/Akari's POV/
It's been four months since my first day of school. If you're wondering about my long test—I aced it. Ever since then, everyone has been calling me "Miss Beauty IQ."
My classmates were in shock. "Eh?! Akari got a perfect score?!"
Well, it's just because this is my second life, and I studied advanced lessons at a young age.
Ruby was especially surprised. "Akari! Not only are you amazing at singing, but you're a genius too?! Teach me, please!"
As April came to an end, we had our recognition ceremony and officially entered our third year of high school. Kana had already graduated, choosing to forgo college to pursue acting full-time. The new school year began, and we settled into our routine, enjoying the days together.
Ever since I ranked in the top five despite enrolling late, rumors started circulating.
Hehe… ever since then, I've been the talk of the school. I get embarrassed whenever people whisper about me, but I adjusted quickly, made new friends, and excelled in my classes. Plus, I contributed a lot to our idol group!
For the past two months, Ruby, Mem-Cho, and I have been brainstorming music ideas for our new video. During the process, I ended up composing most of the song—my debut with them. I still remember their reactions when it all came together…
Humming a tune while playing the piano.
"Let's run as the daybreak comes, let the sunlight outshine the shadows…" I played around with lyrics, forming them on the spot.
Ruby and Mem-Cho gawked at me in awe before shouting in unison, "That sounds so cool! That should be our new song!"
Miyako, listening nearby, raised an eyebrow. "How do you come up with a tune and lyrics so fast? Even these two take days to do it."
Ruby laughed nervously. "Haha… Akari is just super talented!"
Ruby thought to herself, 'AHH! If Miyako finds out that Akari is the famous Youube singer, I'll be in big trouble!'*
I giggled. "Umm, thank you for the compliment. But I'm really glad Ruby stumbled upon me, or she would've never recommended me."
"And I'm so glad I did! Hahaha!"
Once we finished composing the song together, we began filming and practicing our choreography. After four months, the filming wrapped up, and now we're just waiting for the final edits.
Akari's Home
With just baby Ai and me at home, I picked up my guitar and hummed a tune while she lay in her crib.
"~Hmm, hummingbird… hum…"
Come to think of it, I haven't posted a new song on my channel in months…
Ever since the announcement that our concert would be at the end of August, I've been focused solely on B-Komachi. I smiled while strumming the guitar, feeling proud that our music video was trending with over ten million views.
I'm excited. Is this what it feels like to be close to achieving a dream? I've wanted to be an idol since I was a child, even in my previous life. Now that the show is almost here, I can't help but feel excited, scared, and—
{Lila!}
Snap.
Oh man! The guitar string broke!
I set my guitar aside and walked over to Ai. As soon as she saw me, she reached out with her tiny hands, smiling brightly. I couldn't help but smile back as I gently touched her delicate fingers.
"My little angel."
Suddenly, memories of my mom flooded my mind, and I felt tears welling up.
"I wish Mom was still alive to see you."
Ai thought to herself, (Her mom? Come to think of it, I did hear that Akari's mom passed away when she was young. It reminds me of when I died young in front of Aqua and Ruby...)
Mom, is this how you felt when you carried me? Because if it is… thank you. Thank you for loving me as I was. I promise to love my baby girl even more than you loved me.
With a soft voice, I whispered to Ai, "Ai… Mommy loves you very much, okay? Very, very much. You were a surprise in my life, but never a mistake. I'm living happily, and I hope you will too when you grow up."
Ai looked at me, her tiny eyes filled with curiosity. (She looks happy but sad at the same time. What is she thinking?)
I kissed her forehead gently. "Oh! But I hope you don't make the same mistakes I did, hehe."
Ai blushed slightly. (Ugh! Sorry, Akari… I already made that mistake in my past life. Now I feel horrible...)
I chuckled. "Come to think of it, Ai also got pregnant at a young age. I guess we both messed up a bit."
(Ehh! She's laughing! Now I feel embarrassed!)
I shook my head, placing Ai back in her crib. "Your mom is really busy nowadays, trying to catch Hikaru. But first, I need to focus on my upcoming concert. I really want him to see me, though. I guess I should call him."
(Call who? Who's 'him'?!)
Ring, ring…
Answered Call.
["Hi, love. Miss you. How are you and Ai today?"]
I chuckled at his greeting. "Miss you too, love. We're doing alright. How about you?"
(Wait a second… Is she talking to my dad right now?! WHAT! This is the first time I've ever heard him! I see her talking on the phone sometimes, but I could never tell if it was him! I wonder what my dad's name is… Mom never says it, but she always talks about how he misses me. Ahh! His voice sounds so good… is he handsome too?!)
["I'm doing great. Busy as usual, but alright. Tell our baby how much I miss her, okay?"]
I grinned. "You're on speaker mode. Just say it to her yourself. She's awake."
["Oh really? This is my first time talking to her while she's awake! She sleeps a lot."]
(So that's why…) Ai pouted.
["Hi, my sweet little angel Ai. Papa misses you and loves you very much, okay? I promise I'll visit one day! Muah!"]
(I really want to see him! I'm so happy he's a good father!)
I laughed. "Haha, you know you can't visit right now. But… can you come to my first concert? You know how much it means to me."
["I know how much it means to you. But I have a tight schedule, Akari…"]
My heart sank slightly. I knew how busy he was. I knew his work was important. Still…
["But! I do have a flight to Korea near your concert date. Before heading there, I'll stop by Japan to see your performance, okay?"]
Overwhelmed with joy, I beamed. "Okay! Can't wait to see you!"
(Yay! I hope I get to see him!)
