|
アイドルとして軌道に乗り始めたPastel＊Palettes。
事務所はPastel＊Palettesの妹分として新しいアイドルユニットをデビューさせるが……
先の見えない芸能界をひたむきに歩む彼女達が、
華やかなステージの裏で流す、その涙の理由とは――
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Aya
And that's all for today's All Fun and Games! Be sure to check us out next time, okay~? Bye~.
- Aya
Great job~!
- Hina
Nice job, guys~. Aya-chan, you were so Aya-chan today~. It was hilarious~.
- Chisato
I am always grateful to have you there whenever we have a variety TV show to record, Aya-chan. Fufu.
- Eve
I cannot believe you said "a can" when we were asked, "What is the Budokan's most popular souvenir?" during the quiz! It was truly amazing!
- Aya
Ugh, please don't remind me anymore~.
- Maya
Yes, you have such a free imagination that lets you think outside the box. It was a real eye-opener!
- Aya
I feel even more embarrassed when you put it that way!
- Hina
You should totally come with us to our next job~. She'd make it more fun for sure, right, Eve-chan?
- Eve
Yes! We will be recorded playing our instruments at a different studio, but it would be great to have you along!
- Aya
Umm... I don't think there'll be anything for me to do since I don't play anything.
- Hina
C'mon, it'll be fine. Just you being there will make things fun.
- Aya
I-it sounds like I'm being brought along just to provide laughs. Oh, wait. I need to go back to the agency for a meeting.
- Maya
You do? Why don't we go together? I have a meeting there with a magazine editor!
- Aya
Sure, let's go together! What about you, Chisato-chan?
- Chisato
I have to do a read-through for a TV drama.
- Hina
It sounds like we're all busy~! We're on a roll. Although, I wish I could get some more time off so that I could be with my sister more.
- Chisato
Hina-chan, you should not say something like that even in jest. We should be grateful we are able to receive jobs.
- Hina
I know, I know~! Alright, Eve-chan, let's go!
- Eve
Yes! Onward!
- Chisato
Sigh. I wonder if she really does... Fufufu.
- Chisato
Anyhow, I should get going as well. Goodbye.
- Maya
Goodbye! Let's go to the agency then, Aya-san!
- Aya
Good luck, Chisato-chan.
- Maya
You know, you were really dazzling today, just like always~.
- Aya
I-I wasn't at all! I even made that stupid mistake during the quiz....
- Maya
Yeah, saying cans are a popular souvenir at the Budokan was a really incredible reply~.
- Aya
H-hey, could you not bring it up again~? It just slipped out because I panicked! Just forget I ever said it, okay?
- Maya
No, no, I'll never forget. What's so incredible is that things like that can slip out of you in the first place!
- Maya
I myself was wondering if it was a normal item like a keychain or towel, and I couldn't decide between them.
- Maya
Whenever there's something I don't understand, I'm the type that ends up thinking too hard about it~. I just lack spontaneity...
- Maya
Unlike me, you're an idol through and through. You really are a natural-born idol!
- Aya
What... do you mean by that...?
- Maya
You really feel that way during concerts. Your very existence has this pull that draws the audience's attention to you.
- Maya
There are even times when I forget I'm in the middle of a concert, and I find myself staring at you. Huhehe.
- Aya
You're giving me too much credit, Maya-chan~.
- Maya
No, I'm not! I may be Pastel✽Palettes' drummer, but I'm also a huge Aya Maruyama fan! I'm just telling it to you as it is!
- Aya
Thanks. You know, we're really lucky we have people that are interested in us, don't you think?
- Aya
... Ah, that reminds me! When I was checking out social media yesterday, I saw a really nice post! Let me think... What term did I search...?
- Aya
Oh, found it! It was this person with a Pastel✽Palettes profile pic! Just look at it! They've posted so much that you can just keep scrolling down forever!
- Maya
Whoa! This is some amazing stuff! They've analyzed our concerts in such detail! And just look at the length! This'll be a good read for sure!
- Aya
They even wrote about the concert we did with the idol trainees.
- Maya
Huhehe, I can't miss that one for sure. I wanna know what our fans thought of the trainees!
- Aya
The response was pretty positive! It'd be nice to work with the trainees again. It's been a while since we last did.
- Maya
Yeah!
- Maya
Ah, looks like we're at the station. I'll read through these posts properly later.
- Aya
Hello! Umm, I heard I'm supposed to meet with the staff here for a meeting...
- Staff
Ah, Aya-san! Thank you for coming! I've been waiting for you! There's something I'd like to discuss with you!
- Aya
Something to discuss? With me? Not Chisato-chan...?
- Maya
I'll leave you to it then.
- Staff
Ah, Maya-san, your presence would also be welcome if you have the time. Your input would be most invaluable.
- Maya
Time won't be an issue, but...
- Aya
Could you join us, then? I'd feel better knowing you're with me!
- Staff
Thank you! Let me go call them in.
- Aya
Call them? What's going on?
- ???
Pardon me! Hello, Aya-san, Maya-san! It's been a while!
- Aya & Maya
...!
Aya
Alright, you three, line up here~.
???
Okay!
Maya
Now then, please introduce yourselves!
???
Hello, my name is Mio Serizawa, an idol trainee. Thank you for all the help during the concert.
Hina
Oh~, Mio-chan. You seem more mature than when we last met.
Mio
I don't think I've changed... However, I do look forward to working with you again. Okay, Serina. It's your turn to introduce yourself.
Serina
Okay~! How've you all been? I'm Serina Yamase, aka Seri-rin, the angel idol~!
Eve
Angel idol...? I do not recall seeing you introduce yourself that way during the joint rehearsal.
Serina
I copied Maya-san's idea from last time~! What do you think?
Chisato
What exactly makes you like an angel? Forgive me, but there's nothing that seems particularly angelic...
Serina
U-umm, I'm still trying to figure that out...! I'm really glad to be able to work with Pastel✽Palettes again! Thank you for the opportunity~!
Serina
Alright, Shino, you're next~!
Shino
O-okay! Nice to meet you. I am Shino Koganei! I look forward to working with all of you again!
Eve
Hm? Shino-san, I thought you were there during our last joint rehearsal. "Nice to meet you! does not seem like the most appropriate greeting...
Shino
Oh, uhh... I thought you might not remember me, so I said it just in case!
Shino
If I said, "It's been a while," and you didn't remember me, you would wonder who I am, right? That's why I went with "Nice to meet you."
Shino
Oh, I'm sorry! I'm not making any sense, am I...? A-anyhow, I look forward to working with all of you again!
Hina
Ahaha, I do too~!
Maya
Anyway, these three have been chosen out of the trainees to debut as idols!
Aya
They're going to be promoted as Pastel✽Palettes' official sister group.
Aya
I'm so glad to see you here... I couldn't be happier for you if it was me in your place... Sniff.
Eve
A-Aya-san... You are letting yourself be overwhelmed with emotion...
Chisato
I understand why you would be so emotional since you were a trainee too, but didn't you cry during the last joint rehearsal as well?
Aya
That's because I totally get how it feels~.
Hina
And you have also been in touch with the trainees.
Maya
Oh, Hina-san, we shouldn't call them trainees. They have a group name now.
Hina
They do? What is it? Tell me!
Mio
Yes... uhh... we're called... ViVidCanvas... I think?
Hina
Aw~, way to kill the excitement. Couldn't you say something with a bit more flair? Maybe something like "We're the brilliant and vibrant ViVidCanvas!"
Mio
I'm sorry... We haven't thought of things like that yet...
Serina
We only learned we'd be debuting yesterday. It still doesn't even feel real.
Maya
Well, you can take your time figuring stuff like that out!
Aya
Yeah! It looks like we'll be appearing in shows together for a while, so you can just come to us whenever you need advice!
Maya
I checked our schedule earlier and it said we'll be recording All Fun and Games together three days from now!
Eve
We will? I am very excited!
Shino
S-so am I! So many people talk about All Fun and Games online! I can't believe we get to appear on such a show...!
Mio
This is all thanks to the joint rehearsals we had. Ever since those lessons, the way I view being an idol has changed.
Serina
Yeah. I learned that being an idol isn't about pretending to be someone you aren't.
Hina
But you called yourself an angel idol, didn't you? What's an angel idol supposed to be anyway?
Serina
L-like I said, I'm still trying to figure that out...
