Yoto High School was, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious and coveted educational centers for young talents in Japan. Every corner of the campus breathed art and creativity. From the soundproof classrooms where students practiced singing and songwriting, to the stages equipped with the latest technology for theater performances, everything was designed to mold the country's future stars. The institution was a gateway to success, a springboard to a bright future, but also a place where competition was fierce, where only the most dedicated and talented stood out.
Ruby Hoshino was one of the many students who, excited and full of dreams, walked through the halls for the first time. However, for her, this day had a much deeper meaning. Unlike the others, her aspiration was not only to shine on stage, but to honor a legacy. For as long as she could remember, Ruby had admired her mother, Ai Hoshino, the legendary idol whose life ended tragically and abruptly. But Ruby didn't just admire her for her talent, but also because she had a special bond with her, a bond that no one else could understand: Ruby had lived another life before this one, and in her second chance, she had been reborn as Ai's daughter. This was her deepest secret, and one that motivated her day after day.
Ruby saw this first day at Yoto High as the start of her journey toward realizing that dream. Ever since she was a child, she had imagined what it would be like to follow in her mother's footsteps, what it would be like to step onto the stage and receive the warmth of the spotlight, what it would be like to feel the energy of the audience giving themselves over to her performance. But now that she was here, in this place, it felt more real than ever. Walking among the bustle of students who, like her, were eager to get started, Ruby couldn't help but smile. Her heart was pounding, a mix of nervousness and excitement.
With her impeccable uniform and carefully arranged hair, Ruby was the portrait of an ideal student. Her energy radiated determination, and although the weight of expectations she carried on her shoulders was immense, she accepted it with grace. As she made her way towards the main auditorium, where the opening ceremony would be held, Ruby would allow herself to dream. Dream about her future, about the songs she would perform, the dance moves she would perfect, the emotions she would convey to her audience. Every step she took towards that place was a step closer to her goal.
As she reached the auditorium, Ruby paused for a moment to admire it. It was a large, modern space, with rows of seats perfectly aligned and an impressive stage that seemed to be calling to her. The other students settled in, whispering amongst themselves, sharing their own dreams and fears. Ruby sought a place in one of the front rows, eager not to miss a single detail of what was to come. Her heart continued to pound as she sat, her hands clasped in her lap, trying to calm herself.
As she waited for the ceremony to begin, Ruby couldn't help but recall the moments that led her to this point. Her childhood was marked by the absence of her mother, but also by the strength of her memory. Despite the pain of her loss, Ruby always felt that Ai was with her in some way, guiding her. That feeling drove her to try her best, to not give up, even when things got tough. And now that she was here, she felt like she was fulfilling a silent promise she had made to her mother and to herself.
As the lights in the auditorium dimmed and a woman stepped onto the stage to welcome the new students, Ruby felt that the moment she had waited for had finally arrived. The high school principal, an elegant and charismatic woman, spoke passionately about the importance of art and effort, encouraging the students to do their best. The words resonated deeply with Ruby, reaffirming her resolve.
After the ceremony, the students were directed to their respective classes. Ruby was excited to meet her classmates and teachers, to learn as much as she could. On her way to the music room, where she would have her first class, she looked around with curiosity. The diversity of talent was evident; some students carried instruments, others discussed plays, while some practiced dance moves in the hallways. Ruby was inspired by the atmosphere, by the creative energy that seemed to permeate every corner of the school.
Finally, she arrived at her classroom, a bright and airy space with a piano in one corner and shelves filled with sheet music. Ruby took a seat near the front, pulling out her notebook and pencil, ready to absorb as much as she could. Her teacher, a kind man with a passion for music, began the class with an introduction about what they would learn during the semester. Ruby listened intently, her mind imagining the melodies she would one day create and sing.
Throughout the day, Ruby met several of her classmates. Some of them also aspired to become idols, while others had different artistic interests. Despite the differences, they all shared the same passion for art, and that created a special bond between them. Ruby felt inspired by their stories and motivated to push herself even harder. She knew it wouldn't be easy to stand out in a place filled with so much talent, but she was willing to give it her all.
