One, two, three, four. And!

[Fade in/out.]

Pose! That's it!

Whew. That was perfect, wasn't it?

W-We did the part I was most worried about perfectly.

We did it, zura!

Everyone, here's a towel and a drink!

Thanks. Ahh, that's so refreshing.

The dance was awesome! Not only was it perfect, but it was intense! My heart clenched just watching!

Thanks. That gives me a lot of confidence.

We're still only in the practice phase though.

I know. But if it's this perfect in practice, it almost scares me to think of how amazing it'll be on stage.

This is nothing compared what it'll be like on stage. Once it's complete, our dance will create a magic wave from the earth and envelope all mankind in–

Yeah, yeah. Wipe the sweat off your brow, zura.

The dance is perfect, so now we can head into our performance the day after tomorrow with confidence!

Right. The song is wonderful, too.

*Chuckle*

So, what now? Should we give it one more go?

That is a good idea. We won't be able to practice much once the festival starts tomorrow.

So that means today is the last day we can practice.

Then let's practice as best we can for the show.

We'll start from the top in 15 minutes then.

[Fade in/out.]

I can hear the taiko drums again today.

The drummers are practicing seriously for the festival, too. They're playing both days.

The sound of drums reverberates in my tummy, and it feels so good. I want to hear it up close.

This is the last time we'll walk home to this music, too. It's kind of sad.

You can still hear it when you get home, can't you?

You don't get it, Yoshiko, zura. Feeling the changing of time and seasons is the way of the Japanese heart, zura.

It really makes me mad how you say that with such a smug face.

I think I get that. I'm looking forward to the Summer Festival, but the prep work was a lot of fun, so it's kind of sad it's ending.

They say the most fun happens before something begins.

It's like I only heard about the Summer Festival yesterday. Time sure flies, huh?

Well everyone, tomorrow is the big day. Sleep early tonight and foster your courage!

Okay!

[Fade in/out.]

(Hmm. Food starts selling at 10, and we're supposed to take turns making rounds in the festival.)

(Ugh, I'm supposed to be sleeping, but I can't stop thinking about tomorrow!)

Huh? Y-Yes? Come in.

(Who could that be at this hour?)

Evening!

Hey Chika! What's up?

*Nervous laugh* I couldn't sleep because I'm so excited about tomorrow. Sorry, did I wake you up?

No, I can't sleep at all. I'm worried I might be up all night.

Hahaha! Okay, why don't we talk?

Sure, no problem.

All right! Let me come in then.

I don't have to let you. It's your family's place, right?

It's my family's, but not mine.

I guess you're right. It is a room for guests.

I'm really looking forward to the live show.

Me too! Not just the show, but the whole festival will be so fun and wonderful!

Yeah, I get that feeling too.

Thanks for talking with me about the song. I was able to finish it thanks to you.

What? I barely did anything though. I was only able to say that about the festival because you all let me help out.

I guess so. But if you weren't around, I wouldn't have been able to finish it.

It may have been completed in a different way if you weren't here, but I think the song written because you were here is the best.

So, thank you.

(Just like Chika said, when people meet, something new is created. I'm sure that applies to school idols, too.)

(Chika said she finished the song because I was there. The final piece to the Summer Festival was born from Aqours and I meeting.)

(Aqours was prepping for the festival. She was just in the middle of writing the song when I came “here.”)

(I think… No, I'm certain it means something. Maybe it means that I've entered the circle that connects the world of school idols.)

I should be the one thanking you. I'm glad to have been involved with one of Aqours' songs. We'll make the big day a success. I'll support you till the very end!

Thanks! Let's make the festival and show a success!