Umm…

Oh, she's over there.

Hello, you two! How have you been?

It's been a while, Mari! I'm good. You look great too.

Why thank you! I'm positively brimming with so much shiny energy that I even got a second helping of cake at this café! You sit down too, both of you!

[Fade in/out.]

Thank you. I truly apologize for calling on you so suddenly today, Mari.

Don't worry about it! I was thinking about taking a trip to Tokyo anyway, so it all worked out.

Since you're both here, would you like something to eat? My recommendation is the fruit tart, for sure!

Would you like some herbal tea, Shioriko? We can relax a little first, then chat.

…All right.

[Fade in/out.]

Ahhh, that was so tasty!

Indeed. The herbal tea was also delicious. It certainly warmed my body and lightened my mood.

*Giggle* Glad to hear it. I've really come to love this little café myself. I'll be coming here again next time I'm in Tokyo!

…Anyway, you said in your message earlier that you had something you wanted to talk to me about, right? Is it regarding both of you?

No, just myself. It's a personal issue. I've been wanting to improve the quality of my live show performances.

Your performances? I've always thought that you had impeccable skills though, Shioriko.

No, it's not enough. I am lacking in almost every area.

I want to be able to perform even more passionately and boldly than before, enough that I can break out of my shell.

She discussed it with me first, and we both tried many things as we practiced. Thanks to that, she's become stronger and more popular than ever before. But…

You're still not happy, huh?

Yes… I keep thinking that perhaps there are still other things I can do, or that I'm not trying things that I should be trying. That kind of thing.

So, we decided that maybe it would be best to ask around and get some other opinions on it. People that would maybe be able to give Shioriko some answers.

So, that's why you came to me? Because I'm so powerful, dynamic, and overflowing with burning passion! Aww, that makes me so happy!

I know that it is an impudent thing to ask of you. However…would you be inclined to help me?

Look at me, Shioriko.

Yes…?

Gotcha! Time to squish those cheeks!

Eeep! Wh-Why aww you pinshing my faysh?

You shouldn't look so defeated when asking your friends for help. Even I ask the girls in Aqours to help me out with tons of stuff!

I-I see.

I'd be delighted to help and support you with this. Leave it all up to me!

Isn't that great, Shioriko?

Yes! Thank you ever so much! I'll take you up on your offer, then.