Wanderers of Sorceria 

Moonlight Prism 7

Akari of Sunshine Melody invites Moonlight Prism and several other indie bands to the Sunshine Music Festival to raise funds for Sunshine Academy

==========================================================

## The New Member

The concert hall was packed, the audience alive with excitement as Moonlight Prism took the stage in their black-and-silver techwear outfits. The energy in the air was palpable, especially after the last song, which had whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Riko, Hana, Itsuki, and Kaede were all in their element, riding the wave of applause. 

The lights dimmed slightly, signaling a shift in the setlist. Riko stepped up to the mic, wiping sweat from her brow with a mischievous smile. "Alright, everyone," she said, her voice carrying over the crowd. "I hope you're ready for something... different."

A ripple of anticipation ran through the audience, knowing what was coming. Or rather, *who* was coming.

"But, of course," Riko continued, "this next part isn't just Moonlight Prism. This is a *special* treat, courtesy of someone who's totally not part of the band-- trust me, she'd be the first to tell you." Her teasing tone brought a wave of laughter from the fans. Riko paused dramatically, looking backstage with a playful grin. "It's time for *her* to take the spotlight. You all know who I'm talking about... give it up for Astra!"

As if on cue, a single spotlight beamed down on the stage's far side. Astra, clad in a black-and-silver asymmetrical techwear outfit, stepped into the light. Her look was unmistakably her own, with one leg bare and the other covered in a black stocking, and her jacket hanging off one shoulder in her signature nonchalant style. Her piercing gold eyes scanned the crowd with her usual standoffish glare, lips set in a thin line. The fans erupted into cheers, glowsticks lighting up the darkened hall like stars.

Astra said nothing, as usual. She simply acknowledged the audience with a curt nod. The intensity of her silent presence alone sent the crowd into a frenzy. She didn't need words. Her death glare said it all. 

Behind her, Hana adjusted her violin, while Itsuki struck a dramatic chord on her guitar. Kaede settled into position behind the drums, and Riko gave Astra one final nod before stepping back. For this song, Riko wouldn't be taking the lead-- this was Astra's time to shine.

The low, pulsing beat of electronic synths began to build, filling the space with an almost oppressive energy. The song started slow, the rhythm heavy and foreboding, like the calm before a storm. Then, without warning, the beat kicked in-- a driving, techno-infused sound with an edge that bordered on aggressive. It was clear from the first few bars that this was nothing like the dreamy, ethereal trance Astra was known for. This was something new, something far angrier, and the audience loved it.

Astra took a breath, and then her voice cut through the music-- sharp, raw, and animated in a way that was rare for her. The lyrics were biting, dripping with cynicism and disdain. She sang of the masks people wore, of how society demanded false smiles and superficiality while stifling true emotions. Her words were a scathing critique, attacking the pressure to conform and the suffocating expectations of public life.

"Hide your heart, hide your pain,
Wear that mask, just play the game,
Is this the life you wanna live?
Pretend it's fine, just don't forgive..."

Her voice, usually so cold and distant, now bristled with anger and intensity. She wasn't just singing-- she was *venting*, and every word hit hard, echoing the frustrations many in the crowd likely felt themselves. After the beat dropped, the intensity of her performance only grew. Her movements were sharp, her expression fierce, and for once, Astra wasn't holding back.

Behind her, the rest of the band played along, creating a powerful, cohesive wall of sound. Hana's violin added eerie, distorted notes, complementing the aggressive electronic beats. Itsuki shredded her guitar with precision, the riffs syncing perfectly with the techno beat, while Kaede's drums pounded like a heartbeat driving the song forward. Riko took a backseat for this one, focusing entirely on her guitar work, letting Astra have the moment.

The fans were eating it up. Glowsticks waved frantically in the air as the crowd moved with the beat. It was clear that Astra's raw, almost violent energy resonated with them. The song wasn't just a performance-- it was an emotional purge, and the audience was fully immersed in it.

When the song reached its climax, Astra's voice soared above the driving beat, hitting a final, angry note that hung in the air like a challenge. The music cut out abruptly, leaving only her voice echoing in the silence.

"Take it off, tear it down,
No more lies, no more crowns,
Let the truth burn through the lies,
It's time to live, or say goodbye."

For a moment, there was only silence-- then the crowd erupted into deafening cheers, a wave of applause and excitement that reverberated through the concert hall. The glowsticks flashed in sync, waving in the air as the fans screamed Astra's name. She stood there, breathing heavily, her expression as impassive as ever despite the roaring approval.

Astra didn't need to say anything. She never did. Her glare was enough as she scanned the crowd, acknowledging their response without breaking her aloof persona. Then, with a simple nod, she stepped back into the shadows, retreating from the spotlight she had commanded so effortlessly. 

Riko took the stage again, stepping back up to the mic with a grin. "Well, there you have it," she said, glancing back at Astra with playful affection. "Totally not a member of Moonlight Prism, right?" The crowd laughed and cheered again, and even Astra's lips quirked up, if only for a second.

As the rest of the band took their positions for the next song, the atmosphere had shifted. The raw power of Astra's performance still lingered in the air, but now it was time to bring the energy back to Moonlight Prism's signature sound. Riko turned back to the audience, her smile bright and infectious.

"Alright!" she shouted, raising her guitar. "Are you ready for more?"

The crowd roared in response, and as the opening notes of 'Meditations on the Moon' filled the air, the concert continued, but Astra's intense, critical song about the masks of society remained a highlight that the fans would remember for a long time.

Whether she was officially part of Moonlight Prism or not, Astra had left her mark, and the fans couldn't get enough.

----

The break room at Prism Productions was a cozy, laid-back space where the members of Moonlight Prism often found themselves between recording sessions and meetings. Soft lighting, a few couches, a small bar, and a low hum of relaxed conversation gave the room a chilled vibe. 

Hana and Riko were sitting together on one of the cushy couches, Riko leaning against Hana's shoulder while scrolling through her phone, occasionally pointing out something that made them both smile. Across from them, Kaede sat on the other couch, flipping through a magazine, his calm, focused demeanor making him seem detached from the rest of the room. Itsuki, the flamboyant guitarist, lounged next to him, though his eyes weren't on the magazine. Instead, they flicked to Astra, who was sitting at the small bar in the corner, legs crossed, completely absorbed in her phone.

Astra's aloof, enigmatic presence had always fascinated Itsuki, and today, he decided he was going to crack that ice-cold exterior. He grinned to himself, ready to put on his usual charm, completely undeterred by the fact that Astra hadn't so much as glanced in his direction.

Kaede, without lifting his eyes from his magazine, caught Itsuki's look. With a subtle roll of his eyes, he gave him a quick side-glance as if to say, "*Seriously? You're going to waste your time with this?" 

But Itsuki was nothing if not persistent.

He sauntered over to the bar, sliding onto the stool next to Astra with a grin that had worked on countless others. "You know, Astra," he began smoothly, leaning on the counter as if this was just another stage for him to perform on, "I've gotta admit, I don't usually meet someone who's as mysterious as you. It's... intriguing."

Astra, completely unfazed, continued tapping away on her phone, her expression not shifting in the slightest. If she heard him, she gave no sign of it.

Undeterred, Itsuki leaned in just a little closer, flashing his most confident smile. "Come on, you've got that whole 'too cool for the world' vibe going on, but I bet there's a softer side somewhere. How about this-- I'll buy you a drink?"

He gestured to the small bar behind them, fully stocked with various refreshments. Of course, the drinks were all complimentary, but that wasn't going to stop Itsuki from pretending he was treating her to something special. "Anything you want, on me."

Still, Astra didn't even glance at him. Her attention remained solely on her phone, fingers tapping out what appeared to be a message. She could have been texting or doomscrolling for all Itsuki knew, but she certainly wasn't paying attention to him. 

His patience was starting to wear thin, but the challenge only made him more determined. "So... what's got you so focused over there?" Itsuki asked, voice still casual but laced with curiosity. "Maybe you're texting someone as charming as me?"

Astra didn't miss a beat, her thumbs still working swiftly on her phone screen. Without even glancing up, she muttered, "Too noisy."

Itsuki blinked, momentarily thrown off by the blunt response. But his grin quickly returned. "Oh, I'm noisy, am I?" He leaned back a little, taking on a more relaxed posture. "Well, what kind of guy do you like, then? I'm guessing you prefer the strong, silent type, huh?" He gestured over to Kaede, who was still engrossed in his magazine. "Maybe someone quiet like Kaede?"

Kaede, hearing his name, raised an eyebrow but didn't look up. Itsuki winked at Astra, trying to get a reaction, but she remained utterly indifferent. 

Astra, still typing on her phone, said flatly, "Yes. Quiet, like Kaede." 

That was the first real answer she had given him, and Itsuki's eyes lit up with playful amusement. "Aha! So, you do like a guy who's a bit more... understated," he teased, leaning in closer again. "Alright then. Just for you, I'll be as quiet as Kaede."

With that, he mimicked Kaede's calm, silent demeanor, crossing his arms and sitting still on the stool next to Astra, his grin never fading. For a few minutes, he managed to stay quiet, glancing at her every now and then while she continued typing on her phone. The room was filled with the soft murmur of Hana and Riko's conversation, the occasional sound of pages turning from Kaede, and the low hum of a vending machine in the corner. 

But Itsuki couldn't stay silent for long. After a few minutes of this quiet game, he leaned over again, curiosity getting the better of him. "So... who're you talking to, anyway?"

Astra finally looked up from her phone, her golden eyes locking onto Itsuki's for the first time since he started this whole charade. Her expression was as impassive as ever, but there was a flicker of something-- maybe amusement, maybe irritation-- behind her gaze.

"I'm asking a friend," Astra said, her voice flat but with a dry edge to it, "how to get away from a noisy guitarist."

The room was silent for a moment, and then Hana and Riko burst out laughing. Even Kaede couldn't help the slight smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Itsuki blinked, caught completely off guard. He stared at Astra, and then, slowly, a sheepish grin spread across his face. "Ouch. Well played, Astra. Well played."

Astra went back to her phone, and Itsuki, still grinning, sat back down on the stool next to her, quieter now but clearly entertained by the entire exchange. Even if he hadn't gotten the response he had hoped for, he couldn't deny Astra had her own way of winning every battle of wits.

"Guess I'll be quiet like Kaede, then," Itsuki muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh.

Astra didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth twitched just slightly-- whether it was a smile or not, nobody could say for sure.

----

## Sunshine Music Festival

Hana sat in her cozy, modest apartment, staring at the envelope in her lap. It had been hand-delivered, sealed with a gold sticker bearing a familiar emblem: the logo of Sunshine Melody. She knew immediately who it was from. The sender was her old friend and rival, Akari, the leader and center of the popular J-pop idol group, Sunshine Melody. She knew Sunshine Melody saw a lot of success as a five-girl idol group under her leadership, and Hana wondered what the occasion was.

She carefully opened the envelope, revealing a beautifully designed invitation. The Sunshine Music Festival, a charity event to raise money for Sunshine Academy's music school, was just around the corner. New equipment, special events, guest performers-- everything Hana once dreamed of as a student. Akari had personally invited Moonlight Prism to participate in the event, and Hana felt the excitement bubbling up within her.

She wanted to do it. As an alum of Sunshine Academy, this was her chance to give back. But there was one major hurdle that needed to be addressed first.

"Hey, Riko," Hana called softly as her best friend walked into the room, choppy silver hair bouncing as she moved. "Got something interesting here."

Riko raised an eyebrow, suspicious. She plopped onto the couch and crossed her arms. "Interesting how?"

Hana handed her the invitation. Riko scanned it, her expression gradually shifting into one of skepticism. "The Sunshine Music Festival? Seriously? Hana, you do remember that I dropped out of Sunshine Academy, right? And so did half of Akari's group. Why should I care about raising money for them when I didn't benefit from the school at all?"

Hana sighed. She knew this was coming. Riko's departure from the academy had been under less-than-ideal circumstances, pressured by her mother, Mana O Mana, to pursue a career in J-pop at a young age. Sunshine Academy wasn't exactly a place filled with fond memories for her. The same went for Akari, Sakura, and Aoi-- members of Sunshine Melody who had left the academy behind to chase their idol dreams.

"I understand," Hana replied gently. "I know it didn't work out for you, but it's not about that. It's about paying it forward. Helping the students who are still there. They need new equipment, special events, inspiration-- things we would've loved to have had back then. I want to help them."

Riko leaned back and sighed. "Hana, I'm not saying no. But Akari and those Sunshine Melody girls dropped out, too, remember? What's their angle here? What aren't they telling us?"

Hana pursed her lips. She didn't know all the details, but she decided to ask Astra for her opinion.

Astra was another alum of Sunshine Academy, though she had always been distant, even back then. Her short black hair, piercing gold eyes, and cold demeanor made her difficult to approach. But Hana and Astra shared a bond-- a quiet understanding that went beyond words. If anyone could give her some insight, it was Astra.

Without hesitation, Hana sent a quick message to Astra, asking if she would be interested in joining Moonlight Prism for the Sunshine Music Festival.

A short while later, Hana's phone buzzed with a curt response. "Do what you want."

Hana smiled. Astra's response was typical, but Hana knew what she meant. Astra wasn't one for big speeches, but her words were approval in their own way. It was enough to know that she had Astra's quiet support.

"Looks like Astra's in," Hana said to Riko, her optimism unwavering.

Riko raised an eyebrow. "That's what you got from that message? She barely said anything."

"Trust me, she's interested," Hana replied confidently. "Now, we just need to talk to Akari and get the full details."

Riko sighed, running a hand through her silver hair. "Alright, alright. I'll do it... for you, Hana. But I want to hear exactly what Akari has planned. No surprises."

Hana grinned, her excitement renewed. "Thank you, Riko. I think it'll be worth it. We're doing something good here."

Riko waved her off, though there was a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. You don't need to keep selling it to me."

----

Hana, Riko, and Astra arrived at the production studio of Sunshine Melody, a modern, brightly lit space filled with vibrant posters of the idol group and glittering memorabilia. Hana was no stranger to this place, but as she stepped through the doors alongside her bandmates, there was a sense of tension in the air. Meeting with Akari, Sakura, and Yui of Sunshine Melody was bound to stir up old memories-- some good, some... complicated.

Before Hana could even take in the atmosphere, a flash of orange hair barreled toward her. Akari, the ever-enthusiastic leader of Sunshine Melody, rushed over and enveloped Hana in a long, tight hug.

"Hanaaa! It's been too long!" Akari squealed, her voice full of cheer.

