*MEANWHILE BACK AT NIJIGASAKI*
*SCHOOL IDOL CLUBROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club...
Why have I never heard of them?
They weren't at the School Idol Showcase, and worse they're not on the School Idol Festival roster of participants...
I wonder why?
RINA: "Um, Aki-senpai."
AKI: "Hey Rina! I thought you would have gone home by now. We did work hard after all."
RINA: "Actually, there is something else that I want to do."
AKI: "Hm? Sure, just let me know."
RINA: "I want to hold a second Fan Club tournament. This time, with the game we made."
AKI: "Sounds easy enough. I'm sure you can take care of that, right? You're much better at this tech stuff than I am."
RINA: "That's not all."
AKI: "Oh?"
RINA: "I want you to be there. But before that, I want to pay you back."
AKI: "What for? I did this all for you, but I don't expect anything in return."
RINA: "No. My last virtual live show, you were a big help to me and I never did what I promised."
...
AKI: "So long as you're feeling okay, I couldn't be happier."
RINA: "My motivation is through the roof. Rina-chan Board says, 'Serious!'
I want to pay you back somehow."
AKI: "C'mon, there's no need for that. I do this because I love to. All I ask for in return is that you girls do your best, that's all."
RINA: "I insist. So... Could I host a private fan event for you at my place sometime?"
AKI: "Eh? For real?"
RINA: "Yes. A private fan event just for you."
AKI: "If- If you insist...then sure, I'd love to."
RINA: "Rina-chan Board says, 'Yay'."
...
AKI: "A private live show at your place? That sounds awesome."
RINA: "Before that, I'd...like to celebrate with you."
AKI: "Eh?"
RINA: "I've always wanted to see the botanic gardens, here, in Odaiba."
AKI: "I see, but wouldn't you have a better time with Ai or one of the other first years'?"
RINA: "No. It has to be you."
...
*MEANWHILE*
*LIFE DESIGN CLASSROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
KANATA: *Sigh* "I wonder what I should do about the National No. 1 High School Pâtissier Contest...
The deadline for sign-ups is right around the corner...
Maybe I'll do it alone? I mean, the contest rules say that we're allowed to do that.
I want to push myself in taking on new challenges, just like Rina, Karin, and Emma...
Hmm...
All right! I'll just have to take it on all by myself!"
TSUMUGI: "...Kanata?"
KANATA: "GAAAH! Oh, hello, Tsumugi. What's up?"
TSUMUGI: "..."
KANATA: "Oh, are you locking up the room? Sorry, I'll leave now."
TSUMUGI: "Actually, I..."
KANATA: "Hm?"
....
*LATER*
*STREETS - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
RINA: "I had fun in the botanical garden. Rina-chan Board says, 'All smiles'."
AKI: "Me too. I hadn't been in a while, so it was really interesting."
RINA: "The tropical zone was so hot."
AKI: "Ahaha. It really zapped your energy, huh?"
RINA: "And I didn't realize it myself at all.
I just thought it was hot.
But you noticed I was looking worn out.
How..."
AKI: "Hm?"
RINA: "How do you know me better than me?"
AKI: "Maybe it's because I always want to get to know you better?"
RINA: "Oh... Then I'm happy. Rina-chan Board says, 'Hearts'.
You understand me really well."
AKI: "Even so, I do think you're a fairly easy read, though."
RINA: "That's thanks to Ai. Because she made the Rina-chan Board with me. Now everyone can understand how I feel.
...But you're a little different.
When I got worn out earlier, I lowered the board."
AKI: "Really?"
RINA: "But you still noticed. How?"
AKI: "Hmmm, I'm not really sure. I just kinda got this feeling, I guess."
RINA: "Then how about now?
Do you know what I'm thinking?"
AKI: *Laugh* "You're in a good mood."
RINA: "Huh?"
AKI: "The conversation took a serious turn, so I thought you might have a matching expression, but you actually seem happy."
RINA: "What? Oh, uh, really
Because I had fun today."
AKI: "Yeah!"
RINA: "And... Because I'm so happy that you understand me."
AKI: "R-Rina..."
She's...
SHE'S SO CUTE!
RINA: "Um, but we should go back to my place. There I want to give you that private live show."
AKI: "Thanks. But first, I want to help you out with setting your fan club tournament."
RINA: "Yeah, I should change out of these clothes too... Rina-chan Board says, 'Sweaty'."
...
*LATER*
*RINA'S ROOM - TENNOJI RESIDENCE - BRILLIA ARIAKE CITY TOWER - ODAIBA*
AKI: "The live stream's all ready to go, Rina.
Ooh, I can't wait for this! It's so incredible that the second fan club game tournament is going to be a game that you personally made!"
RINA: "I'm looking forward to it as well. I've played through it already during development, but this time I'll complete it with everyone."
AKI: "Right! Oh, look. Seems like everyone's raring to go. I can't even keep up with all the comments."
'I'm just so impressed that Rina made a game for us'
'Rina fan club speedrun! Let's go!'
'I've been playing non-stop since I downloaded it.'
'I'm always playing it with my friend from class.'
'Thanks for making our dreams come true.'
RINA: "No... You guys are the ones that made my dreams come true.
I'm so grateful. There's no way I could ever thank you all enough.
AKI: "...Hey, Rina. You should say that to everyone watching, not me."
RINA: "I want to give you my thanks as well.
This game wouldn't exist without you.
I'm so glad I asked you to help.
...Thank you for always taking my feelings into consideration."
AKI: "I need to thank you for letting me get behind you. Your happiness is contagious!"
RINA: "You think so?"
AKI: *Chuckle* "I know so! Now let's make your fans happy with this stream!"
...
*ONE TOURNAMENT LATER*
AKI: "Whoa, Tamaki won?! *Laugh* That guy may be shy, but his gaming skills don't lie!"
Meanwhile I crashed out in the first round...and I made the damn thing...
RINA: "I'm...really happy. Everyone played the game we made... Everyone was...connected..."
AKI: "Yep! Helping you make your dream come true was what I always wanted."
RINA: "...But why?"
AKI: "Huh?"
RINA: "You've always been so nice to me... Even when we first met you called me cute.
When that bully hurt me, you fought for me...
Why?
Why someone like me?"
AKI: "Rina..."
RINA: "I'm not expressive...and I waited months to show my face to you... When I did, you still said I was cute.
When the Rina-chan Board malfunctioned, you still called me cute.
So... Why me?"
AKI: "Because you ARE cute."
RINA: "..."
AKI: "But it's one of your many traits. You're kind, funny, talented, and smarter than I could ever be. For someone who says that they can't express emotions well, you express kindness better than most people do."
RINA: "?!"
AKI: "Which is why whatever path the future holds for you, I want to see it through. I want to remain someone who you and the other girls can rely on in times of need. And-"
???: "Rina."
RINA: "...Mom?"
AKI: "?!"