Video
Transcript
A New Encounter
Characters
Transcript
Ena's Room 
Ena
<How does it look, Amia? Does it work with what we talked about...?>
*Notification*
Mizuki
<Yeah, I think so! Have K see it later too. Yuki's got club activities so we can try sending it to her tonight.>
Ena
<Okay, that works.>
Ena
(Mizuki seems fine as far as I can tell. Was I just seeing things before? But...)
Ena
<Um, Amia... Can I ask you something...?>
Mizuki
<Hm? What's up?>
Ena
<It's about the mystery tour you took us on the other day...>
Mizuki
<Yeah, that was so much fun! It was so cute how you just completely passed out once you got on the train too, Enanan♪>
Ena
<Do you know how tired we all were after that?! Don't think that's how I usually sleep either... Anyways, that's not what I want to ask you about...>
Ena
<After we saw those cherry blossoms together, did something happen? You seem a little different, you know...?>
Mizuki
<Huh? Really? I feel fine.>
Ena
<But...>
*Notification*
Kanade
<Sorry I'm late. I've been working but just forgot to log in.>
Mizuki
<Hey, K! We were just talking about the illustrations and stuff we're gonna use for the video, right, Enanan?>
Ena
<Oh, um... Y-Yeah. Let me send them over...>
Ena
*Sigh*...
Ena
(I couldn't get anything out of Mizuki. Something feels off, but at the same time, everything seems fine...)
Ena
(No, making that kind of face means something has to be up...)
Ena
(Mizuki's the one that always says that we should go out and celebrate after we finish making a song, but that hasn't been the case lately...)
Ena
(What if it's something that isn't easy to talk about...? But Mizuki doesn't seem like the type to hide anything from anyone...)
Ena
(Even when I do ask, I never get any answers so... What am I supposed to do?)
Ena
Ugh! This is so frustrating!!
*Phone Ringing*
Ena
(Hm? My phone's ringing... Airi...?)
Ena
<Hi, Airi. What's up?>
Airi
<Sorry to call you like this all the sudden. My lesson for this weekend got cancelled, so I thought that maybe we could go out and do something together. What do you think?>
Airi
<There's also someone I want to introduce you to. Her name's Shizuku Hinomori and we're in the same idol group...>
Ena
<What?! Shizuku Hinomori as in the girl you're always talking about...? The one from that video you were in the other day...?>
Airi
<Yeah, her! I mentioned you to her today and she's sort of looking forward to meeting you now.>
Ena
<She is...? But sorry, I might not be up for that just yet....>
Airi
<Huh? What's wrong? Did something happen? Another fight with your dad...?>
Ena
<No, there's just something that's been bothering me a little...>
Airi
<Really? Like what...? Well, I guess we all have days like that...>
Airi
<Also, you'll start gaining weight if you stay inside too long. It's important to go outside and get a breath of fresh air every so often, you know?>
Ena
<...!>
Airi
<But I won't force you into doing anything. When you feel like chatting or meeting up, just let me know, okay?>
Ena
<Maybe I should go...>
Ena
<You're right about me not going out much lately, Airi. This thing will probably just keep bothering me unless I actually do something about it.>
Airi
<Hehe. Then it's settled!>
Ena
<But no more insinuations regarding my weight, okay?>
Airi
<Yeah, yeah, I'll stop. Anyways, we'll talk again after I hash out the details, like when to meet and stuff.>
Ena
<Okay. Bye.>
*End Call*
Ena
Airi called at the perfect time. Alright, I'm gonna shop 'til I drop this weekend...!
Weekend Outside Shibuya Station Airi
Ena, over here! I was worried about meeting up this early, but I'm glad you woke up on time.
Ena
Hehehe. I told Akito yesterday to wake me up this morning!
Airi
You're still using your little brother as a human alarm clock? I can't help but feel sorry for him...
Ena
By the way, is Hinomori not here yet?
Airi
No, not yet. She usually wakes up on time, but she gets lost pretty easily...
Ena
Lost? She's not a little kid, so I can't imagine...
*Footsteps*
Shizuku
I'm sorry for being so late, you two...!
Airi
Shizuku! We were just talking about you. Did something happened?
Shizuku
Actually, the bus I was on was stuck in traffic. I tried to send you a message, but I couldn't since the screen on my phone just kept spinning around...
Ena
Spinning around...?
Shizuku
Oh...! Are you Shinonome?
Shizuku
My name's Shizuku Hinomori. It's so nice to finally meet you. Airi's been telling me all about you.
Ena
Y-Yes, I'm Ena Shinonome. It's nice to meet you too, Hinomori.
Ena
(Sh-She's so pretty... She really is like someone you see in a magazine but... Hm?)
Ena
Wait, are you not wearing any make-up...?
