2026-05-06: Silver

• Log: Silver
• Cast: Lisa Silverman, Hyousuke Suzuki, Maya Amano, Jun Kashihara, Yukari Takeba, Maria Sakurai, Minako Arisato, Eikichi Mishina, Ririka Kawase
• Where: Aoba - Main
• OOC Date: May 06, 2026
• IC Date: November 05, 2012
• Summary: The MUSES give a concert in Aoba Park!

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(|=============================== Aoba - Main ================================|)
-=================================================== Sumaru City/Aoba Ward ====-
To Sumaru's east is Aoba Ward, where fashion and commerce abound. The city's    
fire department headquarters is based here too. Ample shopping can be found at  
the stores that dot Aoba Way. Past it, Aoba Park is a popular place to walk     
around and relax, especially since there's an outdoor concert hall located      
deeper within where one might catch a live concert.                             
                                                                                
Various programs are filmed at Sumaru TV, where famous stars like veteran       
actress Junko Kurosu, talk show host Hidehiko "Brown" Uesugi, and popular model 
Eriko "Elly" Kirishima might be spotted. Along the way, one will pass Kismet    
Publishing, where popular publications like hot teen magazine Coolest are made. 
<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

Energy levels are high for the Muses concert, here in Aoba Park, where the ampitheatre is packed with fans hoping to see the exciting new (still new!) idol group perform. They've had their debut already, but the Seven Sisters High student group is still on the rise, thanks to the deft management of one Ginji Sasaki.

Pictures of them are all over on posters, in their white-and-silver outfits, embalzoned with the name, MUSES. The fans can tell you they're made up of Lisa Silverman, Mami Shibata, and Miho Ogishima, and those posters mark the way through the lines towards seating.

People just kind of... avoid the small crowd of doomsayers, which is cordoned off from the lines.

The Concert Hall is more or less ovular, with a big stage full of lights and then many rows of seats that go up, up, up to the sides! It's packed for an evening show, the sun already down.

But it starts soon! Better get in those seats.

<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.

The last place that Hyousuke expected to find himself was an idol concert. True, he had been to other concerts that year, but an idol's affair felt a little different to what they'd offered. Whether it was the energy in the air, the aesthetics to the venue, or simply the performers themselves, everything felt new - and, if he was to be honest, a little disorienting. Part of that was perhaps the massed doomsayers cordoned off from the rest of the attendees, but he had the sneaking suspicion that such things were not a regular fixture at idol performances, and were thus to be ignored.

Dressed in a light jacket, a shirt, and a pair of 'well-loved' jeans, Hyousuke wondered if he was perhaps underdressed for the occasion. Was he expected to wear something more flamboyant? Ostentatious? A piece of merch? He regretted not looking into it, or asking Lisa when he'd had the chance at the arcade, but supposed that it was a little late for regrets. The best thing to do from that point on was to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. From what little he'd heard, Lisa and Miho's - or, as he recalled with a small grimace, 'Mee-ho' - group tended to put on quite a performance.

Hyousuke dropped himself into a seat, sat back, and waited to see if such assumptions were true.

<Pose Tracker> Maya Amano has posed.

    Maya Amano is there -- part for business and part for her own entertainment. She's covering the Muses concert for COOLEST magazine, the Coolest Magazine for teens. She takes an occasional camera shot with her smartphone, taking care to make sure none of her shots catch the cultists that have been cordoned off.

    As the other concert-goers begin to take their seats, Maya follows suit. She'll no doubt be navigating back-and-forth from her camera app and her notes app the rest of the concert.

<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.

    Considering his semi-recent acquaintance with Lisa Silverman and how MUSES provided some of the music for his mother's latest movie, Jun Kashihara is naturally here too. The doomsayers are a... concern, but he doesn't let them keep him away.
    
    He's dressed in a nice button-up shirt and black slacks with a white-and-green windbreaker. A nemophila flower rests in the breast pocket of that windbreaker.
    
    As he finds his seat, he happens to spot Maya and waves to her with a smile. It's thanks to her that he found his new flower, after all.
Eikichi Mishina has arrived from Historia: The White Chronicle.

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Yukari Takeba got to Aoba Park early, wearing a nice comfortable off the shoulder winter dress in pink, with white trim, and laced up ribbons lining each flank, with a dark mini-skirt for contrast, and warm leggings.
 
The thing is, she's afraid that if she wears band merch, that she's going to make Lisa uncomfortable. You know- Japan gets weird about fan culture. And she doesn't want her to feel like she has to treat her like a fan first.
 
"Are you as excited as I am? I was a fan of their music already- I can't believe I'm getting to see a live concert."
 
But that doesn't mean she isn't! As Minako gets to see. However, the Doomsayers cause her to make a sour face as she hears them distantly, echoing each other.
 
Part of her doesn't want to look at them. But she also doesn't want to look away either. "Ugh... it's getting worse isn't it? Well... let's not let that spoil things. ... Kinda wish they could have changed venues though."
 
Once inside, they show their tickets, gets her hand stamped, then leads the way down to their seats on a row very near the front.
 
One of the perks of knowing an idol! Besides... not even having to pay for them.
 
"So how did you meet Lisa anyway, Minako-chan? I'm not sure you ever said..." "Can I see your tickets, if you please?" An usher asks, because near the front they don't want any problems, "... Oh right here!"
 
She offers it, they check it, and hand it back-
 
"Thank you, enjoy the show."
 
Yukari chuckles a little nervously, "Haha wow- I've never had a seat at a concert that was so good they checked to make sure I belonged there."
 
She's not sure how to feel about that one.

<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.

    Concert in Aoba, at a rate that she can afford? You can bet that Maria will probably be there.

    It's a MUSES concert, allegedly (okay, definitely: the rumor mill works quickly) featuring girls from her school one of whom is in her class? You can be that Maria will definitely be there. After all, how cool is that? She's going to school with an idol!

