(Mr. Oikawa said I used to have a dazzling aura when I was still with Cheerful * Days...)

(It's why he asked me to audition.)

(And yet, I haven't been able to live up to his expectations...)

(If things continue like this, then in the worst case scenario, I might get dropped from the commercial entirely.)

(I have to stop that from happening.)

(But is it even possible for me to regain the aura I once had...?)

How would I go about doing that...?

I know...

(I might be able to learn something by watching videos of myself from back then.)

There should be some of me practicing on my own saved to my tablet—

<Shizuku!>

Eep!

Oh, Miku, it's you...

What brings you here all of a sudden?

<I'm sorry if I startled you!

But I came to ask about your fitting session, since you said it was today.>

<That Hagiyama girl was also there, right?

So, how did everything go?>

Oh, so...

I'd say it went well, since I had a chance to hear about her thought process and resolve.

Also...

I learned something else.

<...?>

<I see...

And this Mr. Oikawa really said that...?>

Yes.

Which is why I was thinking about watching some videos of myself, to discover the truth behind what that “aura” of mine was.

<I see...>

<In that case, Shizuku, would it be alright if we watched together?>

<Not only should having an extra set of eyes help you solve this problem, I'd like to learn more about the old you.>

Miku...

Thank you.

Then, let's watch together, shall we?

<Okay!>

I'll try playing it now.

Pressing this button should turn the power on...

Huh? It isn't lighting up for some reason...

<Oh...

Could its battery have run out?>

Yes, you might be right!

Let's see... The charger for it should be...

Thank you for being so patient, Miku.

I should be able to play it now.

<Great...!>

<Is this you doing dance practice?>

Yes.

I think I took it to make sure my form looked okay.

This really takes me back...

This was the first song I learned after becoming the lead.

<Really...?!>

<Hehe. It's obvious that you're trying your very best.>

<Oh, but...>

<You also seem a little worried.>

Yes, you're right...

Back then, I wasn't sure if I'd do a good job as the lead. I'm sure that worry showed clearly on my face.

<Right...

That reminds me of what you said about having to struggle for a little while.>

Yes, because I felt that I didn't have the skills or mindset the role demanded of me.

I feel so embarrassed looking back now...

I'm struggling to keep up with the song, and every motion I take looks so unrefined...

<Yes, I can see why the current you would feel that way.>

<But I'm seeing more than just that.>

Huh?

<No...

This isn't good enough...>

<I know I can do much better...>

<I have to...!!>

(Oh...)

Just now, for a second there...

I didn't recognize myself.

<Yes, but...>

<This girl is also you, Shizuku.>

What...?

<Tell me, Shizuku.

What was going through your mind during this practice?>

During this one? Umm...

I felt that I had to absolutely shine when I performed this dance...

I kept telling myself that I had to succeed no matter what.

<Ah, I had a feeling.>

<Looking at your eyes here, Shizuku, I can tell that there's strong resolve at work here.>

Strong resolve...?

Oh...

(She's right...)

(Back then, I was much more...)

Thank you, Miku...

This conversation has helped remind me of how I really felt back then.

Back then, I was constantly worried about how I'd actually do as the lead. But...

It's also why I was so desperate.

<That really happened...?>

Yes. Between my responsibilities and the quality which was expected of me, I ended up struggling quite a lot...

But that pressure and the expectations placed on me also pushed me to become better.

<Which would explain why you're shining so much in this video...>

Yes...

I've been coddling myself since joining MORE MORE JUMP!

<What?>

The others, as well as our fans, have accepted me for “who I really am”.

I'm standing here now because of their kindness. But if you look at the other side of that coin...

You'll see a person who thinks she doesn't need to work hard on her own. Because those around her have told her that it's okay to lean on your friends...

I've become so accustomed to this new environment that I've allowed myself to become soft.

It's no wonder that Mr. Oikawa thinks I've lost my aura...

I don't have to lead our group.

I don't feel compelled to shine brighter than my peers. I don't have that strong resolve anymore.

<Shizuku...>

<But if you know all this now, then there's only one thing left to do!>

Yes, that's right.

I have to regain what I had before—

No, I need to face this job with even greater resolve than that.

It's my turn to lead MORE MORE JUMP!

I have to make the commitment to become better than ever, no matter what.

I'm going to shine brighter than everyone else, and blow Mr. Oikawa and the others away...

I will succeed...!

Thank you for your help, Miku.

I know exactly what I need to do now.

<That's great to hear!>

<I'll be looking forward to seeing your commercial, Shizuku!>

Thank you!