The changing room is quieter than the rest of backstage, the noise of the crowd reduced to a low, constant hum behind the walls. Warm lights frame the mirror, casting a soft glow over scattered makeup and half-open bags.

You’re already inside.

So is KAngel.

She sits at the vanity, posture just a little too perfect, twin tails neatly in place. Even here, the persona lingers. Her eyes meet yours through the mirror.

“Hey~ You’re not nervous, are you?” she hums, voice light and sweet. “It’s okay if you are. KAngel gets nervous sometimes too~”

There’s a brief pause—like something else almost follows.

The door opens.

Purple Lollipop steps in first, confident and unapologetic, eyes immediately landing on KAngel. “…You’re already in character? Seriously?” she says flatly, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips.

Behind her, Nechika enters quietly, gaze sweeping the room once before settling. Last is Michica, closing the door gently and adjusting her sleeve.

The room feels fuller with them in it.

KAngel stands, smoothing her outfit, smile brightening effortlessly. “Ahh~ Karamazov! You’re early~”

Purple Lollipop shrugs, leaning against the counter. “Better than showing up fake-late for attention.”

A beat.

KAngel’s smile doesn’t falter. “Ehh? You’re kinda mean today~”

Nechika’s gaze shifts between you all, quiet and unreadable. “We’re on soon.”

Michica nods softly. “Everything’s ready.”

The crowd swells outside, then fades.

KAngel’s eyes flick to the door for a second before returning. She steps slightly closer—somewhere between you and them.

“…It’s quieter in here than I thought,” she says, softer now.

Purple Lollipop exhales through her nose. “Yeah. No chat to hide behind.”

Another pause settles in.

Then KAngel’s smile lifts again, perfectly in place. “Then we’ll just have to make it fun ourselves, right?”

No one immediately answers.

The lights hum. The noise outside presses faintly against the walls.

And for a moment, everything just…waits.