Work Text:
SEKAI.BLOG POST - AMIACHAN827 - POST #337: MARCH 7TH 20XX @ 5:13PM
HEYAAAAAAAA GUYS (´ ∀ ` *)
it’s been a while, yeah?? Sos, I ended up getting in a liiiiiiiiiittle trouble with how many assignments i’ve missed lately and so had to take a break for a month or so (*°▽°*)
BUT I’M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gonna be watchin the bloomfess challenge auditions later @ 7pm JST if anyone wants 2 come in! shudder.tv/amiachan827 as always!!
NO SPOILERS!!! I wanna go in cheering blind (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)
and as always GO MINORI-CHAN!!!! ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶
- - -
As the post finally processed, Mizuki switched her attention from the blog to her Nightcord messages. An entourage of @ pings was unleashed on the somewhat recently formed “Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de” chat by the pinknette.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[05:21pm- amiachan827]
hey
heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary
@honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary where are u two
i miss youuuuuuuuuuu (╥﹏╥)
[05:24pm- honapple_]
Oh, Mizuki-chan’s back!
Hello!! :))
[05:24pm- amiachan827]
HONA-CHANNNNNNNNNNNNNN
MY SAVIOUR (o´∀`o)
so glad ur here and don’t want me dead like Nen-chan ┐( ˘ ､ ˘ )┌
[05:25pm- m3rma1dcanary]
what
dude I don’t want u dead
[05:25pm- amiachan827]
oh nvm Nen-chan’s here ∑d(°∀°d)
how have things been in my absence
[05:26pm- honapple_]
Ahh, I’ve had to do a lot of Student Council work, honestly :(
OH, but I do have some new sketches that I wanted your feedback on, Mizuki-chan!
[05:26pm- amiachan827]
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?
Let’s see :P
[05:28pm- honapple_]
[SENT 5 IMAGES]
I’m still trying to grasp how to form the cat :(
[05:32pm- amiachan827]
Well
(⊙＿⊙)
You’re uh
You’re doing great sweetie (⌒_⌒;)
No but seriously these do look a ton better than the last lot? Keep at it, yea?
[05:33pm- honapple_]
Oh, that’s good!! 0//0 ‘
Nene-chan, what about you? I only heard from you a couple of times and it was you sending those cute bird memes…
[05:34pm- m3rma1dcanary]
i was helping rui-kun test some things yesterday
no one else in his group would do it :/
[05:34pm- amiachan827]
wait what
HE GOT THAT STREET GROUP IDEA TO WORK
AND DIDN’T TELL ME?
HANG ON
- - -
Before Nene’s reply of “don’t grill him too hard” had a chance to reach Mizuki’s vision, the same barrage of @ messages were thrown Rui’s way too. As she waited (not at all) patiently for a reply from her other friend, she switched attention back to Group Chat.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[05:37pm- amiachan827]
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway
gonna be streaming the bloomfess auditions on shudder later if y’all wanna watch
[05:37pm- m3rma1dcanary]
sure
got nothing else to do tonight anyway
[05:38pm- honapple_]
I’ll also be there!!
Would you guys like to do a work call at some point too? It makes paperwork a little less painful 0_o
[05:39pm- amiachan827]
YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SURE
How about tomorrow? Tis a weekend after all
[05:39pm- m3rma1dcanary]
that works :)
i’m gonna eat some food before your stream then, mizuki
i’ll see you guys later
[05:40pm- honapple_]
I should do that too!!!
Bye, everyone!
[05:40pm- amiachan827]
Bai Bai :3
- - -
Ahh… Mizuki really had missed those guys. After a quick confirmation that Rui had not yet replied (traitor) and a quick note-to-self to also eat something before she went live, Mizuki got to work setting up her equipment.
- - -
“Hanasato-san? The producer asks if you’d like to join everyone for some food.”
“Ah- I’ll be okay!! But… thank you for offering!”
After confirming that the stage hand on the other end of the door had walked away, Minori went back to curling herself in a ball. Even with the amount of rejections she’d had, it didn’t mean they’d stopped stinging. And there was only so many times ‘there’s always next audition’ could be said before it was just salt in the ever-growing wound.
Though even with all that said, she couldn’t help but let her attention drift to Social Media. Maybe, just maybe, there’d be some kind of feedback lurking in IdolBoard posts about the event. However, after pressing the #bloomfesaudition2023 tag… she was met face to face with a medium she wasn’t all too familiar with.
The post read “GOIN LIVE TO WATCH #BLOOMFES2023 HERE!!!!!!!!! shudder.tv/amiachan827 (✧ω✧)” Live commentary from an audience member? She was sure to find some feedback there!
Clicking the link brought her straight to the platform, with a rudimentary video set up taking up most of the screen. The host in question appeared to be a girl her age with pale pink hair and an intently focused expression.
The footage on her screen, however? It was the girl directly before her.
