Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 781



Only Noblemtl

Episode 781

From the midterm evaluation until the final evaluation day, Joara briefly reviewed Bugbug’s practice every day.

It’s the same as before, but there’s something different.

At the end of the class, we had students perform a choreography assignment and then gave a brief evaluation.

With three days left until the final evaluation, the evaluations on the first day were as follows.

‘I can’t see you dancing. Are you trying to show that you’re dancing hard? All I can see is you’re having a hard time. If that’s the case, why bother dancing? Say it. Tell the fans that you’ll work hard, so please look at them kindly.’

The evaluation for the second day was as follows.

‘It feels like an ordinary person is trying hard. That’s all. It’s not like an idol is dancing, it’s just an ordinary person learning to dance.’

The evaluation for the third day is.

‘… … .’

There was no word.

Seongpil observed Joara’s classes every time. And after her evaluation was over, he watched her practice near Yubin.

I didn’t say anything special to Joara.

But on the day of the assignment evaluation, I had to ask.

While eating breakfast with Joara and taking a walk around the playground, Seongpil revealed the questions he had been wondering about.

“Araya. Wouldn’t it be okay if you were a little softer? It’s still the first task.”

“Are you saying that now?”

“I didn’t want to criticize your teaching style. You are my mentor.”

“But now?”

“Because today is evaluation day.”

Instead of making eye contact with Jo Ara, Seongpil looked up at the sky. It was a clear, cloudless day.

“What if you’re not simply pointing out Bugbug’s skills, but being harsh on Bugbug?”

If so, it needs to be corrected.

“Because it’s not a good thing.”

“Are you saying I have a personal grudge against Bugbug?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know. You were kind to me when you taught Hayang.”

“… … Do you think other people saw it that way too?”

“You really hate it?!”

“Of course not.”

Joara pointed to a bench in the corner of the playground.

The two went and sat down on the bench.

“Why are you filming this show? It’s for our popularity.”

Positioning in Japan is different from other K-pop idols.

“To get that kind of image, you have to be different from ordinary idols. It doesn’t help to act ordinary and try to have a noble image.”

“So you’re intentionally being harsh on me?”

“No, it’s true.”

“Even so… … .”

It would have been nice to have been praised once in a while.

But Joara, as if she had a disease that made her die from compliments, never once said the common phrase, “Good job,” to Bugbug.

If Joara’s strictness with Bugbug was to show sincerity, then what is Joara’s sincerity?

I really hate bugs, is that Joara’s true heart?

“I am.”

Joara let out a sigh. Her breath was white.

“I don’t want to gloss over the dance part. People say, “You don’t become the best just because you have the best skills. You just need to know how to sing and dance.”

That’s partially true.

Entertainment isn’t like sports where the best players come out on top.

Several factors are influencing.

“I think that’s bullshit.”

Because many factors come into play, some are underestimated.

“Of all the elements that make up an idol, anything can be left out. You can still call them an idol even if everything is missing. Except for dancing and singing.”

Acting skills, entertainment sense, visuals, fashion, self-producing, fan service, etc. – these aspects that are considered important for idols, in the worst case scenario, can be absent.

You can still call them idols even without them.

“But, we don’t call someone who doesn’t dance or sing an idol. They can’t sing either.”

That is to say, singing and dancing are the essence of idols.

“It’s true, you can be the best even if you don’t do well? Even if people acknowledge that, I don’t acknowledge it.”

Of course I know Joara.

Just watching idol survival programs makes me feel it deep in my bones. Doing well doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be at the top.

The story created by appearance, personality, and airtime is considered more important.

If you lack skills, you can just work harder in the future. That’s what most people think.

“But when I saw that, my insides were all twisted up. I was so angry and sad I thought I was going crazy.”

Of course, the person who is good at it should be promoted. If not, what good is their effort?

What on earth is this audition and survival show for?

“Project For You was the same. Why wasn’t Shin A-reum in first place?”

