Chapter Text
A woman with short brown hair played on some drums, humming a little as a girl with black hair tied into pigtails sat close to her.
“Do you think we should try and make a song for Miku, IA, and Luka to play?” The girl wondered, the woman glancing over at her and chuckling a little, “Let’s take it easy for now, okay Yuki? We still have to meet the girls and we did just get here~.”
The woman continued to place as Yuki listened, sitting there on a piano seat politely when the door opened, Honami walking in, “Hello…? Miku? Luka? IA?”
The two glanced up and saw Honami with Saki, Ichika and Shiho standing next to her.
“Oh, you girls stopped by~.” The brown-haired woman smiled, with Yuki waving, “Welcome!” Before the woman chuckled, I’m sure that’s weird to hear, considering we’re both newcomers here.” “Are you the people whose feelings created this SEKAI?” Yuki wondered, with Ichika in a little bit of shock. “No way… you’re…!”
“Yep~, I’m Meiko and this is Kaai Yuki~.” The woman said with Kaai Yuki bowing, “It’s nice to meet you!”
“Whoa…! Seriously?” Saki gasped as they looked at the two, who smiled back at the group.
“Meiko and Kaai Yuki are here…!? But how..?” Ichika asked, glancing at her friends, with Honami replying, “We never saw her here before…” When a door opened, causing the group to glance over and see Luka, Miku, and IA in the doorway with small smiles.
“Oh! Everyone’s here!” Miku noted, walking with Luka asking, “Were you looking for us?” With Saki nodding in response, “Where were you?”
“Sorry for showing up late, everyone. Meiko and Yuki showed up so we were giving the two of them a tour of the place.” IA explained, taking a seat at one of the desks in the room as Miku continued, “Then we sensed that you’d all come and brought them here to surprise you. We must have passed by you while walking around.”
“Meiko and Yuki just showing up and not being here before… what does this mean?” Shiho wondered, with Luka immediately chiming in, “It probably connects to everyone’s true feelings.”
“Our true feelings? …Of us wanting to be together?” Ichika wondered, with Yuki nodding as Meiko explained, “We’re here in this SEKAI to help you find those feelings, but I suppose things are a bit different in our case. I’m sure I’m here because you all managed to move forward with your feelings; and I’m sure it’s the same with Yuki.” Meiko then shrugged, “But that’s just a guess. In any case, we’re both here-” Yuki then chirped, “And I hope you don’t mind us sticking around!”
“Oh! Of course not! It’d be great to have you with us!” Honami said, with Shiho sighing, “As usual… I don’t get this place…” With Saki glancing at her and then at Meiko and Yuki, “Wait… does that mean you two are going to be joining us in our practices now?” “Yes, of course!” Yuki smiled in response, Meiko continuing, “You’re Ichika, you’re Saki, you’re Shiho, and… you’re Honami, right? We’re both looking forward to working with you two.”
“Y-yes!” Mochizuki replied with a smile, Hoshino continuing, “This is such a pleasant surprise… I can’t believe I’m actually talking to Meiko and Kaai Yuki… We’re happy to have you both here.”
The two nodded, with Luka turning to the two, “Hey, Meiko, Yuki, while you two are here, why don’t we all play something together?” “Good idea~, I was going to say the same thing~.” “That will be a lot though, won’t it?” IA wondered, with Yuki smiling, “I’m sure we can make it work~!”
Honami then turned to Meiko, “Um… we heard someone playing the drums earlier… So does that mean you’re a drummer, Meiko?” “I am, but I play a few other instruments. You’re the drummer of the group, right Honami?” The woman replied with the girl nodding in response before asking, “Could I ask you for some tips later?” “Of course you can~!” Meiko smiled with Kaai Yuki chirping, “Oh! And I play the piano! But I could definitely use the practice with all of you…”
“Well then~! How about we get started then?” Miku asked, smiling at everyone with Ichika speaking up, “Um, Miku… before that, can I ask you a favor for you?” “A favor?” Miku repeated with Hoshino nodding, requesting, “Before we all start playing together, would it be okay to see the five of you play together? I-I’m just curious, that’s all.” “I’d like to see the five of you play, too.” Shiho added, with IA laughing softly and smiling a little, “Okay then~.”
