*Sigh*

That's number 12!

Huh? Of what?

The number of times you've sighed ever since you came to the clubroom.

Have I really been sighing that much?

Yeah. You've been gazing off into the distance and sighing.

R-Really? Sorry.

You don't have to apologize for that. I'm just worried about you, that's all. I want you to talk to me if there's anything on your mind.

Um, remember when Ai said she wanted me to talk to Karin because she's been acting weird lately?

Yeah, I remember.

So I went to Karin's room to do just that, but then I hurt her feelings.

Right…

I said that her performances ever since she went to the Association don't excite me like they used to…

Oh dear…

Wait, so the reason for Karin's absences lately…

I'm sure it's because I said such a horrible thing to her.

Hmm… I see.

I can't lie to Karin, so I told her exactly how I felt.

But I shouldn't have said that to her when she's feeling depressed. I could've worded it differently.

Why did I do that?

You're someone who gets almost blindingly intense when it comes to school idols.

But that's because you love school idols. I know that, and Karin does too, deep down.

You think so?

I know so.

Do you mind if I ask you something? Why is it that you're brooding so much over this?

Hmm… It's probably because school idols are really special to me, I think.

Because of that, I have strong ideals and there are things I just can't compromise on. That's where I clashed with Karin…

I see. I may get an earful for saying this, but I think you did the right thing by telling her.

I heard from Kasumi that Karin's been anxious about not speaking to you for so long. I think this is better than the awkward status quo you had.

If you hadn't gotten it out there, you could have never cleared the air.

Whenever I have a fight with Haruka and things get awkward, I don't want things to stay that way. I want to push through it whether it be from the front, back, or side.

That's why I don't want you to blame only yourself.

Kanata…

And everyone's the same when it comes to their ideals and things they won't compromise on, including me.

When I'm doing my thing as a school idol is the only time I get selfish.

Because I love school idols and I love myself when I'm performing as a school idol.

What is it that you can't compromise on? What is your specific ideal?

Ideally, I want to be very present and available with everyone who watches me.

School idols are right by your side. They're always with you. You can have fun together, and it's like they're always there for you.

A school idol just like that saved me. She made me feel like I wasn't alone. I felt reassured. That's the kind of school idol I want to become.

Your ideal school idol is really amazing! We're only able to be school idols because we have people who want to watch us.

I want to share my songs and bring joy to as many people as I can.

Being a school idol isn't something you do alone. I want to create performances with the people who watch and support me.

Yeah. But Lanzhu doesn't seem like that to me…

What does Lanzhu look at from up on stage? What is she thinking? I can't tell.

That's why… How do I say this? No matter how incredible her singing and dancing might be, they don't resonate with me.

I get anxious wondering whether she can see me cheering her on. I don't know if she's having a fun time along with me.

Is that how Karin seems to you right now?

I think Karin's putting in a ton of effort right now, but I feel like she's zipping along in her progress all on her own.

I'm afraid that she's losing sight of the people who love her and want to go on that journey with her and see the same things together.

I want her to realize that, but I don't know how to express it to her…

Emma, you must really love Karin.

I do! I love everyone!

And me?

I love you!

Ehehehe! And I love you too! That's why I'm gonna work super hard for two of the people I love. Leave it to me!

So chin up, Emma!