for your seat.
[indistinct chatter]
I got sheet music and CDs for
both parts of the competition.
♪
Hey, best of luck
at your audition!
Huh?
♪
We're not sounding entirely
solid as a group yet.
-Make sure you use your ears.
-[ORCHESTRA] Okay.
You should be listening
to yourself
and to everyone
who's around you.
Make sure you all stay
together while you're playing.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
All right, let's take five.
[HARUKA] If you need
the bathroom, go quickly.
[indistinct chatter]
[KUMIKO] We're done
with exams now,
so we're starting to practice
more seriously
for the competition.
[RAINA] What?
I thought we sounded good!
[KUMIKO] Each of
us has been practicing
the competition
piece tirelessly,
to prepare for
the upcoming audition.
[JUNNA]
Thanks a bunch!
Crescent Moon Dance
[SUMIKO] Are you leaving
for cram school now, Aoi?
Yeah, I'm sorry.
[AOI]
Take care of the rest for me.
Um, okay.
[sighs]
♪
Episode 7
Crybaby Saxophone
♪
[claps]
[NOBORU]
Tanabe,
the opening roll should
be played fortepiano.
Exaggerate the accent
a bit more.
Yes!
[NOBORU]
You have a great attitude
Oh?
[NOBORU]
but you left your fly open.
[gasps]
[all giggling]
Let's take it from the top
one more time, everyone.
[ORCHESTRA]
Thank you, Mister Taki!
[YUUKO]
Hey, Kaori!
Would you mind if I walk home
with you today?
Sure, that sounds good.
Yippee!
♪
[grunts]
Yuuko, what's wrong?
That Reina is what's wrong!
She keeps practicing
to audition for the solo.
You're already
playing the solo!
[KAORI] There's no
rule that says first-years
can't practice the solo parts.
I know I've asked before,
but you're not ignoring her,
or being mean to her, are you?
No, of course, I'm not.
-Hey, there, Reina.
-Yes?
[YUUKO]
Our rehearsal is over.
Clean up your stuff.
Okay, I will.
[KAORI]
See? She's cooperative.
[sighs]
[YUUKO] Huh?
Kaori, did something happen?
What's the problem?
You should head home
without me, sorry!
[groaning]
[MIDORI]
All done.
That was everything, right?
[KUMIKO]
Yep.
[HAZUKI] Huh, looks like
it's going to rain.
I'm a super huge fan
of the rain!
-Hey.
-Oh, hey.
[NATSUKI] Do you mind
helping to put that
chair back somewhere?
[KUMIKO]
Oh, of course.
Should it go in storage?
Oh, are you taking that home?
[NATSUKI]
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, for once.
Oh.
I can't believe all of you
are in my way!
[NATSUKI] Then just walk
through us, Yuuko.
[huffs]
Excuse me then!
[gasps]
Why would you do that?
[NATSUKI]
Hmm!
They don't really get along.
They've always been like that.
[KUMIKO]
Oh.
[KAORI]
Oh, so, I heard from Aoi.
-[KUMIKO] Aoi?
-[HARUKA] Mm-hmm.
[HARUKA]
I asked her to wait,
at least until we're done
with the competition.
So for now, we have her
on hold, at least.
[KAORI] Well, you know
how Aoi can be.
Pretty stubborn.
Have you told Asuka?
[HARUKA] Yeah. College entrance
exams are coming up
so she thinks we shouldn't
force people to stay
if they don't want to.
[KAORI] That sounds like
something she'd say.
She's quitting?
Aoi's quitting.
♪
[rain splattering]
-[SHUUICHI] Hey.
-[gasps]
[KUMIKO]
Oh, Shuuichi.
I think this is about
the only place around here
that you can get out of
the rain without having to pay.
So, you just heard about
Aoi, didn't you?
[KUMIKO]
Huh?
[SHUUICHI] It's not like
I was keeping it a secret.
I heard it from one
of the upperclassmen
the day before yesterday.
[KUMIKO]
Oh. Gotcha.
Why is she quitting now,
though?
As soon
as the competition ends,
she'd have more free time.
-What do you think?
-Hmm..
Hey, do you know something?
No, I don't.
But I guess one of the
older kids in my section
suspects that maybe it has
something to do with last year.
Wait, do you mean
how a lot of the current
second-years quit last year?
[SHUUICHI]
Mm-hmm.
[KUMIKO] But wasn't that
whole thing about issues
between the students a year
above and below Aoi?
Kitauji Cram School
Private Tutoring
[SHUUICHI] Well, it didn't
affect her directly, of course,
but she was definitely
stuck in the middle.
A lot must have happened.
That's why none of
our third years
really want to talk about
what happened last year.
