Timeskip: A week later
Location:
CiRCLE

A week went by, and it's been super busy for me as of late. The student council has been busy with a lot of upcoming projects for the school, which meant more responsibilities, a lot of paperwork, and a lot of financial management on my end. It got busy to the point where I would spend most of my lunch in the student council office with the rest of the student council to save time after school.

As for work, it was the same as with the student council. With World Idol Fest coming up and the fact that we had to support pastel palettes, it meant more maintenance for me and a lot of moving to and from CiRCLE to pastel palettes agency. On top of that, there were a lot of bookings this week, most of which came from Roselia. 

On top of all that, there was also Chisato. Ever since that conversation we had last week, Chisato has been coming into the studio and practicing the song. Of course, I was there to support her however I can. It got to the point where I knew when she was coming and would instinctively reserve a studio for her.

Every day at work consisted of me multitasking between helping customers, maintenance, and tutoring Chisato. I've heard Chisato play the song so much to the point where I'm pretty sure if I picked up the bass right now, I could play it.

As of right now, things had just calmed down, and I am in the studio sitting on a chair across from Chisato and just listening to her play. Roselia had left half an hour ago. The good thing about Roselia is that they are always good with cleaning up after they are done, which saved me a lot of time.

While sitting and listening to Chisato, I noticed that she has been doing a lot better to play out of instinct. She looked a lot more comfortable playing the song, better than where she was last week. She stopped looking at her bass and started feeling the bass and feeling the song. After a few weeks of struggling, she was able to clear the song.

Chisato: How was that?

Y/N: Awesome! Looking at how you played, I can already tell that you can just play it instinctively without thinking.

Chisato: I'm glad.

She said as she sighed in relief.

Y/N: Now that the hard part is over, all you have to do now is add singing. It should be easy for you since you've spent most of your time building up muscle memory.

Chisato: Right. I'm going to take a break first before we get started on the next part.

Y/N: Well, if that's the case, then here.

I opened my bag and handed her a bottle of water.

Chisato: Thank you.

Y/N: Mmhm

Chisato takes a drink of the water, damn near finishing it all. Understandably, she would be exhausted because she's been practicing relentlessly. I'm just glad that she's finally easing up.

Chisato: Hey L/N-San…

Y/N: Hmm?

Chisato: I just want to say thank you for everything you've done up until this point.

Y/N: I appreciate it, but don't thank me just yet. It's not over. There's still the singing aspect we still have to cover.

Chisato: Right… Well, then let's get to it, shall we?

Y/N: Don't be so hasty. Take a few more minutes to relax.

Chisato: I'll be fine.

Chisato puts the water bottle down and picks up her bass.

Chisato: Now then where should I-

Before she could finish her sentence, the chime of the door opening rings.

Y/N: Oh, hold on.

I walked out and peeked my head out to see who it was. When I peeked my head, I immediately shut the door because I couldn't believe who it was.

Y/N: Shit!

Chisato looked at me, all confused.

Chisato: Ehh? What's wrong?

Y/N: Shhhhh.

I peeked my head out the door to verify that it was actually who I thought it was. When I peeked out, I saw two familiar heads, one with pink hair and one with brown hair. Again, I immediately closed the door.

Chisato: Who is out there?

Y/N: Shhhhh!

Chisato: Who is out there?

Chisato asked this time more quietly.

Y/N: It's Aya and Maya.

Chisato: Wh-What!

Chisato exclaimed as she jumped out of her chair.

Y/N: Shut up damn it!

Chisato: W-what are they doing here?

Y/N: I don't know!

Maya: Hello? Is anyone here?

Maya yelled from the front desk.

Y/N: Crap!

Chisato: We can't let them know that I am here.

She said as she silently paced back and forth across the room in a panic.

Y/N: Yeah, no shit. Look, j-just stay in the room and don't say a damn thing. Do not leave.

Chisato: O-Okay.

Damn out of all the people, it had to be them, and at the worst time, too. Before I walked out of the room, I turned off the lights and put one finger on my lips to remind Chisato to stay quiet. She nods, signifying she understood, and I walk out, leaving Chisato alone in the dark room, and walk behind the service desk at the front. From there, I greeted the two.

Y/N: Hey guys, sorry for the wait. I was busy cleaning up in the other room.

I said, clearly lying out of my ass.

Maya: Yo! L/N-san, it's no problem.

Aya: Hey, Y/N-Kun.

Giving a smile and a wave, which didn't feel genuine because I could tell she was hiding something.

Y/N: So what can I do for you guys?

Even though I noticed, I feigned ignorance towards it as it wasn't the time nor the place to ask.

Maya: I came by to pick up some of the equipment.

