You're starting to rush, Airi.

You need to maintain a steady pace while performing slow squats.

Okay...!

*Wince*

Your posture's falling apart.

Shift your weight a little further back... No, that's too far!

Alright, do your last ten while maintaining that posture. I'll do them with you.

Okay...!

Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty...!

*Sigh*

I'm exhausted...!

Nice work, Airi...

You got through all three sets.

Th-Those last squats were killing me!

This is meant to be a hard training session. I know it's tough, but this method does work.

Alright, if you say so...

Anyway, I'm glad I was able to get through all three sets...

Yeah, I am impressed by how much you've improved in such a short period of time.

But you're doing these kinds of exercises all the time, right...?

Yeah, I follow a similar training regimen.

Then, I shouldn't be resting!

I'm gonna figure out a way to make this a part of my routine.

Well, I'd like to...

But my legs are feeling really sore...

Mind if we take a break before starting back up again?

Oh, you want to take a break now?

Huh?

I still feel totally fresh.

But if you really need it, you go ahead and take a break, Airi.

I'll continue without you.

Y-You...!

Fine, you're on!

Be it five or ten sets, let's do this!

Hehe. Then, let's just do one extra set.

Alright, sounds good!

Ready... Go!!!

Huff... Huff...

Phew...

Alright, now we can actually take a break.

Yeah... Okay...

I'm definitely at my limit...

But the way you got through that extra set after doing three was remarkable. Well done, Airi.

You're doing it again...

Trying to get me all fired up, are you?

*Sigh*

I guess you've always been this cheeky!

Huh?

I haven't forgotten about when we ran into each other on the rooftop after you'd quit being an idol!

The rooftop...?

Oh, that time...?

Yeah, now that you mention it, things did get a little tense.

To be fair, it was sorta my fault...

We were both going through a lot of stuff.

Yeah.

Back then, I never would've imagined myself becoming an idol again, let alone forming a group with you, Airi.

Hehe. Same here!

I know we didn't get off on the right foot back then, but I have a huge amount of respect for you now.

You're a professional with a calm and careful demeanor, which has been enormously helpful.

Airi...

I also think you've been big for us, Airi.

Huh?

Because you're always there to pull us in the right direction whenever we're not sure what to do.

When we were looking for an agency, and during our summer training camp... You helped us make all the right decisions.

Every time we've found ourselves in a tough situation or felt like we were sinking, you took a hard look at things and found ways to keep us afloat.

So, I think we both need each other.

Haruka...

Anyway, I think we've rested for long enough. Shall we resume...?

Yeah, sounds good.

We've still got a bunch of exercises left to do today...

And I feel even more motivated now because of you!

Likewise.

But don't suddenly run out of gas on me again, okay?

There you go again...!

Hehe. Anyway, let's get started.