Work Text:
Minato Aqua stood still, looking at the cherry blossoms in bloom. They were the first flowers of spring, and they made her feel special. The smell of the honeysuckle and the lilacs was something she could never get enough of, and the sight of the white and pink petals dancing in the breeze were beautiful. She would sit under the trees, her back against the bark, her eyes scanning the patterns of the flowers for the next best place to sit.
If she was lucky, there would be a bench close to the stream that ran behind the park, and she could rest her head in the crook of her arm and watch the water dance in the current. She could almost hear the birds chirping in the background and the swans gliding silently through the lake. It was almost like being in a painting. Almost.
Then she remembered that today was supposed to be her first part-time job. Her hand trembled a little as she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. 08:21. She had been sitting for almost two hours without moving.
She still had time, but what was she supposed to do?
Call Shion? But she must be asleep... After all, it was still night in New York.
Go home? That would mean leaving the work opportunity she just got, and that wasn't really an option.
The hours slipped away like sand through her fingers, and the longer she sat, the more she wanted to stay. She had been feeling lost and unsure about her part-time job. Despite all her attempts to change, she still lacked direction and purpose, feeling like every decision was a blind guess and every step a leap of faith.
This is enough!
I have a goal I want to achieve, though it is far from my reach
The sweet strains of a melodious voice suddenly drifted through the air, and she turned to see the source of the sound.
And this is my world, it is wrapped up together with all my words
On the canvas of my dreams, which I will continue to paint…
In the same colors burning within my heart now
She followed the sound, her gaze searching for its source, until it landed on a figure standing with her eyes closed and her arms outstretched as she sang.
It may be all too weak and frail, it may even crumble and fail!
My mind’s desire still takes flight toward all eternity
It will resonate with and dye the future in my own palette
There she is! A girl, taller than her, with a mane of purple and pink hair that waved in the wind. But what caught her eye most was the thin devil's tail peeking out from beneath the girl's skirt. It only added to her cuteness.
As the girl finished her song, she opened her eyes and noticed Aqua standing there. The gentle, green eyes finally met the beautiful purple orbs.
"You... How long have you been there?"
Aqua panicked, feeling caught off guard. Her mind began to race with a million different things that she could say to try and hide her embarrassment, but nothing seemed right. She knew she had to respond, but the thought of it made her body tense up.
"I- I'm sorry! I'll leave right away!"
Aqua took a step back, preparing to leave, when the girl threw her head back in laughter, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Aqua's flustered state. She felt relieved as she saw the girl laugh. A smile crept upon her face as well, and she realized how beautiful the girl looked when she laughed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just didn't expect anyone to be here at this hour."
The girl noticed the awkward tension between them and decided to speak again in hopes of easing it. Aqua nodded slowly, suddenly feeling shy. She had never felt comfortable interacting with strangers before.
"I'm actually here every morning to practice. You can say, it's my secret spot."
Aqua couldn't help but feel drawn to the girl. She had always been fascinated by people who could effortlessly pour their emotions into music. Aqua had never been good at expressing herself, but she always admired those who could.
"Are you alright? You look pale."
Aqua shook her head, realizing she had been lost in thought.
"Ah, um, I'm fine, just a little bit nervous."
After hearing that, the girl stepped closer to her, concern etched on her face. Aqua noticed how close they were, and her body responded with a shiver that ran down her spine.
"I see. Well, if you don’t mind telling me, perhaps I can help you.”
Aqua bit her lip. She wanted to tell the stranger that she was nervous about starting her first day at work… She felt the words scrape against her throat, desperate for release.
But what did it matter if a stranger knew her feelings?
Why would the girl need to know? It wasn't like they knew each other well.
Her friend, Shion, would be a better confidant, but then again, she wouldn't want to bother her around this hour.
Aqua sighed, her thoughts spiraling out of control. She couldn't understand why she felt so conflicted about the situation. On one hand, she wanted to open up and reveal her innermost fears and worries to someone who showed genuine kindness towards her. But on the other hand, she felt an overwhelming urge to keep her guard up and not let anyone in.
It wasn't that she didn't trust people, but rather that it was easier to keep her emotions in check that way. She didn't want to come across as weak or fragile. She wanted to be strong, to prove to everyone that she was capable of handling anything that came her way.
But as she looked into the girl's eyes, she saw something that made her heart flutter. It was a mix of understanding and empathy, a feeling that she hadn't experienced in a long time. Aqua felt herself being drawn to the stranger, despite her reservations. She took a deep breath, the words finally spilling out of her mouth.
"A-actually, I'm just feeling a little uneasy about starting my new job. It's my first day, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it."
"Ah, that makes sense. Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time.”
“Y- yeah. That’s why I’ve been sitting here, looking at the cherry blossoms.”
The girl looked at Aqua worriedly. There was a brief moment of silence before the girl spoke again.
"Oh, I know!"
"Huh?"
"I have some hot tea. Let me pour some for you.”
