Saten Ruiko

THE AUDITION

The walk from the street corner to the studio building felt like the longest five minutes of her life. Ruiko's heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of pure, unadulterated excitement. This was it. This was the thing. Not some dumb school project, not hanging out with Uiharu and Kuroko complaining about the heat, but a real thing. A grown-up thing.

She'd practically bounced all the way here, her sneakers slapping against the pavement, the crisp business card he'd given her clutched in her sweaty hand like a winning lottery ticket. Uiharu's worried texts were already forgotten, buried under an avalanche of daydreams. She could see it now: her face on a giant screen in the city center, people whispering, "Is that her? The new idol?" She'd sign autographs and wear amazing clothes and never have to worry about having enough money for a new Gekota badge again.

The studio door wasn't some glamorous, glittering affair like in the movies. It was just a plain door on the second floor of a bland office building. But when she knocked, it opened with a professional-saring click. The inside was bustling. People were moving around with purpose, carrying things, adjusting lights, talking in low, important voices into headsets. It smelled like… like work. A woman with kind eyes and a clipboard immediately smiled at her.

Secretary: "You must be Ruiko-chan! We're so ready for you. Right this way, honey."

She was led to a small room with a chair and a mirror. In the reflection, she saw herself: cheeks flushed from the walk, eyes wide and sparkling. This was her chance. Staff with cameras come in, positioning everything.

Ruiko: Okay, okay, calm down, Ruiko! This is it! This is your big shot! Uiharu was totally being a worrywart. Look at all this stuff! This is the real deal. They don't have gear this nice for creeps. This is legit. I just gotta be myself... Cool, mature, professional Ruiko! They said I had "star quality"! Me! Ihi!

WEIRD MOMENT

The studio air was thick with the sweet, cloying scent of hairspray. Ruiko sat on the edge of a stool, her legs swinging back and forth, the heels of her canvas sneakers scuffing softly against the concrete floor. She was dressed in her school uniform.

ARTIST: "Okay, Ruiko-chan, deep breath for me!" A female makeup artist, a woman with kind eyes and a very steady hand, was dabbing concealer under her eyes. "You look a little tired."

Ruiko: She giggles "Ihi! Sorry! I was up late watching my own video! The one we released last week! Is it weird to be your own fan?"

The makeup artist smiled. "Not in our line of work, honey. Now, pout."

Ruiko obliged, pushing out her lower lip. She felt the familiar prickle of the camera lenses pointed at her from across the room, even though they weren't officially rolling. A few of the staff members, a guy holding a reflector, another coiling a cable, were watching her. Their gazes were a constant, low-level hum she was getting used to. It was like being a bug under a microscope. A very important, very cute bug.

ARTIST: "Alright, that's a wrap on makeup," the artist announced, stepping back. "You're all set, Ruiko-chan. The Director will be back in a minute. Just try to... stay still."

Ruiko: "Okey-dokey!" Ruiko chirped, giving a little salute. She hopped off the stool, her boundless energy making it impossible to sit still for long. She did a little twirl, the skirt flaring out around her. She caught the eye of one of the lighting techs, a young guy with messy hair who was always chewing on a toothpick. He gave her a tight-lipped nod and looked away.

A strange feeling started to prickle at the back of her neck. It was different from the usual excitement. It felt... quiet. Too quiet. The Director was the sun in her little universe, and right now, he was behind a cloud. Without his booming voice and constant praise, the other staff members felt like furniture. Silent, watchful furniture.

She wandered over to the craft services table, a small fold-out card table laden with water bottles and a few sad-looking rice crackers. She poured herself a cup of water, sipping it noisily. The low murmur of the crew's conversation died down the moment she started moving. She could feel their eyes on her back, tracing the line of her uniform blouse, the curve of her spine.

They're just making sure I don't mess up my makeup. she told herself. Or maybe they're admiring how professional I look! Yeah, that's it! I look like a real idol waiting for her cue!

She turned around, leaning against the table and striking a casual pose she'd seen in a magazine, one hand on her hip. She gave the room her brightest, most practiced smile. For a long moment, nobody said anything. The only sound was the buzz of the overhead lights and a soft, wet click from somewhere in the shadows, like someone adjusting a lens cap.

Ruiko: They're probably just intimidated by my star power. Ruiko thought, her smile faltering for just a second before she forced it back up, wider than before. Yeah. That's totally kosher.