    It's almost enough to make one forget about a certain circulating rumor, just a little bit.

    Jacket, cute top, skirt and leggings, and dress flats: it's not quite cold enough to break out the scarf she made or the heavier jacket, or the boots, or a hat, but Maria is dressed nicely in deference to the cooler weather.

    She lingers a moment outside, eyeing the cultists. She overheard her granny say one or two things about them, and something about them just makes her spine crawl as she gazes upon them now.

    Something about them reminds her of a dream she had. A dream that, to be honest, she keeps on having.

    It's a relief once she's inside and doesn't have to look at or hear them anymore. She makes her way towards her seat, close to a few people she can't quite remember seeing and it's then that it dawns on her:

    "Oh, I should have looked at the merchandise...!"

    Going to look now would be a problem, though, so Maria, with an unhappy sigh, settles down in her seat.

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

Minako Arisato is here and she seems cheerful -- more than usual. After breaking up with Ren, she was a little down; a little bit less enthusiastic, a little more mellowed out, and doing her best to put on a happy face for the sake of her friends. But, mostly, she needed time -- and time to get over the guilt of being the one to call it off.

Now, though...

She has a bright grin on her face as she follows Yukari, and it isn't feigned. She has a cream-colored jacket over black-and-white striped dress on, with sunglasses parked on her brow -- a fashion statement, rather than out of need. She does glance at the doomsayers, with a frown.

"Yeah," she says, before she looks back at Yukari. She pauses, for just a second -- then she laughs. "I was at Paulownia, and I overheard her. She called you after she got there, asked to hang out, and you were busy... so Minako-chan to the rescue~!"

She grins, and then she follows after Yukari. Her head tilts to the side. "No kidding," she says. "Perks of knowing the lead singer, huh?"

<Pose Tracker> Eikichi Mishina has posed.

Idol music really isn't Eikichi's thing. He could be a snob about it considering his passion for music.

Still the Death Boss was in the crowd tonight, thanks mostly to his girlfriend. The blue haired punk digs his hands into the pockets of his jeans, taking note of the crowd. He was also dressed in a sleeveless shirt of David Bowie in his White Duke phase.

Miyabi stood near by to Eikichi, taking notes as she took in the general vibe of the crowd. Much like Maya, Miyabi was here to report on the show...only for the school paper. "Whats on your mind, Kichi?"

 "Ugh...just not my scene. I'm gonna still try to have fun but..."

"When you say stuff like that I know you're going to do something drastic to entertain yourself. Don't." She didn't look up as she continued taking notes. "Come on. You're here as my charming date. Try to have fun."

"Eh. Fine. Just if one of those weird idol fans get near me, I'm gonna---"

 "Don't." Miyabi touched his arm and the blue hair punk slumped slightly, letting out a sigh.

"Fine fine. Anything for you, babe."

"Why don't you get me a shirt from the merch stand?" Miyabi goes back to her notebook, smiling.

 "You're messing with me right. Fine fine."

 Eikichi starts to head toward the merch table, looking over at stuff with a mixture of confusion, dislike, and envy. He wanted Gas Chamber to have stuff like this and people repping his band. "Maaaaan....."

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Ririka is... feeling nervous! But not about the concert. Well, a little bit about the concert, but not for its own sake. It's really more about the company she has with her. (Okay, there is also some low-level concert about the cult, but there's little she can do about that now...)

She's got her hair in a half-up ponytail, with some light makeup, and she's wearing a purple dress, a denim jacket, stockings and boots.

And with her is a girl her age, but 5'3" to Ririka's 5'7". Her short hair is dyed green and usually spiky but today is combed out, and she's wearing a blouse with a vest over it, a pleated miniskirt, and ankle boots. Jun, Eikichi, and Hyousuke might recognize her as Ikumi Okuyama, a second year from Kasugayama.

They met up earlier to grab some food before the concert, and for some reason each is being careful not to look at the other for too long. Ikumi gestures as they traverse the stairs. "Hey, that's our row, I think," says Ikumi, pointing.

"Oh, yeah, thank goodness," says Ririka with a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad we were able to get two seats together at the last minute..." As they make their way down the row and sit, Ririka gives Ikumi a sheepish smile. "Sorry they're so high up, though..."

Ikumi runs a hand through her hair, and then immediately tries to smooth it out again. "Hey, no worries... this was all kinda last minute, right?" She tries to give Ririka a reassuring smile.

<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

The merch stand has shirts, hats, braclets, some jewelry just like they wear... it's all sorts of stuff, and most of it is heavily branded for the Muses. There's colors for each, too--yellow for Lisa, blue for Mami, and purple for Miho, with white and silver representing all three. And of course, there's lights!

But on stage...

The lights go out. There is silence.

The stage lights up first, a spotlight on three girls clustered together, each with backs to the others. In white-and-silver outfits they stand--Tallest, a girl with blue hair and a zippered topic, in tight pants; middle-height, blonde with a lattice top and similar pant-s-then in a short dress, the shortest with purple hair and a star decal on her arm. They all have silver bracelets and their hair up above their shoulders--

And Lisa's eyes open first. The blonde steps forward, "OH..."

The opening song is a familiar hit from them, their debut track, Love is a Melody; like most of their tracks it features upbeat lyrics and a danceable beat. Much of the audience stands to cheer through the first song, and a few daring types even approach an empty space to dance.

Mami and Miho have their own solos, though all of them sing together for most of the track; Lisa has the highest voice, with Mami (blue hair) the lowest and Miho (purple hair) in the middle.

"Hiiii!" they say in concert once the song ends, and Lisa steps forward. "I'm Lisa and we're the Muses! Thanks for coming out tonight! We really appreciate every one of you!"

It might sound saccharine to some, but it's important for the idols to show their care for their fans!

