*Huff* *Puff* Calm down, zura. Shoulders back… Eyes forward… Smile…

[Fade in/out.]

Yes, yes, yes! You've so got this, Zuramaru!

Her pose was also right on point, although I couldn't see her expression.

She's fine! Everyone out there clapped, so I'm sure her smile was brilliant.

Oh, she's coming back.

Don't let your guard down until the very end, Hanamaru. Coming back is the hardest part. You aren't out of the woods yet, so walk with utmost caution to achieve victory!

Victory? We aren't fighting anyone. Let's calm down a bit, Dia. You're so worked up that you look like some furious demon.

What I look like doesn't matter right now! Hanamaru's once in a lifetime performance is what matters! As her elder in Aqours, I must devote myself to watching over her!

I think that's just going to end up letting her know how nervous you are, though.

[Fade in/out.]

I'm almost done. Almost there!

Hanamaru, there's only a little bit left! Keep it up!

You can do this, Hanamaru!

G-Guys… I smiled the—waaah!

[Fade in/out.]

Ah.

Ah… Ahhhhhh! Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-She t-tri…

She tripped!

[Fade in/out.]

…………

H-Huh?

Are you all right, Zuramaru?

A-Ai? Huh? Didn't I trip? So how did I end up in your arms, zura? How—

Shush. Don't worry about it. Can you stand?

Y-Yeah.

Great! Then stand up, and we're gonna strike a pooose!

Eeeeekk!

Yay! Photographer, over here! This is a great photo op of two super adorable school idols, y'know!

Oh, I think the person over there wants a shot too. Okay, got it! Let me handle it! I'll do a special pose just for you!

Here we go! Take a picture, it'll last longer! Just kidding. Got your photos? They're perfect? Ahaha. Thank you!

W-Wow, they're so into this, zura. But why? Just now, I…

Nobody noticed. Your fall was so graceful that they probably thought it was all part of the performance.

Did you make it look that way for me?

Hm? Make what look that way? I just couldn't wait for my turn anymore and decided to pop out.

Oh my gooosh! Aiiiiiiii!

Whoooa?! H-Hold on, Zuramaru! I don't think bursting into tears right now will go over well!

Aiiii! Thank you! Thank you, zuraaa!

Oh no, oh no, oh no! Photographers, don't take a photo of this!