AKI: "And as we know already, each member of μ's will be performing solo for the first time ever."

AYUMU: "It's so awesome! I can't wait to see all the performances. This might even be 27 times more fun than usual."

MAKI: "We've never done any solo performances before, but you all have, right?"

AKI: "In fact, our very own Shizuku will be holding a solo live performance tonight!"

SHIZUKU: "R-Right!"

AKI: "I'm sure that we can tell you all about solo performances."

MAKI: "That's why I'm here. I want to hear what it's like."

SETSUNA: "So you want to know how this will differ from a regular live show?"

AI: "I'm so glad you came to us! Just say the word and we'll spill all!"

AYUMU: "What comes to mind when you think about solo live shows, Maki?"

MAKI: "Hmm... I think it's an opportunity for you to show off the results of your own practice since it's not a group performance.
What kind of feelings do you hold close to you when preparing for a live show?"

SETSUNA: "My line of thinking might be a bit different than yours, but...the thing that always matters most for me is that everyone who comes to see me has a good time."

MAKI: "Huh? But that's not any different from our regular shows."

AI: "I don't think it matters whether it's a solo or a group performance. What's important is still important!"

MAKI: "So you're saying that the core approach is the same? Huh, I never thought of it like that."

AKI: "That might be useful for later, I should write that down."

MAKI: "What do you think?"

AKI: "Me? I don't think my opinion on this matters, I'm not a school idol so I have no experience on stage."

MAKI: "But you're the one who's behind Nijigasaki's solo shows, right? And you're our biggest fan so... When you see an idol's solo performance, what do you look for?"

AKI: "I wouldn't say I look for anything in particular. However... If I was a school idol standing on that stage alone, I would give my performance everything I've got. I would want to give a performance that resonates with the audience's heart, so they would never forget me."

MAKI: "That's...a lot deeper than what I was expecting."

AKI: "It's one of the fundamentals I was taught about for performing in piano recitals."

MAKI: "I see, so performing on stage alone as an idol is just like when I perform in piano recitals?"

AKI: "Exactly! I really need to write this stuff down. Where did my pen go?"

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?"

AI: "Oh, is someone getting jealous?"

MAKI: "A-As if!"

AKI: "Hm? What's wrong?"

MAKI: "Nothing! Just hurry up and tell me more about your solo live shows!"

AKI: "Someone's eager. Tell her girls."

SETSUNA: "Okay!"

...

AYUMU: "I see how this works! You can learn all kinds of new stuff when you just talk things out!"

AI: "It kinda helps you reflect on how you do things yourself, ya know? I love these kinds of talks."

MAKI: "Thank you, everyone. I think all of this will really help me figure out what I need for my own solo performance. I hope I haven't bothered you."

SETSUNA: "Not at all! The pleasure is all here."

MAKI: *Chuckle* "Just be sure that you're paying attention to our performances when you're backstage, okay?"

AYUMU: "For sure!"

...

AKI: "So hey, did you catch anything you could maybe use for your performance back there?"

MAKI: "..."

AKI: "Uh... Maki? Why are you just standing there?"

MAKI: "Matching pens... I didn't realize your pen was part of a pair."

AKI: "Umm... Do you want to use it too?"

MAKI: "No! I have a pen I can write just fine with."

AKI: "Okay...?"

MAKI: "Anyway, I'm glad I spoke to the Nijigasaki girls today. Thanks for the suggestion."

AKI: "I suggested it, but you're the one who wanted to do it. The girls had a great time talking to you."

MAKI: "They definitely has a different perspective on things... I'm gonna try rethinking things a little more."

AKI: "Huh? Wait, Maki!"

She's gone...

She seemed a little off today... I wonder what's wrong?

Ugh, I don't have time to be pondering. I need to go with Shizuku to her solo performance.