Shizuku
Hm? Oh, no I'm not. But I put on some lip gloss and sunscreen since Airi said it might be a good idea to.
Ena
What?! Just that?! H-How can anyone naturally look this good...?!
Airi
Yeah, a lot of people have the same reaction...
Shizuku
Is something the matter? Oh, is there something on my face?
Ena
N-N-No! It's nothing!
Ena
(Airi said that there's a part of her that's a bit of an airhead and I sort of noticed that in their video too...)
Ena
(But is she more of an airhead than I realize...?)
Airi
Anyways, Shizuku's finally here, so let's get down to some shopping!
Cafe Airi
That was so much fun! I even got found some cute clothes thanks to you, Ena♪
Shizuku
Yes, you even helped me pick out some cosmetics as well. I usually have such a difficult time finding anything that suits me...
Ena
Don't worry about it. It was nothing, really.
Ena
I got my hands on some things I wanted too. I'll take some pics of them later♪
Airi
I'm glad that you seem to feel a little better too.
Ena
Yeah, I'm glad I came today.
Shizuku
Oh, was there something wrong?
Ena
No, not really wrong... It's just that there was something bothering me lately and thought that I should go out instead of staying cooped up inside all day.
Shizuku
I see...
Shizuku
Would it be alright if I asked what was bothering you, Shinonome...?
Shizuku
You were such a big help to me today, so I'd like to return the favor somehow.
Ena
Huh? But we've been having so much fun. I'd hate to ruin the mood with something like this...
Airi
No, don't worry about that. We were the ones that sort of dragged you out of your house.
Airi
And don't you think you'll feel better by talking about it with someone♪
Ena
Yeah, you're probably right...
Ena
This isn't actually about me but...
Airi
I see... So you're wondering why this Akiyama's been acting so different lately...
Ena
Yeah. Everything seems normal when we talk and they're upbeat like always...
Ena
Usually, I'm being the one invited out, but we haven't been hanging out much together lately. We're definitely still friends, but I feel like Mizuki's avoiding me...
Shizuku
I see. That is concerning...
Ena
It is... Every time I ask, Mizuki just laughs it off or dodges the question altogether...
Ena
And that's what's so frustrating about this...!
Ena
Mizuki always asks everyone about how they feel, and I was hoping that I could help if something really is wrong...
Airi
Let me just ask this. Did you say anything that would offend your friend? I sort of can't rule that out with you...
Ena
What? No way!
Shizuku
But if that's so, it could be something that they don't want to talk to you about, Shinonome...
Airi
Yeah, Shizuku might be right. You two being close could be why it's so hard to talk about it.
Ena
Because we're close...? Wait, does that mean I can't do anything about this?
Shizuku
Shinonome...
Shizuku
(She went through the trouble of telling us this and I'd like to be able to help her...)
Shizuku
(But I did the same thing when something was bothering me, so that it wouldn't affect the others around me. Oh, what if...?)
Shizuku
What if your friend talked to someone they don't know that well, Shinonome? Would that make things easier?
Ena
Someone they don't know?
Shizuku
For example, Airi and myself.
Shizuku
What if the four of us, Akiyama included, went on a little outing together? It could help make things easier for the two of you.
Ena
I appreciate the idea, but would it really work...?
Airi
I'm not sure either. It may not solve everything on its own, but it could give you a better idea of what's going on. A change of pace might also do Akiyama some good too, you know?
Ena
That may be true but... Okay, I guess we won't know unless we try...
Ena
But where do we go? We went shopping together just the other day so...
Airi
How about here? I just got a flyer advertising it...
*Paper Rustling*
Ena
A Day Hike in the Highlands...?
The next day Kamiyama High School Mizuki
(*Sigh*... Supplementary classes are taking forever today. Our lunch break's almost over too...)
Mizuki
(I guess I'll eat in the classroom. But everyone's still there, so maybe... The rooftop...?)
Rui
Mizuki...?
Mizuki
Huh?! Rui?!
Rui
My apologies. I didn't mean to surprise you like that. You seemed a little down so I decided to ask...
Mizuki
Haha. Can you tell...? They ran out of the melon bread I was after and I feel a little bummed out. Bad luck, right?
Rui
I see. If you say so...
Nene
Oh, Rui. Can we talk for a minute...?
Mizuki
Looks like you got a visitor! Later, Rui!
*Footsteps*
Rui
Wait, Mizuki...
Nene
Sorry, did I interrupt your conversation with Akiyama...?
Rui
I can't honestly say no, but you wanted to talk...?
Nene
It's about rehearsing for our next show. Can we discuss a few things?
Rui
Yes, of course.
Rui
...
Let's Go on a Picnic!
