Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 6: Dreams and Determination

During the lunch break at Youtou High School, the bustling cafeteria was filled with students laughing, chatting, and devouring their meals. Among them was Ruby, sitting at a table with her best friend, Minami.

As they chatted about their day, a mischievous smile crept across Minami's face as she noticed a familiar figure approaching their table. It was Hiroshi, he always had a way of entertaining everyone who was with him. However, Ruby had been wary of his teasings.

Hiroshi sauntered over to their table, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. A playful glimmer sparkled in his eyes. He flashed a wide grin at Minami, who greeted him with an enthusiastic wave and then turned his attention to Ruby.

"Hey there, ladies. Mind if I crash your little lunch party?" Hiroshi asked, leaning against the table, feigning nonchalance.

Ruby raised an eyebrow, her wariness evident. "What's in it for us?"

Hiroshi chuckled, his grin widening. "Well, for starters, you get the privilege of my accompany, and who wouldn't want that?"
He winked at Minami, who giggled, clearly enjoying the banter.

Ruby rolled her eyes but couldn't help but crack a smile. "Fine, but only if you promise to behave."

Hiroshi held up his hands in mock surrender. "Scout's honour, I'll be on my best behaviour."

He pulled out a chair and settled in next to Ruby, causing her heart to skip a beat. As he unwrapped his sandwich, he leaned closer to her, his voice lowered. "So, Ruby-chan, tell me, what's the most exciting thing that's happened in your day so far?"

Ruby, taken aback by the sudden interest, couldn't help but be intrigued. "Exciting? Well, I guess having you join us for lunch is up there on the excitement scale."

Hiroshi grinned, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, you flatter me. But surely there must be something more exciting than my presence?"

Ruby thought about it a bit.
"Well, we talked about our dreams during class today. A bit of a childish topic but it was fun."

Hiroshi looked at her and got curious.
"What kind of dream would someone such as you have then?"

Ruby blushed at Hiroshi's playful question. "Well, I have a dream of becoming a famous idol," she admitted shyly.
"I know it's a long shot, but I can't help but imagine what it would be like to stand on a big stage, performing for thousands of fans."

Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. "Hmm, idols, huh?
Can't say I'm the biggest fan, but who knows? Maybe if you manage to become one, my opinion would change."

Ruby's blush deepened, and she averted her gaze, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. "You really think so?"

Hiroshi leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, if you become a famous idol, I might just have to reconsider my stance. Who knows? Maybe I'll even become your number one fan."

Minami giggled at their dialogue, clearly enjoying the playful banter.
"Oh, you two are too much! Ruby, imagine if Hiroshi becomes your biggest fan and supports you in your idol journey!"

Ruby's cheeks turned even redder, but she couldn't help but smile at the thought. "That would be... amazing, actually.
But you need to fight for that spot."

Later on...
It was the big day of auditions for principal roles in "Blossoms of Love".

The bustling hallway of the audition venue was filled with nervous energy as aspiring actors paced back and forth, rehearsing their lines and mentally preparing themselves for the opportunity of a lifetime. Among them was Hiroshi. Clutching his script tightly, he stood near the entrance of the audition room.
He was auditioning for the principal male role, a character named Takumi.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts. "Hey, Hiroshi!" It was Aya.
She approached him with a warm smile, her eyes brimming with encouragement. "You've got this, I know it. Remember, you're talented, and you've worked so hard for this. Just go in there and give it your all!"

Hiroshi's face lit up at Aya's words. Her unwavering support had always been a source of strength for him. "Thanks, Aya. I really appreciate your belief in me. I'll do my best."

Before Hiroshi could take another step toward the audition room, a voice filled with disdain cut through the air.
"Oh, look who it is. The untalented brat, Hiroshi." It was Sekito, a fellow actor who had developed an intense dislike for Hiroshi since they first had crossed paths.

Hiroshi turned to face him, his expression a mixture of determination and annoyance. "What's your problem, Sekito? "

Sekito sneered and took a step closer. "You think you deserve that principal role? Please! You've got no skills, no talent. You're useless, and everyone knows it. I'll be the one who gets that role, not you."

Hiroshi was ready to say something but Aya stepped in, positioning herself between the two actors.
"Enough, Sekito!" she declared firmly. "You have no right to belittle Hiroshi like that. He's worked incredibly hard, and he has just as much of a chance as anyone else in that room."

Sekito scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever. We'll see who the casting directors prefer. But mark my words, Hiroshi, you're going down."

Hiroshi took a deep breath and turned to Aya, grateful for her unwavering support.
"Thanks, Aya. I won't let him get to me. I'm going to go in there and give the performance of a lifetime."

Aya smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "That's the spirit, Hiroshi! You're talented, and I believe in you. Now go show them what you're made of!"

Later...
Hiroshi stepped out of the audition room, his adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He found Aya and Akane waiting anxiously outside, their eyes filled with anticipation. Aya couldn't help but smile, her excitement evident.

"How did it go, Hiroshi?" she asked, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Tell us everything!"

Hiroshi took a deep breath, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration washing over him. "I think I did really well," he replied, his voice laced with confidence. "I gave it my all, delivered my lines with conviction, and connected with the character on a deep level. I truly believe I nailed it."

Aya's face lit up, her eyes shining with pride. "That's fantastic, Hiroshi! I knew you had it in you. You were incredible in there."

Akane chimed in with excitement. "You've got this, Hiroshi. We're all rooting for you!"

As the trio shared a moment of celebration, the atmosphere in the audition venue suddenly shifted. The judges emerged from the audition room, their expressions were all serious. They scanned the crowd of actors, and their eyes locked onto Hiroshi momentarily, but it was Sekito who caught their attention next.

A smile played on the judges' lips as they exchanged glances with Sekito, who smirked triumphantly. The subtle exchange between the judges and Sekito didn't go unnoticed by Hiroshi, Akane, or Aya. A flicker of uncertainty passed over Hiroshi's face, but he quickly composed himself, determined not to let it affect him.

What were the results?