Work Text:
18:07
Amia: hey, have you guys heard??
Amia: there’s apparently this SUPER cute idol group that’s recently debuted, they’re all from shibuya!
Amia: people say they’re super cute! and well, you guys know how fond i am of cute stuff (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ
Minorin: rlly?!? Idols are so cute… i wonder if they’re anything like ASRUN?
Amia: yknow, i hear rumours that haruka-san has recently picked up activity in shibuya, but its SO different to ASRUN. maybe we should investigate as a group sometime, for our lovely minori ;)
Minorin: AHDSLSAKLSDKS that would be perfect… you’ll have to find out more!
Amia: should we meet up to check out these idols tomorrow? that way i can also investigate this other rumour hehe
Nenerobo: i’m down 4 that
Minorin: me too!
Amia: honami, when you next check the chat, let us know if you’re free, k? sorry, its pretty short notice, so its okay if you cant! :D
As was the tradition for Kyujitsu Shumijin Doushi’s meetups, things began with an impulsive and sudden inquiry from Mizuki, asking if anyone was free the next day.
A group formed by mutual passion and adoration, yet a lack of listening ears, they often sought out exciting things to learn more about, whether it was something new or something regarding an interest of theirs. Anything from a gaming hyperfixation from sights on a dog-walking route were welcome to be spoken about, and they’d be appreciated by the other members as they asked for expansions, or even made links to their own interests.
And, in cases like these, if it were something entirely new, the topic would be further explored through meetups or voice chats.
So, as it was tradition, the last-minute timings were an aspect of it too.
Though, no matter how Honami tried to remind herself of the way Mizuki worked… it was still troublesome to be told only a few hours before the next day (at least, on the twenty-four hour clock) that they all planned to meet up.
Especially as no actual time had been arranged…
Honami had never been one to hold grudges, to act upon frustration or other feelings synonymous with aggression. Usually, she’d instantly be up for these things. However, the same day that Mizuki planned to track down these new idols and to dedicate their heart and soul to them, Honami had arranged a job interview for the late afternoon.
As seemed to be the case in the past few months, ever since she strolled upon the late night chat room that has since become her safeplace of close friends, everything that she arranged
was last-minute and sudden. Similarly, the interview in question had been arranged only a few days prior. She wanted something to do, a way to rack up spare change to treat her friends with things related to her passions (and also to buy more expensive apple pie ingredients, to spice it all up).
The job description had dubbed this employment opportunity as a simple cleaning job, for someone who lacked the time to do so. It had been credited to an anonymous person, and often it’d be shrugged off due to suspicion. However, the ones advertising it kept it up, claiming the person who set it up was ‘worth honouring the wishes of’... if Honami were to be entirely serious, she had partially taken up this job opportunity out of sheer curiosity.
Who would be credited to an anonymous title, despite seeming so amazing?
‘They may just be ashamed to ask for help with the cleaning’, had been Honami’s thought process. ‘But, surely asking for help is not something shameful?’, had been the following thoughts.
Despite her racing thoughts and overall curiosity, this had been something Honami had yet to share with her friends. Not only was it meant to be a surprise when she had gifts in tow for her dearest friends, but she aimed for it to just be a short-term thing until she had a little more money to fill her pocket.
Maybe when she left the job, she’d tell them of her methods.
So, in order to see whether it would cause conflict in her schedule, she quickly shot a message to the chat.
18:17
Hona: I’m happy to do that, but when are we meeting? I’ve got something going on tomorrow, so I wanted to check!
Nenerobo: im free all day , lets wait for mizu
Amia: i hear my nickname from my dear partner and i have been summoned~ i am omniscient, i know all and hear all~!
Nenerobo: hello <3
Hona: Hi, Mizuki! I hope you’ve been well today :) <3
Amia: i always am, lovely honami! i hope the same for you~
Amia: okay wait i got distracted why was i summoned again
Amia: TIME
Amia : yes okay. I am also free all day but the event is at 12pm methinks
Nenerobo: ya thats good. We can go get lunch afterwards, if honami isnt in a rush
Hona: That’s perfect! My thing is at 4pm so we can absolutely get lunch :)
Minorin: thats also good for me!!!^__^
Amia: sorted! see you guys tomorrow ☆⌒(ゝ。∂) OR ELSE YOU FEEL MY WRATH.
Amia: jk i look forward to seeing you all BYEEE
Luckily, the two plans did not crossover and therefore cause further issues… Sighing with a deep sense of relief, Honami closed the chatroom tab and turned her laptop off, ensuring it had enough charge in case Mizuki suddenly decided they should all call at 4am again.
