Alright, now that we seem to have our dance routine down, let's take a quick break and see how we did by checking the video.
Then, I'll be on recording duties today. Let's see... Open the camera up on my phone and...
Wait, are you sure about this?
Hm? I seem to have moved to a different screen. What does this little square do...?
Little square?
Oh, you might've opened the thing for uploading images and stuff...
Yeah, Minori, you're spot on.
Alright, you... The camera's the one next to that icon.
Oh, you're right. Thank you, Airi.
Yeah, yeah... You did an amazing job on iHaz, but I guess you're back to being your usual self.
Hehe. But I know where it is now, so I should be fine in the future.
Speaking of which, iHaz airs pretty soon! Hehe. I can't wait to see it.
Our shoot went pretty well, so all that's left is to see how they edit it...
I've gotta think they're gonna keep all of Shizuku's story in there. I mean, us appearing alongside Cheerful * Days was their big selling point.
Shizuku...?
Are you worried?
Yes... I believe I was able to say everything that I wanted to using my own words...
But how everyone takes what I said is entirely up to them.
Yeah, I get how you feel...
But I think everything's gonna be okay.
I mean, your story was just that moving.
To my surprise, many were willing to accept me for who I really am.
As nervous as I was about doing this, their warmth helped me move forward one step at a time...
And now, like all those who are watching... I feel comfortable with me being this kind of idol.
I finally understand now that it's okay for me to just be myself.
Of course, we know that you experienced everything you spoke about firsthand and how hard things were back then...
But everyone will know that you're telling the truth when they see you tell your story.
I agree.
Me too!
It'll be fine, Shizuku! I'm sure of it!
All of you...
I know. Why don't we all have a group call together while watching iHaz?
Yeah! I fell asleep last time, so I wanna give it another go!
Yeah, you were out like a light that time. We even heard you talk in your sleep.
Hehe.
Haha...
Alright, shall we start heading home?
Okay.
Come to think of it... There is one thing you mentioned while you were telling your story that made me really happy.
Oh, there is?
The part about you being accepted as an idol and for who you are.
I know how hard it was for you to have played Miss Perfect...
I'm being accepted for who I am now because our fans are so understanding, and because I had you and the others...
I wouldn't have been able to make this happen on my own.
Nonsense. You'll never be alone. We're in this together, aren't we?
Thank you, Airi.
But I feel especially grateful for you.
Huh? Why's that?
Remember the event we did at that elementary school...?
I still managed to reach people...
Even back then.
You filled me with so much hope when I saw you play Happy Everyday.
And I was so happy when I saw that you were able to touch the hearts of so many people.
Which is why I began asking myself, “What about me?” and, “Will people accept who I was when I was still in Cheerful * Days?”
That actually sort of became the reason why I began looking back on what happened back then, but with a positive perspective.
Huh...?
I mean, Airi, you're the reason I was able to try so hard back then. You're also the reason why everyone accepts me for who I am now.
So, Airi, thank you.
You really are my favorite idol!
Shizuku...
Oh, you... Stop it or you're gonna make me blush.
(What's gotten into you?
When did you become such an amazing person?)
(I mean, Shizuku, you've always been my...)
Um, Shizuku...?
Yes?
I...
I wanna do everything I can while we're in MORE MORE JUMP!
So my future self will be able to look back on this time and be proud of what I did.
*Gasp*
Yes, that'd be wonderful!
Would you mind if I joined you on your journey?
Of course, silly.
Don't forget that you're also a valued member of MORE MORE JUMP!