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“I knew I had the right idea. Matsuri really is naive if she thinks she can take that monster of an idol head on. She’ll only expend all of her energy on a fest she’s bound to lose. I on the other hand will take my sweet time as I gather enough waccha from smaller gigs. He, he, really it shouldn’t be allowed for me to be both mind numbingly cute as well as the most cunning primagi idol. Don’t you agree, Hanitan?”
“Who knows?”
Hanitan says rather dismissively. Sometimes Miruki has a hard time telling if her partner is wilfully being snarky or if it is just due to her almost perpetual state of being half asleep.
“I suppose I should at least check out how naive little Matsuri-chan is doing.”
As Miruki arrives at the performance hall (disguised with sunglasses and a hat of course.) She takes notice of the talented idols entering ahead of her. Each of them pushing themself to the limit for this upcoming performance. A very minor voice in her head questions if not entering is really for the best?
No, no, of course it is. Her cuteness is matched by none. Why should she even feel the need to compete at a stage like this?
“Work yourself up as much as you like. Miruki will be on top before you know it.” She says to herself.
“No way is that Miruki-chan!?”
“What!? I thought she wasn’t entering fresh fest?”
Two idol fans are looking her way. Looks like the disguise wasn’t quite enough.
“This is bad if people get hyped for my appearance and I never show it’ll reflect badly on me. I’ve got to sneak away before they can confirm it’s me.”
Naturally a popular idol like Miruki is used to being recognised and she's no stranger to sneaking away when she has to. Before any more attention is drawn to her she slips into what looks like a recently constructed set.
“How strange. It looks like a hotel. This is quite the elaborate set; there's even an upstairs section. Best of all there's no one else around so it's the perfect spot to kill some time. Feel like having a rest Hanitan?”
“...sleepy.”
“Of course you are. Let’s see if we can find a nice spot to lie down.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I- I’m determined to cheer Matsuri on but- but...”
Lemon sheepishly takes a step away from the crowd of fans squished together at the front of the viewing platform as excitement takes over at this grand stage.
“This is crazy! There’s an army of people here. I'm way too underleveled for this!”
“Calm down, Lemon! There’s still 20 minutes before Matsuri’s due to perform. Let’s step back a bit so you can get some room to breathe.”
“Good plan Carron. Let’s head back and restore our mana before the boss battle.”
Lemon feels much calmer as she puts distance between herself and the stage but her search for a quiet place has taken them to a much peculiar room.
“I know I said to step back a bit but where are we exactly?”
“No way! I recognise this place. It’s the hotel from that new game about a princess going on a quest to save her kingdom.”
“Um, are you sure about that, Lemon?”
“Who do you think you’re talking to? I’d never mistake something like this. I’ve watched that trailer three times already and I can tell you this is an EXACT replica of the hotel they stay in!”
“If you’re that confident it must be true. I suppose this studio will be filming some special to advertise the game but it certainly is strange that we can just walk in here. Someone must have forgotten to lock the door. I doubt they’ll appreciate us sneaking around like this.”
“Woah! This is the amulet her best friend gave her before she left on her journey. It’s so detailed!”
“It’s no good. She’s completely lost in her own world.”
Carron has no choice but to accompany her fanatical partner as the two of them tour the set.
“This is amazing. It’s like we’ve been transported to the world of the game.”
“Just don’t get too carried away. We still don’t know if we’re alone here or not.”
Suddenly Lemon stiffens up.
“I didn’t think about that.”
“Sorry maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”
During the moment of uneasy silence a creaking sound is heard from the side of the room they came in from.
“Eep! They’re onto us!”
“It’ll be okay Lemon, it’s not our fault this place was unlocked.”
“Wh-when a secret boss is about to appear the first thing to do is... run and hide!”
Lemon frantically grabs onto Carron and dashes up the stairs. If this replica truly is accurate then at the top of this staircase she’ll see...
Yes! There it is! In the corner of the room lies an inviting bed where the heroes can rest and recover knowing that they are far away from any monsters and are safe from harm.
Lemon dives headfirst into the warm soft sanctuary and notices an intoxicatingly sweet scent surrounding her. Sadly the moment that video games had taught her would be unfailable safe and soothing was abruptly shattered as a pair of arms struggle against her from within.
“aghdfhutnjgf!” Lemon says as she struggles to process what just happened.
“Who in the hell do you think you are!?” A commanding voice roars.
The next sound to emerge is a quiet yet highly unsettling voice.
“Oh, Is it time for me to wake up already? You really shouldn’t wake a sleeping bear y’know?”
As no one in the bed can see what is going on the person who was laying in there prior to Lemon’s appearance forcefully flips over the cover laying on them. She launches it with enough power for it to rise into the air before gently falling back on top of them but this time leaving their head and shoulders uncovered and clear to see.
Lemon is at least a little relieved when she sees a familiar face. While it’s a girl she’s never met in person before, there’s simply no mistaking that face. Even as it beams at her with rage there is still no getting over just how cute that face is. The bear with sharp claws and eyes wide open on the other hand? A little ominous to say the least.