Aqua's eyes widened at the sudden offer of hot tea. She looked at the girl with suspicion and hesitated for a moment, but she finally nodded. She watched the girl pull out a thermos from her bag and pour a steaming flow of tea into a small paper cup.
“Here.”
“T- Thank you.”
The hot liquid warmed her hands, and the aroma was surprisingly calming. She took a sip and closed her eyes, savoring the taste. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised by the sweet flavor that filled her mouth.
Aqua stole a look at the girl, who also took a sip on her own cup of tea. She seemed just as relaxed as before. Aqua didn't understand why, but once again she felt a strange pull toward the girl. Was it because of her cool appearance, her kindness, or perhaps her devil’s tail? Wait, a devil?
Aqua couldn't believe it. How could she be so oblivious to it? The girl had been so kind to her, and yet she was a devil. Aqua wondered if she was in any danger, and then she felt an urge to run away from the park, but she tried to reason within herself that not all devils were evil and not every fairy tale turned out to be a reality.
She watched as the girl sipped her tea—the girl held her tea cup with both hands, her lips touching the edge of the cup, and her eyes were closed. Completely unaware of Aqua's glance.
Aqua tried to stay calm as she cautiously studied the girl. Maybe this girl was different. But another part of her knew that she needed to stay alert. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and mustered the courage to ask a question that had been lingering on her mind.
“Erm, may I ask you a question?”
“Sure!”
The girl replied, opening her eyes to meet Aqua's gaze. Aqua saw no malice in her eyes, but she still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her gut.
“I’m sorry if this sounds rude. But, what are you?” Aqua blurted out, unable to hold the question back any longer.
“I'm what you'd call a devil. Don’t worry, I’m not here to harm you.”
The girl's face softened, and she let out a gentle laugh.
“You see, I’ve always wanted to live a normal life, just like humans.”
Aqua's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard of devils before, but she never thought she’d meet one in person.
Aqua took a deep breath and tried to steady her racing heart. She couldn't believe that she was sitting across from a devil, and yet the girl seemed so harmless.
“I'm sorry if I offended you. I just didn't know how to ask.”
The girl smiled warmly at Aqua and her gaze fell on the cherry blossoms cascading around them, the petals floating gently in the wind.
"It's alright. I understand why you would be curious."
Aqua relaxed slightly at the girl's understanding, she felt a sense of unease linger within her. She didn't know how to react to the situation she found herself in: sitting across from a devil, sipping hot tea, and watching the cherry blossoms dance in the breeze. It all felt so surreal, like a dream she couldn't wake up from.
They sat in silence for a while longer. She wondered if she was finally able to change just a little bit by becoming more open to people. She felt her walls crumbling away, realizing maybe it wasn't so hard if she tried after all.
But as she stole another glance at the devil girl, she saw something in her eyes that told her otherwise. There was a depth to her gaze that Aqua couldn't quite decipher.
Was it sadness?
Anger?
Disappointment?
Aqua couldn't tell for sure.
Eventually, the devil girl spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
“By the way, didn't you say today was your first day at work? Aren't you going to be late?”
Aqua jumped at the reminder, then she realized she had lost track of time. She had completely forgotten about it in the midst of her conversation with the devil girl. Panic set in as she realized she was going to be late on her first day.
"Oh no, I'm going to be late!"
Aqua quickly packed up her stuff and stood up. She turned to the girl and bowed her head.
"T-Thank you for helping me to relieve my uneasiness. It was nice meeting you."
“Likewise. Maybe we'll run into each other again.”
As Aqua walked away, she felt a sense of curiosity towards the girl, feeling guilty for not asking her name. But as she stepped forward, a strange sense of curiosity and hesitation tugged at her heart, making her want to turn around and see the girl one last time.
However, Aqua couldn't bring herself to turn around and realizing how much time she had left, she made her way to her new workplace. The whole time, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the girl. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. She wondered where the girl came from, what her life was like, and if they would be able to meet again.
Aqua's breath caught in her throat as she turned onto the cobblestone back alley in Asakusa that led to the cafe where she was supposed to work. She reached for the handle, opening the door. She was greeted by a bustling crowd of people.
The cafe had low lighting, candles burned on each table—the tables were adorned with vases of flowers and a small jukebox sat in the corner of the room. It was a dim place, illuminated by candlelight. The soft glow of the candles gave it a welcoming and relaxing glow. The cafe smelled like coffee, with a slight hint of lavender and vanilla wafting out of the kitchen.
Aqua's nervousness returned tenfold as she made her way through the bustling crowd, her heart racing with each passing moment. She checked her phone, seeing that she had only a few minutes before her shift as a new barista began.
“Excuse me, are you Minato Aqua-san?”
A woman in her thirties, wearing a tailored maroon suit, walked up to Aqua. The woman's voice was firm, cutting through the noise of people buzzing around them. Aqua nodded silently, feeling her anxiety rise.
The woman gave her a smile, easing Aqua's nerves a little.