As the day came to a close and Ruby left the building, she paused for a moment to look back. Yoto High School already felt like a special place, a place where she could grow and achieve her dreams. As she walked home, she couldn't help but smile. She knew this was just the beginning, but she also knew she was on the right path. Her heart was filled with hope, and with every step she took, she felt like she was getting closer to her goal.
Ruby Hoshino was ready to shine, ready to begin her journey to stardom. Her story was just beginning, and she was determined to make every moment count.
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Ruby took a deep breath before entering her assigned classroom. The sliding door in front of her seemed like a threshold to a new stage in her life. With a smooth movement, she slid the door to the side, letting the bustle of the students inside envelop her. She took her first steps with some caution, but her curious eyes scanned carefully over those who would be her companions for the rest of the course. The atmosphere was charged with diverse emotions: excitement, nervousness, and in some cases, confidence and camaraderie.
Looking at the groups that had already formed, Ruby noticed that some students seemed to have known each other for a long time. Perhaps they were childhood friends or had met at previous auditions or competitions. Others, on the other hand, were in small circles that betrayed instant affinities. She, however, was alone, at least for now, and although that idea might have intimidated her, she decided that she would not let it affect her. "Every great journey begins with a first step," she told herself.
As she walked between the desks, Ruby couldn't help but admire her classmates. There were boys and girls with unique traits that made them stand out, from colorful, expressive hair to confident postures and eye-catching styles. Each of them seemed to have something special, a spark that had probably secured them a place at the prestigious Yoto High School. Ruby felt a slight pang of insecurity at the thought that many of them probably had more experience in show business than she did. However, she remembered what had brought her there: her passion, her determination, and of course, the heritage of her mother, Ai Hoshino. She knew that her own traits, her talent, and her energy would not go unnoticed, and that confidence helped her keep her head held high.
After touring the classroom and briefly scanning her classmates, Ruby found her assigned seat, located by the window. It was a perfect spot, with a prime view of the school's lower courtyard. As she settled into her chair, they let their eyes wander over the scene outside. The green of the grass, the students walking back and forth, the modern buildings of the academy... Everything seemed to be designed to inspire and motivate those lucky enough to study there. However, Ruby knew that there would be time to enjoy those views later. For now, her priority was to integrate into the group and begin to build relationships.
She looked around, looking for possible companions with whom to start a conversation. Her gaze stopped at the seat to her right, where a girl sat who, like her, seemed to be observing the classroom with interest. Ruby's first impression was that her companion had something magnetic, a presence that was difficult to ignore. Her hair, a bright pink and well-kept, fell just below her shoulders, framing a face that emanated a mixture of sweetness and confidence. But what was most striking was her figure, voluptuous and well-proportioned, something that Ruby could not help but notice, although she immediately felt a slight blush on her cheeks from paying attention to that detail.
She took another deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "If I want to be an idol, I can't let these things intimidate me," she thought. With that determination in mind, she decided to take the first step. She turned slightly towards her companion and smiled in a friendly manner, trying to break the ice.
"Hello," she said in a calm but friendly voice. "I'm Ruby. Is this your first day here too?"
The girl looked up from her notebook, where she seemed to be making some quick notes, and blinked a few times before smiling back. She had amber eyes that shone with an almost hypnotic intensity.
"Yes, it is. My name is Minami Kotobuki." Her voice was sweet, but there was a hint of firmness in it, as if she was used to speaking confidently. She extended a hand towards Ruby, who quickly shook it, feeling immediate relief at the positive response.
"It's nice to meet you, Kotobuki." Ruby enthused with more confidence. "It's amazing to be here, isn't it? Although I must admit I'm a little nervous. Everyone seems so talented."
Minami let out a small laugh, leaning forward slightly as she rested an elbow on the desk.
"Yes, I understand what you're saying. But don't worry. We're here to learn, aren't we?" Everyone has something to contribute, and I'm sure you excel at something too. What brings you here? Singing, acting?
"Singing," Ruby answered without hesitation. "I want to be an idol, like my mother was."
Minami's eyes widened a little more, showing surprise and curiosity.
"Was your mother an idol?" she asked, leaning a little closer to Ruby, interested.
Ruby nodded with a shy smile. She didn't want to draw too much attention to her connection with Ai, but she didn't see any reason to hide it either.
"Yes, although she's no longer with us," she added, her voice becoming a little softer at the end.