People say they see effort, but in reality they don’t see it at all. They give up thinking and focus only on the comfortable story in front of them.

Because it takes time and effort to understand someone, I don’t try to understand them.

then.

“At least in a position where I can evaluate, I want to recognize the effort. That’s why I can’t compromise. Even if someone criticizes me for doing something well, I won’t say anything.”

This is Joara’s sincerity.

I could have acted coy in front of the camera and shown off my role as a friendly and kind older sister.

But that wasn’t the case.

Anyone can act like that, not just Jo Ara. However, the strictness that Jo Ara displays with her heart is something that is unique to her.

It is a sight that can only be seen through her beliefs.

“……okay.”

Seongpil admitted it coolly without a single line of rebuttal.

This is also the beauty that Joara has built up.

Joara got to where she is today not through kindness but through strictness. The person she was strict with was herself.

Because he was a kid who was determined to reach the top even at the cost of losing the joy of dancing.

“I see.”

Seongpil looked up at the sky again.

‘I guess… … .’

Today, it seems that Bugbug is getting a bad rap.

* * *

“Okay, let’s go.”

Bugbug saw off Yubin as she left the idol training center.

“Well, there is such a thing as a ‘producer’.”

He still seemed confused about the meaning of idol and producer.

Even though it was only three days, Bugbug learned a lot from Yubin. It was fortunate that he was his teacher. Even though his speech was strange.

They bowed politely and sent Yubin away.

“Sir!”

Then, Nana, one of the adult members, ran towards Yubin and handed her her phone.

“Line, do you want to exchange? Later… … when you come to Japan… … with us… … .”

Miyoko looked around faster than anyone else.

At the main entrance of the training center, there were only Bugbug and Yubin. This was because Yubin’s departure was suddenly decided.

After making sure there was no one around, Miyoko debated whether she should knock Nana out.

But Yubin took action faster than that. She pushed the phone that Nana had bravely held out towards her again.

“To the fans, I apologize. Exchanging addresses is difficult.”

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry!”

So, Bugbug’s dance teacher, Yubin, left.

“Oh, Nana-chan is so bold.”

“Hey… … Don’t tease me… … .”

Nana turned around to get angry at Wakana. As soon as she turned around, she saw Miyoko smiling brightly and her whole body froze like stone.

“Go, I was going to do something to show my gratitude… … .”

“Yeah, I guess so. I know. We’re idols, right?”

Dating is absolutely forbidden for idols.

There is a saying that remains as a famous saying in the idol world. It was said by a female idol at the peak of her popularity who was retiring on her retirement stage.

‘I’ve stopped being an idol as of today, so it’s okay to fall in love!’

By the way, the venue was Tokyo Dome, and it is said that the response was surprisingly cold. Nevertheless, the idol continued on stage with excitement.

If you want to love, you have to quit being an idol.

“Let’s go back.”

My steps were light when I saw Yubin off.

However, it was heavy when I returned. The place I was returning to was the auditorium, the place of evaluation.

If you enter the auditorium like this, you will face Joara, and the evaluation will begin immediately.

“I mean, Ara Mentor.”

As they approached the auditorium, Wakana opened her mouth.

“I wonder if he hates us?”

“Why do you hate us?”

“yes?”

One glanced at Miyoko walking beside him. She thought that Joara had a reason to hate Bugbug.

Even in the hospital room where Miyoko passed out and woke up, wasn’t it Joara who showed the most intense reaction?

When Miyoko called Seongpil “oppa” despite being told to do so several times, she was almost on the verge of losing her temper.

‘I think it would be better to quit now… … .’

Was he trying to start a fight over pride? Hana thought so and closed her eyes tightly for a moment.

‘no.’

You shouldn’t think like this. Because, this is an attempt to shift the blame for the failure onto Miyoko.

This is a nitpicking that stems from the desire to insure oneself against failing the assignment evaluation.

