hasu.html

Hasunosora Girls’ High School. A prestigious boarding high school renowned throughout the prefecture for its long history and excellence in the arts. Any middle school student in the Hokuriku region involved in the cultural arts dreams of attending. The ultimate goal they all look up to.

Within this academy, where strict discipline is held in high regard, there was a certain club activity: the School Idol Club—

“I'm a fool... a fool among fools…”

One girl sat there utterly dejected, her face as gloomy as the bottom of a well where the sun never reaches.

The girls who had just arrived widened their eyes in surprise.

“Kaho-chan!?”

“Kaho-san?”

They were Osawa Rurino and Murano Sayaka. Both third-year students who had already finished their graduation ceremony, with March now entering its latter half.

The two hurried over to Hinoshita Khaho, who was as downcast and dejected as Vantablack, the darkest black in the world.

“What's wrong today?”

“Did you mess something up again, Kaho-san!?”

“Uuu~... Rurino-chan... Sayaka-chan…”

Kaho let out a cry weaker than that of a rabbit.

One might want to say she was usually energetic and full of life, but honestly, Kaho tended to get depressed rather often. It was practically routine.

“I forgot something I absolutely had to do…”

“What would that be? We have no spring break homework this year…”

“And Ruri and Sayaka-chan already submitted the application for the Bloom Garden Party shuttle bus.”

Sayaka and Rurino exchanged glances.

Kaho shook her head vigorously.

“That's not it! It's just... I forgot about the person I should be thanking the most! Wait! I didn’t actually forget! It’s not like that!"

“What is that even supposed to mean?”

Question marks practically danced above Sayaka's head.

“Let’s see… You forgot, but you didn’t really forget… In other words, Kaho-chan, you realized  something’s not quite good enough? Is that it?”

“!?”

A spark returned to Kaho's eyes, “Wow, Rurino-chan! You got it exactly!”

"Well, we're not called the Hasuno Sanrenka for nothing."

“I see. Then please give me a moment. I'll work out the answer myself…”

“When did this become a quiz about me!?”

“Well, setting the quiz aside, what exactly is going on?”

“Yeah, actually…”

Sayaka cried out, “Ah! I was still thinking!” but Kaho began speaking anyway.

“I think there are still people we haven't thanked enough.”

In a small voice, Rurino muttered, “Hinoshita Kaho Quiz: Question Two…?”

This time, however, Sayaka quietly raised her hand.

“Those people would be everyone in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club!”

“You got it, Sayaka-chan!”

Kaho looked at her friends with admiration for seeing right through her so easily.

Without any hint of pride, Sayaka revealed her reasoning.

“Because, Kaho-san. Lately, every time your With×MEETS ends, you've been saying things like, ‘I wonder if there was still more I could've done’”

“Eh? Was I saying that out loud!?”

“Yep, Ruri heard it too. You kept saying you wanted to thank everyone even more.”

“Ugh. It's true. Honestly, if only we could have, like, forty-eight hours for every With×MEETS stream…looking back on our memories together never feels like enough.”

With that, Kaho clutched her temples in sheer frustration.

“I wish March had a hundred days this year!”

“Well, it doesn't,” Sayaka replied. “But I understand how you feel, Kaho-san. There's no doubt that the reason we've had such a wonderful three years is because of everyone in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club.”

“Exactly! They're our rain, our wind, and our sunshine!”

Kaho clenched her fist.

“We thanked the people who helped with the Bloom Garden Party, and everyone who supported our events in Kanazawa too. But the closer we get to saying goodbye, the more I realize just how special the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club is to me!”

The light had fully returned to her eyes as she spoke passionately.

“They found us, met us, and connected with us! No matter how much we want to bring smiles to people, we couldn't do anything without those who support us. That's why, before it's all over, I want to give them a huge thank-you one last time!”

At those words—

“Hmm.”

Rurino placed a hand over her chin.

Like a master detective, she surveyed the clubroom and flashed a handsome grin.

“Kaho-chan, Sayaka-chan. In that case, how about we make one more giant flower bloom?”

“Which means...?”

“It’s time for the Osawa Rurino Quiz!”

Holding up a finger, Rurino smiled.

“I agree with Kaho-chan. To be honest, I felt the same way, that maybe the Fes×LIVE alone wasn't enough. So here's the question: What do we call the important flower we're making together with our seniors and juniors, the one that’ll let our countless memories bloom?”

This time, Kaho and Sayaka answered in unison.

“The Album Tree!”

Rurino narrowed her eyes and smiled.

“Ding-dong, ding-dooong!”

The Album Tree was created by Kaho and the members of the Hasunosora School Idol Club.

Inspired by Tanabata wish strips, the entire club decorated it with countless photographs, turning a single album into a literal tree.

Kaho immediately threw her arms around Rurino.

“Wah!”

“That's amazing! Rurino-chan, you're a genius! That's the perfect idea!”

A moment later, Sayaka finally caught on.

“You mean... the Album Tree...!”

“Yep!”

Still wrapped around Rurino in a hug, Kaho turned back with a smile as bright as a sunflower.

“Let's make one!”

As though she'd completely forgotten the gloomy mood she'd been in just moments before, Kaho beamed, “We're making another one!”

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“And that’s the gist of it, Ginko-chan!”

“I see…”

This is Hinoshita Kaho's room.

Seated opposite Kaho, who looked thoroughly pleased with herself, was a girl with cleanly trimmed black hair and a traditional, refined air about her, Momose Ginko, a second-year student at Hasunosora Girls’ High School.

A beat later, Ginko finally grasped the sheer audacity of what Kaho and the others were proposing.

“Wait. Another Album Tree...? Starting now!?”

“Yep!”

“You mean we'd be preparing for the Bloom Garden Party and making another Album Tree at the same time...?”

“Yep!”

Ginko quietly rose to her feet and headed for the door.

“Ginko-chan, where are you going?”

“To check the schedule with Sayaka-senpai…”

“Sayaka-chan was totally on board with it!”

“Oh, come on! Did graduating make her lose her mind or something!?”

“Ahaha.”

Ginko shot Kaho a glare that seemed to say ‘This isn't something to laugh about,’ but it had absolutely no effect. In the past two years, not once had Kaho ever reconsidered one of her ideas because of that look. Realizing the futility of her efforts once again, Ginko let out a small sigh and mentally moved the newly assigned task much higher up her list of priorities.

“All right. I suppose if you graduated with unfinished business, Kaho-senpai, you'd end up becoming a ghost that haunts the dorms every night.”

“I'm very much alive!!”

To be fair, Kaho's ghost wouldn't be particularly scary, Ginko thought to herself.

The same went for ghost versions of Rurino and Sayaka. Kosuzu and Hime would probably be delighted, if anything.

Still, as a junior, she wanted to make sure all of her seniors' lingering wishes came true. She had hesitated at first because openly agreeing would only encourage Kaho even more, but that reluctance had never been genuine.

Ginko looked back at Kaho and prompted her.

“So then, what exactly do you want us to do?”

“That's my Ginko-chan!”

Kaho immediately tried to hug her.

Ginko stopped her by planting a hand squarely against her cheek and pushing her back.

Kaho's face squished into a ridiculous shape, and at the sight of it, Ginko couldn't help letting out a small laugh.

Unfazed and still in high spirits, Kaho threw her arms out wide as she spoke.

“So! If we're going to decorate the Album Tree with our memories, I thought it'd be nice to gather lots of photos too!”

“But memories with everyone in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club would be…”

Then it clicked.

“Ah.”

Kaho voiced the conclusion Ginko had just reached.

“Exactly! Fes×LIVE and With×MEETS! We decided to collect memorable moments from each unit!”

“That does make sense. We can work on it during the evenings when we're not able to go out anywhere.”

“Right? Right?”

Spend the daytime visiting places filled with memories, and the nights revisiting memorable streams. Following that schedule, creating a second Album Tree at the same time wouldn't be impossible.

“So then, Ginko-chan! Can I start by asking which Fes×LIVE moments left the biggest impression on you?”

“Eh? All of them?”

“Got it! We'll put up all of them!”

Her words had only slipped out by accident. If she wasn't careful, Kaho had the frightening tendency to adopt absolutely any suggestion thrown her way. Ginko needed to keep a firm grip on the reins.

“No, wait.”

“We should probably focus on the more representative ones. In that case... the December and October Fes×LIVEs of the 105th term are still fresh in my memory.”

She recalled Starring Bloom and the Bloom Days Fes×LIVE.

The former featured Yuki Mau Sora to Nibyo no Eien while the latter was the live performance of Hitoyo ni Yume ga Sakuyo ni, a turning point in Ginko's life.

Both held a special place in her heart.

“Then I cast my vote for the April Fes×LIVE from the 104th term, the very first live after you enrolled, Ginko-chan.”

“Well…”

Ginko frowned slightly.

It was certainly a memorable live show.

But...

“Eh? You don't like that one, Ginko-chan?”

“I wouldn't go that far... It's just that I was probably really nervous back then…”

Kaho laughed at Ginko's concern over how she might look in the photos.

“Ahaha. Then what about the October Fes×LIVE from the 104th term? The Rindo Festival! Link to the FUTURE went amazingly well that time!”

“That would be fine, but...if we're preserving our memories with everyone in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club, maybe we should focus on performances that left an impression on a lot of people.”

“You mean... Love Live! Finals playoff match?”

“I'd definitely like to include at least one photo from that.”

Kaho crossed her arms and tilted her body to one side. Then she clapped her hands.

“Hmmmm. Okay! I've decided! We'll display photos from every Fes×LIVE!”

“Let's talk it over with the other units later.”

Though she said, “Let's talk it over,” Ginko had smoothly rejected Kaho's proposal without making it obvious.

This time, Kaho opened the tablet she used for streaming.

“All right, that settles it for the Fes×LIVE stuff. Next up: With×MEETS!”

“There really are so many of them. Kaho-senpai, just how many streams have you done over these past three years?”

“A whole bunch!”

Kaho threw both hands into the air, using her entire body to demonstrate just how many. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she had always been the driving force behind the School Idol Club's streaming activities.

Leaning shoulder-to-shoulder as they peered at the tablet, Ginko asked, “What about you, Kaho-senpai? Are there any streams that stand out in your memory?”

“I'd have to say my very first solo stream. I was so nervous!”

Kaho pointed at a stream from April 23rd of the 103rd term. The title was as straightforward as it gets, Hinoshita Kaho’s Solo Stream!

When Ginko tapped it and started playback, even Kaho began blushing with embarrassment.

“W-Wait, Ginko-chan!”

On the screen, a much younger Kaho was introducing herself with obvious nervousness.

“Honestly, it doesn't seem all that different from how you are now.”

“Ehh? It's totally different! Look closer!”, Kaho insisted, pointing at the screen.

But from Ginko's perspective, she was already reading comments smoothly and interacting with viewers just fine. It was impressive.

“In that case, let's watch your first stream too, Ginko-chan.”

“Ah, wait—”

Momose Ginko’s Solo Stream, June 1st, 104th term. Ginko's very first solo broadcast.

She immediately buried her face in both hands and cried out:

“I'm way too stiff!”

"Ah, you hid behind Otsuru-san!"

"Aaaahhh!"

Ginko wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

These days, Ginko genuinely enjoys making streams about Ishikawa's traditional culture.

But back then, she had struggled far more than any of her peers. She rehearsed over and over again, only to stumble during the actual stream. Every time it happened, she'd spend another sleepless night tossing and turning under her blankets.

“Kaho-senpai, stop! Stop!”

“Ginko-chan is sooo cute~~!”

“We can’t forget your Hasunosora Fantasy Stream! It even ended up becoming a big event, right!?”

Forcibly snatching the tablet from Kaho's arms, Ginko ignored Kaho's protest, “H-Hey, wait a second!”

Ginko immediately played the Hasunosora Fantasy episode. A series built around Kaho's imaginative premise, What if the members of Hasunosora were characters in a fantasy world?

Beginning with the first broadcast on December 4th of the 103rd term, the project became an annual tradition and ran for three installments in total, earning tremendous popularity. Better yet, it was a viewer-participation event, making it a perfect fit for the Album Tree.

As she watched Kaho effortlessly assign fantasy-world occupations to the club members, Ginko was struck by an odd thought.

“You were still only a first-year student back then, Kaho-senpai…”

“Yeah. It really brings back memories. That was already two years ago, after all.”

Two years ago, Ginko was still a third-year middle school student. She hadn't even enrolled at Hasunosora yet. Back then, she never would have imagined that one day she'd end up in a unit with this lively senior who loved chatting so much.

“The members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club have been supporting you for a whole year longer than I have, haven't they, Kaho-senpai?”

“Yeah.”

Kaho turned and smiled at her.

Thinking about it that way, Ginko felt the urge to thank every single name scrolling past in the comments. Thanks to all of you, Kaho-senpai was able to enjoy such a fulfilling school life. Thank you.

“It's a wonderful idea. This second Album Tree.”

The moment Ginko said that, Kaho's smile grew even brighter.

“Right? Right?!”

And so, night after night, the two members of Cerise Bouquet spent their evenings sorting through photos for the Album Tree, with Kozue occasionally joining them.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“All right then, let's start choosing the photos for the Album Tree.”

“Yes, Sayaka-senpai!”

Kachimachi Kosuzu responded energetically.

The two of them were in the room of Murano Sayaka, Kosuzu's senior and fellow DOLLCHESTRA member.

Sayaka scrolled through her tablet with the ease that comes with experience.

“Looking at the stream archive like this, we really have done an incredible number of With×MEETS, haven't we?”

“It's all part of the history Sayaka-senpai built for the Hasunosora School Idol Club!”

“I think that's a bit of an exaggeration…”, Sayaka let out a modest laugh.

Her expression softened as she looked at the screen.

“Though... perhaps you have a point. Murano Sayaka's Radio is a good example. Looking back, I really have been doing it for quite a long time.”

“Saya Radio!"

It was a program she had created to connect with her listeners, whom she referred to as "the villagers." Starting in the 103rd term, she had invited all sorts of guests and continued the series for three years, supported by countless listener letters along the way. This stood as clear proof of the immense effort Sayaka made to overcome her awkwardness when talking to people by sharing both her own charm and that of her clubmates.

“And thank you for coming on as a guest, Kosuzu-san.”

"Oh no, it was always so much fun. I really loved the atmosphere you created, Sayaka-senpai."

“Hehehe. Hearing that makes me feel like all the effort was worth it.”

With a swift tap, Kosuzu saved a screenshot of Saya Radio.

That one was an obvious keeper.

“I have so many other streams of yours that I love, Sayaka-senpai!”

“I'm glad to hear that. But, make sure to pick some of your own streams as well, okay?”

“Hmm…”

Kozuzu tapped the tablet.

“Oh! Then what about this series?”

She turned the screen toward Sayaka.

“T-The line-reading streams?”

Sayaka’s face flushed red instantly.

“Yes! The line-reading streams you did with Tsuzuri-senpai, the ones the three of us did together, and the ones just between you and me! Every single one of them is a precious memory to me!”, Kosuzu's voice was full of genuine enthusiasm.

“And since the lines were requested by the listeners, it perfectly matches the whole purpose of making this Album Tree!”

“I mean, yes... you're not wrong, but…”

“Sayaka-senpai?”

“It's just... the more I think about it, the more I remember how embarrassing those were."

“Really? What about this one?”

As she said this, Kosuzu innocently turned up the volume on her tablet.

『Become delicious~ Moe... Moe... Kyun!』

“So cute!”

“And whose idea was that line again? Yours, Kosuzu-san!”

It was from the July 8th, 104th-term stream, Let's Read Some Lines Together!

As Sayaka flustered, Kosuzu flashed her a bright smile.

The project itself had actually started when Megumi-senpai advised a worried Sayaka, "Why not try doing something out of the ordinary?" However, the person responsible for choosing the actual lines was Tsuzuri-senpai, with Kosuzu joining in the following year.

“I’m sure Tsuzuri-senpai picked all those different lines because she wanted everyone to discover a brand-new, charming side of you, Sayaka-senpai!”

“Do you honestly think that was her only reason?”

Kosuzu slightly averted her eyes from Sayaka.

“Yup! 100%!”

“Look me in the eye when you say that!”

Deep down, even Kosuzu suspected that Tsuzuri-senpai's real goal had been to enjoy watching an adorable Murano Sayaka. And honestly, she was probably right.

"So, that one's definitely going on the tree!"

"Geez... Well, if we're putting that on there, then I'm picking this one next."

It was a With×MEETS stream from the 104th term:

"This Is What Filming the Movie Was Like!", broadcast on August 26th.

"Oh! That one was a lot of fun!"

“We reenacted the movie with Ginko-san, didn't we?"

The film they had devoted an entire summer to creating had been made for Sekka's sake and was never publicly released.

Instead, they recreated it during a With×MEETS stream.

“We got so many comments about that one too. Tsuzuri-senpai's performance was incredible!”

“Ginko-san made a charming heroine as well. And above all, Kosuzu-san really looked the part of the protagonist.”

“Ehehe. I'm honored.”

"And this one, too."

Sayaka selected another stream, this time one of Kosuzu's.

“Huh? This one?”

Kosuzu tilted her head in surprise.

The stream titled A Glimpse of Everyday Life, broadcast on May 8th of the 105th term. This one differed slightly from the standard With×MEETS format. Since they couldn't stream during midterms, the members decided to replace the usual live broadcast with a pre-recorded radio-style content.

“I feel like I was just chatting with Ginko-chan like I normally would though...?”

“And that’s exactly what made it so good. It felt so incredibly real, like getting a sneak peek into how you spend time alone with a friend. I felt like I got to see a whole new side of you, Kosuzu-san.”

“Oh wow... In that case, the everyday life stream was a massive success!”

“Wait, if we keep going like this, it won’t really be an Album Tree made with the viewers anymore. I'm just picking all of my own favorite moments.”

Realizing she had drifted away from the original purpose, Sayaka grew concerned, but Kosuzu immediately shook her head.

“Not at all! If the stream put a smile on your face, Sayaka-senpai, I'm sure it did the same for the listeners!”

“Y-You think so?”

“Besides, what's wrong with that, Sayaka-senpai?”

Kosuzu smiled, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“If you watched the stream, then you're a listener too, Sayaka-senpai. Right now, that makes you one of the members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club!”

Drawn in by that ridiculous logic, Sayaka let out a soft smile.

“Hehe... All right, then. Let's go with that.”

“Yes!”

Even when the things Kosuzu said seemed completely absurd, Sayaka always accepted them. That made Kosuzu happy. It wasn't that Sayaka was just spoiling her, she truly recognized Kosuzu's worth and respected her opinions, and sometimes even praised her, saying things like, “That's an idea I never would've thought of myself.”

There were times when Kosuzu second-guessed herself, and times when she got carried away. But over the two years she'd spent with Sayaka, she felt like she was finally figuring out what it really meant to just “be herself.”

And that was the exact same feeling she got whenever she was chatting with the members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club.

“Kachimachi really has done a lot of streams, haven't I?”

“You have. The path you've walked still shines brightly in the hearts of both me and the listeners.”

“Ehehe...”

Kosuzu might not be able to speak as intelligently as Ginko or as eloquently as Hime, but there were people who watched her streams, accepted her for who she was, and enjoyed spending time with her.

That acceptance had been her saving grace over the past two years. She had already thanked Sayaka countless times for it, but she wanted to ensure she properly got that message across to the members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club, too.

“I’m going to do my absolute best to complete the second Album Tree! Sayaka-senpai! Oh, Sayaka-senpai, don't you still have paperwork left to do? It's okay! I'll handle things here, so leave it to me!”

Back when she'd first joined the club, there was no way Kosuzu could have confidently said, “Leave it to me.” Especially not to Murano Sayaka, the seemingly perfect senior she admired so much.

As if she understood what Kosuzu was thinking, Sayaka gently patted her on the head.

“Hehe... You've become quite dependable, Kosuzu-san.”

“Of course! I'll be a third-year student next year, after all!”

“Even so, let me stick around a little longer. This is just too much fun.”

“Yes, let’s do it together!”

After they shared a laugh, Sayaka suddenly remembered something and quickly scrolled through the tablet.

“Come to think of it, I completely forgot. There’s a stream that’s absolutely essential for us!”

“Oh? Which one?”

“This, of course. The one from June 29th of the 104th term. Didn't the three of us in DOLLCHESTRA literally make history that day?"

Sayaka held out the tablet with excitement on her face.

On the screen was: “ENTERTAINMENT.”

“Sayaka-senpai! I'll handle the rest, so please go home and rest for the day!”

“Huh? Why?!”

Later on, when Tsuzuri joined them, she would offer her own unique commentary, “Saya was incredibly funny back then”, which would only end up fueling Sayaka’s excitement even more…

But that is a story for another day.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“Wow, another Album Tree? That’s such a great idea~ As expected of Ruri-chan-senpai~”

“Right? Right?”

The two members of Mira-Cra Park! weren’t in Rurino’s room today, but instead in the dorm lounge, rewatching old stream archives. Hime and Rurino sat side by side, each wearing one earbud, carefully selecting moments while watching the tablet.

“Alright then, let’s just start screenshotting all the RuriMegu streams~”

“I knew you’d say that! Hey, I saw you commenting under ‘Tsumayoji,’ you know!”

“Being recognized individually is kind of embarrassing but also nice~ Don’t worry though, Ruri-chan-senpai.”

“Huh?”

Rurino tilted her head, confused, while Hime smiled brightly.

“You don’t need to rescreenshot anything. I already have everything saved on my phone~”

“Wait... huh? Twenty thousand images!?”

Rurino froze in shock at the size of Hime’s “RuriMegu” folder.

“This one in particular is extra cute~”

“What is this?”

Hime happily showed her a photo.

Rurino blushed deeply while shooting her a sharp look.

“Hey… I’ve been meaning to ask, but what kind of reaction are you expecting to get when you show me stuff like this?”

“Huh?”

Hime froze for a moment. Reaction?

“Nothing in particular?”

“Oh. I see…”

“If anything, it’s just that Ruri-chan-senpai being cute is a given, so I want you to be proud of that. And if I can convey even a little of how much I love you, that’s enough for me. When I’m talking about my oshi, I literally can't think about anything other than her happiness, and if anything, I want Ruri-chan-senpai to understand her own cuteness—"

“C-Calm down!”

Just as Hime’s rambling reached its peak, Rurino cut her off. Hime just let out a silly, sheepish “Hehehe~” in response.

“Alright, let's get it together and start making another Album Tree for the members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club to use~”

“The way you phrased that makes it sound like there's another Album Tree out there somewhere...”

It seemed Rurino hadn't caught on to the secret Album Tree Hime had already built in her own room. Or maybe she had. Either way, it didn't matter. An otaku's passion cannot be stopped.

“Ruri-chan-senpai, what kind of streams do you like~?”

“Well, I thought about it, and for the 103rd term, I’d pick these.”

“Ohh…”

The first was the Training Camp Radio, streamed from Kozue’s villa on August 12th of the 103rd term. The second was the Belated Christmas, streamed on January 24th of the 103rd term.

“I feel like Hime might tease me for this…”

Rurino glanced at Hime’s expression as she spoke hesitantly.

“Training Camp Radio was technically my first With×MEETS appearance with Megu-chan, and Belated Christmas was a stream we did after things got pretty rough for the club, but Megu-chan said she still wanted us to do something fun together, so we made it happen.”

A warm, gentle smile spread across Rurino’s face.

“They’re overflowing with memories.”

Hime nodded along as if drinking in the absolute peak of human happiness.

“I see~... Yep, there's no doubt those will bring tears to everyone's eyes~...”

“You're getting way too deep into your feelings...”

“The four hundred million Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club fans living inside my head are also in complete and total agreement with this choice.”

Rurino gave up on trying to understand the math and just nodded along anyway.

“But for Ruri, I think I'd like to include more of the streams where everyone was just hanging out and having a loud, chaotic, fun time.”

“Oh, that’s nice too~”

“Yeah, so for the 104th term, I think something like the 103rd Class’s Victory Celebration!’ stands out to me.”

“Ahhh! The episode with Cerarin’s first ever guest appearance~”

That was the With×MEETS streamed by Hasuno Sanrenka on February 6th of the 104th term, right after they won the Love Live! finals.

Inviting a rival they had just defeated felt a little awkward at first, but Ceras, still a middle school student from Mizukawa at the time, had insisted on coming over to hang out anyway. It turned into a completely wild, free-spirited stream that gave everyone an early glimpse of what the 105th term would be like, and the fans loved every second of it.

“Ever since the two from Edel Note joined us, things have gotten even livelier~”

“Ceras-chan’s always coming up with new ideas too, she really wants to try everything,” Rurino said with a smile.

She was just like Fujishima Megumi, the self-proclaimed queen of streaming from the previous year, with how much she loved putting on shows.

“Hasunosora Ghost Stories 2! was incredible. It really showed off Ceras-chan’s charm.”

“Haha, I watched that too~ Kaho-senpai had a rough time in that one, didn’t she?”

“She sure did!”

Taking place on July 10th of the 105th term, the stream featured Rurino, Kosuzu, and Kaho, with the addition of Ceras. They took turns sharing ghost stories, thoroughly enjoying Kaho’s frightened reactions… delivering a fun and friendly stream filled with laughter and good vibes.

“For me, the karaoke streams and the 'What Comes Next?' quiz streams really left a huge impression~”

“Ahh, the karaoke streams were always a blast, weren’t they?”

The comment section would overflow with messages, almost like a mini Fes×LIVE.

“By the way, Hime, I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“Yes~?”

”What does ‘Megu-Genesis’ mean?”

At Rurino’s question, Hime simply smiled quietly.

“Well!?”

“My, we really have done so many fun streams, haven't we?”

As Hime laughed cheerfully to dodge the question, a couple of girls spotted the two of them and walked over.

"Ya~, I heard you're creating an Album Tree for the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club.”

“We've got plenty to add as well!”

"Oh, Izumin and Cerarin~"

Katsuragi Izumi and Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld. The two were members of Edel Note, a unit formed for a limited one-year run, set to disband at the end of the 105th term, which was now fast approaching.

“We might not match up to your history, but we've received so much love over this past year, too.”

“It's all thanks to the people who support us that we can have this much fun as school idols every day,” Izumi smiled warmly while Ceras threw up a small peace sign close to her chest.

Rurino beamed back at them with a bright, carefree grin.

“Ahaha, thanks! The fans are definitely gonna love your picks."

“What did you choose, Izumin~?"

“Well… I’d say the most memorable ones were the birthday streams. Not just mine, but everyone’s. Getting to celebrate birthdays together with so many people through our streams was an experience unique to being a school idol,” Izumi said, looking a little embarrassed.

“Ahh, yeah, I get that~”

The birthday streams held for each member every year had become a regular tradition. Each one was specially planned, making them feel like something extra special within With×MEETS.

“And what about Ceras-chan?”

“I personally believe I’ve deepened my bond with the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club through every stream this year, but if I had to choose, the shuffle unit streams were the most memorable!”

“Ruri&To and PRINCEε>ε>, right? That one was really fun.”

The first unit featured Rurino, Sayaka, Kosuzu, and Ceras, while the second centered around Hime and included Kaho, Ginko, and Izumi as a special four-member unit.

In addition to song release, each unit also hosted its own With×MEETS. The unusual combinations brought a fresh appeal, earning enthusiastic reactions from viewers.

As the conversation grew lively, members of Cerise Bouquet and DOLLCHESTRA also arrived.

“Were you all talking about the other Album Tree too?”

“Indeed we were, Kosuzu-senpai.”

“Oh, I see, I see. We were actually just talking about Fes×LIVE too.”

As Kosuzu cheerfully brought it up, standing just behind her, Ginko raised a concern to Kaho.

“But seriously… What are we going to do? Even if we make the Album Tree and leave it in the clubroom, no one will be able to see it.”

“Huh? Couldn’t we just show it during a stream?”

Standing next to Kosuzu, Kaho puffed out her chest proudly.

“Fufufu. Don’t worry! We’ve got a great idea!”

At that, Ginko looked toward Kaho, Hime toward Rurino, and Kosuzu toward Sayaka. It seemed the third-years had already discussed this in advance.

“You all remember the STEP UP Flower event we held back in February, right?”

Everyone nodded. It was an event where all sorts of people shared their countless dreams with one another, held to connect a massive crowd of people together.

“So, at that time, everyone who participated helped grow a tree full of dreams. So this time, we thought we’d decorate that same tree with photos!”

“Oooh~!”

Cheers erupted from the first and second-years alike.

Watching their enthusiastic reactions with a satisfied smile, Sayaka and Rurino spoke up.

“That tree doesn't belong exclusively to the members of the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club, I think we can borrow it for just a little while.”

“Yep, yep! Think of it like giving the tree a beautiful makeover!”

