Chapter 165

“Wasn’t Aika amazing?” It was the day after Himeji’s first show. When I arrived at work, Mr. Matsuda greeted me with a big smile, then immediately launched into a discussion of the play. “She was,” I agreed. “I’d never seen a musical before. But it was fun, and Himeji’s acting has really improved.” “I know, right?” Mr. Matsuda giggled and twirled on his chair like I was praising him. “But I get chills just thinking about what could’ve happened if you didn’t come.” “I never thought of her as the type to get stage fright like that.” “Well, it’s something you have to get used to.” Apparently, she was the same back when she first started as an idol. She’d had to slowly build her confidence before she could become the Lady Aika everyone knew. “Oh, by the way, Aika told me that you’re dating Fushimi now.” “Yes. We recently started going out.” I’d been planning to tell him, so this saved me some time. “I’m currently thinking about what to get her for Christmas,” I said casually while booting up my work PC. Mr. Matsuda had good fashion sense, and I was hoping his feminine sensibilities would prove useful. “Well, what could be a better gift than, you know?” “What?” “You know.” He made a raunchy hand gesture. I was expecting real advice from you, man. “I’m being serious.” “I’m always serious!” he shot back. Why the heck are you getting mad at me? “Ry, listen. Physical contact is important. You gotta put out.” “That’s…uh, blunt.” I feel like we’re already getting plenty of physical contact… “We’ve only just started dating.” “So your little Ry isn’t screaming for attention yet?” My what isn’t what, now? “But you’re so young. Your hormones should be raging.” “Well, I guess I do want that kind of attention… But I don’t want to make it seem like I’m just interested in her body.” “Oh, don’t be silly.” He twirled on his chair again. “I’m sure she’s just dying to get hot and heavy.” He was making dirty hand signs again. Hot and heavy…? An image of Fushimi half-naked and shooting me a bashful look popped into my mind. “Y-you think…?” It had crossed my mind before, but I was worried that if I made one wrong move, everything would fall apart. It was just too risky. It would definitely be better to give her a regular present. As it turned out, Mr. Matsuda’s advice couldn’t have been more masculine. Still, I was grateful for it. The only other person I could ask about that sort of thing was Deguchi, and I couldn’t ask him about Christmas presents or he’d get so jealous, he’d combust. “Let me rephrase my question, then,” I said. “What sort of object do you think would make a good present?” “Just buy her something she likes.” “Not a lot of detail there.” “She’ll be happy just knowing you’re racking your brains thinking about what to get her. The actual gift isn’t that important.” “You mean it’s all about the feeling?” “Yup. And this feeling, too.” “Put your hands down already!” Mr. Matsuda was more into locker room talk than I’d expected, though he kept cackling the whole time. We continued to talk as we worked, and he explained that he’d gone to the first showing personally to greet the play’s staff and various industry guests, but that his subordinates would be handling the subsequent showings. “All sorts of people come to see plays like that, especially on the first day. Stage directors, TV and movie producers, and so on and so forth.” Mr. Matsuda gathered up a stack of documents and hit them against the desk to line up the edges. Then he beckoned for me to come over. “The reception was just as good as I’d hoped. I think she’ll be getting very busy.” He giggled, sounding satisfied. He might be terrible with computers, but he was a great judge of character. “Here you go,” he said, handing me the stack of paper. It looked like some sort of presentation. “What’s this?” “Up until now, we’ve mostly outsourced music and promotional videos, but I’m thinking of creating a video production department in-house. It’ll be expensive, but it should save us money in the long run. It will also give us more flexibility. You know how companies these days make official social media accounts and upload videos and all that? We’ll be getting in on that stuff, too.” “Okay.” “That’s it? You’re kind of slow, you know that?” “People tell me that a lot.” “I’m asking you to help establish the new department.” I looked up from the stack of papers. “Me? But I’m just a part-timer.” “Doesn’t matter. You’ll be my secretary and video creator!” He pointed his index finger at me. “What?! When did I become your secretary?” I was fine with being a video creator—it sounded pretty fun. But…did that mean I was his secretary right now? “I’ll hire you once you graduate. And I’ll give you a juicy paycheck.” “J-juicy…?” How much are we talking about, exactly? I decided not to ask. If I started talking details, it’d become a done deal. Mr. Matsuda moved his index