Hi!

Misato, the Prez is doing a lot of work for my next event. You've gotta stop calling her over all the time.

Oh? From what I hear, you two hang out at your place all the time. In fact, I'm told she's a regular now. Everyone at the restaurant recognizes her, too.

No way! Who told you that?!

*Laugh* It's all good. Both of you can invite me to hang out whenever you want. And Misato, Ai's the one who's working her tail off.

I'd say it's you and Ai both. Ai was gushing about the advice you gave her when she was stuck on her lyrics.

Argh! Misato, stop revealing all my secrets!

*Chuckle* It's true, isn't it? Oh, whoops. I was gonna serve you two some juice, but we're out. Sorry, I'll go buy some.

Oh, no, I'll get it. You invited the Prez over for a reason, didn't you?

A reason?

Apparently. I'll leave you to it.

Be back in a bit!

Thanks, Ai.

Sorry for all the commotion.

Not at all. I feel kinda guilty sending Ai off, though.

Don't. She's loving every second of it.

Anyway, I invited you here because I wanted to talk to… Well, maybe I should say confide in you about something important.

O-Oh, sure! I'm all ears.

The truth is, I'm the manager of the Ai Pals.

What? You?!

Yes. I joined as a normal member, but then the founder asked me to help with admin duties. I guess technically I'm the assistant manager.

I had no idea.

Anyway, the rest of the Ai Pals are secretly talking about giving Ai a big surprise at the next event. We're not sure what to do specifically, though.

So that's what you wanted to ask about. Let me help you!

Ai's already got her own surprise planned for the Ai Pals at her next event, so if they try to surprise her too, that could get messy.

*Chuckle* She's always so considerate about doing things for people. She's been like that with me since we were little.

When I was young, I had some health problems, so I didn't get to play with other kids much. But one day, Ai came up and talked to me, and we've been like sisters ever since.

Whenever I was sick in bed, she'd come over and tell me all about the fun things that were going on outside. Thanks to her, I never had to feel lonely.

Then one day she said she was gonna be a school idol, and now she's having tons of fun every day. I'm sure when people see Ai on stage, she cheers them up the way she did me.

That's why I'd love it if we could show her that we think of her just as much as she thinks of us.

You guys have such a beautiful relationship! I see now. It would be really sweet if both Ai and the Ai Pals had a way to show how much they all care about one another.

I think so, too. Any chance you have an idea already?

Hmm. What if you made Ai Pals t-shirts and all wore them to the show? That way, she could see how much you support her, even when she's off stage.

That's a wonderful idea! I'll ask the others right now. Hee-hee. Asking the club president for advice was the right call. Thanks a million!

(Ai, Misato, and the members of the Ai Pals all really care about each other. I've gotta make sure both of their surprises turn out great!)