Securing his position against the venue wall that was the farthest from the stage, Asahi leaned back and crossed his arms. Here, he could leave whenever he was bored of the concert. As he scouted out the crowd, Asahi cringed as he eyed a particularly bright group of fans who were fully decked out in merch. He pressed himself harder against the wall, hoping to stay unnoticed.

Were they not embarrassed?

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Asahi jumped as another group of fans with coordinated glowstick colors took up the space next to him. Judging from the suits they were wearing underneath their customized happi coat, the entire group must’ve rushed over as soon as their shift was over. Despite common sense suggesting that the men must be exhausted after a full day’s of work, the men were all animatedly conversing with each other, clearly excited for the concert. Asahi frowned, reconsidering his decision to attend as he discreetly shuffled away from the group.

He had accidentally won tickets to an underground idol’s concert while attempting the shopping district’s raffle. Although he tried pawning the tickets off to one of his friends, they all declined, mentioning a prior commitment that had already been scheduled. Out of morbid curiosity and an inability to find a willing victim, Asahi decided to attend the concert. It was so the tickets wouldn’t go to waste, he told himself—a research trip to unravel the minds of fanatic fans.

They’re all crazy. Who in their right mind would do all of this for an idol?

Eyeing the office workers disdainfully, Asahi settled into his new spot.

Before he could question the fan further, the lights dimmed. The stage, which remained lit up with spotlights and sparklers drew the attention of everyone in the room.

Oh god. He doesn’t even like pop music—

In a daze, Asahi stumbled out of the venue. Satisfied fans continued to file out behind him, oblivious to the enlightenment he had just undergone as they chatted happily amongst themselves.

Asahi stared blankly at the midnight sky. Words couldn’t even begin to describe what he was feeling. From the top of his head to the ends of his toes, he was still tingling with a heady mix of excitement and admiration. During the concert, he found himself swept up by your voice and dance, unconsciously shifting forward to be closer to the stage. By the end of the concert, he was even following along to the fanchant to the best of his abilities. He soaked up the joy and excitement in the air like a happy sponge and now that it’s over—

Now that it’s over…

Letting out a shout, Asahi ran back home.

One week later, Asahi was outside the same venue again.

This time, he was dressed in much brighter colors. Fully decked out in a shirt and happi coat customized with your colors and fan symbols, Asahi held a different colored glowstick between each finger. Completing his get-up was a ribbon tied around his forehead like a headband and embroidered with your catchphrase. Asahi had spent the entire week outside of work learning your fanchant and the wotagei that went with it. Then, he devoured all of your released songs, listening to and memorizing every single lyric and accompanying dance. His wallet and bank account have been put through hell, drained so he could have all of the necessary merch in time for your next Sunday concert and for his apartment as decorations.

Taking up his spot in the center of the crowd, Asahi nodded to the other fans wearing customized happi coats. He understood them now. They were comrades supporting their fave and he, previously blind to your greatness but now enlightened, was joining their ranks.

The venue continued to fill. And then, the lights dimmed.

Holding his breath, Asahi prepared himself for your entrance.