Aqours Chapter 34

Spring Has Sprung!

A very pleasant springtime awaits Aqours!

Story 1

Riko: *Hum* *Hum* Ahhh, nothing like another warm, sunny day! You: Yeah, the spring sunshine feels great all day. Just waking up to a clear sky is enough to put me in a good mood! Chika: You, Riko, good morning! Perfect weather for practice, isn’t it? Riko: *Giggle* Practice is all you talk about lately, Chika. But I don’t blame you. I know how much you love it! You: I think it’s great! We’re improving by leaps and bounds. It’s gonna be another great day, right Chika? Dia: Good morning, everyone. You’re all very chipper this morning! Kanan: Were you talking about today’s practice? Maybe it’s time for me to reveal the new training regimen I came up with yesterday. Mari: *Chuckle* Kanan’s been telling me all morning how she tailored it to everyone’s individual needs. Chika: What? Really?! Kanan, that’s awesome! Lemme see, lemme see! Kanan: Of course! I wrote it all down so I could show everyone. Take a look. Chika: Ooh. Ooooooooooh! By the time we’re able to do this whole thing, we’ll be in amazing shape! You: I see you marked what each of us can do, and that it gets more intense over time. It’ll be a great accomplishment to get to the top level! Dia: The focus is on building our strengths, so everyone will look forward to practice. Plus, it’ll bring out everyone’s uniqueness! Kanan: Once everyone’s mastered her regimen, I’ll be able to incorporate more complex dance formations. Work hard, everyone! Mari: Yay! We get to challenge ourselves with new dance formations! *Chuckle* I’ve got a few ideas to contribute, myself. Chika: And now that the days are getting longer, we’ll have more time to practice! We can write new songs, and make new costumes! There’s so much I wanna do! Yoshiko: Greeting, little demons. How are things in the mortal realm today? Yohane, the fallen angel, has descended into your midst! Ruby: Yoshiko! Don’t jump from up there, it’s dangerous! Hanamaru: She’s all worked up now that there are people who’ll play along with her fallen angel shtick, zura. Dia: Good morning Yoshiko, Hanamaru. And Ruby, I was wondering why you left early today. Now everyone’s here. Ruby: The weather forecast said it’s be warm this morning, so I got here a little early to practice! Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. And then we cleaned up the club room and imbued the floor with Yohane’s protection. Chika: Way to go! We can always count on our fallen angel school idol. Having a club room with a fallen angel’s protection is something new, too! Very cool! Riko: We won’t know how cool it is until we see it, but I’m sure it’ll be something new. Ruby, Yoshiko, Hanamaru, thank you for cleaning up. Hanamaru: We really wanted to, so we did it while we practiced, zura! Also, we hurried over because there’s something we wanna show you all, zura. Mari: You want to show us something? Yoshiko: Follow the path set by Yoahne’s ebony wings, my dark disciples. Kanan: Looks like Yoshiko’s leading the way. What could it be? Ruby: It’s something really beautiful. I know you all will love it! Hanamaru: Let’s hurry before the bell rings, zura! Chika: Ooh! Cherry blossoms! The cherry blossoms are blooming! You: They weren’t anywhere near that full yesterday. I guess the sudden increase in temperature got them to open up! They’re almost at full bloom! Riko: I feel like I can almost hear the gentle sound of the petals as they ride along the breeze. This really makes it feel like spring is here. Dia: Even thought it’s a yearly occurrence, the cherry blossoms are always breathtaking. It’s only a matter of time before they hit their peak. Mari: The school always feels more special when it’s surrounded with blooming cherry blossom trees. *Giggle* What a happy start to our day! Kanan: It always seems like they’re in full bloom before you know it. We’re lucky you showed us they’re blossoming! Now we can look at them even longer. Ruby: When we saw them, we wanted to show you all right away. I’m so happy you’re excited, too! Hanamaru: It was worth running over to tell you, zura! There’s still a little time before the bell rings, so we can have a drink and enjoy the view, zura! Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. My magic eye sees all. Come, and Yohane will share the libations offered to her by her faithful servants. Riko: Yoshiko, where on earth did you pull that thermos and those cups out from? Hanamaru: Yoshiko was saying how the cherry blossoms were about to blossom, zura. Looks like her prediction was right on the mark! Mari: well, since you went to the trouble, don’t mind if I do! Let’s have a little fallen angel tea time! Yoshiko: Yes! Drink deeply from Yohane’s black chalices. Mu, ha, ha. Ruby: Thank you! *Blow* *Sip* Oh, it’s black tea! It’s nice and warm, and just a little sweet. Mm-mmm! Dia: This is so relaxing. A nice warm drink, and beautiful cherry blossoms. This certainly is a great way to start our day. You: The way the cherry blossoms dance along the wind is really pretty. I can’t help but want to grab them when they get close! Chika: *Giggle* Who knew we’d end up sipping tea and watching the cherry blossoms this morning? This is the life. Kanan: It’s nice to watch them against the blue sky, but they’re gorgeous when the sunset turns them orange. Wanna come back to watch after school? Mari: Since they’re so short-lived, I think I’ll join you. Cherry blossoms may not stay around long, but they put on a fantastic show while they last! Dia: The petals slowly building up on the green grass almost seems like a springtime version of snow. It’s a lovely sight. Yoshiko: They’re a true symbol of spring. I predict that a new saga is about to unfold. Hanamaru: The flowers reveal different sides of themselves depending on when you see them. There are all kinds of stories that describe them, zura! Riko: Music is the same way. There are so many songs that mention cherry blossoms or use them as a theme! *Giggle* I’m getting the urge to start playing piano! Ruby: Aww, it’s be so nice to watch the cherry blossoms to music! I’s like to hear Dia on her koto, too. You: Wow, watching the cherry blossoms while listening to Dia play the koto sounds like the most elegant thing ever. Chika: Cherry blossoms make me think of so many different things. They bring back old memories, and make me excited for new beginnings! Riko: Sounds like all our talking about the cherry blossoms is inspiring you to write new lyrics. Chika: Oh, that’s great idea! Let’s do it! If you can write a new melody, could we make a cherry blossom song, Riko? Mari: You did just say you had the urge to play the piano. Why not start tickling the ivories and see if you can improvise something? Riko: W-Well, I could give it a shot. Chika: Let’s do it, Riko! We’ll write a brand-new cherry blossom song. No, not just cherry blossoms, but a song all about spring! Kanan: Wow, Chika’s all fired up. Is writing a new song gonna make everyone want to do a live show? You: Hey, that’s not a bad idea! While I was picking up petals, I was thinking about making a costume like them, with a nice light, materials, and pale colors. Ruby: I was thinking the same thing! We could be like spring fairies and bring the spirit of spring to everyone. Dia: That’s a wonderful idea! Mother nature’s given us such beautiful cherry blossoms, I’d like to do something so the whole school can enjoy them even more. Hanamaru: Cherry blossoms and school idols. How romantic, zura! Yoshiko: Little demons gathering beneath the swirling cherry blossoms. I feel really excited all of a sudden! Chika: Let’s do it! Let’s do a live show! Aqours will collaborate with the cherry blossoms to bring the energy and vitality of spring to everyone! You: I’m in! I’ll put everything I have into finishing the costumes before the flowers disappear! I’ve been coming up with tons of ideas this whole time! Kanan: All right! Chairwoman, student council president, what’s your opinion on this? Mari: I’m all for it! Let’s put a plan together so we can tell everyone in school! Dia: I have no objections, either. However, I have one condition. We absolutely must be read in time! Is that clear, everyone? Together: Yeah!

