Transcript
Aya
Wow...! The studio's huge~! Just look at how gorgeous the set is and with so many lights too...!
Aya
Ah! Hey, Eve-chan! Over there, judges table! I think that's the actress Hijiri-san! You know, the former idol who did a dome concert when she was retiring...!
Eve
Yes, I believe you are correct! She has the aura of a true A-lister...! Hm? Isn't the person beside her the composer Kawai-san...?
Aya
Wait, the Kawai-san?! The one who's written tons of songs that have sold over a million copies?! I can't believe someone like that is one of the judges...!
Chisato
While I don't blame you two for being so excited... do try to keep it down a little.
Nao
Yeah~, you guys need to chill~. Don't tell me you've forgotten that you're actual celebrities yourselves~?
Aya
... S-sorry. I just couldn't help it.
Hina
Well, the enormous studio and dressing room are just what you'd expect for broadcast TV! It's hard not to feel boppin'~♪
Chisato
Yes, especially when you also consider that the Tokyo Idol Summit will be aired nationwide and streamed. It really makes you aware of just how big this show is.
Maya
There were even so many famous idol groups in the dressing room... I thought I knew what I was getting into, but my heart is kind of starting to race...
Aya
Tell me about it. Oh~, my hands are starting to shake~.
Nao
Ahaha, sounds like an emergency, Maruyama. Shall we head home then?
Aya
What~?! N-no, of course not~!
Nao
Then get a hold of yourselves. You girls want to become legendary idols... right?
Aya
Yeah! The TIS is a major challenge for us, so I'm sure it'll help us shine more brightly...!
Nao
That's the spirit. Well, looks like no more time for chit-chat. The show's about to start.
Nao
Alright, girls... Go show them what you've got.
Pastel＊Palettes
We will!
TIS Staff
Okay, everyone, are all of you ready? Cameras are rolling in three! Three, two, one...
TIS Host
Dear viewers, this is the moment you've all been waiting for! The Tokyo Idol Summit... begins now!
Chisato
Phew... I believe that went rather well.
Maya
It did...! We've performed "Shuwarin☆Dreaming" hundreds of times, so it's like the image of what's needed for a good performance is ingrained into us!
Aya
Yeah! If we can keep perfecting our performance...
Eve
We will surely emerge victorious from the first round!
Hina
Hmm~, really? I doubt it's gonna be that easy.
Hina
We gave a nice, solid performance and all... but enough to guarantee us a win...? I dunno.
Maya
I have to agree. It's not at that level, especially since we're in Group A. Many of the idols we're up against are said to be contenders for winning the TIS.
Hina
I know, right~? It's definitely one of the toughest groups. I checked out some concert DVDs of our competition and their singing and performing were really on point~.
Maya
Chances are, everyone's going to come perfectly prepared for the first round theme of "Classic Idol Song."
Chisato
Not to mention, no matter how flawlessly we perform our song, we won't be able to secure any votes unless we can make it reach the hearts of the judges and viewers.
Chisato
Groups with fewer votes and poorer judge ratings will be eliminated first, and with there obviously being no losers bracket, surviving will not be an easy task.
Eve
That may be... but I still believe that what matters most is having the right mindset! I know we have what it takes to clear a path to victory.
Chisato
True. It's important to be able to stay strong. Besides, no matter how tough our opponents are, anything can happen in a competition.
Aya
Yeah... so let's practice even more! I mean, we also have some super big help on our side.
Hina
We do, huh? Nao-san's always saying interesting things, so she might give us a good idea or two!
Nao
Yawn. Morning~. Squeezing in some practice again before our meeting, are we~? You all sure are an eager bunch even though it's this early in the day~.
Pastel＊Palettes
Good morning!
Hina
Hm? Nao-san, who are these people~?
Chisato
If I'm not mistaken, you must be the filming crew for the documentary footage. It's a pleasure to be working with you starting today.
Film Crew Member
The pleasure's all ours! I hope you don't mind having us filming your rehearsals and meetings. For starters, mind telling us how you feel about the first round?
Aya
To be honest, I'm a little nervous... but I think we have what it takes!
Nao
Alright then~, let us hear what you've got. Just once should do.
Pastel＊Palettes
Okay!
Aya
... Th-thank you very much...! Wh-what do you think, Nao-san?