Hana stood stiffly, her arms hanging awkwardly at her sides. Physical affection was never her strong suit, and Akari's unrelenting energy didn't make things easier. She glanced toward Riko, who was biting back a laugh at Hana's predicament, and then at Astra, who looked as aloof as ever, standing in silence.

"Uh, hey, Akari..." Hana mumbled, unsure of how to respond to the enthusiastic greeting.

For a few moments, the room felt heavy with awkwardness. No one quite knew what to do as Akari kept clinging to Hana, smiling as if they hadn't seen each other in years. The rest of Sunshine Melody-- Sakura and Yui-- watched the scene unfold, until finally, Sakura stepped forward, breaking the tension with her usual prim and proper demeanor.

"Akari, as impressive as your greeting is, we do have a meeting to get to," Sakura said, her voice calm but firm.

Akari blinked, looking over at Sakura with innocent confusion before laughing softly. "Oh! Right, right, the meeting! Sorry, Hana, I got carried away!"

Releasing Hana, Akari stepped back, her cheerful demeanor never wavering. Hana gave a small, polite smile, though she still felt a bit rattled by the encounter. She took a quick glance at Astra, who seemed entirely unfazed, as if the entire situation was beneath her notice. Riko, on the other hand, had an amused smirk lingering on her lips, but she stayed quiet... for now.

With the awkwardness dispelled, all six girls sat down at a large meeting table in the center of the studio. Akari settled into her seat, still beaming, while Sakura remained composed and Yui, with her short aqua hair, prepared to lead the discussion. Yui was known for being the strategist of Sunshine Melody, the most level-headed in comparison to Akari's boundless enthusiasm.

"We're glad you could make it," Yui began, tapping a few notes on her tablet. "Let's get straight to the point. As you know, Sunshine Melody will be the headlining act for the Sunshine Music Festival. We'll be performing on the main stage, but we're setting up smaller stages around Sunshine Academy for other acts to perform as well. We'd love for Moonlight Prism to join in."

Riko scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "Smaller stages, huh? That's cute. But I'm pretty sure Sunshine Melody shouldn't be making claims about being the 'headlining act' for Sunshine Academy. Let's not forget that Akari, Sakura, and Aoi all dropped out of Sunshine Academy to form your little group. And you yourself didn't attend the school at all."

Akari blinked, her cheerful smile faltering for a second before she regained her composure. "Well, yeah, we left the school, but Sunshine Melody is named after the academy! We're practically the face of Sunshine Academy now. We carry the spirit of the school with us."

Riko's eyes narrowed, her temper flaring. "The face of Sunshine Academy? That's rich."

Sensing that things were about to escalate, Hana quickly interjected, placing a calming hand on Riko's arm. "Riko, wait. Let's talk this through." She turned to Akari, her voice steady. "Akari, I understand what you're saying, but Sunshine Academy only has one large stage. Any other stage you set up will be a small tent at best. How is that fair to the other acts?"

Sakura, with her composed demeanor, decided to answer. "We're making it fair by ensuring all of the smaller stages are the same size, regardless of how famous or popular the performers are. No one gets special treatment on the smaller stages."

Riko raised an eyebrow, her skepticism growing. "Except for you guys, right? Sunshine Melody seems pretty 'exempt' from all of this fairness talk."

Yui sighed softly, acknowledging the point with a nod. "Yes, you're right. But as the headlining act, Sunshine Melody has earned the privilege of performing on the main stage. We're the draw for this event. Not everyone can use the main stage, and we can't rotate acts on it within the given timeframe. It's the only fair way to manage the performances."

Hana sat quietly, considering Yui's words. She could see both sides of the argument. Riko wasn't wrong-- the setup did seem to favor Sunshine Melody-- but Yui had a point. The logistics of rotating acts on a single main stage were impossible. Still, there had to be a middle ground.

"How many acts are performing at the festival?" Hana asked, her voice thoughtful.

Yui tapped her tablet again and turned the screen toward them. "Here's a list of invitations we've sent out. Most of them are small indie groups with members that graduated from Sunshine Academy. We want this festival to celebrate both current and former students."

Hana scanned the list, her eyes lighting up as she recognized several names. Most of the groups were indeed indie, but then she spotted Miranda's name. She had already agreed to perform, along with several other well-known acts. It was an impressive lineup, considering the size of the event.

"Look, Riko," Hana said softly, showing her the list. "We're the largest group attending other than Sunshine Melody. And Miranda's already on board. As an alum of Sunshine Academy, I really think we should do this, even if we're not on the main stage."

Riko hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line as she read the list. Hana could see the conflict in her eyes, the war between her personal feelings and her loyalty to Hana.

After a long pause, Riko let out a resigned sigh. "Alright, fine. I'll do it. But only because you want to."

Hana's smile brightened, and she turned to Akari, who looked like she was about to burst with excitement.

"Does this mean you're in?" Akari asked, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Yeah," Hana nodded. "We're in."

Akari clapped her hands together, her enthusiasm contagious. "This is going to be amazing! I know we're all going to have a great time!"

Hana smiled, though her mind was already turning, thinking of all the ways she could make the Sunshine Music Festival a success-- for herself, for Moonlight Prism, and for the students of Sunshine Academy who deserved the best.

----

Back at Prism Production's studio, the lounge was filled with the usual hum of activity. Itsuki and Kaede were already there, relaxing on the couch, when Hana, Riko, and Astra walked in. Astra, as usual, stayed in the background, absorbed in whatever was on her phone.

"Hey, you're back!" Itsuki greeted them, his usual playful grin plastered on his face. "So, how did it go with Sunshine Melody?"

Hana, ever the calm and collected one, offered a slight smile as she stepped forward. "We agreed to attend the Sunshine Music Festival. Moonlight Prism will be performing."

Kaede gave a nod of approval. "Sounds good. It's a big event, after all. A lot of exposure."

Itsuki flashed a thumbs-up. "I'm in."

As Hana and the others settled into the room, Astra wandered over to a corner and leaned against the wall, still scrolling through her phone, as if the world around her barely existed. She didn't seem to care about the decision, though that wasn't unusual for her.

However, Riko was still seething, her anger barely contained. She paced back and forth, the tension evident in her every movement. "I'm still pissed off about the whole thing, though," Riko muttered, arms crossed tightly over her chest. "The way they act like *Sunshine Melody* is the face of Sunshine Academy."

Hana sighed, turning to face her. "Riko, we've talked about this."

"No, seriously," Riko shot back, her voice rising. "Hana, *you* graduated from Sunshine Academy. You have more of a right to that claim than any of them. And, let's not forget, *Astra* is an alum, too. That's two graduates to Sunshine Melody's none! How can they call themselves the 'face' of the school when they dropped out?"

Astra didn't even look up from her phone but quietly muttered, "She has a point."

Hana shook her head, her tone calm and level. "It's not that big of a deal, Riko. This festival isn't about us. It's about the students at Sunshine Academy."

Riko stopped pacing and turned to face Hana, her eyes still fiery. "I know it's about the students, Hana, and I agree we should perform for them. But it doesn't sit right with me that Sunshine Melody is headlining with the justification they're using. Moonlight Prism is bigger than they are. They're acting like they're trying to enforce some kind of pecking order."

Hana's expression softened as she stepped closer to Riko. "I don't believe Akari would do that. She's not like that."

Riko sighed heavily, running a hand through her choppy silver hair. "Look, I'm not trying to convince you to back out. I just want you to see that Sunshine Melody is wielding a lot more power over this festival than they probably should. It's not fair to the other acts, especially when most of them are indie groups trying to make a name for themselves."

"You know, I've been thinking," Kaede offered, having listened to the exchange quietly. "It's possible the event organizers are affiliated with Sunshine Melody. If that's the case, then it makes sense why they're getting preferential treatment. It could be their event, but disguised as a music festival to raise money for the school."

The room fell silent for a moment as Kaede's words sank in. Hana considered Kaede's explanation, then nodded slowly. "You might be right, Kaede. That's definitely something to consider."

Riko crossed her arms again, her expression still tense. "So, what do we do about it? Just let them have their way?"

Hana thought for a moment before replying, her voice calm but resolute. "I'll talk to Akari about it. If there's anything we can do to make it fairer for the other performers, I'll make sure she knows."

Riko exhaled, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Alright. I trust you, Hana. Just... don't let them walk all over us, okay?"

Hana gave a reassuring nod. "I won't. I'll handle it."

With that, the tension in the room eased slightly, though Riko's frustration still lingered beneath the surface. They all knew that performing at the Sunshine Music Festival would be a great opportunity, but the politics of the event couldn't be ignored.

----

Hana arrived at a cozy little cafe where she had agreed to meet Akari, hoping to clear the air about the concerns surrounding the Sunshine Music Festival. The midday sun cast a warm glow through the windows, and the peaceful atmosphere seemed at odds with the tension she had been feeling since Riko first voiced her frustration about the festival's setup.

She spotted Akari seated at a corner table, waving eagerly with her signature bright smile. Her orange ponytail bobbed as she motioned for Hana to join her. Akari's enthusiasm was always infectious, but Hana remained calm and composed as she approached.

"Hana! It's so great to see you," Akari greeted cheerfully, standing up to give Hana a quick hug.

"Thanks for meeting me," Hana replied politely as she took a seat across from her. "I wanted to talk about the festival."

Akari leaned forward with interest. "Of course! What's on your mind?"

Hana hesitated for a brief moment, carefully choosing her words. "We're really excited to perform at the Sunshine Music Festival, but... I feel that, given Moonlight Prism's popularity and stature, being assigned to a smaller side stage might raise some questions. We've been building our name for years, and the smaller stage doesn't quite fit our band's presence."

Akari nodded, her expression softening as she listened. "I totally get that, Hana. I've thought about it too. I mean, Moonlight Prism is *huge*. You've earned the right to play on a bigger stage. But..." She paused, glancing down for a moment. "The issue is that Sunshine Melody is headlining. We were going to play toward the end of the event, you see, as the final act to close it all out with a bang."

Hana considered Akari's words for a moment before offering a solution. "That's understandable. But if you're planning to play in the evening, that means the main stage is open in the morning. Moonlight Prism could be the opening act of the festival. That way, we get to perform on the bigger stage, and there's still plenty of time for you to set up your stage for the evening."

Akari's eyes lit up as she realized the idea made perfect sense. "Oh! That's a *great* idea, Hana! I hadn't thought of that. You guys opening the festival on the big stage would be amazing! Then we could still have our big closing performance. It's perfect!"

Relief washed over Hana when she saw Akari's excitement. "I'm glad you think so. I know Riko's been worried about the fairness of it all, but I think this will make everything smoother for everyone."

"I'll talk to the other girls and make sure they're on board," Akari promised, leaning back in her chair, clearly excited by the solution. "This is going to make the festival even better!"

Hana nodded, pleased that the conversation had gone so well. She was about to suggest they part ways when Akari leaned in with a curious glint in her eye.

"Hey, Hana," Akari said, her voice taking on a playful tone, "since we're talking about the festival... how would you feel about doing something special during the event?"

Hana tilted her head slightly, unsure what Akari meant. "Special? What do you mean?"

Akari smiled, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough! I have a surprise planned for you. Well, not just you, but all the girls. Even Astra. It's going to be *fun*, I promise."

Hana raised an eyebrow but didn't press for more details. Knowing Akari, whatever she had in mind would be big and unexpected, but for now, she decided to let it be. "Alright... I'll trust you on that."

Akari clapped her hands together, clearly thrilled. "Great! I can't wait! You're going to love it."

----

## Unexpected Surprise

Hana, Riko, and Astra arrived at Sunshine Melody's studio just before noon, the sun high in the sky, casting long shadows on the pavement. Hana had been cautious but hopeful after her conversation with Akari. The promise of a surprise had piqued her curiosity, though she could sense Riko's simmering frustration and Astra's usual aloofness. They all had their concerns, but they hoped the meeting would clear things up.

Upon entry into the studio's main doors, Hana was surprised to see a group of girls already gathered in the lobby-- several of them she recognized as members of indie bands also performing at the Sunshine Music Festival. Among them was Miranda, the jazz fusion rock singer known for her striking blue hair and fiery stage presence.

"Hey, Hana! Riko! Astra!" Miranda greeted them warmly, flashing a wide smile as she walked over, her long hair swaying behind her. "Good to see you all here."

Hana smiled back, though she couldn't hide her curiosity. "Miranda, hey! What's going on? I didn't expect to see so many people here."

Riko crossed her arms, looking around at the other girls with suspicion. "Yeah... I thought this was a private meeting with Sunshine Melody."

Miranda shrugged, shaking her head. "I don't really know what's happening either. I was the only one from my band invited, and from what I've overheard, it's the same for the other girls. Only the headliners of each band were asked to come."

Astra, standing off to the side, glanced briefly at Miranda but said nothing, her usual cold demeanor firmly in place. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through as if to block out the conversation.

Hana furrowed her brow, feeling a knot of concern forming in her chest. [Only the headliners?] Itsuki and Kaede hadn't been asked to come, either. 

Before she could voice her thoughts, the doors to the studio opened, and Akari appeared, flanked by Sakura and Aoi. The three girls were dressed in their Sunshine Melody stage costumes-- sky-blue and white crop tops, bolero jackets, and tiered fluffy skirts. Their cheerful, polished appearance felt like it clashed with the uneasy atmosphere of the gathering.

"Welcome, everyone!" Akari greeted them enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling as she addressed the room. "I'm so glad you all agreed to join in on the festivities for the Sunshine Music Festival! We have a really exciting surprise for all of you."

Akari's energy was infectious as always, but Hana's feeling of unease grew stronger. She exchanged a glance with Riko, who looked downright suspicious now, her hands balled into fists at her sides.

Sakura and Aoi both smiled brightly, nodding in agreement with Akari's words. Then, with a theatrical gesture, Akari stepped forward and extended her arms. "To show Sunshine Academy-- and the world-- how united we are in our love for music, we've decided that all the bands performing at the festival will unite under one banner. The banner of *Sunshine Melody!*"

Hana's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.

Akari continued, her voice filled with excitement. "We're all one big musical family, and what better way to show that than by performing together, wearing the same Sunshine Melody costumes?" She gestured to her own outfit, then to Sakura and Aoi. "We've arranged for tailor-made Sunshine Melody costumes for all of you, so we can stand together as one at the festival."

The room fell silent, a mixture of shock, disbelief, and discomfort rippling through the gathered girls.

Miranda, to Hana's surprise, looked genuinely excited. "Wow, really? That sounds kind of fun! I'd love to perform on stage in that outfit!"

