Good work, Shizuku! Everyone was sucked right into your performance!

Th-Thank you.

Shizuku, can I expect anything from this?

Are you coming back to the club?

Well, you see, if you all would be kind enough to allow it, I'd very much like to come back.

Oh c'mon, you don't need to talk all reserved like that! Of course you're welcome. Welcome back, Shizuku!

When did you start getting this wonderful surprise ready?

Yesterday. Shizuku and I were talking and thought this would be the perfect time. Then we asked Rina for some help.

If that's what you were planning, then you should have just come out and told us. This was a huge shock.

Sorry. I wanted everyone to focus on their live show.

Our guerrilla gig was super successful and we got Shizuku to come back, so shouldn't we celebrate?

Ohhh, good idea. Let's head to a diner to celebrate!

I concocted a new drink at the soda machine last time. I want to make it for you.

Huh? Wh-What is in this concoction?

A mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese flavors.

I cannot even imagine what that's going to taste like.

Let's all go get changed.

P-Please wait!

Shizuku?

Kasumi! I'm so sorry!

Unforgivable.

……

That's fine. I was really mean. Kasumi, what you said was right. I didn't even know what it was I didn't understand.

I didn't know what I didn't know, but I had this uncertainty in my heart, and…I didn't listen to anything you were telling me.

That's right. You didn't get anything at all.

Yeah… But thanks to you, I figured it out.

O-Oh yeah?

There was something you had that I didn't. You said you'd show me what that was, right? Well, I learned what that was during your live show.

Your live show was incredible. I didn't think I'd find it in myself to cheer for you, but at some point I realized I was cheering hard enough to make myself hoarse.

You spoke to me with your whole being, right? I heard a “voice.” That was the “voice” that you said you couldn't hear at my show wasn't it? I heard it during yours.

I heard that “voice” from you today, though.

What?

Like I said! I heard it today! It was the kind of Shizuku live show that I love!

K-Kasumi!

Wah! Wh-What?! I can't breathe!

You were so cute while you were singing! I couldn't take my eyes off of you!

Yeah, well, duh! I am super cute!

I really do want us to be close again! I hope you can forgive me!

Then, will you help me get ready for quizzes again?

Of course, I'll go over the classics with you again.

And you won't get mad at me when I forget what you taught me?

I'll get mad.

What?! No, don't get mad at me!

Phew, thank goodness.

(Kasumi) Rinako! (Shizuku) Rina!

Rina, I'm so sorry for worrying you!

I was so, so, so worried.

And I'm sorry to you, too.

I don't want us to be like this anymore. We should all be friends.

Indeed. From now on I'll try to not be so stubborn. Please let me be your friend again.

That's a promise.

*Whine* Rinako! Shizuko!

I-I can't breathe. Rina-chan Board says, “Squeezed.”

*Giggle* There's nothing to worry about anymore.

Yep, that's some beautiful friendship.

I'm so glad those three are back to normal!

Let's get back to the celebration!

[Fade in/out.]

Why? I don't understand why! She said she liked me and that she was glad she joined the Association! We gave her the best environment and the best songs!

Hmph. We have to keep showing her that I'm—that the Association is—the best.

Mia! We're going to do all new songs for our next live show. We have to show them the kind of quality performance we can put on!

……

Mia, are you listening?!

Mm, huh?

Good grief! Listen to what I'm saying!

No. I don't listen to unnecessary noise when I'm thinking.

Are you calling me a noise?! I am most certainly not!

Oh give me a break. I'm just saying that my head is about to blow. Let's talk later.

What's this? Are you already coming up with new song ideas?

If that's what you're doing then I'll go find Shioriko. Good luck with the new song. Bye bye!

*Sigh*

Ugh, I just don't get it. No one's gonna remember a show where you just play around like that.

Then why is it just on repeat inside my head?

Dammit. This is all noise.