Hmm…

What's wrong, Haruka? Something on your mind?

I'm not sure what to write on this.

Oh, the career path survey? They gave that out at Shinonome Academy too, huh?

Nijigasaki too?

Yeah. Since you're still a first-year, I think you can probably just write down things you'd like to do and your interests.

Thinking about what you'll actually end up doing can wait a bit longer. There's no need to think too hard about it right now.

I see… Thanks.

No problem. You're welcome.

Hey, what did you write, anyway?

Me? Well… Honestly, I'm still having some trouble.

I've thought of a few things, but it's hard to know exactly what to write. Ahaha…

Kanata…

Hm?

Your life is yours and yours alone, you know.

Make your dreams come true in your own way, okay?

If you give up on your dreams or anything like that, I won't talk to you anymore, you know.

Huh?! Y-You can't do that!

I'd like to see you do the things you want to do, even beyond being a school idol.

[Fade in/out.]

Okay, I'll check the equipment and set up the lighting. Then, I'll talk things over with the Art Club and Broadcasting Club.

Leave the scenery, props, and costumes to me. The Theater Club said they want to help out again this time.

Really?! That's great! The Nijigasaki Theater Club's scenery is amazing, after all! I'll have to make sure our performance lives up to it!

Morning!

Yoooooo!

Good morning, Kanata.

Did you get some good news or something? You're all smiles!

*Giggle* …I've seen just how deep the bond between me and Haruka really is.

I see you two are still as close as ever. I'm jealous.

Hey, you're still my beloved big sister when it comes to my Nijigasaki family, Shizuku! Gimme a hug!

Wah! K-Kanata, you're squeezing too tight!

*Laugh* You sure are full of energy, Kana.

Oh, right. I discussed assigning duties for our next scheduled live show, but I want to hear your opinions too, Kana.

I think Rinari and the others have to prepare for the contest, so I want to divide up the work between the rest of us.

Sounds good to me. Would it be okay to give Karin and Emma lighter duties too?

Are they busy as well?

You know the career path survey, right? It looks like it's inspired them to take on new challenges.

In that case, I would be happy to help them!

Yeah!

What about you though, Kana? Isn't there anything you want to do for the career path survey?

Hmmm…

It's not that there isn't anything, but… I'm still having trouble making up my mind.

If it's the live show you're worried about, you don't have to worry.

Ahaha. Thanks, but that's not it.

What is it you want to do, Kana?

The National No. 1 High School Patissier Contest?

I know it's not part of the life design course curriculum, but I was thinking about entering this.

Wow! Your sweets are the yummiest in the whole wide world, so I'm sure you'll win, Kana! I'll be cheering for you!

*Giggle* You flatter me, but thanks.

I have a friend who I want to enter this contest with as a team. The sweets she makes are amazing!

If you think so highly of her sweets, I'd like to try them as well.

I'd love for everyone to try them!

I mean, these sweets are so amazing that when I eat them, I feel like I'm floating on a cloud. They make me determined to keep doing my very best!

But she's totally stopped making sweets lately…

I'm sure there must be a reason, so I'm not sure if it's a good idea to ask her to team up with me…

If she's in the life design course, she must love cooking, right?

I think so, yeah.

If she can't do the thing she loves, I hope she's okay.

Yeah… I don't know what has happened, but if she can no longer make sweets, that sounds like a tough situation for her.

Maybe asking her to team with you could get her making sweets again?

I do feel like making sweets is as important to her as cooking and being a school idol are to me.

Otherwise, she never could have made such amazing sweets.

So, call me selfish, but I really don't want her to give up on it.

Just start by asking her. It's no big deal if she says no, right? Take a chance and hope it pays off!

…Yeah, you're right. You're right! I'll ask her!

[Fade in/out.]

Tsumugi! Um, would you like to enter the National No. 1 High School Patissier Contest with me?

Huh? Together?