Haruka
It's really wonderful that we got to see everyone's comments in real-time.
Minori
But seeing everyone's comments right then and there really made it feel like our feelings reached them! It was really nice!
Comment
<She's different from what I imagined.>
<Is she going for a new image?>
<Is she going for a new image?>
Comment
<That's actually kind of interesting.>
<That's not the Shizuku I want to see.>
<She always seemed more refined, you know?>
<That's not the Shizuku I want to see.>
<She always seemed more refined, you know?>
Comment
<This isn't Shizuku.>
Scramble Crossing
Shizuku
...
Shizuku
(What am I supposed to do...?)
Shizuku
(If I consider the fans, the best thing would be to protect my Cheerful*Days image.)
Shizuku
(The fans are sure to be happy if I continue being the perfect Shizuku Hinomori they're familiar with.)
Shizuku
(But...)
Shizuku
...
Passerby A
Wait... Isn't that Shizuku Hinomori over there?!
Shizuku
...!
Passerby B
Yeah, it is! She's so beautiful!
She really has that celebrity aura!
She really has that celebrity aura!
Passerby A
It's amazing how she always dazzles like that?
Hey, should we try saying hi?
Hey, should we try saying hi?
Shizuku
Oh...!
Shizuku
(Maybe if I try to smile and sign autographs like usual... But...)
Comment
<This isn't Shizuku.>
Shizuku
(No, I can't... I'll only end up disappointing them now...)
Shizuku
...
Miyamasuzaka
Passersby
Whoa! It's Shizuku Hinomori!
Passersby
No way! Talk about lucky!
Shizuku
*Gasp*...
Passersby
Huh? What's going on?
Passersby
Over there. It's Shizuku Hinomori.
Shizuku
(What should I do? If I try to get away, I'll just be recognized by someone else...)
Kamiyama Street
Shizuku
Where can I go...?
Shizuku
Oh...
Shizuku
I'm sorry...!
Stage SEKAI
Shizuku
I ended up running...
Shizuku
The others would get upset if they knew I was using SEKAI this way.
Luka
Is that you, Shizuku?
Shizuku
Oh, Luka...
Luka
Is something wrong? You seem upset.
But you're still looking lovely regardless...
But you're still looking lovely regardless...
Shizuku
No, I'm not lovely or anything...
Luka
It sounds like something is wrong.
Luka
If you feel comfortable talking about it, I'd be happy to listen.
Luka
Miku and Rin are busy practicing, so it's just me right now.
Shizuku
...
Luka
I understand. It's not easy to open up about yourself to someone you only met recently.
Luka
We should probably get to know each other a little better if we're going to be friends...
Luka
Oh, I have a great idea!
Shizuku
Huh?
Luka
I'll tell you a secret about myself, Shizuku.
Promise not to tell Miku or the others, okay?
Promise not to tell Miku or the others, okay?
Shizuku
A-A secret about you...?
Luka
Yes. You see...
Luka
My cheeks are incredibly soft.
Shizuku
Wait... Your cheeks?
Luka
Indeed. Watch this.
I can stretch them out this much...!
I can stretch them out this much...!
Shizuku
Oh, they really are...! That's amazing...!
Luka
Shee? I toldju sho!
Shizuku
Pfft... Hahaha.
Shizuku
You really are playful, aren't you, Luka?
Luka
Hehe. I knew it...
Luka
You're much lovelier when you smile, Shizuku.
Shizuku
Ah...
Thank you, Luka...
Thank you, Luka...
Shizuku
If you're willing to listen, would you mind if I told you about what happened?
Luka
I see. So that's what happened.
Shizuku
Yes. I really want MORE MORE JUMP! to inspire as many fans as possible, but I may end up limiting how we can reach them...
Shizuku
However, I don't want to disappoint all my existing fans either...
Luka
That is a tough one. Nobody wants to disappoint their fans...
Shizuku
It's been the same ever since I was little...
Shizuku
Everyone has always done so much for me but...
Shizuku
My carelessness always ends up disappointing someone without me realizing it.
Shizuku
I've lost track of how often I've been told, “It's such a waste for someone so beautiful...“
Luka
That's terrible...
Shizuku
No... It's the truth and I can't help it...
Shizuku
I also get told that I have a strong aura or a powerful presence about me...
Shizuku
But it was always so difficult for me to maintain that image.
Luka
...
Shizuku
Even then, I thought that if I worked hard as an idol, I might be able to live up to their expectations.
Shizuku
But in the end, nothing ever changed...
I never became what my fans expected me to be...
I never became what my fans expected me to be...
Luka
I see...
Luka
Being an idol really is tough. We're in a position where we have to be able to accept the feelings of so many, which is why we have to be mindful of each and every person.
Luka
So what do you plan on doing, Shizuku...?
Shizuku
I don't know...
Shizuku
I'm sure the fans would be happier and more supportive if I kept being the idol they expect me to be.
Shizuku
Back then, I was happy knowing that I was living up to their expectations.
Shizuku
But I can't do that on my own...
Shizuku
I don't want to limit our options as a group just to protect my image...
Shizuku
But if I show the fans who I really am, I'm sure they'll be disappointed again.
Luka
...
Luka
Are you sure that being your real self would be so bad?
Shizuku
Huh?
Luka
Giving everyone hope for a better tomorrow...
Luka
That's the kind of group MORE MORE JUMP! strives to be, correct?
Shizuku
Yes, but...
Luka
Are you saying the real Shizuku is unable to do that?
Shizuku
But...
Shizuku
I mean, nobody wants to see the real me...
Luka
Are you sure about that?
Luka
I'm willing to bet there are plenty of people out there who would support you for who you are.
Shizuku
Support me for who I am...?
Luka
Yes. Try taking a look around.
Luka
I'm sure you'll find them.
Next Chapter: Unsaid Words