Hime clapped her hands in delight.

“That sounds wonderful~”

“Yes, that means we’ll have plenty of space to display photos!”

Kosuzu smiled brightly, and Izumi nodded with her arms crossed.

“So we’re decorating the tree of dreams with dreams we all watched come true together.”

“Well, I'm glad to see you all actually thought this through. I’m relieved,” Ginko said, letting out a relaxed breath.

“Marvelous!" Ceras declared, giving two thumbs-up.

And as if awaiting the perfect moment, Kaho declared, “And that’s how the Album Tree will be completed! Its name will be, the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club Tree!”

“Way too on the nose!”

But Sayaka smiled happily. “Sounds like something Tsuzuri-senpai would love.”

“Right? Right?”

Kaho’s face lit up with joy.

“I can’t wait for it to be finished!”

With the unveiling just around the corner, everyone thought it was almost complete.

But none of them could have imagined that an even greater step forward still awaited them.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Over the next few days, various things happened. Ginko’s declaration as club president and the completion of the Album Tree.

In the school idol clubroom, the finished Album Tree was displayed. Each unit had contributed photos they had taken over time, images of the past and the present, and symbols of being connected even while apart. Photographs meant to link past, present, and future had blossomed across the tree like flowers.

But even so, it was still not truly complete.

On an evening shortly before the Bloom Garden Party, just a few days before the third-years were set to leave Hasunosora. Hasuno Sanrenka gathered in the clubroom. They were determined to face their graduation with everything they had, leaving absolutely no room for regrets.

Standing before Sayaka and Rurino, Kaho spoke up.

“Hey, the whole idea behind the Album Tree we're making is that everyone gets to take a flower home, right? That way, it becomes a true symbol that we're still connected, no matter how far apart we are.”

“So,” she continued, “For the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club tree, if we could give them some kind of ‘proof’ too, then maybe they’ll feel that same ‘we’re connected even when we’re apart’ feeling, right?”

Both Sayaka and Rurino nodded.

“Then the question is what that ‘proof’ would be exactly,” Sayaka said.

“For me, I think something tangible works best,” Rurino said, touching the necklace around her neck over her uniform.

“A physical thing that links the school idol club and the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club. If we had that, I think it would always make us feel connected.”

“I think Kaho-san’s idea of the tree itself, something everyone can see, was a wonderful idea. But yes… I’ve come to realize that alone may not be enough.”

Hearing both of their responses, Kaho nodded again.

“A proof we can deliver to everyone…”

Her eyes wandered around the room.

The whiteboard that had helped them so many times during streams. The podium and cabinets. The flower vases by the window. The teapot used for making tea. There were even times Ginko would bring in a siphon coffee maker.

Under the shelf holding the phonograph sat Peking Duck. Alongside the displayed photos and the Album Tree itself, everything in the room had become a collection of irreplaceable proof of who they were.

Memories captured in photographs. If that was the case, then what was still missing—

Feelings.

“Let’s write letters.”

Kaho declared firmly, spreading both arms wide.

“Not just memories! Let’s put our current feelings into words and send them to everyone who has supported us until now! To the members of Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club members! With everything we’ve got!”

Carrying that rising excitement with her, Kaho said with a smile,

“Let's make sure it doesn't end with just, 'That was fun,' or, 'I'm glad for everything that's happened so far!' Let's tell them that we'll still be together from now on too!”

Rurino was the first to agree.

“So that everyone will remember how we feel forever... Yeah! Let's share it with everyone."

“Then we'd better go buy some stationery right away!”

“W-Wait a minute.”

Sayaka reached out to stop Kaho, who looked ready to dash out of the clubroom right away.

“For starters, I think it's a wonderful idea! I completely agree that we should deliver something people can actually see and hold, not just digital data!”

“Thanks! Let’s get going then!”

“Let me finish! How exactly are you planning to deliver those letters? Do you even realize how many people there are in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club?”

Kaho faltered.

“A-A lot...?”

"Exactly! This isn't the same as handing letters to your friends! If you're sending letters to tens of thousands of people, even if you wrote a hundred a day, there's no way you'd finish in time!”

“No way...”

The smile gradually faded from Kaho's face.

As if stepping in between them, Rurino cut in.

“Yeah, which is why we're going to figure out how to do it now, right, Sayaka-chan?”

The antenna sticking out from the side of Kaho's head perked back up with renewed energy.

Sayaka gave an exaggerated nod.

“That's right.”

“Sayaka-chan!"

“Wah.”

Though surprised for a moment, Sayaka was already used to Kaho hugging her. She caught Kaho in her arms and gently patted her back.

“Honestly... please don't jump to conclusions, Kaho-san.”

"Ehehe, sorry.”

“Sayaka-chan's tone of voice was pretty harsh too, Ruri thinks. Ergo Ruri.”

“T-That's only because Kaho-san looked like she was about to fly out the door!”

The three of them laughed together before continuing to flesh out their plan.

First of all, handwriting everything was obviously impossible. Arranging it on such short notice would be difficult too, but they decided to seek help from people in Kanazawa City to find a place that could print them.

The next problem was how to deliver them. Naturally, they couldn't ask everyone for their addresses and mail them individually. Instead, they decided to borrow the strength of the Bloom Garden Party Union.

They would deliver the letters to the various Bloom Garden Party venues being held nationwide. Then, they could hand them out to whoever wanted one. A letter filled with all their feelings, given to every single person who came. It is a massive project. For individuals, and mere students at that, it completely goes beyond the scope of normal club activities.

Even so, the Hasunosora School Idol Club had already made countless dreams come true before. Then surely this, too, could be made a reality. If they believed in it and saw it through to the end, then certainly it would.

The sun had long since set, and the whiteboard was packed with the outline of their plan.

There was still so much left to do. Even so, the three members of Hasuno Sanrenka looked as excited as if a party were about to start, their enthusiasm more than enough to carry them through.

“Then first things first, we have to write the letters!”

“You're jumping straight to the climax.”

Rurino gave a wry smile at Kaho's declaration. These would be the original drafts used for printing.

“I feel like this is the kind of thing you'd want to think over carefully for weeks... But sometimes, going with the flow is important too.”

“Exactly! As expected of Sayaka-chan, you get it.”

“How many years do you think I've known you, Kaho-san?”

“Three!”

Kaho laughed as she held up three fingers.

They had already been together for three years. And yet, only three years. Their time together would surely continue from here on out. Even after graduation, and long after that. Not just with Kaho and Rurino. Surely, with everyone in the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club as well.

“I've already thought of what to write, so I'm starting!”

“That was fast.”

Kaho's pen danced smoothly across the page.

Rurino followed after her, and finally Sayaka.

The original drafts of their letters gradually took form.

“All done~!“

“Though, the real hard work starts after this,” Sayaka reminded them.

“Yeah, we've got to give it our all to make sure these actually reach everyone!”

The Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club Tree, filled with all the memories they had gathered. And the letters that would serve as proof. Only when those two became one would everything finally be complete.

Kaho happily looked over the letter she had just written before turning to Sayaka and Rurino with a smile.

“I'm really happy. Coming to Hasunosora... and getting to meet all of you!”

Those feelings had already been conveyed long ago. Neither Sayaka nor Rurino had any reason to doubt Kaho's words now.

Even so… Because she had put them into words, gentle smiles appeared on both of their faces.

“Ruri too. I had so much fun being a school idol.“

“Yes, I feel the same. They were three truly wonderful years.“

Holding hands and sharing each other's warmth, they savored the present moment. They didn't think it was embarrassing. They simply treasured the joy of having met here and now.

“That's right!“

Kaho drew a small flower at the end of the letter.

“We’ll be just one step ahead. There.“

In place of the pressed-flower decorations they had planned to use for the School Idol Club's Album Tree, a hand-drawn flower bloomed within the letter.

It was a flower crafted specifically for the Hasunosora Suki-Suki Club, destined to shine forever in their care.

Our always, ever-blooming cherry blossoms.

To everyone who has supported us, from the 103rd Class

Even if we're apart, we'll always be together! From here on too, everyone, let's bloom! — Hinoshita Kaho I'll carry in my heart the time we've walked together as I continue searching for new dreams. I hope all of you will have a wonderful future as well. We are always together. — Murano Sayaka These past three years have been amazing, thanks to all the conversations we shared and the chance to share our music with you!! Thank you! — Osawa Rurino

Thanks for reading!

Translation : Afi

Mid-July, where the summer heat directly stimulated the top of one's head.

Inside such a sweltering air that made her feel dizzy, as if she might scorch away like this, Kosuzu was blankly watching her fellow members practice.

The courtyard under the scorching sun, the heat haze shimmering up. The girls polishing their performance within it looked just like fire fairies—

“If you space out in a place like this, you'll get heatstroke.”

“Pyee!”

A cold sensation pressed right against the nape of her neck.

As Kosuzu jumped up and spun toward the voice, she saw Sayaka looking exasperated.

“S-Sayaka-senpai!”

“Yes, it's Sayaka-senpai. For now, let's get you hydrated.”

Looking at what was handed to her, Kosuzu finally realized what the cause of the cold sensation on her neck was.

A transparent drink inside a bottle.

“Is it water?!”

“Yes, cold water.”

Satisfied with that, she went to open the lid, desperate to cool herself down—

“Alright then!”

“Kosuzu-san?!”

*Splash!* She poured the water right over her head.

The pleasant coldness traveled from her head down her neck and all the way to her back.

“Shake, shake, shake!”

“Just like a puppy…”

Beside a dumbfounded Sayaka, Kosuzu shook her head violently and showed a smile, looking content. The falling droplets reflected the sunlight, bathing Kosuzu in a radiant shimmer.

“Thank you very much, Sayaka-senpai!”

“I prepared that for you to drink, but... well, I guess it's fine…”

Sayaka gave a wry smile, figuring she could just grab another one later. Kosuzu, completely oblivious, flashed an innocent smile and held up the bottle proudly.

“Ah, I'll drink what's left! I learned this from watching marathon runners!”

In the marathons she saw on TV, runners who kept going in the heat would pour water over their heads and then do some light hydration. She had admired that a little bit.

“I see.”

Saying that, Sayaka nodded once as if she understood what Kosuzu wanted to do, but—

“Though by the looks of it, you're a bit too late to pull that off now.”

“Huh? Ah!”

The contents of the bottle were completely empty. Droplets were falling sadly, plop, plop.

“Ch-challenge failed…”

“Ahaha... Well, shall we go get some together? It's just a matter of going to the water fountain.”

“Yes!”

Though Kosuzu dropped her shoulders for a split second, she switched gears immediately, hopped right next to Sayaka, and started walking. Sayaka smiled in amusement. As always, Kosuzu's ability to bounce back so quickly and move on was something she couldn't help but admire.

“Even so, it's incredibly hot today!”

“It really is. Especially today. Just a moment ago, I was talking with Kozue-senpai about wrapping up practice early today. It would do us no good if anyone collapsed.”

“The lesson room isn't available either, right?”

“Well, it doesn't belong solely to the School Idol Club.”

Remembering that the schedule indicated another club was using it today.

Kosuzu learned that not just on rainy days, but on hot days like this as well, the competition for practice spaces was fierce.

“So, that’s it for today?”

“As a whole, yes…”

While having that conversation, the two walked toward the water fountain.

Since there was no practice, what should she do today? As Kosuzu let her thoughts wander like that, Sayaka glanced at her and spoke.

“Kosuzu-san, do you have any plans today?”

“Huh? Ah, nothing worth mentioning at all! I was just wondering what I should do.”

“In that case, why don't we spend a bit of extra time as DOLLCHESTRA?”

“E-Extra time...?!”

Hearing those words, Kosuzu froze for an instant. Did Sayaka intend to continue the practice, even though Kosuzu had been hoping to wrap up the session early?

If it was Sayaka, it wouldn't be strange for her to do so. When it came to practice, she was a demon. Without a doubt.

She recalled what Kaho had repeatedly drummed into her after Sayaka gave her special training back in May.

“You can't just casually ask Sayaka-chan for special training anymore, okay?! Promise me!”

She understood very well that Kaho was worried in her own way.

In fact, it was easy to imagine that if practice were to continue from here, Kosuzu would end up sleeping like the dead again.

Even so, as someone who had decided to chase after Sayaka, she couldn't possibly walk away when Sayaka wanted to keep practicing.

“Are we going to continuing practice...?”

“Why are you asking so timidly?!”

“N-No! Even if it's inside this sweltering oven, if Sayaka-senpai says she's continuing, Kachimachi will follow you even if she gets roasted crisp!”

“It troubles me when you say that with a face like you're about to cry!”

Sayaka hurriedly pulled away Kosuzu, who was clinging to her despite the already intense heat.

“No, that's not what I meant. Even I have no intention of practicing in this heat.”

With a small sigh, Sayaka said:

“If you'd like, how about the three of us go out together after this?”

“Going out!”

Kosuzu's back straightened like a rod.

An invitation from Sayaka, no matter what it was for, was a source of joy for Kosuzu.

“If Kachimachi is good enough, any number of me will follow you!”

“That sounds immensely noisy... Just one Kosuzu-san and one Tsuzuri-senpai are more than enough for me…”

Kosuzu, of course, had no idea.

She knew nothing of the nonsense Tsuzuri had once spouted about triplets, or six Sayas, and various other fantasies in which DOLLCHESTRA seemed on the verge of multiplying wildly out of hand. “I absolutely cannot give Kosuzu-san the chance to start multiplying too,” Sayaka thought, a wry smile spreading across her face.

“Kosuzu-san, are you interested in movies?”

Being asked that, Kosuzu widened her eyes slightly. Then, she nodded vigorously.

“Yes, I am!”

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“I feel like I'm going to melt…”

“Wow, even Tsuzuri-senpai can’t beat the heat...!”

“Yeah, because I'm a little bit closer to the sun than Suzu…”

“Does that have something to do with it?!”

“I don't think it has much to do with it…”

Chattering boisterously, they arrived at Kanazawa Forus.

Having reached Kanazawa Station and finally managed to escape the heat thanks to the tools of civilization, Kosuzu fanned her sweaty body with her hands.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew, flipping her bangs.

“Please use this.”

A handy fan was pointed at her by Sayaka, gently applying coolness to her sweaty forehead.

“Ahhh~”

Unintentionally, Kosuzu threw her voice into the fan, just like anime characters did toward electric fans. Seeing her like that, Sayaka laughed.

“Fufu, everyone always wants to do that.”

“It feels like a voice that isn't mine is coming out of me, so it's fun.”

As Tsuzuri said that, Sayaka wore a rare, mischievous smile and shifted the direction of the fan from Kosuzu to Tsuzuri.

“Ahhh~”

“Fufu. It's a funny voice when you do it consciously.”

“Right~?”

Tsuzuri's voice was still being stirred up by the fan.

Kosuzu and Tsuzuri's eyes met. Sensing what Tsuzuri wanted to say, Kosuzu placed her own hand over Sayaka's hand that was holding the fan.

“Kosuzu-san?”

To Sayaka, who wondered what she was doing for an instant, a blast of wind was directed.

“Hold on—”

*Whoosh.* Sayaka's bangs danced as well. Her unexpectedly wide forehead said hello.

Receiving the expectant eyes of Tsuzuri and Kosuzu, Sayaka lowered her eyebrows as if giving up and opened her mouth.

“Ahhh~”

“Sayaka-senpai, your voice is cute!”

“Yeah, Saya's voice is cute.”

“What’s that supposed to mean~?!”

Even Sayaka's pouty complaint came out soft and wobbly.

She'd been thoroughly thrown off balance, just as she always was by Kosuzu and Tsuzuri.

“Seriously…”

Turning off the fan's switch, Sayaka shook her head.

“Come on, look, it's going to be time for the movie.”

When she showed her smartphone, the screen displayed the tickets she had already reserved.

Since the movie they were going to see had been decided from the start, Kosuzu and Tsuzuri followed under Sayaka's guidance.

“What are we watching?”

“I don't know the details, but apparently... it's a phantom thief story?”

“That's cool!”

“There are lots of little guys that look like cute Suzus.”

“A whole bunch of Kachimachi!?”

“Why does DOLLCHESTRA always want to multiply so suddenly like that…”

Groaning with her hand against her forehead, Sayaka turned her eyes to Kosuzu.

“As for the reason we came to see a movie, the truth is, we received a request from the Drama Club again.”

“That legendary stage! I heard Sayaka-senpai and Tsuzuri-senpai looked absolutely stunning in it!”

“This time, I'm playing the role of the phantom thief... so I thought it would be helpful as a reference.”

“Sayaka-senpai… as a phantom thief…”

Kosuzu stared blankly at Sayaka.

In Kosuzu's mind, Sayaka—who was dressed in cool clothes meant for going out—transformed into a stylish, tuxedo-like outfit.

“Wow... That's so cool!”

“I-Is that so... I hope I can do it well.”

“You will definitely be really cool!”

Nodding firmly, Kosuzu suddenly realized something.

“Oh, wait, then what about Tsuzuri-senpai?”

“I'm a detective.”

“No way! So you're going to catch Sayaka-senpai!?”

Kosuzu's tension rose as she hallucinated the figure of Tsuzuri clad in a trench coat over here. Tsuzuri also nodded happily, pointing sharply at Sayaka.

“Yeah, I’ll tie her up.”

“Fufu. I wonder if it will go that easily.”

“Wow! You two already feel like true actors!”

As Kosuzu nodded with sparkling eyes, Sayaka and Tsuzuri looked at each other and laughed.

Sayaka relaxed a little, letting the tension leave her shoulders.

“Hearing you say that makes me feel a little relieved.”

“Saya is always perfect, though. Like when you were the Ice Princess, or when we did the shooting for Tsukimakase.”

“Why do you pinpoint at those exact moments I was embarrassed?!”

“Ooh, I wanted to see it~”

“D-Don't look at me with such expectant eyes... I'll show you the photos or whatever later…”

At any rate, Sayaka shook her head.

“Anyway, I thought we should watch this movie to use as a reference for the next play.”

“Suzu, tell us if there's anything you liked in the movie too. If it seems like something we could use, I wanna try it.”

“Okay! Leave it to me!”

Puffing out her chest, Kosuzu nodded firmly.

Tsuzuri and Sayaka smiled gently at Kosuzu before turning around and heading toward the theater.

Two large backs.

“Watching the movie as a reference for the play, huh...”

Watching them walk leisurely for a while, the distance between the two and Kosuzu grew wide.

It was as if her instincts were whispering to her, “If I just stay like this, it’s no good.”

Though her legs were shorter than theirs, Kosuzu hurried along, taking more steps to keep up to her seniors.

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

In the evening, after they finished watching the movie.

Having somehow managed to find a quiet café amid the crowded area around Kanazawa Station, the three of them sat around a circular table for teatime.

Sayaka had a fruit-flavored iced tea.

Tsuzuri had a parfait topped with ice cream.

Kosuzu had the same thing as Sayaka.

“I think the movie itself was interesting, but…”

Gently pulling her mouth away from the straw, Sayaka spoke with a vague smile.

“Compared to what is being required of us in the play... how should I put it... it was rather cute.”

As an impression of the movie, for a work themed around phantom thieves, one could say the fancy atmosphere won out by quite a bit. It gave the impression that the focus was on the cute mascots that looked like Suzu, just as Tsuzuri had said.

Sayaka felt that it was a bit different from what she expected.

“Should we lean toward that side?”

Sayaka gently averted her eyes from Tsuzuri's innocent question.

“About that... there's no telling of what the members of the Drama Club might come up with…”

“What do you mean by there's no telling what they'll come up with?! Are there gonna be surprises?!”

“Ah, no... Well, let’s say that the members of the Drama Club have... a really strong commitment to their plays, or rather, a strong philosophy…”

“I don't really get it, but the world of drama is deep!”

“Let’s leave it at that. There are many drama powerhouses who entered through the special talent admissions there, after all.”

Nodding, Sayaka took another sip of her iced tea, looking slightly awkward.

Kosuzu also took a sip of her iced tea—and then secretly picked up the gum syrup on the table. About three of them.

“So, there's something I want to ask you, Kosuzu-san.”

“The movie... the play…”

“Kosuzu-san?”

“Huh!? What is it!”

“You've seemed a bit absent-minded for a while now. Are you feeling unwell?”

“That's not it at all! It's cool right now! Kachimachi is full of energy!”

“Really...?”

Leaving aside Sayaka, who still couldn't shake her worry about whether she was truly okay, Tsuzuri, who had been single-mindedly battling her parfait, raised her face.

“Suzu, do you want to be in the play too?”

“Eh.”

Kosuzu held her breath at Tsuzuri's beautiful, clear eyes that felt like they could draw one in.

Then, having noticed that Kosuzu's expression had changed, Sayaka also tilted her head slightly.

“Yeah, what do you think?”

“W-Well, that is... uhm...”

It was a topic that Kosuzu, unusually for her, didn't really want to discuss.

If asked whether she wanted to try it, saying no would certainly be a lie.

Still, the sheer scale of everything Tsuzuri and Sayaka had built behind them was intimidating. She couldn't just recklessly say she wanted to join.

Kosuzu could see them. The wide backs that had moved forward to watch the movie earlier. And even now, the magnitude of the expectations they were carrying.

Kosuzu understood very well how much the Drama Club students were looking forward to Sayaka and the others' performance. Because if they weren't, they wouldn't keep offering them the main roles over and over again.

“You seemed to be having fun when we were reading lines together.”

“True, Suzu was super into it during that With×MEETS. So much that Saya even got embarrassed."

“Again, why do you only remember things like that?!”

“Because it's cute.”

“~~~~~~~~~!!”

When Tsuzuri casually replied to her, Sayaka was left speechless. She pulled out her handy fan and started making noises into it. Surely she had grown quite flushed.

“That line reading stream was fun, that's true. But, um...”

“It's rare for Suzu not to say she wants to do something right away. Isn't it a challenge?”

“It could be, but…”

Gripping the cold glass tightly, Kosuzu looked down.

“For Kachimachi to push her way into Sayaka-senpai and Tsuzuri-senpai's stage…”

The sound of the fan stopped, and Sayaka, who had regained a serious expression despite still being slightly red, spoke.

“If it's about that, we succeeded at our latest Fes×LIVE, didn’t we?”

“Everyone cheering for us welcomed this year's DOLLCHESTRA with open arms, too.”

“Well… that's because the members of the Suki-Suki Club view it as 'this year's DOLLCHESTRA,' and because Sayaka-senpai and Tsuzuri-senpai accepted Kachimachi...”

When Kosuzu said that hesitantly, Tsuzuri and Sayaka tilted their heads.

They wondered what was different from the current situation.

Kosuzu hadn't noticed the very question the two of them were silently harboring.

However, she diligently searched within for why she wasn’t motivated to take on the challenge, Kosuzu found that answer herself and raised her face.

“Because everyone in the Drama Club isn't expecting DOLLCHESTRA. But they're expecting Sayaka-senpai and Tsuzuri-senpai to play the roles, no?”

“Hmm.”

“So, um. For Kachimachi to go and fail at something everyone is looking forward to would be really inconsiderate.”

Operating under the premise of failure was typical of Kosuzu.

However, it wasn't as if Sayaka didn't understand what Kosuzu was trying to say at all.

Upon that, she let out a sigh.

“This isn't like you, Kosuzu-san. This amount of 'buts' and 'becauses' just don't suit you.”

“Guh…”

“Ah, that's a sound of defeat.”

“During the line reading, you said you had experience with that. Don't you actually want to do it?”

“I really do want to challenge myself with anything I can…”

Kosuzu said that powerlessly, with dropped shoulders.

She really wanted to try anything she could. However, even if Kosuzu had that spirit, she was afraid of ruining something everyone was expecting.

Because she grew up being told to not do anything. If she did something and it led to a “just as expected,” that would be one thing, but she hated the thought of hearing “it was all your fault.”

Especially if the targets of that were her beloved Sayaka and Tsuzuri.

“Hmm.”

Sayaka sipped her iced tea, looking at Kosuzu as if deep in thought.

Even in the posture of supporting her glass with both hands and holding the straw in her mouth, Sayaka looked sparkling to Kosuzu. As expected, she was worthy of the Drama Club picking her out.

Kosuzu's Sayaka-senpai.

“Even if I were to tell you here that I think the members of the Drama Club would welcome you if you said you wanted to do it, it wouldn't mean much, would it?”

“Yeah... Even if you say that, it probably won't get across to Suzu...”

Being stared at intently by Sayaka and Tsuzuri, Kosuzu felt a bit awkward and looked away.

“Um...”

“However... Listen, Kosuzu-san.”

“Yes?”

To the worrying Kosuzu, Sayaka smiled softly and continued.

“At the very least, I invited you because I wanted to come with you, Kosuzu-san. If having you here is 100, then it would be 50 if you didn't come. You must surely understand that I need you this much, right?”

“Um, yes...”

At the sudden killer line, Kosuzu reflexively averted her eyes. For a different reason than before, all she could do was nod. Whether she knew Kosuzu's inner thoughts or not, Sayaka spoke casually as if the previous lines were just a preface.

“It's about time you realized that this isn't limited to just me, Kosuzu-san. You are already a necessary presence to everyone, more than you think you are.”

“Is that so...?”

“Hmm... How can I get that across to you…”

Crossing her arms, Sayaka tilted her head.

“So, how about something like this?”

Then, Tsuzuri, who looked as if she had been thinking about something, raised a finger as if she'd just had an idea.

Waiting until attention gathered on her, Tsuzuri spoke to Kosuzu.

“A challenge to take the Drama Club's audition—”

“An audition? For Kachimachi?”

“Yeah. If you feel even a little interested, why don’t you audition for the Drama Club? If you don’t make it, then the challenge fails. If you succeed, we do it together. That way, it won't cause trouble for anyone.”

“I-If that's the case! Yes! By all means!”

Kosuzu stood up with a clatter.

She nodded repeatedly, and Tsuzuri smiled softly.

“Okay, then I'll let the Drama Club know.”

“Thank you very much, Tsuzuri-senpai!!”

Kosuzu bowed her head repeatedly, and Tsuzuri accepted it gently.

Sayaka pouted a little bit and casted her eyes toward Tsuzuri.

“That’s unfair, Tsuzuri-senpai... You can rescue your juniors’ hearts so easily...”

“That’s because Suzu is similar to me. I understand the feeling that you might ruin everyone's circle.”

“Hmph. I don't care about that. I'll pull both of you up by force.”

“Fufu... That's fine coming from Saya.”

Kosuzu, who was watching the exchange between the two, couldn't understand at all how she and Tsuzuri were similar.

But even so, she was happy to hear about auditioning for the Drama Club.

She only had fond memories of acting, even if they weren't exactly of great success, so to speak.

But on top of that, if the current challenge was successful, she could stand on stage with her seniors without any anxiety.

Thinking that nothing could be more joyful than this, she clenched her fist tightly.

And then...

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“We've been waiting for you!! DOLLCHESTRA's supernova!”

“If you are interested in drama, nothing could make us happier!!”

“Now, what should we have Kosuzu-chan do?! How about a sequel to the Ice Knight, where she fights against Tsuzuri-senpai? The setting is... yes, the curse that freezes everything held by the Ice Princess was actually meant to be received by Kosuzu-chan. The truth that the kind princess shielded her is revealed. Kosuzu-chan, carrying the responsibility that made the Ice Princess the Ice Princess, traveled the world looking for a cure but couldn't find one in the end and came back, only to witness the knight who accepted being swallowed by ice along with the princess—”

“Eh, eh? Eh!?”

The next day, Kosuzu was surrounded by the Drama Club.

Tsuzuri smiled and spoke to Kosuzu.

“Well, I thought it would turn out like this.”

And Sayaka followed up.

“That's why, after all, Kosuzu-san needs to know a bit more that she is needed by everyone.”

To the bewildered Kosuzu, words were conveyed one after another.

However, she understood very well that the emotion contained in those words as a whole was a welcome.

Therefore, she put strength into her hand.

“Um, everyone in the Drama Club!”

From here on, she would take a step forward by herself for the sake of what she wanted to do.

“Kachimachi might make a lot of mistakes! But if I can, I want to try the drama challenge!”

“Oh—! Sure!”

“Well, we wouldn't want to force a girl who dislikes it either.”

“Wait, excuse me?! In my case, didn't you practically trick me into doing it?!”

“Look— Sayaka-chan is the type who can do it if pushed enough!”

“You’ll just say that now?!”

Amid the noisy clamor of the onlookers.

A first-year student from the Drama Club stepped forward and asked Kosuzu.

“Kosuzu-san, do you have any experience in acting?”

Being asked that, Kosuzu puffed out her chest and said:

“Yes! After all, the first challenge Kachimachi ever did was—”

Translations : Rafatenshii

Kurusu Rin

Playing the role of Anyoji Hime, I'm Kurusu Rin. To everyone who came to the venue today, to those watching the stream, thank you so much.

