Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 2 After #029 side Fuuto
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This is the last chapter of Season 2 Volume 2! Genuinely surprised I managed to stick to this project so long haha. Please enjoy~
After #29 side Fuuto – A story that begins when cornered.
As I slip through the front doors of the agency building, I check my watch.
(Just barely on time. …. seriously.)
I’m unable to push down the irritation welling up in me.
(Eichi’s always way too meticulous.)
I can’t believe he’d waste our time and call a meeting all just for some boring variety show.
(I know enough about the program to just adlib. I mean, anyone who can’t do that has no business being a performer anyways.)
I exit the elevator hall.
(Wait… what’s up with this?)
All three elevators are going down to the first floor.
(I’m in a hurry…..)
My valuable time is being wasted. My irritation grows.
After quite a while of waiting, one of the elevators finally opens.
However, when I hurry to get in, a voice calls out from behind me.
“Wait up, Fuuto.”
(..... and now things get even worse.)
I know who it is without even needing to look.
For a moment, I consider pretending I didn’t hear anything, but I get the feeling that ignoring him would just cause even more complaining later.
Fuuto: “What.”
Resigning myself to the situation, I turn my head and look back.
“Where’re you going?”
His voice is quiet and restrained…. or maybe I should say, his way of speaking is cold and emotionless.
Exactly as I thought, it’s Forttê’s sub-leader, Seike.
Seike: “After this, all the members plan to go eat dinner together.”
He glares at me with narrowed eyes.
Fuuto: “Ah, sorry, I’m gonna have to cancel.”
Seike’s eyes narrow even more. Uwaah, his face looks super sinister. I’m sure he’d never want any of his fangirls to see it.
Seike: “Even though Eichi requested this of you.”
There’s an emotion in Seike’s voice that wasn’t there before.
Seike: “Everyone else cleared time for it. Why do you always insist on doing whatever you want?”
Fuuto: “Um, I’m in a rush right now.”
I press on the button to call the elevator to the first floor again.
Fuuto: “Sorry, but can we do this later?”
With that, I turn around. As soon as I do, a strong force grips at my arm.
Seike: “That’s enough.”
Seike’s voice lowers. Oh, is he angry?
Seike: “Eichi’s already told us what the purpose of this dinner is.”
He squeezes my arm tighter.
Seike: “The group’s been at odds lately. This is so we can try and build up some solidarity again.”
Fuuto: “Yeah, I remember.”
I can’t help but sigh.
Seike: “Then why are you disregarding it?”
Fuuto: “I’m not. But it can’t be helped, I have things to do.”
Seike: “Listen, Fuuto.”
Seike brings his face closer to mine.
Seike: “Eichi’s a good guy, which is why he phrased it like that. …. In reality, Fuuto, we need to talk to you.”
Seike glares at me with the sharpest gaze he can muster.
Fuuto: “Oh, is that so?”
I reply, warding off his attack.
Fuuto: “In which case, you should be able to accommodate my schedule.”
Seike: “Fuuto….”
Seike’s face stiffens.
Fuuto: “So let go now.”
I try to pull my arm out of his grip. But Seike only tightens it in response.
….. hold on, he seriously isn’t going to cut it out?!
Getting annoyed– of course I am–, I think about what to say in response.
“What’re you doing?”
I hear a hurried voice ask, a figure jumping out from one of the office doors.
“What if someone saw you doing this?!”
Seike: “......... Eichi.”
Seike speaks up in his direction, sounding a little awkward.
Seike: “Fuuto plans on skipping the team dinner, so I’m trying to stop him.”
Eiichiro: “....... ah, I see.”
Eichi’s face goes gloomy.
Eiichiro: “I understand. Thank you, Ryou. But please, let go.”
Eichi places a hand on Seike’s shoulder. And just like that, his strong grip from before disappears.
Eiichiro: “Fuuto’s already clearly explained his reasons to me.”
When Eichi says this, a look of confusion flashes across Seike’s face.
Eiichiro: “There’s a meeting that’s suddenly come up for a drama he’s in. ….. isn’t that right, Fuuto?”
Fuuto: “Yeah, about.”
I give my reply as I rub my arm Seike’d been clamping down on.
Fuuto: “I got a call about an hour ago. It’s for the sake of the director’s schedule.”
Seike: “Really?”
…… ahaha, what a good expression. Surprisingly, it seems like Seike’s got a knack for comedy.
Fuuto: “I wouldn’t lie about something like that. You’re free to check for yourself, if you want.”
Sure enough, Seike goes quiet after I say this.
Seike: “.......... is that so.”
Eiichiro: “I’m sorry, I meant to tell you. But I’ve been a little packed with work.”
Eichi speaks as if trying to mediate things.
Eiichiro: “So it’s just going to be us going today. We already made reservations at the restaurant.”
Seike: “Eichi…..”
Eiichiro: “It would be bad if you were late, Fuuto, so you can get going now. …. I’m sorry, this is my bad.”
Eichi’s timing is perfect as he says this, the chime announcing an elevator arriving to the first floor ringing out as soon as he’s done.
Fuuto: “I don’t think you’re the one who has anything to apologize for, Eichi. Well, whatever. I’ll be on my way now.”
I turn my back to the two of them, and enter the elevator.
Eiichiro: “Fuuto.”
I look back over my shoulder to see Eichi with an awfully serious look on his face.
Eiichiro: “You couldn’t help today, but I’m sure you’ll find another opportunity to cancel again. I don’t think that things can keep on the way that they are. I want you to understand that.”
Maybe I should say something. But the moment that I open my mouth to respond, the elevator doors close shut.
So that’s where our chat ends.
(..... well, whatever.)
I close my eyes.
(It isn’t as if talking for a little bit is going to change anything, anyways.)
★☆★
It’s just after 1am when I get back to the office after my meeting about the drama is over.
(Haah….)
As expected the office is almost dead by now. But there’s still something that I need to do.
(I’ll remember everything from tonight.)
The director of the drama I’m currently filming is very strict about our acting, and always gives us demands down to the finest detail for our next scenes.
But I completely agree with what he says– in fact, I find his instructions to be worth doing. Plus, if I get the OK from the director in my first try, my reputation with the staff will go up.
(I’ll definitely be able to get out.)
That thought wells up in my mind. I can feel my sleepiness and fatigue rush away.
I head in the direction of one of the office’s meeting rooms– one of the newer, user-friendly ones. I plan on reading through my script again there, solidifying my acting.
However.
When I enter the meeting room, I’m surprised to see that someone’s already in there.
“Fuuto?”
…….. My luck today has been horrible. It’s just been irritation after irritation.
“Are you still working? Good work today.”
The person who’s ruined my plans to rehearse by myself casually says this to me.
Fuuto: “You too, Iori.”
I fix my eyes on the man sitting in front of me.
Fuuto: “You’re still here….. working hard, I see.”
I grab the nearest chair and sit down. I suddenly find myself feeling demotivated.
Iori: “There’s a lot of material I still want to go over for tomorrow’s shoots. I have quite a few of them, so it might be a while longer.”
Iori looks down at the file full of documents in front of him as he speaks.
Fuuto: “Wooooow, it must be difficult being so popular.”
Iori: “It’s work,”
Iori replies, as if it’s obvious.
Iori: “They requested me, which means that I need to live up to their expectations.”
Fuuto: “Well, good luck.”
I say, getting a little annoyed with Iori’s manner of speaking.
Fuuto: “Among those are jobs you stole from me. It’d be a problem if you didn’t at least do that much.”
Iori: “Stole?”
Iori responds calmly.
Iori: “I did no such thing.”
….. Yeah, yeah. I’m sure that’s how you see it.
(The decision was made by the company, not me. That’s what you’ll say, anyways.)
However, the words that come out of Iori’s mouth next are a complete shock to me– entirely different from what I’d expected.
Iori: “I was chosen for that job because I’m a better model than you.”
…… hah?
Fuuto: “Hold on, Iori, what the hell are you saying?
I can’t help but stand up. Iori turns his gaze to me as the sound of the chair moving rings out.
Iori: “...... Fuuto.”
Iori closes the file he’d been looking at ‘till now.
Iori: “You’re my little brother, as well as my senior in the entertainment industry, so I don’t want to say anything that will hurt your feelings.”
He then slowly stands up.
Iori: “But it isn’t right to turn a blind eye to reality.”
Fuuto: “Hah?”
Iori: “Looking at you as an idol, you aren’t the best when it comes to looks, singing, or dancing among the other members of Forttê.”
Iori’s tone is matter-of-fact.
Iori: “You owe your status as an idol to the existence of Forttê. But you only ever cause conflict with the other members.”
Iori keeps speaking without giving me the opportunity to interject.
Iori: “Even when it comes to modeling, you refuse to admit your inferiority to me.”
He cuts himself off briefly before continuing.
Iori: “You seem to be well-regarded as an actor, but you’re completely self-taught. How long will you be able to make it with such stopgap skills?”
Iori lets out a big sigh.
Iori: “If things continue like this, you’ll eventually stop getting any more jobs. Have you not thought of that?”
What the hell is going on in front of me right now?
Why the hell’s this irritating, annoying guy trying to talk to me as if he understands everything?
Iori: “I’m worried.”
There’s a trace of tenderness on Iori’s face.
Iori: “I’m very worried.”
After that, he finally stops speaking. I stare hard at Iori for a while.
Some time passes.
The sound of cars from the street across the office breaks through the silence.
Fuuto: “Say what you want.”
Finally, I answer.
Fuuto: “I don’t care what you think, Iori. Besides, it's none of your business. You aren’t the one who gets to determine my value.”
And just like that, I head towards the door that leads out into the hallway.
Iori: “..... what a pity.”
I hear Iori’s voice from behind me.
Iori: “If you keep treating people like this, rejecting them, people are going to start refusing to deal with you. Do you not understand that?”
My response to that is opening the door and leaving the room.
★☆★
I can’t sleep.
No matter how many times I toss and turn in my bed, not a single ounce of sleepiness comes over me.
(....... damn it.)
Getting up, I switch my bedside light on.
My cramped room becomes visible in the dim light.
Right now, I’m living in a studio apartment provided to me by my agency.
After setting up my bed, I found about half the room already gone. To be honest, it’s not nearly as nice as my room back in Kichijōji, but I only really come home to sleep, so I don’t particularly mind.
(Hah……)
I exhale, letting out a sigh.
My head feels incredibly heavy. It’s as if it’s jam packed, buzzing chaotically, irritating me.
I stumble a bit as I go over to the fridge, grab a bottle of slightly carbonated mineral water, and drink it all in one go.
(...... phew.)
The light from the refrigerator illuminates my body.
I’m still wearing the same clothes I came home in, save for my jacket, so my shirt’s all wrinkled. To be honest, I look a little unsightly right now.
(Well, it’s whatever.)
I get another bottle, not drinking it yet, and go to sit at the edge of my bed.
There’s the image of a man with a mean gleam in his eyes reflected on my TV. His hair is messied, and he looks unsteady.
(...... haha.)
Through a gap in my curtains, I’m able to see the sky brightening slightly. It seems like dawn is nearing.
(I should go out into town like this. I wonder how many people would be able to tell that I’m Asakura Fuuto?)
I collapse down onto my bed, tilting my bottle of water towards me. The water spills out, running down my neck and wetting my bed.
(..... damn it.)
Iori’s words ring in my mind.
Iori: “You owe your status as an idol to the existence of Forttê.”
His words annoy me.
But as frustrating as they may be, there might be truth in them.
I’m only allowed to do what I want because I’m a member of Forttê. And it’s because Forttê earns the agency income that they’re so lenient with me.
So if I leave Forttê, it’s possible that they’ll treat me differently. I may not be able to continue with the acting job I’m currently working. It’s being done through the agency, after all.
(Maybe I do understand that.)
To be honest, I never wanted to be an idol in the first place. I just saw it as a stepping stone to becoming an actor.
But right now, the reason I’m getting recognition as an actor is because I’m an idol.
When you think about it, it’s awfully ironic, but in order to do what I love, I ultimately have to work hard doing what I hate.
(It’s ridiculous!)
I hurl the water bottle in my hands. It hits the edge of the TV and falls down into the pile nearby it.
It’s a bunch of movies. Ones that I’d asked my manager to bring for me.
The bottle hits the pile, causing it to crash down, the sound of plastic cases collapsing ringing out throughout the room.
Just until yesterday, I’d been watching those movies as a way of studying acting. Now, that all feels like a bygone memory.
(Maybe I’ll just watch them as a fan from now on.)
Perhaps I’ll enjoy them more if I watch them separately from work.
With this thought in mind, I slowly get up, and start sluggishly tidying up.
I pick up the movies and re-sort them by the criteria I’d had them organized them by.
Suddenly, my hand stills.
(This…..)
A gangster movie catches my eye.
(..... I asked for it.)
Compared to all the other movies I requested, it’s by no means a masterpiece. But I’d still added it to the list I gave my manager all the same.
(I haven’t seen it, not since….. not since watching it with her that night.)
Two years have already passed since then. And a lot has happened in that time.
Under the fluttering cherry blossoms. Inside that classroom, during the school culture festival. And that night, on the bed in her room.
I feel my palms start to heat up. The memory of the way I’d touched her, the feel of her skin, comes back to me.
(..... ah.)
As if I’m being puppeted, I open the brand new case up.
I take the disc out, place it in my DVD player, and sit at the edge of my bed as I begin watching it.
The movie goes on. I barely remembered the story. But the words that I’d said to her, during the scene where the main protagonist is laying in bed, are still vivid in my mind.
Fuuto: “The truth is, I really want to be an actor.”
Those words had come straight from my heart. Otherwise, there’s no way that they would have resonated with her so much.
– Otherwise, she wouldn’t have cried when she heard them.
(..... that’s right.)
At that moment, I finally feel like I understand.
What I want for myself. And what I need to do.
I pick up the remote control, and press the off button. I don’t need to watch anymore.
The TV goes black once again, reflecting my face in the screen. Now that it’s wet, my face looks even more unsightly than before.
But my eyes are different.
Even through the darkness, there’s a distinct gleam blazing in them.
(Well, I’ve got to give you credit for saving me….. Nee-san.)
I stand up from my bed.
(I’ll definitely give you my thanks. From the other side of the screen.)
I then take off my wrinkled clothes, and head towards the bathroom to take a shower.
“Our feeling and body’s heat. We can always feels it. For we are Best friend.”
Cinderella, Her Heart Pounding
Ryo: “I… can’t feel any love for woman.”
I can feel Ryo-kun’s body heat from my upper arms that he caught.
I can feel the heat so clear that it feels like he touch right into my skin, enough to make my nerve tingled.
Ryo: “For me… Eichi is important.”
Suddenly I recalled Ryo-kun’s earlier word.
Don’t tell me his ‘important’ is that kind of important? In other word. Ryo-kun only able to love men, and he likes… he likes Eiichiro-kun!?
After putting together all the forbidden formulas, I can’t help but gaping.
And then—
Ryo: “… Fuh.”
I can feels some short breath, akin to someone trying to hold a laugh, near my heart.
In the next moment, unable to endure it any longer, Ryo-kun begin to let out a simmering laugh.
Ryo: “I lied. It is a joke. I wonder if you will be able to survive in this world if you can believe me just like that?”
“Eh…?”
D… don’t tell me…
He is poking fun at me?
“Eeh~”
Losing strength of my legs, I slumped on the floor.
When I thought about it calmly, there is just no way one big scandal like two members of an popular idol group caught in forbidden love for each other exist.
There is no way… right?
Ryo-kun is a bit indifferent, and even though he is very beautiful, there is no rumor about him.
It is all because that Ryo-kun suddenly ‘confessed’ with that straight face, so for some seconds, to be honest, I don’t think his confession is impossible.
In addition, he talk about Eiichiro-kun is a very suggestive way…
Ryo: “It is true that I thought Eichi is important. Because he is my best friend, I want him to be happy.”
