So you're done with both the song and the dance now?

Yes, we are. There's some difficult choreography in there, both in terms of our individual parts and as a group, but it all came together.

That being said, we can't let our guard down until the event is finished. We must continue to find ways to improve so we can give a high-level live show to our audience.

Which reminds me, your club at Nijigasaki will have a live show at about the same time as us. How are preparations coming along? Is everything going well?

It's going okay, I guess?

What is with that vague answer? Is there some sort of trouble happening? If you're all right talking to me, I can try to help you figure out a solution.

I-I didn't mean that. It's not like our prep work got accidentally behind schedule because we dilly-dallied after school or slept in on the weekends or anything like that.

What? What does “accidentally” mean? You must speak clearly for me to be able to give you an answer.

I-It's nothing I—oh, huh? There's something on the floor. Wait, I know what this is!

Hmph. Who would dump paper here even though we went through all that trouble to get this room cleaned up?

It's a photo. And isn't this you in it, Dia?

What?! What is that photo doing here?! I had it tucked away inside my notebook! Did it fall out when I knocked over my bag while getting the club log?

What's this photo from? You're wearing a dress… Oh, I know! This is from the fashion show!

H-How do you know about that?! I was so embarrassed that I hadn't told a soul.

Dia, you're so beautiful. The dress, makeup, and hairstyle all look so good on you. You look so gorgeous and elegant. Like someone from another world.

In old legends, there's stories about people from different social classes falling in love. I wonder if this is how all those characters felt? Ahaha.

You are really over-exaggerating.

The dress in that photo was borrowed, and the makeup, hairstyle, and even the title of model were only mine for that moment. It was like an illusion.

Who you see before you right now is the real me. I'm a high school student just like you. Are our social classes and the worlds we live in really that different?

Dia…

So please don't look so sad.

Okay. You're right. It doesn't matter how gorgeous the clothes you wear are, or how dazzling the stage you stand on is. You're always you, Dia.

And you're so adorable when your face is all taut with nerves since you're not used to the runway.

What…did you just say?

Look at your smile in this photo. It's the littlest bit forced! You were nervous, weren't you? *Chuckle*

Ugh! Ai, Honoka, and Mari are about the only people who would not be nervous when suddenly being asked to model!

I'm pretty sure Karin wouldn't get that nervous either. Dia, haven't you modeled kimono before? Doesn't that make you somewhat experienced at modeling?

That was completely different! Goodness, until just a moment ago you were about to cry because you thought I looked like someone from another world.

Well, I learned there's no need for me to cry. You're right here with me, after all.

You'll keep working hard with me as a fellow high school student and as someone who's also involved with school idols.

Yes, of course. We will keep walking our paths together, in the same world.

Which is why you can rely on me if there is ever anything troubling you. That should be more worthwhile than dilly-dallying after school or oversleeping on the weekends, hmm?

Uhh, y-yes ma'am!