All
Ahahaha.
Maya
In any case, the fact that you three feel that way makes the joint rehearsals we did worthwhile! And don't hold back when the show's being filmed!
Maya
When it comes to being on camera or on stage, seniority doesn't mean anything, after all! Let's all work together to make the show a success!
VividCanvas
Okay!
Aya
Hey... you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but... could you tell me what your dreams are?
Mio
Our... dreams?
Aya
I'm just curious about what kind of idols you want to become, or what you want to do in the future!
Mio
I would like to try acting in addition to being an idol because acting has always been my dream.
Eve
You do have the air of an actress! I would love to see you acting alongside Chisato-san!
Mio
I look up to Chisato-san, so I would love to make that come true someday.
Chisato
Fufu, I will also be looking forward to that day.
Serina
I want to be a regular on a TV show that gets broadcast locally!
Maya
Uhh... That's an awfully down-to-earth dream for someone who's supposed to be an angel...
Hina
Ahaha, you're a riot, Serina-chan~!
Shino
I want us to do a dome concert for sure! And I think it would be great if we could also do a nationwide dome tour!
Aya
Ohh, I think that'd be great! You're dreaming big~.
Aya
I hope all your dreams come true! We'll be supporting you guys... so... let's work together and do our best.
Hina
Getting emotional again, are we? I didn't notice anything that should've made you get all teary.
Aya
I-I didn't either~. It's just, you know, I started thinking how amazing idols are.
Maya
I know what you mean! Idols are really something!
Mio
We will be doing our best to become idols like yourselves, so I look forward to working with all of you!
Serina & Shino
We do too!
Mio
Anyway, we apparently have an interview for a magazine, so we will be going now.
Aya
Okay! Oh, hey...!
Mio
Yes?
Aya
Let's do our best together!
Mio
... Of course. We will do everything we can to catch up to you!
Hina
Phew, I'm beat~. Don't you guys think you went a bit overboard with rehearsals?
Maya
Sorry~. I got a bit fired up after our talk with ViVidCanvas...
Eve
I know how you feel! I, too, feel like I must practice even more!
Aya
But you know, things have gotten really interesting, don't you think? I never imagined those joint rehearsals would've led to this.
Chisato
I remember those three in particular because of how hard they worked.
Hina
I wonder if we're going to do another concert with them? The last one we did with the trainees was pretty well-received!
Maya
That was mentioned as something that would happen, but nothing's been set in stone yet.
Hina
Whoa, gotcha~. We should start thinking of something really boppin' to do when it does happen ♪
Eve
That is a nice idea! I wholeheartedly agree!
Aya
Why don't we head to a restaurant and talk about it then?
Chisato
Ah, I am sorry. I still have some work I must take care of after this.
Hina
Oh? It's already pretty late. Don't you think you're working too much?
Chisato
It is just an interview for TV, so it should not take long. I only have half an hour until I am supposed to be there, so I will be leaving.
Eve
Do you know what the interview is about?
Chisato
I have not been told any details. All I know is that it will be a short interview for a special program.
Aya
Ohh, a special program? I wonder what kind it'll be! Good luck, Chisato-chan!
Chisato
Fufu, thank you. I will take my leave now then.
The Other Four
Bye~!
Aya
(A special program~... Chisato-chan's so amazing. I need to work harder.)
Aya
It's now time for All Fun and Games! I'm Aya Maruyama, the fluffy, pink member of Pastel✽Palettes~!
Hina
Ohh! Your introduction seems to be even sharper than usual, Aya-chan!
Aya
Ehehe, you think so? That might be because we have a really big announcement today!
Chisato
To all our viewers, we have some very happy news to share.
Aya
Starting today, we'll be joined on the show by our sister group~!
Eve
Over here, everyone!
Mio
Hello, we're...
VividCanvas
The brilliant and vibrant ViVidCanvas!
Mio
We'll be joining the show as Pastel✽Palettes' sister group. We'll do our best to make this show fun!
Hina
Hey~! That brilliant and vibrant thing was my idea!
Mio
Y-yes... We tried to think of other introductions, but we weren't able to come up with anything better... We were hoping you would allow us to use it.
Hina
Oh, sure. Use it as much as you want. I'm not in ViVidCanvas, so it's not like I can use it anyway~.
Hina
But don't forget to thank me every time you use it~.
VividCanvas
Okay!
Aya
Ahaha. Now then, could you introduce yourselves one at a time?
Mio
Yes. Hello, everyone. I am ViVidCanvas' leader, Mio Serizawa. I want to become an idol that can sing, dance, and act.
Mio
It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I will do my best.
Aya
I look forward to working with you, Mio-chan~! Next up is...
Serina
Hi, everyone! I'm Serina Yamase of ViVidCanvas, aka Seri-rin, the fairy idol!
Maya
Hm? I thought you said you were an angel idol the last time we met...?
Serina
Oh, I decided to scrap that idea! After some thought, I realized that fairy idol suits me better, so that's what I'll be going with!
Maya
It sounds like you're still trying to figure things out...
Serina
Anyway, nice to meet all of you! I'll do my best too!
Aya
I can't wait to work with you~. And lastly...
Shino
Hello, everybody! I'm Shino Koganei of ViVidCanvas!
Shino
I'm 153 cm, and I was born on the twelfth of January! My blood type is B, my favorite food is curry, and I do well in English! I like karaoke and drawing, and I sometimes draw manga!
Aya
U-umm... That was a lot of information to take in right off the bat.
Eve
It sounded like a tongue twister...
Shino
I wanted everyone to learn as much as they can about me...! Oh, I'll doing my best as well. I hope you'll support me~!
Aya
You bet~. Ahaha. They have that new and energetic feel to them, don't they~?
Aya
Anyhow, now that we've been joined by our colorful friends, All Fun and Games is going to get even bigger and butter!
Hina
Seriously?! I can't believe you messed up there, Aya-chan!
Aya
Oopsie...
Hina
Just look at the trainees, they didn't mess up at all~.
Shino
Oh, I'm sorry! Should I have stumbled over my words?!
Serina
We're still new and can't do a cute recovery like Aya-san, so we practiced really hard so that we wouldn't make any mistakes!
Aya
Sigh... I was hoping I could be a better role model...
Shino
Don't worry! All of us really respect and like you, Aya-san!
Mio
We're always talking about you during lessons.
Serina
Yeah! You're so dazzling on stage, but you're so approachable in real life!
Shino
Your performance of "Hanamaru◎Andante" was amazing when we were together last time!
Aya
I-it was~...?
Shino
Yes, you were completely different from how you normally are!
Aya
That didn't sound like a compliment at all...
Chisato
...
Hina
Great job~! Ahahaha, today's show was so fun, wasn't it~?
Maya
Yes! Even the show's staff enjoyed it.
Chisato
...
Hina
Hey, hey, Chisato-chan. Didn't you have fun? You didn't say a word the whole time...
Chisato
O-oh...? That was not my intention...
Hina
Hm? Did something happen?
Chisato
No, everything is fine. I am sorry, maybe I am just a little tired.
Hina
See, that's why I said you're working too much. Why don't you take some time off once in a while?
Chisato
... I have no intention of taking time off from work.
Mio
Hello, great job out there~.
Eve
Ah, hello! All of you did very well! It is hard to believe this was your first time! You were amazing!
Serina
All of the opportunities Aya-san created for us to react to her blunders really helped us!
Mio
Yes, I don't think we would have done as well if not for her assistance.
Aya
What~?! I wasn't trying to help out, you know...
Chisato
...
Shino
The way you stumbled over your words when you were introducing yourself was truly amazing. It takes real talent to do so at the perfect moment!
Serina
Totally~! And then there was that game of charades! Your table tennis impression looked just like a bon dance!
VividCanvas
Ahaha.
Chisato
Um, could I tell you all something?
Mio
Ah, Chisato-san, thank you for all your hard work out there. I was able to enjoy it thanks to you.
Chisato
Fufu, I am very glad to hear that... However, don't you think you relied a bit too much on Aya-chan?
Mio
... Huh?
Chisato
I do agree that everyone in the studio seemed to be having a great time, but that was all thanks to Aya-chan's actions.
Aya
Umm, Chisato-chan...?
Chisato
For your own sake, you would do well to remember that fact from now on.
