DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED
* ;)
Charlotte's POV
I stared at the message displayed on my phone for a few minutes now. It was from Suzukawa regarding our stage for the Starlight anniversary. [Good afternoon Charlotte-senpai. Like we have discussed before with Fumiko we have decided that we would start our practice tomorrow. The two of us face time conflicts with us (Char and I) being the class representatives so we will have to try our best to arrange times that work with all of us. To speed up some of the process, I ask that you choose the song for us to perform. Given that we only have a short amount of time to prepare I would recommend not choosing such an advance song but in the end it will be your choice that the two of us will respect. I do hope that you take this one thing into consideration though.]
I sighed reading the last sentence of her large block of text. [Please choose a song that puts you in center.]
I knew what Suzukawa was trying to accomplish by making me pick the song and putting me center. Both Char and her were treating this like it was my big debut. In a way it was, yes, but it still didn't feel right. I was taking Char's stage and raising everyone's expectations. This stage was meant by tradition to be the Starlight Queen's stage, not for some other worst half of her.
People making their guesses as to who the special guest was were only raising the stakes every time. From Higawari to one of the Inoue sisters to even Hoshimiya Ichigo. How will people react when it's me? I didn't even see my name pop up once. When I step onto that stage and scare the entire audience. What happens to Char's reputation then? She's been boasting about me to everyone that was asking who I was. I wouldn't be able to live myself if I caused people to start doubting Char's idol persona because they finally got to see what the other half of her.
Char was a natural born idol. She was 'created' to be the person that I wanted to be. The type of person that every one looked up to. It wasn't just her personality either. I was more aware than anyone how hard she worked to get to the top. It was like Suzukawa said the two of us were obsessed with idols and becoming one. Char was just better at it than I was.
Could I really stand on the stage with the bright spotlights on me? I've held idols to such a high esteem, could I really call myself one from a single stage. What defined it then? A person that sang and danced well on stage but the moment they stepped off only made people run away. That's laughable.
I glanced at the family picture on my desk. The one few times that Ayumi was smiling with me nearby. What kind of idol can't even make her own younger sister smile?
Days left until the Starlight Anniversary festival: 6
Watanabe and I gathered in my living room. The air was tense for me. Momo still had to deal with a lot of the representative roles that she was caught up. Since Char still had solo promotions I didn't have as many responsibilities as she. Not to mention that Momo was still a first year with Ceasire Hayate. First years are not really equipped to be able to do a lot of things that it was expected that everyone will rely on Suzukawa for everything. I could even hear talk of a few upper years asking her a few questions about her ideas on their class plans.
"So um Takahashi-senpai, what is your class doing for the anniversary?" Watanabe was trying to make small talk with me despite clearly not making eye contact. I think this may have been the first time that we were together, not counting when she was Char's manager for the day. At least she didn't do the basic how was my day approach.
"Last year my class did a haunted house. This year we're doing a small booth to sell a few idol merchandises. What about you?" She slightly loosen up when I answered.
"We're doing a crepe booth. Since Shouta is the Pon-Pon Crepe representative we thought it would be fitting for us and it gives us some leverage over the other booths."
"That is a smart plan. Plus, the events go on all day that a lot of the food booths are pretty popular."
"Right? Momo came up with it. Hayate and her came to my class today and they led a lot of the discussion. The two of them were pretty cool standing up in front of the class like that. It was like they were teachers for a day or like a business person giving their pitch."
"I could only imagine. You're lucky that Suzukawa-san is knowledgeable in those types of fields. In my first year there was a lot to prepare but I believe the she should be fine."
"Yep! That's why it was unanimous that she was our representative." I nodded. Silence fell over us again as the topic came to an end. We were saved by the bell as in the door bell. I quickly got up to open the gate for Suzukawa.
It didn't take long for her to walk in with her hands holding on to a stack of papers. She bowed to us once and took a seat next to Watanabe. "Sorry I had to arrange a few things with the third years for the other class' stage that it took a bit longer than I thought."
She took a second to get herself settled in. "It was nothing. Watanabe-san and I were just talking a little bit to fill the time."
"Oh that's great. I was worried that you guys would be here in silence." The two of us didn't answer that. Understandable since by a little bit I really meant a little bit. "Well then I'm sorry for interrupting."