Hana, however, felt her stomach drop. This wasn't what she had expected. She glanced over at Riko, who was now visibly seething, her face flushed with anger. Astra, for her part, remained silent, but her eyes-- sharp and cold-- were fixed on Akari with barely-concealed displeasure.

Riko couldn't hold back any longer. "So, what? You want us all to be your little *Sunshine Melody drones*? Wear your uniform, perform like we're part of your band? That's not unity. That's just making sure *you* get to be the face of the festival and making the rest of us look like backup dancers."

Akari blinked, clearly taken aback by Riko's outburst. "It's not like that, Riko! We're all in this together. We're showing everyone how strong we are as a community."

Riko scoffed, shaking her head. "Community? You're just making sure Sunshine Melody's the only face of Sunshine Academy's music, even though you don't have a single graduate from the school in your band. Meanwhile, we have two-- Hana and Astra. This is just about keeping you in the spotlight."

Hana stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Riko, calm down. I'm sure Akari didn't mean it that way. Let's just--"

But before she could finish, Astra quietly stepped forward and held out her phone to Hana. "Look at this."

Hana took the phone from Astra and glanced down at the screen. It was a press release for the Sunshine Music Festival, announcing the band lineup and emphasizing a "show of unity" led by Sunshine Melody-- where all the bands would "perform together as one," under the Sunshine Melody banner, just as Akari had said.

Hana's heart sank. Akari had already painted the picture in the media. The press release was out. They were boxed in. Not only was the band list published, but the whole "show of unity" was already being touted as a highlight of the festival.

She felt the weight of the situation settle in. They were trapped. If Moonlight Prism backed out now, it would look like they were going against the idea of unity, like they weren't team players.

Riko looked over Hana's shoulder at the phone and cursed under her breath. "You've got to be kidding me."

Hana took a deep breath, feeling torn. She didn't like this idea at all, but it seemed like they had no choice now. If they walked away, it would cause a scandal. They had been boxed into a corner, and Akari-- whether intentionally or not-- had ensured they couldn't escape.

----

Hana, Riko, and Astra stood in the fitting room of the Sunshine Melody studio, each of them in their underwear as the tailors worked around them. Measuring tapes stretched across their bodies, the seamstresses took careful notes, murmuring quietly to one another. The whole situation felt uncomfortable-- more than just physically. They had reluctantly agreed to be measured for the Sunshine Melody costumes Akari had sprung on them. While Hana had managed to keep her emotions in check, she could tell Riko was on the verge of boiling over, and Astra's silence spoke louder than any words could.

Hana kept her eyes fixed on the floor, trying to avoid thinking too much about what was happening. Her mind kept drifting back to the press release, and how everything seemed so out of control. The tailor wrapped the tape around her waist again, adjusting slightly, and Hana fought the urge to fidget.

A knock at the door interrupted the awkward silence, and Yui stepped into the room. As the strategist of Sunshine Melody, Yui had always come across as calm and collected, with her short aqua hair giving her an unmistakable air of cool confidence. But today, her expression was different-- more hesitant, almost regretful.

"Hey, Hana," Yui greeted softly, her voice apologetic. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Hana glanced at the seamstresses, who seemed focused on their work, and nodded. "Sure, Yui. What's going on?"

Yui looked around at the girls being measured and gave a deep sigh. "I... I wanted to personally apologize for what Akari did. I know it wasn't fair to any of you, and I feel terrible about how things turned out."

Hana offered Yui a small, understanding smile. "It's okay, Yui. It's not your fault. We know Akari can be... intense."

Riko, who had been glaring at the mirror, couldn't hold back. "Not her fault? You're seriously just going to let this slide, Hana?" she snapped, looking directly at Yui. "Akari does this kind of stuff because she gets away with it. Now we're stuck wearing idol uniforms like we're part of her little cheer squad!"

Yui winced, rubbing the back of her neck. "You're right. Akari can be hard to control at times. When she really wants something, she finds a way to make it happen, even if it causes headaches for the rest of us. Trust me, this isn't the first time she's done something impulsive like this."

Hana could sense Yui's genuine guilt, but Riko wasn't backing down. "Well, she's made a mess for all of us this time," Riko muttered. "This isn't some small mistake. She's forcing us into her brand, making us look like we're part of *her* brand. We're not."

Yui sighed. "I know. And I know it doesn't excuse anything, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry to all of you. I know most of the girls who came to the meeting weren't happy about it either. There were a few who didn't seem to mind, but... the majority? They were as upset as you are."

Astra, still silent, stood stiffly as the seamstress took measurements of her shoulders, but her body language made it clear she wasn't happy. Her eyes flicked briefly to Yui but then returned to staring blankly at the wall.

Yui shifted her weight awkwardly, glancing between the three girls. "I know this is asking a lot, but can you stick it out? I'm not saying it's fair, but... the press release is already out. We can't undo it. Akari's vision of unity has already been set in motion."

Hana's shoulders sagged. She knew Yui was right. They didn't have much of a choice anymore, not after the press release was sent out. "The timing couldn't have been worse," Hana muttered. "Now we're stuck in this 'show of unity,' whether we like it or not."

Yui nodded in agreement. "Akari thought she was doing something good, something that would bring everyone together. She really believes that we're all one big, happy family in the music scene. But the reality is... well, it's not like that. Not all the bands are under the Sunshine Melody banner for a reason."

Hana gave a small, resigned sigh. "I just hope things work out."

"They will," Yui said gently. "But it's going to take time. Please, be patient. Moonlight Prism is still the opening act of the festival. That hasn't changed."

Yui offered them a weak smile before excusing herself from the room, leaving Hana, Riko, and Astra to finish their measurements in silence. Once the door closed behind Yui, the tension in the room seemed to intensify.

Riko let out a frustrated groan. "This is ridiculous! We're being forced to wear these dumb uniforms for a band we don't even belong to! How are we supposed to be okay with this?"

Hana glanced at Riko, trying to find the right words. "I know, Riko. This isn't how I imagined things would go either. I... I don't know how to get out of this mess."

Riko's face softened slightly, but her frustration remained evident. "We can't get out of this mess, Hana. That's why we're standing here in our underwear, getting measured for a costume we don't want to wear. We're stuck."

Astra, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, suddenly spoke up, her voice flat and emotionless. "It's a stupid costume."

Riko gave her an exasperated look. "That's all you've got to say?"

Astra's face didn't change, her eyes still distant. "It's stupid. And this whole situation is stupid."

Hana bit her lip, knowing Astra's anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. Even though Astra hadn't been vocal, Hana could tell she was deeply upset. The quiet intensity in her eyes, the way her body was tense with every movement-- Astra was holding back a storm of emotions.

"We're all angry, Astra. I understand. You're not alone in this."

Astra didn't respond, but Hana could see the tension in her body language, the subtle clenching of her fists.

After the seamstress finished the last of the measurements and began packing away her supplies, Hana felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her. They were trapped-- forced into a situation they had no control over, wearing costumes that weren't theirs, and performing under a banner that wasn't their own.

----

Hana, Riko, and Astra exited Sunshine Melody's studio office, their measurements finally complete, the tension of the earlier fitting beginning to fade. The girls were dressed and eager to leave, each quietly relieved to be done with the day's ordeal. But as soon as they made it to the front entrance, a familiar figure stepped into their path.

Aoi, still dressed in her sky-blue and white stage costume, stood before them with her usual competitive fire in her eyes. Her metallic blonde bob glistened under the overhead lights, and her posture practically radiated confidence. Aoi was the dancer of Sunshine Melody, and she carried herself like she had something to prove at every moment.

"Well, well, well," Aoi began, her voice dripping with a smug edge. "If it isn't Moonlight Prism's finest. How's it feel, Riko? Not making the cut to join Sunshine Melody must've stung a little, huh?"

Riko folded her arms, clearly unimpressed. "I came out better for it," she shot back. "I don't exactly want to be a carbon copy of Akari anyway."

Aoi's smirk widened. "And Astra, you? I heard you were scouted as a trainee for the core quintet of Sunshine Melody once upon a time. Funny how that didn't pan out."

Astra's eyes narrowed, her reply curt as ever. "I don't want to be an idol."

Riko chuckled under her breath at Astra's blunt response, but Aoi wasn't done. She turned her attention to Hana, and something in her demeanor shifted. The cockiness faded, replaced by something else-- a mix of uncertainty and something that almost resembled respect.

"Hana..." Aoi hesitated for a moment, her fiery attitude dimming. "I have to admit something. I peeked in earlier when you three were getting measured."

Hana blinked in confusion. "What? Why would you do that?"

Aoi's cheeks flushed slightly, but she pressed on. "I... I wanted to see. I wanted to see the true mastermind behind Moonlight Prism, in all of her... ahem, glory." She paused, looking a bit uncomfortable. "And you know what? I see you in a new light now. You and I... we're the same."

Hana's brow furrowed. "The same? I don't think so. We have nothing in common."

Aoi shook her head, clearly frustrated at having to explain herself. "No, I mean... our bodies. We're both short, and we don't exactly have the, uh... girlish figure that the others have. I used to think you were beneath me, but now I see we're kind of... alike."

Riko, never one to miss a chance for a little mischief, grinned wickedly. "Aoi, are you saying you've got a thing for Hana? You know, there are smoother ways to flirt."

Aoi's face turned beet red, and she stammered, "W-What? No! It's not like that! I'm not *checking out* Hana or anything. I just... I just feel like we have something in common. That's all!"

Hana blinked again, trying to process what Aoi was saying. She certainly didn't feel like they had the same body type, but Aoi seemed genuinely invested in this strange comparison. With a soft sigh, Hana realized there wasn't much point in arguing. If this odd connection meant they could be on slightly friendlier terms than they were previously, then maybe it wasn't so bad.

"Look, Aoi," Hana said gently, "I don't really feel the same way about it, but if you do... that's fine. If it means we can be a little friendlier, I'll accept that."

Aoi's tense posture relaxed a bit, and she nodded, looking relieved. "Thanks, Hana. I'm glad we have an understanding."

Of course, Riko wasn't about to let the moment pass without one more tease. "Oh, we all know what you mean, Aoi. No need to blush. You've got a soft spot for our little Hana."

Aoi's face burned even brighter, and she practically shouted, "It's *nothing* like that! I'm not--" She stopped herself, realizing she was only digging the hole deeper. With an embarrassed groan, she quickly turned on her heel and rushed off before she could say anything else that might make her situation worse.

Once Aoi was gone, Riko shook her head with a bemused grin. "Do you think she's just a bad communicator, or is she hiding something? I mean, the blushing was pretty obvious."

Hana shot Riko a look, her cheeks slightly pink. "Riko, please stop. I really don't want to think about Aoi like that."

Riko laughed lightly and held her hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. But still... she's definitely got something going on."

Hana sighed again, trying to shake off the odd encounter. "Whatever it is, let's just hope things don't get more complicated than they already are."

Astra, who had remained mostly silent through the conversation, muttered under her breath, "Too late for that."

----

In the bright, spacious practice studio of Sunshine Melody, Akari, Sakura, and Hikari gathered, all dressed in their matching practice tracksuits. The familiar hum of the sound system filled the room as they prepared for another long rehearsal, but Akari's mind was already far beyond the studio walls.

With her orange ponytail swaying as she paced, Akari was daydreaming aloud, her voice full of excitement. "Just think, girls... once everyone's in their costumes, the spirit of unity will shine through! It'll be amazing-- everyone in uniform, moving together, setting the example for the students of Sunshine Academy. They'll look up to us, knowing that this is what reaching for the sky looks like."

Hikari, the youngest and most impressionable of the group, nodded along enthusiastically. "You're right, Akari! It's going to be so cool! We'll all look so good together-- everyone will be united! Moonlight Prism, the indie bands, all of them will totally get it once they see us on stage!"

Akari smiled warmly at Hikari's words, feeling bolstered by the support. "Once we're all in our Sunshine Melody stage outfits, it'll all come together. Everyone will feel it-- the unity, the spirit!"

But Sakura, standing with her arms crossed, did not same the same level of enthusiasm. She wasn't as easily swept up in Akari's boundless optimism. "Akari, I know you're excited, but you're talking as if everyone is just going to fall in line the moment they put on a costume. The spirit of unity can't just be surface-level. We haven't exactly won the hearts of Moonlight Prism or the indie bands yet."

Akari waved off Sakura's concern with a dismissive gesture, her smile unwavering. "Oh, come on, Sakura. Once they're in their outfits, they'll feel the same energy we do! It's all about setting the example. When we show everyone how united we are, they'll want to join in. It's not just about the clothes-- it's about the symbol they represent!"

Hikari eagerly chimed in again, nodding along. "Yeah, Sakura! They'll get it! The costumes are more than just outfits-- they're a statement! It'll bring everyone together, you'll see!"

Sakura sighed softly, her gaze steady as she looked at Akari. "I don't know if it's that simple. I mean, we're all J-pop idols. We have a certain image, a certain sound. But the other groups-- Moonlight Prism especially-- they don't do J-pop. Their music doesn't fit our vibe, and I don't think putting them in matching outfits will change that."

Akari's smile faltered for a moment as she considered Sakura's point. She tapped her chin, lost in thought. "Hmm... you might have a point. Not everyone's music fits the *spirit* we're looking for, huh? If their songs don't align with the unity we want to promote, it could cause some problems."

Sakura nodded, relieved that Akari seemed to be taking her concern seriously. "If we're trying to make the festival about unity, but the music is all over the place, it's going to feel disjointed."

Akari's eyes lit up as an idea struck her. "Then we'll just make a list of approved songs! We can put together a setlist of songs that fit the spirit of unity we're trying to create. That way, everyone can perform music that aligns with the festival's theme."

Hikari, eager to please her leader like a loyal follower, clapped her hands together excitedly. "That's a great idea, Akari! A song list would totally solve the problem! We can make sure everyone's music fits, and it'll all come together perfectly!"

Sakura, however, wasn't as quick to jump on board. She could see the storm clouds forming on the horizon. "It might solve one problem, but it'll create another. The other bands-- especially Moonlight Prism-- value their artistic freedom, and some of them already aren't happy about being dragged into this whole festival under Sunshine Melody's banner."

Akari frowned, her excitement dimming slightly. "I know, but we have to make sure there's a standard. If we just let everyone do whatever they want, we'll lose the sense of unity we're trying to create. I think the approved songs list is a good idea. We need to guide them in the right direction."

Hikari, ever the optimist, grinned. "It's going to be great, Akari! You always know how to bring people together!"

Sakura remained quiet, her unease still lingering. She knew that the road ahead wouldn't be as smooth as Akari or Hikari imagined, but for now, she'd have to wait and see how things played out.

