A few hours later
Shizuku's Room
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Oikawa
You wouldn't believe how dazzling she was back then. She was just like Hagiyama. No, even more brilliant...
Shizuku
(Mr. Oikawa said I used to have a dazzling aura when I was still with Cheerful * Days...)
Shizuku
(If things continue like this, then in the worst case scenario, I might get dropped from the commercial entirely.)
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Miku
<I'm sorry if I startled you!
But I came to ask about your fitting session, since you said it was today.>
But I came to ask about your fitting session, since you said it was today.>
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Shizuku
Oh, so...
I'd say it went well, since I had a chance to hear about her thought process and resolve.
I'd say it went well, since I had a chance to hear about her thought process and resolve.
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Shizuku
Which is why I was thinking about watching some videos of myself, to discover the truth behind what that “aura” of mine was.
Miku
<Not only should having an extra set of eyes help you solve this problem, I'd like to learn more about the old you.>
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Sound Effect: Play
Shizuku
This really takes me back...
This was the first song I learned after becoming the lead.
This was the first song I learned after becoming the lead.
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Shizuku
Back then, I wasn't sure if I'd do a good job as the lead. I'm sure that worry showed clearly on my face.
Miku
<Right...
That reminds me of what you said about having to struggle for a little while.>
That reminds me of what you said about having to struggle for a little while.>
Shizuku
Yes, because I felt that I didn't have the skills or mindset the role demanded of me.
Shizuku
I'm struggling to keep up with the song, and every motion I take looks so unrefined...
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Miku
<Looking at your eyes here, Shizuku, I can tell that there's strong resolve at work here.>
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Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
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Shizuku
Oh, yes... It's that magazine interview, correct?
I've made sure to memorize all the answers to their questions, so I should be more than ready for it.
I've made sure to memorize all the answers to their questions, so I should be more than ready for it.
Manager
Okay, but... In the event that they do decide to throw you a curveball, Arisa will be there to help. So, feel free to ask for assistance whenever.
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Shizuku
(But I'm always making everyone worry...
I'm always having to ask for their help...)
I'm always having to ask for their help...)
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Shizuku
Hang on...
You're all going to be joining Cheerful * Days soon, yes? The others told me the news.
You're all going to be joining Cheerful * Days soon, yes? The others told me the news.
Junior Idol
Cheerful * Days is the reason I love idols so much...! I've been doing everything I can in order to become an amazing performer like you and the others!
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Junior Idol
We look forward to working with you, and we promise to do our very best in order to not let you all down!
Shizuku
(They look so honest and pure...
I can tell that they've worked very hard to get here...)
I can tell that they've worked very hard to get here...)
Shizuku
(I have to lead Cheerful * Days to the top and clear a path towards a bright future for us all!)
Shizuku
Yes. Between my responsibilities and the quality which was expected of me, I ended up struggling quite a lot...
Shizuku
But that pressure and the expectations placed on me also pushed me to become better.
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Shizuku
I'm standing here now because of their kindness. But if you look at the other side of that coin...
Shizuku
You'll see a person who thinks she doesn't need to work hard on her own. Because those around her have told her that it's okay to lean on your friends...
Shizuku
I've become so accustomed to this new environment that I've allowed myself to become soft.
Shizuku
I don't have to lead our group.
I don't feel compelled to shine brighter than my peers. I don't have that strong resolve anymore.
I don't feel compelled to shine brighter than my peers. I don't have that strong resolve anymore.
Shizuku
I have to regain what I had before—
No, I need to face this job with even greater resolve than that.
No, I need to face this job with even greater resolve than that.
Shizuku
It's my turn to lead MORE MORE JUMP!
I have to make the commitment to become better than ever, no matter what.
I have to make the commitment to become better than ever, no matter what.
Shizuku
I'm going to shine brighter than everyone else, and blow Mr. Oikawa and the others away...
Next Chapter: Echoes of the Past