Part 1

Stage SEKAI

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1

Minori

Listen

Alright, I didn't make a single mistake this time!
2

Len

Listen

Yeah, that looked pretty good!
3

Haruka

Listen

Thank you, Len. This is a difficult dance, but you've really helped us get the hang of it.
4

Len

I'm glad I could help you two.
Huh?
5

Len

Listen

Welcome, Airi!
6

MEIKO

Listen

You went over to see how Shizuku was doing, yes? How was she...?
7

Airi

Listen

Well, she was practicing like there was no tomorrow.

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8

Airi

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She seemed so focused...
I got goosebumps just watching her.
9

Airi

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It's been a long time since she last gave off this sort of vibe.
10

Len

A long time?
11

Airi

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Yeah... It reminds me of when I was still a trainee.
12

Minori

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A trainee? As in, before you debuted with QT?
13

Airi

Listen

That's right. Back then, I practiced like crazy every single day in order to rise above my peers.
14

Airi

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Trainees of the same cohort are supposed to work together to improve, but they're also rivals competing for a limited number of debut spots.
15

Haruka

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In other words, because there are only a limited number of spots, not everyone gets to make their debut.
16

Airi

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Exactly. That's why I did absolutely everything in my power to get the attention of anyone I could, and show them that I'm the brightest star.
17

Airi

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A reminder of how tough show business really is...
18

Len

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It's incredible to think that you were able to win one of those spots and make your big debut.
19

Airi

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To be fair, I had a lot of luck on my side.
20

Airi

Listen

But we're talking about when I was a trainee.
21

Airi

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Right now, Shizuku is practicing even harder than I ever did back then.

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22

Airi

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It's like when she'd just become the lead for Cheerful * Days...
No, more than that...
23

Airi

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She sent shivers down my spine. She was that cool.
24

MEIKO

Airi...
25

Airi

Listen

Which is why...
26

Airi

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I believe she's gonna find a way to succeed.
27

Airi

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If the people from that production company saw her now, I bet their jaws would be on the floor.
28

Airi

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Huh? What's so funny...?
29

MEIKO

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Hehe. Oh, nothing. It's just...
30

MEIKO

Shizuku must be so happy knowing that she has a loyal fan such as yourself supporting her.
31

Len

Yeah, she's so blessed as an idol.
32

Airi

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Wait, me? Shizuku's fan...?
33

Airi

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No, I wasn't trying to say that...!
34

Minori

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But your eyes sparkled so much while you were talking about her just now!
35

Haruka

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Yeah, she'd probably love to hear everything you just said.
36

Airi

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Wait, don't you dare tell her!
37

Airi

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A-Anyway, we need to start practicing!
And you two are gonna help us, Len, MEIKO!
38

MEIKO

Listen

Hehe. Of course!