Chapter Text
“Wow....”
Within one of the many offices of 346 Production, Reina found herself in awe at a manhole cover. Specifically, a picture of one. Being captivated by such a thing would have elicited a few questions, but this was no ordinary manhole cover.
Reina stood beside her producer, taking a close look at the image displayed on their laptop. It showed a prominent illustration of Hero Versus in their iconic poses, framed within the metal, circular canvas. This was a prominent part of 346 Pro's latest project: a collaboration with Tokyo prefecture as part of a special ‘commemoration campaign’. Several units were given certain areas across the prefecture to help promote them, hoping to draw in more visitors to certain spots.
“Like... it looks pretty good,” Reina said, nodding to herself. “I'm impressed they can even fit my magnificence in a tiny metal circle.”
To say she was enthusiastic about it wasn't exactly accurate. For Reina, the word 'manhole' elicited the image of something mundanely unpleasant. A portal leading straight into the underworld, except this wasn't a wicked hellscape of fire and brimstone; just a rancid, wet cavern of sewage. She dared not waste an opportunity to showcase her prestigious image, of course. But to be immortalized by a manhole cover? One that would be trodden on by countless shoes, covered in mud and god knows what else? That was pushing the boundaries of her pride.
Still, publicity was publicity at the end of the day. Besides, at least the illustration did them justice.
And speaking of justice....
“It's incredible!” Hikaru chimed in from the opposite side of Producer. Even a manhole cover wasn't spared from her boundless enthusiasm. “The colors look really vibrant! Surely everyone will notice it when they pass by!” She pumped a small fist.
Reina shot a sidelong glance at Hikaru, watching as her partner's eyes practically glowed with admiration for their manhole illustration. “Honestly speaking, a billboard would catch way more eyes. People walk all over these things. Literally. It's kinda demeaning.”
“That's not how you should see it, Reina!” Hikaru turned to face her, her expression a perfect picture of earnestness. “We'll be guarding the city! Every footstep will be on our watchful gaze! We'll be its protectors, right from the ground up!”
Such a positive spin practically oozed with the overly-heroic spirit Hikaru was known for, eliciting a pensive look from Reina. “Right, right. ‘Protectors of Filth.’ Got it. They could've at least given us some kind of ribbon cutting ceremony. They're just gonna plop that thing down in the middle of the night?”
Despite it being a significant part of the campaign, installation of the cover didn't warrant any big public event. Just a quiet placement in some designated spot towards the end of the week, ready to be stepped on by an unsuspecting public. Almost as if they knew a manhole cover was the least glamorous thing they could offer.
“Remember, it isn't just the manhole cover,” Producer interjected smoothly, closing the laptop. “This is about promoting the area around Odaiba. A local magazine wants to interview both of you as a unit, and there will be a small stage event at Zepp DiverCity. The interview will be coming up in ten days, and they're particularly interested in your relationship as a unit. Make sure you prepare some thoughtful answers.”
The word ‘relationship’ found itself stuck to Reina's thoughts, like a stubborn piece of gum. She could already picture the questions: ‘What's it like to be in a unit together?’ 'What makes you both effective as a team?' Things she answered about a million times before. She made sure to show the world that she does, in fact, find the hero loving girl to be her nemesis. Her polar opposite in the never ending clash of good vs. evil. That very friction sparked their efforts to keep improving themselves as idols, and she couldn't imagine anyone else as her rival. That was all there was to it.
...Right?
“Of course! Leave it to us!” Hikaru declared. “For the peace of Odaiba, we'll make sure to do our best!”
“I don't know about peace,” Reina began, slipping back into her usual confidence. “But Reina-sama always puts in her best, no matter what comes at me!”
Despite the boast, a strange feeling lingered within her. A weird flutter in her chest that had nothing to do with pride or ambition. She chalked it up to annoyance. The idea of having to talk about Hikaru's qualities when asked would be a pain. Hikaru, the earnest, honest-to-a-fault, hero-obsessed girl who sought to live up to her own ideals. It made Reina want to laugh.
That's what she told herself.
But as the meeting ended, and she and Hikaru parted for the day, the mysterious feeling continued all the way home.