4 wins, 4 losses each and a tie. So what do we do now?

This is usually when we go into overtime.

Hmm. Isn't it enough, already?

Wasn't this supposed to be about showing them the Secret Idol Handbook, not proving we're better than them?

That means a tie should be more than enough. Everyone from Nijigasaki was amazing, and doing all of these contests was fun!

That's right. We've competed against other schools, but never like this before.

Plus, we were the ones that proposed the competition in the first place. I actually feel bad for dragging them through all of this.

Honoka, Eli, Umi…

Here. Take it.

Huh? I-Is this…

The Secret Idol Handbook you wanted to read. I have a lot I want to say, but a tie is way better than I thought you'd do, so I think you're pretty amazing.

This is proof of my approval. Burn the contents of this into your brains and use the information to be better idols.

…

What? Hurry up and take it.

Sorry… I can't.

Excuse me?

Can you let us finish this to get a real verdict? Honoka may be right in that it's not about who's better, but…

But something just doesn't feel right about letting this end at a tie! I'm sorry if this is selfish.

I agree! I call a rematch with Nico!

Yeah, a draw hardly provides an acceptable conclusion.

It feels so much better to have a clear winner and loser!

I feel the same. I find this hard to swallow as is.

If we do another fashion show, I'll draw better!

I'd rather not obsess over winning and losing, but I think determining a clear winner and loser will help us move on to the next step.

I don't care much either way.

Last week and today were like parties. It was all so fun! If it's going to bring us closer together, I'm all for continuing this.

M-Me too. If it helps everyone, I agree.

You guys…

Hmm… Right. Okay.

I understand what you guys are saying, but to be honest I'm not that concerned with who wins and loses.

I already said I'd show you the Secret Idol Handbook. Personally, though, I've got a thing or two to say about that ninth contest.

Hey, how about this?

Nozomi?

There's a music event at the end of the month we're thinking about entering. Are you guys at Nijigasaki entering too?

At the end of this month? No, we haven't registered or anything.

I see. Then you should.

What?!

So we're going to determine the final winner at this event?

Nope. We're both going to write new songs for the event and compare them. The better song wins and the members get to enter the event.

Wha?! Wh-What are you saying?!

Sounds interesting.

Honoka?!

It's a song battle! It's the clash of the conviction of school idols! How cool is that?

Actually, that makes it wonderfully dramatic.

What do you think? If it's a contest of song writing, that means you'll be participating.

Yeah, I'll do it!

Oh! Things are heating up!

So it'll be a contest of a school idol's core essence!

I felt like we were testing important facets of school idols the whole time.

No need to worry about the details!

It's a shame we can't get a rematch of the ninth contest, but if we win this, we'll snatch the chance to enter this event from μ's.

That's a blunt way to put it. This kind of competition sure fires me up though.

Yes, my heart is pounding in anticipation.

I can't wait for this event.

*Giggle* So Nijigasaki agrees. What do you think, Maki?

Why would you ask after getting everyone so excited? I don't mind. I'm curious to see what kind of song you can write, too.

Maki…

So that's it. The final day for entries is exactly two weeks from today. Let's make the song-off the day before that.

I'm looking forward to it!

Then overtime it is. The tenth contest between μ's and Nijigasaki, a song-off!