After the debut stage of the new B-Komachi successfully ended, it was time for Ai and me to focus on our main jobs. After finally shaking Ai off, I was heading toward the meeting place.
"Am I a bit late?"
"No, no, you arrived just as we were starting. Yume-kun!!"
I took a seat in a suitable spot and began to listen slowly.
"Aha! It's finally here! A big-name copyright after a long time!"
I began to slowly read through the proposal placed in front of me. Of course, my ears were open.
"Over 50 million copies in circulation! The anime movie was a mega-hit! A stage play adaptation of the manga so popular it makes crying children stop—Tokyo Blade!!!"
"Ah, I know what this is. My daughter is totally obsessed with the anime too."
Is that Director Masaya's daughter...? Well, it's information I already knew, so there's no need to pay much attention to it.
"If it's a play, does that mean it's 2.5D?"
"Exactly, exactly! We've secured a massive budget, so let's go all out this time!"
Raida Sumiaki... Is he the representative of the event management company Magic Flow? Well, we've met before, but calling me here means...
"Since the venue has interesting stage equipment, we're going to use 360-degree rotation and CG liberally to recreate the atmosphere of the original! We've even secured top-tier related companies. In fact, a company Yume-kun is involved with has agreed to help!"
"I'll do my best to assist. Though I'm not the manager in charge."
It was true that I was the one who bridged the connection. But since it was 'him' who did the persuading, I didn't really need to know the details of how he convinced them.
"Hmm. Yume-kun's company, huh?"
"And we've also secured the cooperation of Lalalai Theatrical Company for the stage production."
"......Heh."
Lalalai Theatrical Company... I see.
"Oh, that's bold. You managed to convince that Kindaichi-san."
"That's true. I'm surprised that stubborn man looked at this proposal and passed it."
"Ahaha~ Yume-kun's words are sharp as always. Well, it might look like that to you, but from our perspective, we did our very best, okay?"
"Is that so?"
Did their best... huh. I see quite a few places that need editing... Sigh... Getting involved in every single thing is a pain, so should I just wait until they realize it themselves?
"It's the power of the budget, after all! Plus, once I mentioned Yume-kun's name, he was persuaded immediately! Besides, theatrical troupes are always tight on cash."
"Did you sell my name?"
"Now, now, look past it as a little charm~"
"Sigh... Understood."
Well, I expected them to use my name since the company was involved, but to sell my name just to use Lalalai.
"All that's left is the casting..."
After saying that, Sumiaki-san looked at me.
"We can get Kurokawa Akane from Lalalai. But considering the audience, we need handsome men and beautiful women, right? Just like how Yume-kun and Ai-yang are always filming dramas or movies together."
"Sometimes we film works separately, you know?"
"But you're together for most of them~"
"I won't deny that."
"Anyway, back to the topic. They don't have many young actors over there. We need to bring in a few from the outside. Kaburagi-chan is the expert on this, right? Got any good kids? Oh, and Yume-kun, it's fine if you want to recommend someone. Better yet, how about appearing yourself?"
"....It's worth considering."
"Ohh! If Yume-kun joins, we'd be beyond grateful!!"
By now, I barely remember the original story. However, this season in the original... should have been the trigger that might change Aqua's personality. Since I only remember the broad strokes... I have no choice but to follow along somehow.
Seeing me lost in thought, Masaya-san glanced at me.
"It's not that there aren't any... they're kids who'll probably blow up in the future. I can introduce them, but you'll owe me one, okay?"
"No, no! Since we're providing the opportunity for the kids Kaburagi-chan has his eye on to grow, you're the one who owes us!"
"Haa... Can you both stop with the psychological warfare? It's unsightly."
"Ahahaha! Sorry, sorry~ But being in this position, it's unavoidable, right?"
"Well... I can't really talk. After all, the manager of the kids I was going to introduce is right in front of me."
"Eh? Does that mean?"
"What do you think, Yume-kun? About having Aqua-kun and Kana-yang appear?"
"...Well, they'll probably do it, wouldn't they?"
Was this the goal all along? Was he targeting Aqua because I'm conspicuously managing him... or... no, is that an unnecessary thought?