"No no you came at the perfect time. Really." Watanabe stressed the really to Suzukawa that went somewhat unheard as she didn't pick up on the message.
"Perfect. So shall we start with our stage discussion. First thing, Charlotte-senpai did you pick a song you would like to perform?" Watanabe turned to me while Suzukawa was rearranging her papers. I held my hands tightly on my lap.
"Sorry I couldn't decide. Wouldn't it be easier if you just choose Suzukawa-san? I wouldn't mind." She didn't even look up from her sheets.
"That's not true Charlotte-senpai. You've been wanting to be an idol since a young age. I know you wouldn't have come empty handed today. Is there a reason that you are reluctant to saying it?" She put down her papers meeting my eyes. Her hair slightly covered her eyes but the gold colour still pierced through. A chill was sent down my spine.
I didn't want to tell them my song choice because I was still too scared to stand on the stage. If I say what song I wanted it was like I was sending in the final piece that we needed to get on stage. If everything turns out to be the same as I thought where I disappoint everyone, it would be because of me submitting this song.
Suzukawa sighed. "Fumiko, the class didn't give you a role to do for the festival, correct?"
"Huh? Oh um no. Because we were going to be performing the final stage they wanted me to focus on that." 'Kind of unfair if Suzukawa-san didn't get that option in my eyes.'
"I'm giving you a role then." They two of us looked at each other not knowing what Suzukawa was thinking of. "Spend at least one hour with Charlotte-senpai every day until the anniversary day. The only way you can you can stop before that date is when she tells you her song choice. Until then we won't be practicing."
She stood up preparing to leave. "Wait Suzukawa-san I'll tell you!"
"Do you really want to? Or is it because I'm practically forcing you?" I stumbled over my words. I couldn't lie to her with how intently she was looking at me. I didn't even tell her my song and she was already disappointed in me.
"I wanted to perform on stage with you, Charlotte-senpai, because I wanted to give you a stage for you to finally stand on. If you're hesitating with just telling us the song choice, then your stage will be mediocre at best. You can not be an idol with half a heart. I won't allow that to happen after all you went through. Fumiko, do you think you handle this?"
She didn't respond at first. "Why me?"
"Because I know you. I asked if you can handle it as in pressure wise. In my mind you can with out question. You are the type of person that best fits this role. Way more than I can even try. You just can't see it yet."
"And so you can?" I asked in disbelief.
"I can." She stated it as a fact.
"Even if Watanabe-san can handle it I don't feel comfortable with these conditions. An idol you should be able to adapt to conditions. If I don't want to pick a song, then you can pick one yourself. Not try to force one out of me by thinking that someone will be able to coax it out of me."
"And who are you to tell me what being an idol means? The one that's too afraid to take the stage?"
"Momo!" Watanabe stood up grabbing her arm. She went too far this time. I know that I'm scared. That I'm not an idol. I didn't need her to tell me these things. She was the one to put this on me. I don't know what I was thinking by agreeing to perform with her.
"Get out. If we're not going to practice, then get out." Suzukawa packed her sheets into her bag.
"Wait! Momo!" Watanabe's hand was still wrapped around her arm. She looked to me with pleading eyes. "Come on guys why are you like this? Let's talk it out. Okay?"
"I'll tell you something about idols." Suzukawa never adverted her eyes from me while speaking. She took my breath away with how focused she was. "I may be a rookie but I've seen exactly what creates one. The most important thing isn't your singing, dancing, or fashion coordination. It's your determination. Every one can become one and at the same time not every one. Let Charlotte-senpai decide which side she wants to be on. Then I'll talk it out. I refuse to stand on stage with someone that doesn't know the difference."
She shook her arm making Watanabe let go. Without so much as a glance she walked out of the room. Watanabe stood frozen in spot. I ran a hand through my hair my hand taking out the usual flower pin. The pin fell to the floor but I was too drained to pick it up.
"Um Takahashi-senpai, are you okay?" I rubbed my eyes.
"Yeah sure. You should probably go catch up with or something."
