One last chance, I'm hungry for it, cannot deny
As the trailer begins, we can see Liberty in the backstage area of a concert venue, walking into a dressing room with a sense of confidence that concealed what lay beneath the surface - and what has to be concealed to keep the glamorous facades of the idol industry going.
We can then see her getting into her stage attire as the cheers of the awaiting crowd slowly fade in, and Liberty puts on her best smile.
I danced, as my tiptoes would run across that dreamy night sky
The bright stage lights are then seen illuminating Liberty's face as she steps onto the stage, the bright spotlight shining down on her like prying eyes as the cheers of the crowd intensified.
"Thanks for coming out tonight, everyone! Let's put on a good show!"
"WE LOVE YOU, LIBERTY!"
An ordinary stance won't shake me and the stars in my eyes
As Liberty finished her electrifying performance, the cheers of the crowd still echoing in her ears, she made her way backstage, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The stage lights had dimmed, the pulsating energy of the concert gradually giving way to the quiet hum of the backstage corridor.
Quickly shedding her stage attire for something more comfortable, Liberty emerged from her dressing room, ready to meet her fans during the scheduled meet and greet. It was a routine part of her post-concert ritual, a chance to connect with the people who had supported her throughout her journey.
Are the jewels of my desires
"H-Hello Liberty… My name is Emily, and I-I've been a fan of yours for years! Ma-May I get an autograph on this photo, please?"
"Of course," Liberty replied, her smile never faltering as she signed her name on the photo, exchanging a few words of gratitude with the fan before moving on to the next person in line.
Sweat and tears will appear, make no doubt about it
We can then see a younger Liberty doing her idol training at Nova Entertainment earlier that day, pushing herself to the limit with vocal training, dance rehearsals, everything.
"I...I don't feel well, Mom," Liberty admitted finally, her voice trembling with fatigue. "I think...I think I pushed myself too hard today."
Airi's expression softened with concern as she reached out to gently cup her daughter's cheek. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I'll make you some tea and we can talk about it later, okay?"
They're nothing but traces of blood
Nodding weakly, Liberty forced herself to stand, her limbs heavy with exhaustion. She made her way upstairs to the bathroom, her steps slow and unsteady. Leaning heavily against the sink, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, her face drawn and pale.
And then, as she opened her mouth to rinse her face, she felt a sharp pang in the back of her throat. A metallic taste flooded her mouth, and she coughed, her hand flying to cover her mouth.
Blood.
It's all just pure theatrics
The scene shifts to Liberty's manager, Alex, frantically pacing backstage as he talks on the phone, his expression grave.
"What do you mean she's not feeling well?!" he demands, his voice tinged with concern. "We can't afford to have her back out now, not with everything riding on this tour!"
As he listens to the response on the other end of the line, his expression darkens further, a flicker of worry crossing his features.
"Shit. We'll figure something out," he says finally, his tone grim. "Just make sure she's ready to go on stage in fifteen minutes. We can't let the fans down. After this tour is over, we're letting her take a break. She's pushing herself too hard."
Being on stage is the craving that will not let me go
Back on stage, Liberty stands in the wings, her heart pounding in her chest as she waits for her cue to go on. The adrenaline courses through her veins, pushing aside the fatigue and the pain as she prepares to give it her all once again.
As the music swells and the lights come up, Liberty steps into the spotlight, her voice strong and unwavering as she loses herself in the music, the cheers of the crowd washing over her like a wave of affirmation.
For those few moments on stage, Liberty is no longer bound by the constraints of her reality. She is Aria, the idol the world expects her to be—the embodiment of perfection, untouchable and unbreakable.
But beneath the glittering facade lies a darkness that threatens to consume her, a truth that she can no longer deny.
And I'll keep longing forever
The screen fades out as Liberty's final note rings out, the cheers of the crowd echoing in the darkness.
Alone at last, Liberty sank onto her bed, her mask of composure crumbling in the solitude of her room. With a heavy sigh, she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, the weight of her disorder pressing down upon her with suffocating force.
Forever and ever
"I can't do this anymore," she whispered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper as she fought to contain the rising tide of anxiety threatening to overwhelm her. "I can't keep pretending like everything's okay when it's not."
I've never seen such a liar
We then see Liberty talking with some of her friends during a meet and greet after a concert, but some cruel messages that are sent to her social media are juxtaposed with Liberty's smiling faces.
"You're nothing but a talentless hack. How do you even have fans?"
"You're so fake. I can't believe people actually believe in you."
"Why don't you give up and die already? No one wants to see or hear you."
