Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 44」Heart Mirage

CW for death (in a flashback). Stay safe!!

(also because wattpad formatting mean, there's a bit that looks like -[text]-. there should be strikethrough there.)

─── ｡ﾟ☽: * .♡. * :☾ ° . ───

Spring was always Sakura's favourite time of year. Watching as the cherry blossoms began to bloom and their petals flew through the skies. It was the start of something new, she thought to herself.

That day, she was determined to start something new, too.

The idol held her cards in her hand, her heart pounding. Today, no matter what, she would put what little energy she had into creating the best live possible.

"Sakura-chan, it's your turn now!" Cherry shouted, running off stage, a huge smile on her face. "The audience is really hyped up!" She paused, her face falling. "Sakura-chan? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Sakura said, gripping her cards tighter, "I've been through worse before; I can push through it."

"You shouldn't push yourself. Remember what the doctor said? I can finish this off, I'm sure the audience won't mind too much."

There was no response, and Cherry sighed. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the top designer of her best friend's brand.

"Hiro-kun!" She yelled, "Tell Sakura-chan that she's being reckless."

"H-Huh?" A teenage Hiro looked around, startled, then walked over. He inspected Sakura. "You look tired, Sakura-san," he said, "Akatsuki-san is right. You should rest a bit."

"I can't do that!"

Both Cherry and Hiro stepped back, eyes wide.

"Everyone out there is waiting for me..." she said, "I can't take away their smiles! Everyone's smiles are what gives me my power, after all!" She clenched her free hand into a fist, "I'll be fine. Even if I have to rest afterwards, I love dancing. I love my fans! So please, let me go out there and give them the best stage I can!"

There was a brief moment of quiet.

"Sakura-chan..." Cherry muttered.

"You promise that you'll be careful?" Hiro asked, and Sakura nodded.

"I promise."

"Then I'll trust you."

Sakura smiled brightly. "Thank you, Hiro-san," she said, "I promise I won't let you down." She quickly kissed him on the cheek, causing him to turn bright red, before running off into the fitting room.

That performance, Sakura gave it her all. Despite being in so much pain, she continued to smile brightly and perform with energy. The audience reciprocated those smiles, too. She never stopped shining, no matter what!

Even when she collapsed afterwards and was forced to face the reality that continuing being an idol would be too dangerous for her, Sakura continued to work hard to make others smile.