"O-okay." She slowly picked up her bag watching me from her side view. When she carefully closed the door behind her I took my seat back down. I stared at the flower pin still on the floor. Her words were ringing in my head. ' 'And who are you to tell me what being an idol means? The one that's too afraid to take the stage?' She's right. I'm not an idol. This is not how I wanted my first stage to be like. Oh who am I kidding? I caused this. Why couldn't Char just perform?'
Days left until the Starlight Anniversary festival: 5
The school day had ended no different than any other day. For the most part I had remained in control except with the exceptions of a few interactions with my classmates during lunch and what not. My classmates wouldn't really approach me if they didn't know for sure that Char had taken over. At the end of day nothing was out of the ordinary.
The only thing bothering me was the constant reminders of the Starlight anniversary. Exactly what was I suppose to be feeling when the campus was flooded with posters as a reminder. Yesterday Suzukawa didn't even message me an apology so I shouldn't expect any at this point. Was this going to be okay?
"Takahashi-san? There's a first year here to see you." I turned my head quickly at my classmate standing by the door. I was hoping that it was Suzukawa coming to talk about the performance when I saw the bright orange hair pop through the door frame. 'Watanabe-san?' I packed my things quickly so that I could meet her outside the classroom.
She was awkwardly tilting herself back and forth on her heels and toes. "So is there a reason that you wanted to meet with me?"
"I was sorta wondering how you were after all that happened you know?" She gave out a nervous chuckle. I could see that her shoulders were tense while keeping her eyes any where but on me.
"It's fine I guess. How about Suzukawa-san?"
"Still the same. She refuses to talk to you until you tell her about the song choice. That's kind of the other reason why I'm here right now." 'What? Oh her condition.'
"The one hour a day thing? I don't really see how that's going to help me. I could tell her the song if she's so strict on it. I don't understand why she had to make those last remarks about me. They were completely out of the line."
"And I agree, yes. But why don't we try it out? I promise that I won't get your way. I mean Momo wouldn't have done what she did without reason. I won't force you to deal with me if you don't truly want to though." She never looked at me in the eye. I could see that. She was still afraid of me. Even with knowing about my situation she couldn't just stop fearing me so easily.
"I'll be mostly doing representative work today so if you want to tag along that's fine." I couldn't change how she felt me. She was only forcing herself over me. I can't figure out what Suzukawa could imagine that this will accomplish.
I went off to the headmistress's office to go pick up some information regarding my class' booth. Watanabe followed behind me at a distance. She didn't try to engage in conversation this time as she often got distracted by the people passing us in the hall. I could see it all. The fear that they got while making room for me to pass by only to have it disappear by Watanabe's noticed presence. They greeted her as if I hadn't been there before. 'If we walked side by side it what would it have been like?'
I knocked on Headmistress Aoi's office door hearing her voice let us in. We both walked in with Watanabe closing the door behind us. "Oh Charlotte-san and Fumiko-san. What a rare pair. How can I help you two?"
"I'm here to pick up the samples items for my class's booth. They should have been sent here by now." Headmistress Kiriya tilted her head.
"How strange. Momo took those this morning."
"She did what?" I exclaimed.
"You didn't know? She said that you would be too busy practicing for the stage with Char's promotions and so you asked her to help out with your class. I didn't think too much about it since she's very capable of handling it. Well Momo is right that as your first stage you should focus more on that than on representing your class. You should leave that up to her."
'Suzukawa-san took my representative job?! Exactly what was she thinking with all of this? This just sounds like she's buying time so that I would spend with Watanabe-san.' I balled my fists up. I don't understand what she was doing by pushing me. Is this all some sort of joke to her?'
"Headmistress Kiriya do you know what Momo is planning?" Watanabe asked.
"Planning? For what?"
"Yesterday she suddenly got mad at Takahashi-senpai. Now Momo is doing this and told me to spend at least one hour with Takahashi-senpai until she decides to tell me her song choice. I've never seen Momo mad before or irrational like this before. It's all so confusing."
"Hmm you're right that Momo doesn't get mad often. If I were to think of something it would be-" I raised my hand to interrupt Headmistress.
"Thank you but no thank you. If I want to find out why Suzukawa-san is so mad I should hear it from her herself." I crossed my arms over my chest looking away from Headmistress Kiriya. It was unsightly for an idol to be acting like this.
