Phew… That was a good cry.

It's been a while since I cried so much. I can't believe I did it in front of so many people.

I feel so bad about the scene we created in front of everyone who came to listen to Emma sing.

But everyone applauded for us.

How embarrassing!

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, I'm sorry I didn't manage to make things go very smoothly today.

I really was going for a more peaceful reconciliation with smiles all around.

But I suppose things don't go as planned, huh?

That was probably because I was feeling depressed after watching Haruka's live show.

No, it was my fault to begin with.

I'm the one to blame from the very start.

No. It was because I was avoiding you.

And you slept in because I couldn't wake you up in the mornings, and I couldn't clean your room for you.

Y-You don't have to bring that part up right now!

For now, please just listen to what I have to say.

I was so focused on my own performance that I was oblivious to everything around me. It's a little late now, but I realize this.

You were aware of this, weren't you, Emma? You knew of my self-conceit.

I think so… I used to really love your performances.

When you were up on stage, you'd tell us that you wanted us to only have eyes for you and to not look away.

It was that selfish side of you that tugged at my heartstrings. It compelled me to go along with you.

Th-That's how I appear to people?

Why are you looking at me? I feel the same way as Emma, you know?

I figured you were completely consumed by improving on your skills lately.

I'd be looking at you, but you'd be gazing way off in the distance…

I think it's because what you're aiming for is so high and so far away.

I see…

Hey, Emma? What were you thinking about as you sang in your live show just now?

Me? I had my audience in my thoughts as I sang.

I looked at everyone's faces and wondered if they were enjoying themselves or if my songs were livening them up.

If there are any kids who look lonely or sad, I sing with the hope that I can neutralize their negative feelings. I want them to know that I'm there for them.

I could feel that you cared for me when I listened to you sing. So that's really what you were thinking as you sang, huh.

I'm sure the same goes for Kasumi.

You two might be aiming for different goals, but you try to share those feelings with the people who support you. They support you because your songs reflect your emotions.

And then those cheers you receive are transformed into your own powers when you're on stage.

My ideal school idol is one who can create live shows together with everyone. I'd be so happy if we could all enjoy ourselves and laugh together.

That's why I don't mean to offend you, but I just can't accept how the School Idol Association does things.

Give the best performance and push your charms onto everyone by force. That's the School Idol Association—no, that's Lanzhu's way.

Hey, Karin? What kind of school idol are you aiming to be?

Me? Who cares about me. It's not like I've got any really significant reason.

Are you sure? Someone without a significant reason wouldn't cry like you did.

Don't say that like I was the only person crying!

I want to learn more about you, Karin. Please open up to me.

I'm…not like you, Emma. I don't want to be a school idol in order to do anything or say something in particular.

Remember what you two mentioned earlier? I want people's gazes. I want them to look at me. I won't allow for people to look away.

That's exactly it. Nothing more.

I just want to be the best. I want to get the most attention. I want everyone's gazes all to myself. I want it all for me. Now that I've started, I want to be number one.

I want people to say that I'm more incredible than μ's or Aqours, and that they love me more than Kasumi or anybody else.

Then you need to get that message across to your audience through your songs and performances.

Yeah. You need to directly tell them to look at you and love you more than anyone else.

There's no way I could do something so embarrassing, and I might bring disappointment instead if I do.

But that selfish side of you is so cute.

If you want to be the best, you need to put in the effort for it. There's nothing more powerful than honest feelings. I'm sure you felt that watching Emma's live show earlier.

You're right.

I get it now. I'll give it a shot!