Green plums cannot become lovers.

He knew this girl too well. From a silent and timid orphan in the orphanage to an idol about to stand in the spotlight, every step she took was accompanied by her obsession with "becoming useful" and "being able to give back."

She was grateful for the warmth of this home, yet she always harbored a certain unease about "acceptance," yearning to contribute to this little world they had built together in her own way. He had told her many times that each person's very existence, their companionship and support for one another, were the greatest value, not to be measured by material possessions or achievements. But she always stubbornly shook her head, her eyes shining with an indomitable spirit.

Now, after a long period of dormancy and honing her skills, she finally stands at the threshold of realizing that "small yet great" wish—to gain recognition and create value through her singing and dancing, and to truly share the burden for her family.

Isn't this a deeper form of growth? From a passive recipient to an active creator; from a lost soul who needs guidance to a beacon that can illuminate the path for oneself and others.

A complex warmth welled up in Anhe Feibiao's heart, a mixture of pride, relief, and a touch of tenderness—she was always so demanding of herself.

He didn't say anything more to comfort or relieve her stress. At this moment, any words of "it's okay to fail" might only dilute her determination to give it her all. He chose to give her his purest trust.

Under Hoshino Ai's slightly surprised gaze, An and Asuka slowly and solemnly leaned forward, and a gentle kiss, as light as a feather's touch, landed on her cheek. The touch was cool and brief, yet it carried his unique, reassuring scent.

[Character Effect: Shining Idol is transferred to Hoshino Ai!]

[Shining Idol: Standing on stage as an idol makes one shine brighter, more easily attracts attention, and boosts one's fame.]

“You will definitely become the most outstanding idol.” He took a step back, looked into her eyes, and said each word calmly but with an undeniable certainty.

In his heart, this girl, whom he had brought from a dark corner into the sunlight, already possessed the core qualities of an idol—a resilient heart, tireless effort, and a pure yearning for light and beauty that had never been extinguished despite hardships. She herself was an impeccable, rising star.

The lingering gentle touch on her cheek was like a spark, instantly igniting all the emotions that Hoshino had been holding onto. Her heart pounded erratically, so violently it felt like it would burst out of her chest. Blood rushed to her face, and even with makeup covering it, her ears quickly flushed crimson. She looked at the boy before her—no, in her heart, he was already someone beyond his years, like an older brother, family, a guide, and her most important support.

It was he who, in the most desperate and cold moment of her life, shone into her world like a ray of light piercing through the gloom. From then on, darkness gained color, silence gained sound, and loneliness gained companionship.

He took her hand and led her step by step through the narrow alleys to the spacious stage; from the huddled corner to the spotlight. He gave her not just shelter, but also trust, opportunity, and unreserved support, making her believe that she too could have dreams and fight for them.

Now, at this crucial moment, he once again gave her such precious and intangible "love" and "blessing" without reservation.

The emotions welling up inside her surged like a burst dam, impossible to contain. Hoshino Ai took a sudden step forward, stretched out her arms, and embraced An and Asuka tightly and forcefully. Her arms encircled his waist, her face buried deep in his shoulder, her breath filled with his reassuring, refreshing scent. This embrace was unconditional, filled with dependence, gratitude, and a profound affection that transcended words.

An and Asuka's bodies paused slightly, then relaxed. He didn't push her away or say anything, but simply raised his hand and gently hugged her trembling shoulders, patting her back reassuringly with his other hand.

He could feel her heartbeat, her trembling, her silent, surging emotions. He knew that at this moment, any words were superfluous; all he needed to do was provide her with a safe haven, allowing her to draw upon the courage to finally face the battlefield.

Time seemed to slow down in this embrace. The backstage noise seemed to fade away.

The silence was broken by a voice tinged with a helpless smile at the doorway.

"Alright, how long are you two going to hug?" Akane Akasaka leaned against the door frame, holding the schedule in her hand, her face showing a mixture of affection, relief, and a hint of "I just can't do anything with you two." "Ai, you have ten minutes to go on stage. Do a final check on your in-ear monitors and equipment."

Hoshino Ai seemed to be startled awake. She quickly let go of his hand, took a step back, and her face was still flushed. However, her eyes were clearer and brighter than before. The last trace of tension in them had disappeared, replaced by a calm determination.

She looked at Akane Akasaka and nodded vigorously: "Yes! Akane-nee!"

She glanced quickly at An and Asuka, her eyes sparkling, then turned and followed the staff towards the passageway leading to the stage. Her back was straight, her steps steady, as if she carried an invisible, gentle yet powerful force.