I heard a camera shutter go off. I looked back at Headmistress Kiriya to see her holding her phone up at me. She gave a nervous laugh putting it away. "Looks like old habits die hard. An angry Charlotte-san is a rare picture."
"I-I'm not mad. I'm just... confused." Though Suzukawa was being weird, she was still the first person to notice me over Char. For her to suddenly call me out like this was annoying. Just because she managed to figure out my split personality and get me to agree to get on stage with her, she all of a sudden changed. It wasn't my fault that I have some doubts about my choice.
"I see. I don't know what Momo is thinking exactly but you will figure it out before your stage though. I can assure you of that."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you and her are very much the same. And I think she realizes that as well that she knows what you need more. If there is something you should keep in mind when working with her is that everything stays in her head. If you want to know more you have to ask the right questions. Please treat her well." Headmistress smiled at me. Nothing more was said with it. I had a feeling that this was her way of telling me to figure it out for myself.
'Suzukawa-san and I are the same? In what way?' I turned back to Watanabe. 'And how exactly is she suppose to help me?'
Days left until the Starlight Anniversary festival: 4
"I don't know what to do Char-chan!" Watanabe spread out on the table in front of Char. Even though we were suppose to spend an hour together Char wanted to take over for a little bit to see how everything was going. I had told her everything that was happening recently. I felt that if anyone could figure out Watanabe's secret 'charm' it would be Char. Char was the Starlight Queen after all.
"You don't have any ideas at all Fumiko-chan? Momo-chan must have chosen you for a reason."
"I'm starting to think that the reason was that I was the only other person that Takahashi-senpai even talks to. Not to be rude or anything! And I know that she can hear me now but I can't figure out anything. Headmistress Kiriya said that the two of them are similar in some way. I've never helped Momo out in any way that I could think about. Unless she wants me to drag Takahashi-senpai everywhere until she gets sick of me."
'I will not allow that.' Char gave a nervous laugh. "Maybe try something else."
"Well you know Takahashi-senpai best. What do you think Momo was trying to do?" Char thought about it for a little while. Even though I could see everything that she does, she had her own thought process that I couldn't hear.
"Charlotte is a scary person to everyone. In reality, she's scared of everyone. She loves idols above all though. She takes good care of me by leaving messages everywhere to remind me to eat and rest. She's a good person. That's why I wanted to give this stage to her. Can I tell you something about Charlotte?"
'Char?' "Um sure, of course."
"Charlotte is my idol. Even if she can't see it." Char's soft voice echoed to me. 'I'm your idol?'
"Why would you consider her your idol?" She took the flower pin out of our hair looking down at it. She twiddled it in her fingers.
"She's strong. Really strong. It's like Momo-chan said before, she hides behind me. Don't you have to be extremely strong to stay like that? I think so."
'You're so wrong Char. I'm not strong. I'm scared to ruin your career, too scared to be able to tell my song choice and I don't even speak to anyone because I just know that they'll turn me away. How can you call me strong when you're the one going up on stage? Standing in front of thousands of eyes critiquing your every move. Suzukawa-san said that not everyone can become an idol. And its true. I couldn't be one. Not to Momo, Char, Ayumi. I'm terrified of people rejecting me.'
"I agree 10000 percent!" I snapped out of it at Watanabe suddenly grabbing our hands.
'W-what?' "Yesterday I was walking with Takahashi-senpai and everyone kept looking away from her. Walking behind her I could see them how their faces changed looking at me but the effect of her was still on them."
'She noticed that? I thought she would have been too dense to realize.' "I'm still scared of her myself but I really want to get rid of that like how easily Momo can talk to her! Having more than one person stand by your side during tough times is what everyone needs!"
I marveled at the bright colours flowing off of her. 'Her idol aura is so warm.' The red, orange and yellow lights were playful and welcoming with a faint sound of laughter with it. While Char and Suzukawa idol auras were beautiful and captivating, her's were like a greeting. As if to say Hi I'm here for you. An idol that can comes with open arms to anyone that needs them.
"Char-chan? No wait, Takahashi-senpai?" I pull my hand back from her's seeing that I had control over the body. In my amazement of her aura she had managed to bring me out. 'Suzukawa-san, is this what you meant by her? It was purely her ability to see through people. Not just that but she knows how to encourage them to stand on their two feet. I've met and seen a lot of idols in my time but Watanabe Fumiko is definitely special.'
