Translator: Wataboutmi, Proofreader: mug

Chapter 1: a falling star

　　A voice could be heard.

　　"Megumi-chan is the cutest in our class!"

　　"Hehe..."

　　Upon hearing those words, the young elementary school girl could only manage an embarrassed smile.

　　A voice could be heard.

　　"Megumi-chan, you're the cutest in our school!"

　　"Really?"

　　A few years had gone by, and now the girl's smile held a tinge of satisfaction.

　　A voice could be heard.

　　"Fujishima-san must be the cutest in our city!"

　　"Ahaha! You really think so?"

　　While surrounded by her friends in middle school, the girl puffed out her chest as if it were only natural.

　　To the girl, to Fujishima Megumi, being cute was simply a given, something she had always worked hard to maintain.

　　A voice as sweet as milk could be heard in a white, fluffy world.

　　"Megu-chan is so cute. You're the cutest girl in the world."

　　Megumi's eyes narrowed like a cat being rubbed under the chin and a satisfied smile spread across her face.

　　Geez, you're honest to a fault, Ruri-chan—

　　Megumi's dream was cut short.

　　An unpleasant beeping noise had pulled her out of her slumber and forced her to face reality. A tiny room, a mountain of untouched cardboard boxes, and iron bars beyond her windows.

　　"Urgh... This is just the worst!" groaned Fujishima Megumi, fifteen years old, in a voice completely devoid of even the slightest hint of cuteness.

＊＊＊

　　Hasunosora Jogakuin.

　　A prestigious boarding high school within the prefecture, known for its rich tradition and excellence in the arts. A place every middle school student interested in the arts in Hokuriku dreams of at least once—the pinnacle of their aspirations. Except for...

　　On my right, stuck-up princesses! On my left, even more stuck-up princesses! Megumi cursed inwardly.

　　Today was the opening ceremony. All the students gathered in the auditorium looked like pedigree pets confined in cages. The thought that she was one of them sent a chill down her spine.

　　How did I end up like this... She clenched her fist. I'm Fujishima Megumi—the Fujishima Megumi!

　　Having debuted while she was in elementary school, she had since become such a popular TV personality that it wasn't just shameless boasting. She steadily built up her career, landing a regular role by the time she was in middle school. Her presence extended beyond local programs in Kanazawa and into the national spotlight. From the northern reaches of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa, all of Japan was captivated by the girl. A rising star in her prime—that's who Fujishima Megumi was supposed to be.

　　And yet, without her knowing, Megumi's mother had been pulling strings behind her back.

　　It all came down to one thing: she had too much star power for her own good. Megumi was undoubtedly on the path to stardom. Like a snowball rolling downhill, her hard work paid off and she drew more and more supporters. In turn, she pushed herself even harder, creating a powerful loop. Even those around her began putting in extra effort. As a result, she had neither the time nor the energy for anything else.

　　But because of that, she started making small mistakes... Like neglecting her studies. Or ending up at the very bottom of her grade on a test. Or casually breaking a promise to study with her mother—while she was already on thin ice. Just minor mistakes. That was all.

　　In the end, she was forced to suspend her activities for three years and sent to a boarding school where even going out required permission.

　　This is just too cruel. If she had been allowed to continue, the world would've been in the palm of her hand. But that dream was crushed by her mother's tyranny—all in the name of 'getting an education for your future'.

　　So what if I kept scoring zero on tests? Why do I even need to go to school if I had already found my true calling? In fact, Megumi was already earning enough money that she didn't need to go to high school. Argh... Just thinking about it annoys me.

　　Of course, a girl as full of ambition and drive as Megumi didn't give in without a fight. She stood her ground and resisted her mother with everything she had.

　　She drew on every ounce of skill she'd honed in show business—flattering, appeasing, pleading, pretending to give in, appealing to emotion, even using her tears. And when that didn't work, she threw a fit, ran away from home and desperately tried to get the agency on her side.

　　Unfortunately, all of it ended in failure. Her mother, an ordinary office worker, always had the upper hand in terms of life experience. In the end, Megumi had no choice but to attend Hasunosora Jogakuin. And the uniform she wore—the reddish-brown fabric and pale green scarf—became the symbol of her defeat.

　　No matter how perfect a star was, its brilliance meant nothing when it was locked deep in a mountain where no light could escape. Her life was now managed by attendance numbers, just like every other student's.

　　It's just so frustrating, Megumi's eyes were filled with bitterness as she looked up to see the new students' representative giving a speech about their new lives on the stage.

　　"On this beautiful spring day, we begin our journey at Hasunosora Jogakuin. We sincerely thank you for holding such a wonderful ceremony for us. On behalf of all the new students, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude."

　　You don't speak for all of us. Before her eyes was a girl with long hair simply tied back without much care. And yet, the way she stood—calm and dignified—was the very image of a "well-mannered princess" that Megumi had always pictured in her mind. To put it bluntly, the girl looked like the kind of person she could never be friends with.

　　I bet she's good at studying. Her family is probably loaded too, the type to have a grand piano in their living room. She must've been raised with utmost care and affection. And at Christmas, her entire extended family gathers for a big party. Megumi's imagination ran wild.

　　"Please give a round of applause to the new students' representative."

　　The girl, who had shown no sign of nervousness and delivered her speech flawlessly, bowed her head. The entire auditorium reverberated with the sound of applause.

　　Having finished her task, the new students' representative turned around and stepped down from the stage. Her refined features and graceful demeanor gave off an air of elegance. Her composed expression seemed to say that she had long been accustomed to similar situations. She calmly walked down the aisle, facing straight forward.

　　I think our eyes met, before Megumi could process it, the girl had already disappeared into the crowd of students. That was definitely the type of girl who goes to Hasunosora.

