Miku Onstage

Miku Onstage
Short Story from Dragon Magazine 2014/05

Illustration:
http://i.imgur.com/naGZaHt.jpg

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"…Thank you very much! Next person please!"

- When Shidou said that, a girl about junior high school on the head of the line walked pass him with a nervous looks on her face and stood in front of another girl.

"N-nice to meet you…"

- The girl said with an excited voice and stretch out her hand to another girl. The another girl then hold her hand gently .

"Yes, nice to meet you~ Thank you for always supporting me~"

- The another girl smiled at the girl while holding her hand. The another girl is in a cute uniform with a long purple hair and cute face. However, the most impressive feature of her is not her looks, but her voice. The voice that is as if it could spread directly into the listener's heart. The girl is one of Japan's top idol, Izayoi Miku.
- Shidou is currently in a dome-shaped hall. Inside, there are many people lined up in a long line. Shidou is currently in the so-called "handshake event". He is currently assuming the position of Miku's manager — as well as a "Remover".
- As a fan, when they are in front of their beloved idol, it is no doubt that they would want to hold her hands for even a second longer. Thus, some fans ignored the instruction from the staff and keep talking even when the time limit has passed.
- The Remover's job is to "remove" those fans from the idol. However, Shidou's job as a Remover is slightly different from those normal Removers.

"Ah, um, I love Miku-san's songs…!"
"Is that true? Fufu… I'm glad to be supported by a cute girl like you."
"Eh…!? There's no such thing…"
"Ufufu… your shy face is also very cute~. Nee, how about having a tea after the event—"
"……!"

- Shidou detected a threatening atmosphere, quickly grabbed the girl's shoulders and removed her from Miku.

"Thank you very much!"

- Shidou then instructed her to the exit. The girl acted surprised at first, but quickly bow to him and leave. Shidou's job is not to remove the fan who passed over their time limit from Miku, but rather to prevent Miku from attempting to make a pass at a cute girl.

"Aan, how awful of you, we were in a good mood."

- Miku made a pouty face. However, when she see saw the next girl, who seems to be in her interest, she quickly brighten up and hold the girl's hands from herself. Shidou thought he might have to remove this girl very soon.
- Shidou has been doing this since a while ago. Even though the hall is currently holding two handshake event at once, Miku's lines is full of girls. Although her condition has gotten a lot better, Miku's dislike of men still haven't been completely resolved. Thus her handshake event is limited only to woman only.
- On the contrary, the handshake booth next to Miku's has a high male ratio than female. The idol in the next booth is Asakura Hiyori, one of Japan's top idol who closely matched Miku in term of popularities.
- The idol with a bright look and courteous gesture of a pro. Of course, she don't attempt to make her eyes at the girl that sometimes appeared in the line. Shidou feel envious at her staff for a little.

"—Aan, you too are cute. How about visiting my ho—"
"…! Thank you very much!"

- The moment Shidou took his eyes off Miku, Miku was trying to gave a girl her address. Shidou quickly removed the girl and sighed deeply. Shidou feel anxious at what will come and regret a little at why did he accepted this job in the first place.

☆

- Yesterday, Shidou received a call from Miku asking him to go to a certain room in a hospital. What he saw when he visited the room was a woman in her twenty who wear a plaster cast on her leg lying down on a hospital bed.

"—You are Itsuka Shidou-kun?"
"Haa… yes."

- Shidou answered and looked to Miku who is standing next to the bed. Miku noticed Shidou's doubts and nodded to him.

"Ah, this is Subaru-san. She is my manager~"
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kurebayashi Tsubaru from Misora Pro."
"Haa… and what I can do for you?"

- Subaru sighed and answer Shidou's question.

"You should already noticed it… I have a little accident in the morning."
"Haa"
"And when I was finding a replacement manager because I can't do my job… Miku suggested your name."
"Ha… what!?"

- Shidou shouted with a shrilled voice and looked at Miku. Miku kept smiling. However, Tsubaru is looking at Shidou with a dubious looks.

"…Hey, Shidou-kun. I'm gonna ask, what are you to Miku?"
"Huh!?"
"Ah, that is~—"

- Miku hold up her finger and going to say something. Shidou sensed a danger and shouted.

"A friend!"
"…Really?"
"Yes! Really! Isn't that right, Miku?"

- Shidou said with a sweat on his forehead. Miku made a meaningful looks and nodded to him with "That's right~". Subaru then shrugged and continued.

"…Then that's fine. You see, idols don't want to get into a scandal."
"T-that's true…" Shidou said with an empty laugh.
"—Well then, can I ask you to become a temporary manager? Even if you accept only for tomorrow, that's going to be a big help…"
"N-no no, you see…"

- Shidou shook his head to refuse Subaru's offer. However, Subaru didn't took a notice at his reaction and continued.

