Set years before the events of the first episode, KÅsei is seen performing at his first piano recital, with Emi and Takeshi in the audience. As Emi listens to the recital, she cried during the performance and decided on that day to become a pianist, soon developing feelings for KÅsei. At the next performance, Emi sits next to KÅsei to gain his attention, but he ignores her entirely and focuses on his sheet music. Takeshi then joins them, revealing that he decided to play piano in order to receive a toy robot hero. However, Takeshi admired KÅsei as a hero after listening to his performance. At the next piano competition, KÅsei wins first place, though he chooses to ignore the results. Emi and Takeshi develop a rivalry with KÅsei since he has always been placed first in every piano competition thus far. Emi and Takeshi are seen discussing their future before the following piano competition, moments before KÅsei comes and sits on the same bench with them.