DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR ANY SONGS USED
*Watashi no Symphony (私のSymphony) by Kanon of Liella (seiyuu: Sayuri Date)
Momo's POV
"It's not that complicated. If you consider the fact that, biologically and typically, speaking there is a 48 percent loss due to volatilization, it is not completely-" I paused feeling my nose tickling. After sneezing into my arm I was going to continue my point when I had to sneeze again. I placed my hand on my forehead.
"Are you getting sick Momo-san?"
"My temperature feels fine. Nothing more than a tickle I suppose."
"Are you sure? Maybe someone is talking behind your back. Twice means that they are saying bad things." I shook my head.
"Nonsense, Shouta-kun. That's only a saying. If it were true, then the worst of people will never stop sneezing." I sniffled a bit. Sneezing twice without being sick or having anything tickle my nose shouldn't be strange. Though I have to admit that a part of me felt that this time it was different than usual. That was all superstition talking though.
"I guess you're right about that. So what were you trying to explain?" He said, trying to get back on topic. Though I knew that he was only saying that as a courtesy. He wasn't really processing what I was saying given the last look of confusion when I went into the scientific background of chemical compounds lost to atmospheric exposure. It was the thought that counted.
"I'll tell you after class." At that exact moment the bell rang. Dad coming in no sooner with the final chime.
I didn't realize that I was smiling until it slowly fall. Behind dad was one of the last people I expected to be here. In a Starlight uniform instead of her usual Dream academy one. The entire class didn't settle down seeing her stand next to dad. He gave me one look, then called for everyone's attention. 'Inoue Kikyo-san. Oh what a troublesome predicament to career into my matinal lesson.'
"Yes, I understand this is a surprising visit. Please, settle down and I'll explain." They quieted down. "As everyone knows this is Inoue Kikyo. She will be, temporarily, enrolling here at Starlight for personal studies. I expect that everyone will be on their best behaviours and treat her like any other student."
He was met with a chorus of people agreeing. I didn't get to say anything as I locked eyes with our temporary transfer student. She knew that I wasn't too pleased to see her. How would someone explain our relationship to others? One sided dislike and annoyance on my side? That wasn't going to look good for anyone that didn't really know us. As idols, we upheld the image that it was a friendly competition.
Only those closest to us saw the trust. Granted, it wasn't taken seriously because of my attitude towards her. I was indifferent to everything that she threw my way. I wouldn't be surprised if people thought that that was our way of interacting. Those who knew her would already know that she could be harder to handle. And those that knew me would say that I may not seem friendly if I don't speak. Together, it would make sense why we looked hostile to each other. Which wasn't too off.
"Judging from their reactions you don't need this but would you like to introduce yourself?"
She bowed to everyone. Finally looking away from me. The kind, small smile present on her face. "Good morning my temporary classmates. I'm Inoue Kikyo, first year in Dream academy's idol course. For a little while, I wanted to try experiencing the difference between the schools and so here I am. I hope that my time here will serve to further my Aikatsu. Please treat me well."
Once again, people happily greeted her. "Thank you for that. Since this is short notice we only have an extra seat in the back, if that's okay?"
"That is perfect. Thank you again, Suzukawa-sensei." My interest slightly peaked seeing how genuine her gratitude was to dad. I did remember Shouta once saying that she was a fan of mom. That would in turn, go towards him as well. Leaving me to be an outsider in her eyes.
"You going to be okay?" Shouta whispered beside me. I held back sighing since her seat was directly behind us. There was no way she couldn't see us talking.
"I'll manage. Though I will ask you to keep her out of my range for the time being." He nodded knowing that was going to be the case. No doubt that he saw the way she looked at me only a few seconds ago.
"Now onto our second agenda note of the day." Dad put on the projector slide. It took a second for it to turn on.
'That is impeccable timing.' I thought, seeing the promotion come.
"Early in the year the famous rock fest was cancelled due to planning issues around that time. However, they were very determined to continue the annual event. This is only the audition portion so remember that the real goal would be to hold the concert. The judges consist mainly of Loli Gothic's designer, a few notable figures and those watching. I have a personal attachment to this show so I hope that those interested will participate well."
One person raised their hand. "I know that the rock fest happens every year but is there a reason why the audition is so popular?"
