Real Life Is Not Like Macross
Cast:
Cure Beat, Kurokawa Ellen - age 16
Cure Heart, Aida Mana - age 15
Cure Diamond, Hishikawa Rikka - age 15
Cure Rosetta, Yotsuba Alice - age 15
Cure Sword, Kenzaki Makoto - age 15
Regina, Kaname Hajime - age 10
Hanamin, Yukine Hanako - Ellen's friend - age 16
November, 2013
"I wonder when today went wrong? Maybe it was before I even started singing."
Makoto is standing on the observation deck at Clover Tower, looking out over the city as she recounts her situation to Ellen.
"What happened?"
"We were at a soccer game. She and Mana went to get snacks. I wasn't with them, but apparently Regina's credit card was declined."
"Your friend has a credit card? But isn't she really young?"
"Right? Maybe Alice would have one, but she's rich and Regina is ten. Apparently her father gave it to her. Mana paid for the snacks, and Regina seemed happy for the rest of the game. But as we were on our way out of the stands, Rikka mentioned the credit card. Something about Regina probably spent too much, and she should tell her father so that he'll know to repay it."
"Sounds like good advice. She didn't take it well?"
Makoto sighs. "Regina went ballistic. She was screaming that her father would buy the whole stadium if she asked him to, and ran back into the stands shouting that she was going to stay until he did. I didn't want her to get in trouble, so I got with Alice and we took action."
"You didn't drag her out of there kicking and screaming, did you?"
"We should have, but we didn't. You see, Alice is incredibly rich. Superhero rich. She can make all kinds of things happen, and as her friends we really don't question it. She made it so that we were allowed onto the field by ourselves, and got access to the sound system. This is going to sound like bragging, but I am an amazing singer. Regina won't admit it, but she loves my music. I figured that an unscheduled concert just for her would make her forget all about her tantrum. It was a great show, too. I sang a new song that I had written with her in mind. I used the dance moves from one of my older routines, but I made sure to make eye contact with her as often as I could. That's special, right? Who gets that kind of service from an idol? I didn't think there was any way that wouldn't get through to her."
"Then what happened?"
"She ran away in tears. I don't understand it. I wrote and sang that song just for her. Why did that upset her so?"
"It sounds to me like you overdid it. As you said, you wrote and performed a song that was only for her. To you, it was only a little bit special, something you could do for anyone if you wanted to. But speaking as someone who has been on the receiving end..." Ellen pauses, then sighs. "It's actually a really big deal."
"You've had that happen?" Makoto glances at Ellen, surprised. "May I ask?"
"It was Hanamin. We just met a few months ago, but it already feels like we've been friends our whole lives. We've even started a band together, but having her write a song just for me... It still caught me by surprise."
"What did you do?"
"I ran away to the highest place in the city." Ellen pauses. "I really should go back."
"What should I do?"
"She's your friend, right? Just wait. I'm sure you'll see her again."