Born of the abyss, there is nothing but deceit
We then see Liberty stepping out of a concert venue as she's surrounded by flashing cameras and adoring fans, but the smile she's wearing on her face wavers as she struggles to maintain her composure.
This lie is love and this lie is a gift to the world
The scene then cuts, and we see Liberty's mother, Airi, looking on with concern as she watches her daughter backstage, her expression filled with worry.
Just don't forget those who were by your side through it all
We then see Liberty standing on stage with a bright smile, her eyes filled with determination as she performs, pouring her heart into every note.
"Shine brighter! Reach higher! Let's ignite the world with our fire!"
I will give up everything, put my life on the line
Liberty is then seen collapsing backstage, hitting the ground with a thud as her breathing grows shallow and labored, with Alex running up to her.
"Liberty! Are you okay? Damnit! Someone get in contact with the venue's medical team!"
Give up all I've got
Liberty, sitting alone in her dressing room, her face a mask of weariness and resignation. She stares at herself in the mirror, contemplating the sacrifices she's made and the toll her career has taken on her personal life.
I have all this precious time and now it's finally on my side
A fleeting moment of peace as Liberty walks through a quiet park, taking solace in the simple beauty of nature amidst the chaos of her life.
And if I tried
Liberty's determination shines through as she rehearses tirelessly, pushing herself to the limit to ensure her performances are flawless, no matter the cost.
I could make it all come true and grant your every wish
Liberty is then seen staring out at the starry night sky from the window of her dorm room at Nova Entertainment, with a sense of longing filling her eyes.
All of your desires
I just want to see you, so that we could wish upon the stars
"This life… being an idol… is everything I've dreamed of… so why do I feel so… hollow inside as I pursue my dreams?"
So will you cherish it only when there is no going back?
We see Liberty standing alone on a rooftop, the city lights twinkling below her. She looks contemplative, grappling with the irreversible decisions she's made in her career. The wind blows through her hair as she closes her eyes, trying to find solace.
You'll never reach the summit in this life if you never try
We then see a montage of Liberty pushing herself during rehearsals, her determination palpable. She's surrounded by mirrors, reflecting countless versions of herself, each one striving for perfection. The sweat and tears are visible, showcasing her relentless pursuit of success.
These carefree days will not arrive for now and I see a light, it's bittersweet
A flashback to Liberty's early days as an idol, filled with hope and innocence. The scene then shifts to the present, where the light in her eyes has dimmed, replaced by the weight of her experiences. She watches a group of children playing, a wistful smile on her face as she reminisces about simpler times.
It lingers within
Liberty is seen in a quiet moment, sitting in her room with a notebook in hand, writing lyrics that reflect her inner turmoil. The camera lingers on her face, showing the sadness and longing that she keeps hidden from the world.
The sadness settles in
A scene of Liberty breaking down in tears backstage, away from the prying eyes of her fans and the media. Her vulnerability is laid bare as she grapples with the overwhelming sadness that has become a constant companion.
I told you I was born of the abyss, there is nothing but deceit
Liberty is then talking to Alex, her voice filled with anger and frustration. "I can't keep lying to myself and everyone else," she says, her eyes blazing with a mix of defiance and desperation directed not at Alex, but the industry as a whole. Alex's expression is unreadable as he listens, knowing the harsh realities of the industry.
This lie is love and this lie is a gift to the world
A scene of Liberty performing in front of a massive audience, her stage persona, Aria, captivating the crowd. The contrast between her public persona and her private struggles is stark, highlighting the lie she perpetuates for the sake of her career.
Forgotten who I lived as, I'm so lost now
Liberty stands in front of a mirror, her reflection fragmented as she tries to reconcile the different parts of herself. The scene shifts to her younger self, full of dreams and aspirations, and then back to the present, showing the toll the journey has taken on her.
And if it comes back to you, this life
Liberty is seen standing at the edge of a pedestrian overpass, overlooking a busy road during a typhoon. The rain lashes down, and the scene is fraught with tension. Liberty's expression is conflicted, her thoughts racing as she contemplates her life and choices.
If it reaches out, ah
Liberty receives a message on her phone from Sweetie, offering support and reminding her that she's not alone. The brief moment of connection brings a flicker of hope to her weary expression. She clutches her phone to her chest, taking a deep breath.
Then I won't care what happens to me,
Backstage at a concert, Liberty watches Sweetie perform with a fierce intensity, recognizing the same passion and drive in her friend that she once had. Liberty's resolve strengthens as she realizes that she can't give up, no matter the cost to herself.
What happens to my heart, ah
Liberty performs on stage with a renewed intensity, pouring her emotions into the song. The camera focuses on her face, showing the raw vulnerability and pain she's channeling into her performance. The audience is captivated, unaware of the turmoil beneath her polished exterior.