Mami the 'cool one' adds, "But tonight we have some new material, too. Something special..."

And Miho finally chimes in, "We hope you like it!"

"Like...!" Lisa starts--

And they go into the second song of their set, with a thumping beat and a touch of something almost mystical to its backing. It turns out to be a song about dragons--a hope for good luck and love.

It's called 'Dragon's Whisper', and the audience members who love Wang Long Fortunetelling eat it right up. That's a lot of them! If there's anything concerning in there about avoiding Joka, then don't worry about it.

"Did you know?" Miho asks brightly. "i'm a Red Dragon! Are you compatible?"

The songs have all been in Japanese so far; the real fans know that despite her looks, Lisa doesn't actually speak English!

But Lisa on the stage looks out to the fans--and winks in one particular direction... at Minako and Yukari!! But their attention is all over the crowd; they can't let people feel neglacted!

The lighting is really good, too--overall it's a really tightly put-together show.

But it's not over yet! Lisa takes a breath--and starts another song...

<Pose Tracker> Maya Amano has posed.

    Maya's eyes widen at the sight of Jun, who she didn't expect to be there at all! She gives him a big smile, waving back with her usual Maya Amano enthusiasm. She'll have to say hi to him after the show -- that's if they can find each other in the wave of fans at the concert!

    Maya spends more time on her camera app than she does her notes app. The notes app is opened at the beginning of eah song only long enough to document a setlist. It's easy enough when she knows the name of the song, but there's one or two she doesn't recognize and she has to type in a few lyrics to look up the song titles later.

    While she does snap plenty of pictures, most of the time she's trying to commit the moment to memory. What you feel at a concert is even more important than what happens during one, and she wants to be able to communicate that feeling most of all in her article.

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Yukari was on high alert there for a while. After all, she knows Minako can hide things behind that smile - but she also understands how much it can hurt to call her out for it.
 
So she was on tenterhooks, waiting for her to recover. It seems at least - that she's doing much better. Or at least she hopes so.
 
"Really!?" She sounds surprised, "Wow- that's not too different from how I met her myself. I guess the two of us just tend to pick up girlfriends at the mall?"
 
No, she really has no idea whatsoever how that sounds. After all, who would think that 'girlfriend' would automatically mean 'dating' when it's a girl? Of course she means a girl who is friends.
 
"For real." She answers Minako, "Though I admit, she had to convince me to take them- special treatment like this feels a little embarrassing... but it's nice too."
 
She'll try to hit up the merch on the way out- she doesn't want Lisa to see her carrying a lot of it after all.
 
The lights go out then- "Oh it's starting!"
 
The first song is about- well Wang Long is popular right now, she can see why someone would want to get on board with the trend.
 
She gets into it pretty fast. Before it ends, and Miho's statement, "Silver here." She asides to Minako. "I got a little into Wang Long myself- it's nice to have something to check other than my Horoscopes."
 
She of course has no idea that Wang Long is fake and created FOR EVIL. But very few people know that.
 
Lisa winks at them, and Yukari waves back to her, then holds up two fingers in a V as if to tell her she's killing it.
 
"What about you?" She whispers to Minako, "Or- Oh! If you don't know, I can always tell you. I just need to know your birthday... wasn't it December 31st?"
 
She asks, not knowing that that's only Minato's birthday- one would think so with twins.

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"Maybe I need to hang out at the mall more," Minako says with a sideways glance at Yukari -- and then a grin, before she winks. Maybe... maybe she also thinks the same as Yukari?

Must be!

She nods, after that. "I'm glad you took them. I'm really glad I came. And... you know, to... get out some more." She flashes a smile at Yukari, and then her eyes widen. It is starting.

Minako made sure to get a couple of lights -- yellow ones, of course, for Lisa. When the show starts up properly, she begins to wave the light sticks side-to-side with the first song. She knows it; she heard Muses before, but made a point of listening to some of their music after she met Lisa.

She watches them dance and she grins.

She glances sideways at Yukari again, and then she tilts her head. "Silver? So, uh, what's the meaning behind that?"

The new material makes Minako blink -- and then she tilts her head to the side. She pays a sidelong glance at Yukari. She doubts she has heard this before, either. But then--

Then, Lisa's attention is on her and Yukari in the crowd. Lisa had said she would look for her. That gets a laugh out of Minako, and she lifts both of the glow sticks over her head, and waves them eagerly overhead.

Then, she looks back at her friend. She grins... until her smile fades, and she sighs. Dramatically.

"He was born a little before midnight," Minako says. "And... I was born on January 1. He is not a year older than me, despite whatever he tells you. He lies, Yukari-chan. Uh, just about that."

<Pose Tracker> Eikichi Mishina has posed.

Eikichi gets a blue Muses shirt, unaware of how colors work with idols. He manages to get back right as the show begins. Thats about when he sees Lisa on stage, feeling a twitch for some reason. In truth, Eikichi didn't hate Lisa but there seemed to be something about this girl. Something that drove Eikichi to pick at her.

"Oh hey, it's Ginko."

"Who?" Miyabi looks up from her notes.

 "Oh thats what I call the blonde one."

 "Kichi..."

 "What? It's not that bad a nickname!" He receives a look for his trouble, prompting Eikichi to sigh despite smiling.

 Eikichi turns back to the music, frowning when he hears about the Wang Long stuff. "Tch, why are they putting that astrology junk in their music?"

 "Hmm? No idea. Though that is a point." Miyabi begins taking more notes, prompting Eikichi to look back at the stage. The blue haired punk scratches the corner of his nose, trying to vibe to this music. It had a beat but man were the lyrics not his thing. He oughta tell Lisa how to write a good song...That would go over PERFECTLY.

<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.

    It's understandable that Maya would be surprised to see Jun at the concert. His general vibe probably gives the impression that he's more interested in classical music; it's not like he'd go for the cute girls, either. However, while that's not untrue, there are things to enjoy about more modern musical stylings. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to Gas Chamber's concerts, either.
    
