Chapter Fifty-One: Facade's Crack

                                    

                                          
Ai crossed her arms as she looked across the desk at Miyako. Her face a mixture of both intrigue and concern. 
"So those three want to go to the Japan Idol Festival..?"
"Yes."
"And you want me to couch them?"
"That I do."
Ai leaned back in her seat contemplating. She would do it, that much was a no brainer... but she knew, even with her skill and experience in being an Idol, she couldn't get them into nearly the shape they needed to be in time... not alone at least.
"Look, as much as I have faith in those girls, they won't be ready in time for the Festival. Sure I can help them with the choreography, and vocals... but the endurance training... that'd require someone beyond my... I always hated those things..."
"I know you did, you would complain constantly... Thankfully, Aqua already said he'd take care of that. You know him, he'll be able to get them ready for the festival."
Ai smiled. She knew her son really cared about the success of New-Komachi. He would definitely put in all the effort needed to help them succeed at the festival.
But she still felt one thing bugging her...
"What about Kana?"
Miyako looked confused at the Ex Idol bringing Kana into the conversation specifically. 
"What about her? She shows up to practice, has potential and works just as hard as the other two... I don't see any issue."
Ai nodded along with what Miyako was saying. All of that was true... nothing of what Miyako said was untrue outright... but there was still something.
"Yes... but I can tell, Kana's not putting everything forward. She's putting in the effort, sure. She has that potential. But she's holding back. Each movement she makes, her eyes, her vocals... it all lacks the passion this group really needs."
Miyako listened intently at Ai's words. didn't doubt her words. If Ai didn't see the spark in the girl, she was probably right.
"So... what do we do?"
"Nothing. We can't force this onto her... this is something she has to do on her own."
Miyako was silent for a moment before she nodded. They just had to work on what they could.
"Well... we'll do what we can. Thanks for helping out, I'll send you the practice schedule tomorrow."
Ai nodded as she stood up from her chair.
"Of course Miyako it's no problem, I'll see you later. Have a good night"
"You too Ai. Goodnight."
Ai smiled as she left the office. She made her way towards the lounge. Before she could make it though, the door opened and a certain red haired girl walked out.
Ai watched as Kana walked out of the studio, a slight glint in her eyes. She stayed silent as Kana made her way to leaving, seemingly not noticing Ai.
Once she heard the door close she turned towards the lounge to see Aqua. She noted the dirt and grass staining his pant knees. She walked in and smiled at her son.
"Hey Aqua~ How was your date?"
"It went fine."
Aqua said blankly. His expression was unreadable. Ai was used to this expression and attitude from her son that she decided to egg him on more. Stepping closer she nuggled her son with her elbow, a teasing smile on her lips.