Lemon’s first thought is to leave the explaining and more importantly apologising to Carron, aka the one with all the social skills between them but she notices that her rabbit friend is looking a little dizzy after that mad dive she made them do.
“Um, I- I just...”
It’s hopeless. At this rate Lemon’s soul really will leave her body. The only reason it hasn’t so far is due to the utter confusion of what’s happening.
“Oh, it’s you.” Miruki says dismissively.
“Settle down Hanitan. You can go black to sleep.”
The bear's eyes return to their half closed state leaving her with a much less intimidating demeanour.
“’k.”
Miruki turns her attention back to the girl trembling beside her.
“You’re that new idol that’s as timid as a mouse aren’t you? Let me guess, you heard a sudden noise and it spooked you enough into leaping into the closest hiding space?”
Lemon firmly nods in response. She has a clear look of relief on her face now that she is spared the act of having to explain herself without any support from Carron.
Just as she begins to feel the slightest bit at ease the same sound as earlier can be heard.
“Eep!”
Miruki leans in close and whispers.
“That’s no good. You have to be quiet if you want to hide.”
Miruki can’t help but enjoy how much Lemon is struggling to not fidget as she lays next to her. No doubt the socially inept girl is having a hard time keeping up with the cutest girl in all of Primagi.
“He, he, don’t make a sound now or the guards will get you.”
“O-okay.” Lemon whispers as quietly as she can.
As stressful as this situation is, Lemon's idol fanatic side is trying it’s hardest to override her introverted side and simply enjoy the scenario she’s wound up in. While she’s having this internal battle she somehow works up the courage to meet eyes with the girl that’s gazing down at her in amusement.
Lemon is immediately entranced by the gentle blue eyes gazing back at her. Though she is starting to get the impression the personality hiding behind that angelic face isn’t quite so gentle.
The pink haired girl flutters her eyelashes as she says. “What’s with that look? You seem quite interested in little ol’ me all of a sudden.”
“Sorry I just um- well you’re so cute I couldn’t really help it.”
Lemon is somehow even a brighter shade of red than a moment ago. If Carron doesn’t come to soon she’s gonna be in big trouble.
Miruki seems delighted by the praise and is certainly not the type to downplay it.
“My, how nice of you to notice.”
The whimsical girl notices Lemon attempting to burrow away under the covers like a rabbit trying it’s best to avoid becoming prey.
“Goodness, you really are a timid one. You’ll only look more suspicious if you hide under the covers.” Miruki bluntly explains.
Lemon briefly freezes in place before realising she has no choice but to wriggle back up to Miruki’s level.
“Sorry. I moved without thinking.”
Whether out of concern for the flushed girl or simply on a whim, Miruki changes the subject.
“I happened to see your performance the other day. You weren’t half bad.”
“Oh, Thank you. That means a lot coming from you, Miruki-chan.”
“However You’ll be doomed if you’re too nervous to actually look anyone in the eye once you step off stage.”
“That certainly is hard to argue with. It must seem crazy. Me trying to be an idol when I’m a social wreck. Even knowing that all too well I can’t help it. Primagi means everything to me. I can’t just give up on this dream. Even if that would be so much easier.”
Miruki smiles and leisurely lays her head against the pillow while still maintaining eye contact with the girl fighting so hard to maintain a sense of composure.
“Looks like it shouldn’t be a problem after all. I mean if you can say that much to an idol as captivating as I am then what need should you have for doubt?”
For the first time since diving into this bed Lemon has a natural unconflicted smile on her face.
“Miruki-chan.”
“Thank you. I can’t promise to ever be as composed as you are but no matter what I’ll make sure to pull through as an idol.”
“Well so long as you don’t have any silly ideas of surpassing me. You know I can’t let that happen now. My cuteness loses to nobody.”
“I um- Even if you’re the cutest I won’t back down okay?”
Lemon was attempting to initiate a friendly rivalry but it came out more like asking for permission.
“Hmm, on second thought maybe you are still too timid. Perhaps I haven’t teased you enough yet?”
“I beg to differ! It’s a miracle I made it this far without passing out.”
“Hmm, I guess I can be more lenient on you.”
Lemon breathes a sigh of relief as it seems she’s gotten the spoiled girl to give up on the idea of toying with her.
Meanwhile Miruki uses the cover of the blanket to reach her foot across and brush it against Lemons.
“Kyaah!”
“Ba, ha, ha!”
“You totally let your guard down. That’s adorable!”
Finally the voice of a startled rabbit joins the scene.
“Huh!?”
“...Woah my head wouldn’t stop spinning for a second there. What just happened?”
“Carron! I’m so glad you’re okay!”
Lemon scoops Carron up in a big hug.
“I was really worried about you and naturally me by proxy. What would I do without my healer?”
“Of course I’m fine. I’ll always have your back, Lemon.”
Carron still doesn’t have a good grasp on the situation. All she can hope is that this experience doesn’t ultimately lead Lemon to become more anxious about heading outside. That being said she certainly doesn’t sense anxiety as Lemon embraces her.