Ryo-kun’s expression when saying that is just like the first time when he said ‘Eichi is important’, it looks so gentle, yet feels a bit painful.
“Wanting him to be happy”, even for a best friend, that feelings seems to be something too heavy to be directed to a mere friend.
Maybe even though there is no romantic feeling for Eiichiro-kun, Ryo-kun still have some special feeling for him that I, as a woman, will never able understand…
While working out those things, Ryo-kun let out an ‘ah’ as if noticing something, before adding,
Ryo: “Even though I am only joking about can’t love a woman, but I won’t lay a hand on you so don’t worry.”
“… You don’t have to tell me that, I know already.”
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
After some debate, in the end, because he insisted that it is ‘an apologize because poking fun on you’, Ryo-kun give the suit I tried and several accessories to me as present.
But because I can’t bring a branded shopping bag in company car’s trunk and waltz home with it later, we make an arrangement to let the shop send the things to my home.
“… Sorry.”
I said that when we passing through the entrance of a big publishing company where our next job is.
Ryo: “Just how many times you said that already?”
“Well, not even my parents ever give me something as high priced as that as a present.”
Ryo: “You never has boyfriend? Boyfriend usually give something better than parents, right?”
“No way. The last time I was going out with someone was in my first year in university after all…”
Ryo: “Ah, you are definitely that kind of person.”
He said easily with apathetic face.
Even though it is the truth… that’s a bit hurt. Well, I can’t argue to that.
While continuing that somewhat bitter personal story of mine, we went to the elevator and went up to the floor where the meeting room that our client instructed.
When we get off the elevator, we are in a hall with several people walking around.
Between them—a girl with long hair noticed our arrival, her big eyes went even bigger.
“Ryo-chan!”
With her wavy hair swinging softly with each skip-like step, she went to us.
Ryo: “Eirina.”
“Eh?”
When Ryo-kun said that name, I went to look at her face once more.
That’s right.
It is Eiichiro-kun’s big sister, the actress Akaboshi Eiirina-san!
The real one…
Ryo: “Long time no see.”
Eirina-san looks a bit sulky at Ryo-kun’s smile.
Eirina: “That’s right. Ryo-chan, lately you didn’t play to our house at all,”
Ryo: “Because I always meet with Eichi in work everyday.”
Eirina: “I want you to come visit me. Dad and mom also want to meet you.”
Ryo: “Next time.”
Eirina: “Ah. You dodged the issue again.”
Eirina-san’s looked down.
Watching how fast Eirina-san’s expression changed, Ryo-kun laughed kindly.
For Ryo-kun who usually always wore poker face to looks like this…
The sight of those two having friendly chat looks just like it taken straight out from a painting, attracting the eyes of everyone in surrounding area.
Enough to make me think that maybe the most beautiful boy and the most beautiful girl in Japan are standing here together right now.
As I am watching, fascinated, at those two, suddenly my eyes meet with Eirina-san’s.
Eirina: “… Ah. I am sorry. This is?”
Ryo: “Our new manager.”
Eirina: “Eh, is that so? Then I have to greet her!”
Eirina-san straightened her posture hurriedly, joined her hands together and then make a very beautiful bow.
Eirina: “Good evening. I am Akaboshi Eirina. Eiichiro is always troubling you.”
“Ah, nice to meet you. I am very sorry for the late greeting, my name is Fujisaki Futaba.”
I also bowed my head in hurry.
Eirina: “Futaba-san, right? Please take care of me.”
While tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Eirina-san send a very bright smile to me.
Uwaa…
Being faced with that smile from this very short distance make me feels super pressured by her aura.
Even from my viewpoint as a woman, she is still a very beautiful person.
Beautiful and loveable… I think the term ‘lovely person’ is made for girl like Eirina-san.
Eirina: “That’s right!”
Eirina-san clapped her hands together loudly.
Eirina: “Maybe I should ask for a favor from the manager herself. I thought that it will be good if my partner for the next photograph session for a fashion magazine’s cover is Ryo-chan, so.”
Ryo: “Rather than a 2 shot with me, isn’t it will be more talked about if you take it with Eichi.”
Eirina: “Ei-chan doesn’t like working together with me. Even the drama this time, it isn’t because he is interested or anything right?”
Ryo: “Isn’t it because he is shy? He told me that ‘If I do it with Eirina, I should put more fighting spirit in’. Eichi really respected Eirina as an actor and actress.”
Eirina: “… Really?”
Ryo: “Yeah.”
Eirina: “I see. If it is like that, I am really happy.”
Eirina-san’s laugh did sound very happy.
When I look closely, her laughing face is a bit similar with Eiichiro-kun.
On that time, a woman who seems to be Eirina-san’s manager who until now just waiting in a distance, raised her voice and said, “It is time”.
Eirina: “Ah, ye~s. Sorry to pull you just to talk while standing like this. Are you here for a meeting?”
Ryo: “Yeah.”
Eirina: “Good luck. Fujisaki-san too, see you later.”
“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”
While waving her hand to us, Eirina-san ride the elevator, which accidentally just reached this floor, and go.
“How surprising. Who know that we will able to unexpectedly meeting Akaboshi Eirina-san in this kind of place.”
Ryo: “Well, Eirina work for this publishing company quite a lot.”
“Ryo-kun, you and Eirina-san are good friend, huh.”
Ryo: “That’s because we were together a lot since our childhood, if just from how long we know each other, it is even longer than how long I know Eichi.”
“So you guys know each other since that long.”
Ryo: “Eirina and I are very different in the talent’s level though. I am just staying in the entertainment industry for long without gaining anything. But she, as an actress, is always in the first string.”
“Hee. So she is an amazing actress. Well, she is a wonderful person.”
Ryo: “… Yeah. Eirina is the only woman I will ever call charming. Someone perfect—”
He paused, his eyes looking at something in the distance, and then Ryo-kun murmured,
Ryo: “No matter who, every man will fall in love with her.”
“…?”
Don’t tell me…
Ryo: “Let’s go, we are going to be late.”
“Ah, un.”
While chasing Ryo-kun’s back, I begin to think.
I got caught up in a stupid misunderstanding before, but maybe the one Ryo-kun actually like is Eirina-san…?
… No, no!
I shakes my head, as if trying to shake off my hypothesis.
I can’t just recklessly looking into someone else feeling.
I switched my working-mode on instead.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
The busy and hard days of working as manager continues on, until finally the day of the play recital—the day I go to Osaka with Eiichiro-kun is finally here.
I woke up in the morning then dress myself up, and then finally, taking out the new suit I put inside my closet and donned it.
It is the one Ryo-kun give me as a present.
“How is it? Did this make me looks more like a real manager than my usual suit?”
I asked Ton-chan who lie down on my bed, granted, she is still as expressionless and indifferent as ever.
“How heartless.”
I picked Ton-chan up and sit on the bedside.
As I did that, the cellphone which I put on the table start ringing, telling me there is an incoming call. When looking at the phone’s display just to see ‘Tsukishiro-san’ in it, my heart stopped beating.
“D, did I… do something to anger him?”
I can’t recall anything like that, but I pushed the answer button timidly.
“Yes, Fujisaki here.”
Tsukishiro: “Sorry to call in this busy time. Still in home?”
“Yes, but I will go soon.”
Tsukishiro: “I see. Your meeting place with Eiichiro is in Tokyo Station, right? There is almost no chance that he over-sleep, but just call him to make sure.”
“Ah, yes. … Umm, is that all?”
Tsukishiro: “What do you mean by that?”
Tsukishiro-san asked back with suspicious voice.
“Umm… do you have any business with me?”
Tsukishiro: “Nothing important. It is because you told me that you never went out from Tokyo ever since your school field trip, so this is a call to make sure you didn’t make any fatal mistake,”
“That’s… I am sorry. For making you worried.”
Tsukishiro: “Well, it is just to make sure.”
Even though it is just the usual one-day trip, but I feels really uneasy…
Tsukishiro: “You are going back on the last bullet train today, right?”
“Yes. After the publication announcement, there is going to be a feast with the related persons, so time-wise, I think that the most suitable.”
Tsukishiro: “You already brought the ticket to go back, right?”
“Yes, that’s are—“
I take the ticket to go back to Tokyo from the inside pocket of my bag to make sure.
“It is all clear.”
Tsukishiro: “Yosh. Do you already understand in regards if Eiichiro’s schedule?”
“Tomorrow he got full morning and afternoon off, and in the night he has recording for a music program, right?”
To make sure Eiichiro-kun won’t feel tired, the half day after going back from Oosaka will be for him to rest, so Tsukishiro-san arranged his schedule to allow that.
Tsukishiro: “Because he don’t get any off day lately, tell him not too to cut loose tonight and get plenty of rest until his work tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Tsukishiro: “I leave it to you.”
“Yes!”
After he cut the connection, I let out a relieved sigh.
“Thanks God, it is not that I did some mistake. The call from Tsukishiro-san really make me nervous.”
It is almost one month since I got assigned into Management Department. I somewhat able to drags myself until this point.
But, I always have worry in my heart. Did I do this job properly…?
Not only that Tsukishiro-san always got angry at me, but there are many things that worry me.
“Can you imagine me as a full-fledged manager?”
I stole a glance at Ton-chan.
“… You can’t, huh.”
—No, no. I shakes my head.
“I can’t said something pessimistic like that! I have to do it properly because it is work!”
I slapped both my checks to enter some fighting spirit, after that I called Eiichiro-kun to make sure he is already awake, and then finally go to Tokyo Station in hurry.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Eiichiro: “Huh, Fujisaki?”
I found Eiichiro-kun’s figure, equipped with cap-hat and mask, right in where we planned to meet—in front of the ticket gate to ride the bullet train.
Even though he don’t wear sunglasses, but it is mostly salaryman who need to use train at this kind of hour, so I don’t think anyone will notice who he is.
But still, his tall figure is, more or less, still make him stand out.
“Good morning.”
Eiichiro: “The atmosphere around you different than the usual, so I don’t notice who you are for a moment. Your suit is new, huh.”
“Yup. Ryo-kun chooses it for me.”
Eiichiro: “Ryo did!?”
“Eh? What?”
Eiichiro: “I am surprised. It is the first time I heard he choose clothes for woman.”
Well, that’s because he can’t stand my lack of sense on fashion…
Eiichiro: “Not to mention, even though he is like that, Ryo is actually pretty shy, so it is rare for him to go out to shop with manager in private.”
“I… see.”
Shy, huh.
Well, it is true that I never actually saw his talking freely with anyone else besides Eiichiro-kun and Eirina-san.
Eiichiro: “That suit you well, you know.”
“Eh?”
Being suddenly praised straightforwardly like that make me feels somewhat embarrassed.
“T, thank you.”
It seems, thanks to Ryo-kun, my attire won’t bring shame to Eiichiro-kun.
When we ride the bullet train to Osaka, Eiichiro-kun take the seat beside the window and I take the one beside him.
After confirming that we safely departed on scheduled time, I finally able to take a breather.
Eiichiro-kun is also finally pushing down his reclining seat and put his foot on the footstall.
He is in a perfectly relaxed mode.
“It is amazing. The seat is so large, it give out an expensive aura!”
Eiichiro: “You don’t need to feels that impressed, it is as if this is the first time you ride a bullet train.”
“But this is the first time I ride on the first class. Wow, they put wet towel there.”
Restless because this is a rare experience for me, I start to looks around excitedly. Watching that kind of me, Eiichiro-kun let out a chuckle.
Eiichiro: “What a fresh reaction. You don’t go on vacation often?”
“Yup. My parents and grandparents are all live in Tokyo, we don’t have hometown either. And this is my first to go to Osaka too.”
Eiichiro: “I see.”
“When the practice for the drama started, will we start to go back and forth from Tokyo to Osaka?”
Eiichiro: “No, I think the practice will probably take place in Tokyo. The producer’s base is here, and Egawa also has regular job Tokyo.”
“Is that so?”
Eiichiro: “He often work on gossip program or late light variety show. Never seen him before?”
“Maybe I did, on that time I still don’t know who Tora-cha—Toranosuke-kun is.”
Eiichiro: “Don’t tell me that you don’t even know who we are before become our manager?”
“… I don’t know until I start working at James…”
I confessed while feeling truly sorry.
Eiichiro-kun let out a long sigh.
Eiichiro: “That’s mean forttê is still not good enough, huh.”
“No way… I think you guys are famous enough. I am just one of the strange one, because I hold no interest on the entertainment world.”
Eiichiro: “But yet you were still looking for a work on an entertainment agency, huh.”
“One of my coworker said the same thing to me before too…”
Eiichiro-kun give the shamed me a sidelong glance while smiling in defeat. It doesn’t seems that he is angry.
Eiichiro: “Well, back to the main topic, Egawa periodically go to Tokyo. Even though they are member of the Kansai’s branch, but Shibuki’s popularity is national wide.”
“So they are really popular.”
Eiichiro: “Yeah. Popular enough that they able to steal regular’s spot from their senior when they first come to Tokyo. As a group, forttê is Shibuki’s junior by two years, but the differences in influence between us are probably even larger than those two years gap.”
Between the idols in James Agency, forttê is considerably more famous than the others. But for the leader of that kind of group praising other group like that…
Eiichiro: “Between their member, there are many who are in the same age as Ryo and I, it make us want to compete with the effort they put until now.”
“Hmm.”
Eiichiro: “It is been awhile since the last time I meet with Egawa, I am a bit excited.”
Eiichiro-kun said that with a laugh before saying that he will go get some sleep and pull down his hat to cover his face.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
It take ten minutes using taxi from Shin-Osaka. We finally arrived at the theater.
The nearest station is the one along the Osaka line, the big hall James Agency often use is also located near the theater.
Because the theater able to hold up into 1000 seats at once, as a ‘hut’ owned by an entertainment agency, this place has splendid structure.
As this place is arranged with not only the best audio and lighting equipment but also other good stuff, this revenue is not only designated as a theater, but also an establishment to hold mini concert as Kansai’s branch active point.
After studying the inside of revenue briefly, we processed to go to the floor where the dressings rooms are located. It seems that they prepared many dressing rooms as the waiting room for the use of the people related with the announcement of the new work.
Eiichiro: “Did they tell you where we should be?”
“Yup, they said that we can choose wherever.”
Eiichiro: “Then, it means we can choose randomly?”
Eiichiro-kun bring his feet to enter the nearest dressing room. And that happened when I just went to follow after him.
“Oh, Eichi! Long time no see!”
Eiichiro: “UWA!”
Suddenly, right in front of my eyes, Eiichiro-kun is being hugged by the guy who already staying in the room.
“Eiichiro-kun!?”
Even though I can’t see that man’s face clearly from where I am standing, but I can tell that he has bright hair and as tall as Eiichiro-kun.
Without caring about the though resistance he got, that man is wrapped his arms around Eiichiro-kun’s back and patting him.
“We didn’t meet for a wee bit time, and ya got some muscle on ya? Yo, ya fine macho man!”
This time, he start to hit Eiichiro-kun’s shoulders quite strongly.
Eiichiro: “Ouch! Stop it, Egawa!”
“Eh, Toranosuke-kun?”
Toranosuke: “N-wha?”
His gaze turned towards me.
“Ah, I am sorry for the outburst. I am forttê’s manager, Fujisaki Futaba.”
Toranosuke: “Oh!”
Toranosuke-kun’s eyes is sparkling.
Toranosuke: “Heh, so yer is the rumored new manager. Looks good, ain’t ya cute!”
“Eh—WAH!”
When I come to it, his hands already went around my shoulders.
Eiichiro-kun who was been released is currently nursing his shoulders.
Eiichiro: “Jeez, the skinship in Shibuki is really excessive…”
Toranosuke: “What cha saying~ this is exactly why I don’t like blood-type A much, ya guys too stoic,”
Eiichiro: “It has nothing to do with blood-type.”
