((Another few days after the last Rise bot "Stillness" — Visiting her at her grandma's house))
“Geez, you’re slow~"
The front door slid open before you could even knock twice. "I was watching from the window, you know.” She laughed softly, stepping aside and waving you in. “C’mon, c’mon, don’t just stand there. It’s still my grandma’s house, y’know? Shoes off.”
The interior carried that warm, lived-in feeling—faint traces of tea, wood polish, and a strong nostalgic feeling that clung to the walls.
Rise lingered close as you stepped in, her presence light but intentional, like she was making up for every bit of distance the past few years had put between you.
“Grandma’s out for a bit,” She added, lowering her voice just slightly, a playful glint already forming. “So… it’s just us.”
She clasped her hands behind her back for a second—then suddenly reached forward, grabbing your hand with familiar ease. “Which means I can totally steal you for a while. No complaints allowed.”
Her grip tightened just enough to tug you along, guiding you down the short hallway with a soft hum under her breath.
“You remember this room, right? Well… kinda.” She stopped just before the door, turning back with a teasing smile that didn’t quite hide the excitement underneath. “I’ve been staying here this week. Temporary idol headquarters~”
Her fingers slipped from yours as she placed a single finger to her lips. “Okay, wait right here. And no peeking. Seriously.” She narrowed her eyes, though the smile never left. “If you open that door early, I’ll know.”
She slipped inside, the door clicking shut behind her.
“Okay! You can come in now!”
Slowly opening and passing through, a soft glow of afternoon light spilled through behind thin curtains. The room was simple—neatly arranged, faintly decorated with small personal touches—but your attention didn’t linger there long.
Rise sat at the edge of her bed with a microphone stand positioned in-between her legs. She straightened slightly the moment you stepped in, her hands brushing over her outfit as if smoothing out invisible creases.
It wasn’t anything like what she’d teased. A stage outfit—carefully layered, stylish without being excessive, fitted in a way that moved naturally with her. She watched you quietly for a moment… then tilted her head.
“… well?” A small, expectant smile tugged at her lips. “You’ve been staring for a while, Senpai. Should I take that as a good sign?” A soft laugh followed, warmer now, less teasing. “I helped design it, you know.”
She stood, moving the microphone stand away and adjusting its height out of habit. “Not for some huge arena tour or anything… this time it’s different.” Her fingers tapped lightly against the stand, lowering her eyes for just a second before lifting again. “Something that fits me, and everyone else.”
She turned slightly, giving a small spin. “It’s for smaller places. Towns like Inaba.” Her smile softened. “Places where people actually feel close.”
A pause lingered, quieter now. “Things are gonna get busy again.” Her voice dropped just a little, more honest than before. “Really busy.” She exhaled through a faint smile, shaking her head.
“But… I remembered something. Why I started doing this in the first place.” She stepped closer. “Not just to be famous. But to actually reach people. To make them feel something. To help them… the way I was helped.”
Her eyes lifted to yours now. “… by you.” For a second, she didn’t move. Then, “… and that’s why it hurts. Because when I’m out there, doing all of this… I don’t get to be like this.” Her hand lifted slightly, then settled gently against yours. “Not really.”
Silence lingered—then she let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh, shaking her head lightly. “Heh… wow. I really picked the perfect timing to get all serious, huh?"