> Decision

> >1 - Sit by yourself and just wait out the ride (skip)

> >2 - Sit and chat with Enatsu Mari

> >3 - Sit and chat with Chigusa Iki

> >4 - Sit and chat with Ichihara Riko

> >5 - Sit and chat with Kaiba Aoi

> >6 - Sit and chat with Watase Yoko

> >7 - Sit and chat with Yukimori Kyoden

> >8 - Sit and chat with Matsuno Kojiro

>

> You can write-in questions if you like.

>

> Winner

> >8 - Sit and chat with Matsuno Kojiro

You decide to sit beside Matsuno Kojiro in front of the bus for the duration of bus ride to the hot spring.

The last time you’ve spoken was during the Ichihara Riko fallout. A good, long while ago.

“Good morning, Matsuno-san,” you say, “Mind if I sit here?”

Matsuno seems occupied with his phone, “Feel free, Nagata-san,” he replies.

Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki sit close to each other in the back while Kaiba sits by herself near the front and listens to music, her head resting against the window.

Watase Yoko and Ichihara Riko sit side-by-side as well, but any attempt at friendly conversation is shut down by Watase.

Ichihara’s face is hidden behind the back of the seat in front of them, Watase Yoko is clearly visible.

Yukimore Kyoden sits by himself, he brought a laptop and is working through his mailbox.

You sit quietly until Matsuno Kojiro puts away his phone.

Sitting next to him like this, you can’t help but notice he’s actually quite tall.

He has forgone the usual three-piece suit for a more business casual look.

After a while Matsuno puts away his phone, then looks at you and smiles, “I haven’t gotten a chance to properly thank you for organising this trip,” he says, then raises his voice, “And of course to congratulate you on signing some wonderful new talent.”

A few seats behind you, Chigusa bobs her head and utters an audible thank-you, Enatsu replies with some embarrassed laughter.

You lower your head slightly, “It was really no problem at all,” you say, “I’m only hoping that all the new girls can become quick friends.”

[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/d4d3f912-a622-4083-bbc0-38f6d85e2534.png]

The implication here being that you want to avoid bullying.

Matsuno smiles, “What a wonderful thought,” he says, “I’m hoping for much the same.”

He then stretches for a moment and uses a hand to message his neck, “I’ll admit I’m happy you decided on a hot spring for this trip, these last few weeks have left me hella stressed.”

Hella?

Matsuno notices the look on your face.

”Relax a little, we can be a couple of stiff suits back at the office,” he says with a chuckle, “I think it would be beneficial if us managers get on friendly terms as well, no?”

“That would be nice,” you say.

To be able to go to a hotspring and not mind your behaviour and manner of speaking too much would be a dream.

To finally, for once, let your guard down?

To do away with all the office politics?

That’d be amazing, but you know some things he doesn't. Unexpected guests may arrive at any moment.

You hear Ichihara Riko’s voice a few seats away, trying to speak quietly, “Watasa-sama,” she says, then whispers something too quiet to hear.

They are several seats behind you, after all.

”Haaaah?” replies Watase Yoko, not minding her volume at all, “You wanna try me? Huh?”

Her voice is a lower pitch than you’d ordinarily expect for an idol.

It’s tone honestly reminds you of the delinquent girls back in high school and there’s a touch of a Kansai accent.

Matsuno Kijro flashes you an apologetic smile, then shrugs, “I hope they warm up a bit to each other in the days to come. They’ve been working together a bunch but haven’t really bonded.”

You remember seeing records for a job at Wit Studio for both Watase and Ichihara.

“I was happy to see that you decided to continue being a manager after what happened to Maki Sumi,” you say, “Have you enjoyed working with Watase-san so far?”

“For sure,” he says, speaking in a tone the others probably won’t overhear, “She’s been great. Very professional in a lot of ways, but if she doesn’t like you then, well, then she REALLY doesn’t like you. She won’t hide it either.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

He then folds his arms, a confident smile on his face, “She’s a pro, that’s all I can say. It’s great working with somebody who has plenty of experience. It was a massive relief that my dad and uncle and we managed to get her to sign with Matsuno Inc.”

“How about your two new talents?” he asks in an effort to keep the conversation going.

You scratch your cheek with a finger and quietly laugh, “…it’s too early to say, we’ve only really had an interview, but I think they’re both very promising and I look forward to working with them.”

The both of you chat for the remainder of the trip.

Exchanging bits of personal info and general interests.

Turns out Matsuno Kojiro lives in an apartment over in the Akasaka district, one of the most prestigious and expensive places in all of Tokyo.

He’s lucky enough to only have to pay for utilities since an acquaintance of his owns the building.

Matsuno graduated from the University of Tokyo where he majored in Business & Management.

He has an interest in western astrology, his sign being Leo, and seemed happy to find out that yours is Gemini.

