Aoi Hoshino kept laughing for a few seconds while I stared at her face. After taking a deep breath, she said,
"Sorry, I just couldn't hold it in. You said that with such a serious expression…"
"But I'm serious."
"Hahaha, you're actually serious…" Aoi laughed a little more before finally calming down. She looked at me and asked, "Are you really serious? Is your confidence really that high? You do understand what it means to reach number one on the charts, right?"
"Yes, I know. It's very difficult. But I have confidence in my talent."
"Talent… Talent… You really love that word."
"Well…"
"But you're right, you really are talented. You started writing when you were four years old, didn't you? And the first thing you wrote became an instant success. That's definitely talent…"
"But there's also a bit of luck involved," I said, trying to sound a little modest.
"Well, luck walks alongside talented people."
"I don't think that's how the saying goes…"
"Whatever. So, how about we make a bet?"
"What?"
"If the song you compose really reaches number one, I'll grant you one wish—anything you want. You can even ask for something perverted if you want. I don't mind."
"Are you trying to get arrested?"
"It's a joke, it's a joke~~ But I really will do whatever you want." Aoi smiled at me.
What is this sudden bet about?
She definitely doesn't trust me. She's making this bet because she wants something from me. But if I lose the bet, what is she going to ask for?
"And if I lose the bet?"
"If you lose the bet, you'll do something I ask. Anything."
Aoi's smile really is… strange.
Is this girl seriously thinking about making some weird request to me? Well, I guess I'll never find out what her request is…
Because I'm going to win this bet!
I could refuse the bet and just give her the song, but this might actually be fun.
"Alright, I accept. But no weird requests."
"Don't worry, I'm not a weird girl~~" Aoi laughed.
She was looking at me as if she were staring at prey.
"You're so obvious…"
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's nothing. Just eat already, the food's getting cold."
"Wait, what did you mean by that!?"
"..."
I said nothing and continued eating in silence.
After a few minutes of silence, I started talking to Aoi about the process of composing a song. I know the lyrics to the song, but everything else?
Can I do this by myself, or do I need help from a music producer or something like that?
While talking with Aoi, I opened the list showing my ranks.
Just as I expected, the "Composition" rank was separate from "Writer," but it was also Rank S. The other talents related to composing music were also Rank S.
Even my talent as a "DJ" was Rank S.
So strange… and unnecessary.
'Well, I guess with all these talents, I'll be able to do everything myself.'
Will I need to rent a studio, or can I do everything on my computer?
####
When our "dinner" ended, I left the room together with Aoi Hoshino. Honestly, it had been fun.
The fact that Aoi was visibly interested in me bothered me at first, but I got used to her stares.
It's surprising how obvious she is.
'If I somehow lose the bet…'
Well, it's not like I hate the idea of getting involved with her or anything, but…
'I'm overthinking this.'
"What happened? Did that bet bother you that much? You've been acting strange ever since then. Hmmm… Are you curious about the request I'm going to make?"
"Who said you're going to win the bet?"
I put on my glasses, and we left the restaurant. The same bodyguard escorted us outside, and then another man appeared. He was older and had a gentle appearance.
"Thank you for this, Mr. Saito."
"No problem, Aoi-chan."
So this is the owner of the restaurant.
The man closed the restaurant door, and I asked,
"You're close to the owner of this place?"
"He's a friend of my family."
"I see… And he agreed to close the restaurant just for you?"
"Look around, all the restaurants are closed. The restaurant wouldn't be open anyway." She laughed.
"I see."
"Ah, my car is here," Aoi said as a black car approached. "Is your driver already coming to pick you up? Why don't you come with me? I can take you home."
"You want to find out where I live, don't you?"
"Of course not. I just want to give a friend a ride."
"Friend, huh?"
"What? Aren't we?"
"Just get in the car and leave already. Daiki is almost here."
"Alright, I'm going. Thanks for coming today, Kyo. It was really fun. I'll contact you when I get home."
The bodyguard opened the car door for Aoi, and she got inside.
"Alright. But don't keep rushing me. I'm a busy man. I need to film some scenes over the next few days, and my first manga is also going to be published."
"Oh, right! Dragon Ball, right? I'm excited for that."
"I didn't know you liked manga."
"I don't. I'm only going to read it because you drew it."
"I see…" I let out a sigh before glancing to the side.
In the distance, I could make out a silhouette watching us. It seemed like the person was holding something.
'A camera?'
"See you later, Kyo."
Before I could say anything else, the car started moving, and Aoi left.
The silhouette disappeared as well.
'Should I go after that person? It's probably a paparazzi or something.'
Before I could decide what to do, a car started approaching.
It was Daiki.
"Daiki, can you wait here for a moment?"
"Hmm? What happened?"
"I need to catch a rat."
"A rat? What do you mean?" Daiki looked surprised.
As soon as I started running, I heard him shout,
"Kyo!? Where are you going? Wait!"
####
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Next Chapters: Chapter 91 - Threat. / Chapter 92 - Logic Pro / Chapter 93 - Predator. / Chapter 94 - This script is... weak?