“I am sorry, can you please release me soon…?”
Toranosuke: “Wow, what this? The shyness which is a famous thing from Tokyo!? Tokyo’s gal is the reserved type? Well, that is cute.”
“Pa, pardon?”
Toranosuke: “I kno’! When cha get tired of forttê, go to Osaka, ‘kay? And then become Shibuki’s manager.”
“EH!?”
Eiichiro: “Oi. Don’t just go on your own, scouting our manager like that!”
Toranosuke: “The hell, ya guys… ya gays already did it?”
Toranosuke-kun is looking at us with suspicion.
“Wha…!?”
Eiichiro: “Don’t said something stupid like that!”
Toranosuke: “Ha ha ha, what cha doing all serious for! Imma just kidding, kidding! Ha ha ha ha!”
Toranosuke-kun clapped his hands while laughing hysterically.
“…”
Even though they are both come from Kansai, Sunagawa-san is the type who said what she want to say with calm pace, while Toranosuke-kun seems to be the type who will said something like “LOOK I AM FROM KANSAI” with fast pace.
Sunagawa-san’s is 100 times better for me…
Eiichiro: “By the way Fujisaki, you never told me that you are Egawa’s fan.”
Eiichiro-kun said that right when I was thinking about Sunagawa-san.
Toranosuke: “Whaaat? Futaba-chan is my fan?”
“Eh… it is not like that! It is my friend who…”
Toranosuke: “Non non~ ya said something reserved again~ is okay not to hold yerself much. Ah, do you want mine signature?”
“No, no, I don—“
But saying ‘I don’t want it’ is really rude.
“It is really my friend who is your big fan!”
Toranosuke: “I know, I know. That’s nice and all, don’t cha have something to write on? I gotta give ya my autograph, take that as an souvenir from Osaka to give to yer friend.”
“Eh, but…”
Is that alright? On instinct, I looked at Eiichiro-kun for permission.
Eiichiro: “It is alright, I think? Oh well, Egawa won’t stop his bugging until he can give you his autograph anyway.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “This guy, since long ago, is a ‘signing hungry monster’, you see. Even before debuting with Shibuki, he keep practicing his signature.”
That’s, too, was a strong enough motivation to be an entertainer…
“W, well then…”
I am looking into my bag. Of course I don’t bring any shikishi—a square fancy cardboard used for autograph or poetry.
“I am very sorry. But I only have this…”
I handed him my ballpoint and schedule book—opened in the page where memo should be written on it.
Toranosuke: “Okkay, okay!”
Without minding the media—no, he even look happy—Toranosuke-kun start to scribbling on the notebook using the pen.
There are some entertainer who refusing to sign on anything but shikishi. But, for Toranosuke-kun, it seems that as long as he can sign on it, he didn’t mind such trivial thing.
Toranosuke: “For which deary it will be?”
“Ah, umm… for ‘Miya-chan’.”
Toranosuke: “’Miya-chan’… right? Here, thankies for waiting/”
I accepted the notebook and ballpoint he handed out, and in the opened page, I saw that he was scribing today’s date, his autograph, and ‘Miya-chan’ spelled on it.
Sunagawa-san… will be really happy with this…!
I suddenly feels a smile tugging on my lips while imagining how Sunagawa-san will give a little dance in happiness.
“Thank you very much!”
Huh?
When I look closely, there is seems like another autograph being scribbled on the previous page.
When I flipped the page, there is a signature with ‘for the reserved Futaba-chan❤’ accompanied it.
... Though I am not.
Toranosuke: “She said ‘thank you very much’~ Having a girl-manager is really refreshing. Eichi, hand over Futaba-chan to my place.”
Eiichiro: “You still said that!? Hell, I am not the one you should ask that kind of thing.”
Eventually, they keep bickering until it is barely time to start the press-conference.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
After announcing the new work for the reporters ended safely, we moved to the area around Osaka Station to spend the evening, we were to have dinner and meet with the staffs and related peoples.
Well, I said ‘the staffs and related peoples’, but in reality, the ones who assembled together today was the lain-up of people who did the press-conference, so it is just the main staffs that the director has chosen, both Eiichiro-kun and Toranosuke-kun, and their respective manager.
Eiichiro: “Thanks for your hard work, Fujisaki.”
After finishing all those jobs, we finally able to take a deep breath, but Eiichiro-kun is supposed to go around visiting the staffs and got a drink poured to him. But, because we were still working, the one we received is just oolong tea.
“Thanks.”
Eiichiro: “Soon, the sake-loving group will make themselves known, so I am talking shelter now.”
Eiichiro-kun said that while sitting cross-legged on the cushion. There is a cup of his drink on one hand and a Japanese dessert which he ordered without me knowing on the others.
“Eiichiro-kun don’t drink alcohol much?”
Eiichiro: “Well, it is still working hour for me. But I will have a bit of drink if this is in Tokyo.”
“You are right.”
Eiichiro: “Look, Egawa is drinking without care. His manager is going to take action soon.”
Eiichiro-kun nodded at the deepest part of the room, and I followed his gaze, and true to his word, Toranosuke-kun is currently ignoring his manager’s order to stop and shouting his order, a “Shouchu rock!”—a Japanese liquor similar to vodka which being served just like a vodka in the rock.
It seems dreadful for the manager…
Eiichiro: “I don’t think Egawa will get smashed. Why, when all of us, who came from the same generation, went to drink together, only him and Ryo who able to stay sober until the very end.”
“Ah… I can imagine that. Torunosuke-kun is, indeed, seems like he can hold his liquor, what a powerful person.”
It was been a shock when we meet, but I got further surprise when he did the announcement for the new project. Toranosuke-kun is able to keep addressing and entertaining the reporters in a way that bordering to scandal, in a way, he is been making the whole thing more exiting.
I also can’t help but feels respect to the Shibuki’s manager who barely moved when such action was displayed right in front of his eyes.
“But, I am glad.”
Eiichiro: “Hmm? What?”
“I am glad because I was worried that Eiichiro-kun and Toranosuke-kun are in bad term, but proved wrong.”
Eiichiro: “Ah, the thing Tsukishiro-san said?”
Eiichiro-kun is starching his head with troubled expression.
Eiichiro: “Can I beg you not to ask about that thing? It was something that happened when we were still in elementary school, and men on that age was on their bizarre stupid period.”
Well, it seems that he already reflecting on that dark stain on his childhood.
Eiichiro: “On the contrary, Egawa and I are on the get-along side than not. Not only that we were on the same age, but we enter the Agency on the same period.”
“Huh? But, isn’t Toranosuke-kun your senior?”
I thought that was what Tsukishiro-san told me before.
Eiichiro: “Only by some months. That why we treat each other as equal. Egawa is not the type who behave as a senior.”
“I see. Then, correct me if I wrong, but it is true that Shibuki’s major debut is two years before forttê right?”
Eiichiro: “Yep. It is confusing, I know.”
I start to sort those information inside my brain.
Eiichiro: “Egawa and I were always been compared to each other ever since we enter the Egancy. Because both of us are a leader on our group now, the comparing is increasing. It, of course, make me become more aware.”
“Aware of?”
Eiichiro: “Egawa’s personality—no, will it be more correct if I call it style of acting? Anyway, that thing of his is a really amazing weapon. While bring no trouble for a much senior talent or entertainer, he went all out on his own way, that characteristic of his is really rare on idol, so he is regarded very highly on the various situation. To be honest, I don’t think I can win from him on that aspect.”
Eiichiro-kun’s face look really serious when he said that.
Eiichiro: “Thus why I feels that I have to own a feeling of don’t want to lost in my own way. I crave that into my heart.”
“… I see…”
No matter what he said, it seems that Eiichiro-kun really do have respect for Toranosuke-kun.
Toranosuke: “What cha been talking about? Hey, you two!”
My shoulders spring up in surprise when someone suddenly patting my back.
I don’t know since when, but Toranosuke-kun is suddenly standing beside me with a glass in his hand. And then, he flopped down and sit on the open seat beside me.
Toranosuke: “How cold, you two, leaving me out like that. Even tho the only ones who come from the same generation from all the people here are just the three of us.”
Eiichiro: “We were been talking bad about you.”
Toranosuke: “What the, you~!”
Toranosuke-kun lifted his upper body and reached out to pinch Eiichiro-kin’s cheek.
Eiichiro: “Ouch! Stop it, it will leave red mark!”
Toranosuke: “Ya little rascal~ Futaba-chan, be real cautious on him, ‘k?”
“Umm… he didn’t speak bad about you, you know? Instead, he was been praising you.”
Eiichiro: “Take your previous word, you thug!”
Toranosuke: “Imma don’t put much power on it, don’t extravagance it~”
Toranosuke-kun said that while releasing his hold on Eiichiro-kun’s cheek.
Toranosuke: “By the way, saw the autumn drama. Is really interesting.”
Eiichiro: “You are really a my-pace kind of person, huh. Don’t just change the subject like that.”
Said Eiichiro-kun while rubbing his pinched cheek.
Toranosuke: “I thought I gotta said it before I forgot ‘bout it. Ah, no spoiler, kay? I already recorded it after all.”
Eiichiro: “Ah, right, so today is Monday.”
Eiichiro: “Whatchuu forgetting for? This week is where the nice part is right-o? It ended in cliffhanger last time, after all. Right, Futaba-chan?”
“Eh?”
Surprised because being suddenly included into the conversation, I answered with idiotic honesty.
“… I don’t watch ir.”
Even though the drama that Eiichiro-kun and Eiirina-san co-stared at was aired since April, actually, I never watch it.
Ever since I entered James Agency, I was being so busy doing the job I am yet to accustomed to that I have no time to watch television except for the morning news.
Toranosuke: “You, don’t cha watch Eichi’s drama? No can do~ yer a manager right?”
“Eh?”
Toranosuke: “If ye do that to me, I will feels real hurt~ even tho I did real good job with all my might but my so-called family on this industry didn’t watch my work.”
The word he said in a joking tone stabs through my heart.
Eiichiro: “It won’t change anything if she watch it or don’t watch it, right?”
Eiichiro-kun said in challenge.
Toranosuke: “Why is that? It is better if one watch than not, right-o?”
Eiichiro: “Egawa, you drink too much already.”
Toranosuke: “Will drink more~ Eichi don’t be a wet blanket and accompany me on eating.”
Eiichiro: “Enough with you.”
“…”
Coz Imma a manager, not watching is no can do… huh.
It is just like what he said.
If I am a manager, I should at least check the drama my talent staring at…
Eiichiro: “Oi, Fujisaki.”
“…Eh!”
Eiichiro: “You are spacing out here. Are you alright?”
“Ah… yup, I am just fine.”
Eiichiro: “You don’t have to worry about what happened earlier. Egawa is an extreme example. He is the type who will record all the program he appears in and forced the other members to watch it.”
“Mm.”
I plastered a smile on my face so he won’t know that I has fallen into self-hatred for a moment there.
… I will start to check the program starting from today’s broadcast. Was what I intended to do, but it seems that when it aired, the diner will still going on.
It is too bad, but then at least I must make sure that Eiichiro-kun won’t be late on riding the bullet train to go back to Tokyo.
Just to be sure, I will check the bullet train’s departure time again—then I opened my bag and looking for the ticket in the inner pocket.
“… Huh?”
Eiichiro: “Fujisaki, what’s wrong?”
“N, nothing… I am going to get fresh air.”
I hugged my bag and existing the private room.
No way…
I moved to the place where I won’t be in someone’s way and start peering into my bag again. I am looking at the inside of my wallet, between the notebook’s pages, my suit’s pocket, and every other places I can thought on.
But—
“The tickets… are gone…”
I recalled when I got the call from Tsukishiro-san this morning.
On that time, I checked the tickets…
Then, what happened after that? My memory is so vague, I can’t remember it.
But, the fact that I don’t have the tickets on my hands is a reality.
“I have to fix it.”
I fished my phone out and opened the bullet train’s online reservation site. I went to look for some open seat on the train we are supposed to use.
“The VIP… is full…?”
No way… even though it is the last train? When I am looking for the train right before this one, the VIP seat is also full. Even when I am looking for reserved seat, there is no seat I can take. I can’t just make my talent riding on it alone.
I thinking hard about how to bear with this chaos.
I think there is still some sears on the over-night train. I should look into it and reserve the tickets.
… But, even if I am lucky enough to get the ticket, there is still a chance that we will have to leave in the middle of dinner.
I think that’s really rude for the stage drama’s staff.
I can feels my blood freeze. What should I do?
Eiichiro: “Fujisaki.”
Eiichiro-kun went to my side with worry in his face.
“You act strange, what happened? Your face is green.”
I explained the circumstances to him.
Eiichiro-kun didn’t show any over-reaction and listening to me calmly.
Eiichiro: “If that the case, then it is better to spend a night here and went back using the train tomorrow.”
“But…”
Eiichiro: “It is alright. I don’t have any jobs until afternoon, right?”
“I am sorry…”
It is an unbecoming failure as a manager.
“I have to report to Tsukishiro-san…”
He will got angry at me. But, I also can’t just stay silent about staying the night here.
I can feels the hand I use to fiddle with my phone shakes, but somehow I able to call Tsukishiro-san.
Tsukishiro: “Hello?”
Tsukishiro-san picked up the phone after it ring 3 times.
“… I am Fujisaki.”
Tsukishiro: “What is it?”
“Umm… we are still in Osaka… for some reason, we will come back tomorrow…”
Tsukishiro: “What do you mean by that?”
I can tell from his low voice that he is just one second away from snapping in anger.
My heartbeat leaped.
“U, umm….”
On that time, my phone is snatched away from my hand.
Eiichiro: “Tsukishiro-san? It is me. Egawa is inviting me to drink… Yup, I will make sure not to get hangover. I am sorry for saying selfish thing.”
After finishing his short exchange over the phone, Eiichiro-kun handing my phone back.
I looked up at Eiichiro-kun’s face in reflex.
Eiichiro: “I feels bad for Egawa, but, whatever.”
Eiichiro-kun said that with naughty smile.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
After the diner, we bid goodbye to Toranosuke-kun and the staff before went to check-in into an hotel near Osaka Station.
Because I also able to reserve a ticket for the bullet train which departed tomorrow morning safely, I can feels relaxed for now.”
“Hah…”
After taking a bath, I changed into the yukata that the hotel provided.
Once I did that, I feels the strain I feels until just now loosened, and then I sit down on the bed.
When I looked at the clock, it is just around 9 pm.
It is not long since the diner ended, but I feels really tired because there is many things which make me disconcerted.
“Ah… right.”
I stand up slowly and take the remote-control beside the television. Because I suddenly have free time on this hour, I thought I will watch Eiichiro-kun’s drama.
When I find the right channel, it seems that I got on time to watch the recap for the previous story.
“Thanks god, I am able to make it on time.”
—On that time, someone knocked on my door.
“?”
I opened the door.
Eiichiro: “Thanks for your hard work.”
“Eiichiro-kun?”
In front of my door stand Eiichiro-kun who is clad on yukata even though he is supposed to be in the next room.
Eiichiro: “Are you watching something now?”
“Oh, the television? Yes, I am watching the drama that Eiichiro-kun staring on…”
Eiichiro: “Then, just good. The television’s condition on my room is a bit weird.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “Can I come in?”
I… is this alright?
Staying in the same room on a hotel, just the two of us… not to mention, while wearing yukata, if Tsukisiro-san know about this situation, he will definitely get angry.
But, even if I am still losing my bearing over that fact but I also can’t just make an national idol in such vulnerable state stand on the corridor for too long, so I let Eiichiro-kun inside.
It is alright, right? Eiichiro-kun won’t did things like Takuma-kun on that time, and it will be only for one hour.
Eiichiro: “Hair.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “It is still damp.”
“Ah… it is because I just take a bath.”
