Green plums cannot become lovers.

Xiao Ai nodded vigorously: "Sister Zhu Yin specifically reminded us and even took us to buy it."

"That's good." Anhe Asuka was relieved and stepped aside to let the doorway open. "Let's go, time to go to school."

Let's go!

Four figures in brand-new uniforms blended into the flow of people on the streets of Tokyo in the early morning.

It only takes about ten minutes to walk from the apartment to Toyonosaki Gakuen. This is a stark contrast to my experience in Aichi, where I had to walk to the station and then take a half-hour bus ride to get to school. The convenience of big cities is subtly reflected in the details of daily life.

Along the way, the glass curtain walls of tall buildings reflected the rising sun, the roadside trees sprouted fresh green buds, office workers in suits hurried by, and students in various school uniforms walked in twos and threes.

Everything was vibrant, yet also carried the efficient alienation characteristic of a metropolis. The three girls, like fawns entering a new forest for the first time, their eyes sparkling as they surveyed their surroundings, occasionally whispering to each other, pointing to a novel shop or a uniquely designed building. Curiosity and excitement dispelled the slight trepidation they had initially felt upon entering this completely unfamiliar environment.

Soon, the imposing gates of Toyonosaki Academy came into view. The entrance was already bustling with activity, a gathering of new and returning students, their young faces etched with anticipation for the upcoming academic year. It must be said that Tokyo, a city brimming with resources, generally produces young men and women with a more refined or fashionable air about them.

But Marina's radiance, Shizuka's elegance, Ai's gradually emerging star power, and the quiet handsomeness of An and Asuka themselves, made their small group of four quite eye-catching in the crowd, attracting a lot of attention.

"I hope we can all be in the same class this time," Marina whispered as she walked toward the bulletin board to check the class assignments.

Throughout their three years of junior high school, the four of them were not in the same class, which remained a small regret in the hearts of the girls.

Her eyes searched through the densely packed list. Soon, Shizuka pointed to a spot softly but firmly: "Here."

Class E. On the list, four familiar names were listed: Asuka Anwa, Shizuka Kuze, Marina Kirasaka, and Ai Hoshino.

"Yay!" Marina couldn't help but exclaim softly, giving Ai a high five. Shizuka also smiled, her eyes shimmering with a relaxed joy. Seeing their happy expressions, An and Asuka felt a slight sense of relief. Being able to continue their daily lives in the same space was always a comforting thing.

Following the directions, they found Class E's classroom, where many new students were already seated. As the four of them entered the classroom together, they could clearly feel many eyes turning towards them.

Three strikingly different yet equally beautiful young women, along with a handsome young man, make a pair that's bound to attract attention wherever they go. Some people stare curiously, some whisper among themselves, and others simply glance at them before turning away.

An and Asuka quickly found their seats—the second row by the window, not far from the podium, a good spot. The seat in front of them was already taken; it was a quiet, unassuming girl with short hair. Marina, Shizuka, and Ai's seats were scattered in different corners of the classroom. They each went to their seats, began tidying themselves up, and quietly observed their future classmates.

An and Asuka also glanced around the classroom. The students had different expressions; some were nervous, some were excited, and some had a cool, aloof air. He habitually began to observe, trying to remember some characteristics. This was his little trick for quickly integrating into new environments and building relationships with people—remembering people's names and characteristics, and mentioning them naturally at the appropriate time, always helped to quickly close the distance.

Soon, the homeroom teacher—a bespectacled, seemingly gentle and capable middle-aged woman—entered the classroom. After a brief opening, the essential part of the new student orientation began: self-introductions.

The students stood up one by one. Some were quick and efficient, some stammered nervously, and some were poised and confident. An and Feiniao listened attentively, silently labeling each face in their minds: that boy seems to be good at sports; this girl might be good at the arts; the one sitting in the corner seems to be reading a book.

Then it was the turn of a boy with black-rimmed glasses and somewhat disheveled hair who was sitting in a certain seat. He stood up abruptly, his voice loud and clear, and his speech incredibly fast:

"My name is Aki Tomoya! My hobbies are anime, visual novels, and light novels! I especially love *Dark Fairy of Blazing Flames* and *Love Metronome*! My goal is to become an excellent game producer! I hope to become friends with everyone in the future. It would be even better if we could become like-minded friends, discuss the latest anime series together, or collaborate on fan games! By the way, I'm currently planning a very amazing project. Although it's still in the conceptual stage, it's sure to be amazing..."

