What a long, strange trip its been.
Three months have passed since you began your new role as an idol manager.
Now it’s time time for you to face the owner of Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency, Matsuno Takechi, and hear from him how you’ve performed.
----------------------------------------
The elevator dings, you’ve arrived at the top floor of Matsuno HQ.
This upper-most floor is where the executives work, the members of the board meet, and where the office of the CEO and Owner, Matsuno Takechi, is.
A slogan in large lettering decorates the wall leading towards Matsuno’s office: ‘Excellence through focus.’
Right outside Matsuno’s office is the desk of his secretary, a woman in her late thirties by the name of Hada Midori.
Hada has been Matsuno’s secretary for as long as anyone can remember.
Even though Matsuno-san is a serial entrepreneur who founded and then sold many companies, Hada is always immediately offered a new position on any of his new ventures.
There’s even a special disclaimer in the sale contracts that state Hada Midori is excluded from any “employee poaching prevention” clauses.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/d058f160-f79c-4968-9eb3-f4234ecbeba8.png]
She’s irreplaceable, knows it, and dresses like it.
Her primary concern is comfort and her attire of choice is tracksuits.
It’s honestly absurd what she can get away with.
Some speculate she must have dirt on the company owner, but most people agree that she is just scarily good at her job and is deeply familiar with any business process used within past and current companies run by Matsuno Takechi.
She can and has run the company by herself.
Her networking skills are frightening to behold.
Hada reminds you of Matsui Tomo in a way, both are far more capable than they try to let on, but Hada is a lot scarier.
Or maybe Matsui is just better at hiding it.
Today is Wednesday, April 1st. 8:50 AM.
The secretary looks up from her work as you arrive, “Nagata-san, hello,” she says, gesturing towards a row of seats a short distance away from her desk, “Takechi will see you shortly, please take a seat.”
You swallow and take a seat, then look towards Hada, “Hada-san, Am I…”
“The first?” she answers with a soft smile, “You are. The other managers from the G.G.G. will have their performance review afterwards.”
She spoke the abbreviation in English for some reason.
“Gee…Gee… Gee?” you repeat.
“~Ara, did I say something I shouldn’t have?” says Hada, “How clumsy.”
She returns her attention back to her work, but continues speaking, ”I heard your idol’s handshaking event didn’t quite go as planned.”
You bite down on your lip and ball your fists. Darn.
What should’ve raised you up ended up dragging you down.
Part of you wants to laugh it off, say you’ll do better next time, but this is not the time or place to avoid responsibility – not in front of this kind of person.
Hada-san doesn’t strike you as anyone malicious, but just very calculating.
She even called Matsuno-san, the owner, by his given name: Takechi.
You have to assume your performance review has already begun.
That anything you say or do here will find its way to Matsuno-san.
“Yes,” you say matter-of-factly, “It went poorly. I failed to take into account my idol’s nature.”
You try to pick your words carefully. Any words that may seem like you’re absolving yourself of responsibility have to be purged from the sentence.
“Oh my, so determined,” replies Hada, “The company is not yet expecting return on investment, so don’t worry too much. For now.”
You nod and sit down in silence.
The only sound is the occasional typing on the keyboard and the pounding of your own beating heart.
The clock strikes 9:00 AM. It’s time for your appointment.
“Takechi will see you now,” says Hada, lounging backwards as she takes a sip of her coffee, “Good luck.”
You rise robotically, nerves eating away at you, “Yes!” you say, somewhat louder than intended.
As you march towards the door to Matsuno’s office, you hear Hada’s voice pipe up once more.
“Oh, and Nagata-san…” says Hada.
“Y-yes?” you reply, stopping abruptly.
“Do whatever feels right to you,” says Hada.
Strangely cryptic.
“Yes,” you say for the final time.
You open the door to Matsuno Takechi’s office.
----------------------------------------
The door opens to reveal an office stacked with bookshelves – and not the cheap kind.
Outfitted with solid, wooden furniture, among which floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a polished mahogany desk, this is clearly an office meant to impress and it does its job well.
The outer walls of this corner office have been broken away and replaced with large windows enjoying a view of the city.
There’s a lounge chair in front of those windows, you recognize it as a famous designer chair worth thousands of dollars.
This is the kind of office where one CEO would invite another.
It appears some negotiations begin far before even a word has been spoken.
And now you are here – as is Matsuno Takechi himself.
There’s a simple chair on the other side of the desk, probably meant for you
Matsuno himself is seated in a large, leather-backed office chair and he been watching you since you’ve come in.
Probably to see how you respond to this display of extravagance.
The lounge chair looks so comfortable – you wanna relax in it.
There’s hundreds of books on these shelves – you feel like glancing at the spines.
There’s some kind of modern art on the far wall – you wonder what it represents.
There’s a dozen things in here crying for your attention.
But you know deep down that it is not that these things are interesting, but more so that the performance review is daunting.
But there’s no running away from it.
Steeling your resolve, you speak, “Good morning, Matsuno-san,” you say, “I’m here for my performance review.”
“Good,” he says, waving a hand, “Sit.”
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Hyper-aware of your every movement, you make your way towards the desk and sit.
Matsuno sits upright with his hands clasped in front of him, “I’ve reviewed your file,” he says, “Kaiba Aoi.”
You nod, “Yes, sir,” you say, “I’ve been lucky to manage her.”
“So it seems,” he replies, “Voice-acting jobs, modelling, and a fair amount of in-house training. It seems like you are committed to her?”
How do you even respond to a question like that without sabotaging yourself.
'Yes' might result in him thinking you have no higher aspirations.
That you’re satisfied managing just the one idol.
'No' might result in him thinking you insensitive and unappreciative of your idol’s efforts.
“I try to put in my all for any idol that may find themselves under my supervision,” you say.
“Safe answer,” replies Matsuno, leaning back.
He stands, suddenly looking down on you, “Let me be frank with you.”
“Kaiba Aoi is an excellent practice idol,” he says, his tone shifting.
The sudden change in attitude takes you by surprise, “…Practice idol, sir?” you say.
This is a human being you’re talking about. It feels somewhat cold to talk about them in that way.
Matsuno begins to pace around the room as he speaks, “I’m sure you realize that, regardless of any attachment you may have to Kaiba-san, that her potential isn’t infinite. You’ll need to trade up at some point. She’s what we in the business call a ‘Practice Idol’. She’s perfect for that. Reserved, obedient, hard-working. All traits that are excellent for a practice idol.“
This man’s view of idols, of people, is so at odds with yours that it leaves you stunned.
“Your performance thus far, although not the best I’ve seen, has been adequate. Especially when compared to your peers,” he says, “But, let’s be honest, they basically sabotaged themselves. Matsuno Kojiro was ignorant of the significance of the butterfly effect in our industry, how a tiny rumour can blow up into a career-ending scandal, and Yukimore Kyoden was too trusting.”
Adequate. That’s good, right? He didn’t make it sound very good.
”Too trusting, sir?” you ask.