"Great! I'm your manager, Houshou Marine. Well, calling me Marine is fine. Let me show you around the cafe and introduce you to the others."
Aqua followed Marine as she weaved through the crowd, her eyes taking in everything around her. She felt a sense of excitement mixed with fear. This was her new life, her new beginning.
As Aqua followed Marine, her eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar face. It was the devil girl from the park. Aqua's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the girl was sitting at a table in the corner of the cafe, her hands busy fiddling with her phone.
Aqua couldn't believe it. What was the devil girl doing here? Was it just a coincidence, or was there something more to it?
Marine noticed Aqua's distraction and turned to follow her gaze, seeing the girl sitting in the corner.
"Ah, do you know her?"
Aqua hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly.
"Well. We met in the park earlier today."
Marine's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh, I see. That's Towa-sama. She's a regular here, and everyone loves her singing. You'll get to know her better soon enough."
Marine smiled, gesturing for Aqua to follow her as they approached the girl’s table. As they drew closer, Aqua felt a sense of unease crawl up her spine. With each step closer, her sense of fear and a wave of anxiety rushed through. She had been brave enough to talk to the devil in the park, but this time things were different. Her mind was full of 'what if' scenarios, unsure of what to expect.
The girl looked up, her eyes meeting Aqua's. She smiled warmly, her gaze flickering briefly to Marine before returning to Aqua.
"Hello again. I didn't think we would meet here."
Aqua forced a smile, trying her best not to show her unease.
"H- Hi, yes, umm… I'm working here starting today. Ah, right. I haven't properly introduced myself."
Aqua cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure.
"I'm Minato Aqua, nice to meet you again."
The girl nodded, her eyes still fixed on Aqua.
"I'm Tokoyami Towa. You can call me Towa and there’s no need to use honorifics. It's a pleasure to meet you too!"
Aqua felt a sudden relief as she learned her name.
Marine spoke up, interrupting the silence that had settled between the two girls.
"Towa-sama, would you mind singing a song for us tonight? Minato-san is our new staff here, and I’m sure she would love to hear your singing."
“Of course. I would like to! Though we’ll have to wait for Sui-chan and Nene-chi to arrive here first.”
"Oh, that's right. After all, the idol unit wouldn’t be complete without all three of you."
Aqua's interest was piqued. Idol unit? She wondered what that was all about. But before she could ask, Towa replied.
"Ahaha… You’re way too kind, Marine-san. We're just having fun performing on the stage."
"I really mean it! You and your friends may be able to make your debut soon!"
Aqua's eyes widened in surprise. Making a debut? As an idol unit? It sounded like a dream come true. She felt a sense of admiration towards Towa and her friends, wondering what it would be like to stand on stage and perform for a crowd. It seemed like something out of an anime, but she couldn't deny the excitement that bubbled up inside her. She had always loved music, and the idea of seeing someone with such a talent was thrilling.
"Honestly, I’m flattered. Thank you so much!"
“Alright then, see you later, Towa-sama. Come on, Minato-san, let’s continue the tour.”
As Aqua followed Marine away from Towa’s table, her mind was still buzzing with excitement over the idea of the idol unit. She couldn't wait to see them perform and cheer them on. Her mind drifted back to Towa and the idea of becoming an idol. It was a dream that seemed impossible, she didn’t understand why she felt a sense of longing for it.
Aqua also remembered Towa's beautiful voice and imagined how it could bring life to the cafe. As the image of her singing together with Towa and her friends played in her mind, she could feel her heart begin to race.
But as quickly as the thought had come, it was gone, replaced by the harsh reality of her own situation. Aqua reminded herself that becoming an idol wasn't a realistic dream for someone like her. She had only just started working part-time in a cafe and certainly had no time to think about becoming an idol. She shook her head and felt resigned.
Marine did not let up with her explanations, and she continued to show Aqua around the cafe. Finally, they reached a door that led into a lounge area that was shared by all of the staff who worked at the cafe. Marine then introduced Aqua to the staff inside.
Aqua then got introduced to the cashier, Inugami Korone and the waitress Nekomata Okayu, to help out wherever she was needed. After that, she was overseeing one of the baristas, a cheerful young girl named Sakura Miko, who made cute latte art designs on each cup of coffee before she served them.
Aqua watched in awe—she was just entranced by the other girl’s skill. Miko worked her magic, creating beautiful latte art on each cup of coffee with ease. Aqua had always been drawn to art, but she had never been very good at it. Seeing another person's work made her realize just how much she had to learn.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Marine called her over to the counter.
"Minato-san, can you take this order for me?"
Finally, it was time for Aqua to begin her job. Marine handed her a piece of paper with a list of drinks and snacks on it.
"Oh, r- right. I'll go make them now!"
Aqua took the piece of paper from Marine's hand. As Aqua moved behind the counter, she took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She had never made coffee before, but she had watched enough tutorials online to know the basics. She quickly got to work, grinding the beans and measuring out the right amount before starting the espresso machine.
