an idol in the making

“I've got a dream, it's dancing in my soul, A melody that's waiting to unfold. I'll reach for the stars, I'll never let go; With every step I take, I'm getting close.”

The memory of Hanako’s heavenly voice drove away every doubt in my mind and washed over me like a magic spell.

“Daiki. Daiki!”

I shook my head, and my eyes focused back on Hiro.

“You’re thinking of that girl again, aren’t you?” He leaned in, staring me in the eye.

“No,” I lied. “Yes.”

Hiro laughed and tapped the top of my head with his statistics textbook.

“When are you going to ask her out?” Hiro asked.

“I can’t. I have to study.”

Hiro was silent, allowing the stupidity of my words to settle around us. He tapped my head with the book harder this time.

“Don’t be an idiot, bro,” He said.

“What do I say?” I asked. “Wow, you sing like an absolute goddess. I’d love to listen to your voice every waking moment of my life and possibly while I’m sleeping?”

Hiro laughed. “Well… that might be coming on a bit strong.” He raised his eyebrows at me. “Ask her out on a date.”

“A date?” I squeaked. I’d never been on a date before.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never asked out a girl before?” Hiro asked and then shook his head. “What am I saying? Of course, you haven’t.”

“Hey, some of us aren’t athletic superstars, you know.”

“So? It’s obvious she likes you.”

Was it?

I thought back to last night. Hanako's eyes met mine once the song ended and her voice had faded. There was an impossibly long silence as the crowd came to their senses and started clapping. She bowed and thanked them, but it seemed like her eyes never left me. Like I was her anchor in the waves of faces.

Hiro gave me a knowing look. “Based on everything you’ve said - I think you have a shot.”

I twirled my pen around in my fingers. Maybe he was right.

I pulled out my phone and tapped the text chat.

<<Are you free tonight?>>

Just before I sent the message, one came through from Hanako.

<<OMG - You will not believe this. Are you free tonight? I have amazing news! ٩(•̤̀ᵕ•̤́๑) >>

* * *

Was this going to become a regular thing? It was not like me to leave my study group before the sun went down.

★CHIBI STAR KARAOKE★

Hanako met me outside of the karaoke place. She was practically vibrating with excitement. She could barely contain herself as she rushed towards me. The keychains on her backpack jingled with every step.

“Daiki!” She gasped. “Guess what?”

I was immediately caught up in her enthusiasm. Her positivity was infectious.

“What is it?” I came to meet her right away - she absolutely refused to tell me her good news, whatever it was, through text.

“Eee!” She squealed, holding up her phone. She was trying to show me an email, but her hand was shaking too much for me even to hope to read it. “I’ve been scouted!”

“What, really?”

“Yeah, apparently, there was some guy at Chibi Star last night who knows someone who’s trying to get an idol group together,” Hanako said.

“An idol group?” I asked. I was immediately skeptical.

Her expression was enough to tell me she was ready to jump right into this opportunity, no matter what I said. “Yeah, there’s an audition on Sunday,” She added. “I have to try. I have to!”

I admired her determination, even if the sudden opportunity was a little too convenient.

“I knew Chibi Star was meant to be!” She sighed happily, looking at the email again. “I never would have been discovered if I was still holed up in the karaoke booths. This could be my big break.”

Had she abandoned her love for KBO already?

“That’s … great,” I said slowly.

Hanako’s smile faded slightly. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy for me?”

“I am,” I insisted. “The thought of auditions just makes me nervous, is all.” It wasn’t totally a lie. I had performance anxiety even since my elementary band recitals.

I set my shoulders. “Sorry, my nervousness shouldn’t impact you. I’m happy for you.”

Hanako perked up a bit. “You sure?”

“Yes,” I insisted.

Did my opinion matter that much to her? Wow, maybe I really was blind to how much she liked me. I could almost picture Hiro hitting me in the head again. I was so stupid when it came to girls.

“Good, because I need someone to go shopping with me this weekend.” Hanako giggled with a wink.

“Sh-shopping?” I stuttered. Like, shopping with a girl? With changing rooms and photos and trying on clothes. Oh no - there was no way I was ready for that.

“Yeah, I can’t show up to an audition dressed like this,” She said as she gestured to her school uniform - the only thing I had ever seen her wear.

“Right.” I nodded.

“So we’ll meet at Harajuku station on Saturday?”

“Ok,” Hanako said with a grin. “It’s a date.” She spun on her heel and headed towards the door of Chibi Star. “Come on, I’ve got to practice.”

“Yeah,” I said. I felt numb as I followed her to the private karaoke booths. My body was moving but my brain wasn't functioning. 

Did I hear her right? 

My brain was lagging. Wait… a date?!