["Haha, can't wait to see your performance. I have to go now, Akari. Bye—love you and Ai very much!"]
"Me and Ai love you more."
As the call ended, I squealed, jumping with excitement like a teenager.
I can't wait for the concert!
__________
Finally, it was nearing the end of August, and I was about to do my first live performance as the new member of B-Komachi.
As we got ready backstage, I approached Miyako. "Is Ai alright? I'm worried about her."
Before the concert, despite my reluctance, Ruby and Miyako insisted that Ai should watch the show, believing it would boost my confidence—even though she was just a baby. Miyako had arranged for Ichigo, the former president of Strawberry Productions, to look after Ai, unaware that I was her mother.
Miyako smiled reassuringly. "I promise Ichigo will take good care of her. When he heard her name, he had this protective look in his eyes. I'm sure he treasures her, just like he did with the child who shares her name."
I smiled warmly. "You and Ichigo really care for Ai a lot."
Miyako giggled. "Ai was such a spirited girl when I first met her. Taking care of her children, including Ai, was exhausting at times, but over time, I grew to love them dearly. Ai was truly a remarkable idol, and I cherish her deeply."
You have such wonderful people around you, Ai.
"Thank you," I said gratefully, bowing my head.
Miyako was taken aback as I suddenly declared, "I don't know if I can perform better than Ai, but I promise you this: I will do my utmost best and put my heart into it!"
Her eyes brightened as she watched me walk towards the stage, sensing a deep emotional connection.
As we prepared to go on stage, Ruby glanced at me. "You don't look nervous."
I smiled. "I've experienced this once before, after all."
"Really?" Mem-Cho asked, curious.
"Yeah, but it was a long time ago when I was very young. I do feel nervous now, but I guess I'm better at hiding it."
Ruby grinned. "I'm sure you'll do well. What makes me happy is performing with my favorite singer."
I chuckled softly.
Looking at the audience, Ruby asked, "What made you choose Kana's light stick color?"
"Oh, that..." I recalled my mom. "It's the same color as someone I loved before."
"Your idol?" Ruby inquired.
"Um, you could say that," I replied with a smile.
Mem-Cho leaned in, intrigued. "Ooooo, now I wonder who this famous light music singer idol is."
We all laughed together as the excitement built before our performance.
"Let's go?" I asked, feeling my heart pound with excitement.
Ruby and Mem-Cho replied eagerly, "Let's go!"
As we walked onto the stage, the sound of the massive crowd cheering filled my ears. With every step I took, their cheers grew louder, making my heart race with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I looked out at the audience and whispered to myself,
"I'm here. I'm finally here."
"B-Komachi! B-Komachi! B-Komachi!"
Ichigo glanced at baby Ai and joked, "Hey kid, I hope you don't know how to dance. If you do, just try to behave, okay?"
Ai's thoughts amusedly replied, (Hahaha! Is this because of Aqua and Ruby dancing? That was adorable! Even though I want to dance too, my hands still aren't strong enough to hold a light stick properly. Sigh.)
Ichigo looked at me and commented, "She really looks pretty, and her aura feels familiar too. It's almost like Ai's when she was alive…"
Baby Ai looked at him sadly. (Sorry I died, Ichigo…)
Spotting my baby with Ichigo near the front of the stage, I couldn't help but smile as I saw her smile.
Ai's thoughts cheered, (Ahh! It's Akari! Go Mom!)
I wonder if he's here.
As the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the song, we took a deep breath and prepared ourselves. As the music began and the stage lights illuminated us, we sang our lines and danced to the rhythm.
Ai, Mom, are you seeing this? I'm here. I'm performing as an idol. I'm sorry I'm late, Ai. I wish we could perform together on the same stage. I feel guilty, but I have another promise to fulfill. But still...
I started to imagine a small, childlike version of Ai dancing in front of me. Even though it was just a memory, it brought me joy. With renewed determination, I poured even more effort into my performance, captivating the audience.
Ichigo, shocked, whispered, "Ai?"
Ai's thoughts raced, (What is this? Akari is performing so well that I can't look away. Her dancing, singing, smile, and eyes are perfect! I can't believe she's my mom!)
The crowd began to murmur.
"Is that Akari?"
"Her voice is beautiful in the music video, and now her face too!"
"I think she's my new favorite!"
"I can't take my eyes off her."
"Now I wonder who's better, her or Ai?"
"Hey, don't forget Ruby!"
"I'm cheering for Akari now."
Are there more white light sticks now, or is it just me?
As our first song ended, some in the crowd started chanting, "Akari! Akari! Akari!"
Soon, more voices joined in, chanting my name in unison.
Then I heard a familiar voice shout, "Go Akari!"
I looked and saw Nazo cheering for me. A smile spread across my face, filled with love and happiness.
You made it, Nazo.
My boyfriend smiled back at me and mouthed, You are amazing.
He signaled in sign language that he had to leave but had enjoyed himself. I nodded in understanding, smiling as he waved goodbye before departing.
I was glad he had come to see my first performance.
As our microphones were muted before our next song, Ruby glanced at me. "Who did you see?"
"Oh, I just saw Ai," I replied quickly, feeling a bit shy.
"So many white light sticks! So cool, Akari! That's pure talent right there!" Mem-Cho praised.
I laughed nervously, feeling overwhelmed by the praise.
Ruby then chuckled. "I couldn't help but notice you, Ai. You almost made me forget my lines, haha. You remind me a bit of my mom."
I chuckled back. "Haha, no way. Your mom is way better than I am."
As the next song was about to start, we got into position, ready to continue the performance.
Well then, time to perform the rest of our songs.