We will now have some free time.

Groups that wish to practice what they'll be presenting later this afternoon may use the practice area one at a time in an orderly manner.

We will!

It's really happening this afternoon... I'm starting to get a little nervous...

I think I am too...

We'll be fine! I mean, we practiced sooo much yesterday☆

I agree! I always feel a little nervous just before an event...

But I've been finding that practice is the best way to give myself the confidence I need. I'm sure we'll do great.

I see.

Oh, right. Kohane's been performing in a bunch of live events.

Since a veteran like her is saying this about us, I guess we should feel more confident about ourselves!

Okay, then why don't we relax at the beach a little while we wait for our turn to practice.

Yeah♪

Oh, there's actually somewhere I wanna check out☆

Where?

Ta-daah! Look at all these big rocks♪

Oh, wow...!

And isn't that a tidal pool?

Yes, I believe so. It must be low tide right now.

We might be able to see some fish and other sea creatures if we're lucky!

Oh, I found a starfish!

Look☆

Whoa!

Wait, it's okay to touch starfish?

This one doesn't seem to mind. The way it waves its arms is so cute too☆

I-It is... Oh, it just moved...

It's so big too. Maybe bigger than your hand...

Y-Yeah, it is...

It's bigger than I expected...

Are starfish not your thing?

How about you, Kohane?

Sure, since you managed to find one so fast.

What...?!

You're not scared, Kohane...?!

Oh, I thought it would be softer. Huh? Are starfish supposed to feel this warm...?

It is?

Maybe I'll try touching it too...

Y-You too, Saki?!

I mean, Kohane was brave enough to, so I feel like I shouldn't be this afraid of it. I'm gonna touch it!

Thank you for letting us pet you, Mr. Starfish! Bye bye♪

Oh, there's a little crab over here.

Oh, you're right.

Hehe. It's so cute.

Huh? Where?

Hm...?

Hey, I think there's something stuck between these rocks.

There is? Where?

Oh, there! Right above where the crab is! Wait... Is that a sea slug?

Really? I've never seen one before. This is what sea slugs look like?

I always thought that they could only live underwater. Is it really okay for it to get caught out in the sun like this?

Hmm... It might've gotten stuck between these rocks as the tide pulled away.

Yeah, you might be right. Doesn't this mean that the sun will dry it out before the tide comes back?

What? No!

We have to get it back in the water!

B-Back in the water...?

You're not touching it, are you, Saki...?

Want me to do it?

No, I was okay with touching that starfish, so I should be fine now!

I guess I should be gentle with it... Gently, Saki...

(What the...? Th-This is what sea slugs feel like...? It's kinda squishy, but kinda not...)

B-by the way, sea slugs don't like... Bite, right?

You're doing great, Saki!

You can do it!

Th-Thanks...!

Wow... That was fun...

We got to see so many sea creatures too. A starfish, that little crab, and even a sea slug.

Yeah, and I'm glad we managed to save that poor sea slug.

Me too. If you hadn't spotted it, Saki, it might've ended really badly for it.

Yup yup♪ It might even come back to thank you one day, Saki♪

Haha. Isn't there a children's story just like that? The one where a boy saves a turtle...

Oh, the group in front of us doesn't seem quite done yet.

Shall we wait here in the meantime?

Yeah, sure.

(When is it gonna be our turn to practice...?)

(Uh oh...

I'm getting sleepy...)

(No, I need to stay awake...

It's our last chance to practice... So...)

Zzz...

Zzz...

Hey, let's go on that one next...

Hehe. Saki's sound asleep.

Yeah. She seems so happy too.

Her dream's probably super wonderhoy.

I'm sure it is. We should let her rest until it's our turn to practice.