----

Surrounding the coffee table of the Prism Productions lounge, sitting on the two couches, Hana, Riko, Astra, and Miranda met to discuss the latest development for the Sunshine Music Festival. They poured over the "approved" song list for the upcoming Sunshine Music Festival, the pages of which were strewn across the coffee table. Moonlight Prism's catalog, as introspective and soulful as it was, had been almost entirely restricted; the list only allowed upbeat, cheerful songs to match Sunshine Melody's image, leaving little room for the deeply emotional tracks Moonlight Prism was known for. Instead, Sunshine Melody 'suggested' a certain portion of their existing catalogue which filled Riko with a sense of dread.

She slumped over the coffee table, running a hand through her messy silver hair and let out an exasperated sigh. "This is ridiculous. The approved list basically forces us to play our covers of my mom's old J-pop songs. Like, we've turned those songs inside out, but it's still just... well, 'Mana O Mana' nonsense."

Miranda, sitting back with her arms crossed, tapped her fingers against the table. Her blue hair shimmered in the dim light as she considered the situation. "My set list fared a little better, but that's because I've got a few upbeat tracks in my mix. I don't have a problem with their approved list. I'll adjust some of the arrangements, but I'm not too restricted."

Astra sat quietly, staring at the song list with an unreadable expression. Her messy black hair partially covered her piercing gold eyes, but when she finally spoke, her voice was curt. "This list... is a joke. The only solace we have is that Moonlight Prism is the opening act, so we get to set the tone for the festival."

Hana, who had been quietly studying the list, nodded in agreement. "She's right. If we set the mood from the start, the rest of the festival will have to follow."

Riko raised an eyebrow, not quite getting it. "What do you mean? We're stuck playing their happy-go-lucky playlist. How are we supposed to set the mood with *that*?"

Astra, with her usual bluntness, pointed to one of the songs on the list: "Sweet Summer Dreams." It was one of the biggest hits from Riko's mom, Mana O Mana, a sugary, feel-good J-pop anthem. But Moonlight Prism had covered the song-- and they had twisted its meaning entirely.

Hana, always the calm and thoughtful one, gently placed a hand on the table. "She's got a point. We've performed 'Sweet Summer Dreams' before. But our version... we turned the meaning on its head. It's not the bubblegum pop anthem it used to be. It's darker, more introspective. It's bittersweet."

Riko blinked. "I know our cover is completely different. But, do you really think the approved song list is just surface-level? That they probably don't even realize our version changes the whole meaning of the song? I fully expect them to think we're going to play the original version my mom sang."

Astra gave a small, knowing smirk. "We play by their stupid rules. They didn't say we couldn't. That song is only on our set list because we covered it. If we open with 'Sweet Summer Dreams' the way *we* do it, we'll shift the entire vibe of the festival."

Miranda, who had been quiet for a moment, leaned forward, her red eyes gleaming with interest. "I like this idea. If Moonlight Prism opens the festival with that kind of mood, I can follow up with my darker, edgier tracks. I'll adjust my setlist accordingly. It'll make the whole festival feel more emotional, more atmospheric."

Riko leaned back in her chair, a slow grin spreading across her face as she began to understand the brilliance of their plan. "So we're going to play by Sunshine Melody's rules and perform my mom's songs, but our versions instead. The 'spirit of unity' they're so proud of will have this melancholic, introspective undercurrent to it."

Hana smiled softly. "Yeah. We're going to follow their rules to the letter, but not the spirit. It may seem underhanded, I know, but we express ourselves with our music. What better way than to show a little musical rebellion?"

Riko's grin widened, her mischievous side showing. "I love it. We'll pull a fast one on them, and they won't even see it coming."

Astra nodded in agreement. "They will get exactly what they asked for."

Hana stood up, her voice full of resolve. "Then it's settled. Let's show them that the spirit of unity can mean something deeper, something they don't expect."

-----

In the days leading up to the Sunshine Music Festival, the atmosphere around the indie music scene in Tokyo grew tense. As fans argued and pondered over Akari's announcement of the "spirit of unity" and speculation swirled around the festival's theme, behind the scenes, something far more complex was taking shape.

Astra moved quietly through the back halls of a small music venue, her presence barely noticed by anyone who wasn't in the know. She had always been the shadowy one in Moonlight Prism, keeping to herself and saying little, but when she did speak, it was worth listening to. Today, she had a mission.

Sitting down with a small group of indie rockers known for their moody, atmospheric sound, Astra cut straight to the point. "We need you on board for something big at the festival," she began, her voice low but commanding. The band members exchanged curious glances but nodded for her to continue.

"Outwardly, we're all playing by Sunshine Melody's rules. The whole 'spirit of unity' thing," she said with a slight roll of her eyes. "But internally? We're shifting the mood. Moonlight Prism is opening the festival, and our plan is to take the 'sunshine and rainbows' they expect and turn it into something... deeper. More emotional."

One of the guitarists leaned forward, intrigued. "You mean, we're not actually playing those upbeat, happy songs?"

"We're playing the *approved* songs," Astra stressed. "But the covers we're performing-- specifically, our version of 'Sweet Summer Dreams'-- are completely reworked. The festival will start on a melancholic note, and we need the rest of you to follow that shift. Don't let Sunshine Melody control the mood. We set it, and everyone following will play to their own spirit."

There was a pause as the band members processed what Astra was saying. Finally, the lead singer spoke up. "And what about Sunshine Melody? I understand that we're skirting a line here, but they have corporate money behind them, more leverage. What if they catch wind of this?"

Astra's golden eyes gleamed beneath her messy hair. "They won't. As far as they know, you're all working on the approved song list. That's all you tell them if they ask. Just keep it quiet and follow our lead when the festival starts. Don't let anyone know what we're planning."

The band agreed, but there was a quiet understanding that what Astra was asking for wasn't without risk. Still, they respected her enough to follow her plan. With the conversation wrapped, Astra slipped away just as silently as she had arrived, her task for the day complete.

----

On the other side of town, Miranda was meeting with a different band-- a group with a more upbeat sound, one that typically meshed well with Sunshine Melody's vibe. But Miranda knew how to handle the situation.

Seated in a cafe with the band, Miranda leaned forward, her blue hair framing her face as she exuded confidence. "I know what you're thinking," she started, "you're probably wondering why we're here talking about the festival when it's all sunshine and unity, right?"

The band nodded, curious but cautious.

"Look, we're all supposed to support the 'spirit of unity' publicly. The approved song list, the costumes, the whole deal," Miranda continued, waving her hand as if dismissing the surface-level concerns. "But what we're really doing is setting the mood from the inside. Moonlight Prism's going to kick things off, and we're going to change the entire tone of the festival."

She saw the skepticism in their eyes and leaned in. "This isn't about defying Sunshine Melody outright. It's about playing within the rules set out for us. They want unity, fine-- we'll give them unity, but on our terms. Our music, our style, our meaning. Our music is how we express ourselves, and we are not sitting idly while we are being told how to express ourselves, as if we needed 'approval' for it."

The bandleader raised an eyebrow. "And we're supposed to just go along with this?"

"Outwardly, yes," Miranda said smoothly. "Play your songs, smile, do the photoshoot if they ask-- whatever. But when it comes time to perform? Follow their lead. The mood will shift, and that's when you show your real style. Trust me, it'll work. Just don't let Sunshine Melody know what we're planning. We all need to keep quiet until it's too late for them to change anything."

Her tone was so confident, so assured, that the band eventually nodded in agreement. Miranda's charisma had won them over.

----

Meanwhile, the press and fans at large learned of Akari's "spirit of unity" for the festival, and rumors began to fly. Speculation was rampant about what exactly this unity meant, but one detail quickly leaked: Akari planned for everyone to wear Sunshine Melody's signature stage costumes in solidarity, an idea that ruffled feathers among fans of the indie bands and Moonlight Prism alike.

The idea of Moonlight Prism or any of the indie acts donning bright, bubbly idol costumes drew immediate criticism. Online forums exploded with accusations of "selling out," with fans of the darker, more introspective bands accusing them of compromising their artistic integrity for the sake of Sunshine Melody's vision.

But through it all, Moonlight Prism and the other bands remained silent. There were no responses to the criticism, no denials or clarifications-- just quiet resolve. They kept their cards close to the chest, knowing that any misstep could ruin their plan before the festival even began.

----

At the Prism Productions studio, Hana and Riko sat together, quietly reading through the growing online chatter. Riko's brow furrowed as she scrolled through the criticisms. "This is going to blow up in our faces, isn't it?" she muttered.

Hana calmly shook her head. "It's a gamble, sure. But we have to walk the path Akari's set for us, at least for now. Let them think we're playing along."

Riko leaned back with a sigh, staring at the ceiling. "Yeah, but the moment we step on stage, it's all or nothing. We're either going to pull this off, or we'll be crucified for trying to undermine their 'unity' thing."

Hana gave a small, reassuring smile. "We'll be fine. We're not undermining anything. We're just shifting the meaning. The proof of our resolve is reserved for the festival. Once we're on that stage, the music will speak for itself."

Riko, despite her doubts, couldn't help but grin. "Yeah. Let's hope it does."

----

## Uniform Unity

In the bright halls of Sunshine Melody's studio, Sakura and Yui stood side by side, surrounded by a neat row of garment bags, each meticulously labeled with the names of the bands and musicians set to perform at the Sunshine Music Festival. These were not just any outfits-- they were the idol costumes for Moonlight Prism and the various indie bands participating in the festival. The costumes had arrived in pristine condition, their contents representing more than just fabric and design. They were a statement of Akari's vision for the festival.

Sakura unzipped the first garment bag, her eyes widening slightly. Inside was a costume clearly designed with the same care and attention to detail as Sunshine Melody's own stage outfits. The sky-blue and white color scheme, the faux fur trim, and the feathered ornaments were all there, perfectly in line with Sunshine Melody's signature aesthetic. For a moment, Sakura felt impressed. The quality was undeniable, and there was a certain beauty in the vision Akari painted coming to life.

"They really went all-out," Sakura murmured as she carefully ran her fingers over the material of the costume. "It's... perfect. Exactly what we envisioned for the festival."

Yui, standing beside her, gave a small nod as she inspected another costume. "Yeah, they didn't cut corners. The standards are top-notch, as expected for Sunshine Melody." She sounded calm, but there was an edge to her voice, something that Sakura picked up on immediately.

Sakura glanced at Yui, frowning. "What's on your mind?"

Yui gave a small shrug, still inspecting the garment in her hands. "Aren't you just a little bit... uncomfortable with all of this?"

Sakura paused, her fingers lingering on the costume. She was impressed-- there was no denying that. But as she stood there, surrounded by the idol costumes that were meant for Moonlight Prism and the other indie bands, an unsettling feeling began to creep in. The costumes were perfect, but they also felt like a uniform-- a way of making everyone else conform to the image that Akari had in mind for the festival. An image that might not reflect the reality of who these musicians truly were.

"I..." Sakura hesitated, her thoughts swirling. "I don't know. I'm proud of what we're doing. But at the same time, I feel like we're... forcing this on them. It's almost as if we're asking them to play second fiddle to Sunshine Melody's vision, rather than letting them be themselves."

Yui glanced over at her, a knowing look in her eyes. "That's because we *are*," she said bluntly. "This whole 'spirit of unity' thing? It's a coronation for Akari. She's crowning herself the queen of music at Sunshine Academy. All of this," Yui gestured around at the costumes and the preparations, "is about making Akari look like she's on top of the world, with everyone else supporting her from below."

Sakura's heart clenched at Yui's words. She didn't want to believe that. She didn't want to believe that Akari, the girl she had stood beside for so long, was using the festival as a way to elevate herself above the others. Akari had always been ambitious, but that ambition had been part of her charm-- part of what had made her a leader. Surely, Akari didn't intend to force anyone to submit to her vision. Surely, this wasn't about vanity.

"I don't think that's what she meant to do," Sakura said softly, shaking her head. "Akari's intentions are genuine. She just wants to create something beautiful, something everyone can be a part of."

Yui sighed and crossed her arms, leaning against one of the racks of costumes. "Maybe she is genuine. I'm not saying she's a bad person. But she's ambitious, Sakura. You know that as well as I do. This whole festival-- it might have started with good intentions, but look at what it's become. All of these bands, all these artists-- they're being made to fit into her vision. To wear her costumes, follow her rules, and put on a show that highlights *her* idea of what the music scene should be. Whether she realizes it or not, this is about making herself look like the best. And everyone else? They're just part of the supporting cast."

Sakura clenched her fists, torn between her loyalty to Akari and the uncomfortable truth in Yui's words. She didn't want to see Akari as someone who would use others to elevate herself, but she couldn't deny that things weren't going the way Akari probably imagined. The costumes, the choreography, the approved song list-- it all felt like they were pushing everyone else to conform to Sunshine Melody's image rather than celebrating their individuality.

"I want to believe in her," Sakura said, her voice quiet. "I want to believe that Akari's doing this for the right reasons. That this isn't just about her."

Yui's gaze softened, but she didn't back down. "I believe in her too, Sakura. But that doesn't change what this looks like from the outside. Intentions don't always match the outcome. She might not see it herself, but this festival-- it's her vanity project. She's putting herself ahead, even if she doesn't mean to."

Sakura looked away, her thoughts racing. Yui was right-- Akari's ambition had always been a driving force behind Sunshine Melody's success. But now that same ambition was casting a shadow over everything they were doing.

"What do we do, then?" Sakura asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Yui stood up straight and gave a small, resigned smile. "We do our job. We make Akari's vision a reality, as best we can. It's our job to make her look good-- better than she is, even. But there are limits, Sakura. We can't hoist her up forever. And the other bands? They're not loyal to Akari. They're here because they have to be, not because they want to be. They're not going to lift her up the way we do."

Sakura bit her lip, her resolve wavering. "I'm her second-in-command. It's my job to make sure her vision succeeds."

"It's all our jobs," Yui replied. "But just remember-- there's a difference between making her look good and forcing everyone else to fall in line behind her. If you push too hard, those other musicians are going to push back. And when they do, it's not going to be pretty."

Sakura felt a weight settle on her shoulders as Yui's words sank in. She didn't want to believe that the festival was becoming something it wasn't meant to be. But deep down, she knew that things were starting to unravel. And it was her responsibility to make sure Akari's vision didn't fall apart-- no matter the cost.

Even if that meant questioning whether the vision itself was worth pursuing.

