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A Few Days Later

Tsukinomori Girls' Academy - Classroom 1-A

Student AI watched Ave Mujica on Music Floor yesterday! The talk segment was so entertaining—I couldn't stop watching!

Mutsumi?Thank you.

Student BThe interaction with the host ended up feeling like a comedy skit, didn't it? Mutsumi, you're amazing as always.

Mutsumi?Not really. The host did a great job picking up on what I was saying and making it entertaining. Professional hosts really are amazing~

Mutsumi?That was so much fun! Ahaha!

Soyo...

Win-Wing-Production - Meeting Room

NyamuAh~ I'm so tired~

Mutsumi?I have macarons. Which color would you choose?

UikaI can't decide...

NyamuRed or black... By the way, I'm still on a diet.

UmiriLet me have one then. Even if I eat, I won't gain weight.

UikaSesame-flavored?

Umiri*Munch*... Yeah, it's sesame-flavored.

NyamuI'm so jealous of Umiko's constitution~

Mutsumi?If we share half, the calores will be halved! right?

NyamuI see! No, no, saying things like this isn't good~

Mutsumi?Ahaha.

SakikoWhat's wrong?

NyamuWhat?

SakikoNot long ago, everyone was still...

UikaI won't let Mujica disband. If a band member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding.

NyamuThis is such an important moment. Do you really think this is okay?

UmiriTogawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to the members?

MutsumiWhenever I speak up, I ruin everything...

NyamuWhat's the big deal~ Finally, we're in the best state now.

UikaThat's true, the atmosphere of the band has improved... I was worried we might just disband like that.

UikaIt's all thanks to Mutsumi-chan.

Mutsumi?Eheheh.

UmiriReally impressive to dispel negative rumors with such powerful acting.

UikaEven the rumors of disbanding have disappeared.

NyamuIndeed~!

SakikoBut having such a lazy attitude, like you did in that interview earlier, is unacceptable!

UmiriAlthough the direction may differ slightly from what Togawa-san expected from Ave Mujica...

UmiriWakaba-san also expressed Ave Mujica's worldview in her own unique way. It is a sort of success too.

NyamuIsn't that why we got a magazine feature?

Mutsumi?Starting now, we're a band. We'll play music together and our destinies will become one!

Mutsumi?I will write music worthy of Ave Mujica!

Sakiko...!

NyamuHuh? That sounded just like something Sakiko would say~

Mutsumi?A shared destiny means just that.

UikaShared destiny, huh... I like the Mujica we have now.

Mutsumi?Thank you, Uika-chan.

SakikoAre you really going to settle like this? I haven't finished talking yet!

NyamuUghhh~? What a hassle.

SakikoWe worked so hard to come together, but you're still so laid-back!

SakikoWe had a tour scheduled, but we didn't even practice properly!

UmiriYeah, we have to perform a new song on the last day of the tour.

NyamuWhen will it even be finished~? I want to practice too~

Sakiko...

UikaSaki-chan has been pretty busy lately too. I'll help out too.

UmiriMisumi-san, Wakaba-san, it's about time to go.

NyamuYou're off to shoot the cover for "ERA," right? That's so nice~

Mutsumi?I'll let the editor know.

NyamuYay! Should I come too? Just to observe for future reference~♪

Sakiko...

Uika...

UikaSaki-chan... I wonder if she's exhausted?

Mutsumi?...

UikaShe'd never shown that side of herself before.

Mutsumi?It's all those invisible jobs, like directing live shows and writing scripts. She's handling all of it.

UikaI want to ease her burden, even just a little, but... She's composing at home all the time too... Yesterday, she even pulled an all-nighter.

Mutsumi?It's not good for her health!

UikaEh?

Mutsumi?Then just tell her! Tell her to sleep properly!

Mutsumi?When there's too much work, she forgets herself. And things start to fall apart.

UikaHehe, Mutsumi-chan, you kind of remind me of Mana-chan.

Mutsumi?The Mana-chan from "sumimi"?

UikaYeah, when I'm with Mutsumi-chan, I feel really at ease. You even brought all of us together.

UikaBut the first time we met, you didn't talk much. I had no idea you were this amazing.

Mutsumi?Didn't Uika-chan say before that "if a member quits, it's basically the same as disbanding?"

Mutsumi?I think the same as you.

Mutsumi?Now, the closest person to Sakiko-chan is Uika-chan. Please take care of Sakiko-chan.

UikaAlright!