Minori felt a knot grow in her stomach as she watched the girl’s performance conclude from her phone. The young streamer clapped as it included, seeming satisfied.
“She’s really graceful… almost like she should be in ballet instead, right~?”
A flurry of comments came through in agreement with the streamer, who nodded and smiled at them all. The knot in Minori’s stomach tightened as she spotted herself peeking out of the corner of the screen.
Why the hell did she do this?
Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe she could just click off the screen, save herself the embarrassment and just–
“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~!!”
Minori was pulled back to reality by a loud shriek, turning her attention back to the stream. Did something happen? Had the camera caught her almost tripping over, or something?
No… Minori’s broadcasted self was standing there in one piece. And the streamer was… well…
“Minori-chan looks so ADORABLE today!! Seriously, it’s like her outfits get cooler and cooler with each audition!”
Was this… a fan?
No, Minori must be imagining things! Maybe this was just one big elaborate dream her brain conjured up to mess with her further. But after a couple quick pinches on the arm… that was pretty much deconfirmed.
The longer her performance went on, the more excited the streamer seemed to become. Her enthusiasm was admittedly getting to Minori too- who felt her face get redder and redder with every line. Though she eventually hit her limit- turning the stream off and burying her face in one of the dressing room pillows. To think after all this time- failed audition after failed audition… she still had a fan out there? It’d seem absurd if she didn’t have the proof right in front of her eyes.
Minori decided to go back to IdolBoard to find out more. ‘amiachan827’, hm? The girl typed the username into IdolBoard’s search engine, and sure enough, she found the same pink ribbon icon she’d seen on the previous post.
- - -
AMIA
amiachan827
45 Following | 918 Followers
Birthday: August 27th | Oshi: Blank
Joined: 3 Years Ago | Last Online: 4 Hours Ago
- - -
“IdolBoard give me Minori-chan Oshi Tag or I RIOT.
16 𐙚 Seamstress 𐙚 MV/Fancam Creator 𐙚 Streamer
Check out my Shudder and Blog.sekai Pages Below!”
- - -
shudder.tv/amiachan827
blog.sekai/amia827/dashboard
- - -
Blog.sekai?
Minori clicked on the second link and arrived at a site she’d never seen before. Amia’s dashboard was covered in pink and sparkles and… light sticks in the pastel orange Minori gravitated to in her outfits– and now her face was red again.
Though, one thing in particular grabbed her attention. A small white letter icon. A message feature?
Clicking on it instantly prompted Minori to sign up for the site herself. She thought about it for a minute… then another… then another…
If she could keep her own identity concealed, then what was the harm, right?
- - -
“Ohooo, when I get my hands on those dammed Bloomfes judges—”
“Are we seriously still going with this…?”
“Yes, we’re still going, Nen-chan!” Mizuki scoffed, tapping her tablet pencil against her desk. The stream was well behind her by now, and her attention had switched to getting some work done with Honami and Nene on call.
Unfortunately, a finished stream meant a completed watch of the Bloomfes performances. And a completed watch of the performances meant she’d now seen the results online.
And knowledge of the results meant…
“Minori-chan’s performance was AMAZING! She should’ve been able to make the cut!” Mizuki huffed. “Honestly, what don’t they see in her?!”
“They’re not gay for her like you are?”
“Oi.”
“Be nice to her, Nene-chan…” Honami giggled, “And I’m sorry, Mizuki-chan. I’m sure her next audition will go a lot better!”
“Here’s hoping! Or I’m gonna lose the plot!”
Mizuki chuckled for a while, before going… almost uncannily silent. Nene picked up on it first, “Something up?”
“Take a look at this.”
After a couple seconds passed filled with nothing but the sound of fingers hitting keys, a screenshot of a blog.sekai DM flashed up on Honami’s and Nene’s screens. A profile with a little otter icon.
- - -
MESSAGE: otto.more (4 minutes ago)
Good evening, Amia!
I’m sorry for the sudden message, but I watched your stream of the bloomfes performance earlier today. I was in a really low mood, but your content cheered me up quite a bit!
I know this might be a bit sudden, but i would like to be friends with you, if you don’t mind!! I’m a little new to this corner of the internet, so I’d like to have someone there to guide me ;-;
- - -
“Did you say it was from a new account?” Honami asked, her voice tinted with worry, “Don’t you think it could be an automated account?”
“Nah,” Nene cut in, “I’ve dealt with a crap ton of different blog.sekai bots. Their names are all jumbles of random characters and none of them bother to even set profile pictures. That’s someone real, alright.”
“Still…” Mizuki mumbled, “Why… me?”
“Aw, don’t sell yourself short, Mizuki-chan!” Honami responded, “There are plenty of reasons for why someone would befriend you!”
“You think we should try inviting them here?” Nene piped up, “They seem pretty lonely. Might do ‘em some good to get a few friends.”
“Wonderful idea, Nene-chan! Mizuki-chan, do you want to ask this otto.more person if they’d like to join us?”
