The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best

“The Shining Boys” is a group of four tall men with excellent looks. I, Aiki, am the group leader. My real name is Nanjou Ai. I am 17 years old.

The members are the three who grew up together since childhood: Nanjou Kai, Nanjou Sai, and Nanjou Dai.

Even though we were considered the biggest underachievers in the Nanjou Family’s Ninth Group, I thought it was a miracle that we were even placed in the newly established “Kajuu Group,” and now we’ve been chosen to make our media debut first among them. I’m so proud.

The reason for the establishment of the “Kajuu Group” has not been disclosed. Men are beings who silently obey and serve women. Matters that are unnecessary for us men are not communicated.

Well, if they try to find out by force, they’ll be taken to the punishment room. That place is terrifying; I never want to go there again.

However, what concerns me a bit is the seniors’ reaction. They should be frustrated that we got ahead of them, but their attitude of laughing it off is unsettling. I want to believe it’s just bravado, but the unease lingers.

The reason became clear immediately. It’s skateboarding. They will sing while skillfully maneuvering it. They say it will create an unprecedented impact and propel them to the top of the idol world in no time.

I’m surprised that they were thinking about us to that extent, but no, for the Nanjou family. That’s all…

Moreover, there are five songs that I have been instructed to memorize perfectly. If I can’t remember them, I’ll be immediately kicked out of the group. There’s no way I can do that with so little time before our debut.

I collapsed multiple times from mental exhaustion. It’s tough, it’s hard.

The set schedule was quite tough. But it wasn’t just me; I thought the other members were in the same boat, and we pushed ourselves through the lessons with sheer determination. If I hadn’t been able to gradually do more things, I would have broken down.

Then, we share the same surname, Nanjou, but we are not actually brothers.

Our names were given to us by the Nanjou family when we were young, and we can bear the Nanjou surname by enduring and overcoming the trials imposed upon us upon reaching adulthood.

That is a sign of adulthood and a great honor, but it also means more night work, which can be tough.

“Everyone, my name is Aiki, nice to meet you.”

I put on a refreshing smile and winked at the camera. Yes, this is it. I’ve done this countless times. Perfect.

“I’m Kaiki. Nice to meet you.”

With his tanned skin and long hair, Kai is giving himself a thumbs up. He seems to be confident in himself. Although he looks like a self-absorbed type, that’s just an act; he’s actually a coward. Oh, and don’t look over here just because you’re anxious.

“I finally got to meet everyone. I’m Saiki. Nice to meet you!”

With a big smile that makes people like him, Saiki has a baby face as he spreads his arms wide. In reality, his private life is messy, and his language can be quite rough. I’m always on edge, fearing he might slip up if he starts talking.

“It’s Taiki. Nice to meet you.”

With his sharp gaze and few words, Taiki looks cool, but in reality, he’s a joker. If you’re not careful, you’ll find him grinning in a creepy way.

We are now riding skateboards and running around the stage.

Since the debut was decided, I practiced every day, falling down, getting bruises, and pushing myself to the point of being unable to move. The memories of those times suddenly flooded back, almost making me cry, but I somehow managed to cover it up by spinning the skateboard.

Huh…

It’s not just about running; it’s tough because we have to sing along with the music.

Despite practicing so much, if I let my guard down even a little, one side seems to get neglected. Does this mean I still need more practice? Damn it.

As a member of the Nanjou family, where perfection is demanded, such a thing must not happen. If it does, it’s straight to the punishment room, and honestly, it’s scary.

We use telekinesis to leap one after another and soar through the air. When we showcase horizontal and vertical spins, the audience responds with laughter, and it feels great. I’m glad I came.

We are doing things that can’t be manifested without at least telekinesis level 5, so it’s only natural. Yes, even with this, our telekinesis level is 5. I’ve heard that there are hardly any men with this level, and in fact, I’ve never seen anyone else besides us.

However, everything else (including special psychic abilities) was below standard level, and my psychic capacity was also low, so I was considered a failure…

In the end, since our mental energy runs out, we cover it up with acrobatic moves, and our first job comes to an end.

Huff huff, the amount of energy is insane. If I let my guard down, I feel like I might lose consciousness at any moment, but the thunderous applause brings me back to my senses.

I was surprised because I didn’t expect them to be this happy. Thanks to that, I was saved.

“It started with a sudden surprise entrance, but it was so cool… How was it for everyone watching on TV? They were cool, right…”

Actually, this event took place on the New Year’s traditional live broadcast show “New Year! Show Off Your Best Skills,” where popular idols, comedians, singers, and athletes appear and showcase their special talents. It’s a variety show, not a music program.

It seems that they were able to make their debut with a surprise appearance precisely because it was a variety show.

While the female MC is keeping the event going, we rush over to her. We’re instructed to move quickly here, so we run. Our mental energy is probably running low. Our bodies are quite exhausted, but we desperately move our legs.

“Um… oh, take your time, it’s fine. Yes… I see. They seem to be the ‘Shining Boys’.”

The female MC continues as if she didn’t know about our intrusion.

I acted as if I had just found out by being handed a piece of paper by the MC assistant, and then I turned to the camera.

So far, everything has gone according to plan. All that’s left is to spread smiles here and get interviewed by the female MC.

“Nice to meet you all, we are the ‘Shining Boys.'”

It’s my first time standing in front of the camera (live broadcast), but the female MC talks to me with a beaming smile, making it very easy to talk and very helpful.

Come to think of it, I never received smiles like this at the Nanjou household.