Shizuka
Yes, perfect. The results of our recent practice are showing. You did well, Kokona.

Kokona
I feel like I finally got the hang of it...! I'm tired...even my toes are sore~!

Shizuka
Yes, yes. Take off your practice shoes quickly. If you keep them tight for too long, it'll affect your circulation.

Kokona
Okay. There we go...and now the newspaper to absorb the moisture...

Shizuka
......

Kokona
Hmm, the shoelaces might be fraying. Maybe I should at least replace the laces with new ones...

Shizuka
...You're so diligent, Kokona. Not many people take care of their shoes every time like this.

Kokona
They're shoes I'm used to wearing, so they feel like my partner. When I become a Dai Star, these shoes will be with me!

Shizuka
They've been with you since the days you kept failing auditions. I know you've been taking good care of them, but...hm?

Shizuka
...Isn't the eyelet area tearing? The shape is breaking down too, maybe it's time to buy new ones?

Kokona
Well...they're worn out in places, but there's no hole in the sole yet, so they're still usable, right?

Shizuka
I guess they're usable if you put it that way...but if it gets too bad, it could affect your posture and you might fall.

Kokona
When you put it that way...

Shizuka
Is it because they're partners who've been through thick and thin so you don't want to throw them away?

Kokona
That's part of it, but the main reason is...

Shizuka
You're being evasive. What's wrong, Kokona?

Kokona
...Recently, I've been practicing right after coming home from school, right? So, well...my part time work shifts have decreased...

Shizuka
I see, harsh realities of life...

Kokona
I know I should get new ones, but if I'm going to buy them, I want something better than what I have now...

Kokona
I've actually decided on shoes I want to buy someday. The kind where they measure your feet and make them fit perfectly!

Shizuka
Oh, that sounds good for movement...but isn't that custom made?

Kokona
Yes. This is the price list from the official website. Kathrina-chan would probably say, "Don't be stingy with your tools!" but...

Shizuka
That much...!?

Kokona
I guess custom made is still too early for me. I envy you, Shizuka-chan, any shoe fits you perfectly...

Shizuka
Well, you can make those expensive shoes a future goal. For now, what kind of shoes would you like if you were to replace them?

Kokona
Hmm...I guess ones that fit like my current ones and are lightweight. Also, ease of maintenance and cuteness are important too.

Kokona
Actually, my current shoes weren't that cheap either. So if I go for something the same price or higher, it's tough on my wallet.

Shizuka
Then...how about I give them to you as a present?

Kokona
Geez...you can't do that when it's not even a special occasion.

Kokona
So, I'll keep going with my partner for a while longer. I'll take good care of them to make them last...achoo!

Shizuka
Sorry, I kept you here while you're still sweaty. I'll clean up here, so why don't you go take a bath?

Kokona
I'll do that~...

Shizuka
Yes, yes, now that's decided, go quickly. I'll look after your things.

Kokona
Then, can you take care of my change of clothes too...?

Shizuka
I know. Go warm up properly.

Kokona
Thank you! Shizuka-chan is my best partner~...

Shizuka
Partner...I'm not a pair of shoes...

Shizuka
(But these shoes...looking closely, they're quite damaged. The eyelets, and the stitching is coming undone too...)

Shizuka
(Even the soles, no matter how durable, will wear down. If the anti slip stops working, she might fall.)

Shizuka
A partner, huh...

Shizuka
(...Being frugal and taking care of things isn't bad. I understand wanting to keep using familiar shoes, but...)

Shizuka
At this rate, it's going to have a negative impact someday. Practice shoes need to be partners that can properly support Kokona...

Shizuka
Kokona said that, but I think it's better to go buy a new partner for her.

Shizuka
...As Kokona's best partner!