“Are you ready?” her producer, Kenji, asked, his hand hovering over the 'Play' button.
As the chorus peaked, Hikari closed her eyes. She saw the rainy Tokyo streets where she’d hummed melodies into her phone at 3:00 AM. She felt the sting of the countless auditions where she was told she was "too much" or "not enough." In this song, she was exactly the right amount of herself. “Are you ready
When the final note faded into a shimmering reverb, the studio fell silent. Kenji looked at the levels, then at her. He didn't say it was good; he didn't have to. She felt the sting of the countless auditions
“It’s live,” he whispered, pointing to the upload bar on the Arewanmu music portal. He didn't say it was good; he didn't have to
Hikari didn't answer with words. She adjusted her headphones, the leather cool against her ears, and nodded.
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