　　Oh great, another boring speech is starting. What a great use of time, Megumi sighed deeply to herself.

＊＊＊

　　Unbelievable... This is just crazy... Who in their right mind would hold classes on the very first day after the entrance ceremony? Megumi trembled with fear. Although it was only a half-day, classes were still classes. Was this really how things were done at this boarding school? Was their plan to strip away every single ounce of free will to create perfect princesses who could do nothing but study? What would happen to me if I spent three whole years in this place?!

　　Once morning classes were over and she was done for the day, Megumi bolted out of the classroom. Just before that, a girl she had quickly become friends with invited her to walk back together but she politely declined. "Walk back together?" We'd just be walking back to the dorm anyway! I need to find something to do with my time, or I'll seriously rot here!

　　As she stepped out of the school building, she found upperclassmen wandering the school grounds, trying to recruit new members for their clubs. She did remember seeing a long row of posters lining the hallway as well.

　　Art club, calligraphy club, choir, concert band... Yep, it's definitely a school with a strong focus on the arts. Even on her way back to the dorm, Megumi was approached several times by upperclassmen.

　　Well, the fact that they're trying to recruit me means that they have good eyes at least, arrogant thoughts filling her head. I just can't help being popular, thanks to the star power that makes me the center of attention wherever I go.

　　Slightly taller than the average girl her age. Long hair that spread out like an angel's wings. A lovely face inherited from her mother that could steal anyone's heart. Her beauty, painstakingly polished day by day. Each and every one of these perfect parts made up Fujishima Megumi. And that was precisely why having her confined in Hasunosora would be a loss for the world.

　　If I quit school without saying anything, will Mom really disown me this time... Even if I withdraw my savings, it seems like it'd be hard for a minor to rent an apartment... Maybe I should just fly to California too? Megumi began plotting something dangerous.

　　"I'm sorry, but I..."

　　Sensing something was happening, Megumi raised her head. She looked over to find a new student being forcefully recruited by an upperclassman who seemed to be from the drama club.

　　"Senpaaai, you know that story about the North Wind and the Sun, right?" Megumi spoke up before she could even think. Always quick on her feet, she stepped in skillfully, careful not to provoke the drama club upperclassman. Fortunately, the upperclassman quickly came to her senses and apologized.

　　"Tough break for you too, huh?" Megumi turned around.

　　"Ah, yeah... Thank you."

　　Whoa... she's a beauty, she found herself staring at the girl without even realizing it.

　　The girl with shoulder-length hair in front of her was—to put it simply—incredibly beautiful.

　　She was at least ten centimeters taller than Megumi, who was already above the average height for a first-year high school student. And yet, her face was strikingly small. She had a delicate aura, like a glass ornament that might shatter at the slightest touch—and at the same time, she radiated a presence as if she were standing under a spotlight.

　　She's the same as me, Megumi thought instinctively. Someone born with so much talent it drew everyone's attention. A girl who had been treated as special since childhood, destined for success in her god-given field.

　　She might even be more beautiful than me, thought Megumi before quickly correcting herself. No, I wouldn't go that far... It was just the impact of her first impression. Yeah, something like that.

　　Megumi's self-assurance aside, with looks like hers, there was no doubt she'd be approached by a dozen scouts if she walked down Takeshita Street in Harajuku. It was no surprise the drama club upperclassman lost her composure.

　　What's a girl like her doing in a prison like this? Megumi couldn't help but be drawn to the girl's beautiful face.

　　"I want to become a school idol," the girl said without changing her expression.

　　Her declaration was so sudden that Megumi didn't realize she was being spoken to for a moment. Completely caught off guard, she simply looked up at the girl's face.

　　"I came to this school to become a school idol," the girl repeated.

　　"Really?" And this time, Megumi was able to respond to her.

　　"Yes. In order to become a school Idol, I came to this school."

　　"You're just repeating the sentence in a different order now."

　　This conversation is going nowhere... Wait, why is she even telling me that in the first place? What a strange girl. Combined with her extraordinary, almost bewitching beauty, Megumi realized she might be the kind of woman you definitely don't want to get involved with.

　　"I see. I can tell that you're passionate about it. Well then, do your best, I'll cheer you on," she quickly decided to back off.

　　What's going on? Megumi was about to leave, but the girl in front of her just stood there, saying nothing.

　　"How do I do my best?" The girl finally opened her mouth after a brief pause.

　　"Pardon?"

　　"Oh, no, nevermind," the girl quietly raised her hand like a life-less doll, "It's nothing. Thank you."

　　"Okay..."

　　It was such a half-hearted conversation that Megumi was nearly at a loss for words.

　　The girl walked away just like that. As Megumi gazed after her retreating figure, she saw the beautiful girl being caught by another upperclassman. Despite her striking features, the timid air she exuded made her an easy target. It seemed she was struggling to turn down the club invitation once more.

　　Being her must be tough... But oh well, it's nothing to do with me. Megumi began to walk off slowly. It's not like she had anything to do even if she hurried back to the dorm.

　　The strange encounter soon left her mind, except for one detail.

　　...School idol, huh? For some reason, those two words lingered in her mind.

＊＊＊

　　The next afternoon after school, Megumi stood with her hands on her hips, absentmindedly gazing at posters plastered along the hallway.

　　"...school idol club."

　　She finally remembered that she had once interviewed some school idols who appeared on the TV program she was on.

　　If I recall correctly, it was something like idol activities done by high school students as part of a club. They write their own songs, make their own outfits, and even put together their own stages.

　　At the time, she just went through the motions with a polite, "Wow, that's amazing☆!" and quickly moved on to the next segment. Megumi, who had always taken pride in being a top class professional, never had much interest in amateurs.