"Yeah its me. If I can I would like to spend them remaining of the hour with you. I want to hear more about yourself."
"Oh well, what do you want to know?"
"Why did you want to be an idol?" The golden question for every idol. It was the question that revealed more about their personality than anything.
"Actually it's because of people like you and Char-chan." 'Me and Char?' "I grew up with my 4 other siblings. We've had our fights here and there but constantly being surrounded by people made me able to talk. Then there's people like you who had to be alone for so long. I can never stop talking. Sometimes I get suffocated from not being able to. Do you feel like that?"
I had to think about it. Most of the time I would think things out before I would actually say something. Everything was trapped in my thoughts because there wasn't ever someone out there that would listen to me. I could see Watanabe in front of me though. That she was listening. "I guess I do."
"That's why then. An idol can encourage people to be themselves. To get them energy. Seeing Char-chan on stage makes me happy when I'm tired. I want to help everyone in the same way. So that they don't feel suffocated. So that I can pass on what Char-chan and other idols do for me to them."
"You're already an amazing idol Watanabe-san. That is the prime answer for an idol to have. I'm sure that you can accomplish that with how you are."
"Fumiko. Call me Fumiko. We're friends right?" She smiled making the corners of my mouth point up as well.
"Thank you Fumiko-chan. The same goes me as well."
Days left until the Starlight Anniversary festival: 3
"You're avoiding eye contact again." I told Fumiko who sat in front of me. After yesterday we slowly were trying to interact more on a personally level. She was doing well for the mostly part. She was constantly trying to fill the air with some conversation when I couldn't. We talked about practically everything that she could think of. It turns out that the one hour time frame was perfect that we were able to fill the time without needing to stretch things out. Idols, food, auditions and our stage.
Our stage. Though I felt a lot closer to Fumiko I still haven't been able to tell her my song or concerns. She didn't force it out of me either. Sometimes the topic would switch to our stage automatically then Fumiko would forcibly change it so that I wouldn't feel uncomfortable. I appreciated the thought when I was with her. It was when I was alone that I really thought about it.
Suzukawa still didn't talk to me about the song choice. I would hear from my classmates that she was doing well with all the responsibilities of being a representative for my class. Even compared to that she had her own class and probably Ceasire's as well. I couldn't imagine how much work she would be under if it wasn't her. Realizing how much Fumiko really was able to slowly lose tension within me was a show that Suzukawa really was thinking more about me than I thought. I just couldn't put myself out there first.
"Nee Charlotte? Are you listening to me?"
"Huh? Um I- no, sorry." She didn't seem offended by me not paying attention. She just nodded.
"Do you want to tell me what about it?" I bit my lip. 'Should I? Am I really ready to talk to her in the first place?' "It's about Momo?"
I held back a small back laugh at how easily she read through me. "Yeah. She had the best in mind for me since the very beginning. I shouldn't have acted so irrational and rude to her."
"Let's go find her then." She stated bluntly.
"I'm not too sure if I can."
"Let's try. You guys haven't spoken in days. You've both had some time to process both sides. I think that this conversation will work out. If not, then I'll have to do a solo stage at the anniversary."
"Solo stage? Where did that come from?"
"I deserve it after what you two put me through. Momo doesn't even talk about it back at our dorm. All she does is bury herself in work. I think the only person that had a real conversation with this entire time would be with Shouta. They seem to working on something that its the only time she takes to rest is to talk to him over the phone."
"She's working that hard? I mean I knew that she was representing the first years as well but is it really that much?"
"I guess so. Whenever we're changing classes she'll be doing something. She'll be stopped by someone from the other class and even yours. Some times even a few teachers would need to stop her too. She'll be working constantly. She focused solely on her work in our dorm that she doesn't even notice me half the time." Suzukawa put so much upon herself. How can she even do stage with us if she's been so overworked?
"Can I even see her? Wouldn't it be a bother?"
"Nah, Momo probably needs the break. Let's go find her." She stood up first picking up her stuff.