Eiichiro: “Did I by any chance come when you were on it?”
“Nope, I already went out.”
Eiichiro: “Then, dry it properly. You will catch a cold like that.”
As Eiichiro-kun laughed at me, I quickly went to dry my hair using the towel in my hand.
Eiichiro: “I bought some drink from the convenience store, do you want some? Beer? I also have some sweet one. Like chuhai.” Chuhai is sochu with tonic mater.
“No… I am still working.”
Eiichiro: “On this time, you are already out of duty. We have nothing to do but sleep after this, after all.”
“… Then, I will take one.”
I accepted the beer he offered to me.
Eiichiro-kun went to sit on the chair near the window and opened a chuhai’s can which have peach illustration on it.
I, myself, went to sit on the bed and sipping the beer.
Wow…
Maybe because it is been awhile since the last time I drank, the alcohol went into my system just in a jiffy. In the blink of an eye, consciousness begin to float.
It won’t be good for me if I drink too much… with that thought, I hold down on the beer and concentrating on the drama instead.
After the opening clip and the main story begin, I quickly understand the main story on this drama.
It turn out to be a drama with the genre of home-comedy where the sister-complex’s hero is feeling jealous over the fact that his real sister is going to be a bride.
The one who staring the hero is, of course, Eiichiro-kun. And then, the big sister’s role is played by Eiirina-san. I am sure that a pair of real-life sibling being casted on this kind of roles will really become a worthy news.
Because the story is simple and easy to understand, it is still enjoyable for me even though I don’t watch any other episodes before.
It is especially fun on this episode because there is a change between the hero and the other heroin, it seems that there is some romantic element on it too so it is a plot worth seeing.
I become completely engrossed on the story’s development.
Engrossed enough that I didn’t notice how my can of beer suddenly become empty…
As the drama come to the end, the theme song which is sang by the forttê is flowing by—and as my concentration on the drama is gone, I suddenly feels drunk.
My field of vision is swaying. Did I… always this weak when drinking…?
Or is it because I am tired…?
Eiichiro: “So? Do you understand what going on?”
“Yup… it was interesting…”
Eiichiro: “Fujisaki?”
“Eiichiro-kun… amahzing. Yer really different than usual… as expetded…”
Eiichiro: “Fujisaki, are you alright?”
Even with my blurred eyesight, I still can tell that Eiichiro-kun is walking to this direction.
“Am alright… just… flowating… si—”
Eiichiro: “Si?”
“… I feels s, sick…”
Eiichiro: “Eh!”
“Ugh…”
Eiichiro: “O, oi, can you stand? Here, you can hold on into me if you want. Let’s go to the toilet!”
Eiichiro-kun coaxing me to stand up slowly.
On that moment, my head is swimming in dizziness and I just slumped down on that place.
Eiichiro: “Oi!”
Eiichiro-kun is peering on my face worriedly.
Eiichiro: “What happened suddenly? Are you that weak on drinking?”
“I, I am sorry…”
Eiichiro: “It is alright. Look, if it is better for you to vomit, you can do just that.”
Eiichiro-kun said that with gentle voice, his hand keep stroking my back.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
… It is the worst…
After Eiichiro-kun urged me to lay face up on the bed my feeling of sickness already decreasing, but the violent wave of self-disgust is overwhelming.
“I am sorry…”
Eiichiro: “It is alright. I am the one who offered you the beer, so I must apologize too.”
Eiichiro-kun said that while twisting the cap of mineral water he brought from the refrigerator and handed the bottle to me.
How shameful. Even though I am his manager, but I trouble my talent like this. On top of that, I have to be nursed because gor drunk…
Maybe because the alcohol in my system, various thought began to coil inside my head.
The worry about work I tried to shut out until now, the impatience I directed toward myself, all descend on me on one go.
My chest feels like it is knotted when I am looking at Eiichiro-kun who watching over me with worry from his position—sitting on the chair he brought to the side of my bed.
I am sorry for being an unreliable manager,,,
Eiichiro-kun is amazing… no matter how busy he is, he always able to deliver the most perfect job, he able to manage his job as an actor wonderfully too, not to mention he also did proof-read for everyone on his group until late at night…
On the contrary of all that, I am…
I already know that I am not suited to be a manager ever since I did in on the training period.
Because this the job I got after endless suffering, I tried my best to go until this far, but it is still no good at all…
Not only that I didn’t watch the drama my own talent’s stared at as the main role… I also can’t control the stuff like bullet-train’s ticket and anything else which suddenly come to my face…
Eiichiro: “What. So you are still worrying about that?”
“Eh?”
Did I, said all of that out loud?
Eiichiro: “It is alright already. Everyone can did that kind of mistake when they just starting, right? Well… I don’t think Tsukishiro-san can make that kind of mistake.”
“Ugh…”
Eiichiro: “Ah, sorry, I am sorry.”
“It is OK. It is true that if compared with Tsukishiro-san, I am an useless manager…”
I feels the hotness of the beginning of tears in my eyes so I buried my face into my pillow.
“I am really worried… I am no good, useless… has no fashion sense… has no interest on idol…”
Eiichiro: “…”
“I always wondering if I do my job properly or not… can I ever like this job…”
Even though I want to stop, but I can’t hold the flow of words down.
As if talking in delirium, I keep on my crude whining.
“I don’t know that I am this weak when facing adversity… I should try more thing in the past… I should let myself wander in life when possible…”
Eiichiro: “Fujisaki, are you the type who cried when drunk?”
“I am not crying…”
I can hear his breathing mingled with laugher from somewhere on top of head.
Eiichiro: “It is alright to cry. I already told you, right? Sometimes, do spoil yourself.”
Eiichiro-kun said in comforting voice.
Eiichiro: “You know, sometimes, I want to cry too.”
“… Eh?”
I slowly look up to Eiichiro-kun.
Eiichiro-kun is also looking at me.
He reached his hand slowly on my direction.
Eiichiro-kun’s fingers touched my still-damp hair. He take a strand of my hair and caressing it gently.
Eiichiro: “But, no matter how much I cry, it never become easier… so I giving up and never crying about it anymore.”
I noticed that Eiichiro-kun’s voice wavered a bit.
Eiichiro: “I am… not amazing at all.”
His warm hand, caressing my hair.
That warmth feels really comfortable, before I can understand what Eiichiro-kun’s means, I already falling into a deep sleep.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
When I opened my eyes, the morning sunlight is shining in through the curtain.
“!!”
I can feel my blood freeze as I jumped out from bed.
“No way, it is morning already?”
I am looking around at my room. There is no Eiichiro-kun here.
But there is a new mineral water on the bedside’s table.
I don’t remember clearly—but I know I made some big blunder…!!
Wha, what should I do?
My phone, which I placed on the bedside’s table, is ringing on that time. I picked up the phone without checking who the caller is.
“Hello!?”
Eiichiro: “Good morning. You sound well.”
“Eiichiro-kun!?”
Eiichiro: “How’s your feeling?”
“I am alright. Umm—“
Eiichiro: “Well then, meet me at lobby in 30 minutes. It is a bit early, but we are checking out.”
He cut the phone down.
I take a hurried shower and went to the lobby on 30 minutes just like he told me to, and here I can see Eiichiro-kun, who already waiting for me, waved his hand.
After finishing the check out procedure on the front, I ran up to him.
Eiichiro: “Good morning.”
“Good morning. U, umm, I…”
Eiichiro: “The movie I want to watch is available on the cinema complex near here. Because we are already here, let’s watch it.”
“Eh? Movie?”
Eiichiro: “Once we are back in Tokyo, I will be busy again, right? If so, eventually I won’t be able to watch it. And there is a possibility that the movie theater will be empty on this hour.”
“But, the departure time…”
Eiichiro: “It is alright to take it easy. As long as I am on time for the recording in the evening, then everything is okay, right?”
“But,”
Eiichiro: “Don’t think about it too much! Let’s go!”
“Ah, Eiichiro-kun!”
I hurriedly chasing after Eiichiro-kun’s back.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
On the gaudy mall near Uneda Station—just because, I don’t know why but there is a big Ferris wheel on it is rooftop.
Wow, Osaka! And beside that overweening building is the destination that Eiichiro-kun want to visit, the cinema complex.
“…”
Once we finished watching the movie that Eiichiro-kun chooses, I feel dead inside from the combination of the damage from yesterday and the damage this movie’s story bring into me.
“So Eiichiro-kun like horror movie…”
Eiichiro: “Huh, don’t tell me that you can’t stand it?”
“Mm… maybe not one for me.”
Eiichiro: “What, you should tell me sooner.”
But still, if Eiichiro-kun said he want to watch it, even if I know it is a horror movie, I think I will still come with him.
Eiichiro: “Let’s rest somewhere.”
“But…”
Looking around, being a business district around noon, our surrounding is full of salaryman and OL.
“We will stand out if we come to coffee shop.”
Eiichiro: “Ah, you are right. Then…”
Eiichiro-kun is thinking for a while.
Eiichiro: “How about there?”
Eiichro-kun said that while pointing at the sky.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
After riding the Ferris wheel, which is Eiichiro-kun’s idea, I feel the regret washed over me right away.
For someone who has fear of height like me, being somewhere even taller than the roof of a building is really hard.
On top of that, the Ferris wheel keep ascending, so the fear is doubled. I… I should try not looking at the scenery outside the window as much as possible, as much as possible… so I must looking away from the window nonchalantly.
But this happened when the gondola is moving one quarter away. Eiichiro-kun, who is sitting in front of me, suddenly opened his mouth to ask me,
Eiichiro: “Do you feels better now?”
“Eh?”
I turn my gaze to looks at Eiichiro-kun.
Eiichiro: “Sometimes we have to take a breather like this. We are both very busy, so it is hard to take a proper break, right?”
Something hit me when I saw that gentle smile.
A breather?
Don’t tell me… he is worried about what happened last night and bring me out here to play?
My chest gradually feels warm.
And then, faintly, I remember how I also received this kindness from him yesterday.
“Umm…”
Eiichiro: “Hmm?”
“I am sorry for causing trouble for you yesterday. But, even though I said that, I don’t remember much… did I said something strange?”
Eiichiro: “… Not really.”
What? What’s with that pause…?
Eiichiro: “You just spew out the things you hold in, but isn’t that just alright? Do your feelings feels lighter now?”
“…”
I don’t really remember what I spew out, but my feelings did feels lighter than I felt yesterday.
“Yup.”
Eiichiro: “I see. That’s good, then.”
On that time—. Wind blow by and the gondola shakes violently.
“Hi… Hiii!”
Without thinking, I covered my head and curled myself.
Eiichiro: “Eh, what?”
“Actually…”
Eiichiro: “Hmm?”
“I am not good, with high place.”
Eiichiro: “Hah? Why you didn’t said anything before?”
“Well, I am a manager, so I can’t not follow you…”
Eiichiro: “I won’t mind. I won’t be angry just because something like that.”
“P, please don’t move too much.”
Eiichiro: “Shall I sit beside you?”
“No, thanks… if we don’t divide the weight properly, the gondola will leans too much on a side.”
Eiichiro: “Something like that won’t happens.”
“We wouldn’t know, right? Hi… Hii! It swayed again…”
I looks down while clinging to the handrail.
Maybe because he got enough of the trembling-me, Eiichiro-kun let out a sigh.
Eiichiro: “Here I go!”
Eiishiro-kun suddenly moved to sit beside me.
“Uwaaaaaa!!”
The gondola titled and swayed several times to get back it’s balance.
“We, we will fall—“
Eiichiro: “It is alright, it is alright. Look, we are on the peak already. Look outside.”
“Impossible, it is impossible!”
Eiichiro: “Just do it!”
His big hands holding my cheeks and forced me to looks up.
Suddenly, the scenery outside the gondola jumping straight to my eyes.
“!”
Me eyes are opened. I can see the group of building in Osaka with one glance. The most beautiful natural scenery—well, maybe not exactly like that, but it is for my personal history on my memory on “high” places.
“Whoa…”
Eiichiro: “Good, right? Even high place has it is charm.”
“Yup.”
I suddenly forgetting about my fear and tried to burn that scenery on my memory.
All because Eiichiro-kun is on my side… only by feelings his body hear on this close proximity, I can feels a little safe.
Eiichiro: “…. The thing, you said yesterday.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “I don’t really understand, but isn’t it fine to just think of this as a wandering road on one’s life? The things you do now.”
“…”
Eiichiro: “That’s why… you can take as much time as you want, but please start to like forttê. If you do, then being a manager won’t feel so bad anymore.”
Smile blooms on Eiichiro-kun’s face.
Eiichiro: “I think we are charming enough.”
“…”
I can feels my own expression softened.
“…. Fufu. How narcissistic.”
Eiichiro: “Hah!?”
“How unexpected. I don’t think Eiichiro-kun is THAT kind of Idol.”
Eiichiro: “Wait, wait, just to make sure, I am not serious when said all of that thing. Just call it service talk, or something like what an MC will say!”
Eiichiro-kun who is trying to explain in frenzy is just too funny that I have to hold my sides in laughter. Eiichiro-kun ended up huffing in embarrassment.
“Ahaha, I am sorry. But… but I think I finally able to understand a little what the girls who are crazy about Eiichiro-kun’s feels.”
Eiichiro: “Eh?”
“Thank you.”
Eiichiro: “… Yeah.”
Eiichiro-kun smiled gently.
Eiichiro: “Ah, there is something I have to apologize about.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “I phoned Tsukishiro-san before and said that the reason we were late for the bullet train is because we ended up asleep. That’s why, we will got yelled at when we got back, I think.”
Eiichiro-kun said apologetically.
If it was me, I will ended up saying the truth like an idiot and won’t be able to explain properly at all. I feels thankful to Eiichiro-kun.
“I will take on his sermon later.”
Because I said that with a smile, a smile also found it is way back to Eiichiro-kun’s expression.
Eiichiro: “Well then, we shall got yelled at together.”
“Ah, but, once we got off from the Ferris wheel, we should run to the station. I want to ride the bullet train even just one second faster.”
Eiichiro: “How diligent.”
“Well, I am a manager.”
Eiichiro-kun looks surprised. Then he laughed loudly.
Eiichiro: “Understood. I will listen to everything you said, Manager.”
We looks at each other and laughed together.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Because we changed the bullet train’s schedule, there is no other option but to go directly to where the recording for the music program is right after we reach the station.
Thankfully, because we keep hurrying, we are able to reach our destination right on the schedule we previously planned.
After finishing the rehearsal, they quickly went with the real recording.
After they announcing the song, forttê, as the top batter will quickly squatting on the tiered platform right after the opening talk is over, after that they will be directly moved to the other side of the stage.
I am surveying the stage’s condition while standing beside forttê’s members, all of them donning in a gorgeous costume, who are in the standby.
“Wow…”
Even though it is just a recording for a show, the seats in front of the stage is full with girls who are forttê’s fan, all of them waving a fan with the members’ name on it or an glow stick.
This is just like a small concert’s hall.
“It is really amazing. So you guys are really singing right in front of all the guests for music program, huh.”
Takuma: “Ah, Futabacchi, is this going to be your first time listening to our song live?”
Osamu: “Now that you mention it, Futaba-san is not here when we are doing rehearsal, right?”
“Yup. Because I just inheriting this job.”
Takuma: “Alright! Well, let’s give all we got here!”
Ryo: “Takuma is too enthusiastic for a live show. You should just do it like usual.”
Takuma: “Ryo-chin should be more enthusiastic~”
Towa: “Even though it is not as if we sing just so we can show it off to the manager.”
Osamu: “But, because we are on it already, Futaba-san should enjoy our performance too.”
“Yes. Good luck.”
The members’ expression suddenly tensed.
“Forttê, on standby.”
The staff called out. It seems that they already finished with arranging the stage.
Everyone’s eyes are directed to the stage.
Takuma: “I am going!”