“Alrighty…”
The sound of keys clacking filled the air again as Mizuki frantically started typing out a response. Something about all this was still gnawing at her brain, but she couldn’t figure out what it was.
- - -
amiachan827 (Just Now)
Halllooooooooooooo! (๑ > ᴗ < ๑)
i’m surprised you’d come to me of all people, but yeah! I’d be happy 2 get to know u!
I’m actually in a Nightcord group with a couple good budies of mine if ur looking for company!! That is, if you use Nightcord.
If not, you should. Just sayinggg. (b ᵔ▽ᵔ)b
- - -
“Alright, sent.”
“It might actually be nice having someone new in here,” Nene said, “Four’s a good number.”
“Yeah… yeah! Infinite wisdom as always, Nen-chan!” Mizuki chuckled, “Oh- they’ve replied already?”
“What’s it say?”
- - -
MESSAGE: otto.more (Just Now)
Oh, that’s really nice of you!! ^v^
Yeah, I’m happy to join! But you might have to talk me through how to set Nightcord up.
- - -
“It’s a yes!”
“Yippee!” Honami replied, "In which case, we should probably get off our call and get ready to welcome them, right?”
“Yeah, it might be a little intimidating to immediately drag them into a voice call,” Nene nodded, “Welp, Mizuki, it’s all in your hands now. Talk to ya in a bit.”
“Yes, see you later, Mizuki-chan!”
“Bai bai~!”
Mizuki waved at the laptop as the voice call quickly closed up. Her mind was… still not completely caught up with all this, but she couldn’t help smiling looking at the messages in front of her.
Her eyes fixed on the little otter icon. Laying in the water, grinning ear-to-ear… it really was endearing.
“Otto.more, huh?”
Saying the name out loud made the situation feel that much more real, and Mizuki couldn’t help but smile.
“Looking forward to meeting ya.”
- - -
SEKAI.BLOG POST - AMIACHAN827 - POST #338: MARCH 7TH 20XX @ 11:32PM
BLOOMFES 2023 SPOILERS!!!!!!
Maaaan, it sucks Minori-chan didn’t win (｡ŏ﹏ŏ) my girl… you’re gonna get it next time I promise!!
Anyway, thank u for all who tuned in to the stream! Gonna go back to sewing for the rest of 2night.
And spend time with my new friend later maybe!!! @otto.more hellooooo I see you!!
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:21pm- SYSTEM]
amiachan827 added otto.more to the group.
[11:21pm- amiachan827]
WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[11:22pm- honapple_]
Oh, hello!! Welcome to our group! c: c:
What’s your name?
- - -
Minori felt a lump rise in her throat. A pseudonym wasn’t something she’d thought about at this point of time.
“Think, Minori! Think…!” The girl mumbled, hands shaking as she typed out her next message.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:25pm- otto.more]
Oh, you can call me Hana!!
[11:26pm- honapple_]
In that case, it’s lovely to meet you, Hana-chan!
I’m Honami! You already know about Mizuki, of course, and Nene should be here soon!
[11:28pm- otto.more]
Mizuki?
[11:29pm- amiachan827]
OH that’s my name yea ( ◕▿◕ )
u can call me Mizuki or Amia, idm either
[11:29pm- otto.more]
Okay!!
Thanks, Mizuki-chan!
[11:30pm- amiachan827]
No problem, Han!
can I call u Han?
i’m calling u Han (>ᴗ•)
Han-channnnnn
[11:32pm- m3rma1dcanary]
i’m here
what’s up
oh. hey @otto.more
welcome :)
[11:33pm- otto.more]
Oh, you’re Nene, right?
Hello!! ヾ(*'▽')
[11:33pm- amiachan827]
HAN-CHAN USES KAOMOJIS TOO?
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
anyways carry on ( 〃▽〃)
[11:34pm- m3rma1dcanary]
sorry about her
[11:34pm- amiachan827]
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
[11:34pm- m3rma1dcanary]
don’t spam the chat :/
[11:35pm- amiachan827]
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
(◞‸◟；)
oi oi oi nen-chan hates meeeeeeeeeee :(
[11:36pm- m3rma1dcanary]
:/
sorry hana, this doesn’t always happen
[11:36pm- otto.more]
It’s okay… (＾▽＾)
You all seem very nice!! I can’t wait to get to know you more!
[11:37pm- honapple_]
As are we!!
Unfortunately, I have a test tomorrow, so I need to go :c
Talk to you tomorrow!!
[11:38pm- amiachan827]
GOOD LUCK HONA-CHAN!!!!
Imma get some sewing work done. Goodnight!!
[11:38pm- otto.more]
Night!! (｡•ᴗ•｡)
- - -
Mizuki leant back in her chair with a loud sigh, eyeing the half-constructed lace blouse in the corner of her room. Sewing kit… where was her sewing kit…
Though, before the girl could start properly looking, a loud ringing erupted from her phone. A rooftop photo with ‘RUI (✧ω✧)’ illuminated in bright, bold photos shone from the screen.
