I'm going home now. See you tomorrow, guys!

Yeah, see you tomorrow, Emma.

Oh, um, wai—

…

*Sigh*

Aaargh, I can't take it anymore!

Wh-What is it, Kasumi?!

What do you mean, “what”?! This is so hard to watch!

Um… What are you talking about?

You don't fool me. I've been watching you this entire time.

You've been wanting to talk to Emma ever since we started preparing for this joint event, but you keep missing your moment, right?

How…did you know?

Don't underestimate me. Why can't you just talk to her and get it over with?!

I just can't…you know?

No, I don't know! Don't be so weak-minded, Karin. It's pathetic!

Also, it reminds me of when I couldn't talk to Shizuko, and that makes me sad!

You don't have to tell me that… I know it all already.

Then why! Don't! You! Just! TALK to her?!

If only I could, then it wouldn't be bothering me so much.

Hey Kasumi… Are you free now? I want to go somewhere and talk to someone about this.

Yeah, I'm free.

Really? Thanks! I'll treat you to a parfait.

You can't buy my affection, but I'll accept that treat.

Okay, let's go.

[Fade in/out.]

Ahhh, this sherbet is the perfect combination of juicy bits of fruit and creamy flavor! It's sooo yummy!

I'm glad you're enjoying it, but listen to me too, please.

I know, I know. Tell me anything!

Emma seems really mad.

She does. She's, like, furious.

Oh, but I'm mad too! You and Ai are traitors, Karin!

But I get the feeling that Emma's anger isn't quite the same as my anger.

I'm sure it has to do with my joining the Association. I just wish we could all get along, the way we used to, regardless of which group we're in…

Emma keeps saying that you don't have the same charming appeal that you used to have before you switched to the Association.

She keeps saying that? Like, a lot?

Yeah. She's said it so much that I'm getting sick of hearing it.

That's upsetting to hear. I thought I was improving, but…

Well, you switched over to the Association, which is professional-grade, so I can tell that your singing and dancing has improved. But I don't think that's what Emma means.

That's not it, huh… I feel like we've had a huge misunderstanding for a very long time.

In any case, you have to perform really well so that Emma thinks you're amazing again!

If you do that, then Emma will be sure to accept what you're doing over in the Association.

You're right. I'll show her who I am now through this next live show, and win her approval.

Sure. But make no mistake, I'm gonna beat you after that.

Oh really? I don't think I'd lose to a girl who gobbles down a parfait right before a live show event.

[Fade in/out.]

Start over. This level of quality is downright embarrassing for my stage.

The team we hired to build the last stage knows what they're doing, so go ask them. Also, maybe we could ask my Paris team what to do about the lighting.

Let's put that prop in the wings. It makes the most sense, considering how often we'll be using it.

A schedule delay? That's fine. It won't be a problem to take care of these two things at the same time, later. Let's remain calm and not rush.

Ooh, this is awesome! It looks really good!

But why don't we get a bit more adventurous with it? Like here, for example, we could—

These three really know how to get things done.

Yes. I can't believe how everything has progressed so smoothly for them…

I'm only guessing, but Shioriko must have an innate ability to instruct people. I could never pull this off.

I disagree. Your instructions are very precise and easy to follow.

*Chuckle* Thanks, Setsuna. I just really like working together with everyone.

I love that bit too. This is very fun.

Yeah. I'm glad to see that Lanzhu's group seems to be enjoying themselves, too. Lanzhu's a little odd, but she's a good person.

She is. I think she's very straightforward and knows exactly what she wants without hesitation.

Although, I think she's a bit too aggressive towards you…

I hope we can become friends someday. I think Lanzhu's performances are really special.

*Giggle* I'm sure you'll become friends. You both love school idols more than anything, after all.