Aya
Chisato-chan, it wasn't just me! ViVidCanvas also—
Chisato
And while seniority may not matter, that is only when we are on camera. Now that the show is over, some modicum of respect is in order, I believe.
VividCanvas
...
Eve
Ch-Chisato-san, did something upset you?
Chisato
Oh... I-I am sorry...
Chisato
It is just that this has been something that has been bothering me... Seniority is important in show business, after all.
Chisato
Even if we do not mind, they will be the ones who will suffer as a result when they work alone... It is our duty to teach them properly, do you not think...?
Aya
I-I guess so... It's not like we'll always be working together, I suppose...
Chisato
You also would do well to remember, Aya-chan.
Aya
Umm, me...?
Chisato
There is nothing wrong with being friendly, but being friendly will not help you survive in the harsh entertainment industry.
Chisato
Whether you want to or not, this is a place where we must compete against each other.
Chisato
If we are to continue succeeding as idols, it means we must always continue to triumph over our competition.
Aya
What... are you saying...?
Chisato
If you keep treating everyone like a friend, the time will most likely come when you will no longer receive any job offers.
Maya
Ch-Chisato-san, I'm sorry! This is all my fault for telling them seniority doesn't matter! It was short-sighted of me...
Maya
So please don't scold ViVidCanvas...
VividCanvas
...
Mio
W-we're sorry too... Chisato-san...
Chisato
... I-I am the one who should apologize. It bothered me a little for some reason... I must be more tired than I thought...
Hina
Ohh, that was really awesome, Chisato-chan~! It was like you were back to your old self!
Hina
It was really boppin'♪
Chisato
H-Hina-chan...
Hina
Oh, I know. You became mad because they were teasing Aya-chan, right?
Chisato
N-no... Not exactly...
Hina
Are you sure~? But you were really angry. Why were you in such a bad mood? I wanna know~.
Chisato
I-I was not upset either. I'm really sorry. I seem to have ruined the mood.
Hina
Well, I don't really care either way. I like the old you, too~. Hey, Aya-chan! It was kinda like old times, wasn't it?
Aya
(This is a world... of competition...)
Aya
(I never really considered things like that... Maybe my way of thinking has been naive...)
Hina
Hey, are you listening?
Aya
Oh, sorry! I was a bit preoccupied. What did you just say...?
Hina
Hey, at least listen, will you~? I said Chisato-chan was—
Chisato
...
Kanon
Mmm, the weather today is so lovely~. It makes you sleepy, doesn't it?
Chisato
...
Kanon
Chisato-chan...?
Chisato
Oh, I'm sorry.
Kanon
By the way, yesterday's All Fun and Games was really good. I laughed so much while watching it.
Chisato
Ah... You watched it?
Kanon
Those new girls were so cute. A lot of people on social media were talking about them.
Kanon
They said something about the girls being featured on the cover of some magazine, and that they were going to be in a commercial. They're called ViVidCanvas, right?
Chisato
Y-yes... I'll pass on what you told me. I'm sure it will make them happy.
Kanon
My favorite part was the one with gestures... Charades, was it? Each time it became Aya-chan's turn, people kept guessing the wrong words... Fufufu, just thinking about it makes me laugh...
Chisato
The show was very well-edited. The staff did a good job of showcasing everyone's strengths.
Kanon
It sounds like you aren't too satisfied, though. You also seem to be a little tired lately...
Chisato
It's not that. It's just...
Chisato
On the day we recorded the show, I said some things I shouldn't have... It has made things awkward between myself and ViVidCanvas.
Kanon
... Was it that bad?
Chisato
Yes. For the last few days, I have been regretting what I said and wondering what made me say those things in the first place.
Kanon
Chisato-chan...
Chisato
Fufu... I am sorry to bother you about my work when it doesn't really even concern you...
Kanon
It's alright. You don't have to apologize. You can talk to me about anything. I'll do whatever I can to help.
Kanon
And I don't know what you said at the time, but...
Kanon
If you said it, I'm sure you had a good reason for doing so.
Chisato
... Thank you, Kanon. Your words mean a lot to me.
Chisato
(The reason I became so emotional on that day wasn't just because of what happened during the show...)
Chisato
(I'm sure it was because of that interview...)
Aya
Let me search All Fun and Games... Ah, look, look! So many people are posting about it!
Eve
Yes, they are! I am very glad everyone seems to have enjoyed the show!
Aya
The day after we do a concert or TV show, I get the urge to check what people are saying on social media...
Eve
I can see why! Hagumi-san, Tae-san, and people in class kept telling me their thoughts about All Fun and Games.
Aya
You too? The reception was really positive, wasn't it~?
Eve
Everyone especially liked the part where you did charades! Even the show's staff said they would like to do it again!
Aya
I-it was kinda embarrassing to do for me, you know...?
Eve
Ah! Look! This person says they became a fan of ViVidCanvas! We should let the three of them know!
Aya
Hm? This person... They used to have a Pastel✽Palettes profile picture just the other day...
Eve
It is ViVidCanvas' Mio-san now...
Aya
O-oh well, it can't be helped! It's up to the fans to decide who they want to support anyway!
Aya
Since ViVidCanvas is our sister group, I should be happy for them!
Eve
But we should still work harder so that this person will go back to using Pastel✽Palettes as their profile picture!
Aya
Agreed!
Aya
(This must be the competition Chisato-chan was talking about the other day...)
Aya
(Whether we want to or not, we will be forced to compete...)
Aya
... Hm? Yay! They posted!
Eve
What is it, Aya-san?
Aya
There's a Pastel✽Palettes fan who always checks us out, and they post supportive messages whenever we do things like a concert.
Aya
Just seeing their posts gives me energy.
Aya
There are still lots of people who continue to support us! I need to keep trying even harder!
Eve
Umm, Aya-san... There is something that has been on my mind. Would you be willing to listen?
Aya
Something's on your mind...? Is it... Chisato-chan, by any chance?
Eve
Yes, it is... There is an awkward air between her and ViVidCanvas.
Aya
Given what happened, I'm not surprised...
Aya
We've gotten together a few times since then, but it feels like they're both tiptoeing around each other...
Eve
Even when we recorded All Fun and Games yesterday, things did not get as exciting as they did the first time.
Eve
And I am not certain... but Chisato-san seems distressed.
Aya
Yeah... I get the same feeling too.
Aya
I think it's all my fault. She never would have had to say what she did if I had done a better job as their senior.
Aya
Jeez, I'm such an idiot!
Eve
If I may! We should do what we can to make everyone smile the next time we meet!
Aya
You're right. We should do what we can, even if it's just a little bit at a time!
Aya
Yeah! Let's do it, Eve-chan! I feel so motivated now~!
Eve
Let us do our best, Aya-san!
Aya
I-I'm sorry for being late!
Hina
What took you so long, Aya-chan~? You just barely made it in time~.
Aya
S-sorry! I had some trouble getting ready.
Maya
Beginning today, we're finally going to start practicing our new song together. Let's do our best!
Eve
It shall be done!
Maya
Let's see, I'm sure all of us got the score for our new song, but has everyone had a chance to practice?
Eve
Of course! Our new song is powerful and full of bushido, right, Chisato-san?
Chisato
Bushido...? Is it?
Maya
I don't know if it was bushido, but the chorus does give me this image of a fresh wind blowing.
Hina
True, that part does feel fwooshy! Or maybe it's more like a fwhip-whip-whip~.
Maya
I don't know which of those it will be... But I would like to discuss the imagery today!
Maya
It's time to begin the process of making this song our own! We'll deepen our understanding of our new song by bringing together our images and interpretations!
Aya
Yeah! Let's do this, guys!
Eve
Chisato-san, what did you think of the new song? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Aya
Yeah, I wanna hear them too!
Chisato
Hmm, in my case... Compared to our previous son—
Aya
Hm? Hello...?
Staff
Ah, looks like you're all here! Great! Come on in, ViVidCanvas.
Chisato
...
Hina
Ohh, I didn't know you guys were here~!
Mio
Hello, thanks for all your hard work...
Aya
Um, yeah, hi! ... Well, I only just got here myself, so it's not like I've done much today...
Eve
We are about to begin training for our concert. Would you like to join us? We could do a joint rehearsal!
Mio
B-but...
Staff
Ah, that's perfect! There happens to be something I would like to discuss concerning your next concert.
Aya
What could that be...?
Hina
Isn't it obvious from the situation?
Aya
Huh? I have no clue, actually...