The reason why such negative thoughts arose was clear.

‘scared.’

I’ve been trying to die for the past few days.

She even practiced dancing until dawn, something she had never done before in her life. And not only herself, but her sisters did it with her.

It was hard, but fun at the same time. It was a few days where I learned the joy of hard work.

So, if that time is denied… … .

“we are.”

As we stood in front of the auditorium, Miyoko opened her eyes. She stood still without opening the door.

“You worked hard, right? Seongpil oppa said that too. There’s no way our efforts wouldn’t be noticed by Mentor Ara. So don’t worry. And.”

Miyoko put a hand on one of her heads.

“Do you remember the teacher’s advice?”

“Yes, yes.”

The member who was pointed out the most during the last practice was none other than Hana.

“Harmony… … .”

An idol’s group dance should be tailored to the person who is the worst, not the best. This was something Yubin would often say.

However, this does not mean that one should hide one’s abilities and cower.

One learned strength in a different sense.

‘Completeness as a group.’

It doesn’t lower your skills.

It is in harmony.

It was something I had heard from Miyoko a long time ago, but it was something I had only recently come to understand.

So, one is not depressed at all. It is not about hiding one’s skills, but rather restraining them. That too will be a way to show one’s skills.

“One, I’ll take good care of you. You’re the backbone of this team. I’m relying on you.”

“… … !”

One nodded with a determined face.

Miyoko opened the door. Dozens of staff members, Seongpil, and.

“You’re here.”

Joara was seen in the center.

Bugbug stepped inside.

Following behind, one of them took Joara in his eyes. It was as if he was looking at the enemy.

‘I’ll prove it.’

He who has eyes, let him see.

He who has ears, let him hear.

Oh my world.

‘Here’s one of the bug bugs.’

Final assessment of assignments, start.

* * *

Bugbug’s performance is over.

Seongpil covered his mouth with the back of his hand and looked around at the atmosphere.

Everyone’s eyes are fixed on Bugbug, holding their breath.

‘The level of completion is not bad.’

The reason Joara gave this assignment is clear.

If you can’t master the most basic techniques, you won’t be able to properly perform the ‘Prom Queen’ performance choreography.

‘In that sense, Bugbug would be at least minimally qualified.’

At this very moment, they had mastered the basics. But at that point, no one was watching Bugbug’s performance.

The staff watched their dance as if it were a performance on an audition program.

That’s why it’s natural to make comparisons.

‘You’ll be compared to Ara.’

Even Junpei, right next to him, has a confused expression.

Bugbugs are getting better every day. I know because I’ve seen them every day. They’re at their peak at this point.

If I were to evaluate myself, I would give myself the highest score.

However, the person Junpei compares to Bugbug is Joara. His way of thinking is stuck in that frame.

That’s why it’s confusing.

‘I guess you don’t know how to evaluate it.’

It’s hard to say whether it was done well or not. Junpei must be seriously racking his brain over how to edit this scene.

And the editing direction will be determined by Joara’s evaluation.

‘Depending on how Ara evaluates it… … .’

The way the public sees bugs is changing.

Because the public will also look at Bugbug like the staff here.

If Junpei doesn’t remind us of the purpose of this assignment in the production, the public will compare Joara and Bugbug like the staff.

If the evaluation criteria become Joara, Bugbug becomes a laggard who fails to reach his goal despite being given time. Or he becomes a lazy person.

‘The direction of the program depends on Ara.’

But when I talk to her today, she is not at all friendly to Bugbug.

Because she is the type of person who doesn’t allow compromise when it comes to dancing.

‘I don’t know if Ara noticed my current performance.’

The staff’s evaluation criteria are Joara.

So then, what are Joara’s evaluation criteria?

“first.”

The frozen air, like a winter mountain, regained its movement.

“Let’s hear your thoughts like we did during the midterm evaluation. As I said before, self-evaluation is important. It’s okay to evaluate yourself negatively or positively. For your reference.”

