Rikooooo! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Hi. I only just got here myself.

Yeah!

[Fade in/out.]

That was incredible. The performance was so impressive that it made this venue—no, the whole world tremble!

Yeah, it really was a magnificent performance. My hands are still shaking from how moving it was. I want to be able to perform like that someday.

Me too. We need to study harder and perform even more. I'm sure studying the piano and other instruments will come in handy for writing school idol songs, too.

Yeah, it definitely will.

[Fade in/out.]

Thanks, Riko.

For the concert? You already thanked me when you first got here.

Not just for that. You were there for me that whole time when I had trouble writing music, right?

If it wasn't for you, I would've run off and just abandoned everyone and left them to handle the trouble I'd caused. That would've meant my departure from the world of school idols as well.

I was only able to return because you found me that one day at the beach. You warmed and freed my cold, frozen heart.

Thank you so much, Riko.

That's awfully dramatic, but I'm glad I was able to help you, even if just a bit. The look on your face when I saw you on the beach that day was so gut-wrenching.

My intuition told me that I couldn't leave you alone and that I had to help you. It was the first time I ever wanted to desperately help someone like that other than Chika.

*Chuckle* Chika does have a mysterious air about her that draws you in to offer her a hand. I completely understand the feeling.

Something about her just says “baby of the family.” I guess that's because she actually is one.

I knew I had to help you, but all I did was do what I thought you'd do. When I heard about your troubles, it reminded me of how I felt before.

That's why I figured I'd be able to get you to open up your heart if I did the same thing you did to help me out back then.

I had no idea. So does that mean you were pretty panicked when you found me?

I sure was. I didn't know what I'd say next to try and lift your spirits if it didn't work out. I'm not really good at that kind of thing.

Even though I simply mimicked what you had done for me, the things I said to you and the emotions I shared were all genuine.

Relax your shoulders and pour your true feelings into your music. The best songs are the ones you can enjoy together with everyone.

You're right. And those are the kinds of songs that I'll continue to make.

Great. Let's both work hard to achieve that.

Hey, Riko? If I ever find myself in another rut…

I'll always be around to lend you an ear. We'll find a way out of the labyrinth, together. I'd also appreciate your support if I'm ever lost again as well.

Of course! I'll definitely be here to support you!