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"Everyone, thank you for coming to today's live show!"
The bright, cheerful voice of Fortia--MiMish's leader--fills the stadium, and the audience roars back with excitement. Even though this is a smaller stadium than the iconic Sage Tower, seeing so many people here to watch them almost brings Fortia to tears. The warbeast pauses, taking a second to compose herself before continuing to talk. "Honestly... I never expected we'd get to this point. I've always felt like I'm too normal compared to everyone else... Astesice, Earnescorrect, and the other solo idols. My singing isn't as clear, my dancing isn't as sharp, even my appearance isn't as cute..." Fortia's voice cracks at the end; while it's hard to see her face clearly on the jumbotron, everyone can tell she's getting emotional. "A-and... sometimes I'm worried that I'm dreaming too big, you know? Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it to keep trying, s-so seeing everyone here means a lot to me..."
A sniffle is heard through the speakers, as Fortia finally succumbs to tears. Immediately, her friends are at her side. Tubbylila, who's known for being a slacker who takes every chance she can to nap, moves with surprising agility now to hug Fortia and comfort her. "Everyone here made Fortia cry, you all should be ashamed of yourselves~" Her joke elicits laughter from the audience and even Fortia herself.
"That's right, if anyone here is being mean I'll... uhh... I'll beat them up myself!" Rikashenna adds, eliciting further laughter from the audience. "Fortia's singing and dancing is great, and she's super cute! Doesn't everyone agree?" The shy girl isn't used to handling MC duties--in fact, this might be the most she's talked in front of a crowd throughout her idol career--but where she's lacking in experience, she more than makes up for in sincerity. The loud cheers and the pink penlights being waved in the air are proof of everyone's support.
While Tubbylila and Rikashenna talk to the audience, keeping them occupied while Fortia recovers, Azhachir is the one who tends to the girl, carrying a towel and a water bottle for their leader. Their mics have been turned off, but those watching closely can read their lips.
'Are you alright? We can take a break if you want.'
'No way, I'm feeling great! Let's keep going.'
Azhachir looks at Fortia for a few seconds, trying to determine if she's telling the truth or if she's pushing herself. But after a sip of water and drying her tears, Fortia seems ready to perform again. Azhachir smiles at her before moving away, giving a signal to the backstage crew that they're about to continue.
Fortia returns to the center of the stage, and after doing a quick mic check, goes back to talking as if nothing happened. "I'm so happy to be surrounded by all my friends. Tubby, Azhachir, Rikashenna..." Fortia smiles brightly at the idol mates who have stayed with her every step of the way. The three return her smile with equal intensity, ready to follow her to the end of the world. "... you three make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world! Let's show everyone how amazing we are!"
It's not the most elegant speech Fortia has ever done, but to the four girls on stage, it doesn't matter. She could say something nonsensical and it would lift their spirits. Fortia is MiMish's heart, and everyone else is its body. With Fortia's hard work and their passionate bond, the possibilities are endless.
The live show continues for another hour after the speech, with MiMish performing their heart out for the lucky audience. When it finally comes to an end, the audience leaves the stadium with a precious memory in their hearts. However, for some, the topic of conversation isn't their songs.
"MiMish are really friendly with each other." The mermaid Arlette thinks aloud as she walks back to the dorms with her friends.
The demon Larisa giggles at her statement. "Yeah, sureeeeee." When she receives weird stares from the other two, she elaborates, "I mean... come on, friends? Obviously, they're more than that, right?"
Larisa didn't need to explain the meaning behind her words, the other two immediately understood what she was implying. "Now that you mention it... did you three watch the video MiMish did for the new school term?" The human Melty asks the other two.
"The one where she's being interviewed by Azhachir?"
"Right. At the very end, Azhachir fed her some cake, and she teased her about whether she'd rather do it with someone she likes."
Arlette nods, beginning to remember the video. "Fortia was blushing then..."
It's just small bits of information, but they add up to a mountain of evidence. The four are close in a way that's different than other groups, and they're spotted together more often than apart. Their classmates can attest to seeing the four of them napping together under a tree when Fortia is overworking herself. A group of four girls who care about each other, who are constantly around each other, in a school filled with lesbian relationships...
"...this could be a scoop," Melty mumbles to herself. Arlette is quick to discipline her with a chop on her head.
"If you start writing gossip, News Star will lose all credibility."
For now, the relationship of idols behind the scenes will remain a mystery.