"W-wait shouldn't we give her space-"
"Nope!" Fumiko grabbed my hand dragging me away. I was thinking that she was going to bring us to the library but she was leading back to the student dorms. 'Wow how nostalgic.'
I past all the first years looking upon me. I didn't realize it in my first year but there was a lot more rooms than I thought there was. Char and I were always in the dance studio or doing jobs that I never really interacted with people here. Even with my roommate had to ask for another room since my schedule would interrupt them late in the night. It was strange to think that Fumiko and Suzukawa became friends from just being roommates then.
Fumiko opened the door to their dorm without a second thought. And like she had said earlier Suzukawa was hyper fixed on her work. A bunch of papers were piled up all over her desk. I couldn't believe my eyes at how much work she had to do. Fumiko poked her shoulder causing her to jump a little. She put down her pencil turning to her, noticing me stand near the entrance.
"Oh Charlotte-senpai, please come in. I wasn't expecting you to come here so please forgive the mess." She tidied up some of the papers in rushed panic.
"This is all for the Starlight Anniversary? Why is there so much? Representative work shouldn't be this much." She became flustered.
"You don't think?" She pointed to half of the section of her desk. "This is for your class. When they say that first year work shouldn't be a lot, they really mean it. It's because upper years are allowed to do something more drastic than a crepe stand and a brief runway. Selling idol merchandise, even from Starlight requires permits, manufacturing and consideration of prices and more. This would have been the work that you and Char would have if I hadn't taken it."
'She really was trying to lessen the work for me.' She took out one more packed folder from the mass handing it to Fumiko. "This is the plans that I had to submit to the teachers regarding the final stage. That's why normally the Starlight Queen wouldn't be able to help out. It's not just performing, there's a lot that she would have to report beforehand. Since Char-senpai had officially stated that she wouldn't be working on stage, the teachers and I decided that I would be the best to fill the spot."
I went over to Fumiko taking the folder out of her hands. Even without the song choice, all the preparations were completed. Everything was set up so that we would the best stage possible. Page after page I couldn't find one mistake in well she had done it. Looking away from the handed folder I had a better scene at how much effort she still put into all the representative jobs.
"Why? Why did you do take so much on your own?"
"Because I told you. I can't support you in the way that Fumiko can this time. So this is how I chose to do it. So how was it with your one hour with her?" I looked at Fumiko.
"I can see why you wanted me to spend some time with her. At first I thought it was because she was friendly but she's-" I lost my words for how much it meant how friendly she was. It was due to that eagerness to help everyone that was what touched me. I was feared by so many that the simple act of just trying to get to know me was a first time experience.
"She's friendly." Suzukawa finished my sentence with a proud smile. "And what about you Fumiko? What did you learn about Charlotte-senpai?"
"I was really scared when you told me to spend an hour with her but I ended up enjoying it. Charlotte likes to keep to herself so every time she talks its like I get to learn something new about her. She really loves idols and she's super cute when you get past everything. I feel like that even though she's older I need to protect her soft self. You know?"
"H-hey!" I covered my face as she coo'ed at me. Suzukawa chuckled at us. She stood up from her chair moving her's and Fumiko's chair to face her bed. She gestured for us to sit down while she took the bed. We both sat down.
"Fumiko would you say that you're still scared of Charlotte-senpai?" She shook her head. "And Charlotte-senapi how about you?" I did the same.
"So do you guys understand what I wanted to do?" The two of us didn't answer back. "It's because you're still afraid of your stage. You didn't believe in your ability to be an idol because of people being just as scared of you as you were of them. Different from me, Fumiko was scared of you. She isn't now. It's possible for people to like you Charlotte-senpai. Only if you are willingly to try."
'Oh.' Mixed in with all sudden changes I didn't even think about the fact that Fumiko broke the standard that I put in my head. It was a natural process that I didn't even feel like I was trying to push for it. She wasn't afraid of me like I pinned her to be.
"You, Charlotte-senpai, have what it takes to be an idol. You just have to step out for once. It's normal to be scared. Just take it one step at a time. Your impossible became possible with Fumiko. Are you ready to take the next step?"
"What would that be?" She pointed to the folder on my lap.
"What song did you want to perform?"
