[ ... nope. Definitely not one. Maybe from an idol school, but that's that. ]
I was not aware of any other professional idol training institutions other than Saotome Academy.
[ But then again, it could be a time thing, or out of Tokyo. Shining's school just happened to be the most famous, since it was also tied to an agency and the paraphernalia that accompanied it. ]
Eh? Professional? I don't think any of us are professional except Nico-chan!
[ Which, Nico was not a professional by any means, she just said she was. Kotori hadn't even heard of that academy before either, so she probably sounded pretty dumb right now since she probably should know about it, really. ]
Where's that?! That's not where A-Rise goes... [ A-Rise goes to UTX Academy and are another school idol group, so obviously they are not professionals either. ]
Oh! Do you know other professional idols then? I would be very grateful for some tips!
[ Tokiya just sighs. Why did he think stopping and talking to an evidently mediocre singer would be a good idea. ]
Saotome Academy is the most prestigious institution in Tokyo, partnered to Shining Agency. It produced many of the rising stars in the industry right now.
[ And here he is, getting roped in to help. If this was any other situation, he would have turned it down immediately, seeing that he had far more on his plate. But in this place, where his stage persona was not known at all... ]
I do, but they are not here. [ Since he is still supposed to be a student and all. ] I study at the Academy, so I suppose I can tell you a few things.
[ Kotori looked amazed and while she didn't recognize any of the names he was saying, that was still really cool that there was such a prestigious school just for idols!! It's too bad Muse wasn't there! ]
Ah! I didn't know that! I bet Hanayo-chan would know all about that...but that's really amazing...I didn't know there was such a school!
[ She looked excited now and can't wait to tell all her friends about such a place that exists in hopes of them maybe being able to visit some day...if she ever left this place, that is.
She was about to just shake her head and tell him that it was fine that the professional idols weren't here since she was sure that she would have seen them by now if they were, right? But...this guy studied at the academy? (Give her a minute, she'll put two and two together.) ]
You study there.... [ It was like one could see the thoughts clicking in her head now. ]
I thought I had upset you...sorry! [ Sorry for being sorry? Kotori, please.
Anyway, at least he confirmed that he was training to be an idol which made her smile and cheer up a little since that meant that they had something in common and she didn't feel bad for assuming! ]
That's so cool! I love being a school idol--eh?! Um... [ She wasn't exactly under a professional coach or anything but she knows that her group would be happy if they made it big so.. ]
I think Muse would like it if we became a professional group!! We got a lot of attention after winning the Love Live and I know we all like being idols a lot!!
[ So, she loves being an idol. That isn't much different from his motivations.
Then, why do those words sound so bitter when he tries to say them? ]
If you want to form a group, you need to find an agency.
[ Simple abcs in the industry, really. ]
And you need professional training. [ You're not up to his standard yet. ] Being an idol does not just involve singing and dancing. You need to be able to pull your weight and craft a good image.
[ Kotori could tell that his voice was bitter and she worried that she said something wrong again--maybe he was just really serious about how she needed to work on being a better idol--wait! Did that mean her singing and dancing are that bad?! She frowned, looking down and worried again. ]
U-Um...we don't have an agency yet...but we did get some kind of call after graduation? I don't know what it was yet...
[ She hugged her arms and nodded along with him though. Maybe he was just trying to help her improve! Kotori had a perfect image anyway because she was very well-known for her maid cafe work, though she was known under an alias in Akiba for that. ]
I...I do! I need to improve so that I'll be on the level of my friends...!! Maybe I've been without practice for too long and that's why I was so bad!!! [ She already assumed that he thought she was bad. ]
[ His reply starts first with a sigh. While he usually isn't bothered by how critical he could be, the way she shrivels up a little does remind him of a certain someone. ]
You may get the call, but it would be wise to start looking around first. If you get multiple offers [ which he is pinning as slightly unlikely right now ] you will know which to choose.
[ And since he is already working on his own things... ]
For one, practicing in a recording room works better. If you have a group together here, then you can look at each other's performances and give critique.
[ If anything, it did pique some interest in him. If the idols here were all on her level, than it would mean... he would be the best.
Not a title he would be proud of, but still. ]
I can help you, if there are no other professionals. [ MAYBE. ]
[ She really had no idea what it took to be a totally professional idol, so honestly the thought of looking around for agencies made her tilt her head in confusion. ]
Look...around? Ah! Maybe Nico-chan does that! [ She really had no idea. ]
We just practice in a room at the school, if that counts--eh? Should we record our practices?
