Disclaimer (skip)
I don't have a lot of time for translation work although I like to do it because it's good practice. I'd love to translate all of the Sotsugyou manga, but I don't have the time to properly focus on it, sadly. I also don't claim to be fluent so there may be mistakes. I am more than happy for people to correct my translating if they have volumes to hand! I have however done my best to be as accurate as I am able :)

This chapter is mostly a Nakamoto and Takagi chapter, and honestly the Takagi stuff doesn't really interest me this time out. However the Nakamoto-teki theme and the growing bond between Arai and Nakamoto convinced me to do it anyhow (because who doesn't want to see chalk and cheese buddy up?) It has one of my favourite Nakamoto scenes (with his father Masakazu) from the manga volumes...so I decided to pick on it for my next translation. I also chose it because it is the "birth of M" in a broad sense - the chapter where the whole M thing is first devised.

Editor's note: This chapter has a neat front page of Nakamoto with his hair down and his glasses in his hand standing at the piano. I like the look so much I scanned it...

All characters are referred to in the manga order of surname first. I've also left in the honorifics because translations of these annoy me. Please also be aware that I have certain ways of referring to the characters - so they are typed in the script below as follows:

Arai Tougo - Arai
Shimura Mikimaro - Mikimaro
Katou Yuusuke - Yuusuke
Nakamoto Shou - Nakamoto
Takagi Shimon - Takagi


Text in italics is narration/thought text. Text not in italics is speech.

I cannot scan my manga properly without damaging the spine of the book, so a text type-up is as good as I can do :) I have done occasional scanlations for key scenes but for the most part I'm not willing to wreck these books since they were troublesome enough to come by in the first place (and in any case, my scanner is not very good quality at the best of times).

So for that fact, I'll say in advance, "Gomen nasai". It's also sometimes difficult to tell who's speaking - usually Nakamoto is easy to identify from his polite speech, but sometimes off-scene characters are difficult to identify (these are marked with a ?).

This story is copyrighted to Arisugawa Kei and the Sotsugyou M team. I have translated it for fan reasons and it is not for profit or redistribution. If ever this series becomes licensed and translated into English, this translation will immediately be removed from this website and deleted. I do not own any part of Sotsugyou M. Or, sadly, E.M.U.

[Page 127]

Scene: Arai is visiting a club called the Sugar Moon. (Damn katakana). He evidently knows the bartender, because although it isn't officially open, the guy opens the door.

Master: Ah, it's Tougo, is it? You're a bit early today, aren't you?
Arai: Yeah. But...maybe a little too early?
Master: There's still fifteen minutes until the place opens. If it wasn't that you were a particularly favoured customer, I wouldn't let you in.

[Page 128]

Arai: (Grinning) Hey, what's with all the sarcasm?
Master: (laughs) By the way, you don't have anyone who plays piano among your acquaintances, do you?
Arai: Why do you ask?

[Page 129]

Master: Our regular performer had an accident and they won't be able to return for at least two months. It's all right if there's a break - but I just thought, if you knew anyone...
Arai: (looking thoughtful) Piano, huh? Would you prefer a girl?
Master: No, a guy is fine.

Arai: Come to think of it, Nakamoto's pretty good at the piano. He's always in the practice room playing.
Ah...and then there's that jerk Takagi. He was in a band before, so of course he can play as well...but...

[Page 130]

Master: So, there is someone...?
Arai: Maybe...but...Master, how do you feel about a guy with glasses?
Master: Well, for the time being, why not bring him along for me to meet?
Arai: Ok! I'll bring him along - tomorrow, even.

(The shop door jingles. It's opening time and the Master turns his attention to business)

Master: (to entering customers) Welcome!

Arai: Yep, so as I thought before, I'll ask Nakamoto. Lately he's not been so well - he's been acting strange. Even something like this would surely be a good distraction for him. That said, I wonder if he'll do it without any objections, that guy... But at any rate, he's starting to crack under the pressure of things.

Editor's note: Arai is referring to the ongoing saga of Nakamoto, Kyouko and the den of idiots that is the Nakamoto-ke. See the novel summaries and other manga summaries for more disturbing details in that line...

[Page 131]

Scene: Nakamoto and Arai's room. Nakamoto is...studying. ^_^ Bet you didn't see that coming.

