Kaede's eyes flickered open, feeling as if they hadn't truly closed all night. Her head was heavy, filled with the chaotic hum of endless thoughts and worries. She'd replayed every detail of her evaluation, every movement, every word from the producers. The disappointment from yesterday weighed heavily on her, replaying like a loop in her mind.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to get up. Whether she was ready or not, this day had come. She dressed slowly, her movements mechanical, her mind elsewhere. Her heart raced, each beat a reminder that her dreams hung in the balance.
When she opened the door, Mirei was waiting for her, a soft smile on her lips despite her own nervousness. She looked at Kaede with warm, reassuring eyes, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of emotions swirling inside.
"Ready?" Mirei asked gently.
Kaede nodded, trying to muster a smile. But words failed her, so she only squeezed Mirei's hand tightly. Mirei returned the gesture, her hand warm and steady, grounding Kaede in that moment.
The walk to the agency was silent, each step amplifying their anxiety. The familiar streets felt different under the weight of their shared apprehension. Mirei glanced over at Kaede, sensing the tension radiating off her. Without a word, she took Kaede's hand, hoping it might ease her nerves, if only a little. Kaede managed a small, grateful smile, and for a moment, the world felt a bit more bearable.
When they arrived, a handful of other trainees had already gathered, their faces mirroring Kaede and Mirei's own anxieties. The air was thick with anticipation, a shared nervous energy pulsing through the room.
Mirei, sensing the tension, glanced around at the other girls, and with a soft smile, she reached out her hands. "Hey… maybe we should all hold hands. Just… to calm ourselves."
The others hesitated but soon nodded, reaching out to each other, forming a quiet circle of solidarity. Mirei squeezed each hand tightly, bringing them closer together. Her voice was calm and soothing, carrying a warmth that seemed to ease the room.
"No matter what happens today… let's stay friends, okay?"
They all nodded, murmuring their agreement, holding onto each other a little tighter. For a brief, fleeting moment, the weight of competition and nerves seemed to lift, replaced by the comfort of shared dreams and promises. Kaede looked at Mirei with gratitude, her heart swelling with affection. Mirei had always known exactly what to say, exactly what they all needed.
Soon, the producers, directors, and managers filed into the room, their faces solemn as they took their places. The trainees quickly straightened, letting go of each other's hands as the announcement began.
One of the producers stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Good morning, everyone. We want to thank you all for your dedication, your hard work, and your commitment over these past nine months. This journey hasn't been easy, and we recognize the sacrifices each of you has made to be here."
Kaede held her breath, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. She could feel her hands shaking as she clasped them together, hoping the announcement would come quickly but dreading it all the same.
"Today, we will announce the five trainees who have been selected to debut in our new group. To those who aren't chosen, please understand that this is only the beginning. You've shown incredible talent and potential, and we believe in each and every one of you."
With that, he took a pause, glancing down at a list in his hands. The room fell into a tense silence, the anticipation almost unbearable. Kaede felt her heart sink deeper with each passing second, her mind racing with a thousand silent prayers.
"The first member selected to debut is… Emi."
The room erupted in applause as Emi's face turned to one of shock, her hands covering her mouth in disbelief. Her eyes filled with tears as she tried to process the news, overwhelmed by the reality of her dreams coming true. Kaede clapped along, forcing a smile for her friend, but each announcement felt like a countdown, bringing her closer to the unknown.
The producer paused again, glancing down before announcing the next name. "The second trainee selected… Hikari."
Kaede felt a pang of fear creep into her chest as she joined in the applause. Hikari beamed, looking close to tears herself as she hugged the other trainees around her. The room was tense, each trainee clinging to hope as the list continued.
Kaede's heart pounded wildly, feeling like it was lodged in her throat. She glanced at Mirei, who stood beside her, looking just as nervous.
After a long pause, the producer spoke again. "The third member is… Mirei."
Mirei's face lit up in surprise, her eyes wide as the realization sank in. Kaede felt a rush of joy mixed with relief for Mirei, clapping harder than anyone else. Her heart swelled with pride, even as her own uncertainty loomed over her. Mirei was born for this, Kaede thought to herself, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.
Mirei met Kaede's gaze, her eyes shining with joy and excitement, and for a moment, they shared a look of unspoken understanding. But just as quickly, the producer spoke again, the announcement pulling Kaede back into the present.
"The fourth member selected… Minami."
Kaede's hands trembled as she clapped, feeling the dread sink in deeper. Only one spot left. Her heart raced faster, a silent, desperate prayer echoing in her mind. She squeezed her hands together, eyes closed, willing herself to stay calm.
The producer took one last, agonizing pause, his gaze scanning the room before he finally announced the final name. "And the fifth and final member… Ayumi."
There was a collective gasp as Ayumi's face crumpled with relief, tears streaming down her cheeks as the reality of it all hit her. The other trainees congratulated her, their voices a mix of happiness and heartbreak.
For Kaede, the world fell silent. Her hands dropped to her sides as she stared at the floor, her mind blank, her heart numb. She wasn't crying, nor was she smiling. She simply… existed, trying to process the weight of it all. The silence inside her felt deafening, as if time itself had stopped.
Around her, the unchosen trainees were crying, hugging each other in shared sadness, while the selected girls were overwhelmed, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Kaede could barely see them, her vision clouded, her mind distant. She had worked so hard, given so much, and yet, here she was, left behind.
Mirei's gaze searched for Kaede, her heart sinking at the sight of her girlfriend standing alone, staring at the floor. The joy she'd felt only moments before now felt hollow, replaced by a deep sadness. She had dreamed of standing by Kaede's side on that stage, debuting together, achieving their dreams hand in hand. But now, that future felt fractured, slipping through her fingers.
Without a word, Mirei took a hesitant step toward Kaede, reaching out, but stopping herself. There was a painful stillness between them, a moment frozen in time as they stood there, Mirei watching Kaede and Kaede lost in her own silent world.
Mirei's heart ached, her happiness tainted by the sight of Kaede's quiet devastation. She wanted to say something, to comfort her, to bridge the gap between them. But the words wouldn't come. She didn't want to be the reminder of what Kaede had lost.
Kaede lifted her gaze slightly, her eyes meeting Mirei's for a brief, heart-wrenching moment. The sadness and longing in her eyes mirrored Mirei's own, a silent acknowledgment of their shared dreams slipping away.
They stood there, just looking at each other, both trapped in the bittersweet reality of their separate fates.