About time!! “Mister Kamishiro, I was about to put missing person posters out all across the city! Where were you?”
“Fufu, oh, however can I be forgiven, Miss Akiyama?” The voice on the other end groveled, the smirk on his face radiating through the screen, “How are you, my dearest friend?”
“I’m good!” Mizuki began, before sighing, “You been keepin’ up with bloomfes news?”
“Indeed I have. I’m sorry that Hanasato wasn’t able to get through, Mizuki. She gave a truly stellar performance.”
“You get it… but enough about me!! How’s life going, Mister ‘New Group Leader?’”
“Fufufu… oh, you flatter me, Mizuki. But I am hardly a leader yet. We haven’t even had a proper performance.”
“Still, the fact you were able to get everyone to agree was awesome!!” Mizuki said with a nod, “I better be given a ticket to that first performance of yours!”
“Perhaps I’ll let you… perhaps I’ll make you pay full price… who knows~?”
“Meanie.”
“Aww, I love you too,” Rui chuckled, “But… are you sure that all’s been okay?”
“Eh~? Yeah, I said so already! You can’t already be going senile, senpai?”
“So there hasn’t been any other… incidents?”
“Well, the teachers are still up my ass about missing assignments–”
“No, you know what I mean,” Rui’s tone had developed into something far more serious, “Just… if anyone makes any more comments, you know where to find me.”
A long, suffocating silence filled the call, only broken when Mizuki let out a rather awkward chuckle, “Who are you, my dad~? But… don’t worry. I’ll tell you.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Alright…” Rui’s concern was still present, but he seemed somewhat satisfied with the answer, “It’s late, so I’ll leave you be for now. Let me know when you’re next in school and I’ll come bother you on campus, hmm?”
“Sounds like a plan! Seeya, Rui!”
“Bye bye~”
As the call rang out, Mizuki’s hand drifted over a drawer in her desk. Opening it revealed a note. One she’d been meaning to hand in to the guidance councilor. Though… even thinking about opening it again, let alone handing it in, made her skin crawl.
It’s fine. If it happened again, she’d hand it in. No need to cause a fuss over what was just a fluke.
It was probably a fluke.
….
Swallowing the gnawing feeling in her gut down, Mizuki shut the drawer.
- - -
SEKAI.BLOG POST - AMIACHAN827 - POST #338: MARCH 18TH 20XX @ 11:21AM
Embroidery + Miracle Magic Girl ☆ Lala' + French Fries = Perfect Afternoon~ (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
this next project is gonna be my cutest yet!!! everyone watch (o･ω･o) this (o･ω･o) space!!!
just a quick question. what color flowers are gonna look best on the neck of this blouse? White or Blue?
- - -
Checking Mizuki’s blog had become a daily part of Minori’s daily routine.
It was… almost a little bit pathetic. She’d known this girl for what- a week? And yet she’d already become a weirdly integral figure in Minori’s life.
That extended to the group chat too, of course. Minori had gotten somewhat close to Honami and Nene too, but they didn’t come with the same… oddities that Mizuki came with.
Minori’s safe-proclaimed biggest fan… who had no idea that Minori had entered her orbit. It was weird, really. Mizuki was actually talented one- the handmade peach blouse attached to this morning’s post was proof of that.
However, a flashing red light emitting from the Nightcord icon on the bottom of her computer quickly caught her attention. Speak of the devil. Or… devils.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:28am- amiachan827]
guyyyyyyyyyyyyyyysss
i need your opinion
[11:29am- otto.more]
White flowers!
[11:29am- amiachan827]
…………………… (ง ื▿ ื)ว
- - -
Well, that wasn’t at all creepy. Minori gave herself a light nudge in the side, sighing loudly as she turned back to the group chat.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:30am- amiachan827]
lol
han-chan is psychic
okayyyyyyy, @honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary thoughts?
[11:33am- honapple_]
For the peach blouse, no?
If so, definitely white flowers!! c:
[11:36am- m3rma1dcanary]
yeah, white
[11:37am- amiachan827]
white it is!!!!
Miiight hold a live stream later when I finish making this
might be fun __〆(￣ー￣ )
[11:38am- otto.more]
Oh, another stream?
I’d be happy to watch! (◕ᴗ◕✿)
[11:38am- honapple_]
I’m curious…
You said you stumbled on one of Mizuki-chan’s streams, right, Hana-chan?
That’s how you came here?
[11:39am- otto.more]
Ah… she told you about all that?
Erm, yes!! I saw the bloomfes2023 stream last week!
[11:39am- amiachan827]
han-chan
han-chan
han-chan han-chan han-chan han-chan han-chan han-chan han-chan
[11:40am- otto.more]
…yes? (´⊙ω⊙`)！
[11:40am- amiachan827]
what did u think of Minori-chan’s performance
[11:40am- otto.more]
Hm??
It was… good! (´｡• ᵕ •｡`)
[11:41am- amiachan827]
RIGHT???