Story 2

Yoshiko: Little demons, led to the blossoming cherry tree. Lend your ears to the fallen angel Yohane. Hanamaru: *Stare* Yoshiko, did you come up with an idea? Yoshiko: Through my little demons, I have spoken to the spirits of the cherry blossoms. There is no path before us which does not use their flowers. Ruby: Cherry flowers? Maybe a cute, fluffy skirt that looks like a pile of fallen cherry blossoms would be cute. You: I’ve put together a costume that I designed after cherry blossoms. I really wanna become a spring spirit and dance across the stage like you said, Ruby! Riko: *Hum* *Hum* All right. This is sounding really good! Chika: Ooh! Now that Riko’s got the foundation of the song, I’m getting all kinds of ideas for lyrics. Kanan: It’s nice how we’re planning a cherry blossom live show in the middle of our own view party. It’s really helping set the mood. Mari: With everyone constantly being struck by inspiration, I can see this becoming a very shiny live show! Dia: Watching the cherry blossoms stirs my Japanese blood. If we hadn’t decided on doing this show, I’d be making some green tea right now. Hanamaru: I’d love to get some tri-color dumplings and do a proper viewing party together, zura! Mari: *Giggle* That’d be a perfect way to celebrate after the show! Dia, of course, will provide the mood music on her koto! Chika: Like You said, watching the cherry blossoms while listening to Dia play the koto sounds so elegant! Oh, could we work Dia’s koto into the new song? Riko: That would be a perfect fit for cherry blossoms. It’s a gentle, traditional Japanese sound. And now that I’ve got the basics worked out, we can try it! Chika: Yay! I’m gonna try to capture everything about spring in my lyrics. The excitement, the feeling of new beginnings, the warmth and kindness! You: Now that you’ve all decided on what you’re doing, it sounds like I need more Japanese elements! I could use traditional patterns and make them look like kimono! Ruby: Yeah! We’ll use lots of light, sheer fabrics to make the skirts nice and fluffy. *Giggle* I can’t wait to start on them! Yoshiko: Shing! A vision! The school cherry trees will reach their peak one week from now! Mari: Well then, we’ll be having a cherry blossom viewing live show on our next day off, won’t we? I’ll handle getting the stage set up in the courtyard! Kanan: A week’s not much time, but if the nine of us all work together, we can do it! Let’s buckle down and give it everything we’ve got! Dia: Yes! We should get our announcement finalized and tell the whole school to get everyone buzzing about it! Hanamaru: I’ll start on the posters and flyers, zura! Ruby: Let’s all do our Rubesty! Kanan: The cherry blossom viewing live show ads are really working. I saw a few people standing around one of the posters this morning. Hanamaru: Well, I drew a cherry tree and decorated it with real cherry blossom petals so it would look pretty and stand out, zura! Ruby: Everyone’s really excited to hear you play the koto, Dia. I’m thrilled that so many people will get to hear you play! Dia: Normally I only practice at home, but I’ll bring it in for our next rehearsal. Mari: I’ll arrange to have it transported here, and will see that it gets the white-glove service! Yoshiko: Shing! I feel multiple presences. It’s the little demons Chika, Riko, and You! Chika: We’re back, everyone! The flyering went great. Everyone we gave a flyer to said they’d come! You: It’s the talk of all the classrooms. It meant a lot to hear so many people saying they’re rooting for us to do well! Riko: Some of them even said they’d bring their families. I hope we get a really big crowd, and they all have a lot of fun! Chika: Riko, you wrote such a pretty song, I want everyone in the world to hear it! The first time you played it for me, I got a surge of energy! Kanan: It’s just like you to be energized instead of calmed. I don’t think you’ve stopped being excited since the moment you became a school idol. You: Moments like these, when she’s most fired up, are when Chika’s unique energy impresses me all over again. I’m so glad you asked me to become a school idol, too! Hanamaru: The more I sing Chika’s lyrics, the more their message resonates, zura. I get this excited, wondrous, warm feeling inside! Ruby: Yeah! It’s such a pretty song. I’ve been singing it around the house a lot lately. Dia’s koto is the perfect accompaniment! Kanan: I know she’s been really busy practicing, but it’s worth it when it all comes together, isn’t it? Let’s keep it up and put in another hard day’s work! Mari: We’re just a step or two away from perfecting this new dance formation. I really