[ At least she was beginning to appreciate the advice he was giving her since he did sound like he was a professional and she knew that all of Muse would be happy to have his help--and when he offered, her face lit up moreso than it was before. ]
Yes please! I want to be good at the concert in a few days--Um...if it's no trouble for you!
[ The more he talks to this girl, the more it becomes apparent to him that she is completely clueless. Again, much like a certain other someone, whom he had to instruct almost on a daily basis. ]
Expected, since you don't attend a professional school. That lowers your chances by virtue of your schooling record, but if you have ability that can be compensated.
[ And then she mentions the concert. ]
Just a few days? What were you planning to do?
[ Concerts take a lot to organize. He knows, because he's hosted quite a few. These things shouldn't be left to untrained amateurs. ]
[ Kotori was never sure of her own ability, but she knew that her group along with the ones here were very good! Though, some here might be professionals other than the girls from Muse. ]
Everyone here is really good! I hope I can be as good as them all someday--eh?
[ She nodded, wishing she still had a flier on her about the concert since she could have invited him--even though she definitely will already. Kotori probably shouldn't ruin the surprise of her dance routine, but she could share the song with him maybe! ]
Mhm! It's at the welcome party that this place holds...Everyone in the music group will be singing! I'm singing a solo of mine um...if you wanted to hear....sir? [ She did not know his name yet, and honestly she probably couldn't even tell him how the concert was going to work since Natsuru and Sayaka were in charge of that. ]
[ Welcome party. Well, that explains it. The people here probably had it under control, then. If they didn't, that would be a great failure of expectation. ]
Ichinose Tokiya. [ Giving his name promptly, and also to imply that the girl should give her own. ]
I can give your singing a brief review.
[ She had quite a few mistakes here and there already, by it isn't that bad. And he could also tell that she put her heart into her music - what Ryuya-sensei said was equally important as pitch and rhythm.
It's nice to meet you Ichinose-san!! Oh--I'm Kotori Minami! [ She chirped happily, knowing she forgot to give her own name first which she probably should have. ]
My singing? Umm...do you want the recorded version? I have one of our albums! Or...I could sing with the karaoke music? Whichever you prefer--oh! Or just...me...I guess?
[ Her cheeks went a little pink since that sounded a bit embarrassing, especially since she had just met him after all! ]
[ Tokiya's serious countenance hasn't changed in the slightest, a stark contrast to Kotori's own flighty attitude. Nevertheless, she hasn't gotten on his nerves (yet) so he just continues. ]
Acapella would be good.
[ Especially since he was evaluating her singing ability anyway. ]
[ She shouldn't be so nervous since she did this all the time while warming up in front of her friends, and it's not like she had stage fright like Umi did at first...so...
Here she goes, singing her song to the best of her ability with her small voice. Kotori was passionate about her singing, so of course she had a serious look on her face while displaying her feelings about the song. She would sing until he told her to stop or when she finished the song--maybe he would rather hear something else anyway? ]
[ When she starts singing, he closes his eyes - partly to tell her that he wouldn't judge her dance presentation yet, and partly so that he could focus better. Half a minute in and he has already caught on to the rhythm of how it should be, nodding ever so slightly to the beat.
He doesn't say anything until her song ends. By then, it's evident that his severe expression has softened ever so slightly. ]
You have promising range and expression, but you need to work on pitch and rhythm. You didn't hit ten notes precisely, give or take. But it is acceptable for your circumstance.
[ Really, for him to accept anything means it's probably already pretty good. ]
[ Kotori was waiting nervously for him to speak, but she couldn't help but notice that he didn't look as...critical of her as he did before or something. She didn't know him too well so she couldn't put her finger on it quite yet, but when he finally did speak up, he entire face lit up. He was praising her and giving her advice!!! Just moments ago she thought she had offended him somehow but she couldn't be happier because he thought that she was acceptable when he was used to going to a school full of professionals!
She looked too excited for this world since maybe that meant she hadn't made him mad in the first place, and her level of happiness also was showing through her voice at the moment. ]
T-Thank you so much!!! That really means a lot that you're um...saying such nice things but also helping me!! I really appreciate you for listening!!
[ As harsh as his words might have sounded from their content alone, it seems he isn't angry about it. That's how tsuns dish out compliments, really. ]
Your work isn't perfect yet. If you want to be a better idol, there are still things you need to work on.
[ He will never admit it, but he might even be a little envious - of her she can just sing straight from her heart like that. Showing her true self - or at least it seems to him - and having a (somewhat, to him) charming song despite being an amateur.
[ Kotori just smiled at him again, honestly she can't stop smiling since she can just tell that these are compliments even if he's not really owning up to them. Maybe one day she will figure out that he's a tsun like Maki...but today is not that day so far. ]
Of course! There's always room from improvement, and you have a lot more experience than I do! I will take any tips you have to offer!