Characters
Transcript
Mizuki's Room Mizuki
(*Sigh*... I got home way later than I was hoping to... I still have keep editing the music video from where I left off yesterday too...)
*Phone Ringing*
Mizuki
(Hm? Ena's calling me...?)
Mizuki
Heya! What's up?
Ena
<Um, Mizuki, there's something I'd like to ask you...>
Ena
<If you're free next Saturday, how would you feel about going on a picnic?>
Mizuki
<A picnic? That's rare coming from someone who hates going outside as much as you do. What's going on?>
Ena
<I was invited to go, and I thought a change of pace might be nice.>
Ena
<My idol friends are the ones that asked me to go. You know, the ones I talked about before?>
Mizuki
<Yeah! Airi Momoi, right?! It's pretty cool that you're really friends with actual idols.>
Ena
<I just happened to meet her in junior high and we've been friends since. Oh, this other girl from Airi's group, Shizuku Hinomori, is also coming.>
Mizuki
<What?! Shizuku Hinomori as in THE Shizuku Hinomori?!>
Mizuki
<Wait, Mafuyu mentioned before that they go to the same school. Talk about a small world...!>
Ena
<I met her for the first time the other day too. She seemed nice and pretty laid-back, but I doubt she's ever crossed paths with Mafuyu...>
Ena
<I mentioned you to them too and they said they'd like to meet you. How about it?>
Mizuki
<Seriously?! I totally want to meet them...!>
Mizuki
(But if I can't tell anyone about myself, how can I ever really be friends with them...?)
Mizuki
<Actually, nevermind... I think I'll pass, sorry...>
Mizuki
<I just remembered that I might have to work around that time next week.>
Ena
<Might? That means you're not actually scheduled to yet, right...?>
Mizuki
<Yeah, but... It'd be their first time meeting me, and we might not have anything in common or a lot to talk about so...>
Ena
<We're talking about idols here. It's their job to make people they meet for the first time feel welcome.>
Ena
<And you're the one that's always talking about getting different perspectives on thing. Seeing a pretty landscape might even give you some ideas for the video, you know?
Mizuki
<Hmm... You might be right... But why do you want me to go so much? Did something happen?>
Ena
<Hey, stay on topic. I'm the one that's asking you if you want to come on this picnic.>
Mizuki
<Well...>
Mizuki
(She's really coming after me today. She'll probably start asking more questions if I'm not careful...)
Mizuki
<Okay, if you're gonna be that insistent, I'll go...>
Ena
<Yes, finally...!>
Ena
<The plan's to take a tour on a bus. We have to register as a group and stuff, so I'll send you more info about it later.>
Mizuki
<Got it. I can't wait!>
Ena
<Good. We'll talk again later.>
Mizuki
<Alright, later!!>
*End Call*
Mizuki
(A picnic with Hinomori and Momoi does sound like fun, but...)
Mizuki
...
Stage SEKAI 
Luka
You've improved so much, Shizuku. Your last turn there looked perfect too.
Shizuku
Thank you! It's all because you taught me so well, Luka. Oh, these footsteps sounds like...
*Footsteps*
Airi
Hey, you two!
Shizuku
Airi!
Luka
Welcome, Airi. I heard from Shizuku that you wouldn't be able to make it today because of club activities.
Airi
We ended earlier than expected. Looks like I made it just in time too.
Airi
By the way, Shizuku, I just heard back from Ena. She said Akiyama's gonna come with us!
Shizuku
Really? That's wonderful. I hope our little trip can help Akiyama feel a little better...
Airi
Yeah. It's pretty rare for Ena to worry about someone this much, so I want to help her out too.
Luka
Oh, are you going somewhere together?
Shizuku
We are. Airi, a couple of her friends and I are going to the highlands to have a little picnic.
Luka
A picnic in the highlands? That sound lovely! I'm sure it's going to be very beautiful...
Shizuku
I hope so too. I went quite some time ago as part of a shoot for an educational TV program, so I can't wait to go again.
Airi
Oh, that show? Whoever edited that deserves an award. I was on the edge of my seat because you were being so clumsy that time...
Shizuku
I never knew it was so hard to tie knots and start campfires... Still, I had quite a bit of fun.
Shizuku
But that was then. I just hope we all get to have as much fun as possible...!
Luka
Hehe. I'm sure it'll be a wonderful picnic♪
Shizuku
Oh, Luka...! Would you like to come as well?
Airi
Yeah, you actually could if you jump onto one of our phones and have us carry you around!
Luka
Oh, you would do that for me?
Shizuku
Yes, of course! The hiking course is supposed take quite a bit of time, so you should be able to take a look around as well.
Luka
Thanks, you two. If you don't mind, I'd like to join you.
Shizuku
I'm glad you are. You being there will make our picnic just that much more fun, Luka.