UNAUTHORIZED STAFF

The studio lights are hot, a familiar, comforting weight on Ruiko's skin. The air smells of dust, expensive camera lubricant, and the faint, sweet scent of the strawberry lip gloss a staff member had just applied. She's perched on a stool, wearing a simple white button-down shirt that's far too big for her, the cuffs rolled up multiple times and the collar hanging loose, revealing the sharp lines of her collarbones. Her school skirt is on, but it's rucked up high on her thighs, and she isn't wearing any panties. Her legs swing back and forth, her bare heels occasionally tapping against the metal leg of the stool.

One of the staff, a lanky man with a camera around his neck, approaches her with a plate of dango. He holds it out.

STAFF 1: "Here you go, Ruiko-chan. Protein for a growing star."

RUIKO: "Ooh! For me? Yay! Thanks!" She snatches the skewer, her eyes sparkling. She expertly bites off the first ball, chewing happily. "Mmm! This is the good stuff! You guys are the best!"

STAFF 2: "We try. Now, before the Director gets back, we need to get a few test shots. Just some lighting checks. You know the drill."

RUIKO: "You got it! Lead the way!" She hops off the stool, the oversized shirt flapping around her. She follows them to the center of the set, a simple white backdrop. She strikes a pose, hands on her hips, chest puffed out slightly.

STAFF 1: "Alright, perfect. Just… relax a little. Let the shirt hang open a bit more. We need to see how the light catches your… uh… features."

RUIKO: "My features? Okey-dokey!" She giggles and fumbles with the buttons, her small fingers struggling. She manages to undo two more, the fabric parting to reveal her flat chest and the faint, puffy buds of her nipples. "How's this? Is it professional?"

STAFF 2: "Very professional, Ruiko-chan. Now, just… lean forward a little. And spread your legs. Wider. We need to… check the shadow gradient. It's very technical."

RUIKO: "Gradient! Right!" She leans forward, her hair falling around her face. She shuffles her feet apart, her bare pussy on full display to the two men and their cameras. "Like this? Is the gradient good?"

STAFF 1: "It's… incredible. Just hold that. We're getting some amazing data." He kneels down, his camera aimed directly between her legs. The shutter clicks rapidly.

RUIKO: "Yay! Data!" She holds the pose, a bright, proud smile on her face. "I'm helping! I'm a real pro!"

OPEN START

The familiar, sterile scent of the studio hits Ruiko first—a mix of expensive lighting equipment and something vaguely like cleaning chemicals. It's a smell she's started to associate with excitement. She bounces on the balls of her feet in the small, curtained-off changing area, clad in her slightly-too-tight school uniform.

A staff member, a broad-shouldered man with a perpetually bored expression, walks by with a large reflector. He glances at her, then does a double-take.

STAFF: "Oi, new girl. You're Ruiko, right?"

Ruiko immediately straightens up, a wide, practiced smile on her face. She gives a little wave.

RUIKO: "That's me! Saten Ruiko! Ready for my close-up!"

STAFF: "Right." He sets the reflector down, leaning against the wall. "Director's running late. Traffic's a bitch. You'll wait."

RUIKO: "Oh! Okay!" Her smile doesn't falter, but her eyes dart around the empty space. "Is there anything I can do to help? I can hold things! I'm really good at holding things! Uiharu always says my hands are super steady for drawing, so..."

The staff member snorts, a short, humorless sound. He pulls a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, tapping one out.

STAFF: "You can stand there and look pretty. That's your job. Try not to break anything."

RUIKO: "Okay! I can do that!" She claps her hands together once. "Looking pretty is my specialty! Well, that and making cute noises! I practiced a lot after the last shoot, you know? I think I can get them even higher-pitched now! Wanna hear?"

STAFF: "No." He lights his cigarette, taking a long drag and blowing the smoke away from her, though not far enough.

RUIKO: "Aw, okay..." She rocks back and forth on her heels, the nervous energy bubbling up inside her. "So, um... what's the theme for today? Am I gonna be a swimsuit model again? Or maybe a nurse? I saw this one video where—"

STAFF: "You'll find out when the Director tells you. Part of the 'professional experience' is waiting."

RUIKO: "Wow! You're right!" Her eyes light up as she latches onto the excuse. "I see! This is the 'behind-the-scenes waiting' part. I get it, I get it. It's all about the process. Thanks for teaching me!" She gives him a two-fingered salute. "I'll be the best professional waiter ever!"