An and Asuka stood side by side in the shadows at the edge of the backstage area, gazing at the illuminated area at the end of the corridor. The clamor of the audience could be faintly heard.

“You gave her something very important,” Akane Akasaka said softly, her gaze falling on An and Asuka’s profiles.

“What she needs has never been anything I can give her.” An and Asuka’s gaze followed the figure that was about to disappear into the halo. “It’s something she already possesses; she just needs someone to believe in it and help her see it.”

At the front of the stage, the prelude to the music suddenly began, its bright and cheerful melody instantly captivating everyone present. Spotlights instantly converged on the center of the stage.

Ai Hoshino was standing there.

Her smile was sweet and infectious, her eyes bright as stars, as she waved an energetic first greeting to the countless audience members below the stage and behind the camera:

"Hello everyone! I'm Ai Hoshino! Nice to meet you!"

The next hour became a chapter interwoven with sweat and starlight.

One song after another, some lively and energetic, others gentle and lyrical. Her singing voice was steady and full of emotion, and even during intense dance moves, her breath control was astonishing.

Her dance moves were clean and crisp, with precise timing. Her unique stage charm, a blend of cuteness and inner resilience, became increasingly apparent as the performance progressed. Her interaction with the audience was natural and unpretentious; she waved, made heart gestures, and her sweet smile was almost never off her lips.

The audience, initially watching with curiosity, gradually became captivated, waving their glow sticks to the rhythm and cheering enthusiastically. The online live stream chat was also flooded with comments, praising the performance overwhelmingly.

"The atmosphere was incredibly stable!"

"The dancing was so beautiful! So full of energy!"

"His facial expressions are amazing! He's always smiling!"

"A newcomer? That's incredibly strong!"

"Ai-chan! Mommy loves you!"

Her energy was rapidly waning, sweat soaked her hair and clothes, and her breathing grew heavier, but the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter. With each brief pause between musical pieces, she quickly regained her composure and threw herself into the next performance with boundless enthusiasm. That small body seemed to contain boundless energy and willpower.

As the last song—"I'm Sorry for Being So Cute"—ended, Hoshino Ai stood in the center of the stage, her chest heaving, her hair plastered to her cheeks with sweat, and her makeup slightly smudged, but her smile was as radiant as the summer sun. She bowed deeply and perfectly, remaining there for a long time.

Below the stage, applause, cheers, and shouts of her name surged forth like a tide, lasting for a long time.

Backstage, An and Asuka quietly watched the radiant girl surrounded by applause on the screen, a gentle smile curving their lips.

Akane Akasaka let out a long sigh of relief, rubbing her slightly sore temples. Her eyes shone with undisguised pride and satisfaction: "It was a success. And... a very beautiful success."

This is not the end, but merely a glorious beginning. But tonight, under the starry sky of Tokyo's Minato Ward, a girl named Ai Hoshino, with her sweat, her song, and her smile, truly and firmly grasped her first ray of light.

The girl seemed to have been born to "become an idol." Since her debut, her path has been surprisingly smooth.

In just half a month, Hoshino Ai had already amassed considerable popularity. This was followed by a deluge of event invitations. However, Akane Kousaka politely declined the vast majority of these offers—she didn't want the girl to overexert herself too early. For Akane, Ai's primary task at this stage was still completing her studies; idol activities could only serve as an occasional diversion.

Even so, Ai Hoshino's popularity continued to rise at an astonishing rate. Now, even the teachers and classmates at school knew who she was. Naturally, she became the focus of attention on campus. Every time the bell rang, a circle of curious or admiring classmates would quickly gather around her seat.

Hoshino Ai would occasionally complain to An and Asuka about this in a low voice. All An and Asuka could do was listen with a smile and then comfort her with gentle words.

Today was no different. During lunch break, Hoshino, unable to escape the enthusiastic atmosphere, carried her lunchbox to the courtyard behind the teaching building. An and Asuka were already there waiting for her—this was their tacitly agreed-upon meeting place.

"I'm so tired...".

Hoshino Ai let out a long sigh and sat down on the bench next to An and Asuka. The April sunlight filtered through the new green leaves, dancing on her slightly damp forehead.

“This is the daily life that idols have to face.” An and Asuka closed their book, turned to look at her, and smiled with understanding in their eyes. “Having so many people like you, isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”

“It’s good to like someone… but at least give me some breathing room.” Hoshino Ai rubbed her temples helplessly. “Even when I go to the restroom, people follow me and ask if I want an autograph.”