"There's an event to decide which idol will become the artist for World Anime Expo's official image song tomorrow. Our enemy is that Asakura Hiyori who is sharing her popularity with Miku. But if we win, sponsors will surely rush to it! We can't lose this one. Please! Tomorrow is Sunday, you don't have school, do you!?"
"That's not what I meant! Before that, if the job is that important then you shouldn't leave it to me! Don't you have any spare managers!?"
"Fuhahahaha! You're underestimating a small production house! The employees are the company director, an office manager and me. That's all! There's no way we'd have a spare manager!"
"That's not something to be proud of!"

- Shidou shouted to her then remembered Miku explained to him that when she started out as a secret idol who didn't make any public appearances, she chose a small production house in order to avoid any troubles. Thus it's not strange if her production house lacked personnel.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to make you do something that require specialized knowledge. — I want you to do only three things. First is of course to make Miku win."
"No, no, that one is super important, isn't it?"
"You don't have to do anything special. You only need to make the best environment for her performance. — Once you've done that, this girl will win that seat on her own."

- Subaru tapped Miku on her back. Miku then smiled proudly with "Ehehe". However, before Shidou could say anything, Subaru looked at Miku and said to her.

"—Ah, Miku, can you leave the room for a moment? I'm going to put 120 rules of being a manager into his head."
"What…!?"
"Hai~, please do your best~"

- Shidou shouted, but Miku only wave her hand and leaved the room. When her footsteps could no longer be heard, Subaru then continued.

"I'm sorry for interrupting our conversations."
"No, that's fine…"
"…I can't say this in front of Miku, but that girl is a real genius. She is way too good for our production house, to be honest. There are many jobs that we failed to get because it was too much for us. Miku could shine a lot lot more. I really feel sorry for her."
"Kurebayashi-san…"
"That's why we can't lose this job. This is the chance since that girl agreed to make a public appearance. — Please. Only for a little moment, please lend me… no, please lend Miku a hand."

- Shidou lost his words when Subaru looked directly into him. Shidou also want Miku to shine a lot more. If Shidou refused and ruined Miku's mood because of that, then that's not a good thing in itself. Shidou took a breath and continued.

"…Tomorrow only."
"Really!? I'm indebted to you!"

- Subaru's brighten up and shook Shidou's hands.

"…And then, we're in middle of talk aren't we? What's two other things I must do?"
"Ah, that's right. The second one is… I want you to watch for Miku."
"Watch for Miku?" Shidou frown at the disquiet words.
"Yes. To tell you the truth, that event will have a handshake event before noon… I want you to watch for her and make her not Peropero a girl she likes."
"…………Ah, I see."

- Shidou nodded with a wry smile. Shidou knew that the idol Izayoi Miku have an irresistible passion for cute girls. She always accompanied by girls in the girls-only school she belongs.

"…I understood. Then, what about the other one?"

- Shidou asked, and Subura changed into a serious looks.

"…This is a top secret. I want you to not say this to anyone."
"S-sure…" Shidou nodded. Subaru continued with a somber voice.
"…To tell you the truth, I think Miku have a boyfriend."
"Bff…!?"

- Shidou blew out. He is not quite sure how Subaru took his reaction, Subaru continued with a sigh.

"Of course you're surprised. That is going to be a big scandal once it come to light. I'm so worry since that girl is so carefree. She even called 'darling, darling' on stage without any hesitation."
"B-but… is that really her boyfriend…?"
"You don't call someone 'darling♡' apart from your lover, do you?"
"Y-you don't know. Maybe it's just a nickname…"
"No way it is. …Just to be sure, you're not 'darling'… right?"

- Subaru looked at Shidou with an eyesight of a killer. Shidou turned pale and shook his head.

"…Well that's obvious. There's no way a normal boy like you could fit for Miku."
"Ha-haa…"
"Sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean anything bad. …Anyway, you have to pay attention and make her not bring up a topic about her darling in front of staff or fans. Please be careful, this affect Miku's life as idol."
"…I'll do my best."

- Shidou nodded. For some reason, Shidou feel this job is the world's most unfit job for him.

☆

"I'm dead tired…"

- After the handshake event, Shidou walked in the hallway at the back of the hall with an unsteady steps. That is to be expected. The number of fans Miku tried to invite for a tea is 109. Number of fans Miku tried to gave her address is 72. Number of fans Miku tried to hug is 46. Number of fans Miku tried to kiss at her cheek is 8. Total of 235 girls has been saved from becoming Miku's victim.
- Shidou already talked about this job with <Ratatoskr> since yesterday. Since Miku's mental condition is relatively stable, they decided to leave everything to Shidou. Shidou thought that he might have to call for support from them if this continues.

"Hm… well, let's take some break until stage event."

- Shidou walked in the hallway to the waiting room. When he opened the door—

"—Ara?"

