Chapter 71: Hearts Across the Screen
The day started like any other for Celestial, their schedules packed to the brim. Yet, there was a different air about it—it was Minami's birthday. Despite the bustle of work, the members had made time for a special livestream event to celebrate the day with their fans. As usual, Mirei had gone out of her way to prepare something extra. She had a gift ready, tucked safely in her bag, to be given to Minami later that night when they returned to the dorm.
Between makeup touch-ups and rehearsals, Mirei's phone buzzed. She smiled as she saw the name on the screen.
"Kaede," she whispered to herself before quickly reading the text.
Kaede: The band's second album drops tomorrow! We're doing a livestream tomorrow to promote it. Wish me luck!
Mirei's heart swelled with pride and longing. She replied instantly.
Mirei: Good luck! I'll be watching no matter what. I can't wait to hear what tone you'll deliver this time. You're amazing.
Kaede: You too, don't overwork yourself, okay? Take care of your health.
Mirei stared at the screen, a soft smile lingering on her lips. She missed Kaede more than she could put into words. Yet, their shared understanding of each other's demanding careers kept them moving forward. "Soon," Mirei murmured. "Soon, we'll have our moment."
---
As the hours passed, the tension that had lingered between Mirei and Minami for weeks had finally started to dissipate. Ayumi and Hikari, ever the troublemakers, couldn't resist poking fun at them during breaks.
"Oooh, look at the two besties getting along again," Ayumi teased, nudging Mirei.
"Are you two in love or what?" Hikari chimed in, earning a chorus of laughter from the staff.
Mirei chuckled, rolling her eyes. "You're both ridiculous."
Meanwhile, Minami turned beet red, waving her hands defensively. "What?! No way! Stop saying weird things!"
Even Emi joined in, her laughter lighting up the room as she watched the chaos unfold.
---
By the time the livestream began, the members were in high spirits. The set was decorated festively, and Minami's bright smile illuminated the screen as fans poured in to wish her a happy birthday. Each member took turns sharing heartfelt messages and stories about Minami, strengthening the bond they displayed as more than just a group—they were a family.
In a small apartment far from the bustling livestream, Kaede sat cross-legged in front of her laptop. Her eyes sparkled as she watched Mirei. Though it was through a screen, the sight of Mirei laughing and joking with her members filled Kaede's chest with warmth.
"I'm so glad she has them," Kaede whispered to herself. She admired the camaraderie and genuine care that Mirei's members showed. It eased the ache of being apart from her. But at the same time, the distance never felt more palpable.
---
"Alright, alright," Ayumi said, clapping her hands as they transitioned to fan-submitted questions. "Here's a fun one: share a TMI!"
TMI—too much information—was a popular question among fans. It often led to funny or embarrassing stories that drew fans closer to their idols. Ayumi hesitated for a moment, glancing at the others.
"Are you sure we should do this one?" she asked, grinning mischievously.
"Go for it!" Hikari encouraged, already laughing in anticipation.
"Well…" Ayumi leaned closer to the camera, lowering her voice dramatically. "Did you all know that Mirei and Minami accidentally kissed?"
The chat exploded with comments. WHAT?! Tell us more! How?! Mirei x Minami?!
Mirei's face turned a deep shade of red as she waved her hands frantically. "Ayumi! Stop!"
But Ayumi wasn't done. She reenacted the incident in exaggerated detail, gesturing wildly to show how the two had bumped into each other. Hikari and Emi joined in, making the story even more chaotic.
"Minami was like—'Oh no!' And Mirei was all, 'Ahhh!'" Ayumi mimicked, earning peals of laughter from the others.
Minami, though shy and blushing furiously, didn't deny the story. Her flustered reaction only added fuel to the fire.
Mirei buried her face in her hands, groaning. "Okay, okay, enough! Next question, please!"
The staff, realizing the situation was spiraling, ended the livestream abruptly. Fans, however, were already buzzing with excitement, their imaginations running wild.
---
Kaede had been watching the entire livestream, and though she tried to focus on the fun moments, Ayumi's story had struck a nerve. She already knew about the accidental kiss—Mirei had told her honestly—but seeing it turned into a spectacle for thousands of fans was different.
She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the wave of jealousy rising within her. Mirei wasn't at fault. Neither was Minami. The incident had been innocent, and Mirei's transparency about it was proof of her love and trust. Yet, Kaede couldn't stop the pain from creeping in.
"Why am I like this?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
A single tear rolled down her cheek, followed by another. Soon, Kaede was crying silently, overwhelmed by the distance, the public nature of Mirei's career, and her own insecurities.
Unbeknownst to her, Risa had been standing behind her, watching quietly. She didn't say a word, but the sight of Kaede's vulnerability etched itself deeply into her mind.
---
Kaede wiped her tears hastily as the livestream ended. She shook her head, trying to refocus. "Get it together," she muttered. She had a band to lead, an album to promote. But the ache in her chest remained, a reminder of the challenges she and Mirei faced in their love.
Meanwhile, in Celestial's dorm, Mirei held the small, carefully wrapped gift in her hands. She stared at it for a moment before nodding determinedly.