Nakamoto: Huh? (Puts his book down). Me, play the piano?
Arai: Right. As a favour for a Master who needs some help, I already promised that you'd do it. So please, Nakamoto. I'm counting on you.
Nakamoto: (Looking freaked): N...no way...
Of course, I have played piano since I was a small child...and I'm quite good at it now, but I'm not a professional. And to play in front of people...
Arai:It's not something you need to think that deeply over, you know
Nakamoto: (Looking disconcerted): I don't have that confidence. Besides, we have midterm exams coming up.
Arai: It won't bother you, surely, even before the tests? By this point you've probably got it all down perfectly in any case.

[Page 132]

Arai: It's not like it's every day. Two or three times a week, that's all. It's not like it'll be a big problem.
Nakamoto: But surely in that case, Takagi-kun would be a better choice than me.
Arai: But you're the one who ought to do it. (He drops down on his bed)

Nakamoto: Arai-kun...why are you so keen for me to do this?
Arai: Because lately you haven't been yourself. Even if it's just playing piano, it'd be a different atmosphere...a change of scene. Think of it as a distraction.
(Nakamoto stares at Arai blankly)

[Page 133]

Arai looks at Nakamoto. Nakamoto smiles.
Nakamoto: I...suppose so. All right. I'll do it.

(Scene: Next day after class, as the chime rings through the hall. Arai and Nakamoto are there and so are the baka-kombi, yayness. Takagi isn't. Takagi really doesn't care much about this socialising thing, ya know...)

Arai: Okay, we're done here!
Nakamoto: Yes.
Mikimaro: Hey! Hey, where are you two hurrying off to!
Yuusuke: Yeah, and together?

[Page 134]

Arai: (Putting an arm around Nakamoto's shoulders conspiratorially)
It's a secret! A secret!
Mikimaro: You're being sneeeakky!

(They head off. Behind them they can hear yelling...)
Yuusuke: Oi! Where are you going?!

(Scene: OMG I love Nakamoto when he's not sure what's hit him. He has the best starstruck expressions of any manga character ever, I swear (with the possible exception of Yorihisa). This is one of those moments. Outside, the boys are by Arai's bike. Arai presents Nakamoto with the spare helmet and Nakamoto stands there clutching it and staring at him blankly [scan])

Nakamoto: Is it...really okay for two people to ride on that?
Arai: (Already on the bike) Yeah. If you're worried about it, it's up to you to say something, you know? When I'm going to the trouble of taking you in - are you going to complain?

[Page 136]

Nakamoto: No...it's...
Arai: Then what are you hesitating for? Get on already!
Nakamoto: Erm...how, exactly?

Arai: How...?! You put your foot on the step and straddle it, of course!
Nakamoto: ...I...I understand...
(He does so. Gingerly)
Arai: Make sure you hang on tight, else you'll fall off.
Nakamoto: Okay...

(Scene: At the bar. Nakamoto's changed into a tux. He looks odd and strangely cute.)
Arai: Hey, Master! We're all ready!
Nakamoto: I look forward to working with you!
Master: Same here, Nakamoto-kun.

Editor's note: What Nakamoto actually says is "yoroshiku onegaishimasu", a nice Japanese expression which doesn't directly translate into English...but you get the gist. The master gives the usual response - "kochira koso yoroshiku".

Master: Well, if you want to come with me over there...
(Arai looks at Nakamoto. Nakamoto smiles.)

[Page 138]
Nakamoto is playing the piano. He's getting quite into it.
Master: Nakamoto-kun's good, isn't he?
Arai: I'm as surprised as you. He's pretty timid as a rule and he was worried about it - but he seems to have calmed down now.
Master: As I thought, I was right to count on you to help me out, Tougo
Arai: (Smiles): Don't, you're making me embarrassed.

[Page 139]
So, a few days later...
Nakamoto has just finished his performance. A dude with a ponytail and a cigarette has been watching him. This is Horikawa. Nakamoto goes to join Arai, who is waiting in one of the booths. Seems he's making a regular trip too...

Arai: You're really getting used to this, huh?
Nakamoto: Yes...thanks to you. When I'm playing I don't think of the bad things bothering me. To begin with I was nervous, but it's as you said, Arai-kun. I'm glad I decided to do it.
Arai: Seriously?
Nakamoto: Of course! I wouldn't lie about that!
Horikawa: Excuse me for interrupting your conversation...

