*BOOTH 3 - KARAOKE BAR - VENUS FORT - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AKI: "Honestly, part of me just wants to storm out of here, block you from School Idol Festival, and be done with it. But I want to be professional about this. You seem to have a request, and we don't have much time. So, let's cut to the chase and hear what you need. No need for any more small talk, right?"
RUBY-H: "Thanks, that makes things easier."
AKI: "Good."
RUBY-H: "I was kinda hoping you'd notice me and give me a better chance of winning at the School Idol Festival. I know it might not change anything, but I figured it was worth a shot."
AKI: "I mean, I'm not the one calling the shots here. It's really up to the fans to decide who wins. And as a pro like you, why would you even need to manipulate things? You don't look come across like the kind of girl who do that. You've got the skills to shine on your own.
Just curious, have you told the rest of B-Komachi about this plan of yours?"
RUBY-H: "No. They don't know I'm here."
AKI: "I hate to ask, but do you trust them?"
RUBY-H: "I guess I trust them, but I don't think they really get it. They wouldn't understand..."
AKI: "Understand what?"
RUBY-H: "I'm desperate."
AKI: "Desperate?"
RUBY-H: "Why wouldn't I be? Whoever wins this contest can perform at the Tokyo Dome in the next School Idol Festival..."
AKI: "Now that you mention it, your whole demeanor took a turn when I mentioned that. So, does reaching the Tokyo Dome mean a lot to you?"
RUBY-H: "Are you familiar with the history of B-Komachi?"
AKI: "I know about Ai, the legendary star idol."
I looked up at the large Ai poster proudly displayed in the karaoke booth.
AKI: "She was a generational talent. Fourteen years ago, there was supposed to be a big showdown between the original B-Komachi and Golden Calf's QUASAR at the Tokyo Dome. But, unfortunately, Ai was murdered that day by a crazed stalker."
RUBY-H: "There's your answer."
AKI: "I don't follow."
RUBY-H: "It was her dream to perform at the Tokyo Dome.
She worked hard for eight years to get that spot... That day was supposed to be her crowning achievement. B-Komachi VS QUASAR in a legendary live show battle.
But that was taken from her...
It's not fair...
It's not fair...
It's not fair...
It's not-"
AKI: "I see you're passionate about this... So, as the interiors to the B-Komachi name, you want to finish the story. What was stolen from her, you want to take back.
I respect that; it seems you've greatly respected the group's legacy, and I'm sure you're a huge Ai fan yourself."
RUBY-H: "More than anything... She meant the world to me; she was like a light shining in the dark... When nobody else was there for me, she was with me.
She changed my life... Guess you could say she gave me a second chance at life."
Wow... A second chance, hm?
I guess that the star idol 'Ai' meant a lot to Ruby Hoshino. Here I thought I was the only one whose life was drastically transformed by the power of idols...
Guess I'm not alone after all.
AKI: "I can relate. Being a Producer, I think the world of my Nijigasaki High School Idol Club. Those girls are everything to me, and if something bad happened to them... It would tear me apart."
RUBY-H: "This industry isn't kind. When you read the things so-called 'fans' say online, it's heartbreaking...
Anyone who enters this business never comes out of it the same way.
Just look at what happened to M- *ahem* Ai."
AKI: "For someone whose name means 'love,' she did receive a lot of hatred... Someone who wanted to spread love was also hated to the extreme point of being murdered."
RUBY-H: "Yeah..."
AKI: "You're right. It isn't fair that her dream was robbed from her. How old was she, twenty?"
RUBY-H: "Yes."
AKI: "That's no age for someone to die. This world can be a cruel place. It isn't fair."
RUBY-H: "That's why I will do everything to make her dream come true. No matter what it takes..."
AKI: "Just like it isn't fair for you to resort to dirty tactics. That's a dark path, Hoshino; I've seen it take over the purest of idols. So don't take the same road Kanon Shibuya did."
RUBY-H: "..."
AKI: "I get that you have a sense of pride in seeing her dream come true. But what about your own?"
RUBY-H: "My own?"
AKI: "You're an idol. Sure, Ai was brilliant... But I'm not talking to her.
I'm talking to you, Ruby Hoshino.
Tell me, what are your dreams?
What are your ambitions?"
RUBY-H: "My dream is to see Ai's dream come true. To live them for her."
AKI: "I'm sorry, but it's not possible. For her dream to truly come true, she would have to perform at the Tokyo Dome, not you."
RUBY-H: "...You think I don't already know that?"
AKI: "No, I'm sure you're aware of it. But you should-"
RUBY-H: "Do you even know how hard she worked? Modeling gigs, acting roles, live shows, autograph signings, interview shows, reality TV, everything!
She gave everything she had for eight long years to have a chance to perform at the Tokyo Dome.
Now, after doing nothing, your group gets to stand on the stage she worked for.
Tell me, how is that fair?"
AKI: "The times have changed. We're living in the age of school idols, Ruby. Professionals aren't the only ones who can make an impact around here. School idols have their own fanbase that will break down barriers to see them perform. Plus, it's pretty rich for you to ask how it's fair we're standing on that stage... I don't care if you're a professional, you've been an idol for what? Eight months?
Meanwhile, the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club? We've been doing this for TEN MONTHS. Which is longer than you! And yet you're a younger group looking to stand on that same stage.
I don't think you have the right to dictate what we can and can't do."
RUBY-H: "I guess so... Sorry if I sound like a bigshot."
AKI: "As I was saying... You should take into consideration what your own dreams are."
RUBY-H: "My dreams aren't much different from Ai's."
