Perfect Idol

Chapter One - Dyed With Colour

Ash's POV

"And Ash Ketchum blows us away with another spectacular performance!"

Spectacular? What are they talking about? It's far from perfection. I thank the audience with undetected insincerity and left the stage.

Everything is black and white.

Many staff approaches me as I make way to my waiting room, complimenting my shoddy performance as usual. They all spout nothing but lies to satisfy their own desires, not once considering how the listener feels. Regardless, I would never fall for their deceits. I, myself, understand more than anyone how inferior my performance is.

Immediately after entering my room, I notice the large stack of fan letters and several bouquets placed on my low-glass table. Of course, as an idol, I appreciate the support of all my followers. Yet I can't truly feel happiness from such actions as I know that I don't deserve any of it. I push them aside to place my designer sketchbooks instead. My brand, Glacier Silhouette, is suitable for defective idols striving to perfection like myself. I open the sketchbook and began editing my latest design for the sixteenth time.

"...This is not good enough..."

After focusing on my design for fifteen minutes, the door suddenly swings open. I look up to see one of the staff members entering. The fact that all staff here lacks the social etiquette to even knock is something that I cannot get used to even after all these years.

"Mr.Ketchum, please be on standby. We're expecting great things from you."

They wink and smile at me before leaving the room. Expecting great things from me? If only I could answer those expectations perfectly. But mistakes happen whenever, no matter how much effort and preparation you put into something.

I make my way to the recording room with all these negative thoughts.

[inset song here] - After Recording

"As expected of Ash Ketchum! The recording was perfect with only one take!"

In what way was it perfect? I could've done much better. I slip the headphones off and bowed to show my respect before leaving. 

I collect my bag and went outside to where my escort car is waiting. Many fans and interviewers are surrounding my car with cameras constantly flash at me, I feel a headache forming. However, there's no time to waste. During the ride, I revised my script for the new drama I'll be starring in as the protagonist.

But no matter how much I try, I can never act it out perfectly. After all, I can't fully put myself in the shoes of someone if I haven't truly experienced their hardships.

I finally arrive at Pokémon Academy after thirty minutes. There's a general track and an idol track in this school, and I clearly enrol in the latter. I head to Head Mistress Cynthia's office and knocked the door softly.

"Come in."

I enter and instantly greeted with the habitual smile she gives everyone.

"Welcome back Ash! Outstanding work as always." 

"Thank you." I reply.

...for nothing but lies. I'm already immune to her artificial applauds that she provides all students with as part of her job.

"It's plain to see that you do not believe my words at all but I assure you it's the truth." She smiles gently.

I stay silent.

"But putting that aside, I actually have some good news; you have the rest of the day off!"

No more work today? When was the last time this happened? Or did it ever happen since I debuted? Does this mean I'm lacking and will be replaced? After all, I'm still an inexperienced and unsophisticated second-rate idol.

I nod and excuse myself. Head Mistress Cynthia is deceitful, just like everyone else. There's no one in the world that you can put your trust into. Not even yourself.

I decide to refresh my mind and went outside. I sit on the bench opposite the school fountain and scanned the area.

Everything is black and... vibrant..?

That was the moment when I saw her, the girl who dyed my world in colour again.