His speech came out like a machine gun, quickly veering from self-introduction to a fervent advocacy of his personal interests, his eyes gleaming with an almost burning light. The atmosphere in the classroom became somewhat awkward; some couldn't help but chuckle, while others wore expressions of confusion. It wasn't until the homeroom teacher gently but firmly interrupted, "An Yi, your introduction was very...enthusiastic. However, time is limited; please give the opportunity to other students."

The boy named Aki Tomoya stopped, still feeling a bit unsatisfied, scratched the back of his head, and sat down, his face still flushed with excitement.

An and Asuka silently labeled him in their minds as "pure," "overly enthusiastic," and "potentially a bit troublesome." Such a person is usually a source of liveliness in a group, or the cause of trouble.

The self-introductions continued. When it was An and Asuka's turn, the short-haired girl in front of them stood up calmly, her voice not loud but clear:

"My name is Kato Megumi. Nice to meet you."

The introduction was extremely brief, without even mentioning hobbies. Her tone was as flat as if she were saying, "The weather's nice today," and coupled with her somewhat understated presence, many people seemed not to realize her introduction was over after she sat down. An and Asuka, however, noticed the naturalness and composure in her tone.

Then it was his turn.

"My name is Anhe Asuka. My hobbies are reading, music, and studying. Please take care of me." He stood up, his tone steady and his attitude humble. After speaking, he politely nodded and sat down. His consistent style was neither overly conspicuous nor easily overlooked.

The three girls' self-introductions were all unique: Marina's liveliness, Shizuka's elegance, and Ai's composure after a slight nervousness. All of these drew attention from the teacher.

The lengthy but necessary opening ceremony took up the rest of the morning. The principal's encouragement, the passionate speech by the new student representative, the welcome from the senior students... everything was similar to what I went through in junior high, only the stage was bigger and the people around me were newer.

The novelty was like the cool air rising from an ice cube in summer—vivid yet fleeting. As the afternoon classes began in an orderly fashion, as the blackboard was filled with unfamiliar formulas and chapters, and as the school bell rang in the same standard school buildings, the excitement and thrill of entering a completely new world quietly receded like the tide, revealing the hard, everyday beach beneath.

Walking back to their apartment after school, the setting sun cast long shadows of the four of them. Marina stretched her arms: "Ah—high school in Tokyo, the lessons suddenly seem so much harder."

"Yes, the progress is fast." Shizuka nodded, already holding a notebook filled with notes.

"And everyone seems... to be quite talented," Xiao Ai said softly, recalling the skillful performances of several classmates in music class.

An and Feiniao walked beside them, listening to their conversation. A completely new environment and a higher platform naturally meant fiercer competition and a faster pace. They had foreseen this when they decided to come. After the initial excitement, what they truly needed to face was the daily grind of learning, adapting, and climbing.

“Take it slow,” he said, his voice steady in the evening breeze. “We have plenty of time. First, get familiar with the environment and keep up with the pace, and then… we can do the rest one by one.”

Back in the apartment that has gradually become a place of life, I put down my backpack and changed into my loungewear. The aroma of dinner being prepared wafted from the kitchen, and the sounds of the news or soft music drifted from the living room.

In a corner of this vast metropolis, their new daily routine unfolded smoothly. The new faces they met and the new names they heard today were merely the first few strokes sketched in this long scroll.

In the fast-paced city of Tokyo, time seems to flow even more swiftly. In the blink of an eye, several weeks of school have passed, and life at Toyonosaki Academy is gradually revealing its everyday texture.

With his consistent composure and appropriate friendliness, An and Asuka quickly established good interpersonal relationships in the class.

He speaks in a calm tone, is a good listener, and can offer insightful opinions or appropriate humor at suitable times. Whether it's the boys' discussions about ball games during breaks or the girls' hesitation about club activities, he can naturally join in the conversation without being overly enthusiastic and stealing the spotlight, nor being marginalized by remaining silent.

This just-right level of approachability made him a popular figure in the class, and various cliques were happy to invite him to their activities.

However, this "popularity" also brought some sweet burdens, the most notable of which was his classmate named Aki Tomoya.

From the beginning, Aki Tomoya and Asuka maintained a cautious distance from each other. He gave him the same basic politeness and responses as he would to other classmates, but he would never take the initiative to get closer, much less show any enthusiasm beyond what was necessary.

The reason is simple: in An and Asuka's eyes, this boy is an absolute "source of trouble".

This judgment was sown during his self-introduction on the first day of school, and weeks of observation confirmed it. Aki Tomoya's enthusiasm was burning, but that heat seemed to be driven entirely by his inner interest, rarely paying attention to the "climate" around him.

