(Alright, now that I've bought souvenirs for Miku and the others, I should be good.)
(How is everyone... Hm?)
Hoshino, is everything okay? You look troubled.
Oh, Kiritani. Actually, I'm struggling to decide which souvenir to get.
I have a friend who tutors me on singing, but I'm not sure what to get for her...
I see. Does she also play in a band?
Oh, no. She's actually a PXL cast member.
She's an absolutely amazing singer.
She's taught me so much, so I'd really like to get her something nice...
*Sigh*
After that bath, I feel like I can finally relax.
We actually had our first solo show...
And yet, it doesn't feel like it's fully over.
Hm? Someone's calling me...
Kusanagi?
I wonder why she's calling me this late.
Hello. Kusanagi?
<Oh, hi... Sorry for calling this late.>
No, it's alright. I just got out of the bath and was about to have some barley tea.
<Hehe, I see. Make sure to keep warm.>
<Um, Hoshino... Congratulations on your first solo show. You sang so well.>
<All of the things you and your bandmates wanted to convey really came through. So...I was really moved by your performance.>
I'm glad. It makes me so happy hearing that from you, Kusanagi.
Also... I think you're part of the reason today went well.
<What?>
You've been helping me with my singing all this time, right? Thanks to that, I've been able to improve... And that's what kept me working hard for this solo show.
So, thank you very much.
<...>
Kusanagi?
<Oh, sorry. It's nothing.>
<But hearing you sing...made me want to try harder too.>
Huh?
<The way you sang with such confidence up there today was so cool...>
<It made me think, “Wow, my friend is amazing.” After that, I felt like I should be more brave.>
<It made me want to work harder, so that I can stand on stage the same way you did.>
Kusanagi...
<Sorry for dumping all of that out of nowhere. That was weird.>
No, not at all. Let's both keep working hard.
I see...
So you're hoping to find a gift for her.
Yes. I was thinking of getting her something that can be a sign of my support...
Something that can give her support...
Oh, how about something matching?
Something matching?
Like a keychain?
Yes. You know, I think a reminder that she's not alone would help her have courage whenever she's feeling anxious.
A fan once told me how concert merch had that effect on them.
Concert merch?
Yes. They said the matching merch they bought with their friend cheers them up because it reminds them of that shared memory.
I see... I think I can understand where they're coming from. Saki has said something similar before.
In that case, I'll get her something we can have a pair of.
I wonder what would be good...
(This little blue bird...)
(I remember Kusanagi mentioning that the main character of this musical she recommended treasured something like this...)
That looks good. They would be cute as a pair.
I think so too! I'll go with these little blue bird keychains.
Thank you, Kiritani. I'm glad I was able to pick something nice.
I hope your friend likes it.
Hey! It's Haruka!
Huh?
The girl wearing glasses?
You're right! It's Haruka Kiritani!
Uh oh, what should we do? At this rate, people are going to start gathering...
Kiritani, this way—
Wait, Hoshino.
What?
*Gasp*
Haruka's coming this way! I'm gonna ask for an autograph!
What? You don't even have anything she can write on! Let's just shake her hand!
Hello. I see that you were able to see through my disguise. Well done.
I could tell it was you straight away since you're so pretty!
Hehe, thank you. It makes me happy hearing that.
But I have a favor to ask all of you. Would you mind listening?
Really? What is it, what is it?
The thing is... I'm actually in the middle of a game of hide and seek.
I don't want anyone to know where I'm hiding, so... Could you all please keep my location a secret for me?
I didn't know that! Okay, my lips are sealed!
But as a trade, can I shake your hand?
Hehe, of course.
Me too, me too! Can I have an autograph?
Alright everyone, that's enough—
Oh, it's okay.
I don't have a pen or paper, so I won't be able to sign autographs...but if you wait quietly and patiently, I can take turns shaking your hands?
Okay!
Kiritani...
Sorry about this, Hoshino. I know Tenma and the others will worry if we don't get going soon.
Oh, I know. Could you go ahead first? I'll meet up with you after this.
(Kiritani's amazing...
She's an idol even in a place like this.)
Okay. I'll wait for you with the others.
Thank you, Hoshino.
Alright, so who's first?