Usually, it was just Nene and Mizuki at those hours, which is what led to them eventually becoming each other’s queerplatonic partners - Nene had never been one for romantic affairs, though they definitely felt something , so Honami informed them of the definition of queerplatonic relationships. She had discovered it when researching her own identity, though she remained unlabelled in terms of romantic attraction as no label felt right at that moment in time.
And after it all unfolded, Minori, though she arrived on the scene a few hours after it was officially stated, had excessive congratulations and joy to share, leading to an inevitable time out from the server as it ‘left her to calm down’. To combat the cruelty of the server, she joined the voice channel, only to accidentally kick herself out from sheer excitement. Minori was not one for being loud and over-the-top, but when it came to her friends (...or Haruka from ASRUN), all previous assumptions about her were thrown out of the window in favour of wholehearted support.
Slowly packing everything up, Honami rearranged her desk slightly and approached her wardrobe, trying to think ahead and to plan an outfit for the next morning. Her usual attire often received praise from Mizuki for being ‘cuter than cute itself’, though she wondered if her usual attire would be good enough for a job interview. There was a chance, slim but a chance nonetheless, that she’d be entirely ignored due to a lack of formality. Yet, she didn’t want to over-do it, and then receive questioning both from her friends and the ones she intended to impress. So, internally debating her choices, she eventually opted for a pastel pink maxi skirt with a shoulderless white shirt patterned with to match, ensuring she had her favourite cardigan prepared for a sudden change in weather.
Eventually, after the dilemma of the wardrobe was quickly resolved, Honami decided to end the night early by having a hot chocolate and scrolling through her social media, both to check her friends updates but also just to see if anything interesting would be recommended to her. Boiling the kettle with a flick , and prepping the hot chocolate with a drip drip , the efficiency Honami had in preparation remained unparalleled as she finished it up and left it to cool. Plop plop , a few pink marshmallows to melt in the chocolatey beverage… Honami was often one to opt for a sugary tea, however she had impulsively bought hot chocolate mix a few days ago, and as such it became part of her nightly routine to drink hot chocolate rather than tea.
In pondering this, waiting for her drink to cool, she considered just how much of her present life relied on the same routines and traditions.
Maybe this job would be a breath of fresh air, just before it formed into another aspect of her routine.
Not that routines were bad! But sometimes, Honami envied Mizuki’s ability to enter every day with the intention of doing something new or exciting, only to quickly snap herself out of her intrusive daze.
So, to distract herself from the oncoming nightly thoughts, she opted for an endless scroll until something caught her eye, whether that took a few seconds or a few hours.
Then, as she began to scroll, the volume option on her phone that she forgot to turn down forcibly grasped her attention, blasting an upbeat tune that both caught her attention and left her mesmerized.
happi shinsesaiza kimi no
mune no oku made
todoku you na merodi kanaderu yo
tsumaranai "tatemae" ya
ya na koto zenbu
keshite ageru kara kono oto de
nan no tori e mo nai
boku ni tada hitotsu
sukoshi dakedo dekiru koto
kokoro odoraseru
kazaranai kotoba
denshion de tsutaeru yo
On her screen, a bright array of colours flashed as an advertisement for an idol group popped up. It was proven that technology tailored advertisements based upon your recent conversations, but to do so to this extent was almost terrifying.
‘Yume Yume Jump!’ - an idol group to support all dreamers in the world!
What a sweet name… Despite part of her wishing to leave it up to surprises tomorrow, her curiosity had been piqued, and by that point it was difficult to un-pique it… though that wasn’t a word.
Well, excitement denounces all need for a perfect lexicon when squeals of joy can express it far better!
Scrolling through the idol groups page, she noticed profiles had been placed up for the four members, and due to her previous awe she realised she had not actually paid much attention to the vocalists.
So, silently following the account, she scrolled through the profiles of the four members, their descriptions having been written by their own hands.
Shizuku Hinomori:
“Hello all~ My name is Hinomori Shizuku, I’m a member of Yume Yume Jump! and I look forward to delivering a small drop of happiness to you all, alongside my adorable younger sibling and my fellow members, Kanade-chan and An-chan! I hope you can all support us, as we aim to help your dreams grow, like puffy clouds in the sky~”
Shizuku Hinomori… She was gorgeous, there was no denying that. The comment about ‘a drop of happiness’ was exceptionally clever too, considering the reading of her name, and it certainly did make Honami a little happier.
But, wait, ‘a younger sibling’? Honami scrolled down, her questions being answered before they were ever voiced.
