Transcript
Arisa
...Mmm... Morning already...
Arisa
...
Arisa
...Just a little longer...
Arisa
(Ah, these footsteps...)
Arisa's Grandmother
Thanks as always, Kasumi-chan. You coming to wake her up is a real lifesaver.
Kasumi
Oh, no worries! I just wanna go to school together with her!
Arisa's Grandmother
If you like, please stay and have breakfast. We’ve got tamagoyaki today.
Kasumi
Yay! I love your tamagoyaki!
Arisa
(Kasumi acts like this is her own house, seriously...)
Kasumi
Ariiisaaa! It's morninggg! The weather’s amazing today too!
Arisa
Ugh... shut up...
Kasumi
C'mon, wake up already, Arisa~!
Arisa
...
Kasumi
If you don't wake up... here it comes~! Tickle, tickle, tickle, tickle, tickle~!
Arisa
Ahahaha... hey, stop it! Cut it out! I'm awake, I'm awake already!
Kasumi
Huh? If you’re still under the blanket, that means you’re totally still snoozing! On with the tickle attack!
Arisa
Ahhh—seriously, stop it already!
Arisa's Grandmother
Hehehe, Arisa, you’ve got such a good friend.
Arisa
How are we...?!
Kasumi
Yup! We're super close friends!
Arisa
You... how can you just casually say something that embarrassing...?
Kasumi
What? But it's true. We're besties!
Arisa
Huh?! ... Well, I mean, you're not exactly wrong or anything... Yeah, I guess.
Kasumi
Hehehe, right, right?!
Arisa
Ughhh, enough already! This conversation's over! I need to hurry up and get changed!
Kasumi
Okayyy! I'll wait while having breakfast!
Kasumi
Finally, it's lunch break! I'm sooo hungry!
Arisa
You ate that much at my place, and you’re still hungry? You really can eat, huh.
Kasumi
Your grandma's breakfast is like dessert—it goes into a whole different stomach! Alright then, everyone ready? Let's put our hands together and—!
All
Let's eat!
Arisa
... Seriously, even as a third year in high school, you're still like this.
Saaya
Hehe, but I like it. It really feels like our usual lunch break.
Tae
Look, look! Ta-da! Today's lunch is a dream combination: cheese hamburger steak and fried egg hamburger steak!
Rimi
Wow, that's amazing!
Tae
With this, I can totally power through my shift today! With double hamburger power!
Rimi
Hehe, O-Tae-chan, you're really fired up. I need to work hard at cram school too.
Saaya
Kasumi, we need to eat up and stay energized for our part-time job too. Arisa, you've got student council stuff, right?
Arisa
Oh, right, there’s the regular meeting today. But seriously, you guys—focus on your afternoon classes first before worrying about after school!
Tae
Ah, you're right. I'll try not to doze off in the next math class.
Kasumi
It's hard not to get sleepy on a full stomach, huh~? Let's stay alert, O-Tae, and make sure we don't nod off!
Arisa
Yeah, that's kind of a given... You guys are just so laid-back, honestly. You never change.
Rimi
Hehe. Ever since we became third years, everyone's gotten so busy, but we've really gotten used to this routine, huh?
Saaya
Even if we're all busy in our own ways, we still eat lunch together. And we never skip our after school chats either.
Kasumi
I really love that time!
Kasumi
Hearing about how everyone’s doing their best makes me feel like I wanna work hard at my part-time job too!
Rimi
I totally get that feeling... It's like, knowing you're not alone is so encouraging, you know?
Arisa
Yeah, that's true...
Arisa
(There was a time when I worried that Poppin'Party might change now that we're in our third year...)
Arisa
(But even now, we're still spending time together like this. And from now on too...)
Arisa
Um, here are the survey results that the student council put together. Please take a look.
Arisa
Well then, I’ll take my leave now—
Teacher
Oh, Ichigaya-san. Do you have a moment?
Arisa
Yes, what is it?
Teacher
Ichigaya-san, have you thought about applying for a recommendation?
Arisa
Huh...?
Transcript
Arisa
A recommendation...?
Teacher
Of course, only if you're okay with it, Ichigaya-san. How about applying for a recommendation to Keiho Women's University?
Teacher
With your academic abilities, there shouldn't be any issues, and you've been working so hard in the student council. The teachers are rooting for you too.
Arisa
R-really? That makes me so happy...!
Teacher
Great, then can I move forward with the process?
Arisa
Yes, of course...! ... Oh.
Arisa
(... I wonder which universities everyone else is planning to go to...)
Teacher
Ichigaya-san?
Arisa
Oh... um, sorry. Would it be okay if I took some time to think about it...?
Arisa
Of course, I appreciate you bringing this up, but I'm really sorry.