　　Due to the influx of new students, the hallway was lined with recruitment posters—almost like it was election season. Out of all of them, Megumi found herself standing in front of the one introducing the school idol club. But the more she read it, the more her head slowly tilted to the side.

　　"Why do they sound so...desperate?"

　　The poster was crammed with phrases like: "Now Recruiting!", "Urgently Wanted!", "We'll Teach You Step by Step!", "Everyone Starts as a Beginner"', and "Take the Leap and Join Us!" There was virtually no empty space left.

　　Isn't it a bit counterproductive to be this enthusiastic? It's much better to give off a relaxed vibe so that more people would be comfortable showing interest... Megumi crossed her arms. Well, not like it's any of my business.

　　Thinking about how others would perceive something came naturally to her, like a form of occupational hazard—or rather, a "former" occupational hazard.

　　...Ruri-chan would probably like school idols. Suddenly, the smiling face of her childhood friend flashed in Megumi's mind. The young girl would excitedly cheer, "Wow! Amazing!" every time she copied the songs and dances she saw on TV and performed them.

　　Thanks to that girl, Megumi learned the joy of being praised, and after many twists and turns, she ultimately decided to pursue a career as a TV personality. It became one of the formative experiences that shaped who she was today.

　　Spurred by the resurfacing memories, she reached out for the flyer hanging on the poster.

　　Anything will do if it's just to kill time... But before she touched the flyer, she paused. Wait...but why would I be a school idol at this point.

　　Megumi withdrew her hand. Her pride as a TV personality held her back from taking the final step. She then shook her head vigorously from side to side, trying to shake off her momentary weakness. But that was when disaster struck.

　　"Oh?! Are you perhaps interested in the school idol club?!"

　　"Wha?" Megumi turned around only to find no one. Wait, no, there was someone.

　　When she lowered her gaze, there stood a small student wearing a yellow scarf that indicated she was a second-year. The tiny upperclassman's eyes were filled with fiery passion, she was determined not to let the prey before her escape.

　　"Uh... I'm not," Megumi instinctively knew that the upperclassman before her had drawn the poster—and that she was trouble.

　　She quickly masked her expression and put on a friendly, all-purpose smile.

　　"I actually haven't decided on aaanything at all. I'll come to the club later once I have decided." Megumi made her intent to reject the invitation clear in a gentle tone. Any normal person would have given up after being turned down by a beautiful girl, but...

　　"That's fine! You don't have to decide now! You can just come check out the club first! C'mon! Let's go!"

　　The upperclassman before Megumi wasn't a normal person.

　　"W-Wait, what?!" Megumi couldn't believe that she was actually grabbing her hand and pulling her away.

　　"Senpai! You're going way too far!"

　　"Don't worry! You won't regret it! You will surely shine brighter than anyone for the next three years!"

　　"Whaaat?!"

　　I guess listening to her talk wouldn't hurt. Not like I have anything to do but look at my phone after getting back to the dorm anyway. Having given up on resisting, Megumi quietly followed the upperclassman to a certain room in the clubhouse building, deep within the prestigious Hasunosora Jogakuin.

　　"There it is! Our haven! The school idol club!"

　　"Wow..."

　　Following the gaze of the exhilarated upperclassman, Megumi saw two girls come into view.

　　Wait, those two girls are...

　　One of them was the tall girl who aspired to become a school idol, the same girl Megumi just met yesterday. She was sitting on the floor with her back against the clubroom's door. As for the other girl...

　　Tch!

　　She was the "honor student" who gave the speech on stage. She was standing with her arms crossed with a sulky expression on her face.

　　Is it a thing for all aspiring school idols to be so tall? Megumi thought, after realizing the girl was taller than she had expected up close.

　　When the girl noticed the upperclassman and Megumi, she turned to look at the duo and said in a low voice.

　　"Senpai, you're the only one who has the key. We can only wait outside if you don't come first."

　　"Whoops, my bad! I just happened to find a girl who wanted to check out the club!"

　　It wasn't exactly true, but I didn't shake her hand off either, so I guess I'll let her go with that.

　　"I'm so happy I could cry... I never imagined we'd get three whole new students this year..." The upperclassman trembled with emotion.

　　Wait, so Ms. Honor Student wants to be a school idol too? That's unexpected. I thought it was something more for those flashy, girly types.

　　"Heeey, I'm here to check things out!" Megumi raised her hand and gave a casual greeting.

　　"..."

　　But the girl in front of her simply stared back, silently judging her, before finally opening her mouth.

　　"...Is that so?" A hint of contempt could be felt in her words, accompanied by a small sigh.

　　What is up with this girl? Is she looking down on me right now?!

　　"Is something wrong?" Megumi asked, making sure her smile didn't falter.

　　"No, nothing." The honor student averted her gaze as if passing by an exhibit in the museum that didn't interest her.

　　Strike three, you're out! No one has ever treated me like this before. I've been dealing with one frustrating thing after another since coming to this school. I need to set things straight with this girl.

　　"It's not like there's nothing to say, right? You've got that look on your face like you want to say something."

　　"But I really don't, though."

　　"Oh, reaaally? Just a small piece of advice—you might want to stop acting like that with someone you just met. It's seriously giving off a bad vibe."

　　"What...?" The honor student clenched her fists and trembled in shock.

　　Gotcha—a perfect counter-hit. Megumi clasped her hands and let her gaze drift into the air, completely ignoring the stare.

　　"What exactly is your problem?! Saying something so rude all of a sudden!"

　　"Huh? Didn't you start it first? Whoops, I just thought you were picking a fight, y'know? If I misunderstood, I'll apologize, okay☆?"

　　"Senpai. Are you telling me that she's thinking about becoming a school idol?"

　　The tiny upperclassman flashed a broad smile and gave a thumbs-up when the honor student glared at her.

　　"That's right!"

　　Not really, I'm just here to check things out.