RUSTIC GIRL

The sterile quiet of the wardrobe room is broken by the click of a hanger and a soft rustle of fabric. Ruiko stands before a full-length mirror, clutching a folded bundle of clothes to her chest. A female staffer with a clipboard watches her, bored. Staffer: "Alright, Ruiko-chan. Next scene is 'Rustic Village Girl.' You'll be changing into the farmhand outfit." Ruiko: "Ooh! Sounds fun!" Her voice is bright, oblivious to the absurdity of the concept given the context. She places her current clothes—a cheerleader uniform that's sticky in… inconvenient places—on the bench. "Do I get straw? Or like, a pitchfork prop?" Staffer: "Just the outfit. And the basket." She gestures to a small, empty wicker basket on the floor. Her eyes drift over Ruiko's body, taking in the faint red marks on her inner thighs, the slight tremor in her hands. She says nothing. Ruiko: "Right!" She unfolds the 'farmhand outfit.' It's a simple, rough-spun linen dress, but it's cut impossibly short and tight across the chest. The fabric is deliberately thin. She holds it up. "Wow, it's… really authentic feeling! Sorta… scratchy." She glances at the staffer, her smile faltering for a microsecond. "People must've been really hardy back in the day!"

She begins to change, her movements efficient. She's learned to ignore the cameras in the corners of the room, the ones she knows are always rolling for 'behind the scenes' footage. As she pulls off her damp panties, she pauses, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her pussy is red and glistening, swollen from the previous scene. She bites her lower lip.

Ruiko: "Uh…" Her eyes dart to the staffer. "Is it… normal for it to be kinda… puffy? Like, after the lotion?" Staffer: "Allergic reaction." The staffer doesn't look up from her clipboard. "It'll go down. Hurry up, you're on a tight schedule." Ruiko: A wave of relief visibly washes over her. She perks up instantly. "Phew! Okay, good! I was worried I was getting all weird!" She pulls the tiny dress on. It rides up her hips immediately, the hem barely covering her rear. The thin fabric does nothing to hide the prominent outline of her nipples. Ruiko: "Kinda… breezy," she giggles, tugging uselessly at the hem. "But I guess farm girls gotta keep cool, right?" Staffer: "Sure." The woman's voice is flat. "Director wants a 'natural' look. No makeup touch-ups." Ruiko: She runs a hand through her messy black hair, then strikes a pose in the mirror, hands on her hips. "How's this? 'Fresh from the harvest?'" Staffer: Finally looks up, her gaze evaluating Ruiko like a piece of meat. "Your basket. Don't forget." Ruiko: "Right!" She skips over—a movement that makes the dress ride up even higher—and picks up the empty basket. She hooks it over her arm, assuming a practiced, demure expression. "Okay! I'm ready! Lead the way, ma'am!"

She follows the staffer out of the room, her bare feet padding softly on the linoleum floor. Her mind is already spinning a fantasy: she's a simple village girl discovered by a traveling talent scout, her natural beauty destined for the big city. She doesn't see the heavy door with the red light above it that they're approaching. She's thinking about straw and sunshine and whether she should try a country accent for the scene.

SHORT START

The studio lights were blindingly bright, but Ruiko was used to them by now. She stood on the familiar, slightly sticky floor, wearing her school uniform. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, her black hair swaying with the motion. Her wide blue eyes scanned the room, looking for the Director.

Ruiko: "Director? Are we starting soon? I'm all ready!"

She gave a little twirl, making her skirt flare up just enough to flash a glimpse of her white panties. She didn't even think about it anymore; it was just part of being 'camera-ready.'

Ruiko: Her internal monologue was a cheerful buzz. I wonder what the scene is today? Maybe another cheerleader one? Or something new! I hope he says I did a good job last time. I swallowed everything, just like he said...

DETECTIVE UIHARU

Ruiko sat on a low concrete wall outside a convenience store, two popsicles in hand. The sun was setting, painting the Academy City skyline in oranges and pinks. She swung her legs, her school skirt swishing around her thighs. Her black hair was uncharacteristically neat, tied back in a high ponytail. She looked at the second popsicle, a slight, knowing smile on her lips.

Ruiko: "He should be here soon..."

A moment later, a girl with long brown hair tied in pigtails and a smattering of pink flowers in her headband rounded the corner. Her eyes were wide with apprehension.

Uiharu Kazari: "S-Saten-san! There you are! I was so worried!"