The way she captured the stage and sprinkled in fan-service that didn’t seem rehearsed for her set
and the cute outfit she chose
and her routine
she was SO ADORABLEEEEEEEEE WHY DIDN’T SHE GET CHOSENNNNNNNNNNNN (╥﹏╥)
- - -
“Does she really feel that strongly about—” Minori’s self-monologue stopped dead in its tracks as she was reminded of the earlier livestream. She didn’t know how good of a liar this Mizuki was, but even the most cunning mastermind couldn’t cover their tracks like that. Especially not twice.
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:42am- otto.more]
You’re that big a fan of Minori-chan, huh?
[11:43am- m3rma1dcanary]
oh you haven’t even seen the HALF of it
just a warning, mizuki has the biggest girl-crush on her
like. ever.
[11:43am- amiachan827]
you can’t prove that ╮(︶▽︶)╭
[11:44am- m3rma1dcanary]
oh really?
[SENT 1 VIDEO]
- - -
Minori opened up the video, revealing the figure she knew now to be Mizuki sprawled across what she assumed to be Nene’s couch, mumbling something to the camera that caused Minori to go bright red from ear-to-ear.
“Gooood….. She’s just so… ADORABLE!! How can any idol be this dang adorable?! I swear, sometimes I could just eat her up!!”
“A-AH?!”
- - -
[GROUP MESSAGE: Kyujitsu, Shumijin Doushi de]
[11:46am- amiachan827]
NEN-CHAN
YOU DIRTY FREAKIN CHEAT
YOU PROMISEDYOU’D KEEP THAT SECRET (＃`Д´)
[11:47am- honapple_]
Be nice, Nene-chan…
Mizuki-chan’s never teased you about your crush on that bubbly girl from the Phoenix Wonderland group, hmm.??
[11:49am- m3rma1dcanary]
fuck.
touche.
[11:50am- otto.more]
Wait, ☆ Happiness Sentai Sunny Sunny☆?
My best friend from Middle School is part of that!
[11:50am- m3rma1dcanary]
you know one of the members?
[11:51am- otto.more]
Mhm!! Kohane-chan!
Aaa~ and Haruka-chan was one of my idols before she quit the idol scene…
[11:52am- m3rma1dcanary]
damn
we’ve got a celebrity on our hands
[11:52am- otto.more]
Maybe I could take you to meet them all some day?
[11:52am- m3rma1dcanary]
i’d like that :)
[11:53am- amiachan827]
ha
gay
[11:53am- m3rma1dcanary]
ur gay.
[11:54am- honapple_]
Guys… :(
[11:54am- amiachan827]
sorry hona-chan (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)
oh han-chan, did you know hona-chan is best friends with an idol?
[11:54am- honapple_]
Well… more than that now… 0///0
[11:54am- amiachan827]
oh.
yep, forgot you started dating her, icchan and saki-chan
that blonde guy from our school won’t stop saying how happy he is :P
[11:55am- otto.more]
Who is the idol, Honami-chan?
[11:55am- honapple_]
Oh!! Shiho Hinomori from YUME YUME JUMP…
They’re relatively new, though, you might not know them… ^^’’
Also, you’re also best friends with someone from that group, Mizuki-chan… 0_o
[11:55am- amiachan827]
yup~!
An-chan would be my oshi if Minori-chan wasn’t.
[11:56am- otto.more]
Yes, I know about YUME YUME JUMP!
Kohane-chan and her group have met them… they’re on good terms!!
Kohane-chan
um
has a crush on Shiraishi from that group………..
[11:56am- amiachan827]
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
han-chan we gotta set them up pronto ( 〃▽〃)
[11:57am- otto.more]
That would be cute…!
Maybe some day all 12 of us can hang out together!
oh
maybe that’s a little too ambitious…. (*/_＼)
[11:56am- amiachan827]
Hehe
Han-chan is so freaking cuteee~
- - -
“OKAYTHAT’SENOUGHFORTODAY.”
Minori scrambled for the display off button on her computer, diving onto one of her bean bags and covering her face with the other.
Gosh. She’d been complimented before… but why did Mizuki’s compliments make her feel so… awkward? And WARM?!
Minori grumbled to herself for a bit, before grabbing her headphones. Might as well try and get some practice in to distract herself.
..key word being try.
- - -
[12:04pm- m3rma1dcanary]
dude
you killed Hana
[12:05pm- honapple_]
She’ll get used to Mizuki-chan’s compliments soon enough, I’m sure…
[12:05pm- amiachan827]
it’s not even a compliment
it’s just the truth
hear that, Han-chan!!
you can’t hide from the truth!!!!!!!!!
- - -
SEKAI.BLOG POST - AMIACHAN827 - POST #345: APRIL 1ST 20XX @ 9:02AM
If I don’t post today, know it’s because @honapple_ @m3rma1dcanary and @otto.more abandoned me and left me FOR DEAD ☆(＃××)
(i can’t wait to see you guys!!!!!)
