*Sigh*

Hmm? Who could that be?

[Taking out phone.]

You worked hard at the event the other day. I'm sending over the video I was asked to.

It's from Mia…

[Putting phone away.]

*Chuckle* Plain and simple. Not even a single word of comfort.

But I think I prefer it that way. I'd feel even more miserable if anyone were to comfort me.

[Fade in/out.]

The winner of the third performance of round one is Kasumi Nakasu of the School Idol Club!

Thanks for your support, everyone! My cuteness has gone up another level thanks to all of your cheers!

I'm so happy you all enjoyed my live show!

…………

This isn't working. I don't get it no matter how many times I watch it.

I put all of my energy into winning and I pulled off my best performance. I was happy with what I did. I managed to show off everything I've worked on in the Association.

But… But why? Why couldn't I win against Kasumi?

[Fade in/out.]

What did you put the most effort into today?

Well, obviously, I put the same amount of effort into both my dancing and singing so that everyone would remark on how cute I am!

What's the secret to giving your best performance?

*Giggle* That's a secret between me and every single member of this audience!

I do agree that Kasumi's performance was brilliant. It was overflowing with her charms and it was a show that only she could put on…

She's amazing and she works hard. One glance at her performance and I can tell that.

But I'm no different.

I knew the girls in the Club wouldn't agree with my decision, but I still switched to the Association in order to polish up my skills.

And it's not like I didn't agonize over the decision…

I just wanted to do anything at all to improve myself.

[Fade in/out.]

When I saw μ's and Aqours perform at the School Idol Festival, I could hardly enjoy myself because I was so upset by how good they are.

It made me want to aim for greater heights myself.

That's why I took my dancing and performance skills back to the basics, practiced hard, and refined myself!

But… Why? Why did I lose again?

I need to enhance everything even further—my sultry and powerful performing skills, my singing, my dancing. All of it. I need to get better.

I want to win. I don't want to lose out to anyone. Not against μ's, Aqours, or Kasumi. I want to stand at the very top.

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, how about we do our next live show in the auditorium? It's been a while since we last performed there.

Uzuki and Satsuki are offering to help us whenever we might need them.

Wow, that school monitor duo is totally ga-ga over me. I really wish they'd told me that sooner.

If we're going to use the auditorium, why don't we try making it a whole glamorous show?

The auditorium means we can get creative with lighting, so producing it like a play would look great as well.

Well, ACTUALLY! Since I pulled off such a prod…prodigi… Uh, I did such a great job the other day at the joint event, I think it should be my own solo live show!

You wanted to say “prodigious feat,” didn't you? You were so close. We should get together to study again sometime, Kasumi.

NOOOOOOOOO!

Can we use some special devices if we're performing in the auditorium? The kind that will shock everyone watching us.

I'd love to soothe anyone who ends up startled by that.

I'm pretty good myself when it comes to soothing others. Nothing's more soothing than everyone taking an afternoon nap together.

If we don't have to do everything in secret anymore, I want to get up and sing my heart out in front of everyone.

I want to throw a party up on the stage of the live show! I've got a hundred rapid-fire puns all lined up and ready to go. Whaddaya say?

Don't just waltz on in and “whaddaya say” me! Why's someone from the Association sneaking in and casually joining our conversation?

Don't be such a grouch! Especially since AI love you so much, Kasukasu! Geddit? AI!

It's Kasumin, not Kasukasu!

Ooh, I'm getting excited for the next live show now that we're having such fun discussing it!

Right! Speaking of excitement, the joint event that Ai produced really kept me on my toes with excitement the whole time!

Especially competing against you, Ai! The flames in my heart are still ablaze even now! Thank you so much!

What?! No, no, no! I should be the one thanking you!

Well, there's a lot that the Association just can't ignore now considering how much of a response the event got.

Speaking of the Association, what did everyone over there think of it?

It seems like it really lit a fire under them. It's wild how enthusiastic Lanzhu's been after the event. She's got even more energy than before.

But I'm a little worried about Karin.

Karin?

She's looked so tense lately, even when we're training.

I figured, of all people, Karin would be all right… But it might be different this time. That's why I don't really know how to approach her.

Hey, Emma-chi? Could you speak to Karin for me? You guys live in the same dorm, and Karin might open up to you.

Okay… Got it.

Thanks.

…………