I want to shine!

What does it mean to shine?

The lights were always amazing at night in the city. Wesley would watch the shining boards for what seemed like forever, admiring the flashy images of beautiful girls make their way across the screen. But today, there wasn't time to do that.

"You're so entranced by the ad boards, zura..." Talia mumbled.

Wesley tugged on her unamused friend's sleeve. "Talia, look! It's Miyako-sama! Isn't she beautiful? It's an advertisement for her new song!"

Talia sighed and grabbed Wesley's hand. "You know too much about idols. We don't have time to dawdle and gawk at the ads all day, we have to get groceries like your mom told us to, zura."

"Do we haaave to? I think it can wait. I want one more look!" Wesley begged.

Stopping dead in her tracks, Talia turned around and stared her friend dead in the eyes, a stare that could melt one's very soul! 

"What did I say?" she asked, but it was not a question.

"Okay, okay! Stop giving me that stare, it's scary! You could take down an entire army with that look." 

Talia immediately broke character and giggled, patting her cheek. "Good Wesley, zura. Let's go pick up what's on the list."

The two friends made their way to the store, chatting away. Wesley had a bounce in every step she took, and for good reason. She had an idea in the works, and she couldn't wait to tell Talia.

                                                                                                ~

Wesley woke up to the less than gentle sound of an alarm buzzing in her ear. She scurried out of bed like a little rat, immediately woken up. Wesley's household consisted of her two mothers, her little big brother Winston, 4 cats (Minky, Lacey, Chiffon, and Muffin), and one beautiful ferret named Miss Sardine. Needless to say, the house could be a bit chaotic at times...more often than not. Wesley hastily donned her uniform and made her way to the kitchen. 

"Good morning, Wesley. Did you sleep well?" Her mother asked as she tugged on her abnormally rosy cheeks.

"I slept fine, thanks. I gotta get to school early today, it's club rush! I'm going to start the school idol club for real this time, mom!" she proclaimed.

Whilst she was attacking her breakfast, Sandra's face had gone a bit pale. "A-again? Are you sure, sweetie? Don't you remember what happened last time?"

Wesley looked up at her and nodded, with determination shining in her eyes. "I won't let it happen again, believe me! I'm gonna be a part of a real school idol group and we're gonna win the Love Live and-" she was interrupted.

"It's almost 7:00, shouldn't we be leaving?" A voice around the corner asked.

It was Winston, the 7-foot-and-ever-growing monster she called her brother. He was younger than her but acted older, so he deserved the title of big brother in a way. 

With a glance, the kitchen clock confirmed the time. Wesley screeched and bolted to her room to grab her school bag, which was generously laden with charms and pins. The pair waved goodbye to Wesley's mother and made their way to school.

After leaving the house, Winston asked, "Are you seriously gonna try again with the idol business?"

"Of course. Why shouldn't I?" Wesley questioned her brother.

He paused. "...I don't want you to get your hopes up and have your feelings hurt again. I don't want to see you sad like you were last time."

There was an awkward silence. Winston heavily regretted ever bringing the incident up in the first place. Wesley began walking faster than him and didn't slow down. He really regretted bringing it up. Why was he like this? He wished he knew.