----

In the brightly lit fitting room of Sunshine Melody's studio, the tension was palpable. Hana, Riko, and Astra stood in front of a large mirror, each of them wearing their freshly-tailored idol costumes for the upcoming Sunshine Music Festival photoshoot. The costumes, designed to fit the clean, vibrant aesthetic of Sunshine Melody, were a far cry from the gritty, introspective vibe Moonlight Prism was known for. 

Hana shifted awkwardly in her costume, a sky-blue and white crop top with a fluffy tiered skirt that felt too light, too bright for her usual somber style. Her silver bob brushed against her cheeks as she glanced over at Riko, who stood beside her, arms crossed, her expression one of quiet resignation. Astra, on the other hand, was visibly upset, her piercing gold eyes filled with irritation as she glared at her reflection. Her messy dark hair was a stark contrast to the pristine, almost sugary outfit she had been forced into. The three of them, so different in style and attitude, looked like they were wearing someone else's skin.

Hana sighed softly, tugging at the hem of her top as she whispered to Riko, "I feel out of place in this... It doesn't feel like me at all."

Riko turned her head slightly, her choppy silver bob swaying as she met Hana's gaze in the mirror. "Yeah," she replied, her voice low, "I know what you mean. Honestly, it's not my style either. Wearing this... it makes me feel like my mom won."

Hana bit her lip, unsure how to respond. She knew how strained Riko's relationship with her mother was, but hearing Riko voice it so openly in this moment made it even more real. Before she could say anything, though, Astra scoffed from the corner of the room, her golden eyes blazing with barely concealed fury.

"This is a joke," Astra muttered, her voice sharp. "We're being dressed up like dolls for a photoshoot that's really a publicity stunt. They want us to fit into *their* mold, not ours." She tugged at her costume in frustration, clearly hating the way it felt on her body. "I didn't sign up for this."

Hana didn't disagree. None of them had signed up to be idolized in this way, not in the context of Sunshine Melody's carefully-curated image. They were Moonlight Prism, and this wasn't who they were. It was like being shoved into a brightly colored box that didn't fit.

As if on cue, the door to the fitting room swung open, and Aoi sauntered in. Dressed in her own idol costume-- similar to theirs-- Aoi flashed them a bright, confident smile. She immediately took in their appearances, her eyes gleaming with approval.

"Wow, you all look amazing!" Aoi exclaimed, walking over to them with an air of casual familiarity. "These costumes really suit you. They bring out a whole new side of you." 

Riko's lips curled into a smirk, but it was laced with sarcasm. "Yeah, sure," she muttered under her breath, her tone flat. "Suits us perfectly."

Astra didn't even bother to hide her disdain. She simply crossed her arms, her gaze darkening as she stared at Aoi with clear irritation. "Sure. Whatever you say," Astra muttered, her words dripping with sarcasm, though she refrained from saying anything she might regret later.

Aoi, seemingly oblivious to the tension, smiled and approached Hana with a lightness in her step. Her eyes lingered on Hana for a moment, then, with a surprising amount of care, Aoi reached out and adjusted the hem of Hana's costume. Her fingers were gentle as they smoothed the fabric, and her voice was soft, almost teasing.

"You know, with your silver hair and my blonde, we could make a matching pair," Aoi said, her tone playful, yet carrying a serious tone. "When I look at you now, in that costume, I see another me."

Hana froze, her discomfort obvious as her eyes flickered nervously to Riko. The thought of being compared to Aoi, of being seen as anything close to her, made her feel a deep sense of unease. She wasn't like Aoi-- she didn't want to be. Their worlds, their personalities, their music... it was all so different.

"I don't think so," Hana said quietly, trying to brush off Aoi's suggestion.

But Aoi wasn't deterred. Her competitive nature flared up, and she leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Come on, Hana. We could be like twin sisters. A sun and a moon. Think about it; we could do a lovely duet on stage together."

Hana's heart raced, and before she could muster a response, Riko stepped in, her voice cutting through the tension. "Stop it, Aoi," Riko said firmly, her protective instinct kicking in. "Hana is *my* sister. She isn't your plaything."

Aoi blinked, taken aback for a brief moment, but then her lips curved into a sly smile. "Is that so?" she said, her voice dripping with challenge. "Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?"

With those cryptic words hanging in the air, Aoi turned on her heel and left the room, her competitive nature still simmering beneath the surface.

After the door clicked shut behind her, the room was left in a heavy silence. Hana exhaled slowly, her body tense, her heart still pounding from the unsettling exchange. Riko placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her grip firm and steady.

"Don't listen to her," Riko said softly. "Aoi is trying to get into your head. You're my sister, no matter what."

Hana gave Riko a small, grateful nod, though the unease lingered in her chest. She didn't like Aoi invading her space, only feeling comfort that Riko was there for her when she needed her. This world of idols and polished perfection wasn't hers, and no amount of costume fittings or photoshoots could change that.

----

Hana and Akari walked together under the glowing lights of Tokyo's nightlife, the hum of conversation and the clinking of dishes from nearby restaurants filling the air. The scent of savory food from a nearby Chinese restaurant drew them in, and Akari had eagerly insisted on treating Hana to dinner. 

"This place is one of my favorites," Akari said cheerfully after they stepped inside and took their seats. The interior of the restaurant was warm and inviting, with lanterns casting a soft glow over the tables. 

Hana smiled politely, her mind preoccupied even as Akari continued to chat. It had been a long day of rehearsals, photoshoots, and preparation for the festival, but she appreciated the gesture of Akari wanting to spend time with her.

After they placed their orders, Akari raised her glass, a bright smile lighting up her face. "To a successful festival tomorrow!" she declared, clinking her glass against Hana's.

Hana smiled and raised her glass in response. "To a successful festival," she echoed softly, though her heart wasn't fully in it. She took a sip, a feeling of guilt tugging at her chest. 

Something about tonight didn't sit right with Hana. Maybe it was the way Akari was treating her like they were best friends when, in reality, their friendship felt a lot more one-sided than Akari seemed to realize. Hana didn't have the heart to bring it up, though. Akari was excited, cheerful, and full of energy, completely oblivious to any of Hana's reservations, or to what she was planning to do the next morning that would surely be seen as a betrayal of trust.

Waiting for their food, Akari leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful for a moment before she spoke again. "You know, Hana, I really wish we could collaborate more. We're such good friends, after all. It just feels right. Like we're meant to work together."

Hana's smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, nodding politely. "Yeah... that would be nice," she said, though inside, the words felt hollow. Akari was laying it on thick, completely unaware of how distant Hana felt in this moment. She wasn't sure what to say. Akari's enthusiasm was genuine, but it was hard to ignore how out of sync they were.

Akari's voice brightened as she continued, her words coming quickly as if she couldn't wait to get them out. "I mean, don't you think Sunshine Melody is the face of Sunshine Academy? We've really become the apex of what the music world at the school should aspire to, right? Everyone looks up to us, and they should. I just think we're setting the standard for what success in music should look like."

Hana's heart sank at the words, though she kept her expression neutral. [The apex of the music world?] Akari's tone was casual, her confidence unshakable, but the comment stung more than Hana wanted to admit. She was serious violinist, training to perform in prestigious concert halls, before rejection lead her to Moonlight Prism and pursuing a different path in music. To hear Akari speak so dismissively of anything that wasn't Sunshine Melody's brand of music hit deeper than Akari realized.

Akari, of course, was completely unaware of how her words came across. She kept talking, her voice full of excitement as she went on about her hopes and dreams for Sunshine Melody's future, how they could inspire the next generation of musicians at Sunshine Academy. 

Hana, meanwhile, listened in silence, nodding here and there but feeling more and more disconnected. She realized, with a sinking feeling, that Akari truly believed what she was saying. It wasn't that Akari was trying to insult her-- it wasn't intentional at all. But it was clear that Akari hadn't even considered Hana's feelings or her background as a musician. She was so caught up in her own view of the world that she didn't see how narrow it was.

After their dinner arrived, Hana kept her polite smile on, but her thoughts were racing. [Could my friendship with Akari last like this?] she wondered. [If she's always this oblivious, always caught up in her own dreams and never noticing how I feel...] 

It wasn't the first time Hana had felt this way around Akari, but tonight, it was more pronounced than ever. The conversation had made it clear just how different their perspectives were. Akari had always been full of ambition, and Hana admired that about her, but the more time they spent together, the more Hana felt like Akari was in her own world-- one where Hana's feelings and experiences didn't really matter. It was as if Akari was the star of the story, and Hana was merely a supporting part, one meant to make her look good.

Hana picked at her food, her appetite fading as the conversation wore on. Akari continued to talk about the future of Sunshine Melody, about the festival, about how they could set an example for others to follow. Hana smiled and nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself. But as the night went on, she felt her friendship with Akari was more fragile than she had realized, more than she wanted to admit. 

It wasn't that she didn't care about Akari-- she did. But how long could she keep pretending everything was fine when Akari didn't even seem to notice that anything was wrong? 

After they finished their meal and prepared to leave, Hana thanked Akari for dinner, her voice soft and sincere. But inside, she couldn't stop wondering if this friendship was destined to remain one-sided, and if she was okay with that. 

----

Hana stepped into the apartment, the door clicking softly behind her as she leaned back against it, letting out a deep breath she didn't realize she had been holding. The dim light of their shared space contrasted with the neon glow of the Tokyo streets just outside the window. She could hear the faint hum of the city, but in here, it was quiet. Riko was sprawled out on the couch, dressed in loose pajamas, her short silver hair tousled as she lazily flipped through a magazine.

"Hey," Riko called out without looking up. "How was dinner?"

Hana didn't answer right away, still leaning against the door, her eyes closed as she gathered her thoughts. She had been stewing over everything Akari said all evening, and now that she was back home, she could finally let her guard down. Slowly, she opened her eyes and glanced over at Riko, who still hadn't moved from the couch, completely relaxed.

"We're doing it," Hana finally said, her voice steady but quiet. "We're going to do 'Sweet Summer Dreams' as planned. As our own cover."

At that, Riko's head snapped up, the casual demeanor gone. She sat up on the couch, her magazine forgotten, and looked directly at Hana.

"We'll set the mood," Hana continued. "Akari... she's going to have to face the reality that Sunshine Melody isn't the face of Sunshine Academy." Her words were calm, but beneath the surface, there was a quiet fire burning.

Riko studied her for a moment, the way Hana's arms were crossed tightly, the way her usually composed expression had a shadow of something heavier behind it. "Are you okay?" Riko asked, her voice softening with concern.

Hana's lips curled into a small, almost humorless smile. "I'm fine," she said, though her tone betrayed her. "But... after dinner with Akari, I realized something." She paused, her gaze distant for a moment before locking back on Riko. "Akari doesn't care. Not about my feelings, or probably anyone else's. She's so wrapped-up in her own world, in her own dreams, that she doesn't even notice what she's doing to the people around her."

Riko stood up now, crossing the room to where Hana stood. She didn't say anything, just gave Hana the space to speak.

"I've been letting her get away with it," Hana continued, her voice quiet but firm. "I've been enabling her, thinking that maybe if I just go along with things, it'll be fine. But it won't. Not if I don't do something. So, we're doing the cover. We're going to open the festival, and we're going to show everyone that Moonlight Prism isn't second to anyone."

Riko's expression softened into a smile, the kind that only Riko could pull off-- half teasing, half supportive. "There's my girl," she said, stepping forward and resting a hand on Hana's shoulder. "I'm glad you're finally pushing back. Akari needs to see that she's not the center of the universe. And trust me, no matter what ridiculous frilly costume they make us wear, I'm with you all the way."

Hana felt a small weight lift from her chest. Riko always had a way of cutting through the noise, of making everything seem simpler than it really was. She could count on her for that.

"I'm just sorry this has to come at the cost of your friendship with Akari," Riko whispered, giving Hana a tight hug.

Hana smiled a little, feeling some of her tension begin to fade, returning the hug. "Yeah, me too."

----

## The Morning of Truth

The morning of the Sunshine Music Festival was charged with energy. The bright skies over Sunshine Academy were a perfect backdrop to the bustling crowd filling the main stage area. Moonlight Prism had been announced as the opening act, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The majority of the audience was made up of students from the academy, fans of Moonlight Prism, and curious spectators eager to see what the band had prepared.

Backstage, Hana, Riko, and Astra stood together, dressed in the same Sunshine Melody idol costumes they had been fitted in days before. The fluffy skirts and crop tops stood in sharp contrast to their usual style, and Riko could already sense the scene they were about to cause just by stepping out in them.

Behind the trio, Itsuki and Kaede were in their usual black and silver techwear outfits, a stark contrast to the idol getups the girls were wearing. Itsuki smirked, his usual teasing nature coming through as he adjusted his guitar strap. 

"It's not too late, you know," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I could still switch with you, Riko. Rock this outfit for the crowd."

Riko shot him a deadpan look. "Don't even think about it. I'm not sharing the spotlight with you in *this*."

"Your loss," Itsuki chuckled, throwing a wink at Kaede, who just shook his head.

Hana, standing slightly apart, glanced at Astra, who had been characteristically quiet. Astra's dark hair framed her indifferent expression, her piercing gold eyes scanning the stage from behind the curtain. She seemed unfazed by the absurdity of the costumes they were all wearing, but Hana knew there was tension simmering under the surface.

Finally, Hana looked over at Riko, searching for any last-minute reassurance. "Are we ready for this?" she asked quietly, trying to keep her nerves in check.

Riko gave her a crooked smile, her typical confidence shining through despite the strange situation. "There's no going back now," she said, adjusting the microphone in her hand. "We're about to make a scene, like we always do."

Hana nodded, taking a deep breath as she turned her focus toward the stage. The sound of the crowd cheering with excitement sent adrenaline rushing through her. This was it.

The stage lights dimmed, and as Moonlight Prism stepped out into the spotlight, the crowd's excited chatter shifted to murmurs. The girls' idol costumes drew surprised reactions from the audience-- gasps, whispered comments, and a few nervous chuckles-- but no one knew what was coming next.

Riko, taking her place at the center of the stage, stepped forward with the microphone. Her voice rang out clear as she greeted the audience. "Good morning, Sunshine Academy!" she shouted, a grin spreading across her face. "I know, I know-- you're all probably wondering what on earth we're wearing."

The audience responded with some nervous laughter, as Riko had anticipated. She nodded toward them, a playful glint in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm right there with you. These outfits? Not exactly what we had in mind for today's performance. But hey, in the spirit of unity, right?" More laughs echoed back, some members of the crowd visibly relaxing.

Riko's grin turned cheeky. "Thanks for not booing us or throwing glowsticks at the stage... yet." She took a dramatic bow, which Hana, Itsuki, and Kaede followed with their own bows, though Astra merely shook her head in the background, arms crossed and unimpressed.