    Since Maya's clearly working, Jun doesn't head over to her right away; it's enough to share a wave and a smile. As he gets seated, he recognizes a few other people he knows--including Ririka and her date. His eyebrows rise when he notes Ikumi, hand on his chin. Well, well... He smiles and silently wishes them both well.
    
    The girl who sits next to him laments about the missed opportunity to get merch. "I'm sure it'll still be on sale after the show. Don't fret," Jun encourages Maria with a kind smile. ...At least, he assumes there'll still be merch for sale. Surely it wouldn't have all sold out before the concert even started... right?
    
    After that, though, it's time for the concert itself. Jun recognizes the opening number, Love is a Melody. He doesn't stand up like many others do, but his head and foot do bob to the rhythm. Dragon's Whisper is somewhat more his style, even if he's more interested in stars than dragons when it comes to fortune-telling. All in all, the theatrics are on point, and the girls have great energy and lovely voices.

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

aRirika and Ikumi are both pretty silent as they wait for the concert to start. Ririka is drumming on her thigh, and Ikumi looks to be fidgeting, too. But once the concert starts they're both into it--though they share a moment of awkwardness as each starts to get to their feet, only to pause and look to the other, silently double checking to make sure they're not getting too into it moreso than the other person--

Which results in both of them laughing a little as they get up to cheer for the first song.

If there's something concerning in the second song's lyrics Ririka will worry about it.... later. But Ikumi is cheering for the second song--not that Ririka isn't, but Ikumi si cheering more, since she's more familiar with Wang Long fortune telling.

In the brief breaks between songs she leans over to Ririka. "Do you know what Dragon you are?" she whispers.

Ririka gives a small shake of her head. "Not really... I was born July 17th if that helps?"

Ikumi grins. "That means you're Light. I'm Gold."

"Oh. Ririka blinks. "... is that good...?"

But right about then the next song is setting, and Ikumi just says, "I'll tell you later."

Ririka and Ikumi might say hi to Jun later, after the concert.

<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.

    It'll probably still be on sale after the show, says a boy near to her.

    "Oh! Yeah, you're probably right!" she bubbles back at Jun, all smiles in spite of her earlier remark. "And even if there isn't, it's the experience that counts, right?" Of course it is! Otherwise, what would the point of going to anything be, she considers to herself.

    There she is! There's Lisa, her classmate! Maria rises to her feet to bounce up and down in excitement as the MUSES make their debut-- but remembering herself, she settles back down into her seat in a hurry with some mild embarrassment. Ooops~

    That one song speaks of avoiding Joka. Avoiding it, huh...

    "..."

    Maria, in silence, frowns, pursing her lips as if to thereby slip the chains of her worries. If you've already committed a sin, and you've already tried your best, can you still escape...?

    Miho up on stage announces that she's a Red Dragon, out in the wake of that song and Maria turns to Jun, suddenly all sparkle again. "I'm a White Dragon, by the way. We're said to be guided by our emotions, hehe. What about you?" she asks him.

    Others nearby similarly chat briefly between songs, and for the most part the buzz passes above and about Maria, but--

    "Wow! You're a twin?" she pipes up, intruding into Yukari and Minako's conversation. "That's so neat!"

<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

The evening stretches on, and the songs they sing vary from lively to slower and more heartfelt, like the next one. Lisa laughs at the way Minako lifts the glow sticks, and goes back to her set. Miho and Mami both get to introduce themselves properly over the course of the evening, and chat a little more with the audience.

Maya can get a lot of vibes; the crowd is cheerful, excited, and there's something almost supernatural about the way the energy flows. ...Well, that has to be poetic, of course. It's not like the rumors about them would mean anything more than rumors!

The merch will indeed still have some left--especially the more expensive pieces, as it happens.

LIsa does not hear 'Ginko'. This is for the best.

'In Your Eyes' is one of those slower songs, with heartfelt solos from each of the girls as they contemplate how the listener might feel about their emotions. The lights are great to swing for this one, too, slowly side to side.

Then, to build up the energy, 'Shape Up Love' is a lively dancing tune, and Lisa's movements in particular are really stand-out; it's plain which one takes the lead in dancing, anyway.

Finally, they end on a high note, on another new song that they say will be for their next album: Sunshine Hero! It's a bright piece about the way that no matter what happens, another bright day can come tomorrow and be your 'hero'.

"Thank you everybody!" Lisa says, and Mami and Miho both echo, "Thanks, everybody~!" in their own time. All of them have had some focus moments tonight, and as the concert ends...

"We'll be happy to meet you all here again! ...And right now, once things quiet down a little!"

There are three major 'crowds' that form next; for Mami, for Miho, and for Lisa. Each has a water bottle nearby, but they're all still standing, greeting fans. And guess whose turn is about to come up to hang out for a bit?

<Pose Tracker> Maya Amano has posed.

    Maya plans to speak with all three girls -- so it doesn't make matter which line she queues into. She quickly shuffles through the crowd, navigating her way through the swath of people to the closest line -- which happens to be Lisa's.

    Thankfully, the line seems to be moving quickly enough -- most folks want a handshake and a photo -- but when Maya turns around to check the line, she's surprised at how long it's gotten.

    Maya snaps a photo.

    "Maya Amano with Coolest Magazine," she says cheerily when she finally reaches the front of the line. She pulls a card out of her bag and hands it to Lisa. "I'd like to schedule an interview with you and the other members of Muses for next month's issue, but for now... think we can take a selfie?"

    Maya's camera app is already open and ready!

<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.

    "Agreed," Jun says to Maria, marking her quick uptick in mood. A very 'let's think positive!' sort of girl--she's sure to get along with Maya.
    
