Shining Stars

Chapters Twenty-Three: Audition

A Large-scale Idol group’s audition for additional members.

“Wouldn’t you love to be an Idol with me?”

A certain blonde haired girl smiled at the massive billboard, looking down, her face flushed. 

Number of Applicants: one hundred thirty-six thousand one hundred and fourteen.

The first phase was their written application, something which Ruby… wasn’t exactly good at, but with some tips from Aqua on how to write it, she was one of one thousand two hundred eighty-eight to pass, meaning the applicants per opening was 1 in 105.7.

Phase Two was the in person interview, something Ruby thought she excelled at, due to her outgoing nature and charismatic attitude. And now, she was eagerly awaiting her results with Ai.

“I’m going to be just like you, Mom!”

A door opened for the other side of the room, which she failed to notice. Ai smiled at her daughter and patted her on the head.

“I’m sure you will. Ruby, after all, I’ve been helping you all along the way… unfortunately… you got your dad’s…. Singing voice, but I’m sure I can get it out of you, You’ve already made huge improvements!”

“Eh… what do you mean by that?”

Ai ignored her question as Ruby smiled and reached for her juice box.

“I’ll be a top Idol, just like Papa wanted!”

A book gently hitting her head stopped her attempt at reaching for the drink as she knew exactly who it was.

“It’s fine to dream big, but highschool entrance exams are a reality you’ll have to face soon…”

Ruby smirked as she swatted the book away and smiled.

“You don’t get it, Aqua, I’m going to become an Idol~ The High School's interview only really focuses on your interview! Academic results are just an afterthought! If I become an Idol, I won’t need to study for those stupid entrance exams! Two birds, one stone!”

Aqua looked at his sister and sighed as she seemed adamant on doing this, though, it wasn’t quite what Aqua was going to let go of without a fight.

“Don’t gamble your future on that alone. It’s fine to dream of being an Idol, but don’t forget the reality of being one. They have low salaries, and most retire before hitting thirty...”

“Except me!”

Aqua ignored his Mother’s remark as she stuck her tongue out at him before he continued on.

“...Not to mention their daily lives are under constant security by fans. Only a select few survive in the industry past graduation, while the rest end up doing another kind of work. It’s one of the few jobs where the cost outweighs your return, you need a backup plan.”

“So, what’s your point? Isn’t life about doing everything one wants? You’ll never amount to anything if you only care about cost and return…”

“You think dad would agree with you?”

Aqua went for the throat to get his point across, he was a master of lies and manipulation, one of the few traits he got from Ai, and he knew how to play his younger sister like a fiddle. 

“Aqua there was no need to-”

“That doesn’t matter! Some people go their whole lives never achieving anything, you know? I won’t let that be me!”

Aqua was silent for a moment before turning around and beginning to head out.

“Whatever… I’m heading over to the director’s place…”