This…is where you wanted me to tag along with you to?

Yup, that's right.

Gahhh, I'm no good. It wasn't supposed to feel like I had to drag you here with me.

We were supposed to be in good spirits after Haruka's live show, then decide to take a stroll here because we were feeling great.

And then I'd create a relaxed mood by having a little snoozy nap…

*Groan* That's how I wanted everything to go, in a natural way!

Wait, I don't see the point of this. What's here, exactly?

Emma said she'd sing here today. I was gonna bring you over here in your relaxed state so you two could patch things over…

It was a foolish plan of mine… I see that now.

What?! Emma's here?!

Yeah.

Look, I'm sorry you went to all this trouble, but I can't see her right now. I don't know how I could even look her in the eye.

No, I want you to see her. Well, actually, I want you to watch her as she sings.

You're super smart and perceptive, right? Aside from your studies, that is.

That's why it all flooded over you when you experienced Haruka's live show. You had an epiphany, didn't you?

Uh, yeah…

Then I want you to watch Emma sing as well. Emma said that she can't explain herself properly in words, but now that you get it I'm sure you'll understand by watching her.

Please!

But I…

[Fade in/out.]

Karin, over here! I found Emma!

What a huge crowd. There's no way we'll be able to see her up close.

I know, right? Little kids instantly flock to Emma. Let's just watch her from here.

If you didn't already know, I'm Emma. Thank you, my friends, for listening to me sing. I'll be singing some more songs so I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Now then, my next song will be “Koinobori.” This song is usually sung in May while the carp banners are flying, but it feels so great to sing under the blue skies that I'm gonna sing it today!

Sing along with me, everyone!

Everyone's so enthusiastic about singing along.

Yeah…

Thank you! All of you sang nice and loud. I was surprised at how good you all were!

I'd love to hear you guys sing some more. Could you sing along with me?

Okay, my next song is—

A live show unique to Emma, huh…

Her gentle singing voice isn't about showiness or intensity. It envelops everyone around her in feelings of warmth.

Emma's kindness slips right into my heart.

It's as if she's reassuring me that there's nothing for me to be anxious about and that I'll be okay.

So this is the type of school idol Emma aims to be. It's not about winning or losing. She wants to be someone who can soothe others.

It's like she's shining her warmth upon me…

K-Karin? What's the matter?!

What do you mean?

Y-You're crying! You need a handkerchief…

Huh? Oh goodness, I'm sorry. It's not like I want to cry or anything. These tears are just flowing out on their own…

Karin!

Eek! E-Emma! Ack! This is quite the passionate hug… E-Everyone's looking at us…

I'm so sorry I said such horrible things to you the other day! I really shouldn't have been so critical!

I should be the one who's sorry for getting so upset. You came to check on me out of concern yet I drove you away…

I was so focused on myself that I wasn't even slightly aware of what was around me. I'm such a jerk for lashing out at you like I did, too…

No, not at all.

I know how competitive and how hard of a worker you are. You must've been really anxious because things weren't going as planned.

But you don't have to be anxious. It's okay to come to a standstill. I want to hear you being vulnerable just as much. I want you to talk to me.

Let's promise not to keep secrets from each other. It's okay to have differing opinions. Let's argue as well. We'll be fine because we'll always patch things over!

Emma… I'm so sorry. I… I…

Aww… *Sniff*

I'm sorry to you too, Kanata. I've made you worry so much about me.

This means you guys are friends again, right? And you're back to being as close as ever?

Thank goodness… *Sob*

I'm sorry too. I've caused so much concern.

Let's become friends who can talk to each other more and more about anything!