She heard the bell tinkle as the door to the cafe opened, and her gaze shifted from the pot of coffee brewing in front of her to the two figures who had walked through it. A blue-haired girl wearing a black gown with a dark-blue jacket embellished with blue ribbons and laces with torn jeans and a blonde girl wearing a sleeveless white blouse and a long black plank skirt with a high ponytail. Both of them gave off the vibes of what an idol truly is.
Aqua felt an immediate sense of wonderment as they approached Towa’s table. Could these be the friends that Towa mentioned?
The two girls walked over to Towa, their faces lighting up with joy as they greeted her. Aqua couldn't help but watch as they talked, their conversation filled with laughter and teasing.
As Aqua finished making the order, Marine came up to her and nodded towards the three girls.
"That's Suisei-san and Nene-san. They're Towa-sama’s friends."
Aqua felt her heart skip a beat as she looked at the girls. She didn’t know why she felt drawn to them and wondered what it would be like to be part of their group. She shook her head, reminding herself to snap out of it and stop daydreaming.
Aqua took the tray of drinks and snacks, walking over to Towa's table. She tried her best to smile as she placed the tray down, handing each of the girls their orders. Aqua gripped the tray of orders, her knuckles turning white from the pressure. She forced a smile on her face as she walked over to Towa's table with all eyes fixed on her. Every step felt like it was in slow motion, almost as if time had stopped.
"Here you go. Enjoy your drinks and snacks."
Aqua couldn't bear to look at them directly as she handed them each their orders, struggling to plaster on what she hoped was a convincing smile.
Suisei looked up from her drink, a playful glint in her eyes as she spoke up.
"Thank you, Aqua-chan. I heard about you from Towa just now. Would you like to join us for a drink later?"
Aqua felt her heart pounding as the offer was made. She had always been quiet and shy, but these girls were clearly accomplished and confident. As much as she wanted to accept their invitation, fear of the unknown kept her from saying yes.
Aqua hesitated before answering. She could feel the eyes of all three girls on her, waiting for her response. She swallowed hard, trying to push past her nerves.
"I, uh, if you’re fine with someone like me... I'd love to."
"Don't worry about that, Aqua-chan. We just want to get to know you better." Nene said, flashing a bright smile.
Aqua felt a warm feeling spread through her chest at their kindness. She nodded, feeling her confidence grow.
"O- okay, I would like that."
Towa turned back to Aqua, a warm smile on her face.
"Great! We'll be here for a while, so just come join us when you're done with your shift."
Aqua felt her heart swell with excitement as she watched the three girls chat and laugh. She couldn't believe that she was going to spend time with such amazing people. She had always been a bit of a loner, never really fitting in with any particular group except with her childhood friend, Shion. But something about these girls made her feel like she belonged.
Aqua lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts running in circles. Memories of those three girls who had lively conversation, their performance on stage, Towa’s kindness—everything just came to mind all over again.
The girls were in a lively mood, chatting and laughing, exchanging stories and jokes as they enjoyed their drinks. Aqua smiled and tried to join in their conversations but found herself quieting down every time, unable to keep up with the multiple conversations, let alone express her opinion—her shyness kept her from contributing much to the ongoing conversation.
Her eyes darted around nervously when the topic switched to dreams and aspirations—what could she possibly say? Aqua felt a pang of anxiety—she hadn't really considered what she wanted out of life beyond becoming an idol, but that seemed so far away. She swallowed hard, unsure where to even begin.
Thankfully, much to Aqua’s delight, Marine burst into the room and asked the girls to perform on the stage before the question even reached her.
Once again, Aqua found herself drawn to the music. She recalled how Suisei's stellar voice filled the air while her nimble fingers strummed the strings of her guitar, Towa's deep bass provided a smooth texture to Suisei's angelic singing, and Nene's enthusiasm and joy filled the stage when she sang, providing gentle harmonies that blended perfectly with Suisei and Towa. The trio moved seamlessly together on stage, captivating the audience with their performance. The combination of their singing and dancing was mesmerizing—it felt like an actual idol concert. When the song ended, the crowd went wild, cheering and whistling as the girls waved and bowed down the steps to the stage.
Aqua learned that the idol unit, which consists of Towa, Suisei, and Nene, is called Dasupi. Aqua wondered if she joined them someday… What kind of name would it be?
"I guess I’ll go to the music store tomorrow."
Aqua drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the stage and her own performance as an idol. Once again, her thoughts turned to the purple-haired devil girl, Towa. There was something that Aqua couldn't quite put her finger on since their first meeting at the park, and shockingly enough, they had another chance encounter the moment Aqua walked into the cafe.
Aqua headed to the music store to pick up a few books on music theory and vocal pedagogy. As she browsed the shelves, she heard two familiar chuckles across the aisle.