Mutsumi?Ah, Uika-chan. What we just talked about, keep it a secret from Sakiko-chan, okay? Hehe.

Sakiko(What's wrong with you? Mutsumi...)

UikaSaki-chan, you are still awake?

SakikoI need to compose.

UikaIt's not good for your health!

SakikoHealth?

UikaYou're not sleeping enough. Go to sleep for today. You can't come up with good songs without sleep.

SakikoBut—

UikaSaki-chan.

SakikoAlright.

Hanasakigawa Girls' Academy - Courtyard

UmiriYour handwriting is easy to read. That helps a lot.

Taki*Yawn*...

UmiriDidn't you get enough sleep?

TakiNot really. I'm working on songs for the next live... What about math?

UmiriI'm pretty good at it. No thanks.

TakiI see.

UmiriI never thought I'd one day borrow notes from you.

TakiMe neither. I never thought I'd see Umiri on TV five days a week.

TakiSo? How is it?

UmiriWhat do you mean?

TakiThe band. Didn't you say it might disband?

UmiriThat's been resolved. The tour is going well too. The schedule is filled with TV appearances and interviews.

UmiriIt's like a sparkler about to burn out.

TakiHuh?

Photography Studio

Female PhotographerHmm... Can you try to be more expressive?

Sakiko...

Mutsumi?Your expression is too stiff. Look, smile more like me♪

NyamuYeah, yeah~ Relax more! For example~ maybe put your arm around my shoulder? Like this.

SakikoW-Wait, what are you doing all of a sudden?

Mutsumi?Uika-chan and Umiri-chan, come join too!

UmiriNo choice, I guess.

UikaI was trying not to overlap with my sumimi image, though.

Mutsumi?Everyone, gather together and strike a pose!

Female PhotographerYeah, it's amazing! It feels like the new Ave Mujica.

NyamuWow, it's really great! I love this photo~

UikaI love this photo too.

Female PhotographerEveryone's unique charm shines through... Wow~ I'm really looking forward to Mujica's future!

NyamuI want us all to bring out each other's strengths and make Mujica even bigger~!

Mutsumi?Yeah! Let's make Mujica even better!

UikaLet's do our best.

Mutsumi?Umiri-chan, you too!

UmiriWell... I do hope that Mujica will become a new home for me.

NyamuUmiko, honestly... Couldn't you try matching everyone else's energy a little?

UmiriWell, that's just my nature.

Sakiko...

Talk Show Studio

MCI heard you all are going to Fukuoka for a tour this weekend.

UikaWe'll do our best to give the audience a dream-like experience.

Mutsumi?Nyamu-chan... Amoris's family will be coming too, right?

NyamuThat's right~ But, well, since we're technically dolls, family—

Mutsumi?Hakata dolls!

NyamuHuh? Oh, right...

Mutsumi?Minami-chan has a favorite shop. I'm really looking forward to visiting it.

Mutsumi?Please leave your recommendations for places to visit in Mujica's social media comment sections! We'd really appreciate it.

MCThat's right! Actually, next week's show will have a Fukuoka special. Will you all be coming again?

Mutsumi?Thank you so much! I'll ask the manager—

Mutsumi?Ah, the gesture says no... So it's a no...

MCWe'd love to have you anytime.

Mutsumi?We might actually come by!

NyamuAha... ahaha...

Nyamu's Dormitory - Private Room

NyamuAhhh... I ended up buying a grande café latte...

NyamuWhatever! Forget it! I'm drinking it! I'm drinking the whole thing!

NyamuGulp, gulp... gulp, phew—! I quit~~!

NyamuHow come she's leavin' the topic to me, then takin' it right back to herself? It's just so frustratin', I tell ya~ This is what I get after tryin' so darn hard~ Guess talent really is everythin'! Ah~

NyamuMa~ma~

Nyamu's Mother"Why ya soundin' so down? What happened?"

NyamuUgh, where do I even start~?

NyamuI thought for sure I'd grab myself an opportunity in Tokyo, but turns out I'm surrounded by geniuses.

Nyamu's Mother"Oh dear, how'd it come to this?"

NyamuYeah. I thought I could bounce off Muuko during today's recording, but she completely took over and I couldn't get a word in edgewise~.

NyamuThat's why, even though I don't usually drink this stuff, I went and bought the biggest latte they had today.

Nyamu's Mother"Don't worry. Your name Nyamu."

Nyamu's Mother"It means wheat only grows stronger after bein' trampled on. Tomorrow, you'll be somethin' even more amazin', ya hear?"

