Episode 23 of Aikatsu Friends! is a Honey Cat episode – or more specifically, one that focuses on Maika. The emergence of a new Friends unit and the results of the Star Harmony Cup are weighing upon her.
Maika and Ema
Maika has yet to tell her family about what happened in the Star Harmony Cup, and thus they are all cheering for her to do well in the upcoming Brilliant Friends Cup. Knowing that she won’t be entering, Maika talks to Ema about what to do.
Though the Brilliant Friends Cup may be out of reach for now, Maika is determined to become the muse for Dancing Mirage.
Noa Shimendou, the designer of Dancing Mirage
Maika has a photo shoot for Dancing Mirage, but Noa doesn’t seem to be too impressed. When she goes somewhere, Maika follows her and witnesses an acting performance from Sakuya and Kaguya Shirayuri. Noa tells Maika she is not ready to be the muse of Dancing Mirage, and says she should just go home.
Maika talks with Reflect Moon
Maika ends up feeling sorry for herself. Ema tries taking her to karaoke to cheer her up, but Maika decides to pay a visit to a Dancing Mirage photo shoot to try and get an idea of what she did wrong. There, she has a conversation with Sakuya and Kaguya who tell her that Noa’s back is saying ‘don’t smile because you are happy. Be happy because you are smiling.’
Bird Girl Maika
At the Bird Girl Fest, Maika is the one chosen as the Bird Girl. It’s raining, but when the time comes for Maika to soar the weather clears up. Whilst Maika flies, Ema takes the stage. When Maika lands, she immediately follows up Ema’s performance with one of her own.
Maika’s solo performance
After Maika’s performance, Noa decides to make her the muse of Dancing Mirage. Noa wanted someone who could make others naturally smile – Maika was effectively trying too hard before, which was why Noa did what she did earlier on.
Maika and Ema
There’s another little surprise in store as well.
Chiharu and Noa know each other
Chiharu used to be part of the same design agency as Noa – they are even the same age. Aine, Mio, Sakuya and Kaguya all stop by to congratulate Maika on her performance.
This was another enjoyable episode of Aikatsu Friends!. Honey Cat may not be participating in the upcoming Brilliant Friends Cup alongside Pure Palette and Reflect Moon, but they doesn’t mean that they are getting less attention.
Besides, I could see some kind of circumstance happening that will allow Honey Cat to enter the Brilliant Friends Cup, but maybe I’m just being optimistic. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
No matter what happens, I will enjoy watching the bonds between all of the characters.
Rory Muses 
Maika’s lucky to have a (girl)Friend like Ema by her side. Her family’s pretty cool, especially mom.
Best believe I ship Chiharu X Noa. Hope to see more of Noa, especially together with Chiharu.
I too am curious as to whether Honey Cat will somehow get into the Brilliant Friends Cup.