    Despite that, though, when Dragon's Whisper is performed, Maria doesn't seem nearly as excited as she was for the last song. It's none of Jun's business, but curiosity provokes him to wonder about that frown anyway.
    
    But once again, her mood recovers quickly. He smiles back at her. "Ah, so you were born in March. I was born in February, so I'm a Blue Dragon, said to be intellectual and calm." He chuckles. "I can't say that's wrong, either."
    
    Maria overhears a different conversation, and Jun looks over to see who she's talking to. To his surprise, they're with someone else he recognizes. "Ah, Takeba-san?" he utters, blinking. He looks over to Minako next, interested, though he doesn't address her just yet. It is neat to meet a twin.
    
    More songs play. Jun in particular admires Lisa's dance moves in Shape Up Love. Once the concert's over, he applauds, then gets up with the rest of the audience. He'll of course move into Lisa's meet-and-greet line, shortly behind Maya.

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Must be! I mean what else would Minako think?
 
"Oh! Uhhhh it means- don't laugh but... the Silver Dragon is the protector of moderation."
 
It's also generally associated with a quality she's too embarrassed to bring up. She's anything but pacifistic.
 
"Wow..." Yukari seems shocked by the fact their birthday is on two different days, "That's amazing uh-"
 
A beat.
 
"-he hasn't said that yetttt, just that he's the older twin?"
 
It also completely derails her train of thought, because if Minato is December- he's a Purple Dragon, which she's completely compatible with... whereas if Minako is January...
 
"Well that means you're a Yellow Dragon, which protects... balance? Yeah, pretty sure it was balance."
 
But it also means... she's not going to think about it, fortune telling doesn't always get it right. How could she not be compatible with her best friend? Yeesh.
 
"Oh uh-" At first, she thinks it's a stranger that's butting into a private conversation, but then she is taken aback, "... Wait you're... Maria-chan? Oh- and Kashihara-san's with you!"
 
It still feels awkward shifting that quickly in familiarity for Maria, but she'd insisted. "Oh uh yeah, this is my friend Minako Arisato, we live together in the same dorm. Her brother isn't here with us today though. We only had two tickets."
 
She grins at the two of them, "Haha- small world, us sitting this close together at a concert huh? Oh- they're starting again!"
 
The concert continues, and the good vibes are certainly infectious. Yukari doesn't see Eikichi either- which is for the best. She'd definitely start an argument if she saw him again.
 
She's happy enough about the idol group's range already, impressed by Lisa's singing talents. "Great show, huh? I'm really glad we came. Come on- let's go get into Lisa's line. We've gotta let her know how much we support her!"
 
Into Lisa's line she goes as well. "So the two of you- are you friends with Lisa as well?" She asks Maria and Jun idly, given where they were sitting and that they go to her school, it feels probable to her!
 
And then she sees Maya up front, soliciting an interview. Hmm. "Guess when you're a journalist... there's no such thing as being off from work." She murmurs to herself.

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"Hm... you know, I can see that," Minako says, regarding moderation. (She doesn't know about pacifism being a trait.)

She looks at Yukari -- then sighs with relief. "Good. Just don't fall for it when he mentions!" she insists. Then, her nose wrinkles. "Balance, huh...?"

But someone asks a question!

"Oh--oh, yeah," Minako says to Maria, flashing a smile at her. "Sure am! It's pretty cool, right? Nice to meetcha, Sakurai-san."

When the music starts up again, Minako cheers and sways with the music. During 'In Your Eyes,' she has a thoughtful expression -- the romantic, slower songs bring some emotions to the forefront. A little through it, she sighs and pulls her phone out. She waits until the end of the song -- and once 'Shape Up Love' starts, she turns around and snaps a selfie.

Then, she sends it off to Ren Amamiya.

> Hey Ren-kun. At a concert! Hope you're doing something fun too.

Even if she can't be honest with them, she can still be their friend she decides. She watches, though -- and a smile breaks across her face as she gets a look at how well Lisa dances. She watches for a moment longer, and then she looks sideways at Yukari.

"She's... really amazing, isn't she?" she asks.

Once the concert ends, she waves her light sticks one last time. Then, those get tucked inside her coat. She looks at Minako, and she nods quickly. "Right!" she says. "We gotta show we came here for her!"

She steps into Lisa's line, alongside Yukari.

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Ririka and Ikumi relax a bit more as the evening goes on. It's easier, once they're able to get into the flow of the music. And once the final song ends they both seem to be buzzing and sneaking glances at each other.

"Did you see those dance moves?"
"I know right? And those outfits..."
"... yeah, definitely."

They're chatting quietly as they head to the lines, discussing the songs, particularly the new ones. And whie they might be smiling just a bit too much they at least trying not to be too obvious.

Key word trying.

But by some coincidence, they end up in line near some familiar faces. "Oh--" Ririka drops her voice and leans over to Ikumi. "... there's a couple of girls from my school here."

Ikumi nods, though her eyes go in a different direction. "... and I recognize some faces from Kasu, too..." She's frowning a little.

"Kashihara-san's cool, though."

There's an eyebrow raise at Ririka. "Yeah?" Like, cool cool, or... just genrally cool.

Ririka smiles a little. "Yep." Definitely cool cool.

"Cool."

<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.

    "Mm-hmm!" Maria affirms, regarding her birthmonth. "I'm an Aries, too! You know, the ram?" She pauses. "I think that's a male sheep?" She's pretty sure she's on the money for this one, for once! "They have the curly horns. I think that's cute," Maria goes on, getting well-off on a tangent.

    That is, before she distracts herself from herself.

    "Ah, you're-- Takeba-chan!"