"That is because of the theme. It is a very niche type of concert that has a strong following. Having an understandable target market with a high standard attracts the exact type of people they want to. Don't underestimate a long standing tradition. However, what I think is the most prominent reason for it being popular for so long would be the audition process. In a way the contestants are very similar in terms of style but different in little ways. If they can expand on the unique parts of them then it shows how capable they are as an idol."
Dad did a good job in explaining why the annual event kept its popularity throughout the years. Take former Loli Gothic muses as an example. Todo Yurika had the vampire image down pat. It was her trademark that made her the most fit candidate for this competition. In fact, she did win back in the day. Then there was Hikami Sumire. She didn't have a set image. If anyone would describe her it wouldn't be something she made for herself, but earned.
Two different images that they held still made them suitable for the brand beyond everything. If both of them participated, it would be down to their stage presence at that point. A clear winner between the two of them was undetermined to date. That's how people knew that they were good idols. That despite being different they were able to garner a crowd of their own without impeding on the other. It was honestly fascinating that they were so high level despite sharing so much.
"Then they don't have to fit Loli Gothic's style?"
"Not at all. All they ask is that you are true to yourself." The tiny skip in his speech was noticeable to me. I chuckled that he couldn't stop his affection towards the event. He wasn't even trying to keep it a secret at this point.
I covered my mouth when I felt another sneeze overtook me. Behind me I felt glaring eyes that I could easily identify without looking backwards. Placing a hand on my forehead I double checked that I wasn't sick. Yep, I was just a victim of an old superstition. One that was going to continue through the time of our temporary transfer student little visit.
It was hard to avoid Inoue when she attended all the same classes as me. Not even Shouta or Fumiko shared the same schedule as me. I couldn't tell if she somehow managed to do that on purpose or if it was by coincidence. I'm surprised I didn't go crazy from her overwhelming presence alone. It didn't help that because of her original school, she became big talk fast. People coming up to her to wonder why she was here or simply wanting a chance to get close to her while they had the chance. But she was quite literally everywhere.
The only escape that I had was through Charlotte. Lots of first years avoided going towards the upper year sections of the school that I was able to spend my break time with her instead of where everyone was flocking towards. She didn't mind too much since she knew our strained relationship. It was better to avoid Inoue as a whole while I could.
Including Shouta too. I didn't mind their friendship too much. He was someone that could easily attract people if need be. It was almost heartwarming that he was able to win her over after working so hard. At Starlight she may be the hot topic but she was still a new student. It must have felt nice that had at least one person here that she could rely on if need be.
"She really isn't too bad." Charlotte commented as she took a bite of her lunch.
"I am aware. On the other hand, I don't particularly like it when someone is continuously glaring at me and making me sneeze."
"Makes you sneeze?"
I shook my head. "Don't worry about it."
"Okay? But I just don't see why she hates you so much. Are you sure that you didn't meet her prior to enrolling here? She was pretty well known before her debut."
"I thought about that too but I'm certain that if I met someone like her before, I would remember. All I know is that she doesn't approve of me as an idol and that she's a fan of my parents. Perhaps there is some correlation between the two? I don't care to find out for the most part."
"Not even a tiny part of you wants to know? You're usually more of the curious type. Demanding answers too." She was right. And I knew she was right. What about Inoue Kikyo that made me so irritated to not pursue my usual excitement towards idols?
Was it because she already despised me prior to our meeting? That she didn't even give me the time of day? That I didn't perceive her to hold anything of value to look further into? Maybe I didn't want to prove myself to someone that couldn't keep a professional face in front of others. I wanted to reason that it was because I was too busy to please everyone out there. Yet despite having all these questions, I wasn't interested in searching for the answers.
I placed my utensil down. I held my head up with my intertwined fingers. "When you met Inoue-san before your audition, what about her convinced you to go inside?"
"Hmmm? I think it's because she was rude to me? She told me what I needed to hear and not the protected version. She was basically a stranger to me but she knew what my issue was. I think that's why she's favoured when a lot of people know that she's very strict with everything. When I spoke to her once, yes, she was fork tongued but she wasn't anyone bad. I can say that much. That's different from how she speaks to you. She doesn't offer you any guidance on how to improve or any form of real conversation."
