Hello, everyone. I'm Haruka Konoe. Thanks for letting me observe you today!

Haruka said that she wanted to watch you guys practice.

Haruka! Haruka! Make sure you watch your big sister, okay?

[Fade in/out.]

All right! Now, let's take a short break.

*Phew* So how did you think our practice looked? Has anything changed since we tried out working in units?

Yeah, I want to hear what you think too! How was it?

Do you like us even more now? I'm sure you do, but I still have to ask!

Of course I do! I like you all even more now!

That's great. I'm so glad that we formed a unit. It's been really helpful. Rina-chan Board says, “All smiles!”

You're right. We've discovered so many new things since forming our unit.

It really is an equation of friendship plus effort equals victory!

Kanataaa!

Whoa! What is it, Haruka? Do you want your big sister to give you a hug?

Oh no, that's not it! I just got so fired up watching everyone performing!

Ah, so you didn't need a hug then…

Um, hello…

Shioriko! What's the matter?

Are you off from Association practice today?

No, that's not it.

So did you just want to come and see my cute face, then?

Well, that is partially true.

What, only partially?!

Did something happen at the Association?

No, not really…

Oh well. Since you're here, let's get in some practice!

Thank you.

What? Are you sure it's okay to invite her?

She might be here to spy on us, you know. Maybe she's come to steal my ultra-cute performance!

It's not like I could steal your cute performance just by watching you, Kasumi. You're the only one who can pull it off.

Shioko gets it! You can't steal it, but feel free to come and watch me being super cute doing my thing!

Thank you.

Shioriko… You seem to be getting the hang of dealing with Kasumi! That's how you do it!

Watching how you interact with her has been really eye-opening, Shizuku.

Did you guys say something?

I didn't hear anything. Rina-chan Board says, “Flustered.”

Oh, that's right. I've got someone that I'd like to introduce you to, Shioriko. This is Haruka Konoe. She's Kanata's little sister, and a school idol at Shinonome Academy.

Nice to meet you. My name is Shioriko Mifune.

I know! I absolutely loved your encore performance at the School Idol Festival!

Oh, you saw that? I'm honored.

And now you're a part of the School Idol Association, right? Everyone's talking about it at my school.

Lanzhu Zhong, the perfect school idol who appeared out of nowhere, and her School Idol Association!

Everyone's super motivated now. I thought I should study up too, so I'm here to watch Kanata's club today.

Kanata and the others are very good examples to learn from.

*Giggle* Yay, a compliment from Shioriko. Hey Haruka, you don't have to just watch. Let's be school idols together! I'll really be able to give it my all then.

No, I can't. I've decided to give it my best shot with the girls from my club.

Plus, I want to get serious and win against you, Kanata.

Oh my, you're in your rebellious phase. But I'm really happy that you're getting stronger, Haruka.

…The two of you seem so close.

Looking at them makes you realize how amazing a sisterly bond is, huh?

I suppose.

Shioriko, you look like you're feeling down. What's the matter?

Why did you have to notice that…

It's just… Ever since my big sister came back, I've been feeling kind of restless…and uncomfortable.

Do you and your sister not get along?

That's not quite it. We're just not really on the same wavelength.

I see… But all big sisters love their little sisters, you know. Why not try keeping that in mind?

I…do think that she likes me, but I also get the feeling that I'm being used as a plaything…

Oh, hmm… Emma, what do you think?

I'm probably also guilty of fussing over and doting on my younger siblings until it got to be too much…

I think my big sister can be a little like that as well.

What?! Haruka?!