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Episode 20: After the Live Show

Road Along the Shore

NatsumeYou really like this place, don't you?

MahoroYeah. I figured this was the place for an afterparty, you know? Look, there's so much sky. It feels so open, or something.

HoukaThis is where we held our afterparty after our first live too, wasn't it?

NagiI think that was Mahoro's idea too... Here. Drinks.

MahoroThanks, Nagi-chan. Everyone else got one too?

HotaruYes.

MahoroAll right, then. Here's to the success of our first live with this new lineup...

EveryoneCheeeers!!

MahoroAhh...! So good!

NagiAha. Same reaction as last time, too?

MahoroHuh? Did I say that last time too?

NatsumeSomeone said you sounded like some old man.

MahoroHey! I'm a high school girl, you know!?

Hotaru...

Hotaru(I'm so glad... The live went well.)

Hotaru(Everyone's story... Kanata-san's story.)

Hotaru(If I'm going to see it through to a happy ending, then I—)

HoukaGreat work today, Hotaru-san♡

HotaruAh... Houka-san. Great work today.

HoukaToday's live was wonderful as well.

HoukaI can't quite put it into words, but it had a kind of power unlike anything before...

HoukaI was so... deeply moved♡

HotaruI'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Hotaru(Houka-san... She said she had a reason for asking me to join the band, but...)

Houka...?

Hotaru(I'm sure Houka-san has a happiness she longs for too, and that's why she needed me.)

Hotaru(Then I have to make that wish come true, too!)

NatsumeHey, Houka. You're not pestering Hotaru about something weird again, are you?

HoukaMy. What a dreadful thing to say... Isn't it, Hotaru-san?

HotaruNot at all. She was only saying our performance at the live was good.

NatsumeHah. You're still in middle school, so you probably wouldn't know, but anyone who praises you that freely is bound to be suspicious.

HotaruIs that so...?

HoukaHow cruel... *Sniff*...

NatsumeNo matter how much she dotes on you, I'm still keeping a close eye on you.

NatsumeOne big success isn't enough. It's success every time that counts. Don't get carried away over this.

HotaruYes! I'll give it everything I've got!

NatsumeWhat...? You're awfully fired up.

HotaruYes, I am!

HotaruBecause that's what I'm here for!

NagiOoh, big words from the youngest one.

HotaruAh... Did I sound a little too full of myself...?

NagiNo? It's entertaining to watch, at least.

MahoroHotaru-chan, great work today, again. And look, there are tons of snacks too~

HotaruThank you. I'll have some later.

MahoroOh, come on, don't hold back! I mean, Hotaru-chan was basically the star of today's live.

MahoroThen of course you're the star of this afterparty too, Hotaru-chan!

HotaruThe star...

Hotaru(That role belongs to Kanata-san.)

Hotaru(I don't need happiness for myself.)

HotaruYou're giving me too much credit. I could only play the way I did today because of all of you.

MahoroAww, such a good girl... At this rate, I might even go buy you a cake, you know?

Hotaru(Sweet treats. A reward.)

Hotaru(A happiness I don't need.)

HotaruThank you. I'll gladly accept the thought!

NatsumeHey! Don't go spoiling her!

NagiAha. Such a strict mom.

HoukaIf sweets won't do, then perhaps a session in the Garage?

HoukaI'm sure it would be such fun♡

HotaruA session...

Hotaru(Something that could be fun for me.)

Hotaru(I don't need that either.)

NatsumeSomething's fishy... Are you the one suggesting a session?

HoukaYes. One live simply wasn't enough... I would so like to lose myself in more of Hotaru-san's music♡

NagiKnew it. Pure self-interest.

MahoroCome on, it's an afterparty. Let's keep things peaceful~

Hotaru...

Hotaru(What I want is for everyone to be happy.)

Hotaru(The other five... Their happiness, not mine.)

Hotaru(That's why.)

HotaruPlease tell me everything... you all want to do.

HotaruI'll make every last one of those wishes come true!