Following Takuma-kun’s—who is the first to jump straight into the stage—example, one by one, the members are all moving to their own position.
Eiichiro-kun is the last to walk out.
He calmly walk past me—or so I thought, because he suddenly stopped.
“Eiichiro-kun?”
On that time, Eiichiro-kun went close to me and said in small voice,
Eiichiro: “Yesterday, yesterday you told me that you has no interest in idol, right?”
My thought halted for a moment.
… Don’t tell me.
I frantically looking through my hazy fragment of memory.
Ah… well… I has a feeling that I said something like that…
“S, sorry, I am—“
I apologized.
No matter how drunk I was, to said something like that to him who take his job as an idol earnestly is just plain rude.
I looked at Eiichiro-kun’s face.
Is he angry?—I thought, but surprisingly, his face just looks like a child who just thought about a really funny pranks.
Eiichiro: “If so, how about I make you enamored?”
“… Eh?”
Eiichiro: “I will show you our seriousness.”
After blurting that out, Eiichiro-kun is now stepping gallantly into the stage.
After Eiichiro-kun taking his position, the light in the stage is fading out.
Before long, a song intro I can recall hearing from somewhere start to flow in the pitch black stage.
It is the theme song of the drama Eiichiro-kun stared at that I watch yesterday.
When the slow tempo’s intro finished—the giant illumination board inside the stage start to lighting up with the word ‘forttê’.
As the backlight made those five’s silhouette stand out, the high pitched shout from the seats also rose.
And then—
Along with the plosive sound, the light on the stage start to get brighter and the storm of gold-colored-paper start to ascend.
The shout become even louder.
To match the melody which changed to an up-tempo, the five members of forttê start to unfold into an intense dance.
Just right after the center, Eiichiro-kun, went into his position and start to sang—
I stopped breathing.
The sweet voice he sang with is so different from his usual speaking-voice. But even so, that sweet voice still feels like it have a touch of masculinity on it, and I can feels how the girls on the revenue are very excited for Eiichiro-kun who sang about intense love with that kind of voice. After they finished with their solo, they began to enter the hook—the high point of a song—and they begin to start another intense dance again while singing together without having any difficulty in breathing.
They are gorgeous, they are powerful, they are dazzling. This is idol…!? This is forttê…!?
My eyes are glued on their performance.
Eiichiro-kun waved the long cuff of his jacket.
Right when those eyes seized me—
Eiichiro-kun is winking while smiling his unrivaled idol-smile.
“Kh!”
I wonder what was that loud thumping in my heart is as my mind in no condition to think.
The only thing I understood is that my body become so hot as if it is boiling… and that I can’t looking away from Eiichiro-kun’s smile.
At least, on that moment, I become truly enamored with him.
Thank you very much for the follows and support for this blog! I don’t know why I deserve so much follower even though I am a trash who keep putting back update schedule after update schedule... Oh well! Thank you very much! Thank you very much!
The game I mentioned before is canceled because I only got one interested answer... so I will put the prize for the game here as an thanks for 1000 follower!
Fortissimo Drama CD Vol.1~Back Stage Style!
I will delete the download link on 2016/04/07 00.00 AM JPN time so download it fast!!
Fortte’s interview up! Raw by @summermajinda and it is been 100% confirmed that Fuuto is back in action!
Next one going to be the actual chapter! Please be patient with me
—This time, we will have our first long interview with “forttê” in our magazine. First, let’s hear about the member’s first impression about each other on their first meeting. And, did their first impression is changed now?
Akaboshi: From all the members, the one I meet before everyone else is Ryo, and my first impression of him is that “He has such a beautiful face, just like a girl”.
Seike: Hee…
Takesue: Huh, Ryo-chin, are you angry?
Narimoto: Isn’t he just feels embarrassed?
Seike: Osamu, don’t just decide my feelings by yourself.
Morishima: When I first saw Ryo-kun, I also thought that “People from show blitz are too beautiful!”
Akaboshi: I know right? You know, even until now, whenever we eat together and sat across each other and I happen to looks at him, I still caught myself thinking “How beautiful~”.
Narimoto: Isn’t that nice, Seike-kun?
Seike: That’s why, I told you now…
Takesue: By the way, if we talking about ‘looks like a girl’, Towa-chin is always been cute, only his face which is cute, though. His personality is not cute at all, you know!
Morishima: You are one to talk, after all Takuma-kun is always looking like a Yankee, and you still looks like you are always hanging around in convenient store. Since when you start to dress like that?
Takesue: What!?
Seike: Can we take that as ‘their first impression to each other is not changed at all’?
Narimoto: My first impression about everyone also didn’t change much. I always thought from the start that Akaboshi-kun has that idol aura on him, and that Seike-kun looks quiet. Morishima-kun was and still cute. Takuma is… hmm, now that I think back, it is indeed true that he always looks a bit like a Yankee ever since we first know each other (lol).
Takesue: Eeh~! Nari, even you said something like that about me~!
Akaboshi: That Nari also don’t change at all. He always had that calm and ‘isn’t concerned about this fleeting life’ kind of aura around him. Ah, but…
Takesue: But?
Akaboshi: Unexpectedly, he has a stubborn side on him, that’s something I discovered just lately. Especially if it is about song, he is really determined and won’t yield easily.
Narimoto: Fufu, is that so?
Seike: If it is about how first impression differ greatly from reality, isn’t there a member whose impression and reality differ really drastically, more than Osamu?
Morishima: Ah,
Akaboshi: A~h…
Takesue: Ah!
Narimoto: Asakura-kun, right?
Seike: Unanimous, huh.
Akaboshi: Even though I have the impression that his face is just as beautiful as Ryo, but his personality is stronger (lol). By that’s, I mean he don’t listen to other much, in short, that’s probably a proof that he is more conscious about being a pro more than everyone else. All of that, including what I just said, is Fuuto’s charm, I think.
Takesue: Yup, yup! Which also means, the real Fuu-chin will have to stay as a secret between the members only ❤
—I see (lol).Well then, let’s leave ‘the real Fuuto’ to the fan’s imagination… Moving on, who do you think as the most ‘idol-like’ between the members?
Narimoto: Just like what I said before, my pick is definitely Akaboshi-kun. He has the talent to bring people attention to him, but he also don’t lack in effort department. Isn’t he perfect?
Akaboshi: Umm… Nari, you praised me way too much. I am embarrassed so please stop.
Morishima: I also support Eichi-kun!
Takesue: Here come the Eichi’s fan (lol). Towa-chin is really an Eichi Doctrine’s follower, huh.
Morishima: By the way, the one who ‘don’t look like an idol at all’, ‘actually he is just a Yankee’ between the members is definitely Takuma-ku~n!
Takesue: WHAT!?
Seike: Isn’t that good? You don’t need to wear any disguise after all.
Takesue: Ryo-chin, please stop on turning Towa-chin’s remarks into something positive that easily!
Narimoto: From my point of view, Takuma is also ‘idol-like’ enough.
Morishima: Are you sure? Osamu-kun, you don’t force yourself to said that, right?
Takesue: Hey, hey! Towa-chin!
Narimoto: Isn’t being able to answer the fan’s expectation is one of idol’s quality? I think the fact that Takuma is currently being called here and there to attend various variety show is because he has that quality on him.
Takesue: Just what I expected from my bestfriend! You said the best thing possible!
Narimoto: Fufu, just treat me on something later, Takuma.
Takesue: Leave it to me!
Seike: Takuma… aren’t you just being used very effectively?
Akaboshi: Well, even though it is true that I want to see each and every ‘ideal form of an idol;, but more than appearing on television or standing in a stage, I want to be called ‘cool’ the most. For that sake, I feels that I want to do everything I can. In the end, I just pretending to be cool (lol)
Seike: I know (lol)
—Well then, I want to touch the subject about the future. What kind of group, in your opinion, forttê will be after 5 years?
Takesue: Aren’t we going to reign as James Agency’s top idol?
Morishima: Takuma-kun, why do you push the leader, Akaboshi-kun, away and answered it!
Takesue: Well, isn’t what I said is true?
Akaboshi: What Taku said is probably a bit too extravagance, but as a target, that something that we want to reach. Of course we won’t lost to the seniors from out Agency, but we especially won’t lost to ‘Shibuki’ whose debut was close with forttê’s.
Seike: You acts really moderate today. Even though when you go drinking with Egawa-san (Editor’s note: ‘Shibuki’ Leader, Egawa Toranosuke-kun) and me, you drunkenly and obstinately shouted this, “I sold better than anyone else”.
Akaboshi: E… EEH? I said that kind of thing!?
Seike: Just kidding.
Akaboshi: Hah—?
Narimoto: Akaboshi-kun, the way you go flustered just now doesn’t seems normal.
Takesue: It seems like he actually, deep inside his heart, thinking that “I sold better than anyone else”! (lol)
Akaboshi: Wait, pelase stop~!
Morishima: The ambitious Eichi-kun is also cool~❤
Takesue: Here, it come out again, the Eichi’s fan.
Morishima: What? Do you have any complain, Takuma-kun?
Narimoto: Well, with the reveal of Akaboshi-kun’s true feeling, we shall go back to the topic… In five years forttê will be “A group with Akaboshi-kun, who think of himself as someone who sold better than anyone else, as the center who plan to become James Agency’s top idol group”, is that alright?
Seike: Aren’t we seems like an overconfident group?
Akaboshi: Well, isn’t the source of that awesome problem is you, yourself, Ryo!
Morishima: Eh? If you said it like that, isn’t the true source is Takuma-kun?
Takesue: Why me!?
—Then, let’s move to the last topic. Please give a message to your fans!
Akaboshi: It is not as if we plan to target the top spot (lol), but we are going to keep walking forward. And if possible, not just the five of us, but also together with Fuuto, the six of us together.
Takesue: Now that you mention him, I heard that the gravure pictures that we are going to take later will have all of us together.
Narimoto: The five of us indeed going to take the pictures together, but after that, the editorial department going to go to L.A to take Asakura-kun’s picture. They will combine the two pictures together, sound really elaborate, right?
Morishima: They won’t need to do all of that if Fuuto-kun just went home.
Takesue: That’s right. Towa-chin will get lonely if the sacred horse, Fuuto-kun, isn’t going back!
Morishima: If I answer “Yup, I am lonely” to that remarks, isn’t that going to be rather cold?
Narimoto: Are you lonely, though?
Morishima: The, there is no way!
Akaboshi: Well, not only Towa is lonely, but it is hard for the Editor to go all the way to L.A just to take a picture, so let’s hope that Fuuto will come home soon (lol)
Seike: Rather than a message for fans, it is now turned to a message for Fuuto, huh…
—Thank you for making time between your busy schedule to do this interview! Fuuto-kun who unable to participate in this interview is also featured on our Letter Colom on this magazine (page.90/tnt note: already been translated), so, for the fans, please check on it too♪
I bought Fortissimo Drama CD Vol.1 Back Stage Style! I know how hard it is for everyone to get it (if even I have to buy it) so I want to translate it fast for everyone! Anyway, I know my limit and I know I can’t do it fast enough (I still have a chapter and some other drama CD to do before I able to do this). So, for the time being, how about some game? The winner will be given early access to the drama CD. How about it? If no one interested we will just wait until I able to tackle the drama CD! Please tell me if you are interested and willing to participate by answering this post. I hope there are more than 8 eight person who willing to participate in my silly game (again, no pressure, this is just for fun and spending half the time I need to translate other stuff ^^) (And I also want to know how many person actually interested in fortissimo!) Please tell me your answer before the 4th March!
DOWNLOAD HERE (http :// adf (.) ly / 12KE3y) Please remove the space and ()
The cover is colored by raklya
Rather than something unbelievable, it is downright surprising.
Natsukise: “From today on, you are formally belonged to the Management Division.”
President Natsukise told me that yesterday.
After that, while still can’t wrap things up on my own head, I arranged the things I need on my own desk in Management Division’s floor and then saying my greeting to my fellow worker in the same division, that was how my day went.
That’s why today is the first day for my regular work as the manager.
For me to be a manager for an idol… furthermore, to manage James Entertainment’s main weapon that is currently on it is peak of popularity, forttê?
Unbelievable. Why it become like this?
Even though it is hard when I trained there, it is actually more to the fact that I don’t really get the responsibility a manager have.
But to speak frankly, if it is for a limited time, I might be able to do it properly. After the training period finished, I will become a member of the division I wish for, the Promotion Division—that was what made me keep going.
The confidence and resolution to keep doing manager’s job forever… I don’t have them.
“Haa~ how depressing…”
It is not only my feeling, but my feet are also unyieldingly reluctant to walk toward James Building.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Just like how I was told on the previous day, once I reached the office, I quickly went to meet with Tsukishiro-san.
Tsukishiro: “You are here.”
Tsukishiro-san said shortly while stopping his hands from doing wrong, using it to give me a stack of paper he took from a clear file.
Tsukishiro: “It is data about forttê. Even though I think that you were supposed to know enough about them already.”
“Yes. I already meet with them on my training period. After being formally placed yesterday, I went to do some research on their formal profile.”
That’s the end for my life as an individual who don’t care about idol’s world.
Even though it is already a given that I don’t have enough time do to a throughout research for every member on this talent agency, but at least, I have to look for the group I have to be responsible on—thus, that how I did all night preparation. Thanks for that, I don’t get enough sleep.
I really hate how hard-working I am sometime…
Tsukishiro: “Alright. Then it is alright if you use all the space in your head. What’s leave is to know all the jobs they had until now. Put everything on your head. After all, you are going to be the one who will control all forttê’s work from now-on.”
“Y, yes, sir.”
Suddenly I am driven by a huge responsibility, I know at least that much.
Tsukishiro: “Don’t be that stiff. It is not as if I will push the whole task to you suddenly. For a little while, I will become your personal instructor.”
“Eh, Tsukishiro-san will?”
Tsukishiro: “Have any complain?”
“N, no way.”
I suddenly recalling the Spartan teaching Tsukishiro-san did to me on the training period.
Before, it was with some other people who were in training, but now it is just me alone. Being with others was already that scary, for him to be my personal instructor from today on is…
Tsukishiro: “Don’t worry. I will properly show everything to you before leaving you alone.”
Hiih! Seeing the sharp glint in his eyes, I can’t help feels shiver run on my spine.
Even though he told me not to worry… I can’t help but to become worried.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
I arrived at Tonai Studio.
We are going to take some picture for forttê’s fanclub bulletin.
After this, Tsukishiro-san told me to accompanying Takesua-kun and Morishima-kun to their next job.
Besides, I also have to take over the management of the members’ job from my senior manager now.
There are a lot of managers who work under Tsukishiro-san, the chief manager, on taking charge of one idol group once they are in the same class as forttê.
I am also one of them.
“I arrived too early.”
I am thinking that I will just waiting for them in front of the room that have a paper written with “forttê-sama” plastered on it is door.
When I take a peek at the studio where the photographing taking place, I saw how a lot of the staff moving around busily, because I don’t want to be a hindrance, I told my senior that I am going to go away.
But I also don’t know if it is alright for me to go just barge in to this empty room…
“Ah, right.”
I pull out some documents that been given to me before from my bag.
“Let’s just use the time to read this.”
Just like what Tsukishiro-san has said, the first few pages are forttê’s members profile and picture.
From what I read, the main point is just the same with what I already know.
A sentence from Akabshi-san’s profile suddenly come into my mind.
“Actress, Akabishi Erina is his sister”
The night when I meet with Akaboshi-san in my training period, when he did some color-proofing for the television and magazine. The actress he got his picture taken with is Akaboshi Erina—Akaboshi-san’s older sister.
I just come to know about that when I was investigating about their profile yesterday and become really surprised. That was also the time that I noticed their family name is the same, “Akaboshi”.
Oh… So I am not only blind about idol but about the entertainment world in general…
I also found out that that drama was the first time they appearing together, so the public make a big fuss about it.