She turned around to find Suisei and Miko standing in front of the CD displays, Miko perked up as she stumbled upon a record that caught her eye. She grabbed a CD off the shelf and put on a pair of headphones to listen to it more closely. But, Suisei teased her by making funny faces. Miko rolled her eyes and tried to shush Suisei, she couldn't help but laugh at the silly antics.
At one point, Suisei laughed as she watched Miko get lost in the music, bobbing her head to the beat with a big grin on her face.
Aqua smiled at the sight of the two girls who got along so well. However, she was too shy to greet them—she turned away, not wanting to be found out. As she browsed through the books on music theory, she heard an excited shriek from Miko and saw Suisei pointing to a different section of the store. Aqua's sudden curiosity made her distracted, and she looked at them again.
Suisei and Miko exchanged a glance, both noticing the same gaze coming from across the room. Aqua bit her lip and adjusted her cap, feeling a bit embarrassed to be caught staring. She could feel their gaze on her back, but she was pretending not to notice.
"It feels like someone’s watching us!"
Suisei noticed. Then, Miko turned around, her face lighting up as soon as she noticed Aqua standing there. Miko and Suisei crossed the aisle, they made their way closer towards Aqua's direction.
"Nyahallo~ Aku-tan! What brings you here?"
As they approached her, Aqua was taken aback by the sudden use of an affectionate nickname. Aqua didn't know what to say and instead found herself lost in a sea of conflicting emotions.
"Aku-tan? Are you okay?"
This time, Suisei called her while waving her hand.
"Um, hi, Sakura-senpai and Hoshimachi-san! I- I just came here to pick up some books... I didn't expect to run into you two!"
Suisei and Miko looked at each other, then smiled before Suisei spoke again.
"We were just about to go shopping for some new outfits after this. Would you like to join us?"
Aqua was torn. On one hand, she knew it would be fun to go out with the group; she didn't want to disappoint them by saying no, but at the same time, she was unfamiliar with the idea of hanging out and wasn't sure what to say or do when they were together. With a heavy heart, she reluctantly declined the offer.
"Th- thanks for the offer, but I still have some chores to do. Maybe, uh, if you don’t mind, erm, next time?”
"Ah, that’s a shame! Sure! I hope we can play together next time. Also, feel free to call me Miko-chi."
"And you can call me Sui-chan. We are friends after all!”
“Ah, okay, erm, uh, thank you, M- Miko-chi and Su- Sui-chan!”
Miko smiled and waved her hand to bid her goodbye. Suisei also waved and spoke.
“Bye-bye, Aku-tan! Let's keep in touch!”
After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them left the store. Aqua felt a warmth in her heart while she watched them go. She smiled back and waved, while holding her books in the other hand. She watched them for a few more seconds until they disappeared in the crowd.
Aqua was winding her way home from the music store, her feet heavy and her eyes tired. As she strolled up the sidewalk, Aqua felt as if all her energy was slowly draining away. Then, her phone vibrated, and Aqua hastily fumbled in her pocket to pull out her phone. A new LINE chat had appeared on the screen.
Shion – 19:27
Oi, baqua! Sorry I was busy. How was your day at work? Did you meet any interesting people? ヽ ( ・∀・ ) ﾉ
She grinned, then stopped at the sidewalk for a while.
Aqua – 19:28
Yo, kusogaki, did you just wake up? A lot of things happened!
You know, I met a devil girl!
Shion – 19:28
Huh?! Are you still daydreaming about the character in 'Reincarnated in Another World' manga?
Aqua – 19:30
Can’t you take me seriously? ( ⇀‸↼‶ )
Anyway, I’m on my way home, so I’ll fill you in on more details later! ( ⁎˃ ᆺ ˂ )
Aqua had just put her phone away, but then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a group of men that seemed to stand out from everyone else. Despite the bustling street, everyone was deliberately avoiding them. Aqua had no choice but to push through since there was no alternative road to go home, despite feeling like something bad was about to happen. Suddenly, one of the men grabbed her arm.
Towa just finished working on her college assignment with friends, and on her way home, her stomach suddenly grumbled. She decided to go to a nearby convenience store to buy some food, where she encountered an unpleasant scene.
"W- wh- what do you want?"
Aqua's voice trembled slightly despite her attempt to appear unfazed and brave, but it was hard not to show the fear that was rising in her chest.
"Oh, come on. Let's just have some tea together!"
She could smell alcohol on their breaths as they stared at her with dark eyes.
"I- I can't!! Please, let me go!"
The man gripping her arm only laughed and tightened his grip, causing Aqua to wince in pain.
“Be quiet and come with us, honey~”
It was then that Towa stepped forward, completely unafraid. She stood between Aqua and the men, her eyes cold and determined.
"What is it? Do you want to come with us, cutie?"
"I'm counting to three, if you don't get out of my sight, you'll regret it."
"You're making fun of us, huh? You little-"
"One..."
Towa started to count. The men exchanged glances, their expressions turning from confident to hesitant.
"Two..."
Towa's voice was steady, her eyes never leaving the men's faces.
"Three..."