He'd suddenly interrupt others while they were discussing their weekend plans, his eyes lighting up at the mention of an anime term, launching into a long, rambling explanation of the related settings, completely oblivious to the abrupt shift in topic. He'd assume a classmate was a fellow enthusiast just because they casually remarked, "I think I've heard of that game before," and spend the next few days trying to recommend the entire series, merchandise, and even fan-made works to them, until the classmate found an excuse to avoid him.

His most outrageous act was that he would take advantage of lunch break several times to play his favorite anime or game opening sequences on the whiteboard at the front of the classroom. He would turn the volume up low but enough to attract attention, and then enthusiastically invite the few students in the classroom to watch. However, most of the time, he was the only one who was engrossed in it, clenching his fist and shouting at the screen, while the other students either smiled politely and went about their own business or simply left the classroom.

According to An and Asuka, this is less a "passion" and more a kind of insensitivity to the boundaries of others, built on a strong sense of self-interest.

Interacting with Aki Tomoya requires extra mental energy to deal with his sudden, one-sided bursts of interest, and the various invitations that may follow, which might need to be politely declined. This is undoubtedly exhausting for Aki and Asuka, who are used to maintaining their comfort zones in interpersonal relationships and already have multiple responsibilities to balance, such as music, academics, and caring for their companions.

So when he was taking a break that afternoon and was about to use the rare quiet time to browse through a music theory book he had borrowed from the library, that familiar voice rang out again with its usual unwavering enthusiasm, and he sighed softly to himself.

"Anhe! So you've been here!"

With his perpetually slightly messy hair, Aki Tomoya, his eyes sparkling behind his glasses, leaned close to An and Asuka's desk, completely oblivious to their engrossed reading.

An and Asuka looked up, closed the book in their hands, and put on their usual calm expression: "Anki-kun, is there something you need?"

"Yes, yes!" Aki Tomoya nodded vigorously, leaning forward and speaking faster, "I wanted to ask, Aki-kun, have you joined any clubs? You seem pretty... well, pretty relaxed usually, haven't you found a club you like yet?"

"No," An and Asuka replied succinctly, hoping this answer would end the conversation.

However, the word "end" didn't seem to exist in Aki Tomoya's dictionary. His face immediately lit up with an excited "I knew it!" expression, and he placed his hands on the table, raising his voice slightly: "That's great! So, are you interested—"

“No interest.” An and Asuka interrupted him calmly and firmly before he could finish speaking.

A moment of silence fell. Aki Tomoya's mouth hung open, the words "Join our anime and manga culture fan club that we're organizing" stuck in his throat. This was the third time this week he had tried to extend an invitation, and the previous two times, he had been politely and swiftly rejected in almost the same way.

"Eh...?" A clear look of disappointment flashed across Aki Tomoya's face, but he adjusted himself incredibly quickly, his eyes soon sweeping over the cover of the music theory book on An and Asuka's desk.

"Ah! Anhe-kun, are you interested in music?" He seemed to have discovered a new continent, instantly switching gears, his tone full of hope again. "This book is about music theory, right? Does Anhe-kun play an instrument? Or do you like composing? Actually, the combination of anime and music is super interesting! There are many anime soundtracks, opening and ending themes that are amazing! For example, recently..."

“Aki-kun.” Anwa Asuka’s voice rose slightly, not harsh, but carrying a clear and undeniable tone of interruption. He put down his book, looked up, and stared directly into Aki Tomoya’s eyes, which were gleaming with excitement. His tone was steady, but each word was clear:

Please don't bother me, okay?

These words were like a basin of cool water at just the right temperature—not so cold as to hurt, but enough to cool down an overheated mind. Aki Tomoya finally stopped his impending new round of "Amway speech," his excited expression freezing for a moment. He blinked, seemingly only then realizing that the other person was focused on their own business.

"Ah... oh, I'm sorry." He subconsciously took a small step back, scratched his hair, and looked a little embarrassed. "I saw you reading a book and thought... I'm sorry, please continue."

He waved his hand, turned and walked away, his steps slower than when he came, his back looking a little embarrassed. But given his optimistic personality, it probably wouldn't be long before he was ignited by a new interest and looked for the next possible "like-minded" target.

An and Asuka watched him return to their small circle of friends, who were equally passionate about ACG culture. The group immediately huddled together, discussing something, and Aki Tomoya quickly regained his animated expression. He gently shook his head and reopened the book in his hands, but the immersive reading mood he had just been in had been interrupted and was difficult to regain immediately.

