"Italicized" = Signed

"Regular" = Spoken

Italicized = Yō typing

= Someone else typing

----- = A spoken word Yō can't understand (or at least not lip read)

...

Yō's POV:

A few days had gone by since my little adventure. Thankfully, I was allowed to be the interpreter for our song. I don't have to worry about learning how to dance to it right now. I just need to learn the lyrics and then learn the timing.

Currently, Chika and Riko were hanging out with me. We were at Chika's house. Chika was in charge of teaching me the song. Riko was supervision for us. I don't exactly blame them for not trusting Chika to do the job. She was pretty forgetful at times.

"Yō? If this works out... are you considering doing that for every performance?" Chika asked me.

I hadn't considered that. I could technically do that. But... I don't know. I want to dance with them. I want to show people I can do what they can. But at the same time, I'm scared to put myself out there like that.

"I don't know." I replied. I really don't know if I'd do that.

"Are you sure you really want to be in this group with us?" Riko questioned.

I nodded, "I want to do this."

I really do want to be in this group. They're the only friends I've made. If I left, I know it would be too awkward around them to talk to them. They're the only support I get. They're the only ones who learned how to communicate with me.

"Why are you doubting yourself so much?" Chika asked.

I shrugged, "I know people will judge me harsher for messing up. I guess that's why."

"You shouldn't let them get to you. Messing up happens every now and again." Chika pouted.

"I know. I just can't help but think about it from time to time." I replied.

We ended the discussion to continue our practice. It wasn't that hard, honestly. As long as I remember the timing, I'll be just fine. I think I can do this pretty well.

...

A few days later, it was time. I'm nervous. I can't help but be. There are a lot of people watching us. It's always nerve wracking to know that many eyes are on you. I know most will be on me as I'll stand out.

I took a deep breath. I can do this. I've practiced a lot. It's my native language. I can do this. I just have to focus.

It wasn't long after that we were called onto the stage. I went last. I stood off to the side and watched them. There was a bit of an intro to this song, so I had to wait.

Chika introduced the group and then everyone got into position. Seconds later, the song started. I can feel the vibrations very well on stage.

I watched as they danced. I knew what to look for to start signing. However, that never happened. Chika tripped and fell. Everyone paused.

The lights went off fast. I walked over to where everyone else was. Kanan and Riko were talking to Chika. She looked like she was in pain. Did she hurt herself?

After a few minutes, Kanan pulled Chika to her feet. Chika wrapped her arms around Kanan and Riko. She was holding one of her feet off the ground. I guess she hurt it when she fell. I hope it isn't too bad.

We filed off the stage. A medic was waiting in the dressing room for us. They started examining Chika's leg. She kept making pained expression whenever they touched her ankle. I'm guessing she sprained it or something.

They wrapped her ankle and then left the room. Everyone was talking. Looks like I'm not part of this conversation now.

I walked over to Chika. She tried to smile, but I could see how much pain she was in. I don't know what to do.

This is another moment where I hate that I'm deaf. No one is going to bother communicating with me right now. I just have to watch and guess on what all is going on. Chika can't sign right now. I can see she's trying to hold back her pain, but it isn't going very well.

I hugged her, unsure what else I could do. Chika grabbed onto me tightly. I could feel her breathing heavily. A few moment later, I registered that there were tears staining my clothes. She was crying.

I rubbed her back. I can't do much to comfort her, unfortunately. All I can do is just be here for her. That's all any of us can do right now.

I looked at the others. Most of them were talking still. Riko had moved over to be beside me. She had a helpless look on her face. I wouldn't be surprised if I do too. It hurts when you can't help someone you care about as much as you wish you could.

The medic came back with other people. They walked over to where we were and started talking. Riko was talking to them. I guess they might be asking questions.

Chika refused to let go of me. She tightened her grip. I could feel her nails digging into my skin. Is she in that much pain? Or, could she also be upset that she ruined this event? I hope not. It wasn't her fault this happened.

Eventually, they finished talking to Riko. They looked at me and then looked down at Chika. More questioned seemed to follow that. Riko unfortunately had to answer everything since I couldn't. I hate that I can't be much help right now. The only thing I can do is just let Chika cling to me and cry.

Riko turned and leaned down to say something to Chika. After a while of them talking. Well, was Chika replying? I can't see her mouth. Anyway, Chika let go of me. The people who were by us helped her stand and they left the room. I looked at Riko for answers to what was going on.

"She has to go to the hospital for an x-ray to see what's wrong." Riko explained, "They had to ask a lot of questions before taking her, though."

I frowned. I don't like this at all.

"We can probably visit her later. Once they find out what's wrong with her." Riko signed.

That doesn't make this much better. I just wish things could actually work out for us. I messed up one of our shows by not taking care of myself. Now Chika ended up doing something to her foot. Bad luck just seems to be following us everywhere we go.

Can we really succeed like Chika thinks we will? I want to... but something just always seems to go wrong for us.

If we don't do this, I know Chika will be crushed. She has so much faith that we can win Love Live and bring in enough students to save the school. I... I honestly don't think it will happen, though.

After researching some things, I realized something. Our school won't get that many new applicants. We don't have a large population to begin with. There aren't that many kids to join our school.

The other school around... it's doing fine. No one would leave it, most likely. That makes me think our school may be closing no matter what we try and do. It sucks, but I think it's what will happen.