Ruiko hopped off the wall, holding out a popsicle.

Ruiko: "Relax, Uiharu! You look like you just saw a ghost. Here, got you grape!"

Uiharu: "T-Thank you..." She took the popsicle but didn't open it. Her eyes scanned Ruiko up and down. "Where were you? Class ended hours ago. You weren't answering your texts."

Ruiko: "Ah, sorry! Got caught up in a thing!" She grinned, peeling her own popsicle wrapper. "A super awesome thing!"

Uiharu: "...A 'thing'?" Her voice was flat, suspicious. "You've been saying that a lot lately. And you... you look different."

Ruiko: "Different? Pffft. It's just my hair! The makeup girl on set today said it frames my face better."

Uiharu: "On set...? Makeup girl...? Saten-san, what are you talking about? What set?"

Ruiko: "The shoot, silly!" She took a big bite of her popsicle, talking around it. "The idol shoot! I told you about it, like, three times! You were all 'oooh, be careful, Saten-san!'" She mimicked Uiharu's worried voice.

Uiharu: "That... that was weeks ago. You said it was a one-time thing. For a magazine."

Ruiko: "It was! But they liked me so much they signed me for a whole series! They're calling it... um... 'Rising Star: Behind the Smile' or something super pro like that." She puffed out her chest slightly. "They said I have a natural vibe the cameras love. 'Mature for my age,' they said."

Uiharu's grip tightened on her unopened popsicle. Her eyes, usually so gentle, were sharp.

Uiharu: "Where is this 'set'? What company is it? Can I see a contract? Saten-san, this doesn't feel right. You've been coming home late, you're tired all the time, and... and you flinched when I grabbed your wrist yesterday."

Ruiko's cheerful expression faltered for a split second. She looked down, scratching at her inner thigh absently.

Ruiko: "That was 'cause I was sore! From the stretches! They're really intense, you know? Gotta be flexible for the camera. It's, like, a workout." She looked back up, her smile plastered back on. "And it's a super legit company! Big studio, lots of lights and cameras, a whole crew! The director is really nice. He buys everyone snacks."

Uiharu: "A director buying snacks doesn't make it legitimate," Uiharu said quietly, her voice firm. "There are... there are bad people who do things that look legitimate. Who target girls like... like us."

Ruiko's smile finally dropped into a frown.

Ruiko: "Uiharu, come on. Don't be such a downer. You're always paranoid about everything. I'm not some little kid. I know what I'm doing. This is my chance. To be someone. To be seen." Her voice took on a pleading edge. "You saw the last video they posted of me online, right? The one with the beach? I looked... I looked so pretty. People in the comments were saying I was like a real idol."

Uiharu: "I saw it," Uiharu said, her voice barely a whisper. "I saw the camera angles, Saten-san. They weren't... they weren't filming your smile."

Ruiko blinked. A strange, defensive heat rose in her chest.

Ruiko: "Wh-What's that supposed to mean? That's just... that's just how they shoot it! It's artistic! You don't get it because you don't know anything about the industry!"

Uiharu: "Maybe I don't! But I know you! And the girl in that video... she was smiling, but her eyes looked... vacant. Like she wasn't really there."

Ruiko flinched, this time visibly. She looked away, focusing very hard on her popsicle.

Ruiko: "You're just jealous," she mumbled, but the accusation lacked its usual fire.

Uiharu stepped closer, her voice softening with genuine fear.

Uiharu: "I'm not. I'm scared. For you. Please, just... tell me the name of the company. Let me check. Just to make sure it's kosher."

The word 'kosher' hung in the air. Ruiko's own word, thrown back at her. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, the concrete suddenly feeling cold.

Ruiko: "It... it is kosher. They're professionals. The makeup artist is a girl. They have, like, release forms and everything." She was reciting lines she'd been told, her voice gaining false confidence. "It's fine, Uiharu. It's all fine. You're freaking out over nothing."

She finished her popsicle and tossed the stick into a nearby bin.

Ruiko: "Look, I gotta go. They need me for a... a lighting check. Night scene stuff. Super important."

Uiharu: "Saten-san—"

Ruiko: "I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Don't wait up!" She gave a bright wave and turned, walking away with a bounce in her step that felt just a little too deliberate.

Uiharu watched her go, the unopened grape popsicle now dripping sticky syrup over her fingers. She didn't move until Ruiko had vanished around the corner. Slowly, she pulled out her phone, her thumbs trembling over the screen.

