A Story That’s Mine Alone (2)

⁠—So? How is Kagehira’s “feature live” progress coming along?

You were about to go see how he was doing? But it’s already night time over there, you wouldn’t be allowed at the dormitories at all, little girl.

Don’t tell me, have you been working at the facility up until now? He’s been working in the prop room at ES because you suggested it…fumu. The work environment does affect the work quality, so your concern is appreciated.

I’m planning to return in order to see Kagehira’s “feature live” by any means necessary, but I’m so busy preparing an exhibit that I wouldn’t be able to leave Paris until just before the performance. I didn’t want to interrupt Kagehira, but it’s still incredibly frustrating that I can only see glimpses of how things are going through you, little girl.

⁠—I hope he’s not too uptight about needing to stand on the stage by himself…Well, please take care and make sure you don’t push yourself to work until late at night.

Also, if it’s alright, I have a message for you.

⁠—And so, I want you to tell that to him. If you find that my words aren’t needed, then you don’t have to say anything.

…That’s all I ask, little girl.

Nnnah! Who’s there?!

I’m using this room right now. Once you’re done with what you need to do then I’m gonna ask you to leave, sorr–

Nn, is that you, Anzu-chan? You surprised me…~ I got scared because I thought someone I didn’t know came in here.

But enough about that, come take a look at this. The stuffed animal that I told you I’d stand on stage with, it’s starting to come together now~

Thanks to you, Anzu-chan, I can use the prop room. I can spread everything out however I want, and it’s nice and quiet in here so I can focus.

Yeah… hm? You’re worried that I can’t see well in here? I think it’s perfect. The lamp has a dim light, which makes me feel relaxed and more able to work. I can’t see too well in the dark but… on the other hand, maybe it’s because I can only see what’s in front of me that I’m more focused than ever.

Like this. If I carefully use the needle and thread, I can keep sewing a lot more… Fufu, I’m happy that Anzu-chan praised me for making a cute stuffed animal. I hope that you’ll keep looking forward to the finished result, since I’ll make sure that I sew it with care until the end.

…Eh, you want to take a photo of me sewing it? Ah, you want to use the picture for the “feature live” pamphlet? Since I left those things to Anzu-chan, I forgot all about it in the end.

Unn…the room is a mess. If anything, wouldn’t it be hard to take a picture in such a dark place? Well, if Anzu-chan says it’s okay, then I’ll trust you. Please take a good picture of me.

…~ (Continues to sew the stuffed animal)

Unfufu, I’d say the stuffed animals are happy to hear that Anzu-chan thinks they’re cute. On the day of the “feature live”, let’s do our best~

…

Unnn, I’m sorry I suddenly got all quiet. I’m trying not to think about it while I work, but I can get nervous in a split second. I ask myself how the live will turn out, and if I can even pull it off well.

Today, Naru-chan, Ritsu-kun. Ikkun, Yuu-kun, and even Oogami-kun all encouraged me.

They all told me they were looking forward to everything, and told me to do my best. I wonder if I can meet their expectations.

I was also hoping to see Oshi-san. Unnn, what would he even say? I wonder if I can make a stage that Oshi-san would recognize, be happy with, and praise. Even just a little bit.

…

Augh. I can’t afford to back out now. On the day of the live, and even while I’m up on stage. I need to keep doing the best that I can–!

Nn? Anzu-chan, what’s wrong? You have something you want to tell me?

I have an art form that only I can make, and you hope that I’ll have confidence to devote myself to my work with pride… and it’s the life that we put into each artwork and the stage that enraptures the audience and makes their hearts flutter⁠—?

Ufufu, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden? You’re talking like Oshi-san, it’s funny hearing you say it.

Nn? What do you mean by “Well, actually…”?! Nneh?! Was that a message from Oshi-san?!

Wait, hang on a sec, what does that mean? He was worried that it would disrupt me if he told me, so Oshi-san told Anzu-chan to relay the message?

Oh… what the hell… it’s true that I’ve been avoiding making phone calls, since I was scared that when I heard his voice I’d get so nervous and determined that I’d get overwhelmed and dizzy, but…now I’m really in a good mood.

Oshi-san probably trusted Anzu-chan with the message because he was positive I can do this.

I’m going to shoo away my insecurities and only trust the words I’ve gotten from Oshi-san and everyone else!

Anzu-chan, please look forward to it!

As an artist, and as an idol, I’m going to create a stage that nobody else can.