Aoi's eyes light up as she discovers an old DVD tucked away in a box of her mom's memorabilia from her idol days. She waves her twin brother <USER> over eagerly.
"<USER>, look what I found! It's a DVD of mom performing on stage way back when she first started out! We should totally watch it."
She bounces on her toes excitedly and pops the DVD into the player without waiting for <USER>'s response. As the video starts up, Aoi settles onto the couch while <USER> takes a spot beside her. Their mom appears on screen looking shy and nervous in her frilly idol costume. Aoi coos sympathetically.
"Aww mom looks so cute and innocent here! Her first outfit is really pretty too, all pink and sparkly."
She smiles softly as the camera pans over the cheering crowd. In the background they hear their dad's voice pipe up enthusiastically.
"You look beautiful dear! Go get 'em, fan #1 is rooting for you!"
Aoi blinks in surprise, then bursts into giggles.
"Fan #1? Wait, so dad was mom's number one fan before they started dating? That's so adorable!"
She clasps her hands together, gushing over this newly discovered part of her parents' love story. As the video continues, Aoi scoots closer to <USER> with shining eyes.
"Can you believe our parents were this cute? No wonder mom became such a successful idol with dad supporting her!"
Yeah
Ahh, I can't even imagine! Back then dad probably never thought he'd marry an idol and end up with two kids who look exactly like you know who... Actually, now that I think about it, we really do resemble her a lot. D'you remember when mom used to say that? Hahaha.
And she still says that sometimes. Anyway I think it's getting pretty risque here...I mean mom is dancing like...yeah you might not wanna see that just yet.
"What do you mean? Why would it be inappropriate?" Aoi says innocently as she continues to watch intently. The music grows more sensual and her mother begins moving suggestively on stage, but the older idol's charm still manages to evade her perception of what is proper or not.
"Wait...is this one of those super sexy performances I've heard about? Should we stop watching?" Aoi asks hesitantly, feeling a mix of fascination and confusion as she sees their mom in a new light. Her cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity, her gaze flicking over to her brother for reassurance.
Nah it's fine I mean it wasn't that bad compared to what other idols did, we need to know our parent past.
Hmm...you're right. It doesn't look too bad...it's just different from what I expected. But it's still cool to see mom like this. And dad was supportive too, wasn't he? Isn't that sweet? She gives <USER> a sideways glance, blushing even deeper as she notices his amused expression Um...I mean, you know what I mean...right?
Of course I know what you meant sis. It's kinda cute how you never see our parents as sexual beings even though they have been that way before, huh? Though I can only imagine if someone showed me one of your old outfits or something like that.
Aoi's face turns even redder at her brother's comment. "Sh-shut up! I was just...this is what idols do, right? They have to put on shows like this sometimes?" Her voice trails off as she watches their mother gracefully move across the stage once more, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide with excitement.
She glances over at <USER> again, a little worried about his reaction now. "I-is it...too much? Should we stop watching?"
You know what? It's actually pretty cool to see mom like this. She was quite the performer back then and it makes me feel closer to her somehow. Plus, hey, we never got to really see anything too steamy before now. Might as well enjoy it, right? But if you're feeling a bit uncomfortable with it, I can always rewind or something.
"R-right...I'm fine with it then. We should probably just keep watching so we can see more about mom before she became really famous and had us...you know..." She trails off again, still not quite able to process the idea of her parents as sexual beings in their own right.
As they continue watching, Aoi finds herself alternating between fascination and embarrassment, often casting sidelong glances at <USER> to gauge his reaction or see if he has anything else to say about it. It's a strange mix of emotions for her, but she can't help feeling grateful for this glimpse into their parents' past.
It is interesting to see our mother in such an uninhibited light. I always knew she had the potential and charisma, but seeing it unfold before my eyes like this...it's surreal almost. And yeah, it does make me feel closer to her somehow too. Don't worry Aoi, if you ever feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable just let me know and we can switch back to something else.
Aoi nods gratefully at her brother's words, relieved that he seems to be enjoying the video as much as she is. "Thanks, <USER>. It means a lot that we can share this together." She leans in closer, her gaze never leaving the screen where their mother continues to captivate the audience with her performances.
As they watch further into the DVD, Aoi can't help but notice a growing tension between them as well. It's not exactly uncomfortable, but there's an undercurrent of something else going on beneath the surface. Sometimes she catches herself staring at him in wonderment while he seems completely engrossed in the video. Other times, their shoulders brush against each other and Aoi feels a jolt of excitement course through her body before quickly looking away guiltily.
Part of her wonders if this growing closeness between them is because they
It's interesting how she used to dance so freely but nowadays she probably wouldn't be able to do some of those moves anymore. I remember once during one of mom's practice sessions when we were younger, she let me try and copy her moves but it didn't go very well haha. Do you ever think about what she must have gone through back then? The pressures, the expectations...it must have been overwhelming at times. And here we are now, following in her footsteps whether we like it or not. It kinda makes me feel guilty sometimes for enjoying this whole idol thing when I know it's something she worked so hard for and sacrificed so much. Isnt that right sis
"I...guess I never really thought about it like that," Aoi admits quietly, her gaze shifting to her twin brother's face as they watch the DVD together. The realization of the weight their mother carried throughout her career is somewhat daunting and makes Aoi feel guilty for taking her own idol journey for granted at times.
"I know it wasn't easy for mom," she continues, "but I also don't want to think about it too much because then it might get in the way of what I want to do." There's a hint of determination in her voice as she says this; despite any challenges or sacrifices ahead, Aoi is resolved to make her dreams come true just like her mother did before her.
"We can support each other through it all, though, right?" she asks tentatively, unsure how much responsibility her brother feels for their shared fate as idols
Of course we can and should support each other no matter what. After all, aren't we in this together? I know sometimes it might feel like mom favors one of us over the other but deep down she does love both of us equally. And as for dad...he just wants what's best for both of us. You and me, sis. We're a team whether we like it or not.
"Right..." Aoi nods slowly, her expression somewhat mollified by her brother's words. "I guess we should try and remember that more often." She gives him a small smile, feeling a bit better about their relationship now. As they continue to watch the DVD together, Aoi finds herself focusing less on the inappropriate content and more on just enjoying spending time with her twin brother. There's something comforting about having him there, supporting her even if he doesn't quite understand all of her dreams and aspirations.
It's strange how they can go from arguing over the stupidest things to feeling so close in such a short amount of time, she thinks. But maybe that's just what being family is like; complicated but ultimately worth it.
Well, yeah... Family can be complicated sometimes but we're in this together whether we like it or not so might as well make the most of it. And who knows? Maybe one day our paths will diverge and we'll get to live our own lives instead of chasing after mom and dad's expectations all the time.
"That'd be nice..." Aoi murmurs, her gaze drifting back to the screen as she listens to her brother's words. She hadn't really thought about what would happen after they both achieved their dreams; whether they would continue following in their parents' footsteps or forge new paths entirely. It's an unsettling thought, but also oddly liberating. Maybe then, just maybe, she could finally live her life without constantly feeling the weight of expectations bearing down on her.
For now though, she needs to focus on making it as an idol and staying true to herself. And with Klein by her side, she knows she can do anything she sets her mind to.