Nao
... Hmm, let's see. Solid playing and performances. Very easy to watch. You've definitely improved.
Aya
Really?! Hooray~!
Maya
It's such a relief to hear that from you, Nao-san.
Nao
However...
Nao
I didn't find it the least bit exciting.
Nao
And the reason was you... Maruyama.
Aya
... What...?
Nao
It felt like you just went through your same old routine. For better or worse, all it was was solid...
Nao
Currently, I'd say Pastel＊Palettes is charming enough. You've got a good group going, for sure. It's just not going to be enough to win.
Nao
Tons of idols in the TIS have way more fame and experience than you all. That's why...
Nao
Simply being a "good group" won't cut it if you want to win.
Pastel＊Palettes
...
Hina
If that's what you think, maybe you could give us some pointers~. After all, your job as a producer is to teach us that stuff, isn't it?
Aya
I-I'd really appreciate it too! I promise I'll get better by the first round!
Nao
Hmm~. I haven't quite finished fully organizing my thoughts yet actually...
Nao
For now, try thinking about why you're the problem. Taking the time to get to know yourself is an important part of being an idol, after all.
Nao
I'll try to come up with something more concrete before your next rehearsal.
Aya
O-okay...
Nao
Think that should do it for today. Thanks for coming all the way here to film them. Alright, later~.
Pastel＊Palettes
Thank you for coming.
Aya
...
Chisato
Aya-chan... Don't worry. We can all figure this out together.
Aya
O-okay... Thanks, Chisato-chan.
Aya
(Nao-san said it's my fault... I wonder what's missing...)
Transcript
Maya
... Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
Hina
Oh, Maya-chan. You're early~. Meeting of some sort?
Maya
Hina-san. Just a quick staging team meeting... I presented some ideas about the lighting for the TIS.
Hina
Huh~. In my case, I came early since I was done with everything at college and had nothing else to do~. There sure is a lot of time to kill until rehearsals though~.
Maya
Quite a lot... Say, do you think Aya-san's okay...?
Hina
Hmm~, she was doing a pretty poor job of trying to act like she wasn't bothered by what happened yesterday... so it probably came as a pretty big shock to her.
Hina
You know, I didn't think Nao-san would lay it out the way she did~.
Maya
Yes, it was a surprise for me too. I knew we would need something more to get through the TIS, I just never expected her to put it so harshly...
???
... Two, three, four...!
Hina
... Hm? The studio's occupied. Did someone book the time slot before us?
Maya
Not as far as I know... Wait a minute, I think it might be...
Aya
Spin... and pose...! Yay~! I managed to do it and all perfectly too!
Maya
Aya-san, I had no idea you were already here.
Aya
Hm? Morning, guys~. Hold on, if you two are here then... Oh wow, it's this late?!
Hina
You're drenched with sweat, Aya-chan. How long have you been practicing on your own?
Aya
Um~... since about six in the morning, actually. I asked the staff to let me use the studio.
Maya
S-six...?! It's late afternoon now! Don't you think you've been practicing a bit too much...? Wait. Don't tell me you haven't been eating either!
Aya
D-don't worry, Maya-chan, thanks. I had lunch, and I also took breaks. Can't get good practice without energy to burn, after all.
Aya
You see, after what Nao-san said, I thought the whole time about what I need to do to excite the audience.
Aya
And the conclusion I came to was that, as the group's vocalist and lead, I need to be able to give a captivating performance.
Aya
That's why I've been working on my dancing this whole time, and I finally managed to get it all perfect!
Maya
... You never change, do you, Aya-san?
Aya
Huh? Wh-what's that supposed to mean, Maya-chan?
Maya
Fufu, I just meant that you always manage to be you, no matter what.
Hina
So true♪ Hey, since we're all here, why don't we try performing together~?
Aya
Oh, that'd be great! Thanks!
Aya
... H-how did I do, Nao-san? I changed up the choreography a bit...
Nao
Yeah, I noticed. It's definitely better.
Aya
... O-oh, of course you'd notice...
Film Crew Member
Well, producer, did you find it exciting?
Nao
...
Nao
... Let's swap vocalists.
Aya
What...?
Nao
Hikawa, you double up as the guitarist and vocalist. Maruyama, you learn some other instrument. Yeah, that should do it.
Eve
What are you... saying...?
Maya
Hold on, please! There's no way I can accept having Aya-san removed as our vocalist.