[KUMIKO]
Mm.
That night,
the air felt a bit cold,
as though we'd skipped summer,
and we were headed
straight into the fall.
Part of me was still holding on
to the hope
that Aoi wouldn't
quit the band.
32nd Kyoto Competition
But sadly,
the next morning,
she had made her decision.
Saxophones, I'd like to hear
you play that part once more?
Up to the oboe solo.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
One, two, three.
♪
It sounds disjointed.
Could you please try to play
a bit more legato?
[NOBORU] You want to lead
the oboe section in gently.
[ORCHESTRA]
Okay.
[NOBORU] And, tenor sax, your
beginning notes were shaky.
Let's play one more time.
-[NOBORU] Saito.
-Yes.
-[NOBORU] And
-[blows]
♪
[NOBORU]
One more time, please.
What's wrong?
Aoi.
If I must ask.
-[NOBORU] Aoi Saito.
-Yes?
[NOBORU] When
do you think you'll be able
to play that part?
Unfortunately, the competition
won't wait for you.
[NOBORU]
Why don't you set your goals,
and choose a time frame
to meet them.
Unless you get there
and improve,
we won't be able to give
a good performance.
-[NOBORU] Understand?
-Yes.
[NOBORU]
We need a beautiful harmony
accompanying the melody.
However, you alone
are muddying the sound
on tenor sax.
I know you're busy studying
for entrance exams.
But at the same time,
you're a concert band member
preparing for a competition.
So, I'll ask again.
When do you think you'll be
able to play the part?
[AOI]
Mr. Taki.
What's the matter?
I have to quit concert band.
[indistinct chatter]
And do you have a reason?
Because if I spend
any more time on this,
I don't think I'll get into
the college I'm hoping for.
[AOI] I've been considering
this for a while.
And if practice is going
to get even longer,
I simply can't continue.
I understand.
It's your decision.
[NOBORU] Please come
to the staff room later.
[AOI]
Okay.
[SHINOBU]
Wait, Aoi, no!
Please don't quit!
[HARUKA]
Aoi, wait!
[indistinct chatter]
-[Kumiko shaky breathing]
-[RAIMU] Haruka, wait.
[gasps]
[HAZUKI]
Kumiko.
[indistinct chatter]
[Kumiko panting]
Aoi.
-Aoi.
-[Haruka gasps]
[HARUKA] Are you really
quitting now?
[AOI] Don't you remember
what I told you?
I failed the high school
entrance exams,
so I really want to get
into my college of choice.
[HARUKA]
If practice is too much,
then you don't have to play
in the competition.
At first, I thought
that might work, too.
But, now, well
[AOI] Concert band
is so different from last year.
-[Haruka sighs]
-[AOI] I first noticed it
at SunFest.
And it's not just Mister Taki.
Everyone's more serious
this year.
All of you are working so hard
to win gold in the competition.
And I just don't have
the time for it.
I'm not going to let myself
wander aimlessly
towards Nationals.
I wasn't able to stop everyone
from quitting last year.
-Now you know how I feel!
-[gasps]
[grunts]
It's easier this way.
I really do have to study
for my entrance exams
and bring my scores up.
[AOI]
Then I'll feel better.
Aoi, wait.
Good luck at auditions,
you two.
[AOI]
Bye.
♪
You know,
I never should have been
the president of this ensemble!
[HARUKA]
If Asuka were the president,
well, if she were in charge,
this wouldn't have happened.
-Wait, but you--
-It's fine.
I've known about it
all along, Kumiko.
Everyone else thinks so.
Why am I the president?
And why isn't it Asuka
instead of me?
Haruka, no,
none of us think that.
You're seriously amazing, too,
and we all think that
you're a wonderful leader.
Okay, so tell me how, then.
[gasps]
Well, you're
You're considerate
and you're also so kind.
-Yeah, and?
-Uh.
You-You always make the
younger members feel welcome
and, you bring us treats
sometimes, and you're nice.
-So all I am is nice then?
-[gasps]
You tell someone they're "nice"
when you don't have anything
else positive to say!
You think I don't know that,
or what?
-[KUMIKO] I'm sorry.
-[sighs]
[sobs]
-Don't apologize, Kumiko.
-Oh.
Why are you bringing
a younger student into this?
-What's wrong with you?
-I did not!
Why are you here?
Everyone's worried because
you still hadn't come back.
Kumiko, you can go back
to the room without us.
All right.
Come on, wipe off your tears.
I can do it!
[sobbing]
[ASUKA]
This is no good.
You have to try to
pull yourself together.
Didn't Kaori
tell you that earlier?
The president of the ensemble
has to be imposing--
Well, why don't you be
the president, then?