[ She hoped that maybe he could show her how it's done by singing or something since she wouldn't mind hearing his voice as well. ]
I have other songs that I sing by myself...if those would give you a better understanding of my range?
I can! Umm...hm! Oh! You could listen to me practicing the duet I am going to sing with Umi-chan?!
[ Kotori was too shy to ask him to sing right now...but maybe in a moment, though it might sound silly if she tries to sing this duet without Umi--but! She will give it her best shot if he thinks it's a good idea! ]
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I was not aware of any other professional idol training institutions other than Saotome Academy.
[ But then again, it could be a time thing, or out of Tokyo. Shining's school just happened to be the most famous, since it was also tied to an agency and the paraphernalia that accompanied it. ]
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[ Which, Nico was not a professional by any means, she just said she was. Kotori hadn't even heard of that academy before either, so she probably sounded pretty dumb right now since she probably should know about it, really. ]
Where's that?! That's not where A-Rise goes... [ A-Rise goes to UTX Academy and are another school idol group, so obviously they are not professionals either. ]
Oh! Do you know other professional idols then? I would be very grateful for some tips!
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Saotome Academy is the most prestigious institution in Tokyo, partnered to Shining Agency. It produced many of the rising stars in the industry right now.
[ And here he is, getting roped in to help. If this was any other situation, he would have turned it down immediately, seeing that he had far more on his plate. But in this place, where his stage persona was not known at all... ]
I do, but they are not here. [ Since he is still supposed to be a student and all. ] I study at the Academy, so I suppose I can tell you a few things.
[ Small things. Probably. ]
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Ah! I didn't know that! I bet Hanayo-chan would know all about that...but that's really amazing...I didn't know there was such a school!
[ She looked excited now and can't wait to tell all her friends about such a place that exists in hopes of them maybe being able to visit some day...if she ever left this place, that is.
She was about to just shake her head and tell him that it was fine that the professional idols weren't here since she was sure that she would have seen them by now if they were, right? But...this guy studied at the academy? (Give her a minute, she'll put two and two together.) ]
You study there.... [ It was like one could see the thoughts clicking in her head now. ]
Wait! You're an idol too?!
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[ His slightly unamused expression didn't change while she had been speaking, but it now hardens ever so slightly into a fully serious one. ]
Not yet, that is. [ The rebuke came a little too fast than he would have otherwise preferred. ] I have not debuted yet.
[ Saying it as if he will - which of course he will. There is simply no way he could lose. ]
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[ Kotori noticed his expression and frowned, looking sad with herself since she felt like she said something wrong to make this guy upset. ]
I'm sorry--umm...
[ She clasped her hands together and glanced downward--but he did say that he was going to debut, so that meant he was an idol almost...right?! ]
But you're training to be one, right? [ That was still exciting--she thought! But she didn't want to press him further if she already upset him. ]
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[ What was it with girls and being unnecessarily polite? Not that he did not appreciate it, but sometimes it meant that he had missed something. ]
I am. [ And of course, since he needed to clarify this: ] Are you training professionally, or just for leisure?
[ The two had very different connotations. ]
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Anyway, at least he confirmed that he was training to be an idol which made her smile and cheer up a little since that meant that they had something in common and she didn't feel bad for assuming! ]
That's so cool! I love being a school idol--eh?! Um... [ She wasn't exactly under a professional coach or anything but she knows that her group would be happy if they made it big so.. ]
I think Muse would like it if we became a professional group!! We got a lot of attention after winning the Love Live and I know we all like being idols a lot!!
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Then, why do those words sound so bitter when he tries to say them? ]
If you want to form a group, you need to find an agency.
[ Simple abcs in the industry, really. ]
And you need professional training. [ You're not up to his standard yet. ] Being an idol does not just involve singing and dancing. You need to be able to pull your weight and craft a good image.
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U-Um...we don't have an agency yet...but we did get some kind of call after graduation? I don't know what it was yet...
[ She hugged her arms and nodded along with him though. Maybe he was just trying to help her improve! Kotori had a perfect image anyway because she was very well-known for her maid cafe work, though she was known under an alias in Akiba for that. ]
I...I do! I need to improve so that I'll be on the level of my friends...!! Maybe I've been without practice for too long and that's why I was so bad!!! [ She already assumed that he thought she was bad. ]
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You may get the call, but it would be wise to start looking around first. If you get multiple offers [ which he is pinning as slightly unlikely right now ] you will know which to choose.