Yes… we have officially crossed the halfway point of the 105th Term culmination. Recently, there have been various announcements and a lot of things happening, so I'm sure many of you felt uneasy because of it all. But hey, all those messy feelings are born from a place of deep love, and we felt the exact same way.

But with things like "Be Cera-Fish" that we announced earlier, and being able to perform Link to the Future together with Edel Note… I was talking about with Amane backstage just a moment ago, it's incredible. Izumin and Cerarin, who used to be our rivals from Mizukawa High School, are now standing on the same stage as our companions, performing Link to the Future together. The fact that things you could never have even imagined keep happening one after another is what makes Hasunosora so incredibly sparkling and fun. I felt that so deeply through this live show.

Watching Hime and the others throughout the Activity Record, seeing where everything led, and thinking, "So this is how it all turned out," was really fun. More than anything, I’m filled with gratitude toward both Linkura and Hasunosora.

Even so, just like how we performed Link to the Future with this lineup today, knowing that we'll be able to watch "Be Cera-Fish" after this, and that the FexLIVE video for Perennial will be available on YouTube… when I realize that there are still so many more fun things waiting to happen, I get so excited for the future. Walking alongside Hasunosora and Hime in all these different ways makes me feel incredibly happy right now. Of course, seeing all of your faces at these live show really makes today special. Having tours like this is also something I’m deeply grateful for.

We've passed the halfway point of the 105th Term culmination, but there are still moments left that we must savor without spilling a single drop. In terms of this culmination, there are two performances left. Let’s run through them and enjoy them together until the very end. Thank you so much for today!

Kan Kanna

Hi! Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I'm Kan Kanna, also known as Kankan. To everyone who came to the venue today, to those watching the stream, thank you so much.

Let's see. There are so many things I want to talk about that I'm worried it might come out a bit disorganized, so I apologize in advance.

First of all, regarding Echoes Beyond, I talked about this during the Fukuoka show too. The sight of all those glowing penlights and the sound of everyone’s voices coming through so clearly, even through my in-ear monitors… it made me incredibly happy. This venue being filled to the brim with penlights is not something we can take for granted. It exists because everyone puts their own little feelings into it. All those emotions come together to create this.

The fact that Linkura even existed might not have been something taken for granted either. That's why the things we assume are normal are actually wonderful and absolutely insane (panai). Yeah, ordinary things are truly wonderful. So being able to spend so many beautiful, precious ‘ordinary’ moments together with all of you makes me really happy.

So, moving forward, just as Rin said, the last two performances will be the culmination of the 105th Term. It's next week, but we will do our best to show you a fresh, different side of ourselves. I hope you look forward to that! Please watch the movies a lot! Let's have a lot of fun with Hasunosora. Please watch the Activity Record and the premiere of Perennial FesxLIVE! Watch it a lot! Thank you so much for today!

Sakurai Hina

Playing the role of Momose Ginko. I'm Sakurai Hina, also known as Hiichan. To all the Hyogo Gourmet here today (TL note: the live show has food-themed sections)… um, I was trying to say something clever just now… To all the Hyogo Gourmet, thank you for the delicious food and for filling the venue with such a very sweet space! Yay!

Hiichan : I tried to make a pun with “Berry Merry.”

Nassu : You were trying to say something witty.

Hiichan : But did it get across?

Nassu : It did. It did, right, everyone?

While singing Otome Anthology, I always sing with Ginko’s feelings in mind, but today, somehow, I felt like singing it to the Ginko who is about to become a third-year. There's a part of me that desperately wants to see her future self, but there's also a part of me that wants to treasure the present time I share with my seniors right now.

Since we were performing here in Hyogo, I couldn’t help but think back to the 2nd Live Tour. Back then, Ginko and the others were like brand-new babies.

But now, the third-years have become Sanrenka, the Shosankaku (Ginko, Kozuzu, and Hime) have grown so much. We met Izumi and Ceras and also formed Shoushihenkei (Ginko, Kosuzu, Hime, Izumi). Looking back, we’ve truly experienced so many things along the way to today.

During this 6th Live period, I often find myself torn between those feelings, but after today’s live, I realized maybe both can exist together.

Our fans, the Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, always show their love for Hasunosora, and when we step on this stage, we can really feel that. This 6th Live Dream is such a wonderful thing because it allows us to not just look back, but to stack up new memories even as we reminisce. Today was Day 2 of the Hyogo stop, and next week we’ll be moving on to the Party stop. I’d be really happy if you continue to follow and witness the culmination of the 105th Term. Thank you so much for today!

Nirei Nozomi

Playing the role of Hinoshita Kaho. I'm Nirei Nozomi. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in person today, and to those of you who tuned in via live stream and archive.

Yes, like Kan-chan said, there are so many things I want to say that I'm sorry if it doesn't come together well. You see, this live show is our first one since the movie was released, right? So, I was really worried and overthinking, like, "With what kind of feelings should I stand on stage after going through the movie?" I was kind of stuck in my head about it.

But even while worrying before standing on stage, I came out here with the absolute determination to make everyone have fun and to surprise you all. And seeing the penlights everyone is waving, and because the distance is so close, I can see all of your faces! Seeing your joyful faces made me feel so happy (started crying).

Chuke : Sorry, I don't know why… but tears just started coming out.

It was so much fun. We performed Berry Merry-Go-Round for the first time today, and when I stood facing backward during standby, I kept wondering, "Will everyone be surprised?" and "How should we hype them up?" I was just having so much fun on stage the entire time.

Having spent three years together with Kaho-chan, and spending those days with all of you, it's because of those days that I'm able to taste such a happy moment right now. This Hyogo performance really made me overflow with gratitude all over again, toward everyone here, toward the members, the live show staff, the Linkula staff, and the whole team.

Everyone's chants were so perfectly synchronized today, it was so much fun. Like during Echoes Beyond the "La La La" part… and even though it was our first time performing it, had you all already practiced the Berry Merry-Go-Round chant? That was amazing.

Chuke : It was so much fun. Did you have fun? (Cheers) Thank you. Hearing your cheers makes me so, so happy.

We don’t know what will happen with Linkura from here on, and the future is still full of unknowns. But because the future is unpredictable, I believe it will bring things beyond what we imagine.

As Kaho-chan in her third year, I want to run through these last two performances together with the juniors and show you our culmination. I hope you’ll continue enjoying both Linkura and the live performances until the very end.

Thank you very much once again for today.

Hayama Fuka

Hi! Playing the role of Kachimachi Kosuzu, I'm Hayama Fuuka, also known as Fuuchan. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in person today, and to those of you who tuned in via live stream.

First of all, I’m really, really happy that I’ve been able to walk alongside Kozuzu-chan all the way to the Hyogo performance. I’m so glad we could come back here again. Thank you very much. (TL Note: 104th debut is Hyogo live show).

So, today we made announcements for Linkura! It made me really happy to be able to say Linkura again in a place like this after so long, and to see everyone react so warmly to both the name and the announcements. Thank you so, so much.

I feel like I'm just saying thank you over and over again, but that's really how I feel.

During the 6th Live Dream period, compared to the 4th Live Dream… well, back during the 4th Live Dream a year ago, Kosuzu-chan and the others were moving up a grade at the same time, so the whole environment changed a little. For both you and us, there were times when we had to push through things we had to do, and even moments where we struggled to accept, we had to force ourselves to swallow that. I think there were many such periods like that.

But like Nassu-chan always says, it's perfectly fine to go at your own pace. It's totally okay to just cherry-pick the parts that are fun for you. Still, so that it can reach all of you, we’ll continue to deliver everything in 6th Live Dream and Linkura without leaving anything behind. So if you can, I’d be happy if you see it all till the end. But there’s no pressure.

We will throw 100% of our power into it, so please continue to support us. And I also hope you continue to love Kosuzu, the juniors, and everyone else, including our great seniors and Sachi-senpai. Thank you so much for today, and please keep supporting us!

Nonaka Kokona

Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I'm Nonaka Kokona, also known as Nassu. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone who watched the stream or the archive.

Wow, there's really so much to talk about. I don't really like to label things as "special," but being able to return to the place of our 2nd Live, and coming back here together with our grown juniors… this place really brings out a special feeling.

Even within that, today I was talking with Fuu and Kosuzu since yesterday about how we should perform DOLLCHESTRA's songs. When we actually did it, the songs gradually evolved. In the opening lines of Icy, there’s a line that goes, "To the you who’s living there right now." When saying that, I felt like I could see the faces of so many people beyond the screen whom I haven't even met yet.

Also, this time we performed Freesia. Each unit changed up their songs for this performance, but to be honest, the lyrics of Freesia are incredibly deep and heavy. When I was singing that song specifically directed toward Kosuzu, not only Kosuzu's face but also the faces of our other juniors started floating into my mind. And the more I sang the lyrics, the more my own classmates' faces came to mind too.

During the time leading up to this 6th Live Dream leading to Hyogo, I've seen my classmates' sad expressions and happy expressions many times, and I've seen our juniors looking so frustrated but grit their teeth and push through. To borrow and paraphrase a bit of the lyrics: It might be a selfish, self-serving prayer to want to see an even more wonderful Hasunosora from here on out, but because of all the time we’ve shared up until now, I really want to leave something lasting behind. That’s why, during Freesia, i realized I want all of you to be part of that too.

Nassu : Did these complex emotions of mine reach you? Did they reach you through the live stream too? (Cheers) It did? Good. I'm glad.

Well, we’ve reached the halfway point, but I still believe Hasunosora can do so much more. We’ll give it everything we’ve got again at the next stop, Pia Arena.

Back during the 2nd Live, I stood on this Hyogo stage all by myself. At that time, the scenery was the exact same color as today. In Hajimari no Haneoto, there’s the line, "That day's sky was waiting, vast and blue", Seeing today scenery, it overlapped with that memory. It made me feel once again that I want to make this performance something truly special, thanks to all of you.

Thank you so much for giving us so much strength. We want to keep giving that back to you in return. Please enjoy the Activity records, FexLIVE video for Perennial, and the cards as well. And let’s all work hard together in the circle LGP.

Thank you very much for today.

Miyake Miu

Playing the role of Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld, I'm Miyake Miu. Thank you so much to all the Beef, Akashiyaki, Doteni, Crab, and to all the Red bean bread watching via livestream! Ah, thank you for the feast!

Just like Non-chan (Chuke) said, everyone's voices were incredibly loud today. During Reboot and other times, we were backstage talking about how everyone's voices sounded so high-pitched! Even when we weren't on stage, we could feel your presence the entire time, and I kept thinking about how fun it was while performing.

Next up is the Kanagawa performance, which will be the absolute final culmination for the 105th Term. When thinking about that… as Edel Note, my feelings have shifted to wanting to enjoy this together with all of you. But as Edel Note's member, I sometimes wonder how much time I have left performing and interacting with Izumi like this. Even though we’re still together, I sometimes think things like, "Wow, she looks really beautiful right now," during Edelinien.

So today especially, I felt my feelings toward Izumi overflowing.

Of course, I'm happy about Bloom the Smile, Bloom the Dream and Link to the Future, too. Also we performed Saka now! today, which everyone really seemed to love, you’ve all been dancing to it constantly. This song is actually incredibly deep (lol).

Nassu : It really is deep.

Miichan : When singing it, the faces of fish keep popping into my mind one after another, and it makes me feel so good! I even had everyone become migratory fish and we all had a blast dancing.

Not just Saka now! but Edel Note drastically changes its expressions and atmosphere from song to song even when performing them back-to-back…

Ah, I can hear cues from behind me about to speed things up..

Because our time left as Edel Note is short, I wanted to quickly switch through all these different expressions and engrave them into everyone's minds, which is what I focused on today. Next week is already around the corner, but since it's still next week, we will keep pushing to figure out how to leave a lasting impression in everyone's memories as Edel Note. Thank you so much for today!

(Miichan was discussing something with Amane)

Miichan : Can I talk a bit more? Is that okay?

Amane : Sure

Miichan: I'm glad the Activity Record is coming out (shyly) (TL note: she had cried earlier when announcing it)

Shindo Amane

I just feel like… it was such a good live show. Ah, oh no, I'm gonna cry again. (crying)

Members : Izumin~ (Mii and Nassu giving her a towel)

(crying) Every time I listened to everyone's speeches, I got so choked up. I tried my best to hold it back, but it just overflowed. This morning, when we were all stretching together… you know, we really love the part in Perennial where Sanrenka form a circle. Inadvertently, instead of the usual stretching music, Perennial started playing right at that exact part. Everyone instantly moved in sync to form a circle. (TL note: They re-create the scene and form the circle, cute)

Amane : Being able to just naturally have fun like that made me so happy. I knew today was going to be a great live show, and it really turned out to be one. Did everyone enjoy it?

Audience : (Cheering)

Amane : Thank you so much.

This was a major milestone as the halfway point of the 105th Term's tour, so being able to deliver this kind of performance together was amazing. Also, Bloom the Smile, Bloom the Dream and Link to the Future were songs I used to watch from the side during the 3rd Live, cheering everyone on as they went on stage and telling them to go have fun. Being able to participate in those very songs as Izumi-chan makes me incredibly happy. To the Izumi of that time, to myself back then, and especially to the past me who was still just dreaming… I want to tell her over and over again, "The future is incredible!"

Hasunosora has so many wonderful songs, and because I wanted everyone to have fun, I was so glad we could perform Saka now! today. Seriously. Right after the emotional ending of Edelinien, the moment Saka now! started playing, everyone's roaring cheers were unbelievable. I could clearly hear everyone chanting "Mob-Mob" during Reijou Mob! too, which made me so happy. When it comes to Saka now!, everyone just loves it so much.

Nassu : We love it!

Amane : I thought I shouldn’t just keep crying, so I tried to talk about something funny. I’m glad everyone enjoyed Saka now!. Non-chan (Chuke) especially loves it

Chuke : I really LOVES it!

Members : She literally ran over to the monitors just to watch it.

Amane : She kept talking about Saka now! the entire time. Even when we went back to change the outfits, she kept praising it, saying, "Saka now! was so good!" That made me so happy.

Chuke : That's because I saw the two of you practicing so hard backstage to get it perfectly synchronized!

Amane : Things like that happened, and it made me realize all over again how hilarious everyone in the 105th Generation is, and how glad I am to have met such wonderful members. Huh, what? (looking at nassu)

Nassu : You're the funny one!

Amane : Thank you! (started crying again)

Members : Oi! Sorry, sorry, we didn’t mean to make you cry again

Hiichan : This is hilarious!

Amane : I wasn't supposed to cry this much.

Nassu : You're so cute.

I just really love everyone so much. Yes. Even during the two-week gap, we got to see each other at stage greetings and rehearsals, and we got to see all of you from Suki Suki Club a lot too. And to think we get to meet again next week makes me incredibly happy. Next week is the Party stop! To borrow the lyrics of our seniors, I want to make it a party that never ends, Hasunosora-style. To make that happen, I want to do my best alongside Izumi-chan and everyone. I wonder if you remembered some withxMEETS.

It all started during a break, as the 104th-term students, called the Hasu no Shoushihenkei, gathered together and talked, and Ginko was there with them.

“By the way, what are everyone's plans for Valentine’s Day?”

When her classmate, Izumi Katsuragi, asked this, Ginko replied with “Nothing in particular.” However, it seemed that Hime and Kosuzu were planning to spend the day with their respective seniors.

Ginko, of course, knew about the tradition of giving chocolate to close friends or acquaintances as a sign of appreciation. That’s why she had at least thought about giving some convenience-store chocolate to Hinoshita Kaho, her senior in the Cerise Bouquet.

But Kosuzu, Hime, and even Izumi, all seemed to have already decided what they would do for Valentine’s Day.

Ginko thought: This is bad.

By now, Ginko knew Kaho’s personality inside and out. If Kaho found out the other members were spending Valentine’s Day with their unit partners, she’d definitely get jealous.

It would be mentally exhausting to do paperwork while dealing with a senior pouting and muttering, “I’m so jealous, I’m so jealous,” right next to her.

So when Kosuzu peeked innocently and asked, “Ginko-chan, what about you?”

Ginko hid her inner turmoil behind a smile and replied, "Of course, I’ve got something planned."

Even though she hadn't thought of a single thing!

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“Here you go, Kaho-senpai.”

Ginko extended the wrapped chocolate into the empty room.

February 14th. Valentine’s Day had arrived in the blink of an eye. Since it was a Saturday, so school is closed. No one was in the clubroom. No one, that is, except Ginko.

Last night, immediately after school, she had rushed back to her family home. With the help of her mother and grandmother, she had finished crafting some handmade chocolates. She wasn't very familiar with making western sweets, but after ruining several trial batches, she felt the final product had turned out well... she hoped.

She wrapped it in a sunlit yellow package, tied it with a pale blue ribbon, and it looked presentable enough… she hoped.

There was just one issue: Ginko hadn't mentioned Valentine’s to Kaho at all! She hadn’t asked her out or made any plans to spend the day together.

It’s not like that! I have my reason!

After all, Kaho-senpai had a hectic schedule this month. She had been busy with the final stage of the “Triple Flower Operation” and solo live practice. She couldn’t even bring herself to suggest a Valentine’s date, seeing how packed Kaho’s schedule was.

Even though she knew Kaho would never actually say it, if Kaho ever shut her down with a cold “Ginko-chan... read the room.”, it would be game over for Ginko.

And so, here she was in the clubroom alone, practicing how to hand over the chocolate.

“Here, Kaho-senpai. There’s no deep meaning behind it, it’s just... a thank-you for everything.”

Adding an unnecessary disclaimer, Ginko fell silent. “I feel like the more I prepare for this, the more embarrassing it gets...”

The smartphone on the desk vibrated. Looking down, she saw a message from Kaho: “I'm heading to the clubroom now.”

Ginko froze.

Why am I getting so nervous now?!! It’s just giving Kaho-senpai some chocolate!

Ginko reflected on her own actions. She had gone out of her way to call Kaho to the clubroom on a day off. If she was going to give it to her, she should have just stopped Kaho yesterday before going to bed and handed it over casually! Making a formal rendezvous out of it was a mistake!

What if she just left the chocolate on the desk with a note? Something like, "Please take this, Kaho-senpai," or "I had extras, so please have some."

While she was busy contemplating such disrespectful ideas, the clubroom door swung open with a bam!

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ginko-chan!”

As always, a smile bright as sunshine entered the room. It was Hinoshita Kaho.

Ginko flinched slightly but turned around and forced a smile.

“G-Good morning. Um, well…”

“What’s this? You wanted me to come to the club room? Something you want to talk about?”

“It’s not exactly that…”

Ginko took a deep breath and extended the chocolate she had been hiding behind her back.

“Here. Please accept it.”

“A gift!? Eh, that’s rare~”

Avoiding Kaho's gaze, Ginko fought desperately trying to choke back the words that were about to spill out of her mouth.

Just take it!

I had extras, you want 'em? They probably aren't even that good.

She shut down those stubborn, dishonest excuses bubbling up inside her and forced herself to speak, even if her voice was a little shaky.

“It’s a thank-you gift. For everything you’ve done for me this past year, Kaho-senpai.”

She added, “It’s... handmade. I hope you find it to your liking.”

“!!”

Kaho’s eyes lit up.

“Thank you, Ginko-chan! I’m so happy!”

“W-whoa—”

Before she knew it, Kaho had already hug her.

Ginko caught the smaller girl in her embrace. As always, her senior is overly affectionate. It wasn’t unpleasant… though.

“Oh, right, Ginko-chan. Actually, I’ve got a present for you too.”

Only then did Ginko notice that Kaho was holding a small paper gift bag.

“Huh? What is it?”

“Fufufu, here, take this!”

With a proud grin, Kaho held something out. It was wrapped in soft, gentle light-blue paper.

“It’s chocolate from me! It’s not handmade, but I asked some girls in my class for recommendations. It’s really delicious!”

“Ah, thank you very much.”

Kaho smiled brightly.

“A little thank-you for everything.”

“I’m honored.” Replying with words that were, as usual, far from cute, Ginko accepted the chocolate.

Whenever Kaho said "thank you," Ginko’s inner voice would protest, that’s not right, is it?

Ginko felt like she was the one constantly receiving, never truly giving enough back. She felt guilty about it.

Still, she’d finally gotten better at keeping those feelings tucked away. Even if Kaho probably saw right through her.

“Um... Kaho-senpai. I know how busy you’ve been lately, but...”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“If you're free tomorrow... and only if you have the time... would you like to go out somewhere? You know... as a thank you for the chocolate.”

Ginko held up the wrapped gift as she spoke.

Kaho smiled at her.

“White Day’s still a long way off, you know.”

“I’ll prepare something for White Day too. This is just a return for your everyday kindness.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kaho narrowed her eyes and let out a soft giggle, then gave a big nod.

“Alright then! Let’s go out.”

She had meant to spend the day finishing paperwork for the Bloom Garden Party.

“Kaho-senpai.”

But it didn’t have to be done today.

“Hmm?”

While Kaho hugged the chocolate wrapper to her chest, Ginko clutched the present she had received as well.

“There’s somewhere I’d like to go—”

She had already done the research.

Of course, it was a place Kaho would probably love.

Kachimachi Kosuzu was feeling down. Right now, the senior she admired above all others was glaring at her with a stern expression.

The scolding had gone on for almost an hour. Kosuzu knew she was in the wrong, she knew she deserved the scolding. But more than that, it hurt her to know that the precious time of this important day was slipping away like this.

Right now, her clubmates are likely spending the day with their unit partners in their own ways. They had all discussed it together as Hasu no Shoushihenkei.

Then, suddenly, Kosuzu had an idea. This Valentine’s Day… I’ll use it to show my gratitude to my unit partners.

But it’s not that simple for her.

If she just invited her out normally, wouldn’t Sayaka-senpai end up handling all the planning anyway? That was a fact she had learned from two years of experience.

Even if she told her that she would be the one escorting her, Sayaka would still do it. That was just the kind of person Sayaka is. So what should she do?

Kosuzu’s plan: handle all the prep alone and prevent Sayaka from making any preparations.

Right. Let’s hide her smartphone.

And then…

“Kosuzu-san, have you seen my phone?”

“No idea! More importantly, let’s go out!”

“More importantly? I’m in trouble without it!”

That was what happened an hour ago.

“Ugh… I’m sorry, Sayaka-senpai… I have a reason…”

“What kind of reason would make this okay?”

“I—I just thought that if I didn’t do something, Sayaka-senpai would end up taking care of everything.”

Sayaka paused, sorting through the logic in her head.

Kosuzu invited her out. Kosuzu said she would handle everything. Then of course I should make some preparations too, just in case …

“...”

Yeah. She had no rebuttal.

“I suppose it can’t be helped…”

The only thing she could manage was a single sigh.

"Since I’ve spent a whole hour lecturing you, I assume your original plan has fallen apart as well."

“Um, well... y-yes...”

Seeing Kosuzu looking so down, Sayaka shook her head gently, as if telling her it was alright.

“Even so, I’ve been trying lately not to fuss over people so much. Especially when it comes to you, Kosuzu-san.”

Sayaka smiled, indicate that the scolding was finished.

“If you say you’ll handle something on your own, then I won’t interfere anymore. Please trust me.”

“Ah… yes!”

Kosuzu responded, returning Sayaka’s smile.

"After all, you were thinking of what you could do for me... to show your gratitude to your unit partner, weren't you?"

“That’s right! Even though we can’t use the original plan anymore...”

Clenching both fists, Kosuzu declared it firmly.

“In that case, there’s something that Kachimachi want to do.”

・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Both of them made their way to the lounge. “I’ll do my best, so please just watch,” Sayaka nodded at Kosuzu’s confident declaration and decided to quietly observe from behind.

Kosuzu had decided to make sweets for Sayaka.

The sweets I made with my own hands… I just hope she’ll like them. That’s all.

Kosuzu smiled as she worked hard kneading the dough. She did it carefully and with care. Sayaka watched the scene in silence.

“If I’m going to show my appreciation to Sayaka-senpai for everything she does. I figured this would be the best way. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.”

Watching Kosuzu from behind as she faced the dough with full determination, Sayaka thought to herself, for someone doing something she isn’t used to, she’s surprisingly efficient.

If that’s the case, it doesn’t look like Sayaka needs to lend a hand after all.

As for whether I always judge things based on what’s necessary or unnecessary… I’d have no defense if anyone called me out.

It’s not as though Sayaka had ever dismissed Kosuzu’s desire to make sweets for her as something trivial. But even so, it was clear that those feelings were far stronger and more steadfast than Sayaka had imagined.

“Did you practice ahead of time?”

“Well, actually… yes. I asked my older sisters for lots of tips.”

“Ah, your family.”

That made sense.

Looking again, Sayaka could see traces of Kosuzu’s effort even in the careful way she shaped the dough into hearts.

All by herself, for Sayaka’s sake.

That determination was now, surely, taking shape.

Sayaka quietly tried to wipe away her tears.

“Huh? Why are you crying?”

Kosuzu happened to glance back and caught her.

“N-no! Please don’t worry about it! I was just thinking about how much effort Kosuzu-san put into this for me.”

“But isn’t that a little early? I-I mean, shouldn’t that reaction come after you actually eat the finished sweets?”

“Even if I weren’t around, Kosuzu-san will be okay.”

“Isn’t that still way too early?! I-I don’t want you coming to that conclusion already!”

“Perhaps we should prepare your graduation badge.”

“But, Senpai, you’re meant to go first…?!”

Kosuzu was dumbfounded.

I’m making these to thank Sayaka-senpai. To say that even though our time left is short, I hope we’ll keep getting along from here on too. That’s the feeling I’m putting into this! So what’s with that face that looks like you’ve already graduated with no regrets about school life?!

“Uwaaaah! Forget this!!”

Carried away by the moment, Kosuzu suddenly squished the dough in her hands.

“Eeeeh?!”

Sayaka’s eyes went wide at the completely unexpected act of destruction.

“Sayaka-senpai!!”

Kosuzu jerked her head up and shouted.

“Kachimachi can’t manage this by herself, let’s do it together!!”

“Eh? What happened to your determination, Kosuzu-san?!”

“That kind of determination can wait until the day you actually graduate, Sayaka-senpai! I’ll even steal your phone again tomorrow!”

“W-what?! But I swore I’d let you take care of things! What about my determination?”

“That, too, will have to wait until the end of next month!”

Kosuzu snorted, trying to vent the loneliness she couldn’t hold back and the frustration that had nowhere to go.

But the poor thing she could have taken it out on had already been squashed by her own hands earlier.

“Kachimachi...I’m no good. I’m not ready to do anything by myself yet!”

“...”

Sayaka was struck emotionally by the sudden change. Kosuzu’s resolve now was completely opposite to what it had been just moments ago.

Sayaka wasn't so dense that she couldn't take a hint.

"I’m sorry, perhaps I was getting a bit ahead of myself."

Sayaka gently brushed Kosuzu’s cheek.

“I guess I was feeling anxious about the future… about what will happen to you next year, Kosuzu-san.”

“Ugh…”

Kosuzu flinched at the mention of the future. A topic she hadn't wanted to face just yet.

But Sayaka continued.

“You’ll be fine next year, Kosuzu-san. I’m certain of that. And because of that… for now, let’s spend as much time together as we can.”

Kosuzu lifted her face at once. Feeling the warmth of Sayaka’s hand on her cheek and seeing her gentle smile, Kosuzu shyly smiled back.

“Right! Then let’s do it together!”

“Yes. Though since this you’ve been putting so much effort into this, you go ahead and finish making it yourself.”

Picking up the spatula that was nearby, Sayaka said, “Shall we make the cookies together?”

Kurusu Rin

Playing the role of Anyoji Hime, I'm Kurusu Rin. To everyone who came to the venue today, to those watching the stream, and to those watching the archive, thank you so much.

Since this is Cerise Bouquet Presents, I’d like to talk a little about Cerise Bouquet first. I mentioned it briefly yesterday as well, but Cerise Bouquet is a unit where you can really feel how genuinely they want to make everyone smile and bloom.

I’m sure everyone here felt the same. For us too, these two days were so much fun. Even from the rehearsal period, it was like…you could totally feel how much they wanted everyone to have fun and be happy. So rather than feeling pressure or being weighed down by nerves we just kept receiving this overflowing happiness. The mood was so warm and joyful that I never felt any worry or felt like we needed to step in and assist. I truly respect them for what they’ve done. Thank you for your hard work. 

Cerise Bouquet: You’re welcome.

And truly… how should I say it… This was the performance where we unveiled Charming na Hanataba for the first time, and it made me once again feel like, “So this is what it means to bloom,” It felt like a warm feeling bursting upward inside my heart.

