Arc-2 Ep-33

"Dorm life must be tough, huh?"

"It really is. We’re comrades, but also rivals."

Sipping soft drinks and nibbling on snacks, the conversation flowed freely. Topics drifted from dieting to today’s mini-live, then on to stories about the training school and dorm life.

"Nn... It must be hard to stay at the training school for such a long time..."

"That’s true. It really takes a mental toll."

Shion-san, who had endured her fair share of hardships, closed her eyes as if recalling the past. She too had spent a long stretch in the training school without debuting.

"Now, now, Shion-san. You did manage to debut properly."

"That’s right. We’re lucky to have Owada-san as our leader."

"Exactly."

"Yes, truly."

"...Thank you, everyone..."

Encouraged by our words, the sixth-generation leader opened her eyes and smiled warmly. The atmosphere was cozy, with everyone smiling, when suddenly someone called from outside.

"Um... excuse me..."

"...Ichihara-san. Furusawa-san."

"Hm? Ah, Koyata-san and Narita-san."

The speakers were two girls. They appeared slightly older than me, probably high school students. Both were undeniably beautiful, though in a group like Sistema Solare, that level of beauty was not extraordinary.

"Let me introduce them. This is Aina Koyata-san and Fumika Narita-san."

"H-Hello! I-I'm Aina Koyata!"

"I’m Fumika Narita. Pleased to meet you."

"Both of them live in this dorm and are the same age as Mami-san. They moved from the countryside a year ago and joined the training school when they started high school."

Come to think of it, I had seen them helping backstage at the handshake event after the mini-live. If they were the same age as Mami-san, that made them two years older than me.

Honestly, considering they hadn’t been chosen even for the somewhat controversial seventh-generation lineup, they probably weren’t highly anticipated. I’d heard that the eighth generation already had that rumored super-cute loli idol locked in.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Shion Owada, leader of the sixth generation. I’m sure you already know the rest of the sixth-generation members."

"Good evening."

"Pleased to meet you."

"Hello."

For now, my group mates returned their greetings. I also offered a gentle smile to the two nervous girls.

"Y-Yes! Shion-senpai, it’s an honor to meet you!"

"Eh? Me?"

"Anyone in the training school looks up to you as a role model, Owada-senpai."

"Th-Thank you..."

She seemed flustered by the sudden attention. Up until now, whenever the sixth generation gathered, it was usually me or Nozomi-chan who drew the most notice.

"So you really were famous at the training school."

"I’ve heard people call her the true director of the training school."

"Chie-chan heard she was called the shadow ruler of the training school~"

"W-Wait, what is that!?"

I had also heard that Shion-san had an immense presence at the training school. She apparently earned a great deal of trust from the director and senior staff.

"Chie-chan, what was Shion-san like back in the training school days?"

"...Well, I think she had the most trust from everyone at the training school, Mikuri-san."

At my question, Chie-chan, another sixth-generation member who also came from the training school, praised her highly. No wonder she got along so well with Rina-san.

"Stop it already... Even Chie-chan..."

"That’s just how much Shion-senpai is respected by those who attended the training school. Right, Fumika-chan?"

"Yes. Just as Koyata-san says, Owada-senpai is a senpai worthy of respect."

Our leader, praised even by these two juniors from the training school, blushed and looked flustered—a side of her we rarely saw.

"Y-You won’t get anything even if you praise me that much."

"Seeing Owada-san embarrassed feels so refreshing..."

"Yeah. Somehow it’s cute..."

Indeed, Shion-san seemed cuter than usual. My friends must have felt the same, because they continued showering her with compliments until she finally couldn’t take it anymore.

"I-I'm telling you, stop it or I’ll get angry."

"You're surprisingly shy, aren’t you?"

"...Matsunabe-san."

"Okay, okay. Everyone, let’s stop here."

"Yeees."

"What a shame, but it can’t be helped."

Knowing when to pull back is important. This was probably her limit.

"Koyata-san, it’s about time..."

"Ah, you’re right, Fumika-chan. ...Senpais, sorry for intruding. We’ll head back to our room now."

"We’re sorry for disturbing you."

At that, Koyata-san and Narita-san spoke. Since this gathering was just for the sixth generation, they were being considerate.

"...No, it’s fine. Things will probably continue to be tough for both of you, but do your best."

"Yes! Shion-senpai!"

"Owada-senpai... Thank you. Well then, excuse us."

"Byeee."

"Please take care of us from now on too."

"Goodbye."

We saw the two girls off as they bowed and left. If they had made it into Sistema Solare in the same generation, they would certainly have formed a duo.

"Phew..."

"...Mikuri-chan, your cup is empty."

"Ah, you’re right. ...Then, Chie-chan, could you pass me that plastic bottle over there?"

"No, Chie will pour it for you."

Despite the unexpected visit from two trainees who could become our juniors, the gathering continued. It was nearing the end, but until then, I kept chatting happily with the two girls sitting on either side of me.