It's the orphanage's Thanksgiving Day. It's the day when the orphanage invites everyone, including the residents of the neighborhood, to a party. It is without a doubt one of the year's most important events. Every year, thanks to the orphanage's large area and mini-stage, there are always performances, and we are finally one of them.
Early in the morning, Ai and I would assist Nana and the other staff members in setting up the tables and chairs, as well as the food. The Thanksgiving party will last from four o'clock in the afternoon until ten o'clock at night.
And now, the thanksgiving party is already starting! With so many people from the neighborhood coming here. I just hope those bullies won't interfere...
"Lila!"
I turned around and saw Ai calling out to me. I approached her and greeted her, "Hey Ai, are you getting excited?"
"Umm, a bit, but really nervous."
I could see her moving her fingers a lot.
I patted her head reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, we've practiced a lot for this day. You'll do great."
Ai smiled and agreed, "You're right! We can't let all our practice go to waste!"
I smiled, "Yeah, that's the spirit!"
Sometimes, I forget that Ai isn't the same scared little girl anymore.
"Ai, Lila! Come get ready, it's almost your turn," Nana called out to us.
"Yeah! Me and Ai are coming!"
As Ai and I walked toward Nana, we couldn't help but overhear the bullies talking about how poorly they thought we would perform.
Seeing Ai's getting nervous, I comforted her, saying, "Hey, we're here to dance and make a positive impact on this orphanage, remember? Let's make sure those boys won't have anything negative to say after our performance."
Ai's nervous expression transformed into a cheerful one, and she responded, "Yeah, you're right!"
The other performers finished, and the audience clapped for them. We got dressed, with Ai wearing what Nana gave her and me wearing the dress Mr. Yasu gave me before he passed away. It made me feel both happy and sad. Now it was our turn. I was a little nervous because it was my first time performing in front of so many people, but...
I looked over at Ai.
I want to be strong, so that she can be strong too.
Nana gave us a smile and said, "You guys ready?"
We both nod our heads.
Nana smiled and gave us a hug. "Now go out there, and dance for us you future idols."
After sharing a group hug, we made our way onto the stage. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. As I slowly opened my eyes, I could feel the gazes of the audience fixed on me and Ai.
So this how it feels when Akemi performs on stage? How... exciting!
I walked over to the microphones and handed one to Ai. I whispered to her, "You can do this; you've got me, remember?"
Ai smiled, took a deep breath, and with a determined expression, she said, "I'm ready."
I smiled and then turned to the crowd, shouting, "Hello, everyone! We're about to perform a singing and dance piece by Akemi! The song is called 'Glimmering Stars.' I'm Lila, and this is Ai, or you could also call us..."
*A Few Months Ago*
{"Hey Lila, what should be the name of our group?"}
{"Hm... we are both girls... Ahh, I know!"}
{"What is it? Have you thought of something?!"}
{"Why not our group name is Komachi!"}
{"Komachi?"}
{"Alright, let me explain. The 'Ko' in 'Komachi' can mean 'kid' or 'girl,' which can still apply as we grow up! 'Machi' means 'town,' reminding us of where we began, right here in this small town.}
Ai asks, {But, I feel like were missing something.}
{Yeah, I thought so too. I feel like it doesn't sound well when it's only Komachi.}
After a few seconds.
{Oh! I got it Lila!}
{Really? What is it?!}
{How about we add 'B' in Komachi, like B-Komachi?}
{Oooo, that sounds good! But why?}
{I remember you teaching me some English words and the word beautiful starts with 'B,' so it could sound like beautiful girls.}
{Cool! That's so cool Ai!}
{Hehe, really?}
{Yeah! But 'B' doesn't have to also mean beautiful. It could also mean brave! Brave girls! Hehe, so it's decided! B-Komachi will be our group name!}
*Present*
"B-Komachi!"
The crowd erupted in applause. I turned to the music coordinators and signaled them to start.
I took a deep breath.
Phew, I can do it.
I can do it.
I can do it.
I can do it.
I will do it!
*The songs starts playing*
We can do this Ai!
I sang the first verse, "~My eyes wide open, and so many to see. Impossible, wonderful, scenery! Dancing to the beat, singing to the rhythm. You, watching from your seat, waving in the middle.~"
Why I picked this song...
Ai then sings, "~Looking to the left, looking to the right, come on come on, let's go!~"
Is because this song's meaning...
Me and Ai then sang together for the chorus, "As an astronaut, you gave me what I hope for. Your cheers reminds me of a glimmering star. This glimmer I promise to make it shine. You all will remind me of the night sky!~"
Is what I hope to see during this performance. And it's true...
*Chokes back tears*
In front of me, I saw a crowd filled with people cheering for us. When I chose this song, I had hoped that the audience would be just like the people I imagined in the song. Now, under this night sky, hearing their enthusiastic cheers...
I smiled.
I gave a huge smile.
They really do remind me of the glimmering stars at night.
*Looks at Ai*
You truly shine brighter than the people in front of me. Look at your face; it carries the expression of an idol. And what makes this performance even more special is that I get to perform it with you, Ai.
Thank you, Ai.
For performing with me.