The moment I stood there, watching everyone smile—including our own, it washed over me. We said we wanted to create a bouquet-like stage, and right then I realized we had truly achieved that. It was two days full of happiness.

I feel like this tour gave us the chance to reaffirm our love for one another. I talked about it a bit with Kan-chan, and I told her, “You can rely on me more, you know?” We talked about that after Mirapa Presents. 

Rin : Right? (teasing)

Kankan: Hey, cut it out.

Honestly, I was really happy. I was so happy that Kan-chan started to rely on me more. That alone made me really happy.

And in all the unit-presented performances, everyone supported each other with no boundaries of unit or grade separating us. It really became a chance to reaffirm our love, one person at a time. I found myself growing even more attached to everyone, including everyone who supported us. It was a concert filled with love, and I enjoyed it so much. Thank you to everyone who came along on the tour.

Thank you.

Kan Kanna

Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I'm Kan Kanna. To everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone watching via stream, thank you so much.

During the Mira-Cra Park Presents, in one of the songs, I did a little riddle-like wordplay. At that time, I compared Yoyogi Park to this 4Pair Power Spread!!!! 5th Live Tour. The answer was: Because both will become wonderful parks/stages.I got help from Izumi-sensei and many others in coming up with that riddle.

Remembering it now, I truly felt invincible with my partner next to me, and doing it together with everyone was insanely fun. There was so much sparkle, and so much youth. It was fun, but also cool, and we got to see a brand new beginning. And yesterday and today, together with everyone, we were able to make a bouquet-like stage.

It was such a performance that made me think, ‘I wish days like this could continue forever.’ I really had an amazing time.

Kankan: Everyone, did you have fun?

Crowds: It was fun!

To Cerise Bouquet, who wrapped up this 5th Live Tour, thank you for your hard work.

I know there were so many things to deal with until the very last second. Really, thank you so much.

Cerise Bouquet: You’re welcome.

This 5th Live Tour, felt like every stop was a finale of its own. Because each place had its own meaning. So today truly felt like the finale for Cerise Bouquet, and at the same time like a finale for all eight of us together. It was so much fun

I’ve lost track of what I was going to say, but…, now that we’re entering the 6th Live Tour Dream.

Kankan : Kaho-chan, Sayaka-chan. The moment has finally arrived (103 finale)

Nassu : Yes.

Kankan : Hmm.

Even so, there are still many more things to come. Let’s keep making memories together. So please keep supporting us. Thank you so much for today.

Sakurai Hina

Playing the role of Momose Ginko. I'm Sakurai Hina, also known as Hiichan.

To everyone who came to the Clover Stage, and to everyone watching the stream, thank you so much.

Here at the 5th Live Tour, I wanted to say thank you to Kaho-senpai who always stands beside me, and to Non-chan (Nonchuke) as well. So, please step forward.

Nonchuke : A-ah, okay.

Ever since becoming part of Cerise Bouquet and Hasunosora, I think I was probably the hardest junior to deal with. I’ve always valued the senior–junior dynamic deeply, and while I wanted to keep respecting that, I also wished to stand next to you as an equal on stage. I didn’t know how to navigate that conflict inside me, and I think I struggled with that for the longest time.

And during those times, Non-chan never gave up on me. Even when I would respond with something like, “Ah, yes, I understand,” in a distant way, she never stopped reaching out. She kept saying, “Let’s do our best together,” again and again.

Also, when we sang a song of our seniors. Because it was such an important song, I once referred to it as a “cover.” Even though we were being allowed to perform our seniors’ song, I said we were “covering it.” Back then, Non-chan told me, “It’s not a cover,” and that really meant a lot to me. That was before the 3rd Live, right?

Hiichan : I’m only telling you this now, almost a year later. Are you surprised?

Nonchuke : Yes.

Hiichan : You probably didn’t realize just how much your words made me happy.

Nonchuke : Yes.

Nonchuke: During the 3rd Live, you were so tense, right? You were probably thinking, “I have to do my best, I have to push harder,” weren’t you?

Hiichan : I definitely was.

But now, after going all the way through the 5th Live Tour, seeing Non-chan’s smile makes me relieved. She’s always there by my side. Just like Ginko has Kaho-senpai pushing her forward, I can really feel how much support I’ve received from both of you.

Because I’m not Kaho-senpai, and I don’t have the qualities she does, there are so many things about her that I admire and think are really cool. And seeing Non-chan supporting Kaho-senpai and walking beside her the whole time, I think Non-chan is really cool too. Seeing your smile gives me the strength to do my best too.

(Nonchuke started crying)

(Hiichan patting her)

(At the same time, Nassu and Kankan both reach for towels at once, making Chuke laugh through her tears.)

Hiichan : This is a strange timing to ask, but there was something I wanted to ask Non-chan.

Nonchuke : What?

Hiichan (as Ginko) : Were you truly happy today, Kaho-senpai?

Nonchuke (as Kaho) : I’m the happiest.

Thank you for always standing in the center and leading Hasunosora with everything you’ve got. I want to be a source of strength for you as well, so let me be someone you can lean on whenever you need.

Nonchuke: Thank you. I’ll rely on you.

Hiichan: Yes.

And to everyone in the Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, we received such a big bouquet from all of you. Thank you so much, both today and for the entire 5th Live Tour.

(Hiichan hug Nonchuke)

Nirei Nozomi

Playing the role of Hinoshita Kaho. I'm Nirei Nozomi. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in person today, and to those of you who tuned in via live stream and archive. 

I also have something to tell you, Hii.

(Hiichan jumping with excitement)

I’ve received so much from you, and I might not be able to return even half of it. But over this period leading up to Clover Stage and throughout the entire 5th Live Tour, I’ve really felt how dependable you’ve become. Even yesterday, you were really high tension (laugh). Last year, you were so nervous all the time.

Somewhere along the way, I ended up becoming close to her, just like Ginko-chan and Kaho-chan. I used to feel like I had to protect you, my cute junior, but that’s no longer the case. During the entire 5th Live Tour, you kept reaching out to me, encouraging me, and even on stage you’d say things like, “I’ve got this, you can count on me,” Your words were always so warm, they made me really happy. Thank you.

Hiichan: You’re welcome.

And although we still have some time together, though it doesn’t feel like much. I don’t know exactly what I’ll be able to give back or how much I can truly express my feelings, but I’ll keep doing my best as your senior. We still have another 6 months together, let’s keep making great memories together.

Hiichan (as Ginko) : You’re a senior I really love

Nonchuke (as Kaho) : I love you too.

This has gone on a bit long.

Through the Clover Stage stage, carrying the baton passed down by everyone, I’ve put my heart and soul into every moment. 

Nonchuke (as Kaho) : Were your smiles blooming today? (Cheers) 

Thank you so much!

Now that this wonderful announcement has been made, we’ll give everything we’ve got for the Hasunosora School Idol Club. So please keep cheering us on. Thank you so much for today!

Hayama Fuuka

Fuuchan : Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, did you enjoy the 5th Live Tour? (Cheers) 

Playing the role of Kachimachi Kosuzu, I'm Hayama Fuuka, also known as Fuuchan.

First of all, a big thank you to the two members of Cerise Bouquet for their hard work on Clover Stage. Thank you! I’ve already shared some thoughts yesterday and on other occasions. So, this time I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the entire 5th Live Tour and express my gratitude.

So, starting with the Heart Stage presented by Mira-Cra Park, we performed in each city and venue, and finally, here at K-Arena, all eight of us were able to come together and complete the tour. This was only possible thanks to the support of the Hasunosora Suki Suki Club. Thank you so much.

And as you heard in the exciting announcements, the 6th Live is starting, and the visuals for the movie were also revealed. There’s the seniors we all love.

The venue of the 6th Live Tour, it’s the stage where our beloved Love Live! seniors have stood on before. Just thinking about it… honestly, when we first heard about the venue location, my heart felt like it’s going to explode from all the excitement and nerves.

But for the sake of our seniors, for my classmates and juniors too, Kachimachi and Hayama will keep giving it our all, striving to bloom. Everyone, please continue cheering for us. Thank you so much for today.

Nonaka Kokona

Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I'm Nonaka Kokona.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone who watched the stream or the archive.

Nassu : You know, Ouka Ranman!

I’m sure the two from Cerise Bouquet already know this, and some of you might as well, but honestly, I think every single song from Cerise Bouquet is a masterpiece.

That said, Ouka Ranman is easily one of my all-time favorite songs. It’s right up there in my personal top favorites. 

The song was amazing, wasn’t it? If I were to borrow a few lyrics from it, I’d say: beneath the sky in full blossom. Cerise Bouquet sang so many dreams, and it’s stuck with me. Not just in my memory, but deep in my heart. I can’t wait to get home and watch the archive again.

(Hiichan laughing cause Nassu is in otaku mode)

But there’s more I want to say, things about mindset and spirit. Everyone perceives and feels things differently, so my words might not come across perfectly to everyone, but I’ll try to explain carefully.

I truly love my own unit the most, I’m the most proud of it, and it’s the one I want to share with everyone first. That being said… personally, when I’m asked which unit represents Hasunosora, I immediately want to pick Cerise Bouquet.

It’s hard to put into words just how incredible Cerise Bouquet is. But I’m sure there are people who, because of Cerise Bouquet, came to love Hasunosora, right? 

Amane : Me! (Kozue-oshi)

Nassu: Ahaha. There are even some in the cast!

Hiichan : *silently saying 'me too'*

I feel so grateful for that. And this time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, we could return a little of that gratitude. Do you think we were able to give something back to Cerise Bouquet over these two days?

Nonchuke : It’s no longer a matter

Nassu : What about Ginko-chan? 

Hiichan : It was amazing. 

Nassu: Great. Hearing that makes me so happy.

I also want to say how much I admire Ginko and Hii’s dedication to performing. She never stopped working hard. Do you all remember? The tour started with the Mira-Cra Pak Stage, but before that there was the FesxLive, right? That’s where we first performed Hitoyo ni Yume ga Saku You ni. And then we performed it again for the tour final… It really made me realize just how important this tour must have been for Ginko and Hii. They were so cool. You worked so hard. 

Hiichan : Thank you.

I feel so lucky to have such amazing juniors. 

And then there’s my classmates, Kaho and Non-chan. Well, let’s start with Non-chan… She's so humble, so earnest. That’s one of the things I really admire about her. But when she’s on stage with Kaho, she stands confidently in the center. Every time I see her like that… well, I already said it before (made an eyes contact with Kankan)

Kankan : Right.

Nassu: We both think this: you are the protagonist. You really are the protagonist.

Both Sayaka-chan and I started our school idol journey with you. Actually, before that, Sayaka-chan was the first to invite you to become a school idol, right?

Nonchuke : Yes.

Nassu: I’m really glad I invited you (laugh) 

Nonchuke : And you’re glad she didn’t quit the school? (talking about the story)

Nassu : Yes, absolutely.

Nassu : I know everyone already said this, but let me say it too. Cerise Bouquet, thank you so much.

Cerise Bouquet: You’re welcome.

So, everyone, today, the 5th Live Tour comes to an end. It all kicked off with the Heart Stage by Mira-Cra Pak, then the baton passed to the Diamond Stage with Dollchestra, and we saw a fresh new vibe with Spade Stage and EdelNote. And of course, we end with Clover Stage featuring Cerise Bouquet, let’s give them a huge round of applause! (Cheers) 

And of course, everyone, let’s give ourselves a huge round of applause too! (Cheers)

Next up is the 6th Live Dream. Sayaka-chan and I are really, really looking forward to seeing everyone in that dreamlike world.

Once again, thank you so much.

Miyake Miu

Playing the role of Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld, I'm Miyake Miu. Thanks to everyone who joined us today, those who watched the live stream, and those who are watching the archive.

During this 5th Live Tour, I had so many opportunities to interact with the seniors. Whether one-on-one, or in small groups like the Little Triangle  (Fuuchan, Hiichan, Rinchan), Sanrenka (Nassu, Nonchuke, Kankan) or Lil Quad (Fuuchan, Hiichan, Rinchan, Amane), or even in the shuffled units. I had so many opportunities to interact with each of them, and I really got to see how they all interacted with me, how they treated me, what they noticed about me, and how they spoke to me. I was able to feel so much love from each and every one of them. It truly made this tour a happy and unforgettable experience.

Actually, I was really nervous to perform at K-Arena. But Hii-chan told me, “There are people who are coming just to see you!” (Miichan started crying) 

Hiichan : It’s true. Many of you came just to see her, didn’t you? (Cheers) 

Miichan : That made me so happy, and thanks to that, I could stand firmly on stage this time.

And Hana-chan… Non-chan, too, you were always looking out for me without me even noticing. When I was unsure, you guided me. During the dances, you’d check in like, “Are you okay?” And even when I performed Mix Shake, you’d tell me over and over, “You were amazing!”

You keep telling me that over and over. It motivated me to give my all. So I sang, danced, and waved my towel like crazy. Your words really helped me through, thank you so much.

And now, with the announcement of the next 6th Live Tour, I’m so excited to perform on stage with my seniors, to share the stage with Izumi, and savoring the moments I get to be with each of you. I’ll work even harder for everyone who comes to see me, and for the seniors I get to share the stage with. I’ll keep working hard, so please continue supporting us.

Thank you so much!

Shindo Amane

Playing the role of Katsuragi Izumi. I'm Shindo Amane. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue, and to those watching via streaming or the archive.

First of all, a big thank you to Cerise Bouquet for all your hard work, and to everyone else too, great job tonight!

I’ve been in an emotional mess this whole time, and I’ve gotten teary-eyed so much. But really… the most important thing to says… everyone you worked so hard. Great job, everyone! 

Fuuchan : Amane-mama?

Honestly, I was worried if we could even make it to this final stage together. It’s been a tough year with a lot of challenges. But somehow, we made it through. Everyone is incredibly strong. I’m so glad, everyone. 

(Everyone started showing their muscle to Amane lol)

On the first day of the tour, I remember feeling so relieved that we made it through the first show safely. And now, we finished it together on full-team too, I’m really glad. (TL Note: Due to the tour’s intensive schedule, many members become unwell after EdelNote Presents)

And of course, thank you to all the fans who came today too.

During this tour, I also had the chance to practice with 104th and watch Ginko-chan closely. When three of us watched her dance, especially when she performed Tsukuyomi Kurage, which she did yesterday, we couldn’t help talking about how much she’s grown and changed.

As Hasunosora Suki Suki Club and as Katsuragi Izumi, I really felt Ginko's growth on this tour. You worked really hard.

Hiichan : Izumi did her best too

Amane: Thank you!

And Kaho-chan is always like the sun, radiating energy and warmth, and just being around her makes you feel happy. After the show yesterday, Miichan and I were talking about how wonderful the performance was, and seeing their smiles just filled me with happiness. I laughed so much yesterday that my cheeks hurt! It was a great live show.

These past two days, and really the whole eight days leading up to the finale, thanks to everyone, we were able to give our all. Members too, we worked hard to overcome many challenges together.

And now… the 6th Live! We’re going to Dome! It’s amazing.

I used to watch the seniors perform on Dome, and I always dreamed of standing on that stage, and now we get to do it together, it’s such an incredible feeling. I can’t wait! (laugh)

This tour has been so much fun. After the Osaka show, Rin-chan cried so much. She cried the hardest, she’s such a passionate person.

Rin : Don’t expose me! (laugh)

Honestly, I feel so proud of my friends and teammates. They’re just amazing.

Today we’re not done yet (still have some songs to perform), but I’ve had the best time spending these two days with all of you. And from now on, too… we’ll continue performing at WithxMeets and FesxLive. So let’s meet again, whether it’s through the screen or in person. Thank you so much!

Amane: Now… maybe it’s time for some water? (TL Note: she’s been crying this whole time)

Hasunosora members : Right! Everyone, keep yourselves hydrated. Everyone too, please have a drink.

Nonchuke : Some messages came in, so we’re going to read them during this segment.

Kankan : Let me read the questions.

Kankan : It’s from Yushi-san. Is Yushi-san here?

Audience: (Yes)

103 : Thank you

Kankan : “You’ve all known Kaho-chan, Sayaka-chan, and Rurino-chan for a long time. Could you share what you especially love about the member you are responsible for?”, ok. We actually have another similar question, so I’ll read that one too. It’s from Shitoshi-san.

Kankan: Shitoshi-san, are you here?

Audience: (Yes)

103: Ah. Shitoshi-san, thank you.

Kankan:  “Sayaka-chan, Rurino-chan, and Kaho-chan have become third-years now, and they’ve grown so much that they’ve been nicknamed Sanrenka. Is there anything that makes you feel like these members have really grown, or anything you love about them?” That’s the question. Thank you.

Kankan : Aah… This is kinda difficult. I can’t pick just one.

Nonchuke : As for me, what I love about Kaho-chan is how honest she is with her feelings.

Nassu : We’ve been saved so many times by that. As Rurino and Sayaka.

Kankan: That’s right.

Nonchuke : They’ve been together for a long time after all.

Kankan : You know, the friendship of Sanrenka hasn’t really been explored much before. During the 104th activities, the story mostly focused on the group of nine as a whole. But we constantly talked about things, always curious and wondering how our characters were doing. And then, with the 105th activities, it felt like we finally got the answers to all those questions. I was really happy with our story arc. From Ruri’s perspective, she really loves these two. She respects them so much, and they’ve helped her countless times. I share the same feeling. I honestly love them, both of them.

Kankan : Hmm… I don’t even know what I should be saying anymore, but I just really love our relationship.

Nassu :  It’s hard to explain, but our characters, since they were so aware of each other’s weakness, they ended up building walls to avoid hurting each other. But this year, new sides started showing, and a lot happened. But they’re kids who fit perfectly with the phrase: “Because we love each other, that’s why.”, and now that we carry the name Sanrenka from Rurino, the name itself motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Kankan: Same! (Nonsuke nodded)

Nassu: Like, even when things happen, we’re like: “Well, we’re Sanrenka..”

Kankan: Right? (Nonsuke nodded)

Kankan : It really hits home.

Nassu: Now whenever the three of us get together, we always end up talking about deep stuff. 

Kankan : Like, even when we go out to eat, we start laughing about how everyone’s been goofy recently, and then what starts as small talk somehow turns deep again with a quiet “…yeah.” It’s such a precious time.

Nonsuke : And now we’re in the middle of 5th Live Tour, and this is our first time doing Unit Presents, so our bond as cast members has gotten even stronger. Like, we’ll support each other so much. We are united as Sanrenka. I feel like the biggest growth is exactly that, the formation of Sanrenka and the trust we built from it.

Nonsuke: As for our characters… Let's talk about the characters too.

Nassu: When we try to talk only about our characters, we can’t help but love the other two just as much.

Kankan : I understand!

Kankan  to Nassu: Ah, btw, well, Sayaka-chan’s big storyline has wrapped up now, right? So after going through that, has anything changed for you? 

Nassu : Well… honestly, she’s always been someone who’s incredibly sensitive, yet bold at the same time. She gets hurt easily and always blames herself for everything, but that’s also her strength. But when it comes to making decisions, she makes them bigger and bolder than anyone else, she’s always been that way. Like at the skating rink, the things with Tsuzuri, she screamed with all her might. And with the Ladybug arc too. That kind of boldness is a part of her, her wonderful identity.

Nassu: Now that October’s ended and we’ve had November and Izumi’s story. I hope Sayaka-chan’s sensitive but fearless nature can give someone courage, even just for a little bit. We don’t know what the future holds, but I’m sure Kaho and Ruri will encounter obstacles ahead, and I hope Sayaka can be a source of courage for them.

Kankan and Nonchuke: She already has, from the very beginning.

Nassu : I’m glad, Sayaka.

Kankan : Whoaaah, Ruri and Kaho’s major storyline will come in the future as well. 

Nonsuke : Right?

(103 let out a deep sigh)

Kankan :  During Sayaka’s episode I was like, “Don’t come yet, Don’t come yet!”

Nassu: Same!  “Too fast!”

Kankan: Right! Like, please wait.

Nassu : I still wanted to see so much more of her.

Kankan :  But the time has come, everyone (the graduation)

103: It sucks, right?

Nassu : It’s okay to resist. Keep resisting.

Kankan : Yep.

Nonchuke: You know, Kaho-chan has always been someone who keeps pushing back against the things she truly doesn’t want, and she never gives up until the very end. That’s one of the things I love about Kaho-chan.

Kankan : She’s really such a wonderful kid.

Nonchuke: Yeah.  So everyone, it’s okay, if you can’t let go all the way until the end. It’s okay to feel what you feel.

Kankan : Your feelings are valid.

Nonchuke:  That’s what we think. Because last year, even when we wished time would stop, it didn’t. That’s something all of us went through together. We all went through that sadness together. But until that day comes again… let’s keep cherishing the present together.

Kankan: And that’s why we’re honestly so happy we get to talk with you like this. Thank you.

Kankan : Shall we move on?

Nassu :  Okay. The next message is from Taana-san. Thank you. Is Taana-san here?

Audience: (Yes)

103 :  Oh, there you are! Thank you!

Nassu: So, the question is: “You three have been together ever since Hasunosora was formed, but compared to the beginning, do you think anything has changed about each other? And are there things that haven’t changed at all?”

Nassu : About that… Well… we actually had a chance to talk about it recently.

Nonchuke : We did.

Kankan : I just remembered Nonaka Kokona’s first impression.

Nassu : What?

Kankan : It was crazy, right?

Nonchuke : Yep!

Kankan : Nassu-chan totally trying to act like someone else when we meet for the first time. At the first cast meeting she tried really hard. Uttering a completely expressionless “Nice to meet you”. Right?

Nonchuke: Yes. I was sitting across from her and then she’s coming to me “I’m Nonaka Kokona. Nice to meet you.” with a completely flat face.

Kankan : HAHAHAHAHA

(Nassu was getting embarrassed, trying to hide herself)

Kankan : It was insane. Why did you do that, Nassu-chan?

Nassu : There were a bunch of reasons, but mainly, it was my first time at a cast meeting, and I thought, If I don’t make a strong first impression, I’m going to get swallowed up. I didn’t know much about the seiyuu world back then. So I went in thinking, I’m gonna be super cool, like a model student, calm and collected, full of confidence. I'm trying to aura farming.

Nonchuke : And you really gave strong aura.

Nassu : When we introduced each other, everyone was talking about the game they play and shared interest, but I was like: “I’m Nonaka Kokona, fifteen years old.” (laughs)

Kankan : You really said that!

Kankan : Isn't it similar to Sayaka at the beginning? She’s also acting cool and doesn’t want to make friends.

Nonchuke : Right!

Kankan : Meanwhile, Chuke was totally Kaho.

Kankan : And me, well, I’m super energetic in nature.

Nassu : Yes. I’m surprised. She opened the door like BAM—CRASH—it’s so lively. (Nonsuke nodded)

Kankan : And kind Kotoko-chan was really supportive, saying, “Do you want to talk?” And then I talked nonstop. Chuke was joining us and she was totally like Kaho. Even her reactions were pure like Kaho. She’s so cute (Nassu nodded)

Nassu : And beside her, there was this Hanamiya Nina-san who was moving awkwardly like “ah… umm… ah…”

Kankan : XD

Nonchuke : I’m blown away by how pretty she is.

Kankan : Uisama hasn’t changed. Kotoko too.

Nonchuke and Nassu:  All six of us haven’t changed.

Kankan : (reading comment) “When did Nassu-chan drop her cool act?” 

Nassu: I think it lasted for about five or six months. Every time I was invited to hang out, I would say, “I have plans,” and walk away.

Kankan : True!

Nassu :  I originally avoided getting too close to people.

Kankan:  Yeah, we thought, “This kid’s got some serious barriers around her.”

Nonchuke : We were worried.

Nassu : But then Kan-chan started giving us matching clothes in different colors and I thought, “These people are good people…” 

Kankan: Thank goodness.

Nassu:  I finally warmed up after that.

Kankan: Then we started playing games together, we realised that this girl is really funny.

Kankan : (reading comment) “Earlier, Kan-chan said she loves Nassu and Nonchuke, right. Can you talk more about that?”

Kankan : For me, with Nassu-chan and Chuke, it’s this mix of liking them and admiring them at the same time. From the very beginning, I thought they were incredible. Both their dancing and their singing were amazing. Seriously, they were so good. I remember thinking, “Wow… there are people like this in the world.” And it made me feel like, “I have to work really hard too.” Their dancing was just unbelievably good. Since I’d never actually taken dance lessons before, it was kind of intimidating.

Kankan : Sometimes I’m really having a hard time with dancing. When I start feeling discouraged, the seniors from 102nd class always step in to cheer me up. Then, even though they’re busy learning their own moves, Chuke and Nassu will come to my side and practise with me endlessly, they take the time to memorize my part and dance alongside me. They were so patient, helping me with every step, teaching me the steps over and over. They’re so kind.

Kankan : And they have this calm confidence that I really admire. I don’t have that myself. Seriously, I respect both of them so much. They’re such good people that it makes you worry about them. They’re both so selfless.

Nonchuke : (reading comment) “Kan-chan mentioned on the radio, Kan-chan can open up and show her weaknesses to Nassu and Nonchuke, right?”

Kankan : That’s right. So much that Rin got mad because of that!

Nonchuke : Sorry for getting involved in your relationship (teasing)

Kankan: Oi! Stop that.

Kankan: I wanted to ask about this, too. For both of you. When you have juniors, don’t you naturally want to be strong for them?

Nassu and Nonchuke : Exactly! 

Kankan : Right? See, they got it.

Kankan : Rin called me out, saying I was trying to act cool, but honestly, that’s what it means to be a senior.

Nonchuke : Of course, there’s the desire to appear strong…. And honestly, I really admire that about Kan-chan. The way she wants to be strong. It’s the same with dance, too. I also love Kan-chan for her hardworking spirit. Not just in dance, but in everything she does. When I see her working hard, it makes me almost want to cry. 

Nassu : Humans usually hide themselves, but she doesn’t. Kan-chan is honest about her limits but never leaves anyone behind. She always looks out for the team and gives her all to improve herself. That’s truly rare.

Nassu: For example, some bosses at companies might be great at their work but so focused that they don’t notice the team struggling. But Kan-chan sees everything, and it makes you want to help her.

Kankan : No, no. That’s because both of you are kind people.

Nonchuke talking to Nassu : It makes you happy being called kind right.

Nassu : Yep.

Kankan : And Nonaka Kokona, she hides a lot!

Nonchuke : She hides too much sometimes!

Kankan : But Chuke is a balance between us, right? She holds things in, saving it all up, and then when she reaches her limit, she’ll text, “Kan-chan, are you free later?” and invite you to hang out. She really did her best and struggled on her own, but she let you know when it’s too much. The way she rely on us, It’s so cute. You understand, right, Nassu-chan!

Nonchuke : Let’s change the topic (embarrassed) 

(Bells ringing)

Hayama Fuuka

Playing the role of Kachimachi Kosuzu, I'm Hayama Fuuka, also known as Fuuchan. Thank you to everyone who came to the venue today, and those who watched via the stream and archive.

First of all, good job to the two members of EdelNote. Thank you.

I know I’m slipping into senior mode. But I mean, I am the senior here.

Amane : Our senior~

Fuuchan: Yes!

Honestly, I was really worried, you know. It wasn’t an “I don’t think you can do this” kind of worry. I was worried about whether the two of them would be able to enjoy the live show to the fullest.

I was kind of nervous… how should I say this…. I kept wondering if I supported them properly. I wanted them to enjoy it with everything they had, so I kept thinking what I could do to help make that happen. But I was also worried they might overdo it and stumble in a way. All sorts of thoughts went through my mind. 

Fuuchan : But did you have fun?

EdelNote: It was fun!

Fuuchan : I’m glad.

I’m back to my usual self now. My appetite returned after coming back to Osaka. We ate lots of delicious food and enjoyed Osaka together, and we were able to have an amazing time on the Spade Stage, too.

Fuuchan: Everyone, are you having fun? (Cheers) Thank you.

We’ve just wrapped up this month’s activity record, and though this Spade Stage is already in its final stretch, but EdelNote’s activities aren’t over yet, and life at Hasunosora School Idol Club continues. So please keep watching over them until the end. Thank you.

Fuuchan: Next is the Clover Stage.

Fuuchan (as Kosuzu): I asked Ginko-chan earlier and she said she wants to try it. The two members of Cerise Bouquet, please step forward!

Hiichan (as Ginko) : It’s not that I want to do it. Umm… Kaho-senpai looked kind of envious watching EdelNote get the shout out, so when she said she wanted to try…

Nonchuke (as Kaho): Let’s do it together!

Fuuchan (as Kosuzu): Sure!