Shiho Hinomori:
“Hello everyone. I’m Hinomori Shiho, a temporary member of Yume Yume Jump! alongside my older sister and fellow members Yoisaki-san and Shiraishi-san. Though I am only temporary, I hope to bring smiles and dreams to you all nonetheless, for I think music is a wonderful way to express feelings and it’s a field of opportunity. Similarly, dreams are also a field of opportunity and wonder, and we aim to make all of yours come true. Thank you.”
Shiho… A recognisable name to Honami. They had attended the same middle school, though she had never spoken to them. For a moment, she regretted it… who knew, perhaps in a parallel universe, she would be close friends with Shiho and such a musical dream would be pursued together. Though, she quickly stopped entertaining an impossible possibility, for they each had their own paths now, and she couldn’t be happier for Shiho. She even considered approaching them sometime and asking if they recognised her, though it was incredibly unlikely.
Having pondered the impossible, she scrolled down in an attempt to take her mind off of things, by instead filling it with thoughts of the next idol.
An Shiraishi:
“Hey hey! I’m Shiraishi An, a temporary member of Yume Yume Jump!, but don’t start thinking that I’m not dedicated! Everything you do deserves the utmost effort and dedication, especially towards dreams and hope! So, in order to help everyone else’s dreams, we’re here to give you all that strength, because the impossible can always be possible! Dreams can always come true✰”
Such energy left Honami in awe from just reading. An seemed to harness all the energy in the group alone, and she was certainly unforgettable in the most positive way possible. An unyielding spirit and dedication for the good in the world… someone so incredible almost seemed implausible. Yet, despite how idols always have images that the industry manufactures for monetary gain, An’s passion seemed absolutely genuine. If she intended to pass it onto the readers, it worked, because Honami found her heart racing in sheer adoration.
Having read An’s profile, Honami realised how she only had one profile left to read, and with a pulsing heart (and shaky hands), she scrolled down to learn about the last member.
Kanade Yoisaki:
“Hello everyone, my name is Kanade Yoisaki. I started out as a freelance composer, creating music as per my late mothers recommendation, and later my manager. Although I am not experienced in the idol world, I hope to create music that can channel the immense feelings of my fellow members, as well as everyone in the crowd. You are welcome to rely on us, and we’ll make your dreams come true with our sound. Thank you for checking Yume Yume Jump’s profile, please consider offering us your support for our future performances.”
Honami was floored… stunned? Stupefied? Surprised? Thunderstruck? No word in any dictionary, in any human’s vocabulary, maybe even an extraterrestrial’s vocabulary… NOTHING could describe Honami’s feelings.
Fluttering heart, rising temperature, shaking hands… symptoms most commonly associated with sickness, yet many related them to love as well.
Was this love?
Surely Honami was rational enough to not develop a parasocial relationship with an idol whom she had seen for two minutes.
However, when faced with absolute incomprehensible beauty that no human should seemingly be able to possess, Honami’s feelings were somewhat justifiable... according to her, anyway.
The picture posted of Kanade was them making a peace sign to the camera, making a wink with the power to shoot Cupid’s arrow straight into Honami’s fragile chest. They had the most beautiful, flowing hair, and their smile radiated the utmost warmth, welcoming Honami like a lost and dazed sheep into its embrace.
After a brief moment of being starstruck, to an extent that all celestial beings had formed one beautiful soul on this undeserving earth, Honami realised how close her phone was to her face, and in a panic she slammed it down onto the seat beside her and silently sipped her hot chocolate, trying to avert her gaze away from Kanade’s photo to no prevail.
These new feelings were… certainly something. And it was something she hoped to not inform anyone of.
Yet, the fact she was going to see Kanade perform tomorrow …
She prematurely kissed her job goodbye in favour of finding a new job of being an idol’s dedicated fangirl. One thing was certain - she could absolutely understand Minori’s dedication and excitement when it came to her dear Haruka of ASRUN.
Though, despite the potential solidarity… she couldn’t tell anyone. Not because they’d judge her, for they’d be absolutely supportive. Her own embarrassment at her behaviour behind closed doors had yet to be lifted. Nene would probably dub it a status effect in a game she plays, and such status effects go away after a while, don’t they…?
Yes, surely it was that.
Maybe if Honami told herself that enough, she’d convince herself.
23:34
Amia: omg guys sorry i know its late but i cant sleep im so EXCITEDDD
Amia: they’re so cute man
Amia: i think an might be my bias ngl
Amia: sorry nene u have been replaced w an idol </3
Nenerobo: im heartbroken.
Amia: ooh i can sense the sheer despair from hereee
Amia: its okay bby i still love u
Nenerobo: love u too .
