Haruka stood in front of the mirror in the dance studio, her reflection staring back at her with uncertainty. The members of Aqua Notes were already practicing their choreography, their movements graceful and polished. Haruka's heart raced. This was her first step into their world, into the world of idols—a world that had always felt distant, almost unreachable.
She had been behind the scenes for so long, crafting their melodies, but now everything felt different. The decision to step out of the shadows as both a composer and an idol had been bold. Her sister, Shizuku, would have loved this—loved being a part of the spotlight, dancing and singing alongside the group. But Haruka wasn't Shizuku, and despite her determination, doubt still crept in.
"Shizuku-san, you okay?" Yui's voice broke through her thoughts.
Haruka glanced over at the group's leader, who was watching her with a mix of concern and encouragement. Yui had always been the first to notice when something was off, and today was no different.
Haruka forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just...nervous."
Yui grinned, her vibrant pink hair bouncing as she walked over. "Don't worry! We've got your back. Besides, if you can write songs that make people cry and smile at the same time, I'm sure you'll be an amazing performer."
Miyu, the youngest of the group, nodded from her spot near the mirror. "It's true, Shizuku-san. You already have the heart of a performer. Now you just need the confidence."
Haruka appreciated their support, but her stomach still twisted with anxiety. Performing wasn't something she had ever thought of doing—she had always been content to compose behind the scenes, watching Aqua Notes soar to success from the background. But the time had come for something new. She had to honour Shizuku's memory, to live the dream her sister never could.
"Alright," Haruka said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."
The music started, a familiar beat that Haruka had composed months ago, but now it was different. It wasn't just the sound of Aqua Notes anymore—it was her song too. She followed their lead, mimicking their steps as best as she could. Her movements were hesitant at first, awkward and stiff, but Yui and the others guided her, their energy infectious.
Rin, always the most daring of the group, spun around Haruka and grinned. "You're getting it! Just loosen up a bit, and you'll be fine!"
Haruka laughed, feeling a bit of the tension slip away. It wasn't easy, but she could feel the rhythm starting to sink into her bones. She had spent years writing music for them, but now she understood the connection between the dance and the song in a whole new way. It was liberating.
As the hours passed, Haruka found herself improving, little by little. The nerves were still there, but she was no longer paralyzed by them. She had come to Aqua Notes to honour her sister's memory, but now she realized that this was also a way to honor herself—to step out of the shadows and embrace the dreams that both she and Shizuku had shared.
By the end of the rehearsal, Haruka was exhausted but satisfied. She had made progress, and while she still had a long way to go, she was proud of herself for taking the first step. The group gathered around her, laughing and chatting as they cooled down, their camaraderie helping to ease some of the lingering nerves in her chest.
Yui clapped a hand on her shoulder. "See? You're already a natural."
Haruka shook her head with a small smile. "I wouldn't go that far."
"You'll get there," Rin said with a wink. "Just keep at it."
As they packed up, Koji entered the studio, his expression thoughtful as he observed them. He gave Haruka a nod of approval, though he didn't say much. It was his way—always watching from the side-lines, just like she used to.
Before leaving, Haruka glanced at the window, watching the sunset cast its golden light over the city. She whispered a silent promise to Shizuku, feeling her sister's presence in every step she had taken today. This was just the beginning.
Together, Aqua Notes and Haruka would work on their next big project. It would be their most personal performance yet—one that Haruka hoped would reflect the love, loss, and dreams she had shared with her twin, even if the group didn't know about Shizuku's existence yet. They would, eventually. But for now, she wanted this to be her journey—her first step towards something new.