    They worked together a grand total of once and Maria decided that was the appropriate name to give her colleague. "Oh, hi there, Arisato-san! I'm Maria, Maria Sakurai. I'm at Sevens! And yeah, it's super cool! It's kind of like having an older brother without having them in another year?" Yukari names Jun, though, and Maria, who has had until this moment no idea that the young man even had a name, pauses. She glances over at Jun. "Eh? Kashihara?" She looks over Jun as if seeing him for the first time. "Oh! You're not at our school, either! Are you at-- oh, but the next song!"

    It will have to wait.

    She, of course, queues up for Lisa: sorry, other guys, but the girl in her homeroom takes precedence!

    Is she Lisa's friend, though?

    "Eh? I'm in her homeroom. I can't say I know her super-well? She had her debut earlier this year, you know, and I was kinda," Maria shrugs, shaking her head. "But, she seems pretty cool! I've never known an idol before!"

<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

An attendant chimes in for Maya, "We'll be happy to get that scheduled, miss."

Lisa happens to stare at Maya for just a moment, like there's something--

The attendant takes the card. "Oh!" Lisa laughs. "Sorry-ia, I just must've recognized you! I totally read your magazine!"

Before the attendant can insist the selfies cost something, Lisa slides around next to Maya and puts up a V-sign. "Hai!"

"Jun-san, you made it!" Lisa reports to Jun cheerfully. "I hope it was fun!"

"Yukari-chan! Minako-chan!" Lisa is hype to see Minakoa nd Yukari, clearly, and also, "You came out for me!"

Pause. "Eheheh. Thank you! It was really great to get up on stage for everybody..."

"And hey!" she says to Maria, "I know you! Maria-san, right?"

They're in the same class!

She hasn't seen Ririka and Ikumi make it up just yet... But soon!! soon!!

Meanwhile, the other lines are hopping, too! Everybody gets some fun!

<Pose Tracker> Maya Amano has posed.

    Maya grins, throwing up a V-sign of her own.

    "Thanks!" she says cheerily once the photo is taken. "Don't forget to email me!"

    Maya gives a wave to the teenagers she does recognize. "I want to catch you for interviews later!" she says to them -- and with a wink, she navigates the crowd to the other growing lines.

<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.

    "It is," Jun tells Maria of rams. That means her birthday is late March, then. She does go off on a tangent, but there are lots of things to talk about, such as--
    
    "Pleased to meet you, Arisato-san. I'm Jun Kashihara," Jun says when Yukari introduces the two of them. He looks over at Maria, whom Yukari and Minako inadvertently also introduced by addressing her by name. "So Takeba-san's an acquaintance of yours as well? What a coincidence." He smiles at her reaction, misunderstanding why she's having it, but the next song starts, so it will indeed have to wait.
    
    The four of them all end up in Lisa's line, and right next to each other too! It's nice to have someone to chat with while you're waiting in line.
    
    "Yes, Lisa-san and I take dance lessons together," Jun tells Yukari. He doesn't go to school with her, but he doesn't know to clear up that misunderstanding. "I'm here to support here too." He looks over at Maria. So they're classmates but they're still also only acquaintances. Rather than remark on that, though, he says, "Incidentally, yes, I'm the son of Kashihara-sensei. I attend Kasugayama High, however."
    
    He glances further down the line past Maria, Yukari, and Minako, and spots Ririka and Ikumi. The two of them seem shy, so he simply flashes them both a smile before Maya ends her turn with Lisa and the line moves up.
    
    He waves to Maya first, since she's leaving. "Anytime, Amano-san--you know how to reach me."
    
    Then, to Lisa: "It was! You three have a splendid energy." Jun's smile broadens. "I see I've got a long ways to go before I can match your dance moves. That's an idol for you."
    
    ~ * ~
    
    Ren replies to Minako's text a while after receiving it, after she's joined the meet-and-greet line:
    
    > Awesome. Working a shift rn, but I'm hanging out with a friend after. Enjoy the rest of your concert.
    
    They don't include a selfie for some reason.

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

To be fair to Maria- it was a helluva part time shift in the battlefield of Demon Retail. It's understandable that she'd think it made them that much closer. "Maria-chan is... really uhhh when you hear someone say 'they're full of energy'- I think she's the origin of the phrase?"
 
Well, it's MOSTLY a compliment!
 
"Yeah. We met while working a shift at the Giga Macho." She answers Jun.

"Oh- well, good!" She was afraid it wouldn't make any sense at all. "And yeah. Hmmm, I can see that too?" As she gives Minako a thoughtful look, "... I think." She thinks!?
 
Yukari tries not to notice Minako texting that selfie, but she does catch a glimpse of her on her phone. She doesn't... say anything there. It's best not to use her snooping as an 'in' for a conversation.
 
"Eh?! You're in her homeroom even, but you don't know her well?"
 
It doesn't sound judgemental per se, just surprised- "Well... I guess that makes sense, it's not like I know everyone in my homeroom well either- just then again, I'm not at their concert?"
 
Her homeroom doesn't have an idol but it does have a 'Humanoid Tactical Weapon'? That's definitely way more rare but- it's not exactly the same.
 
"'Pretty cool'? Does that mean you're a fan now... or...?"
 
She tries to sort through Maria's statements here.
 
"Yeah, I really can't believe how much work she must have put in to make this happen-!" She answers Minako, "Especially in high school... you always hear about those idols who broke into fame in middle school or something and wonder if they're exaggerating but then-"
 
A wave vaguely in the direction of that trio.
 
"Dance lessons?" She asks Jun, startled before seeming impressed, "Wow, if you're taking dance lessons with an idol, you must be very advanced... are you working towards performing one day yourself?"
 
Then eventually they're at the front as Lisa greets them, and she replies enthusiastically with a smile. "Of course we did! Wouldn't miss it. You three put on a great show! ...I bet you're all exhausted though, after that."
 
And after a moment's thought, "I'd ask if you wanted to meet up after to unwind with us a little- but I bet the three of you have plans?"
 
That seems like a certainty, still she's putting it out there.

