*IDOL RESEARCH CLUBROOM - OTONOKIZAKA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
I don't know what kind of changes Hanayo is planning to make, but I hope she doesn't do anything drastic.
Shortly afterwards, the Idol Research Clubroom had yet another surprise visitor.
The leader of Aqours herself, Chika Takami. Apparently her and Honoka have become closer than ever lately.
HONOKA: "Chika, are you free this Saturday? Let's finalize our plans for that thing!"
CHIKA: "Yeah! Let's do it!"
Looking up from my phone, they peaked my curiosity.
AKI: "What are you two up to?"
HONOKA: "We came up with an idea recently to make a video introducing school idol choreography! I've been planning it with Chika."
CHIKA: "We might reach some people who like dancing, but don't know anything about school idols! It'd be cool to expand our network and promote the School Idol Festival in that way, don't you think?"
MAKI: "Huh... I've never thought of that approach before."
AKI: "......"
MAKI: "Can you keep your eyes off your phone for five seconds?"
AKI: "Oh, sorry Mikan- I mean, Maki!"
MAKI: "What?!"
CHIKA: *Giggle* "That's the Mikan Matcher game I told you about, it's fun isn't it?"
AKI: "Yeah, but it's kind of addicting. I feel like I can get lost in this game for hours."
CHIKA: "I know, right?!"
AKI: "Anyway, I hope your video goes well. If there's anything you need help with, just give me a call."
HONOKA: "Yeah! Thanks!"
MAKI: "Me too..."
CHIKA: "Hm? What's up, Maki?"
MAKI: "N-Nothing!"
Hmm... It doesn't seem like 'nothing'.
...
*SCHOOL GATES - OTONOKIZAKA HIGH SCHOOL - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
A long day, but it had to come to an end at some point.
The sun is already starting to set, so I should be heading back to Odaiba.
Still, I can't help but feel impressed by Honoka and Chika's efforts to promote the School Idol Festival.
Seems like all the other leaders are making great efforts these days, so I can't fall behind...
AKI: "Honoka and Chika are putting their efforts into so many activities. We need to pull our weight too, Maki."
MAKI: "...Yes, I agree."
AKI: "What's wrong? Is there something bothering you?"
MAKI: "Not in particular. I was thinking how amazing it is that Honoka and Chika can start something new like that. I felt a bit envious of them, that's all.
I'd also like to do something to expand my horizons, just like them."
AKI: "That sounds great. Why don't you give it a go, then?"
MAKI: "You're right. I think I could at least lend them a hand."
AKI: "No, that's not what I meant. Leave them to do their thing. Instead, why don't you make a new extracurricular project of your own, the same way Honoka and Chika did?"
MAKI: "Me? Make a project?!"
AKI: "Yeah!"
MAKI: "N-No, I couldn't! I've never done something like that before. It wouldn't go well at all."
AKI: "Really? Damn it! It's such a shame to give up before you've even started."
MAKI: "Following in Honoka's footsteps with projects is difficult. After all, this whole school idol project started with her..."
AKI: "You don't have to follow her this time, you can walk your own path!"
MAKI: "There you go again, talking about walking my own path like it's something so simple... Why couldn't you just listen to me back then?!"
...
*LAST SUMMER*
AKI: "I'll try to think about some other suggestions. I'll do my best so that the show is one that you have no qualms about!"
MAKI: "I didn't ask for that, though."
AKI: "Huh?"
MAKI: "I said, I haven't asked you to help out with the solo or anything yet."
AKI: "...What?! Oh, I guess I haven't been much of help to you. Compared to how much you've helped me..."
MAKI: "D-Don't look so sad! I've seen how hard you've worked up to now...and you have been of help to me."
AKI: "Maki, I want to help! You might not like the idea, but even so, I still want to help you!"
MAKI: "You're so meddlesome! And it's not like I don't want you to!"
AKI: "Maki, please let me help you!"
MAKI: "S-Stop it! Don't bow to me like that!
I don't handle acts like that very well. I don't feel like my normal self when you're around.
Yeah, I had the same thought the other week, too. I only just found out after speaking to Kotori that you also help out the others with things like costumes and song lyrics.
I misunderstood the situation and started feeling like this towards you all on my own!"
AKI: "Um... What are you even talking about? I don't know what you mean..."
MAKI: *Sigh* "I really don't get you!"
AKI: "Huh? Me?!"
I don't understand this either!
MAKI: "Yes, you! Not following the career your parents want from you, always helping everyone, going out of your way to cheer for school idols when you don't want to be one yourself! Making me worry during our composing contest! Doubting your own ability to write songs! Making me think all of these weird things! YOU I don't understand!"
AKI: "...What's with you all of a sudden?!"
MAKI: *Sigh* "What even with you?! I don't understand it!"
AKI: "Maki!"
She's gone, *sigh* I don't understand what happened either!
...
AKI: "Then I'll help you! Why don't we try starting something together?"
MAKI: "Ack... * Sigh* I do feel more assured with you by my side, but...
I appreciate the thought, but I can't do it like those two can.
Anyway... I'm leaving, it's getting late and Papa will wonder where I am..."
AKI: "Maki..."
She walked away...
AKI: *Sigh*
I wonder if there's anything I can do for her...
Not just Maki, but the whole of μ's.
If Yu has the training sessions taken care of at Nijigasaki then...
I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to help μ's for the time being...
...
*THAT NIGHT*
*DRESSING ROOM - GOLDEN CALF HEADQUARTERS - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
*P.O.V SWITCH - KATSUO TOGO*
KATSUO: "..."
You're weak.
You're pitiful.
You are running out of time...
You need to make your dreams come true...
You need to, no matter what the cost...
You heard what Kami-P said...
Time is running out.
You need this.
With these scissors... You shed your weakness.
Just like Kanon did.
*SNIP*
*SNIP*
You need to do it...
*SNIP*
You don't fear anyone...
*SNIP*
Not Akihiko Suzuki...
*SNIP*
Not Aqua Hoshino...
*SNIP*
Not Seichi Kamijou...
*SNIP*
YOU ARE KING...
*SNIP*
UNDEFEATED...
*SNIP*
UNTOUCHABLE
*SNIP*
YOU NEED THIS!
*SNIP*
YOU NEED THE MAIN STAGE!
*SNIP*
Do it...FOR HER!
*SNIP*
*SNIP*
*SNIP*
DO IT IN HER MEMORY!