want to get it locked down by the end of today! Dia: I’m very excited to accompany you all on the koto. Every practice session at home makes me more and more eager! Ruby: I’ll sing and dance along while you practice at home today! You: It’s so nice you two can practice together at home and at school! Anyways, I think it’s about time for us to do a full rehearsal of the show. Hanamaru: That reminds me, the stage in the courtyard is all finished, zura. Now I’m really getting nervous, zura! Yoshiko: Don’t jump the gun. There’s lots of time before the show. Perhaps the fallen angel Yohane should lend you some of her dark powers, Zuramaru? Riko: *Giggle* It’s nice that you all have been friends for so long. You all know each other through and through. You: Hanamaru’s an expert on Yoshiko’s fallen angel shtick! Maybe I should have her tutor me a little. Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. Yohane welcomes all who wish to join her legion of little demons. Chika: Yoshiko’s fallen angel shtick is on point today. Are you gonna descend onto the stage? Yoshiko: Stop calling Yohane’s fallen angel powers a shtick! That said, yeah, I’d like to make a grand descent onto the stage. Kanan: Since the stage is ready for us, we should end our prep today by practicing on it. That’s okay, right? Mari: But of course! We won’t have any audio equipment until the show itself, but everything else is good to go! Dia: Then let’s head to the stage and check that we’ve got our formations down, shall we? I don’t have my koto with me, but I’ll be acting as if I did. Ruby: We should figure out where we’re gonna put it. Maybe you should play it standing up, so that everyone way in the back can see you. Kanan: Good idea! You’ll draw more attention if you play standing up. Plus, it’ll be easier for you to slip into formation after the koto part’s over! Dia: That settles it, then. *Chuckle* I must admit I’m really getting excited for this! Chika: Me, too! I’m itching to get onstage and practice right now. I don’t wanna wait until after school! You: Chika, with that attitude, you’re gonna totally space out in class this afternoon. If you need my notes later, I’ll lend them to you. Riko: Everyone in class said they’d come to support us. I can’t wait for the show! Hanamaru: The cherry blossoms will be in full bloom soon. I bet we’ll get perfect weather for our cherry blossom viewing live show, zura! Ruby: Eeek! Hanamaru: Ruby? What’s wrong, zura? Did someone send you a scary text, zura? Ruby: Oh, no. But look at this. Chika: The weather forecast? Rain starting this weekend… Wait, whaaaaaaaaat?! Riko: And an 80% chance of precipitation, too. It’s really likely to rain. Kanan: That would make most of the cherry blossoms fall before our live show. That stinks. Dia: If it’s raining, I’ll have a difficult time bringing out my koto to play. Mari: I wonder if it’s too late to put a tent over the stage. Gosh, I never even thought about the weather until now. Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. Fear not, my little demons wandering in the dark. Lend Yohane your ears. Hanamaru: Yoshiko, this is no time for your fallen angel shtick, zura! Yoshiko: It’s not a shtick! I really am a fallen angel! Clearly, I need to share my dark powers directly with you. Riko: Do you have a plan, Yoshiko? Chika: Huh? Yoshiko, can you control the weather? Yoshiko: I’m glad you asked, Chika! The weather won’t give us any trouble. Leave it to fallen angel Yohane! Mari: Oh, Jesus! We’re in such a pinch, yet instead of leaving it in God’s hands, we’re leaving it to a fallen angel!

Story 3

Chika: Whoa! What gorgeous weather! The sky's so clear! I can't believe how beautiful it is out! Hanamaru: Yoshiko’s fallen angel shtick actually worked. It’s a miracle, zura! You just had to pray for the sun to come out and the rain to go away, right, zura? Ruby: It really is a perfect day! Yoshiko, your mysterious ritual must’ve had a lot of power behind it. Yoshiko: Don’t call it a shtick! Ahem. The combination of white offerings and my dark prayers has expelled the rain spirits. Heh, heh. No need to thank me. Riko: Those teru teru bozu dolls really amplified the effect of the whole fallen angel shtick. Thank you, Yoshiko. You: There’s not so much as a chance of rain in the forecast anymore, and the strong wind from last night is a nice breeze now. The weather couldn’t be better! Kanan: Yeah, it was really windy last night, wasn’t it? I hope the cherry trees are okay. Dia: It’d be a shame if all the blossoms were blown away the night before this beautiful day. Mari: We should hurry up and see for ourselves! Let’s go! You: Over here, everyone! They’re blooming! