The live show is about to begin.

Do the Aqours members often sing alone like Hanamaru is about to?

No, it's always the nine of us. That's why Hanamaru looks more nervous than usual.

I see. This live show is a lot different than your usual ones. Now that you mention it, she did look a little pale.

I know how she feels. Whenever I'm performing in a new play for the first time, I feel a nervousness I don't feel during ones I've done over and over again. I hope she's okay.

Hanamaru will be just fine. Let's just have faith in her and cheer her on.

Hello, everyone. I'm Hanamaru Kunikida from Uranohoshi Girls' High School's school idol group Aqours. Thank you very much for having me today.

Oh, it's starting!

Normally, I'd be standing up here with all the other members, zura. Oh, oops! But um, today I alone will be representing my group.

I would like to perform a song today, in celebration of this shop's grand opening. Please enjoy.

[Fade in/out.]

Aaahhh! I-I was so nervous, zura!

Great job, Hanamaru!

You were great! You didn't look nervous at all on stage. You seemed really confident.

R-Really? But I accidentally said zura, zura. I was trying really hard not to.

You don't have to worry about that! You were wonderful. You were bright and lively, but gentle at the same time. Hearing you sing soothed my soul.

Yes. Your singing was like sunbeams shining through the trees! The light trickling through the gaps between the leaves sparkled like diamonds as we basked in its glory!

S-Sunbeams shining through the trees?!

That's so descriptive!

Shizuku, your eyes were sparkling throughout pretty much the whole live show.

It wasn't just your voice. Your face was so expressive while singing! But you weren't constantly switching expressions. You transitioned between them very naturally.

I was so moved. It's rare to come across a performance that leaves such an impact. Hanamaru, thank you very much. I will never forget this day!

Th-Thank you very much for coming as well, zura!

Hanamaru, I have a request. Can we perform in a play together?

Y-Yes, if I can help then… Wait, wh-whaaattt?! What'd you just say?!

While I was watching your live show, I had a vision. That vision was of the two of us performing in a play together.

I'd like to work on a play with you again, but next time, with you as an actress, not just a playwright!

I love that idea! Hanamaru would definitely be a great actress.

Wow, Hanamaru, you're going to be a writer and an actress!

Hanamaru, please!

W-Wait a second, zura! Let me think about it first!