Hiichan (as Ginko) : Since it’s a rare chance.

Fuuchan (as Kosuzu): Let’s do the usual. Ginko-chan and Kaho-senpai know what to do, right?

Hiichan (Ginko): Um… could I get a cue, please?

Fuuchan (Kosuzu): Alright, I’ll count to three!

Hiichan (as Ginko) : Thanks. Got it.

Fuuchan (as Kosuzu): Alright, everyone, are you ready?

Fuuchan (as Kosuzu): Okay, toward the Clover Stage, one, two, three!

Cerise Bouquet (GinKaho): Chesto!!

Fuuchan : Thank you very much. Good luck on the Clover Stage.

Nonaka Kokona

Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I'm Nonaka Kokona.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone who watched the stream or the archive.

There are honestly so many things I want to talk about. But I’d like to save those for a proper, relaxed talk with EdelNote later. 

Nassu : So I was thinking about what to say here, and… well… to be honest, I keep feeling like maybe I could have done more for them. Maybe I should have spent more time with the four of them (Nassu started crying, Miichan too)

(Fuuchan and Amane rush to hug Nassu, Miichan too)

Amane : Don’t cry. If you cry, I’ll end up crying too :’(

Nassu: I’m not crying, it’s okay. (holding back)

Nassu: It’s just… how do I say it…I feel like I ended up sharing the same emotions as Daisankaku (102) last year. I’m sure all six of them felt the same, like they wanted to do more for their junior, to give more… (crying)

Our time is limited…

Honestly, I do think it’s beautiful in its own way, and it’s precious, but it’s also cruel…

(at this point Amane and Miichan are crying too)

Nassu: So… I’d like to make a declaration here.

Until the very last moment, I’ll be here for the four of you, sharing all the emotions, brilliance, passion, and everything I want to entrust to the future of Hasunosora.

It would make me so happy to see you become amazing school idols (crying)

What I saw on stage today made it clear. The emotions of all four really came through in their performance. Maybe I’m late in realizing this, but I finally felt it today.

So I really want you to have confidence.

Achieving something this impressive in such a limited time is only possible because of the dedication you poured into it. That’s absolutely the result of your own efforts.

Please check the archive as many times as you want, everyone (laugh) Please. Thank you.

I’m sorry for getting so emotional even though I’m only the second speaker… sorry.

That’s all from me. Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I'm Nonaka Kokona.

Thank you.

Miyake Miu

Playing the role of Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld, I'm Miyake Miu. Thanks to everyone who joined us today, those who watched the live stream, and those who are watching in the archives.

EdelNote is really only going to be together for one year. With the number of songs we have…I’m sure everyone was curious about what the setlist would look like. Considering our limited song count, it felt like an unpredictable show from start to finish.

From our very first meeting with Izumi, all the way to where EdelNote is now. Getting to show the journey, we were able to showcase our encounters, the bonds we’ve formed, the path we walked. It felt like one big digest of our story, and I was really happy we were able to pack it all in.

We even got to perform new songs for the first time, and we got to ride the trolley too. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces…. As the two of us stand here as school idols, being able to circle the venue from both sides and wave to you all with a smile, it made me so happy. Thank you.

Our seniors have said things like “I wish I could’ve done even more for you,” but they’ve already done far more than enough for us. They’ve supported us in every way. Through their guidance, their words, and their actions.

So, what I most want to tell them is this, just having the chance to stand on this stage side by side, eight of us—and being trusted to perform the song of our seniors… that by itself is already everything we could ask for.

I think I managed to tell them that right before the show. And it truly makes me so happy. Just their presence was a huge source of support, and I really wanted to thank them for that.

Thanks to the Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, we got to experience so many emotions that didn’t come out during rehearsal. I was overflowing with joy and happiness the whole time. Thank you so much (crying)

I’m going to keep working hard so I can grow even more. Thank you.

Shindo Amane

Playing the role of Katsuragi Izumi. I'm Shindo Amane.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue, and to those watching via streaming or the archive.

As I mentioned yesterday, when I first heard about our schedule…I was really worried about whether people would come, since it’s a weekday and Osaka-Jo Hall is such a large venue. But seeing all of you here yesterday with Mii-chan, I honestly didn’t expect so many to show up… (crying) I was so happy (crying), I almost had tears in my eyes. I’m really happy. I’m really grateful to all of you for coming. Thank you so much.

And to my seniors, thank you so much for supporting me all the way up to the very last minutes before the concert began. Because of all your support, I believe I was able to give my best performance today. Thank you so much.

And to my friend and partner, you did an amazing job

(Miichan crying)

(Amane too)

Even with so little time, we promised to make the most of every moment, communicating nonstop and practicing together. I felt like I had to support her, but in reality, it was Miichan who supported me. Just like Izumi was saved by Ceras, Miichan has truly been a guiding light for me. You really worked so hard. Thank you (hug)

I think everyone got a glimpse of Izumi-chan’s future through the activity record. For instance, yesterday’s performance of Aurora Flower could only have been sung by the Izumi-chan we see today. I’m genuinely happy that Izumi-chan holds the dream of becoming a school idol (crying). 

Since my own dream also involved being part of the school idol world, I truly feel that Izumi-chan has the power to make many people’s dreams come true. From here on, I’ll do everything I can to support Izumi-chan’s dream. Please continue to cheer for the Hasunosora School Idol Club and School Idol Katsuragi Izumi.

Kurusu Rin

Playing the role of Anyoji Hime, I'm Kurusu Rin. To everyone who came to the venue today, to those watching the stream, and to those watching the archive, thank you so much.

Including today’s concert, the time we’ve spent together with EdelNote isn’t over just yet. We still have a little more time with those two as EdelNote. And throughout this period, just like the others have said, I kept thinking, “I’m the senior here, I need to be the one supporting them.”

But honestly… I feel like Hime and I actually received so much more from them. We learned so much from those two.

For me… and for Hime too, Serarin (Ceras) is our very first junior.

Serarin was the one who drew out Hime’s “senior” side. That desire to guide someone, help them improve, and want to see them to smile more. She started feeling all the things a senior usually does

And with Izumi. Well, their first impression of each other was really intense. Back then, Hime had all her weak points laid bare, with Izumi calling them out pretty bluntly. Hime got completely humbled, in the best possible way.

And then the other day, seeing Hime stand up to Izumi and tell her exactly what she thought… basically returning Izumi’s own words right back to her… when I saw that, I realized just how much both of us have received from those two. We haven’t actually spent that much time together yet, but the impact has been incredibly deep.

The two of them barely had any time to settle in as members, and as you probably noticed, they pushed themselves through so many new challenges. Honestly, I was worried…

“Are they going to be okay?,” I can’t help but worry.

Seeing how brightly they shone on stage made me realize all that concern wasn’t needed. They delivered such an amazing performance that all my concerns just vanished. They were smiling the whole time backstage too, I felt so reassured.

Rin : And so, there’s one thing I want to say, thank you so much for becoming part of Hasunosora  (crying)

EdelNote: Thank you (Rin hugs EdelNote)

I hope I can continue spending these days with all four of them by my side. Being able to share my Hasunosora days with them means so much to me. I’m sure everyone feels the same, so please continue supporting EdelNote and Hasunosora.

Thank you so much for today.

Kan Kanna

Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I'm Kan Kanna. To everyone watching the stream and everyone who came to the venue, thank you so much.

Well, I think the others have already said plenty, but I really want to repeat this, the two members of EdelNote have worked so hard. Ever since Mira-Cra Park Presents.

Especially when we entrusted them with Hakuchuu à la Mode, I realized how hard it is to make another unit’s song feel like your own. But these two handle that challenge so well. EdelNote has a wide variety of songs, right? And today, listening and watching them, I just kept thinking, “Wow, this is so fun.” It’s your hard work, and the passion all four of you bring that makes every piece feel uniquely EdelNote. The way you expressed character’s emotions on stage. That’s the reason it turns out so wonderfully, I truly admire that.

Captain Sayaka also mentioned this earlier, as a third-years, we were always watching over you, supporting you from behind.

But honestly… You all are such a good girls. You never complain. If it were me, I would have already said “I can’t do this anymore.” But you never had moments like that.

To the current 104th class, you now have juniors who look up to you. I believe Izumi will lean on you even more from now on. Ceras-chan too, you can count on Hana-chan and the others. And I hope you continue relying on your seniors as well. I’ll keep doing my best to be someone you can truly count on. To be more dependable. 

Kankan: Thank you so much.

EdelNote: Thank you

So I’ll wrap it up here.

Thank you to everyone who came out here today.

That’s all from me. Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I'm Kan Kanna.

Sakurai Hina

Playing the role of Momose Ginko. I'm Sakurai Hina, also known as Hiichan.

To everyone at the venue and those watching through the stream or archive, thank you so much. 

Hiichan: EdelNote Suki Suki Club!  (Cheers)

Hiichan : Let’s express our feelings. One, two, three…

Crowds: (EdelNote) Daisuki!

Hiichan : Everyone from the School Idol Club too!

Hasunosora School Idol Club : (EdelNote) Daisuki!

EdelNote: Thank you!

Amane : Amazing! Did you practice that?

Hiichan : It’s impromptu.

EdelNote: Amazing

Hiichan : We also wanted to say it, from us.

Fuuchan, Nassu, Rin (to Hiichan): Thank you

They’re truly precious to me. You’ve worked so hard.

During practice, I realized just how challenging it is to learn EdelNote’s songs. It’s not merely about performing, it’s about honoring the Hasunosora songs we hold dear, and approaching them with the same dedication as those familiar with the choreography and lyrics. It’s really challenging. Because these two gave it their all, we could show a new side of Hasunosora during the 5th Live Tour. The eight of us, sixteen members in total—I hope we could show you at least a little of the charm of the current Hasunosora School Idol Club. Thank you for leading the Spade Stage so beautifully.

Next is the Clover Stage. Being the closing act makes me a little nervous. The three units have passed the baton, and we’ll do our best to carry it forward and deliver a beautiful stage to all of you.

Hiichan : Will you be watching?

Crowds : Yes!

Hiichan : That’s a promise, right? (almost crying) I’ll be waiting.

Crowds : Yes!

Thank you for today.

Nirei Nozomi

Playing the role of Hinoshita Kaho. I'm Nirei Nozomi. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in person today, and to those of you who tuned in via the live stream and archive. 

I always go into live shows thinking, “Let’s do our best,” yet for the Spade Stage, I realized I had a much stronger desire to go further. I think it’s because Kaho-chan has been deeply involved with EdelNote’s journey. Kaho was the one who originally said it was okay for Edelnote to perform as a unit within Hasunosora, and because of that, I felt—just like Nassu-chan, that I needed to work hard and help them bloom. I was really worried (almost crying)

I kept wondering if what I was doing was really okay, or if I was encouraging them enough. Those thoughts were always in the back of my mind. But then, when I watched EdelNote riding around on the trolley from backstage, it made me realize maybe I shouldn't have been so anxious.

Everything you saw today came from the hard work of the four EdelNote members. With the effort they gave, and the bond they’ve built with Hasunosora and everyone in the Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, they had everything they needed to shine.

This Spade Stage was exactly what I hoped it would be. I believe the two members of EdelNote shone brilliantly today.

Nonchuke : Everyone, did they shine?

Crowds: Yes!

Nonchuke : Thank you. I think I bloomed a little too.

First, Mira-Cra-Park passed the baton to us with all the fun they created.

And then, Dollchestra carried that passion into the Diamond Stage.

And now, EdelNote, who worked so hard, connected everything to this moment.

Everything has been passed to us. We’ll carry it forward to the Clover Stage. We’ll do our best to color it with Cerise Bouquet’s style and deliver a stage that feels like a bouquet of flowers. Please look forward to it.

Kurusu Rin

Playing the role of Anyoji Hime, I'm Kurusu Rin. To everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone watching the stream, and people who will watch the archive later, thank you.

So, today is Day 2 of the Dollchestra Presents: Diamond Stage. It’s Day 2. 

From the rehearsal and preparation period, I think the cast talked about this a lot. The two members of Dollchestra worked so hard. They spent many, many times more hours than we did, practicing all sorts of things, discussing every detail, and putting their hearts into each song. It made me really happy to see their effort up close, and it inspired all of us to give our best, too.

Mira-Cra Park had Heart Stage before. That involved a lot of thinking and preparation. Sure, it was a lot of fun, but there was also pressure. I know it well.

So I really wanted the two of them to just have the most fun possible. Of course, I hope everyone has fun  too. Everyone here also had a great time, right? (Cheers) Thank you.

Both during the MC and behind the scenes, seeing the two of them laughing, smiling, and saying "That part was great!'' or "That was awesome!"—that, for me, was the most important. Seeing their happy faces made me super happy. This live performance has made me even more excited for the upcoming concerts hosted by EdelNote and Cerise Bouquet.

Both of you, great job today. Thank you so much.

The tour still continues, so I hope everyone will be with us  until the end! Thank you all so much for today.

Kan Kanna

Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I'm Kan Kanna. To everyone watching the stream and everyone who came to the venue, thank you so much.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what to say, so sorry if it doesn’t come across perfectly.

For Ruri-chan, there were many things that she thought of the Aichi live shows. First of all, we did Mirage Voyage. Having watched Ruri grow through her entire school idol journey, I was truly delighted that she got to perform this beautiful song here.

And for the 103rd generation, it was our first time in a while returning to Aichi Sky Expo. To be able to come back, even for this limited time, really meant a lot.

We’re able to see Runway again. Then having all eight of us place our hands on Sayaka-chan’s wings. Everything made me so happy.

It may sound like I’m reaching far into the past, but when we performed here during our 1st Live Tour, only about half the seats were filled. Still, it was a beautiful sight for us. Now, thanks to everyone’s support, Hasunosora has become something much bigger.

And I want the three who aren’t here to see this view too (referring to 102). That’s why, led by Kaho-chan, we’re giving our all on this tour. We’ve reached the halfway point now. We’ll keep doing our best all the way to the end! And I hope we can continue to make wonderful stages together with everyone.

Seeing how much passion and effort the members of Dollchestra bring to this tour has given me so much strength. I'm so grateful to the four of Dollchestra, who created such a wonderful stage for us.

You really worked hard, thank you!

Our activities will keep expanding, and there’s a lot to look forward to, so please continue supporting us. Thank you so much for today.

Hayama Fuuka

Playing the role of Kachimachi Kosuzu, I'm Hayama Fuuka. Thank you to everyone who came to the venue today and to those of you who are watching the live stream. 

Well, all eight of us are participating in this Dollchestra Presents: Diamond Stage. But because it has the Dollchestra name attached to it, I think a lot of people who come here are Dollchestra oshi. So it reminds me a little of the time during the 3rd Live Tour when we had Unit Live.

So, in order to let everyone feel the evolution of our Dollchestra from then until now… In preparation for this Diamond Stage, I talked a lot with Nassu-chan and Sayaka-senpai, even more than usual. They helped me out a lot, as always (laugh). This time, though, I wanted to be one of the wings supporting her, just like in Hajimari no Haneoto. I carried that feeling into my performance today.

And, um, everyone from EdelNote, Cerise Bouquet, and Mira-Cra Park worked really hard too. They practiced tirelessly for Seishun no Rinkaku and all the cover songs. First of all, I'd like to thank everyone.

Uh, so, after Dollchestra Presents we will have EdelNote Presents. I'd like to support you two as much as I can. So, um, tell me anything, okay! I'll do what I can!

So, the two of you from EdelNote, please step forward! 

Fuuchan : Let's hype it together! Are you ready? EdelNote: Yeah. Fuuchan : Everyone, are you ready? Here we go! One, two, three. Fuuchan + EdelNote : Chesto! 

Next up is Edelnote Stage! Good luck!

Miichan : Thank you (crying) (everyone scramble to give Miichan a tissue)

Everyone! Take those memories home with you! 

Nonaka Kokona

Thank you, I saw a lot of Sayaka’s color. Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I'm Nonaka Kokona. First of all, thank you so much to everyone who joined us today, whether in person, via live stream, or via the archive! 

Wow, I have so many things I want to say right now. 

You know, Dollchestra’s songs and their entire activity records are, in a way, is about bringing out their true feelings and emotions. Things that might usually hide from others, they bravely shared that through their music.

So, I'm sure there were times when that affected us while performing. Make us feel a little negative, like Seishun no Rinkaku. I'm sure there were times when it was hard to express it. Up until now, the other girls in the unit have repeatedly talked with us about that, and they've told us so much about their love for Dollchestra. 

Once again, I truly felt the greatness of Hasunosora through this unit system. Over these past two days, or rather, from the practice period all the way up to now.

And to everyone who came today, whether it’s about school, work, or family, I’m sure all of us have some worries…

We, the 16 of the 105th Hasunosora, will continue together as the 105th Hasunsora until the very end. If you're ever feeling anxious or worried, I hope that by listening to Hasunosora’s songs or Dollchestra, we can create a place for you to feel at ease, even if just a little. 

Sayaka and Kosuzu are both truly grateful to you, so I'd like to say this on behalf of Sayaka and Kosuzu. Thank you very much for supporting Dollchestra.

We are going to pass the baton to the four members of EdelNote. 

As Mira-Cra Park mentioned on Heart Stage, these two members of EdelNote are incredibly hardworking. This might be the only chance you’ll get to see EdelNote, and these two. As they are now (EdelNote will only have activity together for one year). So I hope you’ll treasure it and remember it for the rest of your lives.

Well, this was a bit long, but once again, thank you for today.

Sakurai Hina

Playing the role of Momose Ginko. I'm Sakurai Hina, also known as Hiichan.

Everyone, did you have fun today? (Cheers) I had a great time too!

The stages that Dollchestra creates can sometimes feel a little lonely, yet they carry such strong passion. I’ve always believed that their music can guide you through times when life feels a bit shaky, encouraging you to keep going. I’m grateful that I got to see so many of their songs and performances over these past two days.

Also, this is a very personal story, but during last year's 3rd Live Tour I didn’t get much time to practice with my fellow generation members, Fuuchan and Rin. Still, I saw them giving their all in their units, and when I watched them perform on stage, I could imagine how hard they’d worked. I told them that it was a wonderful performance.

On this tour, although I wasn't exactly next to them, I watched them working hard from behind during rehearsals, and I thought, “They've really grown up. They've become so cool.” You know, they've grown so much. I felt that way at Mira-Cra Park Presents too, and I felt it again this time at Dollchestra Presents.

That's right. They've really grown so much. I felt so happy, and reassured, and glad to see my wonderful classmates shining. 

And for the next stop, we have our precious juniors, who will surely carry on our feelings. 

See, they’re cute, aren't they? Really. I'm sure our cute juniors will create a wonderful stage, so I hope everyone will continue to support them warmly during the EdelNote Presents as well. Thank you so much for today.

Nirei Nozomi

Playing the role of Hinoshita Kaho. I'm Nirei Nozomi. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in person today, and to those of you who tuned in via the live stream and archive. 

Everyone has already said so much. So I'll keep it short. First of all, Dollchestra. Good job! And thank you!

To be honest, I went to this 5th Live Tour thinking, "I’m going to do my best to support Dollchestra," but once again, I realized just how incredible Dollchestra’s passion really is. I really felt it today on this Diamond Stage.

The passion of the four of you really resonated with me. Everyone’s too. I feel so much passion. Thank you for keeping that fire burning today as well.

You know, Kaho-chan herself knows that if we share our passion and energy with each other, we can achieve even greater things and grow even bigger. So I made sure to carry that feeling with me as I approached this Diamond Stage.

Everyone, were you excited? (Cheers) Thank you.

Dollchestra gave us an amazing performance, and EdelNote will carry that legacy on. I’ll continue to support them in the same way.

And Ruri&To has also passed on the best baton, so I will do my best as a PRINCEε>ε> in the Osaka stop, so I hope you will continue to support us. Thank you so much for today. 

Miyake Miu

Playing the role of Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld, I'm Miyake Miu. Thanks to everyone who joined us today, those who watched the live stream, and those who are watching archives. 

And next, let’s thanks the members of Dollchestra. Thank you very much. 

I'd like to talk about Dollchestra as well, but first … we reached the halfway point of this 5th Live Tour. 

Right before going on stage, at the very beginning, I had a realization. When I heard everyone cheer at start the concert, I used to feel a rush of excitement, my heart would pound, my nerves would race, but today I also felt a great sense of relief, and it made me look forward to meeting everyone, and I felt really happy that I'm starting to understand the joy of going up on that stage little by little. 

So, um, going back to Dollchestra. Just like with Mira-Cra Park, when each unit leads the concert, of course you get to see that unit working the hardest, but you also get to see their true selves.

Today was, um, when I took a quick look at Fuuchan, she was acting like a baby. She's so cute (Miichan getting excited)

And Nassuchan. When she was changing clothes, she was running too fast and forgetting lots of things like the microphone or something, tried to keep going, and ended up stepping back with an “Ahhhhh” 

Nassu : That’s really happened, right. "Ah, forgot something" (running back)

Well, the MC too. She made a little mistake while talking, so cute!

When we sang together as Ruri&To, she was even more enthusiastic today and gave it her all. And, um, that cuteness, my love, grew. Dancing with her as Gyaru, I also had a blast dancing, and I think it was really great.

Next, it’s our turn as EdelNote, and we’ll do our best!  But I'm also really looking forward to seeing what kind of cute side of Cerise Bouquet will show us next. I'll be watching, and I'll report back, so please look forward to that report, and I'd be happy if you continue to stay with us and support us for the rest of 5th Live Tour.

Shindo Amane

Playing the role of Katsuragi Izumi. I'm Shindo Amane.

To everyone watching the stream and everyone who came to the venue, thank you so much.

Did you have fun? (Cheers) Did you feel their passion? (Cheers)

Thank you! I, too, along with Izumi-chan, received so much passion from the two members of Dollchestra.

Just now, in the activity record, Izumi-chan was talking about all the things she received from the two of them. I’m really happy that the activity record got updated during this tour. After this, well…  I wonder what will happen after! Coming up next is the Spade Stage, and right now everyone is working so hard. But I really think everyone is going to enjoy it, and it’s going to be a stage that surprises you, so I hope you’ll look forward to it.

Today, I hope to put some of the passion I received from all four members of Dolchestra to good use. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. Today marks the halfway point, and I think we’ll meet again in about two weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing you all. I hope you all will share your thoughts in various places. 

—Congratulations on being selected for “LisPale Choice!”. First of all, please tell us how you feel about being chosen.

Miichan : I was really surprised! I never imagined that we would be selected. I’m happy, this will give more people the opportunity to hear our music.

Amane : Within Hasunosora, we have four units. Cerise Bouquet, DOLLCHESTRA, Mira-Cra Park!, and EdelNote. So I’m very happy that we were chosen among them. And since EdelNote has declared that our activities will last only for one year, I’m very grateful that we were given such an opportunity within that limited time.

—Since your activity period has been set to one year from the start, does that affect the way you approach your work?

Miichan : That’s true. I recently realized that there are only a little over two months left in the year, and I thought, "Ah, a year really flies by, doesn’t it?" (This interview was conducted at the end of October.)

Amane : What's more, the 102nd class actually graduated (Kozue Otumune, Tsuzuri Yugiri, and Megumi Fujishima has graduated from Hasunosora in March of the previous year, and in June of that same year, a live concert titled “102nd Class Graduation Live” was held at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa). This project really gave me the feeling that time was passing in real time, and it reinforced my feeling of "Whoooah! We're really only here for one year!"

—One of Hasunosora’s defining features is that time in the story progresses in sync with the real world. This October 28 marked exactly one year since your casting information was announced. Looking back, what kind of year has it been for you both?

Amane : When our casting was first revealed, both of our characters were students at Mizukawa and were depicted as rivals to Hasunosora. So I saw many comments from Hasunosora Suki Suki Club (the official name of Hasunosora’s fans) saying things like, "I never thought they'd end up joining up with Hasunosora". For me, I spent exactly six months as a rival and six months as a member of Hasunosora. Both sides were so much fun, it’s truly been a wonderful year.

Miichan : On October 28, I made a post on X to mark the first anniversary. I was surprised that a whole year had already passed. It’s been such a full and rewarding year, but since our time is limited … even during rehearsals for the 5th Live Tour, I can’t help thinking, “Ah, there are only a few more chances to see the third-years like this.” If the year continues to fly by like this, I’m certain our time with both the third-years and the second-year seniors will be over before we realize it.

Amane : I know! And around this time last year, we were practicing just one song, Edelied. Now we have so many more songs as EdelNote, and the 5th tour includes an EdelNote-presented Osaka performance, rehearsals and preparations have been nonstop. Especially around September and October, time just flew by so fast, didn’t it?

Miyake: Absolutely. Time moves so quickly and there’s never enough of it! (laugh)

—Ceras and Izumi are surely learning songs and preparing for lives at the same pace as you are. Experiencing your activities on the same timeline as the characters you play is something quite unique to Hasunosora. Do you find any particular sense of fulfillment or enjoyment in that?

Amane: Exactly.

Miichan: Because the characters are living at that same time with us, I often find myself thinking while practicing, "I wonder how Ceras is doing right now." We constantly think about our character in real time. I think that is something truly unique to Hasunosora.

Amane : We can spend an entire day just learning a dance. When I think about how the characters are doing all that on top of their schoolwork and streaming activities, it really amazes me. At the same time, I was also balancing school life with voice acting work back in high school, so I can relate to them through that experience. I think that’s why I’m able to give my all now ... though it’s honestly really tough! (laugh) I’ve always loved singing and dancing, but through this project I’ve come to truly understand how much hard work the previous Love Live! members put in. Being part of this has made me love the Love Live! series even more.

—We’d also love for you to introduce the characters you play, Ceras and Izumi. Are there any similarities between yourselves and your characters, or moments where you feel in sync with each other?

Miichan : For me, it’s how much I love my seniors. Both Setchan (Ceras) and I really adore our seniors.

Amane : That’s true. You jump at every chance to talk and tease your seniors, don’t you? (laugh). She even comes over to mess with me, too. Since Ceras is the only first-year among the current lineup, everyone naturally ends up doting on Miichan. Everything she says or does is just so entertaining that I often find myself watching her like an observation subject (laugh). Every thought and emotion shows right on her face. I think Ceras is that type too. So honestly, she’s exactly like Ceras. When people watch Ceras’s streams and go, "Huh? What’s going on here?". That’s just Miichan being Miichan.

Miichan : Eh (laugh). I think Amachan is similar to Izumi in how caring she is.

Amane : That might be true. It’s not so much that I take care of people, but more that I like observing others. So if I notice someone in the cast seems to be struggling, I naturally go and help them. Izumi, too, is the kind of person who loves watching people chase their dreams and is always paying attention to those around her. But honestly, I think I’ve become that way largely because of Izumi’s influence. There are quite a few things I’ve come to realize after meeting her.

—Shindo, just before your role as Izumi was announced, you cut your hair short. Was that to match Izumi?

Amane : Yes, it was. I’ve always loved the Love Live! series, and even before Hasunosora, I had auditioned for it several times. I’d always thought that if I were ever chosen someday, I’d want to match my hairstyle to the character I play, so I’d been keeping my hair long. When I was cast as Izumi, I realized it’s hard to make long hair look short, but it’s relatively easy to make short hair look long with extensions, so I took it as the perfect chance and went for it. I’d never had short hair in my life before, so I honestly never thought the day would come when I’d actually cut it. It’s nice.

—Meanwhile, Miyake, people have described you as “funny in every way.” Are you conscious of that yourself? After all, Ceras is also a pretty over-the-top, goofy character.

Miichan : It’s hard to say if I’m aware of it (laugh), but I’m happy people see me that way. At the time of the audition, I felt that Setchan was definitely more of the funny, easy-to-tease type rather than the straight man. But once I was actually cast and started playing her, I found that Setchan's style of humor really felt natural to me. So I was able to slip into the role quite easily. So over time, even when I’m just chatting with everyone normally, I’ve noticed that my way of speaking and energy level have started to feel more and more like Setchan's.

—Miyake, your posts on X are often quite unique, too. For example, in this post—an off-shot with Shindō from the Tokyo stop of the 5th Live Tour—you’re the only one completely blurred out, and even the ALT text you added gets funnier the more you read it.

Miichan : When I’m writing captions for X, I sometimes catch myself thinking, "Wait, this sounds more like something Setchan would say than me." (laugh)

—Listening to you two talk, Ceras and Izumi make a great pair, but you two also seem like a perfect duo yourselves.

Miichan : I’m happy to hear that!

Amane : I’ve been blessed with an interesting partner. Honestly, I feel like we could go on stage as a comedy duo at this point. (laugh)

Miichan : Should we give it a try? (laugh)

—Compared to the other three units, what do you think makes EdelNote unique?

