With Eli Ayase joining them, everyone moved their morning practice to the temple steps. Nozomi Tojo was still sweeping in her shrine maiden outfit, while several members stood nearby, panting after running up the stairs.
[You don't have to answer; I already know]
[The place we picture in our hearts is the same]
Fruit: [No matter how many times, we won't give up]
[Searching is our challenge]
All: [The warmth of our energy won't fade]
[We'll spread our wings, still burning with passion]
[When I see you talk about your dreams]
[I love those unwavering eyes...]
The performance was over, and the audience wore thoroughly satisfied expressions.
Everyone present applauded them. The girls who had won their admiration could feel the sweat dripping down and the exhaustion of giving it their all, but they had succeeded in making their debut.
"Ha... ha, we did it..." one of them said to Eli, still panting.
"Mm—"
Still caught up in their excitement, the two looked at each other and smiled.
Eli gazed up at the blue sky...
This was what she had wanted to do most... Wasn't this exactly it?
Maid Kotori
A few days later, the school open day had come and gone.
"I heard the school open day was really lively."
Everyone at school was talking about what had happened that day. It had only been a slightly special day, something that should have passed and been forgotten, but now everyone was discussing it.
Honoka Kosaka walked excitedly around the corner in the hallway, twirling as she went.
"Kotori~ Umi~"
Honoka wrapped her arms around the waists of the two girls in front of her and pulled them close.
"I've got amazing news! Huge news!"
Honoka brought Umi Sonoda and Minami Kotori into the clubroom. She had kept them in