Aikatsu Era!

S1 E26: Iris Flower

Ayame Akizora 秋空 菖蒲

Beeping noises. My eyes opened.

This room. This bed. These clothes.

Not again.

"Welcome back, Akizora," said the nurse indifferently. "You collapsed on stage right after your performance yesterday."

I groaned and lied down again. Being sick sucks.

I received a vaccination after a few minutes before falling asleep again.

When I woke up, Hatsuko was right next to me.

"You're awake, Ayame," she said in relief. "You pushed yourself too much yesterday!"

In guilt, a sigh came out of my mouth. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone."

Hatsuko told me that she needed a video of me to tell everyone that I was okay.

"Everyone, hello!" I began, forcing a smile. "I'm sorry for worrying all of you yesterday. According to the doctor, I'm unable to perform for the next few weeks. Sumimasen."

Once Hatsuko was done filming, she told me, "I was worried that you'd faint again. But now... at least I know you'll be alright..."

Hearing those words made my heart ache. I wanted to hang out with more people. I wanted to practice my rhythmic gymnastics moves again. I wanted to dance and sing on stage. But this illness won't allow me to.

Knowing that my fans wouldn't be able to see me for a while made me feel guilty. I was the top idol of Japan. But now I'm forced to stay in my sickbed.

"What do you plan to do now, Hatsuko-chan?" I asked after drinking some water.

Hatsuko stayed quiet for a while before saying, "I guess I have to go solo. I don't really have a choice."

I looked out the window. Clouds were forming in the sky.

"I wonder how people are doing at the Pearl Star: Summer Paradise Event," I spoke.

"They're concerned about you, Ayame," Hatsuko replied bluntly.

I lied down. This had to be the most unfortunate Summer Paradise Event ever.

"I'm sorry, this is all my fault," I apologised. "I'm sorry."

My friend placed her hand on my shoulder. "It's alright, Ayame. Everyone would prefer that you stay here and rest instead of stressing yourself out."

Forcing a smile, I asked, "Hey, Hatsuko-chan, why did you ask Harusame-chan to meet you backstage?"

"She seemed suspicious about us all the time," she answered. "I wanted to tell her about your sickness, but she figured out herself."

"I'm honestly not surprised," I admitted. "Harusame is observant."

"And persistent. And mysterious," Hatsuko added.

Then a brilliant idea came to my mind. I told Hatsuko my idea once I was sure about it.

"That sounds fine, but will she be okay with it?" Hatsuko asked with a raised eyebrow.

I nodded. "I'm sure she will. It's my idea after all!"

Hatsuko groaned. "That's pretty bold of you..."