Just as she finished counting, Towa stepped forward and delivered a swift kick to the man holding onto Aqua's arm. He stumbled back, releasing Aqua from his grip. The other men looked at Towa in shock, but before they could react, Towa had already thrown another punch, knocking one of them to the ground.
"This is why you shouldn't mess with a devil!"
The men stared at Towa in fear, they finally retreated as if they had seen a ghost.
Towa sighed in relief as she watched them leave before turning to Aqua with a concerned look on her face.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Aqua shook her head, still in shock at what had just happened. She looked up at Towa with a mix of confusion and wonder.
"T- Towa! w- why are you here?"
Towa smiled faintly before gesturing towards the convenience store entrance.
"I was just about to buy some food after working on my college assignment with some friends. Then I saw you in danger." She continued to speak. "How about you, Aqua? What are you doing here?"
“I, um, I purchased some books!”
Towa looked down and noticed that the other girl's bag of books had been unintentionally dropped during the chaos and the books had scattered all over the ground. She bent down to pick them up.
"Wow! Music books! I didn't know that you're into music."
Aqua stammered, suddenly feeling embarrassed. Since Towa saw the books, perhaps it was the right time to tell Towa. But she was doubtful—if she told the other girl, what would happen next?
However, she realized that keeping it for herself wouldn't change anything either. She hesitated for a few moments before she finally gathered enough courage to speak.
"I, uh, I want to be an idol! Someday, I want to be able to sing on the stage!"
"I understand."
The words were so simple, yet they felt like a warm embrace, as if they were saying that whatever Aqua told her would be understood without being judged.
"So, after your shift, how about coming to my studio?"
"Where is it? W- Wait! Huh? Studio!?"
Towa gave a reassuring smile and explained.
"It's a place where I and the rest of the Dasupi members practice, either singing, dancing, or even playing the instrumentals. I'm sure it will be great for you to practice singing there too. What do you say?"
Aqua was too shocked for words. She had never expected this kind of opportunity, and here someone was giving her a chance to make it come true. It was a tempting offer, but the fear of failure held her back. What if she wasn't good enough? She couldn't shake off the feeling of doubt that had settled in her chest.
Towa could sense the hesitation in Aqua's eyes, and she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I know it's scary to try something new, but you'll never know unless you try. I believe in you, Aqua. I can see the passion in your eyes when you told me about wanting to be an idol, and I'll be there to support you."
A warmth spread through her chest as Towa's words sunk in. The thought of pursuing her dream with the support of others made it seem a little less daunting.
"Um, alright then. I'd love that, but I…" Aqua bit her lip and adjusted her cap. She was fidgeting.
"You see, I'm a bit shy to perform in front of a lot of people..."
“Don’t worry, I have an idea for that.” Towa took out her phone and exchanged LINE with Aqua.
“I’ll send you the details. Also…” She looked back at Aqua. Once again, concern etched on her face. “Call me next time if something bad happens. I’ll come running anytime, anywhere.”
And with that, they parted ways. Aqua couldn't believe her luck; not only was she getting the chance to pursue her dream of becoming an idol, but she had also found someone who cared a lot. Her heart swelled with gratitude towards the devil girl.
Aqua’s idol journey began. Following Towa’s advice, Aqua only needed to come after Dasupi finished their practice. Towa helped Aqua with everything she needed, from vocals and dancing to confidence and stage presence. In the beginning, it was difficult for Aqua, but her determination and Towa's encouragement finally made it possible. As the time passed, they decided to tell Suisei and Nene; even Towa asked Aqua to practice with them. They were all surprised at first, but they welcomed her warmly.
Aqua was still shy, but as time went on, she managed to be more open and relaxed around Suisei and Nene. She began to actively join in their conversations and share her own opinions with them. To the point Aqua and Dasupi members went out for a picnic, had a takoyaki party, and enjoyed the warmth of the kotatsu while playing games together. The bond between the four kept growing stronger.
Aqua also shined as a barista under Miko’s guidance; she was soon creating cute latte art and getting along well with her other coworkers, Okayu and Korone. Later on, she found herself becoming more comfortable at work.
Whenever Aqua wanted to get out of her head and simply enjoy the day, Towa would always be by her side. Whenever she felt doubt creeping in and learned that seeping feeling of dread as the thought of failure grew monstrously large again, Towa was right there helping her get back on track.
Aqua told Shion everything during their phone call, and though she was generally happy about recent events, she still couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing —Towa had done so much for her, yet she still knew so little about the other girl.
"Maybe you can ask her to hang out!" Shion suggested, beaming at Aqua over the phone.
"All of us often hang out after practice, though." Aqua replied, feeling a knot form in her stomach as she thought of it.
"This baqua, I swear! I mean just the two of you!"
Aqua hesitated for a moment, she wasn't sure if this was a good idea. Aqua drew in a sharp breath. She hesitated, scared to take the plunge.
"But what if things changed between us?"
"Come on! You should give it a try!"
