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Chapter 64 - Chapter 63: Shine On!

The day had finally arrived—the release day of Celestial's second album 'Shine On!'. Kaede felt her heart pounding just thinking about it. It had been so long since she had attended one of their shows, and this time, it was even more meaningful. This wasn't just her favorite idol group anymore; Mirei was her girlfriend now, and Kaede could hardly contain her excitement. She wanted everything to be perfect.

Before she could go, though, there was still band practice with Risa and Yukina. She'd managed to get permission to leave early that afternoon, but as she was finishing up, Risa sidled over, curious.

"So," Risa began, a casual tone layered with a slight edge, "big plans today?"

Kaede's face lit up instantly. "Yeah! I'm going to see Celestial's concert! It's the album release show, and I've been waiting for it for months!" Her voice had that unmistakable enthusiasm that always surfaced when she spoke about Celestial—and especially about Mirei.

Risa's expression shifted, a hint of irritation flickering across her face before she managed a forced smile. "Wow, you sound really excited," she said, though her tone was slightly clipped. "I didn't know you were so… into them."

Kaede tilted her head, catching Risa's change in tone but brushing it off. "Of course I am! Especially since, you know, Mirei and I are—" She stopped short, realizing she didn't want to go on too much about it, knowing it could sound like bragging.

Yukina, chuckled. "Don't let Risa's grumpiness get to you, Kaede. We knew how close Mirei and you are" she teased, throwing a playful wink at Risa, whose cheeks turned pink.

Risa huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm not grumpy. I'm just… trying to understand, that's all." She hesitated.

"Oh, come on, Risa," Kaede said, a soft laugh breaking the tension. "It's just… seeing Mirei perform means a lot to me. She's worked so hard, and I can't help but be proud of her."

"Lucky Mirei, having someone who's that invested in her success," Risa murmured, her eyes briefly meeting Kaede's with an intensity that made Kaede pause.

There was a beat of silence as Kaede absorbed Risa's words, unsure if she'd heard correctly. Did Risa sounds…jealous? But Risa quickly turned away, busying herself with packing up her gear. "Just… have a good time, okay?"

"Thanks, Risa," Kaede replied, her voice gentle. "I will."

As soon as practice wrapped up, Kaede made a stop at a local florist to pick out a bouquet for Mirei. She wanted something personal, a symbol of her feelings and support for Mirei's big day. Standing among the blooms, she selected delicate pink roses for admiration, white lilies for sincerity, and a few blue hydrangeas for understanding. She imagined Mirei's face lighting up when she received them, and that thought alone made Kaede's heart flutter. She spent a little extra time choosing each flower, knowing how much this bouquet would mean.

Finally, Kaede arrived at the venue, heart pounding as she took in the crowd gathered around. There were so many people—fellow fans all eager to see Celestial on this important night. Though the excitement made her nervous, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. She was part of this shared experience again, and it felt exhilarating.

Finding her seat in the middle rows, Kaede smiled, hoping Mirei would be able to spot her from the stage. The lights dimmed, her heart beat in time with the rising music, and then the stage exploded into light as Celestial appeared. Kaede's breath caught as she saw Mirei, leading the group with that confident, radiant smile that had captivated her from the start. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, overcome with emotion as memories of watching Mirei from afar flooded back. It felt like reliving that first moment she'd seen her on screen, only now, it was real—Mirei was right there, shining brighter than ever.

As the show went on, Kaede found herself lost in Mirei's every move, in the way her girlfriend's gaze sometimes drifted toward her. Their eyes met a few times, and in those shared glances, it felt as if they were having a silent conversation, one that only they understood. Mirei's smile softened each time she looked Kaede's way, and Kaede's heart skipped a beat every single time. She felt as if she could stay in this moment forever.

By the end of the show, the entire crowd was on its feet, cheering wildly, and Kaede's voice joined them, hoarse from emotion and the happy tears that had left her eyes red and puffy. It had been worth every second.

After the show, Kaede made her way to the backstage entrance, her hands clutching the bouquet as she nervously approached the security staff. Mirei told Kaede, that she could go backstage as a family member, but the guard stopped her with a skeptical look.

"I'm sorry, this area is restricted," the guard said firmly.

"Oh, I'm Mirei's guest. She said I could—"

"Only immediate family or crew members are allowed past this point," the guard interrupted, eyeing her suspiciously.

