*LOWER DECK - WEDDING CRUISE - TOKYO BAY*
We both decided to keep the news to ourselves because we didn't want to ruin the good time everyone was having.
I say we, but rather it was Mia's decision.
CHIKA: "Ahhh! That was suuuch an amazing performance from the bride's friend!"
MAKI: "Yeah. And seeing it with the view of the sea was incredible. I really liked that piece. I'll have to ask what it was later."
AYUMU: "It's almost time for Mia to perform, right?"
AKI: "Yeah."
YOU: "Whoa, I didn't realize how much time had passed! I was so focused on the music that I completely lost track."
RIN: "I can't wait for Mia's turn! Ooogh, I want to hear her sing already, nyaaaa!"
CHIKA: "Do your best! We're all here to cheer you on!"
MIA: "R-Right..."
CHIKA: "Feeling nervous?"
MIA: "N-Not at all! Anyway, I'm up soon, so I'm gonna go."
AKI: "You've got this, Mia."
MIA: "Yeah... Wh-What? How weird... My hands are trembling."
MAKI: "Mia..."
AKI: "..."
CHIKA: "Ah! Mia, look at that!"
MIA: "Hm?"
Chika grabbed Mia's hand excitedly and pointed to a colossal building in the distance. I recognized it right away.
It was a place I knew all too well...
CHIKA: "Over there! It's Nijigasaki!"
MIA: "Oh, yeah..."
YOU: "Wow! Nice timing!"
AYUMU: "Even though we go there all the time, it looks so different from aboard a ship. Makes me happy somehow."
AKI: "Yeah, even from a distance it looks extravagant."
CHIKA: "Looking at Nijigasaki like this makes me feel so glad I became a school idol!"
AKI: "Huh?"
CHIKA: "It's thanks to being a school idol that I learned how fun it is to perform together, plus I got to meet all of you!
I do get really nervous when I think about what I want to communicate through my performances, though.
But if I'd never become a school idol, I would never have learned what that feels like, either."
MIA: "Chika..."
That's the leader of Aqours for you.
I said it straight to her face.
It's not about working super hard or taking the lead and forcing everyone with her. It's something more intrinsic than that.
Chika has the power to naturally motivate people.
Her level of leadership is something I can only aspire to reach someday.
Compared to her, I'm pretty useless at that.
MAKI: "I never even imagined I would sing in front of other people before I became a school idol, either. I thought music would always stay a hobby.
But now that I'm a school idol, I'm able to make people happy with my signing, and they even say they feel supported by me!
So now I feel like I have to sing! It's the only thing I, Maki Nishikino, can do as a school idol."
MIA: "Maki..."
Maki... The composer of the legendary undefeated μ's...
As an aspiring composer and leader, it's disheartening to see so many people who have reached heights I can only dream of.
Maki's level of maturity and confidence is something I can only aspire to, and it's clear that she's on a completely different level than me.
I know that as the leader of Nijigasaki and the composer of their music, I have my own skills and talents, but when I compare myself to people like Maki and Chika, I can't help but feel small and insignificant.
It's a humbling reminder that there's still so much I have to learn and grow into, and it can be a bit demoralizing at times. But at the same time, it's also a motivator for me to keep pushing forward and striving to be the best composer and leader I can possibly be.
But...
The leader of Aqours.
The composer of μ's.
...The Producer of Liella!
All three of them are on a higher level than me.
CHIKA: "I love your singing, Mia! When I listen to you, I feel so happy it's like I'm floating! I'm sure the bride feels the same way.
If you put your feelings toward her into your performance, she'll be delighted too!
Take it from me, who's also the youngest sister in her household!"
MAKI: "That's right, Mia. Your sister is another one of your fans that needs your singing."
MIA: "Thanks, you two. My head feels clearer now. I've remembered what I should be keeping in mind when I sing.
Watch this, everyone! I'm gonna go all-out for this performance!"
It's true...
I can't lead like Chika.
I can't compose like Maki.
However, there is one thing that I excel at above all else...
AKI: "Do your best, Mia! I'll cheer you on with everything I've got!"
MIA: *Chuckle* "Thanks, that's reassuring, Babyboy."