Days left until the Starlight Anniversary festival: 2
The night before my debut. Skimming through Kirapatter made me so scared. I couldn't stop imagining the worst. Me falling on my butt, messing up the lyrics, falling off stage. Everything was possible in my head. We had practiced for as long as we could and it couldn't have have been better. As first years, those two were on another level. They picked up on everything quickly as if they had been doing it for as long as I did. Everything was going too well for it to be real. Reality was going to come knocking on my door and I wouldn't be prepared, I can tell.
I jumped with I heard the gate bell ring. 'Who could that be so late?' I checked the door's camera seeing Momo and Fumiko holding a few bags in their hands. I buzzed the gate open and went running to greet them at the door.
"What are you two doing here? Did you want to practice more?" I allowed the two of them to come in. Now seeing them in the light I found them to be dressed in pajamas and carrying sleeping bags.
"That would be a plausible idea. It is not our intention for our intrusion tonight though." Momo told me in a formal tone.
"T-then what is?"
"Sleepover! I thought that you wouldn't be able to sleep tonight so we should spend it together. Wouldn't that be more fun? We could talk all night and watch tv until we pass out and be all set for tomorrow!"
"I, personally, do not like the idea of passing out but I suppose that this would be an interesting experience." Fumiko playfully pushed Momo while giggling at her.
Suzukawa Momo, even buried in work she put all of her power into the song and dance as easily as breathing. Watanabe Fumiko, more than what meets the eye had the ability to do anything her mind was set to. I was glad that it was these two to stand by me tomorrow.
Tomorrow was the day of the Starlight Anniversary
I took deep breathes watching Momo and Fumiko prepare to go on stage. We had the largest auditorium filled the maximum capacity and an online broadcasting all waiting for the stage to start. I could literally couldn't hear anything but my heart trying to break free.
"Suzukawa, Watanabe, Takahashi please go on stand by!" One worker shouted out. The two of them looked at me giving me a nod. I continued taking deep breathes closing my eyes. In a second Char had taken over for me so that she could announce our stage. Letting her take control gave me a bit of time for me to calm down. She took a mic from one of the workers who was immediately charmed from her idol smile.
"Char-senpai, is there anything you want to say to Charlotte-senpai before you head up?" Momo held her phone's front camera to me so that it was like a mirror to us. Char smiled to me through it.
"I'm your number one fan! I know you'll do amazing!" That was all I needed.
"We're starting!" The lights in the auditorium went down as the screams went up. Char went to go stand on the stage greeted by thousands of cheers. She waved to everyone standing at the center of the stage.
"Everyone! How are we feeling?!" The screams made my shake. "Perfect! I'm sure all of you have enjoyed all the festivities that were set up around campus. I hope there's a few leftovers from the food booths for me."
I could hear a few people laugh at her joking. I loved seeing all the smiling faces right now. "To end off today we have this special stage. I'm sure you guys have been waiting for it for a while now so make sure to greet my two kouhais Suzukawa Momo and Watanbe Fumiko!"
At their cue they ran up to stage and stood on both sides of Char. Everyone kept their energy levels at the maximum level. "Hello everyone I'm Suzukawa Momo. Please treat me well."
"And I'm Watanabe Fumiko. Please treat me well as well! Wait! Didn't we do something like this before? At Char-chan's concert right?"
"Oh you're right!" Char obviously faked a shocked look. "It was at that concert that I announced that you two would be covering for me today."
"That and one more person. I'm sure the audience is already aware but we have a special guest today!" The audience cheered at Momo. "Sounds like they're excited."
"Well not as much as me! Everyone should know that Momo put me through so much work this week! You know this person was really scared to perform today so everyone please treated them well." I could hear the clear sincerity from Fumiko.
"Hey you can't be more excited than me. I've been wanting for them to debut way before you did!" Momo retorted not in any way rude sneaking a glance at Char.
"Bzzz you're both wrong! I'm the one most excited and you can't convince me otherwise!" The three of them smiled at each other.
"Let's ask the audience then! Do you guys think you can be more excited than we are?!" They screamed. "Not enough! Louder!"
Those screams were for me in a way. Standing here with the knowledge that I wasn't going to be hiding behind Char this time, I couldn't hold myself back any longer. "Alright everyone! Prepare yourselves!"