Chisato
I-I have to agree with Maya-san...! Please provide a proper explanation.
Nao
It's 'cause nothing's changed. She just went through her same old routine.
Eve
But...! You said she has improved...!
Nao
Uh-huh, and she has. All it means, though, is that it's a better same old.
Nao
That wasn't what I meant when I said what I did. Unless she can stop sticking to her same old, she's never going to thrill the whole world.
Aya
...
Nao
The group's lead, the vocalist, is the one responsible for embodying an idol group's identity.
Nao
If Maruyama can't excite the crowd and the solidity she brings is a bad influence, it's better to have the most free-spirited member in her place instead.
Nao
When Hikawa plays, she improvises and randomly adds phrases. She changes things up according to her mood. That makes her interesting to the audience.
Hina
That's totally not why I do it, though, you know~?
Nao
Rigid preconceptions and safe answers won't bring victory. That's why you guys likely won't make it even if you try now.
Nao
There's no future, no victory, if all you do is hold on to what's important to you and try to defend it. That's not what challenging yourself is about... right?
Maya
E-even so... I can't bring myself to accept what you're saying, Nao-san.
Eve
Neither can I! There can be no other vocalist for us other than Aya-san! A Pastel＊Palettes without her singing... is no longer Pastel＊Palettes!
Chisato
Yes, I feel the same way. Please try to come up with an alternative.
Nao
I've tried. Maruyama won't cut it as your vocalist going forward. If you want to survive and win, this is the only way.
Eve
It cannot be! Even if it is for victory, this... this is just...!
Aya
I'm...
Aya
I'm... Pastel＊Palettes's vocalist...!
Aya
I'm our vocalist, and I can't let you take this away from me no matter what. I won't...!
Chisato
Aya-chan...
Aya
Please! I promise I'll change! Give me a chance!
Chisato
I feel the same way. Please give her a chance.
Maya & Eve & Hina
Please.
Aya
You guys...
Nao
...
Nao
... Alright, you've all made your feelings clear. One week, but that's it.
Nao
Show me you can stick to your current roles and still be an exciting band.
Nao
If you can't do that, I'll have you do as I say as your producer.
Aya
Okay... Thank you very much! I'll change for sure!
Transcript
Aya
Pant, pant, pant... Be conscious of every part of my body... And keep my eyes on the audience...
Aya
... No, it won't be enough. Remember what Nao-san said yesterday...
Nao
Maruyama. Were you even listening to what I said before?
Nao
Your dance technique's better, and you're attempting to engage the audience more with your singing. The quality of your performance has gone up considerably too.
Nao
But those are all just nothing more than cute little tricks.
Aya
I-I'm sorry... I'll change by next time...!
Nao
You said that yesterday and the day before that. What's it gonna be, Maruyama? Clock's ticking.
Aya
Th-there's still time left! I'm not giving up yet...
Nao
... Suit yourself. By the way, you might want to make sure you eat and drink properly. You're an idol. You shouldn't be letting yourself get so pale.
Aya
I'll be more careful. Thank you for everything!
Chisato
Aya-chan...
Aya
... What am I even supposed to do then...?
Aya
No. If I'm going to end up stopping in my tracks, I need to practice! I'm sure the answer will be there somewhere...!
Aya
Oh! It's almost time to do some extra rehearsing with everyone. Gotta hurry...!
Eve
Aya-san is late... Do you think she is practicing on her own at another studio again?
Maya
She seems to be doing that lately whenever the agency's studios are unavailable.
Maya
She's even been squeezing in rehearsals in between work... I don't think she's had proper rest in a while.
Chisato
She's clearly overworking herself. If only we had some idea of what Nao-san means by exciting. The situation would be quite different if we did...
Maya
Knowing what she needs to do would put Aya-san's mind at ease somewhat as well.
Hina
You know~, there's this feeling I've had from the start. Doesn't this all seem like an act by Nao-san?
Eve
A-an act?
Hina
As in she's pretending to be a strict producer to stir up drama and spice things up in front of the camera.
Chisato
I did consider that possibility myself initially.
Chisato
However, there's sincerity behind her words. That kind of intensity isn't something that can be feigned.
Maya
I feel the same way... Besides, swapping vocalists is too risky.
Hina
You guys do have a point, I guess~.
