Late Night Talks at Ichigo Production
Despite the late hour, the lights in the small Ichigo Production office were still on. Inside the three-room building, the earlier murmurs had died down, replaced by a heavy silence. Ichigo and Miyako sat waiting in the meeting room. Gathered inside were the remaining members of the team—everyone except Ai and Nino.
Ichigo leaned back in his chair with a serious expression, quietly studying the uncertain looks on the girls' faces. Miyako stood in a corner, arms crossed, listening intently.
Ichigo:
"I gathered you here to listen. Let's be honest. Tell me what happened backstage yesterday, and how you really feel about it."
The girls exchanged hesitant glances. No one wanted to speak first. As the silence thickened, Watanabe finally took a deep breath and broke it.
Watanabe:
"President... We've been holding a lot inside for years. What happened with Nino last night was a reflection of what we've all been feeling. Ai is amazing—no one denies that. But sometimes... it feels like we're completely lost in her shadow."
The others nodded in silent agreement. Takamine spoke next.
Takamine:
"We're not angry at Ai. But it sometimes feels like she forgets we're in the same group. Everyone watches her. Everyone admires her. We work hard too, and we want her to notice that."
Miyako glanced at Ichigo, a slight frown on her face. This was turning out to be a bigger issue than they had anticipated.
Ichigo:
"Do you think Ai does this intentionally, or is she unaware?"
Watanabe:
"It feels like she doesn't realize it. But even unintentional actions can hurt, right?"
Ichigo was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
Ichigo:
"I see. So this isn't just Nino's problem—it's something you've all been holding inside. We need to fix this."
He turned to Miyako, who nodded in agreement.
Miyako:
"First, we need Ai to understand. But we can't just blame her. You all need to have an honest conversation with her too."
The girls nodded quietly in agreement.
Ichigo:
"Now, I need to hear from Nino."
Nino's Confession
Nino sat alone in Ichigo's office. Her hands rested on her knees, her gaze fixed on the floor. When Ichigo and Miyako entered, she lifted her head slightly, but the hurt from the previous night was still evident in her eyes.
Ichigo walked to the desk and faced her directly.
Ichigo:
"Nino, tell me what happened last night."
Nino took a deep breath and shook her head slowly.
Nino:
"Ai... She's incredible. We all know that. But standing next to her, sometimes I feel so... worthless. When she's on stage, everyone looks at her. When she talks, everyone listens. No matter what I do, I'm always stuck in her shadow."
Miyako listened closely, and Ichigo kept his eyes firmly on Nino.
Nino:
"I'm not saying this out of jealousy. I know I'll never be like her. But... at least I want to feel that I matter too."
Ichigo nodded. This wasn't just a moment of emotional outburst—it was years of pent-up feelings.
Ichigo:
"Do you want to leave?"
Nino hesitated. She met Ichigo's eyes, thinking for a moment before slowly shaking her head.
Nino:
"No. But if things stay the same, one day I might really want to."
Ichigo nodded as if he had expected this answer.
Ichigo:
"Then we'll fix it."
Nino lifted her head slightly. Miyako exchanged a knowing look with Ichigo.
Facing Ai
Ichigo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. Miyako stood beside him, silent and observant. They both waited as Ai entered the room, wearing her usual bright smile.
Ai:
"What's wrong? Is there a crisis, boss?"
Ichigo took a deep breath and got straight to the point.
Ichigo:
"What happened with Nino backstage?"
Ai shrugged lightly, maintaining her smile.
Ai:
"Oh, nothing major. We just talked. It's normal for emotions to run high sometimes after a performance, right?"
Miyako sighed, while Ichigo remained serious.
Ichigo:
"Nino is hurt. She said it's hard to live under your shadow. You don't think that's something serious?"
Ai's smile faded. She felt a twinge of discomfort but tried not to show it.
Ai:
"Nino is emotional. She'll calm down."
Ichigo shook his head slowly.
Ichigo:
"Are you aware? Everyone watches you. This team is built around you. If you turn your back on them, sooner or later, they'll give up."
Miyako added softly.
Miyako:
"Ai, you're amazing. But being amazing isn't enough. You need to support the people closest to you too."
Ai looked away, feeling something stir inside her. She opened her mouth, as if to speak, but ended up whispering:
Ai:
"I'm doing my best... but I'm tired of everyone expecting so much from me."
Ichigo remained silent for a moment.
Ichigo:
"If you're truly tired, maybe you should reconsider why you're here. Because if this continues, the team will fall apart—and you'll have to watch it happen, powerless to stop it."
Ai took a deep breath, glanced at Miyako, then Ichigo. Finally, she lowered her head and whispered:
Ai:
"I'll... think about it."
And she walked out.
Ichigo Production's Meeting
The next day, everyone gathered in Ichigo Production's small meeting room. Ai sat next to Ichigo, her usual smile on her face, but this time with a hint of guilt.
Ichigo began the meeting with a serious tone.
Ichigo:
"This meeting is about how we support each other. Yesterday taught us something: if we don't understand each other, this team won't last."
After a pause, he turned to Ai and gave a slight nod. Ai took a deep breath and spoke.
Ai:
"First of all... I want to apologize for what happened yesterday. Sometimes I hurt you without realizing it. I should have been more aware of your feelings. I promise I'll try to be a better leader."
The room was silent. Some looked sad, others hesitant. Nino avoided Ai's gaze.
Ichigo continued.
Ichigo:
"This isn't just about an apology. It's about how we move forward. Being a team isn't just about shining on stage—it's about standing by each other offstage too."
Miyako nodded.
Miyako:
"If Ai made a mistake, try to understand her. And Ai, you need to be more considerate of their feelings."
Nino took a deep breath and finally spoke.
Nino:
"Ai... You've always been the shining star. We've sometimes been left in the shadows. All we want is to feel like we stand on the same level as you."
Ai nodded. For the first time, it felt like she was truly listening.
Ai:
"Alright. I'll be more careful from now on. I'll spend more time with all of you."
Ichigo smiled slightly.
This meeting wasn't just an apology—it was a new beginning.
To Be Continued...