The three of us ran off the stage to the Aikatsu changing system. The two of them gave me a second to get back into control. "You ready Charlotte-Senpai?"
"I'm ready." We nodded to each other going to our own changing rooms.
I held up my cards in front the station. One of things that Momo had prepared for our stage was my own Torte Coord instead of using Char's Orchid Coord. A dark violet with a few tints of navy blue mixed. 'The Indigo Coord. My own coord. This is actually happening.'
I heard a a few gasps at first followed quickly by a lot of murmuring when we stepped back onto the stage. Momo and Fumiko patted my shoulder while passing me to get to their positions. Everyone's talks were drowned out with by having them stand by my side.
Like Momo requested I stood center stage hearing the song start.
Star Heart by TriStar
C: Kirameku hoshi ni negai kaketa Midnight Momo and Fumiko were off to the side dancing with each other
Chikatta kiseki wa ima kono te no naka ni aru I switched places with Fumiko who started walking off
F: Takanaru shōdō
miagereba Moonlight Momo broke free stepping to the center
M: Todoke tsudzuketai
crystal ni I send it to you
C: Jikū mo koete tsunagu ai no message
I could see the smirk on Momo's face as she went to her side
Everybody dance I pointed forward
F: Everybody fly Fumiko pointed to the side
M: Everybody go Momo pointed to the other side
All: Everybody, keep on going! We all pumped up the crowd while jumping
C/ F/ M: Kagayaite / dakishimete / furimukanai
All: Susume yo shinjite
C/ F: Pinch wa chance / In my heart
Momo/ All: Me ni mienai/ hitotsu no shinjitsu
Tristar World
C: Everybody dance
F: Everybody fly
M: Everybody go
Everybody, keep on going!
C/ F/ M: Sono egao /miru tame ni/ koete kita
All: Kanarazu habatake
A certain energy took over me looking at the two of them. They must have felt it too as we reached our hands out to one another. The Aikatsu system acted fast lifting us off the floor. We grabbed each others hands going up posing when we felt that we had reached the peak. The Triangle Light Appeal.
C/F: Pinch wa chance/ In my heart
M: Eien ni
All: migaki tsudzukeru no Tristar World
Get a star right now!
Momo and Fumiko leaned on me for the final pose.
'I did it. I actually did it. I performed on stage.' I was breathing heavily and I could see the audience. They were quiet for a few seconds before screaming crazy like. I felt tears brimming my eyes hearing how much they enjoyed it.
"Charlotte-senpai?" The moment Momo called to me I could feel myself crying. Fumiko wiped my eyes giving me a smile. She was lightly laughing at me. Momo came over grabbing my hand pulling it up in the air. Fumiko did the same with my other hand. I couldn't help the smile on my face.
"Everyone I would like to introduce someone. Please welcome Takahashi Charlotte! This was her debut stage. Please say something to everyone Charlotte-senpai." I took a few moments to be able to form my words.
When I found myself calmer I heard that the audience was completely silent. The air was tense. This was the first time that I was ever displayed instead of Char. Many people did know about our split personality but hardly anyone ever think about it.
"One step at a time Charlotte." Fumiko whispered to me. I nodded letting my hands slip out of theirs. I took a few steps forward.
"Hello everyone I'm Takahashi Charlotte. I'm the other half of Char. Since I was small I have wanted to be an idol. I know how it may look for me to stand here today but I want to try. I want to take each step forward. I'm scared out of mind standing here but I won't run away anymore. I don't want to hide behind Char anymore. I want to be an idol that can make people smile and give them hope when things get tough. Please support me in this. My name is Takahashi Charlotte and this is my debut stage."
Aipom4: I'm glad you liked it. It was originally suppose to be Momo would somewhat change after listening to Hayate but I found that I really hated this route so I'm glad it worked out. :D
Guest: Please never apologize for a blob of review I love any type of comment on my story. I'm glad that you enjoyed it so much. Please look forward to more!
Trivia: I would like to address something about my character's personalities. Of course I will try to develop the characters as they grow as idols but they will never change their base. Take Momo in the last chapter. She will slowly become more comfortable with more people but I won't be removing how smart she is nor how much enjoys those types of things. Though they are idols, they will not change who they are to please other people. I really do not like the concept of on and off stage personalities that are fake.