Back in kindergarten, when we were just innocent children. That was when I first met them. We fought sometimes, but that only made us understand each other better than anyone else.

In elementary school, we went out to play whenever we had the chance. One day, while wandering downtown, we saw an instrument shop. They got so excited that they ran ahead of me, staring intently at the instruments displayed behind the window. Was it then that Ichika said it would be nice if we all formed a band when we grew up?

Middle school was the worst. Saki collapsed due to illness and was rushed to the hospital, Honami was bullied by the other kids, Shiho had a huge fight with Honami, and Ichika suddenly vanished. Feeling powerless, I resigned myself to the idea that our relationship was simply disintegrating.

A year ago. We became high school students. One day, while I was living a hollow life having almost forgotten everyone, I suddenly got word from them that they had reunited. I thought it was a dream. I thought it was just a hallucination created by my broken mind because I missed the past so much. Regardless, I thought I'd be able to get along with everyone just like before.

I wish that had been the case.

One day, they came to me and asked if I remembered the conversation we had in front of the instrument shop in elementary school. They told me they had actually formed a band together. Without saying a word to me? Of course, it's not that I wanted to be in the band. I never even considered doing something like that. And yet, why does seeing them so happy, chatting away amongst themselves while leaving me out, feel so uncomfortable?