As I slid the door open to the student council room, I found Eli already seated, engrossed in some paperwork.
"Good morning, President Eli," I greeted, making my way to my seat.
She glanced up, acknowledging me with a nod. "Good morning. How are you?"
"I'm doing great, thank you very much. Nozomi-sa– I mean... Vice President Eli said she'll be here soon," I replied, stumbling over my words slightly.
"I see, that's good. Let's wait for her. I actually have some good news to share," Eli said, her expression brightening.
"Is it about the regards from the meeting yesterday?"
"Yes, it's about the welcome party for students."
"As expected of you, President Eli."
She waved off the compliment. "No need to flatter me."
"Haha... Alright," I chuckled, settling into my seat.
...
...
"By the way, Secretary Nishihara?"
I turned to face President Eli.
"What is it, President?"
"What are your thoughts on school idols?"
Eli's question caught me off guard.
School idols? It wasn't a topic I had pondered much before.
"Well, President, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure, I suppose they bring a sense of unity and excitement to the school. And if it helps to prevent the school from closing, as Honoka-san mentioned before, then I think it's a noble cause."
"Honaka? First name basis?"
I cleared my throat, "Excuse me, I meant Kosaka-san."
"Hm... That's a fair perspective. It seems like they're quite passionate about it."
"Of course, President... After all, I support them too."
"Is that so?" Eli glanced at me before returning her attention to the papers spread out on the desk.
"Yeah."
Just then, the door slid open, and Nozomi, the vice president, entered the room. "Ara? Were you guys discussing something important?"
"No, actually, we've been waiting for you," Eli said gesturing her to take a seat.
"Ah, my apologies for keeping you both waiting," Nozomi said as she settled into her chair.
"Well, then... Let's begin our meeting. I'm eager to hear your insights for today," Eli stated, prompting us to share our thoughts.
"Yes," Nozomi and I responded simultaneously as Eli initiated the meeting.
After the hour-long meeting concluded, I returned to my classroom and resumed my studies for the rest of the morning class. Eventually, lunchtime rolled around before I knew it.
Gathering my belongings, I tidied up my desk before leaving the classroom.
Making my way to the cafeteria, I purchased two sandwiches and a juice before continuing on to the music room.
As I approached the music room, the familiar sounds of piano keys and a melodious voice greeted my ears. Knocking lightly on the door, I waited for a moment before entering.
"Yo, Nishikino-san."
Maki paused in surprise, her cheeks tinged with pink as she turned to face me. "Senpai... Why are you here again?"
"Just wanted to hear your voice, Nishikino-san."
Maki's blush deepened. "W-What?!"
"Relax."
"H-How can I relax?!"
"Here, want some?" I offered, extending a sandwich toward her.
"Thank you..." Maki accepted it slowly unwrapping the sandwich.
As we enjoyed our sandwiches in the quiet of the music room, I decided to break the silence. "Hey, I heard the three of them chose the name 'Muse' for their idol group. What do you think about it?"
Maki paused, shooting me a skeptical glare. "What's it to you?"
I shrugged. "Just making conversation. Their first song is pretty catchy, though, don't you think?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about, but... um, yeah, good for them, I suppose," she mumbled, hastily finishing her sandwich.
She's not honest, huh.
Suddenly, she choked on a piece of it.
Reacting quickly, I offered her my juice box.
She accepted and drank from it, "Th-Thank you, Senpai."
"No problem."
She continued drinking until I made a teasing remark. "Don't drink too much; I haven't had any yet."
Maki's eyes widened, and she spat out the juice in shock. "W-What's wrong with you!? H-How could you steal my indirect kiss!"
"Indirect kiss? What are you talking about?"
"Grrr!! You're the worst!"
"Pfft~ Ahahaha! You're too easy to tease, Nishikino-san."
"Ugh, shut up!" she retorted, wiping her mouth indignantly.
We spent the rest of our lunch break chatting and teasing each other until it was time to return to our respective classrooms as the lunch period came to an end. Maki and I parted ways, each heading to our own classes.
After the lecturing hours ended, I made my way out of the classroom, intending to head home. However, as I approached the school gates, I spotted three familiar figures. "Hm?"
"Senpai! Hello!" Honoka greeted me enthusiastically as the others turned to acknowledge my presence.
"Hello, everyone. What are you doing?
"We're going to be handing out flyers!" Honoka exclaimed, proudly displaying the fliers in her hand.
"Ah, I see. That's a good promotional strategy."
"It's not just that," Kotori interjected, "We're also here to help build Umi's confidence." She nodded towards Umi.
"Eh? Sonoda-san, are you perhaps nervous about crowds?"
"W-Well... Maybe a little," Umi admitted, scratching her cheek bashfully.
"Don't worry, Umi-chan! We're all here to support you!" Honoka reassured her with a bright smile.
"That's right! We'll all stick together, so there's nothing to worry about," Kotori chimed in, giving Umi an encouraging nod.
I smiled at their camaraderie. "You're in good hands, Umi-chan. Just take it one step at a time."
