So, what were the results of our poll? No need to hold back, just tell me in no uncertain terms.

R-Right. Um, compared to everyone else, you didn't receive quite as many fan messages for your solo event as the others did.

I see. I kind of thought that might be the case.

I cannot keep this up. I need to be able to express myself better through my singing and dancing!

Whoa, whoa. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. You're already working hard enough on that front. Maybe there's another reason for it.

Another reason? Like what?

Well… I have an idea, but are you sure you wanna hear it?

Yes, of course! Please, tell me!

Well, your performances are always top-notch, and it's always really fun to see you up there. But I feel like there's something off.

A-Am I acting weird?!

No, that's not it! It's just, like, maybe it's because I know you in real life, but it sort of feels like it's not really YOU up there, you know?

I suppose that makes sense. I am always trying to play the part of my ideal school idol up there.

That could be it! Drama and school idol work might be similar, but they're not the same. In a play, people are drawn to your ability to play the part of someone else.

But the thing that draws people to school idols is their individual traits. That's the whole reason we decided we'd do solo performances in our club, remember?

Individuality is something only the person themselves can express, so… How do I put this? I don't want to see Shizuku playing the perfect school idol. I just want to see Shizuku.

I think the fact that you're treating it like a play is making it hard for people to see what's good about you yourself.

I never even thought of that…

But I think you might be right. There might be some disconnect between myself and the person who is up on stage. I always thought that was a good thing.

You figured out what I couldn't see for myself though. Thank you so much!

I mean, that was just my own opinion. You should do what you think is best, okay?

Of course! But it made me want to try something new. From here on out, I won't go out there acting like my ideal school idol. I'm going to try showing my true self!

Though I'm not really sure how to go about that, so I'll need to talk it out with you more.

If you think I can help, I'll do it. I can tell you all about what makes you shine.

*Chuckle* Well, I look forward to that! So about the script for this next event…

There you go again. You don't need scripts for live shows, Shizuku.

Oops, that's right… I'm kind of helpless without a script, though.

You'll be fine. You don't need a script to show everyone how you really feel when you're up on stage. Expressiveness is where you shine in the first place!

Showing everyone how I really feel… I think I can do that! I want to try it right away! Will you watch me sing?

Really? You're gonna give me a sneak preview?!

Of course! I'm going to show you exactly how I feel when I'm singing in front of you!