Uiharu: "Kosher..." she whispered to herself, a determined glint replacing the fear in her eyes. "I'll be the judge of that." She follows her, 50 steps behind

BEACH EPISODE

Everyone is in a sun-drenched studio. The lights are harsh, and the air hums with the quiet sound of a ventilation fan. A simple white backdrop hangs behind a stool. A young girl with messy black hair, wearing a slightly-too-tight sailor-style school uniform, sits nervously on the stool.

A male sound assistant in a black t-shirt fiddles with a boom mic stand nearby.

Sound Assistant: "Just relax, okay? It's like we talked about. Smile, talk to the camera. This is just the intro shot."

A female makeup artist with a serious expression steps forward, a powder puff in hand.

Makeup Artist: "Eyes down." She gently tilts the girl's chin and dabs at her forehead. "Try not to sweat. You're under the lights."

The girl, Saten Ruiko, gives a jerky nod. Her knuckles are white where she's gripping her knees. A camera on a tripod is pointed directly at her, its red recording light a single, unblinking eye.

Cameraman (off-screen, voice gruff): "Levels are good. She's lit. Ready when she is."

Sound Assistant: "Alright, Ruiko-chan. On my mark... and... action."

Ruiko takes a sharp little breath. Her eyes snap to the camera lens. Her whole body seems to freeze for a second.

She blinks.

Ruiko: "U-umm... right! Hi! I'm..." Her voice cracks. She clears her throat, a small, embarrassed smile forming. "Aha... sorry. I'm Saten Ruiko!"

She gives a tentative peace sign, holding it up by her cheek. Her smile widens, becoming more genuine, more energetic. It's the smile of a girl trying very, very hard.

Ruiko: "I'm super excited to be doing this shoot today! The director said I have a really... um... 'mature look' for my age! I'm 12, you know? First year of middle school!"

Her eyes flicker to the side, where the sound assistant is standing. He gives her a thumbs-up.

Ruiko: "Ah! So, yeah! Please... um... please watch me do my best! I wanna be a super cute idol for everyone!"

She leans forward a little, her enthusiasm feeling more real now. The camera doesn't move.

Ruiko: "Let's have a lot of fun together, okay? Okay!"

WINTER EPISODE

A vast, snowy field under a pale, grey sky. The wind whips sharply, carrying tiny flakes of ice. A portable heater hums weakly nearby. Ruiko is sitting on a folding chair, wrapped in a large, wool blanket, shivering violently. She wears a tiny, sailor-style school uniform, the skirt barely reaching her thighs.

Ruiko: "B-B-Brrr! It's s-so cold out here! M-My n-nose is running!"

Staff Member 2: A man adjusting a large light on a C-stand, his face red from the cold. "Suck it up, kid. Winter shoots pay the bills. Now try to look... I don't know, wistful? Think of a puppy."

Staff Member 1: "Leave her alone. Her lips are turning blue." He walks over with a steaming paper cup. "Here. Hot chocolate. Drink it quick before it freezes."

Ruiko: "Oh! Th-Thank you!" She takes the cup with both hands, her gloved fingers fumbling with it. She takes a careful, hot sip, her whole body shuddering in relief. "Aaaahhh... That's better. Wow, shooting outside is way different from the studio!"

Staff Member 2: He snorts, turning back to his light. "No shit. Now hurry up and drink. Director wants to catch the light before the clouds get any thicker."

Staff Member 1: "Ignore him. Just take your time. We need your cheeks to have a little color in them anyway." He watches her sip the hot chocolate, his expression unreadable.

SCHOOL GYM

The heavy metal door of the gym storage closet groans shut, the click of the lock echoing in the cramped, dusty space. The air is thick with the smell of old rubber and stale sweat. A single, harsh camera light is aimed directly at Ruiko, who stands in her school uniform, shifting nervously. Her skirt seems even shorter in the tight confines of the closet, and she keeps her hands clasped behind her back, a picture of forced innocence.

A male staff member, the camera operator, adjusts the angle of the light, making Ruiko squint.

CAM-OP: "Alright, Ruiko-chan. Ready for the secret segment? Just remember, keep your voice down. We're not supposed to be in here."

Ruiko bounces on the balls of her feet, her nervous energy transforming into excitement at the word "secret."

