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"Chapter 3", stylized as "code. 3" in Japanese, is the third chapter of given.
Cover description[]
The cover features a clean, minimalist composition that places full focus on two of the band members, Mafuyu Sato (left) and Haruki Nakayama (right). The background is stark white, allowing the characters' expressions and poses to stand out in sharp contrast. Mafuyu is holding a magazine titled "WORK," peering out from behind it with a neutral, slightly tired expression that hints at his introspective nature. Haruki, beside him, appears more thoughtful, holding a magazine called "from 8" and stroking his chin in a pensive gesture. His hair is loosely tied back, and his relaxed clothing style—jacket over a hoodie—emphasizes his laid-back personality. Both characters are captured in a slice-of-life moment, quietly absorbed in reading, reflecting the story's grounding in everyday realism and emotional subtlety. The overall mood is casual yet contemplative, suggesting the inner thoughts and growing complexities of the band dynamic.
Summary[]
Ritsuka is teaching Mafuyu guitar, but despite his efforts, he's unsure if Mafuyu is truly understanding. The band discusses the importance of part-time jobs for supporting music ambitions, with Haruki and Akihiko suggesting that Mafuyu might need to earn money for equipment and studio fees. Ritsuka's friends, who notice his newfound closeness with Mafuyu, find it surprising since neither of them is typically sociable.
Mafuyu, though initially unsure of his musical taste, reveals a song that's been stuck in his head and sings it for Ritsuka, moving him deeply. Ritsuka, struck by Mafuyu's voice, invites him to join their band. As Ritsuka continues teaching, he reflects on how quickly Mafuyu is learning despite being a beginner, though he remains puzzled by his motivations.
Outside the studio, Haruki and Akihiko discuss Ritsuka's dedication to music, recognizing that he's a good guy despite his intimidating appearance. When they return to the studio, Akihiko stresses the importance of money for Mafuyu's music journey. Haruki encourages Mafuyu to keep learning, reinforcing that to take music seriously, he needs to consider the financial side.
Plot[]
At the studio, Haruki and Akihiko talk about Ritsuka and his impressive guitar skills as they watch him attempt to tutor Mafuyu. Despite his clear frustration and doubts about Mafuyu's progress, Ritsuka keeps teaching him the basics. Mafuyu listens quietly, nodding along even when it's clear he doesn't fully understand. Ritsuka grows more irritated, unsure if he's getting through at all.
Haruki joins them and suggests that if Mafuyu is serious about music, he'll need to consider getting a part-time job—for equipment, strings, studio time. The idea clearly daunts Mafuyu. Supporting a music pursuit financially seems like a huge leap, and he's not sure if he's ready.
Later at school, Mafuyu watches Ritsuka play guitar from the stairway, quietly observing, trying to grasp what Ritsuka is doing with his hands. Ritsuka, catching him watching, asks if he has any music he likes. Mafuyu stares blankly, then says he doesn't really know his favorite song—but there's one that plays in his mind all the time. When he starts singing it aloud, Ritsuka is caught off guard. Mafuyu's voice is raw, haunting, and powerful.
Ritsuka's heart races. Without thinking, he blurts out an invitation: "Join our band."
Ritsuka continues trying to teach Mafuyu guitar, but progress is slow. Simple instructions often go over Mafuyu's head. At times, Ritsuka wonders if Mafuyu even hears him. Akihiko and Haruki, noticing his growing frustration, remind him again that if Mafuyu wants to take this seriously, he'll need money—studio fees, new gear, everything costs something. Haruki crouches beside Mafuyu and gently encourages him, reassuring him that he is improving, even if it doesn't feel that way yet. They all agree: being in a band isn't just about talent—it's also about commitment, and part of that is financial responsibility.
Meanwhile, Ritsuka's classmates are beginning to notice the changes in his behavior. One day during lunch, Shogo brings it up while they're eating in class. Drinking from a juice carton, Shogo casually mentions that Ritsuka's been hanging out a lot with someone lately—someone whose name he can't quite remember. He throws out guesses—wrong surnames one after another—before giving up and just calling him "that guy from the class next door."
Ritsuka doesn't deny it. Shogo presses further, pointing out that Ritsuka has stopped spending lunch breaks with their usual group. "How did you suddenly get so close with that guy?" he asks. "You're not exactly a social butterfly."
Before Ritsuka can respond, Ayano Kasai invites herself into the conversation. She's got observations of her own. "Neither of you are sociable at all," she says bluntly. "Different classes, totally different vibes... What's up with that?"
She goes on to say that Mafuyu has become something of a mystery around the school. The girls talk about him a lot—how he's cool, has this quiet intensity, and even has a bunch of secret admirers. But he's hard to approach. That's why it's such a surprise that he's gotten so attached to Ritsuka, of all people.
Right on cue, Mafuyu appears at the classroom door.
The room falls quiet for a moment as everyone's attention shifts. Ritsuka looks up, a little stunned, and so does Shogo. Even Kasai pauses, registering the timing. It's clear Mafuyu's presence is starting to become a new normal for Ritsuka—and everyone is beginning to notice.
Back at the studio, Haruki and Akihiko talk more seriously about Ritsuka's dedication. While he can come off as moody and self-centered, Akihiko points out that Ritsuka always gives his all when it comes to music—and when it comes to Mafuyu. Even if he doesn't realize it himself yet, Ritsuka's already invested.
Later, Ritsuka reflects on how quickly Mafuyu is picking things up despite being a beginner. His guitar isn't really suitable for someone still learning, but his effort is undeniable. That lingering mystery about Mafuyu's background, and the fact that the guitar wasn't passed down by his father, only deepens Ritsuka's curiosity.
The more time he spends with Mafuyu, the more he realizes something unexpected: Mafuyu has already changed his rhythm. And maybe... he's changing for the better, too.
Characters[]
Other characters[]
References[]
- ↑ (2025, April 12). "シェリプラス 2013年 アキ Vol. 10 - 株式会社新書館 (Cheri + Autumn 2013 Vol. 10 - Shinshokan Co., Ltd.)". From 株式会社新書館 (Shinshokan Co., Ltd.). Archived from the original on April 12, 2025.
