Risa Tanaka had always been drawn to music. Growing up in Gifu, where her family struggled to make ends meet, she discovered her love for the bass in junior high, finding solace in the deep, resonant notes that seemed to express everything she couldn't put into words. The bass became her outlet, her passion, and the hope she clung to. She wanted to help her family escape the cycle of poverty, and music felt like her ticket out. So, with barely enough savings and a secondhand bass as her only companion, seventeen-year-old Risa left Gifu and moved to Tokyo with dreams of making it as an idol.
When she stepped into the practice room at Starlight Entertainment for the first time, her nerves were sky-high. She was just a small-town girl surrounded by nineteen other trainees, all just as hungry for success. She could feel the excitement mixed with tension in the air. It was a world unlike anything she had ever known—competitive, fast-paced, and intimidating.
Her first impression of the other trainees was overwhelming. Among them, two stood out to her immediately. One was a stunningly pretty girl with an ethereal presence that made her look like she was born for the spotlight. The other was a tomboyish girl, her charm and energy shining brightly even in the simplest of moves. Risa found herself drawn to them, but they were always together, inseparable, as if they were in their own world. She wanted to approach them, to befriend them, but something held her back. Her extroverted nature made her quick to bond with others, though, and soon she grew close to a girl named Emi, who was friendly and encouraging.
Training was rigorous. Risa struggled with dance, her body feeling stiff and clumsy compared to the fluidity of others. She spent hours practicing, sometimes staying behind with Emi for extra sessions. But as the debut selection process inched closer, things began to shift. The camaraderie in the training room faded, replaced by an undercurrent of tension. Everyone was fighting for their own shot at stardom, and the once-friendly atmosphere turned cold.
Risa's progress in dancing was still slow, and with the increased competition, even Emi began to focus solely on her own practice, leaving Risa to fend for herself. The pressure was intense, and doubt started creeping in. Was she good enough? Was she making a mistake by chasing a dream that seemed so far out of reach?
One evening, exhausted and ready to give up, she was sitting in the corner of the practice room, struggling with a particularly difficult part of the dance for "Startline." Her body ached, and frustration pricked at her eyes. She was just about to leave when she heard a familiar voice.
"Need some help?"
It was the tomboyish girl she had admired from afar—Kaede. Despite an injured ankle, Kaede limped over and patiently demonstrated the moves, guiding Risa through each step with unshaken determination. Risa was taken aback by her kindness and resilience. Here was someone who had every reason to rest, yet she was offering help to a struggling trainee.
That night changed something in Risa. Kaede's selflessness and strength ignited a spark of admiration—and perhaps something deeper—in her heart. Kaede's support had been the lifeline she needed, and she pushed herself harder from then on, driven not just by her dream but also by the hope of standing beside Kaede on stage one day.
But that dream came crashing down when they failed to debut. The heartbreak was indescribable. She felt she had let down not just herself but her family, who had put so much faith in her. She couldn't bear to tell them she hadn't made it, so she kept it to herself, carrying the weight of disappointment in silence. It was a painful period, but even then, Kaede was a source of quiet strength.
Eventually, things began to look up when she, Kaede, and Yukina formed a band. The chance to be in a band with Kaede brought her happiness and hope. As they spent more time together, Risa's feelings for Kaede only deepened. Kaede wasn't just talented; she was hardworking, caring, and unfailingly kind. She had a quiet charm, a sweetness that crept into Risa's heart and stayed there.
But there was one question that lingered at the back of her mind—Kaede's relationship with Mirei. Risa noticed how close they were, how Kaede's eyes lit up whenever she mentioned Mirei. She wanted to ask, to understand, but each time she tried, the words got stuck in her throat. It wasn't her place to pry, and the fear of confirming her suspicions held her back.
Then, one evening after their first live performance, Risa saw Kaede outside, hugging someone. The figure was disguised, but there was something familiar about the way they leaned into each other, the way Kaede's face softened. When she looked closer, she realized it was Mirei, hidden beneath a beanie and mask. The sight left her reeling. The truth she had tried to ignore was right in front of her.
Heartbroken, Risa forced herself to stay silent. She couldn't ruin what they had, nor could she interfere in Kaede and Mirei's happiness. Even though it hurt, she wanted Kaede to be happy, even if that happiness wasn't with her. But it was a pain she bore alone, retreating into quiet heartbreak.
One day, during a casual "ramen date" with Kaede, Risa finally gathered the courage to bring it up. She danced around the subject, but Kaede sensed where the conversation was heading and opened up about her relationship with Mirei. Hearing Kaede speak so warmly and openly about Mirei shattered whatever hope Risa had left. She tried to keep her expression steady, to smile and act supportive, but the pain gnawed at her heart.
That night, Risa cried alone. The unspoken feelings, the what-ifs, the impossible dreams—it all poured out in silent tears. She was in love with someone she could never have, and the reality was harder than she'd anticipated. But as painful as it was, she promised herself she would be there for Kaede, to support her and stand by her side as a good friend. She loved Kaede too much to let go of their friendship, and if that was all she could have, then she would cherish it.
Over time, she learned to try to bury those feelings, to wear her usual cheerful smile and carry on. She want to focused on their music, on making Chasing Stardust a success, knowing that her love for Kaede would always be a part of her. It was a bittersweet love, one that she kept close to her heart as a silent song, echoing in the quiet moments, a reminder of dreams that could never be. And as they continued to share their journey, Risa found solace in the music, letting her unspoken love for Kaede shape every note, every melody, and every beat.
Risa's natural cheerfulness and positivity had always been her defining traits. Even during the rough patches, she was the one who could lighten the mood with a joke or an encouraging word, bringing energy and warmth to the room. Her extroverted personality became an anchor for Chasing Stardust, balancing out Kaede's quiet determination and Yukina's reserved demeanor. She wasn't just the bassist; she was the heartbeat that kept their spirits up.
As the only extrovert in the band, Risa naturally took on the role of their spokesperson. She loved sharing their journey, talking about their rehearsals, inside jokes, and even the struggles they overcame. Risa's charm was infectious, and she knew how to keep the conversation flowing, making people laugh and feel at ease around her.
Her enthusiasm was genuine, and it made people root for them. It wasn't something she thought about consciously; it was simply who she was. Her warmth helped the band feel more accessible to their fans and created a bridge between the members and the world.