“And that’s about it for the live procedure. Is there anything else you need to know?”

"Everything is clear, thank you for your hard work.”

“Ah, just in case, no chewing gums on stage, Hoshimachi-san.”

The man in a black suit closes the door, leaving you and Suisei alone in this massive room connected to the stage. In about thirty minutes, there will be a visual cue for her to appear on stage and do what she always dreamt to do; sing in front of millions of audiences. This is the usual routine, Suisei always asks not to be bothered for at least half an hour before she performs. Some think it is just an artist’s quirk to gather her focus. You know better, however. Well, you and whoever is always watching through the security camera mounted on the corner of this room.

Suisei glances at her surroundings, making sure there is no one other than you two in this oversized room. After confirming that’s the case, she rushes at you, legs trembling like a newborn fawn.

“Holy. Crap. Anon, it’s actually happening. I'm going to sing in front of millions!” You put your arm around her neck, being mindful not to make a mess of her outfit and makeup as she does the same. Her arms and legs are shaking so much you’re not even sure how she’s still standing up. You gently sit her down to her chair, arms wrapped around her neck from behind. In front of her is a mirror, in which she sees the reflection of herself. The usual strong idol everyone admires is shuddering in fear at the prospect of being in the spotlight.

This always happens before her performance. No matter how many times she has done this, the pressure always makes her want to run away. Scary things are just scary. Back during her first live concert, she actually threw up before going on the stage, postponing the performance for several minutes for the staff to make sure their star is okay.

You have been there for Suisei, from the very start when she first declared she’s going to be an idol in the elementary school, watching her ten years old self singing in front of a TV as a substitute for real audiences. You still remember how it ended, her tiny legs were quivering anxiously even though there was nobody but you two, yet her face was shining with joy. At that exact moment, you swore to yourself to protect that smile. You, her childhood friend, boyfriend, and the first Hoshiyomi, has stayed with her ever since.

Suisei takes a deep breath. Her face turns stern for a moment before breaking down. “No. I can’t do this. I’m going to mess this up. Murphy’s law and all that. I’m going to embarrass myself in front of millions, Anon. Millions!” she wails in frustration. Her hands cover her face as her heel slams the ceramic floor over and over again. You don’t say a word, letting your gentle touch on her head ease off her worry. You have never been particularly eloquent, anyway.

She tugs at the end of your sleeve, eyes staring right through your soul. “Hey, Anon. Tell me everyone is going to love it, tell me that I will deliver the best performance ever for all my fans, tell me everything is going to turn out fine, please...”

You pause for a moment. It would be easy to tell her all that, but you would be lying if you do and it’s not like she would be content with just that. Appeasing her too much is not going to help her grow, it’s like a mother telling her son he’s the most gorgeous man in the world. In the end, she knows your words are simply there to placate her and their meaning would disappear. Suisei tugs at your sleeve harder, demanding her answer right this instant.

“No. We both know you might slip up, bite your tongue, or make a blunder. Millions of people would laugh at you, make clips about it, and put them on the internet for everyone to see, and… Hey, hey, watch the nails!” Her fingers dig into your arm, strong. Tears well up in her eyes. Crap, the make-up team would have to redo everything if she cries now. You hastily reach for your handkerchief and wipe the tears before they could fall. “But that won’t stop you, right? The idol Hoshimachi Suisei would continue to pursue her dreams even when everyone is laughing at her.”

“I can promise one thing, however…” You lift her head up, facing your reflection in the mirror. “I will stay by your side, no matter what happens.” She smiles, her arms stopped trembling as much as they did before. Now that's more like it.

"I would probably still laugh a little, though." 

"Meanie." She playfully elbows your rib. The light in the room flashes blue as the cue for her to enter the stage. 
She goes in for a quick hug before throwing away her chewing gum into the trash can and heads for the door. 

"I'm going." 

"Break a leg."

She flashes you one last smile before disappearing to the stage, drowning in a sea of applause and cheers.