Shizuku...?

Is something wrong?

<Is Shizuku gonna be okay...?>

Don't worry.

She always shines in these situations!

I agree.

<We should sit back and let her do her thing.>

<Let's see if Shizuku can get through to her...>

There's something I need to tell you.

Regarding your dream...

...!

No, I already said...

Please, just give me a moment to explain.

It's important.

Shizuku...

Your grandmother told me everything.

And she believes that you pursuing your real dream would be the happiest solution.

But...

After hearing that, I...

I thought that it's okay for you to be more honest about how you feel and what you want.

It's okay for you to want to pursue your dream of supporting idols for a living.

*Wince*

I know.

My grandma, mom and dad all want me to be happy more than anything else.

But...

I have a responsibility.

I have to take over running this inn! Because if I don't...!

Yes, I understand how you feel.

I went through something very similar when I was still with Cheerful * Days.

Oh...

Unfortunately, as you know, things didn't turn out so well for me back then.

There are multiple reasons as to why...

But one had to do with this compulsion to fulfill my responsibilities and not disappoint those around me.

So...

Unlike those who truly love being idols and work hard every day because they don't want to be anything else, I ended up reaching my limit.

Shizuku...

So, if you're going through what I did... If you're only doing this out of an overwhelming sense of responsibility, I want you to stop and take a step back.

Then, you should ask yourself, “Is this really the path I want to go down?” and, “Will I truly be happy if I do?”

I believe you should have a discussion with those around you and take some time to think before reaching a decision.

Because I live with regret, and I wonder if things might have turned out better had I made better decisions...

Yes, you might be right.

Saito...

I know what you're trying to say, Shizuku...

Or rather, I realize it now after hearing what you have to say.

I do feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to take over this inn and keep it running.

And I know that if I only have that for motivation... Something will probably go wrong down the line.

Then...

Even so, I can't let this inn go out of business.

...!

I want to become your manager really...

I want to make my dream come true by supporting you and the others forever and ever.

But this inn means just as much to me.

It isn't precious to just me and my family. It also has a special place in the hearts of our guests.

What... What right do I have robbing this place from them by acting so childishly?

That isn't acting childishly.

Grandma...?! Mom...?!

Were you both listening just now...?!

Oh, is that Saito's...?

<She seems really nice. Just like her mom.>

Let me get this straight. Are you saying that it's “childish” for someone to want to pursue what they want?

You're wrong about that.

You aren't being childish.

We're talking about your dream here.

So...

So what?

That doesn't change anything. I'm still going to take over the inn...

If you're feeling that conflicted, I can't let you take over.

...!

What Ms. Hinomori here just said is correct. You won't be able to run this place just because you feel compelled to and don't want to disappoint others.

This inn succeeds only when you strive to do what's best for it and its guests. That feeling needs to be genuine.

But...

But I do genuinely believe that!

I want what's best for both this inn and its guests!

That's why I'm so torn!

I wouldn't be doing this right now if I didn't feel that way!

So you're “torn”? Does that mean you haven't been able to fully give up on your dream?

...!

No, I...

Ayaka.

Please stop robbing yourself of your dream.

Mom...

I'm sorry, but your grandmother explained to me what's been going on.

I feel terrible about us placing such high expectations on you. We didn't realize that it would lead to you being forced down this one path.

But you should do what you want.

I don't want you to take over if it means giving up on your dream.

That doesn't make my choice any easier.

If I don't take over, then this inn that so many people love is gonna disappear.

I... I don't want that to...

This inn doesn't need to keep running if it takes robbing others of their happiness to do so.

What...?

She's right.

Ryusuiso is meant to be a place that's meant to bring happiness to all.

And not just the guests...

Everyone who works here, too. Including you.

Including me...?

Plus, I'm not about to quit just yet, so there's no immediate need for anyone else to take over. We have time to start looking for someone.

There's no rule saying that a family member has to take over. We can always see if we can hand it over to someone else.

Just so you know, we're not as shortsighted as you think we are.

If you have a dream that you really want to pursue, then you should be doing everything you can to make it come true.

Mom, Grandma...

What a wonderful family...

You all care so deeply about one another...

That certainly explains why this inn feels so warm and welcoming. It's an expression of the Saito family's love and affection.

Shizuku...

All that's left is for you to make your decision, Saito. But...

I hope you choose a path that you won't regret taking.

I... I just wanted to protect this inn...

But... If it doesn't have to be me... If I have the option of choosing my own path...

Then... I...

I want to help idols for a living.

I want to put on events like the one where I met Shizuku for the first time. I want to put smiles on everyone's faces!

Mom, Grandma, I'm really sorry...!

Go...

However, now you've made your decision, you can't come crawling back. You shouldn't think of us as your safety net. We want you to commit to your dream.

But I think you have what it takes to make it come true, Ayaka. After all, you always put so much effort into the things you love most.

You have our support.

Go after what will let you be yourself and shine.

I will.

Thank you...!

(Thank goodness Saito changed her mind.)

(Even now, I still wish that things could've gone better for me back then...)

(But, if I was able to convince Saito thanks to having gone through that experience, then...)

(I think I've taken a step forward...)