- - -
“Minori-chan, don’t you think you might be overthinking this?”
“One of the people in the group has seen my Bloomfes audition!!! I can’t look recognizable, Kohane-chan! Don’t you know how creepy that’d be!!”
Minori liked to think she had gotten more organized as she’d gotten older, but if the floor littered with clothes and accessories was anything to go by, she evidently had a long way to go. She’d woken up in a cold sweat early that morning, realizing that she actually had to present herself AS Hana-chan, NOT as Minori Hanasato. And to prevent her from falling into a pit of self-induced despair, she’d dragged poor Kohane Azusawa onto the phone to help her out.
“Um… I have a few bits of streetwear that An-chan gifted me…” Kohane piped up, “Caps, big jackets… that sort of thing? I can quickly bring them over!”
“Would they fit?”
“We’re basically the same size, right, Minori-chan? They definitely should fit!”
“Alright, I’ll trust you!!
“Perfect! Ten minutes…!”
The call hung up, leaving an anxious Minori to tidy up and pace around until her dear friend arrived. Eight minutes and twenty six seconds later (yes, she counted), the aspiring idol could hear Kohane’s voice from behind her door- clearly conversing with Minori’s mother.
Twelve seconds later, Minori heard two knocks come from the door, “C-come in!”
The door opened, revealing Kohane with two fairly big bags of clothes under her arms, “I-I couldn’t decide what you might need, so I went with a bunch of different things!”
“You angel…” Minori smiled, before her whole body jolted, “W-WAIT! What am I going to do about my face?!”
“Um… wear a mask?”
“Oh…! Oh yeah.”
“Please, sit down and take a breather, Minori-chan…” Kohane urged, reaching into one of the bags, “Um… what do you think Hana-chan’s favorite colors would be?”
After about an hour of Minori and Kohane’s impromptu fashion show, the pair finally settled on a look. A baggy, pale pink jacket with long black trousers and a gray logo shirt with a matching cap. A pack of pale pink surgical masks (present from Minori’s brief flu spell a couple months ago) was safely tucked away in an ita bag that the girl was sure she’d never showcased before.
“You still have those pink slip-on shoes, right?” Kohane asked.
“Yup! Seriously, Kohane-chan, I can’t BEGIN to tell you how much of a lifesaver this is!”
“Hehe, of course!” Kohane smiled before her eyes caught the clock on Minori’s wall, “Eek- I’m gonna be late to practice! I don’t want Asahina-senpai to get cross with me again… not this close to our showcase…”
“Go, go go!!” Minori responded, “And thanks again–!”
- - -
“And then Tsukasa got them kicked out of the practice venue for screaming too loud at Rui’s pyrotechnics…”
“I swear, Rui is going to be the death of that group.”
“Have a little bit of faith in him, Nen-chan! At least he’s keeping busy for once.”
“That’s true. Now…”
Nene flicked her phone open, glancing at the time, “Hana said she’d be meeting us here in five minutes. Does anyone know what she looks like?”
“I don’t think we ever asked…” Honami responded, “What if we’ve been catfished?!”
“Why would someone who’s a catfish be hanging around Mizuki’s live streams?”
“They could’ve been lying–”
“Wait,” Mizuki cut in, pointing to a somewhat clueless-looking figure in the crowd, “Is that her?”
“Ooo, it might be! Call for her, Mizuki-chan!”
“Aye aye, Hona-chan! HEY, HAN~CHAN~!!”
The aforementioned figure spun around, seemingly recognizing Mizuki’s voice. While her face was masked, a smile was noticeable in her eyes as she walked towards the trio.
“A-ah, hello, everyone…!”
“It’s nice to meet you at last, Hana-chan!” Honami smiled, holding out a hand to Hana. Hana shook the hand, expression a little flustered, “It’s nice to meet you too… um… Honami-chan?”
“Mhm!”
“Which means you’re Nene-chan!!” Hana gestured towards Nene, who gave a nod and a polite smile in return, “Hehe, it’s so nice to meet you all!”
“And it’s even NICER to meet you, Han-chan~!”
Mizuki began looking Hana up and down, feeling the satin of the jacket with the tips of her fingers, “Gotta say, this wasn’t what I was expecting from you clothes-wise, but I dig it! It’s real cute~”
A quiet “eep!” slipped through Hana’s lips- pale red blush slipping through the top of her mask. Honami and Nene gave each other a quick glance, before the former decided to get the group back on track.
“So, what’s our plan?”
“The plan… the plan…”
Mizuki hummed, looking around the nearby streets, clicking her tongue, “Oh- there’s a Karaoke place! Miiight be a good shout~”
“A… K-Karaoke Bar…?!”
“Not a Karaoke person, Han-chan?” Mizuki asked, head tilting, “That’s fine! Anyone else got any suggestions?”
Silence. The group all looked back and forth at each other. Eventually, it became apparent that Nene was trying to hold something back. Mizuki giggled.