"I'll take the proposal back and check it once more. While it's true I'm the guardian figure for Aqua and the new B-Komachi, I am strictly an executive of another company. I'll contact you after discussing it with Miyako-san."
"Great~!"
"It's a deal, then."
"Please excuse me first."
With those words, I left the drinking session.
"Honestly... the TV stations are full of crafty old foxes."
This is why, no matter how hard I try to like the broadcasting stations, I just can't.
"Ugh... Ai, do we really have to do this...?"
I asked Ai, who was dragging my tired body along. How did we end up in this situation, you ask...?
One hour ago.
"Well, I'm heading out."
"Yume, where are you going!?"
"I have a promise to meet Akane."
"What about me!?"
"You have a schedule."
"Right...! Ah, Papa! Mama! I'm leaving now!!"
"Sure~!"
"...Right."
Ruby dashed out the front door, pushing past Aqua who was preparing. Seeing that, Aqua sighed as well.
"Then, I'm heading out too."
"Be careful~!"
"Don't let Akane-san pay for anything. I gave you pocket money, too."
"No, giving someone a Black Card as 'pocket money' isn't normal, is it?"
"It's fine. This father has plenty of money."
Of course, that's a company card. The Black Card, which was a perk I received, is always in my possession. Considering how it always ends up back in my hand even if I lose it, it seems that high-and-mighty God person took care of it.
"Then... Ai, I'm going to rest for a bit. I'm a little tired. Yaaaawn..."
I was quite exhausted because Ai had squeezed the life out of me all day yesterday. Of course, I won... no, why do I keep getting sidetracked.
"Come on, get ready, Yume!!"
"....Hm?"
I looked at Ai, who was wearing casual clothes with a huge beret and black sunglasses. Noticing my gaze, Ai said,
"We're tailing them!"
"At least let them have their date in peace!!"
I said that, but I ended up being dragged out, leading to the current situation. For the record, we were positioned in Aqua and Akane-san's blind spot. Ai was curious about what they were talking about, but unfortunately, it seemed she couldn't hear. Of course, I could hear everything.
[Would something like this work?]
[I'm not really sure, but it should be fine, right?]
Our Aqua has no emotions...!!
[With this, the couple alibi for the fans is done. It should be fine for a while, but... has that news reached you already?]
If she's talking about 'that'... ah, is it Tokyo Blade?
[Are you talking about Tokyo Blade?]
[Yeah, exactly. The theatrical troupe I belong to, Lalalai, is taking the lead. I received an offer, too.]
[Naturally, I'll do it.]
I figured. There's no way Aqua would miss a chance that might lead to information about Kamiki Hikaru. Though it seems he hasn't reached that point yet.
[Right? I got an offer for the role of Sayahime. Aqua is for Touki, right? Those two are lovers. The person casting definitely did it on purpose! Oh! But if Yume-senpai or Ai-senpai had been cast, this role might have been snatched away.. hehe..]
You're not wrong, Akane-san. Of course, Ai and I are planning to participate, but we won't play those roles. If we do...
[I heard 2.5D has a lot of BL demand. Is this one okay?]
[The original work has many male-female pairings. Though many women do view it as BL. Touki is a sub-character, but he's likely a character supported by men as well for the rom-com elements. Every week there's a buzz about whether he'll end up with the heroine or the partner character.]
Indeed, the power of fujoshi... can't be underestimated.
[Touki's partner character... Tsurugi, right?]
[That should be decided soon. I wonder who will get it?]
Ah, that's already known information... Wait, why is Kana-yang here?
[It's me.]
Oh boy... It's good that our Aqua is popular, but...!
"Look, look, Yume! Aruma is with them too!!"
"Not Aruma, it's Arima Kana-yang.... I told you to remember names, didn't I?"
"Okaaaay~! This looks fun, let's follow them!"
"Wait, Ai!?"
Her impulsiveness is reallllllyyyyyy!!!!!!
I continued listening to their conversation while holding the Ai who was trying to run off with one arm.
[Don't upload in real-time. Toxic fans can follow posts like these and commit stalking. All photos taken outside should be on scheduled uploads by default. Do you want to cause trouble for everyone around you with another weird controversy? Have you learned nothing, Kurokawa Akane?]
