Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622170980759025
“What, the manager!?”
I was so surprised that my knees went weak. This person is Asahina’s former manager!?
I couldn’t help but straighten my back. Is it because of her sharp appearance, or is it because of her stern eyes? I’m not sure, but I feel a strange pressure from this woman. The way she looks at people as if she’s sizing them up is a little unpleasant.
“What’s wrong all of a sudden!?”
“I saw the news about the cultural festival the other day.”
“Cultural festival?”
“It was on local TV, but it was getting a lot of attention.”
Oh, this person saw the news about the cultural festival and came here because of it. That’s how much of a topic it was… Once again, I’m reminded of Asahina Toka’s influence.
“I think it was a great performance. It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone so emotionally expressive.”
“Yeah, that’s right! I was really moved too!”
The former manager praised her! It feels as good as if I had been praised myself. Huh? She seems like a much nicer person than I had imagined.
“By the way, what’s your relationship with Toka?”
“Well, we’re just classmates now…”
“Then there’s no need for me to talk to you anymore.”
Yes, I take back what I said. This person is really unpleasant!
“Yamanoe…san?”
While we were having that conversation, Asahina’s voice came from behind us.
“Asahina!? What’s wrong?”
“I got lonely, so I followed you…”
Somehow, it felt like Asahina had come at a bad time. I never thought that a duckling would backfire like this.
“Long time no see, Toka.”
The woman in the suit approached Toka.
“Um, is there something you need from me…?”
“Before that, what’s your relationship with that boy?”
“Ryo-kun said he’d re-train me…”
Asahina’s face turned pale. She was clearly terrified of the woman in the suit.
“Re-educate?”
“Ryo-kun was just being considerate of me after I was labeled a ‘failure’…”
“Toka, I told you over and over to be careful about scandals, didn’t I?”
The woman in the suit now approaches me.
“I’m sorry, but it seems like you two are playing around, but she’s a ‘failure.’ Give up on her.”
“…”
I reflexively glared at the woman in the suit. The moment I heard those words, I could feel the blood rushing to my head in a way that surprised even myself.
I only know the details of what happened from Asahina’s account.
But isn’t it your fault that Asahina ended up like this?!
“Toka, I watched the video from the cultural festival the other day. Your acting and demeanor are nowhere near what they used to be. Your voice lacks projection. Your expressions are still stiff. Above all, you’re not in sync with the others’ performances.”
“…”
I’m furious… What was that about earlier? Don’t just dismiss what moved me and what Asahina worked so hard for!
“But you know, the president says Toka still has potential.”
“What… do you mean…?”
“Toka, do you have any intention of returning to the entertainment industry?”
…Huh? What did you just say? Why did it come to this? You’re telling Asahina to return to the entertainment industry… the same person who just a moment ago said she wanted to withdraw from society?
Asahina looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.
“…Return… Now…?”
“The president is serious. The stage performance at this cultural festival wasn’t perfect. But he said he saw ‘passion.’ We want you to choose between staying as someone who failed in training or being re-educated under our guidance and making a comeback in the entertainment industry.”
The woman in the suit said this in a calm voice. But there was an odd coldness in her tone.
“Why are you pushing me so hard now…?”
Asahina’s voice was hoarse. It seemed to contain confusion, bewilderment, and just a hint of hope. The woman in the suit stared at her, paused for a moment, then spoke again.
“Because the name ‘Asahina Toka’ has that much value.”
“Value…?”
“The entertainment industry is a world where fantasy and reality blend together. Talent alone isn’t enough. Achievements, image, and buzz—all of those factors determine a person’s market value. I’ve realized that you still have the brand power of your ‘name.’ That’s why, if you can make a comeback, we can market it as a ‘miraculous resurrection.’ But that’s only possible if you stay with us. Otherwise, we’ll be labeled as incompetent for letting ‘Asahina Toka’ slip away.”
She spoke calmly, as if reading from a business book.
This guy…
This guy…!
“That would be a problem. If you don’t make a comeback, we’ll have no choice but to leave you as a failed project.”
“Can I say something!?”
Before I knew it, I had interrupted their conversation. I was completely boiling with anger.
“Are you even considering Asahina’s feelings when you say that!?”
My voice was louder than I realized. They were treating Asahina like a “product.” That gaze was unbearably unpleasant!
“Feelings are important. But feelings alone won’t get you anywhere in this world.”
“But… Asahina is…”
“Ryo kun, stop…”
Asahina grabbed my arm to stop me from lunging at her
“Give me some time. This is too sudden.”
“…I’ll give you a week. Find the answer within yourself. The entertainment industry isn’t easy. But if you’re serious about facing it again, we’re ready to welcome you back. And—”
“Your mother wants you to come back,” the woman called Yamanoe said something like that.
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