Another 2 months had passed since Kaede and the other trainees began practicing Startline, and the atmosphere in the agency had shifted. Where there was once uncertainty and self-doubt, now there was a sense of purpose. The remaining trainees had grown more confident in their skills, more in tune with the demands of idol life. It was still grueling—long hours of practice, endless routines to master, and constant evaluations—but Kaede could feel the difference in herself. She was no longer the girl who stumbled through every dance practice, unsure of her abilities.
Now, even the teachers were noticing her improvement.
"Great job today, Kaede," one of the dance instructors said as the group finished their morning session. "Your movements have become much sharper. Keep it up."
Kaede bowed politely, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to spread across her face. Praise from the teachers was rare, and hearing it now, after all the months of hard work, was both a relief and a boost to her confidence. She still had a long way to go, but it was nice to know her efforts weren't going unnoticed.
Mirei, who had been standing nearby, walked over and grinned. "You've really improved a lot, Kaede. I mean, it's like you've known the song and choreography for ages or something."
Kaede's heart skipped a beat at Mirei's words. It was the truth, of course—she had known the song and choreography for ages, at least from the perspective of a fan. But she couldn't exactly tell Mirei that. Instead, she offered a sheepish smile and shrugged. "I guess I've just been working really hard."
Mirei tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully. "It's more than just hard work. You're even teaching me some of the moves now. What's your secret, Kaede?"
Kaede laughed nervously, feeling the weight of Mirei's curious gaze on her. "No secret. I've just been paying attention during practice."
Mirei let it slide with a knowing smile, but Kaede could tell that Mirei was suspicious. Still, she didn't press the matter, and the two continued their day of practice as usual.
Mirei had become something of an unofficial leader among the trainees, a role that suited her well. Even though she was technically just a trainee like the rest of them, her natural charisma and quiet confidence had earned her the respect of the other girls. Whenever someone was struggling, Mirei was there to offer advice or a helping hand. She had a way of making everyone feel included, of easing the pressure when things became overwhelming.
It was one of the many reasons why Kaede admired her so much.
But amid the chaos of their busy training schedules, Kaede hadn't realized something important: tomorrow was Mirei's eighteenth birthday. The thought hit Kaede like a bolt of lightning as they wrapped up practice for the day. Mirei had never mentioned it, and none of the other trainees had brought it up either. Kaede's heart raced as she realized she only had a few hours to prepare a surprise for her.
"I'm sorry, Mirei," Kaede said hurriedly as she grabbed her bag. "I have to leave practice early today. I have something to take care of."
Mirei blinked in surprise, but she smiled and waved Kaede off. "No problem. I'll see you tomorrow."
Kaede felt a pang of guilt as she left Mirei behind, but she knew she needed to make the most of the time she had. She hurried to the nearest mall, her mind racing as she tried to think of the perfect gift. Mirei had always been kind to her, always supportive, and Kaede wanted to give her something that would show just how much that meant to her. But what could she give to someone like Mirei, someone who seemed so perfect and put together?
Kaede wandered from shop to shop, her anxiety growing as she struggled to come up with ideas. Clothes? Too impersonal. Jewelry? Too cliché. She didn't want to give something that felt generic or thoughtless. Just as she was about to give up, her eyes fell on a display in a small boutique.
A lucky charm, shaped like a star.
It was simple but elegant, with a delicate chain and a star that glimmered softly in the light. The moment Kaede saw it, she knew it was perfect. Mirei had always been a guiding light for her, like the star that helped her navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of trainee life. The charm was a small gesture, but it felt right.
Kaede purchased it immediately, her mind already racing with another idea. The charm wasn't enough on its own. She wanted to do more. So, she decided she would create a video—a compilation of their practice sessions from the past when they are not yet trainees, showing how far they had come since they first started. She would edit it herself, adding clips of the moments they had shared as trainees, and end it with a heartfelt message of support for Mirei.
By the time Kaede returned home, it was late, but she didn't waste a second. She worked tirelessly through the night, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she edited the video, adding music, cutting clips, and making sure everything was just right. She wanted this to be perfect, a gift that would show Mirei just how much she meant to her.
By the time Kaede finished, the sun was almost beginning to rise. Exhausted but satisfied, she saved the video file and packed the charm into a small, neatly wrapped box. Tomorrow, she would give Mirei the surprise of a lifetime.
The next morning, Kaede woke to a message from Mirei.
Mirei: Hey Kaede, I have something to do this morning, so I won't be able to go to the agency with you. I'll see you there later, okay?
Kaede frowned slightly at the message but shrugged it off. Mirei was always busy, and Kaede wasn't about to question it, especially not on her birthday. She quickly got ready, making sure to pack the gift in her bag, and set off for the agency. Her heart was pounding with excitement, a mix of anticipation and nerves. She hoped Mirei would love the gift as much as she had loved preparing it.
As Kaede arrived at the agency, the usual preparation bustle of practice was underway, but all she could think about was finding the perfect moment to give Mirei her gift. She wanted it to be special, to see the look on Mirei's face when she opened it.
For now, though, she would have to wait.