Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 24」One Hundred Colours

Aya examined the infographic in front of her.

"So, what do you think?" The staff member asked, and Aya fought her hardest to suppress a groan.

"I'd be honoured," she lied, acting as natural as possible. It was a good opportunity, being able to perform in one of the largest events of the year. In any other circumstances, Aya would accept without hesitation.

If only they didn't expect her to perform on the same stage as well... her.

"Great! We'll make the arrangements for it, then."

"Thank you."

"Fuyuki Aya and Aino Rina performing together... even though you're rivals, I don't think I've ever seen you on the same stage. I'm sure you're excited," a second employee intercepted, and Aya was forced to nod. Come on Aya, it's for the fans! she thought, clenching her teeth. Supposedly, her fans wanted to see the two together... for some reason. In fairness, it wasn't as if Aya was vocal about her dislike of Rina (if people found out she didn't like the top idol, people's opinions of her would plummet), but she still questioned the decision. A wild rockstar and a dainty pretty princess wasn't exactly what she considered to be an ideal matchup, but what did she know? The best route of action would most likely just be to grin and bear it. Try to enjoy at least the chance to perform on a large stage.

"I can't wait. Thank you for this opportunity."

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .◇. * :☾ ° . ───

Aya sighed. A day full of meetings, and they had gone about as well as she had expected. Rina looked surprised at first, obviously not having expected Aya to turn up at all - a rather rude assumption, if she did say so herself - which quickly turned into that sickly sweet, infuriating smile. As if she was saying 'I knew you'd turn around, Aya-chan!'. Which was bad enough by itself, even without the staff praising Rina's every single choice.

"I'm excited! I can't wait to show everyone just how bright I can shine!"

Aya perked up. That was her voice... she said that during a radio show, advertising the live. Up ahead she saw the trio of first years, watching something on Mai's phone. She sighed, then plastered a smile on her face and approached the three.

"Hey," she said, waving. Mai looked up, startled.

"Fuyuki-senpai!" She exclaimed, pausing the radio recording. "Is it true? You're really performing alongside Aino-senpai?!"

Aya nodded. "It is. Make sure to come to watch, okay?"

"How could we not?" Hinata asked, "Two heated rivals, taking to the stage together for the very first time... this is going in the history books!"

"It's not exactly our first time," Aya muttered, quietly enough that the three wouldn't overhear. She raised her voice. "Thank you for your support. I'll... try my best!"

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow. "You seem nervous."

"What? Psshhh, no. Me, nervous? It's not like Perfect Rina is going to upstage me or anything. I'm not nervous. Not at all."

"Look, I don't like Aino-senpai either-"

"You don't?" Hinata asked, and Tsubaki nodded.

"I don't. She won't kill you though, Fuyuki-senpai. What was it you said, back during the CD contest? Don't fuss about being perfect, right?"

"I know, I know," Aya said, "but Rina's the top idol. She'll shine so bright that everybody will be focused on her and they'll forget it was even a duet in the first place. It's different to anything else I've faced before."