It's really wonderful that we got to see everyone's comments in real-time.
But seeing everyone's comments right then and there really made it feel like our feelings reached them! It was really nice!
<She's different from what I imagined.>
<Is she going for a new image?>
<That's actually kind of interesting.>
<That's not the Shizuku I want to see.>
<She always seemed more refined, you know?>
<This isn't Shizuku.>
...
(What am I supposed to do...?)
(If I consider the fans, the best thing would be to protect my Cheerful*Days image.)
(The fans are sure to be happy if I continue being the perfect Shizuku Hinomori they're familiar with.)
(But...)
...
Wait... Isn't that Shizuku Hinomori over there?!
...!
Yeah, it is! She's so beautiful!
She really has that celebrity aura!
It's amazing how she always dazzles like that?
Hey, should we try saying hi?
Oh...!
(Maybe if I try to smile and sign autographs like usual... But...)
<This isn't Shizuku.>
(No, I can't... I'll only end up disappointing them now...)
...
Whoa! It's Shizuku Hinomori!
No way! Talk about lucky!
*Gasp*...
Huh? What's going on?
Over there. It's Shizuku Hinomori.
(What should I do? If I try to get away, I'll just be recognized by someone else...)
Where can I go...?
Oh...
I'm sorry...!
I ended up running...
The others would get upset if they knew I was using SEKAI this way.
Is that you, Shizuku?
Oh, Luka...
Is something wrong? You seem upset.
But you're still looking lovely regardless...
No, I'm not lovely or anything...
It sounds like something is wrong.
If you feel comfortable talking about it, I'd be happy to listen.
Miku and Rin are busy practicing, so it's just me right now.
...
I understand. It's not easy to open up about yourself to someone you only met recently.
We should probably get to know each other a little better if we're going to be friends...
Oh, I have a great idea!
Huh?
I'll tell you a secret about myself, Shizuku.
Promise not to tell Miku or the others, okay?
A-A secret about you...?
Yes. You see...
My cheeks are incredibly soft.
Wait... Your cheeks?
Indeed. Watch this.
I can stretch them out this much...!
Oh, they really are...! That's amazing...!
Shee? I toldju sho!
Pfft... Hahaha.
You really are playful, aren't you, Luka?
Hehe. I knew it...
You're much lovelier when you smile, Shizuku.
Ah...
Thank you, Luka...
If you're willing to listen, would you mind if I told you about what happened?
I see. So that's what happened.
Yes. I really want MORE MORE JUMP! to inspire as many fans as possible, but I may end up limiting how we can reach them...
However, I don't want to disappoint all my existing fans either...
That is a tough one. Nobody wants to disappoint their fans...
It's been the same ever since I was little...
Everyone has always done so much for me but...
My carelessness always ends up disappointing someone without me realizing it.
I've lost track of how often I've been told, “It's such a waste for someone so beautiful...“
That's terrible...
No... It's the truth and I can't help it...
I also get told that I have a strong aura or a powerful presence about me...
But it was always so difficult for me to maintain that image.
...
Even then, I thought that if I worked hard as an idol, I might be able to live up to their expectations.
But in the end, nothing ever changed...
I never became what my fans expected me to be...
I see...
Being an idol really is tough. We're in a position where we have to be able to accept the feelings of so many, which is why we have to be mindful of each and every person.
So what do you plan on doing, Shizuku...?
I don't know...
I'm sure the fans would be happier and more supportive if I kept being the idol they expect me to be.
Back then, I was happy knowing that I was living up to their expectations.
But I can't do that on my own...
I don't want to limit our options as a group just to protect my image...
But if I show the fans who I really am, I'm sure they'll be disappointed again.
...
Are you sure that being your real self would be so bad?
Huh?
Giving everyone hope for a better tomorrow...
That's the kind of group MORE MORE JUMP! strives to be, correct?
Yes, but...
Are you saying the real Shizuku is unable to do that?
But...
I mean, nobody wants to see the real me...
Are you sure about that?
I'm willing to bet there are plenty of people out there who would support you for who you are.
Support me for who I am...?
Yes. Try taking a look around.
I'm sure you'll find them.