Teacher
No, it's fine. Just make sure to think it over by the next career guidance meeting, okay? The path you choose as a third-year student can really shape your future.
Teacher
Take some time to carefully think about the future you want for yourself, Ichigaya-san.
Arisa
Yes... I understand. Excuse me, then.
Arisa
(... The future I want to pursue, huh...?)
Misaki
Oh, there you are, Ichigaya-san! The meeting’s about to start!
Arisa
Sorry, I'm coming now!
Kasumi
Flower Bloom Rock Festival... Is officially happening!!
All
Yayyy!
Saaya
With approval from the local revitalization department, the shopping district, and the live house, it's all set now... Things are about to get really busy.
Tae
Yeah. But ever since Kasumi said, "Let's do it," everything's been moving so quickly. It feels like it's all going so smoothly.
Rimi
Totally! It feels like everything went by so fast up until now.
Rimi
Back then, I never would've imagined this would turn into a music event involving all of Hanasakigawa.
Arisa
Yeah. When Kasumi said, "Let's do something big!" on the train ride back from Osaka, I just thought, "Oh, here she goes again with another idea."
Saaya
Hehe, and yet, wasn't it you who got the most excited and helped push things forward the most, Arisa?
Arisa
Huh? N-no way. I just thought, if we're gonna do it, we need to be realistic about it, that's all...
Kasumi
Yeah, yeah! We all thought a lot about it together. What does "something big" even mean? What do we actually want to do?
Kasumi
And then, like that festival in Osaka, we want to show everyone in Hanasakigawa, who we love so much, a view of music spreading everywhere.
Kasumi
A festival where we set up multiple stages in the parks of Hanasakigawa, and tons of bands take turns performing live all day long...!
Rimi
And we even got the shopping district and all kinds of live houses to cooperate with us.
Rimi
It'd be so awesome if the venue is packed on the day, with food stands and food trucks making it super lively!
Saaya
Dad's already super fired up. He said he's gonna make a special chocolate cornet just for the festival~.
Rimi
Really? I can't wait to try Yamabuki Bakery's special chocolate cornet! It sounds amazing~!
Tae
My part-time job at the music store is pitching in big time too. They're planning to set up an instrument trial corner and even a live jam session corner. The manager's super motivated about it.
Kasumi
Wowww! That's awesome! Let's do everything we can to make sure it's a huge success on the day!
Rimi
Yeah!
Arisa
I mean, preparing for this and running it is gonna be way harder than just hosting a regular live show. Do you guys really understand that?
Kasumi
Of course we do! We absolutely want to make this a success! Let's all do our best!
Arisa
No, that's not what I meant...
Rimi
Arisa-chan?
Arisa
Everyone's already so busy with part-time jobs and cram school as it is. And more importantly...
Arisa
We're third years now. We need to seriously start thinking about stuff like that, don't we?
Tae
Stuff like what?
Arisa
Well... the future, or like, what path we're going to take.
Rimi
(Our future path, huh... I've been thinking about it a lot, but...)
Kasumi
Yeah, deciding your future path is super important... But there's one thing I've already known for a long time! And that is...
Arisa
Enough with the sparkling and heart-pounding stuff! You need to think about something realistic that you can actually submit as your future plan to school.
Kasumi
Ughhh, Saaya~! Arisa's being so strict!
Saaya
Haha... Well, she's not wrong. We're third years now, so we really have to think about it seriously.
Saaya
As for me, I'm planning to go to university. Right now, I'm thinking Yotsuba University might be good. I've been talking about it with my dad too.
Rimi
You've been talking about your future plans with your dad?
Saaya
Yeah. Ever since then, we've been having little talks about it more often... It feels like my whole family really understands my plans now... Thank you so much for back then, Rimi-rin.
Rimi
No, I didn't really do anything worth thanking me for. But... I'm really glad for you, Saaya-chan.
Rimi
(To be able to talk about it in front of everyone like that... Saaya-chan is amazing. Me... I still don't have that kind of courage at all.)
Kasumi
You know... Right now, Saaya, you're just so... sparkly, if that makes sense! You're super cool!
Tae
Yeah, it feels like you're facing your future head-on.
Saaya
Hey, hey, don't praise me so much. You're making me feel embarrassed.
Kasumi
But it's true that you're super cool! Right, Arisa? You think so too, don't you?
Arisa
(... Saaya's first choice is Yotsuba, huh...)
Arisa
(I wonder about everyone else... Are they all aiming for Yotsuba too...?)
Kasumi
Arisa? Hey, Arisa? What’s up? You're spacing out.
Arisa
I-it's nothing. It's just that things are gonna get busy, so we need to keep our schedules in sync and make sure we're properly prepared.
Kasumi
Of course!
