*THE NEXT DAY*

AKI: "Hi, Nozomi! Here's to another great day!"

NOZOMI: "Oh, you're here! I've been waiting for you to come."

AKI: "You were?"

NOZOMI: "Eli-chi invited you here today, didn't she?"

AKI: "R-Right..."

NOZOMI: "And also, thank you!"

AKI: "Hm? For what?"

NOZOMI: "I'm just so happy that you've been coming over so much lately."

AKI: *Laugh* "Really? I should be thanking you!"

NOZOMI: "More importantly, I heard you're planning a joint solo live show for everyone!"

AKI: "Yep! Honoka and Chika said they want to perform a live show like the Nijigasaki girls. So I've been planning a joint solo live show for all three groups."

NOZOMI: "I wonder what everyone's solo performances will be like. I'm looking forward to it."

AKI: "Right? I hope everyone gets to experience the intricacies of performing a live show different from their regular ones."

NOZOMI: "I feel like I can pull it off as long as you're around. You have my seal of approval!"

AKI: *Laugh* "Thanks!"

NOZOMI: "I'll help you out too, so let's work hard together!"

AKI: "Huh? You'll help ME out?!"

NOZOMI: "Hm? What's wrong?"

AKI: "Um, Nozomi... Aren't you forgetting about your own solo?"

NOZOMI: "Oh... So I have to do it as well, huh?"

AKI: "You're a member of μ's, so... yeah. It's my job to help everyone with the live show, so I'll do my best to make sure your solo turns out to be a wonderful one."

NOZOMI: "Hmm, you're right. Then I suppose I'll let you do your job.
But it must be tough helping out everyone on your own, so feel free to holler at me if you're ever in a pinch."

AKI: "Nozomi, are you actually not that interested in performing solo?"

NOZOMI: "No, that's not it at all. I think it'll be fun as long as I have your support.
Let's make it official. I'm counting on you!"

AKI: "I'll do my best!"

Something about Nozomi's response really bugs me though...

AKI: "What do the other girls think?"

NOZOMI: "Hmmm, I'm not sure. Some of them might know about the show already but as far as I know, I'm the only one Eli has told about it."

AKI: "Honoka might have said something."

NOZOMI: "Then, could I ask you for a favor?"

AKI: "Sure, what's up?"

NOZOMI: "Could you talk to everyone about it? I'm sure that they'll listen to you, since you're the one who has the experience in running solo live shows."

AKI: "Sure, I can do that. I'll get started right away!"

...

AKI: "Kotori, Kotori! We've decided to hold a joint solo live show for all three groups!"

KOTORI: "What?! We're doing a solo live show?
But... I'll feel a bit lonely performing by myself."

AKI: "Don't worry, Kotori. I talked it over with Honoka. Here's the details..."

...

KOTORI: "Hmm, I see. A tri-school joint solo live show, huh? 27 short solo performances, done back-to-back."

AKI: "What do you think? What will you perform?"

KOTORI: "Sure. I'm nervous about performing alone, but..."

AKI: "But what?"

KOTORI: "...It's fine as long as you'll be there!"

AKI: "Oh, Kotori..."

KOTORI: "I feel like I've gained a little confidence since you started helping us out. You really are amazing!"

AKI: "I'm not. You're the one who's amazing, Kotori. You make your own costumes and you do well with your performances.
So I hope your confidence continues to grow."

KOTORI: "Is that how you see me? Gee, thanks!
Maybe I've changed a little since meeting you. Oh? That reminds me. Yesterday, Rin also said I talk about you a lot lately."

AKI: "Really? Me?"

KOTORI: "Yup. She said I only ever talked about Honoka and Umi before."

AKI: "Kotori..."

KOTORI: "The time I spend talking to you is precious to me... But spending time together with Honoka and Umi is also really precious. Is that okay with you?"

AKI: "Is it okay with me? Where's this coming from all of a sudden. Of course it's okay with me!
Honoka and Umi are your important childhood friends, after all. It would be absolutely impossible for you not to cherish them."

KOTORI: "You really mean it?"

AKI: "Of course! It would be terrible if you barely spent any time with your childhood friends anymore, spending all of your time with people you've only just met. I don't think Honoka and Umi would be happy if you neglected them, so make sure you spend as much time with your childhood friends as possible."

KOTORI: "Aww, you're right. Hearing you say that kinda makes me happy."

AKI: "B-But that doesn't mean that we can't spend ANY time together. It makes me happy to hear that you find your time spent talking to me precious. I really treasure it, too!"

KOTORI: "Thank you! I think I feel a little better now after talking to you."

Kotori really does love Honoka and Umi.

AKI: "On the day of the joint solo live show, not only will you be performing, but you'll get to see Honoka's and Umi's solos, too.
Let's talk a bunch, practice a bunch, and create a really fun solo live show."

KOTORI: "I get to experience the fun of performing and watching all at once! Solo live shows are amazing.
*Giggle* I'll do my best!"

AKI: "I know you will."

KOTORI: "We need to think up some new costume ideas together!"

AKI: "We...? Wait, do you really mean that?"

KOTORI: "Yeah! It made me think that I always want to get ideas for costumes with you!"

AKI: "That would be cool, but I'm not sure if I'd be helpful. I don't know much about costumes or tailoring."

KOTORI: "You're helpful! I've had so many new costume ideas since our experience at the museum."

AKI: "But that's only because the exhibit was good. It's nothing to do with hanging out with me..."

KOTORI: "Wait a minute. Do you not like hanging out with me?" *Sniff*

Uh...oh...

AKI: "Huh?! Th-That's not it at all! I love hanging out with you!"

KOTORI: "I don't want to stop hanging out with you. Aki...PLEASE!"

AKI: "..." *Gulp*

How can I say no when she asked me like that?

You'd have to be a cruel, heartless bastard to reject a plea like that.

AKI: "S-Sure... Let's hang out again sometime."

KOTORI: "Really? Thank you!"

AKI: "But for now, I've got to break the news of the solo live to everyone. Have you seen them?"

KOTORI: "I think Hanayo said she wanted to practice singing on the roof.
And where Hanayo is, Rin can't be too far behind."

AKI: "Thanks, Kotori."