A DREAM OF SUMMER
A Highschool DxD crossover
II
-An Idol's Chance-
Most people would think the Idol Industry is an easy way to success in life, and to be settled for life, which merely required to look pretty, go from one place to another for public shows and smile to the fans in a cute way. But like with acting and professional singers and music bands, it was very competitive world.
Your life became busier as the people responsible for finding opportunities for your success put rigid schedules for your time, your free hours were limited and every session for practice or work counted to make a name for yourself, or alongside your companions. Competition within an idol group could occur, and grievances had to be put behind smiles for the public lest they destroy one's carrier. Your personal life was no longer really yours, as even that aspect was carefully managed to maintain the image your company has created to sell to your fans. And since idols started very young and ended their careers still young, you still had to find time for school.
Fortunately for Suzahara Mutsuki, she had overcome most of these problems with the help of both her manager and her wonderful group of friends which were part of the idol group she belonged to.
Unfortunately, there was another problem for them.
They were a struggling idol group, one who had not been good enough for long enough to make a great name for themselves and fight their way to the higher levels of the industry. There was will, there was help from their manager, and they did have some talent that allowed them to enter into the competitive world of idols in the first place, but they had not enough of an edge to overcome the other many groups seeking the top.
Fujiwara-san, their manager, had been at her wit's end until recently, to the point she had chosen to drown her frustration and guilt at not being able to improve their situation by means of lots of beer. Luckily, Yayoi had convinced her to do so at her home and set a date for a meeting two days later, preferably in the afternoon.
And when Fujiwara-san returned, she did so filled with determination, and dare she say, hope.
She had found an opportunity after being contacted by a company interested in promoting their own resort in some island close to Kuoh City. The terms of the deal established that their group needed to make both a photo session and make a presentation in their resort on the last day of a weekend vacation plan that the company was promoting.
Given their current state, there had been no hesitation. Only lots of cheering and hugs.
The day of departure came, and Mutsuki arrived to the harbor alongside Fujiwara-san and her teammates.
Mei with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and her always present smile, she was the energy in their group and he second most memorable face during their presentations in the past given her personality (and also being the shortest of them all, much to her chagrin). No matter the obstacles and the heavy atmosphere, Mei always put a big smile and sought to break the moody moments.
Jun was the more calmed of the group, but also the more skilled in the practical sessions. Being the most physical fit, she was responsible for rehearsing the more difficult aspects of performing in public, creating and interesting contrast with Mei clumsiness but energetic style. Outside of the public scene, it was Jun who had the best grades and used it to help them keep up with the expectations of their careers.
Finally, there was Yayoi. The self-proclaimed elder sister, the slightly lazy yet responsible member of their group, her more mature beauty clashed with their "cuteness". She also did not mind the obvious leers to her, but was surprisingly protective of them after they became closer as friends. But even now, most of her past remained a mystery to them, though she assured them there was no need to worry about family issues or her commitment to their group.
And yet, there was something she could not quite put in place about Yayoi, even today.
In any case, the five of them were advancing in the waiting line for boarding the ship that would take them to the Summer Resort where they would give their best and beyond to save their dream of becoming the best idols in Japan.
Her musings were interrupted, however, by an unexpected voice coming from ahead in the boarding line.
"Of course not! I am a man, the manliest of men, and the Once and Future Harem King!" –exclaimed a teenager, startling those close by, including the entourage she was part of. Seconds later, as the slightly embarrassed teen was giving apologies, Mutsiki gave him a quick check from her position.
Brown hair and light brown eyes and short spiky brown hair, with two short locks of hair behind his head. He wore a simple red t-shirt and a pair of Bermuda shorts, a pair of black tennis, and he carried with him a black bag pack and a pair of sunglasses hanging over his head. Altogether, it gave him a simple look that was nothing impressive what could still be called cute.
'Especially with that look on his face as he was- oh looks like he is ready to continue'
"I am going to the Summer Paradise even if alone, and I will get more than a date and a photo with beautiful idol, I will get a lover's kiss! Just wait and see you bastards!"
