Aikatsu Start!

Season 2 episode 20

The episode opens with a calm, breezy day at Saku Academy. The semester is nearing its end, and the atmosphere is a mixture of excitement and melancholy as the idols prepare for the season’s final event: a grand closing concert at the Autumn Festival. The campus is buzzing with activity—students finishing last-minute rehearsals, others packing up for the break.

Rotasu: (sitting under a tree, looking up at the sky) It’s crazy how fast time flies… It feels like just yesterday we were starting the semester, and now we’re here, at the end.

Miho plops down beside her, her usual energetic self, though her smile seems a little more subdued today.

Miho: (swinging her legs) Yeah! But there were so many fun things, right? I’m gonna miss everyone over the break… I enjoyed being here so much. (pauses, then frowns) Do you think things will change when we come back?

Rotasu: (smiling softly) They always do, don’t they? But that’s okay. We’ve all grown so much. It’ll be exciting to see how everyone’s improved.

Rizela joins them, her graceful figure casting a shadow over the two as she holds a folded program for the festival in her hands.

Rizela: (with a calm smile) It’s strange, isn’t it? We’ve been through so much together, but now we’re taking a break. I’ve never felt so close to so many people before, and I never thought I’d miss it this much.

Miho: (teasing) Aw, Rizela’s getting all sentimental! I knew you were a softie deep down.

Rizela: (playfully) Only a little. (then more seriously) But… I think we all found something important here. I know I did.

Sayo walks past the group, her usual confident stride softened slightly. She pauses, noticing the girls sitting together. For a moment, it seems like she’ll walk away, but then she hesitates and turns back.

Sayo: (quietly) Are you all ready for the final concert?

Rotasu nods, looking at Sayo with a knowing smile.

Rotasu: Yeah. It’s going to be a great way to end the semester, don’t you think?

Sayo: (softly) It better be. I’ve worked hard for this. We all have.

The group of girls falls into a comfortable silence, each reflecting on their journey throughout the semester—the ups, the downs, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome. For Sayo, this moment is particularly poignant as she recalls the transformation she’s undergone, from chasing perfection to learning to enjoy her craft.

Later, the scene transitions to the grand concert stage set up outside for the Autumn Festival. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the area. The audience is buzzing with excitement as the students prepare backstage. The girls, dressed in their dazzling performance outfits, gather for one last pep talk before the show.

Miss Mihara: (smiling warmly at them) You’ve all grown so much this semester. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Remember, tonight isn’t just about showing off your skills—it’s about celebrating everything you’ve learned, the friendships you’ve built, and the joy you’ve found in being idols. Give it your all, and most importantly… have fun.

The girls nod, each one feeling the weight of the moment. This isn’t just another performance; it’s a culmination of everything they’ve worked for.

The concert begins with a high-energy performance, a medley of some of the most iconic songs the girls have performed throughout the semester. The crowd cheers and claps along as the stage lights flash and the idols dance with everything they’ve got.

Rizela leads the second half of the concert, her gentle, dreamlike voice filling the night air. As she sings, her mind drifts back to the personal struggles she overcame—the distance with her father, her fear of not belonging—and how Saku Academy helped her find peace.

Rizela: (singing softly) In this moment, I’m here, I belong… (thinking) I never thought I’d feel this way. I’m grateful for it all… and for everyone I’ve met here.

Miho bursts onto the stage next, her performance upbeat and full of life. She dances across the stage with uncontainable energy, her bubbly personality infectious. Her voice rings out, clear and joyful, and the audience can’t help but smile.

Miho: (giggling) This is so much fun! I want to keep singing and dancing forever!

Sayo takes her turn, delivering a performance that is technically flawless but also filled with the newfound emotion and vulnerability she discovered. Her voice is strong yet tender, and the crowd is captivated by her sincerity.

Sayo: (singing with all her heart) I found my voice, I found my way, and now I sing for me…

Finally, Rotasu steps forward for the closing performance. Her song is a powerful ballad about growth, friendship, and finding strength in oneself. As she sings, tears well in her eyes—not from sadness, but from overwhelming gratitude for the journey she’s been on.

Rotasu: (singing, her voice cracking slightly) Through the storms and through the rain, I found my way again… (thinking) I’m going to miss this so much. But I know this isn’t the end. It’s just another beginning.

As the final notes of the song ring out, all the girls join Rotasu on stage, holding hands as they take a final bow together. The audience erupts into thunderous applause, and the girls smile at each other, knowing they’ve done something truly special.

Backstage, after the concert, the mood is bittersweet. The girls hug each other, laughing and reminiscing about the memories they’ve shared. They know that even though the semester is over, their bonds won’t fade.

Rizela: (smiling) I can’t believe how much we’ve all changed. It’s been a crazy ride.

Miho: (grinning) Yeah! And next semester is gonna be even better! We’ll keep growing and having fun!

Sayo, quieter than usual, looks at them with a small smile. For the first time, she feels like she’s part of something bigger than just her own success.

Sayo: (softly) I’m… glad I was here with all of you.

Rotasu: (tearing up) I’m going to miss everyone over the break. But… I enjoyed being here so much. Thank you, everyone. For everything.

The girls exchange knowing smiles, their hearts full as they look forward to the future. Even though they’ll be apart for a little while, they know their journey together is far from over.

The episode closes with a beautiful shot of the sunset over Saku Academy, the golden light reflecting off the now-empty concert stage. The sounds of laughter and footsteps slowly fade as the girls walk off together, their silhouettes framed by the setting sun.