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Teto couldn’t let this situation drag on any longer. Despite the fact that they were rivals in the glitzy world of show business, a twist of concern had woven itself into Teto's heart for Miku. It was baffling how her managers were neglecting to ensure Miku received proper nourishment to sustain her through the demanding rigours of performing.
Earlier that evening, Teto had plopped down in her dressing room chair to watch Miku’s latest concert. Her own managers had just wrapped up filming a new episode that day, leaving her with some much-needed downtime. The theatre was filled with vibrant lights and energy as Miku’s hypnotic voice washed over the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Teto found herself unnervingly captivated, oscillating between fascination and boredom. But the excitement quickly morphed into horror when Miku suddenly collapsed on stage, her body folding in on itself like a wilting flower. The jarring moment sent a jolt of adrenaline through Teto, igniting her instinct to protect.
Without a second thought, Teto barreled toward the front of the thrumming crowd, vaulting up onto the stage. "Alright, everyone, go home! Show's over!" she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the thick air with a desperate urgency, reverberating through the microphone Miku had dropped. The stunned audience began to filter out, whispering and gasping as Teto focused all her energy on Miku.
With a determined grace, Teto scooped Miku into her arms, cradling the motionless girl as she carried her backstage. The hallways, drenched in dim lighting and lined with colourful posters of past performances, blurred around her. Teto’s heart raced as she lay Miku gently onto the plush couch in the dressing room, where a warm glow of fairy lights cast a soft ambience. Glancing around, Teto's eyes zeroed in on an almost full water bottle atop Miku’s desk. Moving quickly, she retrieved it, ensuring to sit Miku up carefully before cupping her face with tender hands and coaxing her to sip from the bottle, the cool water trickling down like a lifeline. After Miku had taken several swigs, Teto reluctantly set her back down, allowing her to rest and regain her strength.
Drained but fueled by worry, Teto stormed out of the room and marched straight to the manager’s office. With her heart pounding and a sense of righteous anger bubbling inside her, she flung the door open and strode in. The sight of the aloof manager, indifferent behind their desk, only intensified her fury.
"Why aren’t you feeding your employee? Did you know that she fucking passed out on stage?" Teto’s voice rang out, an incandescent fire, as she slammed her hands down on their cluttered desk, sending papers fluttering about like startled birds.
The manager maintained an unsettling calm, launching into a rehearsed explanation. "Well, you know, Miku has to keep her figure for the fans."
Teto could feel her blood boiling. “What? You think they only want to see a skinny girl? They want to see a healthy, vibrant performer!”
“Miku knows the expectations,” the manager replied, their tone dismissive.
With a furious leap, Teto vaulted over the desk, tackling the manager in one swift motion. Their startled eyes widened in shock, instantly registering the gravity of the moment.
"You will feed your employees enough, so they don’t pass out on stage anymore, you hear?" Teto’s tone now veered into a chilling calmness, the threat hanging in the air like a storm cloud. The manager nodded, fear trickling down their spine.
“Good. Now, where can I get some food?” Teto demanded, her eyes piercing into theirs.
“Uh, there’s a break room down the hall—”
She stomped her foot down on the manager’s ribcage in a swift act of rebellion, relishing the pained groan that slipped from their lips. “Learn to care for your people.” And with that, she stormed out, slamming the door with finality.
Navigating her way to the break room, Teto flung open the fridge, the cold air washing over her like a wave. With little regard for propriety, she scooped up everything she could carry—sandwiches, chips, fruit, and yoghurt—her mind racing with thoughts of Miku’s well-being. She was resolute; there was no time to worry about who owned the food. As she hastened back toward Miku's greenroom, she envisioned reuniting the vibrant spirit of her rival, restoring her to her rightful place on the stage.
Slipping into the greenroom, Teto halted at the sight of Miku, who was now sitting up slowly, her expression one of lingering discomfort and confusion. "Hey, I brought you some food. Please eat," Teto urged softly, her voice almost a whisper as she approached cautiously.
Miku blinked, her brow knitted with exhaustion. “Teto? You… you saved me?”
“Of course, I did! You scared the hell out of me!” Teto chuckled nervously, placing the food on the small table. “Look, I know you're not feeling great, but you need to eat. Just a little bit, okay?”
Miku stared at the spread, her lips parting slightly. “I don’t know… It’s too much.”
“No way! You need to fuel up,” Teto insisted, opening a container and revealing a perfectly crafted sandwich. “Just try a bite. For me?”
With tentative hands, Miku started reaching for the sandwich, but it slipped. “Oh, I can’t do it,” she murmured, shaking her head slightly.
Teto’s heart panged at the sight. “Hey, I got you,” she said, taking the sandwich and holding it up for Miku. “Here, let me help.”
As Miku leaned towards her, Teto guided it to her lips. “Just one bite, please.”
Miku took a small bite, chewing slowly as Teto watched with anxious anticipation. “See? Not so bad, right?”
Miku nodded, a faint smile breaking through her fatigue. “You always know how to make things better, don’t you?”
Teto grinned back. “Only because I care. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself better moving forward. No more collapsing on stage.”
“I will, I promise,” Miku replied, her voice steadier now. “Thank you, Teto. For everything.”
“Anytime, Miku. Now, finish your food. I've got more to bring you,” Teto said, her determination rekindling as she stood, ready to get another round of nourishment for her rival and friend.