Joara glared at Bugbug with a fierce gaze. It was a gaze that made it impossible to believe that she was looking at them favorably.

Just meeting those eyes made some members look frustrated.

“I can’t stand lying and being humble. This is also an evaluation. It’s an important ability to diagnose yourself. So, who’s going to speak?”

This time too, it wasn’t easy for everyone to come forward.

It was because I had previously seen one broken into pieces.

“I am.”

But contrary to everyone’s expectations, one person raised his hand.

“I will do it.”

“Okay, one.”

Joara clicked her chin.

“Try it.”

“I couldn’t do it.”

Joara frowned sharply.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Compared to my mentor.”

One of them did not flinch at all even in the midst of the momentum that Joara was radiating. Just as a Christian holds the cross in his heart and faces hardship, she also had a faith that was like a cross.

“We are incomparable to our mentors. However, I think we achieved results that exceeded the time given.”

Practice after the midterm exam.

On that first day, Joara said.

‘I can’t see you dancing. Are you trying to show that you’re dancing hard? All I can see is that you’re having a hard time.’

On the second day he said this:

‘It feels like an ordinary person is trying hard. That’s all there is to it.’

On the third day, nothing was said.

One thing that caught my attention was the change.

“When the mentor’s advice changes, it means that we change too. I don’t think that it’s because our skills have declined. We’ve improved.”

“so?”

Joara crossed her arms.

“What is that? If it gets better little by little, then everything is OK, right?”

“It’s not just getting better little by little. We, we’ve created results that go beyond time!”

One of them shouted at Joara. Joara’s eyebrows twitched.

One of them flinched in fear at the gesture, but did not stop protesting.

“We practiced until dawn every day! Of course, it might seem horrible to you, Mentor! But, but, I don’t want to deny the time we put in! To be frank, yes!”

One of them clenched his fist, as if trying to gain courage through that action.

“It’s okay if you get better little by little! Even if it’s just a little bit, just a little bit, it’s okay! Because if you don’t stop, you’ll get there someday!”

The staff’s eyes were briefly focused on Sungpil. It was clear that one of the protests was derived from Sungpil’s encouragement.

Junpei took out his phone and wrote something down. It seemed like he was going to use the story between Seongpil and Hana as a directing element.

“I, we, think we did well! This is something that can’t be changed even if the mentor says, ‘You didn’t do well’!”

“Are you running away from reality? Even if others say you didn’t do well, you think you did well and that’s it?”

“That’s not… … No… … . It’s just, now… … .”

One of them looked at the members lined up next to her as if trying to gain courage. The members were also looking at her.

“Now, even if I hear that I couldn’t do it, I won’t give up. I won’t say things like, “I can’t do it within the given time limit,” or “I made a mistake this time.” Even if my mentor says I couldn’t do it, our efforts won’t disappear. And even if I couldn’t do it… … it’s okay… … .”

This is not an escapist story about not caring about other people’s opinions because you are satisfied with yourself.

“Now I know that not being able to do something is not a reason to give up, but a reason to try harder. We… … !”

One turned his gaze from the members to Jo Ara.

“I’m an idol!”

Joara asked during the midterm evaluation.

Do you really want to be an idol?

This is the answer.

“We gathered at Bugbug because we wanted to be idols, and that’s why we came here! Even if I can’t satisfy my mentor today, I will definitely stand on stage! I, I will work hard to be able to stand! So, uh, so… … .”

One of them bowed his head sharply.

“Okay, please take care of it?!”

Phew.

Laughter erupted from the staff, as the touching declaration of resolution ended abruptly.

Maybe because he was still a child, his speaking skills were lacking.

As if he knew it, he raised his waist and his face turned bright red.

Although immature, it was nice to see the innocence that was typical of that age.

But that aspect had no influence on the cool-headed evaluation.

“Is it over now?”

A resolution that will naturally bring a proud smile to your face.