Amane : I think our biggest distinguishing feature is how much we value worldbuilding. Cerise Bouquet, DOLLCHESTRA, and Mira-Cra Park! are all traditional units that have been passed down for year, and they write lyrics based on their own experiences to express who they are in the present.

Miichan : EdelNote often takes a different approach, each song builds its own distinct world, and within that world, the relationship between the two members is expressed metaphorically.

Amane : In that sense, it’s almost like theater, right? Each song feels like creating an entirely new stage.

Miichan: Exactly. For example, Chili Con Carne has a "Western film" motif, while the new single Henyoku no Toribaga takes on a theme like "angel and demon." Every time, there’s a clearly defined motif, and EdelNote’s role is to bring that world to life through our performances.

—Including your real-life activities and your relationship with each other, is there anything you’d say EdelNote absolutely won’t lose to the other three units at?

Amane : I’d say… comedy? (laugh)

Miichan: Our strong desire to have fun is unbeatable! (laugh)

Amane : In Hasunosora, there’s a song called Happy Shijou Shugi! (by Kahomegu♡Gelato), and Mira-Cra Park! also has "fun above all" as their concept, but honestly, the two of us really live by that same mindset. We always try to face everything with laughter and a positive attitude!

—Is that because both of you naturally have those kinds of personalities?

Amane : Hmm, I wonder? I guess I’m the type who tends to think positively. If I let myself sink into negativity, I’ll just keep depressed, so I try to force myself to smile and stay upbeat. Whatever happens, I usually go, "Well, if I look at it positively, it’s going to be fine!"

Miichan : I’m actually super negative by nature, but since Amachan has that kind of personality, after joining Hasunosora I’ve come to realize that staying down doesn’t really help anything (laugh). Now I’m able to live much more positively. And since time is limited, I want to make sure I enjoy the present. Setchan is also someone who really enjoys what she’s doing right now, so I feel like I have to enjoy it first myself. That mindset helps me live happily. Setchan is the type who gets right back up even after falling down.

Amane : Izumi herself is always seeking fun too. To be honest, our characters really influence us a lot.

—It sounds like you’re supported not only by the characters, but also by each other.

Amane : Even when the eight of us from the current lineup got together to practice dancing, they often said, "Why are you two always so cheerful?"

Miichan : Yeah, it’s the same for other activities too. Even when filming runs long, people say, "You two still look like you’re having so much fun!" (laugh)

—Then, putting aside the new single, among the EdelNote's songs so far, which one do you feel the most attached to, or which would you recommend to someone hearing you for the first time?

Miichan : I think I’m most attached to our very first original song, Edelied. It's the song that the characters put the most emotion into. For someone listening for the first time, if you want something that lifts your spirits, I’d recommend Chili Con Carne, but as an introduction to who we are, it would have to be Edelied. Personally, though, my favorite song is Tenchi Reimei.

—Thank you. And how about you, Shindo-san?

Amane : It’s hard to choose, but the one that means the most to me is definitely Edelied. I first performed it solo as a surprise guest at the 3rd Live, and I still remember how everyone from Hasunosora Suki Suki Club reacted, saying, "What a wonderful song!" but I couldn’t help thinking, "It’s meant to be done as a duo!"

What's more, my debut stage was the final stage of Love Live!, the most cherished stage of my favorite series, so I have really fond memories of everyone's reaction. The song I'd recommend to everyone... if you just want to get to know Izumi, it's Fusion Crust.

—In the story, Izumi wrote the lyrics while Ceras composed the music for Fusion Crust, correct?

Amane : Yes. That song really captures Izumi's true essence as she is. But at the same time, through the sound and melody, you can feel Ceras's kindness and the feelings she has toward Izumi. EdelNote usually builds songs around completely different worlds and motifs, but Fusion Crust shows what happens when their music is shaped by their own personalities and lives. That’s why I think it’s the perfect song to introduce who they are.

Miichan : If you listen to Fusion Crust while keeping in mind who wrote the lyrics and who composed the music, I think you can really sense the relationship between the two of them, which adds another layer of depth to the song.

—How do you perceive the essence of Izumi that’s expressed in Fusion Crust?

Amane : I think the lyrics beautifully express the feeling of being empty and unable to hold onto a dream. I also love that it ends on a note of not giving up. And the way the word "burn" is used in four different forms—"can burn," "try to burn," "even if it doesn’t burn," "I'll burn it"—that really surprised me the first time I read the lyrics. It gives a strong sense of determination: "I will absolutely make it burn!" I found that really inspiring. It also reminded me of a time after I achieved a dream when I wondered, "What’s my next dream?", so I can relate to that feeling.

Miichan: The line "even if it doesn’t burn, I’ll burn it" (moenakutatte moyashite yaru) is a bit clumsy for lyrics written by Izumi, but that actually hits home, so it's one of my favorite parts.

Amane: Exactly! Normally, Izumi would probably phrase things more elegantly, but because she wrote these lyrics straight from her heart, that fourfold use of "burn" came out naturally.

――Now, let's talk about your second single. The title track, Henyoku no Toribaga, is a dramatic up-tempo song with a tense melody accompanied by strings. What impression did it have on you two?

Miichan : This song also has a well-crafted worldbuilding, but it also includes phrases with a down-to-earth tone, like "Don't you dare say something like you're not beautiful!" (Dakedo kirei janain desu da nante Iu na! Yada!) Up until now, I have focused on expressing the world on our song, but this song goes further by also conveying emotions toward a partner. I pictured Ceras and Izumi reaching out to each other, so I sang while thinking of Izumi during the recording.

Amane : I struggled a lot during recording. I felt like, "maybe it's not quite right." In the end, I decided to re-sing the whole thing after recording up to the second chorus. It was more difficult than anything I’d faced before. As Miichan said, the lyrics contain some strong phrases and give the impression of trying to convey something to someone, so in the end, I sang with that feeling in mind. I particularly like the line "Don't be afraid of imperfection," (Kanpeki janai koto osoreru na) and this phrase made me realize something. At first, I was thinking, "I have to sing it perfectly," but I realized it's okay to focus more on conveying the feelings rather than just aiming for perfection.

—In this song, Izumi is assigned the role of "angel" and Ceras the role of "demon." Normally, Izumi’s role is more like a "demon" since she's bind Ceras’s with contract to grant her wish, so she fit that role more in that regard. With this reversed setup, did you have anything in particular you kept in mind?

Miichan: The word "Toribaga" in the song title refers to moths. I heard that the idea for the song came from how moths and butterflies are sometimes treated the same way overseas. Basically, the roles of "angel" and "demon" can switch depending on perspective, and even the song mentions a "fallen angel," so if you take a broader view, you could see them as essentially the same. Setchan herself said that she wanted to make Izumi an angel, so the song was born from a light-hearted idea, and I also had fun working on it, thinking, "Wow, they're doing something fun again!" (laugh).

Amane: From her first appearance, Izumi has always been like a "contract devil" so I had expected her to stay in that role. But in this song, she’s the angel, and I thought, "Oh, okay!". Ah… now I realize a point where Izumi and I are alike. Izumi originally did acting, and when performing a song she acts to her role naturally, so she's like, "Oh, so this time I should do it this way," she accepts anything easily. I also have that mindset, so I think we're similar, "This time I'm an angel. So I'll be my own kind of angel."

—The coupling track, Drive Spade Crazy, has a stylish melody with a shuffle beat that includes brass sounds and claps, and is a type of song that EdelNote hasn't released before.

Amane : It has a brand-new vibe. I think it’s the kind of experiment you can try precisely because our activities are limited to one year. What felt so unique to EdelNote is how the two of them take turns talking back and forth, and the story progresses like a musical.

Miichan: Even the way we speak fits our characters. Ceras’s lines feel like Ceras, and Izumi’s lines feel like Izumi.

Amane: Exactly. Also, in the part where Ceras sings, the lyric sheet has the emoji included. I noticed the same thing in Chili Con Carne. Seeing those little details made me feel, "Oh, the two of them are really putting a lot of effort into creating this song."

Miichan: And more than in previous songs, I felt that the characters themselves are really present throughout this track. It’s like their lives and the song’s world coexist more than ever. You can see how they overlay their own experiences on this song worldbuilding. For example, Ceras’s line “Even if it’s not summer, I can stay with you, at least be by your side” blends naturally into the story but also subtly feels like a message to Izumi.

Amane : When I saw the opening line "In the game, I’m a drift master," I thought, "Ceras definitely thinks that way." She’s not old enough to have a driver’s license yet, but in the game, she drives so well. I imagined that’s how she feels (laugh). I felt Izumi’s presence in lines like "Hey, if this weren’t a dream…" and "Good morning, I had a bad dream. Tell me… what was the dream about?" It really gives the impression that Ceras and Izumi are having these kinds of conversations, and this song came out of that. Even adding "my lover" at the end feels so Izumi. It’s a bit cheesy (laugh).

Miyake: Right! But because Izumi has that absolute cheesiness, it’s easy to accept. Also, Ceras’s line "If you end up hitting a dead end, then tear it down and push through!!" I felt it really showed her strong, go-get-’em attitude, and I sang it while thinking about that determination.

—Not just for this song, but one of EdelNote’s charms is also the contrast between your voices: sweet and cute Ceras, and cool Izumi. How do you feel about how your voices blend together?

Amane : Somehow, we just harmonize naturally. Even in daily life, when we both say something with a drawn-out "waa~" at the same time, it ends up harmonizing with one voice on top and one on the bottom (laugh). But the first time I heard our voices together and tried to match them, I wondered, "Does this really fit?”. But everyone said it's great, "Ah, I see."

Miichan : For me, I had the impression that in a duo, one person is usually the cool type and one the cute type, so from the beginning I thought, "Oh, this feels perfect!" (laugh)

—You’re currently in the middle of your 5th Live Tour, and this is your first numbered live as Hasunosora’s EdelNote. Compared to your time at Mizukawa, has your mindset on stage changed?

Miichan: Our performances have definitely changed.

Amane: Yeah, that’s true.

Miichan: Before joining Hasunosora, I was very focused on "We have to show a perfect stage! Look at us!" But now, when I actually stand on stage and face the audience, a natural, positive feeling comes out. I feel a much stronger desire to share that feeling of enjoyment with the audiences.

Amane : Until the story of Fusion Crust in August, I didn’t really change how I performed. But after that, I started to let Izumi’s emotions come through in the singing, and I began to smile more. EdelNote doesn’t have many songs that are performed with a smile because of their musical style, but in group songs like I Do Me! or Dream Believers (105th Ver.), I think Izumi shows her own kind of smile. Other times, it's when I'm looking at someone's back as I cheer her on from behind with, "Do your best!", or when I make eye contact with a member. I smile when Miichan smiles,too.

Miichan: Yeah, I remember that (laugh). That was my first live performance, and I should have been more tense since it was a rival stage before joining Hasunosora, but I ended up having fun. Even while singing Edelied, I couldn’t help but smile (laugh).

Amane: On that day, we both had a debriefing session where we said, "We can't laugh anymore" (laugh). But starting from this tour, even though I feel the same way when I perform the songs as before, I think it's okay to laugh now. Miichan has a really nice smile. We had rehearsal today too, and when she saw the other members dancing, her expression became really beaming. 

Miichan: Everyone really has such great expressions.

Amane: Especially today, personally, Sakurai Hina, who plays Momose Ginko, had an amazing smile.

Miichan: I know! There are moments in the choreography where we face members from other units, and the expressions between senpai and kouhai in those moments are always so good. I want everyone at the live show to pay attention to not just the dancing but everyone’s expressions.

Amane: Everyone please bring your binoculars! (laughs)

――Among the stops on the 5th tour, the Osaka shows on November 19 and 20 at Osaka-jō Hall will be presented by Edel Note. What kind of live show do you want it to be?

Amane : Oh wow, it’s going to be really hectic. I didn’t realize it would be this intense before the tour started.

Miichan : I thought I was prepared, but it was even more than that. And just a little before, there was the DOLLCHESTRA show too. But since we get to be host on each stop, each unit wants to show its own colors, so we’re preparing a lot. Just yesterday, I came up with something I wanted to do during a song and instantly messaged Amachan on LINE. I want to take those sparks of inspiration and make it fun. Above all, I want to stay true to myself as Ceras. I'm determined to make everyone laugh at least once! (laugh)

Amane : And it’s in Osaka, after all. Actually, maybe that’s why they chose Osaka for the Edel Note show (laughs). I think we’ll pull off an engaging worldview while also having MCs that make people say, “What is going on with these girls?”, We tend to speak spontaneously, so often we don't even know what we're saying (laughs). I'm sure Miichan will say something funny.

Miichan: That was true even at the recent Tokyo show (Mira-Cra Park! presents Heart Stage). I think the things that come out on impulse are often the best. We have a serious gap from our serious stage selves to our playful off-stage selves. You might leave the venue laughing so much, you’ve been warned! (laugh) I also hope members of the other units adopt that EdelNote vibe. I’m currently plotting my personal strategy for that.

Amane : We don’t just want to perform a lot of EdelNote songs. We want everyone to leave thinking, “Ah, that was an EdelNote presents show.” Since people are taking the trouble to come on a weekday, we want to raise the bar, give them a show they’ll think was amazing, and make sure they leave smiling. The four of us (with Ceras and Izumi) will work hard to make that happen!

――We look forward to it. Lastly, as members of the Love Live! series, are there any new challenges you’d like to take on?

Amane : I want to perform in a joint live!

Miichan : Me too! We both got to watch the Yokohama show of the Asia Tour 2024, but that was before we fully joined Hasunosora. And at the U-NEXT MUSIC FES LoveLive! Series EXPO 2025 in Osaka this year, thunderstorms caused the live show to become rather hectic. In both cases, we only got to greet everyone briefly. We’d love more opportunities to talk with others and perform together.

Amane : As someone who’s supported Love Live! series for a long time, I’ve watched countless joint lives and always thought, "I want to stand on that stage too!" So while Izumi is still active as a Hasunosora member, I want to make my dream come true and sing alongside my beloved seniors. When I saw everyone in Hasunosora collaborating with μ's on the Asia tour, I thought, "We (EdelNote) want to do that too!" (laughs). Another goal is to be appear on music show on TV.

Miichan : Count me in! Make Hasunosora viral! (laugh)

――Ahaha. If you could appear on a joint stage, who would you want to sing with?

Amane : For me, it would definitely be Suzuko Mimori (Umi Sonoda), who I admire and love. She’s been watching Hasunosora's live show via streaming all this time, and every time she says, "It would be great if we could perform together someday," so I hope I can make that happen before I graduate.

Miichan : For me too, μ’s was the starting point that made me fall in love with the Love Live!, so there’s admiration as well. Since EdelNote originally appeared as a rival unit, I’d also love to perform someday with rival units from other series. I hope they make a kind of "Rival Unit Spotlight" block.

Miyake Miu

Miichan: Playing the role of Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld, I'm Miyake Miu. First, did you have fun? (Cheers) Thank you.

Miichan: Today I’d like to talk about my seniors. This is Setchan's first tour as Hasunosora’s member. During the tour preparation, I often saw Mirapa discussing things like, “How do we make it more fun?” or “I think it’s more fun this way”. Similarly, the members of Sanrenka, for I Do Me, they discussed a lot, “How should we handle this part?” or “Let’s approach it like this.”

Miichan: And Fuuchan often asks me, “How’s the live show?”

Similarly to her, Hiichan always told me, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, tell me,” and, “enjoy yourself.”

Nassu: So cool

Miichan: If I looked discouraged, Rin-chan would ask me, “Are you tired?”

Kankan : You're so cool.

Miichan: And when I was nervous, Amachan hugged me. Really, I received so much kindness.

Miichan: Also, this time I got a chance to perform On Your Mark. So I asked the graduated senior about it. “How does this choreography go?” and they gave me advice. “For that jump, do however you like,”

Kankan: Sounds exactly like her (Konachi lol)

Miichan: Since she was so sure of it, I could simply say, “Got it”. Because of that I was also able to stand confidently on stage. They were incredible seniors who gave me invaluable advice.

Miichan: And the tour doesn’t end here. This tour will continue to the next stop and the next and the next. I hope you’ll come see us again and watch how my seniors’ kindness and guidance helps me grow even further. Please look forward to it.

Shindo Amane

Amane: Playing the role of Katsuragi Izumi, I'm Shindo Amane. To everyone who came to the venue today, and to everyone watching the stream, thank you.

Amane: This was my first tour as a Hasunosora's member, and honestly, I was so nervous. But getting to see everyone every day during this tour has made me really happy. Sure, I’d see Mi-chan regularly. The whole group, not so much. During this tour I meet everyone four days a week. And on the days we weren’t together, something didn't sit right with me. “Eh, I can’t see them today?”

Everyone: Cute

Amane: “Ah, I wish I could talk to Rinchan right now.”, something like that happened. Moments like that made me realize how much I really love everyone.

Amane: With the tour starting today—oh! Not today, I mean yesterday. Yesterday, right? There are still three more stops, right? So for the next two or three months, I’ll get to spend so much time with everyone. That makes me so happy, and I’m also really looking forward to meeting all of you again.

Amane: Also, during On Your Mark, I had the chance to perform Kozue-senpai’s lines. She’s my favorite, Kozue-senpai. So at first I was nervous, I replayed the BD live again and again. But there were still things I couldn’t quite figure out, so I contacted Ui-sama, “Eh, you do my part?”. And for Hakuchuu, I asked Kona-chan for advice too. She replied, “You’re going to nail it.” They were dependable seniors.

Amane: I never thought EdelNote would be able to sing traditional songs like this, so I'm really happy, and I'm looking forward to hearing everyone cheers in the future, so I'd be happy if you could join us on the upcoming tour.

Amane: Please give a lot of love to Linkura, Hasunosora School Idol Club, and this tour as well. Thank you very much!

Kurusu Rin

Rin : Playing the role of Anyoji Hime, I’m Kurusu Rin. Thank you so much to everyone who came here today, and to those of you watching the stream as well.

Rin : Well, today is Day 2, the last day of Mira-Cra Park Presents: Heart Stage. Including the practice period for these two live shows, the person who really impressed me was Kanchan. I realized once again just how much of a hard worker my senior is. Just like Ruri-chan. She’s the type who puts in so much effort behind the scenes.

Rin : On stage, she’s always cheerful, cute, and delivers so much fun to everyone, like this (laugh), but at the same time she’s incredibly serious, incredibly hardworking, always puts her whole heart into everything. She’s such a dependable senior 

(Kankan shakes her head)

Rin :  I was really happy that Mira-Cra Park was chosen to open the tour, though it was clear she was under a lot of pressure. It showed on her face.

Rin : But she overcame it with pure effort, pushing through all of that pressure. Watching her back, It really moved me. For this Mira-Cra Park Presents: Heart Stage, I found myself relying on Kanchan a lot. Honestly, it was more like she was the one coming up with ideas, and I would just follow along.

Rin : You know, Ruri, she started to stop calling Hime as “Himecchi,” now she just calls her name by her name, “Hime.” And Kanchan, she used to call me “Rin-chan,” has started calling my name without honorifics too. So this tour really came at the right time, it was such a good opportunity for us, and I’m glad we got to do Mira-Cra Park Presents: Heart Stage at the right time.

Rin : So, why don’t you rely more on me?

Kankan: Ok, I will

Rin : Like this.

Rin : So from here, as the tour continues, I’ll do my best to break Kanchan’s wall little by little, so we can walk forward together–hand in hand?

Everyone : Arm in arm.

Rin : Ah, arm in arm, yeah, arm in arm. I said the same thing about a year ago too, didn’t I? Anyway, I hope you’ll keep supporting us throughout the rest of this tour. Thank you so much for today!

Kan Kanna

Kanchan: Playing the role of Osawa Rurino, I’m Kan Kanna. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the venue today, and also to those of you watching via streaming.

Kanchan: This was our very first tour as a group of eight. I wasn’t sure whether to mention this, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing to talk about. As I thought about what to say today, this kept coming to mind. Before we became eight, we had our seniors, people we loved and deeply respected. And in Hasunosora, we have graduation, right? When that happened, I’m sure everyone was really sad, all of us felt the same way, you know. But for this 5th Live Tour, I really wanted to give everything I had to fill that emptiness.

Kanchan: At first, I questioned why Mira-Cra Park was chosen to open the tour. I realized, it’s really come to Mira-Cra Park to make things fun, right. To brighten things, even just a little, for those carrying sadness or worries in their daily lives. It must start with Mira-Cra Park. And that’s why we were entrusted with opening the 5th Live Tour. It’s an honor for us.

Kanchan: So, I have one question for everyone: Did you ever just stop today and think, “Man, this is fun”? (Cheers) I’m so glad. That’s all I needed to hear.

Kanchan: There’s one more thing. I want to say thank you to my juniors and Sanrenka. First off, to our juniors, I know I wasn’t a reliable senior.

(Rin shakes her head)

Kanchan: Yet, despite that, you all still treated me with so much warmth. I’ll never forget the time I walked home together with EdelNote, or Fuu’s thoughtful gifts and words of encouragement. And Hii was being Hii, right? lately she’s been interacting with me more.

Hiichan : My baby (patting Kankan)

Kanchan: I think that’s her own way of showing kindness, which made me so happy. And Rin, like you mentioned earlier, I’m sorry I didn’t depend on you more. But from here on out, let’s do our best together as partners.

(Rin hug Kankan)

Kanchan: And last but not least, Sanrenka. Thank you! Even when I was carrying a lot of pressure on my shoulders, you two always there to support me. That meant so much. Not only Sanrenka, but everyone too.

Kanchan: For the rest of this tour, Ruri and I will give it our all to support you from behind and keep pushing you forward. So, leave it to Ruri and Hime. Please, look forward to the rest of the tour!!

Kanchan: We hope you’ll keep cheering for Hasunosora from now on as well. Thank you very much.

Sakurai Hina

Hiichan : Playing the role of Momose Ginko, I’m Sakurai Hina.

Thanks to Mira-Cra Park, the past two days were really fun. Everyone, are you having fun? (Cheers)

Hiichan : Thank you so much! I think we had such a wonderful time together. But I also want to hear from Mira-Cra Park, right? So, let’s ask them together!

Hiichan : When I give the cue, let’s all say: “Did you have fun?” Got it? I think the two of them will probably answer for us.

Hiichan : So, everyone, are you ready? Here we go—one two…!

Everyone : “Did you have fun?” Mirapa: “Yes, we had fun!”

Hiichan : Above all, seeing Mira-Cra Park having fun on the tour they worked so hard to prepare made me love this tour even more. Please continue supporting us for the rest of the tour as well. Thank you so much for today!

Nirei Nozomi

Nonsuke : Playing the role of Hinoshita Kaho, I’m Nirei Nozomi. Thank you so much to everyone here at the venue, and to everyone watching the stream!

Nonsuke : First of all, I really want to say thank you to all of you. I’ll be giving plenty of thanks to the members too, but for now, I want to talk about the FesxRec Live, “A Night Where Dreams Bloom”. You all gathered so many Jewel Flowers for us (a successful Linkura campaign). Thank you so much!

Nonsuke : This 5th live tour got off to such an amazing start thanks to Mira-Cra Park. The two of them worked so hard as our front-line leaders. Our tour kicked off with Fes×Rec, created together with all of you. Seeing it honestly made us cry.

Hiichan: Seriously, when I made eye contact with Ginko in the front row, I started crying! (laugh)

Nonsuke : Kanchan is crying too.

Kanchan: Ah!

Nonsuke : That’s how much this stage, created together with all of you, meant to me. It was truly wonderful. I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Nonsuke : So, what do you all think of the 105th term Hasunosora?(Cheers). Thank you!

Nonsuke : I’m really happy to hear so many voices cheering for us. I know Kan-chan probably felt a lot of pressure when the 102nd generation graduated. Back then, Tsuzuri-senpai and Kotoko, who were in the Shuffle Unit with Kanchan and Ruri-chan, once said, "It’s fine to embrace change at your own pace."

Nonsuke : So, to all of you, I hope you can be honest with your own hearts and take things at your own pace. As Hasunosora, we’re always living fully in the moment, giving our all to the present.

Nonsuke : There are still 2–3 months left in this tour, and during each moment, we’re giving our best. We’ll carry forward the incredible baton that Mira-Cra Park has passed to us, connecting it through each unit, and everyone will give their all in the next performances as well.

Nonsuke : We’d be so happy if you continue cheering for us. Once again, thank you so much for today!

Hayama Fuuka

Fuuchan : Hasunosora Suki Suki Club, did you have fun today?

(Cheers) Great! Thank you! I can see Kosuzu’s color all the way to the back. Thank you so much!

Fuuchan : First, a big round of applause for the two members of Mira-Cra Park. During rehearsals and even right before the show, everything they came up with was so fun! We all got pumped, going, ‘Let’s do it!’ and began putting our plans together. It’s a precious memory.

Fuuchan : Now, carrying on the fun memories and hard work of those two, next up, the baton will be passed to us, Dollchestra.We’ll give it our all!

Fuuchan : Hii, now’s the time

Hiichan : I understand

Fuuchan: I noticed she’s getting ready to do the Chesto as I began speaking.

Hiichan: I got the timing wrong, I thought you start with that (laugh)

Fuuchan : Right now, for real (laugh)

Fuuchan : Alright everyone, next up is Dollchestra’s stage at Aichi Sky. Are you ready after your warm-up?

Fuuchan : Let’s keep this energy for the rest of the 5th Live Tour! Chestooooo! (Cheers) Thank you so much! Please continue supporting us. Playing the role of Kachimachi Kosuzu, I’m Hayama Fuuka.

Nonaka Kokona

Nassu: Playing the role of Murano Sayaka, I’m Nonaka Kokona. Thank you so much to everyone here at the venue, everyone watching the stream, and everyone who’ll watch the archive later!

Nassu: I was thinking about what I should say… this might normally be something I’d save for the final show, but I want to say it now to get everyone pumped up.

Nassu: First, Cerise Bouquet. You two always bring that spark that gets the whole show going. Always thinking about how to change the whole atmosphere in an instant, you two consistently gave us such high-quality performance, and the rest of us were always inspired, thinking, “Wow, they’re so cool!”. Because of that, we can really rely on you for so many things. So, let’s keep this energy going all the way to the end!

Kankan: Captain!

Nassu: And now, I want to give a shout-out to the next two units, but let’s go with Dolchestra next. 

Nassu: I mean, it might sound like I’m praising myself here, but… (laugh) I think we really got everyone hyped up today, don’t you think?

Fuuchan : Y-yes.

Nassu: That’s all I can say! Let’s keep this energy to the next stop. Aichi Sky Expo, it’s been a while since we’ve been there! Let’s get pumped up together!

Nassu: And then, EdelNote, thank you so much for keeping up with us all the way here. Truly, even during lessons, the two of you would check in with each other, calling each other’s names over and over as if to confirm each other’s presence. The way the four of you work together makes me so excited for your stage in Osaka. I’m really looking forward to the fresh energy you’ll show there!

EdelNote: Thank you! Please look forward to it.

Nassu: And of course, Mira-Cra Park, the trailblazers of Hasunosora. I saw how many one-on-one discussions you had and how much thought you put into every suggestion. Your determination to lead really showed, and I think everyone noticed. After MC segments or videos, when things might normally slow down, you two came out and raised everyone’s energy. Every performance was filled with care and love thanks to Mira-Cra Park.

— Kurusu-san, after your idol group disbanded in 2022, you immediately moved to voice acting. But even before that, you were already a fan of anime and games, right?

Kurusu Rin : Ever since I was in high school, I'd thought, “I want to be an idol and a voice actor,”

It was the kind of world I had always pictured myself stepping into someday.

Since I’d worked as an idol, I came to really understand just how much fans value and take pride in their favorites. That made me feel I couldn’t step into voice acting with a half-hearted attitude, so I found it hard to say out loud that I wanted to pursue it.

— Because you knew how passionate anime and game fans are, you felt it was something you had to approach with real care.

Kurusu Rin : Yes, I was a fan of anime and games myself.

But I also knew that being an idol isn’t something you can do forever, that it would eventually come to an end. So I made sure never to let go of my dream of “wanting to try becoming a voice actress.”

So when the group disbanded, I gathered my resolve and went for it.

— How did it feel to get your dream job?

Kurusu Rin : First of all, I was struck by how powerless I was during the audition.

I hadn’t gone to a voice acting school, and I entered this world right after quitting as an idol, so I was unfamiliar with the things my peers already knew. What came naturally to them was a challenge for me.

Even when it came to something so basic, I couldn’t speak clearly or project my voice the way everyone else could.

I had been active as an idol for about six years, so I thought at the very least I was confident when it came to performing on stage. But when I actually stood in front of the mic, I had no idea what to do and ended up panicking.

