Shiori Novella One-shots

Shiori on Stage?

You've been saving up money all year to finally be able to attend this yearly festival. If you were alone, it may have been easier, but you want to bring someone along. After all, what fun is there if you can't bring a friend?

Her name is Shiori Novella.

After all these months, both of you are finally here, sitting in the audience waiting for the concert to begin. The seats all around us darken to pitch black, and the lights on stage come to life. The performers come out in a group and greet all of us, causing a chorus of cheers and adoration to erupt. Soon enough, the singers start the show.

Even as you cheer on, Shiori remains fixated on the stage, watching and smiling as the songs and dance continue. Then, she tucks her hair behind her ear and asks you a question.

"If I was up there singing, would you come see me?"

~~~~~

You just watch her for a moment, in silent amazement.

"Of course, I would. I told you before, right? I'll support you with whatever you want to do, as long as it isn't harmful to you," you smile at her.

Her golden eyes sparkle as they reflect the lights from the stage, and the two of you get lost in your own little world for a moment before a sudden cheer snaps you both out of the trance you've found yourselves in.

You look back at her, and her at you, and chuckle lightly, both of your faces red from realizing the moment.

"Well... Thanks, I appreciate it. To be honest, I kind of wish I was outgoing enough to feel ok going up on a stage like that. To be able to bring smiles to so many people, like they do," Shiori says, just loud enough to be heard over the cheers.

You smile at her and lean closer to her ear so you don't have to shout.

"Shiori, you already make so many people happy, just by being yourself. So please, don't feel like you have to be a different person. Even if you never end up singing on stage, all of us Novelites will still support you," you tell her, catching the scent of her floral shampoo.

"That said," you continue. "If you do end up on stage, I'd be in the front row, cheering louder than anyone else," you finish with a wide grin on your face.

Shiori smiles a little awkwardly.

"You weirdo... I still want you to take care of yourself... Just knowing you'd be there is... It's enough..." she trails off, looking down and fidgeting.

You place a hand on her head, patting her.

"Well, I won't speak for all Novelites, but there's enough of us that can take care of ourselves, *and* support you to the end like that, that I think you'll never need to worry about a lack of support."

You look forward toward the stage again.

"After all, look at what's happening here," you gesture to the venue around you. "All these people each have their own circumstances, but they're all here supporting everyone on stage, too. Keep going the way you are, and you'll definitely find yourself up there."

Shiori looks up at you and you pull your hand back.

"So, yeah. I'd be there. Front and center, cheering my heart out loud enough that you can't help but notice," you look back at her with a soft smile.

Shiori just looks at you again, then smiles, turning toward the stage. "Then I guess I'll have to just try my best, huh?"

"Right?" you chuckle. "You'll be great, no matter what happens, Shiori."