Ai did well. Naturally, of course, since she's on my side.

Ai won the competition, but I wouldn't necessarily say that Rina's performance was inferior.

Are you being a sore loser?

No, I'm just giving credit where it's due.

What did Rina's performance look like in your eyes, Lanzhu?

I like Rina's performances too, don't get me wrong. But I think it's such a waste of her talent.

If she'd only join the Association, I could get her closer to perfection.

I'm offering this out of the goodness of my heart. I want to help her bring out her maximum performance quality.

Why does she insist on staying with the Club? It makes no sense to me.

I can see that you like us, Lanzhu, but…

But?

The School Idol Club is a special place to us where we can express ourselves exactly as we are.

Is that why you went back to the Club? You could express yourself just as you are in my Association too, you know.

You'll only achieve your best performance if you stick with me.

So come back to me, Shizuku.

[Fade in/out.]

The second match of round one is about to start!

First up is Shizuku Osaka of the School Idol Club!

Have fun being in Shizuku's world!

[Fade in/out.]

You're an exceptional school idol, Lanzhu. You always surprise me with your impressive range of self-expression.

I learned so much while I was in the School Idol Association. Thanks to you, I think I broadened my own range of self-expression in the short time I was with you guys.

But that's also why I really wanted to compete against you as a member of the School Idol Club.

You think you can win against me? I'm intrigued, Shizuku. I accept your challenge.

And once I win, I'm going to make you beg to come back to me!

Please watch me as I express myself. See you later.

[Fade in/out.]

Whoa, Shizuku!

I didn't know Shizuku could be expressive in so many ways. I'm a bit surprised.

I can't look away.

I can feel what Shizuku is feeling down to my bones. I think she's using what she learned during her time with the Association.

The world that she creates is expanding even further. It feels like the entire venue is completely hers now!

It really does feel that way.

All right, Lanzhu's up next. Make sure you pay attention, little baby.

Next up in the second match of round one…

It's Lanzhu Zhong of the School Idol Association! Take it away!

All right, you guys! Let yourselves get swept up in my performance!

[Fade in/out.]

Great job out there, Shizuku. That was your best performance yet!

Thank you. But I lost.

Yeah, but it was still definitely your best performance yet.

You were so expressive that you really grabbed the audience's hearts. The whole venue became your world.

But I still lost. That's how incredible Lanzhu is.

Shizukuuu! That was AMAZING! I couldn't look away from you for a second!

You were breathtaking, Shizuku. I couldn't look away either.

I had no idea you were capable of that kind of performance. Not bad.

You guys! Thank you so much.

But it hurts to lose, doesn't it? This is just my observation, but I think you and Lanzhu create your stage performances in completely opposite ways.

It kind of feels like…Shizuku creates her stage together with the people who are watching her, but Lanzhu transforms any stage into something that's all for herself.

That's right. What a keen eye for a little baby. True to her personality, Lanzhu insists on everything being her way even when she's on stage.

Transforming the stage, huh? I think I know what you mean. It felt like the mood of the entire venue changed to be how Lanzhu wanted.

But as Prez pointed out, my performance today was my best one yet.

I feel like I've gotten some hints for polishing up my self-expressiveness even more going forward. If I keep at it, then maybe one day…

Just don't forget that while you're working on that, I'll be working just as hard to enhance my own performance too.

Lanzhu!

I'll admit, your performance today was well done. I enjoyed watching you express yourself. I knew I wasn't wrong about you.

You should come back to the Association after all. It's the best way! Let's drive each other to improve, Shizuku!

All right, Lanzhu, that's enough. We need to get ready for round two!

You can come back to me at ANY time! Do you hear me?!

There they go.

She's kind of endearing, isn't she?

You think that's endearing? You're an odd one, Shizuku.

*Giggle* I still think she is, though.

Oh, by the way! I already thought of something I want to start doing in practice. Let's talk about it later.

Okay!