April, 2012
Heisei 24
The problem, they explained to Nico, was that she was a star. And they weren't.
Ageha and Mimi, reinforced by Rin and Yuzu, had asked for a meeting of the Idol Research Club. Because they knew how insecure the seemingly confident Nico was, they quickly got to one of their points: they weren't breaking up the trio. Or the sometimes quartet or quintet, since the ghost members had participated a couple of times. But wasn't Nico awfully busy, with acting and dance and the trio and her family and her grades?
They had already all gotten so good that daily practices would be a waste of time. But Nico had had a head start, and been so committed, that she was still miles away ahead of the other two girls. Compensating for that had become second nature. But what they wanted, they explained, was to do a duet show. Or two. A term. Meaning only one this term, but it would mean a lot. And if Nico helped choreograph it, and produced it, it would show the students Nico wasn't angry or being abandoned.
To their surprise, Nico agreed fairly quickly, even though she was obviously quite shocked. She didn't say so, but inside she was thinking that she really had meant all her promises when she begged them to stay with her. She had no idea where she'd be now if they hadn't. Her best guess, though she didn't dwell on the possibility, was that she'd be some kind of hikikomori in the club-room, watching the glory of other idols over and over like that old actress in that sad, ancient American movie, whatsits-name.
So they planned a duo show. Nico suggested they not make anything with their names, as it would be too similar to what the trio had done. Instead, they settled on Nijuusei ("Double Star"), since they wanted to go towards stardom at their own pace, as a duo.
They worked on some songs, and one song the pair came up with raised Nico's eyebrows a bit. It was called Nico chu, which sounded like Nico Kiss, but actually was internet slang for Nikoniko chūdoku-sha (NicoNico addict). The song's lyrics urged the NicoNico Douga video commenter to put down his mouse, go out and see a live. On balance, It was a sentiment Nico approved of, though it might offend video-only idol-watchers. Still every idol act had to have its niche, and pushing lives might be theirs.
If the two girls practiced for both their trio and their duo, they would probably improve faster (though not, Nico estimated, catch up with her).
She was quite worried that their act would pull apart, and sidetrack her progress. They felt like it would open her up to be scouted. At any rate, they promised that this year, the trio would be at its best, regardless of how long it might last.
Nijuusei's first concert was a big success. The fact that Nico had so visibly helped them did, indeed, convince the students there were no hard feelings. Instead, they marveled that Smile Swallowtail Ear was so good, it could afford to do side projects. On that note, many girls urged Nico to do a solo performance. With great trepidation, she agreed it was a good idea.
One time, when Nico and Yuzu and Ageha were making costumes together, Ageha suddenly said, "Nico, you need to recruit this term. I've talked to Rin. Kaoru wouldn't have wanted another girl like her not to be told about school idols. Rin said that." Yuzu nodded. Nico was surprised. Where this was coming from, she had no idea.
"Also," Yuzu added. "It's high time Nico got over Nozomi and started making friends. Like, in the dance club, in the drama club. Maybe with the girls you talk to at the middle school. You're lonely, Nico, and everyone can see it."
Nico objected that she had her family and her career, but they didn't buy it. "We can see how lonely you are, Nico. That's part of why you were so scared about the duo. Some of the time you used to devote to dance practice, devote it to hanging out, or doing things for the students you work with in the clubs. Please promise us you'll at least try. We worry a lot, so we talk about you a lot. If you don't want that ... promise?"
Nico didn't say anything, as she was fighting tears for some reason. But then she gave a small nod. It wouldn't hurt to start by touching base with Nozomi - and Eli, unfortunately - for starters.
