Haruka's Room
Haruka
...which is why I'm thinking about taking this light over to the MORE MORE HOUSE since I couldn't last time.
MEIKO
<I didn't realize you still had so much equipment left here.>
KAITO
<I'm also a bit surprised. I mean, your streams until now were generally taken using a smartphone.>
Haruka
If we were only doing streams, then all we would really need is one smartphone. These lights and such wouldn't be necessary.
Haruka
Plus, the rooftop got plenty of sun.
But we're going to need these kinds of lights if we're going to be streaming indoors.
But we're going to need these kinds of lights if we're going to be streaming indoors.
MEIKO
<I see.
You've really got all your bases covered, Haruka.>
You've really got all your bases covered, Haruka.>
KAITO
<Thank you for showing us your video editing program, as well as how to use a green screen. That was very educational.>
Haruka
Hehe. I'm glad I could help somehow.
MEIKO
<In any case, it sounds like the MORE MORE HOUSE is nearly ready to open for business. It's wonderful to see you girls taking such a big step forward.>
KAITO
<And it sounds like everyone has been talking about your last TV appearance. I'm very much looking forward to how things unfold in the future.>
Haruka
...
Me too...
Me too...
MEIKO
<Is something the matter?>
Haruka
Oh, so... A lot of new people have started tuning into our streams lately thanks to our recent TV appearance...
Haruka
And Airi mentioned how this is sort of a turning point for us as a group.
Haruka
Which is why we need to think carefully about how to proceed moving forward.
MEIKO
<How to proceed?>
Haruka
Yeah.
As things currently stand, we're able to pick and choose which offers for work we want to accept.
As things currently stand, we're able to pick and choose which offers for work we want to accept.
Haruka
But if we're serious about eventually doing a show at the Dome, then we may need to come up with a detailed plan as to how we're going to do that. Like what shows to appear on at what time and such...
KAITO
<A detailed plan...?>
Haruka
Yes. We need to think about how we're going to expand our fan base and to what size. Also, what kinds of events we're going to put on to make that happen.
Haruka
I feel like these sorts of long-term goals are important to think about.
KAITO
<Now I see...>
MEIKO
<Me too. It is going to be crucial for you all to create some checkpoints for yourself.>
KAITO
<You never cease to amaze me, Haruka.
Despite being so busy, you've found the time to think about your group's future.>
Despite being so busy, you've found the time to think about your group's future.>
Haruka
I haven't actually given it that much thought.
I'm guessing this is the result of my old producer's habits rubbing off onto me.
I'm guessing this is the result of my old producer's habits rubbing off onto me.
MEIKO
<Your old producer?>
Haruka
Yeah, when I was still in ASRUN.
He always made sure to let the idols he was working with know about what he was thinking.
He always made sure to let the idols he was working with know about what he was thinking.
ASRUN Producer
About the commemorative show that's coming up. You'll be performing at a live house other than SPRAY.
Haruka
What...?!
Haruka
But we've done most of our commemorative shows at SPRAY...
Haruka
ASRUN's been performing there since we debuted. It's sort of like our home turf at this point...
Haruka
Won't a sudden change of venue cause some confusion among our fans? We'll sort of be asking them to play an away game instead...
ASRUN Producer
That's exactly why we're making this switch.
Haruka
Huh...?
ASRUN Producer
Yes, SPRAY has somewhat become ASRUN's home, and we have a good number of regulars coming each time.
ASRUN Producer
However, I'm afraid that ASRUN won't make it big as long as it's billed as “idols who perform for idol fans”.
Haruka
...!
ASRUN Producer
I believe ASRUN needs to start connecting with more people and expanding its fan base. It can't remain a group for die-hard fans.
ASRUN Producer
The song we just released the other day has become a huge hit, so this is ASRUN's chance to turn this commemorative show into something really special.
Haruka
But what about the fans who've been faithfully following us until now? Won't we disappoint them...?
ASRUN Producer
I know. We shouldn't do anything to dash our fans' hopes. Which is why...
ASRUN Producer
I plan on inviting those who've been members of this group's fan club the longest, and offering them free passes.
Haruka
...is an example of how he explained one of his long-term goals along with his thought process to me.
Haruka
And my old producer was right.
Our fan base came to encompass people from all walks of life, so I naturally became drawn to his way of thinking.
Our fan base came to encompass people from all walks of life, so I naturally became drawn to his way of thinking.
KAITO
<I had no idea...>
MEIKO
<This producer for ASRUN must've been quite an incredible person. I can see why your group was placed in his charge.>
Haruka
I had a lot of respect for him because he was so reliable.
Haruka
Unfortunately, we don't have anyone like that right now. We've managed so far, but that's something we may need to think about in the future...
MEIKO
<Now your path forward sounds much more difficult...>
Haruka
*Nod*
That's why we need to start thinking about these things now.
That's why we need to start thinking about these things now.
Haruka
I didn't realize it was this late.
I need to head over to the electronics store.
I need to head over to the electronics store.
MEIKO
<Oh, that's right...
You need to go buy some more equipment for your streams.>
You need to go buy some more equipment for your streams.>
Haruka
Exactly. This seems like a nice opportunity to replace our old ones.
KAITO
<Then, we should probably head back.>
MEIKO
<Right.
Please let us know what happens later.>
Please let us know what happens later.>
Haruka
I will. Thank you for stopping by.
I'll let you know if I need any help.
I'll let you know if I need any help.
MEIKO
<Please do!
See you later!>
See you later!>
Haruka
I feel kind of bad about dominating the conversation like that...
Haruka
But I'll go over to let them know once I've hammered out my ideas. So, for now...
KAITO
<H-Haruka. Haruka!>
Haruka
Is something wrong?
You just left a second ago...
You just left a second ago...
KAITO
<Th-Th-The thing is...>
MEIKO
<We have an emergency in SEKAI!
You need to come over right now!>
You need to come over right now!>
Haruka
Huh...?
Next Chapter: A Flittering Guest