Y/N: Well, that's nice of you to do,  but you didn't have to.

Maya: It's fine. Besides, you've been going back and forth to our agency, so it's only fair that I come by and do my share. After all, I kinda feel bad for making you do all this extra work.

Y/N: Well, I wouldn't call it "extra work", it's my job after all.

Maya: That's true, but even so, I still feel bad.

Y/N: Don't be, So I take it that Aya Is here to help you?

Maya: Well, funny that you mentioned that, I ran into Aya on the way here. I think Aya came here to…

Aya: M-Maya Chan!

Aya said while putting her hand over her mouth. Maya muffled as she struggled to get Aya's hand off of her.

Maya: Gaaaaah Aya-san?! What was that for?

Aya: Uuuuh, I-I actually did come here to help Maya-san.

Aya said nervously. Aya was a terrible liar, and I couldn't help but look at her suspiciously. Clearly, she came here for different reasons but didn't press the matter any further.

Maya: Wait, that's not what you told me earlier. I thought you came by to - mmmmhmmm

Aya then covered her mouth again as she struggled to take her hands off.

Y/N…

Aya: Ehehe.

Aya nervously laughed as Maya continued to struggle.

Marina: Oh hey, you guys.

I looked behind me and saw Marina, who had just come out of the office

Marina: What brings you two here?

Maya: Gaaaaaah!

Maya finally was able to release herself from Aya.

Maya: Oh hey Marina-san, we came by to pick up some stuff.

Marina: Oh yeah, you did text me saying that you would come by to pick some stuff up.

Y/N: Wait, you knew she was coming over?

Marina: Of course.

Y/N: Then why didn't you tell me? I wasn't tracking jack shit?!

Marina: Sorry, Y/N-kun, I didn't tell you because it was going to be a quick in-and-out thing.

Y/N: Bro, If you had told me this earlier, I could've had everything pre-staged up in the front for them.

I said, holding the bridge of my nose.e

Marina: Ehehe, I guess I should've thought of that.

Y/N: Yeah "shouldve"

Marina: Well, you don't have to be so mean about it. I am your boss, after all

She said, making a pouty face.

Marina: Ooh, now that you girls are here, you guys should come for a  quick practice session. If I remember, I think that Chi-

Y/N: Ehem!

I interrupted, knowing what she was about to say.

Marina: Eh?

I made a slicing motion across my neck with one hand to signal her to stop talking any further.

Marina: But why?

I pointed towards the office with my eyes to signal her that I needed to talk to her. Marina nodded as we walked into the office, leaving the girls to raise an eyebrow.

Marina: What's wrong?

Y/N: Don't mention that Chisato is here

I said while whispering.

Marina: Eh, why?

Y/N: Shhhh!

Marina: But why?

She said this time was whispering.

Y/N: Chisato wants to keep the fact that she's been coming here to practice a secret.

Marina: That's a bit strange, don't you think?

Y/N: I know, but she doesn't want them to know. Just please keep it a secret. I'll explain later.

Marina raised an eyebrow to me. She reluctantly agreed, and we stepped out of the office and back into the lobby.

Marina: Sorry, girls, Y/N had brought up something that needed my immediate attention.

Aya: It's okay.

Marina: About the stuff you wanted to pick up, Y/N-kun, do you know where you put the power chords for the speakers?

Y/N: Yeah, it's down in the basement.

Marina: Perfect! I'll go down with Maya chan to get what she needs. Y/N-kun stay here and man the counter.

Y/N: Yeah, I got you.

Marina walks out with Maya in tow, leaving me and Aya alone together. Aya stood there awkwardly, just fidgeting her fingers. Looking at her, she looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the right time.

Y/N: So why did you come here?

I said, breaking the awkward silence.

Aya: O-oh, like I said, I came to help Maya-chan out. Hehe

She said as she gave me a nervous laugh while her eyes shifted towards the left. 

Y/N: You know you're a terrible liar, right?

Aya: Gya!

She jumped in shock but tried to hold her composure still.

Aya: Ehehe…. No seriously… I honestly did come here to help Maya-chan

She said while giving me an awkward smile as I rolled my eyes.

Y/N: Oh really? Cause that smells like a lot of bullshit to me.

Aya: I guess nothing can get past you then.

Y/N: You're damn right. Anyways, let me know if you figured out why you came here. Until then, i'm going to clean the next room over.

I walked out of the counter and into the hallway. While walking, I felt something tugging away at the bottom of my shirt.

Aya: W-wait!

I looked back at Aya as she looked me in the eye. I guess she finally has the courage to actually speak to me.

Y/N: Yes?

Aya: A-actually… I came here because I wanted to ask you something.