[ And since he is already working on his own things... ]
For one, practicing in a recording room works better. If you have a group together here, then you can look at each other's performances and give critique.
[ If anything, it did pique some interest in him. If the idols here were all on her level, than it would mean... he would be the best.
Not a title he would be proud of, but still. ]
I can help you, if there are no other professionals. [ MAYBE. ]
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Look...around? Ah! Maybe Nico-chan does that! [ She really had no idea. ]
We just practice in a room at the school, if that counts--eh? Should we record our practices?
[ At least she was beginning to appreciate the advice he was giving her since he did sound like he was a professional and she knew that all of Muse would be happy to have his help--and when he offered, her face lit up moreso than it was before. ]
Yes please! I want to be good at the concert in a few days--Um...if it's no trouble for you!
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Expected, since you don't attend a professional school. That lowers your chances by virtue of your schooling record, but if you have ability that can be compensated.
[ And then she mentions the concert. ]
Just a few days? What were you planning to do?
[ Concerts take a lot to organize. He knows, because he's hosted quite a few. These things shouldn't be left to untrained amateurs. ]
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Everyone here is really good! I hope I can be as good as them all someday--eh?
[ She nodded, wishing she still had a flier on her about the concert since she could have invited him--even though she definitely will already. Kotori probably shouldn't ruin the surprise of her dance routine, but she could share the song with him maybe! ]
Mhm! It's at the welcome party that this place holds...Everyone in the music group will be singing! I'm singing a solo of mine um...if you wanted to hear....sir? [ She did not know his name yet, and honestly she probably couldn't even tell him how the concert was going to work since Natsuru and Sayaka were in charge of that. ]
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Ichinose Tokiya. [ Giving his name promptly, and also to imply that the girl should give her own. ]
I can give your singing a brief review.
[ She had quite a few mistakes here and there already, by it isn't that bad. And he could also tell that she put her heart into her music - what Ryuya-sensei said was equally important as pitch and rhythm.
Which he did not have, apparently. ]
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My singing? Umm...do you want the recorded version? I have one of our albums! Or...I could sing with the karaoke music? Whichever you prefer--oh! Or just...me...I guess?
[ Her cheeks went a little pink since that sounded a bit embarrassing, especially since she had just met him after all! ]
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Acapella would be good.
[ Especially since he was evaluating her singing ability anyway. ]
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[ She shouldn't be so nervous since she did this all the time while warming up in front of her friends, and it's not like she had stage fright like Umi did at first...so...
Here she goes, singing her song to the best of her ability with her small voice. Kotori was passionate about her singing, so of course she had a serious look on her face while displaying her feelings about the song. She would sing until he told her to stop or when she finished the song--maybe he would rather hear something else anyway? ]
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He doesn't say anything until her song ends. By then, it's evident that his severe expression has softened ever so slightly. ]
You have promising range and expression, but you need to work on pitch and rhythm. You didn't hit ten notes precisely, give or take. But it is acceptable for your circumstance.
[ Really, for him to accept anything means it's probably already pretty good. ]
wtf this was so cute
She looked too excited for this world since maybe that meant she hadn't made him mad in the first place, and her level of happiness also was showing through her voice at the moment. ]
T-Thank you so much!!! That really means a lot that you're um...saying such nice things but also helping me!! I really appreciate you for listening!!
cute aidorus
[ As harsh as his words might have sounded from their content alone, it seems he isn't angry about it.
That's how tsuns dish out compliments, really.]Your work isn't perfect yet. If you want to be a better idol, there are still things you need to work on.
[ He will never admit it, but he might even be a little envious - of her she can just sing straight from her heart like that. Showing her true self - or at least it seems to him - and having a (somewhat, to him) charming song despite being an amateur.
How troublesome. Why couldn't he do it too? ]
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Of course! There's always room from improvement, and you have a lot more experience than I do! I will take any tips you have to offer!
[ She hoped that maybe he could show her how it's done by singing or something since she wouldn't mind hearing his voice as well. ]
I have other songs that I sing by myself...if those would give you a better understanding of my range?
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If you wish to sing a few more, I will not refuse to evaluate for you.
[ Kotori, if you want him to sing, you need to ask it explicitly. ]
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[ Kotori was too shy to ask him to sing right now...but maybe in a moment, though it might sound silly if she tries to sing this duet without Umi--but! She will give it her best shot if he thinks it's a good idea! ]
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[ Though it will be a little difficult to judge without the other person, but he can try. ]
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i'm laughing because sayaka is probably better than him
she is a professional idol so i mean who knows
I think they're about on par naturally but tokiya is underperforming right now due to manpain
pats him....
manpain2strong
:')
8')
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