Kasumi
Everyone, let's make the Flower Bloom Rock Festival an absolute success! Let's give it our all!
All
Yeah!
Transcript
Kasumi
... So, that's the plan! On the day of the event, we want to make it a sparkling, heart-pounding festival that everyone at the venue can enjoy, so we'd really appreciate your support!
The Other Four
We're counting on you all!
Arisa
Well then, that wraps up today's meeting. T-thank you all for your hard work...!
Kasumi
Arisa~! Great job! You were awesome as the host!
Arisa
R-really? I've gotten used to running things with the student council, but being in a room full of adults had me super nervous...
Man
No way, you did an amazing job as the host. Great work.
Kasumi
It's been a while! The last time was during the festival, right? I'm so glad we can count on your help again!
Man
Yeah. Just like how you energized the shopping district back then, we're really looking forward to you bringing the whole Hanasakigawa community together this time too. Right, Chief?
City Worker
Yes... I truly appreciate how you're leading the charge to revitalize the area. We're counting on you for this event.
Arisa
... I mean, is it just me, or is it kinda weird how the Chief, who was so against this before, is suddenly being all cooperative?
Saaya
Haha... There was a lot that happened during the festival, but I'm really happy to have your cooperation like this.
City Worker
As a community, we simply determined that this event would be beneficial to us. Besides, I'm well aware of how persistent you all can be.
Man
Hehe, even though that's what he says, the Chief is actually really looking forward to it, you know? Oh, by the way, the candy craftsman from the festival is going to have a booth at the event too!
Rimi
Really?!
Tae
Poppin'Candy! I get to eat it again!
Kasumi
Yay! Thank you so much!
Man
I thought that would make the festival even more exciting. I've also been reaching out to plenty of other acquaintances about it.
Saaya
Wow, you've already started contacting so many people! Thank you so much for putting in so much effort on our behalf.
Man
Oh, it's no trouble at all. Besides, you've been active not just in Hanasakigawa, but in many other places too, haven't you? I've heard plenty of rumors about your amazing work.
Man
We adults believe that the five of you can make this festival truly spectacular, and we're really looking forward to it. That's why we want to support you with everything we've got. It's as simple as that.
Kasumi
...
Arisa
What's wrong, Kasumi?
Kasumi
... Right now, my heart's pounding, and I feel so warm inside.
Kasumi
Everything Poppin'Party has done up until now... It feels like it's all connecting, spreading, and growing bigger and bigger... It just makes me so, so happy!
Tae
Yeah, it feels like this amazing energy is welling up inside of me.
Saaya
Hehe, I get you. Hearing the voices of the people we're actually working with really gives you a boost of motivation, doesn't it?
Arisa
Kasumi's super vague comment like, "Let's do something big!" turned into something this huge... It's kind of overwhelming to think about, isn't it?
Kasumi
Geez, Arisa, you always say stuff like that! Sure, it was pretty vague at the time, but still...
Kasumi
But you've gotta start by speaking up about what you're thinking! If there's something you want to do, you've gotta say, "I want to do it!" That's the starting point. Whether you can actually do it or not, that's something to think about later!
Rimi
Kasumi-chan...
Tae
Honestly, that's so true. Kasumi's ability to kick things off is seriously amazing.
Saaya
It's like, once she says something, things just move forward in no time... This time too, everything's come together so smoothly.
Arisa
Well, that's just so Kasumi, isn't it?
Rimi
(Kasumi-chan really is incredible... If only I had that kind of courage...)
Kasumi
I'm feeling so motivated and excited! It's like it's multiplied tenfold! I'm gonna give it my all to prepare for the festival!
Kasumi
That's it! Let's go greet the participating bands right now!
Arisa
What? No, the band meet-and-greet is scheduled for later, isn't it? There's no need to go out of our way to see them now, right? Besides, aren't we supposed to go check out the venue after this...?
Saaya
Hmm... But we've got enough time to go give them a quick update, don't we?
Tae
Yeah, I want to express this feeling directly.
Kasumi
Right? Right?! Hey, it's a good idea, isn't it, Arisa~?
Arisa
Ugh, fine, I get it already, so stop clinging to me!
Kasumi
Oh! There you are! Everyone, great work out there!
Band Member A
Thanks for coming all this way~! It's awesome that the festival got the greenlight! I'm so happy you invited us!
Saaya
We're really happy to perform together again, too. The last time we performed together was during the Rockin' Star Festival, wasn't it?
Band Member A
Yeah, I think so! Back then, we were in our third year of high school, and I never thought I'd still be in a band even after going to university!
Saaya
What? You weren't planning to continue the band in university?
Band Member B
Yeah, I kind of thought the band would just be something we did until high school. But for some reason, we all ended up at the same university. And then I thought, "We have to keep this going!"