　　"Oh... Okay, I guess."

　　"What are you on now?" Megumi couldn't help herself when she heard the tone in her voice.

　　"Nothing. I just thought that you should leave if you're only doing this for fun. A school idol isn't something you should pursue with half-hearted intentions."

　　"Huh? Why do I have to listen to you? Senpai was the one who invited me here. You know what, Senpai, I suddenly really want to join the school idol club now☆!"

　　"Pardon?!"

　　With the two girls fighting in front of her, the already tiny upperclassman seemed even smaller as she began to break into a nervous sweat.

　　"Hn... Hnngh!" The third girl who had been sitting quietly let out a small whimper out of the blue. "...I'm hungry."

　　"I see... I see?"

　　Fujishima Megumi was now sitting between the two girls, while the upperclassman sat across from them, her arms crossed, looking deep in thought. An oddly awkward atmosphere hung in the air inside the school idol club's clubroom.

　　One of the culprits, of course, was Megumi. But since it was the honor student who made the first move, she wouldn't take any action herself. The upperclassman, who was completely caught in the crossfire, seemed to have decided to move the conversation forward for the time being.

　　"Um, well, I guess we should start with some self-introductions first. "

　　The upperclassman forced a smile. It was a bright, friendly smile that made her seem approachable, like a behind-the-scenes staff member, rather than a co-star on the TV show Megumi was on.

　　"I'll start first. I'm Ogami Sachi, a second-year. Since I'm the only upperclassman, that makes me the club president by default. Feel free to call me Sachi. Nice to meet you!"

　　"Sachi-senpai!" Ever the professional, Megumi repeated her name, earning a nod of approval in return.

　　"Let's go in order, You're up next, Otomune-chan."

　　The girl, who was called Otomune, stood up. She straightened her back, placed a hand on her chest, and declared, as if making an athlete's oath.

　　"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Otomune Kozue. And my goal is to win Love Live!"

　　"Whoa!" Sachi clapped.

　　In contrast, Megumi and the other girl both tilted their heads.

　　"'Love Live'?"

　　"What's that?"

　　In that instant, Kozue's eyes widened in shock, like someone had kicked her precious stuffed animal.

　　"What did you say? You two came to this distinguished school without even knowing something like that?!"

　　"Well, it's not like I came to Hasunosora because I wanted to."

　　"You didn't come to Hasunosora because you wanted to?!"

　　Hearing Megumi's casual remark, Kozue just stood there trembling. It seemed that the shock had outweighed her anger.

　　Oh? Is the second round starting? 　　　Megumi braced herself.

　　But before Kozue could formulate a response, Sachi hurriedly interrupted.

　　"Whoa there, stop! That's it! Let's move on to Yugiri-chan, go ahead!"

　　The girl who had the baton thrust into her hands tilted her head slightly.

　　"I came because I wanted to."

　　"Um, yeah... Right, that's how it's supposed to be." Kozue regained a bit of her composure upon hearing those words and nodded steadily.

　　"I wanted to become a school idol, so I came. I didn't really care where, but I was told this was the only school I could get into. So here I am."

　　"You didn't really care where?!"

　　The little bit of composure Kozue had regained was immediately shattered.

　　What a troublesome woman.

　　The girl called Yugiri frowned, she seemed to be wondering, "Did I say something wrong?" But then remembered that she was in the middle of her self-introductions and waved her hand slightly.

　　"Well, um, nice to meet you!"

　　That was it. The girl had a proud look on her face, as though she had accomplished something.

　　"Wait, what about your name?" Megumi couldn't help but interject.

　　"Tsuzuri." The girl answered, almost like a robot.

　　"And?"

　　"And... I'm a first-year at Hasunosora Jogakuin?"

　　"No, not that. Your last name."

　　"Yugiri. Yugiri Tsuzuri, OK?"

　　"...Okay..."

　　Why are you giving me a look like you're asking, "Why did you even ask that?" When you were the one who didn't say your name.

　　Watching the two interact, Sachi was covering her face while Kozue was muttering, "Yugiri Tsuzuri..." Sachi then turned to Megumi and asked, clearly intending to put the ordeal behind them.

　　"Okay, you're up last. Go ahead!"

　　"Alrighty!" Megumi raised her hand and responded casually. "I'm Fujishima Megumi. I got dragged here to this...what's it called again? Oh, the school idol club? I'm just here for a trial membership, but if I end up joining for real, I'll let you borrow my name. I was pretty popular as a TV personality☆"

　　Upon hearing those words, Kozue's face filled with suspicion, and Tsuzuri also tilted her head.

　　"'TV personality'...?"

　　"Is that something amazing?"

　　Are these two for real? It was now Megumi's turn to be shocked. Just as she was about to shout in disbelief, Sachi exclaimed.

　　"Oh! You're that Fujishima Megumi! I used to watch 'It's 5 O'Clock, Kanazawa!' all the time! You feel a lot different in real life so I didn't recognize you right away."

　　Finally someone who gets it. Now that's how it should be.

　　Megumi tossed her hair back with a soft swish, held a peace sign next to her face, tilted her head at the cutest angle, and flashed a dazzling smile. This was her ultimate move, fully intending to end her fans with her charm.

　　"Aha☆! Thank you for always watching the show, Senpai☆"

　　"...?!"

　　"Whoa, cute."

　　"...It's the real Megumi-chan!"

　　Kozue was speechless, Tsuzuri clapped enthusiastically, and Sachi was deeply moved.

　　"Um... Is she famous?" Kozue quietly asked Sachi.

　　"She's a bona fide TV personality who has even appeared on national TV."

　　"What..."

　　Megumi flashed a victorious smile after seeing Kozue's confusion.

　　"And there you have it. It doesn't make sense for me to put any real effort into something like club activities. Do you get it now, princess☆?"

