Chapter 52 Center Announcement

Center Announcement

That day, I accompanied Luminous Stars for their TV show recording. The sky outside was overcast, casting a heavy mood over everything. Strangely, my emotions mirrored the weather—caught between nervousness and anticipation.

When I arrived at the studio, the members were already getting ready, while the staff bustled about, adjusting cameras and preparing the set. As part of the show, today’s recording would include the long-awaited formation announcement for their new song. Within the group, this was a major event.

“Today feels a bit heavy, doesn’t it~?”

Mika-san murmured beside me, her tone light yet carrying a hint of unease.

Soon, the cameras began rolling. The announcer took the stage as the host, her bright smile setting the scene.

“Thank you all for waiting! We will now reveal the formation for Luminous Stars’ new song, ‘Natsuzora to Seifuku’ (Summer Sky and Uniform)!”

Her lively voice energized the studio, and an undeniable tension filled the air.

The members sat in two neat rows, their expressions serious as they faced forward. One by one, the announcer began calling names, revealing each member’s position.

The suspense built as names were announced, starting from the back row. Four members in the last row. Three in the row before that. Two in the next. And at the very front—one lone spot remained. The center position.

As each name was called, I focused on two people—Hoshikawa-san and Kanade. Neither of them had been named yet.

Applause and soft cheers accompanied every announcement. Those whose names had yet to be called sat with tense expressions, waiting for their fate.

And then, only two remained. Hoshikawa-san and Kanade.

I never imagined it would come down to this…

My heart pounded violently as I watched them from a distance. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what they were feeling.

The announcer deliberately paused, drawing out the tension.

The next name would determine the second-row position. The one left uncalled would stand at the very front—as the center.

“The member in the second row is…”

A breathless silence filled the studio.

For the briefest moment, Hoshikawa-san and Kanade exchanged glances, as if silently acknowledging the inevitable. Then, under the glow of the studio lights, the name was announced.

“Hoshikawa Kurumi.”

She was called first…

The moment her name was spoken, a complicated emotion stirred inside me.

After all, I was the one who had recommended Hoshikawa-san for the center position this time.

Yet, she responded with a composed nod and moved to her designated spot, just like the others. Watching her, I was struck by the weight of everything she had worked for—and just how important this moment was to her.

She must be feeling frustrated.

On the other hand, I knew I should be happy for Kanade. But my feelings weren’t that simple.

At the same time, I couldn’t help but think—Kanade really is incredible.

After the recording ended, Mika-san approached me with a somewhat wistful expression.

“Kurumi-chan was so close, huh~?”

“Yeah… really close. She’s been working so hard lately.”

Mika-san nodded in agreement before continuing.

“Ten-cchi, you pushed for Kurumi-chan to be center, right? Actually, I did too. I truly believe in her growth and the unique charm she brings.”

Knowing that Mika-san also recognized Hoshikawa-san’s potential eased my heart a little.

“Still, even though both of us voted for Kurumi-chan, in the end, the three votes from management went to Kanade-chan, huh~”

Kanade’s overwhelming strength as a center—it was something that had become even clearer today.

But I still believed that Hoshikawa-san was just as worthy of the position.

Why wasn’t she chosen?

I tried to decipher management’s reasoning.

Hoshikawa-san had the potential to bloom into something extraordinary. She had the power to captivate fans. But management’s choice must have involved more than just raw talent.

Maybe they decided it was still too soon to push her into the spotlight.

Her abilities were undeniable, but from a business perspective—her maturity as an idol, her current recognition in the industry—management might have felt she needed more time to develop. In contrast, Kanade already had the experience, popularity, and leadership to carry the group forward.

Thinking about it that way, the idol industry really was tough.

But all I could do now was hope that Hoshikawa-san would continue to grow—so much so that even management couldn’t deny her.

With that thought in mind, I set out to find her. But not knowing where she had gone, I decided to ask Kanade first. She was chatting with the other members in a corner of the studio.

“Hey, have you seen Hoshikawa-san?”

“Ah, if you’re looking for Kurumi-chan, I think she stepped outside. She said she needed some fresh air.”

Following Kanade’s gaze, I spotted the door leading outside.

“Got it. Thanks.”

After thanking Kanade, I quickly made my way there.

The moment I stepped outside, the quiet enveloped me—a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere inside. The tension from the recording felt distant now.

In the distance, I spotted Hoshikawa-san sitting alone on a bench, staring up at the sky. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a trace of loneliness in her profile. Slowly, I walked over and softly called out to her.

“Hoshikawa-san.”

At the sound of my voice, she turned slightly, looking at me in surprise.

“Amagi-kun…? Why are you here?”

“I was worried about you.”

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

She tried to sound composed, but there was a slight tremble in her voice. And in her eyes, I could see something—something unspoken.

I sat down beside her, deciding to talk for a bit.

As I searched for the right words, she suddenly spoke.

“Hey, Amagi-kun.”

“Yeah?”

“It might sound strange, but… today, for the first time, I truly felt frustrated.”

Her voice wavered slightly, but her expression—always bright and confident—looked almost… refreshed.

“…I think that just proves how much you’re growing, Hoshikawa-san. That kind of frustration only comes when you truly care about something.”

“Yeah… I guess I should thank you, Amagi-kun. Until now, I was afraid of losing, so I might have avoided giving it my all. But today, I felt frustrated—and because of that, I feel like I can reach even higher… So, thank you.”

Hearing her say that, I felt certain—one day, Hoshikawa-san was going to be an incredible idol.

Come to think of it, her decision to become an idol had always been deeply influenced by her father. As the mood lightened, I casually asked,

“Hoshikawa-san… If you don’t mind me asking, do you ever want to see your father again?”

She was slightly taken aback but soon lowered her gaze, quietly contemplating.

After a moment of silence, she slowly lifted her head, meeting my gaze.

“Yeah… I think I do. I used to obsess over becoming the center, but now, I feel like I can finally say—with pride—that I’m truly an idol.”

Her words were accompanied by a radiant smile.

And at that moment, I made a decision of my own.