Rimi
Wow... It feels like fate or something, like a real bond.
Tae
Totally, we're all in the same boat.
Band Member B
Nah, it's not anything that big. It just kind of happened... Like, this one here still uses me as her alarm clock, just like in high school. Honestly, we're like inseparable in the weirdest way.
Band Member A
Haha, don't be shy. Anyway, we're totally gonna crush it at the festival, so let's do this!
Saaya
Hehe, you all seem so close. That's really nice.
Arisa
(So... they're all at the same university... huh.)
Kasumi
"Good morning, everyone! Hey, guess what! I finished the lyrics for the new song we're performing during the next live!"
Rimi
"Really? I'm so excited to hear your lyrics!"
Saaya
"Everyone's done after fourth period today, right? Since third period got canceled, I'll head to the basement early."
Tae
"I have a studio job after fourth period, but I'll head over as soon as I'm done."
Arisa
"Okay. I'll head over first and wait for you there."
Kasumi
"Mm~! I'm so excited for after school! Alright, let's meet up again at lunch. Oh, and today's B lunch special is fried chicken!"
Arisa
"Kasumi, your obsession with food hasn't changed at all since high school."
Saaya, Rimi & Tae
"Haha! Hehe!"
Arisa
(...Yeah, that's true. Going to Yotsuba together with everyone... that's an option too, isn't it?)
Arisa
(I mean, getting the recommendation is great and all, but it's not like I'm absolutely set on going to Keiho or anything...)
Band Member A
Since you're here, why don't we grab some tea on campus? The cafeteria at Yotsuba has some really delicious food!
Kasumi
Really? Yay!
Tae
I wonder if they have hamburg steak? I’m so excited!
Rimi
Oh, Kasumi-chan, O-Tae-chan! W-wait up~!
Arisa
Seriously, those two... they're never shy or hesitant about anything, are they?
Saaya
Hehe, that's one of their good points. Come on, Arisa, let's go too.
Arisa
Ugh, fine, I guess I don't have a choice.
Transcript
Rimi
So this park is going to be the stage, huh... Looking at it again, it’s actually pretty spacious.
Arisa
For now, it’s still just the usual park, though.
Saaya
Let’s see... according to the stage layout plan the community revitalization department chief made for us...
Kasumi
Let me take a look... oh, there’ll be a big stage over there, and another one over here...
Arisa
Looks like the spot we’re in right now is where the audience seating will be.
Kasumi
This is where tons and tons of people will come, right? They’ll stop and listen like this, won’t they?
Tae
Not just that. Since it’s a festival, people can enjoy the music while eating food or drinking juice.
Kasumi
Wowww! O-Tae, that sounds absolutely amazing...!!
Rimi
Getting to wander around the stages while eating a chocolate cornet— that’s such a luxury, isn’t it?
Saaya
And since it’s outdoors, the sound will echo so far... It’ll feel amazing to perform here!
Kasumi
That’s it! Since it’s outdoors, why don’t we do something special with the stage effects?
Arisa
Special? Like what? Like... releasing tons of balloons!
Kasumi
It’s outdoors, so it would look absolutely beautiful.
Tae
Great idea! Then let’s also set off some fireworks with a big boom! And maybe some flames shooting up with a whoosh!
Kasumi
Whoa, that’s awesome! Let’s definitely do it!
Arisa
Hey, hey, hold on a second. That’s obviously impossible. We need to think more realistically here.
Saaya
Well, sure, maybe some of it’s a bit unrealistic... but like Kasumi said earlier, isn’t it important to just say what we want to do first? We want to make a festival that everyone will love!
Arisa
Hmm... yeah, you’re right. Deciding something’s impossible from the start isn’t great either...
Arisa
Alright then! Let’s all come up with things we’d like to try at the festival!
Kasumi
Me, me, meeee!! There’s something I absolutely want to do!!
Saaya
Oh? What is it?
Kasumi
I want to make a new song!
Arisa
Called it... I totally knew you were going to say that.
Kasumi
But it’s a festival! And I want to turn this excited, heart-pounding feeling I have right now into a song~~!
Arisa
I’ve said it before, but everyone’s already super busy as it is. We’ve got to handle running the festival, preparing for it, and practicing as a band too. Even so... you’re really going to do this?
Saaya
The schedule we’re juggling right now is already pretty intense. If we add even more to it... Hehe, it’s definitely going to be really rewarding, though.
Arisa
‘Rewarding’ doesn’t even begin to cover it. This is going to be the hardest thing we’ve ever done—it’s guaranteed.
Kasumi
But... but let’s do it! We’ve tackled so many tough things before, and we’ve always made it through by working together!
