"Okay, okay." She's about to start when she notices. "Wait a moment." She stands and takes the large lid off the short leg, opening up the piano farther and resting it on the larger leg.

When she sits back down, without readjusting the piano seat, she plays a quick progression up the keys, pressing down harder and testing the sound. With the lid open all the way and pressing the keys stronger as she is, the sound catches through the acoustics and engulfs the entire room. Maki loves performing in this room.

"Here I go, then." Maki re-starts the song, playing strongly and using the pedal to control the reverb. Not having Nico beside her, Maki feels her arms freer and and shoulders looser. She plays like at a home performance, perfect posture and control.