*MEANWHILE AT HOMURA BAKERY*

HONOKA: "That was so fun! Who knew that performing solo could be so amazing?!"

UMI: "Yes, I'm just glad that we all had the chance to perform solo once before..."

KOTORI: "..."

HONOKA: "..."

UMI: "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dampen the mood like that."

HONOKA: "Umi, it's okay. I think we're kinda lucky that the School Idol Festival was postponed."

KOTORI: "You think so?"

HONOKA: "Of course! It gives us more time to do the things we want to do before we..."

UMI: "..."

HONOKA: "But after the Festival doesn't matter yet. What matters is this moment right now! Right?"

KOTORI: "Right!"

UMI: "Right."

HONOKA: "The others should be here any minute now for the sleepover."

KOTORI: "Oh yeah, Maki said she couldn't make it. She had something to do tonight."

UMI: "She wasn't at the afterparty either. Her parents must have kept her busy tonight."

KOTORI: "True, I hope she doesn't overwork herself."

...

*MEANWHILE OUTSIDE A HOTEL IN ODAIBA*

KANAN: "There you are, we've been looking all over the place for you."

MARI: "Sorry, sorry! Just getting some air is all."

DIA: "Is that so?"

MARI: "Yes!"

KANAN: "That's not the whole story, isn't it?"

MARI: "Sorry, I can't speak Japanese!"

KANAN: "Don't pull that trick again!"

DIA: "Mari, I know you're thinking about what Akihiko asked you."

MARI: "..."

DIA: "So, I'm right, aren't I?"

MARI: "'What comes next?' I don't exactly know the answer to that question."

KANAN: "When we graduate, and the rest of Aqours transfer to Numazu High."

DIA: "I have faith in those girls. Ruby showed me today that I don't have to worry about her after I graduate."

MARI: "I can't help but worry about them. Starting a new school in the city, saying goodbye to Uranohoshi... The only thing that's keeping us all happy is being school idols."

KANAN: "It's true. If we weren't, then we would all be writhing in regret for not saving the school."

DIA: "Aqours is Uranohoshi's school idol group, not Numazu High's. If they decide to continue when we're gone, it won't be easy for them."

KANAN: "Aqours is something that started with us. It's our creation and yet we're the ones who'll be stepping away."

MARI: "It's not fair. I want to be part of Aqours forever!"

DIA: "But what about your own future?"

MARI: "I'm not concerned. As an Ohara daughter, my parents will probably make an immediate move to marry me off to someone."

KANAN: "That's..."

MARI: "If that ever happens, I want to run away from it all. Retreat and see the world... I'd want you two to join me."

DIA: "Mari..."

KANAN: "We'll stay by your side, no matter what."

MARI: "Girls... Thank you."

DIA: "Sorry, it's out of topic, but doesn't that girl across the street look familiar?"

KANAN: "Oh, you're right. She's wearing an Otonokizaka uniform."

MARI: "Maki? Oh, that's right. She had something to do and couldn't make it to the afterparty.
Should we call out to her?"

DIA: "No, it's getting late. The poor girl is probably exhausted."

...

MAKI: "Hmmm..."

AYUMU: "You wanna use mine? We've got the same one!"

AKI: "Thanks, Ayu!"

MAKI: "Oh... That pen..."

AKI: "I always use it, it's refillable after all. Ayu and I bought custom matching pens when we were younger. We got our nicknames for each other on them. Mine says Aki, her's says Ayu. It feels great to write with. I just love it."

MAKI: "Oh yeah? You two are pretty close, huh?"

MAKI: "Now that the solo live show was a success, and it looks like I've topped the fans popularity forum.
I think the timing is right.
Time for me to catch up to her!"

...

*MEANWHILE AT NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL*

SHIORIKO: "Thank you for your call, I admire your interest in transferring here. I assume that you won't cause as much trouble as-
No... I'm sorry please ignore that, it's been a very long day for me.
I will make the arrangements for you to begin next week. I recommend attending our school tour and club introductions to understand what every club offers here at Nijigasaki High School."

*HANG UP*

STUDENT: "Madame President, it's time to close up for the day."

SHIORIKO: "Sorry, I was taking an important phone call from our soon to be newest transfer student."

STUDENT: "Oh, I see. Well, I'm going home. I gotta catch up on that Joint Live Show footage!"

SHIORIKO: "...Very well.
*Sigh*
Why don't any of them get it? If they just followed my plans as instructed, it would lead them to success and it would be useful to them in their future endeavors.
And yet thet still want to go about their ways carefree despite knowing how useless their actions may be. It doesn't make any sense."

AKI: "Unless you change your ways, these people will eat you alive.
And when that happens, the vote of 'No Confidence' will be passed, resulting in your resignation.
Then you'll see that Nana's campaign was right all along. Though, she's happy. She has a club of people that accept and respect her. Though...I doubt the same can be said about you.
Your days as Student Council President are numbered, Shioriko Mifune.
Tick...Tock..."

SHIORIKO: "Suzuki... His ideology completely contrasts mine. He's only leading his club to failure and heartbreak. Not just him... But the students who follow his and Nakagawa's example.
Reality will come crashing down on you if you continue to follow a dream incompatible with your talents.
Dreams don't come true. They never do. You wake up from them and are dragged back to reality.
...I know this.
That's all it is... I'm just trying to help them all discover happiness in what is real, not fantasy. So why...
Why won't they listen?!
I won't let it happen again.
I don't want to see anyone else go through what my sister did."

...

*BACK AT AYUMU AND AKIHIKO'S APARTMENT COMPLEX*

Ugh, it's all nothing to worry about. I shouldn't let my own mind best me again.

Maybe I should increase my workload some more. That'll take care of it.

With A-RISE, Saint Snow and Liella closing in on us, I should have no problem doing th-

AKI: *COUGH* *COUGH*

Hm... That felt weird...

-TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 3-