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom! Kanan: Watch them sway in the breeze. They look like they’re happy about the weather, too! All the petals look so pretty, dancing together. Mari: A swirling blizzard of petals is covering the stage in pink. It’s very beautiful! Dia: They truly are at their peak! Such magnificent trees, to have produced flowers strong enough to endure all of that wind last night. Riko: Maybe the cherry blossoms were looking forward to our live show, too. Aren’t they wonderful, Chika? Chika: Couldn’t think of a better backdrop if I tried. I’m so psyched that I get to do a live show on a stage like this! Yoshiko: *Pant* *Pant* The fallen angel Yohane descends amidst the scattering cherry blossoms! Mu, ha, ha! I finally caught up… *Gasp* That was some run. Ruby: *Pant* *Pant* *Pant* Hanamaru, look! The cherry blossoms are here in full bloom to welcome us! Hanamaru: *Pant* *Pant* *Gasp* *Gasp* Y-You’re right, zura! How pretty, zura! You: A little uphill run is a good warm-up, if you ask me. This warm sunlight has me feeling nice and limber! Kanan: Yeah, it’s really easy to move around on days with mild temperatures like today. I might even go for another jog! Mari: Warm-ups are great and all, but we should take this chance to set up the stage. We need to get Dia’s koto up there, remember? Dia: That’s right! I’d like to get my koto set up and play a few practice songs to warm up my fingers. Ruby: Can we request songs for your practice rounds, Dia? Riko: Oh, I’d love that! All these beautiful flowers make me want to listen to a song about the cherry trees. Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. The time is nigh to create the perfect setting for Yohane’s fallen live show. Kanan: Well, what’re we waiting for? Let’s get Dia’s koto up here and set the stage! After that, I wanna do a rehearsal. Hanamaru: Sounds good, zura! I’m starting to get a little nervous, so moving around and using up some of this excess energy is just what I need right now, zura. Ruby: No matter how much we practice, I can’t help but be a little anxious when it comes to the real show. I wanna relax to Dia’s koto, and then more on to rehearsal. Chika: Let’s get to it! Together: Yeah! Ruby: Oh, wow! Dia, your koto playing was amazing! Look, even the cherry blossoms liked it. Hanamaru: The falling petals are like a round of applause from the trees, zura. The combination of koto music and cherry trees is so elegant, zura! Dia: We’ve got the koto set up, and now my hands are all warmed up from the practice songs. Riko: Should we keep up the momentum and do a rehearsal with the koto music? Yesterday's rehearsal went so well, I bet today’s will be even better. Chika: Good call! I bet the energy of the cherry blossoms in full bloom is gonna make today’s show our best one yet! Kanan: I have this weird feeling that I’ve grown a lot since yesterday. I bet I’ll totally nail the real performance! Mari: Our dance formations were perfect yesterday. Rewatching the video afterward made me so excited! Riko: Everyone sang so beautifully, too. Your voices were so gentle and warm, it felt like they went straight to my heart. Yoshiko: Yes, it reminded me of my days in heaven as an angel. Dia: And the singing harmonized perfectly with the koto. By the way, Ruby, have your nerves settled down a bit? Ruby: Eeek! Remembering being nervous is making me feel it all over again. But your koto helped calm me down right away, so I’m sure I’ll be fine! Hanamaru: Ruby, you’ve gotten a lot stronger, zura! I’m still a little nervous, too. My heart’s pounding, but I think I’m enjoying it, zura! You: I know what you mean. Right before I leap off the diving tower, I get a bit freaked out. But I think a little nervous energy makes you perform better! Kanan: My body kinda moves on its own, so I’m really itching to get onstage. I just wanna get up there and run around! Mari: *Chuckle* Maybe that’d be a good substitute for warm-up exercises? Chika: I think we all feel the same. Let’s make this an awesome show, and bring all the excitement and anticipation of spring to everyone watching! Yoshiko: Heh. I’m glad you all understand. The cherry trees are clearly looking forward to the live show as well. The swirling blossoms look to dye my ebony wings pink. Riko: Speaking of pink! Ruby, You, the costumes you two put together are amazing! Our fluffy skirts swish around so prettily. I can’t wait for us to dance in them! Ruby: We wanted them to resemble spring fairies, so we used a light, bouncy cloth. Not only are they cute, but they’re light and breezy! You: They’re made so that