Chapter 47 Turning Point

Turning Point

Exhausted, I had lain down lightly on the studio floor, and before I knew it, I had dozed off. When I slowly opened my eyes, still in a haze, the studio lights reflecting in the mirror stung my vision.

The lesson had ended, and as I sat alone in the studio, my thoughts drifted to Kanade-chan. She had risen to stardom in what felt like an instant, leaving me behind. That reality weighed heavier on my heart with each passing day.

“Kanade-chan is already in a place I can’t reach anymore…”

Muttering softly, my words were swallowed up by the emptiness of the studio. No matter how special Kanade-chan was, we had all started on the same line. Yet, before I knew it, she was far ahead, beyond reach. Her star quality as an idol, her charm, captivated everyone. It felt as though I alone had been left behind.

I hated feeling so pathetic, but this was the honest voice of my heart. Kanade-chan’s brilliance was undeniable, and I simply couldn’t keep up with her.

Lost in thought, I suddenly heard the studio door creak open. Sensing someone entering, I hurriedly sat up.

“Ah, Amagi-kun? What are you doing here?”

It was Amagi-kun who had walked in.

“Uh, Mika-san called me here for a work meeting… I was passing by and noticed the lights were on, so I thought someone might be here.”

His voice carried a hint of surprise but also a comforting warmth.

“More importantly, are you crying?”

“I-I’m not crying or anything!”

Oh no, he saw me crying.

This is so embarrassing…

Then, Amagi-kun quietly sat down beside me, looking at me with a steady gaze as he said,

“If you’re okay with it, I can listen to you.”

Wha…? His offer caught me off guard, but there was a sincerity in his tone that made me feel safe, as though he genuinely wanted to hear me out.

What is it with him, seriously…?

But he knows my situation, and he seems trustworthy. Maybe he’s the right person to talk to.

After some hesitation, I began to open up, starting with the past and gradually moving to my current feelings.

As I talked, the worries and frustrations I had kept bottled up inside began to pour out. The growing gap between me and Kanade-chan had shaken my confidence, and I didn’t know how to face it on my own. I confessed all of this to Amagi-kun.

He listened attentively, never interrupting. When I finished, he sat in silence for a moment, seemingly deep in thought, before saying quietly,

“Hoshikawa-san, you’re more sensitive than your appearance suggests, aren’t you?”

“Wha—are you teasing me?”

“Not at all. I just realized this while listening to your story. I completely understand wanting to be in the center, but other positions can also be something others dream of, don’t you think?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, you made it here after passing such a tough audition, didn’t you? So maybe it’s okay to trust in your abilities a little more.”

His words left me slightly bewildered. It was true—maybe I’d been so fixated on being in the center that I’d started to lose faith in myself. But believing in my abilities had always been hard for me.

“But… unlike the other members, I don’t have any clear strengths. I keep wondering what I should do.”

When I murmured that, Amagi-kun seemed lost in thought before replying with a serious expression,

“I don’t think you lack strengths. But if that’s how you feel, why not showcase your character as Hoshikawa Kurumi?”

His suggestion made my heart skip a beat. I’d never thought about putting my “character” before. Honestly, the idea scared me.

“My character? I’m not good at creating one. It feels like I’d be acting or lying…”

When I voiced my unease, Amagi-kun answered without a second’s hesitation.

“It doesn’t have to be a lie. Just emphasize the personality you already have. For instance, your natural brightness, your thoughtfulness toward others, and your dancing skills. Highlighting those traits a little more could work perfectly as your character.”

His words felt like a subtle compliment, and I couldn’t help but feel a little flustered.

Yet, Amagi-kun spoke so casually, as if it was no big deal…

Reflecting on his words, a sudden question popped into my mind.

“From your perspective, how do I seem to you?”

Before I realized it, I had asked him directly. I wanted to know how I appeared to others—how he saw me.

Amagi-kun blinked in surprise, then rested his hand on his chin, as if deep in thought. Finally, he replied,

“Hmm… a tsundere who’s also very competitive, maybe?”

His answer left me stunned, my eyes widening instinctively.

“Wha—is that really how I come across?”

I couldn’t hide my shock at the gap between how I saw myself and how he perceived me. Sure, I knew I could be stiff with people, but I never imagined it came across as “tsundere.”

“Yeah. But I don’t think the fans have picked up on it yet. So it might help to make it part of your character.”

“How would I even do that?”

“I’ve got a plan, if you’re interested.”