Hina
I bet you're gonna say you want the trainees to be a part of our next concert... right?
Chisato
...?!
Staff
Astute as always, Hina-san! This makes things easier! ViVidCanvas has been steadily gaining popularity and will even be appearing in a commercial!
Staff
The agency doesn't want to miss this opportunity. That's why we are thinking of having them make their surprise concert debut at your next concert!
Chisato
They'll be performing at our show...
Aya
A surprise debut...?!
Staff
If ViVidCanvas shows up at the concert's climax, everyone will be talking about it! And that's why we would like your permission to make it happen.
VividCanvas
Please let us perform with you!
Hina
Whoa~, sounds fun! I'm okay with it~.
Maya
It's true that the number of ViVidCanvas fans is on the rise. That kind of a stunt will get the crowd excited for sure!
Eve
Concerts are a place where you must do or die! Mio-san, Serina-san, Shino-san! Let us work together and do our best!
VividCanvas
Yes! Thank you very much!
Maya
Pardon me, I do have one question... What song will ViVidCanvas be performing?
Maya
It's my understanding that they don't have a song of their own yet...
Staff
Yes, while they do have the song they sang as trainees, we came to the conclusion that, among other things, it will lack impact...
Staff
That's why we would like to have them sing a Pastel✽Palettes song!
Chisato
One of our songs...?!
Staff
Partly due to ViVidCanvas' earnest request, the agency would like to have them perform "Hanamaru◎Andante."
Mio
Aya-san, seeing you sing "Hanamaru◎Andante" during the last concert filled us with the hope and courage to become idols.
Mio
We want to become the kind of idols that can do what you did for us!
VividCanvas
Please let us sing "Hanamaru◎Andante"!
Hina
Huh, so the trainees are gonna sing our song... Interesting... Hey, does this kinda stuff happen often?
Staff
It's not uncommon in the idol industry to have a sister group sing the same son—
Chisato
I do not want them to...
Aya
Huh? Chisato-chan...?
Chisato
I do not want them to sing one of our songs! I will not give my permission!
Staff
Ch-Chisato-san, please allow me to explain. The aim of the agency is to have ViVidCanvas sing Pastel✽Palettes' song in order t—
Chisato
I do not want to hear about it! Pastel✽Palettes is...
Chisato
We're not going to stand around and make them look better!
Mio
...!
Serina & Shiho
...
Aya
Ch-Chisato-chan...
Chisato
I am feeling unwell. I would like to be excused. Good day...
All
...!
Aya
Huh?! Chisato-chan?! W-wait!
- Aya
Ch-Chisato-chan! Wait!
- Chisato
Aya-chan...
- Aya
I'm sorry... This is all my fault...
- Aya
I didn't set a good example for ViVidCanvas, so you had to—
- Maya
It's not your fault, Aya-san! It was my short-sightedness and irresponsibility! I shouldn't have told them to forget about seniority...
- Maya
Chisato-san... I'm really sorry.
- Chisato
Did all of you come after me...?
- Eve
Of course we did! Our hearts beat as one!
- Hina
The trainees also wanted to come, but I told them now wasn't a good time.
- Chisato
I see... It seems I have made all of you worry.
- Chisato
It makes me realize just how miserable and pathetic I am.
- Aya
Don't say things like that, Chisato-chan! You were only trying to cover for me when you said those things to ViVidCanvas—
- Chisato
No, that is not it... That is not it at all...
- Eve
Then what is it that has upset you, Chisato-san? Please tell us! We do not want to just sit by and watch you suffer!
- Chisato
At this point, I probably should tell you...
- Chisato
The reason I was upset on the day we recorded the show was for a very personal reason...
- Aya
A personal... reason...?
- Chisato
Yes. Before the show, do you remember how I mentioned I had an interview for a special program?
- Hina
Ah, yeah, you did say something like that. What does that have to do with anything, though?
- Chisato
The title of that program was "Former Famous Child Actors - What Are They Up to Now?"
- Maya
Huh...? "Former Famous Child Actors"...? W-wait, were you featured on that show?
- Chisato
No, the person being interviewed was an old friend I used to work with.
- Chisato
She is five years older than me, so I suppose you could say she was more like an older sister figure to me than a friend.
- Chisato
She was the one who took me under her wing right after I joined the entertainment industry. We saw each other nearly every day for about half a year.
- Chisato
Even after we stopped seeing each other, she continued to receive many jobs. She even got to appear in a commercial. There was barely a day when she was not on TV...
- Chisato
At least until it happened...
- Aya
... What?
- Chisato
During the interview for the program, we were asked to share memories of our time together from back then.
- Chisato
When she transitioned to upper elementary, she asked her agency to reduce her workload so that she could have more time to study. They agreed, quite willingly.
- Chisato
At first, she was glad she had more time to study. However, as time went on, she started to have more and more time to herself... Until one day, her schedule became empty.
- All
...
- Chisato
I was trembling through the whole interview...
- Chisato
There was very little that differed between us. And that meant...
- Chisato
It very well could have been me in her place...
- Chisato
Just thinking of that possibility... filled me with fear... I pressed my legs down with my hands so that nobody would notice the trembling.
- Chisato
I had a feeling the people recording the show wanted it to be some kind of touching reunion, but I was determined not to give them any tears.
- Aya
...
- Chisato
She and I spoke with each other for a bit after the interview.
- Chisato
We had not seen each other in years, but she was so very kind and just as I remembered.
- Chisato
She told me she had retired from show business and that she had found a new goal to pursue.
- Chisato
However... She also said her life may have turned out differently if she had not asked the agency to reduce her workload.
- Chisato
Ever since that interview, I cannot stop myself from shaking!
- Chisato
I know in my heart that, as someone more experienced than ViVidCanvas, it is my responsibility to work with and help them.
- Chisato
But after seeing firsthand how terrifying and ruthless this industry is, I...
- Chisato
I just couldn't take it when I heard they were going to be singing our song.
- Chisato
I felt like we would lose the place where we belong...
- Chisato
Ugh, I am truly pathetic. Even I'm annoyed with myself.
- Maya
I see... So that's what happened...
- Eve
What happened after that...?
- Chisato
We shook hands briefly and went our separate ways. I wanted to ask her how I could keep in touch, but I couldn't do it for some reason...
- All
...
- Hina
Well, that makes sense~. In this line of work, popularity tends to be short-lived. I guess it means there's just no telling when we'll also become famous former idols.
- Hina
I mean, new idols practically come and go every day.
- Hina
That's what the world of show business is. You never know what's gonna happen. It makes you realize just how amazing this industry is.
- Aya
No... I don't want that...
- Maya
Aya-san...
- Aya
I don't want that to happen...
- Aya
Sigh...
- Mio
Huh? I have no idea what that's supposed to be! Is that a bon dance? It looks just like the gesture you did during our last show...
- Aya
No, no! Look carefully! Like this and... This!
- Serina
It still looks the same to me~! Aya-san, please give us a proper clue!
- Aya
I-I am~. Can't you tell what it is? Like this... and that!
- Shino
I-I'm sorry. I still don't get it! Your gestures are too confusing!
- Aya
(The editing staff did a really amazing job... Even though everyone was struggling to be cheerful that time, it doesn't look that way at all...)
- Aya
Sigh~...
- Aya
(All I wanted to do was be idols together with ViVidCanvas...)
- Aya
Maybe that way of thinking was naive...
- Aya
Mio-chan... Serina-chan... Shino-chan...
- Aya
They're all really nice girls...
- Aya
Is competing against them the only way I can continue being an idol...?
- Aya
What am I supposed to do...? I can't think of anything...
- Aya
Oh, I know...
- Aya
I'll do a search on us...
- Aya
... Hm? These posts...
- Aya
"ViVidCanvas is so adorable! I'm gonna switch over to them from Pastel✽Palettes", "I hope ViVidCanvas shows up at Pastel✽Palettes' concert~", "Pastel✽Palettes is so yesterday".
- Chisato
I felt like we would lose the place where we belong...
- Hina
I guess it just means there's no telling when we'll also become former famous idols.
- Aya
I'm scared... I'm so scared...
- Aya
(I wonder how our fans see us now...)
- Aya
(What am I supposed to do...?)
- Aya
Somebody... please tell me...
- Sayo
I see. So that is what happened...
- Hina
Yeah~. It's been a while since we had a major crisis like this~.
