Oh, what about this place?

It looks so new and sparkly! And it's right by the station!

It is, but this would put us over the budget too...

Huh?

You two are here pretty early.

Oh, good morning!

Let's make practice a good one!

You seem awfully excited, Minori.

Yes, I agree.

You're just overflowing with enthusiasm.

That's because I am! I've been coming up with all sorts of ideas for our event!

Hehe. That's great!

Be sure to tell us about them once we have a venue picked out!

By the way, what were you two just talking about?

We were looking for some candidate venues. We felt bad about having Hayakawa doing everything for us, and it's a good opportunity to learn more about the venues around here.

Unfortunately, we still haven't found a good place for us.

I see.

We actually tried looking for some staffing agencies that might be able to help us yesterday too.

You did?

Did either of you have any luck?

Well, we have some candidates, but things get pretty expensive around this time of year...

The increase in demand for all the events taking place between Christmas and New Year's in turn also causes prices to increase...

Money, huh...

Even after we talked about what kinds of things we want to do as MORE MORE JUMP!

Yes, but that discussion also came attached with each of being able to “pay our fair share”.

However, putting on an event is a completely different story...

Right. Booking a venue and hiring staff alone costs a lot of money...

Wait, what if I take all the money I've made from working and spend it here...!!

Oh? “All,” you say?

W-Well... A little, maybe... Haha...

If it's really starting to sound like we won't have enough, I could put in more and...

No! We already discussed that, didn't we? We each pay our fair share.

And I'm pretty sure that we've also talked about how it's not a good idea to make some work more than others.

Okay. Right...

Thanks, Airi.

With regards to booking a venue and staffing, we'll just have to wait for Nanamin to get back to us.

I understand. Hayakawa did mention that she needed to stop by her agency yesterday to discuss another matter...

Oh, right on cue...

Hello. This is Kiritani speaking.

<Hey, Haruka?

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner! Are you free right now?>

Yes, we can talk.

So... How'd everything go?

<Yeah, about that...>

Really? Thank you so much!

You've been a huge help!

...!

<But...>

Oh...

Right. I guess we don't really have a choice. I'll discuss that with the others...

No, we really appreciate it. Again, thank you so much. Okay, talk to you later.

What'd she say?

She said they found a good venue for us.

What?! Really?!

Yes, her agency can apparently book this 500-person hall they use from time to time at a discounted rate.

On Christmas Day no less...

What?! On Christmas Day?!

Every venue's usually booked with some kind of event on Christmas...

Based on what Hayakawa just said, her agency originally had it booked for another event, but they ran into some trouble and had to cancel it.

This venue was looking for another act to fill that vacancy since they would ultimately be the ones taking the most damage from that happening.

That's incredible...!

We really get to put on a Christmas event...?!

Whoa, hold your horses!

Also, Haruka, you seemed a little concerned towards the end of that conversation.

Oh, well... It sounds like Hayakawa can take care of booking a venue for us that's also within our budget...

But hiring a staff for our event is going to be a challenge.

It is?

Again, there are events of all shapes and sizes being held this time of year, which causes a shortage in supply in terms of event staff.

I'm a little worried about what we should do since Hayakawa's agency won't be able to help us there and how expensive it is to hire through another company...

These venues usually have their own lighting and sound technicians, but we're gonna need more than that if we're really gonna do a fan meeting...

Yes, we'll need receptionists, people to organize lines, check tickets and such.

Exactly. Our fans seem to be expecting quite a bit from us, so we're probably going to need extra hands for other activities besides just the meet and greet...

Oh, right...

There's no event without any event staff...

Then, let's try looking for people who might be able to fill that role!

Look for them? How?

Like, um... Asking our friends to help us!

Oh, that's a wonderful idea!

I'll try asking around as well.

I see... That could actually work.

I'll see if anyone in the tea ceremony club can lend us a hand.

Our friends...

I feel a little bad about asking someone to help us like this on Christmas Day...

I'm sure some already have plans, but I suppose there's no harm in asking.

Yeah!

I'll start by asking Kohane!

Th-They all have plans...!!

They're all going out with their friends or seeing Christmas events and stuff...

You too, huh, Minori...?

Huh? Me too?

I was told the same thing.

My friends from club all made plans with their friends or family already.

Same. My classmates said they can't come because they're throwing a Christmas party.

Tis the season so I guess it's to be expected...

Right...

We might not have any other choice but to increase our budget and hire people from a staffing agency...

Yeah, I'll try looking again to see if there's a company that can help us.

Oh, hey...!

Hm? What is it, Airi?

Our MORE MORE JUMP! account got an email from someone...

Huh? An email?