Straightening back up, Riko continued, her tone shifting to something more candid. "You know, I was thinking earlier, my mom-- Mana O Mana-- would probably love to see me like this. Dressed like a proper idol, singing one of her hits. She'd probably say something like, 'Finally, you're following in my footsteps.'"

The crowd murmured, recognizing the famous name, but Riko's expression hardened ever so slightly as she continued, "But I'm not a 'good little idol.' I'm not here to fulfill anyone's expectations but my own."

She paused for a moment, letting that sink in before her signature smirk returned. "This is Moonlight Prism. And we're here to rock. So... are you all ready to rock with us?"

The audience's response was immediate-- cheers, applause, and the electric energy of anticipation filled the air. Riko turned to glance at her bandmates, her resolve clear. Hana gave her a small nod, her own quiet determination settled in her chest, while Astra stood at the ready, the weight of the moment hanging between them.

With a signal from Riko, the band launched into their cover of 'Sweet Summer Dreams'. The contrast between their bright idol costumes and the introspective, rock-infused arrangement of the song couldn't have been more pronounced. The crowd, initially surprised, quickly found themselves swept up in the energy of Moonlight Prism's performance.

Hana's violin soared over the music, adding a haunting layer to the familiar melody, while Riko's powerful vocals led the charge. Itsuki's guitar riffs intertwined with the rhythm of Kaede's drums, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Even Astra played her synthesizer with precision and focus, adding her own unique touch to the performance.

After the final notes rang out across the audience, there was a beat of stunned silence before the cheers erupted. The crowd, initially uncertain, was now fully captivated by Moonlight Prism. The band had made their statement, loud and clear.

Riko stood at the front of the stage, catching her breath, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. She glanced over at Hana, who met her gaze with a look of quiet relief. They had set the tone for the festival, and they knew they had forced everyone-- especially Sunshine Melody-- to recognize that Moonlight Prism was not playing second fiddle to anyone.

----

Backstage, the atmosphere among the five members of Sunshine Melody was tense. Akari, Sakura, Aoi, Yui, and Hikari stood silently, still dressed in their bright, coordinated idol costumes, watching in a mixture of disbelief and shock as Moonlight Prism finished their bold, unconventional rendition of 'Sweet Summer Dreams'. The roars of the audience echoed from the main stage, but none of them could tear their eyes away from what had just unfolded.

Akari's perfectly rehearsed smile was plastered on her face, though her eyes betrayed the confusion swirling inside her. She forced herself to speak, voice steady but with a thin veneer of strain. "What... what was that?"

Sakura, ever the helpful one, tried to answer, tilting her head slightly. "That was 'Sweet Summer Dreams', Akari."

Akari's smile tightened, her frustration barely contained. "I know *what* it was," she said through clenched teeth, her gaze still locked on the stage. "But that didn't sound like the song at all. They butchered it."

Beside her, Hikari quickly nodded, always eager to support Akari. "Yeah, they made a mockery of it," she said, her eyes wide with indignation. "That's one of the most classic J-pop songs, and they turned it into... whatever *that* was. It was disrespectful!"

Yui, who had been observing quietly, finally chimed in, her tone more measured. "It was on the approved song list, Akari," she pointed out, her expression calm but thoughtful. "Just like all the other songs on Moonlight Prism's set list. They didn't do anything outside the rules."

Akari blinked, momentarily taken aback. She turned her head slightly to look at Yui, still forcing the smile that now looked more like a mask. "What are you trying to say, Yui?"

Yui shrugged lightly, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. "I'm saying, it seems like you made an assumption-- that Moonlight Prism wouldn't play their own covers. Did you expect them to just mimic the original, like everyone else?"

Akari fell silent. She hadn't expected this at all. The smile on her face wavered, but she quickly forced it back into place. For the first time, the realization that she hadn't fully prepared for Moonlight Prism's bold moves began to sink in. She had underestimated them. Badly.

A smirk spread across Aoi's face, her arms folded confidently over her chest. "Hana did it again, didn't she?" she said with an almost gleeful tone. "She's really a threat to us. You have to admit it now, Akari. She's not playing around. And you know what? We don't need to hold back anymore."

Akari's head turned sharply toward Aoi, but Aoi continued, undeterred, her smirk growing wider. "They gave us enough ammunition to crush them under our heels. Moonlight Prism may have played their little game, but they made a mistake by stepping into *our* world. We're idols, and we're going to show them what that really means."

Sakura frowned, her brows knitting together as she shot a glance at Aoi. "No," she said softly, shaking her head. "They didn't make a mistake. They played their hand well, within the rules we set ourselves. You can't fault them for doing exactly what we allowed them to do. If anyone's to blame for this fiasco, it's us. We underestimated them."

The tension in the room thickened. Aoi's smirk faded slightly as she considered Sakura's words, but the competitive gleam in her eyes didn't disappear. Meanwhile, Hikari stayed silent, a look of worry crossing her face as she glanced between the other girls. She was always quick to agree with Akari, but now even she seemed uncertain of what to say.

But Akari hadn't said a word since Yui's comment. She stood stiffly, her arms at her sides, the smile still forced onto her face, though it had become more rigid, almost unnatural. Her mind was racing, turning over what Aoi had said.

*Hana is a threat.*

The words echoed in her mind, and for the first time, she found herself questioning her place. Hana, the quiet one, the one she never thought could rise to the challenge, had managed to shake the foundation of Sunshine Melody's standing with one bold move. The festival had only just begun, but Akari could already feel the shift in power, the threat lurking beneath Moonlight Prism's rebellious display.

Aoi's words started to take root. If Hana was a threat, then they needed to act. They couldn't let Moonlight Prism steal the spotlight, no matter how unconventional their performance was. They had to defend their title as the faces of Sunshine Academy-- by any means necessary.

But even as the idea formed in Akari's mind, a chill crept up her spine. Could they really crush Moonlight Prism? Or had they already lost the first battle?

Without saying another word, Akari clenched her fists at her sides, forcing herself to keep smiling as she stared out at the stage. She couldn't afford to lose her composure now. Not in front of the others. Not when the fight had only just begun.

----

As the sun set over Sunshine Academy, the vibrant hues of orange and pink sky fading into dusk, the main stage was bathed in artificial light. It was the final act of the day-- the performance that Akari had spent weeks planning, one that she envisioned as the grand finale to the Sunshine Music Festival. Everything was supposed to lead up to this moment, to Sunshine Melody's crowning achievement, showcasing them as the undisputed stars of the academy.

But things hadn't gone as planned.

The day had started off with Moonlight Prism's surprise performance, an act that had thrown the festival into chaos, encouraging other bands to break free from the expected norms and play their own songs in their own ways. What was supposed to be a standard series of performances had quickly turned into a celebration of individuality, and the festival had taken on a life of its own.

Akari had tried her best to avoid Moonlight Prism all day. She didn't want to see Hana. She didn't want to face the smug satisfaction she knew would be there in Riko's eyes. Most of all, she didn't want to lose her composure before her own performance. If she did, she feared the cracks in her carefully crafted confidence might become too visible to hide.

Now, as Akari, Sakura, Aoi, Yui, and Hikari stood backstage, all dressed in their matching idol costumes, the pressure weighed heavily on them. The sequined outfits sparkled under the stage lights, and their bright, practiced smiles were painted on their faces, but there was an unmistakable tension in the air. Akari, as always, was at the front, her smile as perfect as ever, though inside, her thoughts churned.

Yui, standing just behind her, crossed her arms and gave a small, derisive chuckle. "A grand finale? No, this feels more like a coronation," she said quietly enough that only the girls around her could hear. "Or at least, that's what it was *supposed* to be."

Akari's shoulders stiffened at the comment, but she said nothing. She couldn't afford to engage in Yui's cynicism now. Not when she needed every ounce of confidence she had left.

They took the stage, the lights brightened, and Akari's voice rang out over the microphone, chipper and practiced. "Good evening, Sunshine Academy! We are Sunshine Melody, and we're so excited to be here with you tonight!" Her voice was full of energy, but beneath it, there was a strain. 

The crowd that had gathered in front of the stage cheered-- but Akari could tell it wasn't the same kind of crowd she had expected. Most of the faces belonged to their loyal fanbase, not the students of Sunshine Academy. The students themselves, as Akari had feared, were elsewhere-- likely visiting the smaller stages spread out around the campus, enjoying the more indie and experimental bands that had sprung to life throughout the day. They were drawn to the diversity, the novelty, the *freedom* those performances represented.

But here, on the main stage, was the polished, refined, and coordinated act of Sunshine Melody. Their performance, as always, was flawless-- precise choreography, upbeat pop rhythms, and glittering smiles that had been honed through countless rehearsals. Every step, every note, was perfectly synchronized, the epitome of what a J-pop idol group was supposed to be. 

Akari tried to focus on maintaining her best face, acting like nothing was wrong. She had spent years perfecting this image-- she couldn't let it falter now, not when she was supposed to be the leader, the face of Sunshine Melody. She had to maintain the illusion.

And yet, looking out into the crowd, she couldn't shake the sinking feeling that had been gnawing at her since the beginning of the day. She knew what had happened: Moonlight Prism had changed the narrative of the festival. They had set the tone, encouraged the other bands to play their music in ways that resonated with them, and the students had followed. The energy of the festival had shifted away from what Sunshine Melody represented-- away from the uniformity, the predictability, the *tradition* that Akari had clung to so tightly.

Finally, after the last song ended, Akari took a deep breath and stepped forward to make the declaration she had planned all along. She lifted the microphone to her lips, her smile unwavering. "Thank you so much for being here tonight!" she called out, her voice as bright as ever. "Sunshine Melody is proud to be the face of Sunshine Academy's music. Our performance today is just a glimpse of the future that awaits us all-- beyond the confines of this school. Together, we will shine even brighter!"

The crowd cheered, loyal fans waving their glowsticks, but the applause felt hollow to her now. 

Because inwardly, Akari knew the truth.

She had already lost.

It wasn't just that Moonlight Prism had surprised everyone with their audacious move. It wasn't just that they had broken the mold with their performance of 'Sweet Summer Dreams'. It was the fact that Moonlight Prism-- and all the other bands that had followed their example-- had connected with the audience in a way that Sunshine Melody never could. They had embraced the chaos, the individuality, the spirit of the festival, while Akari had stubbornly clung to the old rules.

She could feel the weight of that realization pressing down on her as she stood there, still smiling, still acting as if everything was fine. But inside, her mind was spinning. She had wanted this performance to be the grand finale, a triumph that would cement Sunshine Melody as the stars of Sunshine Academy.

But now, it felt like they were performing in a world that had already moved on.

After the final cheers died down and they walked off the stage, Akari's smile finally faded. She had done her best to maintain her composure, but she couldn't shake the bitter taste of defeat.

The truth was, she had never seen it coming.

----

The festival after-party was buzzing with energy as the bands that had performed throughout the day gathered to unwind. The venue-- a casual cafe on campus-- was transformed with dim lighting, bright neon decorations, and a playlist of indie tracks that set a laid-back atmosphere. Despite the day's intense competition, the bands mingled and shared drinks, basking in the camaraderie that the festival had fostered.

In one corner of the cafe, the members of Moonlight Prism-- Hana, Riko, and Astra-- sat with Miranda around a table, still in their Sunshine Melody idol costumes. The costumes, which had felt a bit awkward earlier in the day, now seemed to fit them like a joke they were all in on together. No one seemed to mind anymore, and Miranda was even lounging comfortably in hers.

"Cheers to that performance!" Riko grinned, raising her glass. "We really shook things up today."

Miranda, sitting next to her, clinked glasses with Riko and leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smirk on her face. "Yeah, and because of that, a ton of students came to my stage. I should thank you guys for making it happen." She flipped her long blue hair over her shoulder, the faint red tint in her eyes catching the dim lighting. "I billed myself as the 'chuuni alum'-- you know, leaned into my old reputation. And it *worked*."

Hana let out a laugh, her silver crescent moon pendant glinting as she adjusted her posture. "So your 'chuuni' antics from back in the day *finally* paid off, huh?" She winked, teasing. "I guess all those times you tried to cast magical spells in class weren't for nothing."

Miranda chuckled. "You laugh, but I got a bigger crowd than I expected! Turns out the students still love a bit of spectacle."

As the conversation continued, Riko glanced over at Astra, who was sitting with her phone in hand, scrolling through something with her usual quiet focus. Astra's short black hair fell over her face, concealing one of her sharp, piercing gold eyes as she tapped the screen with a detached expression.

"What are you looking at?" Riko asked, leaning over.

Astra didn't even bother to look up. "Reading online opinions about the festival."

Riko laughed, shaking her head. "Of course you are. You always have a good pulse on what the fans are saying. Anything interesting?"

Astra's fingers paused for a second, her eyes narrowing as she read a particular comment. "Fans are scoffing at the idea that Sunshine Melody is the 'face' of Sunshine Academy's music." She finally looked up, her golden eyes gleaming as she met Riko's gaze. "If anyone, that title belongs to Moonlight Prism."

Hana blinked, surprised. "Wait, really?" She sat up a bit straighter, not sure if she believed it. "That can't be right."

Riko leaned back in her chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Nah, it makes sense, Hana. You and Astra are alums, and Moonlight Prism set the tone for the festival. We played our music our way, and that encouraged everyone else to do the same. In a way, we *are* the leaders here."

Hana considered this, tapping her finger against the table thoughtfully. "I mean... I guess that's true." She still looked uncertain. "But it feels kind of arrogant to claim that we're the 'face' of the academy's music scene. That's a big statement."

Astra shrugged and pointed at her phone. "If anyone's arrogant, it's Akari. She's the one who stood on stage earlier and called Sunshine Melody the 'face' of the academy's music."

At that, both Hana and Riko fell silent.

The weight of Astra's words settled over them, and the playful atmosphere between the band members dimmed just a little. They all knew Akari, the leader of Sunshine Melody, took her role as the academy's idol very seriously.

Hana sighed, leaning back in her chair and looking off toward the cafe's windows, her mind elsewhere. "It's not over yet, is it?" she muttered, mostly to herself.

Riko glanced at her, sensing the shift in Hana's mood. "What are you thinking?"

Hana shook her head. "I think I need to talk to Akari. This is all just... I don't want things to escalate more than they already have."

Riko, always ready to support her bandmate, leaned forward with a concerned look. "I'll come with you."

But Hana quickly shook her head. "No. I need to talk to her alone."

Riko opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself when she saw the seriousness in Hana's eyes. She nodded slowly, trusting Hana's judgment. "Okay. Just be careful. They may be idols, but idols can be cutthroat when they want to be."

