Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 18」Crystal Manager

It was another day at Celestial Academy, where idols from all over Japan were in training to become the top star. It was a fairly normal day, with lessons being the only thing on Hinata's schedule. She had passed an audition a couple of days prior, and had completed the work itself easily. Since she had yet to see any more auditions that caught her eyes, she decided she'd have an easy next few days.

At least, that was the plan.

"Hinode-lovely."

Kaoru caught Hinata once class had been dismissed. She quickly dropped the conversation she was having with Mai, to face her teacher. She wasn't exactly sure why she was being called, to be perfectly honest. She had tried to be her on her best behaviour at work, after all! It wasn't as if her teacher looked particularly mad, either. Glancing over to her friend beside her, Hina noticed Mai looked just as clueless - so she wasn't involved in whatever this was, at least.

Kaoru finally spoke again. "One of the many traditions we have in this academy is the one-day manager. Every year, we allow a first-year to observe the Celestial Star for a day, taking up the role of manager. It's proven to be a valuable learning experience in previous years, and has caused an increased in grades for participants."

Hinata furrowed her brows. That was nice and all, but...

"You want me to take part?" She asked, and Kaoru nodded, confirming her theories. Be Rina's manager for a day, huh? It was no secret that Hinata had admired Kizuna, the group that made Rina famous, for a long, long time. So the idea produced conflicted emotions within her. On one hand, it was a chance to see and interact with one of her greatest inspirations! On the other hand, it was... also a chance to see and interact with one of her greatest inspirations... and a chance to mess everything up in front of her. Not that she would, she was Hina-sama after all! She just... wasn't sure if she particularly wanted to test her luck like that. Looking for reassurance, she turned to Mai. Once noticing her friend's attention was on her, Mai gave a bright, encouraging smile.

"You should try it!" She encouraged. Not long ago, Mai had taken part in a performance alongside the aforementioned Celestial Star, and came out of the situation not having completely embarrassed herself. If she was so adamant this was a good idea, it eased Hinata's worries. So, she turned back to her teacher, smiling.

"You can count on Hina!" She winked. Now that she agreed, Kaoru gave her the details. Rina's schedule; the date and a guide of what she was expected to do. A lot of work... more work than Hina was fond of doing.

Once having escaped the onslaught of information, Mai and Hinata met up with Tsubaki, and Hinata found herself rereading the schedule over and over again. Did all top idols work this hard...? Rina hardly had enough time to eat lunch, let alone take any breaks between jobs. Hinata bit her lip. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to endure a schedule as harsh as that without being, well, exhausted.

"Aino Rina's one day manager," Tsubaki said, once Mai had filled her in, "That's pretty impressive, Hina."

Hinata quickly looked up from the papers, to give Tsubaki a grin. "Naturally. What else would you expect from Hina-sama?"

"You're not worried?" Tsubaki asked, picking up on the confidence in Hinata's voice.

"What would I have to be worried about?"

"Aino-senpai is really nice, so it'll be fine," Mai chimed in. She paused. "Though she can be scary. She yelled at me during practice... I'm sure you'll be fine, though!"

Tsubaki and Hinata exchanged confused glances.

"She got mad at you?!" Tsubaki asked. Hinata buried her head in her hands.