Maybe the reason Akaboshi-san able to laugh with such natural expression on that picture was because he felt relaxed being with his own older sister.
The remaining pages are just some boring mandatory stuff which I skip.
Next one is the list of jobs that forttê had done so far.
“… Uwaa, this is really packed.”
Currently, forttê have their own program and a regular on other two TV show.
In addition, next month they are going to do the recording for their new song, and because of that, they are also busy appearing on other music programs to advertise it.
Of course, there is also the job that they take individually.
Akaboshi-san just finished shooting for the Nine pm Monday drama where he was co-staring with his older sister. But he is still packed, he have to start shooting for a one-episode drama soon.
The talk about Morishima-kun staring on a late-night drama is also under way.
Takesue-kun is a regular on two variety shows.
Seike-san didn’t do acting related work or appears on variety show a lot. On the other hand, he constantly has jobs on modeling area.
Although Narimoto-kun appearance in TV is only group-related one, but he is a regular on a music show in radio.
In addition, they are also appearing on CM and theater, also doing something outside what they usually do, everyone is really busy.
“I got some hold on it. They are really amazing.”
What scared me is the fact that I have to grasp this huge amount of information about forttê perfectly.
“If I know it will come to this, I should have more interest on idol… Though regretting it now is no use.”
I flip the document to the first page in defeat. I am gazing at the members’ profile once more.
“… Now that I think about it.”
There is something that make me curious since last night.
There is actually one other member in forttê.
He—who is currently “studying abroad”—leaving school in the middle of term last year and currently attending an acting school in Los Angeles.
That’s why I never seen him on the article about forttê that I did when I was in training period.
Although it is embarrassing, but I thought forttê is a 5-person group until last night.
“Asakura Fuuto-kun, huh.”
If this picture is something to go by, he is a boy with a beautiful face, one that didn’t lose to Akaboshi-san and Seike-san who are called as the most popular guy in the group.
“I wonder what kind of person he is…”
“You are really studying hard.”
“!?”
A voice suddenly come from my side, startled, I turned around.
“Akaboshi-san!”
Eiichiro: “Thanks for yesterday.”
“Y, yes, good work!”
Eiichiro: “Why are you standing in this kind of place? You should just come in.”
“I know…”
I am following Akaboshi-san into the room.
“Is the photo-shoot ended already?”
Eiichiro: “Yeah, my part. Although the others are will finish theirs soon too.”
Akaboshi-san said that while taking a PET bottle that been placed inside the room.
Ah, maybe I should buy some cold drink.
I noticed it too late, for Akaboshi-san already drinking the warm juice, the fact that he can drink it warm is something I would expect from someone with sweet tooth.
Ugh, I mean———
Aa, jeez. I have to be more attentive…
I start to reflect secretly.
Eiichiro: “Then, what are you studying on?”
“… Ah, umm.”
Before I able to answer, Akaboshi-san is already peeking through my document.
Eiichiro: “… Ah, Fuuto?”
“Yes. I wondering what kind of person he is because we are yet to meet.”
Eiichiro: “Fuuto is a professional. He put a clear line about on-and-off from work things, he also have self-confidence, and he really focused on make his dream come true. I think that Fuuto have a big contribution on making forttê this popular.”
Hee, he even got praised by Akaboshi-san, the leader.
“He is currently studying abroad, right? When he will come back to Japan?”
Akaboshi-san’s expression turned sour at what I said.
Ah… did I said something I shouldn’t…?
“Umm, I am sorry.”
Somehow I have to apologize first, but Akaboshi-san just smiled bitterly.
Eiichiro: “No, I am sorry. You must be curious.”
Akabohi-san started talking while playing with the empty PET bottle in his hand.
Eiichiro: “How to start… Fuuto and us never really have a great relationship.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “That guy always want to do acting-related job from the very start, and for him being an idol is just a foothold. It is not as if he treat being an idol as a mere stepping stone, but there are members that thought he is doing just that… There was a huge dispute when Fuuto said he want to study overseas. I think he really put Tsukishiro-san in big trouble.”
“I, is that so?”
Not that he mention it…
When I was looking up things about forttê on the net, the fuss about them being in “discord” or “dissolution” will pup ups sometime.
I thought that idol group will be more like a group of people who all going along well and always climbing to the top together ever since their debut, and have a feels like “We are comrade in joy and sorrow!” thing.
“Idol is something coated in lie.”
It is not exactly like what Sunagawa-san said to me during training, the real thing is more brutal…
“Is that mean that Asakura-kun will retire…?”
Eiichiro: “I don’t think it will go until that far. It is not as if Fuuto already wash his hands from our group too.”
“I see. Somehow that’s make me feels relieved. Even though that might be strange for me to said because I never seen the six of you together.”
Akaboshi-san laughed at what I said.
Eiichiro: “Thanks!”
?
I got thanked without reason.
Eiichiro: “Hey, do you know the meaning of our group name, forttê?”
“I learnt about it on my music class. If I remember correctly… it means ‘strong’.”
Akaboshi-san is giving me a full of meaning smile when hearing that.
Eiichiro: “forttê is taken from the first alphabet from our members’ first name and then connected together.”
—Fuuto, Osamu, Ryou, Takuma, Towa, Eiichiro.
“Ah, I see. Thus, ‘forttê’.”
Eiichiro: “Yep. That’s why… we can’t lack even just one person. Even though there is various problem, but I think it is my responsibility as the leader to make sure forttê staying just like the way forttê is. It might just my ego talking—but I can’t give up now.”
Akaboshi-san said with serious expression.
Something comes into my mind when looking at his face. The fact that this person is really working hard as an idol.
“I want to see. I want to see forttê with it is six members.”
I really thought that from the bottom of my heart.
Even though I am not that well-informed about idol and barely have interest on them, but I want to see the forttê that Akaboshi-san really hung-on about.
“I can’t wait…”
Akaboshi-san smiled broadly at that.
Eiichiro: “That’s good. You got into my liking, manager.”
“Eh?”
Eiichiro: “Do take care of me from now on.”
He offered his hand to me while saying that.
“… Yes, please take care of me. Akaboshi-san.”
I take that hand.
Eiichiro: “Ah, about the way you called me… it is alright if you don’t use ‘san’.”
“Eh, but.”
Eiichiro: “Then it is alright if you talk to me casually. It feels more natural on that way. Maybe the other members also think so.”
“I, is that so?”
Eiichiro: “That’s so.”
“Well then… Eiichiro-kun.”
Eiichiro: “Yep. Then I won’t hold back either. Please treat me well, Fujisaki.”
After saying that, Eiichiro-kun give a clear laugh. I am smiling along with him.
When we are on it, I heard some voice coming from the corridor, and on the next moment, the door is open.
Takuma: “Alright, this ended, ended I said.”
Towa: “Aa~h, so tired.”
Ryou: “You work hard.”
Thus, Takuma-kun, Towa-kun. Ryou-kun, and Osamu-kun come back.
It seems that all of them already finished their photo-shoot.
Takuma: “Ah, isn’t this Futabacchi☆”
When he noticed me, Takuma-kun’s eyes are sparkling brightly.
“Good morning. I will accompanying Takuma-kun and Towa-kun from now-on, please take care of me.”
Takuma: “Seriously? Nice☆”
Towa: “Next time, make sure you don’t make us arrived barely on time.”
Towa-kun says sharply.
His appearance didn’t match his sharp-self, like usual.
Osamu: “Good evening, Fujisaki-san. Were you talking with Akaboshi-kun?”
“Osamu-kun. Yes, we did.”
Ryou: “Talking?”
Ryou-kun is looking at Eiichiro-kun in wonder.
Eiichiro: “Yeah, about Fuuto.”
Takuma: “Ah right. Futabacchi never meet with Fuu-chin.”
Towa: “What’s with that, isn’t it a waste of time talking about someone who is not here?”
Towa-kun says bluntly with an unpleasant expression in his face.
Eiichiro: “Don’t said that, Towa. It is not as if Fuuto go to Los Angeles to play.”
Towa: “Humph. Leader is always spoiling Fuuto-kun.”
Even though he is sulking, he seems to so what Eiichiro-kun said and stopped.
… So Towa-kun is in bad term with Fuuto-kun.
Just like what Eiichiro-kun said earlier, they relationship between members in this group seems to be rather complicated…
Takuma: “Oh right, Nari. On completely different subject, tho—!”
Takuma-kun began talking while taking his jacket off.
Takuma: “Lately, I really can’t have fun when talking with my girlfriend! What do you think?”
Oi!
I retorted in reflex.
Not that I think about it, Takuma-kun said he already have a girlfriend. But, it is alright for him to be that frank about it?
Without care about other people’s worry, Takuma-kun started to open the button on his shirt.
Takuma: “Anyway, she is unbelievable! She even said something like ‘I don’t want to listen if you are going to talk only about your job’, you know!”
Osamu: “Takuma really loves his job after all. Well, how about listening to her for a change?”
Takuma: “I did, I really did. Not to mention that I am like this now because she said she want me to enter James to begin with.”
So you become an idol only because that kind of reason!?
I don’t think that eavesdropping is a good idea, but there are a lot of comic dialogue-like places that just asked to get retorted on that I can’t just ignore.
Takuma: “When we meet lately we can’t get into the mood to do it too. Hey, Futabacchi, what do you think as a woman?”
“Eh? What?”
Takuma: “About the fact that I can’t put it in my girlfriend.”
“Putting in…? About what?”
Takuma: “I told you… I can’t touch her! I forced to wait for two months already!!”
“!!”
I can feel my face boiling.
“W, what are you saying suddenly? You are still a teenager, right, Takuma-kun?”
Takuma: “Hah? Even though I am still a teenager but I am not in elementary school anymore.”
“T, that’s true, but—“
Towa: “Takuma-kun, you don’t think about that kind of thing when working, right?”
Takuma: “Here there, sometime I also think about that when in the middle of working!”
Towa: “Pervertaku…”
Towa-kun is looking at Takuma-kun with distaste.
Eiichiro: “Sorry. This is just how Taku is.”
Ryo: “Well, isn’t it alright if only about this much? Every men thinks about that too.”
Ryo-kun said, pulling out the necktie he wore, with an expression as if he is talking about another person’s trouble.
Even though this guy—and this guy alone—look like someone who never thought about indecent topic.
“A, anyway! I think it is better if you guys don’t talk about that kind of thing so openly in front of a girl! That why, stop it! Stop talking about sex related topic in front of me!”
Takuma: “Hah!? Wait! We already can’t talk about it in the television or in front of our fans, then where will be able to have our boys talk!!”
“Even though you call it a cute name like boys talk, you still can’t do it!”
—Hah!
It is bad.
I am still their manager no matter what.
“I am sorry for losing my composure… I was just a bit taken aback. But it is better to talk about that kind of thing in an indirect way. This is my advice as a woman!”
Takuma-kun grinned until he show his canine tooth at what I said.
Takuma: “Alright, I understand now! Okay, okay ☆”
Towa: “Aah. Even though it is better not to spoil this person.”
Ugh. I am tired already…
When I finally able to will myself to looks up, a vivid American-comic like pattern entering my vision.
“Eh… … WAH-----------!”
That’s Takuma-kun underwear?
“W, wait, why are you naked here?”
Takuma: “What do you mean by why? I am changing, of course.”
“Why you are only wearing a pair of underpants!?”
When I finally come to my sense, I noticed that it is not only Takuma-kun, but the others also already half-naked. Even Eiichiro-kun is currently in the middle of getting rid of his pants.
Eiichiro: “Ah. Sorry, we never think about this much because we always have male manager so far.”
Takuma: “Isn’t this alright? It is not as if we are completely nude after all.”
… Ha~h.
“Stop going around only with your underpants too! When you getting changed next time, please tell me.”
I went out to the corridor after saying that.
“Idol in reality… Even though they are good looking, their inside is no different than normal boys.”
If their fans see this kind of forttê, I bet they will faint in shock.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
I am waiting for Takuma-kun and Towa-kun to finished changing before giving a ride for both of them.
Once we are in the car, I am looking at my watch.
Thanks god, it seems that we have enough time.
Takuma: “Futabacchi. The next gig is like what?”
Takuma-kun leaned forward from his place in the backseat.
“An PR event for a new product. You two played together in their CM, right?”
Takuma: “Ah, the one about mint gum?”
Towa: “Not that. That was the CM that Takuma-kun did alone, right? Today is about the hair wax.”
The one who said that is Towa-kun who is still wearing his uniform and opening the wrapping on his stick-snack. It seems that he go back from school earlier than the scheduled time to do today’s gigs.
It seems that Towa-kun—who attending a famous school for celebrity—put his work as idol in front of his education.
Towa: “Jeez, everyone else are also no good. How can they give a CM work for someone like Takuma-kun whose selling point is his stupidness?”
Takuma: “You see, my selling point is not stupidness, they sell me as a character everyone will love. An idol who is as shooting as a cup of tea.”
Towa: “Don’t you mistake it with ‘bully able character’? Even though you are planned to go out as a wild-kind of character, but you failed to conceal your stupidness.”
”U, umm, Towa-kun. That’s…”
Towa: “Aah, what a DISGRACE. How about you do your wild fashion properly, at least? I think you will look good wearing short while having dripping nose.”
Takuma: “Hah!?”
“U, umm, I think it is better if you two don’t fight. You two are going to do a gig together so it will be bad if the mood turned sour!”
Towa: “We are not fighting. More importantly, give me a solo CM gig too. Why there is an offer for idiotaku but none for me?”
“E… eh?”
Towa: “Even someone like you can go and asking around, right, manager-san? If you want to get a praise from me, you have to pick a job for me.”
“U, umm…”
Towa: “Ah, but only give the best ones for me. If you take something useless for me, then you will get fired.”
Towa-kun said with a bright and cute smile.
EEH---…
Takuma: “You don’t have to take him seriously, Futabacchi. Towa-chin’s sharp tongue is in his default setting. He got too much influence from a certain someone after all~”
Towa: “Hey can you stop talking like me?”
“Umm, a certain someone is?”
Takuma: “Fuu-chin.”
“… Fuuto-kun?”
Towa: “Who did! Wait, manager. Can you stop bundle me together with Takuma-kun? I hate people who overstepping in my territory. If you insist, do it together with Eichi-kun”
Towa: “Aah, sorry. Idiot is already Idiotaku patented tittle.”
Takuma: “HAH!?”
“U, umm, stop fighting already!”
I already have a feeling about this before, but are they really not compatible together…?
With my authority as their manager, I vowed to reconsider when they have to appear together.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
The remaining ride after that was filled with tense atmosphere, that’s condition made me a bit worried to let them to their next job together.
However, after they arrived and finished their preparation, surprisingly, they acts like a perfect “Takesue Takuma and Morishima Towa from forttê” who got along well in front of the media.
No matter how I look at it, they seems like a very close members from the same group.
The quality is almost enough to fools me who saw how they acted until we reached parking lot.
“So this is idol’s power…”
I watch over their amazing professionality, feeling a mix of admiration and other complex feelings altogether.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
When the PR event finished, the sun is almost setting.
Towa-kun caught a taxi and go home as fast as he can.
Because Takuma-kun said he have a plan to go out and eating together with Osamu-kun in a place close to James Building, he is going to tag along with me until his meeting place.
Takuma: “So? I was cool, right?”
Takuma-kun, who sat on the passenger seat now because there is only the two of us, asked with a pleased look in his face.
“Yup, you really were. I was really surprised at how good you two when playing innocent.”
Takuma: “Whet the—. Weren’t we playing a pair of guy there?”
I burst into laughter when glancing at Takuma-kun who puffing his cheeks, pouting.
“I am really amazed. I was worried about what will happens when you two started to fight in the car, but well, just what we expect from pro.”
Takuma: “It is not as if I want to pick a fight either, but we just don’t have the right atmosphere to act all friendly and peaceful.”