“Yes,” replies Matsuno with a wave of the hand, “He came from a department where each employee did exactly what they needed to do. He could be sure that if he ordered something done – it would be done. His current idol, Ichihara Riko, says she’ll do something, but then doesn’t. In summary, he wasn’t ready for the self-absorbed whims of a teenage girl.”
”Unfortunately for him, we deal with a lot of those here in the idol industry,” he adds, chuckling to himself.
This is a bad question to ask, but your curiosity is too much to bear.
“What will happen to them,” you ask, “I’d hate to see them demoted because of things outside their control.”
“Dealing with things outside your control is your job,” he says, raising an eyebrow, then a smirk creeps on his face, “But I’m glad you asked.”
“It’s too early to stop the experiment,” he says, “They’re both going to get another chance. Though they’ll both be, once again, managing a single idol. Unlike you.”
“Eh?” you say.
The tone and subject matter of the conversation is shifting soo wildly it’s hard to keep up.
“Nagata Miho,” he says, with a professional smile on his lips, “Let me be the first to congratulate you on your successful completion of your trial period. You now have permission to recruit and manage up to three idols. You could start you very own idol group if you wanted to.”
Your mind briefly wanders as you imagine Kaiba being in a happy, go-lucky idol groups – dancing and singing.
The image doesn’t come easy, but perhaps a gloomy band?
“You will also receive an extra $50.000 for your budget,” he says, “You can use this to host a round of auditions or spend it in any other way you see fit.”
A promotion and more budget, that’s great.
“Thank you,” you say somewhat bewildered.
The man returns to his leather-backed chair, “Don’t thank me yet,” he says, “There is more I have to say.”
“I mentioned earlier how great of an idol Kaiba-san was, yes?” he begins.
The term he used was ‘Practice Idol’, but you refuse to use that term yourself, “Yes,” you reply.
“Well, as I mentioned the other managers weren’t so lucky,” he says.
You begin to put together where this conversation is heading.
“You are aware that Matsuno Kojiro is my nephew, yes?” he continues.
Oh, no.
“I am aware, yes,” you reply.
“And it is perfectly understandable I’d like to provide my family with the same opportunities that you enjoyed, yes?” he says.
You feel like your grip on the situation is slipping as you are continuously pigeonholed into one seemingly correct answer.
“Yes,” you say as you feel sweat begin to bead on the sides of your face.
Idols moving between managers is nothing new in the industry.
In fact, it’s not even uncommon for idols to move between agencies.
“And this is where this offer comes in,” says Matsuno.
Offer implies choice. Right?
”I would appreciate it if you would be willing to release Kaiba from your management,” he says, “And transfer her to my nephew’s supervision. My brother ensures that my nephew has been working hard on his idol management studies and I’d like to provide him with an idol that is …easy to handle.”
Your mouth opens to speak, but the man quickly continues.
“Of course this wouldn’t be for free,” he adds, “Despite the fact that Kaiba’s contract is with my agency, I do feel the need to reward you for your efforts. In exchange for Kaiba Aoi I will grant an additional $50.000 to your budget and pay for the first round of local auditions. In essence, you would be receiving an additional $100.000 worth of value. A sum of $150.000 if you add $50.000 you’re already receiving.”
You can’t help but feel a bit nauseated by how this man is speaking about Kaiba – like he’s buying fish at the fish market.
“Finally,” he says, spinning the words like it’s a cherry on top, “I would consider it a personal favour.”
“This feels like such a cruel thing to do to Kaiba-san…” you say.
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that,” replies Matsuno, “Her potential is limited. My suggestion would be to take the offer. It’ll help you career, but I won’t hold it against you if you were the decline, that trait – your attachment and involvement with people – is precisely why we gave you a shot at becoming a manager to begin with.”
Matsuno Takechi clasps his hands together and rests them in front of him, “You’ve sown the seeds and raised her well, but now it’s time to reap the rewards.”
You’ve worked at Matsuno Inc. for years, but somehow never realized that this is what upper management is like – so uncaring and cold.
You had hoped they'd be different somehow. After all, they're making dreams come true.
That didn't seem to be the case.
Honestly, the fact that they converted an idol’s entire sense of being, down to her personality, into a sheet of numbers should’ve been telling.
Taking the offer would definitely help your career, there’s no doubt about that.
You’d do the CEO a big favour, get a free round of auditions, and an additional $50.000 for your budget.
On the other hand, it feels so cruel to Kaiba-san.
She’s a shy, awkward, mess of a girl that’s only just now coming out of her shell.
The live-vlog thing is entirely novel to the company and has the potential of becoming a huge asset.
She has potential beyond her numbers, you’re sure of it, though you fear she may never grow out of her fear of interacting with fans.
It’s not an easy decision to make, but you will gain the ability to manage several idols either way.
> META
>
> >1 - Accept the offer. Lose Kaiba Aoi, but gain $100.000 + a free round of auditions.
> >2 - Decline the offer. Keep Kaiba Aoi and gain $50.000
> >3 - Make a scene. The way they treat people is disgusting. Quit and start your own agency*
>
> *You will be able to bring up to two characters (employees or idols) with you – though they have to agree.
>
> Winner
> >2 - Decline the offer. Keep Kaiba Aoi and gain $50.000
Ultimately the question came down to who do you put first: your career or your idol?
There’s no doubt that Matsuno Kojiro would initially do his best for Kaiba, but there’s a good chance that he shares his uncle’s 'Practice Idol' mindset and he would replace her with somebody else before long.
Until that second person eventually replaces her as well and so and so forth.
The idea of Kaiba being relegated to a set of training wheels is too much to bear.
“Thank you for the offer,” you say, watching Matsuno’s smile slip from his face, “But I will take my changes with Kaiba. She might not be perfect, but we’ll do the best we can.”
Matsuno Takechi takes a breath and exhales heavily, “Very well,” he says, “I had hoped you’d be more … ambitious, but I guess I was wrong.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” you say, “But faced with a decision like this I can’t help but put people first.”
Matsuno folds his arms, “I suppose that’s where we differ,” he says, then extends a hand, “I look forward to your progress. Try to surprise me.”
You take the offered hand and shake it, “I’ll try my best. Until next time.”
“Until next time,” repeats Matsuno, dismissing you.
You leave the CEO’s office behind, confident that you’ve done right by Kaiba.
Passing down the hallway, you wave goodbye to Hada Midori and return back to your office.
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----------------------------------------
It’s time decide the planning for the next two weeks, but you also notice you’ve received three new messages.
One is from Kaiba Aoi:
Hello manager-san / Nagata-san,
I would humbly like to request a moment of your time – if you don’t mind.
I have something I want to do and I’d like your permission first.
It’s nor urgent or anything, so just whenever it feels right to you.
I’ll try to make it quick, sorry.
Kaiba Aoi
----------------------------------------
Another one is from Kitabayashi Yui
Miho-chaaaaan,
All the serious stuff is done, right?
You promised we’d go out into town!
How’d your review thing go?
Are we celebrating or drinking in regret?
Either is fine with me.
