Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 32」Looking To The Future

Mai opened her eyes, readjusting to the once-familiar surroundings. It took her a second to stop panicking internally, as she reminded herself that this was her own bedroom. It was strange... the past eight months almost felt like a dream. Though, quickly looking through her binder confirmed it wasn't. Everything from meeting Tsubaki, her argument with Sachiko, meeting Hina and Kotone, performing with Rina, receiving a Premium Rare to forming Midnight was real. If someone would have told her all this at the beginning of the year, she wouldn't have believed it. Been worried, even. Yet here she was, all because of Sachiko deciding to follow a voice; hoping to find Tsubasa and unknowingly finding her twin sister instead.

Mai supposed she'd have to thank Tsubaki someday. For encouraging her to audition.

Now she was wondering what Sachiko was up to. Apparently, there was something, though nobody entirely knew what. Something requiring a lot of travelling around and... flowers? As long as she was happy, Mai supposed. It seemed unlikely they'd ever see each other again, and even if her childhood friend had hurt her... a part of Mai could only wish the best for her.

She got up and got ready. Put on some cute clothes; brushed her hair. Finished it off with her signature ribbon. She twirled in front of the mirror, smiling, then made her way downstairs.

"Morning~" she greeted her dad, Hiro, who was drinking coffee.

"You're up early."

"Not compared to recently," she said, then sighed. "I feel so guilty about not running every morning."

Hiro placed his cup down. "It's a break. You don't have to stress yourself out."

Mai gave a feeble smile, taking a seat in front of him. "It wouldn't feel the same without Kotone-chan either." Her smile turned more confident. "I'll just have to work harder when we go back!"

"Just don't overdo it."

"I promise I won't." She got up again, walking to the toaster so she could make herself breakfast. "Is tonight still okay to go ahead?"

"It's all fine on my end. Just make sure to stay out of the way until I close up shop."

"We will."

Over the holiday, Mai had asked Tsubaki, Hinata and Kotone if they wanted to stay over her house for a sleepover. They all agreed - even Tsubasa of all people asked if she could tag along, which Mai said she could much to Hina's excitement. The five were going to spend the day in town, before arriving at her house to spend the night.

After eating, she gathered her items and smiled. "I'll be off now."

"Have fun."

Mai quickly turned to look at a photo hanging on the wall. A family photo from years ago, of her and her parents. She wondered what her mum would think of the others... she'd probably get along with them. Be happy that Mai had made such great friends. She closed her eyes.

Mama, please continue to watch over me this next year, she thought, before leaving.

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .♤. * :☾ ° . ───

"Everyone!" Mai shouted as she saw the group up ahead. She ran over, and they turned to face her.

"Mai-chan!!" Hinata shouted, waving. "It's been so long!!"

Mai nodded. "I've missed you guys."

"Life just hasn't without you all causing chaos," Tsubaki agreed, "Not that Tsubasa hasn't been trying her best to fill those shoes for you."

Tsubasa, who was behind her sister, gave a shy giggle. "It's what sisters do."

Tsubaki smiled at that. She faced the other three again. "I'm sure you all know this by now, but this is my sister: Tsubasa. Tsubasa, these are Mai, Hina and Kotone."