Episode 07

Aura is the seventh episode in the Smile Down the Runway (anime).

Summary
At the MODE JAPAN studio, Chiyuki reflects on her height inferiority. She recalls Shizuku's words that height doesn't matter, it's aura. As Chiyuki recalls these words, Kokoro, someone far taller than her and has a dark aura around her. Just after Chiyuki introduces herself to Kokoro, her agent Yu tries to get her dismissed because of her height. The director agrees, however, Chiyuki argues that so long as their feet aren't photographed, she can make the height up with her high heels she brought. Recounting that she did request for anyone available, the director allows her to be in the shot. However, only Kokoro's face will be shown in the shot.

While preparing in the dressing room, Chiyuki tries to start a conversation with Kokoro. This fails due to timid nature and the other three models upset about being downplaying by covering their faces for Kokoro. Afterward, Chiyuki and the other models who are ready for their shot wait for Kokoro, and the models disparage her for it. On the other hand, Chiyuki recalls Shizuku's words on the two places where aura comes from. At that moment, Kokoro arrives on the scene and leaves the three models speechless. The photo op begins as Shizuku's advice on aura is elaborated more on. As the shots are taken, Chiyuki is asked to get out of the shot because of her height.

When the pictures are being reviewed, it's noted that Kokoro's hands are badly cut, so Chiyuki offers her black gloves to Kokoro. Although Kokoro is thankful, Chiyuki feels insecure about Kokoro's height and aura. Once the shots are done, Chiyuki runs into Kokoro talk with her agent Yu overhearing this, Chiyuki joins the conversation and goes on a livid tirade. This leads to Kokoro expressing her desire to want to quit the business altogether again. Yu, however, refuses to allow it.

Later that night, Yu and a friend named Miwako talk together at a bar, and they're soon joined by Shizuku, Yu's old model rival. They talk about the old times and how Shizuku succeeded in the fashion area, while Yu failed.

The following day, Kokoro and Ikuto return to working with Hajime in his studio. At that time, Kokoro fails a simple task she was assigned and is told to leave. However, due to Ikuto's pleading and Kokoro's begging, she's allowed to stay. Filled with newfound determination, Kokoro practices even harder in her fashion design.

The next day, Ikuto is shown Toh's personal design studio and learns that Toh wishes to surpass his grandmother Mai. Ikuto understands and agrees to help him. It's later learned that Kokoro made it to the finals of the Geika Fashion Show.

Characters

 * Chiyuki Fujito
 * Ikuto Tsumura
 * Kokoro Hasegawa
 * Shizuku Naruoka
 * Yu Igarashi
 * Miwako
 * Hajime Yanagida
 * Toh Ayano
 * Mai Ayano