Kasumi
No matter what happens, Poppin'Party is Poppin'Party. With the five of us, we’ll be fine! As long as we’re together, we can do anything. That’s what Poppin’Party is all about!
Arisa, Rimi, Saya & Tae
...Kasumi. ...Kasumi-chan.
Rimi
Me too. I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but... I really want to do a new song.
Arisa
Rimi...
Rimi
I want to create a new song filled with everything we feel about this festival. What do you all think?
Tae
I feel the same way. Let’s make a new song.
Saaya
You can't ignore that feeling of wanting to do something. Let’s just go for it and aim high!
Arisa
...Well, I figured it’d come to this. Alright, let’s do it! But make sure to pay extra attention to your schedule and take care of your health, got it?
Kasumi
Yeah! Let’s create the best song ever, together!
Arisa, Tae, Saya & Rimi
Yeah!!
Arisa
Alright, let’s wrap up the site inspection here and head back soon.
Saaya
Yeah, the sun’s starting to set. We can go over the details at our next practice session.
Kasumi
Hey, hey, Rimirin! How about this melody for the new song? Fuhn fuh fuh fuh fuuuuhn~♪ Something like that!
Rimi
Wow, that sounds great! What if we connect it like this instead?
Saaya
Wait, you two are already working on it?! Haha, you’re so full of energy!
Arisa
Saya, Saya! What kind of melody do you think would be good?
Saaya
Huh, me? Hmm, let’s see—
Tae
The new song feels like it’s going to turn out great.
Arisa
Hey, hey, isn’t it a bit early to say that? But... whenever we get this hyped up, we always manage to make a great song.
Tae
Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.
Arisa
You know, I was just thinking... Kasumi’s really leveled up, hasn’t she?
Arisa
She was already amazing, but now her ‘sparkling heart-pounding power’ has grown even more. And her ability to bring people together has really gone up, too.
Tae
Yeah, but I think Arisa’s powered up just as much as Kasumi.
Arisa
What? Me? I haven’t changed at all.
Tae
You don’t realize it? I honestly think you’re the one who’s changed the most, Arisa.
Arisa
I’ve just gotten used to going along with Kasumi’s antics, that’s all. I haven’t really changed.
Arisa
Come on, you don’t think Kasumi’s going to stay the same even in university? She’s totally going to be that hyper, restless college student.
Tae
Yeah, I think so too. But...
Arisa
But?
Tae
Kasumi, you, and me... Even when we’re in college, even when we’re adults, even when we’re old grannies—I think we’ll still be just like this.
Tae
Poppin'Party is Poppin'Party no matter what happens.
Arisa
...O-Tae. You’re really good at saying embarrassing stuff so casually.
Tae
Embarrassing? What’s embarrassing?
Arisa
Ah, never mind. If you don’t get it, forget it. Seriously, O-Tae, it’s so annoying how you’re completely unaware of it...
Arisa
Wait, are we seriously gonna keep doing band stuff even when we’re old grannies?! That’d be way too tough physically.
Tae
True. Then we better start building up our stamina for old age, huh?
Arisa
No way! How much are you planning ahead if you’re talking about old age already?!
Tae
For the sake of Granny Poppin’Party, let’s go jogging together, Arisa!
Arisa
No way in hell! ...Haha, geez. You’re seriously always jumping the gun.
Transcript
Rimi
So, you know, Kasumi was like, 'Let’s make a new song!'
Rimi
It’s gonna be super tough, but we all decided to go for it together.
Yuri
Haha, I see. Everyone’s really motivated, huh? I’ll be cheering for you guys at the Flower Bloom Rock Fest.
Rimi
Thank you, sis. I’ll do my best!
Yuri
Listening to your story, Rimi, it feels like I’ve gotten a boost of motivation too.
Yuri
Lately, you’ve been working so hard—not just with cram school, but with the band as well. You’re truly amazing.
Rimi
E-Eh? I’m not amazing at all... I think you’re the one who’s doing something incredible, sis!
Rimi
Living abroad all on your own is already impressive, and on top of that, you’re handling university and studying so diligently... You really shine.
Rimi
When I visited you the other day, I thought the same thing. You’ll always be someone I look up to, sis...!
Yuri
Thank you. I’m so happy to hear you say that. But personally, I still feel like there are so many things I haven’t achieved yet.
Yuri
There are things I wanted to do while studying abroad that I haven’t been able to realize. I want to improve my language skills, and of course, I want to perform live as well.
Rimi
Eh... a live performance abroad...!?
Yuri
Yeah, I want to give it a try. Right now, it’s just something I’m saying, but... I want to accomplish everything I set out to do when I decided to study abroad.
Rimi
Wow... you really are amazing, sis...!