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"Oh, wow, you do?" Minako asks Jun. "I bet you're an awesome dancer, too, Kashihara-san!" She smiles at him -- and she turns her head, to look back ahead at the crowd. That's when her phone chimes. She pulls it out, reading it. She smiles at the message.

She types a quick one off.

> Thanks, Ren-kun. Have fun with your friend! We should hang out soon.

Then, she looks at Yukari. Minako nods her head. "Me, either. And she still manages to be... you know. She still has a lot of fun--and she's fun." She looks up ahead at Lisa. She's... pretty amazing."

Lisa greets them as they get closer. Minako smiles at her -- grinning and brushing some of her red hair back to the side, her head tilted for a moment. "Of course I did! Wouldn't miss it."

She winks at her. "You did great, Lisa-chan! Had no idea you're such a great dancer, but I'm not surprised either."

Then, she flashes a grin at Lisa, and follows up on Yukari's remark. "I'd be happy to hang anytime!"

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Jun gives them a smile, and Ririka has to hide a big grin, but does raise her hand to give a very quick bug small wave. Ikumi, on the other hand, is trying to stay in a relxed posture but does give Jun a quick nod. Ikumi, for her part, gives Jun a quick nod, though it's a bit distracted as she's still looking around a little.

But soon enough they do make it up to where everyone else is. Ririka gives Yukari and Minako a smile that is only very slightly nervous, along with a wave. "Hey, guys. Okuyama-san, thse are two of my classmates, Yukari Takeba and Minako Arisato. Takeba-san, Arisato-san, this Ikumi Okuyama, a friend of mine." Totally normal going to a concert with a friend who just so happens to be a girl vibes over here, right? "Did you two come here together?"

Then she looks to Jun and smiles, a bit more relaxed. "Hey, Kashihara-san. Did you enjoy the show?"

Ikumi is trying to keep her posture relaxed, giving June a look. "Hey, senpai. How's it going?"

Ririka recognizes Maria, too, but... the first time they met was 'while fighting the Joker Killer' and the second time was 'rescuring her from a supernatural space she might not remember', so... Ririka just gives her a friendly smile.

But of course-- "Lisa-san! Great concert tonight. The three of you were really killing it!"

Ikumi grins and nods, "Yeah, and the new songs were really good, too."

<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.

    Verily, Maria may be the textbook definition of the term -- as well as the textbook definition of 'easily distracted'. This is both a good and a bad thing.

    "Uh huh! Giga Macho," she confirms. "It's hard work, but they pay really well? Oh, I can ask if they're looking for more new hires," she goes on, assuming the others do want a job there. "They're always looking for more workers for some reason!"

    For some reason.

    "A fan?" She looks at Minako, then back at Yukari, then at Minako again. "Ah?! Are you also making your debut?" ...Does she think Minako is also an idol?

    Aha! Realization settles over Maria's face as Jun confirms the connection.

    "I knew it! You had to be his son!" she says to Jun, at least once the concert's over. She pauses, looking thoughtful. "Oh, that, or his nephew? But something like that! It's the name that gave it away," she explains, as if it weren't already pretty obvious. "So you take lessons with Lisa-san? That's so cool! I've never tried dance. Is it fun?"

    "Yes! From homeroom!" And not at all 'that girl who missed a lot of the start of the year because she got hospitalized after a subway accident' or 'that girl who was missing for a few weeks before returning without (apparent) explanation'. Maria is just another person from homeroom.

    But she goes on: "You were really great! It's so cool, having someone from class who's an idol!" she gushes. "You all worked really hard up there!"

    She looks over at Ririka then, and realizes that she knows her, too. Oh no, didn't Ririka see her at her...

    Maria, gamely, regardless of the way her heart feels it drops into a ditch in her soul, smiles brightly and waves at Ririka. Hiiii~

<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

"I will!" Pause. "I mean, I won't forget!" Lisa calls after, and she will get that card back if she has to. The attendant just likes to take care of things.

Jun says their energy is splended and Lisa beams at him. "That's a great word, huh?" she asks. A beat, "That's what practice is for! You'll totally get there if you want to!"

"Thanks!" Lisa says to Yukari brightly, and laughs. "I'm pumped!" she answers. She smiles at Minako, too, and if the smile is a little extra-warm, well, don't worry about it. "Thanks!"

A beat to Yukari, "I'd love to hang with you both soon, but you're right--we've got plans in a bit tonight. A little after-concert meetup, right?"

"Great!" Lisa replies to Ikumi and Ririka. "I see you came with a friend!" she says, and actually means friend, because she's not that quick on the uptake. "I'm glad you liked them! My bandmates worked really hard!"

Lisa is absolutely not going to mention that other stuff that she's totally aware of about Maria. Not here, not now, maybe not ever!

"Thank you!" Lisa says brightly. "Haha, all three of us are happy about that. We won't forget our school! <3" Yes, Lisa prononces a <3. She's not quite as good at it as Miho, but she's pretty good!

"I hope we can keep seeing everybody just like this!"

<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.

    Ren texts Minako back a sticker with a message to the effect of 'yes we should.'
    
    "Get to the level of a professional? No, I don't think so," Jun tells Lisa, but his air is amused rather than self-deprecating. "But thank you for the encouragement. It's kind of you."
    
    He's surprised to hear Yukari invite Lisa to hang out with her and Minako--he hadn't realized they were that close. Too bad for all of them that MUSES is busy tonight. He hopes that they'll find another day to celebrate soon.
    
    "Ahaha--I understand why you think so, but no, I'm still a beginner. The only reason we're taking lessons together is because we're both being taught by Ooshiro--I mean, Ijuuin-sensei," Jun explains to Yukari and Minako. Both of them should know who he's talking about, since Yua teaches dance a day a week at Gekkoukan too. "Lisa-san is taking lessons at a much higher level than I am; I only joined recently."
    
