I lived silently after leaving college. I worked a common job, one that held no special place in my heart. I played games and read books and enjoyed them, then moved on. Occasionally, I made various things to please others. As someone who loves bringing happiness to others with all my heart, I kept living, because I knew so many friends would be devastated if I died. That was all I cared about, but it felt like more than enough.

Creating things for others to enjoy was my favorite way to spend time. Usually, I'd make videos, or write stories. Creating something special that would reach everyone has been my dream as far back as I can remember. I didn't care much about following it, though. Dreams were nice to have, but there was no way I'd make it come true. I've heard all the hokey stories about never giving up, and about how raw effort will solve all of life's problems. They were pure fiction, and I knew it. Life didn't work that way. Still doesn't.

Love Live... This is the first, maybe the only honest tale I've seen about not giving up.

I didn't bother learning either group's history until sometime after I knew the scope of μ's success. So I was expecting the usual miraculous, one-in-a-million success stories where everything just works out. Instead, both groups' stories hit home, hard.
Everything felt so familiar. The stumbling blocks. The growth that never seems fast enough. The feeling of a limit being reached. The failures. All of it. And as I recognized more and more of the same obstacles I faced, the same things that convinced me my dreams were out of reach, all I could think about was how amazing I knew both groups would become.

Eventually, I started dreaming again.

These days, I'm creating whenever I have the chance. Not just videos or stories- all sorts of things. They're not all well-received, but that doesn't discourage me anymore. I'm improving, and more than that, I'm happy. I hadn't even realized I stopped, but I'm enjoying life again, and it's such a difference.

At heart, I'm still a bitter person. But now I'm a bright and cheery bitter person who loves singing, and I'm done giving up. I'd say I'm even more determined a dreamer now than I was as a child.

To both μ's and Aqours, thank you for your stories. Thank you for doing your best even in the times- no, especially in those times- where your hard work ended in failure. Without your legacies, I doubt I would have started dreaming again, ever. It's led to plenty of new failures and hardships, and I might never truly succeed, but that's fine. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I'm living for myself, not for the sake of others. I can't thank you enough. Keep doing your best- I promise I'll do mine, too.