Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 23」Miracle Duo ☆

Sunlight streamed through the windows, marking the beginning of a new day. Yoshi slowly opened her eyes, groggily looking around her environment. Celestial Academy... an idol school...

She was an idol.

The past few days had felt like a dream. From Asuka looking at that audition notice for just a second too long, to her admitting she didn't want to do it alone, to the actual audition and enrolling. It was hard to grasp that it had all happened. This was her new normal now.

"Good morning."

Asuka was stood at the other side of the room, brushing her silky hair. She glanced over to Yoshi.

"Asu-chan?" Yoshi asked, then paused. Her best friend already looked so ready, as if she had been up for a while. "What time is it?"

"Around quarter to eight. I had set an alarm but you slept through," she admitted, "You were too cute sleeping peacefully to wake up. I apologise."

Yoshi sat up, stretching. It was weird to think she and Asuka were roommates now. Really, it shouldn't have been. Ever since they were young the two were inseparable, with constant sleepovers or at least gossiping over the phone all night. Yet, something about this being so permanent made it feel completely different... if it wasn't Asuka, Yoshi would be scared.

"Your uniform's at the end of your bed. If you don't want to miss breakfast, you best hurry up."

Yoshi nodded, getting out of bed and picking up her uniform. She headed to the bathroom to make herself presentable.

Not long later, the two walked into the cafeteria. All attention was immediately on them.

"It's Seventh Moon-chan!"

"They're both so cute...!"

"I wonder if the rumours are true?'

Rumours?

Yoshi flinched. Rumours were spreading about them? That... couldn't be good. She glanced over to Asuka, who whilst trying to keep her usual calm expression, had just the tiniest hint of discomfort on her face. Rumours were seldom a good sign, often leading to scandals that typically had very little basis in reality. Yet, most people believed them without a second thought.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Asuka said, reassuring both Yoshi and herself. Her voice was quiet, and she couldn't quite make eye-contact. Yoshi swallowed.

"I'm sure it's something we can face together," she said, giving Asuka her best encouraging smile. "Why don't you tell my fortune?"

Asuka returned a small smile, confirming that she liked this idea. Once they got their food and sat down, Asuka took out her deck of Aikatsu cards, along with her treasured notebook. A deep blue cover, with 'Aikatsu Fortune Telling' printed in a neat golden print. It was decorated with gold and silver stars. Yoshi could still vividly recall the day they had decorated it together, mixing their ideas to create something they both considered to be beautiful. A precious memory. Asuka spread out the cards, and Yoshi hovered her hand over, following the usual routine. She showed it to her best friend.

"The Ready Set shoes!"

Asuka opened the notebook, once again instantly reaching the correct page. "Striving for new heights, you'll be offered an opportunity that can change things forever. But accept, and you risk losing it all."

Yoshi bit her tongue. "The rumour?"

"Most likely."

So according to the cards, the rumour spreading around was that Yoshi was going to be offered something...? Something that would mean losing it all. But something big.