It's been a while since I've been able to go to school lately...

But I'm really glad I did because we get to walk home together like this, Ayumi!

Hehe. Me too!
I'm glad we bumped into each other just as club activities were ending! Talk about perfect timing!

I've been aching to talk to you about your appearance on Arimura's show the other day!

I really loved it!

You did?!
That means a lot coming from you.

A lot of people I know have also been talking about it! Especially the fashion check segment!

That show sometimes brings professional athletes and famous authors in as guests, which caters to a fairly wide demographic. So a lot of people who don't know much about idols watch.

Seems that way. Recently, some people have even been saying that they've started tuning into our streams after seeing that show.

And they really didn't seem like the type of people who follow idols based on their profiles.

To think that so many different people have learned about who we are and gained an interest in us...
It kinda reminded me of how powerful TV is...

Yeah...
TV has helped a lot of celebrities turn into household names overnight.

But I think they all gained an interest in your group because you've been working so hard.

Including me! You were on fire during that fashion check segment! It made me want to see you do more of those kinds of things now!

Ayumi...

Hehe. Thanks...!
Variety shows like that are sorta my strong suit.

I can't say for sure if we'll get to be on another one anytime soon, but if that's what people want...

Huh? Is someone calling you?

Oh, it's our manager.
Mind if I take this?

Yeah, sure.

Sorry...
Hey, what's up?!

<Hi, good news!
I just received an offer asking for you, Airi.>

Hey, that's great!
Can you tell me more?

<You're being asked to appear on a variety show. It's only available for viewing online, but it's actually very popular...>

<Most of the people who appear on it are comedians since it usually involves a lot of pranks and unexpected occurrences.>

<I know you were on a lot of these kinds of shows when you were still with QT, but this would be your first time as a member of MORE MORE JUMP!, right?>

<This show sort of hearkens back to that time, which likely means doing some over-the-top stuff, but...>

<What do you think?
You do appear to be free when they need you, but the final call is yours.>

I see...

Of course, I accept!

I know they want me to that sort of variety-show spectacle, but my goal will still be to spread hope to as many people as I can.

Plus, there's no reason for me to refuse this offer if it can help increase our group's name recognition!

So, please tell them that I happily accept and promise to do my best!

<Understood.
Then, I'll let them know right away!>

<I'll let you know during our meeting tomorrow after I receive more details regarding the show.>

Okay, thank you!

Did you just get a new offer...?

Yeah, I did.

Wow, really...?!
That's great...!

But you said something about being a variety-show spectacle...? Does that mean you're going to be on another...?

I can't give you any details, but that appears to be the case.

Cool...!
I always loved seeing you on variety shows because of the energy you brought to the table, so I'll be looking forward to this one!

Hehe. Unlike the others, I'm not really a pure idol, so I've gotta make contributions where I can.

What?

I promise to make my next appearance another good one, so stay tuned!

Oh, uh... O-Okay.
Again, I'll be looking forward to it...

But what you just said about not being a pure idol...

Huh?

What did you just...?

Whoa, that was close!

What's that driver thinking...?!
Why are they going so fast on such a narrow street?

I know, right?
Especially considering how a lot of students use this street.

Wait, we've already come this far.
You keep going straight here, right, Ayumi?

Oh, yeah...
And you're that way, so I guess this is where we'll part for today.

Yeah, but I'm glad we had a chance to talk. It's been too long.

Let's do this again the next chance we get!

Okay!
Today was sort of a coincidence, but let's actually plan for it next time!

Let me know when you think we'll be able to!

Yeah, for sure!

(Oh, wait...
I forgot to ask Ayumi what she was trying to say just now.)

(I guess I can do that the next time I see her...)

*Sigh*
Today turned out pretty well, especially since I got to talk to Ayumi!

I know school's about studying and stuff, but seeing my friends always puts a smile on my face...

Wait, I don't have time to get all sentimental right now. I've gotta start coming up with stream ideas for tomorrow's meeting.

Something that our new and existing viewers will both enjoy, huh?

Hmm...
This is a lot harder than usual.

What if we split it into two parts?
The first half would be for our newcomers, and the latter half for everyone else...

No, that might not be such a good idea.
We'd essentially be forcing them to choose between one or the other.

What else can we do...?

Come to think of it, every VIRTUAL SINGER show I've seen so far has been really good...

Is there some secret behind their success...?

Wait, why am I asking myself that?
I should just go over to SEKAI and ask them myself!

Hmm...?
Something's wrong. I'm not seeing any of them.

Normally, I'd run into at least one of them. Maybe they're practicing backstage or something...

Huh...?
Has this path always been here?

No, I don't think so...
It's right out in the open, so we'd have noticed. Where does it lead to...?

Huh? Wait a second...

Wh...

Wh-What is this place...?