AKI: "But I'm sure Ai wanted to reach the Tokyo Dome for her own achievement.
But you want to reach it for her achievement.
After you reach the Tokyo Dome, what's next?"
RUBY-H: "Then Ai's dream would have come true. I'd quit."
AKI: "Then what?"
RUBY-H: "I don't know..."
AKI: "I understand."
RUBY-H: "What would you know about any of this? It's not like you ever got to know her."
AKI: "Maybe not, but I'm not referring to Ai. I'm referring to you.
Why?
Because our dreams aren't so different."
RUBY-H: "What's that supposed to mean?"
AKI: "I dream of seeing the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club perform on the School Idol Festival's Main Stage.
But as for what's next, I don't know.
Both our dreams seem to have a monumental climax, but what comes next?"
RUBY-H: "I think I know what's in store for you... You already let it slip at the meeting earlier."
AKI: "Oh?"
RUBY-H: "I heard your speech."
...
AKI: "I'm not an idol, but I can sure do something to guarantee their safety!
My name is Akihiko Suzuki, and I'm the one WHO WILL SAVE THE IDOL INDUSTRY OR WILL DIE TRYING! I PROMISE!"
...
RUBY-H: "So what? Were you being serious with what you said, or are you just another liar who's all talk?"
AKI: "I'm serious about this."
RUBY-H: "Liar."
AKI: "No, I'm going to save the idol industry, or I'll die trying."
RUBY-H: "Why? What's your reason for that?"
AKI: "I don't get it. Why do I need to explain it like it's some complex issue?
It's simple.
I'm a fan of idols.
But the backstage politics are shitty.
This industry causes a lot of suffering.
I don't want to see people suffer.
But I don't want to end the industry.
I want to save it.
*Sigh* I thought it was common human decency not to want to see other people suffer."
RUBY-H: "That's it?"
AKI: "That's it. I like idols, and I don't want to see them suffer."
RUBY-H: "There's no personal vendetta involved?"
AKI: "Nope, nothing personal at all. I'm not interested in doing this for selfish reasons.
My love for idols is more significant than that.
I selflessly want to prevent others from suffering."
RUBY-H: "?!"
AKI: "Does that make me a good person?
Quite frankly, I don't care what anyone thinks about me.
What matters most is how they act towards idols like you so that nobody would even think about repeating what happened to the legendary star idol."
RUBY-H: "..."
AKI: "So yeah, when I said those words, I meant it!"
RUBY-H: "Wow... And I thought this industry was full of liars. But maybe there's some hope after all?"
AKI: "How can you tell I'm not skillfully lying to you?"
RUBY-H: "It's in your eyes."
AKI: "Y-Yeah."
RUBY-H: "If you want to change this industry, I'll root for you. But..."
AKI: "But?"
RUBY-H: "...I wasn't lying when I said I was curious about you. When you gave that speech, it probably stuck to me.
Tell me, are you going to make a change?"
AKI: "I will."
RUBY-H: "Are you willing to promise it?"
AKI: "I promise that I'll change this industry."
RUBY-H: "Then that's all I needed to hear. Huh... Selflessly wanting to help others at any cost. You remind me of someone I used to know... Someone who's still out there...
A-Anyway... You can count on B-Komachi to go all out at the festival, but we will win with our strength."
AKI: "I look forward to that."
RUBY-H: "We should wrap this up. My brother's going to be worried about where I am.
Ugh...unless he's staying the night at her place again..."
AKI: "We don't want to break the curfew laws. I'm the elder of us both, so I'll probably take the heat for it."
RUBY-H: *Giggle* "Don't worry. I won't let that happen!"
AKI: "But before we leave, could I ask you for one small favor?"
RUBY-H: "Hm?"
I took my notebook out of my jacket, opened up a blank page and presented it to her again.
AKI: "This time, I'm asking. Please can I have your autograph? You didn't write it last time."
RUBY-H: "Ha... Hahaha! You really are a fan!
Sure, I'll sign it."
And just like that, the set was complete!
AKI: "I'll let you leave. First, I don't want to keep you waiting any longer."
RUBY-H: "No, it's fine! I've gotta wait for my cab to arrive."
AKI: "Then I'll see you some other time. Thanks, but I'm a little sad that I didn't get to see you sing."
RUBY-H: "Eh? Me? Sing?"
AKI: *Chuckle* "This is a karaoke bar, after all."
RUBY-H: *Giggle* "Right, I almost forgot! Yeah... If you want to see me sing, buy a ticket to a B-Komachi show. I don't sing for free, y'know~?"
Damn professionals and their paywalls...
RUBY-H: "Or..."
AKI: "Huh?"
RUBY-H: "Maybe if there's a next time!"
N-Next time?!
Wait, maybe she's just playing tricks on me again.
But her eyes seem brighter than they were before!
Is she being serious or is she trying to play a trick on me?
I don't know anymore.
What I do know is that Ruby Hoshino is one cunning idol, who can be brutally honest, yet knows how to wrap others around her fingers.
AKI: "Sure."
RUBY-H: "Disguise, remember?"
AKI: "Oh, right."
Guess I got a little flustered there and forgot to put my glasses, hat, and facemask back on.
But could you blame me?
I may act professional, but I'm still a man.
Just look how cute she is!
...
*STREETS - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
Phew... I'm lucky that I escaped that scenario in one piece.
I'm just glad nobody knows about this, it would be awful if somebody got the wrong idea.
Ha, but there's no use thinking in hypotheticals.
Everything is okay!
AQUA: "......"