- Hina
Even I was pretty unsettled by Chisato-chan's story.
- Sayo
If you are feeling that way, Maruyama-san must be taking it even harder.
- Hina
Yeah, she seemed pretty shocked. I mean, she really went out of her way to look after the trainees, you know?
- Hina
It was like she has no idea what to do anymore.
- Hina
Aya-chan was always the one to say, "Let's do our best" to them.
- Sayo
Let's do our best...
- Hina
Hm? What is it?
- Sayo
It is nothing. It just reminded me of something.
- Hina
Reminded you of what? Please tell me!
- Sayo
I doubt you would understand even if I did. What I can say is...
- Sayo
"Let's do our best" is a phrase that someone who is always in a higher position gets to say to someone in a lower position.
- Sayo
Whoever the words are directed at has to struggle desperately to even get to the point where they can do something together.
- Hina
Huh?
- Sayo
Otherwise, their spirit would feel like breaking... They have to do anything and everything they can without any regard for how they may appear.
- Sayo
The trainees you mentioned are also most likely desperately trying to get to where you are.
- Hina
So they have to struggle just so that we can do our best...? Huh? That doesn't make any sense. I don't get it.
- Sayo
That is why I said you would not understand.
- Sayo
... Anyhow, Hina. What is it that you want to do?
- Hina
Hmm, I don't really know either~.
- Hina
I don't mind doing a concert with them, but I did have this unpleasant feeling when I heard they were going to sing one of our songs.
- Hina
I wonder what that feeling was? Do you know?
- Sayo
I... think I do.
- Hina
Really?! You do?! What is it? Please tell me!
- Sayo
It would not do you any good for me to just give you the answer. I also could be wrong. Only you can answer that question, Hina.
- Sayo
If you do not know what that feeling is, why don't you try to find out?
- Hina
Hm...?
- Sayo
The ability to enjoy the things you do not understand is part of what makes you who you are, right?
- Hina
The ability to enjoy the things... I don't understand...
- Hina
...! Oh, yeah! You're right! Not knowing is what makes things fun!
- Hina
You're amazing! You know me so well~!
- Sayo
S-stop hugging me, Hina. You're choking me.
- Hina
Thanks so much~! I love you so, so, so, so much~!
- Maya
Sigh~...
- Maya
(There's no denying now that there's a wide divide between us and ViVidCanvas...)
- Maya
(I know there's the business with Chisato-san, but none of this would've happened if I hadn't told them to ignore seniority...)
- Maya
Why did I have to say that...? Sigh~.
- Hina
Ah, I spy a Maya-chan~!
- Maya
Whoa, Hina-san...
- Hina
What's with the sighing? You've got such an unboppin' look on your face~.
- Maya
S-sorry... I just found myself thinking about what happened the other day...
- Hina
The situation did get pretty tense, huh~? Then there were all the heavy things Chisato-chan said.
- Maya
Y-yeah... Are you okay even after everything that happened, Hina-san?
- Hina
Well, even I had to do some thinking. I talked to my sister about it.
- Maya
You talked to Sayo-san...?
- Hina
Yep! I was feeling pretty down until I did, but talking about it with her helped cheer me up.
- Hina
She really is so amazing~.
- Maya
Sigh~, you're so lucky. All I've been doing is sighing.
- Maya
I still don't know what to do...
- Hina
Oh~, then we're in the same boat! I don't know what to do either!
- Maya
... Huh? You don't know either...?
- Hina
Yeah, but my sister reminded me that I'm someone who can enjoy what I don't understand!
- Hina
Hey, why don't we try to figure it out together? Just worrying about it isn't gonna solve anything anyway!
- Hina
You might as well enjoy not knowing!
- Maya
Enjoy... not knowing...
- Maya
I-I see... It's true that just worrying about it won't accomplish anything...
- Maya
Alright... Let's try putting our heads together!
- Maya
I think you can say there are currently two main issues.
- Hina
Agreed~. One is the seniority issue between the trainees and us. The other one is the song they're going to be performing at our concert.
- Maya
They're both complicated, but they are what's at the root of the problem.
- Hina
Honestly, I'm not all that bothered about the whole seniority thing. I like the girls and find them interesting.
- Hina
What made me feel uncomfortable was finding out they'd be doing one of our songs.
- Hina
I wonder what gave me that weird feeling, though.
- Maya
Isn't it because the song is ours and means something to us...?
- Hina
Yeah, but it's not like we wrote the lyrics or composed the music. We weren't the ones that made it.
- Maya
Well, I guess so... But that was also why we spent a lot of time talking about it and trying to bring together the different ways each of us saw the song...
- Hina
So you're saying the unpleasant feeling I had will go away once the trainees have the same discussion?
- Hina
I dunno. That doesn't feel like that's it~.
- Maya
Yeah... I don't think so either...
- Tsugumi
Ah, Hina-senpai, Maya-senpai! Hello!
- Hina
Ohh, Tsugu-chan!
- Maya
Hello.
- Tsugumi
Is everything okay? You both had very serious looks on your faces...
- Maya
Uhh... that's because Pastel✽Palettes has a bit of a complicated problem.
- Tsugumi
Hm? What do you mean...?
- Hina
Oh, yeah! Maybe you could help us out, Tsugu-chan! You don't mind if I tell her, right, Maya-chan?
- Maya
Of course I don't. I'd love to be able to get another opinion...
- Tsugumi
Uhh, I'm not sure I'll be much use with something that's giving both of you trouble...
- Hina
But you wouldn't abandon us, right~? It's the job of the student council to help out fellow students, isn't it~?
- Tsugumi
A-are you sure you should be saying that as the student council president...?
- Tsugumi
But alright! I'll do what I can to help! After all, I have a lot of respect for the two of you!
- Maya
Thank you, Hazawa-san!
- Tsugumi
I see. So that's what's happening...
- Hina
Yeah~. I don't really get why the thought of having them sing our song made me feel uncomfortable~.
- Tsugumi
Well... I think I understand a bit.
- Hina
Oh?! You do?!
- Tsugumi
That feeling...
- Tsugumi
It might be a bit similar to what we felt when we gave you guys "Y.O.L.O!!!!!"
- Maya
...! Th-that makes sense! I can see why!
- Maya
C-could you tell us more?
|Maya|
- Hina
This is my first time on Afterglow's turf~! Ahaha~♪
- Tsugumi
Please don't call it our turf!
- Maya
What do you mean by that?
- Tsugumi
I-it's nothing! It really is nothing! By the way, I've already given everyone a brief explanation...
- Hina
Hey guys. Thanks for coming.
- Ran
It's fine. It's not like we can say no to a summons from the student council president...
- Maya
We're really sorry we had you come all the way here. Could you tell us about "Y.O.L.O!!!!!"?
- Ran
I'm not sure where to begin, but...
- Ran
It did feel sad to give you guys "Y.O.L.O!!!!!" It felt like our song was going to become someone else's.
- Tomoe
We'd never experienced anything like it before, so we did have mixed feelings.
- Himari
Yeah, even during recording, things felt a bit different from normal.
- Moca
Hii-chan, you were crying, weren't you?
- Himari
W-was I...?
- Tsugumi
I don't remember if she was crying, but it felt like our song was becoming somebody else's, right?
- Hina
Yeah, I think that's what I'm feeling now.
- Ran
But we knew you'd take good care of it, so we felt confident about giving it to you guys in the end.
- Himari
True! There was that for sure.
- Tomoe
And when we heard your version of "Y.O.L.O!!!!!" for the first time, I was blown away!
- Moca
It really was something~. It was like we met a different "Y.O.L.O!!!!!" from the one we knew~.
- Ran
We probably wouldn't have been satisfied if you had tried to copy our way of performing it.
- Ran
But your version told a totally different story from our "Y.O.L.O!!!!!"
- Maya
Is that so...?
- Ran
We all had faith you guys would be able to do that.
- Tsugumi
Because we trusted you, we were excited to see what kind of a song you would turn it into.
- Maya
I see... Interesting. What you've said makes sense...
- Hina
Hm? What is it, Maya-chan?
- Maya
I think there's a part of us that doesn't fully have faith in ViVidCanvas...
- Maya
We don't trust them to tell a different story with their "Hanamaru◎Andante."
- Hina
Now that you mention it... that might be it!
- Hina
When I think of how they're going to perform it, I keep imagining an inferior copy of Aya-chan's version.