Hona: Oh, hey guys! You guys should rest soon… but I must admit, I’m a little excited too… ^^;;
Amia: HONAMI AWAKE PAST 10PM THE MOON IS GOING TO FALL
Amia: ok im joking i promise BUT HELLO?
Hona: Hello hello! I’m about to head off to bed, you guys just started talking as I was putting my phone down to charge for the night hehe!
Nenerobo: oh wtf honami hiii
Nenerobo: sorry gamign
Amia: hope ur winning bby
Hona: Good luck, Nene! You’ll have to update me tomorrow, I’m going to bed now! I’m very tired, and I need to make sure I’m up in time to have a good healthy breakfast before I leave!
Amia: mmm yes nutrition
Amia: gn honami!! Rest well <3
Nenerobo: ng
Nenerobo: gn**
The next morning, Honami woke up an hour before her alarm, and shot awake to open her phone.
Following the normal routine, she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and styled her hair into her iconic side ponytail, applying a little eyeliner before approaching her clothes to get dressed.
It was only as she began to get dressed she processed why she had applied that eyeliner - though she refused to even think it, the reason linked to a certain idol - which led her to briskly wiping it off. Upon getting dressed, she ran an extra brush through her hair, just for good measure. Then, she looked at herself in the mirror as she passed, stared for just a moment, and gave herself an encouraging smile.
Today was going to be a good day. She was going to enjoy that show, smash that job interview, and be the bright and flourishing girl she always is.
If anything were to stand in her way, she’d smite it out of existence.
As all good girls do.
09:57
Hona: Good morning, everyone! I look forward to seeing you all today, please remember to eat breakfast and to take care of yourselves!
Minorin: gm gm!! Im so excited for today, I kept waking up during the night ;_;
Hona: Oh gosh, that’s no good! I’m really glad you’re excited, but please rest tonight, and don’t push yourself too much, okay? Have some breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day after all!
Minorin: dont u worry honami!
Minorin: im having a very very yummy pancake :D
Minorin: samo-chan is having a delectable treat with their breakfast too! Remember to feed shibao!!
Hona: I was just about to, actually! Enjoy your pancake, and give Samo-chan a pet from me! I’ll see you later :)
As if they sensed the brief mention, Shibao appeared at Honami’s door, barking up a storm as they awaited a cuddle. She tutted to herself and got up from her seat, greeting her dear dog with the largest embrace.
“There, there, Shibao… I promise I didn’t forget your breakfast, my phone just distracted me a little…” She rushed to the kitchen, cooking up a small breakfast for herself, and some dog snacks for her dearest Shibao. As she ate, she continuously checked her phone, partially for updates but also in case there were any Yume Yume Jump! updates regarding the mini show today.
From what Honami had gathered, it was just a small performance in a nearby venue in Shibuya. One that was often used to house street musicians had since become one for all musicians; an example that sprung to mind was the street-theatrical group that nearly got in legal tangles due to one member using robotics that nearly set the stage alight - quite literally. Apparently they were highschool students too… Honami feared for their classmates' safety. Though, from what she heard from street whispers, the other members weren’t that bad. One had excessive eccentricity that jumped out at random opportunities, and the others were just chilling in the background.
However, despite how this venue hosted small and otherwise unknown groups… sometimes, it sowed the seeds to enable immense global growth of these musical groups.
Honami hoped, for their sake, this would apply to Yume Yume Jump, too.
As she ate her breakfast slowly, scrolling faster than she chewed, she lost track of the time entirely. Tick tock. Tick tock.
It was only when Shibao nudged her leg that she realised, in all her distractions of both getting ready and eating (well, scrolling), that time had flown by and it was half an hour until their meeting time.
It took Honami fifty minutes to walk there.
“Oh- Oh no! Shibao, baby, I’ve got to go, okay? Sorry, I’ll buy you some treats while I’m out, I gotta walk super fast-!” A panicked pat-pat on Shibao’s head bid them farewell as Honami burst out the door, just barely throwing her bag over her shoulder and locking the door behind her. Both of her parents were at work, and she hadn’t told them she was heading out, so as she speedily walked towards the main path, she shot her mother a text detailing that she was meeting her friend group. Her mother had been incredibly supportive of her friends, even ‘subtly’ suggesting they should all come over for dinner someday… just once or twice. Grateful for her mothers support, Honami had considered it, however she acknowledged Nene’s difficulty with new or otherwise unplanned situations, and decided it would be best with a lot of pre warnings; no matter how good everyone is with Mizuki’s sudden plans, Honami had always preferred plans in advance, to truly have dedicated time to planned meetings.
As she struggled to fit her phone in her pocket once more, she felt a ding from the server vibrate against her hand, and checked her phone as she narrowly dodged a lamppost.