　　Kozue silently closed her eyes.

　　"I see. I once believed that no profession is inherently superior or inferior to another. But it turns out that being a TV personality is such an easy job that even someone so benighted can manage it."

　　"Bin...ny-ted? Huh? I don't know what that word means, but I'm pretty sure you just made fun of me, didn't you?!"

　　"Oh dear, I'd never go that far. I was merely stating the fact that your perfunctory observations reveal a myopic grasp of the subject and an intransigent mindset. Nothing more." Kozue smiled gently.

　　"I can just tell from your face! You're clearly making fun of me!" Megumi glared at Kozue, her frustration clear.

　　"Why are you acting like that when you're the one who threw stones while living in a glass house? It seems I must teach you what being a school idol is all about."

　　Megumi grinned and shrugged her shoulders.

　　"Wow! Otomune-chan is being so mean. Sachi-senpai, tell her off for me☆"

　　"I want some chocolate cake." Tsuzuri muttered out of nowhere.

　　Confronted with the chaos unfolding before her, Sachi buried her face in her hands.

　　What is she doing? Maybe she's thanking the gods for the miracle of having met Fujishima Megumi.

　　"Fine! Whatever! So this is the 102nd class Hasunosora Jogakuin Idol Club! Just bring it on!" Sachi raised her head and shouted as if she had reached her limit.

　　Why does she look so desperate when the great Fujishima Megumi-chan is here?!

　　And just like that, the complete mess of a self-introduction session came to a close.

　　"We're all in this together now! Let's do our best!" Sachi forced out a cheerful shout in an attempt to dispel the tense atmosphere—but it only echoed hollowly through the clubroom.

　　Sachi was beginning to look downright pitiful, caught between two problem children: one a rigid honor student, the other an incomprehensible oddball.

　　Megumi decided to throw her a bone by asking a question.

　　"So, what exactly do school idols do, Sachi-senpai?"

　　"Great question!" Sachi flashed a huge smile and thrust her hand into the air. "The School Idol Club is a traditional club that has been passed down through generations at Hasunosora. From now on, we'll be taking on all kinds of challenges as school idols. From holding concerts and engaging with the local community to even taking on Love Live!—all of these are part of our club activities."

　　"Got it. But what is this 'Love Live!' thing anyway?"

　　"Love Live! is—"

　　"Hold on, I'm asking Sachi-senpai right now." Megumi held up her hand to stop Kozue just as she was about to launch into a barrage of sermons.

　　Ugh, she's staring daggers at me right now. But I know for sure she'd go on and on once she starts talking.

　　Seemingly having finally gotten used to the back-and-forth between the two, Sachi began to speak.

　　"Love Live! is a festival for school idols and a live performance competition that determines the top school idol in the country. Countless school idols work day and night aiming to win it."

　　I see. So it's like the national championship of a regular sport.

　　"Hasunosora is one of the schools that have won Love Live! in the past. Earlier, Otomune-chan called this school 'distinguished' because of that history."

　　"Oh." Megumi gave a tepid reaction.

　　Whoa, her stare just got even worse. How would I know about some minor club or some minor competition or whatever?

　　"Well, rather than me just sitting here telling you about stuff, it's much faster for you to experience it firsthand."

　　Sachi took a file out of the cupboard and started flipping through it. Eventually, she pulled out a single sheet of paper.

　　"I've spent a ton of time creating this training menu just for the eventual new club members. Hehehe...it's finally time to show it off." Ogami Sachi held out the paper for the new members to see, smiling brightly.

　　Are these club activities even okay in the first place? Wasn't the club on the verge of being shut down? Megumi began to feel doubt. I have zero reason to be here. I only said I'd join as a trial member because I got too heated earlier. Still, it'd be annoying to hear passive-aggressive remarks from that honor student if I left now. I guess I'll stick around for a day, at least.

　　"Let's get changed into our tracksuits and gather in the training room right away. Today marks the first step of our 102nd class school idol club!"

　　Megumi exchanged glances with Kozue and Tsuzuri.

　　"The first step..."

　　"With these members..."

　　"Oh, a butterfly." Tsuzuri spoke up in a cheerful voice while looking out of the windows.

　　Sachi covered her face with her hand.

　　"Wow... She's...amazing." Sachi's face lit up.

　　Yugiri Tsuzuri froze perfectly in place and slowly opened her eyes.

　　Both Megumi and Kozue, who had changed into their tracksuits, were left stunned.

　　"What was that just now?"

　　"Yugiri-san..."

　　After moving to the training room, Tsuzuri was the first to perform a dance, and it was absolutely perfect. Like a waterfowl gracefully soaring, like a swallowtail butterfly announcing the arrival of spring, it was a work of art that captivated everyone's hearts.

　　Kozue suddenly gasped.

　　"Yugiri... Yugiri...Tsuzuri... Wait, so you're that..."

　　"She's famous?"

　　"Yes, it's a name everyone who has practiced dancing in Kanazawa knows. She's been competing in contests since elementary school and has never once lost first place. A bona fide genius." Kozue nodded.

　　After finishing her dance without breaking a single sweat, Tsuzuri walked over to Megumi and Kozue.

　　"You know about me?"

　　"Just your name... I feel a lot more confident now, knowing that you're a member of this club."

　　Despite what she said, Kozue wore a troubled expression.

　　"Oh...okay. Let's do our best from now. Otomune-san." Tsuzuri said softly.

　　"Yes, I'll work hard to catch up to you."

　　Megumi shrugged and laughed off their exchange.

　　"Pffft. So only around Kanazawa. You made me think she was actually famous for a moment there."

　　"Wow... Did you feel nothing when you watched her dance just now?"

