I don't think we even need to tally scores here. The BAD DOGS win! Talk about an awesome song...!

Hey, give us one more!

You gotta give us an encore!

Yeah! Just one more!

Looks like you've made some friends, BAD DOGS. What do you say, you two?

Why not?

We've still got plenty left in the tank too.

I see no problem with that.

Let's keep singing for as long as we can.

Alright, BAD DOGS, give us an encore!

<You guys, that was such an amazing show! The whole place was shaking because of all the cheering!>

Yeah, it was a good show, but we can't let that get to our heads...

Right.

We still have plenty of room for improvement.

<What?! Really?! You guys can relax a little now, right? Aren't you guys not practicing for a while either?>

<An said she's busy with stuff at home, and Kohane's gone off to that seaside school or something, so I feel like you guys can have some fun...>

Look, they're not skipping practice because they want to. We even said that we'd get right back to it once we can.

Yes, which is why we shouldn't let our guard down just because Azusawa and Shiraishi aren't here.

<You guys are so cool. That means I need to try harder too...>

E-Excuse me...!

You're Akito Shinonome, right?

Len, mind hiding for a bit?

<Okay!>

You're...

Remember me?

I'm Shota Hayashi. We used to play on the same soccer team in elementary school.

Oh...

Akito?

Yeah, I remember. It's been a while...

I'm glad you're doing so well! We haven't talked at all since you quit playing soccer.

Why are you here, anyway...?

Oh, right... I noticed you performing in that event just now and was wondering if I could ask you to do something...

Huh? You want us to do something?

Yeah! I want you guys to perform in the live concert for the Summer Festival!

The live concert for the Summer Festival?

It's called the Shibuya Summer Festival. Every year, we invite artists and performers to play in the concert...

Oh, that festival.

Weren't there like pro and amateur divisions for that?

Yeah, looks like we're on the same page! I'm actually also a part of the planning committee this year.

You are?

How...?

My brother's on the committee too, but he said that they needed more people. Then I ended up having to lead all the concert stuff...

And we just found out that our headliner for the amateur division can't make it...

So you were out looking for a replacement?

Exactly! Who would've thought I'd run into you like this, Akito...? You sounded amazing up there, so I'm sure you'd be able to make just a big a splash at the Summer Festival!

So please, I need you guys to perform! I'm begging you...!

I see...

By the way, do you know who else will be performing?

Yes, of course! Here's a list of all the groups.

Hey, hold up...

These guys are pretty much all dance teams.

Yes, this year we've primarily been inviting dance teams to perform in the amateur division.

I'm sure you noticed during today's event that we're singers and not really dancers.

I hate to say this, but I'm not sure we'd fit into the overall theme you've established...

Yeah. Everyone watching will want to see that sort of performance too, right?

I completely understand how you feel...! But the headliner was also a singing group and not exactly a dance team.

Our schedule has the amateur division headliner go right before the pros take the stage.

That's why we've reserved this slot just for someone that can really sing!

I see...

S-So, how about it?

I'm sure you two would be able to handle it...

...

I'm for participating in this event, Akito.

He gave a reasonable explanation as to why he picked us, complimented our singing ability and made it clear that he needs our help.

We even happen to be open just around the time of the festival too.

Right...

Does that mean...?!

But since we're gonna be surrounded by dance teams, we should include a little of that in our performance, right?

We have ages to prepare for this concert of yours, but you think we'll be ready in time?

No, you don't have to do that! We'd be more than happy with what you usually do...

It'll pretty much be just dance teams before us, right? We'd just be shortchanging the crowd if we get up there and don't dance at all.

It's just like you to think that, Akito...

But I have a feeling that our act will benefit from the addition of a few dance sequences, no?

We won't be able to practice singing as much, but it may help us down the road by learning to do something new like this...

...

(Something new. Something other than singing... Somewhere new might be a nice change of pace too...)

(And...)

Alright, we'll do it...

What?! You will?!

Thanks! You're a lifesaver...!

It looks like we have something to gain from this too.

But again, we're not shortchanging the crowd. If we're gonna be the headliners, we've gotta sing AND dance.

Reliable ol' Akito...

You haven't changed one bit since then.

Again, thanks. I'll do whatever I can to support you guys along the way too!

Alright, just make sure to tell us once you've got all the details worked out.

And now we're performing in the Summer Festival...

Yes, I'm looking forward to it.

You are?

Toya, does that mean you've...?

I am genuinely excited about performing in this event and plan on doing everything I can to make it a success.

However, it will also be my first time going to the Summer Festival, so I can't wait to see what it's like.

Alright, fine. Whatever...

<Hey, can I come out now...?>

Yes, you should be fine now.

Sorry about that, Len.

<No, don't worry about it!

But since you guys are going to the Summer Festival now, can I come with you?>

Sure, but we're not going just to have fun.

<I know!>

<But you're gonna be singing and dancing, right? So you'll be doing dance practices too?>

Yup.

<Then, can I help you with that?

I even just got a new pair of shoes.>

<They fit really nicely, so I'm thinking about turning them into my dancing shoes!>

Dancing shoes?

<Yeah, I was told that it's good to have several pairs of shoes for when you're working on complicated dance sequences!>

<Like this!>

Yes, I see. That's very cool.

<I know, right?!

I was saying how my old shoes were getting worn out, and KAITO just ended up giving me a brand-new pair!>

So that's what happened, huh?

Then why don't we practice in SEKAI?

And shoes just for dancing...

I never really thought about it, but can't we just use what we usually wear for this?

I've looked this up before and found that dancing shoes, such as ballet slippers, aren't necessarily made of anything special.

But it's also apparently good to choose them based on their lightness or purpose, such as if they can handle tough step sequences.

I had no idea...

I doubt our current shoes will hinder us in any way, but it may be good to have a separate pair if we do plan on getting better.

Maybe...

I'm not trying to copy Len, but it would be a source of motivation too.

Wanna go check some out after practice?

<Yay!

Tell me once you're done, alright?

I can't wait to see what you get!>

Okay, wanna call it a day?

Thanks for planning our after-party, Ena. It was really fun.

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Mizuki, but you're doing everything next time.

Haha. Well, if I have time...

Ugh...

(There's still this divide between us...

Normally, I wouldn't have to go as far as saying that I'd plan one of these to get it off the ground...)

(I even promised myself to just wait and see...)

Okay, I'm going home now.

Oh, yeah... Bye.

Bye bye!

Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to visit the CD shop on the way back, so I'll go with you until then, Mafuyu...

...

Is something wrong?

It's blocked...

They're doing construction.

Huh...?

You're kidding. This whole road's blocked until the main intersection? I have to figure out a different way back..

You know, it's sort of a scenic route, but wanna try going around and through that park over there? We can head straight for the station once we're out.

That's pretty far and it's still hot out, but I guess we don't have much of a choice...

I mean, you and Kanade don't get enough exercise anyway, right? It'll be good for you two.

You hardly look all that different from me, Mizuki. Don't put yourself up on a pedestal, alright?

Alright, alright.

Anyway, let's go!