The Dark Star【OC Story】✶Oshi no Ko✶

Chapter 19 - Ideal Girl

(Third Person POV)

On a sunny afternoon, Akane walked with determination in her steps as she approached the production building where her friends Yuki, Aqua, and Mem-Cho were waiting. It was one of their rare rest days, and she couldn't wait to share her newfound strength and determination with them.

As she entered the building, she spotted Yuki, Aqua, and Mem-Cho sitting together in a cozy corner of the lounge area. They looked up and greeted her with warm smiles, happy to see her.

"Akane, you're looking more radiant than ever!" Yuki exclaimed, standing up to give her a hug.

Akane returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of her friend's support. "Thank you, Yuki. I've made up my mind." She faces her with vigor. "I'm not going to let the negativity get to me anymore. I'll face the challenges on the show with my head held high!"

Aqua nodded approvingly.

As they settled back down, Yuki couldn't help but express a word of caution. "But remember, Akane, don't push yourself too hard. Your well-being is the most important thing."

Akane smiled gratefully at Yuki's concern. "I won't, Yuki. I promise. I've learned the hard way that taking care of myself is crucial." She reminisces about the dark moments a week prior.

Mem-Cho, always the creative thinker, said, "Well, from now on, don't you think that it'd be best if you made a character for yourself, Akane?" She poised. "Putting the real you out there just makes any hate you get hit harder.

Aqua, always the thoughtful one, added to the conversation. "Showing your real self can make you more vulnerable to criticism. Having a role or persona can become your armor. Vying to be genuine isn't always the best option, as you'll only get hurt doing it"

"Well, look who's giving advice now! You should open up more, Aqua, with all the layers you have on you since the start." Mem-Cho grinned teasingly at Aqua.

"I'm good where I am, thank you." Aqua brushed off Mem-Cho's playful jab.

Akane pondered Mem-Cho's suggestion. She understood the reasoning behind it, contemplating her suggestion deeply. As Akane mulled the idea of creating a role for herself on the reality dating show, she realized that she was no stranger to acting. After all, she was an actress, and playing a role was her forte. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like a brilliant way to navigate the challenges of the show while staying true to herself.

Lost in thought, Akane turned to Yuki and Mem-Cho, who was also deep in contemplation about what role she should play. The two were also wracking their brains, thinking of a role proving to be more difficult than they thought. Aqua on the other hand was just minding his business, relaxing like he does on his rest days. 

Thinking hard, a memory then resurfaced – the words Alex had said to her long ago. 

"But if you're up for it, I guess you can go for Aqua. I'm sure Aqua won't mind since he doesn't really have any aim in the show."

She recalled him mentioning going for Aqua as a potential interest in the show, and it struck her that this might be the perfect path to follow.

'...it could work.' She considered, Akane then looked to Aqua and asked him, "Hey, Aqua, what's your ideal girl?"

The question caught everyone off-guard, and Aqua's cheeks slightly flushed. "W-Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?" he stammered.

Akane smiled, knowing where she was going with this. "You can say that it was a suggestion from a friend," she said, her voice filled with determination, but Aqua really didn't get what she meant by that. "Would it be alright?"