Once they’re done hugging, Carron is surprised to find that the two of them aren’t the only ones occupying this bed. She of course recognises her magic academy classmates as well as the idol she’s partners with.
“But seriously, What’s going on here?”
Lemon and Miruki both fill Carron in on the events. Well Miruki mostly just provides descriptions on how skittery Lemons' reactions were.
“That must have been so stressful for you, Lemon. I can’t believe I was too out of it to support you. How shameful.”
“It’s not your fault at all Carron.”
“Besides, it wasn't all bad.” She says demurely.
Carron doesn’t quite know what to make of that but now is no time to get sidetracked.
“I doubt we have much time to spare if we want to make it in time for Matsuri’s performance. We'd better hop to it!”
“You’re right. After all this excitement, standing around in a little crowd will be nothing.”
Carron is delighted to see this sudden air of confidence from Lemon.
“Are you saying you’ve finally gained enough exp to level up?”
“You know it. No matter what I’ve gotta be there to show Matsuri-dono my support.”
Miruki’s ears perk up after hearing that.
“So you are here to support Matsuri. Sorry to say it but that girl is wasting her time. There’s no way she can beat Hina.”
Lemon seems to momentarily lose her composure but she steels herself nonetheless.
“To be honest I don’t think Matsuri-dono is ready to beat Hina-senpai yet... But it’s not a waste! I know for sure that Matsuri-dono will put on an amazing performance and she’ll grow stronger for it too.”
Suffice to say Miruki was not expecting that. To think the girl that had been so timid up until now would show fire in her eyes as she defends her friend.
“I’d better get going. I’m sorry about bumping into you the way I did but I really am glad I got to meet you Miruki-chan. T- take care.”
The timid girl and her rabbit partner hurry off while Miruki is left to think over that bizarre encounter. Perhaps this Lemon girl will be someone for her to keep an eye on after all.
“We’d better get moving too, Hanitan.”
“But it’s cosy and there’s a nice smell too.”
“Now’s no time to- oh you’re right. Maybe it’s the fabric softener they use? Just what is that smell?”
Miruki lifts up the duvet cover to her face to get closer to the alluring scent. However her partner is far more adept at pinpointing smells with her bear nose.
“Kun, kun, oh that would be lemon. Nice scent isn’t it?”
After that response Miruki wastes no time dismissively tossing the cover away from her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don't care for the scent of Lemon in the slightest.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Good job retracing our footsteps Lemon and props to not letting yourself get distracted by the set.”
“No time for that. Must get to Matsuri-dono.”
Without missing a beat Lemon grasps the handle to the door out of this place and gives it a strong tug. To her disbelief it refuses to open.
“No way. This can’t be happening.”
She tugs and tugs but it refuses to budge. Lemon is starting to panic but she notices Carron looking surprisingly unfazed.
“Now I get it. That noise from earlier was a member of staff coming back to lock this room. They did a pretty poor job of checking if anyone was still here. If you Chupis were by yourself this would be a big problem.”
“Are you saying it’s not a problem right now? We’re stuck in here! It’s not like we can just magic our- wait a second.”
“That’s right. This is nothing for a magical user like me.”
“Mana! Mana! Unlock this door!”
The sound of the door unlocking is heard and Lemon swings it wide open.
“Freedom!”
Just before they can exit the room Miruki and Hanitan appear from behind them.
“That’s quite the reliable partner you’ve got there. Of course Hanitan would’ve had no problem opening that lock either.”
“Nice of you two to join us.” Carron says with a hint of sarcasm.
“I still need to make sure nobody spots me so I’ll be going on ahead. If it looks like anyone’s noticed me be a sweetie and distracted them ‘k.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Lemon says.
Miruki sweetly waves goodbye before going ahead.
“I can’t get a clear read on that girl but honestly she seems like trouble. You should be cautious around her.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’s not that bad.”
“You sound awfully certain about that. You’re not just being taken in by that cute appearance are you? Just what happened when you were in bed together?”
“Nothing! And don’t say it like that, you're gonna make me get worked up again.”
Carron doesn’t look convinced but either way it’s an issue for another time. They have a show to watch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Miruki watches Matsuri’s performance she is somewhat surprised by just how much of a fight the girl was able to put up against Hina. Naturally she still lost but those words Lemon passionately emparted to her won’t seem to fade. Was there more merit to Matsuri’s feverish pursuit than she had assumed?
After the show is over she decides to take the scenic route as she walks home. Today had given her a lot to think about.
Miruki lets out a sigh.
“Everything used to be so simple but today’s had me questioning what it means to be an idol left right and center.”
“I’m sure that’s a good thing. Even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
Miruki hugs Hanitan and stares at the sunset as she becomes lost in contemplation. The two of them watch the sunset in silence until a thought pops into Miruki’s head.
“I’ve got it.”
“What’s that?”
“I want a crépe. A totally sweet crépe with extra strawberries.”
“Mmm, Me too.”