He didn't particularly dislike Aki Tomoya. This classmate wasn't a bad person at heart; he was enthusiastic and genuine, and even somewhat... simple-minded and naive.

But just as an overly strong perfume can make people dizzy, and an overly focused spotlight can make people uncomfortable, Aki Tomoya's uncontrollable, ever-explosive, and extremely aggressive "enthusiasm" did indeed make An and Asuka feel tired, and subconsciously wanted to maintain a safe distance.

In another corner of the classroom, Marina was chatting happily with several newly acquainted girls, seemingly discussing where to go shopping on the weekend. Shizuka sat quietly in her seat, a novel open in front of her, occasionally glancing up at the clouds outside the window. Ai was called over for a chat by a classmate from the next class who was also interested in idols.

His gaze swept over the familiar, comforting figures, finally settling on the back of the girl named Kato Megumi in the front seat. She always seemed so quiet, her presence perfectly understated, neither easily overlooked nor oppressive or intrusive. At this moment, she was tilting her head slightly, looking out the window, lost in thought, the afternoon sunlight casting a soft golden glow on her smooth, short hair.

Perhaps, this comfortable distance should exist between people. A peaceful, unassuming relationship like that of Kato Megumi, with moderate, give-and-take interactions like those with other classmates, is the sustainable norm in school life. As for Aki Tomoya… that's an exception, requiring special strategies to handle.

Anwa Asuka looked away, his fingers tracing the pages of the book. He decided that if Aki Tomoya invited him again next time, he could perhaps give a clearer reason for "no," such as "I'm already very busy with my studies and music practice, and I don't have any extra time," or simply say "I really have no interest in this field."

Although given Aki Tomoya's persistence, it may require repeated reiteration, it is at least clearer than simply interrupting him.

The cherry blossoms outside the window have long since fallen, and the branches are now lush with new green leaves. Spring in Tokyo is fleeting, and the scent of summer is already faintly lingering in the air. In this new school, a new daily routine is being built, and how to properly handle relationships with "special" classmates like Aki Tomoya seems to be a lesson to be learned in this daily life.

An and Asuka weren't worried; they were always good at observing and adjusting. At this moment, however, they wished the book in their hands and the tranquility of this afternoon could temporarily belong to them alone.

Volume 1: Chapter 165 The Beginning of Hoshino Ai [1.15w]

High school life is like a gently flowing stream, not as dramatic, passionate, budding romance, or fierce rebellion as some youth dramas portray it.

Most students still attend classes diligently, take notes, complete assignments, sweat it out in club activities, and stay up late to study before exams—simplely and steadily fulfilling their duties as "high school students." This ordinary daily routine, for An and Asuka, who have experienced the ups and downs of life and cherish stability all the more, has a comforting and reassuring quality.

Looking up at the white clouds in the distance, I felt the early spring breeze blowing in my face.

An and Asuka would occasionally lean against the railing of the corridor outside the classroom during breaks, gazing at the vast sky in a daze. Tokyo moves at a fast pace, but within the confines of this school, time seemed to flow by in a relatively leisurely manner.

Until April 15th, an ordinary Saturday, a sunny day.

On this day, a long-awaited and significant event for their small group finally arrived.

After more than a year of systematic training in vocals, dance, physical fitness, performance, and even media relations, Ai Hoshino is finally about to make her official debut as an idol.

Akane Kousaka and her team had been preparing for this day for a long time. The promotional campaign for their debut proceeded smoothly, with meticulously designed promotional photos being released one after another, a slightly mysterious teaser video being released on social media, a dedicated page being updated on the agency's official website, and press releases from media outlets being prepared.

The most crucial "first strike" at the beginning of their debut was the release of the music video "I'm Sorry for Being So Cute".

This song holds special significance for them. It was created during the anniversary celebration of Anhe Asuka Junior High School in their first year. It is an early, somewhat immature yet sincere creation that carries warm memories of supporting each other during that difficult time. Now, the song has been carefully rearranged and produced, accompanied by a choreography created by a professional team, full of energy and cuteness.

On the day of the release, An and Asuka, along with Marina and Shizuka, waited in front of their computers in their apartment. The moment the video finished loading, a bright and cheerful melody flowed out. The visuals were high-quality PV production: dominated by dreamy pink and white tones, with exquisite set design.

In the center of the frame, Hoshino Ai wears an exquisitely designed stage outfit—a short skirt adorned with lace and bows, white knee-high socks, and her hair styled in playful pigtails, adorned with star-shaped hair accessories. Her face bears a sweet smile, a smile that reflects her rigorous training yet effort to maintain her natural charm, and her eyes are clear and bright.

