[Taking out phone.]

Yes, hello?

Oh, um… Good evening. Sorry to call so late.

Good evening to you as well. I don't mind. I'm still going to be awake for a bit, so… What's going on?

Oh, uh. I was just wondering what you're up to. We haven't been able to talk much lately.

That's true. I've been busy with Aqours stuff, and you were saying you had to get ready for an event too.

Are you…running into complications?

*Laugh* I can't hide anything from you, can I? I wouldn't say they're complications. It's nothing that serious.

It's just that usually, I discuss set lists and practice schedules with everyone in the club, but when I have to do it alone… My head just starts spinning.

I thought if I called you up, hearing your voice would help calm me down, so… Here I am.

*Giggle* I see. You're really working hard. If my voice is that soothing to you, I can definitely keep talking.

I can't run right over or anything, but if my voice does the job, then I'd be happy to keep chatting. Do you want to hear Chika's voice too?

What? Is she with you right now?

No, but her house is right next door. Oh, actually, her lights are out, so I think she's already asleep.

That's too bad. I'll have to hear her next time, then. So hey, how are Chika and the rest of the Aqours crew, anyway?

They're good. Maybe even too good. Oh, but the other day, Yoshiko caught a cold. She seems better now, but she can't come to practice quite yet.

Aw, geez. Here's hoping she'll be back and rarin' to go again soon.

Yeah, I hope so too. And Chika's been into this mikan orange tasting thing lately. Apparently, they were doing it on some variety show she saw on TV.

Orange tasting? Like trying out a bunch of different kinds and figuring out which is which?

Yep, you got it. She was so convinced she could do a better job, she ran to the store and bought a ton of different ones. Apparently, she used her whole allowance on it.

Huh, I see. Given how much she loves the things, I bet she would be pretty dang good at guessing.

She is, actually. It's incredible. Anyway, You was so inspired by it, now she's trying to see if she can guess the names of ships based on the sound of their whistles.

That sounds WAY harder than guessing different kinds of mikan oranges! But considering how much You loves boats…

Oh, it's not going well for her.

*Laugh* Well, okay then… It sounds like you're all doing pretty great. I'm so glad to hear it.

Did this help you get your mind off things?

It really did. My mind feels so much clearer. Thanks for talking with me, Riko. It's gotten pretty late and I don't want to keep you up, so I'll say goodbye here.

Sure. I had fun talking to you too. Good luck with your event preparations. I'm cheering for you.

Thank you. Good night.

Good night.

[Putting phone away.]

I'm gonna do this. I've gotta do it! Everyone's counting on me!