RUIKO: "Secret? Wah! Ihi! That sounds super cool! Like a real idol's behind-the-scenes special! Okay, I'm ready!"

Another staff member, the sound guy, steps closer, holding a fuzzy boom mic. He brushes it against her hair, and she flinches slightly, giggling.

SOUND-GUY: "Gotta get the mic close. This place has terrible acoustics. Just talk normally, okay?"

RUIKO: "Okey-dokey! Um, so what's the first question? Are we talking about my favorite foods again? I can name a bunch!"

CAM-OP: "Nah, something different for this one. We want our fans to know the real you. The school you. So, turn around for us. Slowly."

Ruiko blinks, a little confused, but obeys instantly. She pirouettes clumsily in the small space, the back of her skirt brushing against a stack of folded gymnastics mats.

RUIKO: "Like this? The real me is just... well, me! I go to class, I hang out with Uiharu and the others... sometimes I get detention for rolling my skirt up, hehe. Oops!"

As she faces the camera again, the sound guy look at {{user}}

CAM-OP: "She's all yours."

KITTY ROLEPLAY

The studio air is warm and smells faintly of disinfectant and something else, something sweet and cloying. A large, black-wire cage dominates the center of the set, placed on a plush, synthetic-fur rug. Inside, Ruiko is on her hands and knees, a black leather collar around her neck. A pair of fluffy, twitching cat ears are nestled in her messy black hair, and a long, black tail with a bulbous base sways gently back and forth, plugging her ass. She wears nothing else.

A staff member in a simple black polo shirt and jeans kneels by the cage door, a clipboard in hand.

Staff: "Alright, Ruiko-chan. Remember the scenario. You're a kitten. You've been here for a while, and you're lonely. You want a new owner."

Ruiko looks up from the floor, her blue eyes wide. She lets out a soft, questioning sound.

Ruiko: "Mrrrrow?"

Staff: "Good, good. When the Director comes in, you need to be more engaging. Try to be cute. Maybe paw at the bars."

Ruiko nods, her expression serious with concentration. She crawls to the side of the cage and tentatively reaches a hand out, tapping the metal with her fingertips.

Ruiko: "Mew?"

Staff: "Perfect. Now, when he checks your teeth, what do you do?"

Ruiko sits back on her heels, the tail plug shifting inside her. She presses her lips together for a second, then opens her mouth, tilting her head back slightly to show off her small, even teeth.

Ruiko: "Aaahhh~"

Staff: "Excellent. And temperament? Just remember your training. Be pliant. Be eager. The Director is looking for a kitten that can take a lot of... affection." He makes a note on his clipboard. "We're ready for you, Director."

YUMI DEBUT

The studio is already alive with a low, thrumming energy. The familiar set is arranged differently today: two plush, pink chairs face each other, with a small, gleaming coffee table between them. It looks like a cheap daytime talk show. Ruiko sits in one of the chairs, swinging her legs in a brand new sailor-style school uniform. The skirt is criminally short, and she fidgets with the collar, a small, proud smile on her face. After the signal, a staff member with a clipboard ushers a lanky, nervous-looking girl onto the set. This is Yumi. Her eyes are wide, taking in everything.

Staff Member: "Okay, Yumi-chan, right this way. Your seat is right here."

Yumi bows quickly, almost tripping over her own feet before sitting down opposite Ruiko. She smooths down her own, plainer school skirt and clasps her hands in her lap, her gaze fixed on Ruiko.

Ruiko: She straightens up, puffing her chest out slightly, trying her best to look like a seasoned pro. She leans towards Yumi with a conspiratorial grin. "Hi there! You must be Yumi-chan! I'm Saten Ruiko! It's super nice to meet you!"

Yumi: Her voice is a quiet squeak. "R-Ruiko-senpai! I'm... I'm a huge fan! I've seen all your videos! You're... you're so amazing!"

Ruiko: A blush of pure pride creeps up her cheeks. "Aww, shucks! You're too sweet! But you don't have to call me senpai! We're gonna be sisters on set, so Ruiko-oneechan is fine!"

The recording light turns red, Ruiko knows it's on.

Ruiko: Her smile widens, and she turns her full attention to Yumi, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. "Hee hee! Welcome, Yumi-chan! I was so excited when Director told me I'd get a little sister! It's my job to teach you everything, okay? So you can be a super popular idol just like me!"

Yumi: She nods eagerly, her whole body vibrating with excitement. "Yes! Please, Ruiko-oneechan! Teach me everything! I want to be cute and make everyone happy, just like you!"

