Huff... Huff... Huff...

(Oh, I passed my usual turn.)

I need to focus more...

(But...)

(I can't get what's been happening out of my head.)

(Why is it that we haven't received a single offer since performing at Idol Lovers?)

(The crowd there that day responded so well, and so did everyone on social media...)

(It felt like a solid performance...

Even if we didn't end up receiving more offers, it's hard to see why we would get less.)

(So, what's going on?)

<You seem concerned, Haruka.>

Huh? MEIKO...?

Can I help you? Did something happen?

<I feel like you've had a lot on your mind lately. I came to see how you were doing.>

Oh...

I'm sorry for making you worry.

<Nonsense! Still...>

<Are you bothered by how you haven't been receiving any offers?>

Yes, you're spot on.

Saito's been looking into that for us, so I need to stay focused on the work in front of me. But my mind keeps wandering back to it...

Haruka...

<Yes, I understand your concern...

You were receiving more and more offers, and they just suddenly stopped.>

Exactly...

<I know you're worried, but it's also not good to dwell.>

<We don't know what's actually going on, but I do know that you and the others have been doing everything you can for your fans up until now.>

<Your performances and activities are proof of that. I have to think that you've been making a positive impact on others.>

<So, for now, just keep on moving forward, one step at a time.>

Yeah...

(MEIKO's absolutely right.)

(There's no point in me worrying like this.)

(Right now, I should be focusing on spreading as much hope as I can to our fans and giving what's in front of me my best effort.)

Thank you, MEIKO.

For now, I'll try to focus all my attention on this run.

<Yes, that's what I like to hear.

I believe in you, Haruka!>

*Nod*

Thanks.

Alright...

(I feel much better now after talking to MEIKO, so I'll keep running and...)

(Oh, I know.

I might take this opportunity to up my distance a little. Running a new route should help take my mind off what's been happening.)

(Choosing this path was a good idea.)

(There's plenty of greenery, and the air tastes so fresh. Plus, this sidewalk's easy to run on because it's so nice and wide.)

(Maybe I'll run this route again sometime...)

Hm? That looks like...

Tenma and Shinonome?

Hm?

Isn't that...?

...!

Haruka Kiritani?

Good morning.

It's been a while.

Can I ask what you two are doing?

I was doing my morning run, and just so happened to bump into Akito doing the same!

We were catching up, and enjoying some sparkling conversation!

Definitely not sparkling.

Anyway, Kiritani, were you also running just now?

Yes, as a part of my daily routine.

I don't usually run around here, but I decided to try someplace new and go a little further than normal, since I had a little time.

Ah, what wonderful work ethic!

We should expect no less from a professional idol!

As a future star, I need to do the same! Let's follow Kiritani's example and run as much as we can today!

Wait, it's not good to just run until you drop.

But singing and dancing does require a lot of stamina. In that sense, I guess it's important to train hard every day.

That's exactly my point!

The more stamina you have, the better your practices become!

Hehe. I agree.

Let's all do our best.

Yes, let's!

Oh, anyway... I need to get back to my run. I'd also like to change before I head to school.

Yeah, me too.

Okay, see you at school!

Take care, Kiritani!

Take care.

(They're all doing what they can to make their dreams come true.)

(Which means I need to do the same!)