There is a kind of innocence that makes you laugh without even realizing it.

It seemed to mean nothing to Joara.

“Are you done?”

“Yes, yes? Oh, yes, the end, that’s it… … .”

Joara uncrossed her arms and approached Hana.

One incident that came to mind was an incident from a few days ago. It was when Joara approached him and started verbally abusing him.

As the memory of that time came to mind, Hana’s shoulders shook.

He stood right in front of Joara. Then he looked around at the Bugbug members in sequence from left to right.

“Does everyone think like this?”

Everyone remained quiet.

No, Miyoko nodded first. Then everyone gathered their courage and made a gesture of agreement.

Joara lowered her gaze and looked up again. A smile appeared in her eyes.

“Of course, everyone can do it.”

Joara put a hand on Hana’s shoulder.

“You worked hard.”

“… … Ah, huh?”

“good job.”

“… … .”

One cried.

This time I’m happy.

I cried.

* * *

[You think this is a good thing? This is terrible, really. It’s been three days, and this is not good, guys.]

Bugbug, unable to accept Joara’s harsh evaluation, ends up shedding tears.

Miyoko, the leader, understands the seriousness of the situation and uses her support chance.

The idol fairy (Seongpil) tries to teach Bugbug a way to overcome his difficulties.

[Please stop… …! Praising me like that… … .]

[We need an accurate evaluation. We don’t have time to blindly move forward like kindergarteners, just listening to praise!]

[If you’re actually laughing at us… … Well, if you just tell us exactly as it is, then, ah, can’t you?!]

One of them was filled with anger and poured out his words to Seongpil. His tone was not kind at all.

Her voice was a mixture of self-loathing, anger, sadness, and despair. Self-loathing was the biggest one.

[Aren’t we already finished?]

[Isn’t it impossible to do it this way?]

[If all we find despite our hard work is failure, then we are miserable… … .]

[Please stop deceiving us with sweet words.]

[Please don’t burn it too high and fly… ]

[It hurts so much when you fall… … .]

One of them ends up shedding tears sadly.

Seongpil speaks to that one. No, he speaks to Bugbug, who has the same mind as Hana.

[It is the beauty of the time that Ara has accumulated. The layers of time that Ara has added layer by layer through her efforts. That kind of beauty of accumulation… … .]

[In the time of human technology and its accumulation, not a single speck of dust is meaningless.]

[When viewed with present eyes, it may seem infinitely small and useless, but when it reaches the end, that single grain will be the last piece that will reach the sky.]

[Mr. Hana.]

[yes……?]

Seongpil asserts:

[It’s not a question of whether you can or can’t do it, but a question of how much effort you put in until the time comes. There’s no way Araga and Hana, who have built up such beauty, wouldn’t recognize your efforts.]

Hana and Bugbug cried. They were tears of parting with their past selves that they had given up on.

[You told me to just tell you if I thought it was over, right? Nothing is over yet.]

Like the ending of a drama, the names of the staff and investors are displayed in the corner of the screen along with background music.

The background music is ‘Marathon’, one of the songs included in Girls’ League’s Japanese comeback album and Shin Areum’s personal song.

[If you start thinking of time as ‘spending’ rather than ‘filling’, then that’s the end.]

I get it now

The road I ran on was not a track

A marathon that must continue in the future.

[If you build up what you have toward a goal, it is meaningful even if you don’t reach it in the end.]

The path I choose, not the race

When you are confused by the milestones set by others

Just remember, dreams are everywhere.

[Don’t be discouraged by a single grain of dust in time. Don’t waste time, fill it.]

Mistaking the back of someone else’s face as a dream

I ran after it, out of breath

Not anymore, you can send it first.

[What I want from you is not a great talent that will surprise everyone, but beauty.]

It’s okay to go your own way

Because life is a never-ending journey

The day when all choices are rewarded

It will definitely come someday.

[Please grow as an idol.]

One with his head bowed.

