(Let's see... Rin should be...)
(There she is.
I promised her that we'd practice together, but it looks like Shizuku and MEIKO are also with her.)
Oh! Hello, Airi!
Wait, why do you look so happy...?
Hehe. No reason♪
Yeah, it doesn't look like no reason.
So, the thing is...
Remember how you went over to watch Shizuku practice the other day?
Shizuku just happened to overhear me telling Rin about what happened...
What...?!
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop on their conversation...
Not a problem!
We told Shizuku about all the wonderful things you said about her, Airi!
That's a big problem!
It made me very happy to hear you said you believed in me, Airi.
That isn't exclusive to just me...
We all knew how hard you were working.
But I had no idea that you felt that way about me. That made me so happy...!
Alright, settle down.
All I did was say what was on my mind.
Oh, and you even said I sent shivers down your spine.
What...?! MEIKO, just how much did you tell her?!
I'm sorry!
She used her puppy-dog eyes on me...!
Nobody can say no to her when she does. You know that, right, Airi?
Urgh... Yeah, I unfortunately do...
Hehe♪ I'd be over the moon too if Airi showered me with that kind of praise.
Yes!
Oh, that reminds me...
You gave me some very kind words when you came over to give me those rice balls, Airi.
Ooh! What did she say?
Stop right there, Shizuku!
That's enough! You get to keep that to yourself!
Wait, but... I thought you were incredibly cool that time...
Doesn't matter. That's our little secret!
Our little secret. Hehe. Yes, that also works...
(That was a close one. If she told them about what I said...)
Here, these rice balls are for you.
Wow... Thank you so much, Airi!
I was just starting to feel a little hungry.
You did say that you've been practicing all since this morning.
But you gotta remember to take breaks, okay?
I know, but I want to keep going...
Because I know I still don't have what it takes...
Shizuku...
Oh, I'm sorry...
I know you're concerned, Airi.
No, don't mind me. You should do what you feel is right.
What...?
Yeah, I would normally try to stop you.
But you're trying to reach a new level, right?
So, you should keep trying until you feel satisfied. And if you feel unsure, I'll be right here watching you.
Oh...
*Nod*
Thank you...!
I promise to make this shoot a success.
For MORE MORE JUMP!, and for myself.
Yeah. I believe in you.
Oh, Shizuku, can you tell us what she told you?! Please!
Saying that it's a secret is only making us more curious.
I said no!
Anyway, we're here to practice, aren't we?
You two wanted me to teach you that super cute and captivating turn, right?
Oh, right!
Please teach us, Ms. Airi!