Hina
But... It just feels like a bit of both. Nao-san's so hard to read~.
Aya
Hey, guys~! Sorry for being late~!
Eve
It's okay, Aya-san... A-are you sure you are well? You look a little pale.
Aya
Uh~, really? Maybe it's because of the bit of running I did to get here. I'm totally fine~!
Aya
Alright, let's get right to practice, shall we? Just let me set up my mic stand and... Ahh!
Maya
Aya-san?!
Aya
Ow... Ahaha, I can't believe I tripped over my own feet~. Sorry about that. I'm fine. Nothing to worry about.
Chisato
Aya-chan... You should probably head home today.
Aya
Huh? Wh-why?! I just tripped a little. I can totally still practice!
Chisato
Nao-san mentioned it, too, but you're visibly exhausted. I won't tell you to stop trying. However, I don't want you to collapse from exhaustion either...
Eve
Please, at least rest today. We will try to find a solution for you while you do!
Aya
Okay... Thanks, guys. I'll go home and rest then.
Aya
(... I guess I need to call and tell the studio I've booked that I need to cancel...)
Aya
(Oh... There's a TIS poster up here...)
Aya
("The winners will perform at the Budokan!" The stage where every idol dreams of performing... We said we would get up there and become legends... We swore it.)
Aya
("... Someone who never gets discouraged, and never gives up! Someone who always smiles!")
Aya
Guys... I'm sorry! I...!
Hina
... Gosh, you really are so you~, Aya-chan♪
Studio Staff
Okay then, once you're done, please come to the lobby to let us know as always.
Aya
I will. Thank you very much.
Hina
Heya~! You sure took your sweet time, Aya-chan~!
Aya
Huh?! Hina-chan?! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be practicing with everyone else...?
Hina
I told them something came up and left early~.
Hina
You know, you're so predictable! I wasn't sure if you were actually going to do it, but you really did swing by another studio~.
Aya
Ngh... I-I'm sorry. I couldn't just do nothing...
Hina
If it's what you wanna do, I'm not gonna stop you.
Hina
But like Chisato-chan said, I don't want you collapsing either. That's why I'm going to be keeping my eye on you!
Aya
Okay... Sorry for the trouble. And thanks.
Hina
All good~. Let's start practicing. Every second counts, right?
Aya
Yeah, true!
Transcript
Aya
Thanks, Hina-chan. I really appreciated the help tidying up~. I'm also so sorry we ended up having to rush and leave at the last minute.
Hina
It's all good. I got really into it too.
Aya
Fufu, yeah, but in my case, it wasn't my fault. I had to get into it because you kept playing the bridge differently each time. You really are such a free spirit.
Hina
A free spirit, huh~? I'm just playing whatever sound feels the most boppin' in the moment~♪
Hina
Besides, I like playing with you.
Hina
Ever since the other day, I've been thinking. You know, about what it'd be like without you singing.
Hina
I imagined you on the tambourine, me singing and playing the guitar. At first, it seemed like it could be fun...
Hina
But I realized it just didn't make me feel boppin'. The thought of being unable to see you sing anymore, well...
Hina
It felt kinda sad, you know?
Aya
Hina-chan...
Hina
I love playing the guitar with you guys! And the reason why, Aya-chan, is 'cause you're our vocalist.
Aya
Hina-chan... Sniff... Th-thanks...
Hina
Ahaha, you're crying too much~. You really are so interesting.
Hina
I wonder why Nao-san doesn't find your performance exciting though~. Even just seeing you does it for me~, but maybe that's 'cause I'm not like other people~.
???
Oh, Maruyama-san, Hikawa-san. Good evening.
Aya
Hey, LAYER-chan! What a coincidence running into each other here.
Layer
Fufu, true. I happened to be here today for a session musician job.
Layer
When I was out in the hallway and heard a Pastel＊Palettes song, I thought it might be you... You seem to be working hard to prepare for the TIS.
Hina
Huh, I had no idea you knew about the TIS~!
Layer
Of course I do. It's a very high-profile show in the industry, and besides, PAREO enthusiastically talks about Pastel＊Palettes all the time.
Layer
By the way, where's everyone else...? Is it just the two of you practicing today?
Aya
Well... about that...
Layer
I see. More exciting, huh...? That's a tough one...
Aya
Yeah... I get what she's saying. I just have absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do...
