The first rays of dawn spilled across Mio Hanabira's room, catching on her practice outfit hanging neatly by the mirror. She sat on her bed, Aurora Pin in hand, heart pounding like a drum. Today's the day… Her reflection looked almost unfamiliar—eyes wide with both fear and determination.
She clipped the Aurora Pin into her hair, the faint glow steadying her. "I won't run away," she whispered.
Downstairs, her mother handed her a bento box. "For luck," she said softly. Mio bowed deeply, feeling tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
At the station, Emi waved frantically. "Mio! I've been waiting forever!" she called, bouncing with excitement.
"Emi, you didn't have to come so early," Mio said, but the warmth in her voice betrayed her gratitude.
"I wanted to send you off properly!" Emi declared, pressing a small charm into Mio's hand—a pink ribbon embroidered with a tiny music note. "For courage. You'll do great!"
Mio's chest tightened. "Thank you… I'll make you proud."
Together, they boarded the train, cherry blossoms whipping past the window as the city rolled by. Mio gripped Emi's charm tightly, eyes fixed on the skyline where Symphonia Academy's grand audition hall awaited.
The moment Mio stepped into the massive marble lobby of Symphonia Academy, her breath caught. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, reflecting rainbows across a floor of polished stone. Banners for the Symphonia Stage Auditions lined the walls, their golden letters gleaming.
A sea of hopefuls buzzed with nervous energy—dancers stretching, singers humming, some quietly rehearsing routines. Mio could almost taste the tension.
She spotted Hina on the far side of the hall, sitting calmly with headphones on, eyes closed as if listening to some inner symphony. Nearby, Rika stood with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning the competition like a hawk.
A booming voice crackled through the speakers:
> "Welcome, contestants! The first round of auditions will begin shortly. Contestants will perform solo on stage, demonstrating originality, emotion, and technique. Only the top five scores will move on to the second round."
Mio's hands trembled. Only five… She swallowed hard, determination rising like a flame.
Contestants were ushered into a massive waiting room overlooking the auditorium through glass walls. The hum of conversation filled the air—some were whispering encouragement to each other, others practicing until the last moment.
Mio took a deep breath and found an empty corner. She closed her eyes and imagined the Dream Notes swirling around her, each one representing a wish, a feeling, a piece of her heart.
Suddenly, Rika's voice broke her concentration. "So you made it here," she said coolly, standing over Mio.
"I did," Mio replied quietly but firmly.
"Don't think one lucky night makes you special," Rika said, eyes narrowing. "Everyone here wants that stage. Everyone here will do anything to get it."
Mio met her gaze, refusing to flinch. "Then I'll dance so my dreams can reach the audience."
Rika's lips twitched in the barest hint of a smirk. "I'll be watching."
Mio's name echoed through the hall: "Contestant 87, Mio Hanabira."
She stepped onto the grand stage, lights so bright they blurred the audience into a distant haze. The judges sat in a shadowed row, their eyes sharp and unreadable. The floor beneath her feet felt like glass, the silence heavy.
She placed her hand on her chest. Emi's charm pressed against her heart; the Aurora Pin glowed faintly at her hair. I'm scared… but if I let that stop me, my dreams will stay silent.
Soft music began to play. Mio moved with tentative steps at first—but with each note, her movements grew stronger, more fluid. She poured every ounce of her fear, hope, and longing into each spin and leap.
Tiny Dream Notes shimmered into existence around her, responding to her feelings. They glowed and danced with her, swirling like motes of light, transforming her performance into something alive.
Gasps rose from the audience; even the judges leaned forward.
Mio ended with a sweeping turn, landing in a perfect pose as the last note of music faded. The Dream Notes burst like tiny stars before vanishing into the air, leaving the stage shimmering.
A beat of stunned silence—then polite applause spread, a few scattered but sincere.
In the judge's box, the head judge—a dignified man with silver hair—studied the lingering sparkles on stage.
"She manifested Dream Notes during her routine," he murmured. "That hasn't happened in years."
A female judge tapped her notes thoughtfully. "Her technique needs refining, but… there's something special about the way she connects with the Dream Notes."
Another judge scowled. "Or it could be a fluke. We must be careful—power like that can be dangerous."
All contestants gathered back in the lobby. The giant screen flickered, displaying the five names advancing to the next round. Mio's heart hammered so loud she could barely hear.
The first name appeared. Then the second. The third.
"Contestant 87, Mio Hanabira."
Her breath left her in a rush—she covered her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.
Emi burst into the lobby moments later, having watched on the screens outside. "Mio! You did it!" She threw herself at Mio, hugging her tight. "I knew you could!"
Nearby, Rika stood with her own name on the list, gaze meeting Mio's. There was no smirk this time—only a serious nod of acknowledgment.
Hina approached with a serene smile. "Congratulations, Mio. I'm glad we both made it."
High above the auditorium, hidden among the theater's rafters, the Watcher observed the contestants below through a spyglass. Dream Notes still drifted faintly in the air from Mio's performance.
"She has potential," the Watcher murmured. "The Aurora Symphony may truly awaken through her."
He pressed a finger to a communicator crystal. "Maestro, she's passed the first trial. But we're not the only ones watching—there are others moving in the shadows."
A crackling voice replied: "Continue your surveillance. The fate of the Symphonia Stage—and perhaps more—rests on Mio Hanabira."
Later that night, Mio stood alone outside Symphonia Academy. The city lights shimmered like distant stars as she gazed up at the towering building.
She clutched Emi's charm and the Aurora Pin, feeling their weight and warmth.
I was terrified… but I danced with everything I had. And they saw me.
Her eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm going to reach the Symphonia Stage… no matter what."