(And so, the day of the event is finally here. Everyone is extremely nervous.)

Ahhh, it's almost our turn.

Rina-chan Board says, “Pit-a-pat.”

Would you two like some hot barley tea? Having something warm in your stomach will help you relax.

My grandma gave me some candied sweet potato to share with everyone. Want some?

Oh, I want some!

I-It's good to get some carbs in your system before exercising, right? Maybe I'll have some, too.

Kasumi, sweet potatoes can be tough to digest.

Huh?! Oh, I knew that!

Kasumi is so nervous.

Oh? Karin, I think your shoes are on the wrong feet.

What?!

(Everyone is on edge because this is their first event. It's only natural. They're about to go on in front of so many people.)

Let's gather around for a pep talk before you go out there!

Awesome idea! Let's do it!

S-Sure. Why not?

*Groan* This makes me even more nervous.

Ready, everyone?

You've been practicing so hard, Kasumi. All that practice has made you even cuter!

Of course it has! I'm the cutest idol!

Shizuku, it's time to show off everything you've learned in drama club. I know you'll be able to give the performance you've envisioned this time!

Yes! I'm fired up now!

Rina, even if you have to use your board, I bet you'll be able to convey your feelings to the audience just fine!

Yes, I'm bursting with emotion. I want to hurry up and sing.

Ayumu, you've come a long way since telling your first joke for the “Let's Make Rina Laugh Tournament.” It's amazing how quickly you improve once you start something!

I've been looking forward to challenging myself today! Don't take your eyes off me!

Hey Ai, do you want an extra pair of socks? In case you get cold feet!

*Laugh* Your puns are the worst. They're great at calming me down though!

Setsuna, after scrutinizing the stage every single day, it's finally time for you to stand on it. I'm so excited! Your arrow of love will pierce everyone's hearts!

*Giggle* I'm shooting to fill your heart with love, too!

Kanata, I heard you scored 100 points on your quiz the other day. What are you going to score onstage today?

Ten thousand points!

Karin, how do you feel in your costume? I bet your allure will make everyone fall head over heels for you!

I won't be held responsible if people hurt themselves swooning at the sight of me!

Emma, the air around you is always so carefree and peaceful. I hope you can fill the entire building with that feeling today.

I'll have to make sure no one nods off, though!

We are Nijigasaki High School Idol Club! Let's go!

Yeah!

[Fade in/out.]

Shizuku, Setsuna, congrats!

I can't believe you won 8th place at our very first club event! 'Grats, you two!

Seriously! You two were amazing!

Yeah, you have completely different ways of showing off your charms, but I was captivated by both of you!

Shizuku, your theater training really paid off. I had no idea you put so much production into your show.

Rina-chan Board says, “Moved…”

Well, I must admit I'm frustrated that I didn't win a prize.

Grrr. Next time, I'll definitely rank high, too! And if anyone dares try to get in my way, then I'll show them—er, just what I can do!

Thank you very much, everyone. Even though the prizes were awarded to the two of us, I think we achieved this victory together.

Agreed. We also owe you our thanks for restarting the club.

What? All I ever do is lock and unlock the door. As for restarting the club, that's really thanks to Kasumi. She's the one who diligently guarded the club room for us!

Kasumi, what did you think of your first performance as a school idol?

Huh? Oh, umm…

I-It was amazing, of course! I've been waiting for this moment for so long!

Your voice just cracked. Are you sick? Do you need a cough drop?

No. I mean, yes!

*Laugh*

[Fade in/out.]

Hmm.

What are you thinking so hard about?

Oh, sorry. I was reflecting on how everyone did today.

What's your honest opinion?

Don't get me wrong, I was extremely moved by all of your performances! And I loved seeing you on stage for the first time, Ayumu. It's just, everyone seemed kinda nervous.

Well, of course we were.

Something about Kasumi seemed off at the end. Her lifelong wish of performing as a school idol finally came true, so I thought she would be really hyper.

I'm sure not everyone feels the same way I do, but a solo performance means being onstage all alone, right? It's pretty intimidating, standing alone on a stage that big.

I see. I guess I can't really blame her, then.

I guess in that sense, being in a big group like μ's or Aqours is much more reassuring, because all your friends are right by your side.

Yeah, the joint performance we saw together gave me that impression.

How do you feel about idol groups, Ayumu?

Hmm… I'm not sure. I still don't have very much experience, so it's hard to say.

(I didn't think forming a group was necessary, but I never stopped to consider the merits.)

(If only the Nijigasaki idols could charm everybody the same way μ's and Aqours did!)