XOXOXO,
Yui
----------------------------------------
The final one is from an external account.
Hello Nagata-san,
My name is Fujiwara Miki.
I’m not sure if you remember me, but we met several months ago during the auditions of Blood Blockade at Studio Bones Animation.
Thanks again for your help back then, your support gave me the strength to keep pushing on as an aspiring idol.
I’ve been more careful with my voice since then.
I was there at Kaiba-san’s handshaking event, but didn’t see you there.
While present I also got to shake Kaiba-san’s hand, but it didn’t seem like she remembered me – well, we didn’t speak back then so it’s to be expected.
She seemed a bit down back then, is she okay?
I had hoped to speak with you in-person back then, but am instead reaching using the email on the business card you gave me during the auditions.
I hope that’s okay.
I apologize if this seems rude, but I wanted to request the opportunity for an open audition as an idol at the Matsuno Idol Agency.
Thank you for reading.
Kind regards,
Fujiwara Miki
----------------------------------------
> A new month as arrived!
> You have to pay Kaiba’s salary! (-$5.000)
> You've gained +$50.000 budget for succesfully completing the trial period.
>
> Budget: $122.900
> Date: April 1, 2015
>
> Time ticks forever onwards.
> What’s your plan for the next two weeks?
>
> NOTE: We are no longer using energy, but instead use stress
> Every two weeks idol stress is automatically reduced by 30.
> Extra ways to reduce stress will be added in the future.
>
> Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi
> >1 - Have Kaiba work on her SKILL_HERE using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)
> >2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba
> >3 - Write-in
>
> Manager Task: Nagata Miho
> >1 - Write-in
>
> Email - Kaiba Aoi
> >1 - Meet with Kaiba right away
> >2 - Schedule meeting later this month
> >3 - Write-in
>
> Email - Kitabayashi Yui
> >1 - Agree to go drinking today
> >2 - Tell her you don’t want to today, some other time maybe
> >3 - Write-in
>
> Email - Fujiwara Miki
> >1 - Agree to schedule an open audition for Fujiwara
> >2 - Tell her that you are happy with her interest, but she should apply for official auditions like everybody else.
> >3 - Write-in
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> Winner
> >1 - Have Kaiba work on her ACTING using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)
> >Find a dedicated moderator for Kaiba
> >1 - Meet with Kaiba right away
> >1 - Agree to go drinking today
> >2 - Tell her that you are happy with her interest, but she should apply for official auditions like everybody else.
>
> Host a round of local auditions?
> >Yes
>
> ACTING ROLL
> Rolled 96 (1d100)
> Rolled 5 (1d10)
Now that you’re allowed to manage multiple idols, the first order of business is to send a quick message to Matsui Tomo.
You request another round of local auditons.
Matsui reports that she’ll get right on it and to expect the results in two weeks time.
> Cost of local auditions -$50.000
> Budget: $72.900
Browsing through the messages, it’s clear that you have a lot of work ahead of you.
To Kaiba you send a short message to meet right away, she can drop into your office at her earliest convenience.
As far as the drinking with Kitabayashi Yui is concerned, you send her a message to meet after work.
It’s likely that’ll you’ll recruit additional idols in the weeks to come, so any information she can give you about her own idol career is appreciated.
Finally, you decide that you’d rather not give any potential idol preferential treatment.
If Fujiwara Miki wants to be an idol employed by the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency then she has to apply for the local auditions just like everybody else.
It’s been several months since the last round of auditions, so you can’t really hold it against that she tried to apply through email.
You mention to her that another round of auditions will be taking place in the upcoming week and that she should keep her eyes peeled.
----------------------------------------
There’s a careful knock at the door within the hour.
”It’s me,” says Kaiba Aoi, carefully, “Uh, Kaiba Aoi.”
You’ve been working together for over three months now.
”I figured,” you reply, “I could tell by the voice. Come in.”
Kaiba shuffles into the room, eyes set on the floor and avoiding your gaze.
Nevertheless, she seems to be able to swiftly manoeuvre herself to the chair opposing your desk.
She’s dressed in her usual shades of grey with a thick sweater to keep her warm.
“How are the vlogs going?” you ask.
“Ah, well,” says Kaiba, “Not bad, I think. We had almost three thousand viewers yesterday.”
Three thousand is nothing to scoff at, but the company hasn’t yet found a good way to make a profit on all those viewers.
Marketing is suggesting you do in-stream advertisements.
Not banners or anything, but having Kaiba physically interact with a sponsored product.
“That’s great,” you say and hold up a hand for a high-five.
Despite working together for many months, you feel like haven’t gotten any closer to Kaiba.
Perhaps getting used to small gestures like a high-five will help her be less anxious.
Unfortunately, her eyes remain fixated on the ground and you slowly lower your hand.
Eager to forget about that, you change the subject, “You had something you wanted to talk about?”
“Oh, eh, yes,” she says, nodding, but then goes quiet again.
Whatever it is, it must be difficult to her.
You remember that idols usually get paid according to their fame and marketability, but Kaiba hasn’t gotten a single increase in pay despite steady progress in her fame.
Perhaps that’s what this is about.
Just as you attempt to voice the unspoken question for her, Kaiba begins to speak.
“…C-can,” she begins, then swallows, “W-would y-you, well, ah…”
”If it’s okay with you, then, well,” she continues, “I’d like to introduce you to my parents.”
“Eh?” you reply. That was quite unexpected.
However, it’s a small matter even though you don’t yet know why.
You lead with approval and then ask the reason after.
“Sure,” you say, pulling up your calendar for the appoint, “When and what for?”
Kaiba relaxes somewhat when she notices your casual response.
But then begins to wring her hands, “You see, I told my parents about trying to be an idol…”
“You aren an idol, Kaiba,” you interject, “Not trying to be, but already are.”
She nods, but doesn’t seem entirely convinced, “They’ve known from the start, but I don’t think they ever took it seriously,” she says, “I think they were just glad I wasn’t stuck in my room all day anymore.”
“Yesterday my dad told me it’s time for me to either go to college or find a job,” says Kaiba, a somewhat defeated look on her face, “I told him I have a job, but then he said I should stop playing around.”
It’s honestly understandable that her parents might have doubts.
Kaiba Aoi and a career as an idol, even though true, seem like an odd pairing.
”How about showing them your payslips?” you say, “Then they must admit it’s a proper job.”
Kaiba shakes her head lightly, “I tried,” she says, “My mom said it’s too big of an amount for somebody like me. She even cried, she thinks I’ve gotten involved in something illegal or shady.”
For the first time since you’ve known her, you watch as Kaiba becomes visibly angry.
“I’ve shown them the modelling photos, the anime episode I had voice lines in, and even videos from the handshaking events. Hundreds of people – come to see ME,” she cries, then simmers down a bit, “…My dad says it’s not a real job. That I should go to college to study something I can depend on in the future. That I should stop wasting time doing something I’m not cut out for…”
As much as it angers you that this father of her is trying grind Kaiba’s dream to dust – he does have a point.