Rimi
For me, just being able to clearly express what you want to do in words is amazing in itself...
Rimi
I think it takes a lot of courage to talk to someone about your dreams or goals...
Yuri
Rimi…
Yuri
I say a lot of things, but I don’t know if I can really accomplish them, and I don’t even have that much confidence.
Yuri
But I know that saying it out loud is important, so I’m just starting by trying to put it into words.
Rimi
Hehe... Kasumi-chan said something similar.
Rimi
Wanting to do it—that's where it starts.' 'Whether you can do it or not comes later!'
Yuri
That’s such a Kasumi-chan-like thing to say. But... I feel the same way.
Yuri
You know, Rimi. At first, I didn’t have any courage either. I was just like you.
Rimi
Huh...? Even you, sis?
Yuri
Of course. When I told Mom and Dad that I wanted to study abroad, I really had to gather all my courage.
Yuri
I might not succeed even if I study abroad, and maybe it’s just something I yearned for on my part. While everyone else is going to university or getting jobs, people might think I’m the odd one out.
Yuri
I kept overthinking and going around in circles... There was a time when I felt anxious all alone.
Rimi
I didn’t know you went through something like that...
Yuri
Well, I didn’t want to make you worry, Rimi. I wanted to seem cool as your older sister, you know?
Yuri
But even now, I think taking that leap of courage back then was the right decision. I was scared and anxious, but it wasn’t the wrong choice.
Yuri
So, Rimi, even if you're lacking confidence or feeling uneasy, why not try opening up and talking about what’s troubling you?
Rimi
Sis...
Rimi
Um... well... I...
Yuri
Yeah?
Rimi
I want to study abroad...!
Rimi
I feel like I’ve grown a lot through all the challenges I faced in high school... and now, I want to go abroad and discover a whole new version of myself.
Yuri
So that's what you've been thinking...
Yuri
I see... Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy I got to hear how you feel.
Yuri
You did great, Rimi. You really found your courage.
Rimi
Sniff... sis...Sis...!
Yuri
What’s wrong, Rimi? Why are you crying?
Rimi
It’s not that... It’s just... after talking to you, I feel so much better... and the tears just started coming out on their own...
Yuri
Hehe, I see. You managed to say it out loud yourself. That’s a big step forward for you, don’t you think?
Rimi
Hey... Sis, can I ask you one more thing?
Yuri
Hm? Of course. Tell me anything.
Rimi
Well... If I said I wanted to study abroad, what would everyone in Poppin'Party think?
Rimi
I mean... what if... we all ended up going our separate ways or something? That thought... really scares me.
Yuri
Rimi...
Yuri
I totally understand how you feel. When I first brought up studying abroad to my bandmates, I needed so much courage to say it... it felt like I used up a lifetime’s worth.
Yuri
At first, everyone was really surprised... But we talked it out, said everything we wanted to say, and kept at it until we all understood each other. And in the end, they told me, 'Go for it!'
Yuri
We couldn’t keep going as a college band, but we’ve kept the band alive, just in a different form.
Rimi
In a different form...
Yuri
Like when we did that streaming live at Rockin’ Star Fest, right? And there were times when the members came to visit me while I was studying abroad, too. It’s a bit different, but we’re still doing band activities like that.
Yuri
It’s only because the others told me, ‘Bands can take all kinds of shapes; there’s no need to break up,’ that we were able to keep things going like this.
Rimi
Wow... So you all had a discussion like that.
Yuri
Of course, that was just in our case. Whether you tell them or not is completely up to you, Rimi.
Yuri
But I’m sure the Poppin’Party members will listen to what you have to say.
Rimi
Yeah... I’ll think about it a bit more.
Yuri
Alright, I’m cheering for you, Rimi.
Rimi
Thank you, sis.
Transcript
Arisa
Finally home~~... That meeting went on forever...
Arisa
The festival paperwork isn’t done yet either... And on top of that, I still need to fill this out...
Arisa
Sigh... Career planning survey... What should I even write?
Arisa
...Maybe Yotsuba Girls University after all.
Arisa
The Yotsuba Girls band members looked like they were having so much fun... I guess I just want Poppin'Party to stay like that.
Teacher
Ichigaya-san, make sure to think carefully about the future you want to pursue.
Arisa
...I *am* thinking about it seriously...
Arisa’s Grandmother
Arisa, you're back? Why are you sitting here in the dark? There's some snacks—want some?
Arisa
Ah, yeah...
Arisa’s Grandmother
Arisa, isn't this the snack you used to like? There’s enough for everyone in Poppin'Party, so make sure to share it with them next time they come over.
Arisa
Sure. Hey, Grandma...
Arisa’s Grandmother
What is it?
Arisa
...Ah, never mind! Thanks for the snacks.