As the song began, her voice, honed to a clearer and sweeter tone, was bright and clear, with precise enunciation and rich emotion. The dance moves were lively and adorable, with a strong sense of rhythm. While adhering to the standards of idol dance, it subtly retained her unique personal charm—a resilience and radiance that years of rigorous training had not completely extinguished, originating from within. The PV's camerawork, editing, and special effects were all top-notch, perfectly highlighting her cuteness and energy.

The video was simultaneously released on multiple platforms. With Rouge en Rouge's promotional efforts, it quickly garnered attention.

The effect was particularly noticeable on Bicobico, a video website primarily featuring anime, comics, and games (ACG) content. Within half a day, the number of views surpassed one million, with a dense barrage of comments and a rapidly growing number of comments in the comment section.

"A new idol for Rouge en Rouge? This project looks promising!"

"Wow! This kid is so cute! His smile is so infectious!"

"The song is great, the melody is catchy, and the production quality is very high."

"Hoshino Ai...that name...it seems familiar...where have I seen it before..."

"That was a fantastic dance! So full of energy!"

"I need all of this girl's information within one minute!"

Anhe Feiniao logged into his music account on Bicobico, which he had been running for several years. As he continued to release original music and performance videos, the account had accumulated a following. Although not a top star, it had a certain influence in the independent music scene.

He shared the PV for "I'm Sorry for Being So Cute" and added a short recommendation: "An important partner, a brand new beginning. Please support me."

His repost also brought Xiao Ai's debut the first batch of attention and curiosity from music lovers.

Xiao Ai's debut was slightly different from that of traditional idols. Unlike veteran idols who went through a long underground period to accumulate works and popularity, she had the backing of Rouge en Rouge, which gave her access to high-quality resources, professional training, and strong promotion that most underground idols could not match.

However, the entertainment industry is ultimately a stage of reality. The company's push can get her to the starting line and even provide assistance, but whether she can truly start and how far she can run ultimately depends on whether she can seize the opportunity and win the audience's genuine love with her strength and charm.

Therefore, after confirming their debut and releasing the PV, which generated an initial response, the next step was a highly challenging public stage performance—both to capitalize on their popularity and to face a severe test in the face of the real market and audience.

The stage is located in a well-known open-air performance venue in the port area. It frequently hosts various small concerts, idol auditions, and street performances, making it a dream starting point for many aspiring idols. The venue isn't particularly large, but it's fully equipped, and its excellent location always attracts many passersby and idol fans.

The promotional slogan for the performance was very eye-catching: [Rising Star! Hoshino Ai's Idol Debut - 20-Punch Performance!]

This means that for the next hour, Xiao Ai will need to perform twenty songs continuously, singing and dancing the entire time without any long breaks. This is not only a test of physical strength and endurance, but also a comprehensive challenge to her singing stability, dance execution, stage presence, and mental resilience. Not to mention, hundreds of audience members will be watching live, and the performance will also be streamed online simultaneously, subject to scrutiny from countless viewers.

To quickly stand out in the fiercely competitive idol market and be remembered by more people, such a "trial by fire" debut show is almost a necessary path, and the enormous pressure is unimaginable.

Backstage, the air was thick with the scent of makeup, sweat, and tension characteristic of pre-performance preparations. Staff members bustled about, making final checks and adjustments.

In a relatively quiet corner, Hoshino Ai had finished her hair and makeup and was doing her final deep breathing exercises in front of the mirror. Her makeup was much more refined than usual; her eye makeup outlined a lively contour, her lip gloss was a sweet cherry blossom pink, her twin ponytails were meticulously styled, and her stage outfit shimmered with tiny sparkles under the lights. She looked radiant, like a carefully sculpted doll, but her tightly pursed lips and slightly heaving chest betrayed the turmoil within her.

An and Asuka silently walked up behind her, their overlapping reflections in the mirror. He didn't speak immediately, but simply stayed with her until their eyes met through the mirror.

"Xiao Ai," he called softly.

Ai Hoshino turned around, her purple eyes appearing even deeper and brighter than usual, accentuated by her stage makeup, as if filled with starlight, yet also showing a hint of tension that was barely perceptible.

“Bird…” Her voice was softer than usual.

"Are you nervous?" he asked casually, as if inquiring about the weather.

Hoshino Ai nodded honestly, then immediately shook her head vigorously: "Um... but more than anything, I'm excited."

She took a deep breath, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt. "If today goes well... I'll have really taken the first step, right? I'll no longer be just someone who needs protection and care."

An and Asuka gazed at her.