You’re reminded of Kitabayashi Yui and how she lucked out with a HR job at Matsuno after her idol career.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Truth is that there are many idols that retire and spend years picking up the pieces of their shattered lives – if at all.
Some are able to coast by using the fame they built up until that point, far more fade into obscurity.
Although family affairs aren’t really your business, you can tell that this bothers Kaiba a fair bit and if a fifteen minute conversation with her parents can fix things then so be it.
“Sure, let me know when they’re available and I’ll schedule an appointment,” you say.
“I’ll ask them tonight,” replies Kaiba, then gives you a shallow bow, “Thank you.”
It’s easy to forget sometimes that everybody at work also has entirely life that happens outside the office.
How well do you know Kaiba, really? Does she have brothers or sisters?
Any pets or hobbies? For somebody that prides themselves on being a people person you know remarkably little about the person you spend the most time with.
Perhaps you should invite Kaiba to come drinking with you and Kitabayashi Yui in an effort to get to know each other a little better.
It is supposed to be a celebration for becoming a proper manager after all and there’s nobody here who had a bigger part in your success than Kaiba.
Then again, Kaiba is too young to drink, but might feel obligated to join you even if she actually doesn’t like going to bars or clubbing.
Actually, Matsui Tomo, your assistant, was a massive help as well.
Without her you might've never gotten your bearings in the idol world.
> META
>
> >1 - Invite Kaiba to join
> >2 - Ask Kaiba something else…
> >3 - Say goodbye for now
>
> Winner
> >2 - Invite Matsui to join
> >2 - Ask Kaiba something else… The note
Thinking back to the handshaking event, you recall that Kaiba received some kind of note from one of the fans.
Whatever was written on that note had come after a whisper that her blushing like nothing else.
“Before you go,” you say, noticing Kaiba had turned towards the door, “I noticed that you receive some kind of note at the handshaking event. Is there anything I should know?”
Once again, there’s the signs when she remembers the moment.
The fidgeting, ears turning red, and she seems unable to meet your eyes as she speaks, “No,” she says, “There’s nothing.”
There’s obviously something going on, but pressing any harder might be an invasion of privacy.
”Are you familiar with the saying 'an idol is married to her fans'?” you say.
“Eh?” she says, “Married? I’ve never heard of that saying…”
It shouldn’t be this way, but you know that’s just how things are.
An idol shouldn’t be in a relationship lest her fans find out and raise hell.
All those must know that there’s no chance that the idol would date them, right?
Perhaps it’s more the knowledge that even if they don’t have her – nobody else has either.
You assume they take solace in the fact there’s no other guy being handsy with their beloved idol.
Like a beautiful statue on a high pedestal – equally out of reach for everybody.
“It means that you shouldn’t get too familiar with any fan in particular,” you explain, “That you belong to all fans equally. That you abstain from any external relationships.”
Kaiba’s shoulders slump as one arm hangs limp while gripped by the other, “What about friends?”
You shake your head, “What is just a friend to you might seem like so much more to your fans,” you say, “Remember Maki-chan? All it took was one picture. Work friends might be okay. As are other girls, I suppose. Just be careful with male friends.”
Kaiba nods, but you can tell she isn’t too happy.
”Is there anything else?” she asks.
“We’ll have you work on your acting these two weeks,” you say, hoping to end the conversation on a brighter note.
Kaiba nods again, “Okay,” she says.
She seems eager to leave, so you decide not to hold her any longer.
“That’ll be all,” you say, “I’ll make sure to talk to your parents.”
Kaiba looks towards you with a bitter smile, “Thanks,” she says.
Then she leaves while trying her best to hide her disappointment.
----------------------------------------
Once the door closes, you exhale heavily and slump into your seat.
”I’m ready for those drinks now,” you announce to the empty room.
You could really use a break, but you probably aren’t the only one.
After a moment of effort you manage to drag yourself out of your chair, out of the office, and toward’s Matsui’s desk.
Matsui is in her usual navy-blue suit, but far from usual is the look on her face – which is twisted in concern.
“Nagata-san,” she says, “Is Kaiba-san alright? She seemed very down. More than usual, I mean.”
You sigh, “I hope so,” you say, “I had to remind her that idols shouldn’t mingle with people, least of all fans. To prevent rumours and all that. It seems like she made a friend that she now has to break contact with.”
Face set with a pained grimace, Matsui speaks, “It’s the way of the industry,” she says, “All smoke, mirrors, and pandering.”
That's one way to put it.
“I was thinking I would be thankful for a break and I wondered if you could use one as well,” you say, “Me and Yui, ah, Kitabayashi Yui from HR, are going into town to have some drinks and talk about idol stuff for a bit. I was wondering if you’d like to come.”
Matsui thinks for a moment, “I’d be willing,” she says, “But I’m not one for big, crowded places. I prefer private gatherings like a Nomikai or a small bar.”
You honestly don’t know what Yui has planned.
Knowing her, she probably made no plans at all and is ready to bar-hop and eventually bar-crawl into the late, dark hours of the day.
Suppose that means it’s up to you.
> Decision
> >1 - Visit a host(ess) club
> >2 - Visit a nightclub (Matsui won’t join)
> >3 - Visit a bar made for Nomikai (Drinking in private rooms with small groups)
> >4 - Visit a public bar where everyone sits in one room
> >5 - Visit a karaoke place where they serve alcohol
>
> Winner
> >5 - Visit a karaoke place where they serve alcohol
”I’m thinking something along the lines of karaoke,” you say.
“Like back in high school?” replies Masui, “How nostalgic. Sounds fun. I’ll be there.”
“Great,” you say, “We’ll meet in front of the building after work.”
Matsui agrees and you both return to work.
----------------------------------------
Several hours pass and the work day comes to a close.
You’re waiting outside the office building alongside Matsui.
It’s not exactly cold, but rather chilly.
You pull your coat together tight and button it up.
Kitabayashi is late.
Matsui leans in, “We were meeting in front of the building, right?”
You nod, “That’s what we agreed upon.”
Then you hear a voice pipe up from behind, “Sorry I’m late!”
You figured she had some work to finish up back in the office, but Kitabayashi actually approaches from the direction of parking area.
It seems like she had gone home a bit earlier and replaced her office attire with something else.
It occurs to you that you forgot to send Kitabayashi a quick message about the planned destination.
Judging by her clothing, you assume she had something else in mind.
It’s clear that whatever plans she had aren’t gonna work out and she doesn’t look too happy about it.
“Ah, Yui-chan, you’re here,” you say, gesturing towards Matsui, “Have you met Matsui-san? My assistant?”
Matsui provides Kitabayashi with a shallow bow, “Hello Kitabayashi-san,” she says, then turns to you, “I was actually the assistant to Kitabayashi-san’s manager a few years ago, back when she was still active as an idol, so we’re well acquittanced.”
Well, both of them have been involved with the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency for longer than you have, so them being acquainted isn’t all that surprising.
“I invited Matsui along since we’re sorta celebrating my promotion as a manager, like you said in the email,” you say.
