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Phoenix Wonderland is a place of smiles and dreams!… as Kohane puts it in short. Minori couldn't be happier to see her friend be able to be a part of something she loves so dearly with a really kind, patient, and supportive group! Even as just an after-school activity, Kohane would wear herself out to the point of dozing off during breaks— she never does that!
And yet… she always looked forward to practicing more than anything.
Minori wondered what that must be like.
Not that she doesn't have fun with her own friends though!
Herself aside, what's surreal is who Kohane acts with; the pure shock of finding out Kiritani Haruka was her co-worker still seized her chest. She knew of Haruka attending their school, of course. The view of her inside class 1-C as Minori passed by helped her understand that Haruka… truly retired.
Haruka is no longer an idol. Just a student.
ASRUN has ended.
It's true, everything will come to an end. And it's not always a happy ending. But that doesn't stop new things from starting.
So there was absolutely no doubt in Minori's mind to support the Happiness Squadron Sunny-Sunny☆Wonder at their first show! And to her luck, her online friends were cool with coming along with her. Nene was the most interested in the show itself and Honami was friends with the girl leading the activity. Seeing this, Mizuki was quick on the draw to organize and sort out the details.
But there was one staple of amusement parks that slipped Minori's mind…
"You guys, we have to ride the roller coaster!"
At Mizuki's suggestion, the color drains from all of their faces, stark white clashing horribly with the saturated attractions. Minori exchanges uneasy smiles with Honami and Nene.
"Ah, a-alternatively, there's the merry-go-round too! Ain't it just the cutest?"
Though a part of her was relieved at the change in plans, having Mizuki sacrifice her enjoyment for them didn't sit right… Minori found her mouth moving before she could think.
"I… I will ride the roller coaster with you!"
And with that declaration and steely determination in her eyes, she sent herself into the blender, urging Honami and Nene that they didn't have to. While they waited on a nearby bench, Minori tepidly followed Mizuki to the line.
Countless times Mizuki asked if Minori was sure about this, so Minori insisted she was! By choosing a car at the very front.
Her parting bells tolled the moment she buckled in. They lurch as they amp up to high-speeds.
There is something so horrifying about being thrown about back and forth completely out of your control… suspended above the ground at otherwise lethal heights, accelerating to tempt fate, scrambling your understanding of what's up and what's down and where you are.
So at last they return, her knees knocking while catching up with the present — Honami holds Minori up by grabbing her elbows. Nene and Mizuki fret over her on both sides but she can't hear a word. As much as she deeply appreciates the concern, the queasy in her stomach only worsens.
She just needs some cold water on her face, right? Minori weakly shakes out of their attention, mumbling reassurances she's uncertain if they reach or not.
Finding the way to the washrooms proves difficult through the ringing in her ears. The park's roaring ambience shoots pain to her head. In her delirious teetering, she can't find a single one… But turning back now does her no good when she's lost her friends entirely…
What am I doing?
She hauls herself on a bench under the shade, which does wonders on her skin that's been out under the afternoon sun. Minori slumps on the backrest in hopes to regain some semblance of her energy again…
She was the one who asked them all out like this, so she has to hurry and get better soon and go back to everyone, she has to hurry up— she should just go now they're all still waiting for Minori after she left them like that… maybe they couldn't wait any longer and are heading for the stage without her, it's been long enough so they all probably left by now…
Minori groans into her hands, "I'm the worst… This is supposed to be a fun day for everyone, and I went and ruined it."
"Oh? But the sun is still burning, Miss. There's plenty of time left to make the most of the day."
She gawks.
Standing right before her with a shimmering smile in a white, high-collar coat trimmed gold, emerging straight out this fantasy land — Kiritani Haruka.
"A sullen face and a heavy heart doesn't suit an esteemed guest of the park. I'd be willing to lend an ear if you'd like."
This can't be happening to me.
"Am I… in heaven…?"
"Heaven?"
Minori wisps, cupping her cheeks. Her weight sinks towards the paradise found… and nearly loses her balance. Her foot stomps down, just hard enough to shock her back to the pastel terra firma without face-planting onto it.
"If you are having a medical emergency, Miss, I can call someone over." Haruka's brows knot upwards, a frown pulling.
