Chapter 2

So? Is Kagehira making good progress on the work for his “Feature Live”?

You’re going to check on him now, you say?

It’s already quite late over there, you won’t be allowed to enter the dormitory at this time, young lady.

He’s not doing his work at school at this hour, is he?

It’s not that, but he’s working in the prop room at ES at your suggestion…? Hm, the work environment affects the quality of the craftsmanship, so I appreciate you looking out for him.

I’m planning to see Kagehira’s feature live, but my hands are so full with preparing for my next exhibition that I won’t be able to leave Paris until right before the show. I don’t want to interrupt him, especially since it’d just upset his concentration, but it is frustrating that all I can do is have information relayed through you, young lady.

I hope I’m not being overbearing just because he’ll be standing on stage alone…

At any rate, be sure not to work too late into the night. And one more thing, I have a message I’d like you to relay to him, if that’s alright?

[Though, if you think what I have to say is unnecessary, then you don’t need to tell him. ]

[I’m counting on you, young lady.]

Nnah, who’s there?!

I have this room to myself right now, I’m real sorry ‘bout that. I’ll leave as soon as I finish my own business–

…Hm? That voice…is that you, Anzu-chan?

Ahh, ya gave me a real fright. I was panickin’ since I thought some stranger came in.

Anywho, take a look at this! It’s that plushie I said I’d stand up on the stage with, he’s finally taken shape~

I gotta thank ya for lettin’ me use the props room. I can spread out the fabric as much as I need and it’s quiet so I can focus.

Hm, yeah? You’re wonderin’ if I can see my hands okay?

I can see just fine. I got a lamp on, so I feel more relaxed and I work better in this dim light.

Y'know that I can’t see too well when it’s dark out, but I can only see my hands right now, so I feel like I’m even more focused than usual.

Just like this! (Sewing motion) I feel like I can keep on sewin’ forever.

Ehehe, I’m happy that you’re praisin’ me for makin’ such a cute plushie.

I'ma keep sewin’ it carefully right til the end, so please look forward to it~

Hm? Ya wanna get a picture of me with this here plushie?

Oh, you’re gonna use it for the “Feature Live” pamphlet, aren'tcha? That completely slipped my mind

… Hmm, the room’s a bit cluttered, huh? And it’s hard to get a picture when it’s so dark…

Well, if you say it’s okay, I’ll just leave it in your hands then~ I trust that ya can get a good picture

…~ (Sewing the plushie more)

Ehehe, since ya keep saying the plushie is so cute, Anzu-chan, I’m sure it’s happy too.

We’re gonna give it our all the day of the Feature Live…

Nnah… Sorry fer gettin’ quiet all of a sudden.

I don’t really think about it while I’m workin’, but sometimes I get anxious at the drop of a hat.

I keep thinking, how is my solo live show gonna turn out? What kinda atmosphere is it gonna have? Can I really pull it off?

…Even today, Naru-chan, Ritsu-kun, Ikkun, Yukkun, and even Oogami-kun were all cheerin’ me on…

“We’re all looking forward to it, so do your best!” Is what they were all sayin’…

But I wonder if I can really live up to everyone’s expectations…

and if I can make Teach proud…

Mmm, I mean to say I wonder if I can create a stage where Teach’ll recognize my efforts, even if it’s just a little, with happiness or praise…

…. … …

Gettin’ cold feet now and thinkin’ weak stuff like that won’t get me anywhere.

Until the day of the live, and even on top of that stage, I’m gonna do the best that I can do…!

Hm? Anzu-chan, what’s up? Is there somethin’ you wanna say to me?

…I have an art that only I can create, so ya want me to be confident in myself and to hold myself with pride and to devote myself to my efforts?

We put our soul into the art and into the stage, and it is that heart which captures our audience and shakes them to their very core.

Ehehe, what’s with ya all of a sudden? Ya kinda sounded like Teach, and listenin’ to ya made me feel all embarrassed…

…Huh? Whaddya mean by “honestly”?

Eeeh?! That was a message straight from Teach?! H-hang on now, whaddya mean?!

Teach asked ya to pass on that message because he was worried that tellin’ me himself would make me lose focus…?

Hahh, what the… Man…

It’s true that I’ve been puttin’ off callin’ him because I’m afraid I’ll get all anxious and jittery when I hear his voice but…

…Well, hearin’ that is real encouragin’.

I think Teach believes that I can do this too, so he gave ya that message to pass on, Anzu-chan.

I’m gonna clear out a~ll the worries in my heart and only believe what Teach and my friends say!

Anzu-chan, you better look forward to it!

As an artist and as an idol, I’ll craft a stage that no one else can…!