*THE NEXT DAY*
*SHOPPING MALL - SHIBUYA - TOKYO*
This whole career path survey is getting into my head...
If I want to become a producer, then it means leaving everyone and moving to New York...
If not...then the promise I made to change the idol industry or die trying will be for nothing...
Not just that, but I'm supposed to step in and help Rina with her ambitious game project when I'm practically the worst gamer in Japan.
Plus, I know how much Yu wanted to be part of it, but somehow Rina is adamant on me joining the team.
AKI: "......"
AYUMU: "Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
AKI: "Ah! Wh-What?!"
AYUMU: "Geez, you totally drifted off there!"
AKI: "Sorry about that, uh, where were we?
Oh!
You want to know which outfit would suit you, right? Well, since it's you, Ayu, I'm sure both would look great on you."
AYUMU: "Bzzt! Wrong! I wanted to know which bag is better!"
Oh... Shit.
AKI: "Sorry."
AYUMU: *Giggle* "Don't sweat it. I invited you here to try and take your mind off things, but you're still stuck on Rina, huh?"
AKI: "Yeah..."
AYUMU: "Why did you ask her to give you some time to think about it? Usually you're so eager to help us..."
AKI: "I mean, she wants help with making a game, right? A GAME. You know...what I've always sucked at?
So, I'm not sure how much help I'd be, whether it be during the making process or managing the project.
You're the one who plays games, not me. I really don't know that much about them, and I've never really had the time to play them...
When it comes to school idol stuff, then I'm your man.
But something outside of that is beyond my specialty.
Ugh... That makes me sound like I have no life outside of this...
Rina really wants to do this, both for her fans and as a way to achieve her own dreams.
I am always willing to help you.
But I know when my contribution will only backfire.
Something that means this much to Rina, I am not prepared to sabotage with my involvement."
AYUMU: "I'm sure Rina understood all that when she asked you to help."
AKI: "My help is no good with something like this, I don't want to hold everyone back."
AYUMU: "Geez, Aki, that doesn't sound like you at all!"
AKI: "Then what do I usually sound like?"
AYUMU: "You've always done your best to help others ever since you were little.
You stood up to those bullies for someone you didn't even know, even knowing it would get you hurt...
So, why are you so worried this time?"
AKI: "I didn't have a choice back then, I wasn't going to stand by and watch them hurt you..."
AYUMU: "You're so amazing when you give your all to help someone. I've watched you do it up close for so long now, so you know that I mean it.
There are things that only you can do, Aki. I'm sure that's why Rina asked you to take part.
...I mean, that's how I've always felt about you too, you know.
Consider this a request from me as well.
Please help us make Rina's dream come true."
AKI: "Oh Ayu... You know, it's true that I've always helped others.
But I thought it was just common sense. And the fact that others don't do the same shows that common sense isn't very common...
But since that day in Akihabara, and when I joined the School Idol Club...I've thought that I wanted to be someone who could help other people achieve their dreams someday.
But just now, I almost gave up on helping someone I care deeply about, because I wasn't sure if I could do anything to help.
But like always...you're the anchor that holds me in place and the light that guides my way.
Thank you, Ayu.
I'll do whatever I can to help Rina!"
AYUMU: *Giggle* "There's the smile I expect from you.
All right. Come with me and let's stock up on the supplies we'll need for Rina and the rest of the team!"
AKI: "What about your bag? I like this one personally, but..."
AYUMU: "We can worry about the bag later! Stocking up is more important right now.
I also want to support you and Rina however I can! I'll make lots of yummy sweets for you all."
AKI: *Chuckle* "Sounds good."
...
*SCHOOL IDOL CLUBROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AKI: "Good morning. Is Rina here?"
RINA: "I'm here. Morning."
AKI: "I've decided to accept your request. I'd like to join you in the High School Game Creator Contest!"
RINA: "Really? Hooray!"
AKI: "I'm not sure what I can do, but I really want to help and support you."
RINA: "There are tons of things that only you can do. I'm really glad to have you on the team. Rina-chan Board says, 'Bow'."
AKI: "Well, I wouldn't say ONLY I can. Yu is pretty good with this stuff too."
YU: "Maybe, but you're the one Rina asked for. Have some confidence, cousin!"
AKI: "Aww, thanks. In that case, first, we have to decide on the team members.
Everyone said they wanted to take part, so we'll have to talk it over!"
...
*ONE DISCUSSION LATER*
Given my lack of gaming skill, it wasn't difficult to realize that we'll need our best gamers to overcome that limitation.
One with creativity and a sense of art direction.
The other with skill and the ability to get things done quickly whilst paying attention to detail.
SETSUNA: "I'm honored to join the team! I promise I won't let you down!"
MIA: "You did well putting me on the roster, Babyboy.
I'm always playing games with Rina, so I was a must-have. You can count on me, Rina!"
RINA: "Thanks, Mia. Let's all do our best. Time for a hug!"
*HUG*
MIA: "Whoa!"
SETSUNA: "Ah, let me in too! Come on, you too!"
*SQUEEZE*
AKI: "ACK!"
MIA: "Stop squeezing us so hard, Setsuna!"
SETSUNA: "This is proof of the strength of our friendship! Lemme squeeze ya!"
MIA: "Geez, why does everyone want to squeeze me lately?!"
RINA: "Let's all work hard as a team, okay?"