*The performance ends*
"Thank you, everyone, for being here and watching our performance! This is B-Komachi, and we wish you all a wonderful evening!" I exclaimed with gratitude.
The crowd erupted into cheers of "B-Komachi," filling both Ai and me with joy. We both bowed and exited the stage, our hearts brimming with happiness.
I embraced Ai and said, "You did so well, thank you."
Ai welled up with tears and replied, "You were amazing, Lila. Thank you too."
I smiled.
Nana rushed over to us and enveloped us in a big hug. "I'm so proud of both of you," she sobbed with emotion.
I felt a slight tug on my dress, and when I looked down, I saw a little girl who seemed incredibly excited.
I asked, "W-Who...is this?"
Nana picked up the little girl and replied, "Yes, this is my daughter."
I gasped, "Wow! She's grown so much! It's been so many years since I last saw her."
Nana smiled and said, "Yes, she was dancing along when both of you were singing and dancing on stage. She was thrilled to see you both."
I smiled.
Nana lives in the orphanage but not her husband and daughter because they live near the city. Nana would visit them from time to time while it takes years for them to visit the orphanage. I think it's because of her husband's work, but I'm not really sure.
One of the town leaders took the stage and announced that it was time to eat. Ai and I exchanged glances, then hurriedly made our way to the dining table to enjoy the meal.
"Be careful!" Nana exclaimed, but we paid no heed and continued rushing toward the food.
I headed over to get some chocolate cake, my favorite, while Ai opted for brownies. I walked over to her and asked, "How is it? Are the brownies good?"
She replied with a mouthful of brownie, "Mmm, very good!" After swallowing, she continued, "You made these, didn't you? They're delicious!"
I smiled and explained, "Yep, Nana taught me how to make them during her free time."
Ai started pouting, "You can sing, play instruments, dance, draw, read, and now you can cook?! Sigh."
I laughed and teased, "Well, you should stop lounging around and join me. It's about time you started learning more stuff for school too!"
Ai got a little annoyed and retorted, "No way! When I become an idol, I won't need to go to school anymore!"
I gasped, "Ehh?! Very bad idea!"
Ai began running away, and I chased after her, enjoying our playful game. However, as we were goofing around, the bully boys suddenly appeared in front of us, seemingly intent on starting a confrontation.
I sighed and said to Ai, "Let's go, Ai. These boys are just a waste of our time."
Ai nervously replied, "A-Alright..."
"Waste of time, huh?" said the leader of the bully boys, sneering at us. "How dare you orphans! Many people might like your performance, but not us! Your dreams of becoming idols are nothing but nonsense!"
"Huh?" I shot them a piercingly cold stare, causing them to shiver in response.
I walked closer.
"Orphans? Dreams, you say?"
And walked closer.
"Who cares about what you think?"
Drawing even closer, I deepened my voice, sounding ominous as I interrupted, "I don't care about what you guys think, besides, you all..."
The boy fell silent in front of me, clearly intimidated as I uttered these words...
"Are worth nothing but dumped trash," I declared sternly.
"Eek!"
All the boys scattered, running away with tears in their eyes. I sighed and turned to see Ai, who appeared shocked by what had just transpired.
I chuckled nervously and said, "Hehe, should we get going?"
Ai burst into laughter and replied, "Yeah, let's go."
I smiled and began walking alongside her. She grinned mischievously and asked, "That's the first time I've seen you that mad. Did they burst your bubble?"
I sighed and replied, "Yeah, they did. I'm surprised I managed to keep my cool for so long. Bullies like them always find a way to bother us. It's frustrating, especially when we've already shown them how talented we are."
I noticed Ai wasn't responding and instead was just staring at me intently. I asked, "W-What?"
Ai replied, "It's funny to see this side of you."
I blushed at her comment and said, "Haha, really?"
We continued walking towards our favorite tree, and then Ai asked a question that would have a significant impact on her life, "Hey, Lila..."
"Yeah?"
"Can we just lie?"
I paused for a second.
I was confused and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Umm you know, they bullied us because we are orphans, and what if in the future, people might bully us because were orphans too? Why not we lie to protect ourselves? Isn't it a good idea?"
I sighed sadly and replied, "No, Ai..."
"W-Why?"
"Actually, I think lying might offer temporary relief, but we shouldn't rely on it too much, okay? I don't want to live a life filled with lies. It would become too burdensome and painful to carry all those lies in our hearts. There's a saying, 'The truth will always come to light.' Remember, you have me, and together, we can overcome any challenges. So please... let's try to not use a lot of lying," I said, looking into Ai's eyes and smiling warmly.
Ai began to cry but then smiled through her tears, saying, "I won't."
I offered a warm smile and embraced her. "I'm sorry I couldn't prevent those thoughts," I whispered, my words filled with genuine remorse.
Ai gently shook her head, her voice soft and reassuring. "No, it's not your fault. It never was, and it never will be," she replied, her words filled with understanding and comfort.
I promised myself at the time to keep you from having any more of those ideas.
In a soft, heartfelt whisper, I said, "Happy Thanksgiving, Ai."
"What I'm thankful for today is having you," I expressed sincerely.
__________
Inside the leader of the bully boys house.
The leader of the bullies sneered, "Okay, boys, it's time to make give her payback!"