[Kirari winks at the camera.]
[She opens her closet. Inside: a homemade, glitter-bombed t-shirt that reads “Future Pop Queen.” She puts it on. Poses in the mirror.]
[Kirari pouts.]
Hiroto (thinking): “She’s terrible. But... she’s not pretending.”
Kirari: “Ah—!”
Seoji: “Watch where you’re going.”
Hiroto: “That’s a first. Look—you don’t need a perfect voice. You need a reason to sing. What’s yours?”
Kirari: “You—you’re the taiyaki-saving angel!”
Seoji (coldly): “She’s a disaster.”
[A flimsy stage set up between a hot dog cart and a fountain. A bored-looking producer sits behind a folding table. A line of polished, nervous girls stretches behind Kirari, who is vibrating with unearned confidence.]
Producer: “Name and talent.”
[The producer sighs. He waves his hand.]
Hiroto: “We’ll see. First, learn the lyrics to ‘Sugao Flavor.’ It’s our new single.”