*THE NEXT DAY*
*SCHOOL IDOL CLUBROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
So, after a lot of hard thinking and twin turmoil, we're finally getting Shioriko's new fan club started.
I, for one, am very excited, but I don't think I'm the only one.
SHIZUKU: "I'm really looking forward to seeing your fan club up and running."
RINA: "Let me know if there's anything I can help with."
SHIORIKO: "I really appreciate it, you two."
AKI: "Where should we begin? Based on what we've been doing so far, we could start off with-"
KASUMI: "Good morning..."
AKI: "Eh? What's wrong, Kasumi? You seem a bit down."
KASUMI: "Aww, Senpai! There's a girl in my class who's been having a ton of trouble. I've been hearing all about it, but I don't know what I should do.
She wants to be a manga artist when she's older, but it led to a fight with her parents.
They asked her how it'd work out, but she says she wants to do it no matter what.
She said she'd even run away if they tried to stop her!"
SHIZUKU: "Run away?! We can't have that!"
RINA: "That does sound concerning."
AKI: "Hmm..."
SHIORIKO: "Pardon me, but I believe we already know the student you are referring to."
KASUMI: "What?!"
SHIORIKO: "We have already resolved one of her issues in the past, but it looks like her parents continue to pressure her."
AKI: "It's Mako Omine, right, Kasumi?"
KASUMI: "Yes, that's right."
She's an old middle school friend of Maki's, but the two haven't seen each other in a whole year.
SHIORIKO: "We do offer anonymous support programs. I could bring you some information if you'd like. I'd be willing to refer Omine to a guidance counselor if she would like?"
KASUMI: "Ooh, I didn't know that was a thing. Can you get that information for me, Shioko? I'll tell her to meet up with you."
AKI: "You sure know a lot about this, Shioriko."
SHIORIKO: "I just happened to know about it because someone else came to me with a similar situation, that's all."
RINA: "Still, you're amazing. You're always so helpful."
SHIZUKU: "Now I'm even more excited for Shioriko's fan club!"
...
*TEN MINUTES LATER*
SHIORIKO: "..."
AKI: "Shioriko?"
SHIORIKO: "...I'm no longer going to continue setting up my fan club."
AKI: "What?! But, why?"
SHIORIKO: "I just had an epiphany. I'm happiest when I can give someone the push they need, but that's not limited only to my fans.
It's everyone around me...each student in this school. So, I'd like to carry on as I am and speak with a wide range of people."
AKI: "I see... So that's what you want to do, right?"
SHIORIKO: "It is."
AKI: "Then that is fine by me. But don't put too much on yourself, okay?
There's not enough time in the day for Club activities, the Student Council, and dishing out advice."
SHIORIKO: "You'll know if that happens. I trust that you'll lend me a shoulder to lean on if I need it."
AKI: "Of course, I will always be here for you, Shioriko.
I'm on your side, no matter what."
SHIORIKO: "That puts me at ease."
So... No fan club.
I mean, I guess it's not the end all be all of everything. Setsuna doesn't have a fan club either.
Oh... Yeah, I've got to help Setsuna find her ideal self to go to that award ceremony.
But there's no time for that right now. Today is the day of the Miss Venus contest at Venus Fort.
It's Karin's big day!