[Page 140]

Horikawa holds out a business card.
Horikawa: This is who I am.
Nakamoto: (reading the card): Music producer...Horikawa-san?
Horikawa: I'm not some weirdo. Your piano playing was really good - the subtlety of it was totally great.
Nakamoto: (looking startled): Thank you very much

Horikawa: (Peers at Arai): You're not going to perform?
Arai: I'm not really here to do that...
Horikawa: (Peering some more): What instrument do you specialise in?
Arai: I wouldn't call it 'specialising' but I play bass...(guitar)

[Page 141]

Horikawa: You guys also have good looks...you're surely a producer's dream. Well? How about it? Will you come once to my office and discuss it?
Arai: Even if you say so, it's kind of sudden...
Nakamoto: Yeah
Horikawa: Yes, I suppose it is. Fine. Take your time thinking it over!

(He leaves)

Nakamoto: (Looking bewildered): Were we...just scouted?
Arai: (Equally muddled): Seems that way.
Nakamoto: He said he wasn't a weird guy, but...
Arai: Saying things like that makes him seem even weirder.
Nakamoto: Do you suppose he's a famous producer?
Arai: Tomorrow, let's ask Takagi. He's been involved in this stuff before and almost made a professional debut, so he's bound to know.
Nakamoto: You're right.

[Page 142]
Scene: Next day. The boys are just leaving class. Ooh, and Takagi has graced them with his elusive presence...
Arai: Yo, Takagi!
(Takagi looks round, apparently surprised)
Arai: You used to be in a band, right?
(He proffers the card)
Do you know this guy? It says he's a producer, but...he scouted Nakamoto and I.
Mikimaro/Yuusuke: AH?!
Mikimaro: (Grabbing Arai's arm): You make it sound like an unforgivable thing - when you say 'scout', what do you mean?!
Arai: It has nothing to do with you!
Mikimaro: It's all right, surely? Won't you tell us?!
Yuusuke: Right...you always leave just Mikimaro and I out of things!!

[Page 143]
Takagi: (Looking at the card): This guy is...
Arai: You know him?
Takagi: I don't just know him. He was the one who gave me the most help in the past.
Nakamoto: Really?
Takagi: It's kind of nostalgic.
Arai: If Nakamoto and I had had that kind of feeling about it, we'd probably have thought 'why not give it a go'. But...what do you think...?
Takagi: The name of the company has changed. I wonder if anything happened.
Arai: (annoyed) Oi, Takagi! Listen when people are talking to you!

[Page 144]
Takagi: Is it okay if I borrow this card...?
Arai: (Startled): Sure, I guess so.
Mikimaro: (bearing down on Arai again) Hey! Hey! What's all this scouting stuff!?
Arai: Ahh!

(Scene: The company building. Takagi is outside an office door)
Takagi: So...this is the place, huh? I came here on a whim but now...it's really hard to get up the nerve to go in...

[Page 145]
(The door opens. Horikawa is ushering someone out)
Horikawa: We'll leave that matter till next week.
Takagi: Hori...kawa...san.
Horikawa: (Glancing up) All of a sudden...Shimon?

Horikawa: You startled me, turning up out of the blue like this.
Takagi: You look pretty busy.
Horikawa: As ever. More importantly, though, come on inside. There are a few things I'd like to ask you.

(Inside the office)

Horikawa: It's been two years, hasn't it?
Takagi: Yes. I'm sorry to turn up without any warning - I must be getting in the way.

[Page 146]
Horikawa: Even so, it's a surprising coincidence to me. That the two lads I met yesterday should turn out to be Shimon's classmates.
Takagi: I'm surprised too.
When I heard your name, Horikawa-san, I felt sort of nostalgic. I guess it was because of that that I felt compelled to come here...
Horikawa: I'm glad to hear it.
(Takagi smiles)

[Page 147]
Horikawa: By the way, are you still playing in a band now?
Takagi: No...but I still want to do so again. It's still my dream.
Horikawa: Then lets do it. Like old times, huh?

(He gives Takagi a piece of paper)

Horikawa: Have you heard of this? The "Young Artists' Contest". It runs every year in the summer for amateur acts to try their luck.
Takagi: A lot of popular artists were launched by this contest, weren't they? It's a really well known event.
Horikawa: How about trying to put in an application?
Takagi: Me...you mean?
Horikawa: Sure. If you were to be successful, it could be your opening. You could debut, produce an album, even get to Los Angeles to perform.

