Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 42」Fly High

It was the third day of the Celestial Trial, the competition which decided the top middle school student in the prestigious Celestial Academy. So far, Hinata had a firm hold on the highest ranking, followed by Minako, Asuka, then Yoshi.

The third day was the turn of both Shimura Tsubaki and Fuyuki Aya. Shimura Tsubaki was a hardworking sexy-type, who never settled for anything less than her goals. A skilled actress, currently playing a major role in the popular drama Midnight Wings.

Fuyuki Aya was a passionate cool-type, along with a member of Kizuna. A high-energy idol, well known for being able to connect with her audience.

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .◇. * :☾ ° . ───

"One, two, three, four. And finish!" Rina yelled, clapping along to the beat. Aya held her finishing position, trying to keep her breathing steady.

"Well done. That was well performed," Rina said. Aya smiled.

"Thank you."

"It was good," Minako agreed, "Your moves could have used a little more impact though. It was close but could be better. Your balance was off too, along with your timing being a few nanoseconds off. Your smile seemed a little forced in the middle and you span on the wrong foot on the 'let's go'," Minako started. Having spent the past few years of her life in a strict dancing school, Minako had heard a lot of critiques, alongside giving a lot herself. By now, both Aya and Rina had grown used to this. Become grateful for it, even.

"Overall, I think it was impressive though," Minako concluded after another couple of minutes of criticism, "I think you can do this."

Aya clenched her fist. "I can. I will," she turned to Rina, "Watch out. If anyone's going to surpass you, it's going to be me. I won't allow it any other way."

In return, Rina gave a determined smile. "I wouldn't want it any other way either."

"You can't let me down, Aya," Minako said, "If you fail today, Kizuna's going to look like a unit which relies on Rina to pull us through! We can't let that happen!"

"I'd also like to request that doesn't happen," Rina added, "I don't want people thinking I'm a free ticket to success."

Aya grinned, her fang on show. "Tonight, I'm going to show the world just how powerful Kizuna is."

"I'll be cheering you on," Minako said. Then, she giggled. "Who would have thought, the same Aya who was so certain she wouldn't fit as an idol would be chasing after the top idol's spot today."

"I remember that," Rina agreed, "Back when I first proposed we made a unit."

"Are you sure? It's not like idols are usually like me... I'm not cute enough."

"What do you mean?" A younger Minako asked in return, "You're plenty cute!"

"You're beautiful, Aya-chan," Rina agreed.

"B-but-!"

"We'll be together, won't we?" Rina asked, "So it'll be okay."

Minako nodded. "We won't let anyone be mean," she made a punching motion, "You're my best friend, after all!"

"You two..." Aya whispered, she nodded, "I'll give it a try!"

"In the end, you obviously were cute enough," Minako winked, "I haven't needed to punch anyone in the face yet, and I've noticed you're awfully popular with ladies."