- Miku turned to Shidou while said those words with a carefree voice. Shidou choked at her looks. Miku undressed her clothes from earlier and is in an almost underwear-only looks.

"W-what are you doing, Miku!?"

- Shidou shouted with his face turned red. However, Miku only looked back at him, without any fluster, and inclined her head in doubt.

"Eh? I'm changing clothes~? You see, I got sweaty so I thought I'd change to the next costume early…"
"Then do it in the changing room!? You don't know who will come here, do you!?"
"It's okay~ today's staff is full of woman."
"What about me!?"

- Shidou shouted and noticed that his eyes is fixed to Miku's charming figure. Shidou swayed and avert his eyes away in hurry.

"Mou~ darling is special, you don't have to worr—"

- Miku then noticed something and cut her words mid-way.

"Sob, a man saw my body~. I can't become a bride anymore~."

- Miku said with a monotone voice. Shidou sweated in his face at the sudden change in Miku's tone.

"This is the end~. Miku's body has turned into a damaged goods~."
"W-wait…"

- Miku pulled Shidou's hand while he is in panic and force him to sat on the sofa. She then straddled over his knee to close all his escape routes.

"H-hey…"
"So… please take the responsibility?"
"Miku…!?"

- Shidou turned red at Miku's perfume and scent of her sweat.

"Hey, what are you going to do if someone saw us like this…!"
"Ufufu. If that happened, let's invite all the presses and declare that we are going out together~"
"There's no way I could do that…! A-anyway, let's move away for once!"
"Eh~ well, if darling promise to do anything to grant one of my wish then I might considers it~?"
"A-anything is too broad…!"

- Shidou shouted with a shrill voice, but Miku returned him with a wicked smile and fold her arm at Shidou's neck.

"Eek…!? O-okay! Okay!"
"Really? Then—"

- When Miku was going to continue her words, the door opened and a girl about the same age as Shidou in a cute uniform entered the room. A girl with a soft hair wearing a sun-shaped hair accessory. The idol from the handshake booth next to Miku — Asakura Hiyori.

"Thank you for your hard wor—"

- Hiyori stopped her movements when she was going to make a bow.

"…! Miku!"
"Ara~?"

- Shidou set Miku on her legs 	and make an excuse to Hiyori.

"H-Hiyori-san! This is not what you think! This is Miku's joke, or rather…"
"……"

- However, Hiyori was left speechless. She took a glance at Miku and snorted in conviction.

"I see… it has been tough, isn't it, manager-san? It's okay, I will act as if I didn't saw anything."
"T-Thanks…"

- Shidou bow to her but Hiyori is no longer looking at him. Hiyori looked at Miku and make a hateful face to her then continued.

"…Izayoi Miku-san."
"Ah, isn't you are Hiyori-san~. Ufufu, this is the first time we met like this. I've seen your performance on the TV and always wanted to meet you~."

- Miku said as if she didn't noticed Hiyori's hostility and walked toward her. Hiyori dodged Miku and frown her face in displeasure.

"But I didn't want to meet you."
"Ara~?"
Miku inclined her head in wonder.
"Did I do something that make you disliked me~?"
When Miku continued with a perplexed face, Hiyori clenched her teeth.
"Of course you did! You're making fun of an idol!"
Hiyori raised her voice out of sudden and gave her a sharp glance.

"Eh~? I don't think so~…"
"How dare you say that! Even though I heard a lot of bad rumors about you, I'm finally convinced when I saw the real thing. You don't have any qualification to be called an idol!"

- Hiyorip pointed her fingers toward Miku but Miku only widen her eyes with "Ara~" response without any surprise.

"Um, what is the bad rumors?"

- Shidou asked, Hiyori lowered her eyes then nodded and continued.

"Such as she forced the live house to replace all their staff with woman, or inviting those who came to her secret concert to her house! I can't even believe she even make advances to her manager! She don't deserves to be an idol! How outrageous!"
"……"

- Shidou tried to counter her argument but sadly he couldn't come up with any.

"Before that! You're an idol yet you don't make public appearances, what is that!? Do you know what 'idol' means!? A subject for worshipping! Idol is not just someone who just sang and done with it! Your whole self! Your existence! You must have a responsibility of being an idol!"
"Eh~ But I already agreed to make public appearances~…"
"That's why I can't forgive youuuuu! And when I thought this girl might have some kind of circumstances… can you understand my feeling!?"

"W-well, Miku do have circumstances…"
Shidou said, but Hiyori only slapped the table and continued.

"Everything about you is so loose, so lacking! And when I thought you've made public appearance, your performance is a rip-off! You don't have any responsibility for being an idol! Your pride! Your determination is not enough! Why I can't win someone like this in CD sales!"

- Hiyori sank her head upon her hands and shouted with the loudest voice since she came to the room. Shidou frown a little at one of her words.

"Miku's performance is a rip-off…? What do you mea—"
"Anyway! I was primed for today's contest! I will put an end to your idol life!"