Light streamed down like shooting stars through the shadows cast on her face.

Finally she raised her head.

Her eyes, revealed once again, were filled with firm determination.

[yes……!]

‘Girls’ League X Bugbug Invasion!’

2nd viewing rate, approximately 50%.

Viewership ratings: 6.4%.

And, ‘Girls’ League X Bugbug Invasion!’ Episode 3.

[also.]

Viewership rate 55%.

[Everyone can do it.]

Viewership ratings: 7.5%.

[You worked hard.]

An unprecedented success among late-night Kanmuri broadcasts.

[good job.]

* * *

[Director Park, what are you doing in Japan?]

Hong Gyu-heon’s voice on the other end of the phone was excited.

It seemed like he was trying to hide it, but since it was his first contact in a long time, he seemed to be having a hard time hiding his emotions as he seemed to be happy to see him.

[Is the Japanese response to that broadcast good?]

“Yes, it’s the talk of the town. Maa (what), it’s natural since our kids are here, right? Sonna Kanji (something like that)?”

[Korea is also in chaos. Interpretation videos are being uploaded on iTube, and I heard there’s even a BugBug fan cafe. It’s probably not sustainable because it’s consumed based on interest.]

“The video will be uploaded to iTube… …?”

Isn’t that illegal?

Or is it just left there without being caught on purpose?

[I feel good to hear unexpected good news. I just didn’t feel anything more than that I’d be having a hard time in Japan for two months this year. Did you plan it in advance?]

“Of course. I’m the best producer in K-pop. I’ll make history.”

[Huh, really? Then what’s your next plan?]

“… … I prefer to focus on the present.”

[Oh my, you speak really well. But those bug-bug guys, do they have their own company?]

“Would you like to bring Bugbug into Garo Enter? I’ve thought about it, but it’s impossible with our current capabilities. Our influence and information from Japan are entirely dependent on Webex.”

[It’s a shame. I thought a branch of Garo Enter Japan was going to be created.]

Hong Gyu-heon probably wasn’t sincere either. She probably has a basic understanding of the Japanese entertainment industry.

To put it in Korean and unified terminology, what Bugbug needs now is a distributor.

Garo Enter is a planning company, not a distribution company, and has no vested interests in Japan, so it cannot take on Bugbug.

“Still, my friendship with Bugbug will continue to be important. After the show ends, Bugbug will become a star.”

Webex is even discussing buying Bugbug. Since they are a group that has promoted themselves with such great promotions, it would be strange for them to give it back to someone else.

“If Bugbug were to just go into Webex, things would be a lot better.”

Of course, the spotlight that the Girls’ League is currently receiving is a huge achievement.

It is much more cost-effective than going around in a variety show. Creating a fixed viewer base and fan base for the program itself is like creating fans for the Girls’ League.

In addition, the Girls’ League’s regular appearances on TV provided the public with a never-ending source of excitement.

It is a way to take care of both the existing and new people at the same time.

[Anyway, it’s nice to hear your voice after so long.]

“Me, me too!”

[Okay, hang up.]

“Huh? Already? Is it okay to talk more?”

[No, I said we were in a meeting.]

“ah…….”

[thanks for your effort.]

Seongpil politely put his phone back in his pocket and looked at PD Junpei, who was sitting across from him.

Even if I look at it again, I still can’t get used to it.

Rawhide shoes. Levi’s jeans. Comme des Garçons sweater. Thom Browne jacket.

The whole body is covered in logos.

It’s possible to guess how he’s being treated at the broadcasting station these days. He’s probably treated almost like a king. Judging from his attire, he seems to have received a performance bonus.

“You may say more.”

“No. Thank you for waiting.”

“Have you been in the city for a long time?”

Seongpil laughed bitterly.

Junpei was right. Seongpil was enjoying the city air for the first time in almost three weeks.

Inside the Webex conference room.

I had to stop by Webex for a moment to adjust my schedule related to Jang Ha-yang.