[Page 148]
Horikawa: You'd get a warm reception from lots of people. So long as you didn't throw away your dream so easily, from here on in the possibilities are numerous.
Takagi: I...suppose so.
Horikawa: If you feel that way, it suits me just as well if you have other band members, too.
Takagi: Band members...? All of a sudden...are you thinking of Arai and Nakamoto, for example?
Horikawa: No, no. Those two would probably be okay, but I wasn't thinking quite so specifically as that. Not if winning the contest was your target.
Takagi: Then...these members...?
(Horikawa smiles lazily)

[Page 149]

Horikawa: I have a huge range of people I could choose from. I could find members to please you, Shimon-kun. I'm confident in my ability to make the right preparations, and I'd use all my power without sparing any effort in order to make it work.
(Takagi looks taken aback. Geez, sometimes he's such a tool.)

Takagi: Thank you so much! I'll do my best!
Horikawa: Let's meet again in a week. I want to hear the guitar I haven't heard in ages.
Takagi: Okay!

(Takagi leaves. Horikawa stands there, arms folded, looking like a mean sinister music producer with his cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Oh yes, he's planning something. ^_^)

[Page 150]

(Back at school. Grades have been posted for the midterm tests. Oh dear ^_^)

Student: The exam results have been posted!

(Arai and Mikimaro are in the classroom when some random person starts yelling about the grades. I don't think it's Yuusuke because he's not in the scene later, but it's that kind of yell).

Student: Rumour is something amazing happened this time round!
Mikimaro: Let's go see!
Arai: I don't need to see it to know that I'm right near the bottom. Although having said that, I'm probably higher than you and Yuusuke, Mikimaro.
Mikimaro: I don't know about that, this time. I worked really hard!
Arai: Ah, it's useless, you know. Nakamoto will be top like he always is, and you'll be right at the bottom, like normal.

[Page 151]
Mikimaro (angry): Don't call me bottom of the class!
Arai: Woah!

(They go into the hall where students are talking)
Student 1: That's a first, isn't it?
Student 2: That Nakamoto...

(Arai and Mikimaro look bewildered - Nakamoto's not the kind of guy who's usually gossiped about in the halls.
Then we see why. The board is shown, and Nakamoto's name appears under eleventh place)

In the crowd of students looking, Nakamoto is clearly visible.

Student 1: It's the first time, isn't it, that Nakamoto hasn't been top?
Student 2: And even worse, to be down to eleventh...

Arai looks at Nakamoto, stricken. Nakamoto's expression is unreadable as he gazes up at the board.
Arai: Nakamoto...
What the hell happened? You...
(he looks guilty)
Arai: Of course. It's my fault...making you do that thing...I shouldn't have done, should I?

[Page 152]
Nakamoto: No...it's not your fault, Arai-kun.
Arai: Then what other reason is there?
Nakamoto:...That's between my father and I...

Arai looks startled, as one of those random students appears again at that moment.
Student: Oi, Nakamoto! Sensei said you're to hurry up and go to the office!

[Page 153]
Nakamoto: The office?
Student: Mm. It seems your Dad's come to see you.
(Nakamoto looks...sort of folorn.)

Inside the office...Nakamoto's father Masakazu is angry. In the background, Sakurai-sensei looks on, troubled.

Masakazu: What the hell are you playing at?!

[Page 154]

Nakamoto:...Father...
(He looks down) It's nothing.
Masakazu: Don't give me that! Up until now you've always held first place! Now, all of a sudden you're down to eleventh. As busy as I am, I've come in the middle of my work to find out what's going on!
Nakamoto:...
Masakazu: Don't clam up! If you've something to say, say it!
Nakamoto: Not really. There's nothing to talk about.

[Page 155]

(Masakazu slaps Nakamoto, sending his glasses flying. Nakamoto looks stricken - his eyes are huge.)
Masakazu: Talking to your parent like that -what's with this attitude?
(He grabs Nakamoto by the tie, bearing down on him)
I was worried so I came here - but in spite of the fact your grades have dropped, you don't have a good reason to explain it!
Nakamoto: ...

[Page 156]
Masakazu: Your roommate - what's he called again?
Nakamoto: You mean Arai-kun?
Masakazu: Yes. Him. This Arai kid is rumoured to be a troublemaker. Recently it seems you've been spending a lot of time with him, too - at least, so I've heard.
Nakamoto: It has nothing to do with Arai-kun.
Masakazu: There's no reason to defend him, surely?
(He sighs)
Sharing a room with a troublemaker like that...if being under that kind of influence is making your grades suffer, then the simple answer is surely a change of room.
Nakamoto: (freaking out somewhat): Please, stop it!

[Page 157]
Masakazu: ...Shou?
Nakamoto: (indignantly): Arai-kun isn't at fault! Please don't say bad things about him!
Masakazu: Even though you won't give me a reason as to why your grades have dropped?
Nakamoto: It's your fault!

