Okay everyone, it's 6 o'clock. Club is adjourned for the day. Great job!

Thank you!

Whew! I worked my tail off again today.

I'm too hungry, I'm not gonna last all the way home.

Ai, I've got candy if you'd like some.

Really? Awesome! Thank you!

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, can I ask a quick question?

What is it, Karin?

It's about my costume. I'd like to make it so my skirt won't fall while I'm dancing. Any ideas?

Hmm. Like suspenders, or something? I'll try and think of a way to keep it held up.

Suspenders just might work. Thanks. I appreciate your help! By the way, I've been wondering, are we allowed to stay late to practice?

Sure. If you feel like you just haven't practiced enough, we're allowed to stay here until 8 pm. The teacher gave me permission and everything.

Hmm, is that so? It's about time I perfected my dance, so I'm going to use every minute I have today. Although Setsuna and Kasumi are still the hardest workers.

The two of them stay late almost every day.

Not to be too harsh, but I understand why Kasumi stays. She's got a lot of places that have room for improvement. I'm surprised Setsuna stays too, though.

You are?

She's the best out of all of us, right? So why bother?

Why not ask her yourself? Personally, I think I already know what she'll say.

You do? It's a little vexing that you know, and I don't. I'll go ask her right now!

[Fade in/out.]

Setsuna! Do you have a minute?

Hmm? Karin? What is it?

I heard you stay here late almost every day. Is that true?

Yes! I've got so many ideas to try out for the event, so lately I've been putting in extra time. There aren't enough hours in the day!

Can I ask why? From my perspective, your performance already looks perfect.

Haha! Not even close! I'm still exploring different possibilities.

You're that far ahead and you're still experimenting?! Don't you ever think that you've perfected your routine?

Well, I can tell when I've improved. But I always ask myself, is my choreography good enough? Can I sing better? I try to find better alternatives through trial and error.

I don't see how you could do things any better. Your performance fits you like a glove, one perfectly suited to your personality.

Thank you so much! It really means a lot to hear you say that.

But inside, I feel like if I just perform a certain way because it fits my character, both me and the people watching me will get bored eventually.

So up until the last second, I always want my inner self and the school idol known as Setsuna Yuki to be scrutinizing each other.

I think that's the real path to finding a new, higher-level Setsuna Yuki.

…

Our allotted club time just isn't long enough. That's why I stay late. In fact, I've gotta get back to working on myself! Keep up the good work, Karin!

R-Right, you too.

[Fade in/out.]

Well?

I should have seen it coming.

That side of Setsuna is probably one reason she's so popular.

I agree. But she's got a reckless streak, right? You'll need to keep an eye on her so she doesn't overdo it.

Yup! You can count on me!

*Chuckle* That's your job, after all. *Sigh* I think she's rubbing off on me. I'm going to stay and practice a little longer, too.

I'll make sure you don't overdo it either, Karin.

Yes, yes. Thank you.

Come on!

What's up, Kasumi?

Setsuna was bad enough! Why'd you have to light a fire under Karin, too?

Are you mad your rivals are getting tougher, too?

Of course! Err, not. Of course not! I put in lots and lots of extra work every day!

The higher the wall, the more of an accomplishment it'll be when I destro—when I climb over it! In the end, I'll win no matter who I'm up against.

After all, I'm the cutest school idol of them all!

Yes, indeed. You're very cute, Kasumi.

*Gasp* Well, uhh, that's common knowledge! Yup! I've gotta get back to practicing!

Keep a close eye on me, okay?

I won't miss a moment. Go get 'em!

Kay!

(Everyone's passion about being school idols is really helping their synergy. They're all simultaneously rivals and teammates.)

(I hope that soon, lots of people get to see what our Nijigasaki school idols can do.)