The First Round

Miyuki and Komi sat on a soft couch in a large studio while they waited anxiously for their turn to perform. The man in a black suit stood behind a massive soundboard with two others seated beside him.

In front of them was a screen that divided a recording room that was decorated like a stage from the rest of the studio. The performance of two other participants was being broadcasted live, and Miyuki’s duo was up next.

The two performing girls danced a flawless choreography on the smooth hardwood floor. Stage lights lit up the back of the stage, drawing more attention to the idols.

Miyuki watched them, wondering if she and Komi would perform as well as they were. She felt a hand on her shoulder andT looked over to see Komi smiling at her.

“We’ll do great,” she whispered. “There’s no way we’ll mess up after how much we practiced the last couple days.”

Ever since they had finished the song, they spent nearly every waking hour practicing their performance, even after they had perfected it.

Miyuki nodded. “You’re right. There’s no point worrying about it.” Her attention returned to the live performance, just as it was drawing to a close.

The live sign above the door that led to the recording room went dark, and the two girls inside bowed.

“Next up is Miyuki Haruno and Erii Mitsui,” the black-suited director said, reading the schedule off a paper he held.

The door opened, and the group that finished came out of the room. Miyuki and Komi glanced at each other and gave a firm mutual nod of determination. One of the seated workers handed them each a headset microphone on their way to the door.

Miyuki stepped through the open doorway first, followed by her partner. They took their places on the stage and turned to face the people behind the window. Even though she had performed live time and time again, her heart pounded like a drum. Perhaps it was because she knew Jin was watching her, and she wanted to make this performance perfect for him.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, imagining herself in front of a sea of fans, about to perform on a familiar stage. The lights in the room dimmed, plunging her in darkness.

A few minutes of silence was given for the producers to display a video of the Idol Awards’ animated mascot’s introduction of Miyuki and Komi. “You girls ready?” The director asked through a microphone attached to the soundboard in front of him.

After another shared glance, she and Komi nodded in unison.

“Okay, we’re going live in five… four… three… two… one…” A click immediately followed the countdown, and a burst of light rained down upon the two from behind. Above the window was a green light that signaled they were on air.

The music they had submitted to the director wafted into the room through the speakers around the stage, starting with a slow peaceful tune.

Miyuki took a confident step forward, marking the beginning of their performance. She closed her eyes and placed a gentle hand on the pink ribbon tied to her chest.

Reaching out with her other hand, her eyes opened and her melodious voice sounded above the instrumentals. “Do you remember when we first met, all those years ago? How many memories have we made, do you know?” She took a step back, giving Komi the spotlight.

Komi stepped forward, stretching her hand into the air and closing her fingers around her palm as she pulled her arm back down while she sang. “I won’t forget the times that we’ve shared; all the times you’ve shown that you’ve cared…”

—

When the song finished, the green light vanished, marking the end of their performance. Miyuki glanced at Komi with a large smile. “That was amazing!” She leapt forward, throwing her arms around her friend, who returned the embrace with a more contained exhilaration.

“You did wonderful!” Komi complimented her with a grin.

“Same goes for you! I couldn’t tell you’ve never sang a slow song before!”

“Thanks,” she said.

“Fabulous performance!” The black-suited director applauded. “Who’s next on our list…?” He pulled out the schedule and reviewed it again. “Ah, Saki Tashiro and KizaKira.”

Two girls stood up from the waiting couch and greeted them as Miyuki and Komi exited the performing room.

“Good job!” A pink-haired girl reached for Miyuki’s hand with both of her own.

“Thank you,” Miyuki allowed her to shake her hand. “Good luck to you two.”

She and the other girl thanked her for the words of encouragement and headed for the stage after being handed their headsets.

Miyuki watched them get settled onstage before slipping out of the studio behind Komi and into the luxurious hall outside.

As soon as they stepped through the door, Komi bumped into another girl, knocking both of them back. “Sorry,” she apologized before looking up to see who she had run into.

The elation of their flawless performance ended when she and Miyuki noticed the girl Komi had nearly knocked over was none other than Luna.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going?” Luna growled. “You’re lucky you didn’t knock me over.” She dusted off her orchid purple dress as if Komi was covered in dirt when they collided.

“I’m sorry,” Komi repeated with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“You better be,” she scoffed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s almost time for my performance.” Luna pushed past them to enter the studio.

Risu, Luna’s partner in the event, shook her head and muttered an apology on Luna’s behalf before following her through the door.

Komi stared after them for a moment longer. “I hope she’s eliminated this round.”

“I doubt it,” Miyuki said. “There’s no way last year’s winner would be knocked out this early.”

“Yeah…” Komi shook her head and started down the hall.

Miyuki walked beside her. “Now that we’re finished with this round, I assume you know what the next round is?”

“Yes,” she replied. “How many photoshoots have you done?”