"Sorry! I'm so so sorry, I-I was just feeling a little sick after a ride!" She keeps sheepish eye-contact while rising slowly from the bench. All the discomfort she shoves aside to make room for a smile herself. "Sorry again for the trouble! A-Ahh, do you know where the washrooms are, by the way? I'll be out of your hair once I know!"
"There's… one right here." Haruka points to the left.
"Eh?"
She follows Haruka's finger and, sure enough, her widening eyes land on the building a few meters away… Shame dips her chin to her caving chest, hunched over in meek hopes she could grow a shell.
What am I doing? First Mizuki and the others, now Haruka! I'm so hopeless…
"Hey, I don't blame you for missing it. The main path swerves towards the haunted house so not many end up here or noticing even, and luckily there's no line-up—"
"Thank you for your help I'll be off now bye!"
Whether holding concern, or worse, anger, Haruka's voice falls short when Minori breaks out into a mad dash. She throws the door open and bumbles her way to the sink, barely realizing there's no one else. Only here of all places does her luck turn towards her favor.
Her fingers squeak across the granite surface, the friction slowing her in front of her sweaty and ragged reflection, how her shoulders arch with each heave of breath.
Was her make-up running this whole time? Of course it would be, after all she's been doing.
"…Snap out of it, me. Hurry hurry…"
Running her fingers through the cold water startles Minori, even as a brief touch. She adjusts and splashes it on her face. When she shakes the water off, the Minori she sees still looks a mess.
Short bursts of buzzes in her skirt pocket crams her depressing thoughts back where she put them earlier— Minori reaches in and reads the notification.
Amia
Minori u ok??? We lost track of u earlier (ó﹏ò｡)
We re heading to wonder stage early if you wanna keep it chill
If ur not feeling well enough we can call it a day and reschedule! (><)b
Minori mashes out a message. The water on her screen jitters her words and she retypes them all several times.
minorin
I'llbe t here soon don tworry about mee!!!
She closes her phone without another look. She slaps herself up twice, shakes her head again, and the person in the mirror already looks better.
"…Alright! To the Wonder Stage!"
The door swings open to return Minori back to the land of bright fantasy and activities as far as the sun can touch…
"Which way is it anyways?"
Her eyes scan across the vicinity, drawn by the familiar face still a ways away, underneath the same shade Minori was just at.
She waves, shouting "Haru—" Minori bites her tongue. "Kiri—" Reroute. "E-Excuse me!"
Sluggishly, Haruka's gaze drifts to hers. Dappled light colors those dark hues, blooming a smile once more from the cracked plane.
"Hello, Miss! You appear well now."
An itch flares on the back of her neck. "I am! And I can't thank you enough for your help— buuut if I may, I also need help getting to the Wonder Stage? I-I'm sorry for troubling you again!"
Laughter erupts from her guide, tassels on her outfit shaking in time with her melody. "It's no problem at all, Miss." Haruka pulls on her yellow lapel. "I am actually performing there myself, so we can head there together, if you'd like?"
Such other-worldly kindness… the exact type she remembers warming her heart in every word Haruka gifted.
She made peace with it, Haruka is not an idol anymore. She was lucky enough to become a fan, even luckier for their paths to cross, if she pushes it any further then it'll surely shower misfortune tomorrow.
But her heart beats its own drum.
"…Sure, i-if it is of no inconvenience to you!"
That will be a problem for future-Minori. If she could allow herself even trickles of Haruka's time, selfish as a request is from a fan to a retired idol, then she can boulder the burden of whatever tomorrow throws her way.
"There is no inconvenience, Miss." Haruka begins to walk, "Let us be off then."
"Right!"
Alongside her, Minori feels the park's sights and sounds anew. It was a delight to see how many families that were here with their children, happily pointing at their next destinations. Freshening up also gave a new luster to the attractions around her… at least, all the ones that didn't come packaged with motion sickness.
"What rides have you been on so far, Miss?"
"O-Only the roller coaster. We — my friends and I — we wanted to go on more before the show, but, y'know." Minori twiddles her thumbs.
Some distance away is the haunted house mentioned earlier, far less intimidating than the kinds she saw promoted for Halloween yet still not her cup of tea. Outside the entrance a trio of children much younger than Minori were going inside. The one furthest back already started crying but the other two went on anyway.
"I'm quite a fan of it myself, but yes, the rush is not for everyone."
"It isn't but I wouldn't want someone to ride alone or not be able to ride it."
"…So that's what happened."
Ah.
