Now then, time for practice! Time to give it our all for the upcoming School Idol Festival!

You're so full of enthusiasm, Honoka.

She's probably just hoping to work off all the stress she built up from studying.

You're in the same boat though, aren't you Nico?

Only the Nijigasaki girls have to score 60 or above on their exams, not us. How come we have to study like this too?

It's already set in stone. We're not going back on it now.

To be completely honest, having study sessions after practice or a weekend gathering sure is tiring.

Though it also makes me hungrier than usual, which makes food taste even better.

If that's the case, why don't we hold our study sessions before instead?

I don't think it'll make much of a difference.

Besides, if anyone is to blame for this, it's Honoka and Nico for slacking on their daily studies.

You wouldn't be failing subjects if you paid attention in class and did your homework every day.

But I just get so sleepy when I hear the teacher's voice.

Study all you want, it's not like we're gonna use any of it in the real world.

That's what all students who hate studying say.

You seem to be forgetting what's important right now. If you keep failing, you're not going to be able to move up a grade or graduate, let alone go out into the real world.

I'll be counting on you if we wind up in the same class, Nico!

Hold up, why are you implying I'll be held back twice?!

It's not entirely unthinkable, given the circumstances.

Repeat a grade? That's the last thing I want to do.

Then let's work hard in these study sessions so that doesn't happen, okay?

Okaaay…

[Fade in/out.]

One, two, one, two, one, two. Hey, what's wrong? What are you slowing down for? This is a run, not a walk!

*Huff* *Huff* You're pushing us way too hard, Kanan.

I can't…go on…

Were this a moonlit night, I could handle this with ease. But I can only perform to half of my true potential under the rays of the sun.

I've also hit my limit, zura…

S-Slow down a little.

You're all a bunch of whiners. Being a school idol is a test of stamina! Running is essential if you don't wanna wear yourself out in the second half of a live show.

Exactly! I totally agree, but you're making us go way too fast!

A-At this rate, I'm going to fall apart before I build up any stamina…

You'll wear everyone out if you keep up this pace.

Fine, I suppose we can have a little break.

Thank goodness, zura.

I wish you would direct a little of that determination towards your studies.

Wh-What we're doing right now has nothing to do with studying!

You're just a bundle of energy when we're in practice, but the second we start studying, you get all meek on us.

Indeed. While school idol activities are important, you must not forget that you are also a student.

I-I know. If I just put my mind to it, I…

Then I will be giving you a thorough lecture today so you can surpass the 60 mark and score 80 instead!

Um… How about we drop the pace a little and take it easy from here? Nothing good comes out of pushing yourself too hard, right? Yup!

*Chuckle* Oh, Kanan.

[Fade in/out.]

Everyone, you're losing balance. Focus on your core!

Urgh… It hurts so much. My thighs are wobbling like jelly.

Ayumu, you're doing fine. You're able to do this a lot longer now than compared to when you first started!

Yeah, this really shows how much we've all grown.

But it's still really tough.

*Snore*

She's fallen asleep on her feet. That's some skill.

This might be tough, but it's way easier than studying!

Geez, do you really hate studying that much, Karin? It's actually pretty fun when you get into it.

I want to get smart without studying!

You really hate it that much, huh…

You won't ever improve if you run away from your weaknesses. We need to show Mifune that we can do this if we want to make the School Idol Festival a success as well.

Urgh, you're right. I'll score over 60 and prove to her what I'm made out of!

Although, I do have a blast with school idol stuff AND studying 'cause we're all doing it together.

Oh, me too. It really is fun to study with you all.

I have also come to enjoy not only practicing, but sitting at our desks all together as well.

There is no time like the present. We should enjoy ourselves wholeheartedly so we never regret this time together.

Well then, here you go! I brought some snacks today!

Oh, I did too!

*Gasp* Did somebody mention snacks?

Food is just about the only thing that can wake you up this quickly.

I'm all about good timing.

Ahahaha!