The next day
MORE MORE HOUSE
Airi
So, Haruka, Shizuku, I want you two to teach me how to dance.
Shizuku
You want me to teach you, Airi...?
Haruka
I understand your reasoning, but do you really think we'll be able to help?
Shizuku
Right...
I've always thought that your dancing was more technically sound than mine, Airi.
I've always thought that your dancing was more technically sound than mine, Airi.
Airi
Yeah, but to be fair, I've only been learning dance techniques that suit me until now.
Airi
For example, how to make myself visible to the audience despite not being all that tall.
Minori
Oh, you taught me how to do that before!
Minori
I feel like my dancing has improved a ton ever since!
Airi
Yeah, it has. I also believe it was worth teaching you that since it's so practical.
Airi
But... I can't be the idol I want to become if I keep focusing on those kinds of things.
Shizuku
The idol you want to become...?
Airi
I want to be an idol who can not only really spread my wings on variety shows...
Airi
But one that can also deliver hope by blowing the audience away with my performance.
Minori
...!
Airi
Of course, I've been doing what I can until now, and I haven't been settling for second place.
Airi
But I know that I won't be able to become the idol that I want to be at this rate. ReLight's performance made that all too clear...
Airi
I realize now that I won't be able to blow people away with my performances the same way the idols I looked up to when I was little did if I don't change how I do things.
Airi
I need to start making a real effort to become the ideal version of myself.
Airi
Which is why I need you two to help me...
You're the closest to achieving that goal and you both have something that I don't.
You're the closest to achieving that goal and you both have something that I don't.
Shizuku
Airi...
Minori
S-Sorry to interrupt...!
But I'd also like to make the same request!
But I'd also like to make the same request!
Haruka
Minori...?
Minori
I know I'm just piggybacking on what Airi just said, but I'd also like for you two to teach me!
Minori
I feel like if I can master the things Airi has taught me along with what I can learn from you guys, then I'll grow even more as an idol...!
Haruka
We can't really say no after being told that, can we?
Shizuku
No, we can't.
And I'd like to do what I can for you two!
And I'd like to do what I can for you two!
Minori
*Gasp*
Airi
Thank you both so much!
Haruka
But don't expect us to go easy on you.
From now on, we're going to refine your techniques every day, starting with the foundations.
From now on, we're going to refine your techniques every day, starting with the foundations.
Airi
Good! I wouldn't have it any other way!
Minori
M-Me neither!
Haruka
Your arms are still too stiff.
Haruka
To put it bluntly, the way you're holding them out makes it look robotic.
Haruka
Think of your arm as two separate parts. One above your elbow and one below. Try spreading your arms while paying attention to how that joint moves!
Airi
Got it...!
Airi
(This is hard...
We're just raising our arms in the air, but this is a total workout...)
We're just raising our arms in the air, but this is a total workout...)
Airi
(Still, this does make us seem more graceful. I mean, this must be why Haruka and Shizuku are able to exude an aura of elegance...)
Airi
(Also...)
Airi
(These are movements where I can apply the techniques I've cultivated so far. I need to make the most of this chance to learn!)
Shizuku
It's wonderful how your poses feel fun and energetic, but try to use your whole body to exude a more elegant impression.
Shizuku
The position of your limbs is important, but so are their angles. This helps lead the viewer's eye to where you want them to look. Let's try it together.
Minori
Wow!
Airi
(One subtle motion and I'm looking right where she wants. That was so clean and precise.)
Airi
(Even if I copied her exactly, there's no way the current me would be able to achieve the same result...)
Airi
(But I will be able to as long as I don't give up. So, I've just gotta keep trying...)
Minori
Nooo! I'm losing balance!
Shizuku
A-Are you okay, Minori?!
Did I push you too hard?
Did I push you too hard?
Minori
N-No, I'm okay!
That was all my fault!
That was all my fault!
Minori
So, please! Could we try that again?
A few hours later
Haruka
Okay.
Why don't we call things here for today?
Why don't we call things here for today?
Shizuku
We'll try to come up with different exercises for tomorrow. For now, nice work, you two.
Minori
Th-Thank you!!!
Airi
I didn't think there were this many muscles I never used before.
Minori
S-Same here...
My body's gonna be aching all over tomorrow...
My body's gonna be aching all over tomorrow...
Haruka
You two are drenched in sweat. Why don't you go grab a couple of towels? I'll mix up some protein for you two in the meantime.
Minori
Wait, really?!
You're even helping us with muscle building? Thank you so much, Haruka!
You're even helping us with muscle building? Thank you so much, Haruka!
Airi
A recovery drink does sound nice.
Alright, let's go grab those towels...
Alright, let's go grab those towels...
Shizuku
Hehe...
Airi and Minori worked so hard today.
Airi and Minori worked so hard today.
Haruka
Yeah, also...
Haruka
You seem really happy, Shizuku.
Shizuku
That's because I am! When Airi asked me to teach her how to dance, I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to help her...
Shizuku
But I feel really happy right now because my skills and experiences are benefitting her and Minori.
Haruka
Right...
Teaching them has also been a nice learning experience, so I'm glad we decided to do this.
Teaching them has also been a nice learning experience, so I'm glad we decided to do this.
Haruka
(But that's not all...)
Airi
I realize now that I won't be able to blow people away with my performances the same way the idols I looked up to when I was little did if I don't change how I do things.
Airi
I need to start making a real effort to become the ideal version of myself.
Airi
Which is why I need you two to help me...
You're the closest to achieving that goal and you both have something that I don't.
You're the closest to achieving that goal and you both have something that I don't.
Haruka
(Airi was completely serious...)
Haruka
(ReLight's performance was also an eye-opener for me, but what compelled me to become a better idol was actually...)
Haruka
I need to learn from their example.
Next Chapter: Chasing an Ideal