“If that’s the case, then let’s do it!” Miku smiled, taking IA’s hand, “How about IA's vocals, me on guitar, Luka on bass, Meiko on drums and Yuki on the piano?”
“Yes, that sounds good.” Megurine said with IA and Yuki giving a small nod as Meiko said, “Okay with me.”
The five got into their positions to perform a small song with Meiko cheering, “Let’s begin~! One, two, three, four~!”
As the five played their song, the four girls listening, Ichika asked, “Isn’t this… our song?” “This is amazing! This doesn’t sound like how Miku and Luka usually do!” Honami commented with a small smile, Saki exclaiming, “And it sounds so much cooler than when we play!” Ichika nodded, “Yeah, it’s completely different. It’s better than when Miku and Luka are alone when we play.”
“It’s because of Meiko’s strong drumming and Yuki’s soft playing.” Shiho concluded, with her bandmates looking over at her, a little confused, Saki asking, “What do you mean?”
“The drum is the foundation that supports the band. It has the power to draw out the entire band’s potential. Thats to Meikos’ drummer that’s contrasted by Yuki’s soft piano, alongside Miku, IA, and Luka are able to go all out and give it their all and play to their entire heart’s content.” Shiho explained, Ichika nodding, “I see…” While Honami muttered, “The foundation that supports the band…”
The group stood there a few days later, taking a break from some more practice, with Saki smiling as she rested her hands on a keyboard, “Phew… we practiced a lot today.” “We did. And nicely done, everyone.” Miku smiled with IA continuing, “It’s getting pretty late, so I think we should stop here for now.”
“Okay, let’s pack up and then head home.” Ichika said, with the others nodding as they started to put their things away, except for Honami who stated, “I think I’m going to stay a little longer and practice a little more. I feel like I didn’t do too good today…”
“Are you feeling okay, Honami?” Luka asked as IA glanced at the light brown-haired girl with a concerned expression, where the girl replied, “Yes! Everything is fine! I’ll be in the class next door so I can concentrate better.”
Honami…” Shiho said in a soft voice before letting out a sigh and slinging her bass case over her shoulder and stating, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
A little while later, Honami continued to drum in the other classroom, but she ended up sighing and putting her drumsticks down.
“This is terrible… I can’t concentrate at all…” She muttered when there was a knock at the door, “Mind if I interrupt for a bit?”
The girl glanced up as the door opened, with Meiko stepping in with a soft smile on her face, the girl saying, “Oh, Meiko…”
“Your drumming isn’t as sharp as it was before. Is there something bothering you?” Meiko wondered, walking over to sit near the girl, who let out a small sigh, “I’m sorry… You were nice enough to help us with practice, but I guess I was a bit of a distraction.”
Meiko smiled softly, stating, “You have nothing to apologize for. But you do seem very troubled about something. I was a bit worried, that’s all.”
“Troubled… yes…” Honami says, continuing, “I suppose you could say that, but I’m always like this.” “Worried that somebody won’t like me… I haven’t changed at all… So no wonder Shiho is so fed up with me.” She continued, letting out a small sigh with Meiko resting a hand on her shoulder, “Well, I’m sure she just wanted you to focus on practice.” She continued, “But… it isn’t always a bad thing to be worrying about things.” When a voice suddenly chirped, “And anyone trying their best to move forward is doing something good in our eyes~!”
The two turned, noticing Yuki walking in, “Sorry for coming in… I was looking for Meiko… and I don’t mean to interrupt my upperclassmen, but I couldn’t help but hear your conversation.” “Don’t be so apologetic, Yuki, I’m sure Honami will appreciate your help.” Meiko replied before turning to the other girl, “Right, Honami?” Mochizuki nodded, the woman chuckling a little in response before asking, “Would you like to tell me what’s going on? Yuki and I might be a little late to the party, but I am your senpai, right?”