“Hello again, Matsui-san,” replies Kitabayashi with a shallow bow, then sighs.
She drops formality and hugs you, “Mihoooo,” she says in mournful tones, “I thought I was gonna have you to myself! I had things planned, you know?”
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/19554dc0-7892-4905-9942-b48df4c137f1.png]
“I’m sorry, Yui-chan,” you say, “If I knew you were going through all this effort I wouldn’t have made plans of my own.”
Kitabayashi folds her arms, feigning frustration as she looks away, “It’s fine,” she says, “I wanted to surprise you.”
Matsui Tomo seems to take the entire exchange in stride, but then a thought seems to occur to her as a smirk creeps onto her face, “Ah, I’m sorry, Nagata-san. I didn’t know you were … like that,” she says, hiding her smile behind a hand, “I can leave if you want, I don’t mind.”
The sudden implication has your face turning crimson.
”I’m not!” you declare perhaps a tad too loudly, “We’re not like that!”
You just have to hope this doesn’t result in any weird rumours.
“Ah, rejected again,” says Kitabayashi while leaning away as if recoiling from an invisible blow.
Matsui walks forward with faked concern and embraces Kitabayashi, “There, there,” she says, “I can’t believe Nagata-san would hurt you like that. Here I was thinking I got to know her a little over the past months.”
Kitabayashi whimpers, “She’s so cruel, isn’t he?”
Matsui nods sagely, “Terribly so, terribly so.”
It seems that they’ve already united against you.
You sigh, “Yes, yes,” you say with exasperation, “Demon here.”
”I’m sorry about your plans, Yui-chan, but I made reservations at a karaoke place,” you say.
“They serve drinks?” ask Kitabayashi.
“Yes,” you say.
“You’re still buying, right?” replies Kitabayashi.
You sigh, “Yes, I am. That hasn’t changed.”
“For Matsui-san as well?” adds Kitabayashi.
“How generous,” says Matsui, “I sure have a great boss, don’t I?”
Dealing with these two is tiring you out, “Fine. Let’s just go, shall we?”
“I suppose I’ll forgive you, Miho-chan,” says Kitabayashi.
Together you all catch a taxi together and set out towards the Karaoke place.
----------------------------------------
Kaiba Aoi sits alone in the small office used for her live-vlogs.
She finished today’s vlog just a few minutes earlier and is watching the chat die down.
A wandering eye finds the window overlooking the entrance of the office where she sees her manager, the assistant, and some other girl in a red dress walk off towards the street where they hail a cab.
Kaiba sighs as she watches them leave.
A sharp noise echoes from her computer. A message notification.
Small smile on her face, Kaiba eagerly replies.
----------------------------------------
Before long the three of you finds yourself in a wide karaoke booth.
The lightning is somewhat subdued, but the ceiling is filled with various lights that’ll likely start to swing and flicker in tune with the music once it starts.
A small flatscreen TV hangs from the ceiling with the words “Pick a song!” softly moving up and down in the centre of the screen.
Four microphones rest in their holders, clamped to a large table with rounded corners.
Lining all walls save for the one with the entrance is a massive, cushioned, u-shape booth.
Finally there’s a small speaker attached to the table with a button.
It buzzes noisily when pressed, which it immediately does because Kitabayashi presses it.
“Three beers!” she shouts into the receiver.
The voice on the other side acknowledges the order and says they’re on their way.
Kitabayashi seems determined to start out strong.
You turn to Matsui, “Are you okay with beer, Matsui-san?” you ask, “I can ask them to change the order?”
Matsui waves your concerns aside, “Beer is fine,” she says, “Feel free to relax. We’re not at the office right now. We’re celebrating, right?”
You nod, but you can’t help but be somewhat on guard when it comes to Kitabayashi and drinking.
“Don’t chicken out, Miho!” shouts Kitabayashi while she uses some kind of remote to flick through the karaoke numbers on the screen, “We’re drinking today!”
You sit down on one of the large benches, tilting your head back as Kitabayashi rants in the distance about the song selection on the karaoke machine.
The door opens to reveal a man in his late twenties with what will be generously called the man’s best attempt at a goatee.
He’s carrying a large tray with the order, “Three beers?” the man announces carefully.
“Yes!” cries Kitabayashi in confirmation.
The man nods, puts down the beers on the able, and departs.
“Uwaaa,” cries Kitabayashi, “They’re massive.”
There’s probably at least half a litre of beer in each of these.
“Gather up, gather up,” shouts Kitabayashi.
You, Matsui, and Kitabayashi stand around the table and Kitabayashi slides a beer to both you and Matsui.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/dc02702d-ff25-45a4-a91e-783999df3ade.png]
Kitabayashi hoists the glass mug of the table, spilling some in the process, but seeming unbothered by it.
She clears her throat noisily, “Eh-he-he-hum,” she begins, “We have gathered here today because my darling little Miho-chan has taken her first steps in showbusiness and completed the probationary period to become an idol manager. We are here to celebrate and drink on her expense while wishing her good fortune in her trials to come!”
”But mostly to drink on her expense,” she adds quickly, then cheers loudly, “OOOOOoooooo!”
“Ooooooooo,” echoes Matsui, but more reserved.
Kitabayashi can be such a dork sometimes, but you recognize the gesture was made in good faith and find yourself smiling before you know it, “OOOOOOoooo!” you cry.
The three of you bring your mugs of beer together and, as your glasses clink together, toast to the future.
Immediately after Kitabayashi begins chugging down her beer.
You turn to Matsui to share your horror only to find Matsui doing the exact same while she smiles at you with just her eyes.
> META
>
> >1 - Take it slow and drink at your own pace.
> >2 - Chug down this one, but slow down after that.
> >3 - It’s your celebration and YOU’RE PAYING. Bottoms up!
>
> Winner
> >2 - Chug down this one, but slow down after that.
It’s not really your thing, but just one can’t hurt.
You upend the mug and down the contents in several large gulps.
“Uwaaa, Miho-chan, I can’t believe you did that,” says Kitabayashi.
She stares at the collection of empty mugs for a moment, then presses the little button on the table again, “Three more beers!”
“Understood,” says a tired voice emanating from the speaker, “On their way.”
Moments later three more of those half litre mugs decorate the table.
Kitabayashi raises hers with glee, “Cheers!” she shouts, but you grab hold of the mug and gently guide it back down to the table.
“Let’s maybe slow down a bit, Yui-chan,” you say.
Kitabayashi Yui frowns, “But we barely started,” she says, “I mean, they’re not that expensive…”
“Money isn’t he issue,” you cut in, “You said you would be willing to tell me about your time as an idol.”
Kitabayashi scoffs, “Sure, I guess…” she says with a trailing voice, “But karaoke first!”
“Yui…” you say.
Matsui picks up her mug and sips it, “I was very much under the impression that,” she says, gesturing at the room around you, “Karaoke is what we came here to do.”
You sigh, “Fine, fine,” you say, “Yui, you can start.”
Kitabayashi downs half the contents of her mug before you can even make a comment, “Okay!” she says, picking up a microphone, then winks, “Here’s me as an idol.”