“You’re gonna suggest the arcade, aren’t ya, Nen-chan.”
“...no.”
“....”
“Okay, fine. I was.”
“I’m happy to do the arcade!” Honami smiled, “What about you, Hana-chan?”
“A-alright! Let’s do this!”
- - -
Minutes turned into hours.
Since the group had arrived at the arcade, they’d all kind of split off to do their own thing. Nene drifted to her usual machines, taking the joystick in her hand with complete and utter focus. Honami was drifting to and fro- going from watching Nene to racking up tickets to get everyone a little something from the prize booth.
Meanwhile, Mizuki and Hana had practically chained themselves to the DDR machines. While the former was practically breaking out in a sweat now, ‘Hana’ didn’t seem to be phased- tackling harder and harder stages with the utmost diligence.
After the sixteenth or so song, Mizuki turned to the other girl with wide eyes.
“Haahh… jesus… Han-chan…”
“Mizuki-chan! Are you alright…?”
“Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting you to be DDR’s next big thing, yanno! You should do this kinda thing professionally!”
“Ehh…? I should?”
“Yeah~!” Mizuki nodded eagerly to add extra emphasis to her words, before she had a thought, “You should be an idol!!”
“I… should…?”
- - -
Minori felt like there was a knife in her chest, and the kind smile plastered across Mizuki’s face was twisting it even deeper.
God. If only she knew.
If only Mizuki knew about all the nights she’d spent in tears- brushing off audition after audition. Promising herself next time would be different- that she’d get back on her feet eventually.
Or the next time. Or the next. Or the next. How long could Minori lie to herself before she’d just go crazy?
Minori felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, pulling her back to reality, “Hey, Hana-chan? Are you okay?”
“...yeah.”
Mizuki didn’t seem at all convinced, gaze narrowing as she looked at Minori. “Did I touch a nerve or something? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude—”
“No, don’t worry! You… weren’t to know…”
The pinkette gave her new friend a side-hug, smiling softly. “How about we find somewhere to sit down and take a breather? We can always grab the others and head to a cafe, or—”
- - -
A feeling of dread suddenly washed over the pink-haired girl- spotting a trio of Kamiyama Students out of the corner of her eye.
Their gazes were lingering just a bit too long. Bearing into Mizuki’s soul and making it feel like her entire external body had dissolved away.
The group got closer, looking at each other with a plan clearly visible in their eyes.
Mizuki felt nauseous. Mizuki felt dizzy.
Mizuki had to run, but she felt herself stuck in place. Unable to do anything but look at her tormentors directly in the eyes.
She was used to this song and dance, but never while she had company beside her. No less a new friend.
A loud “Ey, Akiyama! What’s up with the outfit this time?” was the last thing the girl heard before her brain decided to give up, bringing her to another mental plane.
- - -
To say Minori was bewildered was an understatement.
In mere minutes, her new friend had gone from smiling and dancing with her to staring straight at the floor- body completely rigid. It snapped Minori straight out of whatever funk the idol comment had pulled her into.
She may not know anything about Mizuki’s past or school life or whatever on earth would lead the three students to act like this. However, there was one thing Minori was certain of.
The boys standing in front of her had done something to upset Mizuki. And she wasn’t going to take that lying down.
“What the hell is your problem?!” Minori shouted, leaning up to meet the boy who’d spoken first eye-to-eye, “Why is Mizuki-chan’s outfit such an issue to you?!”
“You don’t find it strange?” The student scoffed, “You know… Akiyama being dressed like that?”
Before Minori could wrap her head around that statement, the second student piped up. “Wait, hoooold on. You look kinda familiar. Mind if we try and take a look under that-”
Before the student could snatch the hat and mask from Minori’s person, a figure from behind shoved him aside. “Hey. Leave them the fuck alone.”
“Fuck, it’s the weirdo guy’s friend,” The third student muttered, “Come on, guys. I’m not getting hunted by a drone today.”
And with that, the three guys walked off in a huff. From the look in Nene’s eyes, she appeared to recognize them. “Shit. Stay there. I’m gonna get–”
“It’s okay, I’m here,” Honami cut in, face pale, “To think they’d try and give Mizuki-chan trouble even outside of school…”
“They went after Hana too.”
An unusual expression of anger washed over Honami’s usual gentle expression. She put one of her arms over Minori and (after ensuring she was okay to do so) put the other over Mizuki, guiding the pair out of the arcade.
- - -
SEKAI.BLOG POST - AMIACHAN827 - POST #348: APRIL 1ST 20XX @ 9:20PM
I know I originally planned for a stream today, but I’m feeling a little blue today (｡•́︿•̀｡) sorry guys!!
I’ll be sure to make it up to you soon~
- - -
While a ping from Mizuki’s blog would usually bring Minori excitement, reading a message with good grammar and a lack of the pink-haired girl’s usual flare made her stomach do knots.