11:36
Minorin: Guys I’m a little early right
Minorin: and oh my gosh this venue is so packed!!! Do you think we’ll even get in??
Amia: how packed are u saying .
Minorin: theres more people than i expected to be waiting outside… It’s actually pretty exciting!
Amia: we’ll totes get in its fiiiine
Amia: if not I have my ways
Minorin: if possible, please do not argue with anyone.
Amia: hey, it’s not cute to argue! who do you take me for :/
Minorin: I feel like you’re the type to hide behind your cuteness but you actually pack a real mean punch when needed…
Amia: wanna test that one ;3
Minorin: NO!!!
Hona: Pleasne do noy punch Minprin.
Amia: i am joking i promis
Amia: Minori me and nene will be there in a bit!
Amia: honami please watch out for the bushes.
Although it was a joking comment, as Mizuki was prone to making, Honami came face to face with a bush that avidly awaited her view as she looked back up, narrowly dodging it and bumping into a stranger instead.
“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking!”
“You kids these days and your damn phones…” Was the angered response, leaving Honami scoffing as she continued her speed walk towards the venue.
In truth, a meeting spot had not been officially stated, so she just presumed they were meeting there. The previous chat made it seem as if Minori had the same idea, so it was likely Mizuki and Nene would head there too, after meeting each other first.
Ah, how odd for Honami Mochizuki to be late, huh? Honami was always fashionably early; she’d get herself a tea from a café, maybe even a cupcake, and she’d be waiting as the group all piled in. Even on their first meeting, she had been so excited to see them all for the first time, she arrived an hour early running on an hours sleep… that day, after the excitement of chatting about passions in a space where they all felt listened to, Honami fell asleep on Minori’s shoulder and ended up the subject of numerous cat filters on Mizuki’s phone.
Apparently, they planned on making her birthday card with said photos.
Strangely, the thought left Honami joyous, as she appreciated the fact that Mizuki would give her something at all.
So, as she frantically weaved her way through the streets, she eventually recognised a blur of pink in the crowd, in front of the venue.
The venue, despite lack of size, had heaps of people pouring out of the door, queuing for entry. Honami not only wondered how long they had been there, but also why so many people were there.
Minori was right, huh.
She was known for exaggerations at times, in situations like these… Honami had not doubted Minori’s word, but she had not anticipated it to this degree.
Well.
As long as she could track down her friends, all would be good, right…?
“Honami! Come over here, quick!” Almost on queue, Mizuki spotted Honami and began frantically waving towards her, nearly knocking over their partner in the process. Beside them, Minori also waved, clutching four tickets in her hand as she offered a big smile.
“Hey guys…!” Honami sprinted towards the group, being caught in a hug by Minori as she entered their space. Although her arrival was met with scoffs from those behind them, complaining about line-cutters, she was just thrilled to have met her friends once more.
And, alongside her friends…! She’d be able to see THE Kanade Yoisaki on stage! Just the thought coated her arms in goosebumps, and she felt immense gratitude for her cardigan at that moment.
“Hey! How have you been, Honami-chan?” Minori piped up, as excited for the group's reunion as Honami. In her hair, she sported a pink and blue ribbon on each side, with her hair in pigtails. Undoubtedly Mizuki’s doing, yet utterly adorable nonetheless… Honami internally noted to herself that she had to ask Mizuki for cute accessories sometime, with a payment of apple pies galore.
“I’ve been good! It’s good to see you all so well!”
“Of course, of course! We’re all together after all, so everything’s gonna be ju~st fine!” With a scoff, Mizuki put their hands on their hips.
“...tough talk, coming from the person who had to mentally prepare to see An Shiraishi on stage, in case they passed out and gravely embarrassed themselves in front of their bias…” By their side, Nene was quick to make a snide comment, but with the teasing intent that Mizuki had grown to adore.
“H-Hey! You promised you wouldn’t tell!” If it weren’t for Honami’s embarrassment, she would have offered solidarity in this moment, but that would involve explaining how she nearly kissed her phone upon seeing Kanade’s profile.
“Hehe. You’re cute when you’re all flustered.” Despite the confidence in vocals, their body language stated sheer embarrassment, making it clear they were both equally as flustered. As Mizuki frantically ruffled their partner’s hair, Honami turned to Minori, who smiled at the two.
“How have you been doing, Minori?”
“I’ve been well! I’ve actually found out some stuff about Haruka’s reappearance in Shibuya…!”
“Oh? Do tell!”
