Haruka walked into the recording studio, the weight of her recent revelations still heavy on her chest. Her fingers curled tightly around the strap of her bag as she made her way toward Koji, who stood by the sound booth, reviewing notes. The lingering tension from the conversation about the demo hung in the air, but today, she was determined to face it head-on.
"Koji, can we talk?" she asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of unease in her stomach.
Koji looked up, a trace of concern flickering in his eyes as he put down the papers. "Of course, Shizuku-san. What's on your mind?"
The familiar use of her sister's name tugged at Haruka, but she let it slide for now. "I need to address the issue with the demo," she began, taking a deep breath. "I want to make sure we create music that honors Shizuku's memory but is also distinctly mine."
Koji's expression softened, relief washing over his features. He nodded. "I'm glad you're taking this seriously. It's important for you, for Aqua Notes, and for the legacy of your sister's work."
Haruka hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I realize I've been trying too hard to live in Shizuku's shadow. But I can't do that anymore. I can't replicate her work, nor do I want to. I need to create something new—something that celebrates our shared dreams without borrowing too much from the past."
Koji's reassuring smile spread slowly across his face. "Exactly. You have your own voice, Haruka. It deserves to shine on its own."
Hearing her real name felt like a release—like the first breath of fresh air after being submerged underwater for too long. Haruka straightened her posture, determination welling up inside her.
"I want to compose songs that reflect my journey, my emotions," she continued. "I want to create something vibrant, something that celebrates not only Shizuku's dreams but also my own. I've been so focused on living for her that I forgot I still have my own life to live."
Koji adjusted his glasses, clearly impressed by her conviction. "Let's channel that energy into something original. You have the talent to create music that resonates with people on a deeply personal level. Shizuku's work was incredible, but so is yours."
Haruka smiled, feeling a new sense of confidence stirring within her. The weight of guilt she had carried for so long began to lift. She turned away from the booth and headed toward Aqua Notes, her steps lighter than they had been in weeks.
As she approached the group, Yui, Miyu, and Rin all looked up from their conversations. The moment she saw their bright, eager faces, Haruka knew she wasn't alone in this. These girls weren't just idols—they were her friends, her supporters, and her partners in creating something beautiful.
"Everyone," Haruka began, her voice clear and strong, "I've been thinking a lot about what we're doing with this new song. I want to make something different—something that truly reflects who I am now. I've decided I want to merge my identity as a composer with what you all bring as idols. I want to bring our music to life in a new way."
Yui's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You mean... you want to perform with us?"
Haruka hesitated, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes. I'm not just a composer. I want to be part of the group too—an idol who creates and performs. I want to share the stage with you."
Miyu clasped her hands together, her face lighting up. "That's amazing, Haruka-san! We've always admired your talent, but seeing you up there with us... it'll be incredible!"
Rin nodded enthusiastically. "We've got your back. This is going to be epic!"
As the group buzzed with excitement, Haruka felt a warmth spread through her chest. This was her choice—to live not just in memory, but in joy. Shizuku had always wanted her to be happy, to live freely. Now, Haruka could finally honor that wish by embracing her own dreams as well.
The weight of the past still lingered, but it no longer held her captive. Instead, it had become part of the melody she was composing for her future—a song woven from the fabric of her past but vibrant with the colors of hope and resilience.
Haruka smiled, feeling lighter than she had in years. Together with Aqua Notes, she would create music that sang not just of loss, but of life, of dreams fulfilled, and of a future she would step into—not as Nanami Shizuku, but as Nanami Haruka. Both composer and idol, ready to face the world.