In a quiet suburb on the edge of a bustling city, lived a girl named Mariko. From her earliest memories, Mariko had been utterly enchanted by the dazzling world of idols. Posters of sparkling performers adorned her modest room, and every free moment was spent watching performances on her aging laptop.
Yet, in the mirror each morning, Mariko's reflection brought a quiet sorrow. Born with features that society deemed unattractive, she struggled daily with low self-esteem. While the idols she admired radiated charm, beauty, and grace, Mariko saw only the harsh lines of a face that had never fit the standard.
Despite the whispers and occasional cruel remarks at school, Mariko's love for idols was unyielding.
In secret, she practiced dancing in her cramped living room, mimicking the moves of her favorite stars. She sang softly when she thought no one was listening, letting the strains of her dreams fill the silence. Deep down, Mariko believed that beauty was more than skin deep—it was something to be earned and cultivated, like a rare flower blooming against all odds.