Airi
Then I'll have to whip up and bring a special lunch for us to share too!
The day of the picnic Outside Shibuya Station Mizuki
Whoa, it's the real deal! Airi Momoi and Shizuku Hinomori in the flesh!
Shizuku
Hehe. Thank you for joining us today, Akiyama.
Airi
Yeah, sorry for just dropping this on you, but we're glad you came.
Mizuki
No, I should be the one thanking you two. Hehe. I even ended up wearing my favorite outfit today♪
Mizuki
Ena, they're really here! People you see on TV or in magazines! They're sooo cute too!
Ena
Okay, Mizuki, calm down. Also, keep it down...!
Airi
Hehe. We should be fine with this many people around. I'm glad we're doing this, Shizuku.
Shizuku
Me too! I'm happy that Shinonome's friend is already enjoying everything so much.
Airi
Oh, also... Calling only you by your last name seems a bit strange, so mind if we call you Mizuki instead?
Shizuku
Yes, I'd like that too. Please, feel free to call us by our first names as well.
Mizuki
Wait, really? I can't say no to that♪ Thanks for having me today, Airi, Shizuku!
Shizuku
You too, Shinonome...
Ena
Me? Oh, right... We have been calling each other by our last names. In that case, thank you for having me too, Shizuku.
Shizuku
You're very welcome! Let's have ourselves a fun picnic today, Ena!
Mizuki
Yeah! Thank you so much for doing this, Ena!
Ena
Yes, yes, you're very welcome.
Ena
Airi, shouldn't the bus already be here? Maybe we should get going.
Airi
Yeah. We're still a little early, but that might be a good idea.
*Footsteps*
Shizuku
Um, Airi... Is it just me or does Mizuki seems better than Ena let on?
Airi
Maybe. Mizuki does seem nice and might not be as bothered by whatever Ena was talking about...
Mizuki
Hey, I brought some snacks too! We can all have some while we're on the bus!
Ena
That's great but don't make a mess, okay?
Mizuki
You got it!!
Airi & Shizuku
Hm...?
Airi & Shizuku: Hm...?
Nene
He's late...
Nene
(Rui said, Wait by the station, but now I feel like it would've been better to go to his house to pick him up first...)
Nene
(Oh, that tour bus over there's going to the same place we are...)
Nene
(We decided to take an express train, but a bus might've been easier since we wouldn't have to change trains...)
Nene
(No, today's not about doing things the easy way. Today's all about...)
Rui
Hello, Nene. Sorry for making you wait.
Nene
Rui, there you are. You're late and... What's with the luggage?
Rui
Oh, I brought quite a few things just for today!
Rui
I was happy to hear that you wanted to build up some stamina for our shows.
Rui
But at the same time, I was a little surprised that you'd want to do something like this, Nene.
Nene
W-Well...
Nene
If we want to make it so Phoenix Wonderland doesn't just change in front of our eyes, Rui, we have to keep thinking up new kinds of shows, right?
Nene
I'm hoping that this will help achieve that goal.
Nene
Emu and Tsukasa are way more athletic than I am too. I really don't how I'm the one that's always out of breath in the end.
Rui
Hehe. I understand. We should be doing everything in our power right now.
Rui
I hope you're ready for some high-speed, high-altitude training!!
Nene
High-speed? Even though you're running this late? And why are we going all the way to the highlands to train?
Rui
Because it'll be more fun than just running around here, no? You get to see some beautiful landscapes under a great big sky...!
Rui
And above all else, you won't have to worry about any prying eyes!
Nene
Oh...!
Nene
Don't tell me that you're lugging around some props that you can't test at the Wonder Stage...! Is this why we're going so far out of our way today...?!
Rui
My, would you look at the time! We need to hurry if we're going to catch out train, Nene...!
*Footsteps*
Nene
Hey, wait...! You don't get to treat me like Tsukasa! I'm not gonna be a guinea pig for your props!!
*Hurried Footsteps*
Colorfully Hidden Truth
Characters
Transcript
Highlands Mizuki
Whoa! This is awesome! We're not even at the top and you can see all those mountains way over there!
Ena
Yeah, it's so beautiful...!
Ena
Oh, wait. I should take some pictures too. They could come in handy when I draw later.
Mizuki
What's this? Ena's not immediately going for some selfies? Interesting...!
Ena
*Sigh*... It's not like that's the only thing I ever think about, you know?
Airi
Hey, I'm getting pretty hungry. Why don't we have lunch here and enjoy the view? I made enough food for all of us.
Mizuki
Oh, me too! I'm starving!
Shizuku
Hehe. Everything Airi makes is so good too. I'm excited to see what she brought today.
Ena
Wow...! This looks amazing!
