Yay! This bed's so comfy!

Geez, Rin. The sun's gone down and you're still full of energy! Not that I can talk. I'm even more hyped than I was earlier today!

The most fun part of a sleepover is right before you go to sleep!

Hush! It's nighttime, so keep it down.

Ahh, that was a relaxing bath.

Sorry about all the noise, Hanayo.

It's fine. All this commotion is a lot of fun! If anything, I should be the one apologizing for making you change your plans. Thanks for staying the night.

No problem! That's the trick to living a full life. You can't shy away from fun opportunities.

Keep your options open, huh? I love sleepovers too, so I was happy to stay! Oh, I really relished the pickled veggies we had at dinner. Was that rice bran I tasted?

Yes. We keep them on hand because they go so well with white rice. Those were store-bought, but I've been meaning to make my own.

For real? I can teach you everything you need to know! I'd love to pass on my grandma's rice bran pickling skills!

You mean it?!

I've never seen anyone so excited about pickles. By the way, Mari, what are you reading?

Hanayo's memories! It was sitting on the bookshelf, so I'm taking a peek.

It's an album! Wow, photos from elementary school! Aww, this takes me back.

Hey, you can't just look at someone's private…

It's all right. I mean, it's a little embarrassing, but there's nothing compromising in there…I think.

You two have been friends since elementary school, huh? You're both so very, very cute!

Oh! This photo's from our school field day! The one where Hanayo got first place in the bread-eating contest!

*Gasp* D-Don't look at that one! My cheeks are stuffed like a hamster's. I look ridiculous!

Pfft! No, you don't. Everyone looks like that when they're running around with a mouthful of bread.

Hanayo, I notice you used to wear glasses. Do you wear contacts now? When did you make the switch?

When I joined μ's.

Back then, I didn't have the confidence to see anything through. I'd give up on everything I tried to do, even things I really liked.

But when I wanted to join μ's, Rin and Maki encouraged me. It's thanks to them I was finally able to take the leap.

That's when I decided to change, starting with my appearance. I didn't want that leap of faith to be the only step I took. I wanted to keep moving forward.

Kayo-chin!

Well said! I really respect your determination. So, that's how Hanayo Koizumi of μ's was born.

When you sing for μ's, you look dazzling! Forget steps and leaps, you're flying like a turbojet!

Am I? Thanks. I really hope that's true.