I wanted to ask more questions to get to the bottom of everything. Thinking about it, I didn't once imagine asking Inoue herself. There were more reliable sources out there that would give me a better answer than attempting to get a civil conversation happening between us. There was one main thing that I wanted to ask Charlotte right now.
"Do you think that she's a good idol then?" She was caught off guard by this. Averting her gaze, she looked around the room. A few of her classmates were minding their own businesses. In the regular setting they didn't ooze out idol auras unless something sparked in them. They were all idols though.
Charlotte was similar to myself in our affinity towards idols. As someone that saw both sides that was paired with her level of expertise on idols, she had objectively the best opinion on the matter. That and she had seen Inoue's good side. However, no matter her answer I knew that somewhere within me, I didn't really know how I would take whatever she says. If she says yes, then does that mean that I was the problem? If she does say no because of the attitude, then would that make me feel better? More questions that I didn't know an answer to.
"I want to ask this first. Are you asking me or Char?"
"Can I assume that means your answers will be different?"
"Yes." Straightforward. Very Charlotte like. Char was the lighter version that. She wouldn't be afraid to speak the truth if need be. She wouldn't lie to protect my feelings either. For them to have different opinions said a lot. I didn't need to hear more.
"I understand."
"Do you think that she's a good idol, Momo?" I already knew my answer. It was different from the two of them. I suppose that really was the last nail in the idea. It was meant to be a yes or no question. Only a 50/50 chance to get a possible response yet still I found myself creating a third option.
"I don't know." Charlotte started giggling.
"What's with that? Asking a question and not wanting answers. She really messes with your head." I joined her hearing how silly it all was. Trying to figure out the way I worked was funny. Her posture loosened again now that the tension was down. "Never mind all that. I heard that the rock fest auditions are happening soon. Are you going to attend?"
"That's the plan, yes. I plan to win as well."
"You are well fitted for the position that I'm sure you're a candidate everyone would look forward to. It's surprising though. Your mom participated in it once, did she not? I thought you would have stayed away from it in that case."
"You're right about my mom previously auditioning. She went against Auntie Yurika and lost with praise. And though I tend to stray away from things that can associate me a lot with my parents, I do find that this event will be beneficial for me. Like you stated, I do fit the certain image that is set. Plus, the entire event will get me good publicity and experience out there."
"I really don't know how you have such a strong mindset."
"What are you referring to?" She shrugged.
"I just think that you had a lot of hardships. Your parents' image put over you, dealing with your own desires for how you perform, now Inoue-san. She doesn't like you for some random reason and you don't even bat an eye. There's so many people throwing negative things your way and you seem so unfazed by it all. If I was you I wouldn't know how I can handle it all."
"It's not like I want to hear Inoue-san's supposed criticisms of me. Or those on the internet. Something you may not think about is the fact that I do let it affect me to a certain degree. I tried to listen to what she had to say and learn from it. I don't want to be ignorant about the whole situation. Someone of her level has reasons that I could potentially be unaware of. The only difference is that I don't let her get a visible reaction out of me. I don't fuel it. And quite frankly, I imagine that you are in the same boat as I when it comes to hardships. Same as Inoue-san, Aikatsu isn't always perfect."
I didn't hate Inoue. I'm not entire sure how I feel towards her with everything that I know about her. She was no different than an internet hater. The only thing that made her stand out from those that hide behind a screen is that she had experience to back her up. I didn't take in what majority of those that disprove of me. I only tried to use it to my advantage and she never let me do that.
Sometimes I do feel silly for speaking my thoughts to Charlotte when she was older and more experienced than I. I even came to this classroom because I wanted to talk to her about my whole situation. There was something in the way that we interacted that made her someone that I could consult with her own opinions knowing that she had a similar logical sense. I was hesitant to tell her everything knowing that I wasn't fully open with my own issues. She had a very good understanding of that concept. Never pushing for more.
"I know that just as well as you." We sighed.
"Though, if I know you, it is fully possible for you to win her over in the end. Who knows? Maybe by the time she goes back to DreAca, you two could be best friends. You can be pretty likable when you put your mind to it."
"You're just saying that because you're my friend."