Minami nodded slowly, as if she understood not to dwell on the subject any further. Instead, she skillfully changed the subject, talking about how she herself was there to get better at acting. The conversation flowed easily, and Ruby felt grateful to have found such a friendly partner from the start.
Ruby continued to chat with Minami, enjoying the natural flow of her art. Before long, she learned fascinating details about her new classmate. To her surprise, Momo was not only a student like her, but also had a prominent career as a photo model. Her voluptuous figure and natural charisma had made her one of the most promising rising stars in the modeling world.
"Really?" Ruby asked, her tone filled with wonder. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she listened to Momo talk about her experience in front of the camera. "That sounds amazing! Since when have you been a model?"
"Since I was thirteen," Minami replied with a satisfied smile, tucking a strand of her pink hair behind her ear. "It all started with a casual shoot a family friend did. It turned out I had a talent for this, and then I got signed to my current agency. It's one of the best in the country, you know?" They work with young stars who are destined to achieve great things.
Ruby was impressed by Minami's confidence and the ease with which she spoke of her achievements. However, what especially caught her attention was when she mentioned a figure that Ruby deeply admired.
"In fact," Minami continued, with a slight mischievous smile, "guess who was the last person my agency worked with?"
Ruby looked at her curiously, eagerly awaiting the answer.
"Naruto Edwards Uzumaki," Minami said in an almost casual tone, though she couldn't help but notice the flash of pride in her voice at the mention of the name.
Ruby felt her heart race at those words. "Naruto Edwards Uzumaki!" The mere thought of the boy she had followed and admired for so long made her cheeks flush.
"Naruto? "The Rising Sun"?" Ruby asked, trying not to sound too excited, though the admiration was evident in her tone. "That's amazing! What's it like working with him?"
Minami giggled before answering.
"Well, I didn't work directly with him, but my agency represents him for some of their photo shoots. He's pretty impressive. They say he's very professional and has a natural charisma that makes everyone fall in love with him on set. Although, if I'm honest… he seems a little unattainable." —She paused, looking at Ruby with a mischievous grin—. You're a fan of his, right?
Ruby felt trapped, but she couldn't help but smile and nod.
—Yes, I am. I admire his work so much! Ever since I first saw him on TV, I've always thought he's amazing. His career is like a dream come true. —Her words came out with sincerity, and her eyes reflected the admiration she felt for the young artist.
—Well, I don't blame you. He's a lot of girls' favorite boy —Momo replied, crossing her arms thoughtfully—. But if you want my advice, don't focus too much on him. This is your time to shine, Ruby. Who knows, maybe one day I'll work alongside him as an equal.
Minami's words made Ruby reflect. Of course, she admired Naruto, but she also knew that she was now in a position where she could start to build her own path. With a grateful smile, she nodded, determined to do her best to achieve her dreams.
Before she could continue the conversation, a sound of applause echoed through the classroom. The teacher had arrived and was seeking to capture the attention of all the students.
"Alright, guys, please take a seat," she said in a firm but kind voice.
The classroom, which had been filled with murmurs and conversations, quickly quieted down. Ruby and Momo exchanged one last smile before settling into their respective seats. Ruby looked up to the front, where the teacher stood, holding a folder with the names of all the students.
The woman had an imposing presence. With an impeccable suit and an upright posture, she projected authority and confidence. Her hair tied back in an elegant bun and her glasses gave her a professional air that matched her direct tone.
"Welcome to Yoto High School's art class," she began, scanning the classroom, making sure to catch the attention of each student. "First and foremost, my name is Sae Chabashira. You have been selected because you have exceptional potential in your respective areas. Here, you will not only hone your skills, but you will also learn what it means to stand out in a world as competitive as ours."
Ruby felt a shiver of excitement upon hearing those words. She knew the road would be difficult, but she was ready to take on the challenge. With a mix of nerves and excitement, she opened her notebook, ready to absorb every word her teacher shared with them. It was just the beginning, but Ruby was sure this class would be an experience that would change her life forever.
The atmosphere in the classroom immediately became tense. The murmurs that had started as simple speculation about who the transfer student would be suddenly died down upon hearing the knock on the door. Everyone, without exception, stopped talking and turned towards the entrance, expectation clearly marked on their faces. Ruby, with eyes shining with curiosity, tried not to show her astonishment, but her fingers began to fidget with her notebook. On the other hand, Minami, her new friend, gave her a look that combined excitement and surprise.
