My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped] - Chapter 28 - Taking her to the top of the Idol World!

“Shirai-san, um… I’m sorry.”

Following behind Mitsuki, who returned to the small dressing room with excitement after the children left, were Shirai-san and me.

While observing Mitsuki’s delighted expression, Shirai-san wore a wry smile and said, “I’m used to being swept up by Mitsuki-san’s unreasonable requests, so don’t worry about it. I’m the one who caused trouble by suddenly bringing you, Kazuki-kun, into the team. Here, as an apology, would you like a black coffee?”

Shirai-san handed me a warm canned coffee.

“Thank you,” I said, taking it and watching Mitsuki run ahead.

“It’s no trouble at all. If Shirai-san hadn’t helped me at that moment, who knows what would have happened… I feel honored, actually,” I replied.

I have supposedly joined as a new member of the performance team for ‘TRUE MIRAGE.’

In the near future, I hope I can show them all what my capabilities are.

Though it was a lie, those were words from the center-exclusive manager of the famous idol group ‘TRUE MIRAGE.’

The taste of the coffee flowing down my throat was slightly rougher than usual.

I reminisced as I guided the can along my still slightly numb fingertips.

I couldn’t help but fantasize about how happy I would be if it actually came true…

“I didn’t mean that as a joke, though.”

“Huh?” I let out an unintended weird noise.

“I also find it rare to come across a musician who has such remarkable playing ability and can bring out the performer’s potential,” Shirai-san continued.

Shirai-san’s footsteps echoed in the corridor as the sense of sound left my body.

“Moreover, Mitsuki-san’s musical abilities are influenced by her emotions. It was evident to everyone that her ability to engage the audience had improved significantly with you, Kazuki-kun, by her side this time.”

“Thank you.”

“Therefore, I have a proposal for you, Kazuki-kun.”

Shirai-san, who was walking ahead of me, turned around and stood in front of me.

“I deeply wish for Mitsuki-san to become the top idol, and for that to happen, your existence as ‘Kazu-kun’ – no, as Kazuki-kun – is indispensable, as I’ve come to realize.”

Shirai-san continued, “I have no issues with managing Mitsuki-san publicly. However, her private life is beyond my reach. Mitsuki-san will always pursue ‘Kazu-kun,’ and I cannot stop her. So, I thought that I would support Mitsuki-san in her public activities to the best of my abilities, while hoping that you, Kazuki-kun, could support her in her private life.”

“I would support Mitsuki’s private life… Me?”

“Yes. At the same time, I really want Kazuki-kun to join ‘TRUE MIRAGE’ as a musician.”

Shirai-san raised her glasses and smiled calmly.

“I must confess, ‘TRUE MIRAGE’ has never won against Production Age’s ‘Mystic Eyes.’ As you know, Mitsuki-san is famous and is constantly compared to Michiru Sasaki, who is recognized for her talent as an idol. But now, Michiru Sasaki has even expanded into the realm of anime songs and is rapidly gaining popularity there too. If things continue like this, Mitsuki-san will be left further behind. I don’t want to see that happen anymore.”

“…..?!”

It was an unexpected proposal for me.

In other words, it means…

“It’s a quick offer to scout you as a performer, director, and composer. Your arranging ability to freely transform a new song in less than a week, your directing talent to manipulate an idol’s emotions at will, not to mention your impeccable musical skills. We wish to entrust your power to our company,” Shirai-san said.

It was an opportunity I could only dream of.

To be able to dive into the heart of this endeavor, all to make Mitsuki reach the top spot.

Shirai-san reached out her hand towards me.

“Please, consider supporting our and Mitsuki-san’s dream together.”

If I were to shake this hand, I would become an official member of Star Planet.

Sharing enjoyable music with people through others was a delightful and gratifying experience for me.

However…

“I’m truly grateful for your generous evaluation. But there’s one condition,” I said.

Right now, my only interest is in helping Mitsuki reach the top spot in the idol world.

Until the day Mitsuki establishes herself as the number one idol in both popularity and talent…

Everything else might have to wait.

Hearing my words, Shirai-san smiled wryly and said, “You two are really too alike deep down… Alright, let’s do it. Let’s make Mitsuki-san the undisputed number one.”

We shook hands firmly in agreement.

Our interests were fully aligned.

“Huh, aren’t Shirai-san and Kazu-kun getting along really well…? What are you two doing, Kazu-kun…? Hey, what’s with the handshake? Kazu-kun are you betraying me?… Kazuk-kun?!”

Thinking that Mitsuki had entered the dressing room, I was taken aback when her hand suddenly touched my shoulder.

“Mitsuki-san! It’s okay, we were just discussing work. I assure you, there’s absolutely nothing romantic going on between me and your ‘Kazu-kun.’ So, don’t worry!… Yeah, it’s just a completely wholesome business handshake!” I quickly explained.

Pushing this easily misunderstandable girl to the top spot in Japan would require some effort, but it seemed like a small price to pay.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120