the sleeves and hem of the skirt sway as you move. Hopefully we really will look like fairies dancing across the stage! Hanamaru: With so many flower petals blowing all around us, I’m sure we will, zura! I’ll bring the spirit of spring to everyone, zura! Yoshiko: That’s the spirit, Zuramaru! You can do it if you try. It seems you won’t need the fallen angel Yohane to lend you her dark powers, after all. Dia: We didn’t give you much time, but you managed to produce some splendid costumes regardless. I felt like I was going to cry when I first tried mine on. Mari: I’m sure the fact that Ruby made it means that it’s particularly special to you. Besides, it’s very cute, and it looked great on you! Kanan: I wasn’t sure if I could pull off a spring fairy look at first, but you design’s right on the money, You! I really like it! Chika: As soon as we started talking about the costumes, I couldn’t wait to get into mine. I wish we could show them to everyone right now! You: I know how you feel, but save it for the show. We want it to be a surprise! And with the stage in the middle of the courtyard, we’ll spoil it if we rehearse there. Ruby: We want everyone to look forward to it, right? I really wanna take a picture of all of us in our costumes when we’ve got them on, though. Hanamaru: There are so many things we’ll only be able to do on the day of the live show, zura. We’re gonna be super busy, zura! Yoshiko: You’re reminding me that I need to do a ritual to summon little demons to the stage. Perhaps I should unleash my full might and use a forbidden spell? Dia: That’s enough chitchat for now, everyone. Let’s rehearse while we’re still warmed up! Is everyone ready? Chika: Hold on a sec! There’s one last thing I wanna do before we start rehearsing. You: Let me guess, you wanna practice the cheer that we’re gonna do before the live show itself? Chika: Yup! Finally rehearsing together has filled me to the brim with love for you all, so… I felt like we should all do it together! Riko: I was thinking the same thing. Whenever I hear that cheer, it feels like Aqours really has become one. Chika: Let’s do it! Aqours… Together: Sunshine!

Story 4

Hanamaru: Mm-mmm! Dia, this matcha green tea is phenomenal, zura! The taste is simply indescribable, zura! Yoshiko: T-To think human tea would leave a fallen angel’s tongue speechless. Your brewing techniques are quite formidable. Ruby: It’s really yummy! Thanks a bunch, Sis! Dia: I’m glad I went ahead and prepared it for our cherry blossom viewing party. I’ll play my koto later on, too. Riko: I can’t wait! I think some nice, relaxing music would be the perfect accompaniment to our viewing party. Mari: You’re adding another layer of beauty to our afternoon. Thanks a bunch, Dia. Kanan: You can whip up the perfect cup of matcha green tea and play the koto! I mean, I already knew, but this all reminds me just how talented you are, Dia. You: She’s an accomplished traditional Japanese-style dancer, too! Her dancing is so refined and graceful, you really feel like you’re watching a work of art. Chika: Well, she’s been doing it since she was little. It’s like You with diving, or Riko with the piano. It’s really impressive that you still keep it up! You: I guess I just never stopped because I enjoy it so much. I’ve never really thought about it. Riko: Here, hee. If I hadn’t learned to play the piano, I might never have been a school idol with you, Chika. Chika: *Giggle* Then it’s a good thing you did. I’m glad we’re all idols together! Hee, hee! Oh, by the way, Riko, what’s in the basket? Riko: I brought these for all of us to eat. Take a look. Ruby: Ohh, sandwiches! And they’re bite-sized, too. How cute! Don’t mind if I do. Hanamaru: And I brought some rice-stuffed fried tofu that my grandma made for us, zura! Yoshiko: My temporary roommate here in the mortal world packed some sweets for me to hand out. Mari: All of this, combined with the gifts we got from the other students, adds up to a totally gorgeous cherry blossom viewing party! Dia: Indeed! The other students are also our relaxing on their picnic blankets. It’s nice and peaceful out here now. You: Not to mention this warm weather. We’ve got everything you could ask for. Mmm! Riko, these sandwiches as so tasty. Did you make them yourself? Riko: Y-Yes. I thought we’d all appreciate something quick and easy to eat after the live show, so I got up early to make them. Chika: Riko, you’re the best! This fruit sandwich with the mikan oranges in the middle is my new favorite. Thank you so much! Mari: Y’know, sitting out under the blooming cherry blossoms like this, I feel like we’re enjoying spring the way