*LATER THAT DAY*
*RINAS ROOM - TENNOJI RESIDENCE - BRILLIA ARIAKE CITY TOWER - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
RINA: "My cheeks fell all soft and smooth... Squishy squish...
That sheet mask Kasumi recommended is amazing. It kinda feels like my face looks more bright and energized. I should've bought some blush as well.
Who knew there was this version of me hidden inside? New unfamiliar sides of me have been constantly appearing ever since I became a school idol.
Actually, no. It's that lots of different people are bringing out these different sides from within me."
...
*LAST MAY*
*SCHOOL IDOL CLUBROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AKI: "Great job, Rina. Here's a towel and some water for you."
RINA: "Thanks."
AKI: "I heard you've increased the distance you're running. Impressive."
RINA: "Yeah. It stopped feeling challenging so I added more distance."
AKI: "You seem pretty happy with yourself."
RINA: "Huh? You...can tell?"
AKI: "Sure I can, I could tell it from a mile away. And if you're happy, Rina, then I'm happy."
RINA: "Yeah... I'm happy."
AKI: "Before I forget, there's something I want you to listen to before you get into dance practice. Do you mind?
I'd like to discuss the melody of your song."
RINA: "My song...? I'd love to!"
AKI: "Here, listen to this."
AKI: "What do you think? Way better than before, right?"
RINA: "It's a fun melody. It makes me want to dance."
AKI: "Thanks for saying that. So, about the lyrics we came up with..."
RINA: "Oh... They're supposed to be about my feelings, right? What it is that I want to express to everyone...?"
AKI: "Yeah."
RINA: "There's so much I still want to say, but it's hard for me to put into words.
The strongest feeling in my mind right now is 'fun'."
AKI: "Fun?"
RINA: "Yeah. I'm having fun taking on challenges that I never even dreamed of attempting up until now.
I never even imagined myself joining a club. I have fun because everyone talks to me. That includes you, Ai, and the rest of the Club's members.
The other day, Kasumi, Shizuku, and I bought drinks and drank them together. It was the first time I'd ever done something like that with friends of my age. It was so fun...
Everyone else might see that as something average, but I always thought they were all beyond my reach.
But when I became a school idol, I was able to do it all. I have you and Ai to thank for being able to take on these challenges as well.
Because Ai started speaking to me, and you invited me to become a school idol."
AKI: "Rina..."
RINA: "Sorry, I drifted off-topic."
AKI: *Chuckle* "I'm just glad that you aren't scared of me anymore."
RINA: "You could tell that I was?"
AKI: "Anyone could, even if they're not as perceptive as I am. But be rest assured that even if I've never seen your face, I can read every expression you have."
RINA: "Wow..."
AKI: "So I say let's fine-tune these lyrics and throw more of your feelings into it. Could you tell me some more?"
RINA: "Huh? More?"
AKI: "About what makes you happy, or what's fun for you, anything! Lay it on me!"
RINA: "Um... I had fun playing games with Ai. And I had no idea how stiff my body was. Seeing sides of myself that I never knew about is fun too.
I also have fun talking to you. We could talk all day and it'd still be fun."
...
*PRESENT DAY*
*RINAS ROOM - TENNOJI RESIDENCE - BRILLIA ARIAKE CITY TOWER - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
RINA: "Everything started for me when Ai reached out to me. And it was Aki-senpai who taught me how to expand my world.
I'm able to connect with so many people now thanks to Ai and Aki-senpai.
The most important thing to me is...
I kinda feel like talking to Aki-senpai. I want him to hear me out about how I feel right now.
Oh, but I should message Kasumi and the others before that.
Let's see..."
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RINA: [I think I want that blush after all, so please come shopping with me again.]
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RINA: "There. Sent."
*DING* *DING* *DING*
RINA: "Whoa, whoa, whoa! They're responding super fast."
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KASUMI: [You mean the blush I recommended, right? Geez, there I go again with my awesome recommendations. I've totally got an eye for these things!]
SHIZUKU: [If you're going to buy some then maybe I will too.]
SHIORIKO: [I would like some myself.]
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RINA: "Um, uhh..."
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RINA: [Okay. Let's go on the way home from school tomorrow.]
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RINA: "Hehe. I'm looking forward to going to school tomorrow. I can't wait to see everyone."