　　"Well, I did think it was amazing—for a student, that is. She's an amateur in the end, after all. She's not that different from us."

　　For some reason, Tsuzuri's cheeks relaxed into a smile upon hearing those words. Meanwhile, Kozue started scowling at her again.

　　"Truly the audacity of someone who doesn't even know what Love Live! is."

　　"What about you then? You didn't know who I was, right?"

　　Megumi's retort hit the mark, causing Kozue to fluster.

　　"I-It's just... I don't watch a lot of TV."

　　"And me too☆ I don't watch a lot of school whatchamacallit☆"

　　"That tone... Are you trying to provoke me?"

　　As sparks began to fly between Megumi and Kozue once more, Sachi jumped in to put them out.

　　"Alrighty! Why don't you go next, Fujishima-chan? Don't worry about it and just show us what you can do."

　　"Of course! I've got this☆"

　　Kozue fell silent, looking displeased.

　　Megumi quickly tied up her hair and stepped forward. She did feel a bit of pressure dancing right after Tsuzuri, but it's not like she was performing on national TV or anything.

　　The song playing from her phone was a famous one she'd taken a stab at on a show before. She raised one hand and stepped into the rhythm. Ever since she was a child, she'd been imitating idols. This was who she was—a true professional.

　　Her body moved with ease, even though it had been a while since she'd done something like this. The nerves faded, and Megumi performed the choreography effortlessly, completely in her element. But more than anything, what stood out most was her radiant smile.

　　I'm truly the personification of cuteness☆ Megumi stole a glance at herself in the mirror.

　　Megumi danced for one chorus, then struck a pose to end her performance. She then walked back to the group.

　　"What'd you think?"

　　When she asked for praise, she was met with enthusiastic applause from Sachi and Tsuzuri.

　　"That was great!"

　　"It was beautiful, Fujishima-san."

　　The corners of Megumi's mouth twitched upward.

　　"Hehe... C'mon, it wasn't anything special."

　　She glanced over at Kozue with a look that seemed to say, "How's that? Have you realized the difference in our levels?" But Kozue said nothing and remained silent.

　　"And what'd you think, Otomune-chan☆?" Megumi gave Kozue a cute look from below, like she was landing the final blow.

　　"Well... I think you danced pretty well." Kozue said in a low voice.

　　Noticing Kozue clenching her fists in frustration, Sachi stepped in to defuse the situation.

　　"Don't let it get to you, Otomune-chan. Not every school idol can dance perfectly from the start. It's totally fine to start from scratch."

　　"It's not like I can't dance!" Kozue's voice erupted like a bursting balloon.

　　"Exactly, Sachi-senpai! She's aiming to win Love Live! Of course her dancing is going to be amazing☆!" Megumi added fuel to the fire with a cutesy, innocent voice.

　　"St-Stop it, Fujishima-chan—"

　　"Whoops☆ I might've gone a little too far! Don't push yourself too hard, Otomune-chan☆"

　　Megumi was ready to bury the hatchet if Kozue had just swallowed her pride and admitted she was wrong—that TV personalities really are amazing. But it seemed the girl had no intention of doing that.

　　Well then, let's see what you've got.

　　Without a word, Kozue stepped forward. She tapped her phone a few times and started the music.

　　—Or at least, that was supposed to happen... But she kept tapping...and tapping...

　　"Huh?"

　　It didn't seem like she was choosing a song. An awkward silence filled the training room.

　　"Otomune-chan?"

　　Sachi glanced at Kozue, but the girl was too absorbed in her phone to even hear the question.

　　What's going on? I thought she was just too nervous to use her phone but that doesn't seem like it.

　　The awkward moment lingered for a while before the music finally started.

　　"This song..."

　　It sounds like a classical piece I've heard somewhere before...wait, this is ballet music!

　　Taking a deep breath, Kozue steadied herself. She stretched her fingertips gracefully, raised both hands, rose onto her toes in her training shoes, and began to dance elegantly.

　　Wha?!

　　With perfect control of her weight, her ballet dance was both graceful and powerful—there was no doubt she was experienced. Every time her toes left the floor in time with the music, all eyes were drawn to her. Kozue's figure soaring through the air was as mesmerizing as a mermaid swimming across the sky. She was in a world of her own creation.

　　It was a different kind of intensity from Tsuzuri's dance—one that took your breath away. It was a testament to a long and arduous journey.

　　Guess she wasn't just all talk. Megumi felt something stir deep within her heart. It was clear the girl had spent countless hours training toward her goal of winning Love Live!

　　The short piece ended and Kozue was visibly out of breath. She must have given it her all, holding nothing back. Seeing Kozue's earnest effort, Megumi—who hadn't exactly taken it easy but had danced as if completing a class assignment—felt a slight pang of guilt.

　　"Hah... Hah..."

　　Kozue neither sought praise nor admiration. She didn't even say, "I win". Unfortunately, her attitude came off—at least to Megumi—as arrogantly declaring that this level of performance was a given. And Megumi wasn't about to let her have the last word.

　　"That was basically ballet. Isn't that kind of missing the point of being a school idol?"

　　"Would it hurt you to be nice for once!" With her cheeks reddening, Kozue snapped back.

　　With the first day of practice over, Megumi was soaking in the bath, letting the warm water wash away her fatigue.

　　"Phew..." A voice escaped her lips.

　　The environment at Hasunosora might have been the worst, but she had to admit that the large communal bath was worthy of some praise. Megumi stretched out her legs and rolled her shoulders.

　　Suddenly, she noticed a shadow moving stealthily at the edge of her vision. It belonged to... Otomune Kozue.

　　She would rather not interact with the girl, but being avoided like that somehow irritated her even more.

　　"Otomune-chan! Over here, come!" Megumi decided to speak up first.

