Prologue

Writer: Izanya

The staff huddled in the meeting room, distressed and panicked. Only two hours remained until the company’s offices closed, yet no solid progress was made on the replacement group. Months of planning gone to waste, thousands of dollars spent towards no outcome, hours of training for nothing.

If only the girls’ departures weren’t so sudden, we would’ve been able to come up with a backup plan. Aiko gripped the sides of the table, scanning the trainee profiles scattered alongside potential themes and corner-cutting budget plans. In order to make use of the assets already bought, the team had begun settling on a traditional Japanese concept for a group size of five members. Fewer new purchases and fewer members meant they could still make use of the funds leftover. Now, it was just a matter of whether such a group would make a lasting impression on the industry.

“I don’t think this will get approved, if I’m being honest,” the man to her left spoke, leaning back in his seat.

Aiko snapped her head towards him, worried. “What do you mean, Kohaku?”

He picked up a page, flicking the corner absentmindedly as he read to himself. “In terms of saving money, this plan is perfect. I expected nothing less from you as the head manager, Ms. Rurikawa,” he started. “However, such a group concept won’t gain us any attention from the public.”

“Why do you say that?” The woman could feel her frustration begin to boil. “From my research, traditional themes and group concepts have become much more in style as of late. It will definitely be palatable to the general public.”

“That is exactly the reason why.” He set the page down neatly in front of him, glancing at the other employees for assistance. “Would any of you care to explain to Ms. Rurikawa the concern here? Don’t let her seniority scare you into staying silent.” Met only with gazes to the floor or awkward laughing, Kohaku sighed and continued. “There are two things I would like to point out personally. First, since the concept is currently so trendy, we’d only blend into the crowd. Second, our company is known for failing acts, therefore hopping on a trend in the idol industry will only make us seem desperate.”

The head manager grumbled, crossing her arms. He made a good point. “Then we’ll just have to find a way to make the traditional… untraditional,” she said. Her eyes fluttered shut as she searched her head for an idea.

“That’s likely impossible, my dear. The terms are complete opposites.”

“Then… Might I make a suggestion?”

The employees watched as music producer Nao grabbed a few trainee profiles off the table. “There isn’t much we can do visually to stand out from other acts, which is why I think Mr. Kaneko, as a stylist, is having a difficult time understanding how to weave this concept into our company image,” they explained. “However, in terms of sound, most groups tend to stick to a very straightforward masculine or feminine tone, no?”

The staff nodded in agreement.

“Then, in order to stand out, we simply have to mix the two together.” They fanned out the profiles of five trainees, moving aside as everyone began crowding around the lineup.

Momoka. Female, age 18. A warm yet strong voice well-suited for lower notes. In terms of image, she’s a happy-go-lucky type that audiences can easily connect with like a close friend.

Kei. Male, age 15. A light and cute voice that creates a calm energy. Image-wise, he’s a young yet studious boy that due to his naivety, audiences can treat like a younger brother.

Haru. Male, age 17. A warm and stable voice that brings brightness to the music. He gives off the impression of a shy and quiet boy full of passion, an image appealing to a large audience type.

Meiko. Female, age 17. A strong and cool voice, with a cute undertone. For an audience, she inspires them as a hard-working young woman with a dislike for the unnecessary.

The fifth and final profile made Aiko raise an eyebrow. “Are you sure about this last one?”

“Well, I assumed Yuuto would be able to get her on board, so we might as well lock it in.” Nao glimpsed at the choreographer in question.

The man chuckled nervously. “I’m sure I could, if you give it some time. She probably needs to clear her thoughts after losing her fellow members today.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll debut a five member co-ed group under a traditional Japanese concept. Any objections, Mr. Kaneko?”

Surprisingly, he shook his head, causing a bright smile to appear on Aiko’s face. “Thank you Nao,” the manager exclaimed. “Tomorrow, we’ll plan for the success of our new group!”

With the tension of the room finally dissipated, the employees all cheered or let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the future was bright.

Kanae. Female, age 19. A light and stable voice that’s warm yet cooling in sound. The appeal of her image lies in her silent friendliness, creating a mysterious aura for the audience. Set to debut.