They walk toward the stage. The earthquake gets louder. And when the lights blind them both, they don’t stumble. Because they checked.
“Checked,” Aya says.
“Hair unit secure?” Aya asks, not looking up. Showstars Hana And Aya Checked
Aya’s face transforms—not a fake grin, but the real one, the one that made sixteen million people watch their fancam last year. The one Hana fell in love with on a rainy rehearsal day in Osaka.
“Microphone pack?” Hana asks.
“Check.”
“In-ears?” Aya touches Hana’s jaw, turning her face left, then right. Both clear plastic molds sit flush. They walk toward the stage
Hana sets the clipboard down. She steps close, forehead to forehead. “That’s not a problem. That’s a check. You’re here . You’re not numb. That’s good.”