Kaede tried to explain, her cheeks flushing. "I know it sounds strange, but Mirei personally invited me. We're… really close."

The guard crossed his arms, clearly unconvinced. Just as Kaede was about to try reasoning with him again, she heard a familiar voice.

"What's going on here?"

It was Minami, another member of Celestial. Kaede glanced over, her nerves easing just slightly. Minami looked at her curiously, the hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Kaede swallowed, feeling a bit awkward under Minami's steady gaze. "Hey Minami... Um, Mirei invited me backstage…"

Minami raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eyes, but didn't press. She just gave the security guard a quick nod. "It's fine. She's with us."

The guard nodded, finally stepping aside, and Kaede exhaled, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thank you, Minami," she said quietly as they walked together. She felt a pang of intimidation in Minami's presence—she seemed even more poised and confident now than she'd been back when they were trainees.

"No problem," Minami replied with a small smile, then added, "Mirei will be happy to see you."

When they reached Celestial's waiting room, Minami paused outside, calling Mirei's name. Kaede waited, her heart racing, until Mirei appeared at the door. Her girlfriend looked a little pale and tired, but her smile brightened the moment she saw Kaede.

"Mirei!" Kaede exclaimed softly, stepping forward just in time to catch Mirei as she wobbled slightly. "Are you okay?" Concern flooded her voice as she helped Mirei inside.

As they stepped into the room, Kaede noticed it was empty aside from the two of them. Mirei looked around with a small sigh of relief, then turned back to Kaede, her face softening. Minami, after ensuring Kaede was settled, gave her a knowing nod.

"I'll leave you two alone," Minami said, flashing a quick smile. "I need to check in with my family, anyway."

"Thanks, Minami," Kaede said, watching as Minami quietly slipped out, leaving them in a rare moment of privacy.

The silence settled over them, warm and comfortable. Kaede turned her attention back to Mirei, who was leaning against the armrest, looking exhausted but still radiant. Gently, Kaede took her hand, fingers brushing over Mirei's.

"You really did push yourself out there, didn't you?" Kaede murmured, concerned. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Mirei sighed, "I went a little too hard at the end. My ankle's a bit sore. Guess I got too excited," she murmured with a sheepish smile, glancing down. Mirei let out a soft laugh. "But it was worth it, knowing you were out there watching."

Kaede gently squeezed her hand, offering her a comforting smile. "You were amazing, Mirei. Everyone thought so. And I'm so proud of you."

She held out the bouquet she'd so carefully selected, and Mirei's eyes widened, her cheeks blushing as she accepted it. "Thank you, Kaede… really," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Kaede's words, her presence, everything meant the world to her.

"These are beautiful… thank you." Mirei's voice was filled with emotion as she looked at the flowers, her fingers brushing over the delicate petals. She paused, looking up to meet Kaede's eyes. "It means so much that you're here."

Kaede moved a little closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wouldn't miss it. I love watching you shine." She reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Mirei's face, her thumb lingering near Mirei's cheek. "And… I'm so proud of you. Not just as a fan, but as…" She hesitated, feeling her cheeks heat up. "…someone who loves you."

Mirei's breath caught, her gaze softening, and Kaede could see the same emotions mirrored in her eyes. She slowly leaned in, their faces mere inches apart. Kaede closed her eyes, heart pounding as she felt Mirei's soft breath against her lips.

But just as their lips were about to meet, the door opened unexpectedly, and they both jumped back, startled.

"Oh! Sorry!" Hikari's voice rang out, and they both jerked back, cheeks flushed. Hikari gave them a bewildered look but didn't seem to have noticed anything.

Kaede, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment, cleared her throat, managing a smile. She squeezed Mirei's hand one last time. "I should go, anyway. Thanks for inviting me, I'll see you soon," she said softly, meeting Mirei's gaze one last time.

"Definitely," Mirei smiled, her eyes lingering on Kaede as she made her way out of the room.

As she walked out, she could hear the soft chatter between Mirei and Hikari, and a pang of longing shot through her. How she wished she could have stayed by Mirei's side longer, shared in her triumphs and quiet moments.

Stepping out into the night, Kaede couldn't help but smile, her heart full. Snow began to fall softly around her, and she tucked her scarf around her neck, feeling warm despite the chill. This moment, this night, and every second with Mirei—all of it was worth the wait.

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