MAKI: "We're holding a solo-focused joint live show? How did this come about?"

AKI: "Honoka and Chika were inspired by my Nijigasaki girls. They said they wanted to have one for everyone.
I thought it might be fun for all nine of you to have a joint solo live show with the rest of us. But what do you think, Maki?"

MAKI: "What?! I can't answer that so quickly. I've never really thought about a solo performance before."

AKI: "Never?"

MAKI: "Are there any special aspects to solo shows other than performing on your own?"

AKI: "Hmm. I think everyone has different thoughts on that."

Just look at the comparison between Honoka and Hanayo...

MAKI: "I don't think there's any point in performing solo if it's the same as a normal live show."

AKI: "You're right about that."

Solo live performances by μ's, a group that always performs together... I really wonder if a show like this would be good, after all?

MAKI: "Is it an outlet for each member to display the fruit of their practice?"

AKI: "Hmm. The Nijigasaki girls have always performed solo, so maybe it would be good for you to have a chat with them."

MAKI: "With the Nijigasaki girls? That might be a good idea."

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!

However if she thinks that I should just follow in my parents' footsteps, she's clearly mistaken.

Wait... Isn't that what she's being made to do?

AKI: "All the songs you write for μ's are amazing, so I'm sure you'll be a famous composer someday!"

MAKI: "I doubt it. I'm planning on going into the medical field."

AKI: "The medical field? Are you planning on becoming a doctor?"

MAKI: "Yeah, that's the plan. Or the family's plan, anyways."

Maki... A composer who wants to pursue her passions, but is restrained by the path her parents have chosen for her.

Hm... Looks like we're one and the same.

...

NICO: "The radiant morning sun shines over me when I open the curtains. I take a step outside and am enveloped by a gentle breeze. Oh, the world... How magnificent the world is! NICO-NICO-NI!"

AKI: "You're in a good mood today, Nico."

Too good of a mood... Where is Nico and what has she done with her?!

Shizuku is that you behind a disguise?! I swear I've heard that monologue from a play before!

NICO: *Chuckle* "Of course I'm happy! The μ's/Aqours/Nijigasaki joint solo live show has been confirmed, after all."

AKI: "Oh, that's why."

Well, at least I don't have to break the news to her.

NICO: "I must show all of the life-forms in this galaxy my solo performance."

AKI: "I'm really looking forward to your solo, too! Let's both do our best."

I'm so happy to have gained Nico's trust.

NICO: "...I appreciate the thought, but do you REALLY have what it takes to support me?"

AKI: "Huh?"

NICO: "I don't want you to get the wrong idea, you know?"

AKI: "This again? I just got though a lecture from Maki about this!"

NICO: "Just because you support everyone else doesn't mean that you can provide me with flawless support!"

AKI: "I-I can't believe you're saying that! I thought I'd gained your trust..."

NICO: "I'm not saying I don't trust you..."

AKI: "You aren't?"

NICO: "I'm unsure BECAUSE I trust you."

AKI: "...?"

NICO: "μ's has been creating great performances up until now. We are undoubtedly the best school idol group in the world. We're undefeated in all group competitions. What you're doing is coming in to help us with what we've already established. That means you have to improve on the best."

AKI: "O-Oh... You're right about that."

That means it's no easy task... Can I really do that?

NICO: "But you know what? I want to believe that we can pull this off together."

AKI: "Nico..."

Nico believes in me, despite the huge task ahead. I gotta believe in myself as well!

NICO: "...Is there something you want to say?"

AKI: "Nico, I...I want to make the performance a success! Nico-Nico-Ni will save the world! I won't make you regret placing your trust in me!"

NICO: *Laugh* "Great! That's what I like about you!"

AKI: "I love your performances. Let's make the solo live show a success and spread Nico-Nico-Ni to lots of people!"

NICO: "Nico-Nico-Ni will save the world...?!"

AKI: "School idols are your life. I know you feel the same way that I do. I want to save this industry from corruption, to spread joy to all idols across the world!"

NICO: "You sure have a way with words! I knew I saw great potential in you!
We'll be performing solo at our next live show. While it may be a joint live show with all of us, us in μ's won't be able to cover each other's shortcomings like usual.
Which is exactly why I'm relying on you! Let's deliver my solo all across the world... No, across the galaxy!"

AKI: "Galaxy. Did you get that from the Lucero show you saw?"

NICO: "N-No! *sigh* Leave it to Kasumi to blabber about everything that happened..."

AKI: "Hm, what was that?"

NICO: "Nothing. Here, Umi left this on the table for you."

AKI: "Huh? A letter, for me?"

NICO: "Sure, I bet you can't wait to open it!"

AKI: "R-Right..."