Tch! An's been gone a while...

How long is this gonna take?

She said she's looking for the event organizer, so maybe she's having some trouble.

She got us a special invite to this event.

She must have so many connections...

...

Azusawa, you okay...?

Sorry, I was just thinking that I need to give it my best shot today.

Don't stress out about it so much, or you'll panic and fumble again.

I won't...!

I'll sing as well as you all do!

Good, you're finally showing some confidence.

A crowd's starting to form around the stage...

Did you see? Vivid BAD SQUAD's in today's lineup.

Oh, them?

I saw those guys at STAY GOLDEN.

They're nothing special.

Hm?!

Really?

I've heard good things about them before.

They just happened to catch a good wave.

I'm surprised they even got into this event.

Man... I was kind of hyped to see them too. Now I'm all bummed out.

Tch...

...

I... I'm sorry...!

No, don't worry about it, Azusawa...

B-But, it's my fault...!

Look, there's always gonna be haters.

Don't let them get to you.

...

(But... If I didn't mess up at STAY GOLDEN, our rep wouldn't have taken such a hit...)

Sheesh. I take back what I said about you learning to be confident...

If it's bothering you so much, shut them up with an awesome performance. Like that other time.

That other time...?

Oh...

(That's right... Shinonome didn't acknowledge me at first, but he changed his mind after seeing me on stage.)

Keep your chin high and show them how awesome you are.

Thanks!

Oh, wait...

An's dad told me something like that too...

He actually told me that too, back when I had just teamed up with Akito.

Oh yeah...?

Anyway, An's still not back.

Let's just go inside.

Wait, but...

It's fine.

We'll find her inside.

And this way, you won't have to listen to some random guys badmouthing us while they wait for things to start.

Um...

Is that his way of being nice to me...?

I think so.

Hurry up, you two! Or I'll go on ahead without you!

Right. Let's go, Azusawa.

Yeah!