- Hina
I can see them trying to copy the way Aya-chan dances and sings.
- Maya
I know what you mean! Aya-san can be really magnetic that way!
- Hina
It's not like there's a rule that says "Hanamaru◎Andante" has to be sung her way.
- Hina
Only Aya-chan can be Aya-chan. The trainees aren't her!
- Maya
You know, I think that would be bad for ViVidCanvas as well...
- Maya
Because if they do that, they'll be compared to her directly...
- Hina
Then they wouldn't stand a chance~...
- Maya
In that case...
- Maya
We just need to have them find a way to sing their own version!
- Maya
One that tells a different story from ours!
- Hina
I like that! I'm starting to feel really boppin'~♪
- Hina
Now that that's been decided, let's have them meet us!
- Maya
What?! You mean now?!
- Hina
We're their seniors, after all~! Remember what Chisato-chan said. Seniority is important in show business! That means they can't say no.
- Maya
I-I don't think Chisato-san meant it quite that way...
- Maya
In any case, we need to get rid of these bad feelings quickly! Let's get in touch with them! Where do you think we should meet?
- Hina
How does the agency sound?
- Maya
Hmm, I don't think that'd be a good idea. If ViVidCanvas and Chisato-san run into each other, things might get even more complicated.
- Hina
True, then...
- Maya
I know a good place we can meet!
- Maya
Thank you so much for talking to us, Hazawa-san and everyone else!
- Hina
Nice job, Tsugu-chan~!
- Tsugumi
Fufufu, thank you. It means a lot!
- Aya
(I wonder what people thought of yesterday's upload... Checking social media used to be part of my routine, but now...)
- Aya
(What if there are more people who aren't using Pastel✽Palettes profile pics anymore...? What if people are saying bad things about us...?)
- Aya
I'm so afraid...
- Eve
Aya-san, are you okay?
- Aya
Eve-chan...
- Eve
I saw you from the classroom window...
- Eve
Is there anything I can do to help?
- Aya
S-sorry... I know this isn't like me... I know it, but it's just...
- Eve
Ah! Why don't we go see the set of samurai armor at Ryuseido? Seeing it will surely make you feel better!
- Aya
Thanks... This is my first time feeling this way... I have no idea how to deal with it.
- Aya
Until just a few days ago, I was so excited to check out social media with you... But now, it scares me...
- Aya
When I think of how our fans must think of us... my finger refuses to move...
- Aya
Eve-chan... I... I'm not a former famous idol yet, am I?
- Eve
You must be strong! You... We... are not former famous idols!
- Eve
We are still here as members of Pastel✽Palettes!
- Aya
You're always so strong... Why am I so hopeless...?
- Eve
You are incorrect! I am not... strong...
- Aya
... What?
- Eve
I am also consumed by fear. And I know how weak I am!
- Eve
That is why I am drawn to the warrior's strength! I want to become stronger!
- Aya
Eve-chan...
- Eve
We must muster our courage and see what people are saying! Our fears may be unfounded, and our imagination may be what is preventing us from seeing that!
- Eve
It happens a lot during kendo matches.
- Eve
Before a match, an opponent may appear stronger than they are. However, once a match starts and you lock swords, you are able to see their true skill.
- Eve
But we do not know... and that is what must be causing our fear!
- Aya
Our fear is being caused by not knowing... I get it now... I think you're right.
- Aya
I'm still afraid, but I have to take a step forward... After all, that's how I've always done things.
Chisato
...
Chisato
(What made me so emotional...?)
Chisato
(I knew I had become extremely nervous ever since the interview, but...)
Chisato
I do not want them to sing one of our songs! I will not give my permission!
Chisato
We're not going to stand around and make them look better!
Chisato
Under normal circumstances, I should have been able to remain calm... Then why...?
Chisato
(I do not know...)
Chisato
(But because I do not know, I want to understand how I felt at the time... No, I have to understand.)
Chisato
Sigh... But for now, I should be practicing for our concert.
Chisato
Hello, do you mind if I use the studio for a bit? I would like to get some practice.
Staff
Ah, Chisato-san... Hello. Uhh, let me go check... Please wait here.
Chisato
Thank you...
Chisato
(Judging from the way they are acting, it appears rumors of what happened have already spread among the staff...)
Staff
Oh, by the way, some fan mail for you arrived. I left it on the office table! I'll go and check on the studios now.
Chisato
If I knew I was going to make everyone worry, it would have been better if I had borrowed a studio on my own...
Chisato
... Hm? Is this the fan mail?
Chisato
This is...?!
Chisato
Dear Chisato-chan. Thank you so much for making time for my sake. I really enjoyed seeing you for the first time in ten years!
Chisato
To tell you the truth, this wasn't the first time that a TV station has reached out to me for an interview, but I had said no each time.
Chisato
It's really embarrassing to be featured on a show about former celebrities, after all...
Chisato
But I decided to accept this time on the condition that they would let me see you.
Chisato
What...?
Chisato
You were always like a little sister to me, and I wanted you to see me as I am now. I also wanted to thank you personally.
Chisato
Just as Pastel＊Palettes has become your dream, I've also found my own dream that I'm working towards.
Chisato
It always gives me so much strength to see the little girl who used to follow me around pursue her own dreams alongside her friends!
Chisato
Thank you so much!
Chisato
I will always be cheering for you and Pastel＊Palettes!
Chisato
... Sniff.
Chisato
... Sniff...
Chisato
(Pastel＊Palettes is... my dream...)
Chisato
(I have always been someone who has chased goals that were within reach, but for the first time, I am looking at something far off in the distance...)
Chisato
(And that something is forever remaining a member of Pastel＊Palettes...)
Chisato
I found my dream and did not even know it...
Chisato
(What I was trying so desperately to protect was not just Pastel＊Palettes...)
Chisato
(What I was truly trying to protect was my newfound dream...)
Chisato
...!
Mio
I would like to try acting in addition to being an idol because acting has always been my dream.
Mio
I look up to Chisato-san, so I would love to make that come true someday.
Chisato
(In my desperation to protect my own dream...)
Chisato
(I might have been trying to destroy theirs...)
Chisato
I have done something unforgivable...
Chisato
People who are certain of their dreams are supposed to be more confident...
Chisato
... Yes, just like her...
Chisato
... Hm? There is a return address...
Chisato
(I could not ask for a way to get in touch before, but now, I can do just that...)
Chisato
...
Chisato
E-excuse me! I would like to speak to one of the staff.
Maya
Here, I've brought some drinks. Let's take a short breather!
Mio
Okay. Thank you very much...
Hina
Hey, are you sure it's okay for us to use your place?
Maya
It's totally fine! I figured my place would work better anyway. I imagine it'll be late by the time we're done discussing what we're about to talk about.
Maya
I know it was sudden, so thanks for coming, everyone.
Hina
You guys were together practicing "Hanamaru◎Andante," right?
Serina
Yes. We were studying Aya-san's footage so that we could put on a performance that all of you would approve of.
Hina
That wouldn't work! Aya-chan's Aya-chan!
Mio
Huh...?
Maya
For example, let's take the short phrase from the chorus, "I'll be okay." You and Aya-san most likely wouldn't be directing it at the same people.
Maya
As a result, the way you'll say the phrase and the things you'll be trying to convey will be different. You simply can't see what Aya-san sees.
Maya
That's why what you need to do is sing a "Hanamaru◎Andante" that only you can sing!
Hina
Out of curiosity, who are you thinking of when you sing that part?
Mio
I want to be able to direct it at... the audience.
Serina
For me, it would be my friends.
Shino
To myself... I guess?
Hina
See. It's totally different from Aya-chan.
Mio
Umm, who do Aya-san and the rest of you think of when you're singing that part...?
Maya
Us...?
Maya
We're thinking of everyone who's chasing their dreams.
ViVidCanvas
...?!
Maya
Huhehe... That's the scale Aya-san thinks at.
Hina
She's really interesting, isn't she~?
Aya
Things are a bit of a mess, but come on in.
Eve
Thank you.
Aya
S-sorry for dragging you into this...
Eve
No, I am glad I can be with you because I also feel nervous being alone!
Aya
Alright, I'm gonna check...
Eve
Yes! Onward!
Aya
Umm, let's see... I'll search for All Fun and Games. A-l-l F-u-n a-n-d G-a-m-e-s. There...
