"Kyo! It's been ages!" Just as expected, the first to react was Mana, bursting with her characteristic warmth and boundless energy, like a child who never ran out of enthusiasm.
She hadn't changed a bit since their first meeting—still happily munching away on donuts. When Kyo and Anon stepped into the room, Mana had a half-eaten donut in her mouth.
Hearing the door swing open, Mana's immediate reaction was to quickly shove the donut—which, despite being half-finished, was still a bit too large for her petite mouth—further in, frantically using her hands to help. Completely disregarding her carefully cultivated idol image, she instead appeared adorably clumsy, more like a pampered child than a celebrity.
However, once she realized it wasn't their manager performing a surprise inspection, Mana's anxious attempt to hastily swallow the treasured donut paused midway, her embarrassment vanishing instantly as excitement took over at seeing her friend after so long.
Fortunately, Mana still had enough idol awareness not to speak with a mouth full of food—
She hurriedly covered her mouth with both hands, then greeted Kyo with bright, expressive eyes full of genuine delight, even if her stuffed cheeks couldn't form a proper smile.
Uika, on the other hand, was much more reserved—mature, even.
"Good morning, Kyo-chan. It's lovely to see you again." Uika gracefully stood up from the sofa, nodding gently to express her welcome. Her manner was neither overly formal nor overly familiar, perfectly poised, and far beyond what one would expect from someone who'd just entered high school.
Had it only been Kyo arriving, Uika likely wouldn't have stood. However, she'd immediately noticed Anon standing behind Kyo. Though unfamiliar, whether this person was Kyo's friend or someone professionally connected, it was safest and most polite to greet her standing.
"And this is…?" Uika asked gently, her question perfectly timed.
Instead of answering immediately, Kyo glanced back at Anon, blinking subtly to cue her friend. After all, these were Anon's favorite idols, so Kyo thought it best if Anon introduced herself directly.
Perhaps the suddenness of Kyo opening the door had robbed Anon of the chance to mentally prepare, leaving her momentarily frozen at facing both members of Sumimi. She completely missed Kyo's silent cue.
Seeing her eye signals fail, Kyo simply reached out and poked Anon's cheek instead.
Hmm, soft and springy. Nice texture.
This direct approach proved far more effective. The sudden cool touch of Kyo's finger made Anon shiver, instantly breaking the nervous tension that had tightened her jaw shut.
As expected from someone who'd once been student council president—despite her lingering anxiety and excitement, Anon quickly adjusted herself, shooting Kyo a grateful glance.
"Hello, my name is Chihaya Anon. I'm here today at the invitation of my friend Kyo-chan to visit."
Hmm~ Looks like Anon's still feeling nervous, after all.
Kyo stepped aside, creating space for Anon to talk to her idols, and slipped into her usual habit of observing others, mentally noting and analyzing their behavior.
Usually, Anon was even more outgoing and lively than Mana, but her first introduction upon meeting her idols had been unexpectedly stiff, almost formal.
Whenever someone documented on her mental "profile wall" exhibited unusual behavior, Kyo always found herself deeply curious and fascinated, immediately ramping up her observation.
The hardest part was always the beginning. Once Anon managed to say that first sentence, the rest suddenly seemed easier, and she gradually reverted to her usual self:
"Actually… I'm a big fan of Sumimi, especially Uika-san and Mana-san! I'm mostly here today to meet you two."
Having a fan openly express their admiration wasn't exactly unusual for Sumimi. Uika quickly responded, "Chihaya Anon… what a lovely name! I'm Misumi Uika—it's an honor to have your support."
Once Uika realized Anon was Kyo's friend and simply a regular fan, she immediately adopted an appropriately friendly manner, complimenting Anon's name right away to help her relax.
Hmm, compared to Anon, who's already quite socially skilled,Uika really does seem more "perfect," doesn't she?
Kyo hadn't forgotten her last visit here, recalling how Uika maintained a flawless persona throughout. The word "idol" truly fit her like an impeccable disguise, and even Kyo herself hadn't managed to discern much behind Uika's polished exterior.
Mana's reaction, however, was much more straightforward. After finally managing to swallow the donut—though mourning slightly for having to rush through the delicious treat—she instantly bounced back, overflowing with energy once more:
"Hehe, you're a Sumimi fan?! This is my first time meeting a fan up close like this!"
Mana quickly wiped her hands with a wet wipe from the break room, then jogged over to Anon, confidently offering her right hand:
"I'm Sumida Mana! Super nice to meet you!"
Am I dreaming…? Anon resisted the urge to pinch herself again. Hastily, she reached out and shook Mana's hand gently.
Today…is already perfect…
Feeling the soft touch of Mana's hand along with a faint, lingering sweetness from the donut, combined with Mana's energetic personality and youthful looks, Anon felt overwhelmed by a unique sense of girlish charm.
Though she personally favored Uika's cool elegance, Anon couldn't deny that Mana was undoubtedly the heart and soul of the idol group Sumimi!