Minori could just curl up on the ground right here right now— somehow that sounds less embarrassing than bothering Haruka with her trivial petty regrets. Since meeting her, Minori hasn't been able to keep her tongue still for a second. It's a miracle she's been able to withhold that she already knows Haruka.
"I figured it wasn't voluntary at first and had my concerns… It's good that you care for others, but pushing yourself too hard won't lead you anywhere good…" Haruka's pitch drops. She tilts her head to the clouds where the skyline of high-rise rides disappear in her irises. There's emptiness in their reflection.
When Haruka left ASRUN, there had been a wave of speculation that Minori couldn't escape from noticing. She never took any of those to heart or considered it, but hearing Haruka speak with heft while looking at a nice clear sky… Minori swallows further intrusive thoughts— it's not her place to ask.
Haruka isn't an idol. She's an actor.
Minori isn't an idol. She's just a fan.
So how wide is the gap between them now?
"You're right… In the end, I ruined all the fun my friends could've had today."
Haruka turns back to her and brightens. "Did you forget what I said already, Miss? There's plenty of fun to still be had!"
A strong hand lands on her shoulder. In those fuller eyes, Minori sinks deep into a crevice. Haruka keeps her heart in place, from veering and falling into a spiral, yet pacing ever quicker.
"Watch our performance carefully, leave your regrets and let the stage work its magic on you… I'm sure watching your friend and I can take it all off your mind."
When her savior extends a hand, how is she meant to ever answer anything else? She nods as her lucky star shines her way… apologies to Kohane for hogging her new friend before their show— wait.
"Uhm." Minori blinks rapidly. A chirping bird flies over their heads. "You. I'm sorry. Do you… Know me?"
As she adapts to the intense starlight, Haruka strokes her chin. "This big fan who is a friend of Azusawa's? Who would be coming to see our show today? I posited a guess from what she told me and you seemed to fit the bill… Do you?"
"When??? Did you know???" Her throat crackles.
Haruka hides behind her hand. The arch of her lips peeks out from her fingers. "The notion occurred when you slumped over that bench."
Her stomach sinks with her hanging mouth. Minori feels dizzy again, rewinding to their first words exchanged… but it all comes up a blur of rambles and nonsense. She totally made a fool of herself this entire time.
"I-I—"
"Minori! There you are!"
"Hyaih?!"
Fast-approaching, Mizuki and Honami run up to them, Nene just a little behind. Further behind was the walk-way that sliced through the greenery, signs pointing towards the Wonder Stage down the bend.
"Oh man, it's good to see you!" Mizuki wipes her brow and fixes her fringe. "I'm really sorry about that coaster ride— I should've said something more to stop you."
Nene shuffles her feet, the most down-trodden she's ever looked in front of them. "I was thinking I should've gone with you, but I didn't… It was my fault for being so slow and hesitant."
"It's the same for me, you were really brave and… Are you really okay for the rest of today? You can have my water if you need it," Honami asks, already trying to push the cold thermos into her hands.
"Everyone, really! It's okay! I feel tons better now!" Minori waves. She holds over her chest and carefully finds her words. "I'm the one that's sorry for acting like I was fine with it all… but it's all okay! We still have the show to look forward to, and then we can have our revenge hang-out! Where we make sure to be more honest!"
The three silently stare, causing Minori to sweat and shrink until they all break into smiles.
Haruka pats her once more before making her way. "I'll be going on ahead now, it's almost showtime."
"Oh right!" Minori steps aside to offer as much room for Haruka to pass. "Thank you for everything, Haruka!"
"Yes, thank you for looking after her for us!" Honami bows, Nene bowing towards her direction as well, lingering. Haruka waves them off before running along the path.
The one to register the situation first, however, is Mizuki, who grabs Minori by the shoulders. "Oh my god— okay wait, Haruka escorted you all the way here?!"
"Mizuki! Shhh!" Minori shakes out of her hold. "I don't wanna make a big deal out of it… she's retired now."
"Right, yes, very true… but 'former national idol' is still a heavy title~ You go on about how unlucky you are, but I'd say you nabbed the bag on this!"
"Huh?"
"A string of coincidences leading you all the way to Kiritani… that's so romantic!"
Minori squawks. "R-Romantic?! Please have some mercy…"
The teasing giggles from everyone cleans out her headspace of persistent anxieties— most of them, at least. There is one that sits in the furthest corners, a stubborn mark that refuses to part from the walls meeting.