"Originally I wasn't. I wanted to avoid you at all costs. Now we're sitting together in my class without any restrictions. I'm telling you as your friend and fan, you have a certain ability to see something in others that they can't themselves. If anyone is going to find out why Inoue-san hates you and answer if she's a good idol, it's going to be you. Then you tell me because I'm curious."
"While I thank you for your words, I will have to consider whether or not I want to pursue in attempting to befriend her. I'll be sure to let you know." She placed the strawberry from her cake onto my plate. I jokingly rolled my eyes. The real way to appeal to me was through sweets. Not sure how much sweets were required for me to go after a friendship with Inoue Kikyo. A calculation that was hard to measure.
Music class was another class that I, temporarily, shared with Inoue. I almost felt that it was like a competition when the whole class was doing vocal exercises. She had good projection that overpowered a lot of my classmates. It was second nature to her now to perform in any situation. She was meant to be a soloist. With the exception of SELF, Inoue wasn't used to singing with others around her. In that case, Ayano was able to match her. I had no doubt that within all the first years in Dream Academy that no one was on the same level as Inoue.
Was it bad of her? Nebulous. It showed that she was good at what she did. That she was still a rookie like the rest of us. I would even go as far to say it was an asset to have in class. It made the others fired up to try their best. Have an example to try examining. Hearing from a professional teacher how to perform didn't work sometimes. They needed to see someone closer to show the possibility. That ability to spark something in others with her unknown habits made her a good idol. However, it was the fact that I had to clarify to myself that it was a positive thing that made her a bad idol. Again, answers that didn't get me to a real conclusion.
"Suzukawa-san? Is something wrong?" I snapped out of my thoughts hearing the teacher call my name.
I bowed to them. "I apologize. I was lost in my thoughts."
"Oh? I don't mean to pry but I'm curious as to what could bring you out of it. If you don't mind, would you like to share what you were thinking?" I looked over to Inoue. Frown never leaving her face. I return her with a smile.
"Inoue-san is a unique transfer student to attend our class. I can already hear my classmates' improvement from her presence alone. It makes me wonder about her training regime back at Dream Academy. That is all." I turned back to our teacher.
"That is very true. We're lucky that she has decided to join us for the time being. Suzukawa-san makes a good point that should be mentioned to everyone. Listen up! DreAca, Starlight and any other idol school out there all have different ways of teaching their students. DreAca's multi-course program. Starlight's traditional style. One school splitting the curriculum into 4 classes with a representative from each to form the top unit. Another school taking international students around the globe on a boat. A school that features prominently units. Self producing idols. All form of training are Aikatsu. In the end, do you all want to know why it ultimately doesn't matter which path you take?"
My classmates were absorbed into the question. I could see Inoue grin from my side view. I, myself, having the corners of my mouth raise. 'There is only one answer this.'
They clapped once loudly making everyone else jump. "Because everything is Aikatsu! You all are idols! Learn the way you want and reach the top!"
No one said anything. 'When you say it like that of course they would be in shock. But...' My heart rate raised the more energy poured out of them. Idol auras sprinkling into the room. It was only in a school like this that anyone could see the behind the scenes of what we do. How we feel. At Starlight we create idols through not only training but character. 'I like this fire in them. They're getting inspired.'
Among them there was one aura that stood out. It was stronger than a few months ago. Every icon contrasted each other that made them stand out more. The dark pink lightning bolts versus the white mirror reflections blinded those watching. They were forced to look at the black spades that gave her her title. Being close to her right now made everyone look her way. I didn't need to see if Inoue felt the same way as I did. She thought so similar to me. Why couldn't we get along?
I raised my hand. "Sensei, I have a request. At Dream Academy, I heard that they will occasionally do small, improvised performances in class. I think it would be good if we can experience that ourselves with our transfer student today."
"That sounds like a great idea! Inoue-san? Are you okay with it? If not that's alright as well. You are here at Starlight after all."
"I'm okay with that. One song wouldn't hurt. Any requests Suzukawa Momo?" She asked me that knowing that I had an ulterior motive.
"Do you know Watashi no Symphony? Solo version is fine." She raised her eyebrow but walked over the piano.
"Been a while since I heard that song but listen to me well." Inoue took a few seconds to ready herself.
