Hi everyone!

Today, I want to share a little secret.

Something I don't usually tell anyone.

Even on my days off, I sometimes visit the studio.

It's not because I think,

"I have to work harder because I'm the center."

Well... maybe a little.

But honestly?

I just want to become better.

When the studio is empty, it feels a little strange.

I'm used to hearing everyone's voices.

But today, it's completely quiet.

I stand in front of the mirror.

And the only person reflected back is me.

🩷 Aine: "Alright!"

I start the music.

Check the choreography.

One more time.

And then again.

Over and over.

🩷 Aine: "Hmm..."

🩷 Aine: "That turn felt a little slow."

I record a video.

Watch it back.

Try again.

Watch it again.

Try again.

Before I realize it, more than an hour has passed.

I'm covered in sweat.

But somehow...

I feel like I'm getting closer to the performance I imagine in my head.

That's when it happened.

*Click.*

The studio door opened.

🩷 Aine: "Eh!?"

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "Oh my~?"

🩷 Aine: "S-Shizuku!?"

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "I thought nobody was here, but it was you, Aine."

It turns out Shizuku had come to practice as well.

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "Have you been dancing this whole time?"

🩷 Aine: "Y-Yeah..."

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "That's amazing."

🩷 Aine: "Not really!"

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "Heheβ™ͺ"

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "That's exactly why you're the center, Aine."

The moment she said that, my face felt warm.

I wasn't expecting it at all.

🩷 Aine: "No way!"

🩷 Aine: "I still have so much more to improve!"

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "Working hard is wonderful..."

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "But please don't push yourself too much, okay~?"

As she said that, she handed me a cold sports drink.

I have no idea when she bought it.

πŸ’œ Shizuku: "Let's take a short break~"

🩷 Aine: "Thank youβ™ͺ"

After that, we sat down and talked for a while before heading home.

But somehow...

Today gave me a little more confidence.

I'll keep working hard tomorrow too.

So I can deliver an even brighter performance to everyone.

To Be Continued...