Airi
I made most of it last night and tried to include something that everyone likes.
Mizuki
Yeah, it looks delicious! Let's dig in♪ Oh, perfect! French fries!
Airi
Ena told me that you like them a lot, Mizuki. I made them a little well-done to keep them from getting too soggy!
Shizuku
Wait, but this one tastes like...
Airi
Fried tofu skins. You requested them, Shizuku, so I decided to make some. I wrapped them around some pieces of chicken.
Shizuku
*Nom*... Oh, it's delicious...! You're such a good cook, Airi!
Airi
And I made some cheesecake for you, Ena. This one has a lemony zest to it.
Ena
Yay! I still can't help but think your cheesecake is store bought, you know?
Mizuki
Mmm! Everything's so good!
Mizuki
You're awesome, Airi! You go to school while being an idol and you make amazing food?!
Airi
Oh, this is nothing. As for being an idol, we support each member as a team, and everyone's been a huge help so far.
Mizuki
Yeah, I get that. Also, what was your group called again? MORE MORE JUMP!?
Airi
Yup. We mainly make videos and do livestreams.
Ena
Speaking of which, I saw one of streams the other day. You guys were doing dance practice and stuff...
Shizuku
You did?! Thank you so much! But we had to try so many times to get it right. I doubt it was very interesting from your point of view...
Ena
Yeah, you kept messing up in the beginning, but it was also pretty heartwarming in the end...
Shizuku
Huh?
Ena
No matter how many times you failed, Shizuku, you kept trying and got it perfect in the end, right?
Ena
After I saw you do that, I felt like trying a little harder myself...
Shizuku
Ena, I don't know what to say... Thank you...
Airi
Good for you, Shizuku! I'm sure Ena's not alone either.
Shizuku
Right! Hehe. I feel like I've taken a step towards becoming an idol who delivers hope...
Mizuki
An idol who delivers hope, huh...?
Ena
Is something wrong?
Mizuki
No, I just thought that's pretty incredible is all. I wouldn't even know where to start if I decided to try giving someone hope...
Airi
But you two make songs together right? Isn't that another way to do just that?
Mizuki
You think so? It'd be nice if that were true...
Ena
Mizuki...?
Shizuku
Is something the matter, Mizuki?
Mizuki
Uh, no! It's nothing! Anyways, Airi, can I have some more of those french fries?
Airi
Yeah, go for it. I'm glad you like them so much.
Mizuki
Yay! Thanks!
Ena
(Was Mizuki about to just...?)
Ena
...
Mizuki
Thanks for the food!
Mizuki
That was so good, Airi! I'm stuffed!
Airi
You're very welcome. You guys didn't leave even a single crumb, so it was worth the effort.
Airi
Now, we should probably get going soon...
Shizuku
Hm? There's quite a few people gathered over there. I wonder what's going on?
Staff
Register here for the Green Adventure! Please make sure to fill out the necessary forms if you wish to participate!
Shizuku
The Green Adventure?
Airi
Oh, it's the game where you guess the names of plants and rivers while you're hiking.
Ena
Huh? How did you know that?
Airi
One of the guides that I saw after we got off the bus told me. Anyone can join as long as they register for it. Wanna give it a try?
Mizuki
Oh, me! Let's go!
Ena
Are you sure? There could be a bunch of bugs over that way, you know...?
Shizuku
Then how about Mizuki and Airi go join them, while Ena and I have a look around here...?
Airi
Sounds like a plan!
Ena
Wait, but Mizuki's...
Shizuku
Airi may just be able to get something out of Mizuki. How about we leave her to it just for now?
Ena
Shizuku...
Airi
Alright, we're gonna go for a perfect score! Ready, Mizuki?!
Mizuki
Yeah! Let's hurry and get registered, Airi!
Nene
Whoa...!
Nene
It's so green and beautiful...! Almost like an open-world RPG!
Rui
That sounds like exactly something you'd say, Nene.
Rui
Anyways, that should be enough stretching for now. How about we start with a little jog?
Rui
There's even a trail running course over there too. Let's go take a look.
Nene
Huh? This is all we're doing? It seems too normal, you know...?
Rui
Oh, you'll need to wear this while you run...
Nene
What is this, chainmail?! It's so heavy...!
Rui
It's a weighted jacket, but I also added quite a few features to make sure it's safe to use. Unfortunately, it ended up weighing more than I expected.
Rui
You'll also need to put on these knee braces, as well as this helmet. It should fit right over your cap...
*Shuffling*
Nene
Wait, what?! All of these...?!
Rui
Ah, perfect!
Nene
I-It feels so clunky... You turned me into a robot, Rui...
Rui
Now, let's start running! Try your best, Nene! I'll be right there with you!