I needed to see one last thing about Inoue. In order to confirm some mysteries revolving around our relationship. I gave her my entire attention. As did the whole class.
Zutto taisetsu ni shimatteta
Ichiban daisuki na koto
Doushitara kanaerareru no?
Wakaranakute tachidomatte ita
Her voice was beautiful. It wasn't hard to compliment her on that. She had been learning piano for the majority of her life so this simple song didn't bring her any trouble. The fact that she could perform confidently without any preparations was a given.
Chansu wa aru hi totsuzen
Me no mae ni maiorite kita
Omou katachi to chigatte mo
Sotto ryoute o nobashitanda
That was the thing about Inoue Kikyo. Her looking my way was distracting. She could be the best idol out there but her dislike towards me was a hindrance to her own career. The moment she laid her eyes on me, she drifted away from the point of the song that not even her years of training could fully cover up. At least not to the person that she was directing it to.
Gikochi naku kizamu ippo ga
Patto azayaka ni sekai o kaeteku
Nani ga matsu no? Nani o yareru no?
Yuuki dashite susumou
Her fingers didn't line up with her voice. The melody the piano produced clashed with the roughness of her. It was complete discord that continued to tick me off the longer she went on. It was strange that she still kept her beautiful voice and perfect control on her technique while failing to ace the first thing that I expected a musician of her level to understand.
Chippoke na kinou made no watashi janai
Kanade hajimetanda yume o
Maku ga agaru koko kara saki wa
Mune ni egaiteta suteeji
I tried hard to not let my disappointment show at the climax of the song. Compared to the others in my class that were enthralled by her performance, I was more focused on what she was trying to do. In her other performance she declared rivalry towards me. This was no different but the emotion didn't match the song. It was sad to watch her perform this way knowing that she could do a lot better if I wasn't in the room. Her aura was disappearing whether she knew it or not.
Dekikkonai yotte omotteta koto mo
Fumidaseba hora kanaunda
Kirari kibou hibikaseru no
Dokomademo hirogare
Watashi no Symphony
I wanted Inoue to show off more. The song was meant to be inspirational and touching to those listening. She could prove her point more if she stuck by the intention or deny it for a song that was more suited towards her personality. Knowing your own skills and playing to such was another asset. It wasn't wrong for her to challenge herself to the style but the look on her face meant that she wasn't even aware of what she was doing. She wasn't challenging herself; she was picking a fight with me.
It lacked the luster that made her interesting in my books. A one trick pony stubborn in her ways.
The song ended with my classmates loudly cheering for the temporary transfer student. I applauded as well. It was only right that I, at least, pretended for the sake of avoiding conflict. Not that she couldn't see that I didn't enjoy it to the same extent as those around me. It was only a quick flash in the moment that she was not pleased that I wasn't basking in her glory. Long enough for myself to get the message that she didn't understand why I reacted the way I did.
It was more annoying than sad at this point. I hated that such talent was wasted on this lame attempt to rile me up. It was disrespectful to the original artist and the message they intended for the song to be used for. It was disrespectful to my classmates who hold her to a high esteem to listen to her throw that away. Though not all of them heard exactly what I did.
At the beginning I didn't care much about Inoue's apparent hatred towards me. I understood that there was something prior to our meeting that painted an image of me in her mind. We could have different opinions on things and not hang out aside from work. That was all completely fine. Normal even. However, it felt more personal when she ruined a good song. Letting her own petty emotions overtake a performance that had high potential.
'I'll give it to her. She did get a reaction out of me. Not exactly what I imagined she wanted. Time and time again she gets my hopes up only to deflate them. It's boring at this point. That's why I don't like her.'
Trivia: For Kikyo there were two things that inspired the 'creation' of her character. The first thing, I'm not going to reveal now as it's somewhat a spoiler. Second thing, I wanted someone that didn't approve of Momo. Someone that Momo could win over with her skills but not be her friend. The thing with Yuki was that they may fight but ultimately they support each other. I wanted Kikyo to unwillingly be unable to deny that Momo was the real deal. Thus the creation of rival Kikyo.
suppica: Hehe thank you! I'm still experimenting with writing romance but I'm happy that you were happy with it. I don't know if I'll ever show a first kiss though haha.