Under The Spotlight
And Umi Sonoda said she couldn't. She would never be able to do well. Well, guess who went up on that stage that day of the performance. And the audience loved it.
It was nerve-wracking for poor Umi. She had never even given a speech onstage before, much less perform a song. In addition, it was a solo, and the costume designed by Kotori was the least covering. She tried to make herself as in shape as possible, before the day in which she was entitled to perform. Nozomi's shrine had a long, steep staircase, perfect for Umi to train herself at. In addition, Nozomi served really nice tea. This continued on, for quite a while. Umi gradually gained more and more confidence. However…
"I can't. I can't! Cancel the performance please, Honoka!"
"Umi, we've planned it out already. In addition, the seats have all been occupied and the tickets given out. Do you think we could tell them that you are not going to go to perform just like that?"
"A-Rise... They're too good. I can never match up to them. I bet the audience would compare me with them. Well, I can't do it. It's too much pressure on me." Umi sighed wearily. She took a last look at the A-Rise video before turning away and shutting her computer.
"Mom, what should I do? I can't win the hearts of my audience alike…"
"Umi. What about those times when you performed onstage with Honoka and Kotori? Why weren't you afraid then?"
"Because there was someone else up onstage with me. They were! But this time, I'm all alone."
Umi's mother sighed wearily. "Umi dear, that is no excuse. How can you all achieve fame if everyone was like you? Scared of the audience's views? Eventually, you know that it's you, who will gain the experiences. So what if they don't like it? You can just work harder to get better right? Lift your head up high. The performance is one of only chances. So do it forч's. "
Her mother's words struck a chord in Umi. She took them to heart dearly that day.
….
That day, during the concert, as the stage curtains opened… Umi stepped out, shining in her costume and with a smile. Most importantly, her head was lifted up high.