Episode 3

**Episode 3** is the 3rd episode of Phantom of the Idol anime series.

## Premise

Asahi and Yuya need to learn more about each other to succeed.

## Synopsis

In this episode, ZINGS had to do a photoshoot with the theme: “ZINGS on their day off”. Basically the boys had to showcase their normal daily lives. But since the fans were very confused by Niyodo’s hot and cold attitude lately, Asahi decided to create a new personality for him. And it’s understandable, Niyodo is a boring guy after all, he just sleeps all day and does nothing productive with his free time. But even so, is it really a good idea to just create a new identity just for a photoshoot? The “new Niyodo” that Asahi created is a more confident and over the top version of himself along with brand new edgy clothes. Niyodo’s “makeover” was so impactful that even his boss fainted when she saw him.

As expected, Asahi didn’t stop here. Because she knew Niyodo’s new personality alone just wasn’t enough for a successful photoshoot, she decided to test his knowledge with a “Partner Quiz” about the other half of ZINGS, Yoshino. It turns out Niyodo knew nothing about Yoshino, not even his full name! Asahi also noticed that Yoshino felt a little down lately and was keeping things to himself. So she told Niyodo to meet him outside practice for once and get to know him better. He agreed and texted Yoshino about it.

Yoshino was running outside at night when all of a sudden he received a text from Niyodo.

The next day, when Niyodo and Yoshino met up, Yoshino said he thought the reason why Niyodo wanted them to meet was because he needed money. Of course Niyodo was 40 minutes late for their meeting, saying it was hard to leave his bed! Niyodo was the one who invited him to socialize and yet he didn’t even have a basic plan for the day. Yoshino had no choice but to pick a place for them to hang out, so he chose a fancy cafe! That place actually looked so nice and elegant. And while Niyodo was sitting there looking at the menu and complaining about the prices, Asahi was eyeing a huge parfait! Since Niyodo was not going to buy it, Asahi took advantage of her powers and ordered it herself. Asahi possessed Niyodo because she wanted to order the Ultra-Deluxe-Cream Parfait. Asahi possessed Niyodo because she wanted to order the Ultra-Deluxe-Cream Parfait. Asahi uploaded a photo of Yoshino to Niyodo’s account and made the fans go crazy, again! Niyodo scolded her because she got distracted by the giant parfait-which was too expensive- and forgot to socialize with Yoshino.

Turns out Yoshino had an inferiority complex, he felt like he was not a good enough idol. He recognized Niyodo’s evolution and he felt like he couldn’t keep up with him anymore. He had always admired Niyodo even in the past because he did things that Niyodo couldn’t do on stage. That’s because Yoshino is just way too nice for his own good while Niyodo is just an unapologetic jerk. But being a jerk is not so bad when you have to deal with possible stalker fans. (Yoshino knew he was not supposed to give out his private information to fans but he had a hard time saying “no” to them). Niyodo turned down the fans who were asking for Yoshino’s email. Niyodo’s bluntness encouraged Yoshino to not be afraid anymore and to stop being such a people pleaser. So in the end, it was actually Niyodo’s real personality that inspired Yoshino.

Niyodo also praised him because he always has his back when he slacks off. He thinks Yoshino’s contribution to the group is very important too. After hearing that, Yoshino was now more motivated to perform and improve himself! Soon after, Niyodo ditched his new personality because his real one is actually perfect for ZINGS. Yoshino’s cheerfulness matches Niyodo’s grumpiness, creating a great synergy!

As Niyodo and Asahi walk home, Niyodo tells Asahi that it’s better for them if Asahi keeps being herself because it’s better this way. Then, he asks what kind of idol she is, Asahi response is that she’s an idolic idol. Moral of the episode: Just be yourself!

## Characters

Asahi Mogami

Yuya Niyodo

Kazuki Yoshino

Kasenjiki