Chapter 14 Put on a Performance?! Part 1
Saki's POV

"good job everyone", Airi praised after another practice.

"You know what", Ena started. "We're actually getting pretty good."

"We are", Airi agreed. "In fact, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you guys about."

"What is it, Airi-Senpai", Ichika asked.

"Well", Airi started. "I've been thinking that…maybe we should start considering doing performances?"

"Performances", Ichika asked in shock.

"You mean, as in live performances", I asked as my eyes lit up. "In front of an actual audience?"

"That's right", Airi replied. "We've been practicing for a while now, and I say we should show off all of our hard work!"

"Well", Ena started. "It would be kind of pointless to do all this practicing if we're the only ones who'll ever actually hear it."

"That's true", Ichika agreed. "But, where will our first performance even be?"

"Hmm", Airi started as she began thinking. "I know! Shiho works at a live house! Maybe I can ask her about booking us a gig?"

"Perform at the live house Shiho works at", Ichika asked.

"Airi-Senpai, can I go talk to Shiho-Chan about booking a gig at the live house she works at", I asked.

"You wanna be the one ask her", Airi asked. "How come?"

"Ever since Yume Yume Jump's! debut event, she's been super busy with idol stuff and I really haven't had the chance to talk to her", I revealed.

"I see", Airi said. "So you want an excuse to talk to her? In that case, go ahead, Saki!"

"Thank you so much, Airi-Senpai", I said happily.

"Can I join you when you go talk to Shiho, Saki", Ichika asked.

"Of course", I replied. "Let's go talk to her tomorrow during our lunch break!"

The Next Day

We were on our lunch break, and Ichika and I were outside Shiho's classroom. We opened the door, and found her talking to a familiar face.

"Saki-Chan", she said happily when she saw me.

"Hi there, Minori-Chan", I greeted happily as I walked up to her.

"Saki, Ichika", Shiho said in surprise. "What are you two doing here?"

"We came to talk to you about something, Shiho", Ichika revealed. "But if you're busy talking to Minori right now…"

"That's okay, Ichika-Chan", Minori said. "I was just telling Shiho-Chan some information about idols, but I'm now going to meet up with Honami-Chan for lunch."

"Oh, okay", Ichika said. "Then you should probably get going."

"Right", Minori said. "See you later, Ichika-Chan, Saki-Chan!"

"See you later, Minori-Chan", I said. "Say hi to Hona-Chan for me!"

"Will do", Minori said. "Bye bye!"

With that, Minori sped out of the classroom.

"So", Shiho started as she walked up to us. "What did you two wanted to talk to me about?"

"Well", Ichika started. "Airi-Senpai thinks it's about time that Youthful/Friends started performing."

"Performing", Shiho asked in surprise. "As in, in front of an audience?"

"That's right", I replied. "And since you work at a live house, we were wondering if you could help us book a gig, Shiho-Chan?!"

"You want to perform at the live house I work at", Shiho asked.

"Would that be okay", Ichika asked.

Then, Shiho thought about it for a moment.

"You guys are my friends", she started. "However, the live house I work at has a reputation to keep when it comes to the quality of groups they let perform there. Therefore, Before I recommend you to the manager, I want to hear your band perform first."

"You want to hear us perform", I asked in shock.

"Yes", Shiho replied. "I'm busy throughout the week, but should have some free time on Friday after school. Would that be a good time for you guys?"

"We'll have to check with the rest of our band, but I'm sure that'll be fine", Ichika replied.

"Great", Shiho said. "Then I'll see you guys on Friday. If you want me to recommend Youthful/Friends to the manager of the live house, then you'd better give it your all in this performance."

"You can count on us, Shiho-Chan", I reassured. "We'll put on a performance that will knock your socks off!"