Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 13」I Want To Be Cool!

Every morning, Mai had made an effort to go running in an attempt to improve her Aikatsu. Due to the early hours, it was quiet and... strangely peaceful. Even if it was originally difficult, Mai found herself even excited for her daily run. Being able to see the sunrise wasn't something she had previously ever made time for, and the act of running managed to wake her up enough to concentrate on the rest of the day - providing she took care to not over-exert herself, that is.

Though, her favourite part of the morning had to be the hidden gem she found.

(Ah~) To a distant rainbow~

(Ah~) Aikatsu, Here We Go!

Every morning, without fail, the mysterious girl could always be found singing to herself. Mai had no clue why, but... despite the girl's cold exterior, something about her song always raised Mai's spirits. It made her feel as if today was going to be a good day, whenever she managed to hear her voice. In truth, Mai still didn't know who this girl even was. If she was a student, or if she minded Mai listening in. At first, it seemed that way, but the girl slowly grew more comfortable with it. It was like a secret the two of them shared.

A lonely, yet beautiful secret.

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .♢. * :☾ ° . ───

"An audition to be the image girl of Stardust Ice-cream?" Mai echoed, and Hinata nodded in confirmation.

"You should take it, it suits you perfectly," Hinata explained, "Right, Tsubaki?"

"It does," Tsubaki agreed, "But I think eating breakfast before you're late to class fits the both of you better." Her eyes fell on both of their nearly untouched plates, and Hinata pouted.

"You're going to complain about us finding work?"

"Well if you're late to class, or you're hungry for the rest of the day, I tried to warn you."

"You have a point," Mai agreed, sheepishly laughing, "I'm really hungry."

She began to eat, and Hinata put her phone down, finally eating too. Within only a minute or two, though, Mai put her cutlery back down, somehow finishing already.

"Impressive..." Tsubaki muttered, and Mai gave a bright smile.

"Now I'm fully pumped up for today!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air.

"Did something good happen on your run?" Tsubaki asked, and Mai gave a nod. After a brief silence, she continued, "Isn't it lonely, by yourself?"

"Not really," Mai said, "It's nice having a moment to myself every morning, before being surrounded by others for the rest of the day." Not that she was alone the entire time, anyway. She just... didn't want to admit it. As much as she loved Tsubaki and Hinata, something about her morning routine was special. Telling others would ruin the magic, at least in her experience.

"I think I'd rather just sleep in," Hinata said, picking up her phone again. "Oh, class starts soon."

Hearing that, Mai immediately stood up, and grabbed onto Hinata's arm. "Let's go, then!"

Hinata groaned, muttering "it's too early for this", but followed her friend anyway.

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .♢. * :☾ ° . ───

"Today, we have a new student joining us," Kaoru stated, and the class immediately began to whisper amongst themselves.

"A new student?" Mai whispered, "Was there another entrance audition?"