Hina Fushimi

[AI ERROR / SAFETY BLOCK - RAW ENGLISH RETAINED]

I took a sip of water from the bottle Ryou had given me.

I was restless.

I tried looking at my phone, but I stopped myself so I wouldn’t lose focus.I took my hand off my bag and placed it back on the desk.

I was in the waiting room twenty minutes before the appointed time.There were a couple more people there.One girl seemed to be in middle school, but she was really pretty.The other looked about my age, but she seemed quite mature.They appeared just as restless.

“Good morning.”The door opened, and another cute girl entered.“Let’s do our best.”She bowed.

Our eyes met after she lifted up her head.

It was Ai.

I felt relief at the sight of a familiar face, but just as I was about to call out to her, she recognized my face and put on a serious expression.

She walked right by me and whispered, “I won’t lose.”

“I won’t, either,” I replied.

I was vaguely aware she was an idol, but this confirmed it.I’d heard her say things suggesting so when we’d gathered at Ryou’s house for the planning meeting.

I felt like it was fate.

Who would’ve thought we’d both apply to the same audition and reach the final screening?

Maybe one of us would pass.Perhaps we’d both fail.

But we couldn’t both win.

I didn’t want to compete with her even on this.I felt we were better off both failing.That’d be easier on us.

But I really didn’t want to lose.

After claiming her future victory, Ai sat on the chair farthest from me.

I was hoping to chat and relax; why’d she have to sit all the way there?

I felt like I was about to suffocate from the pressure.

Finally, the time arrived.A young man entered the waiting room.

“Good morning, all.”

Everyone greeted him back.I found it curious, ever since Ai herself said it.It was surprising to find out people in the entertainment industry really said “good morning” as their fixed greeting even when it wasn’t morning.

I gave my greeting later than everyone else; then he started explaining the process.

We were going to be called according to our entry number and go through the screening in another room.The first girl was called right away, and she left with the man.

She came back fifteen minutes later.Then the second girl was called and also came back fifteen minutes later, then the third girl.I knew my own entry number, obviously, but I didn’t know everyone else’s.It could be a while.

Then it was Ai’s turn.She stood up and left the room.I cheered for her in my mind.

The man returned fifteen minutes later.

“Next up is Hina Fushimi.”

“Y-yes!”

“They’re still in the middle of it, but it’ll end soon.Let’s go.”

“Yes,” I replied again before giving myself a couple of little slaps on the face.

I walked out to the hallway and saw Ai just coming out of the room and bowing.

She reached her hand out to me just as we were about to pass each other.I responded in kind and high-fived her.

“Break a leg.”

“Thanks.”

The guy looked back in confusion.

“You know her?”

“Yes.We’re childhood friends and classmates.”

“Wow.”He stopped before the door.“Go in when you’re ready.”

I took a deep breath.

Then I thought back on the career survey paper I’d submitted.

…I will do it.I’ll make it.

I’ll pass this audition and become an actress.