Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622176203497229
With Toka blindfolding me from behind with both hands, we headed to the event space on the first floor. It was extremely difficult to walk, and I was a little scared because I couldn’t see in front of me. No, I’m the one who wants to hide Toka!
Looking through the gaps between my fingers, I could see that the event space was already overflowing with people. In the back of the crowd… I couldn’t see clearly, but it looked like there was a slightly elevated stage for the event.
“Yuzu-chan, please pull Ryo-kun’s hand.”
“U, yeah…”
For some reason, I am being taken care of by two people wearing berets. I feel like a prisoner being taken away somewhere… Or maybe I’m a comedian wearing an eye mask being taken somewhere…
But what are Toka’s feelings toward Kagurazaka Kaede ? She said she disliked her, but it doesn’t seem like she hates her that much. I thought she didn’t care that much, but she seems to care a little, so I’m not sure.
“Kagurazaka Kaede’s agency is under fire right now, isn’t it?”
“It’s because of Asahina Toka. It’s too harsh.”
“It seems that a lot of her work has been canceled. That’s probably why she’s doing sales at a shopping mall like this.”
I heard that rumor from somewhere. I wonder if Toka has heard about it… Knowing Toka, I wonder if she feels strangely responsible.
“Now, we have Kagurazaka Kaede here with us today!”
I thought she was quite far back in the event space, but I could hear the voice of what sounded like the MC coming through the microphone. Toka’s hand quickly moved away from my eyes.
“Ah, I’m finally free!”
“Keep your eyes closed.”
“That’s harsh…”
Damn it, it’s not about Kagurazaka, I want to be wary of her former manager! Toka doesn’t understand my intentions at all.
“Yuzuha.”
“Hmm?”
“It’ll be trouble if Toka is found out, so try not to stand out too much. Be a little aware of your surroundings.”
“Oh, right. You’re right.”
In that case, I’ll ask my sister for her cooperation. With Toka in the middle, the two of us stood on either side of her. I didn’t want Toka to get angry at me, so I decided to close my eyes properly.
“Thank you very much for inviting me today!”
A bright, cheerful voice echoed through the venue. It was Kagurazaka Kaede voice.
At the same time as Kagurazaka’s voice, Toka gently squeezed my hand. I couldn’t see her because my eyes were closed, but I could sense her seriousness.
“Kagurazaka san, who is currently very active in dramas and movies, do you ever come to shopping malls like this to shop?”
“Yes! I love shopping, so I try to go as much as possible on my days off!”
“What kind of shopping do you do, Kagurazaka san?”
“I’d like to say clothes, like a girl should, but I end up checking out the candy section too. There are so many clothing stores here, it’s really wonderful!”
Kagurazaka Kaede is still in sixth grade, right? Her responses don’t sound like those of an elementary school student. She’s incredibly confident. If I were asked the same question, I couldn’t answer so cheerfully and clearly.
“Kagurazaka san, there’s also a movie theater here.”
“Oh, then my movie is currently showing, so please go see it after this talk show ends if you have the chance.”
The venue erupted in laughter. Her ability to draw in those around her is certainly on par with Toka of old…
“Kagurazaka san, you are a very famous child actress. Do you have any idea why you are called that?”
“No, no, I am very grateful to hear that, but I have no idea! Besides…”
Kagurazaka, who had been answering confidently until now, hesitated slightly.
“There are other true geniuses…”
“What do you mean?”
“There was someone even more amazing in the same agency! she should be so much more amazing than me…”
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
“Are you talking about Asahina Toka?”
Someone’s voice could be heard. Toka’s grip on my hand tightened.
“I entered the entertainment world because I admired that person. That’s why I think I have to work even harder.”
At the same time, even though Kagurazaka was still talking, the voices around her grew louder and louder.
“You’re brave to bring up the agency that’s under fire.”
“Somehow, she seems to think her humble self is cute.”
“Yeah, she’s not childlike.”
“She was raised by that agency. She probably didn’t turn out to be a good kid.”
I felt complicated. I don’t regret what I did that day. But the spark I started has spread to Kagurazaka, who is innocent. That’s very frustrating.
Just as the noise of the crowd was about to drown out Kagurazaka’s voice, Toka gently let go of my hand. Then she took a deep breath, loud enough for me to hear.
“Hang in there!”
Toka’s voice echoed loudly throughout the venue.
The sudden loud voice made me open my eyes. When I looked around, Yuzuha, the audience, and even Kagurazaka on stage were surprised and looking at me.
“Ryo kun, Yuzu chan, let’s go.”
Toka hid her face with her hat and started walking backward.
“Eh…?”
Through the microphone, I thought I heard Kagurazaka gasp.
“O-Onee-chan…?”
The atmosphere in the venue changed in an instant.
Immediately after Toka’s voice echoed, the audience, which had been so noisy, fell silent as if they had stopped breathing. And it was Kagurazaka Kaede on stage who broke the silence.
“I…”
Kagurazaka gripped the microphone with both hands. Her voice trembled slightly, but she still shouted straight toward Toka, as if to convey her feelings.
“Asahina Toka’s acting has saved me many times! That’s why I am who I am today. I want to talk more… I want to act with you again!”
Toka almost turned around, but she kept walking without stopping, her back still turned.
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