[Page 158]
(Nakamoto clutches his glasses in his hand, wheeling angrily on his dad.)
Nakamoto: It's your selfish actions that have backed me into a corner!
(With that, Nakamoto storms self-righteously out of the classroom, leaving Masakazu and Sakurai staring after him. Woot, you go boy :D)
By the way, the image of him at the top of the website comes from that scene.

[Page 159]
(Takagi is alone in his room, with his guitar)
Takagi: Two years ago...when a major debut was on the cards...I had a falling out with the other band members and I left...

(Flashback to Takagi and Horikawa two years previously)
Horikawa: Why have you come this far only to give up now?
Takagi: They were making me reject my song. They said that the song I wrote wasn't satisfactory...so...I can't continue any more.
Horikawa: Who said that to you?

[Page 160]
Takagi: Everyone. All the other band members.
Horikawa-san defended me to the last, however I refused to back down. But...even now...even now, maybe I can finally realise the dream that I wasn't able to achieve back then!

[Page 161]
(Takagi leaves the dorm to go and see Horikawa)
Takagi: (checking his watch) I'm a little earlier than the time we arranged. Oh well. It's okay if I have to wait for a bit.
(He reaches the office door, which is somewhat ajar. Inside Horikawa is talking to some colleague)
Man (No, I don't know his name): However, your boat's really come in this time, Horikawa-chan. I bet you've the idea of using that Takagi Shimon kid's talent as support for the 'Indies' from the start!
Horikawa: I guess...
(Takagi hears his name and starts eavesdropping. What a naughty boy.)

[Page 162]
Horikawa: That standard of raw material shouldn't be discarded recklessly, after all. This time I guess I really was lucky.
Takagi: Lucky? What on earth's he talking about?
Man: If it was a bigger competition, it would generally be easier to make certain of the result...but this time it's our company's big project that's at stake. Failure is not an option.
Horikawa: Those weaknesses will be our big success, however. After all, next year's big hit band will be the ones who win the Young Artist Award this year.
(Takagi looks sort of stoned and blank)
Horikawa: That's just the added value of our success. More importantly, it'll work out whether we have Shimon playing lead guitar or otherwise.

[Page 163]
Man: Well, I'm the one pushing for this, Horikawa-chan...so I'm leaving the details to you to handle. Take care of it, all right?
Horikawa: Yeah, I got it. Next year's rock scene will be to our profit.
Takagi (still looking stoned and blank): Next year's big hit band will be the ones who win the Young Artist Award...?
A fixed outcome?
Does he mean to say that this was all arranged from the start...?

[Page 164]
(Takagi, in a flap, storms into the office. Kabang)
Horikawa (Understandably surprised): What's up, Shimon? So you came, huh?
Takagi: Y...y...you had this all fixed?
Horikawa: (laughs) Well, it's all right, isn't it?
Takagi: I...

[Page 165]
(Takagi decides to leave without saying anything more meaningful or impressive. He looks like a girl with his shopping bag during a pre-menstrual strop. Bless)
Horikawa: Shimon!
Takagi: Even though you were someone I thought I could have faith in. Even though I believed in you...
There's no way I'm going to become a tool for Horikawa's ambition!
(Why he didn't say that to Horikawa's face we'll never know.
The last frame of page 165 is a cat looking confused. Fortunately the next page makes that make some sense - it's not a case of Takagi having just had a mental rant at a poor unsuspecting tabby..)

[Page 166]
(Nakamoto has gone to see the cats. They're mewing. As cats are wont to do)
Nakamoto: (Sitting back watching them feed): How did it get to this point?
I've been down to enough of a degree to make Arai-kun worry about me...even if my grades are dropping...Father, don't you understand that it's your fault?
Are you really seeing another woman?

[Page 167]
Nakamoto: Is it really true that you having an affair is the cause behind why you and my stepmother might be getting divorced?
(Editor's note: The in and outgoings of the Nakamoto-ke is better explained in the PLUS novels from volume 5 onwards)
Nakamoto: I don't even know what I should do any more.
(At this moment, that tabby cat decides he needs a hug, so comes and rubs up against his leg. Nakamoto scoops the kitty up)

[Page 168]
(Nakamoto, looking utterly forlorn, hugs the kitty)
Arai: (Entering the scene): Nakamoto!
(Arai looks...really worried, actually. Bless. Nakamoto turns to look at him.)
Nakamoto: Is it time to go to the Sugar Moon?

