Luka was kind to say so, but who would want to support me as I am now...?

Shizuku, you here...?

Oh, Airi...!

I'm sorry for not coming to practice.

Don't worry about it. If your head's elsewhere, there's not much point in practicing.

But I stopped by to see if you wanted to walk home together. What do you say?

Sure. Thank you...

It feels like it's been forever since it was just the two of us like this.

Hehe. We're usually all together after finishing practice so...

...

Have you figured out what you want to do...?

You've been thinking about which version of you to show to everyone, right?

I'm still not sure...

I don't want to keep MORE MORE JUMP! from doing the things everyone else wants to do.

But when I think about the fans who support me, I also don't want to ruin their image of me from my time in Cheerful*Days...

The fans who support you, huh...?

But I'm willing to bet there are fans out there who would be happy to support you for who you are now.

Huh?

But... I can't imagine anyone who would want to do that...

I can. And they're closer than you think too.

Really...?

I think you might know one of them.

Her name is Minori.

She loves both the Shizuku from Cheerful*Days and the Shizuku she's gotten to know.

You should've seen how passionate she was when she started talking about how much she wants your fans to know just how amazing you are.

Minori said that...?

I know you might think your everyday self lacks appeal...

But personally, I like you just the way you are, Shizuku.

How do I put it into words? You remind me of a swan...

A swan?

Yeah, have you ever heard how a swan swims? It looks like they're gracefully gliding across the water, but they're actually paddling like crazy with their feet underneath.

I think that describes you pretty well.

Your singing and dancing are perfect, and you always light up the stage with your smile. But behind the scenes, you work harder than anyone else I know.

Oh... Hehe.

That's a little embarrassing...

There are plenty of other great things about you too.

You always look like you have it together but can be an airhead sometimes, which helps lighten everyone's mood.

Or like how you're terrible at directions, but you always enjoy going for walks. As much trouble as you can be at times, I just can't get myself to leave you be.

Hehe. Airi, you know me so well.

Well, of course I do.

We're both a part of MORE MORE JUMP!

Airi...

I finally understand. It wouldn't be right to make those who support me every day worry so much.

Thank you, Airi.

I've made my decision.

I wonder if Shizuku is going to miss today too.

Don't worry. She's got a committee meeting today, but said she'll be here when they're finished.

Oh, really?

Everyone...!

Sorry I'm late!

See?

Shizuku!

Shizuku, are you okay?

Yes. I'm sorry for making you all wait this long.

But I've finally made up my mind.

I've decided that I want everyone to see me as I am right now.

Shizuku...!

I see... If that's what you've decided,

then I'll do everything I can to support you.

Are you sure you're okay not editing any of our videos?

Yes, that's fine.

But would you mind if I took a couple of minutes at the end of our next livestream for myself? I'd like to explain my feelings to the fans.

Yes, of course.

We'll make sure there's enough time for that!

Speaking about our next stream, Minori had a suggestion about what we could do.

She did?

Oh, um... Haruka, Airi, and I were trying to come up with the best way to show the fans how great you are!

We came up with multiple ideas that we could use, no matter what your decision was in the end.

We ended up staying so late the teachers asked us to leave so they could lock up. But even then, Minori kept pleading for more time.

That really was a surprise.

B-But... I was so close to coming up with a good idea!

Hehe!

That's our Minori for you.

You... You did all of that for me?

Thank you so much...

We did! So you'd better give us the best version of yourself after making us wait so long!

Right...

I'll make sure to give the fans hope this time.

Hello, everyone!

Airi Momoi from MORE MORE JUMP! here!

For our third stream, we'll be doing some Brutal Dance Training!

We're gonna be learning an even harder dance routine than we did last time! And we're not stopping until we master it!

<You can do it!>

<Haruka's dancing too?!>

<You can do it, Airi...!>

I took another look at the choreography before the stream, but this really is a tough song...

Huh? Even for you, Haruka?!

Yes. It's going to take quite a bit of work to master this one.

Even so, there's nothing we can do but give it our best! Right, Shizuku?!

Yes, let's do our best!

<Well, Shizuku's a great dancer so...>

<I doubt Shizuku will have any trouble!>

<Good luck, everyone!>

Thank you, everyone...

We appreciate your support.

(I have to see this through.

To give everyone hope!)