Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 29」Tick Tock, Midnight!

All the students of Celestial Academy gathered in the school's auditorium. It was nearly the end of the calendar year, but there was supposedly going to be a big announcement here. So, every student sat in anticipation.

Backstage, Rina took a deep breath. It was finally the moment she had been waiting for ever since she received that message. The moment where their big plan was finally progressing forwards.

Makoto Kagamine walked onto the stage, silencing the student's murmurs. "Good morning, everyone. Thank you for gathering here today," she greeted, "I appreciate this time of year is busy for many, as we quickly approach the Celestial Trial. However, should you be interested, we'll be hosting a new event in the new year."

The murmurs started again.

"New event...?" Mai whispered, looking to Hinata. The latter leaned in.

Aino Rina walked onto the stage, as graceful as ever. Gently, she smiled at the audience. "Good morning, everyone. I'm sure you're all curious about this event," she said, "In truth, I've been planning this for a while. This will be a chance to work together to create the brightest sky of stars you can. Not only polishing yourselves but also your peers."

At that moment, Aya could have sworn Rina had looked her way.

The Celestial Star raised her hand. "Today, I'm proud to announce... Celestial Academy's first-ever unit cup! A chance to show off your already existing units, or create a new one. A chance to work with those you hold close, to see who holds the top spot!" She explained, a large smile on her face. Her heart was racing. "It's currently slated to take place in January, giving you plenty of time to work on your unit. However, within the next two weeks, we'll be holding an event in this auditorium to showcase some new units, if you're ready to perform by then." She bowed. "I hope to see some shining units!"

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .♡. * :☾ ° . ───

"A unit cup..." Tsubaki said. The assembly had ended, and now many students were searching for partners. Mai, Tsubaki and Hinata were sitting in the former two's dorm. "I guess I should find who I want to join."

"Me too~," Hinata said. She smiled. "This could be fun!"

Tsubaki smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't want to form one? Weren't you scared that you'd 'outshine everyone' or something?"

"I was just joking then!" Hinata refuted, sticking her tongue in defence. Tsubaki laughed.

"Well, I won't stop you," she said. She turned to Mai. "You okay? You've been quiet."

Mai, who was previously looking down, fiddling with her hands, looked up. "A-ah! I'm okay," she said, giving a small smile, "I was just... thinking about something."

"Thinking about something?" Tsubaki repeated, "About... who you want to form a unit with?"

Hesitantly, Mai nodded.

Stars appeared in Hinata's eyes, and she leaned in. "Really? Who?? Tell me everything!"

"Well.." Mai pursed her lips. Then, after a moment to decide, she smiled. She held onto one of their hand's each. "Isn't it obvious?" She asked. "I hope it's not too pushy, but... you're my best friends. I wouldn't want to be in a unit with anyone else."

The wait for their replies was agonising. She knew the chances of them wanting to was slim, but...

Tsubaki squeezed her hand. "I think I'd like that too," she said, smiling back. Mai looked to Hinata. Her eyes were wide, but then she grinned.

"That's what I wanted, too!"

Mai's smile became brighter. "I'm so glad!" She exclaimed, letting go of their hands, then she awkwardly giggled. "So, what do we do next?"