Hina
Hey, LAYER-chan, if it were you, what would you do? I'm guessing you get lots of requests like this when you do session musician stuff.
Layer
Huh, me? I'm not exactly an idol though...
Aya
Please, LAYER-chan! I could use any help I can get.
Layer
Alright... I can't promise it'll be useful, but I'll try...
Aya
No problem. Thanks so much!
Layer
Let's see... In my case, what I do is try out various things and have whoever I'm working with pick what clicks for them.
Layer
Like if they give me a vague feel they're after, such as punchy or emotional, I try to narrow down the possibilities.
Hina
Huh, okay~. That pretty much sounds like what we've been doing.
Layer
Hmm, well...
Layer
I've worked with lots of adults who've made some tough requests. The toughest one, though, came from our very own producer... Fufu.
Aya
CHU²-san?
Layer
Yes. So, right around when I first joined RAS...
Layer
I didn't really have a sense or vision of what I wanted to do. I'd been working as a session musician, so I'd gotten used to getting by doing whatever was asked of me.
Layer
CHU² saw right through all of that. She told me if I wanted to become a star that guides the band, I needed to surpass her expectations.
Aya
Surpass expectations...
Layer
... Oh, sorry. That probably made no sense.
Hina
No, actually. I think I get what you're saying. Basically, overcome your limits and step out of your comfort zone, right?
Layer
Yes, pretty much...
Aya
Maybe that's what Nao-san meant by solid...
Layer
Maruyama-san?
Aya
I've sung "Shuwarin☆Dreaming" so many dozens and hundreds of times that a part of me might've gotten the idea that I had to sing it a certain way...
Aya
I think I'm starting to understand what Nao-san's been getting at...!
Hina
Really, Aya-chan?
Aya
Yeah. My guess is, she's been trying to tell me the same thing as CHU²-san.
Aya
Hard work and all my experiences still matter, but they won't be enough to get me to where I want to go.
Aya
Changing how I dance or perform won't cut it either... I need to step out of my comfort zone!
Aya
I'm going to overcome my limits and become a new me who surpasses Nao-san's expectations...!
Aya
Unless I can do that... I don't think I'll ever become the kind of incredible idol that excites everyone.
Hina
Ooh, there's a spark in your eye now! Looks like you've managed to snap out of it!
Aya
Ehehe, really? Well... There's still the big question of how to become a new me though.
Layer
In my case... what helped was something unrelated to trying to improve as a musician... CHU² and I fought, like really fought. We told each other exactly how we felt.
Layer
That was my first time ever fighting someone. During the concert after all of that... I felt like I'd become a new person, as if I'd been reborn.
Hina
Huh, talk about unexpected. You never struck me as the fighting type, LAYER-chan!
Aya
Doing something for the first time ever, huh? I probably will have to do something just as extreme.
Hina
Extreme, huh~...
Hina & Aya
Hmm...
Layer
Um... How about...
Transcript
Hina
The mini amp we borrowed has been placed, Aya-chan... Ready?
Aya
Ohh... A-are we really doing our street performance here? There seem to be a lot of people coming and going...
Hina
Ahaha! You're trembling like a Chihuahua~! What happened to the sparkly-eyed Aya-chan earlier that said, "I'll do it!" when LAYER-chan mentioned the idea~?
Aya
I-I know, but~... Now that I'm actually standing out here, I can really tell this is nothing like a concert venue.
Aya
People will be giving us looks and stuff...
Hina
You know, I'm never going to understand that side of you~♪
Hina
Well, just think of it as part of your first time ever. Let's do this~!
Aya
Wh-what?! W-wait~! I-I haven't mentally prepared yet~.
Aya
Th-thank you very much!
Hina
Oh, wow~... I never expected absolutely nobody to stop and listen after playing all those songs~.
Aya
Yeah... I don't know if it's because everyone's busy or something, but people only gave us brief glances and kept going.
Aya
It makes me realize just how lucky we are at our shows.
Hina
Well, everyone at our shows is a fan~. It's one thing to entertain people who want to be there, it's another thing to get the attention of people who aren't interested.
Hina
Oh boy, looks like this street performance thing will be a lot harder than we expected~.
Aya
Yeah, it's definitely not easy, but... Fufu.
Hina
Hm? Why are you smiling?
Aya
I was just thinking about that time we were all trying to personally sell tickets in front of the station.
