Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 36」Idol Shopping Trip!

It was another day in the world of idolhood, where hundreds of young girls aimed to become the brightest versions of themselves. Midnight (including Kotone) were travelling on a train together. They were each in disguises, as usual. Mai had her hair mainly down, but a small side ponytail. She wore a purple jumper tucked into a pink skirt, with grey, spotted with white tights and purple trainers. She also wore fake circular glasses. Tsubaki had her hair down, with a white [orchid] hat. She wore a white blazer over a purple top, with black trousers and matching boots. Meanwhile, Hinata had opted for a more pop-like style, with her hair in two small braids and various accessories scattered around, each a different colour of the rainbow. She had a pink long-sleeved shirt with blue denim dungarees over, white stockings and rainbow coloured trainers. Kotone was dressed in a light blue dress, with black tights and dolly shoes.

"I've been looking forward to this," Hinata said. It was only a couple of weeks until the academy's esteemed Winters Ball. A ball where the idols would get together, one last celebration before the Celestial Trial and graduation. The four were going to Asahina city together, in order to find ball gowns to wear.

"We're finally going to see Tsubaki's home," Mai agreed, "It'll be fun."

"Right?" Hinata asked, balancing a pencil between two of her fingers, "Balls are stuffy and boring but shopping will never be that."

"Are they that bad?" Tsubaki asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You just stand around, acting sophisticated," Hinata started. She paused. "F-from what I've seen in movies at least."

"Well, this is Celestial Academy's ball. With so many energetic idols around, I think it'll be better than you're thinking."

Hinata made a noise of disagreement but dropped that argument.

"To think, after the ball it'll be the Celestial Trial," Mai said, her voice lower volume than usual.

"One of us might become the Celestial Star," Tsubaki agreed, "That's strange to think about."

After so long doing work as a unit, it was strangely lonely to think about how they'd be facing off once again.

"You each hold the capabilities to succeed," Kotone said, "I'll be..." she paused, contemplating, "I'll be rooting for you all."

Mai's face lit up. "Kotone-chan...!"

"Did I say something incorrect?"

"Not at all! Thank you for supporting us!"

"What about you?" Tsubaki asked, "Is that when you're making your debut? At the Celestial Trial?"

"It is not. My debut will be a while after that."

"That's a shame," Hinata rested her head on the table, "I think you'd stand a chance."

"I have plans for my debut."

"Could you tell us about them?" Mai asked, "We'd probably be able to help you."

"I must refuse your offer," Kotone stated, her monotone voice having the smallest trace of sorrow, "It is supposed to be what you'd call a 'surprise'."

"Oh. I see... Make sure to at least tell us when it is then, okay? I want to see it."

"Affirmative."

Mai smiled, looking out the window. Last time they had gone on a train together like this was during off-time... so much had changed since back then. She wondered what new kinds of experiences would be up ahead... in a strange way, it was exciting.

It didn't take that long for the train to reach their stop, and for the four idols to exit. Once they were in the city centre, Hinata stretched her arms, her eyes glistening.