I wonder what Kasumi's secret is.

*Giggle* She calls it a secret, but she seemed like she was itching to spill the beans.

I'll have to ask her about it at our next sleepover.

Still…

A secret weapon, huh?

I think I'm a little envious of her since I've just got the one strength—acting.

But! I used to think that acting was all I ever had. The only thing I had going for me was my desire to act.

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, hey! Why'd you join the School Idol Club, Shizuko?

Shizuko?

Since you're Shizuku, your nickname will be Shizuko! Cute, huh?

I don't know… Is it? I mean, they're both the same length, so it doesn't really make a difference if you call me by my proper name…

I said it's cute, so that's what it is! And I've made it my thing to give nicknames to all of my friends. Glad you're my pal, Shizuko!

*Giggle* And I'm glad you're mine, Kasumi.

Also, the reason I joined the Club is that I wanted to learn the secret behind school idols' allure and how they captivate people.

I think my acting skills would blossom even further if I could get to the bottom of that.

Acting? Like in TV shows?

Yes. In TV shows, movies, and theater. All of that. I want to be an actress in the future. I became a school idol so I can achieve that dream.

Kasumi! Shizuku! Setsuna said she'll try going through a whole song with us right now!

She'll start without you if you don't hurry up and head on over!

[Fade in/out.]

*Huff* *Puff* How was that?

It was really wonderful, Setsuna!

I have such admiration for your dancing every time I see it!

We need to make sure we can master this dance too.

I performed it on my own just now to see how it'd go, but I've already come up with formations for when we all do it together.

We've got some new promising members in Kasumi and Shizuku, so these formations will make sure everyone is in the spotlight!

Whoooa. I hope I can get the moves down…

I've gotta give it my all as well…

Did you hear that, Shizuko? We're their promising new members!

Setsuna's performance was a bit too impressive, but we should try our best as well!

Huh? Earth to Shizuko!

Oh, sorry! What is it?

What's got you spacing out like that?

Watching Setsuna's performance has got me stunned for some reason…

*Chuckle* Just relaaax, Shizuku. Setsuna is pretty amazing, but she's also our super trusty ally.

R-Right…

Yes, it is heartening to have someone so amazing within my circle!

Her performance just now captivated me in an instant. Was it because when she started to sing, she moved her arms in a way that drew my gaze?

No… Maybe it was before that when she looked back toward me… Hmm…

Agh! I can't figure it out!

Setsuna, could you do that dance just now one more time? I'd like to take a video so I can study it!

[Fade in/out.]

That's right. All I have is the desire to act.

Setsuna's performance was breathtaking. So much so that I'd never reach such heights as someone wanting to be a school idol just to improve my acting skills.

I felt as though I wouldn't ever be on even terms with her unless I threw everything I had into it.

Yet, it was still my desire to act as a school idol who can surpass Setsuna that won out.

I want to act as a school idol who will surpass Setsuna!

I knew it. That's all I have going for me.

I'm fine with having just a single strength.

[Fade in/out.]

Morn—huh? You're early, Shizuku.

Good morning, Prez. I just happened to wake up early for some reason…

Insomnia? That's no good! Why don't you lie down for a bit until the others get here?

I'll be okay. More importantly, could you lend me an ear for a bit?

Of course. What's the matter?

Remember when you asked us about how we became infatuated with school idols? Well, I had a flashback yesterday.

I had only just joined the School Idol Club. We were still performing as a group and Setsuna showed us her solo performance.

That was the moment I found the desire to, one day, act as a school idol who can surpass Setsuna.

The fact that it's an act might mean that it's fake.

But my goal is what's beyond the act. To become the role I'm playing and live their life.

To act as the best school idol around means to live as one.

Prez. My roots and the source of my powers really is my desire to act.

That's what defines me, Shizuku Osaka, the school idol.

I know I may not be worthy of it as I am, but will you support me?

You know I will, Shizuku! Let me support you and your quest to act as the best school idol around!