The song she picked was actually fairly popular last year, back in 2014, Mirai to wa? by the idol group SKE48.
What’s surprising however is that… she’s good.
Of course you knew she was an idol at some point, but you had somehow convinced yourself she must’ve been a bad one, but that’s not the case.
Maybe just one that isn’t all that good at singing or dancing.
However, that isn’t the case at all – quite the opposite really.
Kitabayashi is hitting all the notes and performing what you assume to be the correct choreography without running out of breath.
Moving like that whilst trying to sing would leave you panting into the microphone, unable to vocalize a single word.
At some point she turns around to face the television to keep an eye on the lyrics, keeping both you and Matsui at her back.
You lean in towards Matsui and speak in a loud whisper, “What’s going on? She’s good, right?”
Matsui nods, “She’s great, always has been,” she replies, sipping from her drink.
You look back towards the person you shared a HR office with for years that somehow hid this whole side of her from you.
“Then why?” you ask Matsui, “How come she retired so early?”
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/6af9c4e7-fb04-49c6-ac6d-f5fc314710e2.png]
Matsui raises a singular eyebrow, as if you asked a question you already know the answer to.
”Kitabayashi Yui manifested scandals through sheer force of existence,” says Matsui, “She had a public relations manager dedicated entirely to her and would’ve had two if one hadn’t quit because of burn-out. It still wasn’t enough. The company tried really hard to protect her, she was just that good, but no luck.”
“She would endorse some brand during a commercial, forget about it, and complain about that very same brand when acting as a guest star on some talk show,” adds Matsui.
“At some point there were so many liability fees due and lawsuits against her that the only thing the company could do was cut ties with her as an idol,” concludes Matsui.
That’s harsh, but somehow not surprising.
Despite the fact that this is something she did to herself, you feel a pang of regret for her sake.
Kitabayashi has always been incredibly expressive and unrestrained with her opinions and feelings, but it seems that’s what did her in as an idol.
You wrinkle your nose and grimace, “All those scandals, were there any, like, you know – romantic ones?”
Matsui shrugs, “A few, but most of them were misunderstandings. Just Kitabayashi-san being herself and being physical with other idols has a lot of people spinning in today’s society. They always assume something was up. Idol fanatics love to gossip.”
“That must’ve been hard on her fans,” you say, thinking back to the reaction of Maki Sumi’s fans.
“Well, they got numb to it as some point,” replies Matsui, “I remember that the slogan of one of her fan clubs was: Here we are, getting hurt again!”
You gave Matsui a look.
“Really,” replies Matsui with a shrug, “They would carry banners with things like: 0 days without heartbreak.”
Masochists.
You whisper a quick prayer of gratitude that most of Kaiba’s fans aren’t weird like that.
“Does a past like that just go away?” you ask.
An idol with a troubled past going on to work at the same agency must’ve raised some complaints.
Kitabayashi’s performance comes to an end before long.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/f3c1bb9f-928f-4bd5-bd09-d38b5aac8b39.png]
Matsui applauds and smiles at Kitabayashi, before leaning in towards you for the final time, “Kitabayashi isn’t her original name,” she says casually, then goes back to applauding.
Huh? Yui messed up so bad she was forced to change her name?
Her entire identity ripped from her because she was just being herself?
This was clearly some kind of secret. Was Matsui allowed to just share something like this?
What happened to Kitabayashi’s original friends or family? Was she forced to drop those too?
Kitabayashi walks over and takes a deep swig of her beer and gasps for air afterwards whilst still breathing hard, “Pah!”
Beads of sweat decorate her face.
”How was it?” she says, “Impres--”
Concern briefly lines her face, but she then breaks into a smile whilst walking towards you.
“Your eyes are all red!” she shouts, then wraps an arm around your shoulder, “Did you cry? Was it that good?”
You sniffle, “I just drank too fast earlier, I’m not used to drinking.”
Kitabayashi pats you on the shoulder a few times, “Your turn,” she says, “Just pick a loud song and get all those pesky feelings out!”
“I told you that wasn’t it,” you shout, somewhat embarrassed.
Kitabayashi waves the comment aside while she empties out the remains of her own drink before eying yours, “You gonna finish that?”
You scowl and hastily pick up the mug, only to take a few careful sips, “Just get another one,” you say, “I’m paying remember?”
Kitabayashi breaks into a smile, “Aye, aye,” she says, performing a mock salute, “Go sing.”
“One for me as well,” says Matsui from a short distance away, an empty mug swaying beneath her fingers.
You stride towards the karaoke machine filled with confidence.
Unfortunately, said confidence seems to drain from you with each step.
You haven’t really done karaoke since high school.
Now you have to perform before a former idol and your own assistant?
> META
>
> >1 - Just try your best despite the nerves (1d100-20)
> >2 - Empty your mug to fill yourself with liquid courage and then sing (1d100+20)
> >3 - Decline to sing. It’s just too darn embarrassing.
>
> There’s no failure. Only degrees of success.
>
> Drinking will influence short-term decision making.
> Whether this is good or bad depends entirely on your point of view.
>
> Winner
>
> >2 - Empty your mug to fill yourself with liquid courage and then sing (1d100+20)
>
> Rolled 82 (1d100) + 20 = 102
How do you follow up on a performance like the one Kitabayashi just did?
Nobody can realistically expect you compete with an idol, right?
Ah, this is so stressful. You hurry back to the table and slam down your beer.
The display has Matsui somewhat concerned and Kitabayashi cheering.
You spin back around and head towards the karaoke machine, you blink a few times as you wait for information on the screen swims back into focus.
There’s a lot of songs in here that would be socially acceptable to try and even fail at.
However, you’re not confident at any of them. That won’t do. You need to upstage a former idol.
Then, amidst your hectic scrolling through the song library, you find a song you recognize.
It’ll maybe put a dent in your reputation as a perfect little HR member, but that doesn’t matter right now.
At least it’s not as bad as some of the other songs you listen to in your own time.
You select the song and the screen flickers while the machine loads up your song.
The speakers tease with a guitar riff before they boom out a complete collection of guitar, bass, and drums.
The musicians on screen dressed like maids seem a hard contrast to the rock song they bring forth.
BAND-MAID might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is yours.
More than anything, the song you selected, Thrill, is one you actually know the lyrics of.
If you had felt less courageous, you might’ve opted with a pop song or the intro song to a popular anime that you watched in times past.
However, with the strength of alcohol powering your will, you are free to make decisions which may seem questionable in hindsight.
You sing your way through the song. There isn’t much in terms of choreography to the song, but you swing your hips in tune with the music while trying to focus on the lyrics.
Although you’ve kept your eyes on the screen for lyrics for the most part, you manage to sneak a peek towards your audience when the chorus rolls around.
Even with liquid courage powering your performance, there was a part of you that feared their reaction, but it seems those concerns were unfounded – both Matsui and Kitabayashi seem ecstatic and are signing along with the chorus.
The sight fills you with warmth and you finish the rest of the song riding an unfamiliar high.