Y/N: And what would that be?

Aya, let's go of my shirt. In doing so, i was able to actually turn my body and talk to her face to face.

Aya: I wanted to ask you if you could help me practice a bit more.

This threw me off completely because out of all the people she could ask, she had to ask me. I leaned up against the counter and thought about it. I mean, seriously, I may be good when It comes to music, but I'm teaching an Idol? I mean, Chisato is one thing, but Aya… I don't know about that one.

Y/N: Are you sure you are asking the right person?

Aya: I'm sure.

Y/N: Cuz if i'm being honest with you, I know nothing about being an Idol. Hell, I dunno If im even qualified to even teach you anything.

Aya: O-oh, I see…

Aya said with a bit of sadness in her voice.

Y/N: More importantly, what made you even think to even ask me?

Aya: Ehehe… I'm sorry… I figured that you were good with music since you have good pitch. I was going to ask you for advice on how to sing better.

Y/N: I see…

Aya: Sorry for asking you. I don't know, you were the first person that came to mind, that's why I asked.

Y/N: Well, if it's singing that you needed help with, then I can do that. As far as dancing goes, I'm afraid I'm kinda useless in that department….

Aya: Yeah, it's just singing that I need help with. I just wanted your advice on what I need to improve on and how I can be better.

Y/N: Before we go any further, is there a particular reason as to why?

Aya: Truth be told, when it comes to everyone in the group, I consider myself to be the weakest link.

Y/N: Oh?

Aya: Yeah, everyone has their own unique trait and skill that they contribute, like Hina with her bubbly personality and her ability to pick up things faster than anyone, and then there is Eve, with her foreign beauty and her enthusiastic nature, and you have Maya, who is a technical genius and a master of her craft when it comes to drums, and then you got chisato who is naturally bread to become an idol… and then there is me… a regular girl who just has a dream of becoming an idol…

Y/N: Okay, I'm lost, you came here because you wanted to practice singing, yet you compare yourself to every girl in the band based on personality, how does that correlate with you wanting to sing?

Aya: Ehehe…Im sorry, I guess I went off topic there for a second.

Y/N: Yeah, no shit.

Aya: Even though I'm the weakest, I still want to work as hard as I can to catch up with the rest of them. Even if it's just singing, that's still something that I can contribute.

Y/N: I'm gonna be honest, I think your own self-doubt is starting to get the best of you.

Aya stood there silent with her head down. After listening to every word she has said, her reasoning to come here only proves my case further. The way I see it, her coming here was like a cry for help.

Y/N: I think you're fine the way you are, Maruyama.

Aya: Huh?

Y/N: Yeah. Maruyama, listen, I dont think you need singing practice at the moment. What you really need is to stop looking at others for what they have and compare it to your own shortcomings. You're fine the way you are.

Aya: But im not!

Aya yelled as she started to ball out tears soon after.

I wasn't surprised at all at Maruyamas sudden outburst of emotions. I knew damn well the results of what Chisatos' decisions would bring.

Y/N: You know, its crazy how youre going on and on about comparing yourself to the other girls, but I can tell thats not why youre sad… come to think of it… youre not even sad at all, if anything youre more afraid…arent you.

Aya: *sniff* Is there anything you can't see through?

She said with tears running down her eyes. Yet there was a small little chuckle hidden underneath her voice.

Y/N: Nope! I pay attention, that's why I know everything.

I paused as I wiped her tears.

Aya: I dunno Y/N. These days, I feel like we've grown a lot farther from each other. It's like she doesn't want to be with us anymore. Did I do something wrong?

Y/N: No, I don't think you’re the problem. I can't really say for sure, but I don't think Chisato would leave you guys either.

Aya: What makes you think that?

Y/N: Well for starters, think about all the things you've been through, the things you guys have achieved together, all the blood sweat and tears you put in day in and day out. You honestly think she would be the type to throw all that out the window? After all, you guys are friends, right? You should know her better than I do. 

Aya paused as she reflected on the question.

Aya mind/POV

Y/N-san is right. Chisato would never quit now. She and I both know how far we have come together with the rest of the girls. It wouldn't make sense at all for her to quit, not while we're so far ahead…

But why…why are you doing this Chisato…
You've been so distant from us. I can't understand why…is it can't be because of me…is it because…

Y/N POV

Aya: Thank you. Y/N-san

Y/N: You're welcome.

Aya: You're right. Chisato wouldn't leave us. Even if it was something that I did, she would still stay.

Y/N: Well, now, I'm glad you figured that out.

Aya: One thing that still bothers me, though, is how she's been acting lately. Do you have any ideas on why she could be acting like this?

Y/N: As all knowing as I am, I have no idea why she's been acting like this.