You don’t personally hold much stock in astrology, but your sign seemed to have made a favourable impression.

After a long and eventually bumpy ride (Kaiba-san, who had fallen asleep, was woken up when a pothole caused her to hit her head against the window) you arrive at your destination.

Matsudaira Resort is a large, family-owned hotel with its own private, gender-separated hot spring.

It’s run by an elderly man who appear very thankful for your patronage.

The place ordinarily only has a handful of staff, but he called in the help of his grandchildren to ensure everything is to your liking.

There are massages, the hot spring itself, a sauna, a bar for drinks, a breakfast buffet, and more!

The owner, Matsudaira Yoshikata, announces with pride that this hot spring has been in his family for generations and has existed for hundreds of years.

He looks like an ordinary elderly gentleman but radiates youthful energy and has dyed his hair.

[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/d79396eb-c722-47ff-9488-a886ee1e3295.png]

While Matsudaira Yoshikata speaks of the extended history of this place, Yukimori Kyoden grunts in dissatisfaction.

Apparently, there’s no mobile phone reception here, but fingers crossed there’ll be at least Wi-Fi inside.

The old man noisily clears his throat to get everyone's attention, “My granddaughter will show you to your rooms,” he says.

The granddaughter bows at the waist, “My name is Matsudaira Haru,” she says brightly, “I will be taking care of you during your stay.”

She’s wearing traditional Japanese clothing much like the grandfather himself.

The clothing pairs with the hotel itself and the rest of the resort, it honestly feels like you’ve gone back in time.

Her gaze sweeps over the guests standing before her as she waves a hand to her side, “If you would please foll-- EH?” she says, eyes lingering on Watase Yoko, “If y-y-y-you’ll please follow me.”

“Meanwhile, I will help you get checked in,” says the old man, looking towards Yukimori, “If Sir would please follow me?”

[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/d4d2eb66-e0ac-40f5-ae9d-b6d7956c0444.png]

Yukimori does look the oldest out of you all and he’s a man, so should’ve probably expected this.

You hold up a quick hand, “I’m sorry, but I made the reservations and have all the papers…” you say.

The old man slowly looks towards, his face carrying a hint of disbelief.

He then turns his attention back Yukimori who confirms your statement with a nod.

“Ah, my apologies,” says the man as he shuffles towards you, laughing, “My wife used to care of all the paperwork as well, haha.”

“Eh?” you say, blushing slightly as you glance towards Yukimori, “No, no. I’m not hi--”

“If madam would please follow me,” interrupts the old man, shuffling towards the building.

You sigh and follow the owner inside and check your group into the resort and receive directions where to join the others as it seems like the man’s granddaughter hasn’t gotten back.

Shouldering your backpack, you follow the directions you were given.

As you near your rooms, you suddenly hear a slam followed by a yelp.

Peeking around the corner you see Watase Yoko leaning over the resort’s employee, Matsudaira Haru, who has back pressed against the wall.

Kabedon? Do people actually do that in real life?

You pull your head back around the corner and listen in.

“Uwa-wa-wa-wa-wa,” mutters the employee, red-faced.

“Seems like ya' know who I am,” says Watase Yoko, “Well, I’m stayin' here with some people and I’m hopin' things don’t get difficult, heh? No pictures or sharin' details with yer' friends, hear?”

“…Y-yes,” mutters the girl.

Watase Yoko slams the wall again, “Hah?!”

The action earns herself a high-pitched yelp from the girl, “Yes, Watase-sama!”

“There’s a good girl~” says Watase Yoko.

You can’t believe what you’re hearing. How can an idol just threaten somebody like that?

It would’ve been a problem if the girl began sharing things on “Line” or something, but still.

That poor girl must be terrified. You peek around the corner again.

Hold up. That girl doesn’t look scared at all. Not one bit!

Oi, oi, oi, oi. There’s something wrong with today’s youth.

She looked so dignified earlier! The kids aren’t alright!

[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/a652d640-065a-46cd-bedd-f5da1cad804c.jpg]

The girl receives a head pat for her troubles, and she looks she’s ready to melt into a puddle.

You suppose an idol like Watase Yoko must have a questionable fanbase.

Watase Yoko huffs, then points a thumb over her shoulder, “Get out of here,” she says.

“Y-yes!” screams the girl, walks a few steps, turns around to bow, and hurries down the corridor.

Luckily, she went the other direction otherwise things could’ve gotten awkward for the both of you.

Then Watase Yoko walks away and you wait for the sound of her footsteps to fade before following.

Once arrived in your room, you get settled in and put away your clothes.

You stretch and scout the room for a sign with the wifi password and eventually find it.

Once signed in you check the app and don’t see any new messages from EmikoDesu55 for now.

It’s time to relax. If you can.