“… I also heard a bit about it from Eiichiro-kun, that forttê have a various problems.”
Takuma: “About Fuu-chin?”
I nodded.
“That there was a dispute when Fuuto-kun going to go studying abroad.”
Takuma: “Nggh… But I think it wasn’t triggered by what Fuu-chin did, but we all have our own problem from the beginning.”
“From the beginning?”
Takuma: “Yep, ever since our debut. Towa-chin just like how you see, he is the type who easily make enemies. Well, he always did what Eichi said tho. Fuuto is also a one-man-action kind of person. Because Eichi and Ryo-chin are close because they childhood friend from the same dance lesson, but there is a distance between Ryo-chin and us. Even though Nari and I are friend since we attend the same high school, but we like the other members only as far as one would like their business partner.”
“But, it is a waste—you guys already fated and meet in the same group and all already.”
Takuma: “Maybe so. I think that Eichi want to do something because he feels responsible as the leader. And because Nari is kind, he seems to be burdened by our group’s complication… I don’t particularly care, to be honest. For me we, the members, being close or have bad relationship don’t matter.”
… How unexpected. I was thinking that Takuma-kun seems to be someone very sociable.
Takuma: “Well, even though I am really noisy like this, but I don’t contribute much for forttê.”
“Don’t say that.”
Takuma: “It is alright. It is true, after all.”
Takuma-kun said that with his usual bright smile.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
I stopped the car beside the main street near James Building.
“Is it alright if I drop you here?”
Takuma: “Yup. Huh, Bari is not here yet. Even though I think he is already waiting because he have time off after noon.”
“Isn’t it better to call him?”
Takuma: “Ng~, nah. He will come by then. He is sensitive about time after all.”
Indeed, Osamu-kun is always on time.
“Well then, I am going back to the office from here.”
Takuma: “Okay. Thank you for giving me a ride!”
Takuma-kun said that while unlocking the car’s door.
“Ah, Takuma-kun.”
Takuma: “Ng? What’s wrong?”
“Umm, I am thinking to talk with Takuma-kun in the car for a bit more… I think Takuma-kun is really easy to talk to, uh you can make your conversion partner feels really relaxed and have the ability to unravel other’s true feeling.”
Takuma: “… Uh, sorry, I don’t understand.”
“On other word, about what we were talking before, isn’t the fact that forttê have someone like Takuma-kun in their group that it can be much better group that it is now?”
Takuma: “… Eh?”
“That’s why, I am counting on you!”
Takuma-kun is looking blankly at me.
Maybe I am being too absurd here…
“Umm, sorry for stopping you, well then——“
Takuma: “… Crap, Futabacchi…”
“Eh?”
Takuma: “I am… getting turned-on.”
“HAH!?”
Takuma-kun pushing into the driving seat forcefully.
“Wait, Takuma-kun! Don’t joke—“
I am glaring at Takuma-kun while pushing his body away.
But Takuma-kun’s face that I saw on that time—is that he looks like he is going to cry.
Eh…?
Right after I felt the bewilderment, he grabbed into my shoulders.
My movement is being sealed, with that, I have no choice but to lean my back into the driver seat’s side door.
“Ta, Takuma-kun!”
I struggled wildly, but that only make him gripping my shoulders more, thus I am only able to flap my legs around.
It is a man’s power… I don’t think that it is a joke anymore.
Is he really serious…?
Takuma: “Futabacchi…”
“N, no!”
Takuma: “Sorry, I… I can’t stop myself…”
As Takuma-kun’s face draw near, I am only able to close my eyes tight.
I can’t anymore… someone, safe me——
Takuma: “Ough—”
The passenger’s door opened right on that moment. Someone is covering Takuma-kun’s mouth and pulled him away from me.
Osamu: “Enough already, Takuma.”
“! Osamu-kun…!”
Osamu: “Are you alright? Fujisaki-san?”
“Y… yes.”
I… I am saved…
Osamu: “What are you doing in a place so close with our office? You will cause Fujisaki-san troubled if someone who know us saw that.”
Takuma-kun, who get lectured with his mouth still closed, suddenly shrinking like a puppy that got scolded.
After confirming that, Osamu-kun finally letting Takuma-kun go.
Osamu: “Here, apologize properly, Takuma.”
Takuma: “Yeah. Futabacchi! My bad!!”
Takuma-kun bow his head down.
Takuma: “I can’t hit my own breaker for a moment. I am really sorry!!”
“… It is alright now…”
My strength slipped away from my body.
Strangely I can’t bring myself to be angry. I can only feel relieved, and…
“Hah, I was really scared.”
Takuma: “Kh… I am really sorry!!”
Takuma-kun said that while prostrate himself on top of the passenger’s seat.
Takuma: “Futabacchi… do what I did make you don’t want to be our manager anymore?”
This time, he said that with eyes not unlike an abandoned puppy.
I let out a huge sigh because of that.
“I am not. But, please be careful next time!”
A smile comes back again in Takuma-kun’s face in an instant.
Takuma: “Understood!”
Takuma-kun raised his hand, just like how an elementary school student will do in front of their teacher.
Did this guy really understand…?
Osamu: “Takuma, go to the restaurant first. I will follow you soon.”
Takuma: “Alright. Well then, Futabacchi. I am really sorry!”
Takuma-kun said that while go out from the car, then he dashed in the pedestrian road while waving at me.
Osamu: “Jeez, that guy.”
“U… umm, thank you. Thank you for saving me.”
Osamu: “No, I am only glad that you are alright. Takuma is at fault, anyway.”
Said Osamu-kun with a smile while he lean over.
His skillful finger straightened the seatbelt that been twisted on top of my chest.
Osamu: “Takuma is a really good fellow, but his relationship with his girlfriend is not going well and he seems to be under the weather because of that.”
Because Osamu-kun’s finger grazed a place near my heart, I am suddenly attacked with different thumping sound that’s different from the previous one.
There is also some nice, somewhat sweet smell come from Osamu-kun.
Osamu: “That why, if possible, it might be safer if you are not in a closed room together with him without anyone else present. Fujisaki-san is a beauty after all.”
“Heh?”
Osamu-kun is getting up with a kind smile.
Osamu: “Well then, see you later.”
He closed the door after saying that, then he followed the direction Takuma-kun go to and disappeared inside the crowd.
Osamu: “Fujisaki-san is a beauty after all.”
That word replayed inside my head once more, making my body temperature went up.
It was the first time someone ever tell me something like that. Or more like, there is no being in the real world that can said that kind of thing naturally.
I already thought about this before—but this really confirm it—Osamu-kun is really a prince-material.
A slapped my still-flaming cheeks with my hands before gripping the steering wheel again.
——On that time, the sound of an incoming call resonated inside the car.
I picked my phone, looking at the LCD.
Tsukishiro-san?
“Yes, hello. This is Fujisaki.”
Tsukishiro: “… Look ahead.”
“Eh?”
Because any preface, his voice is thick and commanding—I have no choice but to turn my gaze at what in front of me.
“… AH!”
When I turn toward the front glass, my gaze catches a suit-clad person. Even though from this far distance, I still can make out the wrinkle of scowl between his brows.
No way… did he saw everything…!?
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
“Welcome. Table for two?”
Tsukishiro: “Yes.”
“Understood. Please follow me into your seat.”
The waiter is leading Tsukishiro-san and I.
The restaurant that Tsukishiro-san chooses to take me to is placed inside a stylish building in Aoyama.
Every surface on the restaurant is covered with glass; they even have an inner-garden on it.
If I had to say, this restaurant is more suited for the celebrity than manager.
I am already nervous about the fact that I got treated on a meal by my serious and strict boss, added with I somehow getting dragged to an amazing restaurant…
“Umm, Tsukishiro-san, do you always eat in this kind of fancy restaurant?”
Tsukishiro: “Fancy? I think it is normal small restaurant.”
I don’t really think a normal small restaurant looks like this…!
I am looking around with curiosity and nervously.
The waiter was offering us a table near the window, but because I tend to felt afraid of height I refused that offer, thus Tsukishiro-san and I went to take a table beside the man-made garden.
Not long after Tsukishiro-san give the waiter his order with ease that only someone who accustomed to do it can do, plates full with delicious looking Casual French food already lined on top of our table.
Both our goblet glasses are filled with soft drink.
There is a fact that we have to drive later, but there is also a fact that as a manager, we are still on our working hour so we can’t drink any alcohol.
But—being sober is also a hard thing, I thought as we start to eat inside a complete silence.
Tsukishiro: “… I think you know already without I have to say anything.”
After a little while, Tsukishiro-san opened his mouth.
Tsukishiro: “But I am going to repeat this again to be sure, don’t lay your hand on our merchandise.”
“Kh… I won’t do that!”
Tsukishiro: “If by any chance the other side making a move on you have to flatly turn them down. If someone see that kind of scene, there is no wonder misunderstanding will arise.”
Ba-thump… and my heart throbbing.
“… I was careless. I am very sorry.”
Tsukishiro-san let out a disappointed sigh.
Tsukishiro: “I don’t think I need to worry about you… But, don’t make the president and I disillusioned.”
“Disillusioned, huh…”
Just like he said, what happened some time ago is rather dangerous.
“I swear to god! I won’t do something like having an romantic relationship with the celeb from our agency! That’s unbelievable! I have no interest on idol to begin with!”
Tsukishiro: “That is why I said I am not worried, right? Don’t shout.”
“! I am very sorry…”
Flustered, I let the tone of my voice down.
“But, you don’t have that much faith on me either…”
To be honest, because I am a bit shocked, I become rather bold.
As I said that, Tsukishiro-san’s expression become less tense.
Tsukishiro: “Forgive me. I won’t said things like that again.”
Ah… He smiled….
Tsukishiro: “It will become cold if you don’t eat soon.”
“Ah, yes.”
That topic ended there—and Tsukishiro-san continues eating.
I thought about this when I was in my last night on my training period. Tsukishiro-san looks really gentle when smiling.
I stopped my hand from eating and stealthily watching Tsukishiro-san.
Natural black hair, the smart suit he wore, indeed he really looks like a serious person, yet it also make him gorgeous in the same time.
When he tilt the glass in his hand, that action seems to come out right from a painting.
Ah… when I look closely, there are piercing’s hole on his left ear… How unexpected…
While thinking about that, I start to carelessly watching Tsukishiro-san openly.
He really have well-featured face…
“Hey, Vicious.”
Suddenly a voice come from my back on that time, it make Tsukishiro-san splitting his drink.
Vi… Vicious?
When I turn around, there is a lone man walking toward our table while waving his hand.
He is even taller than Tsukishiro-san and Eiichiro-kun. Even though his jacket give him a rough feeling, but he also wear a fancy looking eyeglasses.
And the eyes behind those frame looks like it were grinning.
… Who?
When I look back at Tsukishiro-san, I saw how his expression turned grim in an instant, that person must be an unwanted guest.
“I come here because I heard from my purveyor to the celebrity that a car from your agency comes to this restaurant in this building and expecting a big scoop. But the ones who have a clandestine meeting are a cute young lady and forttê’s manager… oh no, a former manager now, huh.”
Eh? Was this man, by any chance… following our car?
My guard is up in an instant.
Tsukishiro: “It is not a clandestine meeting, and you also frequent this restaurant. Will you stop frightening my subordinate with your strange way of talking, senpai?”
“Oh well, well, you see through me, huh.”
Tsukishiro-san said with open displeasure, and that person shrugged his shoulders in response.
Senpai… His senior…?
As I watched their exchange with puzzled look in my face, the one that being called as senpai turn to me.
“Nice to meet you, young lady. Are you a new female manager on James?”
“Do you know me?”
“Due to the nature of my job, research is my strong field.”
After he said that, that person hand me his business card. Accepting that, I am then looking at his name and tittle.
“Eh…?”
Matsunaga: “I am Matsunaga from Buntoukan. I am your mutual enemy in regard of our work-related stuff… or something like that. Too bad.”
This man… is an editor from Buntoukan!?
There is a reason for my surprise. Before I got accepted into James Agency, I really want to find an employment on a publishing company. I want to make a magazine… The reason why I have that dream is because the magazine from Buntoukan that I always read with pleasure.
Of course I also applied here when doing job hunting. That was the publishing company I want to enter the most. Even though I totally got rejected…
Even though I know I am barking at the wrong tree, I can’t help but feeling like I am currently meeting with my parents’ killer.
On that time, suddenly, Matsunaga-san placing his hands on my shoulders. His face is suddenly right in front of mine, which make me stiffened in an instant.
Matsunaga: “I want to see you on work next time. I am different with this sour looking man, I love the being called woman from the deep of my heart.”
“Eh?”
Matsunaga: “You can call me if you want.”
Tsukishiro: “Senpai.”
Tsukishiro-san said with irritated voice.
Tsukishiro: “From the direction of your seat, a woman been glowering there since before. What will happened if you don’t go back now?”
Matsunaga: “Ah, you are right.”
After he said that, he turned to wink at woman’s companion.
Matsunaga: “Well, see you on our work next time, bye bye, koneko-chan.”
“K… kitty?”
Waving at us, Matsunaga-san then went back to his own seat.
In the same time at that, Tsukishiro-san let out a feed-up sigh.
Tsukishiro: “We should finished eating soon. I no longer can feel relaxed here.”
Tsukishiro-san start to eat again with wrinkles appeared between his brows. It is too bad, his good humor is beyond repair now. I wonder what kind of relationship he has with Matsunaga-san. He called him ‘senpai’ after all.
“Um—…”
Tsukishiro: “What.”
I flinched in reflect because his tone of voice suddenly turned completely to the hard tone he used when lectured me before.
“… It is nothing…”
This atmosphere is really not one when I can easily said something like “What kind of relationship you two have?”.
Giving up, I picked my eating pace up again.
Tsukishiro: “… Don’t do it, calling him or something.”
“Eh? … I, I won’t!”
Tsukishiro: “That person only thinking of celebrity as an hen that spouting golden egg for him, a radical reporter. Borrowing the said person own word, he is our enemy.”
After that we just silently stuffing our mouth with food, and that’s also how our dinner ended.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Some days after that—
Eiichiro-kun and I are being called to the meeting room in the agency.
The one who called us is Tsukishiro-san.
Tsukishiro: “Eiichiro. About the plan of you go to Oosaka that we talked before, you are fixed to go on the end of month.”
Eiichiro: “Ah, the announcement about the next stage’s gig? Did the stage finished already?”
Tsukishiro: “Most of the construction work is finished. The media already being told about this progress, that why we will use this chance to announce the stage’s gig.”
Eiichiro: “OK, so the end of this month.”
“Um… Pardon me. What do you mean by stage play? Theater?”
Eiichiro: “As an investment, James Entertainment is building a theater for drama play in Oosaka. And I am chosen to play the leading role in the public stage performance for the opening of the new theater.”
Ah… now that he mention it, it is also been written on the list about their work that I received on my first day.
Inviting all the leader from the theater world from the two big cities, Tokyo-Oosaka, those performer will perform together in that stage.
I peeked into Tsukishiro-san’s face in fear, just like what I thought, his eyes that looking at me seems angry…
“I am sorry, I forgot.”
Tsukishiro: “Don’t go senile just yet! After all I will make you go to Oosaka with him. I hope you won’t forget about making an arrangement for the bullet train.”
“Yes!”
Eiichiro: “Tsukishiro-san, when will the training started?”
Tsukishiro: “Maybe around next month. There is also Toranosuke’s convenience to take into consideration too, it is better if you just discuss it with his manager when you two meeting in the stage play announcement.”
“Eh, Toranosuke?”
Eiichiro: “Ah, the stage play this time have two main stars. Me, and ‘Shibuki’s Egawa Toranosuke.”
“Shibuki’s… Toranosuke…”
…That…!
“Tora-chan?”
Eiichiro: “What the, so you know him.”