“Well, I’m classmates with Kohane Azusawa, who’s apparently recently joined a ‘superhero’ group in Phoenix Wonderland, aiming to bring smiles to everyone!” At the mention of superheroes, both Nene and Mizuki perked up, their mutual interest having instantly been piqued. “And, and! I found out the members and name of this troupe, and I’m gonna ask for the schedule on Monday!”
“Well? You can’t leave us hanging, Minori! What’s the deal?”
“Okay, okay, so here’s the deal!” As she began explaining, the bodyguards stationed outside the venue began ushering people in, which gestured to Minori to explain quickly to ensure the performance did not drown out her excitement. “Okay, so they’re called ‘Happiness Sentai Sunny-Sunny☆Wonder!’, and the members are almost all from our school, funnily enough! Emu Otori, from Honami’s class, Kohane Azusawa, my classmate, the beautiful upperclassman Mafuyu Asahina, and… none other than Haruka Kiritani!” The other three gasped, mostly due to how brightly Minori radiated upon saying this. Although glow sticks were not yet a necessity for this group, Honami believed Minori to be a perfect walking glowstick, just as long as you spoke about Haruka first… her joy, infectious as always, made the others all smile, and it even prompted Mizuki to clap in joy.
“Well! If that’s the case, my dear Minori… we just have to go sometime! How’s next weekend sound? I’d say tomorrow but you need the schedule first, we can’t just storm in and demand they perform for us…” Excitedly, Mizuki clasped Minori’s hands in joy, who now both glowed with the capability of the twinkling stars.
“Strange. Sounds like something you’d do anyway, Mizu.” As always, Nene lightly poked at her partner, who retaliated with the same lighthearted frustration in the form of a stuck-out tongue, as always. It was their thing and it always brought joy to Honami and Minori, the humble spectators.
“Alright, alright everyone… may I have your attention, please!” A booming voice dominated the arena, silencing all spectators as their eyes firmly fixed on the presumed manager. “Thank you! May I formally introduce to you, the stars who’ll make all your dreams come true… Yume Yume Jump!” The crowd watched in awe as the four members, kitted in the attire Honami had seen in their posts, stepped upon the stage and waved at the wide-eyed crowd.
The first to speak was Kanade, and gosh, Honami felt herself melt a little.
“Hello, everyone… it’s lovely to be here. Today we will be performing ‘Happy Synthesizer’, our debut single. Please enjoy.” As they announced the song, Honami found herself stepping forward slightly, hoping to bask in their presence even for just a moment. Unbeknownst to her, Mizuki became acutely aware of this sudden change in behaviour, and clocked it instantly.
Then, the instrumental of the song began, as all members stood in place.
happi shinsesaiza kimi no
mune no oku made
todoku you na merodi kanaderu yo~
Beginning with Kanade’s vocals, Honami’s heart began to dissolve in her chest, with her surroundings morphing into a field of blurs. All she could focus on, hear and see was Kanade. The world surrounding her completely fell apart in her daze, a multicolored blur that left Kanade in a dream world.
Maybe this was all a dream, and Honami would wake up soon.
But, seeing Kanade’s cute smile, polished choreography, and the occasional wink… this was real.
If it wasn’t real, how come Honami could feel every pulse and emotion in her body so vividly, as if it were all geared to dedicate everything to Kanade, just to see her smile once more?
Honami had never been one to know what love was, yet as it stared right back at her, she found herself immersed in its warmth, which she always presumed to be a hoax.
Only once her body nearly gave in on herself did she realise how easily she’d given her little secret away, and she prayed nobody else witnessed the sheer internal rollercoaster she had just been through in the two minutes of performance.
Despite her mental pleas, one had witnessed all, and they were not one to ignore a method to meddle.
“That’s all from us! Thank you so much for your support!” An waved farewells after the performance ended, though Honami processed none of it, for she still stood processing her own reaction. “However, for a lucky few who saw our socials, we have a private autograph session later, so we’ll see you lucky people later! Bye bye for now!” A final wave, though once again Honami did not process it. She did however process the ‘autograph session’, and wished she could slap her past self for lack of awareness despite an absolute analysis of their social media literally the night before. So, although she wished she could absorb the atmosphere a little more, she left the venue with her friends, who were just as electrified as her.
“Hehe. Guys, you’ll never guess what.” Rather than screaming about how gorgeous An was, the first thing to leave Mizuki’s mouth ended up being a smug laugh, hinting at awareness of something the others weren’t. Honami silently prayed it did not involve her ‘little’ reaction.
“...what?” Nene and Minori asked in sync, looking at each other as they did so.
“Well! I sneakily went onto their social media last night, right? And I got a ticket! To the autographing! I’m so gonna get An to autograph my forehead!” A triumphant cheer left Mizuki’s lips, as the other three all stared in shock.