Arisa’s Grandmother
Hehe, What’s going on? You’re acting funny, Arisa.
Arisa
(If I told her I might get a recommendation for Keiho, Grandma would definitely be happy...)
Arisa
(The whole reason I even applied for student council was because I thought it’d lead to opportunities like this...)
Arisa
(When I went for the campus tour, the atmosphere was amazing, and considering my academic abilities... choosing Keiho really seems like the right decision...)
Arisa
Yeah! Let’s create the best song together!
Arisa, Tae, Saya & Rimi
Yeah!!
Arisa
But... what if I end up being the only one going to Keiho...? That would be...
Arisa
I don't want that...
Arisa
...Alright, I think I’ve gathered all the contact information for the food trucks and vendors.
Arisa
Now the tricky part... figuring out how to fit all these vendors onto the flyers...
Rimi
Good evening, Arisa-chan.
Arisa
Huh? What's up, Rimi? Weren’t you supposed to be at cram school today?
Rimi
Yeah, I’m just on my way back. I thought you might be working on some of the paperwork, Arisa-chan. Oh, here’s something for you.
Arisa
Choco cornet... Thanks, Rimi.
Rimi
Are you working on the flyers? Let me help out too.
Arisa
Really? Wow... Honestly, that’d be a huge help.
Rimi
I’m glad! I was hoping I could lend you a hand. You’re already super busy with the student council, and now you’re in charge of the flyers and the website too.
Arisa
But even if you say that, everyone else is just as busy, right?
Arisa
And besides... just the other day, I told everyone, 'If we’re going to work on a new song, stick to the schedule,' all high and mighty—so I can't just turn around and ask for help now.
Rimi
It wasn't high and mighty at all. Thanks to what you said, Arisa-chan, I felt like I really had to take things seriously.
Rimi
And didn’t Kasumi-chan say this the other day?
Rimi
No matter how hard things get, we’ve always been able to overcome them together.'
Rimi
That’s why I think we should face this festival together too and get through it as a team.
Arisa
Rimi... thanks. Then, could you organize this table for me?
Rimi
Yeah, got it. Haha... but you know, Kasumi-chan back then was so cool, wasn’t she?
Arisa
...Not that I’d ever say this to her face, but Kasumi’s words have this strange way of giving you energy, don’t they?
Rimi
I totally get that...! It’s like I’ve gotten courage from Kasumi-chan myself, you know?
Arisa
Like when she said, 'No matter what happens, Poppin'Party is still Poppin'Party. The five of us will definitely be okay!'
Arisa
It made me feel like there’s really nothing we can’t do, like I could believe it from the bottom of my heart...
Rimi
Arisa-chan...
Arisa
I felt like... I was really happy I joined Poppin'Party, you know? At that moment, I really thought so...
Rimi
If you told Kasumi-chan that, she’d be super happy to hear it.
Arisa
Yeah, like I’d ever say that. I’m taking that one to my grave.
Rimi
(No matter what happens, Poppin'Party is still Poppin'Party. So... even if we’re apart, maybe Poppin'Party can still stay Poppin'Party.)
Rimi
(No, that’s not it. Even if we’re apart, I want to stay as Poppin'Party. I want to stay friends. If that’s how I feel, then I need to muster the courage and tell everyone.)
Rimi
(I have to tell them what I really want to do. I’ve got to start by saying it...!)
Rimi
I’ve made my decision...!
Arisa
W-What’s up, Rimi... Why the sudden energy?
Rimi
Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. Well... I’ll tell you more about it next time.
Arisa
Huh? Alright. Well then, let’s wrap this up quick and grab some chocolate coronets.
Rimi
Yeah...! I’ll do my best!
Arisa
(“No matter what happens, Poppin'Party is still Poppin'Party”... huh.)
Arisa
(...That’s right. Poppin’Party has to stay together, no matter what.)
Arisa
(...Alright. In that case, I’ll—)
Arisa
(“First choice: Yotsuba Women’s University”)
Transcript
Kasumi
So yeah, everyone in the performing bands was super hyped about making this the best festival ever!
Arisa
Alright, alright. So that means the lineup order is settled now, huh?
Saaya
Yep, and I’ve also shared the performance durations with them.
Rimi
As for the new song, Kasumi and I are brainstorming a lot of ideas together right now.
Tae
Sounds like things are going really well. Guess that to-do list we all made really paid off, huh?
Arisa
Anyway, we’re super busy every day, so we’ve got to make proper plans and stick to them.
Saaya
Yeah, totally. The career survey has started too, and even though I knew it was coming, it feels like things have gotten even busier.
Tae
By the way, what did everyone write on their career planning survey?
Arisa
Arisa......
