Practice is already over for today? I guess time does fly when you're having fun. It feels like only five minutes have passed since we started. I wish tomorrow would hurry up!

Mari.

Oh? You're still here? You live far away, so you better hurry over to the station or you'll miss your transfer. I can get my helicopter to fly you home in a pinch if—

Mari. You don't want to perform a solo live show, do you?

That's not true. I'll gain new experiences by singing solo. I think we should take on any challenge that comes by for the growth of Aqours. I truly believe that.

You can always see right through me, huh? I actually am a little unsure. Not being a part of Aqours, even for a moment, scares me. Weird, right? It's not like that one time…

That one time? Are you having flashbacks to when you guys split up?

Just a bit. I shouldn't be voicing such minor concerns as these. If everyone's enthusiastic about this, that's more reason for me to support them with a smile on my face.

There's no way you can sing great songs if you're keeping your worries to yourself, Mari!

No matter what your fears are, everyone will accept you and run alongside you. I know Aqours can do that. Nobody wants to see a live show with you holding back your feelings.

That's why I think you should tell everyone how you feel.

*Chuckle* You sure are something. You've always got such a close eye on us.

Is it really okay for me to tell everyone about these selfish thoughts of mine?

It is. You care about Aqours so much, so I'm sure the nine of you will find a way to work this out that you'll all be satisfied with.

You're right. I can trust these members precisely because I can tell them anything. My way of thinking has changed a bit after talking to you. I'll try telling everyone tomorrow.

We sure got carried away talking. Let's walk home together part of the way. It really is getting late.

[Fade in/out.]

Huh?

You're finally out.

We were tired of waiting for you.

K-Kanan?! Dia?! How long have you two been there?

They were both worried about you too.

I'm sure you were trying your best to hide it, but you can't fool us. We haven't been friends basically our whole lives just for show, you know?

We will also help you to tell everyone how you feel.

Kanan… Dia… Thank you.

(Thank goodness. This will lift the burden on Mari's heart as well. No matter whether or not the solo live show goes ahead, I'm sure everything will be okay now.)

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, you know how you mentioned all “nine” of us in Aqours?

Huh? Oh. Yeah, what about it?

There are nine of us in Aqours as a school idol group, but there are actually ten of us to me. There's an extra person we just can't live without now.

Huh? Wait, what?! There's a tenth member?! Wh-Who is it?! Do I know her too?!

Yep. It's the girl standing in front of me in shock. No matter how far away she might live, she always supports my heart and soul. She's our precious tenth member.