*LATER*
*TRAIN - ODAIBA TO NUMAZU*
AKI: "So, what's this new practice pitch? I hope it involves less jumping in traffic this time."
KASUMI: *Sigh* "My head's jam-packed with traffic rules. I'm even having dreams about them!"
AKI: "That's Shioriko for ya. *Laugh* But you should know how dangerous it is to practice on the road."
KASUMI: "I know."
AKI: "You wouldn't catch top school idols like Honoka doing that now, would you?"
KASUMI: "I knooow!"
AKI: "You can stick to your Super Big Side-Step Stamina Test in the practice room. I'll join you any time."
KASUMI: "Okay, I'll take you up on that! But today, we're off to Numazu!"
AKI: "Why did you want to meet Aqours so suddenly?"
KASUMI: "'Cause I saw a magazine article all about them being Numazu idols."
AKI: "...Yeah? You're only just figuring this out now? Water is wet, the sky is blue, and-"
KASUMI: "You get the point, they're hometown idols! I wanna be a local idol and get featured in a magazine too! So we gotta go do some recon!"
*Sigh* What is it with school idols and wanting to spy on Aqours?
And why do they always have to drag me into this?!
First lily white and now, Kasumi...
AKI: "Hopefully you can learn a lot from them."
KASUMI: "I'm gonna uncover the secrets of Aqours' popularity!"
AKI: "Good luck with that, it took me an entire summer before I gripped a picture of it."
KASUMI: "Just watch me!"
...
*SHOPPING DISTRICT - NUMAZU - SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE*
RUBY: "Hmm, I don't think we really have any secrets. We're all just doing what comes naturally."
KASUMI: "Hey, wait! I wanna check out that fabric shop!"
RUBY: "Oh, this is where we buy stuff for our costumes. They have a bunch of lace ribbons that I bet you'll love."
KASUMI: "Ooh, where?! Senpai, can we go take a look?"
AKI: "Sure, I've been in that store before. Brings back memories of preparing for the Summer Festival, right, Ruby?"
RUBY: "It does. The brooches we made were so cute!
...Hm?"
KASUMI: "C'mon, Senpai, let's go already!"
AKI: "We're not in any hurry."
KASUMI: "I'm not getting any younger, which means I'm not getting any cuter!"
AKI: "Young doesn't always equal cute, Kasumi."
KASUMI: "What are you saying?! D-Do you prefer older women or something?!"
AKI: "What kind of question is that?!"
KASUMI: "Then what is your type?"
AKI: "I don't have one. But hard work and kindness is always something I admire."
KASUMI: "Interesting... Are you coming with us, Rubyko-?
Huh?"
AKI: "Oh, one of the locals is talking to her."
RUBY: "S-Sorry about that! I hope I didn't hold you guys up for long.'
KASUMI: "We were just having a great discussion about what type Senpai prefers!"
RUBY: "Ooh, types of fabric?"
AKI: "Y-Yeah. Anyway, who was that? Someone you know, perhaps?"
RUBY: "No, but they're a tourist looking for directions on notable Aqours spots. They were asking when our next live show is.
Oh, Kasumi. You'll find the ribbons at the very end-
Wait, just give me a sec."
AKI: "Another fan, huh?"
KASUMI: "Sure looks like it."
It's a grown man, too. Though, Ruby doesn't have any trouble with talking to him.
She really has matured from the shy crybaby I met last summer.
KASUMI: "Grrr, Aqours are practically celebs around here..."
AKI: "It's their home. Their turf."
KASUMI: "If I also wanna make it big as a local idol, I need to keep studying how Rubyko does it!"
AKI: "Good luck with that."
KASUMI: "Thanks! With your support, I'll do my very, very best!"