The next day
MORE MORE HOUSE - Practice Room
Shizuku
(The posing plan for my solo cuts is decided now...)
Shizuku
(I should try seeing how I look.)
Shizuku
(No...
The pose itself isn't bad, but my expression of it is too ordinary. I need to achieve a greater presence.)
The pose itself isn't bad, but my expression of it is too ordinary. I need to achieve a greater presence.)
Shizuku
(In order to do that, I have to...
Create some tension.)
Create some tension.)
Shizuku
(Like when a needle is pulling on a tight string. A sense of precarious sharpness...)
Shizuku
Oh...
Shizuku
Hehe. We haven't seen each other since Idol Lovers. It's so nice to see you again.
Shizuku
Also, it's such a relief to see a familiar face.
I was starting to get a little nervous, all on my own.
I was starting to get a little nervous, all on my own.
Yu
A relief...?
Shizuku
Come to think of it, I completely let my guard down that time...
Shizuku
(Hagiyama was there to compete against me for just one of two spots, but I told her that I was relieved to see her...)
Shizuku
(It's all clear to me now.)
Shizuku
(What I said back there was shameful and disrespectful.)
Shizuku
(I'm never going to let myself behave so sloppily ever again.)
Shizuku
(I have to start back at square one. I need to feel that desperation again!)
A few days later
Shizuku
Not bad...
But I can still do better.
But I can still do better.
Minori
Good morning!
Airi
Morning, you two!
Minori
Morning, Airi!
Minori
Huh? Is Shizuku already here?
Haruka
I thought she'd take her time getting here today, since she stayed back pretty late last night...
Airi
She is setting aside some time here and there to rest, but I'm not sure she's getting enough sleep.
Minori
What...?!
Then, Shizuku, you should at least stop and take a drink of water...
Then, Shizuku, you should at least stop and take a drink of water...
Airi
Minori, stop.
Airi
She probably can't hear you right now.
Minori
What?
Minori
Sh-Shizuku...?
Airi
Even at school, this is how she's been behaving lately.
Airi
Not only has she been laser focused while posing, she's been working out and dieting like nothing else matters.
Minori
Really...?
Minori
She seems like a completely different person...
Haruka
Yeah.
But...
But...
Haruka
I've seen this Shizuku before.
Minori
Huh?
Haruka
When I appeared on this one music program with her, she made this exact expression before taking the stage...
Haruka
This atmosphere is the same as what I felt back then.
Airi
Yup...
Airi
This is the old Shizuku.
The girl walking along the knife's edge... She's beautiful.
The girl walking along the knife's edge... She's beautiful.
Minori
...
Minori
I-I'm gonna run to the store really quick!
Haruka
Huh?
Minori
Shizuku's doing everything she can right now for MORE MORE JUMP!
Minori
That means I should help her come up with meal plans for her diet and stuff...!
Haruka
Hehe. I agree...
Haruka
So, I'll go with you.
I know some low-calorie foods that really help you recover after a tough workout.
I know some low-calorie foods that really help you recover after a tough workout.
Minori
Okay!!
Thanks, Haruka!
Thanks, Haruka!
Haruka
No problem.
Haruka
Keep an eye on Shizuku for us, Airi.
Airi
Sure thing. Good luck, you two!
Airi
(Shizuku's trying to reach a new level right now.)
Airi
(The same way she did back then.)
Airi
(Honestly, what am I doing...?)
Airi
(Shizuku's pushing herself to the absolute limit like there's no tomorrow.)
Airi
(And here I am, feeling lucky I get to see her like this.)
Airi
You've got this, Shizuku...
Next Chapter: Aura