*Running*
Nene
Hnng...! It's... So... Heavy...!
For My Friends
Characters
Transcript
Highlands Airi
Alright... So we have to find the first panel and guess the name of a tree that looks like...
Airi
The map says that it should be around here somewhere too...
Mizuki
Wait, isn't that it by the base of that tree?
Airi
You're right. It even includes two hints.
Airi
Hint 1: They are often planted near shrines... Hint 2: Bluebottle butterfly larvae like to each their leaves...
Mizuki
It's talking about camphor trees, right?
Airi
Wait, you know the answer?
Mizuki
I remember seeing this in a book and on a quiz show. The answers are supposed to be written on the back, so let's take a look...
Airi
Yup! The answer is, Camphor trees.
Airi
That's so cool! Do you know a lot about plants, Mizuki?
Mizuki
Not really. I just happened to know this one.
Mizuki
But are Ena and Shizuku gonna be okay? It looked like there were a bunch of bugs over where they were. I hope they don't get into trouble or anything...
Airi
Nah, they should be fine. Ena's tougher than she looks.
Mizuki
Yeah, that's true. Ena is pretty good at looking after people, me included...
Airi
(Wait, this is getting more personal...)
Airi
(This could be a chance to learn more about what's bothering Mizuki... Just gotta find the most opportune moment and ask...!)
Airi
So you all meet up online to make songs as a group? That's gotta be pretty hard sometimes.
Mizuki
It actually isn't. We're all a little weird, but everyone's really nice too so it's pretty fun!
Airi
I see... That's good to hear!
Airi
(Hmm... I guess I won't get any real answers that easily, huh?)
Airi
I'm also pretty glad that you became friends with Ena...
Mizuki
Huh? Why?
Airi
You know how Ena is... She says what's on her mind and can rub people the wrong way, you know...?
Mizuki
Haha. Yeah, totally. Ena can be pretty ruthless sometimes.
Mizuki
We went to this cafe where you can make handicrafts called the sewing lounge the other day...
Mizuki
After I finished drawing a sketch for something I was about to make, she was like, There's no way this'll turn out cute!
Airi
Hehe. That's Ena for you.
Mizuki
Yeah, she can be so mean sometimes!
Mizuki
But after that, she sat down with me to think about how to make it better. That's kind of what I really like about her.
Airi
Hehe. I know exactly what you mean. She's done that a few times for me too.
Mizuki
Really? She's helped you before too, Airi?
Airi
Yeah, she has.
Airi
Before I really started getting work as an idol, I was a regular junior high school student and Ena was in the same class as me.
Airi
We didn't really talk much at first, but one day, some of my classmates started making fun of this variety show I appeared in...
Airi
It's not like I was being bullied or anything, but I knew that people were talking about me behind my back. That was when Ena got mad...
Airi
She yelled, You really think that's funny?!
Mizuki
Seriously? Man, she really has always been like that then...!
Airi
I know, right? I thanked her for what she did later, but she just replied, I said that because I didn't like what was going on. That's all...
Airi
But what she did made me really happy. I'd never seen someone stand up for a stranger like that before...
Airi
Everyone stopped talking about me and I became friends with Ena after that.
Mizuki
That's nice... Actually, that reminds me of something...
Mizuki
E-Enanan?! What are you doing here?!
Ena
I came to give Yuki a piece of my mind!
Mizuki
Whenever she sees that someone's going through something, she just comes right out with it, you know?
Airi
Yeah, exactly! It's like she knows what to do when it really matters, which is why...
Airi
If there's something bothering you, Mizuki, I think you should talk to Ena about it. I'm sure she can help you.
Mizuki
Wait, hold on...
Ena
<And you're the one that's always talking about getting different perspectives on thing. Seeing a pretty landscape might even give you some ideas for the video, you know?
Ena
<Hey, stay on topic. I'm the on that's asking you if you want to come on this picnic.>
Mizuki
(So that's why she tried so hard to get me to go on this picnic...)
Mizuki
(Ena, you little fox...)
Mizuki
(But I get it now... She's genuinely worried about me.)
Hiking Trail Nene
*Huff*... *Huff*... *Huff*...
Rui
You're doing great, Nene! I'm getting plenty of good data too!
Nene
No... No more... I'm taking these off... And taking a break...
Rui
Okay, let's take a break.
Rui
While you do that, I'll be trying out some of the other new props I brought.
*Rustling*
Rui
Hehehe... Now, which do I start with first...
Nene
(How's Rui not tired? He's been lugging all that stuff the entire day...?)
Rui
Oh no!
Nene
Huh? What is it?
Rui
I forgot to bring the Star Training Suit...! I even brought the rope for it too...
Nene
Star Training Suit? What's that...?
Rui
It's a sort of powered exoskeleton. It helps the user run, carry things and move around more easily.
