So, a picture of Aoyagi smiling...?

Okay, let's give it a try...

I do agree that we should be able to capture a different side of him.

If you think it'll turn out well, Azusawa, then I trust you.

Thanks...!

Anyway, we're short on time, so let's focus on making the most of our last attempt.

*Nod*

Yes!

But I'm still not sure how to go about doing this. Smiling on cue isn't something I do often...

I know it's really hard when you're put on the spot like this. I also have trouble smiling when someone asks me to...

But I want to capture you as you are, Aoyagi, so just try to relax.

Relax...?

Okay, I'll try...

Now, the sun's peeking through nicely as it sets, so let's try to make use of it. Can you stand here for me?

Here?

Yes! Now, try giving me a smile.

Okay.

How's this...?

U-Uhh...

I can't say that your expression's changed much...

I see...

Trying to relax is more difficult than I realized...

You may be tensing up because you're trying too hard to smile.

So, instead of forcing out a smile, you could try thinking about some fun or happy memories from your past.

My memories...?

Yes, this method helped me learn how to smile more.

Huh? But you're...

The truth is, when I was little, I had a lot of trouble smiling.

You did?

I'm also surprised. I was under the impression that all idols were good at that...

Hehe. I'm good at it now.

But I really did used to have a lot of trouble smiling...

Then I met this idol while she was doing an event at a mall, and she asked me to join her on stage.

I remember having so much fun dancing with her. The audience really enjoyed seeing that, which in turn made me unbelievably happy...

Before I knew it, I had a big smile on my face.

That really happened?

Yeah. Now, I can't help but smile whenever I think about that moment.

Which is why I think you should try doing the same thing, Aoyagi. Try remembering a moment that really made you smile.

That really made me smile...

Oh, I know...

What about that time we went camping?

You seemed to have a lot of fun while pitching the tents and chopping vegetables.

That's right...

Not only did we work together to accomplish various things that time, I got to experience a lot of new things.

I definitely enjoyed seeing my horizons expand.

Hehe. Sounds like a really important memory.

Yes, and... I was elated after completing my very first track.

Oh, that's right. You were able to after asking Soma for advice.

I remember really liking it.

It was gentle but also powerful... Like it wanted us to keep moving forward.

It was meant for my friends, so it makes me glad to hear you say that.

(Oh, Aoyagi seems a little more relaxed now...)

You were also really happy when you heard the news that An and Shinonome weren't getting held back...

Yes, I was.

I honestly didn't know what would happen after they failed those tests...

But they studied very hard for their last finals for the year, so I was ecstatic after I heard the news that they'd passed.

(...!

He's smiling. He's really smiling.)

(Now's my chance...!

Focus your lens and...)

Speaking of tests, I still haven't heard back from them about our most recent ones...

Huh?

I can only hope that they received passing scores...

Aoyagi, wait...!

Your brow's getting all wrinkled...!

*Gasp*

S-Sorry, I couldn't help but worry...

No, that's okay. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for bringing up their test scores...

But the way you smiled just now felt really natural.

It did...?

Yes, it was such a nice expression.

An's told me all about your team, but you're much closer than I realized.

Not only that...

I can tell that you're all working towards the same goal.

The same goal...

Yes, that's true...

We've managed to come this far after deciding to work towards making our collective dream a reality, experiencing new things and overcoming various obstacles...

Akito, Shiraishi and Azusawa...

They're all irreplaceable teammates.

Aoyagi...

(Wait, that look...!)

(Yes! Now's my chance...!)

Got it, Aoyagi!

...!

You got that? But I didn't really do anything...

Hehe. The fact that you can't tell what just happened is proof of how natural it was.

Exactly. And I got you smiling just the way I wanted, Aoyagi.

Thank you both so much. I think this is our best one yet, and it wouldn't have been possible without either of you...!

Phew... We just managed to upload it in time...!

All that's left is to see how it does.

Right.

But I really think it's our best one, so I'm happy, win or lose.

Nice work, you guys.

Oh, Ena...!

Entries just closed. Did you manage to get your last one in...?

Yeah, literally just now.

Ena was worried sick that you guys wouldn't make it in time.

H-Hey...!

I just wanted us to compete on a level playing field is all.

Ena...

Thank you for your concern.

Fortunately, we managed to get in a really nice photo!

Really...?

Actually, you guys sort of gave us the push we needed to take one last good one.

Huh? We did...?

Yeah. The ones you took were so good that we thought we should try to do better.

Still, getting a shot of you in that pose felt like trying to catch lightning in a bottle again...

Hey, we got what we wanted, didn't we?

Oh...

May we see what you took?

*Nod*

Here, take a look.

Wow...!

This one also turned out really well.

It's like you're trying to tell the viewer something, and that mischievous look on your face is so cute.

Hehe. Thanks.

I did my best to come up with a fun situation.

And you succeeded.

Come to think of it, Akito also showed an uncanny talent for coming up with good poses and doodles when we took Print Stickers that one time.

I'd rather you didn't lump us together...

Wait a second, Print Stickers...? When did this happen?

No, wait...! Sorry, please forget I ever said that...

Hehe. Would you mind showing us what you all took, Kohane?

Oh, here's our photo...

Whoa... This looks amazing!

Yes, it does. And your expression's so lovely, Aoyagi.

Yeah, and it's beautiful how the light from the sunset has this softness to it.

Also...

This feels really heartwarming for some reason.

You look so happy that I can't help but smile too...

Oh...

Thank you very much...!

We can't really complain if you guys win after seeing this.

Yeah. I mean, something's definitely wrong if this doesn't make it into the top ten.

But we also like what we took, so I'm looking forward to seeing the final tally...

Me too!

I know. Since we're all here, why don't we wait for the results together?

They won't be out until later tonight, so we'll have to go find a place where we can sit for a while...

Okay, let's do that!

I've been meaning to ask you guys how you took those pics.

I'd like to ask you about yours as well.

We couldn't help but wonder how you were able to get them to be so eye-catching.

Actually, there's no real trick to that. We just...

Oh...

What if I...?

Hehe. What a nice photo...