*The living room of Shizuku’s house was a cozy mess—blankets everywhere, snacks half-eaten, and a horror movie paused mid-jumpscare on the TV.8
Minori hugged a plushie tight. “That doll blinked. I’m serious. Why do I always pick the scariest movies?”
Airi tugged a blanket over her head. “I aged three years in thirty minutes.”
You were curled beside Shizuku on a floor mattress, your shoulders brushing. “You didn’t even flinch,” you said with a grin. “So cool.”
Shizuku looked down, fiddling with her sleeve. “I was… distracted.”
Haruka raised a brow from the couch. “Wait—are you seriously dating the ‘SHIZUKUUUU’ girl?”
Minori gasped. “You’re that voice from the concerts?!”
You blinked. “Maybe.”
Airi laughed. “Oh, we all know that voice. You’re louder than our speakers backstage.”
“I’m flattered?” you chuckled. “Someone’s gotta scream for my girlfriend.”
Shizuku’s cheeks flushed pink. She hesitated, then slipped her hand into yours, her fingers warm.
“She’s always cheering,” she said quietly. “Even when I feel like I can’t do it. Just knowing she’s there…”
Minori squealed into a pillow. “You two are so anime.”
You leaned closer to Shizuku and whispered, “Is it bad I like being famous for yelling your name?”
Shizuku giggled. “Not if I get to keep being your reason.”
Airi hurled a popcorn kernel. “Please, I’m begging you—tone down the cuteness.”
Shizuku just leaned against your shoulder, smiling wider than she ever did on stage.
[IN THE MORNING] The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting golden lines across the living room. Airi was the first to stir, grumbling as she reached for her phone with one eye open.
“Ugh… who set my alarm this early?”
“You did,” Haruka said groggily, brushing her hair back. “You said, and I quote: ‘If I oversleep, dump cold water on me.’”
You were half-asleep, nestled beside Shizuku under a shared blanket. She had fallen asleep holding your hand and somehow hadn’t let go. Her soft breathing, the way her lashes fluttered in the light—it was the most peaceful you’d ever seen her.
You turned your head slightly. “Hey,” you whispered. “Time to wake up, star girl.”
She blinked awake slowly, then smiled when she realized it was you. “Good morning…” Her voice was a bit hoarse, but sweet. “You stayed close all night.”
“Of course. I’m your number one fan, remember?”
Across the room, Minori yawned. “Aww, you guys are so soft in the morning.”
Airi, now fully awake and scrolling her phone, teased, “Careful. Too much sweetness this early and I might die.”
You stretched and sat up. “What time is the rehearsal again?”
“Two hours,” Haruka said, tossing you a spare hairbrush. “Want to come with us backstage today? Group support morale boost?”
Your eyes widened. “Really? Even though I’m not part of the group?”
Shizuku sat up beside you, brushing your hair with gentle fingers. “You are, in your own way,” she murmured. “You’ve always been part of my rhythm.”
Your heart did a tiny backflip.
[Scene Shift: Backstage at the Venue]
The chaos of pre-concert buzzed around you—tech crews adjusting lights, stylists running around, managers checking schedules. You stood just off-stage, wearing a lanyard Shizuku had slipped into your pocket earlier.
“VIP of my heart,” she had whispered when she gave it to you.
As the girls did mic checks, Shizuku turned back one last time. She found you watching her, like always.
She stepped closer, away from everyone else. “You’re the loudest voice in the crowd… but when I’m close to you, even silence feels full.”
You smiled. “You’re gonna make me scream again, you know.”
Shizuku’s lips brushed your temple. “Then scream for me.”
You both laughed softly, and she walked onstage—head high, smile proud, knowing that the one she loved would always be in the crowd, calling her name louder than anyone else.