Rui
In other words! Whoever wears this will be able to run, jump, move around and even carry massive objects while performing with little to no effort!
Rui
It still needs a few adjustments, but by tying this rope to Tsukasa, he could fly from one side of the stage to the other in one leap... Such a shame...
Nene
Rui, please try to remember that we're a theatre troupe, not a circus, okay...?
An Unsettling Departure
Characters
Transcript
Highlands Shizuku
(I'm glad that the weather turned out so nice today. Such a lovely day for a picnic and a verdant landscape to match.)
Shizuku
(Oh, Ena's turned the other way too. This may be a good chance to give Luka a glimpse of this beautiful scenery. Let's see, I need to...)
Shizuku
(Oh dear... My phone isn't behaving the way it should. This is unfortunate. Even after she showed me what I'm supposed to do too...)
Ena
Shizuku, is something wrong?
Shizuku
Uh, no... It's nothing. Oh, that reminds me...! Do you think Airi and Mizuki are enjoying the Green Adventure...?
Ena
They'll probably get alone fine. I'm sure everything's going well with them.
Ena
But we still haven't been able to get any answers out of Mizuki yet...
Shizuku
Yes, you're right. Mizuki seemed a little down too when we were having lunch. I was hoping that we could talk a little more then...
Ena
You noticed too, Shizuku? Mizuki really seems a little off, right?
Ena
It looks like we're having fun, but also like something's missing or not quite right... I can't put my finger on what it is though...
Ena
Why does Mizuki keep making that face...? This is so frustrating...! We're gonna run out of time before we get anywhere...!
Shizuku
I understand why you feel the need to hurry, but we may have more time than you think.
Shizuku
Our picnic won't be over for some time and I'll do what I can to help out as well.
Shizuku
Airi even said that we should just have as much fun together as we can. I say we do just that...!
Ena
Yeah, okay...
Shizuku
Also, Ena... We've been walking for quite some time now. Would you like to take a quick break?
Ena
Sure, sounds good. I saw a rest area just over there too. I'm gonna go get something to drink...
Shizuku
Okay. I'll be waiting right here.
*Footsteps*
Shizuku
(I tried to cheer her up a little, but Ena still seems so worried.)
Shizuku
(I hope Airi has some better luck talking to Mizuki than we did...)
Climber A
Hey, uh... Do you happen to be Shizuku Hinomori...?
Shizuku
Huh?
Climber B
I knew it! You looked way too pretty for a regular person.
Climber A
What are the odds that we'd run into you in a place like this?! Can we take a picture together? I really want to tell my friends this!
Shizuku
Oh, I'm sorry. We decided as a group to avoid taking pictures with our fans until we've gained a little more traction...
Ena
Thanks for waiting, Shizuku... Wait, what happened?!
Shizuku
Oh, Ena...!
Ena
Excuse me. What's going on here?
Climber A
Huh? Who are you? Does this mean you're an idol too?
Climber B
Then we should get a picture with all of us in it!
Ena
What?
Shizuku
Please, I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to do that right now.
Climber A
Come on, just one tiny photo...!
Ena
Hey, you heard her! Leave her alone! This is her free time, so let her spend it the way she wants...!
Climber B
But... Your fans are begging you. Just one picture...
Ena
You're still going on about that? Just because you're her fans, it doesn't mean you can ask her to do whatever you want!
Shizuku
Ena...
Shizuku
(What should I do...? I shouldn't force Ena to talk to them for me like this. There's no way it can end well...)
Shizuku
U-Um, since I'm not allowed to take pictures for the time being, would an autograph work instead? If you don't mind telling me your names, I could...
Ena
Shizuku! Don't cave to these cretins!
Shizuku
It's okay, Ena. Thank you.
Climber B
We can have your autograph?
Shizuku
Yes, I even brought the penguin notebook Haruka gave me the other day. Here, please have this...
Climber B
Awesome! Thanks, Shizuku!
Climber A
We'll take good care of these! Time to tell my friends...!
Shizuku
Thank you very much as well! Oh, and I hope you'll help support my current group, MORE MORE JUMP!
Ena
...
Shizuku
Thank you for what you just did back there, Ena. I really appreciate it.
Ena
You don't need to thank me. You managed to clear everything up all by yourself.
Ena
Actually, I might've ended up making things a lot worse for you...
Ena
I've sort of always been like this. The kind of person that just says or does what's on their mind, you know...?
Ena
The same goes for how I feel about Mizuki right now...
Ena
I want to help, but just rushing in headlong like that might end up making things worse if I'm not careful...
Shizuku
No, don't say that. I'm grateful for what you did for me just now...
Shizuku
I'm not sure I would've been able to act if you didn't step in there.