    To Maria, he continues, "It's hard work, but despite that, it's more enjoyable than I'd expected. I started because I thought it was a better form of exercise than most, especially since Ijuuin-sensei makes it look so graceful and beautiful." If Jun is going to do any kind of exercise and get sweaty and miserable, it'd at least better look good. (That it might help him with combat against demons and Shadows is (the point) surely just a bonus.)
    
    Ririka and Ikumi walk up from their spot in line then. "I did indeed. I was just remarking to Lisa-san about the energy," he replies. He looks from her to Ikumi. "Okuyama-san, hello. I'm having a good time, as you can see--and I hope I'm seeing you two having a good time too."
    
    He says that naturally, not in a teasing way--not that he's really the teasing sort. He knows how embarrassing it can be to be in love in public, and besides that, Ririka isn't generally out.

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

"Pretty sure they'll always be, if that's how a normal day is..." Yukari commentates, when it comes to the Giga Macho, because, she can imagine they lose a few retail workers if they're normal.
 
"Uhhhh Minako-chan isn't an idol? She's just a fan of one-!" She gives Jun a curious look at the exchange between them.

"Yeah! Or at least... most of the time..."
 
She answers Minako, she still remembers how they met, and that night with Eikichi. She can kinda relate. Even having fun...
 
Jun clarifies and- "Oh! Yeah, I mean, I take lessons with her too. I'm just surprised she's that involved teaching Lisa still." She laces her hands behind her back, "But hey- maybe working with her on choreography professionally could be a side job for her?"
 
There's a grin and- "Yeah I just enjoy dancing myself. I'm just a beginner too- but, you know, it's fun- and useful to know right? You never know when it's going to come up."
 
She could mention her fashion aspirations might involve it but- that's too much to bring up right now.
 
Ririka greets them, and Yukari looks surprised, but then grins, "Oh hey, Kawase-san, didn't know you were coming tonight too? Great show huh?" Before she then nods, "Yeah, she's got it. It's nice to meet you, Okuyama-san."
 
The question on whether they came here together though? "Yeah! We had tickets and well, you know? Lisa's a friend. I-well we- wanted to support her!"
 
There's a nod to Lisa, and a grin, "Hey I figured, of course the three of you would after a night like tonight, huh?"
 
But she wanted to offer Lisa an out if she wanted one, like the last time she got on a train just to get away from her friends for a while.
 
"Call us soon though, we'll set something up."
 
She then steps out of line because, she doesn't want to hog her. That feels unfair to all the other fans.

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

It's okay, Maria. Ririka won't say anything about that Kingdom if you don't. She'll just try to smile back and not say anything.

'I see you came with a friend!' For some reason Ririka and Ikumi share a glance at that. Are they blushing? Nah, they must just still be a little flushed from all that chearing earlier, that's all. "Yeeeaeah! I did. Come with a friend," starts Ririka. But as for the songs. "It really shows!" She opens her mouth like she's about to say something more, but luckily catches herself.

There's really no need to gush about chord progressions or harmonies right now. She's trying to play it cool. For her friend.

Jun mentions Yua. Ikumi's trying to be laid back, but she looks impressed. "Oh, that dance teacher at our school? Didn't know she was that good..." But Jun greets her, and Ikumi runs her hand through her hair for a moment before quickly smoothing it and pulling her hand back. "Yeah, we are. The show was really good, so..." She glances sidelong to Ririka. "... I'm glad I was able to make it," she finishes with a smile.

Ririka's smiling back.

Both of them would be incredibly flustered to be identified as being in love. They only just met, after all. Which isn't to say they're not enjoying things, of course... Ikumi isn't really out yet, either.

Ririka smiles to Yukari. "Yeah, i didn't want to miss this, you know? And yeah, the show was amazing, for sure."

Ikumi just raises a hand, "Hey, Takeba-san. Same."

Ikumi and Ririka will also get out of the line soon, too, after exchanging a couple more words with Lia.

<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.

    "Oh!" says Maria, of Minako. She then blinks. "So then...?"

    Perhaps it's better for Maria to not waste (potentially limited) brain power worrying over that conundrum.

    "Anyway, Giga Macho pays really well, and there's only sometimes some, um," she glances over at Lisa, "other problems." She waves her right hand, dismissively. "It's fine, though, it's fine!"

    It's not fine, and that's why Giga Macho is always needing new bodies to cover a shift.

    "Aha! I see! I used to run track, you know. But, I'm thinking about starting a biking club!" If she can attract other potential club-attendees, get the appropriate faculty support, get it through approval, and a half-dozen more steps that nearly ensure that its appearance on the stage of Seven Sisters High may be doomed from the start.

    But 'may be' is not the same as 'is'. And Maria is still going to try.

    "I wonder if dance would suit me, too? Biking's great, but it's hard to do it in the winter," she points out, thinking the matter over. "I wonder..."

    Her grandmother might have a sigh of relief if Maria did something more feminine for physical activity, anyway.

    "Anyway, keep it up, Lisa-san! I'll be rooting for you and everyone else!" She pauses, then fishes a small notebook from her purse.

    "Oh, um, and can you sign this??"

<Pose Tracker> Lisa Silverman has posed.

<poem> Lisa smiles at Jun when he says it's kind of her. "Of course!" she says to encouragement. But the lessons--well, "She's a really good teacher, and it's important that I have a few teachers so my steps can really good as good as they can, you know?" Lisa opines.

"Thanks," she says sinerely to Yukari next. An out is... good. But in this case it's okay. "I totally will!"

And a few people will marvel at Yukari and Minako being her friend especially, because Jun is, but she's not calling him up!

...And that's for the best, in this crowd.

She'll be happy to chat a little more with Ririka and Ikumi--but first...

"Thanks!" Lisa says warmly to Maria, "And oh, totally! I'd be happy to!"

Sign sign sign...

<poem>