“Everyone is just curious,” An and Asuka said gently. “Once the novelty wears off, things will naturally calm down. After all, this is a school, not a performance venue.”

He paused, then added half-jokingly, "And speaking of troubles, I have a lot to say too."

"Hey? Asuka, what's bothering you?"

“Who told me that a certain popular idol only hangs out with me at school?” An and Asuka pointed to themselves. “Now, every day at school, I can feel ‘concerned gazes’ from all directions. Especially those boys who like you, the way they look at me is like they want to stare right through me.”

"Then glare back at me." Hoshino Ai winked mischievously.

"Stare back?" An and Asuka chuckled. "Then I'm afraid I'll soon become the 'public enemy of the school'."

"Hehe..." Hoshino Ai chuckled softly, naturally turning to the side and gently resting her forehead on An and Asuka's arm. It was a gesture of dependence, a moment of authenticity she would only reveal to him, a moment when she had shed her idol mask.

An and Asuka paused almost imperceptibly. He looked down at the girl leaning against his arm; her hair smelled faintly of shampoo, mixed with the scent of sunshine.

"Xiao Ai," he reminded her softly, his voice devoid of emotion, "you're an idol now. If people see you being so close to someone of the opposite sex, some fans might be heartbroken and stop supporting you."

Ai Hoshino was silent for a moment. She knew Asuka was right—in this industry, maintaining a certain degree of "unattainability" was the unspoken rule. Many idols chose to cultivate the image of a "virtual lover," deliberately keeping their distance from the opposite sex in order to maintain the fans' fantasies and loyalty.

But she didn't want it to be like this.

“If they’re going to leave because of this…” Hoshino Ai looked up, her purple eyes staring directly into An and Asuka’s eyes, her voice soft yet firm, “Then let them be.”

She had long regarded him as the most important person in her life. This bond was more precious than any idol career or popularity.

A gentle afternoon breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying the faint sounds of activity from the distant playground. A moment of silence lingered between the two, but it wasn't awkward; rather, there was a tacit understanding that needed no words.

An and Asuka finally just sighed and reached out to ruffle Hoshino Ai's hair—a gesture they had made since childhood, but now seemed somewhat cautious because of her meticulously styled hair.

“I understand,” he said. “But at least be a little more careful in public. Not for others, but for yourself.”

"Mmm." Hoshino Ai nodded obediently, sat up straight again, and opened her bento box. Shizuka had prepared today's bento early in the morning, with a variety of dishes and a balanced diet—her diet had been strictly managed since her debut.

"Oh, by the way, Sister Zhu Yin said she's got an invitation from a TV station for a music program next week." She said while taking small bites of her food. "It's pre-recorded, so it won't take up too much time. She said... it's a great opportunity."

An and Asuka nodded: "I remember that show, the ratings were pretty good. Are you going to sing a new song?"

"It's still 'I'm Sorry for Being So Cute,' but the arrangement will be slightly adjusted." Hoshino Ai said, a hint of anticipation in her voice. "The producer said that if the response is good this time, he might release a single for me in the second half of the year."

"That's great." An and Asuka were genuinely happy for her.

He knew how much Xiao Ai had sacrificed for this moment—those days and nights she spent sweating in the practice room, those times she spent repeatedly working on her singing and dance steps, she persevered through it all.

“But…” Hoshino Ai’s grip on the chopsticks tightened, “I’m a little scared.”

"afraid of what?"

“I’m afraid I don’t deserve this opportunity,” she said softly. “I’m afraid of disappointing Sister Zhu Yin, disappointing those who support me, and disappointing you…”

An and Asuka watched her quietly for a while. The spring sunlight cast fine shadows on her lowered eyelashes, making her look particularly vulnerable at that moment—a side she would never show in front of others.

“Xiao Ai.” He put down the book in his hand, turned to her, and said seriously, “Don’t be afraid of failure, and don’t feel that you are not good enough for anything.”

He paused, then continued, "You're never one to disappoint. On the contrary, you always exceed people's expectations—including your own."

“And,” An and Asuka’s voice softened, “no matter what happens, you will never be alone. You have Akane-nee, Marina and Shizuka, and… me. We will always be by your side.”

These words were like a pebble thrown into a still lake, rippling out warm waves. Hoshino Ai sniffed, looked up, and a smile bloomed on her face again—not the perfect smile of an idol, but a genuine, radiant smile with a slight nasal tone.

"Yes! I know!"

