My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped] - Chapter 18 - Unexpected appearance?

“Hey, you. You were the one singing the song earlier at Teito Music Academy, right?”

“…Huh? Uh, yeah. I’m Kagari Sena, a second-year student.”

In response to Sena’s smooth self-introduction, the girl gently stroked Sena’s head and said, “Sena-chan, what a nice name!”

While I was still somewhat frozen, the girl spoke through her mask, her expression invisible.

“That performance was amazing and your voice is beautiful. It’s like… it touched my heart, and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy, yet it also had a sharpness to it, so cool, so amazing!”

Though her praise lacked coherent vocabulary, as performers, we cherish genuine impressions that reach the heart more than any theoretical compliments, making them unforgettable.

That’s why we strive to deliver performances that touch people’s hearts.

Sena, also seemed delighted, placing her hand on her chest and tightly clenching her fist.

“So, do you plan to pursue a career in the entertainment industry in the future?”

Upon the girl’s inquiry, Sena glanced at me briefly.

“…..?”

Then, she shook her head determinedly and turned back to the girl with a smile.

“Yes. I dream of having a senpai create an extraordinary song for me, with amazing lyrics, and then singing it with all my heart, igniting the passion of people all over the world. That’s Kagari’s dream.”

It was the first time I heard Sena talk about her dream.

We hadn’t really discussed our future plans with each other before.

While I was idling without much thought, Sena had already decided on such a specific goal.

Even the shop manager, who had been watching the situation unfold with some anxiety, was holding back tears and said, “What a wonderful dream!”

I understood, but what surprised me more was that I was a part of that dream.

My last effort should have ended with the entrance exam.

So, has Sena been holding on to this dream since then?

Looking a bit embarrassed, Sena brushed her chestnut hair that fell over her ear.

The girl across from her smiled beneath her mask, clearly noticeable.

“Yeah, it’s a fantastic dream. I really want to support you. Sena-chan’s incredible singing talent and charisma that can captivate an entire audience make her suitable for the entertainment industry. Maybe as an idol, or a singer-songwriter…”

The girl put her hand on her chin, looking contemplative and amused.

“S-Senpai, sorry for saying strange things on my own…”

Sena tugged at my sleeve, as if trying to make me notice.

“No, it’s an honor. You’ve got the gift to stir up a whole concert hall; I’ve also decided to find my own path soon.”

“…? What do you mean by that?” She whispered.

As Sena began to ask, the girl interrupted, as if she had just remembered something.

“Oh, by the way, Sena-chan. Is this person perhaps your boyfriend?”

She lowered her sunglasses, and there was something familiar about her gaze.

Suddenly, Sena and my eyes met.

In confusion, Sena quickly pursed her lips and responded, “Y-Yes.”

No! This is not the time when you say “Yes”, goddamn it.

Why did she make such a show of it?

Why didn’t she look at me after saying that?

Why is her whole face turning bright red because of embarrassment? You’re the one who answered her!

While I was about to express my thoughts internally, the girl lowered her mask and sunglasses.

“Huh!?”

“For real…!?”

“M-Michiru-chan, are you okay with this!?”

Each one of us had a different reaction.

The girl’s strange behavior surprised only the shop manager, who knew her well.

“Wow… You’re so beautiful…”

Sena was so impressed by the sight of the popular idol, who was singing the theme song of “Short Sword Rapier’s Piercing Tip,” right there in front of her. The girl who approached was none other than Sasaoka Michiru, with her well-defined features, fair skin, clear black eyes, and small, plump pink lips.

Sena unintentionally blurted out, seeing one of the top idols in person for the first time.

“Hey, now that we know each other, feel free to call me Michiru-san. Anyway, if you have a boyfriend, it’s not easy to make it as a female talent.”

“Michiru-san, you shouldn’t converse with others so openly like that.” The man who was following her spoke those words.

“But, isn’t it better to get familiar with each other…?”

Sasaoka Michiru-san’s manager gave her a light warning, but she completely ignored him and looked straight at Sena with determination in her eyes.

When I turned my head and looked at the store manager, he was scratching his cheeks as he couldn’t quite understand what was going on here.

“Michiru-san, you graduated from Teito College of Music around three years ago, right? It was the time when Senpai had just entered the college as well, so you might have heard about him at least once.”

“When I was in my 3rd and 4th year, I didn’t really have the time to attend college because I was busy with the tours.”

“Is that so…?”

“Also, Your fans would be sad if they found out their idol or favorite girl has a boyfriend. Idols belong to everyone. They shouldn’t belong to just one person.”

She said those words with a small intent in her tone, which made it look like she was dominating and the pressure was intense.

The absolute idol, who survived and continued to reign at the top in the entertainment world.

The courage to be at the top for quite a long time without much competition is really hard.

We were being confronted with a reality we’d rather not think about.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120