Shion kept giving words of encouragement, hoping for Aqua to muster up the courage.
"Well, if you say so... I’ll give it a shot then."
Aqua felt an anxious thrill as she contemplated the prospect, excited and terrified all at once.
Aqua stood on the veranda, her hand trembling as she reached out to ask Towa if she was free tonight. She wrote and erased her message several times, trying to find the right words to ask Towa. After thirty minutes of hesitation, she finally pressed send with a shaky finger.
It didn't take long for her to receive a reply. Aqua saw the photo of Towa holding a cat. How adorable! Aqua let out a small chuckle, and the next message made her surprised when Towa asked if Aqua wanted to meet up. Much to Aqua's delight, the other girl invited her first.
They met up at the entrance of the ramen shop. Aqua's thin jersey was no match for the cold wind. Towa, layered in warm clothes, noticed how she was shivering and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Aqua's shoulders and pulling her into an embrace.
Aqua's cheeks flushed as she accepted the comfortable warmth. Towa apologized because they had to wait in a long line and worried if Aqua still felt cold. Clutching at the fabric of Towa's jacket, Aqua shook her head and smiled.
"It's okay," she said, "I'm glad I got to spend some time with you."
Towa smiled back at her, feeling the warmth of Aqua's body against her own. It had been a long time since she had felt this kind of closeness with someone. As they waited in line, Towa found herself admiring Aqua's petite figure, her delicate features, and the way her hair blew gently in the wind.
They finally made it inside the ramen shop. Aqua slurped up her ramen eagerly, enjoying the savory broth and chewy noodles. Towa watched her eat with a soft smile on her face, feeling a strange mix of emotions welling up inside of her.
It was midnight, they finished the meal and took a walk. As they strolled along the path, Towa slipped her hand into Aqua's, and they walked side by side, fingers entwined.
Towa stopped by a small pond. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting a soft glow over them.
"Aqua," she began, "I know I haven't talked about it much before, but... I wasn’t always cheerful like how I am now."
Towa felt a little hesitant yet she continued to speak.
"I used to be really insecure and anxious most of the time. My friends used to say I was pessimistic." Towa looked up to the sky as she spoke.
"But thanks to all the support from Dasupi members, I have changed." Towa turned her head to meet Aqua's gaze, and was surprised to find a soft smile on the other girl's face.
"I'm glad you opened up to me," she said in a quiet voice, squeezing Towa's hand gently.
"I refuse to be swayed any longer by words I don’t need to hear," Towa said, determined in her voice. "I want to value the words of those who acknowledge me and let me be a part of their life."
"I- I also want to be a part of your life, Towa."
Towa's heart raced at Aqua's confession. She stopped walking and turned to face her, her hand still entwined with Aqua's.
"Aqua," Towa breathed and cupped the other girl's cheek, "You already are."
Aqua gasped at the gentle gesture and she felt her cheeks heat up a little.
Towa rested her forehead against Aqua's as she spoke again.
"It's late. I shall walk you home."
Aqua smiled and nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest. Taking Aqua's hand again, Towa led her by the moonlight, their shadows dancing as they walked. When Aqua looked into Towa’s eyes, she saw something that stirred deep within her—a warmth and brightness that weren’t there when they first met. She had a feeling that perhaps she was the reason for that change.
That night, Aqua couldn't sleep. It was a special night, the kind that lingered in her memory like an eternal ember—one that she hoped would never fade away.
One year had passed, and it was the first day of spring. Nene was filled with excitement for the upcoming festival at her university. She came up with a surprising idea for Dasupi to perform there, showcasing their talents in front of a wider audience.
Aqua seemed hesitant, her voice quiet and uncertain. "I don't know if that's such a good idea... It sounds like it might be too much," she said weakly.
"Come on, it will be fun! We have a lot of time to practice; everyone will help each other out," Nene said encouragingly. "Besides, this can be a chance for us to debut soon! Who knows if there will be a producer among the audience?"
Aqua was still unsure, but seeing the enthusiasm from Towa and Suisei too finally won her over, and she reluctantly agreed to give it a try.
"I've been waiting for this moment." Towa responded with a warm smile.
"Same here! I believe we can do this!" Suisei exclaimed happily, clenching her fist.
The next few days were chaotic but exhilarating—they practiced hard to perfect their routine and prepare for the festival. Aqua couldn't help but feel nervous since the day of the festival was close. She had never performed in front of such a large audience before. But she knew that she couldn't let them down.
On the day of the festival, Nene, Towa, Suisei and Aqua walked together to the venue. Nene felt nothing but excitement as she looked around at all of the people who had come to watch.
The performance was about to begin. Just then, however, an unexpected problem occurred—Nene got a call from her family and had to return home immediately due to an emergency. She felt terrible for having to leave right before the show started, but she knew that she had no choice.
That left Aqua, Suisei and Towa at the venue with growing anxiety. It felt a little strange to perform without Nene, but they saw strength in each other's eyes and decided that they would make it through somehow.