The song ends with a final, sharp riff.
You sigh in both satisfaction and relief, turning around Kitabayashi is already rushing up to hug you.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/dd0b19e5-f03b-477d-b621-15a652105eff.png]
“Uwaaaa,” she says in a trembling voice, “That was sooo good!”
Matsui graces you with a light applause, a smile on her lips, “I must admit that surprised me, manager-san. Here I was thinking I was lucky that had to follow up you rather than an idol.”
Pride overwhelms you, “Yesh,” you say smugly, your speech unsteady, “Praise me m-more.”
“Ah~, we’re losing her,” says Kitabayashi.
Matsui pouts, “Well, they do say everyone handles fame differently,” says Matsui, “If anything I’m impressed she managed to sing the song without slurring.
Kitabayashi walks over to the table and presses the button, “More! More!” she shouts into the receiver.
“Er,” replies the voice coming from the receiver, “That’s nearly five liters of beer in fifteen minutes. Are you sure?”
Frowning, Kitabayashi shouts into the receiver, “We’ve only just gotten started!”
It appears that Kitabayashi intends to go home in a wheelbarrow today and will likely have you joining her fate if its up to her.
You blink a few times as you take a moment to mentally form a sentence, “Let’s calm down a little,” you say, “You were gonna tell us about your idol career.”
“Some shots first?” asks Kitabayashi.
Yeah, it seems like you can’t keep up with Kitabayashi when it comes to drinking.
”Maybe after,” you say, trying to keep her hopes up.
The same employee from earlier, carrying another round of beers, comes by and eyes all of you with concern, “Try and make them last,” he says before leaving.
Over the next half hour Kitabayashi speaks at length about her halted career as an idol while you all nurse your drinks.
It seems she was scouted by a modelling agency back when she was sixteen and steadily build up fame throughout high school.
Once she graduated high school she wanted to expand into singing and dancing.
Her agency had ties to the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency and after a few round of negotiations, Matsuno Inc. bought out her contract and recruited her as a proper idol.
She enjoyed some limited success as an idol as she followed the plan that Matsuno Inc had prepared for her.
They had her do modelling shoots, star in commercials, and appear on guest shows while they were hard at work trying to round up all the necessary ingredients to form a proper band around Kitabayashi.
Meanwhile, Kitabayashi was spending every day she wasn’t doing jobs on practice and training. Her cheerful demeanour gradually begins to slip as she seems to close in on the parts of her life that ended up destroying her career.
Apparently, it was tough and Matsuno wasn’t as big back then and her all her hopes vested on her.
The pressure did a number on her and she wasn’t able to cope with the stress.
It was probably a good thing she wasn’t legally allowed to drink back then or things might’ve ended very differently for her.
Instead, the stress made Kitabayashi prone to oversharing.
The agency was caught in between needing interviews to further Kitabayashi’s fame and dreading them as they often contained all sorts of juicy details that she wasn’t supposed to divulge.
She would speak her mind and share her true opinion about things she might’ve endorsed only a day prior.
It seems like there’s more she has to say, but Kitabayashi falls quiet.
You can tell the subject is somewhat difficult for her, but there might still be more you can learn from her past.
You wanna know more. You have to be the best manager to Kaiba.
But how to convince her? Aaaah, the room is spinning...
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/1acf91e4-d2fe-4348-8edf-f9938777f286.png]
> So, we’ve hit that point where the excessive drinking is starting to influence your decisions.
> These manifests themselves in Bad Decision Points based on blood alcohol percentage.
>
> Time drinking: 45 min. Beer downed: 1.5 litre. Weight: 120lbs
> Blood Alcohol Percentage: 0.16% (0.08% is limit for driving)
>
> Bad Decision Points = 80 (16 * 5)
>
> 000-100 - Try and persuade her to continue
> 100-130 - Say you’ll do shots if she continues
> 130-160 - She can ask you any question in return if she continues
> 160+ - Indulge one request of Kitabayashi
>
> Rolled
> >130-160 - She can ask you any question in return if she continues
You cozy up to Kitabayashi on the long couch and clamp onto her shoulder, “You’ve had it r-rough, Yui-chan,” you mumble, “So rough. So rough.”
Kitabayashi manages a half-smile as she remembers the missed opportunities and entertains the thought of how life could’ve been, “Mmm, but it’s not so bad now,” she says, putting her hand on top of the one on your shoulder, “Things are pretty good now…”
She chuckles, “But I’ll admit that remembering these kind of things does bring the mood down a bit…”
You embrace Kitabayashi in a big hug, “I feel so baadd, Yui-chan, but I have to now, er, know. I need to the best manager for Kaiba-san,” you say, “You can ask me anything in return, okay? No lies.”
“Eh?” she says, her face quickly shifts from surprise to something wicked, “Anything?”
This is dangerous territory and you know.
You lean away and soften your offer somewhat, “Maybe, j-just like one question.”
Kitabayashi taps her lips twice with a finger and the implication freezes you in place.
Is that what she wants? That’s not a question is it? But what if…
“Okay,” says Kitabayashi. Seems like she was only thinking over the offer.
Her mood shifted so quickly there’s a part of you thinking you might’ve been played.
Kitabayashi shifts around and decides she’s gonna make full use of the long couch.
She lies down, stretches for a moment, and uses your legs as a lap-pillow to support her head as she looks up to you.
Not knowing what to do, you briefly glance towards Matsui for help – but no help is forthcoming.
She’s just sitting there sipping her drink and watching the events unfold with a look of mild bemusement.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/774b9cdf-2bde-4086-bcf9-e3bea6eefb64.jpg]
“Miho-chan,” begins Kitabayashi from your lap.
Your attention snaps back to the girl resting the back of her head on your legs.
“I’ve known you for a long time,” says Kitabayashi, “But in the years we’ve worked together you’ve never had a boyfriend or anything.”
She reaches up with a hand and runs it over a strand of your hair.
”Even though you’re pretty and could’ve probably found somebody….” continues Kitabayashi.
You chuckle nervously, “Ah, well,” you say, “I’ve just b-been busy with work and stuff…”
“That’s not what I was gonna ask,” replies Kitabayashi, “Are you even into guys… or…?”
She’s asking this with a very plain expression on her face, like it’s the most ordinary question in the world.
And it sort of is, but it sure doesn’t feel that way.
> META
>
> >1 - You haven’t found somebody, but you’re only into men (Heterosexual)
> >2 - Ah, well, you suppose you’re not really into guys, so … yeah… (Lesbian)
> >3 - Well, you only ever looked at men, but… wouldn’t mind trying…something else (Bisexual)
> >4 - You don’t really care about relationships (Aromantic)*
>
> *Nagata Miho will not get involved in any relationship events from this point onward
>
> Winner
> >1 - You haven’t found somebody, but you’re only into men (Heterosexual)
“Kitabayashi…“ you begin, stroking her head, “I’m sorry… I’m straight, I’m only into men…”
Seconds tick by as you await her reaction and you can practically pinpoint the moment her heart breaks in half.
