Red Brick Center - Building 1, 1st Floor
Haruka
(Alright, now that I've bought souvenirs for Miku and the others, I should be good.)
Haruka
(How is everyone... Hm?)
Haruka
Hoshino, is everything okay? You look troubled.
Ichika
Oh, Kiritani. Actually, I'm struggling to decide which souvenir to get.
Ichika
I have a friend who tutors me on singing, but I'm not sure what to get for her...
Haruka
I see. Does she also play in a band?
Ichika
Oh, no. She's actually a PXL cast member.
She's an absolutely amazing singer.
She's an absolutely amazing singer.
Ichika
She's taught me so much, so I'd really like to get her something nice...
The night of Leo/need's solo show
Ichika's Room
Ichika
*Sigh*
After that bath, I feel like I can finally relax.
After that bath, I feel like I can finally relax.
Ichika
We actually had our first solo show...
And yet, it doesn't feel like it's fully over.
And yet, it doesn't feel like it's fully over.
Ichika
Hm? Someone's calling me...
Ichika
Kusanagi?
I wonder why she's calling me this late.
I wonder why she's calling me this late.
Ichika
Hello. Kusanagi?
Nene
<Oh, hi... Sorry for calling this late.>
Ichika
No, it's alright. I just got out of the bath and was about to have some barley tea.
Nene
<Hehe, I see. Make sure to keep warm.>
Nene
<Um, Hoshino... Congratulations on your first solo show. You sang so well.>
Nene
<All of the things you and your bandmates wanted to convey really came through. So...I was really moved by your performance.>
Ichika
I'm glad. It makes me so happy hearing that from you, Kusanagi.
Ichika
Also... I think you're part of the reason today went well.
Nene
<What?>
Ichika
You've been helping me with my singing all this time, right? Thanks to that, I've been able to improve... And that's what kept me working hard for this solo show.
Ichika
So, thank you very much.
Nene
<...>
Ichika
Kusanagi?
Nene
<Oh, sorry. It's nothing.>
Nene
<But hearing you sing...made me want to try harder too.>
Ichika
Huh?
Nene
<The way you sang with such confidence up there today was so cool...>
Nene
<It made me think, “Wow, my friend is amazing.” After that, I felt like I should be more brave.>
Nene
<It made me want to work harder, so that I can stand on stage the same way you did.>
Ichika
Kusanagi...
Nene
<Sorry for dumping all of that out of nowhere. That was weird.>
Ichika
No, not at all. Let's both keep working hard.
Haruka
I see...
So you're hoping to find a gift for her.
So you're hoping to find a gift for her.
Ichika
Yes. I was thinking of getting her something that can be a sign of my support...
Haruka
Something that can give her support...
Haruka
Oh, how about something matching?
Ichika
Something matching?
Like a keychain?
Like a keychain?
Haruka
Yes. You know, I think a reminder that she's not alone would help her have courage whenever she's feeling anxious.
Haruka
A fan once told me how concert merch had that effect on them.
Ichika
Concert merch?
Haruka
Yes. They said the matching merch they bought with their friend cheers them up because it reminds them of that shared memory.
Ichika
I see... I think I can understand where they're coming from. Saki has said something similar before.
Ichika
In that case, I'll get her something we can have a pair of.
Ichika
I wonder what would be good...
Ichika
(This little blue bird...)
Ichika
(I remember Kusanagi mentioning that the main character of this musical she recommended treasured something like this...)
Haruka
That looks good. They would be cute as a pair.
Ichika
I think so too! I'll go with these little blue bird keychains.
Ichika
Thank you, Kiritani. I'm glad I was able to pick something nice.
Haruka
I hope your friend likes it.
???
Hey! It's Haruka!
Haruka
Huh?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
The girl wearing glasses?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
You're right! It's Haruka Kiritani!
Ichika
Uh oh, what should we do? At this rate, people are going to start gathering...
Ichika
Kiritani, this way—
Haruka
Wait, Hoshino.
Ichika
What?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
*Gasp*
Haruka's coming this way! I'm gonna ask for an autograph!
Haruka's coming this way! I'm gonna ask for an autograph!
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
What? You don't even have anything she can write on! Let's just shake her hand!
Haruka
Hello. I see that you were able to see through my disguise. Well done.
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
I could tell it was you straight away since you're so pretty!
Haruka
Hehe, thank you. It makes me happy hearing that.
Haruka
But I have a favor to ask all of you. Would you mind listening?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
Really? What is it, what is it?
Haruka
The thing is... I'm actually in the middle of a game of hide and seek.
Haruka
I don't want anyone to know where I'm hiding, so... Could you all please keep my location a secret for me?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
I didn't know that! Okay, my lips are sealed!
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
But as a trade, can I shake your hand?
Haruka
Hehe, of course.
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
Me too, me too! Can I have an autograph?
Elementary School Teacher
Alright everyone, that's enough—
Haruka
Oh, it's okay.
Haruka
I don't have a pen or paper, so I won't be able to sign autographs...but if you wait quietly and patiently, I can take turns shaking your hands?
Elementary Schooler on a Field Trip
Okay!
Ichika
Kiritani...
Haruka
Sorry about this, Hoshino. I know Tenma and the others will worry if we don't get going soon.
Haruka
Oh, I know. Could you go ahead first? I'll meet up with you after this.
Ichika
(Kiritani's amazing...
She's an idol even in a place like this.)
She's an idol even in a place like this.)
Ichika
Okay. I'll wait for you with the others.
Haruka
Thank you, Hoshino.
Haruka
Alright, so who's first?
Next Chapter: Today, I'm A High Schooler