"Hey, since it came to this, I've got an idea about our unit name." Suisei declared with excitement before she continued, "We'll call ourselves... Startend!"
“Yeah, let’s show Nene-chi that we are going to rock this stage!” Towa declared with confidence in her eyes.
Aqua nodded in agreement, feeling the same passion as Suisei and Towa. She decided that she'd do her best too, no matter what.
With newfound confidence in their hearts, they stepped on stage and performed with all their might; every glance, every move, every beat filled with all of the emotions they had built up during practice.
I want to show you who I really am
Not the usual side that I show everyone
But my real self, with the fears I hide…
Aqua took a deep breath and sang the first notes of the song. Her gentle melodies blended seamlessly, her sweet and soothing voice filled the air. She closed her eyes, letting the music flow through her.
All the lies, it’s all nothing!
Open my heart for the truth!
I want you to accept me for who I am
Towa swayed to the rhythm like a willow in the wind as she hit each high note. Her voice was angelic, full of emotion and longing.
If a one or zero is going to determine my fate
I’ll fight it!
And I’ll find the reason!
Suisei's stellar voice followed next, soaring through the room and cascading over the audience like a shower of stars. She put all her passion and energy into each note, carrying the emotion farther.
I’ll raise my voice and sing this STARDUST SONG
Their voices intertwined and complemented one another perfectly in harmony, and then it was over—the last notes lingering in the air before fading away into silence.
"Woaaaah… Startend is the best!!!"
"We want an encore!!"
The crowd erupted into applause as they finished their song. People hooted and hollered, some in shock and others in awe.
Startend's outstanding performance quickly spread around the city and beyond. Aqua's coworkers and manager at the cafe she worked in even took time out of their schedules to come see Startend; they were all amazed at how far Aqua had come.
Aqua couldn't believe it—they had done it! She turned to face her friends, a huge smile plastered on her face.
"We did it! We actually did it!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Towa and Suisei looked up to her and did a high five with Aqua. That day marked a special memory for Startend—the start of something wonderful for them.
Nene eventually called to congratulate them, she promised to join the afterparty after she returned from her hometown. With anticipation, the three of them waited for Nene's return. They knew that when they were all together, they would be unstoppable.
The cherry blossoms were blooming as Minato Aqua walked around the park, a smile on her face as she remembered their first encounter. She thought about how far they had come and was filled with pride. Together, they were creating something special—a dream that they could all share in.
"It was around here, wasn't it?" Aqua muttered to herself, her gaze scanning the area until she felt someone's hand slip into hers, and she looked up to see Towa by her side.
"Yeah, we were here. I’d never seen someone literally freeze up from nervousness." Towa teased her with a smirk.
"Hey!" Aqua pouted, yet she couldn't help but giggle. "I really appreciated your help back then. I can't believe that was a year ago already."
"Well, we've come a long way." Towa's eyes were shining with affection. "A truly eventful year."
They decided to take a walk and came across a secluded spot under a cherry blossom tree.
"Let's sit here for a while," Towa suggested, pulling Aqua towards the tree.
Aqua sat down, the delicate petals of the cherry blossoms falling around her. She leaned back against the trunk of the tree, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the moment.
"You know, in the past I had trouble finding places that I could fit in, and I never had any idea about dreams and aspirations." Aqua continued to speak, "I’d thought the entire rest of my life would be like that. But, I feel like something’s changed ever since I met you."
Towa took Aqua's soft hand in her own and lifted the girl's small, smooth palm to her lips. The gentle green eyes once more met the beautiful purple orbs.
"Me too," said Towa. "In the past, my grandma told me that even when I'm a devil, I have to use my power to protect someone dear to me. Honestly, I thought I would never meet the person at all."
Aqua's heart skipped a beat at Towa's words. She turned her head to look at Towa, her eyes searching for any sign of doubt. But there was none. Towa's gaze was steady, her lips curved into a gentle smile.
Towa leaned in closer, her breath hot against Aqua's ear. "But then I met you," she whispered, "And everything changed. You became that dear person to me, Aqua."
"I know we haven't been together for long," Towa continued, her voice low and husky. "But I feel like you're the one. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with."
Aqua's heart swelled with emotion at Towa's words. She had never felt anything so intensely before. The warmth of Towa's body beside her, the sweet scent of the cherry blossoms surrounding them, everything seemed to fade away except for Towa's confession.
"Then, please be my only devil, my sweet devil." Aqua whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Towa gently cupped her cheek and caressed it with her thumb. "Very well, I'm yours." Her eyes were heavy with longing. She spoke softly. "So may I?"
Aqua saw the desire in Towa's gaze, and without hesitation, she nodded her head, put her hands on Towa’s shoulder, and replied, "Yes, please. "
Their lips met, gentle yet passionate, and, as neither of them wanted this moment to end, they stayed locked in a passionate embrace. Soft pink petals drifted down from the cherry blossom trees like a shower of confetti to bless their love.