Hina
Oh, that~! I guess everyone's complete lack of interest is pretty similar.
Aya
No matter how hard we raised our voices and tried, nobody stopped...
Aya
I remember how happy I felt when we finally managed to sell a ticket... It was a hard time back then, wasn't it?
Hina
Back then? Now isn't much better. We're back to being at the edge of a precipice. Maybe being precipice idols is what we do♪
Aya
What~?! I don't wanna be that kind of idol~!
Aya
That said... you might be right.
Hina
Right?
Hina & Aya
Ahaha.
Aya
This situation has reminded me though...
Aya
Of how I felt back then. I was desperate to keep our band going and willing to do anything.
Aya
We've been through so much since then... Gained so many dear and precious things as a band. I never even realized just how much.
Aya
On some unconscious level, maybe I've been thinking of all those precious things I don't want to change as things that don't have to be changed...
Aya
Oh, sorry about all that sudden rambling...
Hina
It's totally fine~.
Hina
You never change, do you, Aya-chan?
Hina
I mean, you've grown, and you're better at all sorts of stuff, but who you are deep down inside is still the same.
Hina
During that little speech of yours to LAYER-chan, you were even more extra-Aya-chan than usual. Gosh, that was thrilling alright♪
Aya
E-extra-Aya-chan...? What do you mean...?
Hina
I'm just saying you're not the only one who's been recalling our early days! You really are so interesting, Aya-chan!
Hina
For me, you're this huge unknown that never grows dull! Considering how long we've been together, that's saying a lot! That's why I want you to keep doing it!
Hina
Show me, Aya-chan! I wanna see you be boppin'♪
Aya
Ahh! Hina-chan! Don't just suddenly start playing~.
Aya
(It's a new phrase! There you go again with your improvising. Ngh~, you really are such a free spirit, Hina-chan~.)
Aya
(... But I can see you sprinting ahead like the wind with the playful sound following you so freely.)
Aya
(Sometimes you glance back at me with a glimmer in your eye as you say, "Hurry up! Catch up to me so we can dance together.")
Aya
("I wanna see you be more boppin'♪ I wanna have more fun with you.")
Aya
(Hina-chan, you asked for it...!)
Hina
...!
Hina
(Whoa! So aggressive and willful! I had no idea you could sing this way!)
Hina
(Mmm, I like it! You really are so awesome, Aya-chan!)
Aya
(Her unpredictability throws me off my rhythm and makes me sing off-key. It's so chaotic... but also fun! I want to keep having fun with you like this more!)
Passerby A
Hey, over there. Those two are doing a street performance. They seem to be having a really great time!
Passerby B
Yeah! And they're so cute too... Wait a sec. Aren't they one of the TIS idols?
Passerby A
Oh, wow, you're right! They do look familiar! Huh, I had no idea they did street performances!
Passerby C
It's kinda cool, don't you think? Think it's okay to take some pictures? I wanna upload some to my socials.
Aya
Thank you very much for the applause! Here's our next song! "Luminous Once More."
Transcript
Eve
Do you think Aya-san is managing to get some proper rest at home right now...?
Chisato
I certainly hope so... Knowing her, however, I wouldn't be surprised if she's going over some rehearsal videos instead.
Maya
Ahaha... That does sound like something she'd do. Speaking of Aya-san, it's too bad we haven't been able to come up with any real solutions...
Nao
Ah, perfect! You guys are all still here~.
Maya
Oh, Nao-san. Hello, everyone. I didn't expect the film crew to be here today.
Nao
There were some things that needed discussing~. Anyway, never mind that. We have somewhere to be. Hurry up or we'll miss it!
Eve
A-a moment, please. Where exactly are we going?
Chisato
I would appreciate a proper explanation as well, Nao-san.
Nao
No time for that. Take a look at this!
Maya
A clip on social media...? It looks like some kind of street performance. That's quite a large crowd there.
Eve
...! Is it just me... or are the ones performing Aya-san and Hina-san?
Maya
Huh?!
Chisato
There are TIS idols performing in front of the station for real lol "The fun they're having is so contagious." I can't believe Aya-chan is doing this...
Nao
Everything clear now? Time to get going!
Nao
Pant... Pant... Ugh~... This is too much. I can't move another step~. G-go on without me...!
Maya
You were the one who said we should run because we're almost there. Come on, just a bit more!