Kasumi
I want to have as many sparkling, heart-pounding experiences as I can! I’ll enjoy every moment to the fullest!
Arisa
Is that really what you wrote down!? I told you not to write it, didn’t I!?
Kasumi
Well, after thinking about what you said, I wrote it properly this time. I thought about what would make me excited and sparkling, and then... I wrote 'Yotsuba University'!
Kasumi
Keiho seemed really great too... but when I visited Yotsuba the other day, it made my heart race like crazy!
Saaya
So you'll be at Yotsuba with me then. What about you, Tae?
Tae
Studio musician.
Kasumi
Whoa! That’s so like you, O-Tae! Didn’t the people you worked with before say they'd reach out to you again?
Tae
That, and Yotsuba. I'm still deciding, but I think it’d be fun to go to university while also working as a studio musician—kind of like living a double life.
Arisa
Well, that’s what you call juggling two things at once...
Rimi
Hehe, but if it’s O-Tae-chan, I feel like she could totally pull it off!
Tae
And what about you, Arisa?
Arisa
Wha—me? Uh... I chose Yotsuba too...
Saaya
Wow, really? I thought you’d aim for a higher-ranking university, Arisa.
Arisa
Ah, well, Rinko-senpai told me all about how great Yotsuba is.
Arisa
Things like the curriculum and the atmosphere? I’ve been thinking for a while that it might suit me...
Saaya
Yeah, academic ability is important, but so is finding a place that feels like a good fit for you.
Kasumi
So, there’s a chance we could end up at the same university, right...? Wow~~! If that happens, it’d be so much fun!
Arisa
Haha, Kasumi, you’re getting ahead of yourself as usual. You have to actually pass the exam first, right? Better study hard for it!
Kasumi
Alright, alright, I get it already~~!
Tae
What about you, Rimi?
Rimi
Well... I’ve been thinking... I’d like to study abroad.
Arisa
Huh...
Kasumi
Study abroad!? That’s amazing!! Rimi-rin, are you planning to go overseas!?
Rimi
I haven’t really made any preparations yet, but... I’ve been thinking for a while that it’s something I want to try.
Rimi
I want to grow into a bigger version of myself than I am now. That’s why I’m excited about studying abroad!
Saaya
Rimi-rin studying abroad, huh... I hadn’t really imagined that.
Tae
As for me, I’ve thought for a while now that Rimi might study abroad someday.
Saaya
Really? Is that so? But wait, why do you look so proud, O-Tae?
Rimi
O-Tae-chan... thank you for back then.
Tae
Huh? Did I do something?
Rimi
Hehe... still, thank you.
Arisa
............
Rimi
Arisa-chan... Are you okay?
Arisa
Ah, no, I’m just a little surprised, like... Study abroad? That’s amazing, Rimi...!
Rimi
Hehe... I’ll have to study a lot harder than I am doing now, though.
Kasumi
Rimi-rin studying abroad, huh~. Oh! If that happens, maybe we could connect between here and where you’re studying and try doing a live stream concert!
Rimi
Like what Glitter*Green did at Rockin’ Star Fes?
Kasumi
Exactly!
Saaya
Ohh, that sounds great! It’d be fun!
Tae
That’s a good idea too, but I’d love for us to go visit Rimi and do a live show locally.
Kasumi
Not just a livestream, but a Poppin'Party overseas live?! That would be so much fun!
Arisa
Haha, right? That’d really get everyone hyped up.
Rimi
Sorry for staying over so late.
Saaya
If there’s anything left with the admin work, let me know right away. I’ll help out.
Arisa
Thanks. Make sure everyone gets home safe.
Tae
Alright, see you tomorrow, Arisa!
Arisa
Yeah, see you at school.
Kasumi
Arisa! Don’t sleep with your belly exposed!
Arisa
I won’t!
Kasumi, Rimi, Tae & Saya
Ahaha~
Kasumi
Good night!
Arisa
............
Arisa
...Rimi studying abroad...
Kasumi
Rimi-rin studying abroad, huh~. Oh! If that happens, maybe we could connect between here and where you’re studying and try doing a live stream concert!
Rimi
Like what Glitter*Green did at Rockin’ Star Fes?
Kasumi
Exactly!
Saaya
Ohh, that sounds great! It’d be fun!
Arisa
(Why... why is everyone acting so calm like that...!)
Arisa
(If she studies abroad, we’ll all end up apart. We won’t be able to stay the way we are now. And you’re all okay with that...?)
Arisa
Am I the only one who wants us to stay as Poppin'Party no matter what happens...?
Arisa
...Why...? This is just... no, I don’t want this...
Arisa’s Grandmother
Arisa, did your friends leave? Could you turn off the light in the basement?
Arisa
...Yeah, got it.
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