“Yes, Sunagawa-sa… ah, one of my friend is his fan. So Toranosuke-kun also come to announcing it?”
Eiichiro: “Yep. Because Oosaka is his main base, if I have to said who is what, he is the main actor and I am making a guest appearance.”
“Hee.”
Tsukishiro: “Then, if I had to say who is what, then I will say our Eiichiro is the problematic one—whenever he is with Toranosuke, problem will arise.”
“Eh… problem?”
Eiichiro: “Wha—how long was that already?”
Tsukishiro: “Because it didn’t happen only once or twice. I can’t count how many times I have to bow my head down to apologize because you two broke some sett or equipment.”
“Eh…”
Eiichiro: “And I keep telling you that happened when I just joined this agency, right? We are just a pair of brat who liked to play around.”
Tsukishiro: “It is alright if you keep remembering that you are already an adult.”
Eiichiro: “Jeez…”
Eiichiro-kun is resting his chin on his hand stubbornly.
Tsukishiro: “Well, even though the difference is only moths, but Toranosuke is still your senior. More or less, treat him with respect.”
Eiichiro: “Yes yes.”
Tsukishiro: “Said yes only once.”
Eiichiro: “Yeeeees.”
Eiichiro-kun answered in a way not unlike a troublesome child.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
On the afternoon in the same day, I have to accompany Ryo-kun in his work.
The job is a photo-shoot gig in a rental western style-house in Roppongi as the studio.
It will be featured as a prefatory for a new fashion brand, according to the plan, the whole copy is roughly all about “Seiko Ryo”.
“Oh my, when I know this first edition will feature Seike-kun, I know it will become a big hit. After all, ‘Seike Ryo the Model’ is popular among both woman and man.”
The editor-in-chief insisted when we give our regards before the photo-shoot.
“It is not only his popularity, but the sense and beauty he have since born, also the experience he cultivate those with make him have a certain skill. Among our business world, that kind of talent-model is special.”
“T, thank you very much.”
The fact that Ryo-kun is a really amazing model attacking me.
For the photo-shoot that featuring only Ryo-kun, they prepared this large studio, several dozen costumes, even extra models and dozens of staffs are swarming around.
In the middle of the room that being used for the photo-shoot, Ryo-kun is doing some pose-checking while surrounded by the cameramen and stylish.
Each and every gesture of his are refined, even untrained eyes can see that.
When he brush his soft hair up, or when he tilt the wing of his hat down, those actions are captivating.
Just like what the editor-in-chief said, skill and sense. And his beauty.
There is no doubt that Ryo-kun has all of them.
As if being charmed by some magic, I am watching Ryo-kun—the model Ryo-kun—with fascination and rapt attention.
“Oh my, is it alright for you to send such a hot gaze towards your own celebrity?”
“Kh!?”
The sudden and unexpected voice make my heart stopped suddenly in surprise.
When I glance at my side, before I know about it, standing a man with familiar face.
“Matsunaga-san…!”
Matsunaga: “I thought I can meet you if I come here. That why I intruding here using my connection as someone who come from the same publishing company.”
Ah… right. The publishing company that going to publish this magazine is Buntoukan.
Matsunaga: “We really meet, huh. My intuition is right on the spot.”
Matsunaga-san said with a sweet voice and smile big enough to close his eyes.
“Umm, is something happened? What with that appearance?”
The atmosphere around him is really different than the one when we meet on the restaurant before. His hair is somewhat messy, and his shirt is also rather wrinkled.
Matsunaga: “Ah, it is because I pull an all-nighter. What a waste of good man.”
After he said that, he bring a cigarette into his mouth.
Being a good man or not is not something one should say about oneself…!
Immediately after he put the cigarette on his mouth, a voice shouted from somewhere, “Matsunaga-saaan, it is a no-smoking area!”
Matsunaga: “EEH? Just holding it in my mouth is also a no? It make my mouth lonely. I will endure it if someone give me a kiss, though.”
“KH!!”
What the heck is this person saying!
I grow more confused when the studio become more lively because Matsunaga-san’s bordering-to-sexual-harassment joke.
Is this kind of joke normal for people who work in the media?
Not give him a call turn out to be a right decision.
There is also an warning from Tsukishiro-san playing, but I just really want to make a distance with this person.
Matsunaga: “By the way, the announcement for Eichi-kun next stage play is soon, right?”
“Eh?”
Matsunaga: “I am really excited. Personally, I am a fan from the director of that stage play. Our magazine that focused on theater is going to cover that play too, so I am really expecting a lot.”
However, he keep shortening our distance.
“I, I see.”
Matsunaga: “Hmm? What a cold response, Futba-chan.”
“Eh? T, That’s…”
Matsunaga: “Because I am a reporter who aiming for a scoop? Or… a grudge from when you were job-hunting?”
“!!”
… How can he know about that?
When he saw the surprise in my face, Matsunaga-san let out a chuckle.
Matsunaga: “When we meet before, I thought your face is rather familiar. And then I checked about that—and Bingo.”
“?”
Matsunaga: “I was also present on the interview meeting place as a member of the screening committee in the year that you come for an interview in our place.”
“EEH?”
Matsunaga: “Our company policy is to have their young employee present in interview meeting to hire the new graduate. I was the third interviewer.”
I don’t remember at all.
Matsunaga: “It is not as if I remember every face I meet, you know. The essay you send for document screening was really impressive, that’s why I remember you. You wrote about our magazine’s ‘Heroine Interview’, right?”
… That’s right.
“Yes. ‘Heroine Interview’ is my most favorite project.”
Matsunaga: “I am in charge of your most favorite project.”
“E… EEEH!?”
Lie! This kind of thing is not possible! It is impossible that the editor who is in charge from the project I admire, from the publishing company I longing for is standing right in front of my eyes!
Because I am too excited, my eyes must be sparkling in manga-like way, as if I am seeing some precious treasure.
But—
I suddenly realized something, suddenly feeling complicated.
This person I admire was dropping me out painfully in the interview.
Watching my suddenly depressed expression and guessing the reason why, Matsunaga-san says,
Matsunaga: “Are you wondering why I drop you out?”
“No, I am not… But, a bit…”
Matsunaga: “Ahaha. You are a honest kid. From reading your curriculum vitae and essay, I know that the one who wrote that is smart, can difference good from evil, and also have writing ability. I think that this kid must have a good performance as a university student.”
“Then, why?”
Matsunaga: “There was no focus point. If I have to say it clearly, then it wasn’t interesting.”
“… It was… not interesting…”
It is really depressing if being told out it outright like now…
Matsunaga: “Ah, sorry, sorry. I don’t mean the content, but something more subtle. I feels that there is something lacking on you. As a reporter and editor, I don’t think that passion and skill is enough—there is something else that you need.”
“Something else?”
Matsunaga: “Yep. Well, to put it simply, it might be something you call ‘curiosity’. If one don’t have interest in everything and afraid to poke one’s nose into another’s affair, then we will run out on material for article.”
Interest… on everything…
Matsunaga: “I saw your article. ‘Ah, this kid is the kind of person who hold dear their spare time and use that time to do something they like and think interesting, someone who walking straight to achieve their dream’ was what I thought. Even though people who are wandering around is also rather interesting.”
“…”
Matsunaga: “Huh. Did I hurt you?”
“… No.”
Strangely, I am not hurt this time. Matsunaga-san’s word just stab me right into my heart.
“It is as if I finally see the light… I am truly like what you said. I always walk straight to my objective and never looking at another thing.”
On the middle of job searching session too, being a stupidly honest person I am, I was only applied to the publishing companies, until all my hopes scattered.
There is a huge chance that I passed by a lot of other possibility on that time.
“Wandering around is good… there is also that way of thinking, huh.”
Matsunaga: “Ahahaha.”
“Matsunaga-san…?”
Matsunaga: “You are scarily honest. You are listening to what I said that that serious expression. You are an amazing kid.”
“?”
Matsunaga: “But won’t Vicious get angry if you are getting friendly with a man like me?”
“Vicious?”
Not that he mention it, Matsunaga-san called Tsukishiro-san in that way before. After that, Tsukishiro-san was clearly become strange.
“Umm, why Tsukishiro-san is called ‘Vicious’?”
Matsunaga: “Ah, that was—… well we better stop.”
“Eh?”
Matsunaga: “Because this conversation is a landmine for him.”
“EEH—?”
Matsunaga: “Moreover—isn’t taking something later with patience will deepened a relationship? Well a relationship between a man and woman.”
He said that with a wink.
On that time—everyone in the studio start talking, full of relief. Some people are even clasping.
It seems that Ryo-kun’s photo-shoot finished when we were talking.
Matsunaga: “Well then, I need to go soon too. I also want to smoke after all.”
“Ah, yes. Thanks for your hard work.”
Matsunaga: “We will see each other later, Futaba-chan. Next time, only the two of us.”
As if to emphasizing what he said, Matsunaga-san leave with a satisfied expression.
“… Haa. How tiring.”
His words that make me get loose teeth, his appearance and wink that looks like it just come out from some manga—well, Matsunaga-san is still a good looking man no matter how many faults he had… But that man is definitely an enemy for woman.
Even though with my limited experience with men, I am still cultivating a warning lamp, which is currently feels like it is whirling around giving a sign of danger.
Ryo: “Thanks for your work.”
And then, Ryo-kun who already finished his photo-shoot is back.
“Ah, thanks for your hard work.”
Ryo-kun’s gaze is now directed at Mitsunaga-san’s retreating figure.
Ryo: “What are you talking about with that man?”
“Eh?”
So he saw us talking.
Ryo: “It is better if you don’t go near him carelessly. That man is rumored to aim a scoop about us using every method, even underhanded one.”
“It is alright. I was only chatting with Matsunaga-san. About stuff like Eiichiro-kun’s stage play.”
Even though most of our conversation after that was about me…
Ryo: “I see. Then perhaps he come to pick up some model or something today.”
“Eh, what do you mean by picking up?”
Ryo: “That person is famous about his bad philandering habit.”
As I thought, he is a dangerous person…
Ryo: “By the way, are you going to go with Eichi on the public announcement for the stage play?”
“That’s the plan.”
Ryo: “If so… can you do something about your appearance?”
“Eh?”
Ryo: “Even though we can’t do anything if you can’t do make-up, but you can at least do something to your outfit, right? Also, that hair, it looks like it is in need for some sustain or control.”
“But it is naturally like this so I can’t do anything about it.”
Ryo: “…”
Ryo-kun let out a big defeated sigh.
Ryo: “Fujisaki-san. I have some free time after this, right?”
“Yes, just about one hour or so.”
After he heard that, Ryo-kun start to call over some stylish and they exchange some whispered words.
“Umm, Ryo-kun?”
Ryo: “Fujisaki-san. Can you go out with me for a moment?”
Even though he said “can you go out with me” but rather than a request, his tone is more like he is ordering me.
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
The place I drive Ryo-kun to is a shop inside a building in Roppongi. Maybe this is what the call a specialized shop.
“Welcome, Seike-san. We are waiting for you.”
Ryo: “I am sorry for making such sudden request.”
“No, it is alright. Can I ask what kind of thing you are looking for today?”
Ryo: “Something that suited this person. If possible, something that give a gentle feeling.”
“Eh?”
“Something to use for work? If so, will you be content if we choose matching shoes too?”
Ryo: “But, because she will walk around, it is better if the shoes is not high-heel nor separate one.”
“We have some cute shoes that use strap. Please wait until we found something suitable.”
Ryo: “Please.”
“Understood. Please go to the VIP dressing room.”
What are they talking about? Really…
Ryo: “Let’s go.”
“Y, yes.”
—Not that!
“Umm, Ryo-kun? What are we doing in this expensive looking shop?”
Ryo: “Expensive looking you said… but this one is just around your level.”
Unthinkable. I know only from looking at this shop that this is a ‘good shop’.
Ryo: “Anyway, you can just let me [ore] do what I want. You don’t have to worry about the payment.”
O… ‘Ore’ he said…
Somewhat his way of speaking becomes haughty. Is this, by any chance, the real Ryo-kun?
“No way…! I can’t let a celebrity who works under me to pay for me!”
Ryo: “Because it concern Eichi, you have to care about your appearance even only for a bit. I won’t let an uncouth woman stand beside Eichi.”
………EEEEEH—?
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
I shouted on the empty VIP dressing room.
There is AC, television, even refrigerator inside the room which is as large as one roomed mansion.
Different from the chic interior design that the counter in the shop usually have, this room lightning and cloth , even the furniture radiating a classic feeling, rather than a dressing room, this room is more suited to be called an elegant private room.
Furthermore, there is a curtain that divide the room into two part, the other side from that curtain seems to be the changing place. If it is like this, then Ryo-kun also still able to wait inside the dressing room.
—No, no, it is not about that!
While I am throw into confusion, the previous sales-woman is back while bringing various western-style clothes and others small things.
Right after she come inside the room, Ryo-kun take everything she bring into his own hands and comparing my face with his eyes.
Ryo: “In your case, warm color match your face better. But, you seems to be the kind of woman who suit blue better…”
After investigating what he had carefully with serious expression, Ryo-kun then picking up a set of suit, shirt, pumps and accessory.
Ryo: “I will stay here. So change quickly.”
“A… Alright.”
Closing the dressing room’s curtain, I start to look through the clothes he give me at once.
Maybe because Ryo-kun asked for it or because the sales-woman own judgment, but all the price tags on there are removed, yet only from touching it, I know that those are some high priced stuff.
I put on the clothes awkwardly.
“Wah…”
Looking at the coordination that being reflected on the mirror make my eyes wide open in reflex.
Cute…
The suit is in gentle soft peach color, for me who only ever wear black and grey recruitment suit, this suits is just like a beautiful and delicate dress.
The blue shirt that Ryo-kun choose is lovely too.
Even the accessory, even though I am a person who is not used wearing any ornament like this, but it didn’t feels even a bit uncomfortable as he only choose one with simple design.
“Just like one would expect of a coordination from an active model.”
On that time, Ryo-kun’s voice come from the other side of the curtain.
Ryo: “How is it?”
“Ah, it is alright to open it.”
When the curtain is open, the usually cool Ryo-kun is smiling lightly in satisfaction.
Ryo: “That’s good. It really suits you.”
“T, thank you… But I will pay it myself. After all it is something I actually need, and I will feel bad if I don’t pay it myself.”
Ryo: “It is alright.”
“But it is unbelievable for me to just accept this.”
Ryo: “You still don’t understand. This is for Eichi’s sake.”
“For Eiichiro-kun…?”
Ryo: “You see… I really treasure Eichi.”
Ryo-kun’s expression when said that is gentle, kind, and also somewhat sad.
Why Ryo-kun think about Eiichiro-kun that much…? Because they are childhood friend?
Ryo: “At any rate, you are fairly ignorant about fashion.”
“Eh?”
Ryo: “When wearing a suit in that design, it is better if you don’t do your button all the way up.”
When he said that, Ryo-kun reached out to unbutton the button on the shirt I wore.
“Hya…! Wai, Ryo-kun?”
Ryo: “There is no need to get embarrassed, I really don’t think that this is anything special.”
“T, that’s not the problem!”
Ryo: “Ah, even though it is only one chance in a thousand don’t make any blunder, did he told you something like that? Tsukishiro-san is very watchful.”
Ryo-kun said that with a composed expression in his face as he opened my top three buttons.
My heart is thumping painfully that I am sure that Ryo-kun’s fingers can feels the vibration.
Ryo: “You don’t have to worry. There is no way that I will feel anything strange for you.”
“…Eh?”
I saw the corner of Ryo-kun’s lips lifted up in a smile for a moment.
Ryo: “Shall I tell you my feeling?”
Ryo-kun said that while pulled me closer.
Ryo: “I… can’t feel any love for woman.”
.
I heard he said that with low voice, our distance is close enough that he can touch his lips if my ears if he want.
