(Whew, that hot spring felt great. Big, open baths are the best.)

Huh? Oh, hi Riko!

Good evening. Just getting out of the bath?

Yeah. What are you doing here? It's so late.

My mother made a lot of stewed dishes, so I brought some over to share.

There's also something about the festival I wanted to check with Chika.

Actually, I was curious about something, too. I was going to go ask her about it.

Really? Let's go together then.

Okay.

[Fade in/out.]

Chika, are you awake?

Good evening. May we come in?

[Fade in/out.]

Eeek?! Whoa, whoa, whoa!

What are you two doing?!

She's awake.

Sorry to come by out of the blue. I needed to talk to you about something.

About what?

What were you so focused on reading, Chika?

U-Umm…

Chika, just wondering, but are you worried about the song?

Huh?

I was thinking the same thing. You were acting strange when we talked about it this afternoon.

I know the lead-up to a show can be nerve-racking, so it's normal to worry until the last moment about the songs and dances.

If you're worried about that, I want to help you. I did say I'd do whatever I could to help!

I feel the same way. Besides, if it's about the song, it affects everyone in Aqours. Don't bottle it up inside.

Thanks guys.

But then again, I'm not part of your group so I don't have much right to make comments on your songs.

That's not true! I'm happy that you want to help. And you guys are right. There's something about the song that bothers me. Will you hear me out?

Of course.

Let's hear it.

Thanks.

It's about the lyrics to the new song for the festival.

Is this your notebook for lyrics? So that's what you were reading. Can I read them too?

Of course!

You've been worried about the lyrics the whole time. I thought you shaped it out after asking everyone in Aqours for advice.

Come to think of it, you said the song-writing wasn't going smoothly when I first met you.

I wrote the lyrics imagining the excitement and liveliness of a festival.

I wanted the people who come to see the show to leave feeling like they'd never had more fun.

I can feel that in these lyrics, but they aren't finished yet, are they?

No. I always feel accomplished when I finish lyrics.

But I didn't feel that this time. It's not like they're completely wrong for the song.

Is it like…something's missing?

Yeah, exactly!

I know how that feels. It's like when you get dressed and feel something is wrong, then realize a button is missing.

That's a strange example.

Well, something's missing, right? Maybe make it a little more festive.

A festival is lively, just like you said, Chika.

Plus, there's the shouts of the people carrying the mikoshi shrine, the lights from the carts at night…

What about you? What does a festival make you think of?

Good question. Hmm… It's not exactly what you're asking, but this is the first time I've helped out at a town festival.

I was surprised to see how many people are involved in getting a festival ready.

There are the people who plan it, promote it, provide the equipment, build the sets, decorate the town…

Everyone gets the town ready to make all the people happy. The festival I know is the product of that one wish everyone has in their hearts.

Yeah, you're right. Lots of people support the festival. You can't have a festival without the people who make it, or the people who come to enjoy it.

Festivals are made by everyone. Festivals come to be from the love in everyone's hearts!

Ah! Wait, hand me my notebook!

Oh, h-here you go!

[Fade in/out.]

Looks like a light bulb has been lit.

She's writing with such fury.

(Chika's eyes are shining. Everything will be fine.)