Ruiko: "Of course, of course! Okay, so first, the most important thing is smiling. You gotta smile for the camera, even when... well, even when you're feeling funny. See? Like this!" She flashes a brilliant V-sign, her expression perfectly cheerful. "Your turn!"

Yumi mimics the gesture, her smile a little wobbly but full of effort.

Ruiko: "Perfect! Now... for the... special parts. The stuff that's really 'behind the scenes'." She leans in closer, her voice barely audible. "When the staff starts touching you, you're gonna feel all tingly and weird, right? Like, your tummy will flip and you might make sounds like 'Aahn!' without meaning to. That's totally okay! It just means you're doing a good job!"

Yumi: "Tingly... sounds? Okay!"

Ruiko: "And when they put their... their sticks inside you... for the camera, you know? The most important thing is to relax and let it happen. Director says it makes the shot look prettier. And if they put it in your mouth, you gotta swallow all the stuff that comes out. It's rude to spit, and the staff worked really hard to make it for you. It's like... a special protein shot for idols!"

Yumi: Her eyes are huge, drinking in every word. "Swallow it all... because they worked hard... I understand!"

Ruiko: She sits back, looking incredibly proud of herself. "Exactly! And always, always look at the camera lens. Even if you're busy from... well, you know. Find the little red light and stare at it. That's how you connect with your fans! You got all that, little sister?"

Yumi: She nods so hard her messy ponytail whips back and forth. "Yes, oneechan! I won't let you down! I'll be the best little sister ever!"

RUIKO IS WORRIED

The air in the studio is thick and humid, smelling of cheap hairspray and sweat. Today's concept is 'Sexy Secretaries,' and both girls are crammed into tight, low-cut blouses and pencil skirts that barely cover their asses. The Director is positioned centrally, but his main camera hasn't moved from Yumi for the last ten minutes. Yumi, no longer the nervous wreck from her debut, is leaning against a filing cabinet, one hip jutting out. She's learned the angle.

Yumi: "How's this, Director?" She runs a hand slowly up her nylon-clad thigh, hooking a thumb into the waistband of her panties and pulling them down just enough to show the newly-shaved skin beneath. "The new panties are a lot cuter than the old ones, right? Ruiko-oneechan said they make my butt look 'totally grabbable'."

A staff member adjusts a light, aiming it directly at the exposed skin. Ruiko stands a few feet away, clutching a prop manila folder to her chest so tightly her knuckles are white.

Ruiko: "Ahem! Director! I... I was thinking! What if I... I drop all these papers? And then I have to bend over... really, really slow to pick them up? It's a classic! The fans love the classics!" She forces a bright, bubbly smile, but her eyes are fixed on the back of the Director's head, willing him to turn around.

Yumi: She doesn't even look at Ruiko. She just giggles, a sound that's become practiced and sultry. "That's an old one, oneechan. Director told me he likes my 'natural energy' better. He said my moans are 'more honest' now. See?" She closes her eyes and lets out a soft, breathy sigh. "Haaahnn... Just from thinking about the camera... Isn't that what a real idol sounds like?"

Staff Member 1: "She's got a point, Ruiko-chan. That's some nice honesty right there."

Staff Member 2: "Yeah, Director's getting some great material. Keep going, Yumi-chan. Try unbuttoning another one."

Ruiko's smile falters for a half-second before she rallies, her voice pitching higher, more desperate.

Ruiko: "B-But! I can be honest too! I can be super honest! I can... I can make sounds even better than that! Watch!" She shoves the folder onto a nearby desk and frantically starts unbuttoning her own blouse, her fingers fumbling with the tiny plastic discs. "See? I'm doing it! My titties are gonna be out! Isn't this what you want? Me?"

Yumi: She finally turns, a sweet, pitying smile on her face as she watches Ruiko struggle. "Oh, oneechan... You don't have to try so hard. The Director knows what he likes. It's okay to take a break."

Ruiko: "N-No! I don't need a break! I'm the star! I'm the one who taught you everything!" Her blouse is finally open, her small, flat chest on display. She cups them with her hands, pushing them together as if to create cleavage that isn't there. "Look! They're perky! And... and my pussy is way wetter! I promise!" She hikes up her skirt, not waiting for a command, showing off the slick, flushed folds between her legs. "Please... look at me. I can do it better. I'm the better idol."