[Page 169]
Arai: Let's skive off today.
Nakamoto: Huh?
Arai: I feel like taking off on my bike to do something reckless and crazy. And you're coming with me.
Nakamoto: Arai-kun?
Arai: Even if you dally thinking about it, you're not getting out of it.

[170]
Arai: Let's go clear your head, huh? Get refreshed!
Nakamoto: (big smile) Okay!

[Page 171]
(Nakamoto and Arai ride off into the sunset on Arai's bike.)
(Takagi, meanwhile, is looking angsty, and there's a flier for the contest in the frame)

[Page 172]
Takagi: (Holding the flier) I want to succeed...by my own strength alone.
I want to see what kind of level my strength can take me to.
A band, huh.
Surely I could work together with those guys...
(He looks thoughtful. Oh dear. Takagi's got an Idea...)

[Page 173]
(Nakamoto is making a phone call home. Brave boy)
Nakamoto: Is that Father? It's Shou. I...I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to call.
Even though you came all this way to see me...yes, I've had various things on my mind. Though my exam results...they weren't good.
Even though it's not something I relish doing, I can't move forward like this. Nothing will change.
At the end of term I'll put everything to rights...so...
I've been trying to avoid everything, but...

[Page 174]
Nakamoto: Even though right now nothing is resolved...
So...please don't say bad things about my friends.
When summer holidays begin, I'll come home...yes. Then we'll be able to talk properly about it.

[Page 175]
(Curtains blowing at a window. Takagi is looking excited. And so are..the baka-combi)
Mikimaro: What's up, Takagi-kun? What kind of serious conversation did you want to have?
Yuusuke: Yeah, this must be the first time Takagi's ever wanted a favour from me.
(Er, why aren't we surprised?!)
Somehow it has a weird kind of feel to it!

[Page 176]
Arai: (less excited): I'm pretty busy, so if you've something to say then say it.
(Nakamoto just...looks. Takagi shows them the flier)
Arai: (I think it's Arai, it's not clear): Young Artists Contest?
Mikimaro: What's that?!

[Page 177]
Arai: Now I come to think of it, you met up with Horikawa-san, didn't you?
(Takagi looks haunted)
Takagi: Yeah...I met up with Horikawa-san. He gave me some things to think about.
Music is my dream. It's my ultimate goal. That's something that'll never change.
Arai:...and?

[Page 178]
Takagi:( Looking uncharacteristically desperate and flustered) I'm begging you! I want you guys to work along with me!
Mikimaro: (as they all look shellshocked): Collaborate?!
Takagi: I want to know what I can achieve in this world myself. Right now, I could get involved in something pre-arranged and debut right away but..but doing it that way would be too easy. I don't want to do it like that. I want to know, with my own strength, how far I can take myself.

[Page 179]
Takagi: (looking driven): So...please...I want you to work with me!
Arai: To take part in this thing?
Nakamoto: Are you saying you want to form a band with us?

[Page 180]
Takagi: Yes...exactly.
(He looks happy)
Takagi: With something like this, there's noone else to ask.

[Page 181]
(Shellshocked friends.)
Mikimaro: (all happy): Well, I'm fine with it. I'll do whatever I can do.
Yuusuke: (a little confused): Ah, me too, hehe. Well, when you've asked me...I can't refuse, can I?
Nakamoto (off frame): I'm...also fine with it.

[Page 182]
Arai:(looking startled): Huh?
Nakamoto: At the moment, I've been playing piano part time in a club because Arai-kun needed a favour. I think it's helped me find the confidence to do my best with this, too. So long as it's keyboard, I think that I can help out.
Arai: Nakamoto...

[Page 183]
(Arai flings his arm around Nakamoto's shoulders, taking Nakamoto off guard. Nakamoto looks adorably confused)
Arai: You really have changed!
(he looks thoughtful)
Well, I guess I could play bass...
Takagi: Arai...thank you.
Arai: Stop it with the thanks already. When you say stuff like that it gives me a creepy feeling.
(Arai and Takagi meet gazes. Takagi is grinning. Arai is too)

[Page 184]
Mikimaro: Hey! Hey, what am I going to do? What should I practice?
Takagi: If we're all gathered together, somehow we can manage it
Yuusuke: Me too!?

[Page 185]
Takagi: From hereon in, we'll decide those things together.
And we'll make our own special sound.

[Page 186]
(Arai looks...half asleep and scratching his chin, but I think he's supposed to look knowing)
Takagi: In order to make dreams come true...that's the kind of feeling I have.

Owari: The End :)