But it seems that every wish will never be fulfilled
Backstage, Liberty overhears a conversation between executives discussing the harsh realities of the industry and the impossibility of achieving true fulfillment. The disheartening words hit her hard, reinforcing her sense of disillusionment.
If it's true, I want to be you
We then see Liberty and Everest talking, where they share a candid conversation about their dreams and aspirations. Everest's words echo in Liberty's mind, "If I could be anyone, I'd want to be someone who could make a real difference."
All the stars will shine and shatter,
We can then see a dramatic performance scene with Liberty and Sweetie on stage together, their voices harmonizing as the lights burst around them like exploding stars. The intensity of their performance is palpable, capturing the raw energy and emotion of their shared struggles and triumphs.
Even if we shatter with them too
The scene cuts to Liberty and Sweetie sitting together in a quiet room, exhausted but united. They lean on each other for support, their bond stronger than ever. The camera pulls back to show the remnants of their shattered dreams around them, but they remain resolute, ready to face whatever comes next.
I will give up everything, put my life on the line
The backstage area of the concert hall buzzed with frenetic energy as idols and crew members hurried to prepare for the night's performance. Kaede Kimura stood in front of a large mirror, applying the finishing touches to her makeup. Her amber eyes reflected a determined intensity as she adjusted her costume, ensuring every detail was perfect. She could hear the distant cheers of fans already gathering, their excitement palpable even through the walls.
Give up all I've got
"Hey, Kaede!" Liberty greeted warmly, her voice full of genuine enthusiasm. "You look amazing. Are you excited for tonight's performance?"
Kaede turned to face Liberty, her expression smooth and controlled. "Oh, Liberty, thank you. You look stunning as always," she replied, forcing a smile. "I'm definitely excited. It's a huge night for all of us."
I have all this precious time and now it's finally on my side
"Liberty," Sweetie said softly, her voice gentle yet firm. "We've been worried about you. How are you holding up?"
Liberty's throat tightened at the question, and she averted her gaze, unable to meet Sweetie's eyes. "I'm...I'm fine," she mumbled, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue. "Just hungry, that's all."
And if I tried
Liberty sat backstage, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to the muffled sounds of the cheering crowd beyond the curtain. The lights, the glamour, the anticipation—it was everything she had dreamed of, yet something felt off. It had been a few weeks since her debut with Nova Entertainment, and the initial excitement was beginning to wane, replaced by an unsettling realization.
As she waited for her cue, Liberty glanced around the dressing room. The walls were adorned with posters of past and present idols, their faces perfect, their smiles flawless. She studied their expressions, noting how each one seemed almost identical in their polished perfection. It was then that the truth hit her like a tidal wave: the industry didn't care about authenticity. They wanted conformity. They wanted their idols to be untouchable, unbreakable embodiments of an idealized standard.
I could make it all come true and grant your every wish
"I won't be just another idol in your shadow, Liberty," she vowed silently. "I'll make sure the world sees me for who I am, and when I do, I'll finally be free from this suffocating comparison."
All of your desires
Liberty is seen performing on stage, her voice soaring as she captivates the audience with her talent and passion. The camera pans to the faces of her fans, their eyes filled with adoration and hope, as if Liberty's music is granting their deepest desires.
I just want to see you, so that we could wish upon the stars
We then see a serene night scene where Liberty and Sweetie sit on a rooftop, looking up at the stars. They share a quiet conversation, their bond deepening as they reflect on their dreams and aspirations.
Oh, children of the brightest stars, you may go to sleep peacefully now
"Behind the glittering facade of the idol industry lies a labyrinth of deceit and illusion. It thrives on falsehoods, crafting a carefully curated image of perfection while concealing the harsh realities that lurk in the shadows."
Your brilliance will never fade away 'cause it's you and you have all my love
"Every smile is choreographed, every word is scripted, and truth is a scarce commodity. The idol industry thrives on perpetuating these falsehoods, masking the struggles and sacrifices of its stars. Behind the radiant smiles and flawless performances are untold struggles, buried emotions, and shattered dreams."
Oh, children of the brightest stars, promise me you will aim well now
"To peel back the layers is to confront the harsh truths obscured by the spotlight, a black hole that consumes dreams, tears that stain clothes, and blood that mingles with the makeup."
No other light will ever shine as bright 'cause it's you and you have all my love
"The idol industry's greatest weapon is not its talent or charisma, but its ability to conceal the darkness that lurks within, perpetuating a cycle of deception and denial. In this world of make-believe, reality is the greatest taboo."
Starlight Confessions.