Beach
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Airi
I honestly couldn't believe it myself. I always found my eyes gravitating towards her on their own.
Airi
But back then...
I believe something other than having an aura, natural talent or great looks was more important to being an idol.
I believe something other than having an aura, natural talent or great looks was more important to being an idol.
Airi
Which is how I ended up convincing myself that I had to see Shizuku and others like her as my rivals. I couldn't lose to her...
Airi
And I gave every single job absolutely everything I had in order to prove a point. To show that it's important for idols to have heart.
Airi
Unfortunately, things didn't work out for me. No matter how hard I tried, our agency kept giving Shizuku all the attention, and her fan base grew and grew...
Airi
I mean, we're talking about someone who literally received three truckloads of chocolates for White Day! If that's not legendary, what is?!
Airi
As for me, until I became a select member of QT, I wasn't really rewarded for my hard work. Even though I did more than anyone else to get my name out there.
Airi
Then, I saw Shizuku appearing on TV. That was when I realized how heart alone wouldn't be enough. I realized that you need to possess the ability to dazzle people.
Airi
Which was when I decided to switch things up by trying to figure out how to do that, like practicing putting on cuter makeup looks, changing my usual diet and throwing in a little strength training...
Airi
Be it fashion or cosmetics, I tested out whatever I could in order to give myself that ability to dazzle and awe...
Airi
Yeah. For example, Minori, you and I are pretty similar in the sense that neither of us is all that stylish, and we don't have that aura that Shizuku and Haruka do.
Airi
Hehe. I appreciate the compliment, but you don't have to try to cheer me up. Also, don't put yourself down like that.
Airi
Because I'm gonna show you a trick right now that's gonna make you look unbelievably cute!
Airi
Yeah, really.
First, start by pretending this beach is a concert venue and you're about to smile for all your fans.
First, start by pretending this beach is a concert venue and you're about to smile for all your fans.
Airi
Then, you hear some people on the second deck shouting something after going all out for a big dance routine.
Airi
Precisely.
You waved them differently, right?
It's clear that you wanted them to hear you.
You waved them differently, right?
It's clear that you wanted them to hear you.
Airi
And it wasn't just your hands.
You even went on your tippy-toes for a split second during your delivery to make certain that you reached them. Did you notice...?
You even went on your tippy-toes for a split second during your delivery to make certain that you reached them. Did you notice...?
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Airi
It was really just for a split second, but it's a great expression of who you are, Minori. A girl with an amazing work ethic and a ton of energy! It makes me want to see more of you!
Airi
Hehe. That's right.
And this isn't the only way. There's plenty more where that came from.
And this isn't the only way. There's plenty more where that came from.
Airi
For instance, it's not just about how you appear on stage. The little things you do as you dance and stuff also matter a lot.
Airi
Yes, everyone's eyes tend to gravitate towards the people who exude a brilliant aura, but there's a way to redraw their attention.
Minori
Oh, wait. Sort of like what I just did? I wasn't quite trying to be “seen”. More like “noticed”.
Airi
It's less important to show and tell, so to speak, than it is to communicate with your audience. What you did just a second ago is a good example of that, Minori.
Airi
What to do when you make eye contact with someone in the crowd while dancing also comes to mind. Knowing how to deal with those kinds of situations can also make a big difference.
Minori
While dancing...?
My eyes usually hover around the seats in the back, but I guess I don't actually look at anyone, huh?
My eyes usually hover around the seats in the back, but I guess I don't actually look at anyone, huh?
Airi
It's the best feeling in the world. And after that, you just gotta dance like you mean it!
Airi
Yup.
For our first example, Minori, all you did was smile a little while looking straight forward.
For our first example, Minori, all you did was smile a little while looking straight forward.
Airi
But when you thought about reaching the people on the second deck, you lifted your chin and stuff to make sure they heard you, no?
Sound Effect: Play
Minori
Yeah, you gave such a great explanation! It's so amazing how you came up with this all on your own, Airi...
Minori
Oh! But...
Is it okay for someone like me to learn about such an incredible trick...?
Is it okay for someone like me to learn about such an incredible trick...?
Airi
I mean, if teaching you a little trick like this leads to you becoming even cuter, then I couldn't be happier.
Airi
At the same time, how you present yourself can also change based on the kind of message you want to send your audience, as well as what sort of idol you want to become.
Airi
So, it's best not to see this conversation as the end-all-be-all with regards to being an idol. Moving forward, Minori, I want you to discover the best way for you to shine.
Minori
Okay...!
I'll take what I learned from you today, Airi, and keep trying more and more!
I'll take what I learned from you today, Airi, and keep trying more and more!
Next Chapter: Chasing The Light