Aya: I see…

Y/N: Whatever the case may be, I would suggest that you let her do her own thing for now and pray that it'll come to pass. I have a hunch that it will, but give her some time.

Aya: Yeah, you're right! Besides, we have a show coming up, and I can not afford to be down over this!

Looks like Aya is back to her cheery self…for now, at least...

Y/N: So you still want that singing practice or not?

Aya: ehehe…maybe another time…

Y/N: Alrighty then, just let me know.

Aya: Definitely will.

She said with a smile. She then turns around and skips to the door.

Aya: Thank you again Y/N I really appreciate you for helping me out.

Y/N: Anytime

She said right before she exited the studio.

A couple of minutes later, I went back to the front desk. Marina came back with Maya with the necessary equipment she needed. I prepared the documents necessary for her to check out the equipment. A few minutes later, Marina and I waved them off as they headed back to the studio.

Marina: Hey Y/N-kun, I have to head to the bank. Do you think you can hold down the shop?

Y/N: Sure.

Marina: Great! Don't break anything while im gone.

Y/N: Now that you say that, I think I will go break something!

I said, trying to piss her off.

Marina: Try me!

She said with a deadly smile.

Y/N: I'm kidding, now go do your adult stuff.

Marina walks out the door and goes about her day as I sit down on the chair. It hasnt been a full work day, and I've already had to deal with a lot.

Chisato: Are they gone?

Chisato said as she peaked her head out of the corner. Oh crap I almost forgot about Chisato.

Y/N: You can come out now.

Chisato comes out from around the corner with a guilty expression on her face.

Chisato: I heard it all…

Y/N: I figured you would, and the craziest thing is I warned you that it'll all come rolling back down hill eventually.

Chisato: And you were right. I honestly didn't mean to hurt her like that.

Chisato said with the feeling of confliction in her heart.

Y/N: So, are you still willing to take the fall? Or are you gonna go back on your word and be honest with her.

Chisato: I don't know anymore Y/N…im at a loss… I thought I could bear with Aya-Chan being hurt for a little while, but this was too much. I didn't expect to hurt her this much…

Y/N: Again, you should know how Maruyama would feel knowing damn well what type of person she is. Your actions made her feel very insecure about herself to the point where she started questioning her own ability! Are you proud of that! Knowing your own damn pride is responsible for her reaction?

I said, pressing the “knife” further down her chest.

Chisato: Shut up!

She yelled as tears started flowing down her eyes

Y/N: You know damn well im right!

Chisato: I KNOW YOU'RE RIGHT AND I HATE IT!

Y/N: So then how are you gonna fix it then!

Chisato: I dont know!!!

She said as she got on her knees and started breaking down into tears

Chisato: I don't know. Y/N…I'm at a loss right now and don't know what to do. and you're right! If it keeps going on like this, it's just gonna keep on hurting Aya…but at the same time, I just can't!

I sighed as I got up from my chair and kneeled down right next to Chisato as she cried. I grabbed her hands to comfort and reassure her as she looked at me with tears running down her eyes as it shined from crying.

Y/N: Chisato, listen, what do you care about most, your pride as an idol or Aya and everyone else?

Chisato: I-

Y/N: You don't have to answer because I probably already know.

I said, cutting her off.

Y/N: Look, just drop this bravado and think that you can do everything alone. You have people around you for a reason. You are a group for a reason. And I get what it means to work hard alone by yourself, I get having pride in yourself.

I said, reflecting on a point and time where I was alone and had to figure things out alone.

Y/N: But at the end of the day there are just things in this world that can't be solved on your own, look I know you have me to help you and i'm glad to, but so is Maruyama. And it's not just her but everyone else around you. You're not a solo performer anymore so stop acting like one, you have people around who are willing to help, willing to be there for you, willing to pick you up when you struggle but instead you turn your back on them and slap the hand that is reaching out to you. If you had just talked to them rather than reach out to me for help, you wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. Do you understand what I'm saying?

I asked as chisato nodded her head slowly.

Y/N: Great! Then do yourself a favor, and do right by Maruyama because I know she would do right by you.

Chisato: I'll think about…I think we are done here…

With her head slightly down, she walks out the door feeling guilty of the choices she made.

Y/N: Jeez!

I said out loud while rubbing the back of my head. I sat there for a moment to think back and reflect on what I had just processed, which was something I kinda regret because it was just one big headache. 

But even so, the one thing I can't get over is how they both make small issues sound like a big deal…but then again, that's just me thinking inwards about myself. It may not be a big problem to me but it is a big problem to them.

Y/N: I can't get normie problems at all…

I said as I stood up from my chair and went back to work.