“Please do not ask Shiraishi-san to do that, you will be escorted to court.” As was often the case, Nene responded to her partner with a cold tone of voice, yet a soft smile indicating amusement.
“Hehe, it’s always worth a shot, right~?”
“No. No it is not.”
So, Mizuki got the autograph session, huh…?
After a brief period of consideration, Honami decided against asking for Kanade’s autograph on her behalf, thinking it would deter Mizuki from their focus.
However, unbeknownst to Honami… getting Kanade’s autograph on Honami’s behalf was exactly Mizuki’s goal. So, as the other three departed to go get their lunch (and to fulfill Mizuki’s desperate request for some ‘cute mochi’), Mizuki made a beeline for the shopping centre, where the group held their first autograph session.
“Man, we really had a big crowd today, huh…?” An stretched back in her seat, nearly falling backwards as she made a comment about the crowds size. It was true - it exceeded everyone’s expectations, including the hosts.
“It’s all due to Yoisaki-san’s incredible social media skills. I had no idea you were so good at handling tech.” Sat beside her, Shiho fiddled with their nails, despite Shizuku politely asking for them to stop.
“Heh… maybe I should’ve been an online musician, I really do like handling tech like that…” Kanade chuckled in reply, passed out on the tables due to sheer exhaustion. They had never been intended for such intense movement at such high frequencies, and crowds were never their thing. Yet, despite all odds pointed away from the idol career, Kanade still pursued it, for they always aimed to brighten up people’s days with their music.
And, who knows? Maybe they could save people with a smile, like idols are always credited to do. After all, that was the final push that led to Kanade pursuing the career, after researching fan’s reactions to idols.
“Hey, you sayin’ you don’t like being an idol?” In response, An put on a fake tone of frustration, only to quickly let it fall. “I’m kidding! I think you should do stuff like this more often. Helps us gain a presence far more than performing on the streets would… I respect those who do it, but I could never dedicate myself to that right now, especially when this is way more fun than I ever expected!”
“Yes, yes! Being an idol is so wonderful… I’m glad our experiences have been pleasant thus far.” Clasping her hands together in joy, Shizuku smiled and entered the conversation, which made her sibling give a small smile in return.
“Yeah. I hope this session goes well, maybe we’ll get really big.” Following in their sister’s footsteps, Shiho spoke up, and almost summoned the crowd of autograph-hungry fans in doing so. Although there were few - like, six, maybe seven? - almost all of them were over excited fans who had no sense of boundaries or human respect, and therefore had to be forcibly stopped by security to ensure they didn’t knock down the poor idols.
“One at a time!” Security bellowed. As they did so, Mizuki sheepishly peered around them, seeing whether the two she seeked were there, waiting for them to arrive. It made them giddy, and if it weren’t for human physics, they surely would have begun floating. “You. With the pink name. What’s your name?” After a brief pause, they realised they were being gestured to with a quality of their physical appearance.
“Ah- Mizuki Akiyama! My social media handle is @akiamia!” Scanning a document, which Mizuki presumed was the fancy list to allow the privileged (such as themselves) access, the security man nodded and gestured for them to pass through.
“Please be kind to them.”
“Of course! I’m only askin’ for a small thing~!” A chirp to respond, Mizuki breezed towards the desk, a smile they could not control breaking out across their face. “Hi! Um, Yoisaki-san,” at the mention of their name they perked up, having not expected the first request on their behalf, “can you, um… can you sign this book?” Mizuki pulled a large photo book out of their bag, filled with unflattering or otherwise filtered images of Honami. “It’s my best friend Honami’s birthday soon. She was too embarrassed to say, but she really really loved your performance, and you really dazzled her. I only ever see her that excited when she talks about apple pie, so… I think it’d mean a lot to her.” Processing the information given, Kanade gave a small nod accompanied with a small but warm smile, as they wrote a small message on the front page. “Oh, also! Shiraishi-san, please sign my forehead!”
“Oh, absolutely! I was hoping someone would have a silly request like that - I’ll even draw a star on your cheek, look!” Despite a look of disgust from Shiho, An shot up from her chair to fulfill her statement, for she found the thrill of doing something ridiculous with a fan to be far better than ‘preservation of image’. As this happened, Kanade wrote a small note to Honami, and doodled a little apple pie to go alongside it.
Honami,
Thank you for attending our show and for seeing such light in me. I hope you know I spotted you in the crowd, the stars in your eyes were truly mesmerizing, it almost distracted me from performing right… keep shining, and I hope I can see you at future performances.