- Hiyori didn't took notice at Shidou's words and pointed her fingers at Miku once again. However, Miku only clapped her hands at Hiyori's heated speech in admiration.

"Ufufu. I'm was also looking forward to singing with Hiyori-san on the same stage. Hiyori-san is my favorite of all idols these days~"
"Don't joke around with that platitudes!"
"I'm not joking~. I have all your CDs and even went to your concert in secret~ Your song, your dance and even your fan service are all top-class~. You were really great~."
"Even if you praise me—"
"But…" Miku put her finger on top of her lip then continued. "I think Hiyori-san is too perfect~… I'm not denying the fact that you want to be as so, but aren't you pushing yourself too hard~? I'm not saying you should put down your guard, but I think singing as you like is more enjoyable and more charming~?"
"Don't speak like you know everything! All my fans are here for my perfect performance! I can't betray my fans!"

- Hiyori shouted while gripping her fist tight. Miku noticed that and made a perplexed face, then groans "Hmm…" while thinking up of something.

"How should I say… you should trust your fans more? Nobody's going to leave Hiyori-san just because you failed. — It almost feels like Hiyori-san is scaring of your fans."
"…! What are you…!"

- Miku's words are intolerable to Hiyori. Her face turned red. However, Miku didn't mind that and flapped her hands few moments later after remembering something.

"Ah, that's right! How about this~? I will promise you no matter what happen, I will remain as Hiyori-san's fan. So you should sing as you li—"
"Stop messing around!"

- Hiyori shouted with a harsh tone and slapped the table again.

"—I will show you on the stage who is the true idol…!"

- Hiyori said and leaved the room, violently closed the door.

"She sure was very furious…"
"I agree~ As if she was a tornado~"
Miku said nonchalantly. Shidou made a wry smile at her reaction.
"But that was unexpected… for Miku to say that to someone."
When Shidou said that, Miku seems to be aware of it. She then shrugged and scratch her cheek.
"Um, for some reason I can't leave her like that. …Hiyori-san is very alike."
"Alike? To who?"
"—To me, long time ago." Miku breath a sigh with deep feeling. "That girl is the same as me when I was 'Tsukino'. If I leaved her alone, I feel she will corner herself—"

- Miku used to an idol by the name 'Yoimachi Tsukino'. Even though she was not as popular as she is now, she steadily built up her career and had a quite satisfying life. However, she got caught up in a fabricated scandal that caused her fans to abandoned her. She cornered herself and lost her voice as a result and even thought of dying.

"That's why I stick my nose into it~" Miku then signed and continued. "But it didn't went as well as when darling did it. As I thought, darling was amazing~."
"Eh?"

- Shidou inclined his head at unexpected words from Miku. Miku then smiled at him.

"Come on~ Did you forget? Those words I said to Hiyori-san was the same words darling said to me~?"
"Ah…"

- Shidou widen his eyes in realization.

"Do you know I was saved by darling because of those words~? Because darling was there for me, that's why I'm here right now."
"Um…"

- Shidou feel embarrassed when Miku said that directly to him and tried to change the topic.

"B-by the way, Miku. If you have this much fans, don't you think some of them knew about 'Tsukino'?"
"No, I don't think there is any~."
"Hm? Is that so?"

- Shidou inclined his head. Miku then pointed up her finger to explain.

"In order to erase my old self, I used to put a little bit of spirit powers into my songs. — The existence of 'Yoimachi Tsukino' within their memories will faded away when they heard those songs."
"Ah… I see."
"Well, even though my spirit powers are now sealed, I don't think they could remembered unless something triggered it~. So you don't have to worry that someone will curse me 'that bitch!' or anything."

- Miku said jokingly. Shidou swayed his shoulders.

"S-sorry, I wasn't meant to—"
"Ufufu. I know."

- Miku smiled at Shidou then made a turn and put her hand on her hip.

"Well then, I should prepare myself. — Even though I'm not interested in those true idol thing Hiyori-san said, this is an important stage for me since darling will be watching from a special seat—"

- Miku stretch her index finger and her thumb into gun-shaped and made a gesture as if she is shooting the gun to Shidou's heart.

"I will make you fall for me again, darling."

- Shidou thought that he already fell for her, without her even standing on the stage, with that cool looks of her alone.

☆

- Several tens of minutes later, the dome is full of enthusiasm for the contest between Izayoi Miku and Asakura Hiyori. Miku will begin her performance first then followed by Hiyori. After that, the judge and the audience will vote for each artist.
- Shidou heard that each of their fans were desperate in getting the ticket in order to give her favorite artist an advantage. However, Miku doesn't seems to feel any pressure from it.

"Then, I'm going~"

- Miku walked from the wing to her position on the stage that was still dark. Shidou couldn't feel any stress or tension from Miku's actions. Few moments after that, the spotlight lighten up the stage, and Miku started her performance.

