(The posing plan for my solo cuts is decided now...)
(I should try seeing how I look.)
(No...
The pose itself isn't bad, but my expression of it is too ordinary. I need to achieve a greater presence.)
(In order to do that, I have to...
Create some tension.)
(Like when a needle is pulling on a tight string. A sense of precarious sharpness...)
Oh...
Hehe. We haven't seen each other since Idol Lovers. It's so nice to see you again.
Also, it's such a relief to see a familiar face.
I was starting to get a little nervous, all on my own.
A relief...?
Come to think of it, I completely let my guard down that time...
(Hagiyama was there to compete against me for just one of two spots, but I told her that I was relieved to see her...)
(It's all clear to me now.)
(What I said back there was shameful and disrespectful.)
(I'm never going to let myself behave so sloppily ever again.)
(I have to start back at square one. I need to feel that desperation again!)
Not bad...
But I can still do better.
Good morning!
Morning, you two!
Morning, Airi!
Huh? Is Shizuku already here?
I thought she'd take her time getting here today, since she stayed back pretty late last night...
She is setting aside some time here and there to rest, but I'm not sure she's getting enough sleep.
What...?!
Then, Shizuku, you should at least stop and take a drink of water...
Minori, stop.
She probably can't hear you right now.
What?
Sh-Shizuku...?
Even at school, this is how she's been behaving lately.
Not only has she been laser focused while posing, she's been working out and dieting like nothing else matters.
Really...?
She seems like a completely different person...
Yeah.
But...
I've seen this Shizuku before.
Huh?
When I appeared on this one music program with her, she made this exact expression before taking the stage...
This atmosphere is the same as what I felt back then.
Yup...
This is the old Shizuku.
The girl walking along the knife's edge... She's beautiful.
...
I-I'm gonna run to the store really quick!
Huh?
Shizuku's doing everything she can right now for MORE MORE JUMP!
That means I should help her come up with meal plans for her diet and stuff...!
Hehe. I agree...
So, I'll go with you.
I know some low-calorie foods that really help you recover after a tough workout.
Okay!!
Thanks, Haruka!
No problem.
Keep an eye on Shizuku for us, Airi.
Sure thing. Good luck, you two!
(Shizuku's trying to reach a new level right now.)
(The same way she did back then.)
(Honestly, what am I doing...?)
(Shizuku's pushing herself to the absolute limit like there's no tomorrow.)
(And here I am, feeling lucky I get to see her like this.)
You've got this, Shizuku...