Look at how late it's gotten.

I had a lot of fun because it's been a long time since we've talked so much.

Time just flies by when we're talking about school idols.

We've shifted our focus and are now all ready to get into the school auditions, so starting tomorrow…

Yoo-hoo?

…………

Hellooo? Are you listening to me?

Huh? Oh, sorry. What were you saying?

I was talking about how we need to do our best for the school auditions.

R-Right. Yeah, they're coming up real soon.

It was amazing how excited everyone was…

*Giggle* I wonder if I'll be able to keep up with the practice schedule that Ai and the others have been following.

Knowing you, I'm sure you'll be fine.

You think so? It really did sound tough, though.

I had no idea that was the kind of thing they were doing in the Association.

They even managed to perform a bunch of live shows on top of that. I think they were working harder than I'd expected.

But we're going to do our very best to get through that practice schedule of theirs as well, so keep an eye on us, okay?

Okay!

You know what? Something is kinda off with you. Is something making you worry?

Oh, sorry. I wouldn't say that it's making me worry, but I've got a little something on my mind.

I hope that really is the case. No bottling up those concerns of yours like you did before, okay?! What do you think I'm here for?!

*Chuckle* You sure have grown into someone that I can really depend on!

Onto a more important topic—do you guys have some kind of secret plan for the school auditions?

Of course we do!

Okay, so the thing is…

[Fade in/out.]

Ooooh! Things are getting real busy, real fast!

I need to put together a schedule for everyone's live show preparations and make sure that we go ahead with them.

I could tell how excited Ayumu was through her enthusiasm. I'd better roll up my sleeves and get ready too!

Listen. If you love school idols so much, why don't you take to the stage?

Something about what she said doesn't sit right with me. I've never actually thought about it before.

Now that it's been suggested to me, maybe she's right. Is it really strange that I'm not a school idol even though I love them so much?

Hmm…

Maybe that just means I don't love school idols as much as everyone else does.

Maybe that's why I don't have the urge to become one myself.

Why do I feel more and more unsettled? I gotta do something about this or Ayumu will get all worried about me again.

[Fade in/out.]

Guys, look at all of these posts online.

Whoooa! The word's getting out super fast!

I was asked about the school auditions by my classmates as well.

Same here!

Mine told me that they'd have trouble picking one group.

They'd have trouble deciding? Poor little students. But they don't have to fret. All they have to do is pick my unit.

That's not what she's getting at. Having trouble deciding is a fun problem to have!

Is it? Then you should've said so to begin with.

These days, I get a lot of people asking me what it's like, now that the Association has been absorbed by the Club.

I get questions about whether we'll be performing live shows as frequently as the Association did, since they had a pretty intense schedule.

Isn't that all up to us? We can perform live shows whenever we feel like it.

Then let's perform one! We can share our love with everyone!

*Giggle* I'd love everyone to see us now that we're all powered up.

Hey, are you okay?

Oh, I'm sorry! My head was up in the clouds again!

Everyone looks like they're having so much fun. I was completely captivated by all of you.

Heh, you wanna see more of me? Go on, I don't mind.

You haven't been watching my practice much lately, so I'm gonna make sure that you're fully focused on me today!

M-Me too! Please!

*Chuckle* I'm looking forward to being there for everyone's practice sessions as well. Let's give it all we've got in preparation for the school auditions!