Hey, did you hear? The School Idol Association's live shows are so popular that some people can't even get tickets.

So I heard. That must be why they're going to increase the number of live shows they put on.

They really are amazing.

Yeah, I kind of expected it from them.

Geez, how come you guys are so impressed? Aren't you angry?

Hmmm. I think we could learn from their example, at the very least. It's a good thing that they can perform more live shows, isn't it?

Hmph! You're being way too naive! You can't let the School Idol Association hype lead you astray.

But the fact is, they're amazing. We have to accept that.

Yeah. Even I can admit it.

Hey, rather than that, I'd like to discuss what action we can take.

Agreed. If we continue as we have been, then the School Idol Club will be forgotten.

Action we can take… Like doing more guerrilla gigs?

We probably should do more of those, yeah. But first, we should figure out exactly what makes the Association so popular.

Something they have that we're missing. Any ideas?

Their equipment. Plus the help from professionals.

Their stage setting and production levels blew me away.

I was shocked by how high the quality of their performance was. Everything about it felt completely flawless to me.

Well, I guess I can admit that their performance quality, specifically, was amazing.

The number of songs was incredible. Mia cranks them out at a lightning speed, and it's astonishing that Lanzhu sings every note perfectly every time.

Naturally, that one goes for Karin and the others too.

It's very cool that you get to hear a new song every time.

It does make you feel that you should catch every one of their live shows.

There are too many differences between us to count them all. The shock's making me swoon.

I still prefer the way we do things in the club, though. I love how each of us puts on our live shows.

Me too!

I love performing with all of you as well. And I love all the people who come to see us!

Yeah, I love feeling connected to everyone!

You all let me indulge myself, and I love that.

And most importantly, you're here with us.

Thank you. I adore all of your live shows too.

There really isn't any point in trying to compare our two clubs. We have to show what makes our school idols enjoyable in our own way, by our own means.

Okay! Time to give our all so we can get our next guerrilla gig ready!

[Fade in/out.]

That's it for our live show today. But don't fret! We'll have another one soon, so wait patiently! Bye bye!

[Fade in/out.]

Whoa… That was fantastic. This time Karin, Ai, and even Shizuku had solo parts to sing.

I already knew Karin and Ai had gotten better, but Shizuku didn't transfer long ago and she's already improved so much. Every day must be jam-packed for them. Though…

No, never mind.

I think I get what you're trying to say.

What?

They were definitely amazing. Their singing and dancing skills were so honed I could hardly believe my eyes. But…

A real Shizuko live show should be more…more…

Oh, you and Kasumi came! Thank you both so much.

Shizuku!

What did you think of my solo part? I know it was rather short.

It was, but I still saw how much you've improved!

Even I could tell that I gave a near-perfect performance.

You could?

Yes. You saw for yourself, didn't you? I'm bound to keep improving if I keep this standard up.

Your voice didn't really reach me.

Huh? What do you mean? Did I sing too quietly?

No, it wasn't the volume, it was—I can't describe it. You didn't sound like the Shizuko I know.

You have to describe it properly or I won't understand. I worked so hard in the Association. I almost gave up so many times but I toughed it out.

Don't try to confuse me with ambiguous comments after I did all that work.

I'm not good with words like you are, but there are some things I understand way better than you do!

Come watch our next guerrilla gig. I'll teach you all the stuff you don't understand!

You'll teach ME?! I found my solution! That was what today's live show was about!

And I'm telling you that you're wrong! So just come to our next show!

There is no way I'm going. I'm far too busy with practice! I have to put in even more effort if I want to get a solo performance someday!

You're coming! You're definitely coming!

*Gasp*

Prez, let's go.

Uh, u-um…

Come on! Let's go already!

Th-Then we'll be on our way, Shizuku. Do your best with the Association!

Sure…

I'll do my best…with the Association.

[Fade in/out.]

Imagine telling me there are things I don't understand. I found all the answers I need, right here.

I'm on the right path. Kasumi just doesn't know how good I have it over here, that's why she can say things like that.

Shizuku.

Ah, Mia. What did you think of my solo part? I'd like to work on any problem areas before our next live show.

Ahhh, that song. We won't be singing that one after today, so just forget about it.

What? Why not?

I'll write an even better song, so we don't need it anymore.

No way…

Hey, now. What's up, Shizuku? Why do you look so sad?

It's just, well… I was surprised to hear that we won't be singing the song that I had a solo part in anymore.

Ohhh, that's what this is all about? Don't fret. Mia is going to make us a new song, better than any other.

You'll get to hear it later, but she's really knocked it outta the park. It's incredibly high quality, so I bet it'll set your performer's heart alight.

Oh, I deleted that one.

What?!

I spent all night messing with it, but I wasn't satisfied. We don't need songs that aren't going to pop off online.

Um, even so, I would have loved to listen to the song you wrote.

Only perfect songs are worth keeping around.

Well, it's your call.

It sure is.

[Fade in/out.]

So many things here are done on a completely different scale to how they are in the Club…

Working under these conditions is just as incredible as I expected. I'm working so hard here, I'm bound to learn a lot…