Honami nodded in response, smiling a little, “Thank you…”
Honami explained the situation to the two, with Meiko and Yuki listening attentively, Kaai now sitting in a chair, with Meiko stating, “I see… so you were worried about something that happened in class.”
Honami nodded in response, stating, “I still don’t know what to do, I asked Ichika, Shiho, and Saki too but…” Yuki smiled softly, chuckling a little, “Seems like you girls are close.”
“Yes. They’ve given me a lot of support. Ichika was really trying to think things through with me. Saki saw that I was feeling down and wanted to cheer me up. Shiho said some harsh things too, but…” Honami replied before letting out a small sigh, with Meiko asking, “She did?” With the girl nodding in response, stating, “Yes. She said that I’m worrying so much because I didn’t want to do anything that would make people dislike me.”
“So you’re afraid that people might dislike you for making a decision?” Meiko asked, continuing, “May I ask why?”
Mochizuki sighed again, stating, “When I was in junior high, my classmates would come to me for advice or just rant a little. At first, I would just listen thinking that they would want to let out some steam. But because of that, they started to question me, asking me whose side I was on and accusing me of being two-faced. Soon, I became an outcast.”
Yuki and Meiko frowned at the story, both silent before Honami continuing, “Even though it stopped when I entered high school, the fear of that happening again is still there and sort of haunts me… I thought I overcame that with everyone’s help, but… It seems like when you try to be on everyone’s side, you end up on no one’s side.” She sighs, “Which is why Shiho is right. I haven’t changed at all since then…”
Meiko and Yuki thought for a bit, frowning a little with Meiko muttering, “I wonder if that’s really true…”
“Huh?” Yuki and Honami said, looking at the woman who continued, “You’re doing your best to work out what’s best for your classmates. You’re doing what you can to change too, right?” “R-right… but at this rate..” Honami goes to say, with Meiko speaking up, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with remaining that kind of person you are now. But sometimes, you need to find that courage to become even kinder. And I’m sure you’ll find that courage.”
“Courage…?” Honami asked, with Yuki wondering, “What do you think it takes to be kind, Mochizuki?” “Huh?” She’s a little surprised before thinking, muttering, “Being kind…? Well…”
“It means understanding how someone else feels or making them smile while they’re feeling down.” Honami says, continuing, “And… oh… be candid with them for their own good.”
“That sounds about right.” Meiko nodded, continuing, “There are many kinds of ways to show kindness. You can empathize with someone who’s troubled about something, make them smile or be somewhat direct. As long as it was done with the person’s best interests at heart, no matter what form it takes, it’s a form of kindness. It’s also important to consider how the other person will take it too, of course.”
“Different ways of expressing kindness…” Honami said to herself, with Yuko asking, “How do you want to present your kindness to your classmates, Honami?”
The girl was quiet for a few seconds before muttering, “I… the best way to express my kindness right now is…” She became silent again before smiling a little, with Meiko chuckling a little, “That’s a much better expression for you.”
“Thank you.” Honami said, smiling at Meiko before continuing, “Somewhere inside, I’ve always thought that respecting others’ preferences was the only thing I needed to do. To me, as long as I went along with what they wanted and made them feel happy, that was kindness. But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t changed at all. So I’m going to think about it again… the best way to express my kindness…”
“Good…! We know you can find the answer.” Yuki said with Meiko smiling as she stepped towards the drums, “How about we switch gears and get some drum practice in?” “Yes, thank you!” Honami smiled, looking at the two who smiled back.
A few days later, Miku, Yuki, IA, Luka, and Meiko were standing outside of a classroom, looking in at Honami and her group who were talking and smiling, especially Honami.