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break. The two packed their things and walked side by side toward the school building. Just before they parted ways at the stairwell, Hoshino Ai suddenly stopped.

"Birds".

"Ok?"

“Thank you,” she said, her purple eyes clear in the corridor light, “for everything… all along.”

An and Asuka were taken aback for a moment, then chuckled, "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"

"That's what I wanted to say." Hoshino Ai tilted her head. "Alright, let's go back to the classroom!"

The afternoon lessons weren't too difficult for An and Asuka.

The teaching quality at Toyonosaki Academy is indeed very high, and the pace is much faster than in junior high school, but for An and Asuka, keeping up with the pace is not difficult.

What truly distracted him was his classmate named Aki Tomoya.

In today's English class, Tomoya Aki was called on by the teacher to answer a question again—the third time this week. He stood up, adjusted his glasses, and began to launch into a long explanation of his understanding of an English song from a certain anime, completely detached from the question itself.

The teacher reluctantly made him sit down, and a restrained chuckle rippled through the classroom.

Aki Tomoya himself didn't seem to care at all. After sitting down, he excitedly turned around and whispered to the students in the back row, "The lyrics of that song are really amazing. It's written in English, but it perfectly expresses the feeling of Japanese youth..."

An and Asuka lowered their gazes, ignoring this little incident.

During the break, he was about to go to the corridor for some fresh air when Aki Tomoya came over again.

"Anwa-kun! Did you see yesterday's Bicobico trending charts?" His eyes sparkled. "The PV for 'I'm Sorry for Being So Cute' has already climbed to third place in the music section! Hoshino Ai-kun is amazing! I've watched it at least ten times!"

An and Asuka paused for a moment, then nodded politely: "Is that so? That's good."

"You think so too, right!" Aki Tomoya's voice rose a few decibels as if he had found a kindred spirit. "I even wrote a long analysis in the comments section, commenting on everything from the arrangement and choreography to the camera work! Ah, but what's most impressive is Hoshino-kun's expressiveness, that energetic yet slightly mysterious aura..."

“An Yi.” An and Asuka interrupted him, their tone calm but with a clear sense of boundaries, “Excuse me, I have to go to the teacher’s office to hand in my homework.”

"Oh, I see." Aki Tomoya then noticed what he was holding, scratching his head somewhat embarrassedly. "Then I won't bother you anymore. But if you're interested in idol culture, feel free to ask me anytime! I've collected a lot of information!"

An and Asuka nodded and turned to leave the classroom. He could feel Aki Tomoya's still eager gaze behind him, and couldn't help but sigh softly in his heart.

Walking down the corridor, he suddenly remembered something, took out his phone from his pocket, and opened the Bicobico app. Sure enough, "Sorry for Being So Cute" was prominently featured on the music charts. He tapped on the video and quickly browsed the comments section.

Besides the usual praise, there were indeed several lengthy analytical comments, one of which was posted by an ID named "T·A," and its professionalism was comparable to that of industry professionals—presumably the work of Aki Tomoya.

An and Asuka swiped the screen, their gaze suddenly stopping at a comment:

"The song is very nice, but it feels a bit familiar... I feel like I've heard a similar melody somewhere before? Especially the key change in the chorus."

This comment didn't get many likes and was lost among thousands of other comments, but it stirred something in An and Asuka's heart.

The melody for "I'm Sorry for Being So Cute" was written when he was in his first year of junior high school, and it was even filmed and posted online during a school anniversary performance. If anyone has heard his other early works posted on Bicobico, they might indeed notice the similarities.

Just as I was thinking, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Akane Akasaka:

"Come to the office at seven tonight. There are some things I need to discuss with you. I'd also like to hear your opinion on Xiao Ai's future development."

Anhe Feiniao replied "Okay," put away his phone, and looked out the window.

The Tokyo sky always seems higher and farther than Aichi's, with clouds drifting slowly through the blue expanse cut out by skyscrapers. In just one month, the trajectory of her life has changed so dramatically—a new city, a new school, new challenges, and Aichi's rising stardom.

He had to make sure he could keep up with all these changes and continue to be the person she could rely on.

After school, as soon as they got home, Marina and Shizuka went straight to the kitchen. An and Asuka put down their schoolbags, tidied up a bit, and then prepared to leave with Ai.

"Asuka, are you coming home for dinner tonight?!" Marina poked her head out of the kitchen, holding a carrot in her hand. "We're having curry tonight! I bought tons of carrots!"

"Maria, I told you not to think about your carrots anymore..." Shizuka's helpless voice came from inside.