Good morning.

G-Good morning!

Morning, you two. Sorry, but it's going to take a bit more time to get ready for the shoot. Would you mind waiting here a little longer?

No problem.

Oh my gosh, I feel so nervous!

*Giggle* They only came over to greet us.

I know, but they're all adults here… I feel so out of place being in an adult workplace. It just makes me nervous.

Are you not, Karin?

…Hmm, I haven't really thought about it.

I guess I might be a bit.

I mean, I was nervous enough to ask you to come along with me.

Huh?

The amateur model shoots are full of girls my age, so there's lots of chatting and excitement going on.

And with amateur modeling, there isn't just one star of the show.

You can see that by looking at the magazines, right? All of the girls are given the same amount of space on the pages.

I do always feel nervous at these shoots, and I can't really say that I perform at my best every time.

Even so, I've managed to keep working as an amateur model.

But this time…

You're the star today, Karin.

Yes.

This is the starring role you earned through your audition.

Right. I went for this swimsuit feature shoot really wanting it, but now that I'm about to actually do it…

*Giggle* I sound pretty pathetic, huh? I'm just a bit scared of having all those eyes on me today.

I'm sure I wouldn't feel this way at all if this were a school idol performance.

In fact, I'd want you to keep your eyes on me alone…

Oh, Karin…

Being a school idol and being an amateur model demand different things from you.

I wonder if I'm up to the task…

You are! Even though I'm not sure what that means!

Pfft… What was that? Was that your best attempt at cheering me up?

Hahaha. Look, I'm not super knowledgeable about modeling stuff. That's all.

But I DO know you. You're a workhorse who goes all out to achieve your goals.

So I know you can do this!

Is that so?

*Giggle* I feel a lot more confident after hearing you say that.

I'll show you and everyone else here today what I'm like when I go all out.

[Fade in/out.]

Wow, that was incredible! It was you, but you seemed like another person entirely! I've never seen this side of you before, Karin!

As soon as you hear that shutter, you transform into other versions of yourself.

No more. That's about all of the embarrassing compliments I can take.

But thank you for the nice words all the same. I think I gave all I had to give.

But I haven't said nearly enough… Fine, I'll save the rest for when the swimsuit shoot hits the stands.

Oh, that's right! They spoke to you about another shoot, right? Does that mean you're doing it?

Yeah. I got an offer for the next shoot.

You're killing it! Can I come along too?

That's fine with me, but…are you sure? I know I asked you to come today, but this is my own, personal project. It has nothing to do with club activities.

This experience will help you with school idol activities though, right?

You might have a point there…

And besides, I know that you're giving this your all, so I want to be right there with you to support your efforts.

Even if it isn't for the School Idol Club.

You sure are upfront about your feelings, huh. All right then, if that's how you feel, then I look forward to having you there with me.

I feel like I can go above and beyond with you supporting me.

[Fade in/out.]

Are you sure this is what you want to do? It's just that with your skills…

I'm sure. I've decided to no longer pursue a career in confectionery.

Excuse me.

[Fade in/out.]

(I've decided to give up baking.)

(The sweets I make are only symbols of my failures.)

(Hurting those I love, taking the things they love away from them…)