“Looks like she’s fine now.” Meiko acknowledged, with Yuki nodding as IA said, “I think so too… but…” “What is it, IA?” Miku wondered, glancing at her friend with Meiko teasing, “Are you pouting?” “N-no..! I’m not…” IA replied with Luka chuckling, commenting, “I think she’s upset that you were able to help her before Miku could~.”
“Well.. Miku was thinking long and hard yesterday about what to say to Honami to help her.” IA acknowledged, with Miku blushing a little, stating, “Y-yes… I was… but that doesn’t mean I’m not glad that Honami’s okay now. I guess I just wanted to help her like someone in my position should.”
Meiko chuckled a little, “You’re a good role model, Miku.” With Yuki adding, “Everyone here is really as kind as can be…”
A couple days later, the girls are all talking excitedly, especially Saki, “The choir recital was fun, wasn’t it?”
“Yes! Everyone was so enthusiastic! I had a great time!” Honami smiled, with Meiko chuckling a little and Yuki stating, “I wish we could have heard everyone singing.”
“So who ended up winning?” Miku asked, with Ichika answering, “My class got bronze.” “And we were so close! We all practiced so hard too…” Saki chimed in, with Luka laughing a little and smiling, “The most important thing is that you enjoyed yourself, right?”
“Right. Regardless of the outcome, you should cherish such wonderful memories.” Meiko nodded, with Saki cheering, “True! The best reward was all the fun we had!”
“I’m still not a big fan of events like that.” Shiho stated, crossing her arms with Saki stating, “But you did your best anyway, we’re so proud of you too!”
“I just wouldn’t want to be the one to drag everyone else down.” Hinomori stated, with Ichika acknowledging, “But every class sang so well.” “Honami’s class was in a league of their own.” Shiho replied, looking at her friend while Sake commented, “Yeah! They even beat the third year students to win gold! The whole place was in uproar when they announced the winners!” “The teacher’s couldn’t stop praising them either.” Ichika continued with a small chuckle before looking at Honami.
“Well, thank you… But it’s because everyone put so much effort into it. And it’s because of all of you too that my class worked up the enthusiasm to go to for gold.” Honami acknowledged, with Hoshino asking, “Huh?” “Talking to all of you gave me the courage I needed to speak up and tell my classmates how I felt. So thank you everyone.” Honami replied with a small smile, IA smiling back, “I’m glad it worked out, Honami.” “Me too!” She beamed.
“Hey, should we start our practice now?” Shiho said, changing the topic with Saki nodding and smiling, “Let’s do it~!” Ichika then spoke up as Saki gathered her things, “But Shiho, I was practicing the part that you told me about the other day at home. Could you take a listen before we start?”
“Sure.” Shiho said, with Hatsune chirping, “How about we grab our instruments too?” Luka nodded in response as she grabbed her case, with Honami walking over to Meiko and Yuki who were setting up their things.
“Um.. Meiko, Yuki…” The two turned to look at Mochizuki, with Meiko asking, “Yes, Honami?”
“Well, I just wanted to thank the both of you. You both helped me muster the courage to move forward, so if there’s anything I can do to repay you-”
“You don’t have to repay us.” Meiko interrupted, with Yuki continuing, “We didn’t do anything, you had found the answer yourself!” “We had just pushed you in the right direction.” Meiko smiled, with Honami a little flustered before stating, “But without that push…”
“Well then.” Meiko said before smiling a little more, “How about we practice drumming together again sometime?”
“You want to practice together…?” Mochizuki asked with Meiko nodding, “Mhm. I don’t always get to practice with someone else. What do you say?” “Of course! I’ be happy to!” Honami replied with the woman smiling, “Great~! I can’t wait~!” When Saki called out, “Meiko! Hona! Yuki! Come on! We’re about to start!”
Yuki walked over with her keyboard and Meiko glancing back at Honami, “Shall we?” Where Honami replied with a nod and followed Meiko, a small smile on her face.