Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 45: The Perils of Hiroshi's Mischief

Ruby, a girl with a heart full of dreams and a radiant smile on her face, stood at the entrance of the Japan Idol Festival. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her heart raced with anticipation. She couldn't wait to step onto the grand stage and share her passion for singing with the world. As she entered the festival grounds, she said, "I can't wait to perform on that magnificent stage."

As Ruby stood at the entrance of the Japan Idol Festival, Mem-Cho approached her with a friendly smile. Mem-Cho's eyes were filled with determination, and she said, "You know, Ruby, you're not the only one with big dreams here. We're all here to capture the hearts of many with our talents. Let's give it our all and make this festival unforgettable!"

Kana watched them laugh with each other, appreciating the camaraderie, but she couldn't help but look a bit exhausted. She chimed in, "It's great to see everyone so enthusiastic, but if we want to take this seriously and make a lasting impression, we should focus on staying grounded and giving our absolute best on that stage."

Ruby walked over to Kana with a warm smile and gently said, "Senpai, I completely agree that we need to give our best, but remember, positivity is key to success. Don't forget to smile too. It's our radiant spirits that will truly captivate the audience and make this festival unforgettable!"

Mem-Cho looked at Kana and said, "You know, Kana, as the lead, you should be the most cheerful one in the group, setting the tone for all of us."

Kana, while appreciating the advice, replied, "I understand, Mem-Cho, but I'll pass that responsibility to Ruby for now. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I think she can do that with a radiant spirit."

Mem-Cho playfully teased Kana, saying, "Well, Kana, if you keep being the serious one, you might end up with fewer fans shouting your name, and Ruby and I will have a fan club while you're left with a 'library club' or something!"

Kana responded with a smirk, "Oh, Mem-Cho, I don't necessarily need a horde of overexcited fans shouting my name."

Kana paused for a moment, looking distant as she reflected on Mem-Cho's playful comment. After a thoughtful silence, she finally spoke, "You know, Mem-Cho, even if it's just one fan who truly understands and supports me for who I am, that would be enough for me. Quality over quantity, right?"

Ruby, with her compassionate nature, turned to Kana, understanding her sentiment. She gently placed a hand on Kana's shoulder and said, "Senpai, you're absolutely right. It's not about the quantity of fans, but the connection we make with those who truly appreciate us. And as long as that one person who understands and supports us doesn't leave, we'll never give up."

As Kana shared her perspective on having a dedicated fan who truly understands and supports her, Ruby couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and empathy. The words, "I will be your biggest fan," resonated deeply in her mind. Two people had said those words to her in the past.

The first person, whose whereabouts were now unknown, had been a dear person who had made a promise to be her biggest fan. Ruby held onto the hope that one day she would reunite with that person and rekindle the connection they once had.

The second person had been someone she admired and cared for. They had shared a special bond, but now it seemed like he was enjoying the peak of his fame, perhaps with someone else. A tinge of loneliness and sadness washed over Ruby as she thought about this, but she remained determined to pursue her dreams and make a lasting impact in the world of idols, even if it meant doing so without that person's presence.

Ruby whispered to herself in a low tone, "At least Hiroshi could have wished me good luck."

As she spoke these words, Mem-Cho, who was standing nearby, approached her and asked with a curious expression, "Ruby, what did you just say?"