Eve
Ah, I see them. There are more people than there were in the video!
Aya
...♪
Chisato
Oh, Aya-chan, you're so unbelievable...
Chisato
But... fufu, you look like you're having such a great time.
Maya
Yes, and so does Hina-san...! It's like a session where they're pushing each other up to greater heights... They're both shining so brightly.
Eve
Yes! It makes me wish I could join them!
Nao
...
Nao
No matter how much you're criticized or how down you feel, even when you stumble and fall, you never give up... You really are just like her.
Nao
You're such a hopeless idol nut.
Aya
Thanks for sticking around till the end to listen~!
Hina
Alrighty, how about we end this by jumping together when I play the guitar? Ready~? Jump!
Aya
Thank you very much!
Hina
Ahaha, that was amazing! I had such a blast!
Aya
Yeah... Same! It was so exciting for me too! I was, like, really able to empty my mind and just enjoy having fun with your sound...!
Aya
Hina-chan... you helped me remember that singing is supposed to be really fun.
Hina
What? I didn't really do anything though.
Aya
But you did, so thanks a bunch!
Eve
Aya-san, Hina-san! That was a wonderful performance!
Hina
Huh? You guys. How long have you been here?
Maya
We arrived partway through. That really was a great performance just now! It felt as if your two sounds were frolicking with each other...!
Chisato
Yes, you looked so alive, too, Aya-chan... At the same time, though, there was an almost defiant look in your eye... I don't think I've ever seen you with that expression.
Nao
Maruyama. Hikawa. Don't ever do something like this again without the agency's permission. You're both famous, so try to act like it.
Hina & Aya
Sure thing~.
Sorry...
Nao
That said, that was some pretty exciting stuff. It may have been a bit too crazy and free-form, but it was still a great show.
Aya
Huh?
Hina
Then that means...!
Nao
Yup. You passed the test.
Aya
I-I did?!
Nao
I see an idol's job as being about entertaining people and making them dream. To do that, an idol has to be the one who's the most excited.
Nao
A blueprint based on past experiences will let you put on a solid performance, but it won't let you put on an exciting one. That's why you have to let go of it, even if it's scary.
Nao
But just now, I was able to feel how genuinely excited you were, and most importantly, you showed me that your limits have expanded a whole lot.
Nao
Say... That was pretty exciting earlier, wasn't it?
Aya
... Yeah, it was! Like, really exciting!
Nao
Maruyama... You did it.
Eve
Aya-san! Congratulations!
Hina
Yeah, congrats!
Aya
I-I'm so happy~! I get to keep being the band's vocalist...!
Maya
Of course! I can't imagine a Pastel＊Palettes without you singing for us!
Chisato
We all feel the same way. I'm truly glad for you, Aya-chan. Let's keep working hard together.
Aya
Ch-Chisato-chan... Yeah, let's... I swear I'll work even harder!
Nao
Just be sure you don't forget how you felt out here when the time comes to sing your classic idol song at the TIS~.
Hina
Hey, Nao-san. That whole thing about swapping out Aya-chan was all an act, right? You were just trying to motivate her to make this happen, weren't you?
Maya
H-Hina-san.
Hina
I don't see the harm in asking. So~?
Nao
... Accusing me of deliberately faking it, huh? Not a chance. A play like that would've been all downsides.
Nao
Besides, the truth is the only thing that ever comes out of my mouth~.
Hina
Ahaha, I'm not entirely convinced of that one to begin with~.
Nao
Well, Hikawa, you're welcome to believe whatever you want.
Hina
I feel like you haven't given me a straight answer, but...
Hina
Just so we're clear, what you did this time was totally not boppin'.
Chisato
Hina-chan...
Nao
Huh~! I didn't expect to hear that one from you. I'll make really sure I don't forget that's how you see things~.
Hina
Thanks, that'd be great~!
Maya
U-um, would any of you like to grab something to eat?
Hina
Oh, me, me~! I'm literally starving~!
Aya
S-sure! I want to go too! I've been eyeing this summer desserts fair at a restaurant for a while~.
Chisato
Why don't we go together then? After all, you did manage to pass your test, so to speak. That's certainly cause for celebration.
Aya
Sounds great!
Transcript
Aya
Ngh~... The results are going to be announced soon... My heart's beating so hard it hurts~.
