Ai, the students from other clubs said that they'll help us out.

Awesome! I knew I could count on them!

Ever since the School Idol Festival, the clubs are intermingling and working together much more often. I believe they owe it all to you.

That's an exaggeration. It was you, Shioriko, who kept the lines of communication open between the club presidents when planning the club introduction event.

You laid a solid foundation so that I only had to ask for help.

Nice one, Shio-ti!

Yes, Shioriko really went through some tough negotiations back then.

Please stop. That ultimately ended in failure, and I had to ask all of you for help…

That may be so, but your tenacious negotiating made it easier for us in the long run. You're a very dependable student council president!

We're counting on you again this time, okay?

Rina, do you have a minute?

Sure. What's up?

I'm writing a new song at the moment, and I want to hear your opinion of it.

You want my opinion?

Yeah. You tend to see the appeal in my songs when I can't.

[Fade in/out.]

*Sigh* That's a beautiful song. I really love the songs that you write, Mia. Rina-chan Board says, “Swoon.”

Thanks! So…whose music do you like more, mine or the little baby's?

The little baby?

Oh… I mean, that girl. Your club president.

You want me to compare your songs with hers…?

That's t-tough. Rina-chan Board says, “Fizzle.”

Ack! Sorry, Rina! I shouldn't have asked a leading question like that. Here, have some water to calm down!

[Fade in/out.]

Ahhh. Much better.

I mean, I love both your songs and her songs. I can't compare them.

Yeah, I get it now. Knowing that you like my songs is more than enough praise.

Mia, are you gonna sing this song at the joint event?

What? Didn't I tell you? I'm not participating in that.

Really? That's too bad… I wanted to see you sing again.

I don't think I can give a satisfactory performance as I am right now.

I don't have the technique or stamina to compete with everyone else. I'm going to do some training for the next while.

And besides, this time I want to compete with that girl as a songwriter.

Compete as a songwriter?

Yeah. I'm confident in my composing skills.

But the songs she writes are filled with things I would never have thought of, and things I can't ignore professionally. That's why I want to compete with her.

I think there's plenty for me to learn here as a composer, whether I win or lose.

Okay… I see. So this time you're gonna give your all as a composer.

I won't be participating this time, but I do want to go up on stage again someday. When that time comes, hopefully it's with you, Rina.

Yup, I'm looking forward to it. Rina-chan Board says, “All smiles.”

[Fade in/out.]

Excuse me, Lanzhu, I wanted to run something by you…

Just a minute. I want to get through this song.

[Fade in/out.]

Phew… Okay. What was it you wanted me to check?

Shizuku? Hello?

Oh! S-Sorry! It's this!

*Giggle* There's no need to hide it. You were captivated by me just now, weren't you? I mean, who could blame you?

If you ever want to come back to my side, you'll be welcomed with open arms!

Thank you, that's very thoughtful. But I'm—

Oh, you just can't be honest with yourself.

I want to work with the School Idol Club. But I think your way of expressing yourself is incredible. It just draws me in.

Then don't you think it'd be better if you came back to me? You can watch my performances from the best seat in the house.

I appreciate the offer, but I…

What?

I can't do things the way you do. I want to learn from your techniques, but I still want to find my own path at my own pace.

And Prez has always shown me the way. That's why—

I highly doubt she has that kind of ability!

Listen to me! I know how talented you are. We're best friends, aren't we?

You still think we're best friends?

I have a very big heart, you know! I fully believe that I know how to make you happy more than she ever could, Shizuku!

*Giggle* Sometimes you sound like a child.

But then you go on stage and make such an impact…

I really can't wait until this event.

I want to battle it out with you. You're one of my mentors, Lanzhu, and I want to show you just how far I've come, with everything I've got.

Oh, Shizuku…

Ugh! That's exactly what I love about you, Shizuku! I'm gonna make you want to come back to me through this next live show!