I felt overwhelmed, thinking, “Ah. Once I moved into voice acting, I realized how powerless I was,”

Looking back now, I'm glad I was able to have this experience so soon after changing careers.

— Why do you feel that way?

Kurusu Rin : If, at that moment, I had thought, “Hey, I’m doing just fine,” I don’t think I would have made any real progress.

Back then, I kept criticizing myself, asking, “Why can’t I do anything right?”. But in the end, I believe it was that frustration that allowed me to grow and eventually take part in wonderful projects like Odekake Kozame.

「 I don’t think I’ll ever truly be satisfied with or proud of myself, even until the day I die. 」

—  It’s been nearly three years since you made the switch to voice acting. Looking back, how do you feel about those three years?

Kurusu Rin : Many people see me as someone cheerful, and for the most part, I’ve been able to approach things with a positive and upbeat attitude.

Maybe the pressure to stay upbeat builds up, ironically, perhaps as a counterbalance, I tend to crash emotionally once every six months.

Even if I can do everything perfectly in practice, once I get on stage, I suddenly can’t perform the same way. At times like that, the tears wouldn’t stop. I just couldn’t forgive myself for falling short.

— Sounds like you can be pretty hard on yourself.

Kurusu Rin : Emotions would overwhelm me suddenly, with thoughts like, “I can’t do anything right.”

I often found myself crying alone on the train ride home from work. Even now, it still happens from time to time.

— When you were an idol, did you also tend to be hard on yourself?

Kurusu Rin : When I was an idol, I was often approached with job opportunities, but now as a voice actress, I actively pursue roles myself. Because of that, I’ve been hard on myself, thinking, “I’m here because I was given a chance, so I can’t afford to make any mistakes.”

— Your latest role in  Odekake Kozame was offered to you directly, with the team specifically saying they wanted you for it. As you continue to receive more voice acting opportunities like this, do you still hold yourself to the same high standards?

Kurusu Rin : It hasn't changed. Back when I was an idol, I was still young, and I often had this mindset to focus on proving how hard I was working, that was always at the forefront. But after switching to voice acting, I feel like my perspective has really broadened.

The work I receive, whether it’s through media exposure or casting director and fans who continue to support me. I see every bit of it as something to be thankful for, not something to be taken for granted. Realizing that helped me stay disciplined and not go easy on myself.

Since becoming a voice actor, I’ve had the chance to closely observe people who pour themselves wholeheartedly into creating a single work, and I think that experience has helped shape this mindset.

— You don’t take the opportunities you’re given for granted. You approach them with gratitude and care. That earnest and disciplined attitude seems to be what keeps expanding your potential.

Kurusu Rin : I don’t think I’ll ever truly be satisfied with or proud of myself, even until the day I die.

— Isn’t it exhausting to be that disciplined all the time?

Kurusu Rin : My fans’ words bring me a comfort, so I’m able to keep going. When fans say things like, “That performance in that scene was really good,” and share their thoughts even on the smallest details of my acting, it makes me realize they’re really watching. That gives me the courage to keep going.

— We often see many supportive messages from your fans on social media as well.

Kurusu Rin : I’m really grateful for that. Fans often send me messages like, “I saw an ad with Kurusu Rin while I was walking!” or “This character is voiced by Kurusu Rin, right?” along with pictures. It always gives me a lot of encouragement.

— Just seeing someone you root for in a regular moment can totally lift your mood, doesn’t it?

Kurusu Rin : It’s precisely because of that I hope to be more visible and reach as many people as I can, even in small ways.

Like when someone’s feeling worn out and boards a packed train, and they see me or a character I’ve voiced, and their spirits lift with a little “Wow!”. If I can create even just a single moment like that, it would make me truly happy.

Odekake Kozame became a turning point that let me level up as a voice actress.

— Your latest work, Odekake Kozame: Tokai no Otomodachi , is part of a series with a large fanbase. Would you say it became a great opportunity to showcase your talents to an even wider audience?

Kurusu Rin : Odekake Kozame is actually a series my friend really loves. She used to show me merchandise and we’d talk about the series together, so I was already quite familiar with it.

This movie marked my first time joining the series, and I’ve had a lot of people say things like, “Hey, I saw the Odekake Kozame ad!” I was really happy to be involved in a work that so many people feel a connection to.

— You’re working alongside such an incredible cast. What was it like during filming?

Kurusu Rin : I was pretty overwhelmed. There were a lot of veterans who were main cast members in well-known works.

Odekake Kozame already has a strong fanbase, so stepping in as a fresh presence without disturbing the established tone was a real challenge.

— What was the most challenging part of this role for you, Kurusu-san?

Kurusu Rin : I played the role of Miho, who is a classmate of Sora (voiced by Iwami Manaka). Miho isn’t a particularly quirky or distinctive character, she’s just an ordinary high school girl.

She’s the kind of relatable person you might encounter in everyday life, so I made a conscious effort not to overdo the voice and kept it close to my natural tone.

Since I usually voice more stylized or character-like roles, this actually made it more challenging for me in a different way.

— Did working alongside such experienced veterans lead to any realizations or learning moments?

Kurusu Rin : The main character is a sharks that communicate using their own unique language. In the script, all of their lines were written as symbols, like ○△×.

When I was practicing Miho's part at home, I sometimes think, "What’s the right way to express this?"

Once I was actually on set, I saw my co-stars responding without the slightest hesitation. Saying things like, “It’s probably like this,” or “Maybe like that.” Watching them handle it so calmly really made me realize just how incredible experienced voice actors are. They’ve got such a wide range of skills that nothing seems to throw them off.

— It looks like you’ve gained another layer of experience through this role.

Kurusu Rin : Yes, that’s right. When something new is suddenly asked of me on set, I sometimes don’t know how to respond. But watching others handle it smoothly made me realize, it's experience that makes the difference. That’s why I now truly understand how valuable it is to try new things without hesitation.

— So many people cheer you on, but is there something or someone you find yourself cheering for?

Kurusu Rin : I really love games, and among them, I’m especially into a Korean FPS game called VALORANT. I play it all the time, and one of my dreams is to someday voice one of the characters in that game.

Just imagining being involved in a game I interact with every day is such an exciting thought.

— When you first became a voice actor, you once said that because it was something you loved, stepping into that world felt scary. But now, maybe you've come to believe in yourself enough to say, “This is exactly what I want to work on!”

Kurusu Rin : I definitely feel more confident now.

When I first transitioned into this career, I was hesitant to get too close to the things I loved. But now, those very things are what give me strength.

“Cheers!”

In the clubroom of the Hasunosora Girls' Academy School Idol Club, a modest little celebration was underway.

“Man, that really was a great live show!” Sachi said, holding her paper cup with a satisfied grin.

“But it's interesting how everyone's got a different drink, huh…”

Kozue had her own tea, Tsuzuri was sipping canned hot chocolate, and Megumi somehow had a café latte clearly bought from outside.

“Well, we all have completely different tastes after all~”

“And totally different personalities too.”

“I love you both, though,”

Megumi said, softly brushing her fingers against Tsuzuri’s cheek. “I like you too~ Tsuzuri~☆”

“Hehe.”

“Every time I look, you two are always so lovey-dovey,” Kozue said, taking a sip.

“Eh? Are you jealous, Kozue?”

“Of course not. Jeez... Me-Megumi…”

“Hm?” Sachi tilted her head.

Megumi squinted at Kozue, “Hey, can't you say my name more naturally?”

“I don't know what you're talking about. Oh, right, I got some good tea from home. Want me to make some for you, Tsu-Tsuzuri?”

“My name’s not Tsu-Tsuzuri.”

“Right. Okay... Tsuzuri.”

Kozue stood up, and Tsuzuri followed after her.

Huh? Sachi tilted her head again.

“What's up with those two?”

“Looks like someone's had a change of heart.”

 “Hmm…”

The habit of calling each other by name, which had started during practice, had completely settled in now.

Or... had it really? Megumi tilted her head.

She just wished Kozue would stop saying her name so timidly. It made her embarrassed too.

“Kozu, Kozu~”

“W-what? Tsu-Tsuzuri.”

“My name is…”

“I get it! Tsuzuri!”

Watching the two of them happily brewing tea together, Sachi clenched her fist.

“Yeah... it really was a great live show. Next time, I’ve gotta make sure that all four of us can be up there ‘till the end. I’ve got to do my best.”

Then she turned and grinned.

“Oh, right. Have you heard the rumors about you guys?”

“Oh, you mean us? The 1st and 2nd years who wowed the crowd and made the Nadeshiko Festival a legendary success?”

“Getting a little carried away, aren’t you?” Sachi chuckled.

“They’re calling you three the ‘Great Hasunosora Triangle,’ apparently.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Who knows. I guess it means your performance left a really deep impression in people’s hearts.”

She looked up at the ceiling as if envisioning stars that weren’t there, and thought: not bad.

Otomune Kozue, a music prodigy.

Yugiri Tsuzuri, a brilliant dancer

And me—Fujishima Megumi, the dazzling beauty who’s going to steal hearts around the globe.

We’re the brightest stars in the night sky.

If you want to win Love Live! a little bluffing can be a powerful weapon.

“Not bad, Sachi-senpai.”

“Hehe~ Right? ...Huh!? W-Wait! I didn’t come up with that! It’s just the word on the street!”

As Sachi started making excuses, Megumi smiled to herself.

“The Great Hasunosora Triangle... Interesting. A triangle.”

She looked over at the backs of Kozue and Tsuzuri, then turned to Sachi with a pitying look.

“That’s why you didn’t make the cut, Sachi-senpai. You’re just not tall or grand enough”

“Who are you calling short, huh!?”

Megumi pointed at Sachi and laughed.

“Hope you grow taller soon~☆”

Just then, the tea-brewing pair returned.

“Honestly, Megumi... making fun of someone’s height isn’t exactly polite, you know?”

“Sachi, if you ever can’t reach something, just let me know. I’ll get it for you.”

“But that would hurt her pride, right...? Hmm... would it be better if we lifted her up instead?” Kozue said with genuine concern

“Is that how you talk to your upperclassman!? Jeez!” Sachi put on an exaggerated pout.

Summer vacation was just around the corner.

“You rascals!”

What kind of adventures would this summer bring?

Megumi glanced out the window.

In the end, that’s how things turned out.

Even though Sachi and Kozue offered all sorts of alternative ideas, none of them surpassed Megumi’s proposal.

So it was decided, Sachi would perform the three unit songs and Dream Believers, while the group song composed by Kozue would be performed by just the three first-years.

The choreography and vocal distribution would need to be adjusted slightly, but those were minor changes they could manage.

With only one week left until the Nadeshiko Festival, Megumi, Kozue, and Tsuzuri were pushing themselves through intense rehearsals to somehow be ready in time.

But...

“Ugh, come on! I messed it up again!” Megumi’s shout echoed through the practice room.

Kozue was breathing heavily, and Tsuzuri wore a deeply apologetic expression.

“...Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize! That just makes me more annoyed!”

“Ah... uu...”

"Don’t vent your frustration on Yugiri-san.”

“Tch. I know that already!”

Scolded by Kozue, Megumi stomped her foot in frustration.

No matter how much Megumi and Kozue practiced, they just couldn’t perfectly replicate Tsuzuri’s choreography.

The air grew heavy, and tension filled the space.

They poured their after-school hours into training, only to be met with their most daunting trial yet.

The choreography Tsuzuri had created was simply too difficult.

Even under tight time constraints, she had prepared an incredibly polished, intricate dance. She had demonstrated each part herself, dancing three different roles solo,and both Kozue and Megumi were stunned by how impressive it was.

When asked how she came up with it, Tsuzuri hesitated for a moment, then finally just said:

“The idea just flowed naturally.”

It was exactly the kind of thing a genius would say.

If they could pull off Tsuzuri’s dance on stage, the Nadeshiko Festival would surely go down in history as a legendary live show. They were certain of it.

However, as Tsuzuri tried to match their movements, Tsuzuri’s dancing lost its sharpness. She used to shine so brightly standing next to Sachi.

It was obvious, Megumi and Kozue were holding her back.

And time was slipping away, wasted.

“Once more,” Kozue said, returning to her position.

But neither Megumi nor Tsuzuri moved.

Snapping out of it, Kozue demanded, “Hey! What’s going on!? We don’t have time! We have to keep practicing!”

Still, no one moved.

“Yugiri-san!”

“A-ahh...” Still looking down, Tsuzuri slowly dragged her feet back to her position.

“Fujishima-san!”

“...”

But Megumi didn’t move at all.

Kozue lashed out. “You! You won’t get any better if you don’t practice! Are you just going to give up here!?”

Megumi immediately swatted away the hand that had grabbed her shoulder.

“Shut up already! I know that!”

“Then—”

“You’re not even doing it right either, so don’t act all high and mighty!”

“What!?” Kozue’s eyes widened.

Realizing what she’d just said, Megumi instantly regretted it, but it was too late.

Kozue shoved her hard.

“That’s exactly why we need to practice! It’s my song! Of course I want to present it as beautifully as possible!”

Megumi leaned silently against the wall. She knew. Of course she knew.

She lifted her head and looked at Tsuzuri, who stared at the ground in guilt, and Kozue, who was clearly frustrated by her own inability to perform well.

Megumi let out a deep sigh.

"Sorry. I need to clear my head for a bit."

Only a week left until the Nadeshiko Festival.

She was the one who said they’d do it as a trio. And yet, at this rate, their stage performance would end in failure.

Megumi was panicking.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Sitting on a bench in the courtyard, Megumi let the wind cool her thoughts.

“Arrrrrggghhh...”

Her body, still hot from practice, didn’t cool down at all. It was blazing.

The temperature had climbed above 30°C. The breeze outside just made her miss the air-conditioned lesson room that much more. For once, she was grateful to be in a fancy rich-girls’ school.

Still, now that she was alone, her head gradually started to clear.

Kozue and Tsuzuri weren’t to blame. Of course not. Even if she resented how ridiculously hard the song and choreography were… she was the one who had insisted they’d do it together.

When she closed her eyes, she could practically feel the applause that would erupt if they nailed the performance.

She could picture it all so vividly.

That’s exactly why it was so frustrating.

Their April live show had been a success, and she had finally started to enjoy being in the School Idol Club. They had begun streaming, and more and more people were getting to know her. The Nadeshiko Festival was supposed to be the stage where she’d get everyone who supported her even more hooked.

Even Sachi had trusted them and left it to them.

And yet, to stumble over something like this, it was all the more unacceptable.

“Ugh, seriously!”

The gap between her ideal self and her current reality was suffocating. No matter how good she was at talking, she absolutely didn’t want to be labeled a school idol who was only good at talking. She was going to captivate the world with her performance too.

There was no time to rest. Her heart was racing. She had to practice, even just a little. She had to make every step stronger.

Just as Megumi stood up, a shadow fell over her.

“Huh?”

“Here.”

Yugiri Tsuzuri was standing there, panting slightly.

“Huh?”

A can was handed to her.

She took it,then instinctively yelled. “Hot!?”

“When your heart is thirsty, the only cure is something sweet.”

She shifted the can around in her hands, unable to hold it for long, and set it on the bench. Tsuzuri was holding the same can, looking at her with concern.

“Why would you get this now…!?”

“…?”

“Where did you even find hot chocolate this time of year!?”

“At the school store.”

“You went through all that trouble!? Oh my god!”

Tsuzuri’s eyes wavered in uncertainty.

“Was I wrong?”

“No, um, ughhh… whatever! Just sit down!”

Megumi scooted over to make room on the bench, and Tsuzuri head lowered apologetically.

“I messed up again… sorry. ….”

Upon noticing she’d apologized again, Tsuzuri let out a startled “Ah!” and looked shaken.

“S-sor… uh, ugh… sorry… uuu…”

“Nevermind! Just calm down!”

“…I’m sorry.”

She bowed deeply.

Seriously, what is this girl thinking…

Nah, I get it. I knew what she was thinking all along.

Tsuzuri had chased after Megumi out of worry, carrying two cans of hot chocolate. The same way Megumi once comforted her at Omicho Market.

There was no hidden motive.

Tsuzuri insecurity makes her question everything she does, and without confidence, she assumes only others know what’s right. So she copies their actions.

“Sit down already.”

“Okay.”

Tsuzuri joined her on the bench and opened up the hot chocolate in her hand.

Then took a sip.

“It’s hot.”

“Obviously…”

Megumi couldn’t help but feel a strange, almost surreal sense of, what the heck are we even doing?

“Megu.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you… having fun right now?”

“...”

She didn’t know how to answer, so she stayed silent.

Then Tsuzuri bowed her head again.

“Sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing again?”

“Let's change the choreography after all.”

"No. I don’t want to. Why would you even say that?"

Megumi replies with irritation.

Tsuzuri’s lips trembled.

“Because… I…”

When Megumi looked at her, Tsuzuri muttered in pain,

“It’s because of the choreography I made… Megu and Kozu don’t look like they’re having fun anymore. I… ruined things again.”

“No, that’s not—”

Megumi instinctively sat up.

Tsuzuri lowered her eyes, as if awaiting punishment. Seeing her like that, Megumi felt another part of herself wanting to shout, “It’s all my fault!”—but she desperately held it in.

She popped open the pull tab and took a sip of the hot chocolate.

“Ugh.”

Drinking nearly half in one go, Megumi let out a sigh.

“Sweet.”

“Look, I said sorry.”

Megumi confronted Tsuzuri with a serious look, “Hey.”

“Did you make that ridiculously hard choreography just to mess with us?”

“Eh…”

Tsuzuri looked utterly devastated, as if her world had just crumbled.

“No, I... I didn't mean that…”

Her expression turned to one of deep anguish. With everything she had, she tried desperately to clear up the misunderstanding.

“Once I heard Kozu’s song, I couldn’t stop brainstorming… I kept thinking about how we could make the best stage together, all of us, as a team... because it meant so much to me that you both counted on me... so I kept going... and then...”

Megumi sharply cut through Tsuzuri’s flustered explanation with a shout. “Then don’t apologize!”

“!!”

Tsuzuri was stunned into silence by Megumi’s blunt words. 

Megumi went on, speaking with a clarity that allowed no room for doubt.

“You did everything you could, didn’t you? To make our Nadeshiko Festival stage the best it could be. So don’t apologize! You don’t need to apologize! The choreography you made is perfect! Otomine and I—we liked it, we thought it was good, we wanted to dance it, we wanted to show it off at Nadeshiko Festival, and that’s why we’ve been practicing so hard! So if you of all people start saying you want to scrap it, I won’t forgive you! Because I’ve already decided. I’m going to make the Nadeshiko Festival a huge success, with Otomune’s song and your choreography!"

She was out of breath.

For a moment, Tsuzuri didn’t move, she watched Megumi in stunned silence.

“Aa...”

Then, tears began to stream down from her eyes.

“Hey?”

Megumi’s chest tightened. Has she gone too far?

But Tsuzuri gently shook her head.

”It’s warm...”

“Huh?”

“Then... I’m not the problem?”

She looked up at Megumi, as if clinging to her for reassurance. 

Megumi took a sharp breath and responded, firmly. “Yes. The choreography you made was amazing. There’s nothing wrong with it. That’s why I’m frustrated. At myself, for not being able to dance it properly. I’m angry... with myself.” 

She couldn’t help but mutter bitterly.  “Ugh, seriously... this is so embarrassing, I really didn’t want to say it out loud...”  

Megumi finished off the rest of her hot chocolate.

A soft sweetness welled up in her chest.

“...I want to see both of you smiling and having fun.”

Still crying, Tsuzuri clung to her and asked pleadingly, “What should I do?”

Holding the empty can, Megumi fell silent for a while, deep in thought. She thought and thought, and then made up her mind.

It was too late to back down now.

In that case…

“Our goal right now is to make the Nadeshiko Festival a success.”

The path forward had come into focus.

To reach that goal, they just had to do what needed to be done.

“You’ll help us, right, Tsuzuri-chan?”

Despite the tears still streaming down his face, Tsuzuri gave a firm, wholehearted nod.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

When they returned to the lesson room, Kozue was alone, practicing in front of the mirror.

Without noticing that Megumi and Tsuzuri had come back, she was completely absorbed in her movements.

Watching her from behind, Megumi let out a heavy sigh in her heart.

That much was clear. We weren’t enemies. Kozue and Tsuzuri had both decided to make the Nadeshiko Festival a success.

They were teammates.

The real enemy was within. It was her own pride, small and petty, that had been the biggest obstacle.

She clapped her hands. At the sound, Kozue turned around.

Her sharp, clear eyes pierced through Megumi.

“What?”

Bowing her waist to a near ninety degrees, Megumi lowered her head.

“I'm sorry!”

“Huh?”

Not letting any room for misunderstanding, she conveyed everything she felt.

“I took it out on both of you just because I couldn’t dance well! I'm sorry, Otomune! I'm sorry for causing trouble! I'm sorry for walking out!”

Kozue looked bewildered, as if she didn’t understand what had just happened.

“Um...”

“I was being a jerk. Sorry, okay?”

“That’s…”

Kozue searched for words, her eyes wandering, but eventually, as if she had given up, she folded her arms and began to speak, hesitantly.

“It’s not like I’m any better than you…”

Touched by Megumi’s honesty, Kozue forced herself to apologize as well.

“I’m sorry. I was feeling pressured too. I’m the one who’s the weakest out of all of us… and it’s kind of pathetic, that I waited for you to apologize first before I could say anything, Fujishima-san.”

She looked down.

“Kozu…”

“I let my emotions take over and acted immaturely… It was my very first song, and I just really wanted it to be a success. I know I was the one acting immature. I’m truly sorry."

A quiet, solemn mood settled over them.

Then Megumi clapped her hands again, trying to reset the mood.

“Well, well, let’s save the personal reflection stuff for later.”

"What the heck?" Kozue muttered.

"Tsuzuri-chan, Otomune. Listen up."

Megumi glanced between the two of them, then stepped confidently into the middle of the lesson room.

“I have to make the Nadeshiko Festival a success. I already made a bold statement to Sachi-senpai, and I’ve been hyping it up every day to the people who discovered me through the stream. All my friends said they’re coming to see it. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of them.”

“Right.” Kozue nodded in agreement.

“…Alright, Megu.”

There was a strange kind of trust in Tsuzuri’s eyes. Feeling a little bashful from it, Megumi pressed on.

“That’s why… I’m going to say something really uncool.”

She took a deep breath, bracing herself.

“Let’s change the choreography.”

Tsuzuri’s eyes widened in shock, “Eh...!?”

“No, no! it’s not that what you made was bad.”

But tears welled up in Tsuzuri’s eyes.

“So… it’s all my fault…”

“Hear the whole thing before you react!”

Megumi snapped, then continued firmly.

“This choreography is your creation, Tsuzuri-chan. But I realized something. If Otozume and I try to dance it exactly as-is, we’ll just end up as second-rate copies of you. So instead, let’s take what we’re good at, our own movements, our own style, and build on your choreography to make it something that belongs to all three of us.”

Kozue stared in disbelief. “You mean… you want to change it now…!?”

“Not just the choreography. I didn’t mention it before, but I think we can adjust the song’s arrangement, even the lyrics, to fit us better.”

“But the Nadeshiko Festival is practically here… this is madness…” Kozue’s voice trembled as she said it.

“And Otozume,” Megumi turned sharply. “You’re not putting yourself out there enough.”

“Huh?”

“You said you’re the weakest, right? Whether you realize it or not, you keep stepping back and letting Tsuzuri take the spotlight. But if you keep doing that, we'll never be able to truly come together.”

“That’s…!”

"Seriously! How could you not see it?"

Kozue gasped, but then quickly shot back.

“Then you’re too much! You push forward all the time, even when it’s not your moment. Because of that, the formation’s been breaking apart!”

“Well, that's what I mean.”

Megumi raised her index finger, addressing Tsuzuri again.

“Your choreography is flawless. If we had three of you dancing up there, we could probably win Love Live! with it.”

“Ah...” Tsuzuri suddenly exhaled, as if realizing something.

Kozue muttered under her breath, “It’s not that easy…” 

But Megumi pushed on.

“But I believe the kind of perfection that Otomune and I can achieve is something else entirely. I tend to be overbearing, and Otomune holds back when it matters most. We're all totally different, each in our own way. But Tsuzuri-chan has a natural presence that captivates people, and Otozume’s dancing is fluid and elegant, truly unmatched. So instead of trying to fit into the same mold, let’s create a new routine that highlights what makes each of us unique.”

Placing her hand on her chest, she pleads further.

“Let’s really talk about it together. Using this choreography as a base, let’s create a performance that truly represents us. If we’re running out of time, we can start overnight stays at someone’s place. We’ll do what it takes!”

Finally grasping the full picture, Tsuzuri raised her head, while Kozue, still hugging herself anxiously, watched on.

Megumi declared once more firmly in her heart, We’re not enemies. We’re a team.

“We’ll probably never become perfectly unified. But even so, I know we can create a performance that truly captivates people. If it’s us, I believe we can!”

Kozue and Tsuzuri exchanged glances.

And slowly, Megumi’s words began to sink into their hearts.

“…If it’s us,”

“We can.”

Even now, Megumi carries those memories in her chest. Of Kozue’s stage with Sachi, and Tsuzuri’s solo performance. Both were incredible.

And if the three of them could match that same level of brilliance… no—if they could surpass it—then there would be nothing to fear.

Even with just the three of them, they could do it.

And then. Eventually, Tsuzuri extended her hand forward.

“I…”

Her face was radiant. As if the endless rain in her heart had finally quieted, just a little.

“I wanna shine like that.”

It was as if, beyond the veil of rain, she could finally see the path she needed to take.

“If I’m with you two… I feel like I can become something more than myself. With you two by my side, I think even someone like me could become a school idol.”

“What are you talking about? From our perspective, you’ve always been a school idol through and through.”

Megumi grabbed Tsuzuri's hand. She squeezed it tightly.

“Let’s take the world by storm. Together.”

And then… as their eyes shifted to Kozue, Kozue hesitantly, almost fearfully, reached out with her own hand.

Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she stayed like that for a while.

“I… I really think Yugiri-san and Fujishima-san are amazing.” 

“Eh?” 

“Yugiri-san can master tough choreography in an instant. And Fujishima-san is really good at streaming… and she has so many cool ideas that I could never come up with…”

She exhaled slowly.

“Otomune?”

“You two are amazing school idols… I’m nothing like that. I’m scared. What if changing the choreography just makes things worse? I want to move forward, but I just can’t take that step…!”

Even though, deep down, she must’ve known things wouldn’t work as they were.

“I tried desperately and finally made a song with my own power... It wasn’t easy, but I thought, just maybe—this would be it… I thought I could get a little closer to you guys…”

She was trapped in her own doubts. Bound by her own thoughts, she couldn’t move forward or back.

“So what are you gonna do?” Megu pressed, blunt on purpose.

“Stick with a plan you know won’t work, go up there, and fail in front of everyone? Is that what you want?”

“I…”

“What?”

Kozue’s voice trembled, as if she were exposing a wound long kept buried.

“I’m not like you two…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I just…”

Each word she uttered trembled, like she was on the verge of crying

“I want to make my dream come true. But every time I wake up, it’s like I’ve been dreaming of something I’ll never reach.”

Bathed in the gaze of the other two, Kozue felt utterly alone.

“Winning Love Live! That kind of big dream is just beyond my reach. It feels like even God’s telling me so.”

She gave a small, sorrowful shake of her head.

“I want to believe in myself, but I just can’t... I’m always putting on a brave face...I want the song I made for all three of us to succeed somehow... but honestly, I keep feeling like everything I try will just fail!”

As Kozue clutched her chest, as if trying to hold her heart together, Megumi’s face twisted in anguish.

If Kozue broke down now, there’d be no hope for the Nadeshiko Festival. But even more than that…

It broke Megumi’s heart to see the very person who had once shone so brightly and gave her the courage to become a school idol now crumble with self-doubt.

"You..."

But before she could say anything, Tsuzuri stepped forward and pulled Kozue tightly into a hug.

“Kozu… I’ll think it through with you, okay? I might not be much help… but I’ll be with you.”

"Yugiri-san…”

“But, you know… it’s okay. School idols don’t have to be perfect. They don’t have to get everything right. I can't really explain it, but… simply giving it your all up on that stage, that’s what makes someone shine like a true school idol.”

Tsuzuri gently calls her name. “Kozu.”

All at once, Megumi holds Kozue’s hand firmly.

“Kozue.”

“Huh?”

As Kozue looked up in confusion, Megumi repeated, “Kozue. Call us by our names.”

Still confused, with tears welling in her eyes, Kozue murmured softly.

“Fujishima-san… Yuugiri-san…”

“No, not like that.”

Meeting her gaze with intensity, Kozue exhaled sharply.

