Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622170980768754
Chapter 1 Epilogue: Part 1
The next day, we were completely exhausted and lying down at Toka’s house.
It wasn’t so much physical exhaustion as mental exhaustion. I was so glad today was a day off…
“…Toka, um…”
“What is it?”
“I can’t move very well…”
We were lying down in the middle of the room. Toka was holding onto my waist the whole time.
“Ryo-kun, I love you.”
“Wait, how many times have you said that today?”
“I’ll say it as many times as I want!”
Toka laughed happily and clung even tighter to my waist. Honestly, it was hard to move, but the warmth was so comforting!
“Still, this room is really empty now…”
“My mom took everything.”
Toka’s entertainment industry comeback scandal ended with her retirement… or so it seemed.
However, in the aftermath, Toka’s house was left completely empty!
Apparently, Toka’s mom forced some company to take everything away. Scary, scary, scary. The entertainment industry is scary. The pace there is just too intense.
All she has left are some simple clothes. So, she is just lounging around in her usual sweatshirts. From the outside, she probably look like total loser.
“Oh, I’m going to the bathroom.”
“Okay.”
As I stood up, Toka also stood up for some reason.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m coming with you.”
“Where?”
“The bathroom.”
“Are you crazy?”
“You said you wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“I didn’t think those words had such a physical meaning…”
No, we’ve been stuck together all day today. We’re not even like ducklings, we’re like koalas clinging to a tree.
“I’ll just be a minute.”
“I’ll wait…”
“Just so you know, it’s less than ten meters away!”
For some reason, Toka is about to cry. Isn’t this getting weird in a different way…?
“Ryo, I love you.”
“I’m happy, but that’s not something you say before going to the bathroom…”
Even after what happened, Toka’s eyes are sparkling. She looks so happy that I wonder if this is okay after all.
…But there are still many problems.
Toka has become even more distant from her mother and the agency. I think it’s a pretty serious situation that she has no adults she can rely on unconditionally. I myself want to be there for her more, but…
“I’m back!”
“Ryo-kun, welcome back!”
When I came back from the bathroom, she immediately hugged me. I think it’s a reaction, but I can’t leave her alone in this state. It must be even lonelier being alone in this empty room. I want to do something to help her, but…
“Toka, what should we do about the furniture?”
“Furniture?”
“Even the bed is gone. It seems you are able to sleep in the sleeping bag you brought yesterday.”
“Well, I’ll have to buy some.”
“So easily!? What about the money!?”
“I have plenty of money.”
“Say it…”
It’s too late now, but Toka can use the money freely. I don’t get it. I don’t understand what that mother is thinking at all.
“Then, let’s make a list of things you want.”
“Okay.”
Paper… paper… This room really has nothing in it!
“Well, let’s write it down on this then.”
I took out the “Toka Re-nurture Notebook” from my bag.
“Ryo, do you always carry this around?”
“Yeah, so I can write anytime.”
“Hehe~”
“Why are you so happy?”
“I’m not telling.”
I feel like asking any more would be rude. Let’s leave this topic for now and just make a list of the furniture we want.
“Ryo kun, we need a table first, right?”
“Yeah, I think a table is essential because you can’t study without one.”
“Then a sofa, right?”
“Yeah, yeah, it would be convenient to have one.”
“And a double bed, right?”
“Huh?”
“A pair of cups and a pair of toothbrushes, right?”
“…”
“I also want a pair of clothes and a pair of slippers.”
“Are we moving in together?!”
I felt embarrassed and closed my notebook with a bang. I wish she would consider the emotions of a teenage boy a little more.
“Oh, Ryo-kun is embarrassed. How cute!~”
“Stop teasing me…!”
Then, Toka wrapped her arms around my arm again. I’m sure she’ll do this outside too. I won’t be able to go outside for a while.
“Ryo kun, let’s fix that.”
“What?”
“The name on the notebook.”
On the cover of the notebook was written, “Asahina Toka, Re-nurture (Temporary) Plan,” which had been corrected with a marker to read, “Toka, Re-nurture Plan.” Toka had added more text to correct it.
“Toka [and Ryo-kun’s Love] nurture Plan”
There was a handwritten double line over the word “Nurture.” Between the words, she had added a little note.
“This is so embarrassing! It’s a mess! And now the cover is all messed up too!”
“Let’s grow together from now on.”
“Don’t you feel embarrassed saying that yourself, Toka!?”
“Actually, it’s pretty embarrassing.”
“Then don’t say it!”
Toka is smiling shyly. A mysterious space filled with mutual embarrassment has been created.
“Ryo-kun, Ryo-kun.”
“Hmm?”
“Will you keep nurturing me from now on?”
“Of course. There are still many unfinished items.”
“Yay! Then let’s get started right away!”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Um, develop my chest…”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m small…”
“What are you talking about!?”
“Help me develop everything about me!”
Toka’s face turned bright red as she started saying strange things.
Lately, a lot has happened, but it feels like normal everyday life is finally back.
…This is really just a side note.
A few days later, Purple Pro would be embroiled in a major online controversy due to what had happened earlier. In addition, Asahina’s mother would also face significant criticism from the public.
Someone who had witnessed the exchange must have recorded it and posted it online.
Many people were moved by Asahina Toka, who made a rare appearance at the cultural festival. And the fact that adults tried to exploit that was unforgivable… that was a natural feeling for her fans.
Some people criticized her as a failure, but there were just as many—no, even more—who supported Asahina Toka. That was undoubtedly a testament to the achievements and popularity she had built up during her child acting days.
For entertainment agencies where image is everything, this was a major blow, forcing them to significantly scale back operations… but that’s a story for another time. As for what happened to that former manager, I have no way of knowing. It seems her junior also had to transfer to another agency.
Toka, who doesn’t watch TV or use the internet much, is unaware of this.
I don’t think there’s any need for me to tell her either.
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