finger against his thumb like he was rubbing two bills together. The look on his face was positively diabolical. I had to tread carefully. “You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to be a pro, learn how to handle things in the field, and rack up loads of experience. I know you’re frothing at the mouth already. And with you around, Aika won’t be lon—” “Wait, is that what you’re really after?” He wants to use me like some drug to keep Himeji calm. “What’s the problem? Do you know how hard it was to cheer that girl up after your school festival?” Himeji needed cheering up…? That Himeji? I couldn’t picture it. I got the feeling she’d lash out if you so much as tried. “Anyway, just think of it as adding a few more tasks to your plate,” he said. “If there’s something I think you can do, I’ll show you the ropes.” “Okay.” “And I’ll pay you properly for your work, so don’t worry.” I’m not worried about that. You already paid me handsomely for Himeji’s music video. Mr. Matsuda was crafty, in a good way. Himeji was his number one priority, and he was hoping to use me as a tool to keep her motivated. But he saw more in me than just that. I could tell he also had tentative expectations for me as a creator. “I feel like Himeji would be too proud to keep me around, though.” After all, I’d already chosen my other childhood friend. “Do you really think that? Even after what happened yesterday?” “I suppose you have a point…,” I admitted, raising the white flag at last I wanted Himeji to succeed, and I got the feeling that going along with Mr. Matsuda’s schemes would help her do her best. Besides, I was interested in the job itself, too. In the end, I gave in and accepted. I checked my phone after work and saw I had a missed call and a text from Fushimi. The text said, I’ll try giving them a call first. She didn’t specify who she was talking about, but I assumed it was the talent agency. Of course, she was interested—this was about her dream, her life’s goal. Calling them on the phone was probably a wise idea, considering her traumatic experience last time. I hoped this agency was a little more respectable… “Oh, right!” I exclaimed. I was still getting ready to leave, and I’d spoken out of the blue. Mr. Matsuda shot me a puzzled look. “What’s up?” “Do you know of an agency called CSO?” “Of course. What about them?” I explained what had happened the day before. “Fushimi got scouted?” he asked. “That’s not surprising, I suppose. There’s something about that girl.” He had asked her to join his own agency in the past. The fact that another agency was expressing interest only proved he’d been right about her. “So she decided to give them a call,” I explained. “I see. I would’ve loved to have her here. A shame.” He shrugged, but he didn’t seem too put out by it. “CSO is smaller than us, and they’re more involved in the local scene. They mostly have models for ads and local entertainers, so I’m not sure it’s quite what she’s looking for.” I’d had no idea. I quickly looked them up online and saw they had multiple models and entertainers I’d never heard of. I left the building and sent Fushimi a reply. I asked Mr. Matsuda about them, and it sounds like they’re not shady. That was the extent of what I could do. The rest would depend on Fushimi’s decision. Her reply arrived faster than I expected. We’re going to meet up and talk in person. Mr. Takashiro will be there. I didn’t know what they’d discussed over the phone, but it sounded like Fushimi was pleased enough to continue talking. Thanks for asking Mr. Matsuda! Thank goodness they’re not shady! Himeji might see the agency as small potatoes, but for Fushimi, it was another important step toward her goal. As I walked to the nearest train station, I thought about how to reply. Was Fushimi all right going with a local agency? Or did they talk about something else? Based on what I’d heard from Mr. Matsuda, it didn’t sound like they handled much acting work. Hope it goes well! That was all I said. As soon as I stepped off the train, Fushimi called me. It was almost as if she’d timed it. “What’s up?” “Can you talk?” “Yup. So, this Mori guy. He wasn’t a weirdo?” I was also on high alert, considering what happened last time. “He looks like a normal guy. He talked about what the agency does. He said they have models and entertainers that work in local ads and commercials…” That was exactly what Mr. Matsuda had said. “And what did you think? It sounds a little different from stage plays, movies, and TV.” “Yeaaah.” She heaved a heavy sigh. Apparently, she’d been thinking the same thing. “The only acting parts they handle are for docudramas and extras in TV shows when they film somewhere local. Ha-ha.” Fushimi gave a breathy laugh. I could just see her bitter smile. Considering Himeji’s big success (on her first day, at least), the agency’s work sounded especially insignificant. And