Sure, you’ve declined Kitabayashi’s advances on several occasions, but this is different.
Even if she failed in the past, she would play off the attempt as a joke, but she did keep trying.
This time she allowed herself to be vulnerable and you have no choice but to be brutally honest with her.
Tears line Kitabayashi’s eyes, “But you always blush and stuff when I’m nice to you, I don’t buy it!”
How to tell her that you’re basically romantically inept?
That you’re so inexperienced when it comes to romantic relationships that any flirting coming your way knocks you emotionally off your feet?
You lock eyes with Kitabayashi for a moment, steeling yourself, “There’s no hope,” you say, “Give up.”
A tiny gasp escapes from Kitabayashi and she basically wilts away on your lap.
Nevertheless, you don’t stop stroking her head as she quietly sobs. Call it damage control.
It seems harsh, cruel even, but stringing her along and giving her false hope seems far crueller to you.
You care for Kitabayashi and there’s no doubt that she’s probably your best friend over at Matsuno Inc, but you can never give her what she seems to want.
In the end, you just don’t like her in that way. You don’t see other women that way.
Pretending that you are, either out of pity or to indulge Kitabayashi’s desires, would be wrong.
“I’ll always be your friend,” you say soothingly, “But I can’t be more than that…”
Kitabayashi’s interest in you, although not entirely a surprise, intensified in the last few weeks.
Back when you worked together she wasn’t this forward.
Perhaps your time apart, while you began as a manager, had her questioning her feelings.
In the end you can only speculate.
----------------------------------------
Hello, Oshiro Narahiko here. Failed mangaka and current part-time worker of Asato Karaoke.
Today has been another terrible day after my manuscript was declined by the editors over at Jump Square.
”Not fierce enough” or “Lacking in the battle department” is what they told me.
Which is an improvement of the previous comment which was: “So unmanly I think my balls might’ve jumped back into my body.”
I scoot a mob and wheeled bucket along with my foot as I make my way to one of the karaoke booths.
Those three salary-women that had been binge-drinking have been quiet for entirely too long and in my experience, this can only mean one thing.
All of them are likely coating the walls with stuff that I have to clean up.
I take a moment to scratch at the beginnings of my goatee, that’s coming in exceedingly well if you ask me, then carefully open the door.
Seeing as language like ‘Are you normies barfing all over the place?' won’t do, I settle for, “Is everything to your liking?”
One of the girls with green hair is stretched out on one of the couches and bawling, her dirty shoes on the cushions and her head in the lap of the blonde girl – which is lovingly stroking her head.
The third girl, the one with black hair, is staring straight at me and flashes a peace sign while keeping a perfect poker-face.
Women.
What even happened here? I quickly scan the walls and floor and find nothing to clean – yet.
”Excuse me,” I say and as I gingerly close the door and make my way back to the front desk.
I still can’t find any inspiration for my next manga.
A part of me wishes I could’ve snapped a picture of those women, maybe use it in my next story.
However, whatever was going on wasn’t intense enough to pull the attention of the black-haired one and I would’ve been caught.
Can’t have that, I need this job.
Ah, well. I doubt slice-of-life manga is something I’ll ever awaken an interest to.
----------------------------------------
It took a while for Kitabayashi to recover, but eventually and with a help of a few shots of liquor, she was willing to share some further information about her career as an idol.
After the first shot, you switch to water in so you can be coherent enough to pry meaning from Kitabayashi’s disjointed stories.
She radiated “I want to go home” energy but stuck around until she fulfilled her side of the deal.
In the end you learned a couple of things.
Among which was that it isn’t uncommon for agencies to try and steal talented idols from other agencies.
You have to ensure you’re paying your idol a competitive rate or a big offer might have them doubting their loyalties.
Furthermore, a lot of idols are extremely competitive.
Not just with other agencies, but also within the same agency, or within the same idol group.
Bullying is incredibly common in the industry for various reasons.
The inverse is also true.
As being an idol often comes with severe social restrictions, some idols end up finding love within their own group or agency.
Kitabayashi mentions to be especially careful of idols originating from all-girl schools.
There’s probably some personal bias attached to that last statement.
Scandals aren’t necessarily a bad thing. How you handle the fallout is far more important.
Some agencies even instigate the rumours that lead to a scandal themselves and are then perfectly prepared to handle those scandals when they inevitably pop up.
Though if the public finds out the agency was behind the scandal, then they might as well close up shop.
Fans are both a blessing and a curse.
Most are great and their support and loyalty will push an idol to ever greater heights.
Some, however, become obsessed and stalkers are more common than one might think.
Bodyguards are a wise investment after your idol reaches a certain level of fame.
A high amount of stress can ruin an idol both mentally and physically.
In extreme cases this might even lead to physical injury or a psychotic episode with a recovery period that can take weeks if not months.
Not only will the idol not make any money for you, but their fame might decrease and you have to continue paying their salary.
Companies with a bad reputation will often pay more for a job to offset the impact of said reputation.
They need some way to lure in models, idols, and other talent after all.
Just remember that those companies got that bad reputation for a reason.
It might be wise to only send an idol with a strong will and clear boundaries to those jobs.
Alternatively, you can join her as she visits them so you can negotiate or reject sudden requests not included in the job on her behalf.
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Eventually even Kitabayashi hits her drinking limit and her words are barely making any sense.
Together with Matsui you support her while you make your way to the front desk to pay.
Once outside you order a cab and make sure Kitabayashi reaches her appartement complex.
It has gotten pretty late, so you and Matsui decide to go the extra mile and drop Kitabayashi off in her apartment.
It’s kind of messy and strangely barren in terms of furniture, but the wall is filled with pictures of her time as an idol and other photos featuring people that probably belong to her previous identity.
Your eyes widen in surprise, there’s even one of Kitabayashi and Akamatsu Tokiko.
Akamatsu Tokiko must be in her teens in the picture, but these days she’s one of the biggest idols around.
Kitabayashi random prattling pulls your attention back to the task at hand.
With some help from Matsui you place Kitabayashi on top of her bed, her are arms wrapped around your neck and you have to pry them loose or risk getting pulled into her bed.
Then you cover her with a blanket, say goodbye while Kitabayashi murmurs complaints about you leaving, and sneak back in to place an empty bucket next to her bed – just in case.
Both you and Matsui return to the cab that was waiting outside and get a ride to your respective homes.
The next day at work, a Thursday, you shuffle along the corridors with a splitting headache while Matsui seems unaffected.
Kitabayashi called in sick and didn’t return to work until the next week.
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The remainder of these two weeks went by quietly.
Kaiba focused on her acting lessons and made gradual improvements.
You feel like she’s ready for that mysterious closed audition that Studio Bones offered you a while back.
> Skills: +5 to Acting (53 → 58)
Kaiba came by your office to mention that her father’s job forced him to go a business trip on rather short notice and the meeting with Kaiba’s parents will have to wait a while.
Other than that Kaiba seemed to be in high spirits and is even working on her appearance in her own time.
> Skills: +3 to Looks (31 → 34)