(How can we make it so this event's fun for all of our fans...?)

(I'd hate to do this to Hayakawa, but finding a smaller venue may be the way to go. Then, we could run things on our own and require less staff...)

(But the smaller venues are all booked up right now, so at worst, we may have to wait over half a year until things start slowing down for them.)

(If that happens, our fans would be so disappointed... That's something I'd like to avoid no matter what.)

(Should I talk to Airi about increasing our budget? Or...)

*Sigh*...

(I don't know what the right answer is...

How will our fans be able to enjoy themselves...?)

(That fan of ours, Saito... Their proposal looked so professional and well put together...)

(And our fans would probably have the most fun if we perform at the venue Hayakawa found for us.)

(But that person's also one of our fans. They must be looking forward to seeing us put on an event just as much as anyone else...)

Okay, let's take a step back and try to look at things from a different perspective...

I need to think more flexibly, like when Airi and the others decided to move forward as freelancers...

That's right. Airi went to talk things over with Rin that time...

Maybe I'll find an answer if I go over to see them.

Huh? The stage? But I'm off to the side... Where are Miku and the others...?

Oh, is a show about to start? And the lights...

Hi, everyone! How's it going♪

We'll all be doing a show together today, and we promise to make it an unforgettable one!

Alright, let's jump right in with our first song! Start the music!

A show with all of them...?

——♪ ——♪

(This is incredible...

All the lighting and effects match their formation perfectly.)

(Not only that, it feels like they put a lot more effort into this performance compared to normal...)

Perfect! Adding in more yellow for the lighting was definitely the right choice!

Huh? That voice...

K-KAITO...?!

Hm? Oh, hello there!

You must be Haruka.

Miku and Len have told me all about you.

My name is KAITO. It's nice to finally meet you. I arrived here not too long ago to help Miku and the others with their shows.

Help with their shows...?

Does that mean you put all this together, KAITO...?

Well, not all of it. I'm helping with the effects right now, but I did get a chance to work on the proposal for this.

You sound more like a producer than an idol... Am I right in saying that?

Hehe. Close but not quite!

I'm an idol, manager and...

Well, many other things.

I enjoy being on stage and working behind the scenes, so I thought, “Why not do both?”

I see...

Still, that seems like a lot of work...

Oh...!

Did you see the way Rin and Len turned just now?! Absolute perfection!

Thank goodness too... Those two have been working so hard on how they turn...

Hehe.

(KAITO's eyes are sparkling like he's watching his own children perform on stage.)

(I guess it means that he genuinely enjoys supporting those around him and helping them succeed.)

(I'd do anything to have staff like him around for our event. It'd make everything so much easier...)

But...

Is something on your mind, Haruka...?

Huh? How did you...?

Hehe. Chock it up to being a manager. I can tell at a glance what idols are feeling! Well, a little at least...

Hehe...

Thank you for asking.

We've been thinking about putting on our own event but are a bit stuck right now...

Having your fans see what goes on behind the scenes... That is a tricky one.

However, Haruka, I think I understand why you feel so hesitant.

You do?

Yes, of course.

The stage is a wonderful place that shines, sparkles and makes everyone in the audience smile...

But that light doesn't reach the other side of the stage. It's a place that can be cruel at times.

And you being aware of that fact is why you feel the way you do about exposing your fans to the other side, yes?

Yes...

I also understand how Minori feels about this. We can't put on an event all on our own, and us not being able to hold one means we'd be disappointing our fans...

But we all want to spread and inspire hope in our fans as idols...

If we have some of them see what goes on behind the scenes and they're no longer able to enjoy themselves as fans, I'd...

...

This is just my opinion...

I believe that idols are able to spread hope to not just the fans in the audience, but those working behind the scenes on the other side as well.

Even all the staff...?

Yes! They put their hearts and souls into setting everything up from the lights to the sound from scratch. They want their beloved idols to dazzle as much as possible.

Isn't that a wonderful thing?

I personally feel a great sense of accomplishment whenever I succeed at doing that.

You feel that too...?

Yes. I have a feeling that these fans of yours suggested this because they want to experience what happens on the other side firsthand.

It'll be a special experience for them since they'll get to see their favorite idols smile by making their event a success.

There's probably no better feeling in the world than when that happens.

...!

They'll get to feel it too...

(Do our fans really want to help build our event from the ground up and make it a success...? If so, I couldn't be happier...)

(But even if that's the case...)

(Is it okay for us to lean on them this much...?)

I suspect you need more time to find your answer...

But it's okay to worry and think about it for as long as you like. Ultimately, I think it just comes down to believing in your decision.

And I'm sure you'll find a good answer, Haruka. I'm sure things will be just fine.

Thank you very much, KAITO.

♪————!

Hehe...

What a great show.

Good morning.

Let's do our best during practice today.

Morning, Haruka!

That just leaves Minori.

Oh, Haruka, did you not get enough sleep last night...?

That obvious, huh...?

I had a lot on my mind.

About staffing, right?

I tried asking around a little more, but didn't really have any luck.

My friends from junior high said that they're all busy around this time.

I tried asking Shii as well, but she already has plans to throw a party with her friends that day...

G-Good morning!!

Oh, Minori, good morning...

It's not like you to be the last one here.

Th-There's something I'd like to discuss with all of you... I was trying to figure out how to say this last night and wound up oversleeping as a result...

Okay, but why so formal all of a sudden?

What is it that you'd like to discuss?

I-It's...!

Um... So...

Can we have our fans help us put on our event? I really think we should!

...!