NyamuUgh... Mama~

Nyamu's Younger Sister、Nyamu's Younger Brother"Mama! I want to talk to sister~ Mama! I want to talk to Nyamu-sister~"

NyamuWait your turn! Don't y'all fight~

Nyamu's Younger Sister"Nyamu-sister, thank ya for the cat plushie!"

Nyamu's Younger Brother"Sister, you were on TV. I'm so proud~!"

NyamuI see. Alrighty! Sis is feelin' fired up now!

NyamuI'll set off a big ol' firework for y'all. Make sure y'all watchin'~

Nyamu's Mother"Take care now. We're all rootin' for ya!"

NyamuY'all look forward to the Fukuoka concert the day after tomorrow, ya hear? Give a holler to the big brother and big sister for me, will ya? Good night, y'all~

NyamuPhew... okay.

Nationwide Tour - Fukuoka First Day

During Rehearsal

StaffWe'll start checking the sound equipment. I heard you haven't been able to play together at all. Should we try playing a few songs first?

SakikoMy sincere apologies, we'll leave it to you.

StaffMortis-san, your guitar.

Mutsumi?I don't need a guitar~

SakikoMutsumi, what are you saying?

Mutsumi?Because I don't know how to play guitar at all.

Sakiko、Umiri、Uika、NyamuHuh?

SakikoWhat do you mean by that?

NyamuBut you've been playing it all this time!

Mutsumi?I can't play it because I've never played it before.

UikaIs it your fingers or arms that hurt?

UmiriYou can't even play the songs from the first day of the tour? The setlist hasn't really changed.

Mutsumi?I can't play any of them~

NyamuWait, what are you talking about? I can't understand a thing.

SakikoAre you serious?

Mutsumi?What's the problem? I was doing fine without the guitar, right?

Sakiko...!

UikaWhat are we supposed to do? The TV performance was fine since it was only one song, and we could get by without Mutsumi's guitar...

UmiriBut that's a different story if we're playing the full set...

NyamuWait, what about rehearsals?

SakikoCome with me.

Mutsumi?It hurts... Hey, don't pull me.

UikaThey're gone.

SakikoWhat are you thinking? You already ruined the performance with improvisation, and now you're saying you won't play?

SakikoYou used to care so much about the guitar! I can't understand you anymore!

Mutsumi?This is all for Ave Mujica.

Mutsumi?Sakiko-chan said it, right? That Mutsumi-chan left everything to you.

Mutsumi?So, I spoke to everyone on behalf of Sakiko-chan.

Sakiko...?

Mutsumi?Uika-chan, Umiri-chan, Nyamu-chan— Everyone really loves Ave Mujica.

Mutsumi?If things stay like this, we can stay together forever, Sakiko-chan.

SakikoWhat nonsense are you talking about...

Mutsumi?Do you really not understand? Sakiko-chan is so fixated on the band. Isn't it because of this?

SakikoThat's...

Sakiko"Sakiko-chan"? Mutsumi... wouldn't call me that.

SakikoAre you... really Mutsumi?

Mutsumi?Mutsumi-chan is already dead.

Sakiko...!

Mutsumi?Ah, I got it wrong. It's more like she's asleep, as if dead.

SakikoDon't joke around!

Mutsumi?I'm serious.

SakikoWhat do you mean by "asleep"? Explain it to me!

MortisMy name is Mortis.

MortisA long time ago, I chatted with Mutsumi-chan, played with dolls, and had lots of fun.

SakikoA long... time ago?

MortisAfter Mutsumi-chan started playing guitar, she joined Sakiko-chan's band, with no idea that would be the start of her suffering.

MortisOne day, when Mutsumi-chan couldn't sleep from all the pain, she desperately followed Sakiko-chan, seeking help.

MortisBut Sakiko-chan, only thinking of herself, scolded Mutsumi-chan harshly.

SakikoAh...

SakikoWhy...?

SakikoWhy aren't you on my side!?

Mutsumi...

MortisJust like this, with all the wounds on her, Mutsumi-chan sank into a deep, deep slumber.

MortisThat's why I hate Sakiko-chan.

Sakiko...

MortisDon't worry. I will protect Mutsumi-chan and her favorite band.

MortisBut...

MortisIf Sakiko-chan keeps being like this, Mutsumi-chan might never be back.

SakikoI...

UikaSaki-chan...! You were here.

UikaI just passed by Mutsumi-chan, are you done talking...?