-[both gasp]
-[HARUKA] The only reason
I ended up having to take
the position this year
-is because you wouldn't.
-[ASUKA] Okay, then.
[chuckles]
You should have refused
the position, too,
don't you think?
[gasps]
-[KUMIKO] Oh.
[ASUKA] Right?
♪
[rain splattering]
♪
Staff Room
Withdrawal Notice
Aoi Saito
Reason: To focus on
studying for entrance exams.
[rain splattering]
♪
Okay.
Euph section, were you playing?
-Yes.
-[gasps]
I'm sorry.
What's up? Do you need
to tune your instrument?
-[KUMIKO] No.
-[ASUKA] Then play your part.
Okay.
♪
[claps]
Let's take it again
from measure two oh four,
just the bass section, please.
[BASS SECTION]
Okay.
[NOBORU]
And
♪
-[NOBORU] Miss Oumae.
-[KUMIKO] Huh?
[NOBORU]
You're dragging a bit.
You've been behind
the group this whole time.
-[NOBORU] Please concentrate.
-[KUMIKO] Right.
[NOBORU] Okay,
I think we can call it a day.
[ORCHESTRA]
Thank you, Mister Taki.
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
-I'm beat.
-Are you all right?
I don't think
I've ever seen you get
yelled at that much before.
[KUMIKO]
Been a rough day.
[sad chuckle]
[MIDORI]
They say music vanishes
once it's played,
and you can never
take it back after that.
So you always have to play
like you mean it.
[KUMIKO]
Hmm.
[NATSUKI] There's no point
in worrying about it too much.
It's because of Aoi, right?
She has entrance exams.
There's nothing we could do.
[KUMIKO]
Right.
So that was messing
with your playing?
[HAZUKI] Well, they've been
friends since they were little.
[sighs]
Um, hey, Natsuki.
[NATSUKI]
Hmm?
[KUMIKO, NATSUKI] Ready, and
[KUMIKO]
There we go.
Thanks for your help!
[NATSUKI] I suppose
you're starting to notice
that a lot happened last year,
huh?
Yeah. So, what made you decide
to stay in the band, Natsuki?
[NATSUKI] I guess, I never
really cared much either way.
But at the time,
I really did think
it was the right thing to do.
Oh, really? Why's that?
[NATSUKI] So, you know
how band isn't like soccer
where you keep score
and there's
a clear winner and loser?
And the judges' decisions
are totally subjective?
[KUMIKO]
Yeah.
[NATSUKI] Well,
having your whole world rocked
by evaluations
with zero objectivity
is not at all how music
is meant to be enjoyed.
That's what the more
indifferent
upperclassmen would say.
And I used to think
that way, too.
But honestly, I realized
that was just an excuse
to avoid the grueling
practice needed to improve.
Do you really think so?
Yeah.
When some other members told us
that they wanted to take
band more seriously,
the rest of us
completely ignored them.
We tuned them out,
like they weren't even there.
And we kept that up
until they all left.
-[gasps]
-Are you serious?
That's horrible, why?
[NATSUKI] Because, no one
was in the position
to argue against them.
We had to do
what the third years said.
They were intimidating.
[NATSUKI] But Kaori and Aoi
kept trying hard to fix things.
They didn't tune them out,
like the others.
They listened to both sides
and tried to bring
them together.
[MIDORI] But all of
those first-years still quit.
[NATSUKI]
Mm-hmm.
And now,
Haruka, Aoi, and Kaori
are all stuck
thinking to themselves,
"If only we could have
stopped them from quitting,
by now we'd be this or that."
Asuka's probably the only one
who doesn't feel the same way.
[KUMIKO]
Really? Asuka?
Yeah, because last year
she refused
to take sides
with either group.
She stayed neutral.
The same way that she is now.
[KUMIKO]
Oh.
[NATSUKI] Anyway, that's how
different the mood is now
since last year.
'Cause after how little
I used to care,
even I'm taking it
seriously now.
[KUMIKO]
They just tuned them out?
[YUUKO]
Huh? Hey, where's Kaori?
I think she went home already.
Huh? Again?
-[doorbell ringing]
-[rain splattering]
Yes? Oh, Kaori?
Baked potato?
[MIDORI]
Here we go!
Don't you have dinner
when you go home?
[MIDORI] Sure, but I always
have room for dinner!
Go ahead,
have some of my fries.
I'm glad we weren't going
to this school last year.
I think we might have quit,
too if we had.
[MIDORI]
Honestly, I think I probably
would have still played.
I love music too much.
[MYSTERIOUS STUDENT 7A F]
I'm never going to
accept you, Kumiko.
Huh?
-[MIDORI] Kumiko?
-Huh? Oh.
[KUMIKO]
Sorry.
