We really ended up getting into it, huh...

Yeah, time really flew by while we were there.

But playing with all those toys and games was very enjoyable.

Yeah.

It ended up being pretty fun.

Anyway, we all got what we need, so we should probably...

No, wait...!

Hm? What's up?

The plushie in that claw machine...

Isn't that Lazy Hippo?!

Lazy Hippo?

It's been all the rage on social media!

It's got this strange look of apathy on its face, but it works so well for some reason...

Yeah, I also remember seeing it online.

Some of our fans even said they really like its design.

People actually like that thing?

Yes, they do!

It's become so popular that the claw machines at most arcades are out of them.

So, can I go give this one a try?

I promise to be right back!

You promise to be right back?

Something tells me that you're going to come back whining about how you can't get it.

Oh, don't worry!

I've got Toya on my side!

Hey, don't make him do all the work.

I'll be the one operating the claw!

So, Toya, can you tell me where I should aim and stuff?

Yes, I'll do my best to help.

See? He said he'd help.

I guess we should let them do this.

Yeah, I guess...

But I still feel like this is going to take a while, so I'm gonna go buy some drinks. Want anything, Toya?

Ah, thank you.

Some coffee would be much appreciated.

If you're going, then I'll have some hot chocolate.

You're so shameless...

Anyway, Momoi, would you like anything?

Me? I'll...

Actually, Akito, I'll go with you.

Carrying all those drinks by yourself probably wouldn't be easy.

No, I should be fine...

I insist!

So, let's go!

O-Okay...

Thanks, you two!

I didn't think finding hot chocolate would be this hard...

I'm sorry, Momoi.

I didn't mean to make you fulfill her selfish request.

It's okay.

I actually also happen to be in the mood for some hot chocolate. So, let's see if they have some up on the next floor.

Thank you.

I sure hope they do...

...

Um, Akito?

Yes?

So, the thing is...

I've been meaning to tell you something.

Tell me?

Yeah, so...

When we were both still in junior high, do you remember us meeting on Vivid Street?

Yes, vividly.

Does that mean you also remember what I asked you to do that time?

Yes, I do.

I see...

Akito...

Thank you so much, for then until now. And also, I'm sorry.

...!

No, Momoi, you don't have to apologize.

Seriously, there's no call for that. Why would you...

I wanted to thank you because you've been a huge source of support for Ena.

She's back to trying to become an artist again, partly because she found the strength within herself...

But also, you and everyone in her group have played a huge role throughout this whole process.

So, thank you. For being there for my best friend.

And I want to apologize...

Because I know what I asked of you must have placed a burden on you.

Huh?

I said what I did back then just because you're family. I didn't realize.

I really am sorry.

I know it was inconsiderate of me to push it onto you.

It wasn't a burden, Momoi.

Really...?

Really.

After we talked that day, Momoi...

What you said ended up being the push I needed to try to keep helping her.

So, if anything, I'm grateful to you.

Plus, I have a feeling that she was able to pick herself back up again because she felt encouraged every time she saw you on screen somewhere.

So, thank you very much.

I see...

I was able to help both of you guys...

Yes, I can say that for certain.

Still, Momoi, I didn't expect to hear that you were basically feeling the same way as me.

Huh?

Ever since that day, I've also been meaning to thank you.

So, I really appreciate you creating this opportunity.

Hehe. I see.

Seriously, Ena doesn't realize just how lucky she is to have you as her brother!

I know, right?

And the same could be said about her best friend.

Anyway, Momoi...

Hm?

Please keep doing your best.

I don't really know anything about idols...

But I do believe that the work you do is able to encourage people like Ena.

Thanks!

Hehe. Being told that makes me want to try even harder this year!

While we're on the subject, Akito, you and your team are aiming to stand on top of the world, right?

Wait, you know about that?

Ena told me.

Including the part about going over to the United States.

I'm looking forward to seeing you become a globe-trotting artist. Maybe I should get your autograph now while I still can.

We're nowhere near that level yet.

During this trip, we're just going over to see someone we know perform in a show.

Still, that's great.

It's cool how you guys are thinking big and global!

Making that dream come true won't be easy, but I have a feeling that you and your team will succeed...

So, do your best.

I'll be rooting for you guys!

Yes, thank you very much.

(Thank goodness.)

(She got a chance to tell him how she feels.)