Eve
Aya-san, try taking deep breaths!
Hina
Ahaha, relax. It's so interesting how you were having the time of your life performing on stage, but now you're back to being a nervous wreck again~!
Maya
The amount of confidence you displayed out there really was impressive, Aya-san. I was able to do my best because you inspired me!
Chisato
Yes. Positively influencing each other... allowed us to perform in a new way. All we can do now is wait for the results.
Aya
True. We did everything we could that we're capable of right now.
TIS Host
The judges have finished rating the performances... and it looks like the viewer votes have just been tallied!
TIS Host
It's now time to announce the results of the first round of the Tokyo Idol Summit! The following groups from Group A will be advancing to the next round!
Pastel＊Palettes
...!
Aya
Sigh~. That was so nerve-racking~.
Hina
Ahaha, that was one long sigh!
Eve
In any case, I am just so happy! We have managed to get through the first round!
Chisato
True. However, we did place closer to the bottom. It'll only get harder from here.
Nao
What Shirasagi said. You've got a lot of improving to do if you want to make it through the second round.
Aya
Right...
Nao
Well, anyway, you guys did good today!
Pastel＊Palettes
Thank you!
Nao
How about we all go grab something nice to eat? You survived the first round, and that means we should celebrate~!
Hina
Yay~! Can we pick anything? Even sushi or Korean barbecue?
Nao
You bet! Chinese, all-you-can-eat dessert, everything's fair game! Just for today, you all can even forget about trying to maintain your figure~!
Aya
Th-this is the best news of my life~! You're the best~, Nao-san!
Nao
Of course, you'll still have to burn off any excess baggage you pick up today, but no need to worry about that for now!
Aya
Aww~! Bummer~!
Chisato
Fufu, it looks like it was a bit too good to be true, wasn't it, Aya-chan?
Maya
Ahaha... Yeah.
Eve
... I have to say I am somewhat relieved.
Maya
Hm?
Eve
Now that the first round is over, it feels like we are finally able to smile with Nao-san...
Maya
... True. Things have been a bit tense until today.
Aya
Oh, before I forget...! Can we all take some pictures together before we start eating? I want some for my socials.
Chisato
Certainly. I'm sure our fans will appreciate the gesture.
Aya
Fufu, yeah. Wow, there are already so many posts congratulating us on making it through the first round!
Eve
There is even a custom TIS hashtag for showing us support! This is something that I am very grateful for!
Aya
Yeah. We wouldn't have advanced this time without the fan support.
Chisato
Yes. The viewer vote did have a significant impact on the results for us.
Hina
By the way, I heard our street performance got a ton of attention. I had no idea at all we were being filmed.
Maya
Apparently, quite a few people became our fans after the buzz surrounding it.
Chisato
Both our new fans and everyone who has been with us this whole time must be praying for our success.
Aya
We have to do our best for their sake, too, then!
Chisato
Yes. They're the ones who let us be idols, so we owe it to them to live up to their expectations. Doing our best to make our fans smile should be our top priority.
Nao
... Making fans smile is your top priority?
Nao
Shirasagi, let me get this straight. You think living up to fan expectations is what matters the most?
Chisato
Hm...? Yes, I do...?
Nao
Man~... Talk about a letdown~. I'm so disappointed in you, Shirasagi.
Chisato
... Nao-san?
Nao
That's your motivation for being an idol? Pleasing fans? Are you for real?
Nao
I see now. I guess you're the one who's been dragging down the band the most.
Chisato
N-Nao-san...
Nao
Looks like I had it all wrong~. The vocalist wasn't what needed changing, it was you all along, Shi-
Aya
Hold on, please!
Nao
What is it, Maruyama?
Aya
Um, I'm not sure this is going to come out right, Nao-san... but why are you so angry?
Aya
I don't think Chisato-chan said anything wrong.
Nao
... Right, right. My bad, yeah.
Nao
Let me add this to my to-do list and file it away in the corner of my mind. Anyway, now's probably a good time to head home, wouldn't you say?
Chisato
... I-I believe so...
Aya
...
Aya
(Tokyo Idol Summit, Group A, Round One... Out of the ten groups that advanced, Pastel＊Palettes placed seventh.)
Aya
(We thought winning our way through the TIS would make us stronger as a band and allow us to shine more brightly.)
Aya
(None of us doubted it at all back then...)
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