Ah, sorry. For some reason, I feel sorry.
[So Kana-chan is playing Tsurugi.]
[Eh?]
[How many years has it been since we worked together? I assumed you had naturally quit acting. Since you're an idol now?]
Huh...?
[Akane...?]
[What's the point of staying cooped up in theaters doing work that doesn't pay? Oh, come to think of it, you were on a dating reality show recently, weren't you? It seems you gained popularity by selling your private life? I'm so happy for you!!]
Uh.. uhhh... I had forgotten.... the fact that those two get along terribly while also being incredibly close.....!!!!!
[Arima...?]
[Well, I was just nearby and came to give a warning. If your business date is over, go do it somewhere else. I'm leaving.]
Ah, I guess I can let go of Ai now...? Despite my thoughts, my right hand still didn't release Ai. In fact, Ai had seemingly given up on escaping and was just nestled in my arms.
[You knew Arima?]
[We're the same age and have been in this industry since we were child actors. Of course I know her very well...]
[Well, try to get along.]
[I can't! Since long ago, she swept up every single role I wanted. Try to imagine! The feelings of an actor born in the same year as that genius child star....]
.....A genius, huh. To me, they both seem similar, and I think to a commoner, it's no exaggeration to say they're both geniuses.... As expected, her self-esteem is low.
[But... I won't lose now!]
.....Is that right?
[While Kana-chan was singing ridiculous songs like the Bell Pepper Exercise, I continued my acting practice! Ahahahaha... With the skills I've honed by learning from Yume-senpai and Ai-senpai's acting, the chance to settle this long-held grudge has finally arrived. I won't lose....]
[Actors... this one and that one... are so competitive.]
Aqua, are you really the one to say that?.... Uh... Ai?
I realized Ai was no longer in my arms and turned my head toward where Aqua and Akane were....
"Hello! Are you Kurogiri Akune-kun?!"
"Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ai was seen approaching Akane while naturally taking off her sunglasses, and seeing that, Aqua and I facepalmed at the same time.
Eventually, we ended up sitting together, watching Ai and Akane chat about this and that.
"Now, now, Kakune is Aqua's girlfriend, right?"
"Eh.. well.. A-Akane... it's Akane... No, not that, y-y-yes! That's right!"
"I see~! Ahahaha! A senior in the company can at least check on the girlfriend our junior is dating, right~!?"
"Yes! You're right!!"
Akane-san answered while breaking into a cold sweat. Unable to bear watching any longer, I—
"Stop that and come here."
"Kyat!!"
I grabbed Ai's clothes and pulled her to sit next to me. Somehow... with this setup, does it feel like a meeting between families...? No, did I go too far?
"P-P-P-Please! Both seniors are my idols! Would it be possible to get your autographs!?"
"Sure, sure! Where should I sign?"
"Ah, in my notebook...!"
Akane handed her notebook to Ai and me. That notebook happened to... very accidentally... contain information written about Ai and me.
".....Heh?"
"Ho."
The reactions from Ai and me were quite different. Ai gave a rather cold reaction, while I found it quite interesting. Well, it's only natural. No one really likes having someone dig into the past they want to hide... except for an outlier like me, I guess.
"You've investigated a lot about us, haven't you?"
I signed while patting Ai's head. Ai had a displeased expression, but once I stroked her head, she gave an autograph and handed the notebook to Akane, though she still looked a bit grumpy.
"Ah... yes! Since... you're people I admire, I did some research... no... I mean... for storytelling purposes...!"
"I don't really mind. So, was the price of getting our information worth it? Or do you still have questions you're curious about?"
I wonder how much you've read, Akane-san. Information on Ai... and information on me.
"...May I ask both of you?"
"Ai will pass."
"She says she'll pass. Shall I take it instead?"
"Ah... I'm sorry!!"
"It's fine! I just lost interest."
Ai's expression immediately shifted back to happiness as she started eating the ice cream I had ordered.
"Then... well... just a few things....."
"Go ahead."
"By any chance, Yume-senpai is.... ■■■■■■■■■■■■■?"
The moment I heard those words, my expression twisted to a severe degree.