SakikoThat... wasn't Mutsumi...

UmiriWakaba-san said that... That just came out of nowhere.

UikaA split personality?

Sakiko!!

MortisWere you calling for me? Ah, everyone's here~ What were you talking about?

NyamuIs it true you have a split personality?

MortisHmm... So you told everyone about it, Sakiko-chan♪

Sakiko...

UmiriLet's decide what to do moving forward. We didn't even get to rehearse... Tomorrow's live will have to be canceled, right?

SakikoWe can't cancel it...

UikaMutsumi-chan's guitar recordings...

SakikoWe don't have it.

UmiriThis is the downside of insisting on live performances.

UikaMutsumi-chan's guitar is the core of the songs. I can't handle it all on my own.

UmiriIf we're going to hold the live, I'll immediately find someone to help.

MortisI can handle it, no matter how many hours it takes!

MortisWhether they're here for a play or the music, I'll make sure my performance satisfies them completely!

SakikoBut that... doesn't count as a band anymore...

NyamuYou know, I've been holding back for a long time.

SakikoEh...

NyamuEven when Muuko stole the spotlight and I was ignored, I kept smiling for the audience's sake.

NyamuWhether it's the band or the live, it's not just us doing it. There are countless people working tirelessly behind the scenes... They're the ones staying up all night for us!

NyamuHave you thought about the audience looking forward to tomorrow's live?

NyamuIt's not just ticket money. They spend so much on travel and accommodation—

NyamuSaving up from their jobs for Ave Mujica's live concert. Are you going to betray them?

Sakiko...

NyamuThen you quit!

UikaNyamu-chan!

NyamuThen, should we expel Muuko?

Sakiko...

NyamuWhat are you suggesting?

SakikoI want Mutsumi back.

NyamuYou fool! I'll quit.

Umiri、Uika、Mortis、Sakiko!!!

NyamuWhen I saw your clothes at first, I thought you were sloppy, but then I assumed you'd leave your high-society status behind to take this seriously.

NyamuI really thought we'd climb to the top together.

NyamuWhat "Give me your life"! I don't have time to play house with a rich girl!

Sakiko...

NyamuUiko, if one person quits, Ave Mujica is over, right?

UikaAh, that's...

MortisHuh? How did it come to this?

UikaCalm down...

NyamuI am calm. She did say it, didn't she?

UmiriYes, you did.

UikaIf I hadn't said it back then...

MortisUika-chan, you are always lying. Didn't you say it was because you wanted to stay with Sakiko-chan?

Uika...

MortisThat's why we don't have to disband!

Umiri、Uika、Nyamu、Sakiko...

MortisI don't want it! Absolutely not! We absolutely won't disband!

MortisA band is about playing music together and destinies becoming one! Our mission is none other than to give our guests a dream-like experience!

MortisNow is the time to determine the true value of the band! Sakiko-chan, isn't Mujica the only thing you have left in this world?

Sakiko...

Umiri*Sigh*... It's only a matter of time. Not many bands last.

MortisWhy? Why are we even talking about disbanding?

MortisHow did it come to this? We talked about this already, didn't we? All of us!

MortisUika-chan! After I told you to "take care of Sakiko-chan," didn't you smile happily?

Uika...

MortisNyamu-chan! Didn't we talk about using everyone's strengths to make Mujica even better?

Nyamu...

MortisEven Umiri-chan said, "if Mujica could become a place I can call home, that would be great."

Umiri...

NyamuYou've got it wrong.

MortisWhat "wrong"!?

NyamuWhy are you in Mujica in the first place?

MortisEh?

NyamuWhen you acted as a doll, honestly, it scared me to the point of trembling. Even though I knew there were no strings...

MortisI saw the strings pulled tight, then snap.

NyamuEven though I felt frustrated, I realized that this is what true genius looks like...

NyamuYou shouldn't belong here.

MortisWhy? Why would you be mean to me? Is it because I can't play the guitar? Say something!

MortisNobody's leaving, right? We'll stay together as a band, right?

MortisSakiko-chan! Uika-chan! Umiri-chan!

MortisHow could this happen...

The Performance

OblivionisThe moon sinks into the earth.

MortisStop!

AmorisOur fleeting lives end here.

MortisWhy would you say something like that?

TimorisThe dolls no longer exist.

MortisBut I'm still here!

DolorisWith tonight's masquerade—

MortisStop! Don't say it!

DolorisWe announce the curtain call of Ave Mujica.

MortisNooooooo!