Fushimi had almost made the audition for the play, too. “But they said they get audition invitations, so maybe I could join them.” “Well, if you say so…” I almost said, Yeah, why not? But I swallowed my words at the last moment. Fushimi was my girlfriend, and we’d just started dating. Himeji had skipped school to attend rehearsals—what if Fushimi got just as busy? The thought made me hesitate to give her that last push. …No, I support Fushimi even more than Himeji. I’d imagined we would do typical high school couple stuff once we started dating. But timing was important. You had to act when luck came your way. I couldn’t tie my precious girlfriend down. “Yeah, why not?” I said. “Cheer me up again if I fail another audition, okay?” “My shoulder is always available.” She giggled. Suddenly, I thought about my dad and Fushimi’s mom, Satomi Ashihara. But before I could think any further, I heard Fushimi’s voice in my ear. “Hey, Ryou… Do you have anything to say to me?” “What?” It didn’t feel like she was cross-examining me. It sounded more like something she’d asked on a whim. “Not that I can think of…” I had nothing to feel guilty about, and I hadn’t told any big lies or anything. “Hmmm. I feel like you do.” What was going on? It almost sounded like she had proof of me cheating and was waiting for me to fess up. “I really have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Hmmm, I see. Okay, then.” “Well, all right.” So in the end, it wasn’t that important…? Around then, I arrived back home. It seemed like a good stopping point, so we said good-bye, and I headed into the living room. The heat was on, and Mana was there, in short-shorts and bare feet, fiddling with her phone on the sofa. “If you’re cold, put on some pants,” I said. “But these are so cute.” “Why does that matter? There’s no one here to see.” “Your fashion consciousness is so low, it’d be a waste of time trying to explain.” A waste of time… She pointed at me with her pink pedicured toes. “Your fashion level is eight.” “What about Fushimi’s?” “After some recent leveling up, two.” “Wow. And that’s after leveling up.” Mana laughed out loud, then said excitedly, “I heard the weather next week is gonna be awful. It’s gonna snow like crazy!” “That’s rare around here.” “They said a nasty cold wave is gonna get us.” I decided now was a good time to weave the question on my mind into the conversation. “Mana, if you were to get a Christmas present, what would you want?” “Wha—?! You’re giving me something?!” Her eyes shone like stars. “No.” “No? Then why are you asking me, you weirdo?” Her mood quickly turned sour. I said this was hypothetical! “I think I deserve one, actually. For all I do for you every day.” “Thank you, Mana. I would be dead without your cooking.” Essential utilities: gas, electricity, water, and Mana. “You know what they call people like you? ‘Tsunderes.’” She giggled, then flipped over on the sofa. I decided to cut right to the chase. “I was thinking of getting Fushimi a present. But I have no idea what to get her.” “Oh, so this is for Hina.” Mana lost all interest and began kicking her feet while looking at her phone. “Any advice? You’re my only hope, Mana. I need a fashionista at max level.” She glanced over at me and grinned. “I do like having my Bubby rely on me. Hmm, your first gift. How about silver jewelry? Cliché but sweet.” I had no idea that was cliché. It seemed I had a lot to learn. “Is it okay to go with a cliché?” “First, you go through all the clichés, then you think about changing things up. Go with something tried-and-true for starters. Then you can’t go wrong.” “Thank you, merciful officer of the fashion police.” “I’ll be waiting for my gift,” she said, blowing me a kiss. “Yeah, yeah.” Guess I’ll get her something, too. But I won’t tell her that yet. The following week, Fushimi and I arrived at school together and saw Himeji surrounded by a crowd. “Was I nervous? Not in the slightest!” she boasted, impressing all the girls around her. Yeah right, you liar. “Ai’s so popular,” said Fushimi. “It’s just like back when she first transferred,” I agreed. She’d joined our school right before the field trip. I was a little surprised to realize how much time had already passed. Himeji’s seat was right next to mine, so I could hear what she and the other girls were saying. “Did you start having feelings for the actor playing your love interest?” “Were rehearsals hard?” “Your singing was so good.” Questions and praise rained down on her. She was really getting the main character treatment. And it was clear from her increasingly boastful tone how all this made her feel. “Oh no, of course not. He’s just my coworker.” The girls squealed at every smug remark. “I was invited out for dinner a few times after rehearsals, but I said no.” “Whaaa?” “Oh my god!” “Wooow!” For someone like Himeji, who craved attention, it must have been paradise. It