The episode opens in the warm, cozy main room of Saku Academy. The evening has set in, and the idols are gathered together, taking a rare moment to relax. A fire crackles in the fireplace, casting a soft glow across the room. Rizela is seated by the window, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea, while Miho bounces excitedly in her seat.
Miho: (grinning) I’m bored! Let’s do something fun! We’ve been so busy with rehearsals all day!
Rotasu: (chuckling) What do you have in mind, Miho?
Miho: (brightly) How about we tell stories? You know, like scary stories! We haven’t done that in forever!
Aika: (teasing) You just want an excuse to scream, don’t you?
Miho: (pouting) I’m not that scared! I can handle it! But telling stories together sounds fun, right?
Rizela, who’s been quietly sipping her tea, glances over, her expression thoughtful.
Rizela: (smiling softly) It does sound fun. We could use a bit of a distraction, especially after all the hard work we’ve been doing. And maybe… the stories don’t have to be scary. We could share our own experiences too. It might help us learn more about each other.
Rotasu: (nodding) I like that idea. It’s been a while since we just sat down and shared things that aren’t related to our idol work.
The camera pans around the room as the girls settle into a circle. The mood is warm and comfortable, but there’s an underlying sense of anticipation as they wait to see who will start.
Miho: (grinning) I’ll go first! I have a funny one! So, once when I was little, I got lost in this huge shopping mall, but I wasn’t even scared. I thought it was a big adventure! I ended up following this lady with a huge pink hat because I thought she looked like a cartoon character. And guess what? She turned out to be a famous singer! She bought me ice cream and everything!
Aika: (laughing) Of course, only you would turn getting lost into an adventure, Miho.
Rizela: (smiling) That’s pretty brave of you, Miho. Most kids would’ve been terrified.
Miho: (proudly) Yep, I was super brave! And I got ice cream, so it was a win-win!
Rotasu: (leaning forward) That’s a cute story, Miho. I have a different kind of one, though. You all know how much I love flowers, right?
The others nod in agreement.
Rotasu: When I was younger, my grandmother used to take me to this giant field of flowers near her house every spring. It was like our special spot, just for the two of us. She taught me all the names of the different flowers, and every time we visited, we’d make flower crowns and talk for hours. I still go there sometimes, even though she’s gone now. Being surrounded by those flowers always reminds me of her.
The room grows quiet, the girls all listening intently. Rotasu’s voice is calm but filled with warmth as she shares this cherished memory.
Aika: (softly) That’s beautiful, Rotasu. I can see why flowers mean so much to you.
Rizela: (taking a deep breath) I’ll go next.
The group turns to Rizela, sensing the shift in tone. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts, her eyes drifting toward the window as if looking for inspiration.
Rizela: This story isn’t funny or cute, but it’s something I’ve always carried with me. When I was younger, back in Norway, I felt… different. Like I didn’t quite belong. My father didn’t understand why I loved Japanese culture so much. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps—skiing, snowboarding, all those winter sports that we’re known for. But that wasn’t me. I wanted to connect with my mother’s side of the family, with Japan. And when we moved here, he… resented it. It made me feel like I had to choose between my dreams and making him proud.
Her voice softens, the pain in her words evident, though she maintains a calm demeanor.
Rizela: I love it here now, but it wasn’t always easy. I felt torn, like I was being pulled in two different directions. But in the end, I had to follow what made me happy.
The room falls silent, the weight of Rizela’s words hanging in the air. The other girls exchange glances, clearly moved by her vulnerability.
Miho: (softly) Rizela, you’re really brave for sharing that.
Rizela: (smiling faintly) Thanks. I don’t talk about it much, but I think it’s important to remember that everyone has their struggles. Even us idols.
Rotasu: (gently) You followed your heart, and that’s what matters. You’ve come so far, Rizela.
The atmosphere shifts again as Aika clears her throat, trying to lighten the mood.
Aika: Well, my story isn’t quite as deep, but here goes. So, when I first started getting into fashion design, I thought I was some kind of prodigy. I tried to make my own outfits using whatever fabric I could find around the house. My poor mom lost so many curtains and tablecloths to my "creations." One time, I even cut up her favorite dress to make a pair of pants. She was not happy.
The girls burst into laughter, the tension from Rizela’s story easing with Aika’s humor.
Miho: (giggling) Aika, that’s so you! Always going the extra mile for your designs!
Aika: (grinning) Hey, I’ve learned a lot since then! No more cutting up curtains… probably.
Rotasu: (smiling warmly) This is nice. We don’t get to just talk like this often. It feels… special.
Rizela: (nodding) It’s a reminder that we’re all going through our own journeys, but we’re in this together.
Miho: (brightly) I’m glad we’re telling stories. It makes me feel closer to you guys. Like, even though we’re different, we’re all part of the same team.
The girls exchange smiles, the bond between them feeling even stronger after sharing their stories. There’s a sense of understanding and closeness in the room now, one that wasn’t there before.
Rotasu: (thoughtfully) I think it’s time for the last story of the night.
The group turns to Rotasu, curious about what she’ll say.
Rotasu: (smiling) It’s about us. How we started at Saku Academy, all with our own dreams and challenges, but we found each other along the way. We’ve become a family. It’s not always easy, and we have our ups and downs, but in the end, we’re here for each other. And I think that’s the best story of all.
The episode closes with the girls sitting together, the warmth of their friendship surrounding them. The fire crackles in the background as they continue to chat quietly, sharing more stories and laughter late into the night.
YOU ARE READING
Aikatsu Start!
FantasíaThis will be like Aikatsu Planet, but instead of live-action, the girls will go to another world where they are all in 3D (even while not singing) as an alternate avatar with the help of a magical box to begin their idol activities. /Aikatsu doesn't...