"————————————————————!"

- Elegant melody and Miku's clear and transparent voice could be heard throughout the hall. The audience buzzed up at her song. Shidou took a breath from his special seat that is the stage's wing.

"…As I thought, Miku is amazing."

- Such an Ojou-sama has now turned into an idol. The moment Miku sing, Shidou feel as if she has turned into a different person. The overwhelming presence of the person deserve of the "Utahime" title. Not only her fans, but also Hiyori's fans, who supposed to be the other half of the audience, have their eyes fixed at her.

"…Hm?"

- That moment, Shidou noticed other person coming to the wing. — It was Asakura Hiyori. Hiyori didn't noticed Shidou and looking at Miku's stage with sweat on her cheek.

"…Wow. But, as I thought…"
Hiyori spoke to herself in a small voice.
"I have to win… no matter what… I can't lose to her—"
"Hiyori-san?"
"…!"

- Hiyori swayed her shoulders when Shidou called her.

"Y-you are… Miku-san's manager…?"
"Ah… yes, I'm Itsuka, a temporary manager."

- Shidou emphasis on "temporary" but Hiyori didn't took any notice and returned her eyes to Miku. Shidou feel as if Hiyori can't afford to care about Shidou. Her ears and eyes has been captivated by Miku's singing voice and her actions.
- Shidou feel as if Hiyori is probably the person who is watching Miku's stage with the most enthusiasm. While Hiyori is keeping her eyes fixed at the stage, she opened her lips.

"…God is so unfair. He gave such a gift to someone as insincere and sloppy as her."
"Eh? No, Miku is not sloppy as you think…"
"It's okay, I won't say it to anyone. I know it has been tough for you."
"That is… well…"

- Shidou don't know what to return to her. Hiyori gripped her fist tight while fixing her eyes at Miku's stage.

"—I can't lose to her. Idol must always be perfect."
"Eh…?"

- Shidou frown at Hiyori's shaking voice and looked at her. The tension and restlessness could be seen on Hiyori's face that is facing toward Miku's stage. Even though she is experienced, it is no doubt that she do feel tension if she is going to perform next to such an amazing stage.
- However, what came up in Shidou's mind was the words Miku said to him earlier. 'If I leaved her alone, I feel she will corner herself—'. Her face that looked at Miku's stage looked as if she is a child who is drowning with her tension.

"Why…"
"–Eh?"
"Why Hiyori-san—tried to be so perfect?"

- Shidou asked, Hiyori took a glance at him.

"…Did Miku-san asked you to ask me?"
"No, that's not it. I feel you're being so stoic at being an idol."
"……"

- Hiyori kept quiet for a while and took a breath.

"…I used to have a favorite idol. She was still a newcomer, while she was not that popular, her voice was so beautiful. …I was always thrilled when I heard her songs. It may sounds cliché if I say it like this, but she was my admiration."
"I see."

- Shidou chimed in. Hiyori nodded to him and continued.

"She was only a year different than me, but she could cheered up so many people with her songs. She was the reason why I aimed to become an idol."
"…Could it be that idol was a perfectionist?"
"No, she was the other way around."
"Other way around?"

- Shidou inclined his head. Hiyori's gaze drifted off into the distant and continued.

"…She caused some scandal and been abandoned by her fans. In the end, she suicided."
"Eh—"

- Shidou widen his eyes at the sudden piece of information.

"Thinking back, there's no way to know the scoop in that weekly magazine are all fact or not. But with that uncertain piece of news, a life of an idol with a promising future was ruined. — Her songs was the real thing. If that never happened to her, no doubt that everyone would be frenzied at her songs by now."

- Hiyori bit her lip and gripped her fist tight. Her expression is full of hatred that she won't let her fans see it. Hiyori realized that and calm herself down.

"…That's why I can't be wrong. 'Idol' is not just good at singing, or good at dancing, or have a good-looking face. Idol must not have any flaw. Even if you do, it shouldn't be noticeable by anyone. The whole existence of an idol must shine."
"Hiyori-san…"

- Shidou took a breath at Hiyori's painful determination. Shidou felt that Hiyori's determination did not came from the fact that her admired idol failed so she tried to be perfect to not repeat those mistakes.
- However, he felt as if her determination is to make those person who plucked the flower before it could bloom in full to realize how beautiful it was supposed to be. Such an emotion of revenge could be seen from her expression.

"…That's why I can't stood still right here. —I can't lose to that copycat."
"Eh…?"

- Shidou inclined his head at Hiyori's words. Shidou remembered that Hiyori said something similar in the waiting room, that Miku's performance is a rip-off.

"What does that means?"

- Shidou asked, Hiyori then looked at Miku with an eyesight full of hatred once again and continued.