The person of the hour talked a bit more with his friend before surprising her one more time, as he shed tears while his face looked determined, and he finally ended the call.
Most people simply pretended they had seen nothing, though her group was another story.
"Hahaha, that happened!" –Commented Mei while laughing at what they just saw, most likely finding the whole thing surreal –"Man, talk about believing in yourself no matter the odds. I can agree with that"
The only sign that Jun had been caught off guard were the widening eyes and both of her eyebrows having risen slightly, but she made no further observations. Fujiwara-san only shook her head from left to right, her closed eyes adding to the image of someone not amused the display. As for Yayoi…
"Ara, what an entertaining fellow. If we can get many more to give us such a reaction then I can say we will be on the path of a great comeback. Maybe not a date, but blowing some kisses could do the trick for them?"
All of them smiled at that, the strange happening lifting their spirits more than usual for the challenge ahead.
They met the strange guy a second time, as they were killing some time while taking the sights on the furthest part of the deck.
He made his way to them, once more looking like he was about to do something great. And then Mutuki remember he mentioned something about getting a date with an idol, and even getting a kiss.
Her friends must remember as well as they gave a look but made no comment as he got closer, and thinking about them made her ponder, who was he going to ask out? Supposing he actually went through it, the most obvious option would be Yayoi. Mutsuki didn't consider her other friends or herself to be ugly (they did become idols after all) but most people found the older girl more attractive given her proportions.
Wither by chance or personal preferences, he chose her and proceeded to make simple but confident presentation of himself and his intentions. Once more, they were surprised at the honest approach, no leering or mention of being a die-hard fan. So he was probably just some guy that heard they were giving a presentation on the island but wasn't quite familiar with them, and still decided to hit on her.
The silence was broken by Yayoi commenting on the scene he made hours ago before boarding the ship, to which the confidence on his face cracked.
"Yes, I mean no that was-I mean…maybe?" –he finished lamely. His embarrassment was obvious, but Yayoi would not be deterred from her fun, it seemed.
"So, you want to date little Mu-chan here, Hyoudo Issei Harem King of Kuoh?" –Yayoi said this as she moved behind Mutsuki, embracing her with both arms as she leaned her head besides Mutsuki's own.
"…Yes?"
To this, Yayoi made her best impression of a mix between teasing and stern older sister, and continued her merciless attack.
"Are you planning something naughty for Mu-chan, Issei-kun?" –somehow she gave an impression of playfulness but also something more… dangerous, she would say.
Yayoi usually came as carefree and a bit aloof despite her commitment to the team and her genuine shows of friendship, but she could show some viciousness all the while never looking actually angry, and in those times Mutsuki had the impression the air seemed to feel slightly heavier. That look was usually reserved to people that their manager agreed were serious trouble and did not understand the word no. Luckily for him, Issei-kun was getting the tamer version, the equivalent of a subtle warning which he seemed to understand.
"No, no, no, no. I do not plan to do anything to her. No bad Issei, I promise!"
The merciless teasing continued, all the while Mutsuki was trying to hold back the laughing. She supposed Mei and even Jun were doing the same.
"…are you saying my Mu-chan is ugly?"
"Actually she is quite pretty- I mean you are all pretty, but she is the one I'm asking out so-"
Yayoi raised an eyebrow but said nothing, but it was not necessary. It seemed the threat-play finally was too much for him, and for her.
She giggled, and when she realized she probably broke the spell she did her best to cover her laugh with both hands. But the damage was done, and Issei blinked at least three times before looking once more at Yayoi, who had a Cheshire smile on her own face.
"Aw, you girls played me bad. I was totally buying into the offended older sister before you laughed, err…" –that confirmed her suspicions that he did not know of them as a group in particular and only heard of their presentation as an idol group.
"Try again later, lover boy" –interrupted once again Yayoi –"if you do better on the beach, maybe she will tell you even her phone number."
Getting the subtle message that she wanted no more interruptions of their free time, he left on his own way. Hyoudou Issei, the first boy to ask her out in a while since she began her path as an idol.
And a very funny guy at that. She really hoped they could see him again before the weekend was over.
