Oshi No Ko: PHOENIX [OC x Oshi No Ko]

Ch.3 - THE STARS IN HER EYES:

The Shine Hour.

A weekly radio show that features the brightest upcoming stars in the nation. Once you've been invited to appear as a guest on that show, you know you're doing something right.

My...

Well, Kisuke, my former self's dad, Kira Kamijiro has been the host of the show since it first started 25 years ago.

I remember as Kisuke, 22 years ago when my dad would drag me to those recording sessions. Giving me the opportunity to meet many different people.

As Sarina's treatment became more frequent, I found myself following my dad to more of the weekly sessions. It was there that I came face to face with even more celebrities.

But fame wasn't my forte. I craved the rush of victory more than the adoration of millions, which was why I'd always dreamed of becoming an athlete, not an entertainer.

What really drove me to pursue a career in sports, though, was my desire to give Sarina my eventual gold medal. Her Olympic dreams may have been shattered, but she'd always been a champion in my eyes, and she deserved every bit of glory that came with that medal.

Prior to the show going live on-air, Kira gave me the chance to meet his guests, shake their hands, and maybe even nab an autograph or two.

Everyone I met was ambitious and full of life, but none more so than a certain rising idol.

She reached out her hand, offering the chance to shake it, and I was left dumbstruck.

AI: "Hm, helloooooo? Is everything alrighty in there?"

KISUKE: "Oh, uh, sorry."

I took her hand in mine, and we shook for what felt like an eternity. Even now, I can still feel the warmth of her grip, the spark of her personality.