Hana gave a small, reassuring smile and stood up from the table, brushing off her costume. "I'll be fine. Akari's not unreasonable. She's just... under a lot of pressure."

With that, Hana made her way toward the exit, her mind already racing with what she would say. The night air was cool as she stepped outside, and she couldn't help but feel that this conversation with Akari might be the most important one she'd had in a long time.

Because whether she wanted to admit it or not, Moonlight Prism had changed things today-- and Akari wasn't going to take that lightly.

----

The night had settled in by the time Hana made her way to the quiet side of the school grounds, the distant sounds of celebration still drifting through the air. Akari was waiting, standing stiffly in the shadow of one of the decorative festival lights. Behind her, the other members of Sunshine Melody-- Sakura, Aoi, Yui, and Hikari-- lingered uneasily. As soon as they saw Hana approaching, Yui gave a subtle nod to the group, signaling that it was time to give the two leaders space.

"We'll be over there," Yui said softly to Akari, the older girl's calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. Sakura and Aoi exchanged glances, and without a word, they all turned and walked away, leaving Hana and Akari alone.

Hana took a deep breath and approached, unsure how this conversation would go but knowing it was long overdue.

Akari greeted her with a forced smile, the same one she used during performances-- bright and practiced, but hollow. "So, you've come to apologize?"

The tone immediately put Hana on edge. She crossed her arms, carefully choosing her words. "What exactly do I need to apologize for?"

Akari's eyes flickered with something bitter beneath the surface, her smile not faltering. "For ruining everything."

Hana knew that was overly dramatic, even for Akari. She forced herself to stay calm, though irritation gnawed at her. "Akari, we didn't ruin anything. Moonlight Prism played by the rules-- *to the letter*, in fact."

But Akari wasn't having it. Her forced smile twitched, betraying the simmering anger beneath it. "You played by the letter of the rules, sure. But you didn't play by the *spirit* of them. I wanted to hear Riko belt out her mom's song, the way everyone knows it! That's what the festival was supposed to be about! Instead, you--" she jabbed a finger in the air, her voice rising with frustration, "you all *changed the tone of the entire festival*."

Hana knew the accusation was true, but she stood her ground. "You're right. That *was* our intention. We wanted to play the music *our* way, and that's what bands are supposed to do-- have the freedom to be who they are, to use their music to express themselves."

Akari's smile faltered even more, her frustration seeping through. "That's not what this festival is about! It's about placing Sunshine Melody in its rightful place as the *apex* of music at Sunshine Academy!" Her voice was firm, as if this was a truth only she believed in.

"The students and fans don't see it that way," Hana replied harshly, having had enough of Akari's delusions. She stepped closer, her voice steady yet firm. "They've already decided that Moonlight Prism is the true 'face' of Sunshine Academy's music. No amount of posturing on your part is going to change that."

Akari's expression darkened, but she said nothing, waiting for Hana to continue.

"And let's not forget one important thing," Hana added, her eyes narrowing. "You, Sakura, and Aoi are drop-outs from Sunshine Academy. You left to chase your idol dream, and while I respect that, it's ridiculous to claim you represent the academy when I-- an actual alum-- am standing right here."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Akari's smile, still plastered on her face, now felt more unsettling, as if it were a mask she couldn't take off. It was as if she refused to acknowledge the truth staring her in the face.

Hana took a step back, exhaling slowly. "And you know what the real problem is? You don't listen to anyone. If you actually valued my opinion, you would've asked for it a long time ago instead of assuming I'd just go along with whatever you say. I always had to ask you to consider my thoughts and feelings. You never stopped to ask yourself."

Akari's eerie smile stayed firmly in place, but something in her eyes flickered-- hurt, maybe, or even rage-- before she finally spoke again. "I reject your viewpoint, Hana," she said coldly, her voice almost too calm. "You don't deserve to wear that uniform. You're a disgrace." She raised a hand, pointing sharply toward Hana. "Leave. And return the idol uniform you're wearing."

Hana stared at her, incredulous. Akari was really willing to throw their friendship away over this? Over a festival? Over some delusion that Sunshine Melody was supposed to be the *only* shining star at Sunshine Academy?

Hana rolled her eyes, realizing Akari wasn't going to budge. "You really think I'm going to strip down right here?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "My clothes aren't here. Besides..." She smirked, tilting her head. "I think I'll hold onto this, if only to remind myself that I'm not going to encourage your behavior anymore."

Akari's eerie smile twisted into something darker. "Take it off. Now."

But Hana had already turned on her heel, walking away without looking back. She could hear Akari's angry demands growing more distant behind her, but she didn't care. Whatever friendship they once had, it was over now.

Hana didn't need Akari's approval. She knew who she was, and she knew what Moonlight Prism stood for.

And no one-- not even Akari-- could take that away from her.

----

As Hana made her way back to the after-party, the faint sounds of music and laughter growing louder, she was stopped in her tracks by slow, sarcastic applause. She turned to find Aoi standing in her path, clapping mockingly, a smirk playing at her lips.

"Well, well, well," Aoi said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Bravo, Hana. You played the game masterfully tonight. You really made a fool out of Akari in front of the entire school."

Hana furrowed her brow, her patience already thin after her confrontation with Akari. "What are you talking about, Aoi?" she asked, her voice level. "Look, if you're here to cause trouble, I suggest you go check on Akari. She might need some help."

Aoi chuckled darkly and shook her head. "Oh, Akari? Don't worry about her. She's got Sakura and Hikari to lick her wounds. But *me*? I've got some unfinished business with *you*."

Hana sighed, rolling her eyes. "I don't want to play whatever game this is, Aoi. Just stand aside."

Aoi's expression darkened as she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "You don't have a choice, Hana. You've messed with Sunshine Melody one too many times, and now you need to take responsibility for your actions."

Hana recognized the tone in Aoi's voice. She wasn't about to be guilt-tripped, not this time. Aoi had always tried to make everything a competition between them, a rivalry that Aoi clearly hadn't let go of. Time and again Aoi went out of her way to humble Hana, with Aoi only recently having invaded her personal space when she first put on the idol costume to suggest they were 'alike'. But the humiliation of that day no longer held power over Hana; the idol costume had transformed into a badge of honor following the successful festival performance. Aoi preying on her insecurities would not work this time.

"You're not fooling anyone," Hana said calmly. "This isn't about responsibility, and you know it. You're just trying to pick a fight because we both know you've never gotten over that silly rivalry we had."

Aoi's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, there was a tap on her shoulder.

Aoi spun around to see Astra standing behind her, arms crossed, with a look that spoke volumes. It was a warning-- a quiet, yet intense warning that screamed, *don't mess with me.*

"I suggest you back off, Aoi," Astra said, her voice cool and cutting. "You really want to mess with Hana that bad? Because I'm not like her. I'm not *nice.*"

Aoi blinked, clearly taken aback by Astra's sudden appearance. She looked Astra up and down, weighing her options. For a moment, she looked like she wanted to argue, but something about Astra's demeanor made her think better of it.

"I've got... something to do," Aoi muttered, turning away quickly and walking off, her bravado dissolving as she disappeared back toward where Hana came from.

Hana let out a relieved breath and turned to Astra. "Thanks for the assist. I wasn't in the mood to deal with her."

Astra shook her head. "You're too nice, Hana."

Hana chuckled softly, giving Astra a teasing glance. "You're too nice, too."

Astra's usual sharp wit seemed to fail her for a moment, her expression softening ever so slightly. She said nothing, keeping her mouth shut, as if unsure how to respond. 

Hana noticed the shift in Astra's demeanor and decided to let her off the hook. "Come on, let's get back to the after-party before Riko wonders what's taking us so long."

Astra gave a small nod, and together, the two of them made their way back to the lively celebration. Whatever drama Aoi had tried to stir up, it was behind them now. And as far as Hana was concerned, she wasn't going to let anyone-- *especially* Aoi-- ruin what was left of their night.

----

Hana, Riko, and Astra were in the dressing room, peeling off their idol costumes after the long event. The room smelled faintly of hairspray and sweat, with sequins and bits of fabric scattered around from their outfits. Riko was humming softly as she rummaged through her bag, while Astra, silent as usual, was focused on fixing her tousled hair, adjusting the bangs that often covered one eye. 

After Hana slipped off her costume and grabbed her usual attire, the door creaked open. Yui, the strategist of Sunshine Melody, stepped in, her aqua-blue hair slightly tousled, though her composed demeanor didn't falter. She glanced at Riko and Astra, then focused her attention on Hana. 

"Hana," Yui began, her voice quiet but carrying a weight behind it. "Can we talk? Privately."

Riko shot a glance at Hana, curious but also not one to get involved if it wasn't necessary. Astra, catching the shift in mood, glanced at Hana, but said nothing, opting to continue her quiet routine. 

Hana nodded, curious about what Yui wanted. "Sure," she said, pulling her shirt on and stepping toward Yui. "What's on your mind?"

Yui closed the door softly behind them as they stepped just outside the dressing room. She paused for a moment, as if considering her words carefully, then spoke. "I wanted to apologize. On Akari's behalf." Her tone was earnest, but there was an underlying weariness, as though this wasn't the first time she'd found herself in this position.

Hana blinked, surprised. "Apologize? For what? The drama earlier?"

Yui nodded. "What Akari believes... isn't necessarily what the rest of Sunshine Melody believes." She glanced away for a second, then returned her gaze to Hana. "I just didn't want you to think that all of us are on the same page as her."

Hana crossed her arms, studying Yui's expression. The apology was genuine, but still, it left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Thanks, Yui. But to be honest, it would've been better if that came from Akari herself."

Yui let out a soft sigh and nodded. "I know. Believe me, I agree with you. But..."

She hesitated, then took a small step closer, lowering her voice as if she didn't want anyone to overhear what she was about to say. "The truth is, Hana, we've all had to... 'massage Akari's ego' for a long time. We work around her. It's how we keep things from blowing up."

Hana raised an eyebrow. "That bad, huh?"

Yui gave a small, almost resigned smile. "She can be... difficult. That's putting it lightly."

Hana leaned against the wall, her expression softening slightly. "Then maybe someone else should step up as the leader," she suggested. "If Akari's that much trouble, why not hand the reins to someone who can actually manage things?"

Yui's eyes flickered with something-- relief, maybe, or even a little bit of understanding. "Honestly, that's already happening. Sakura, our second rank... she's the one who really runs the show. She's why Sunshine Melody is still as successful as it is."

"Then it's successful in spite of Akari," Hana pointed out, her tone a little sharper than she intended.

Yui didn't flinch. Instead, she nodded slowly. "Yes. That's the truth of it. But sometimes... the illusion of a working relationship is better for the masses. It keeps the drama behind the scenes. If Akari were pushed out or replaced, things would get messy, and not just for us."

Hana thought about it for a moment. As much as she disliked how Akari had handled things, she couldn't deny the wisdom in Yui's words. The world of idols thrived on image and perception, and sometimes the truth wasn't worth the fallout. 

"I understand what you're saying," Hana said finally. "I'll keep what happened between me and Akari to myself. You've got enough to manage without me making things worse."

Yui's shoulders seemed to relax a little at that, and she gave Hana a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. We'll do our best to manage her. It's not always easy, but we'll handle it."

She held out her hand to Hana, a gesture of goodwill, a silent agreement. Hana looked down at Yui's outstretched hand for a moment before taking it firmly, shaking it once.

"Then we have a deal," Hana said, her tone lightening a little. "I may have lost Akari as a friend, but I can respect people like you, Yui."

Yui smiled, a real one this time, and gave a small nod. "I appreciate that. We'll be alright on our end. And if things get too crazy, well... you'll be the first to know."

With that, Yui turned and walked away, leaving Hana standing just outside the dressing room, lost in thought for a moment. The fallout from Akari's outburst was still fresh, but at least Hana knew that not all of Sunshine Melody shared Akari's rigid view. She could work with that. 

As she stepped back into the dressing room, Riko looked up, curious. "What was that about?"

"Nothing too exciting," Hana said, brushing it off with a small smile. "Just settling some business."

Astra glanced at Hana, her sharp eyes catching something unspoken in Hana's demeanor, but said nothing.

The three of them finished changing in silence, each in their own thoughts, but knowing that at the end of the day, they had each other.

----

**Sunshine Music Festival Triumphs as a Celebration of Musical Diversity and Creativity**

The Sunshine Music Festival, held to raise funds and equipment for Sunshine Academy's music school, has proven to be a resounding success, far exceeding expectations. Initially conceived as an idol-centric event led by the popular J-pop group Sunshine Melody, the festival surprised everyone by transforming into a wide-ranging celebration of music's free spirit. 

The festival opened with a bang, courtesy of Moonlight Prism, an alt-rock band known for their introspective and soulful sound. Their cover of the classic Mana O Mana song, 'Sweet Summer Dreams', took the audience on an unexpected emotional journey, turning the catchy pop hit into a poignant, introspective art piece. This choice set the tone for a festival that would be defined not by flashy idol performances alone, but by the depth and variety of musical talent on display.

Following Moonlight Prism's opening set, a number of indie bands-- each alums of Sunshine Academy-- took the stage, showcasing their unique styles and demonstrating the fruits of their post-graduation success. These performances, which ranged from experimental rock to acoustic ballads, illustrated the broad spectrum of musical genres and talent nurtured by Sunshine Academy. For many attendees, these indie bands were a highlight of the festival, with several of the groups walking away with newfound fans and followers.

It became clear that this wasn't simply an idol-fest, but rather an event where the full range of musical expression was embraced and celebrated. For students at Sunshine Academy, it served as both a source of inspiration and a reminder that success in music can take many forms. The diverse selection of performances struck a chord with music lovers of all ages, blending nostalgia with the excitement of discovering new, up-and-coming artists.

Of course, no event organized by Sunshine Melody would be complete without the group themselves taking the stage. The festival concluded with a high-energy performance from the J-pop idol group, who topped off the festivities in true idol fashion. Their upbeat songs and meticulously choreographed routines were met with enthusiastic cheers from fans, bringing the day's events to a spirited close.

In its debut year, the Sunshine Music Festival has not only fulfilled its fundraising goals but has also captured the hearts of its audience with its surprising mix of music and artistry. The festival was a hit with both attendees and performers, inspiring a new generation of musicians at Sunshine Academy and beyond.

With its diverse lineup and thoughtful curation, the Sunshine Music Festival has set a high bar for future events. Attendees are already anticipating the next year's festival, eager to see the new music it inspires and the talent it will bring to the stage. 

This inaugural festival has proven that Sunshine Melody's star power combined with a celebration of musical diversity is a formula for success-- and one that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the music scene for years to come.