Fujiwara-san had told them about the photography session requiring them to wear swimsuits, so they were not surprised about being told to make risqué poses while wearing them in front of the camera. But while she was not strange to revealing clothes given her choice in career, and she was certainly not a prude, Mutsuki was still surprised at the level of risqué.
Her own swimsuit in red was the most normal looking of the four, and it barely covered her breast and waist. Jun's increased the level but could still pass as an even more daring approach, matching the color of her hair while still focusing on her chest and intimate parts bellow.
The white and black worn by Mei and Yayoi respectively, those were risqué. Mei's traced a line on her belly using some silver rings to connect the portions, but it left lots to see in her rear and the area of her chest. Yayoi's completely abandoned the classical designs of swimsuits, consisting of just a pair of thick strings going around her body and covering her lower parts, all while leaving a lot to be seen in the space between her belly and the lower half of her breasts.
Seemed liked Fujiwara-san went for all or nothing when betting on the Summer Island as the last effort to avoid sinking in the world of idols.
Her own surprise aside, neither she nor any of her friends minded, and put their best into letting the cameraman capture their best.
…
A little after they were done, Mei proposed they hanged a little longer on the beach before returning to their lodging, arguing that they were already dressed for the occasion. No one opposed the idea, and they made their way to their manager, who herself wore a more conservative style of swimsuit.
Before meeting her, however, they met Issei for a third time.
He had been hanging close by, probably aware of their photography session but willing to wait and pretend he was minding his own business. Probably to avoid being tagged as a stalker by Fujiwara-san, and considering her reaction to their retelling of his attempt to ask her out, he was not completely wrong.
"…"
"hmm? What is it, what do you have to say, Issei-kun" –Yayoi teased while lowering her posture to push her chest forward.
"p…p"
"pp?"-Added Mei deciding to take part on the fun.
"Lewd" –went Jun.
"Now, now, Jun-chan. I'm sure Issei-kun didn't mean what you think. We shouldn't assume and let him finish" –Yayoi argued before making a repeat of their previous encounter on the deck of the ship. Her friend stood behind her and embraced her with both arms while she supported her own head above one of Mutuki's shoulders.
Only now, Yayoi chose to close her embrace at a lower point, allowing her to push forward Mutuki's breast covered by the small red bra from her swimsuit.
"What do you think of my Mu-chan, Issei-kun?"
"pr—prai" –he continued while focusing on them both.
"…Pray?"
…and then, as he raised both arms and his head to the sunny skies…
"PRAISE THE LADY LUCK AND THIS SUMMER ISLAND! THIS IS A SIGHT FOREVER CARVED IN MY EYES, I THANK ALL KAMIS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!"
Of course, such reaction caught the attention of those around him, and Issei realized the possible repercussions as he made a bow in thanks and respect, before he followed by bolting out giving his all, as if he was accustomed to such a situation.
"AAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"…Hehehe"
"Ara, such honest praise"
Her friends had fun at the conclusion of the comedic encounter, while Mutsuki herself giggled for the second third time at the antics that accompanied Hyoudou's Issei attempts to ask her out.
She honestly wouldn't mind spending more time with him.
And so, when she saw him walking out of a coffee shop, Mutsuki decided to play a reverse tactics, and followed after him from a distance –luckily for her, Issei-kun seemed to be focused on something on his mind, so he paid no attention to anyone not immediately close to him.
After some five minutes of walking he suddenly stop and came to a realization, since he proceeded to shout it as he did during their other meetings.
"Yosh, I have decided. No more stupid challenges, no more trying to woo an unknown pretty girl to impress my friends. This Hyoudou Issei is not a pretty boy scumbag and will make his dream come true with pure honesty and his own awesomeness!"
She was able to control her impulses before she revealed herself too soon, since she wanted to surprise him.
Besides, she couldn't have him quit on the idea of a date when he had been so good at selling himself as a fun person to spend some time with.
Taking advantage to her already close position, Mutsuki took a page from Yayoi's book as she got behind him and put a simple smile as she spoke.