wasn’t every day you had a celebrity classmate, much less one who’d just done so well in a big part. Even if you didn’t know about Himeji’s past and weren’t the type to obsess over stars, after a performance like that, anyone would want to talk to her. “About yesterday,” said Fushimi. “You mean the agency?” “Yup. I asked Mom about it.” She asked Ms. Ashihara? Her mother was a famous actress, and her relationship to Fushimi was at once close and distant. It made sense that she had her mother’s contact details, but I was surprised she’d decided to ask her for advice. “Set a thief to catch a thief, eh?” I said, before realizing it was a little rude. Fushimi giggled. She must have had the same thought. “Well, you’re not wrong. Mom said that if I’m even a little bit interested, I should give it a try.” “Oh good. I’m glad you asked.” I was sure her mother’s advice would be better encouragement than anything I could say. Ms. Ashihara was pretty negative when it came to Fushimi’s dream, but maybe she’d changed her mind after seeing her daughter’s acting at the school festival. “I’ll be meeting with them tomorrow.” “I hope it goes well.” “Yeah!” Fushimi said, beaming. I’d been right to encourage her. “You see that smug look on Himeji’s face?” said Torigoe, joining our group. “It’s really something else, eh? I’d like to immortalize it in marble.” “Morning, Shii,” said Fushimi. “Oh, I saw the movie you recommended!” “Hey. What did you think?” The two of them started talking excitedly. Once they reached a lull in the conversation, another girl called out to Fushimi, and she left her seat. They seemed to be going to the restroom. “Torigoe, what would you give Fushimi for Christmas?” The two of them had just been talking about the holiday, so it was an easy segue. “I…” She thought for a moment before saying, “A book cover, maybe?” “Oh, that’s a great idea.” “Huh? Y-you think?” Torigoe sounded happy. “I mean, it’s related to her interests, it’s practical, and it’s not expensive enough to make her feel guilty.” “Yup, and it’s perfect for when you don’t want other people to know what you’re reading on the train.” “You just say that because you’re always reading BL.” “Yes, I am.” Torigoe’s expression was serious. She looked almost boastful. “Anyway, I think that’s a pretty good choice.” “But I don’t think I’d like to get something like that from my boyfriend.” “Really?” “I mean, I’d be happy to receive it, of course, but I think I’d want something a little extra. I mean, receiving a present from your boyfriend should feel a little different from receiving one from a friend.” Philosophizing so early in the morning, are we? She had a point, though. “But hey, the fact that you’re so worried about it you’re asking around for advice is kind of a present itself. I’d be really happy to hear that.” I stared at her, and she continued, “In other words, you didn’t just pick anything. You took the time to think about me and what I’d want, and…” She started to trail off under the pressure of my gaze. I’d expected to hear something like that from Mr. Matsuda, but not from Torigoe. “Wh-what? Got something to say?” she asked, indignant. “I was just thinking about how you can be pretty girly sometimes.” “…Well, I am a girl.” Torigoe looked away shyly and then returned to her seat. Eventually, lunchtime arrived, and I headed to the physics room with Fushimi and Torigoe. “You sure I’m not in the way?” Torigoe asked. Fushimi and I looked at each other and shook our heads. “We need you here to plan our Christmas party.” While that was true, I figured Fushimi was using it as an excuse so Torigoe wouldn’t feel bad. We talked about the date and time of the party, and what we wanted to do. Then, in the middle of our conversation, someone threw open the door. “Wheeew! I’m saved!” It was Himeji. “I’m sick and tired of all the questions about my play.” Then why do you look like you’re on cloud nine? Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go back and be showered with their unending praise? Himeji sighed and came over to sit with us. “We were just talking about the Christmas party,” Fushimi said. “Please make sure it’s a day when I don’t have to perform,” said Himeji. She looked at Fushimi with an aggressive smirk. “Don’t worry, we’ll be checking with everyone, so nobody will have to miss it.” “I see.” Himeji looked a little deflated when she didn’t receive the usual counterattack. “Just don’t forget about our tests,” said Torigoe. Himeji and I blanched. Torigoe’s grades were average, but Himeji and I had a real chance of failing. I suspected Himeji was doing even worse than I was, since she’d been skipping school and leaving early for rehearsals. “Himeji, wanna ask Mii for help?” suggested Torigoe. “I can’t stand people like her, but I suppose I can’t refuse,” she replied. Shinohara… If only you could hear what your idol is saying about you.