-- Sunshine Music Magazine

----

## The Aftermath

In the spacious rehearsal studio of Sunshine Melody, Yui closed her tablet with a soft sigh after reading the article from *Sunshine Music Magazine* aloud. The other members of the group sat around the room, some stretching after practice, others sipping water. Sakura, ever the steady presence, was the first to speak.

"Honestly, it's better than we could have hoped for," she said, adjusting the sleeves of her jacket. "No drama, no public fallout. Just a great festival with solid performances from everyone."

But Akari, seated at the edge of the room with her arms crossed, didn't share her calm sentiment. Her brows furrowed, and the frustration was clear on her face.

"It didn't turn out the way I planned," Akari muttered, shaking her head. "We should have been the headliners, the ones everyone's talking about. Instead, *they*-- Moonlight Prism-- made it all about themselves. And Hana--" Her voice wavered slightly. "She betrayed me."

Sakura glanced at her leader, her usual measured demeanor softening. "Akari, no one even knows about the fallout between you and Hana. It stayed out of the public eye, just like we hoped. It's all fine, and no one is the wiser." Her words were calm, reassuring, but they didn't seem to reach Akari.

Hikari, always quick to jump to Akari's defense, immediately chimed in. "You're right, Akari! Hana doesn't deserve your friendship anyway. She's always been--"

"No, that's not it," Akari cut in, her voice sharp, causing Hikari to blink in surprise. "I thought we had a *thing*, you know?" She trailed off, her gaze distant, as if lost in thought.

Aoi, lounging against the wall, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of 'thing', exactly?" she asked, half-teasing but with genuine curiosity in her tone.

Realizing she had let slip more than she intended, Akari quickly snapped out of her thoughts, her expression hardening once more. "Never mind," she muttered, brushing the topic aside with an air of finality.

Yui sensed the growing tension and quickly redirected the conversation. "Let's focus on what's next. The festival was a success, and we have our upcoming performance to prepare for. Akari, we need your head in the game for this one." She offered a small, encouraging smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Aoi's gaze shifted toward the floor, her own thoughts lingering on Hana. She had her own unresolved feelings when it came to their so-called rivalry. But unlike Akari, Aoi wasn't about to voice them. There was enough drama already, and she wasn't one to stir the pot unnecessarily-- at least not today.

Sakura saw the opening and decided to push Akari in a more productive direction. "Come on, Akari. Let's get back to practice," she said, standing and offering a hand to Akari. "We've got a new setlist to perfect, and the fans are expecting us to top the last performance."

Akari looked at Sakura's outstretched hand, the frustration still clear in her eyes, but after a moment, she sighed and took it, standing up. "Fine," she said quietly, though it was clear her mind was still on Hana. 

As they began their practice, Sakura stole a glance at Akari. She knew her leader well, and she knew that Akari's anger wasn't just about losing the spotlight or even about the falling out with Hana. There was something deeper, something more personal. But Sakura didn't have the heart to pry further. Not now. For now, it was enough to keep things running smoothly, even if that meant keeping the wounds hidden. But she couldn't help but worry about how long Akari could keep pretending everything was fine.

----

Back at Prism Productions, the members of Moonlight Prism were enjoying a rare moment of downtime. The cozy break room was their sanctuary, where they could unwind after long rehearsals or studio sessions. Hana and Riko shared one couch, Riko stretched out with her head resting on Hana's lap, while Itsuki and Kaede lounged on the opposite couch. Astra, as usual, sat alone on a stool by the small bar, her fingers rapidly tapping away on her phone.

Riko, always ready to fill silences with idle thoughts, suddenly sat up a bit, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, we still have those Sunshine Melody idol outfits," she said, glancing at Hana. "What are we supposed to do with them now?"

Without even looking up from her phone, Astra muttered, "Burn them."

Hana chuckled, gently brushing Riko's hair out of her face. "That's a bit extreme," she said, her tone light. "We don't want to raise any unnecessary attention. People might start talking about some kind of feud between us and Sunshine Melody, and the last thing we need is drama in the press."

Riko sighed, leaning back again. "Yeah, you're probably right. They'll just hang in the closet, untouched for years..." She paused, eyes narrowing in thought. "Unless... we auction them off a few years down the line. They could be 'collector's items' by then."

Hana laughed softly at the idea, her fingers continuing to idly play with Riko's hair. "That's not a bad idea, actually. Who knows? Maybe we'll put them back on someday for a throwback performance."

Astra scoffed from the bar, finally looking up from her phone. "Not happening."

Itsuki, never one to pass up an opportunity for humor, grinned and leaned forward, looking at Riko with a playful gleam in his eye. "Well, if you're just going to leave them in the closet, maybe I'll borrow one. I think yours would fit me perfectly."

Riko sat up straight and gave him a mock glare. "You'd just stretch it out, Itsuki! That's not happening, either."

Kaede chuckled softly from his side of the couch. "You girls better lock up your costumes if you don't want to find Itsuki crossdressing in them one day."

Laughter filled the room, even Astra couldn't help but smirk at the mental image, though she stayed quiet. Riko giggled, shaking her head. "Can you imagine? Moonlight Prism's guitarist, the next idol sensation. I can see the headlines now."

Itsuki puffed out his chest with mock seriousness. "I think I'd make a fabulous idol, thank you very much. Sunshine Melody wouldn't know what hit them."

Kaede shook his head with a grin. "You're not wrong, but let's stick to our alt-rock for now."

The room filled with easygoing laughter and the shared bond between them, their camaraderie strong even after all the tensions and rivalries outside. For a moment, it was just them, unwinding in the warmth of each other's company, knowing that, no matter what, Moonlight Prism would always stick together-- no crossdressing required.

----

## Dog Chases Car

Akari paced back and forth in the dressing room of Sunshine Melody's studio, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her mind was a whirlwind of anger and frustration. Hana-- perfect, serene, and poised Hana-- was going to be interviewed on a popular TV show that afternoon. The thought alone made Akari grit her teeth. It wasn't just about the supposed 'betrayal' she kept telling herself, but the feelings she had buried deep down for Hana, feelings that she could never publicly admit, let alone to herself.

Across the room, Aoi lounged lazily on a couch, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers. Her rivalry with Hana had simmered for ages. No matter how hard she tried to best Hana, it always ended with her being humiliated-- whether it was during side events, live performances, or just in casual banter. It was infuriating, and today, Aoi had decided that things would be different.

"She's going on national television today," Akari said, her voice low and tense.

"I know," Aoi replied, smirking. "I was thinking we should, you know... make her moment a little less *perfect*."

Akari's eyes flashed with intrigue. "What do you mean?"

Aoi grinned mischievously. "A little pie in the face during her big moment? Come on, it'll be hilarious."

Akari hesitated. A small part of her didn't want to humiliate Hana, but her anger, and the confusing emotions swirling in her heart, made her nod in agreement. "Fine. Let's do it."

Just as they were getting ready to leave, Sakura popped her head in through the door. "Where are you two going?" she asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow.

Aoi waved a hand nonchalantly. "Oh, we're just going for a walk."

Sakura sighed, knowing all too well what that phrase meant. "Try not to cause too much trouble," she warned, though she knew it was already a lost cause.

----

Akari and Aoi made it to the TV studio where Hana was set to be interviewed, their disguises as caterers providing them with the perfect cover. Akari was jittery with nervous energy, her heart pounding as they sneaked through the corridors. Aoi, on the other hand, was completely in her element, carrying a cream pie with a wicked grin plastered across her face.

"Once she's sitting there, we sneak up from the side, and boom-- pie in the face," Aoi whispered as they crept into the green room, where Hana was getting ready.

Akari looked at the pie uncertainly. "Are you sure this is going to work?"

Aoi snickered. "Of course it will. It's foolproof!"

Just as Aoi was preparing to leave the green room to execute their plan, Akari, still distracted by her conflicted feelings, accidentally bumped into Aoi, causing her to stumble.

"Watch it!" Aoi snapped, clutching the pie.

"You watch it!" Akari hissed back, her temper flaring. 

They glared at each other for a split second before Aoi, with a mischievous glint in her eye, reared back and-- without thinking-- smacked the pie right into Akari's face.

Akari stood there, stunned, her face covered in whipped cream. For a heartbeat, the room was completely silent.

And then, with an indignant growl, Akari grabbed another pie from the catering cart and hurled it at Aoi.

Aoi dodged it, but the pie hit the wall behind her with a loud splat. "Oh, it's on now!" she laughed, grabbing another pie and launching it at Akari. 

Soon enough, the green room was a war zone of flying pies and cake, with Akari and Aoi engaged in a full-blown food fight. Pies flew through the air, crashing against walls, furniture, and most often, each other.

Akari, her hair now smeared with frosting, slipped on a patch of cream and tumbled into Aoi, sending both of them crashing onto a large cake on the table. The cake collapsed under their weight, sending a mess of sponge and icing everywhere. By the time they struggled to their feet, they were covered head to toe in food.

Just then, security burst into the green room, taking in the chaotic sight of Akari and Aoi standing amidst the ruins of the catering, frosting dripping from their faces and hair. One of the security guards sighed. "You're both coming with us."

----

Thrown out of the studio and dumped unceremoniously onto the sidewalk, Akari and Aoi stood there, still covered in pie and cake, looking utterly ridiculous. People walking by shot them strange looks, some even stifling laughter.

Akari wiped a glob of cream from her face and shot Aoi an exasperated look. "You had to start the food fight, didn't you?"

Aoi, despite everything, chuckled. "Hey, it was kind of fun."

But then the realization hit them both at the same time.

"We... we forgot to humiliate Hana!" Akari groaned, slumping down onto a nearby bench. 

Aoi blinked, her face slowly falling as the weight of their failure sank in. "Oh no... we didn't even get to her! All this, and we didn't even mess up her interview."

Akari buried her face in her hands, her anger and embarrassment mixing with something else she couldn't quite identify. Aoi, however, simply shrugged and sat down beside her.

"Well," Aoi said, trying to be optimistic. "At least *we* got some attention. In the worst possible way."

Akari sighed deeply, still conflicted over everything. The interview had gone off without a hitch for Hana, and she was probably being her perfect, graceful self on live TV right now. Meanwhile, Akari and Aoi were the ones covered in cake and sitting outside a studio, humiliated beyond belief.

Despite herself, though, Akari couldn't help but laugh a little at the absurdity of it all. "Next time," she muttered, "let's leave the pies out of it."

Aoi grinned and nudged her playfully. "Yeah, maybe next time we'll actually think of a plan that works."

The two of them sat there in their ridiculous state, waiting for their next opportunity to come out on top-- or, at least, try again.




===========================================================================

This story is written with heavy AI assistance.

Akari returns to the story, and brings the drama with her. This is actually the second version of this story; while many of the story beats are the same some others were altered to make it less like Akari is doing this out of malice (which is something Aoi would do). Sakura and Yui are generally the voices of reason, while Hikari is relegated as a suck-up to Akari because she otherwise has nothing to do (and to be honest she's still the least developed of the quintet; I unfortunately think she needed Fluffy from the isekai story. Hikari would easily 'switch loyalties' if Akari wasn't the leader anymore). Along with it is Akari's personality flaws ruining her friendship with Hana, and the suggestion that Akari has a one-sided forbidden love affection toward Hana (which Hana still wouldn't reciprocate, especially after their fight). While this doesn't lead to Akari's self-destruction this time, it leaves her firmly in an antagonistic position relative to Moonlight Prism.

The primary goal of this story was to get Hana, Riko, and Astra to dress in Sunshine Melody idol costumes; that Miranda ended up in one as well was just a bonus (and let's face it, because it's Miranda, she's not entirely opposed to it like the other three). This is largely because Hana and Riko were forced to dress as idols in the alternate universe story as well as the 30 Minutes Sisters model kits allowing me to put their heads on idol bodies whenever I want. Astra... largely because having a person so visually opposed to the Beyond the Blue Sky outfit is rather striking in its own way.

The secondary goal was to highlight how Hana, Astra, and Miranda were graduates from Sunshine Academy while Riko, Akari, Sakura, and Aoi were not, and how it informed their post-school careers as well as their authenticity in their performances at the Sunshine Music Festival. Riko is the most offended by the drop-outs claiming to be the 'face' of Sunshine Academy's music. Perhaps it was because Riko was forced to drop out of school by her mom and she felt like she lost something in the process, so she would feel the most strongly about it. But in spite of the graduate/no graduate divide, all the girls involved are successful, so it's not to say that dropping out was the wrong move for their futures (but considering this story isn't dwelling on the ones who didn't make it, well...)

Akari and Aoi have positioned themselves as 'rivals' to Hana, and for different reasons. Akari, as stated, is fueled by Hana's perceived betrayal, and possibly her secret romantic feelings toward her. However, on top of this is Akari's whole-story plan to position Sunshine Melody as the 'face' of Sunshine Academy's music. Hana is a graduate and Akari is not. By attempting to convince everyone that Sunshine Melody embodies Sunshine Academy's music (and by extention, forcing all the girls to wear the Sunshine Melody idol outfit) she is trying to justify dropping out of school as the correct choice (which is a horrible message to send to the students, but Akari is self-centered); it's likely because Akari may have some lingering regrets from dropping out. Combine this with the perceived betrayal, and Akari might feel entitled to what Hana has.

Aoi is a bit more complicated. On the surface it is shown as a sense of superiority over Hana, but after Aoi compares her body type to Hana, it gets more messy. In the alternate universe Aoi also makes this discovery and becomes excited about it, because she is no longer 'alone' and has someone who must have suffered the same body image issues she had... except Hana doesn't have body image issues. Here, in addition to that, Hana achieved fame and success regardless, and Aoi hasn't, so Aoi can't reconcile why Hana didn't have a problem with her body image and Aoi does (to be fair, as an idol Aoi is under a lot more scrutiny for her physical appearance; she desires the sex appeal, but her current image is well-suited for being a professional dancer, which is why she doesn't take steps to change it). So when Aoi says she and Hana are 'the same' Aoi either wants the kind of success Hana has (and she won't, because Hana is loved for her shy, wholesome charm while Aoi is loud and brash) or bring Hana down to her level (and therefore the superiority Aoi wants to lord over Hana). 

Admittedly this is another story where Itsuki and Kaede really didn't have a lot to do, but to be fair Kaede is the rock and he's not going to make waves or anything by himself. Itsuki is just... random, and probably could stand to have his characterization take a few more stances at some point, like how Itsuki previously professed to not be interested in girls... but now he seems interested in Astra because Astra gives him pushback.



~ Razorclaw X