Haruka. Haruka.
Her imagination once ran rampant and free. Across the many was her favorite: a vision of herself and Haruka singing together…
For it to emerge again after all this time, coated in dust and rusted all over, Minori feels sad she can't even bring herself to hold it again.
"I dunno. Haruka is just meant for the stage, not… me."
The ground gives in to her growing weight— but Minori climbs out before it tears apart.
"Sorry! Enough downer talk! Let's just hurry up to the show now!"
She prompts them along, not daring to check behind in case something else gives. Minori hears Nene's soft-toed steps trailing just behind her.
The good seats are way at the front, but Honami points out that's exactly why children will want to occupy those benches, so the four squeeze onto a bench further to the back in the middle row.
When the curtains draw back, Minori is immediately enraptured. She clasps her palms and spares these few fledgling moments to blink.
It opens in a city-scape setting, Honami's classmate plays the role of a new ranger hero: Sunny-Sunny Happy Emu! With powers given to her by the sun, she aims to keep the city shining with smiles.
"To keep the city squeaky-clean of baddies though, I'll need some more help! I can't do this all alone…"
From there, she finds other people who have come into powers of their own. The first is her senior, Asahina Mafuyu as—
"You can call me… Goodness Smile."
Sure enough, her smile bedazzles the audience. The fact that there were no extra effects to enhance that smile makes it ever more formidable!
In witnessing these two in action, Kohane emerges as their fan at first.
"If only I could be like them… If only I could be strong too! But, someone like me could never. Maybe it's better to give up and admire from a distance."
All four of them sniffle in unison. Perhaps it hits a bit close to home for the others as well…
When they save her life, Kohane joins as the Makeover Beast. Minori claps loudly after her transformation motto — she's so glad to have helped brainstorm her concept, as small of a role she has on this stage.
The final member of the team appears, a gasp sweeping over the audience (Minori the loudest) as Haruka takes the center stage. Bold, benign, and brave, Haruka plays the traditional hero-type to a tee.
"If there is evil afoot, then count me in to vanquish it! Becoming stronger than anyone else to protect everyone, that is my goal."
Stoic Challenger becomes Minori's favorite in record time. A hit with the kids as well, who clamour and cheer in time with their attacks. The humor between the action keeps everyone watching as well— she didn't expect them all to be such good actors.
Then, a steep rise in stakes stills the crowd as Goodness Smile's true self is revealed… Darkness Smile, who was acting as a spy in their squadron this whole time.
Stoic Challenger is the first to rise up. An accusing finger juts out at Mafuyu, her expression twisting, heavily in contrast to Mafuyu's stone-like stare.
"You traitor! After pledging your life to the greater good of the people, you're saying it was all a lie?! Have you no shame? Everyone trusted you… but underneath it all, you were just another villain!"
"What of it? Stand against me if you will, I have reasons for my justice. Reasons predetermined for one such as I…"
Nene flinches.
"Their acting is really good, huh," Minori whispers as quietly as possible, for not a single peep can break the iron-clad tension. She shows her arm. "Look, chills."
"Not just that…" Nene narrows her eyes. "They're really good. For people just starting out, they sound natural, uncannily. It's so different from their action fights until now it's actually… Scary."
Scary? Minori mouths — a few people had thrown glances towards them.
Haruka did seem a little out of it here and there…
As she turns back to the stage, Emu is already pushing her way in between the two, insistent that not all of Darkness was a lie from the time they spent fighting side-by-side, but also that Darkness should be true to herself. Both of herselves.
A monster attack strikes the city at that moment, bigger than ever before, causing the four to regroup and fight against it in one unifying punch — thus the city is safe for now, and Happiness Squadron Sunny-Sunny☆Wonder continue their adventures in new splendor!
With a roaring applause, the cast of four take a bow, lingering to wave out at the crowd.
Minori still holds her breath — Haruka, atop a stage, sweat-soaked and smiling, waving…
And then they meet again, so near yet so far…
In the end, I just can't separate Haruka from herself.
Haruka puts her wrist into the wave. Minori waves back.
Whatever is on her mind, that isn't something Minori can be involved with. From here, she'll do what she can. If even a little bit of her feelings cuts across, that's all Minori can hope for.
She looks best up there. And I have a perfect view from here.