"No one wants to be an idol with you."

"Yeah. No one wants you to be our leader."

"You're a freak."

"Good luck finding members to stay."

Nico was getting used to those comments. Every time she tried to make her idol group, this always happened. She thought she was safe to tell them, but she was always wrong.

And now she was back, having to beg for her club to not be shut down. With how often people were leaving, the school was questioning if her club was a problem.

"Please... I know it looks bad, but it's not me! It's the other students!"

"Then why are you the one staying?"

"I... they weren't that serious about being idols."

"What do you plan to do if you can't keep members? This is the third time, Nico."

Nico frowned, "I... don't know..."

"Well, the school told us that if you can't keep two students for a month, we have to close your club."

"What if they leave afterward?"

"You must keep three of you in the club at all times. If it drops, you have a week or else they want you disbanded."

Nico felt tears forming in her eyes, "It's not my fault!"

"But you are the creator of the club."

"But... but it's them. They're... they're hateful... they hate me."

"I know it must be hard, Nicochi. But, unfortunately we can't argue with the school."

"Then... I guess I'm done. I can't do it."

Nico didn't know how she would get students to stay at this point. It might be time to give up her dream. There was no hope anymore. All because people didn't like that she wasn't cis.

"No, no, no. You can't give up so easily."

It seemed Nozomi and Eli had other ideas. They didn't seem to like her statement.

"Then what are you going to do about it?" Nico shot back, "I can't find anyone to stay."

"Well, what if we joined?"

Nico froze up in shock. Did she hear that right? Were they really offering to join her club? Be idols with her? Why? Was there a catch?

"Do I have to do something in return?" Nico questioned in distrust.

"No. We just want to help. You're our friend, after all."

"You really... will join?"

"Yep."

"I... I don't know what to say..."

"How about you give me a hug? You need it." Nozomi smiled and held out her arms.

Under normal circumstances, Nico would never trust her motives. But, today she was going to. So, she came over and accepted the hug. There was no other motives, it was really just a hug for comfort.

"So, will you let us join your club?" Eli questioned as she decided to join them.

Nico nodded, "Yeah. You guys are more than welcome to join."