Eve
... Well? What are the responses like?
Aya
... It's as I thought. It feels like the number of people supporting ViVidCanvas has gone up.
Aya
Ah... This person's profile pic has also changed...
Eve
I see...
Aya
Ah, this person's hasn't changed though~! What a relief~.
Eve
This is the person who you said gives you energy, right? What did they write?
Aya
Uhh, they wrote... "Aya-chan, you didn't seem to have as much energy as usual during yesterday's All Fun and Games. I hope you're okay..."
Eve
Hm? You seemed like your usual self during yesterday's show.
Aya
Yeah, I thought so too... I was impressed by the work the editing crew did.
Aya
(Even I couldn't tell... How was this person able to...? Hm? It looks like there's more...)
Aya
You're someone who never gets discouraged, and you never give up. I'll always support you!
Aya
... How? These words...!
Ayumi
You're the one who is going to continue to be an idol, so I want you to become a greater idol than I was.
Ayumi
Don't worry. I know you can do it, Aya-chan. Do you know why...?
Ayumi
Because you never get discouraged, and you never give up...
Aya
...!
Eve
Wh-what is it?
Aya
I just remembered some very precious words... Something special that Ayumi-san said to me.
Eve
Do you mean the Ayumi-san from Marmalade that you look up to?
Aya
Wait, the owner of this account...
Aya
... Ooo... She's been watching over me...
Eve
Aya-san...? Are you crying?
Aya
Yeah, sorry... I got a bit emotional...
Aya
I was just thinking about how we're idols, and as idols, we always need to chase our dreams... But idols also help people dream.
Aya
I can't believe I'd forgotten something so obvious...
Aya
I even wrote it down in my Dream Notebook... right about here-
Eve
Hm? Aya-san...? Something just fell out...
Aya
... Hm? This...
Aya
It's the sunflower charm I bought when I auditioned with Chisato-chan...
Aya
...!
Aya
... That's it! I've got it!
Aya
Eve-chan... I understand now!
Eve
D-did you figure something out?! Please tell me!
Maya
Thank you for coming. I know it was sudden, but there's something I would like you to see...
Hina
Come on out, girls~!
Mio
Hello...
Serina & Shino
H-hello...
Chisato
Pardon me... Could I have a moment...?
Maya
Sorry, could whatever you have to say wait? I want to show what we've got before you do! Are you all ready?
ViVidCanvas
We are!
Hina
Alright, show them what you've got~!
Maya
(A "Hanamaru◎Andante" that paints a different picture from our version... This is the interpretation the girls arrived at after spending all of last night talking about it...)
Eve
(The core is the same, but the colors are different! This combination of colors is something that only ViVidCanvas can create!)
Aya
(This is amazing...! Incredible! This is ViVidCanvas' brand new "Hanamaru◎Andante!")
Chisato
(They've taken the lyrics in a totally different direction from us. Who would have thought "Hanamaru◎Andante" could be interpreted this way...?)
Chisato
This version... I...
Aya
(... I want to hear it at a concert!)
Maya
So, what did you think of ViVidCanvas' version?
Aya
Incredible! It was so good!
Hina
I know, right? I really like their version too!
Mio
Maya-san, Hina-san, thank you so much... I'm really grateful you asked us to come...
Mio
I think I've caught a glimpse of what our "Hanamaru◎Andante" is supposed to be!
Maya
Huhehe. That may be, but I'm sure you can do even better! You should keep aiming even higher!
ViVidCanvas
Right!
Chisato
... Excuse me.
Chisato
May I speak now?
Aya
Chisato-chan...
Chisato
ViVidCanvas...
Chisato
I put you through a lot of unpleasantness because of my own personal emotions... I am deeply ashamed of what I did.
Chisato
Even though idols are supposed to help people dream, I got in the way of your dreams just so that I could protect my own...
Chisato
I am truly sorry for what I did to you...!
Mio
...!
Chisato
I... would love to hear your "Hanamaru◎Andante" at our concert.
Aya
Chisato-chan...
Aya
C-could I say a few words too? There's something I figured out thanks to all of you.
Aya
As idols, we constantly have to strive to become greater than the idols that came before us...
Aya
Just as I want to become greater than Ayumi-san, I want you three to become greater than us!
Mio
Aya-san...
Aya
I think I've figured out what it means to be an idol... We're a story of continued growth, where we inherit the feelings and brightness of others while also passing on those same qualities.
Mio
Hm? A story of continued growth...?
Aya
Yeah! It's a story where everyone does their best and continues to grow by competing with others.
Aya
This isn't just Pastel＊Palettes' story either. It's a story that'll never end so long as idols exist.
Aya
And we're all a part of this grand tale. That's what I think.
Aya
That's why... Chisato-chan, here!
Chisato
Is that the sunflower charm from our audition...?
Aya
When we auditioned together, we were competing, but it also helped us improve.
Aya
Competition doesn't have to be about winning or losing. There are ways of competing that can help both sides grow.
Aya
I want to... No, I want us to compete so that idols everywhere can grow even more. That's the kind of story I want us to tell!
Chisato
Being an idol means being part of a never-ending story... Fufu, I feel I will never be able to outdo you, Aya-chan.
Maya
I-I never thought of us as being part of such a grand story! Th-this is so exciting!
Eve
To be an idol is to be part of an eternal saga of inheriting and passing on teachings! It is truly bushido!
Hina
Ahaha! You're a real riot, Aya-chan~! Only you would think of idols in that way!
Aya
Y-you think...?
Aya
Well...
Aya
It's probably because I just really love idols!
Maya
ViVidCanvas, you're a bit slow on the intro! Be sure you're right on time!
ViVidCanvas
Okay!
Aya
This will be right after the encore, so the audience will be really fired up!
Aya
Don't let their cheering drown out your singing! You want to deliver your song all the way to the people in the back!
Serina
O-okay! I'll try!
Hina
Ahaha. Even your advice is so you~.
Aya
Huh? Was it unclear?
Hina
Nah, I think it was fine. Even if you told them how to look at the crowd or move their hands, it'd just be your way of doing things.
Hina
You and the trainees do things differently, so they'll just have to do their best in their own way.
Chisato
Our "Hanamaru◎Andante" and their "Hanamaru◎Andante" are different.
Chisato
Even the way we are playing currently is different from how we usually do so.
Hina
Exactly! What she said!
Eve
I have to say I really love ViVidCanvas' version!
Maya
I know what you mean! We need to work even harder!
Aya
ViVidCanvas will introduce themselves after this part, right?
Maya
Yes. Then it'll be your turn to be MC, and then it'll be time for our new song.
Hina
Don't mess up the order, okay?
Aya
Don't worry, I won't~.
Chisato
In that case, I believe we should do a run-through of that part, starting with the introductions. I am sure you will feel more at ease that way, right, Aya-chan?
Aya
H-hey, I said I'll be fine. But maybe we should... just in case...
Eve
Alright, ViVidCanvas! Let's see those concert introductions!
Mio
C-concert introductions...?
Chisato
There is no need to overthink it. All you have to do is tell them how you are feeling right now.
Mio
What I'm feeling right now... Okay.
Mio
Umm... Hello, everyone. I'm Mio Serizawa, ViVidCanvas' leader.
Mio
I really love Pastel＊Palettes, so being able to sing "Hanamaru◎Andante" here together with them feels like a dream!
Mio
I hope to continue to grow alongside them as idols! And one day, I hope I get to be in a TV drama with Chisato-san!
Chisato
Fufu, I will be looking forward to that day. Serina-chan, I believe it is your turn next.
Serina
It is! Hi, everyone! I'm Serina Yamase, aka Seri-rin, the dream idol! Thanks for such an awesome, dream-like time!
Hina
Hey, you changed it again~! Didn't you say you were a fairy idol last time?
Serina
I just feel like dream idol suits me better, you know~? That's why I'm going to go with dream!
Hina
Well, if it works for you, great. And if it doesn't, you can just change it. But what's a dream idol anyway? I don't get it.
Serina
I-I'll leave that to your imagination! Shino, you're the last one up!
Shino
Okay! Hello, everybody! I'm ViVidCanvas' Shino Koganei.
Shino
My dream is to do a nationwide dome tour! Also, I want us to release an album as well as appear in Idol Festival♪
Maya
Y-you sure do cram in a lot of information into your introduction...