The teacher, with her authoritative tone, approached and allowed the door to open. At that moment, Ruby could feel a slight current of air that crept into the room, and it was as if time had stopped for a few seconds. All eyes were fixed on the entrance, waiting to see who would show up.
When the door finally opened completely, a murmur spread through the class. The boy who appeared did not seem to be wearing the regulation uniform, which would surprise the students even more. His outfit was casual, but with an air of sophistication that could not go unnoticed. He wore a figure-hugging black turtleneck shirt, with a white t-shirt underneath, the sleeve of which was neatly rolled up to his elbows. Skinny jeans, topped off by a black belt, completed an outfit that seemed to be designed to draw attention effortlessly. What really made everyone gasp, however, was his platinum blonde hair, which fell softly over his eyes, as if it was designed to highlight his face as well as it did.
Ruby gulped helplessly. Could it be him? The boy she had admired for so long, the "Rising Sun." Her heart beat faster as her mind tried to process the scene before her.
The boy took a few steps forward, unhurriedly, a smile on his face, as if this was all just another part of his regular life. When he stopped in front of the class, he raised a hand in a relaxed manner, waving with astonishing ease.
"I, it's nice to meet you," he said in a clear but soft voice, without showing even a hint of nervousness.
Ruby froze for a moment. "Naruto Edwards Uzumaki." She had heard his name so many times, she had seen his interviews, followed his career. But to see him in person, so close! It was like a dream. The energy he gave off seemed to envelop the room, and an air of unparalleled charisma invaded the class. Everyone, even the most self-confident boys, seemed dazzled by his presence. No one had expected the so famous "Rising Sun" to appear in their classroom. After all, he was a public figure, a young man who was already at the top, known throughout the country for his talent and his attractiveness.
The students couldn't help but stare at him, many with their mouths half open. The murmurs that had previously been whispered were now a mental din in each of them, trying to process the image of that boy in front of them. Minami, who was sitting to Ruby's right, couldn't help but smile at the situation. She, like many others, had followed Naruto for years, and seeing him so close only confirmed that the young man really did have that magnetic aura surrounding him.
The teacher watched her students' reaction closely, knowing that the young man had made an immediate impact. However, she would not allow the class to get out of control. She clapped her hands firmly, catching everyone's attention immediately.
"Silence, please!" she ordered with authority. "Now that everyone is here, let's take our seats and continue with the class."
Naruto, still with that relaxed and confident smile, walked to his seat, which had been reserved for him at the back of the room. The students moved aside a little, giving them space so they could walk without problems. Ruby, unable to take her eyes off him, noticed how all eyes followed his movements, from his walk to the moment he sat down, everything seemed to be executed with an innate perfection.
With a soft sigh, Ruby tried to calm her racing heart. The boy she had admired, almost as an unattainable figure, was now sitting in the same classroom as her, as one of her classmates. While she was excited, she also felt a mix of nerves. "What would it be like to deal with him? Would they treat him like a god in this classroom?" Everything she had seen on television and in magazines seemed insignificant compared to Naruto's actual presence.
Meanwhile, Minami cast a knowing glance at Ruby, smiling mischievously.
"It seems that the 'Rising Sun' has a bigger impact in person than on screen, right?" she commented, as she settled into her seat.
Ruby ascended, still speechless. The teacher began to speak again, but Ruby could barely concentrate on what she was saying. What would Naruto think of all of them? How would he behave with his new classmates? And more importantly, how should Ruby interact with him?
He wasn't just another classmate. He was the central figure of his generation, and now, unexpectedly, he found himself in the same place as her. As class continued, Ruby couldn't help but think about what that meant. Was this the beginning of a new chapter in her life? A chance to get up close and personal with the boy she had idolized for years, and perhaps even learn from him. Suddenly, Ruby realized that this course would be more than just learning about music or the show. She was in for something much bigger, something that would change her life completely.
Naruto, for his part, settled into his seat with a carefree calm, as if this new chapter in his life was just another extension of his career, but in a completely different context. What the others didn't know was that, in his mind, this "new show" had just begun.
And end of the chapter