"Miku's performance… is alike. To the idol I told you about just now — to Yoimachi Tsukino. …No, not only alike, but her performance is exactly the same. …I can't forgive her. As an idol, and as that person's fan."
"Eh… such thing—"

- Shidou said in a shaking voice at Hiyori's words. Shidou knew how much Miku love singing. He can't believe that Miku is copying someone else's performance. However, it doesn't seems like Hiyori is lying or made up the whole story. Is Miku really—

"……Wait?"

- Shidou inclined his head. He feel like he heard the name Hiyori said just now somewhere before.

"…Um, Hiyori-san?"
"Yes?"
"Did you said Yoimachi Tsukino just now…?"

- Shidou asked Hiyori timidly. Hiyori surprised and widen her eyes.

"Do you know her? I'm glad. There's someone else who could remember her."
"No, I mean…"

- Shidou scratch his cheek while a drop of sweat is floating on it and pointed his finger to the stage.

"…She is singing and dancing over there."
"Eh…?"

- Hiyori said with a shrill voice and stay blanked for few moments. She then repeatedly looked at Miku and Shidou in turn and choked. Hiyori noticed that fact for the first time. Her face is wrapped in astonishment.

"Eh… Ah… Ahhhhhhhhhh!?"

- Hiyori was stuck with the suggestion effect in Miku's song and could finally realized that those two are the same person once Shidou pointed it out.

"Eh? Eh…? But Tsukino-san suicided…"
"It was a suicidal attempt."
"Miku-san is copying Tsukino-san's performance…"
"Well, not exactly copying, rather, she is the same person…"
"……"

- Hiyori's face turned pale.

"Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

- Hiyori shouted the moment Miku's stage has ended and the hall was filled with handclaps.

☆

'—Next is Asakura Hiyori's stage!'

- When the announcer said that, the hall is full of handclaps and call for her name. The glow stick then started to light up in the audiences.

"—Is this the first time darling seeing Hiyori-san's stage? Ufufu, it is amazing~. Well, I'm better than her at singing though~."

- Miku wiped up her sweats with the towel and said to Shidou. However, Shidou could only give her a blank answer.

"Ah… that's right."
"? What happened?"
"Yeah… a little."

- Shidou looked into Hiyori's stage with a tension on his face. The song started and Hiyori's voiced is echoed in the hall. Her dignified looking gave an impression of her being an idol. However—

"—Ah!"

- Miku shouted. When Hiyori took a glance to Miku for a moment, she shaken up and stopped singing. Hiyori tried to recover from it in hurry, but she tripped and fell down to the floor. The audience stirred up at unexpected happening.

"I wonder what happened, that was so unlike Hiyori-san…"
"……"

- Shidou felt the sweat on his cheek at Miku who is looking at Hiyori with worry. Shidou knew the cause of Hiyori's disturbance. Shidou regret that if he noticed it, he shouldn't told Hiyori about her admired idol right before she have to stood on the stage.
- Shidou's action may be right if his target was only to make Miku win. However, there's no way Miku could be satisfied with such result. Shidou also wanted to see Hiyori doing her best in her performance. While Shidou is thinking of what he can do, Miku looked at him and Hiyori who is still in flurry in turn.

"Ah, ah, that's no good, Hiyori-san. You can't be stunned like that. You have to quickly get back to shape…! Don't worry, nobody will hate Hiyori-san because of that~!"
"…Miku!"

- Miku said in panic as if it is herself and tie her hands in front of her chest as if she is praying for her. When Shidou heard her words, he widen his eyes and continued.

"You said in the waiting room, do you? That no matter what happen, you will remain as Hiyori-san's fan. — Is that from your true feeling?"
"Eh? Of course it is~"

- Miku nodded without any hesitation. Shidou then nodded back at her.

"Then you should say that to her again. — The person that could save Hiyori-san right now is only you, Miku."
"Eh? But she said she dislike me…"

- Miku frown in doubt then noticed that Shidou was not joking and nodded at him. Miku took a deep breathe.

- Hiyori sank down to the stage in despair. She had done a terrible blunder. She had done a shameful behavior in the place where an idol should be shining. Her sight became distorted. Her heart is beating faster. Hiyori no longer knows what she should do—

"——Hiyori-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! Please do you beeeeeeeeeeeest!"
"Eh…?"

- Hiyori said dumbfoundedly at the voice that suddenly echoed amongst the stir that covered the hall. Hiyori realized the origin of that voice immediately. — It was Miku. Miku shouted from the wing of the stage without using a mic.

"Miku-san…"

- When Hiyori looked at the wing, she saw Yoimachi Tsukino standing over there. The traces of her voices and her looks matched up with Hiyori's memory. Hiyori couldn't understand how she couldn't noticed it until now. Tsukino is looking at Hiyori. Tsukino is cheering at Hiyori. Hiyori is glad to the point she wanted to cry.
- Thinking back, what Miku said to Hiyori in the waiting room was right. Hiyori who tried to become an idol without any defect after learned about Tsukino's misery end bound up herself with her own desire for perfectness.
- The job that supposed to be fun is now a duty to perform. The eyes of an audience has turned into that of an observer. At one point, Hiyori could no longer remembered why she was singing or wanted to become an idol.