-Kanade ♡
Upon writing the note, Kanade sheepishly shut the photobook and handed it back to Mizuki, who walked off having gained new temporary tattoos made of felt-tip pens.
In truth, Kanade had instantly spotted Honami, before she had even shared the same stare of awe. She was truly beautiful, she had such a gentle smile… Kanade wondered if, for a moment, they’d ever have the honour of seeing such a goddess up close. So, when Mizuki passed the photobook filled to the brim with ridiculous shots of the same woman in the crowd who stole Kanade’s heart, they believed in fate, if only for a moment.
15:01
Amia: GUYS YOU AREN’T GONNA BELIEVE THIS
Nenerobo: don’t tell me u asked.
Amia: AN SHIRAISHI OF YUME YUME JUMP SIGNED MY FUCKING FOREHEAD
Amia: IM TAKING A SELFIE AND MAKING IT MY LOCKSCREEN FOREVER I HAVE BEEN BLESSED
Amia: I CAN SAFELY SAY I’VE HAD AN SHIRAISHI SIGN MY FOREHEAD AND SHE DID SO BEFORE SHE GOT SUPER FAMOUS THIS IS BOTH THE BIGGEST FLEX AND ALSO THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ME
Minorin: JKSJKDSKJDDKFDKJDSKJDJDJ I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ASKED?????
Amia: OFC I DID WHO DO U TAKE ME FOR
Nenerobo: i would say ‘someone sensible’ but we all know thats impossible
Amia: aww babe im flattered <3
Amia: okay im heading to the lunch place if my super duper cute mochi isnt there shibuya will fall
Upon dining with her friends, and being greeted with the sight of Mizuki with An’s signature on their forehead, Honami bid them a sudden farewell as she remembered her job interview.
For a brief moment, postponing had been considered, although she feared it would mess with the employer’s image of her, so she preferred to remain on time yet also remain floating after the ecstasy of such a performance. The electricity still remained in her veins, and she feared if anyone were to get too close, they’d be shocked - quite literally.
As she walked towards the place of meeting, she sat at the café she had been told to meet. An informal location to be interviewed, yet considering the job description, it wasn’t exactly some high-profile job that she needed to be fully suited for.
After all, it could be a hoax, or something entirely shady… so, for sake of safety in case she needed to bolt out the door, she opted for the window seat, staring into the tea she ordered and forgetting everything material around her in favour of the dreams swirling in her brain.
Tick, tock, tick, tock.
Ding ding!
Eventually, after what seemed like a year of waiting (although it was 10 minutes), the door swung open, and the bell by the top of the doorframe announced a new presence.
Honami looked up, expecting her employer to be staring at her.
Instead, she found a face all too familiar staring back at her, through the type of shades only an idol would wear.
“Um… are you Mochizuki-san?” An outstretched hand from none other than Honami’s idol crush stared back at her, their voice quiet. In contrast to the stage attire, they wore a blue sweatshirt over jeans, and a beanie that almost blended in with their hair.
“Y… yes! Yes, I am! Are you… were you the one seeking the cleaning job?!” Honami could not believe her eyes. Having been blessed by Kanade’s presence, not once but twice today, and for the second time to be an up-close encounter she never dreamed of occurring…
Oh, Yume Yume Jump, for a group that claimed to make dreams come true… they were a little too on the nose today!
“Yes, I am, though it wasn’t me who set up the job interview, but that’s not important… What’s important is that you’re hired.”
“Eh?” Third dream came true. It was almost becoming scary, as if Honami were to wake up any moment now.
“You’re hired, Mochizuki-san. Your friend, the one with pink hair… they had me sign something for your birthday. And the day you receive that, I want to see you smile. So, although it’s selfish… I want you to be my cleaner, so that everyday, we can both be happy. I’m sorry if that is incredibly forward and otherwise selfish of me.” Tears brimmed in Honami’s eyes, tears that she could not control nor did she want to.
“Ah, that Mizuki… Thank you, for this opportunity. I also… want to make you happy. Not only as a fan of your work, but maybe as a friend, too…” She sniffled and Kanade passed a serviette to serve as a tissue instead. “I’m sorry, this just all seems so surreal… thank you, seriously, thank you…!” Kanade smiled once more, with pure love laced into their stare.
“No, thank you . You can start next week. I can send you more details soon. May I have your number?”
As such, what started as a fangirling session became a reality, as Kanade gently took Honami’s hand and entered their phone number into her phone, their touch soft like silk.
She had yet to awaken, which meant it was most likely reality.
And gosh, even though it seemed like a dream, it meant Yume Yume Jump had achieved their goal, as well as accomplishing a goal of the leader, too.
For to make someone you love smile is the greatest gift of all.