Green Room
Ichika
It's almost time for the singers to go up...
Nene
I'm getting nervous...
Kohane
There were so many people too.
You feel it each time they roared...
You feel it each time they roared...
Ichika
Right.
But I think Minori's the most nervous out of all of us...
But I think Minori's the most nervous out of all of us...
Nene
It is her first solo performance.
She said was just going outside for a bit, but I hope she's okay...
She said was just going outside for a bit, but I hope she's okay...
Kohane
Me too...
Kohane
Oh, someone's coming.
Could it be Minori?
Could it be Minori?
Kohane
Huh...?
Backstage
Minori
Breathe in, breathe out...
Minori
No, it's not working...
My heart just won't settle down...
My heart just won't settle down...
Minori
(We just did that show at the elementary school the other day too... But I'm all alone this time... I'm so nervous...)
Minori
(What if I make a mistake? What if I let everyone down...?)
Minori
Oh no, my legs are starting to shake... How are the others able to perform on stage the way they do...?
Minori
Can I really do this...?
???
Ah, there you are!
Minori
Huh? Tsukasa...?
What are you doing here...?
What are you doing here...?
Tsukasa
To cheer Nene on, of course, but I heard that a certain someone was starting to get a little too nervous.
Tsukasa
As someone who has quite a bit of experience performing on stage, I came to check up on you!
Minori
Th-Thank you so much...!
Tsukasa
So what's bothering you? Why are you so nervous?
Minori
Well, actually...
This is my first time performing all by myself in front of a crowd.
This is my first time performing all by myself in front of a crowd.
Minori
I thought that I'd made some progress after doing all those streams and performing for some kids, but I was completely wrong.
Minori
There's just no way I can go up there all alone and spread hope to everyone...
Tsukasa
...
Tsukasa
I'm no expert when it comes to idols, Hanasato, but...
Tsukasa
The stage is a magnificent place where the masses can gather and see you standing in the spotlight!
Tsukasa
It's a place where you can show the audience just how hard you worked on your singing and dancing!
Minori
Huh...?
Tsukasa
You mentioned how you wish to “spread hope to everyone”, yes?
Tsukasa
I admit it's natural to feel a little nervous about going up there.
Tsukasa
However, if you succeed, you'll be able to inspire hope in all these people!
Minori
*Gasp*
Minori
(He's right...!
I was so worried about everything not going right that I forgot about this being a chance to spread hope!)
I was so worried about everything not going right that I forgot about this being a chance to spread hope!)
Minori
(I can do it... Just like Haruka that one time...)
Tsukasa
It's not every day that you get a chance to spread hope to so many people like this!
Tsukasa
You can do it, Hanasato!
Just believe in all the hard work you've done!
Just believe in all the hard work you've done!
Minori
I will!!
Thank you very much, Tsukasa!
Thank you very much, Tsukasa!
Tsukasa
Good response...
Tsukasa
And if you start feeling nervous again, just increase your volume! Take a deep breath and...
Staff
Excuse me, please keep it down back there!
Tsukasa
Ah, pardon me...!
Anyway, Hanasato, keep warming up! Quietly...!
Anyway, Hanasato, keep warming up! Quietly...!
Staff
Please keep it down!
Tsukasa
Hmm... This is quite the predicament...
Minori
Haha.
Nene
(I hope Hanasato's okay...)
Emu
Neneee!
Wonderhoy dive!
Wonderhoy dive!
Nene
...?!
E-Emu, please don't try to tackle me like that. You really startled me...
E-Emu, please don't try to tackle me like that. You really startled me...
Nene
Also, did you just jump down from the ceiling? How did you even get up there?
Emu
Hehe♪ I went all slithy-slither through the ceiling and went for a dive after I saw you, Nene!
Nene
That doesn't really answer either of my questions...
Nene
But it is nice to see a familiar face. Thanks for stopping by...
Ichika
It's almost time...
Ichika
(I never imagined being here performing at the Fan Festival like this.)
Ichika
(This feels so strange. Until last year, I was watching from the other side.)
Ichika
But...
Ichika
(I want to show Miku and the others just how much I appreciate them. I think with this song, I'll be able to the most...)
Shiho
Ichika...
Ichika
Oh, Shiho! You're here...!
Shiho
Yeah... You seem ready...
You have that same look as when we did that show the other day.
You have that same look as when we did that show the other day.
Ichika
I do...?
But I'm so glad that you stopped by, Shiho.
But I'm so glad that you stopped by, Shiho.
Ichika
Now I'm certain that I'll be able to sing this song.
Shiho
Okay, I'll be watching with everyone else too, so break a leg...
Shiho
You're doing your own performance too, right, Kohane? It's normal to feel nervous, but you can do it.
Kohane
R-Right...!
Thanks, Shiho!
Thanks, Shiho!
An
Kohane...!
Kohane
A-An!
An
How are you? Nervous?
Kohane
Y-Yeah. This feels so different from performing at a live house.
Kohane
But I feel much better after seeing you here, An.
An
Oh, really?
Haha. Thanks.
Haha. Thanks.
An
Akito and Toya are here too, so we'll be watching together. Just sing like you usually do and you'll be just fine!
An
I know you can do it, Kohane!
Just believe in yourself and sing!
Just believe in yourself and sing!
Kohane
Right, thanks...!
???
Oh... An?
An
Hey, Haruka!
What brings you...? Oh, right, you're here for Minori.
What brings you...? Oh, right, you're here for Minori.
Haruka
Yes, that's right but...
How did you know?
How did you know?
An
We met the other day and ended up teaching her a little about singing.
Haruka
You did? I see...
Thank you for doing that.
Thank you for doing that.
An
Haha. You're very welcome♪
Haruka
Oh, by the way, do you happen to know where she is right now? I've been looking all over for her...
Kohane
Oh, she just...
Minori
I'm back, everyone!
Kohane
Oh, welcome back!
A-Are you all better now...?
A-Are you all better now...?
Minori
Yup! Tsukasa helped cheer me up just now. Hehe. Sorry about making you all worry so much!
Haruka
Minori...!
Minori
H-Haruka...?!
Haruka
Thank goodness you're here. There's something I've been meaning to tell you before everything got started.
Minori
Huh? Tell me...?
Haruka
Yes. You may be going on stage alone today, but you aren't actually alone. We'll be there to cheer you on.
Haruka
So whatever happens, you'll be fine. Just keep smiling like you always do, Minori.
Minori
Haruka...
Minori
Thank you so much! I promise to do my best!
Minori
I'm gonna go up there and spread as much hope as I can!
Next Chapter: Be Yourself And Smile