“Megumi… Tsuzuri…”

“That’s right.”

Megumi took both Kozue’s and Tsuzuri’s hands. Tsuzuri, still nervous, slowly offered her other hand to Kozue. And after a moment’s hesitation, Kozue gently took it.

As she squeezed both of their hands tightly, Megumi spoke.

“We’re the same, you know. We don’t know if this live show will be a success. We don’t even know if our dreams will come true. But still, if we don’t do anything, if we don’t start running forward, we’ll never make it to the finish line! All we can do is keep running, right?”

She stomped her foot on the floor. Her well-worn sneakers landed with a sharp thud.

“If it ever gets too hard! If you start to lose confidence! You can complain and whine as much as you want! Kozue! Tsuzuri! We're all friends, after all!”

Tsuzuri squeezes her hand tightly in return.

“I want to show the people cheering for us the best stage we can! I promised I would make the whole world go crazy And to do that, I need your strength right now! So if you can’t believe in yourself—!”

Megumi’s voice rang through the lesson room.

“Then dance for the people who believe in you! For friends who believe in your brilliance!!”

Their hands stayed joined, forming an awkward, wobbly triangle. Kozue wept, tears streaming down without restraint.

The girl, a mere first-year in high school, followed the shimmer of a dream she couldn't yet grasp, her voice trembling with gratitude.

“Tsuzuri… Megumi… Thank you.”

Seeing her sniffle and wipe her face, Tsuzuri teared up too.

“Kozu…”

“I’m really… glad you’re both here…”

Megumi smiled, the tears at the corners of her eyes sparkling like stars.

“Save those words until the day your dream comes true. Because nothing’s really started yet.”

Tsuzuri let out a gentle laugh.

Once their hands separated, Kozue gently wiped away her tears with her finger.

“That’s right. Just one week until the Nadeshiko Festival. We’ve got to give it our all, for the friends who believe in me.”

“Exactly,” Megumi responded, masking her own emotions while gesturing toward Kozue’s tearful face.

"You should be honest with yourself sometimes, Kozue. It’s okay to cry, you know. People will support you even more when they see the real you."

Kozue instantly blushed. Though her cheeks still bore the traces of her tears, she laughed, lightheartedly.

“Sweat got in my eyes, that’s all.”

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

After countless rounds of practice and refining the choreography, one issue finally arose:

The costumes, which had been Megumi's responsibility, wouldn’t be finished in time.

It couldn’t be helped. After all, they had decided to revise everything. The choreography, the song, and the lyrics, all within the final week.

Still, Megumi's creativity has no bounds. She came up with another plan.

"Hey, this  Nadeshiko Festival is being streamed so more and more people can learn about us, the girls of Hasunosora Girls’ High School, right? Then why don’t we—”

Megumi’s proposal, made by none other than the MVP, received full support from both Kozue and Tsuzuri.

And so, the stage came together.

Days passed.

And at last, the day of the Nadeshiko Festival performance arrived.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Just like before, the performance order was decided by rock-paper-scissors.

Cerise Bouquet, DOLLCHESTRA, and Mira-Cra Pak! After the three unit performances and a final group song featuring all four together, the first-years rushed to change outfits backstage at the concert hall.

They removed their white-and-sakura-pink Dream Believers costumes from their April debut live show. And what they changed into next was—

“Ladies and gentlemen! To close out today, allow me to introduce with great pride, my absolutely amazing juniors!”

The three school idols of Hasunosora Academy’s 102nd class—who would one day be known as the Great Triangle—stood face-to-face, ready to step into the spotlight.

“Well then, since Sachi-senpai’s done such a great job warming up the crowd… shall we get going?”

The reddish-brown fabric. The pale-green scarf.

Once, it had symbolized Megumi’s defeat, but now, for the girls chasing their dreams, it had become their battle uniform. The oldest, most traditional outfit of all, the uniform of Hasunosora Girls’ High School.

“We absolutely can’t afford to fail this time.”

“There you go again with that ominous talk…”

“It’s okay,” Tsuzuri said with a gentle smile.

“We won’t fail. Kozu, Megu… and me, too. Right now, we’re unstoppable.”

Megumi laughed, and Kozue pouted slightly.

“How can you be so confident…?”

“Because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen both of you shine.”

“And what about you, Tsuzuri?”

“I’m still stuck at “School” stage of School Idol,”

“Why are you the one lacking confidence all of a sudden?!”

“Haha, but hey, more letters now, right?”

Megumi burst out laughing and thrust her hand forward.

“Well then, shall we?”

“Yeah,” Tsuzuri said happily, placing her hand on top of Megumi’s.

Then, still a little nervous, but with determination Kozue joined hers as well.

“Yeah.”

Three hands stacked together.

“Hasunosora School Idol Club! Let’s do this!!”

“Ooooh!!”

As they charged onto the stage from the wings, Megumi suddenly noticed. This was the first time their voices had all come together in unison.

Seeing the three of them dash out in uniform, full of energy, Sachi stepped up to the mic, voice bright with joy.

“Now then! Get ready for a brand new song, created with the combined efforts of our first- and second-year members! This is our new beginning. Our song of a fresh start!”

Music and cheers erupted.

“Ah,” Megumi and Kozue spoke simultaneously.

The two happened to run into each other right in front of Tsuzuri’s room.

Kozue : “Good morning, Fujishima-san.”

Megumi : “Morning, Otomune.”

They were starting to get used to each other’s summer uniforms by now. Having finished getting ready, Megumi stifled a yawn.

“If I knew you were coming, I would've slept a little longer.”

“True. Maybe we should assign shifts from now on.”

“Sounds good. Then, Otomune takes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’ll do Tuesday and Thursday.”

“You slyly gave me more days... Well, I don’t really mind.”

Kozue smiled in quiet exasperation. Her appearance was already impeccable, even this early in the morning.

“Well then, um...”

Kozue fidgeted in front of the door, and Megumi crossed her arms.

“What are you doing?”

“If she happens to be awake on her own, wouldn’t barging in feel like meddling and make her uncomfortable?”

“There’s no way Tsuzuri-chan is awake already! Come on, come on. It's morning!”

Ruthlessly, she knocked loudly on the door. But even after a while, there was no response.

This won’t do. Megumi pulled a key from her pocket.

“Ta-daa!”

“You even have a spare key...?”

“I do have permission to come in and wake her up~! Okay, I'm coming in~!”

“You guys are just two sides of the same unpredictable coin, I swear.”

When they unlocked the door and stepped inside, as expected, the curtains were still drawn. On the bed lay a delicate sleeping beauty, hugging her pillow with her eyes closed.

“It’s morning! Time to get uuuup!”

The two invaders shattered the peaceful morning into tiny pieces.

“Yugiri-san, you're going to be late!”

It was now past mid-June, and preparations for the Nadeshiko Festival were well underway. Amidst it all, the dynamic between Megumi, Tsuzuri, and Kozue had shifted once again.

Perhaps the biggest difference was Kozue’s gentler attitude.

There had been quite a bit of back-and-forth leading up to it. First, at the end of May, they had midterm exams. It was then that Kozue discovered her two classmates were complete problem children with zero interest in studying.

Displeased, she treated Megumi and Tsuzuri with biting coldness... and for a time, things grew tense between them.

But after some twists and turns, the two ended up making a surprise birthday party for her.

Through serious self-reflection, Kozue found herself beginning to soften toward Tsuzuri and Megumi. Still, dealing with them was no walk in the park for Kozue.

“Come on, Yugiri-san, stand up. You don’t need to open your eyes, just get dressed”

There was one more change: she’d started taking responsibility for getting Tsuzuri out of bed each morning.

They were in different classes, so she hadn’t known before, but Tsuzuri had a long history of being late.

Not bound by the clock, Tsuzuri lived her life as she pleased. She wakes up whenever she feels like it and shows up at school on her own schedule. The problem was that her personal sense of time didn’t line up at all with the rest of the world.

If that were all, it would’ve been easy enough to say it was her responsibility and leave it at that, but with the Nadeshiko Festival fast approaching, it wasn’t so simple.

If she kept being late, it seemed that Tsuzuri would have to take extra classes to get her credits back. Which meant one thing: their after-school practice time would be cut. Not that it would’ve been a huge issue—Tsuzuri’s stage performance was already practically flawless.

The real concern was her own mindset. With a downcast look, she’d quietly said, “I’m useless... I can’t do anything...” And that was more than enough for Megumi and Kozue to jump in and offer their help.

“If that’s the case, how about we go and wake her up in the mornings?” they offered.

Tsuzuri initially hesitated, not wanting to burden them, but Megumi hit her with a brutal, unfiltered truth. “Then can you wake up on your own?” Tsuzuri can’t argue with that. Which brings us to now.

As Kozue carefully fastened the scarf around her neck, Megumi worked on taming Tsuzuri’s messy hair with a brush.

“Hey, Tsuzuri-chan, can I put some hair wax in?”

“Wax...?”

“Here. See? It smells nice, right?”

“Ah... yeah. It’s sweet.”

Megumi held the open jar near Tsuzuri’s nose, and the corners of her mouth relaxed just a little.

“I really like this one,” she said. “See, just like this, makes the ends all soft and fluffy.”

“Cute.”

“Right? Right? I’ve always liked playing with hair. Want me to do yours next, Otomune? I bet twin tails would look great on you.”

“I’m good.”

While Megumi was still busy styling Tsuzuri’s hair, Kozue, with nothing left to do, began preparing for school. Tsuzuri’s bag was practically empty, with hardly a single textbook or notebook. Ridiculous.

“Yugiri-san, what exactly are you going to school for…?”

“Because I was told to go, so I go.”

“If I told you to study, would you actually do it?”

While Megumi freely styled her hair as she liked, Tsuzuri balled her fists and looked up with determination as she spoke, “I’ll do my best!”

“Seriously…” Kozue said with a sigh.

But it wasn’t the usual cold, exasperated look. There was something warmer in her expression, something like the gentle fondness of an older sister looking after a much younger sibling.

Little by little, the three of them started spending more time together.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Sachi was absent from the clubroom again that day.

“It seems she’s been working tirelessly day and night as part of the Nadeshiko Festival planning committee.”

“Wow, that sounds rough. As expected of the chairwoman’s granddaughter.”

“Does that even have anything to do with it?”

Megumi wasn’t so sure. There was no doubt Sachi cared deeply about the School Idol Club, but more than that, she probably loved the school itself.

She had a lot of pride in Hasunosora, she genuinely wants every student to enjoy their time here. It’s an ambitious wish for a second-year high schooler. But considering her background as the chairman’s granddaughter, perhaps it’s only natural. There are always a few odd ones out, even in a school that feels like a cage.

“So, just the three of us for practice today?”

“Before that, there’s something I want you two to listen to.”

Kozue placed her phone on the table.

Tsuzuri was the first to realize what it meant.

“You finished it, Kozu?”

“I did.”

“That’s amazing. That’s really amazing.”

Kozue frowned slightly at Tsuzuri’s soft smile.

“You should probably listen to it first before you say that…”

“I’ve just been excited to hear it, that’s all. A song made by you, Kozu. I’ve been wondering every day what it would sound like.”

“I really wish you wouldn’t set the bar so high…”

Kozue's cheeks turned red as she let out a bashful squeak.

"I'm going to play it now!"

“Yeah!”

“Okay~”

Kozue fumbled with her phone for a moment, then hit play.

Once the music began, the sound of the demo spread through the club room.

Even Megumi, who had been skeptical that a student could possibly compose an original song, was completely blown away.

“No way… that’s an actual song…”

“What kind of reaction is that?”

“This is incredible. You composed this on your own? You didn’t hire some professional or anything, right?”

“You literally saw me working on it in this very room with my guitar…”

Megumi had always believed that with enough effort, anything could be done, and for the most part, that belief had guided her life. But this… this was on a whole different level.

“That's seriously impressive, Otomune.”

There was nothing to do but offer genuine praise.

“Eh…”

Kozue, looking a bit uncomfortable, cast a sideways glance at Megumi.

“Don’t you have anything else to say?”

“Seriously? What else am I supposed to say? Should I just bow down and say, ‘Otomune-san, you’re amazing, I surrender’!?”

“No! It's creepy that you just admit it so honestly! You must have a mountain of things you don’t like about it!”

“I don’t, though. Okay, okay, you’re awesome, awesome! Here comes the Nobel Prize for music composition!"

They both stood up, glaring at each other.

“Yeah.”

After closing her eyes and staying silent for a moment, Tsuzuri gave a small nod.

“This is our song.”

When Megumi and Kozue turned their eyes to her, Tsuzuri, who usually lacked confidence, seemed so sure of it.

“Kozu made this song for us.”

Megumi doubted for a while that this girl would say something so sincere... but Kozue, cheeks flushed, spoke up with a serious expression.

“I wanted to write a song to mark the beginning of our journey as the 102nd Star Idol Club to take part in the Nadeshiko Festival.”

Megumi sank back down into her seat, not saying a word but looking up at Kozue.

“Three months. Spending time with all of you has changed how I feel. Now, I finally think maybe I can really be part of this club.”

“I'm really happy,” Tsuzuri said with a smile.

Megumi almost blurted out, "Took you long enough..."

“Kozu’s feelings… they’re overflowing in this. I want to sing this song too.”

“Of course. I wrote it for all of us to sing together. You too, Yugiri-san... I want you to sing it.”

This is… kind of heartwarming, isn’t it? Megumi thought.

Since the birthday party, Kozue had been much softer toward Tsuzuri. Actually, maybe it wasn’t so much that she became kinder, it was that she no longer had a reason to keep her guard up. After all, Kozue had apparently thought all this time, “They probably hate me anyway.” Megumi gave an exaggerated shrug.

“Can’t believe the birthday plan worked this well, huh?”

Kozue calmly sat down and tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Yeah. That really was a turning point. I’ve always been cold, uptight… so I just assumed you all hated me.”

When she suddenly got so serious, it kind of made Megumi squirm. She tapped her fingers on the desk, trying to shift the mood.

“So, what's the title?”

“Huh?”

“When I say 'title,' I mean the title of the song.”

Only then did Kozue seem to realize she hadn’t decided. She touched her lips with her hand as if it had just dawned on her.

“I didn’t really think that far ahead.”

“That kind of kills the momentum.”

“I was fine-tuning the song until the very last minute. I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“Well, let's come up with something, Tsuzuri-chan.” I left all the songwriting to Kozue, it's only fair we do this much.

“As for the choreography... I’ve got a rough idea, but I haven't finalized the details yet. Yugiri-san, Fujishima-san, can I get you two to help me?”

“Yeah. If there’s anything I can do, leave it to me.” Tsuzuri nodded firmly.

Megumi had expected her to say something like, “I don’t know if someone like me could really help…” but she didn’t hesitate at all.

She must be really excited about the new song. Moments like this make Megumi realize Tsuzuri is just a normal girl, after all.

“Okay, then I guess I’ll help too. That just leaves the outfits and… uh, the stage!?”

“For costumes, we can use the ones Sachi-senpai prepared for us the other day, right?”

“Well… since we’ve got the chance, I was thinking it might be nice to have matching outfits. Something that fits this song. Maybe something a bit more casual.”

“That sounds nice… but wouldn’t that be a lot of work to do now…?”

“I’ve already got some designs ready."

Megumi pulled a sketchbook out of her bag. When she showed it to the other two, this time it was Kozue’s turn to be surprised.

“Ee…You’re pretty good at drawing.”

“Well, thanks.”

“Well, I did get top marks in art class, you know.”

“Why are you suddenly acting all competitive?”

Megumi, however, had no idea at the time. That Kozue’s artistic sense was way out of the ordinary compared to your average person.

“I sketched this before listening to the song, so I’ll adjust it a bit to better suit the vibe. What do you think about the three of us wearing coordinated pants with exposed midriffs?”

“I mean… that could work…”

“Would it look okay on me?”

Kozue, looking a bit uneasy, gently touched her stomach. Megumi had to fight the urge to snap, you’re so skinny, of course you’ll be fine. Try standing on stage next to someone your height for once!

“Alright, I’ll talk to someone I know at the sewing club. Just so you know, you're helping out as well.”

“Of course. As for the stage… we can’t really move forward without Sachi-senpai, can we?”

“She’s been super fired up about it. It’s her calling.”

“No objections here.”

That senpai always preferred behind-the-scenes work. Megumi honestly couldn’t understand that kind of hobby at all.

“So, I’ll work on the costumes, Otomune finishes the song, and Tsuzuri-chan will take the lead on choreography.”

“Ah!”

Tsuzuri's eyes widened for a moment as the tasks were handed to her so smoothly and effortlessly.

She looked between Kozue and Megumi, then pressed her lips together firmly.

“I’ll do my best. I want to do my best.”

Then, as if she had just tasted a piece of sweet chocolate, Tsuzuri smiled.

“This... is fun.”

Kozue and Megumi exchanged a glance.

Without saying a word, they both nodded.

“Yeah.”

“I guess it is.”

There was one week left until the Nadeshiko Festival.

The Fujishima Megumi who had been consumed by despair and boredom in Hasunosora just two months earlier was nowhere to be found now.

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Tock, tock. The sound of nails being hammered echoed.

The four of them were hard at work building the stage together at the music hall.

“Woooow... As expected of Otomune-chan...”

As she listened to Kozue's song while working, Sachi grinned.

“With a composing skill like this, there's no doubt that another traditional piece will be added to Hasunosora’s history.”

Kozue, who had a smudge of paint on her cheek, looked embarrassed.

“Oh, I… I’d be happy if that happened, but I’m still not there yet…”

“It’s fine. Every Hasunosora song was originally made by members of the School Idol Club at the time. It’s just that later members liked them enough to sing them again on their own.”

“That's a rather blunt way of putting it..."

“Of course, if you really don’t want it to be passed on, we can always secretly delete it from the list.”

“That was… You really can sound mean sometimes, Sachi-senpai.”

“That’s because you girls aren’t honest with yourselves.”

Did she just lump all of us together? Megumi looked up from hammering nails alongside Tsuzuri.

“I like to think I’m more honest than Otomune, though—”

“Well, I’d say I’m more honest than Fujishima-san.”

“As for me… I’ll try to be a little more honest from now on…”

“Yugiri-chan, you’re plenty honest,” Sachi said, patting Tsuzuri gently on the shoulder.

“Not fair—don’t go comparing me to Tsuzuri-chan!”

“That was a losing battle from the start.”

Megumi and Kozue both admitted defeat honestly. And though neither said it out loud, everyone present could feel it, the two of them had grown much more honest than when they first joined the club.

Then, as if remembering something, Kozue changed the subject.

“Now that I think about it… Sachi-senpai, I had something I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“The other day, someone from the newspaper club approached me. They asked if I could write an article for the Nadeshiko Festival edition.”

“Oh, that thing they do every year. I actually wrote one last year about our seniors.”

I see—so this, too, is one of Hasunosora’s many “traditions.”

“Oh! I have a question. Sachi-senpai, why did you join the School Idol Club?”

When Megumi raised her hand, Sachi gazed off into the distance.

“Well, it all started back when I was in elementary school…”

“Is this going to be a long story?”

“It’s short!”

It really was.

“I went to the Nadeshiko Festival with my grandma, the chairwoman, and watching the school idols left a strong impression on me.”

“Oh, so you admired school idols too, Sachi-senpai,” Kozue said happily.

“Me too!” Tsuzuri chimed in. “I saw a performance and thought, ‘School idols are amazing.’”

“That's right... School idols are wonderful…” Sachi shook hands with Kozue and Tsuzuri.

Megumi, left out, folded her arms.

Well, to be fair, Megumi had also decided to become a school idol after seeing her two classmates perform on stage, so she wasn’t all that different from them.

“That said, I wasn't like Otomune-chan, who worked hard with the goal of becoming a school idol from the start. For me, I joined after enrolling in Hasunosora, just because it seemed fun.” Sachi chuckled quietly.

“There were three seniors in the club at the time, and let me tell you, and they were really crazy seniors.Their recruiting tactics were something else.”

Without realizing it, Kozue, Tsuzuri, and Megumi all paused their work, completely drawn into Sachi’s tale.

“I showed just the slightest bit of interest in school idols, and that was it, my fate was sealed. They came at me with every trick in the book. Early morning ambushes, late-night calls, even lying in wait to catch me off guard.”

“To be honest, the way you recruited me was pretty pushy too, Sachi-senpai,” Megumi muttered.

“Ah, that was nothing compared to them. One time, I woke up to find all three of them waiting outside my dorm room. I panicked and shut the door, locking it right away.”

“That's... stalking.”

“Wow. That's some serious passion.”

“In the end, I just gave in. Honestly, I was never that comfortable being in front of people, but… I just thought, ‘I'd be able to have a fun school life with these seniors’"

It was something they had all suspected, but this was the first time Sachi had said it out loud.

“Wait. Sachi-senpai, you didn’t like being in front of people?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I love being on stage as a school idol. But back in elementary school, I was student council president, and same in middle school. I was always being dragged on stage to give speeches. After all that, I guess I just got tired of it.”

“That doesn’t sound like you at all…” Kozue murmured.

“Ahaha! Up until junior high, I was a total nerd, y’know?” Sachi laughed and pretending to fix a pair of nonexistent glasses.

“But, you know, when you're in a position of leadership, people tend to dislike you, even just a little. And no one really praises you for it either. That wore me down. I became student council president because I wanted to, but then I started resenting it. Pretty selfish, huh?” she added with a shrug and a wry smile.

“Anyway, that’s how it was. So when I started high school, I was honestly sick of standing in front of people. But the school idol club was different. It felt… really free. Like I suddenly had wings.”

“That’s nice,” Tsuzuri murmured, a little wistfully.

“Once I knew how good that freedom felt, I became completely hooked on creating performances that bring joy to others.”

“Seriously though, having three such promising and interesting juniors join this year... I’m really lucky,” Sachi said warmly.

Megumi’s cheeks flushed slightly.

“Even though I've been nothing but trouble, always causing problems for you, senpai.”

"I’m really sorry."

“The least you could do is study for your exams.”

“Oh please, Otomune just as guilty!”

As the back-and-forth between them restarted, Sachi burst out laughing.

“Haha, it’s so vibrant now, and I love it. It’s like the old days when the upperclassmen were around. Every day’s been a joy!"

Beaming, Sachi spread her arms wide.

“I love this school idol club. I truly do. Once the Nadeshiko Festival ends, summer will be here. Then it’ll be time for the Rindo Festival, then the Love Live! prelims, and at the end of the school year, we’ve got the Renge Festival! We've got a bright future ahead of us!”

Moved by her own words, Sachi raised her fist high.

“I'm no longer the girl who used to tremble alone in the clubroom, afraid no new members would ever join. At this rate, we’ll keep having fun next year, and the year after that, and the year after that too! Wahahaha!”

“Why are you getting all excited by yourself...?”

Thinking about next year still felt far off. Especially for Megumi, who, just two months ago, had never even imagined becoming a school idol.

Megumi's sighing remark was met by Kozue's faintly amused, slightly fed-up grin.

Only Tsuzuri still seemed to be gazing toward the unseen future, her heart fluttering with hope.

Well, with Sachi’s story just now, they definitely had enough material to write the senior introduction article.

Megumi picked up her hammer and nails.

“Alright, break’s over. Let’s get moving. We’ve got barely any time left before the Nadeshiko Festival.”

“Ah, right,” Sachi replied. “Then let’s hurry, stay safe, work carefully, and enjoy every second of this moment.”

“Yeees~,” the other three chimed in.

The four of them returned to their work.

Just before they did, Megumi added one last thing.

“It’s not that the sparkle of the old days has returned.”

“Hm?” Kozue and Tsuzuri both looked up at her.

Still wearing her work gloves, Megumi flashed a peace sign.

“We’re gonna make you admit that the two years you spent with us were way, way more fun than before. Just wait, senpai.”

Sachi gasped softly, then broke into a huge grin.

“Na-ha-ha-ha! If you think you can pull that off, go ahead and try, you little troublemaker.”

 ・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“W-Well then. Next is Fujishima-chan, right? Let’s give it our best...”

You see…

A week had passed since the entire club poured their energy into building the stage.

In the club room after school, Sachi staggered toward them, reaching out her hand unsteadily.

“Uhm..”

It was unbearable to watch.

“Sachi...”

The atmosphere in the lesson room was like that of a funeral.

Oh no. Even Tsuzuri had started looking sad, affected by the heavy mood. I had to do something about it. 

“Uh, Sachi-senpai, could you please take a break? I mean, you’re obviously falling apart here.”

“Hehehe, I’m totally fine... Yay...” Sachi gave a forced smile, making a limp peace sign with both hands.

Even Kozue murmured, “You're not fooling anyone…”

Right. Anyone can see she’s not okay.

For the Nadeshiko Festival, they were going to perform five songs in total. Along with the traditional songs chosen from each unit, they had Dream Believers as the group song, plus a new song written by Kozue.

They could have just performed the songs from their debut live, but since it was a special occasion, the three of them decided to challenge themselves with entirely new songs. They chose the songs they liked most from among their unit's entire catalog.

That decision tripled Sachi’s workload. The only song she had originally learned was Dream Believers.

What’s more, Sachi had been running around day and night as a member of the Nadeshiko Festival planning committee.

And so, what followed was...

“I was really looking forward to the Nadeshiko Festival too...” All that effort took its toll, her body couldn’t handle it anymore. It turns out, Sachi was human after all.

“I know you were looking forward to it! But isn’t that exactly why you’re in this state now?!”

Even Kozue’s shoulders sank, her head bowed.

“I'm sorry... If only I had finished the song sooner…”

“Hey, don’t you start blaming yourself now!”

The only one holding her ground, Megumi tried to keep her voice light and positive

“For now, Senpai, please just go rest in the corner! You’re not that young anymore!”

“So cruel...”

Pulled along by Tsuzuri, Sachi was gently escorted to the far end of the lesson room.

“At this rate, we’ll have to cancel unit practice today…”

Kozue fell silent, looking seriously worried.

Seeing her like that, it was easy to imagine the worst running through her head.

“Let’s reduce the number of songs we perform at the Nadeshiko Festival to four. My song can wait. It’s not something we have to show now.”

“No, no.”

Just as expected, Megumi cut in immediately.

“It’d be a waste. It’s already done, and Otomune put so much effort into it.”

“That said, we really can’t push Sachi-senpai any further…”

When Kozue glanced over, Sachi, still lying down, gave a faint smile.

“I’ll be fine. Otomune-chan worked so hard on that song. Let’s do all five songs, okay?”

Kozue looked back at Megumi with a face that clearly said, See?, silently seeking agreement.

Indeed. No one with a heart could bring themselves to say, “Let’s keep practicing,” seeing Sachi like that. And for Kozue, who was directly tied to the situation, it must’ve been especially tough.

“Hehe… If it comes to it, I’ll go ask if I can cut back a bit on the committee work…”

So instead, Megumi spoke up in her place.

“That’s exactly the problem! If you do that, someone else is going to end up carrying Sachi-senpai’s burden, right!? And that means Sachi-senpai’s wish to let everyone enjoy the school festival won’t come true!”

Sachi looked surprised at Megumi’s outburst.

“A wish? That’s kind of… dramatic…”

“No matter how small it is, a wish is a wish! Follow your heart!”

“Fujishima-chan… you…” Sachi blinked in surprise.“You care that much… about me…?”

"W-Whatever! That part isn't important!"

"Well, that escalated... or de-escalated, I guess!"

Megumi crossed her arms and puffed up a bit.

“That’s my philosophy. It's more fun chasing what you want instead of holding back. Life’s just better that way.”

Everyone turned their eyes toward Megumi.

“I’ve got a childhood friend,” she continued. 

“We made a heartfelt promise to take the world by storm, and she’s already off training in California.”

“That’s a serious commitment.”

“Fujishima’s childhood friend… I see.”

What they’re nodding along to, Megumi didn’t know, fine, whatever.

“She’s just so nice, you know? Always putting everyone else’s happiness before her own. And I hate that! It’s just not fair. A world where kind people get the short end of the stick? That’s messed up. So I got mad and swore I’d take over the world so everyone would have to be nice to her!”

“You really said something impressive just now.”

“That’s... intense.”

Someone’s been adding unnecessary comments for a while now, huh? But fine. Whatever.

“So yeah… stuff like this is kind of a trigger for me. And just to be clear, it's not like I care about Sachi-senpai or anything!”

“Was there really any need to spell that part out?”

“But realistically, what do you plan to do? Even now, we’re already splitting up the club president duties among ourselves to lighten Sachi-senpai’s load.”

“Easy,” Megumi declared.

“If it’s too much for Sachi-senpai to take on another song—”  She paused for dramatic effect.  “Then the three of us will just perform Otomune’s song ourselves.”

A beat passed.

“Whaaat!?”