　　The shadow stiffened and stood frozen in place for a moment before finally giving up and walking over. She stepped into the bath and sat down beside Megumi. Unlike just earlier, her expression was somewhat distant.

　　"What are you planning?"

　　"Plan what?"

　　"...Nevermind." Kozue turned her head away.

　　Well, this isn't going anywhere. Maybe this is a mistake. The moment Megumi thought that.

　　"So you can dance as well."

　　To her surprise, Kozue started the conversation.

　　"I guess, though not at the level of people who trained properly, like you and Yugiri-chan."

　　The work of a TV personality covered a wide range of activities. When she had to dance for a show segment, she underwent two full weeks of intensive training with a professional instructor. The skills she acquired like that were not easily forgotten.

　　Kozue fell silent, looking like she wanted to say something.

　　"..."

　　"..."

　　Oh my? Are you about to declare your victory now? Megumi waited with baited breath.

　　Unable to stand the silence anymore, Kozue forced out her words while still looking away from Megumi.

　　"Honestly... I thought you were amazing." Kozue barely managed to squeeze out the sentence, looking incredibly embarrassed as her ears turned bright red.

　　Whoa. What's with that face? For some reason, even Megumi was starting to feel embarrassed too.

　　"You too, Otomune-chan. A girl in my class told me you can even play a bunch of instruments too. That's crazy!"

　　After the welcoming ceremony, Megumi learned that Kozue, who delivered the new students speech, was already a celebrity at Hasunosora from the start. She heard that "The Otomune family is a well-known musician family in Kanazawa," and that "Otomune Kozue had participated in many music competitions since she was a child." It bothered her that Kozue might become more famous than her at school if she wasn't careful.

　　Despite the praise, Kozue didn't show the slightest hint of pride and simply stared at the surface of the water, looking uncomfortable.

　　"That's only because I was taking lessons."

　　"But you've been doing ballet since you were little too, right?"

　　"That's also just normal training... It's not like I have any real talent like Yugiri-san."

　　After putting together everything she'd heard about Kozue, Megumi's impression of her hadn't changed: a sheltered girl from a wealthy family, and an honor student who probably didn't have many friends. From head to toe, she was Megumi's exact opposite. There was no chance they'd ever get along.

　　...And yet.

　　"But why a school idol, anyway?"

　　"...Huh?"

　　Kozue turned to look at Megumi in complete surprise. It seemed she was entirely oblivious to how mismatched she appeared from an outsider's perspective.

　　"Think about it. Isn't it strange? You've practiced instruments and ballet all this time. You're super smart too. So why would someone like that choose to become a school idol?"

　　"You don't get it!"

　　"Whoa!"

　　Kozue suddenly stood up, sending ripples through the water that slightly pushed Megumi backward.

　　"School idols are...really, truly amazing! They're something so inspiring that I'd be willing to throw away everything I've built up until now just to be like them. They're the admiration of girls all around the world!"

　　Megumi seemed to have unintentionally struck a chord. As Kozue began to assert herself with conviction, a voice of agreement chimed in.

　　"I think so too." Without anyone realizing it, another school idol club member, Yugiri Tsuzuri, came up beside Megumi and raised her hand. "School idols are wonderful. They showed me the light."

　　What is she saying?

　　"Come again?"

　　"Ah..."

　　When Megumi asked for clarification, Tsuzuri looked shocked for some reason and lowered her gaze.

　　"Sorry. It's nothing."

　　Wait a moment here. What? Could we stop starting and ending conversations out of nowhere?

　　"C'mon, just say it."

　　"I think it's better if I don't talk."

　　"But how am I supposed to understand you if you don't say anything?"

　　"You'd listen to me?"

　　"Just say it already!"

　　Tsuzuri's face brightened for a moment, but she quickly returned to her timid self.

　　"I... shouldn't after all..."

　　"Spill it!"

　　We weren't getting through to each other again—just like when I tried to get her name. And it'll probably keep happening in the future. Megumi was starting to get frustrated.

　　Kozue, who had been listening to the whole conversation from the side, held her head as if she's trying to endure a headache.

　　"Actually, Yugiri-san, even though you seem to really admire school idols...you don't know anything about Love Live! at all, do you?"

　　"Ah, yes. I had no idea. It would be nice if it's sweets." Tsuzuri nodded without hesitation.

　　"That's not even close! And you were there when Sachi-senpai explained what it was, too!" Kozue snapped once again.

　　Well, yeah, she probably wasn't paying attention.

　　"Okay! That's it!" Unable to hold back any longer, Kozue pointed at Megumi and Tsuzuri. "Come to my room after you've finished your bath! I'll show you what school idols are all about!"

　　After knocking on the door, Megumi was greeted by Kozue's irritated look.

　　"...You sure took your sweet time."

　　Some time had passed, and the girl had calmed down a bit.

　　"Well, it wasn't like it was on purpose. A lot just happened..." Megumi sighed.

　　"Like what?" Kozue couldn't help but doubt her.

　　"It was all Yugiri-chan! She didn't even know how to use a hair dryer!"

　　While Kozue was waiting, Megumi had to walk a clueless Tsuzuri through it step by step—and even help her dry her hair. Afterwards, she told her to do it herself from then on, but whether any of that had stuck remained uncertain.

　　"Are you perhaps...bad with them too?" Kozue seemed to be in shock for some reason.

　　"With what?" Tsuzuri tilted her head.

　　"N-No... Nevermind."

　　"Why do I have to do that? Wet things will just become dry on their own."

　　"But that will damage your hair!"

　　"...Damage? But it doesn't hurt at all?"

　　"Your hair was crying! Just trust me! You were gifted with such good looks, so you should at least try to maintain them!"

　　"...Crying? Were you crying?" Tsuzuri held her hair and asked with genuine curiosity.

