*Huff* *Puff* *Pant*

Oh, you're finally here!

S-Sorry I'm late… Have you already…started your…preparations…?

It's no problem! We were just about to get started on changing and doing our makeup.

Thank goodness you're okay. I was worried that something might have happened to you.

My train was late. I'm so sorry about this! I know today's the day of Guilty Kiss' live show and all!

You always take everything so seriously.

But that's one of your strong points. Okay, let's start preparing!

[Fade in/out.]

Costumes and makeup kits… Check! They're all here. We haven't forgotten anything, have we?

Really? I guess I can see why. That look from before sure was something…

I'll be using black lipstick, though.

Purple and indigo were also hot contenders!

Black! That'll definitely make people feel like they're in a different world. I bet seeing you smile with those dark lips of yours will make my heart race…

We can't have you content with just the makeup alone. Singing and dancing are when we really get to shine! The makeup's just a bit of extra spice to enhance our performance.

You won't last until the end of the show if your heart's already racing over a little lipstick.

It kind of feels like you're a combination of Mari and Yoshiko today, Riko.

Huh? You think so?

Have you morphed into that weird character again?! Give me a break! I get thrown off so badly when you're like that!

Is that so? You say that, but I know the truth. You were the one who was so worried about Riko that you were on the verge of tears in the clubroom trying to tell her fortune to—

GAAAAAAHHH! I did nothing of the sort! And I wasn't crying!

*Giggle* There's more where that came from. I know all about how hard you've worked doing this and that for Riko.

Goodness, look at the time. I'm going to go and give my costume a once-over.

Huh? “This and that”? What did you see me do?! Hey! Stop right there!

Are you going to keep up the whole acting like Mari and Yoshiko bit? You're only doing it because I mentioned it, right?

Don't think too much into it. I was the one who made the decision to do it, and the whole act will finish up after today since I've got Aqours' stuff to focus on as well.

But it's strange. I was filled with confidence when I was parading around like them.

It felt as though there was always someone by my side, telling me that I'll be okay and it'll all go well.

I'm sure it was Mari and Yoshiko within me giving me strength. That's why I was able to feel so at ease.

Yeah. It's because they're so dependable. I can definitely see how just picturing them would fill you with strength.

Right? That's why it might not be such a bad idea to try being like them whenever I'm in a rut or unsure from here on out!

A-Are you channeling them while you're talking right now?

Does it seem that way to you?

Hmm. I could sense a bit of Mari there, but I feel like it fits your usual personality as well!

Actually, you know what? It doesn't matter. No matter which version of Riko you are, I know that you'll give us an amazing live show.

Of course I will. I'll do my best to lure you, the audience, and everyone else into the world of Guilty Kiss!

Great! Take me to Guilty Kiss' world!