Ena
Shizuku...
Shizuku
And I'm sure things between you and Mizuki will turn out alright. That's the impression I got from the two of you today.
Shizuku
You won't be causing each other any trouble. You two really seem to understand one another.
Ena
You think so...?
Mizuki's Voice
Hey, there you are! Over here...!
Shizuku
Oh, Mizuki! Airi!
Airi
We're back. Get any good pics, Ena?
Ena
A few. How'd you guys do?
Airi
Great! Mizuki pretty much got every question right! I guess the only downside was that I hardly got any chances to answer...
Mizuki
You should've come with us Ena! It was so much fun!
Shizuku
So Airi... Were you able to talk to Mizuki?
Airi
We did but I ended up saying that talking with Mizuki is probably the best option...
Mizuki
Anyways, we should probably get going soon.
Airi
Right. We can have a relaxing stroll on our way back to the bus.
Airi
Hm? Hey, Ena, what's that on your head...?
Ena
Huh?
Ena
A bee! No, get away!! Get away from me...!!
Airi
Ena, calm down! You'll scare it and make it sting you!
Ena
But I hate bees! No, it keeps following me...!!
Mizuki
Okay, just settle down. Be still and...
Hiking Trail Shizuku
Oh, the trail forks here... Which way do we go?
Airi
The map says that the beginner route takes you on a scenic loop around the mountain. Why not get a look at some nice views as we head back to the bus?
Shizuku
Oh, that sounds nice... But the sign looks old and worn away... The beginner route is... To the left?
Ena
Can we go already? I'd rather not get eaten by bugs out here!
Airi
Okay, okay! We're going! Just stop pushing me...!
*Footsteps*
Nene
*Sigh*... That was more than I was expecting, but I feel more fit now.
Nene
Thanks, Rui.
Rui
You're welcome.
Rui
After we finish cooling off, shall we finish by taking a light hike around the mountain?
Nene
Okay. Hm? Wait, the trail forks here... Where are we supposed to go?
Rui
Let's see... There's the beginner route and the advanced route. They both appear to end in the same place too.
Nene
Then let's take the beginner route. What does this sign say...?
Nene
Hold on, it's too worn out to read what's on it. I can't tell which way the beginner route is...
Rui
Right, no? If you look closely, it says to go left for the advanced route.
Nene
You're right. Why did they make it so confusing?
Rui
The guide says that the advanced route is full of steep cliffs and ledges, so only seasoned hikers should go that way.
Nene
This sign isn't helping either, don't you think?
Rui
Yes, I agree. We should talk to the park rangers about this sign once we get back. Shall we, Nene?
Nene
Let's go.
My Reason for Helping
Characters
Transcript
Hiking Trail
*Wind*
*Leaves Rustling*
Airi
Hey, anyone else feel like we went the wrong way? This trail's just been getting rougher and rougher...
Mizuki
You too? I thought the same thing since we haven't gotten even a glimpse of the parking lot yet...
Shizuku
Yes, this feels strange. We went down the beginner route just like the sign back there said...
Ena
Maybe we should go back and retrace our steps...?
Mizuki
Yeah, we should. We turned there and came from... Hang on...
Mizuki
Which way did we come from again...?
Ena
The right side?
Airi
Really? Didn't we come from the left?
Ena & Airi
...
Mizuki
What do we do? We've taken so many turns, we've forgotten where we came from...!!
Shizuku
A-Are we lost...?
Ena
No, don't say that! It's not a big mountain or anything, so I'm sure we'll find our way back, right?
Ena
Oh, right! We can just check on our phones to see where we are too...!
Mizuki
Duh! Wow, I was really worried there for a second...
Ena
Hm...?
Airi
What's wrong, Ena?
Ena
I'm not getting a signal...
Shizuku
Oh no! What else can we do...?! What if you waved your phone around in the air?
Mizuki
No, that almost never works!
Ena
Oh, maybe I am getting something... If I just go over here and...
*Footsteps*
Mizuki
Ena, wait! That's a...!
Ena
Huh...? A ledge...?!
Airi
Ena!!
*Grabbing Hand*
Ena
Airi...!!
Airi
Gotcha! Just barely...!
Ena
Th-Thanks... I didn't see it drop off there...
Airi
It's just a part of hiking. I'm gonna pull you up, so come a little closer...
Ena
Airi, wait! This rock under my foot's about to...!
Airi
Huh?!
Ena
Noooooo!
Nene
Phew... Almost there...
Rui
Oh, Nene, I brought some candy with me. Would you like a piece?
Nene
S-Sure, I'll take one...
???
Noooooo!
Nene
Huh...? Did you hear someone scream just now?
Rui
Hm? There are plenty of wild animals around here. Someone could've just come across one...