Something was going on. After Honami made the executive decision to call their hangout early, Mizuki hadn’t said a word. Not on the walk back, not over text… nothing.
Honami and Nene had received similar bouts of silence, though they seemed less worried than the idol was. The former had explained this wasn’t their first rodeo, and after a day or two of space and some encouragement, Mizuki would be back to her usual self.
“But what if this time was different?” was a question that had echoed in Minori’s brain over and over again since she’d heard the explanation. Eventually, her heart overpowered her head, grabbing her phone and punching a message into the Nightcord app.
- - -
[PERSONAL MESSAGE: amiachan827]
[9:29pm- otto.more]
Mizuki-chan
@amiachan827
are you okay?
- - -
The seconds ticked by. Then the minutes. Then the hours.
As much as Minori knew she needed to trust Honami’s words, she just couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
She went through her usual nightly routine with a pit in her stomach- a task that was easier said than done. She checked her calendars, her school assignments… anything to try and redirect her mind.
But it was hopeless. Nothing worked. Not even sleeping. She just laid straight up in bed, nausea tugging on her stomach…
…until she got a message.
- - -
[PERSONAL MESSAGE: amiachan827]
[1:00am- amiachan827]
han-chan
you there?
- - -
Oh, thank god.
- - -
[PERSONAL MESSAGE: amiachan827]
[1:00am- otto.more]
Yes!!
Hello! Is everything okay?
[1:03am- amiachan827]
can’t sleep
hona-chan will just worry excessively and nen-chan’s just gonna make threats towards the guys
i
don’t think
that’s gonna help right now
so i wanted to talk to you
[1:04am- otto.more]
Are you really that comfortable with me already?
[1:09am- amiachan827]
yeah
also ik they tried to do some things to you too
pull your mask off and stuff
i don’t know why you wore it to begin with
but you clearly had a reason for it and so that’s fucked up
so i’ve been a little worried about you
[1:09am- otto.more]
I’m fine, really…
[1:10am- amiachan827]
why do u think they tried to do it?
[1:10am- otto.more]
I don’t really know…
[1:11am- amiachan827]
hey
can i ask you something?
[1:11am- otto.more]
Yeah, sure!
[1:19am- amiachan827]
did I make you upset earlier?
yknow
about the whole ‘you should become an idol’ thing
you seemed really uncomfortable about it
- - -
So they were going to talk about it.
Minori’s stomach was doing knots… but the last thing she wanted to do was shut out a friend who was already hurting.
So…
- - -
[PERSONAL MESSAGE: amiachan827]
[1:22am- otto.more]
No, you didn’t.
It’s just… a sore spot for me, I guess?
I’ve tried before
I’ve done a ton of auditions and it got nowhere.
It’s just
Kind of embarrassing to say out loud, you know?
[1:26am- amiachan827]
oh
i’m sorry, i didn’t know
[1:27am- otto.more]
It’s okay! I never told you about it…
And it’s besides the point
I came to check in on you!!
[1:31am- amiachan827]
next time someone tries to fail an audition of yours
lemme know
i’ll deal with them ☆ﾐ(o*･-･)ﾉ
[1:32am- otto.more]
You don’t have to do that…
[1:37am- amiachan827]
but i wannaaa…
it’s like how i get with minori-chan
gonna be han-chan’s biggest fan (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
as long as i can come to ur first live
[1:37am- otto.more]
Here’s hoping…
[1:40am- amiachan827]
yeah
thanks, han-chan („• ֊ •„) i feel a lil better
it might take a few days, but i’d love to meet up if possible
i feel bad that our first meeting got cut short
[1:41am- otto.more]
oh
☆ Happiness Sentai Sunny Sunny☆ is having their showcase on the 5th
do you wanna see that?
[1:41am- amiachan827]
oh HECK YES
we can wingman nen-chan too ( • ⩊ • )
[1:42am- otto.more]
Haha, of course!!
Then, it’s a date! I’ll see you then!
[1:42am- amiachan827]
seeya! ( ´ ▽ ` )/
and
thank you again
really
i can’t thank you enough.
[1:45am- otto.more]
You don’t have to thank me.
I know it’s not been long, Mizuki-chan… but I’m so glad I met you.
You’re so talented… and so pretty, too!
Those guys don’t know what they’re talking about, your clothes are amazing! It’s like they were made for you…
Aha, but now I’m rambling… have a good night! (´ ∀ ` *)
- - -
Closing her Nightcord app, Mizuki let out a long sigh, wiping the tears from her eyes.
She didn’t know whether Hana had just not realized what the students from earlier had been implying, or had chosen to ignore it. But that final comment had definitely worked wonders on her mood.
And more importantly, getting glimpses of herself in the mirror wasn’t making her nauseous right now.
Whether this good mood would stay was another question, but she’d take the euphoria while it lasted.
“Han-chan…” Mizuki muttered, looking at her phone, “Hopefully one day I’ll be able to learn more about you.”
“I’d love to be able to support you more.”