　　Kozue, who had been silently listening with a sullen look, spoke up.

　　"Let's just stop there. Come inside, I've gotten everything ready."

　　Megumi stepped forward before exclaiming.

　　"Wow. You've already finished unpacking..."

　　"Huh? Isn't that supposed to be done on the first day?"

　　"And that's why you're an honor student."

　　"What are you trying to get at..."

　　They sat down on the floor, with Megumi sitting in the middle. Kozue's phone was in front of them, ready to begin playing a school idol video.

　　"Actually, why did you even need time to get ready? It's just pulling up a video...nothing special."

　　Kozue fell silent.

　　"Don't tell me. You're not really good at using smartphones?" Megumi could tell something was off.

　　"I don't see how you'd come to that conclusion."

　　"Well, earlier, you were fumbling while trying to play music too."

　　Kozue began reaching for her phone without responding.

　　She completely ignored me. What's wrong with these two girls? They just stop talking whenever they feel like it.

　　"Let's see. If I showed you the greatest school idols right away, you probably wouldn't appreciate how amazing they are. So let's start with some choice streams from current school idols."

　　"But that's gonna take forever," Megumi booed.

　　Kozue started playing the video, cutting off her attempt to object. The video began with their self-introductions. It then showed them practicing, moving around while singing a capella.

　　"They don't sound that great." Megumi gave her honest opinion.

　　"You're focusing too much on the sound. That's why you came away with such a shallow impression. Try to feel their passion."

　　"What a pain..."

　　It's like I'm dealing with a naggy tutor. Megumi began to lose motivation.

　　"Their dancing isn't good either. Tsuzuri-chan is a hundred times better than this. This must be boring for you too, r—"

　　Megumi glanced to her side, trying to find an ally—but she couldn't have been more wrong.

　　"..."

　　Tsuzuri was staring at the phone, completely absorbed like a toddler fixated on the TV. Her eyes were shining brighter than Megumi had ever seen.

　　Oh right, this girl also loves school idols. I just don't see the appeal— Megumi's train of thought was cut short by the smile that appeared on Tsuzuri's face. It stirred something in her memory. Ah...

　　"—amazing! That's my Megu-chan!" Megumi heard a laugh in her mind—it belonged to the girl who meant the world to her.

　　Megumi fell silent and once again turned her eyes toward the three girls practicing on the phone screen.

　　To Megumi, the girls were downright horrible. They didn't even have an ounce of star power. They were simply amateurs singing and dancing. And yet, both Kozue and Tsuzuri were completely infatuated with them. And what she didn't understand was that they didn't have the same reaction when she was dancing, even though she was way better.

　　I don't get it. I just don't. Megumi felt like she was missing something, and it frustrated her.

　　"Otomune-chan, next!"

　　"Huh?"

　　"Play the next video! You've got a ton you want to show us, right?"

　　"Well, I do..." A smug smile crept across Kozue's face. "I see... Looks like I'm finally starting to get through to you. Good, then tonight I'll have you stay until the very end."

　　Upon hearing those words, Megumi made herself comfortable before folding her arms.

　　"Fine by me. Though, not that I get what's so great about any of this!"

　　"School idols are amazing."

　　Tsuzuri couldn't help but gasp in awe, and Kozue responded with a smile.

　　"Yes. I knew I could count on you, Yugiri-san. I think we're going to get along just fine."

　　"That would be nice."

　　"Indeed, let's talk a lot about school idols."

　　"Hurry up already! Oh, right. Otomune-chan☆ Since you're terrible with tech, how about you let me handle it?"

　　"No thanks. It's not that I'm terrible with technology, I'm just in the process of getting better."

　　But that just means you're bad at it, no? Megumi gave Kozue's nonsensical excuse a mental eye-roll as she continued to stare at the screen.

　　School idol.

　　Megumi began to feel a brand new world opening up before her.

　　And then...

＊＊＊

　　"Oh, wow... So what on earth happened here..."

　　In front of Ogami Sachi were three girls sitting on their knees.

　　In the dorm hallway, Tsuzuri and Megumi showed no signs of remorse, while only Kozue was trembling with humiliation.

　　"Huh? Megu-chan has nooo idea☆"

　　"The dorm mother scolded us."

　　"Um..."

　　Despite Sachi's inquisitive look, Kozue remained silent, not intending to speak.

　　In the end, the trio spent the entire night binge-watching school idol videos. By sunrise, they fell asleep, completely exhausted...and ended up skipping the monthly morning assembly together.

　　They had been soundly asleep until the dorm mother came looking for them.

　　"I can't... How could... as them... Why?!"

　　As Kozue gritted her teeth and mumbled, Megumi wriggled from side to side.

　　"You see, Otomune-chan told me, 'I'm not letting you sleep tonight♡' She was so bold☆"

　　"What are you talking about?! I was the only one who said we should get some sleep!"

　　"Oh, a dragonfly." Tsuzuri spoke up in a cheerful voice while looking out of the windows.

　　Sachi covered her face for a while...but then, as if something had snapped, she burst out laughing.

　　"Bwahahahaha!"

　　The trio on the floor looked up at her in surprise. For a moment, they wondered if the shock had been so great that she'd completely lost it. But then Sachi wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled brightly.

　　"Good grief! This year's school idols are nothing but troublemakers!"

　　Hearing Sachi's overly happy voice, Kozue lowered her face in embarrassment, Tsuzuri tilted her head in confusion, and Megumi pouted in dissatisfaction.

　　"Don't lump me together with these two."

　　"Please don't lump me together with these two."

　　For now, they were but fragments of stars.

　　Nobody could have predicted that these unlikely 102nd class students of Hasunosora Jogakuin would shine so brightly and later be known as the "Hasunosora Triangle". This marked the beginning of the trio's miraculous journey.