Eve
At least she mostly talked about her dreams this time!
Shino
Practicing with all of you made me think of all the things I'd like to do.
Hina
Now it's your turn to MC, Aya-chan! Alright, take it away~!
Aya
Huh?! Now?!
Hina
Yeah, you're less likely to mess up during the actual concert if you get a feel for how things will go now~.
Aya
T-true. Yeah... Okay then...
Aya
U-umm, ViVidCanvas is our sister group, and uh... we'll be doing our best together, so... yeah, dreams... and dreams...
Aya
Ah, what I'm trying to say is... our dream as idols is to do our best and continue glowing... I mean growing... and...
Aya
... Sigh. Can I get a do-over...?
Hina
Ahaha, that was even worse than usual~. Talk about stumbling over your words and not making any sense.
Serina
That was a fantastic fumble... Only you could do such a thing, Aya-san!
Chisato
... Serina-chan.
Serina
... ?!
Chisato
Very well put... Fufufu. I hope you do not mind if I say fantastic fumble when Aya-chan stumbles over her words from now on.
Serina
I-I'd be honored! Please do!
Chisato
Fufufu, let's start from "Hanamaru◎Andante" again then, shall we?
All
Okay!
Eve
Everything from "Hanamaru◎Andante" until Aya-san's MCing looks like it will go smoothly!
Aya
Err, I should probably have the MC part down by the day of our concert! Don't worry. I'll practice it!
Chisato
I am not worried at all. Anyhow, should we finally start practicing our new song, then?
Maya
Yes! With everything that's happened, we haven't gotten much practice, so let's make up for the time we've lost!
Eve
Of course! It is time to practice our new song, and I cannot wait to demonstrate my prowess!
Mio
Wait, you're starting now?
Eve
Yes! Today is the last day we can gather together before the concert. Therefore, we shall be having our training camp here!
Mio
T-training camp...? Does that mean you'll be sleeping over...?
Aya
The staff will be here, so you don't need to worry about us.
Mio
I-if it's alright with all of you, could you let us join too?
Chisato
Hmm... You will have to talk to the staff... And you should also contact your families.
Mio
Okay! So will you let us join if we get permission?
Aya
Y-yeah... Of course. It'd be a big help to have the three of you here.
Aya
Alright... Let's go with them to ask the staff.
Aya
Mmm~... Looks like we ended up staying up until morning, huh...? Yawn~.
Hina
But it was so worth it, wasn't it? Our new song feels so boppidy-bop-boppin'♪
Eve
We discovered so many things I have never felt before!
Maya
We were able to get a really good sense of the essence of the song! At a certain point, I wasn't even sleepy anymore!
Chisato
Oh, it looks like the sun has started to rise.
Aya
You're right! Wow! Look, guys! It's such a beautiful sunrise! It's so bright~.
Mio
I had no idea sunrises could be so beautiful... It's my first time seeing one.
Chisato
Look at the gradation of colors in the sky...
Maya
I'm so glad I'm sharing this view, not just with you guys, but also with ViVidCanvas!
Aya
Hey, about our concert... Let's make it the absolute best concert we can, okay?!
Aya
We'll do our best... Together!
All
Yeah~!
Aya
The cries for an encore are even louder than usual. Are you guys ready?
Eve
Yes, we are! How about you three?
ViVidCanvas
We're also ready!
Hina
Ohh, nice~. You guys are just raring to go!
Maya
It's time to show the audience your "Hanamaru◎Andante!"
ViVidCanvas
Yes!
Chisato
The crowd will surely go wild when you appear. Do not ever forget the atmosphere or the faces of the crowd cheering you on.
Mio
Why their faces...?
Chisato
Each member of the audience has different feelings they're trying to convey when they cheer for us.
Chisato
In order to receive those feelings, we have to look at their faces properly.
Chisato
At a certain point, everyone in Pastel＊Palettes started keeping this in mind, especially during concerts... Thanks to Aya-chan's influence.
Maya
That's actually why we have the lights turned on during encores. You should be able to see the faces of the audience clearly.
Aya
And don't forget the people all the way in the back, okay?
ViVidCanvas
Okay!
Aya
Alright, time for the encore!
Aya
That was ViVidCanvas~! Please give them a round of applause~!
Aya
Thank you so much for today. And thank you so much, ViVidCanvas!
Aya
Umm... Well...
Aya
...
Aya
A lot of things happened while preparing for this concert.
Aya
We had to face a fear we'd never dealt with before. There were even times where we couldn't take a step forward because we were so afraid.
Chisato
(Aya-chan...)
Chisato
The entire audience is being drawn to her... No matter where I look, everyone's eyes are on her...
Chisato
...?!
Chisato
(I-is that...?!)
Chisato
(... Fufufu. Thank goodness... It looks like the ticket I had the staff send made it...)
Chisato
(Right into her hands...)
Aya
But...
Aya
I'm so happy I get to see all of you here today!
Aya
Each of us will continue being idols in our own way, so please continue to support us!
Pastel＊Palettes
Please and thank you!
Aya
Do you guys like idols~?!
Aya
Alright, then please listen to our final song! "TITLE IDOL."
Chisato
(There is no telling what the future holds, but even so, I still want to understand...)
Chisato
(I know that what lies ahead will be a clear image of my dream, where I continue to be a part of Pastel＊Palettes!)
Hina
(Life's so fun because the future's unknown~.)
Hina
(I wonder what challenges we'll overcome together as a group? Just thinking about it makes me feel so boppidy-bop-boppin'♪)
Eve
(Even if the future cannot be known, I know we will be okay so long as we are together! We are all different, but the way we care about each other and Pastel＊Palettes are the same!)
Eve
(I shall guard you all so that we may pass the torch along in this unending saga!)
Maya
(The future is a mystery. That's why I have to come up with my own answer... Doing so will be my way of being an idol while still being true to myself!)
Maya
(It's okay if my answers are wrong. It's okay if things don't work out. Because being an idol is about walking that very path!)
Aya
(I'm not afraid anymore... I can keep going even though I don't know what'll happen... I feel it. I can feel everyone encouraging me.)
Aya
(That's why...)
Aya
(Everything will be okay...)
Aya
(We'll continue weaving the story of idols together!)
Mio
Just look at the stage... They're so radiant...
Serina
But someday... we'll have to become greater than them...
Shino
Let's do our best... so that we can also help other people dream!
Mio
... Yes! No matter how far off things may look right now, all we can do is give it our best! We'll just have to work harder, and harder... That's all we can do!
ViVidCanvas
Yeah~!
Aya
Great job out there, guys~!
Hina
Nice job~. You were on even more of a roll than usual, Aya-chan.
Eve
I thought so too! It was a wonderful performance.
Aya
Th-thanks~. But I still need to get better~. Didn't it feel like I stumbled a bit during the first song's intro? And there are a couple of other places I feel I messed up...
Maya
I did freak out for a moment during the first song, but other than that, I thought you were more or less perfect.
Aya
I'm not so sure~. What do you think, Chisato-chan?
Chisato
Hmm, I would like to review the video footage properly later, but for now, I am just relieved you made no mistakes when MCing.
Hina
Unlike the total mess of words you said during practice, you didn't stumble on your words at all.
Eve
Your training has clearly paid off! When did you come up with what you were going to say?
Aya
Hm? Oh, that...
Aya
It was improvised.
All
Huh?!
Aya
I-I tried to come up with things to say, but I just couldn't put them all into a cohesive sentence.
Chisato
I-I can't believe you managed to do that. You're not very comfortable with ad-libbing...
Maya
You know, Aya-san... You really are a natural-born idol.
Aya
I-I am...? I wonder if this means I'm growing as well.
Hina
Ah! From now on, why don't we have them add an MC segment where Aya-chan has to ad-lib?
Aya
Hina-chan?! I can't! There's no way I can do that!
Eve
I would be interested in seeing that! Let us have such a segment added!
Aya
Wait! Things just happened to work out today. I-
Hina
Ah! I just had a boppin' idea♪ Why don't we have the audience decide what Aya-chan has to talk about when she's MCing? I bet everyone will love it!
Maya
That seems more like something a rakugo storyteller would do...
Aya
H-hey, Chisato-chan, help me out~.
Chisato
Fufufu. I am sure you'll manage.
Aya
Ch-Chisato-chan~...
All
Hahahahaha.
Related Card Stories[]
