Thank you for lending me an ear, Luka.

It was my pleasure.

Feel free to come visit any time♪

I will. See you later then...

Don't worry, you'll find your answer.

After all, you're not alone, Shizuku.

Now, I should get back to setting up for the show... Hm?

...

Rin? You look upset. Is there something wrong?

Oh, well... Actually, I overheard your conversation with Shizuku just now.

And, you know... I'm worried about her...

I see. If you go around looking so upset, your fans are going to worry about you, Rin.

Yeah, I know... But still...

What if it's my fault that Shizuku is having so much trouble right now...?!

I get the impression there's a specific reason behind your worrying, maybe?

Well... Airi came to visit me before, and she was saying that she needed something called an agency in order to be an idol.

I said I was sure she and the others would be able to give others hope regardless of how they did it.

I told her that they didn't need to be in an agency to do that.

And now it looks like that's the reason they've decided to become idols on their own...

But after seeing Shizuku like that, I'm not so sure it was a good idea to say those things...

I don't think I should've said those things.

Now, because of me, Shizuku is...

You're such a kind person, Rin...

But think about what you just said.

Huh?

Do you think those girls are so irresponsible that they'd do something just because somebody told them to?

No, of course not!

They're all serious about becoming idols.

They want to inspire hope in others!

Good, I'm glad we agree.

So don't worry. I'm sure they put a lot of thought into the path they've chosen.

You're right...

Besides, I don't think what Shizuku is worried about right now has anything to do with their decision about not joining an agency.

What? Really...?

Yes. I think Shizuku is worried about is how she can meet the expectations her fans have of her.

She's trying to decide whether or not to continue playing the version of her that was created by others...

I think she would have eventually had to deal with the same question even if she had joined an agency.

Oh, okay...

I think I understand what you're trying to say!

Still... This is going to be tough on Shizuku regardless of which path ends up choosing.

That's true. But I'm sure by persisting, she'll be able to find the answer she's looking for.

I believe she's strong enough to get through this.

I'm also very much looking forward to seeing what she finds at the end of this journey.

What do you think it'll be?

Hehe. Who knows?

I'm sure whatever it is, we'll all be dazzled...

I get the feeling it will give her the ability to fill people's hearts with hope♪

That sounds amazing!

I hope she finds it soon!

I do too. We'll just have to wait until she does.