"A… ah…"

- Hiyori finally remembered. Hiyori wanted her song to be heard by that Yoimachi Tsukino. That was the reason why she applied for the audition. She wanted to stand next to her. That was why she learned to dance and sing. She wanted to continue her wish. That was why she wanted to become famous.
- Hiyori thought up of what happened in the waiting room. Miku might said those words as a joke, but it doesn't changed the fact that Yoimachi Tsukino said those words to Hiyori. — That no matter what happen, she will remain as Hiyori's fan.
- If that's the case, then there's nothing Hiyori should be scared of. When Hiyori trying to stand up, the audience started waving the glowing stick at her and calling her name as if they have been touched by Miku's cheering words.

"…! Every… one—"

- Hiyori said. Before Hiyori's eyes are not observers, but her fans who are waiting for her song. Hiyori forgot about it until now. She can't help but feel conceited for talking about being a true idol while forgetting those facts.
- Hiyori laughed at herself when herself from earlier flashed up to her minds. Hiyori finally stood up at the starting line — or rather, she is finally back at the starting line.

"Then, I must do my best."

- Hiyori gripped the mic and started singing again.

☆

'—Then let me announce the result of the judgement.'

- Ten minutes after Hiyori stage ended with a large applause and cheer, Miku and Hiyori are now standing on the stage listening to the announcer's voice.

'The artist for WAE's image song is—'

- After few seconds of drum roll, the spotlight then focused on Miku.

'After a close battle, we have decided for Izayoi Miku!'

- That moment, cheering voice and applause echoed from the audience.

'Congratulations, Miku-san. Please tell us how you feel.'
'Ufufu. Thank you very much. I'm very happy.'

- The announcer then gave Miku a bouquet. Miku smiled and waved her hand toward the audience. When the audience saw that, they raise up their cheering voice once again.

"We won…?"

- Shidou breath a sign in relief from the wing of the stage. Shidou has accomplished the most important job as a manager. Not only that, the expression of Hiyori who stood next to Miku is full of satisfaction. She is wishing Miku a best luck from her heart. Shidou smiled at her looks.

'—And then, an announcement!'

- The announcer made a turn and raise up her hand to point at stage's set. From the monitor above the stage, a fancy image is shown on the screen.

'Just right away, we will held an event in the next Sunday in celebrating for WAE Image Song Artist! The artist is of course Izayoi Miku-san!'

- When the announcer announced that, the hall is once again full of a cheering voice. However, Shidou frown in doubt at that sight. Shidou noticed Miku changed her expression when the announcer announced the event.

'—Wait a minute, did you said next Sunday~?'
'Eh? Yes, I did.'
'I didn't hear anything~'
'Er, well, it was supposed to be a surprise. But we've already asked your office to open up your schedule for that date…'
'……'

- Miku kept quiet for few moments and suddenly snatched the mic from the announcer and declared loudly.

'Everyone~! I have a wish~! Can you hear it~?'
When Miku said that, her fans respond to her with a loud voice.
'I want a voting rights~. I want to give all my votes to Hiyori-san!'

- When Miku said that, the hall is then full of the voice that is agreeing with Miku's idea, and the stirring from those who couldn't guessed Miku's intention, and shouting voices from those fans who want Hiyori to sing for WAE. The announcer flustered in panic at Miku's unexpected words. However, Miku didn't took notice at her and walk to Hiyori.

'—Hiyori-san, your stage was wonderful.'
'Eh? Tsuk — no, Miku-san. I…'
'Can you hear my wish?'

- Hiyori nodded to Miku's gentle words while still confusing at the sudden happening.

'Thank you very much~'

- Miku smiled and gave Hiyori the bouquet in her hands — and kissed her on her cheek.

'Hawhau!?'

- Hiyori shouted a shrill voice and turned red then collapsed down to the floor. The hall is once again filled with a cheering voice, for some reason.

"H-hey, Miku…"

- Shidou thought Miku has overdone it and called her name to stop her. However, Miku didn't care and drop the biggest bomb of the day.

'Ufufu, we're looking forward to Hiyori-san's performance. Both me — and darling.'

☆

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?"

- When Shidou is back at the hospital room from the event, Miku's manager, Subaru was waiting for him in full rampage, as expected.

"P-please calm down! Kurebayashi-san…!"
"How can I calm down! I told you to make Miku win! And make her not go Peropero a girl she likes! And stop her from talking about a man! Didn't you failed at everything~~!!!!"

- Subaru grabbed Shidou's collar and shook his neck for few moments before she breath a long sigh.

