"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:

Despite us all coming to terms with the end of our school, it was still hard for us. Our practices really showed just how much it was getting to everyone.

Our motivation was not the same. There was not that same energy and determination we had before. It was setting us back. We were unable to get through our song.

Love Live wasn't that far away. If we didn't step up our game soon, there was no way we would ever be able to win it. But, I don't know what any of us could do about this.

It was a day off today. Chika wanted to hang out at her house. I was told to come for the afternoon.

Chika was waiting for me at the door. She smiled and hugged me before tugging me up to her room. We sat on her bed.

"What's up?"

"I'm worried about us. What if we can't win Love Live?" Chika frowned.

"We'll find a way. Maybe we just need to take a break and get ourselves back to normal. It's obvious we're all a little off because of the school closing down. I think it might do us well to take a small break from practice." I told her.

"I guess it is true that we all have been affected by the recent events."

"Why don't we talk to everyone tomorrow and suggest a break?"

Chika nodded. Looks like she agrees it's best we do stop for a bit. I just hope everyone else is as easy to agree to this. I can tell everyone feels pressured to put their all into everything, so I'm worried not everyone will agree to take a break.

"So, what do you want to do for now?" I asked.

"Can I have a kiss?"

I smiled and nodded. I kissed her on the cheek. Chika smiled back at me. Though, her smile faded.

"Yō? What has your mom said about this stuff?"

Oh. I guess that could be cause for concern.

"She hasn't decided yet if she'll let me transfer to the new school or if I have to leave." I unfortunately couldn't give her the answer she was looking for.

Mom and I have spoken about this, but she hasn't told me her final decision yet. I really hope she'll let me stay here. I don't want to leave everyone again.

Chika frowned. I wish I could give her a good answer. Maybe I should ask mom if she made up her mind yet? Though, I'm scared to. I don't want to know the answer. I'm scared it'll be the one I don't want to hear.

"I'm sure she'll let me stay. She saw how sad I was when we first left. I don't think she'd want to see me like that again." I tried to reassure Chika as much as myself.

I really hope that will be the outcome. I don't know what to do if I have to leave them again. They're my only friends. They're the only people who care enough to stay by my side. I can't lose them. I'll never be able to survive without them by my side. And... if I leave, what will happen to Chika?

It was awful the first time. I can't imagine the second time will be any better. It might even be a worse reaction. That worries me a lot.

...

The next day, we all met up for practice. Chika stopped everyone from warming up. She started explaining what me and her had talked about yesterday.

It seemed everyone looked to be in agreement with our idea. Please let that be the case. I don't want to have to fight anyone over this.

"How long of a break are we talking about?" Mari asked.

Chika looked over at me. Yeah... we never did decide exactly how long we should pause practice for. What should I say?

"I think maybe until next monday." I stated. I don't think that's too unreasonable, is it?

Everyone was looking at each other. Seems they're waiting for someone to be brave enough to say what they thought of it.

"I think a break will be beneficial." Dia was the one to come forward, "I think a week break is probably needed."

Looks like my idea was a good one. So, we'll take a week off from practice. I'm hoping when we come back everyone will have that fire to them again, myself included. Though, there is one more thing I want to ask about changing.

"There's something I want to talk about regarding our song." I signed.

"How is that coming along, Chika?" Riko questioned.

"I'm just trying to figure out who should sing what." Chika replied.

"Alright. What's up with it, Yō?" Riko turned to look at me.

I'm scared to do this, but I want to. Hopefully I can do it. It's just like you've practiced. You can do this, Yō.

"I want to sing."

I did it. I... I spoke. Everyone seems really shocked. I never did tell anyone I started learning to speak again. I wanted it to be a surprise for them all. I definitely surprised them all with this.

"You... you can speak?" Chika was probably the most shocked.

"I've been... learning again." I said.

"Can you lipread any better?" Riko asked.

I shook my head. That was one thing I couldn't do still. I tried, believe me, but it was too hard. I just couldn't figure anything out. It was frustrating. I used to be really good at it but now I'm not. It makes me feel disappointed.

"Are you sure you want to sing? I don't want you to feel too pressured by it." Chika didn't seem to sure of my decision.

I nodded, "I want to sing."

"Alright then. I guess I'll make sure to add you for singing parts." Chika smiled at me.

I smiled back. I looked around at everyone else. They seemed to be proud. This is a big step for me. But, I think I'm ready to do it. I want to give this performance my all.

Since... this may be the last thing I'll ever get to do with any of them.