[chomps]
Mmm!
What's with the baked potatoes?
I was just craving potatoes.
With some milk.
Good, right?
You're supposed to be the
Lady Madonna of our band!
I guarantee the Madonna
liked potatoes.
[sighs]
[KAORI]
Mmm!
Asuka led practice?
[KAORI]
Perfectly, and without delay.
She's the vice president,
after all.
Thought so.
-[KAORI] But, listen.
-Hmm?
Well, I realized something
when I saw her.
Asuka didn't just refuse
to be president.
She knew at the time that
she wouldn't be able to do it.
[sighs]
I wonder.
I bet it took
a whole lot of courage
to take charge of the band
after everything
that happened last year.
[KAORI]
Asuka's a smart girl,
so I'm sure she thought
the whole thing through,
and she came to the decision
that she couldn't take it on.
Does that mean that
I'm stupid for doing it?
-Yeah, I guess so.
-You guess so?!
[chuckles]
[KAORI] No, I'm kidding,
it means that you had courage.
And it also means that,
at the very least,
all the upperclassmen
in the band know that.
[sighs]
[KAORI] And our band
only exists at this point
because you agreed to
take on the presidency.
Move
Remember
[sighs]
No, I think Mister Taki
is the reason.
Really? Because I think that
you're the main reason, Haruka.
[grunts]
Come on, you're a fan of Asuka.
[chuckles]
Yeah, she's an awesome girl.
And as a performer, I wish
I was able to focus
on my playing as seriously
and intensely as she does.
You're cheating on me now?
[Kaori giggles]
[Haruka sighs]
It's fine, I get it.
To tell you the truth,
at the end of the day,
I always wind up thinking
of Asuka.
Hmm.
[gulping]
[train chugging]
[HAZUKI] [groaning] She made me
eat way too many of her fries!
[KUMIKO] It's impossible
not to order a large
when it's the same price.
[TRAIN DRIVER 7A F]
The next station is Obaku.
-All right, time to get off.
-[KUMIKO] Mm-hmm.
[TRAIN DRIVER 7A F]
And stay clear of the doors
-as they open and close.
-Kumiko. -Huh?
I can't promise
that I'll actually be helpful,
but if you ever want
to talk, I'm here for you.
I'll listen.
-[chuckles]
-[gasps]
-Thank you.
-Of course, you're welcome.
-See you.
-Yeah, see you tomorrow.
[both gasp]
-[SHUUICHI] My bad.
-[HAZUKI] Oh.
[SHUUICHI]
Hey.
[sighs]
[SHUUICHI]
Apparently, President Haruka
is taking the day off because
of what happened yesterday.
Oh, Asuka didn't mention
why Haruka wasn't there.
I wonder if Asuka will become
the band's president
if Haruka decides
she wants to quit.
She won't quit.
Don't even talk like that.
Just sayin'.
-To be honest
-Huh?
I'm not such a big fan
of Asuka.
[KUMIKO]
Really, you're not?
She's a good leader.
Hmm. Yeah, obviously, I know.
But she's too perfect
all the time.
And I'm not able to tell
how much is an act
and how much is genuinely her.
[SHUUICHI] Plus, I bet
she'd kill me for saying
something like this to you.
[KUMIKO] Hmm.
I kind of know what you mean.
Crescent Moon Dance
But I wouldn't worry about it,
Asuka has her attention
set elsewhere.
[both gasp]
-When did she sit?
-Should we say hi?
I don't care.
[SHUUICHI]
Uh
I'd like to apologize
for taking yesterday off.
I feel a lot better now,
and I'm ready
to work hard again.
[applauding]
That really wasn't worthy
of applause.
[ASUKA] From now on, you better
have perfect attendance!
I'm only here to flirt
with my instrument, after all!
Yes, I know that.
Okay, let's tune to B-flat.
♪
[HARUKA]
Are you really quitting, Aoi?
[AOI] After all that
stuff before, I can't go back.
As soon as I quit,
I realized
it was my only option.
[HARUKA]
Aoi.
Looking back,
I guess I never really liked
concert band all that much.
[Haruka grunts]
[sighs]
-What about you?
-[gasps]
Um, I
[HARUKA]
I think
Well, um
Okay.
And next.
[KUMIKO]
With that, the concert band
was off to a new start,
playing without Aoi.
And
Egg Seaweed
Woo-hoo! Eggs three ways
for lunch today!
[humming happily]
-[HAZUKI] Hey, Kumiko.
-Mm-hmm?
-[HAZUKI] Hmm.
-[Midori gasps]
Are you going out with
Shuuichi Tsukamoto,
the trombonist?
[KUMIKO] Huh?
And so, the next piece begins!
To Be Continued