Chapter 5

“Sounds like Karin’s taken quite a liking to you, hmm?” At the counter of their usual bar, Yuika rested her chin in her hands lazily with a glass of aged whiskey in front of her. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she smirked at Suzune. Earlier that day, Suzune had participated in a recording session for the final episode of a seasonal, followed by a brief wrap party. Yuika was also there, having played a guest character, so they slipped out together as soon as the opportunity arose. Otherwise, they would have gotten stuck staying up all night with the rest of the party, as was so often the case. “Ah-ha-ha, I guess so…” Suzune hummed uncertainly as she stirred her glass of umeshu plum brandy on the rocks. True enough, Suzune and Karin were exchanging messages almost every day, and Karin came running to see her whenever they were both at the office, flashing a smile bright enough to rival her idol days. But they still hadn’t gone out to eat since that first time, and they weren’t spending any time together outside the office. That was mostly because Suzune’s schedule was always booked, though. And while having pointless conversations with Karin every day was certainly fun, that was all it was. She had learned what makeup Karin wore, what clothing brands she liked, her favorite foods, and so on, but Karin never asked for, or gave out, any personal information. Karin frequently asked her questions about work, while Suzune never asked about her past as an idol. “But it does feel a little bit strange at times.” “How so?” “I don’t know, she’s just moving so fast. She’s been coming on strong since the first day we met. Maybe that’s just her personality, but when we meet at the office, it’s almost like…like she’s trying to flaunt our friendship to everyone else…? Whenever I go in, she’s almost always there.” Although Suzune was the one who shared her schedule when Karin asked for it. “But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence! Gosh, listen to me, getting all narcissistic!” She took a big gulp of her drink. Of course she didn’t mind if Karin was cozying up to her—not at all. But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder, Why me of all people? “No, I think you’re probably right.” “Huh?” “Well, since there are some people who aren’t thrilled Karin joined our agency, maybe she’s trying to show that she’s close with you to keep them off her back.” “How would being close to me help her with that?” “Well, you’re one of Earpo’s biggest earners. Maybe she’s trying to imply, ‘If you mess with me, I’m telling Suzu!’ or something like that?” “It’s not like I could do anything about it, though…” “That may be true, but the kind of person who’d try to screw with someone out of jealousy wouldn’t realize that. They’ll think twice because they themselves would go tattle to the higher-ups, and they assume you would, too.” The ice in Yuika’s glass clinked as she shifted it in her hand. “…Does that mean Karin-sama might be that kind of person, too?” “In her case, she’s probably just learned to protect herself from her experience in the idol business. Look out for number one and all that.” “So you’re saying she might be using me, then.” “Would that bother you?” “…No, not in the least.” Suzune shook her head firmly. “If anything, I’d be honored. That means that I can help my oshi as she starts down a new path in life just by being friendly with her! I get it now. That explains why such a brilliant star would be cozying up to the likes of me, too.” She nodded sagely. Her doubts had been dispelled, her worries melted away. Yuika was such a dependable friend. Yuika herself, on the other hand, was staring at her with an eyebrow raised. “You know…you’re unbelievable sometimes.” “Hmm?” Suzune blinked in confusion, and Yuika snorted a little. “It’s nothing, forget it. You’re fine just the way you are. It’s one of your best qualities, in fact.” “Um…thank you?” Suzune didn’t follow, but it sounded like Yuika might be complimenting her. “So? What’s the vibe with her?” “The vibe? What do you mean…?” Yuika’s lips twitched into an amused grin. “I mean, you had this miraculous reunion with your beloved oshi, right? That doesn’t feel like fate to you?” “I mean, I’m certainly grateful to the gods and the universe in general. I was so starved for oshi content, and now I’m up to my ears in it. Literally drowning. I can’t believe my luck right now… Maybe I’m going to die tomorrow?” “I seriously doubt that.” Yuika laughed out loud. “But that’s not what I meant. She’s not an idol anymore, remember?” “Right…that’s true.” Thinking about it too much sent a cold feeling spreading through Suzune’s chest. “Maybe you still think of her as your oshi and all that…” Well, naturally. That would never change. “…but what do you think of her as a woman, hmm?” For a moment, Suzune didn’t understand the question. She just sat there blankly. “It never even crossed your mind, did it?” Yuika snickered. “Since Karin’s not an idol anymore, doesn’t that mean she can date whoever she wants? This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, if you ask me. Or do you really not have any romantic feelings for her at all?” Suzune was shocked speechless. Romance…with Karin-sama…? Suzune had never even imagined it. She didn’t consider herself one of those fans who got too parasocial and obsessive, developing feelings for their favorite idol.