it’s meant to be enjoyed! Hanamaru: Not only did the weather hold out, but it warmed up! We really couldn’t ask for better conditions. Maybe this is thanks to Yoshiko’s fallen angel shtick, too? Yoshiko: Don’t call it a shtick! Perhaps I should seal your impertinent mouth with this sweet treat coated in white flour, Zuramaru! Mu, ha, ha! Hanamaru: Mmph! *Chew* *Chew* Th-This is a meringue cookie, zura! And it smells like cherry blossoms, zura! Kanan: If you look closely, it’s actually the faintest shade of pink. What a perfect snack for today! Mmm, and it melts in your mouth, too. Delicious! Dia: I can tell that Hanamaru’s grandmother used brined cherry blossoms in the rice for these, too. It’s really quite tasty. Chika: Mito and Shima packed me some flower viewing tri-color dumplings, and they’re really good. Give them a try! *Sigh* I sure do love cherry blossom viewing parties. Kanan: when we’re relaxing and watching the flowers like this, the fact that we were just up on that stage doing a show almost feels like a dream. Mari: Well, the confetti that the students threw for us us solid proof that we really did. And the cherry trees are still throwing theirs! Isn’t it pretty, Kanan? Yoshiko: Hmph. The ebony feathers left upon the stage must symbolize Yohane’s fallen angel live show. Ruby: Yoshiko, everyone loved your descent onto the stage! I could see that all the kids in our class were really into it. Yoshiko: It’s not Yoshiko, it’s Yohane! Heh, heh, heh. Clearly, there are some potential candidates for new little demons among our classmates. You: Our cherry blossom live show was a huge hit! I know all of us really loved the costumes. Did the rest of you wanna keep yours on, too? Chika: Totally! But during the show, I got really hot, and before I knew it, I was sweating quite a bit. Too bad, huh? *Laugh* Dia: Wearing sweaty clothes for too long puts you at risk of catching a cold. It’s a shame we couldn’t keep them on, but health comes first. Kanan: I’m glad so many people were calling for encores that we got to give the audience what they wanted and wear the outfits a bit longer! Mari: *Chuckle* I’m sure you are, but be honest, Kanan. You didn’t want to leave the stage, right? You: I also felt like I had plenty left in the tank! But still, I wanna train harder so we can perform even better and for even longer than we did today. Hanamaru: I was really excited to see how all our practice paid off today, zura! I wanna keep working hard so my dancing improves, zura. Ruby: Me, too! I’ll do my Rubesty right alongside you! Yoshiko: In order to lead all the little demons out there, Yohane, too, must seek even greater heights. Riko: I’m thrilled how much everyone liked the song I wrote for today’s show. I want to write lots and lots of songs that’ll make people smile. Chika: Let’s do it, Riko! I’ll work really hard to write the lyrics! You: Leave the costumes designs to me! It’s always so much fun for me to create something that looks good on all nine of us. Kanan: Once everyone builds up their stamina, I wanna try more complicated dance formations! Mari: I can’t wait to do another exciting, shiny live show! We’ll light up the stage from end to end! Dia: That’s why we need to work tirelessly every day! Later, we’ll all sit down and discuss adding a little more to our training regimen. Ruby: I’d be willing to wake up early to do morning practices! Hanamaru: And I’mma be more proactive with my solo training, zura. I’ll keep trying until I can do a real push-up, zura! Yoshiko: All right, all right! Ruby, Zuramaru, if you’re going to insist that much, I’ll join you. Riko: *Giggle* Looks like a fire’s been lit under Yoshiko, too! You: The weather’s gonna keep warming up, and the days are gonna get longer and longer. We’ll have more time to practice than ever! Chika: I love spring. This warmth is heavenly. Kanan: The other seasons are gonna be awesome, too! I think it’d be a lot of fun if we could do more seasonal live shows. Mari: As school chairwoman, I wholeheartedly approve! We should strive to be the kinds of school idols that our local town is proud to support. Dia: Well said! And to do that, we must practice diligently, and put on live shows that bring happiness and joy to everyone who watches them. Riko: Huh? It looks like people are gathering by the stage. Chika: Oh, maybe they’re here to listen to Dia play the koto? Dia: *Chuckle* Well, I can’t leave my audience waiting! I’ll do my best to live up to everyone’s expectations. Hanamaru: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Listening to Dia play the koto under the cherry blossoms is the most elegant thing ever, zura!