Alright! Now that we're all here, let's talk about our plans for the future.

You wanted to discuss what kinds of events Vivid BAD SQUAD should be in next?

Hehe, it's like we're a real team now!

What do you mean like a real team?

We ARE a real team.

Anyways, we need to decide what sorts of events to gear up for as a group from now on.

Yeah, the BAD DOGS and Vivids have completely different styles so...

We should find something that's a good fit for everyone.

Yeah, I've been thinking about what would be good for us, but there are just so many choices.

Um... Are there that many different types of events?

Oh, right.

You've only done invitational ones before.

The events that are held around here broadly fall into one of two categories.

First, you have invitation-based ones, where a venue asks certain artists to perform.

That's what we did as the Vivids.

It was a little overwhelming at first, but everyone was so friendly that I forgot about being anxious really quickly.

Yeah, those events are organized among friends, so they're pretty laidback. The other event category is battles.

B-Battles?!

You fight each other?

Hahaha, kind of but it's pretty standard.

Groups perform and compete for the audience's votes.

The group that gets the audience fired up the most wins. Pretty simple, right?

Competitive events are more intense...

But treating one another with respect is very important in this kind of community, so you don't need to stress.

The rules can differ based on the venue too. We can look into details after picking an event to go for.

I see, they are different from what I've done... But they sound fun too.

Right? And now there's four of us, it's totally worth giving them a try.

Your order's ready!

Two coffees and two cafes au lait.

Thank you so much, MEIKO!

Great aroma as always.

I also brought you some cookies. I'm thinking about adding them to the menu. Please, try them!

Oh, they look yummy...!

All for free... Are you really sure?

Oh, of course.

I hope you like them.

So, how's your discussion going? All good?

Yeah, I think so.

We're trying to decide which events to be in next.

Ah, I see.

Come to think of it, STAY GOLDEN is coming up. That one's a battle event, right?

Yeah. RUST played at the last one, and everyone went wild when they were on.

Are they that good?

They're top tier! They did RAD WEEKEND together with my dad's group. All of their songs are awesome!

Hehe, sounds like you really look up to them.

Hmm, I guess I do. It'd be great to sing at an event featuring them too.

Hey, you know what...?

We should enter STAY GOLDEN!

How's that sound?

What...?!

The best groups all participate, so it'd be a real trial by fire for us!

We could give it a go, and try to turn more heads than RUST did last time.

Yeah! Go big or go home!

Playing as guests at our last event was fun, but it's more satisfying to be competing.

(They're all excited about it... But it's going to be a big challenge for me. I have zero experience with this sort of event.)

Are you okay, Kohane?

You seem a little tense...

If you're worried about something, maybe I can offer some advice?

I, umm...

I-I'm fine! I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment.

Is that so?

I must have misread your expression.

Y-Yes... I'm sorry for causing a fuss over nothing!

(I am honestly a bit anxious, but if my friends are with me... I'm sure it'll work out...!)

(Besides, I've performed in front of an audience many times now. It can't be that much different...!)

An! I'm going to give this event everything I've got!

Great! You're gonna do fine.

I mean, the audience loved you at our last show!

Right! It's still a little intimidating, but I'll try to sing just like I did then.

Have more confidence, girl. You're a mind-blowing singer.

Hehe...

Thanks, An!

Hehe. I can't wait to hear how it goes for you. I'll be rooting for you.

Okay, will do!

How about we practice today to start work on our event routine? Is everybody okay with going to the park as usual?

You're welcome to use the stage at my cafe, if you like.

Are you sure you don't mind?

Of course.

It's all yours.

MEIKO... Thank you so much!

We'll put it to good use!

STAY GOLDEN's tomorrow! I hope you're pumped up!

Wanna do a full rehearsal?

Alright. I'll count us in.

Kay! Whenever you're ready, Toya.

Let's go. One, two, three, four!

♪——!

♪——! ——! ——!

(The four of us sync up so well!)

♪!

(Kohane's really got a great voice...)

(With this much talent, it makes no sense for her to lack confidence.)

(Maybe she's afraid of making a mistake because she's inexperienced...?)

(But even if she did slip up, we'd be there to pick her back up and keep going!)

We've improved a lot.

I think we're good to go.

Agreed. We've nailed everything down.

I really like singing with you guys. I'm having so much fun, it's making my heart race!

I can't see us not winning STAY GOLDEN!

But we can't let our guard down. We can always use more practice!

Sure thing. We've set our sights not just on winning the event, but also putting on something bigger than RAD WEEKEND!

Um... I can't help feeling anxious...

Imagining all the things that could go wrong...

You've got nothing to worry about, Kohane.

In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, I'll cover for you and get you back on track, okay?

Wait, why are you saying that to her?

Something wrong, Akito?

Nah, forget it... Are you two...? Well, nevermind...

Hm...?

Thanks, An. You can be sure that I'm going to give this show everything I have!

I know you will! If you ever get lost, just focus on my voice!

Okay!

Hehe. It's good to know you've got my back!

Haha, of course I do! We're a team!

...