"T-Thank you," Umi replied, still feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Oh! I know! Senpai, how about you help us too?" Honoka suggested enthusiastically.
"That's a great idea, Honoka-chan!" Kotori agreed.
"I-I mean, Sure! I'd be happy to help."
I'm also concerned about Sonada-san anyway. An idol who gets cold feet about performing in front of others.
And so, we ventured into the bustling shopping district, where the sounds of chatter filled the air.
"Huh? T-There's so many people..." Umi said, her voice trembling slightly as she surveyed the crowds.
"Yeah, of course there are! I chose this place!" Honoka exclaimed. "If we hand out flyers here, not only can we promote our concert, but it'll also get you used to making a scene in public."
I nodded silently, understanding Honoka's reasoning.
Just then, Umi closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath, "They're all vegetables, They're all vegetables." When she opened her eyes again, her face had gone pale.
Vegetables!?
Oh great, I should watch for her just in case...
"Anyway, you two, get to work now," I said to Honoka and Kotori. "I'll take care of Sonoda-san."
"Aye~ Aye~ Senpai!" the two of them replied in unison before diving into the crowd to distribute the flyers.
"Now then, Sonoda-san, time to get to work," I said, turning to where she was standing. However, I found her missing. "Eh? Sonoda-san!?"
Then, I noticed her sitting in front of one of the gacha game machines, about to open one. "Oh, it seems I got a rare one," she said nonchalantly.
"Sonoda-san! There's no time for gacha games!"
"I-I know that... but... It's just I'm scared."
"I understand, Sonoda-san," I said, approaching her gently. "But facing your fears head-on is the best way to overcome them. You have Honoka and Kotori here to support you, and I'm here too. We'll take it one step at a time, together."
Just then, Honoka and Kotori returned to us, their expressions slightly downcast. "Looks like it didn't work out," Honoka remarked.
"Hmm... What about going back to school?" I suggested.
"Eh? That's a good idea!" Kotori exclaimed
"Yeah!"
And so, we made our way back to the school, leaving the bustling shopping district behind. As we walked, I could sense Umi's nerves gradually easing with each step. Suddenly, Umi stepped closer to me and whispered softly, "Thank you, Senpai."
My eyes widened as I looked at Umi, who was smiling at me.
"Hm? Did you whisper something to senpai, Umi-chan?" Honoka asked.
Umi chuckled lightly. "Nothing much. I'm just getting hyped up for our first live."
"Me too! I'm feeling nervous, but also really excited," Kotori added with a smile.
Seems like I have nothing to worry about, I thought to myself.
I stopped walking and turned to face them. "Guys."
The three of them looked at me expectantly.
"I think I need to head home now. I've got some homework to take care of."
"Really? Okay then, goodbye Senpai!" Honoka grinned, waving her arm enthusiastically.
"See you tomorrow, you three," I said before turning away and heading home.
"There's nothing to worry about them anymore. I'm sure they can handle it themselves. But right now, I'm feeling pretty hyped up," I muttered to myself as I walked down the road.
However, my thoughts were interrupted when I noticed a familiar figure peering at the trio from a nearby pole.
Approaching her cautiously from behind, I cleared my throat to get her attention.
"What are you doing?"
"Uwah! Don't scare me!" she exclaimed, startled.
"Stalking is bad, Yazawa-san," I teased with a smirk.
"Tch, Nishihara-kun. What are you doing here?" she retorted.
"I was just heading home until I saw you."
"Oh yeah? Well, how about you go on your journey and leave me alone," she grumbled.
Allow me to introduce her. Her name is Yazawa Niko. Nico has quite an abrasive personality and doesn't really care about anyone... but...
"Yazawa-san, can you show me how to become an idol?"
"Eh? Why would I show you? You're not worthy to see an idol anyway."
What a sharp tongue.
"Why not? Please?"
She sighed. "Fine... Just this once." Suddenly, her demeanor changed, and she adopted her alternate personality, flashing two peace signs. "Nico Nico Nii~ A nico-nico smile, straight to your heart!~" then winks at me, "Yazawa Nico-Nico gave you a smile~"
As you can see, she takes on this happy, upbeat character, always smiling.
It's a little creepy.
"Oi, just now did you say something bad to me just now?"
Nico questioned, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"Huh? What are you talking about? I was just admiring your cuteness, Yazawa-san."
She sighed, "By the way, what are you to those three?"
"Hm? A first fan."
"A first fan? Do you know that those three are a disgrace to real idols!?"
"Oh? Disgrace? What do you mean by that?"
Nico rolled her eyes. "They don't have the dedication or talent to be real idols. They're just wasting their time."
I raised an eyebrow. "But they seem pretty serious about it. And they have a lot of passion."
"Passion isn't enough to make it in the idol world. It takes skill, charisma, and hard work."
"Well, maybe they'll surprise you."
Nico scoffed. "I doubt it. But hey, if you're their 'first fan,' then good luck to you. You'll need it."
"Then... Why don't you join them?"
Nico's eyes widened, and she glared at me. "What do you mean?"
"Aren't you... The Idol Research Club's president? Nico Yazawa-san?"