"…Sorry. I couldn't control myself. Everything is Miku's fault. It's unfair to make you responsible for it…"
"N-no, it should be me who should say sorry…"

- Subaru released Shidou's collar and took a deep breath again.

"Anyway… thank you. I'll try to do something about it."
"Can you do something about it…?"

- Shidou asked timidly. Subaru nodded back at him in depress.

"I can't help but to. — For WAE Image Song Artist, this one can't be helped. Though it is a chance, Miku could sell well even without such a thing. Rather, I should be happy that she got a good case of giving her position to Asakura Hiyori."
"I-I see."
"For the kiss at her cheek… if they don't make any complaint to us then that should be fine. Let's say it's just a little bit too aggressive Yuri business."
"…I-I see, but—"

- When Shidou said that, Subaru noticed what he was going to say and nodded at him.

"The biggest problem is her darling remark. When she said that in Ten'ou Festival, we smoothed it up using the atmosphere that darling = all the audiences… but we can't do that this time."
"W-what are you going to do?"
"…The worst case, maybe I'll make her keep a dog named 'darling' and show it on a TV show or something. This is a Dachshund named darling~ …something like that."
"…Do you think that will work?"
"I can't help but to make it work."

- Subaru shrugged. Shidou thought she is very dependable.

"I'm sorry for a lot of things, Itsuka-kun. I'll transfer the reward to your bank account later."
"No… I'm sorry for unable to do anything."
"Don't worry about it. — Please get along with Miku from now on as well. You see, that girl don't have any other male friend."
"Ah. Ahaha… Understood."

- When Shidou is trying to leave the room, Subaru stopped him.

"By the way, Itsuka-kun. If I remembered correctly, you're from Raizen, right?"
"Eh? Yes, I am…"

- Shidou answered. Subaru stretch out her hand to the shelf next to her bed and picked up a photograph. Subaru the photograph to Shidou.

"To tell you the truth, I saw this cute girl from the photographs Miku brought here. She is from Raizen judging from her uniform. Do you happen to know her? If she wish, I want to ask her to become a model."
"Haa…"

- Raizen is full of beautiful girls, such as Tohka or Origami or Yamai sisters. Subaru might have her eyes on one of them. It may be fine for Origami, but if Tohka or Yamai sisters heard about it, there will surely be another trouble to handle. …Shidou looked at the photograph why thinking that.

"…!?"

- But when Shidou saw the unexpected person in the photograph, he froze. A tall girl with a four-leaves clover hair accessory on her hair. The characteristic brows on her face that looked gender-neutral is wrapped with her lack of self-confidence.
- If someone were to ask if Shidou knew that face, the answer is definitely yes. The girl is named Itsuka Shiori…. The girl who is standing next to Miku is Shidou who have been instructed to crossdress by Kotori.

"What about it? Have you seen her before? Miku didn't tell me anything other than that her name is Shiori-chan. — This girl is really good. If she polished up a little, no doubt she would shine. If she appeared in her swimsuit as a gravure idol even once, everyone would surely interest in her. Ah, if her song is good, then we might be able to make her an idol—"
"N-no, I don't know her…"

- Shidou said in dry voice with his face full of sweat and quickly escaped from the hospital room.

"Ah, have you done with the talk~?"

- Miku who is waiting in front of the hospital room greet Shidou with her relaxed voice opposite of Subaru from earlier.

"Yeah… I got a big scold from her."
"Ahaha, Subaru-san sure is a worrywart~."
"……"

- Shidou thought that Miku is way too bold in what she do, but decided to kept quiet.

"…By the way, Miku."
"Yes~? What is it~?"
"Since you have won, why did you gave the position to Hiyori? Shouldn't you be able to widen your appeal with this job?"
"Hmm, but I think Hiyori-san is more fitting for this job than me~. I'm sure she could perfectly accomplished this job~ And…"
"And?"

- Shidou inclined his head. Miku smiled at him with 'ufufu.'

"—The next Sunday, there will be an Autumn Festival at the shrine nearby~."
"Eh?"

- Shidou widen his eyes at Miku's words.

"J-just for that!? You could just go to other shrine for a festival, couldn't you!?"
"That's no good~ It has been said that the shrine is famous for marriage tie, and the couple who participated in their Autumn Festival will always ended up in marriage~"
"…Eh?"
"You said you will grant one of my wish~?"
"Ah…"

- Shidou remembered that. The dumbfounding voice leaked out from his mouth. When Miku noticed Shidou's face, she grinned and stick out her pinky.

"—Of course you're going to invite me for a date, darling?"

[Ended]

------------------------------------------------------

TRIVIA

Two kanji in Yoimachi Tsukino (宵待月乃) name ("宵, Evening" and "月, Moon") and two kanji in Asakura Hiyori (朝倉日依) name ("朝, Morning" and "日, Sun") are opposite of each other, representing an evening moon and morning sun.