Chapter Text
Her life was always filled with pampering because of her beauty. She grew up learning the perks of having a pretty face and got used to getting what she wanted because of it. She got away with forgetting to do homework in middle school more than once when all she did was give a half-assed excuse and smile. She got out of situations just as easy as she got into. She knew her beauty was her strong point.
Being an idol was her dream. It was all she ever wanted and she would gladly work as hard as she could for it. Nikaido Rui didn’t think she asked for much, really, but when she heard the words uttered by the producer, it seemed that having a pretty face wouldn’t take her any farther without talent.
He decided that Rui’s performance was too lacking for her to be the center. So, as any company would do, instead of training their first choice they switched the focus to another more talented member. It was depressing, really. The feeling of being thrown away like nothing was consuming Nikaido.
She mindlessly began thinking of a plan, her attention to the producer’s words slowly slipping away. If I just threaten Mitsuya a little, maybe she wouldn’t–
But her train of thought suddenly deteriorated as someone spoke out to management.
“Sorry but I don’t want to be the center.”
It was Mitsuya.
It was a confusing statement, why didn’t she want to be the center? They obviously get more attention than other members, did she not like attention? No, that couldn’t be it, she joined to be an idol after all.
“And why is that?” The producer questioned, as dumbfounded as the others in the room.
Her smile reached her eyes, “I just think Nikaido-san is more well-suited for this than me.” Her voice was calm as always but Nikaido could almost feel a hint of something she couldn’t put a name to. Teasing? Disdain? Sarcasm? Fondness?
What?
Mitsuya is complimenting me? No, that can’t be right, she doesn’t like me.
…But why did she say that? I’m not as good of a dancer than she is, how could she not take the opportunity right away?
“You know your dance skills are worthy of being in the spotlight, right?” The staff seemed to read Nikaido’s mind, “Nikaido isn’t as good as you,” the one named looked away, her face flushed with shame and insecure thoughts that once dripped quietly now poured over her mind like a waterfall.
Mitsuya was deep in thought for a moment. So she will accept it after all, what was the point of refusing it? Nikaido looked at the floor. “Then I will teach her.” Mitsuya said determined.
…
…
What??
Nikaido’s head snapped to look at her extremely confused, “What?” she said out loud, together with the producer.
“Mitsuya, that is an unwise decision,” Yamamoto tried to interject, “It would take too much time and the results are not guaranteed to-”
“It will work.” She cut him off, he still eyed her suspiciously. “I mean it. I will do my best and she will too, right Nikaido-san?” Mitsuya Yuki finally looked at her with her sharp blue eyes that glinted with expectation.
“Um…” Nikaido got lost staring for a moment. She blinked and looked at their producer, who waited for an answer. Not wanting him to make false assumptions, she was quick to respond, “Yes! I-I will do my best! I promise I will get better!”
Mitsuya smiled warmly at her in a way that was hard for Nikaido to contain her disbelief.
With both idols looking at him so expectantly, it was hard to deny their request. It wasn’t a stretch to think that maybe extra lessons from the perspective of someone learning the same choreography could help her improve.
He turned to Mitsuya, “You have two weeks. If she doesn’t have significant improvement…”
Her expression turned serious, “She will. I understand.”
“Good.” He looked at them one last time before walking away, “Then, do your best.” He crossed the door.
…
What in the world did she just promise?
It was around 9PM when their dance coach clapped his hands, announcing the end of their training for the day.
As the three trainees packed their things, Ichimura Shiho looked at Mitsuya, “Mitsuya-san, are you going to take the train today too?”
“Ah, not today Ichimura-san,” she replied, “me and Nikaido-san are going to practice a bit more, right?”
Nikaido stopped packing “Oh, that’s right,”
“Okay then,” Ichimura put on her backpack, “see you guys next training,” she waved and left.
Now with just the two of them alone, they found themselves in a pretty awkward silence.