“That’s right. Well, I guess I like the city better than nature.”

“Haha, me too.”

“No, PD-nim, you often leave work.”

“haha.”

He’s a completely different person than when I first saw him. He’s oozing confidence from his whole body.

“So, what do you want to say?”

“First of all, regarding the viewer ratings. You heard that, right?”

“Yes. It’s over 7%… … .”

It is said that the number was so shocking that all the people involved jumped up and hit their heads on the ceiling.

Of course, it’s a late night broadcast.

7% of televisions in Japan watched ‘Girls’ League X Bugbug Invasion!’ during late night hours.

About 2 million people would have watched it in real time. Then, you can guess how explosive the number of posts on SNS and communities without time constraints will be.

It’s not a lie that Sungpil is the talk of the town. You could say that when students come to school, they start talking about the ‘Girls’ League X Bugbug Invasion!’ as soon as they meet him.

‘These days, kids don’t necessarily watch TV late at night.’

When Seongpil was young, he understood the topicality like that.

These days, it’s so easy to collect information that there’s even something called a viral index. The world has really become a better place.

“The higher-ups liked it too. That’s why I got the offer. There’s a program that ends on a weekday evening, so before the pilot program comes in… … .”

“Hey, really?”

“yes.”

‘Girls’ League X Bugbug Invasion!’ was scheduled for weekday evenings.

Seongpil jumped up. He walked around the table and approached Junpei.

“PD!”

Sungpil shared a warm hug with Junpei. No, it was hard to call it a hug since it was Sungpil who hugged her.

Junpei was taken aback for a moment, but soon happily accepted the encouragement from the top K-pop producer.

We were originally people who couldn’t even make eye contact, but now we’ve become so close.

“Please continue to take care of me in the future!”

“I, I am! Thank you for giving me this opportunity!”

The two men laughed happily.

In particular, Seongpil’s happiness was almost at a lethal dose. Was it only a dozen days ago that he had shown tears to Jang Ha-yang, saying that he was scared?

He overcame all his fears.

‘It’s our victory.’

It’s a victory for us, the Girls’ League.

Even Tomoe, the singer who swept the third quarter of this year, will not be able to surpass this level of television buzz.

‘With this, the Girls’ League will reach the top of Japan.’

* * *

Singer Management Headquarters Director’s Office.

Even in the midst of a fierce atmosphere, Misato did not lose her composure. This was because the one who gave off that fierce atmosphere was Himura, who had been her friend since childhood.

No matter how much he glares at Misato, she doesn’t even blink an eyebrow.

Misato pushed the canned drink in front of him.

“Drink. Why aren’t you saying anything and just staring?”

“Is it true?”

Misato let out a deep sigh. Looking at that sight, she knew why she came without even asking.

“I asked if it was true.”

Himura’s voice, his posture, and even the light in his eyes, all revealed his emotions.

anger.

Misato nodded toward him.

Himura’s face was distorted like a ghost.

“Are you crazy, Misato―!”

Himura stood up and began to scold Misato. With every word he spat out, spittle flew and his eyes became bloodshot.

Despite being treated like that, Misato didn’t react at all.

Himura, unable to contain his anger, rushed to Misato and grabbed her shoulders tightly.

“Have you really turned back―!”

Two pairs of eyes looking at each other from a distance that seems close to touching.

Himura looked at Misato’s eyes and was frightened. There was surprisingly no change. It would have been understandable to be surprised, but it was exactly the same as usual.

“It’s just a repeat of three years ago. What drove you so hard? Did you want to win so badly?”

“no.”

“Otherwise, how should I think about this… … ?”

Himura let go of Misato’s shoulders. His arms fell limply.

“I’m sending Seiko to ‘New Asa’… … together with Tomoe… … .”

What the heck is this?

“Could you please tell me how I should take this… … ?”

If you can’t convince me, I.

“I really think I’m going to hate you, Misato… … .”