Ugh, this cafeteria food is a disappointment as always. Hamburger steaks and sausages aren't proper meats.

I won't go so far as to say we should have steak, but I wish they'd at least procure some spare ribs.

So you say, but you've eaten every last bit of your noodles.

I have another performance this afternoon, so I had to eat something.

What about the takoyaki you bought at the student food stand before coming here?

That was because I wanted some takoyaki for old times' sake.

What does that mean? Do you have a special memory of eating takoyaki in Japan, Lanzhu?

A special memory… Like it's some mirage from the past? No, this is completely different. This was a fated, life-changing moment for me!

Oh, you're talking about the School Idol Festival.

Yes! It reminds me of how positively uplifted I felt! It was such a good day, I just—

Stop. I've heard this story so many times I've almost memorized it.

I finally get it now.

[Fade in/out.]

Mia! Come with me to Japan! We're gonna be school idols together!

What the hell are you talking about?

School what now?

School idols, silly! School idols!

It's an opportunity to show off our individuality! Any student can maximize their own unique charm and personality to become explosively popular!

We get to believe in the best we can be, and acknowledge that our rivals are the best they can be too…

It's our chance to show the world everything we're made of using all of our strongest weapons—looks, physique, vocals, skills, and experience!

This is exactly what I've been wanting for myself!

[Fade in/out.]

The School Idol Festival…

I thought it was odd that you wanted to follow through on Ai's plan, when normally you disapprove of work that even professionals say is perfect.

Oh? I always expect the best, most perfect work—work that is worthy of my attention.

I know that. That used to be the only side of you I knew, Lanzhu.

But this version of you isn't bad either.

I dream of being in the School Idol Festival myself too.

You've already started on your path as a school idol, so you should have participated in today's event. It's really fun to have an all-out competition.

I may not be participating, but I'm still in an all-out competition.

What do you mean?

I'm competing as a composer. As the songwriter of the School Idol Association, I refuse to lose to that little baby in the Club.

Are you being serious? There's no competition there. You're the clear winner. That girl doesn't stand a chance against you.

That's some faith in my abilities you've got there.

But yeah… In my field from before, there'd be no competition. But it's different with school idols. I think she really has something special, that one.

And the truth is that round one ended in a 2-2 tie.

But that outcome is only based on how the performers did, isn't it?

I don't get why you're concerned about something so trivial. You're the best songwriter, Mia.

I just sense something different from her.

If you say so…

But that girl has nothing. I don't get how you can think she's worth your time at all.

She has nothing? That's how you see her?

Yes, nothing. That girl's music doesn't sound like the work of a true songwriter. The charm you feel from her songs is because of the performer's talents, not hers.

Maybe. I think we won't understand her style unless we actually work with her. It's not like I have her all figured out or anything.

I don't need to work with her to know. That girl isn't a big deal.

As a songwriter, you completely tower over her. I'm saying it, so it's the truth!

I'll win this competition so I can prove it to you.

*Chuckle* I didn't think I'd ever see you getting motivated for the sake of someone besides yourself.

Okay then, let's make a few adjustments for this afternoon to bring out as much of the song's appeal as we can.

Wait. There's something I wanted to ask you too, Mia.

I'm aiming for heights that nobody else can reach. You're very lucky to be assisting me.

[Fade in/out.]

It's almost time for the afternoon session.

The morning performances were so amazing that I wonder what's in store for this afternoon. My heart's already almost beating out of my chest.

I can't stop going from being excited to nervous and back again.

Kasumi said she ate too much at lunch. I wonder if she's gonna be okay.

What?! Does she need medicine for her stomach? I'll go check on her.

Good luck with being the MCs again this afternoon, you three!

Thanks!