After their successful subscription concert performance, the Umimaku High School Orchestra Club sets their sights on winning the national competition. But with a new lineup of second-years leading, things are off to a rocky start. Only a few violinists turn up for the first morning practice, and Sakuma, the percussion section leader, bluntly criticizes Hatori, the newly appointed concertmaster, and other string members.

Takimoto has been skipping morning practice without explanation despite being newly appointed as the second violin section leader. When Sakuma and other section leaders question her about it, she tries avoids the subject. Later, frustrated second violin members confront her. She responds by walking away, but not before muttering something. Susono is worried and gives Takimoto a suggestion she didn't expect.

On his way home from school, Aono unexpectedly bumps into Takimoto, who is crying alone in pain. As Aono shows concern for his senior, Takimoto slowly begins to speak. He talks about the events surrounding the club member who quit, and his own cold feelings and confusion after no longer finding meaning in club activities. These feelings overlap with Aono's, who once gave up the violin due to his relationship with his father. Aono talks about the pain he felt when he stopped playing, and how his feelings toward his father are different now than they were back then. Aono's words make Takimoto decide.

With two months until the competition, the string instruments are beginning to come together under the guidance of concertmaster Hatori, and the sports festival is upon us. Ritsuko, a member of the inter-club relay team, is inspired by Aono's determination to have fun and give it her all as she competes. However, she is also chosen as the class's leader for the horse-riding battle. Aono is timid, and Saeki, who is also competing in the battle, becomes competitive. Haru, who can't help but root for Aono, who is in a different group, asks him a question that has been bothering her for a while.