"Will his Awesomeness be interested in sharing more of his great plans for little old me, then?"
His reaction was perfect, she gave herself an imaginary pat on the back.
She listened patiently to his reasons for stopping as well as his apologies, but rejected his choice and instead put him to pay a "punishment" for "leading her on".
Since he was a high school student seeking a date from an idol, she decided to choose the island's own High School as the setting for their play date. It was done merely on a whim, to take him out of any plan he had before and to see how he would run left and right trying to make it a great experience.
And who knows, maybe it would be.
But they would do a bit of sightseeing on their way there after she got permission from her manager to make the visit, since she wanted to make sure Issei spend more time paying attention to her and less time looking at the bodies of other girls.
Like that nun that passed them by, which Mutsuki would admit was quite the looker, rivaling if not surpassing Yayoi.
Pinching his face she called back his attention, but realizing what she just did, she felt bashful and turned away from his eyes, if only a little.
It seemed he understood in a way, since he smiled at her and raised both arms in defeat at her complaints.
She really hoped they had a good time before the show tonight.
Issei-kun was not an expert on dating, and it clearly showed.
But he did his best in his own awkward way, all the while telling her more about himself and his life at Kuoh Academy. If his antics before were anything to go by, he was probably worse when it came to them while in the company of his friends and in a place with so many "pretty girls".
She was honestly surprised he had put more effort in seeking her out than the so called "Great Onee-samas" from his own school, who according to his own words could give Yayoi a run for her money in the sexiness department.
She was happy they did not come to the Summer Resort.
In exchange, Mutsuki told him about how she began her path as an idol, how she met her manager and friends, and how they had done during from their early years in the Idol World up to the point they have chosen to accept the invitation on the island.
They made a brief interruption to their talk as they finally entered the school building and took a tour on their own, and was surprised to see so many students on a Sunday of all days, especially during the beginning of Summer Break.
"If we took the extra lessons to properly finish the classes today, we were promised to get free passes for the show at the resort tonight" –explained a random student at their question, before making his way into a classroom.
She was honestly happy he did.
While Yayoi gave off some strange vibes when she went "big sis mode", this guy didn't seem to be anything threatening. But the way his eyes stared at her, and the smile that looked so forced on his face, they gave her the Goosebumps.
Feeling her discomfort, Issei put a hand over her left and squeezed softly. Turning to him, she was met with an encouraging smile and eyes that gave transmitted a warmth that pushed away the previous feeling.
...
After that, they continued their small tour, and feeling a little mischievous, Mutsuki convinced Issei to go upstairs to eventually reach the terrace.
But before that she made one last stop on the third floor.
"Be honest with me, Issei-kun. You had no idea about us and about our current situation, correct?"
"Nope. I knew about idols on swimsuit coming to this Summer Island, but I didn't check on you specifically" –he replied, to which she hummed before continuing.
"And you want to date me not because I am an idol, but because you find me cute and fun to hang around"
"I also like how you smile" –he answered with a smile of his own, which turned into a more serious expression before he continued –"I'm sorry if it was not the ideal date you wanted, but even if you don't believe me I promise you this time together has been all about Mutsuki-chan, the girl who happens to be an idol, and nothing else" – he finished in total honesty, to which her cheeks gained a small red hue.
Not the best at dating, but that honesty had its merits.
She replied to such by doing the same.
"Come to our show tonight, Issei-kun. If we do not succeed and it's the end of my story as an idol, I still want to give you our last best and see how we can keep in contact. If this works, well… I'm sure we can work something out"
As she left him to go for a bathroom break, Mutsuki smiled just as big as her friend Mei usually did.
She was determined to make tonight's show a success, and one way or another she would make sure to find a way to continue spending time with the self-proclaimed Once and Future Harem King, 16 years old Hyoudou Issei of Kuoh City.
A/N: This chapter has introduced some of the other relevant characters, and given more clues for you to guess about the first and second games used for the crossover.
EXTRA CLUE: They were made by the same people and share a similar name and mechanic.
Next Chapter introduces the point of view of a character from the fourth and final source for this crossover. Enjoy and review.