Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622176203887243
Toka’s bombshell statement changed the atmosphere in the room. The tension snapped, and I felt a softness spread through the air.
“T-Toka!? You didn’t have to say that!”
“Huh? But I think it’s the most important thing.”
Toka said it casually, without any sign of remorse.
“Um… Does that mean you’re considering marriage in the future?”
When someone asked that, Toka nodded shyly.
“Yes. That’s what I intend to do. …But I do worry about what would happen if his feelings changed. So I want to work hard to become the kind of person who is cherished.”
At those words, the sound of camera shutters clicked. But it was different from the prying sounds of before; it sounded like a gentle, supportive sound. It felt like the direction of the interview had suddenly changed…
Toka blushed and laughed, then gently grabbed my sleeve.
“I love Ryo-kun so much!”
――Shh. Everyone present froze for a moment. The reporters, the cameramen, and of course, me.
“Asahina-san, you look happy.”
An elderly reporter broke the silence and spoke to Toka with a hint of amusement.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I think you’re more beautiful now than you were in the past.”
“Haha, that’s probably the nicest thing anyone could say to me.”
Saying that, Toka showed her SSR smile. In that moment, everyone stared at her blankly, as if they had been struck by lightning.
No way, that’s not fair! I worked so hard, but she can charm everyone with just a smile! This girl is a genius!
“He was impressive.”
“Yeah, it was amazing that he didn’t run away and explained everything properly. He was more composed than most adults.”
“His honest way of speaking was memorable.”
“Most people couldn’t stand up for her like that.”
“He’s brave. I felt his sense of responsibility and determination.”
“It’s love.”
“Yeah, it’s love.”
“Youth is wonderful.”
Oh no! Stop, stop! I can feel my face turning bright red. I don’t know what kind of face to make when I’m praised so much! Toka next to me is looking at my profile with a satisfied expression and nodding her head!
“We in the media also want to see Asahina lead a normal high school life from now on.”
In that atmosphere, one of the reporters spoke to us calmly in a steady voice. Someone clapped softly at those words.
“Thank you for taking the time today. We would be grateful if you could continue to watch over us warmly.”
As I managed to squeeze out the words, the applause grew louder and louder. Eventually, it turned into a thunderous round of applause that might have disturbed the neighbors.
And so, my first-ever interview ended in an odd atmosphere.
◇
“Why did it turn out like this!?”
After seeing the reporters off, we returned to the house. The outcome was so unexpected that I could only collapse onto the sofa.
“This is just like an engagement press conference! Why did you come out, Toka?”
“Because I couldn’t hold back my feelings anymore.”
She answered immediately. And she was smirking! Toka didn’t seem to have any doubts about her actions. On the contrary, she seemed proud of herself, which was a little annoying.
“Wait, how did you hear my voice from upstairs? I didn’t speak that loudly!”
“Hyuuu~”
Toka was whistling without making a sound. What was that reaction…? Suddenly, I noticed Yuzuha opening the refrigerator to get a drink at the edge of my vision. Her expression was strangely stiff. That face was hiding something.
“You’re the accomplice, aren’t you!”
“I’ve been found out!”
“You’ve always been so obvious! I bet you were doing something else while recording!”
“I was just showing it to onee chan! She insisted on seeing it…”
“Ugh…”
After being told that, I couldn’t say anything. These guys, talking about such things without me, seem to have become quite close…!
“By the way, I also sent the video to Dad and Mom.”
“Oh nooooooooooooooooo!”
“They’re both going to apologize to the neighbors right now. Sorry for being so loud.”
“That’s helpful, but…”
I felt exhausted, having surpassed the peak of embarrassment. Will I be able to walk around the neighborhood normally from now on? I have a feeling I’ll be teased a lot.
“Actually, was it really okay for Toka to appear in such a place? I thought she would absolutely hate being in front of everyone…”
“I don’t like it, but I can’t just stand by and do nothing while Ryo-kun is working so hard.”
“Well, you sure went all out for it.”
“Because if things stayed the way they were, Kaede-san would have a hard time, right?”
“Huh?”
“Kaede-san, the hardest part is yet to come. I don’t want her to be called a failure like me.”
I had forgotten. Touka was even worried about Kagurazaka. If Touka’s words were true, Kagurazaka’s shelf life as a child actor was coming to an end… And now, with this scandal—especially with the agency in turmoil—the future might be more difficult than I can imagine. So that comment was also meant to prevent the girl who was called a “failed trainee” from creating another “failed trainee”…
“Well, if that’s the case…”
“Also, I wanted to brag about Ryo kun to everyone. My boyfriend is so cool!”
“It’s embarrassing to hear that!”
It didn’t end well! Well, maybe it was just her trying to hide her embarrassment about Kagurazaka. But I feel like the part she’s embarrassed about is a little different.
…However, after today’s interview, I’m even more confused about the future. How will the environment around us change from now on?
Ping-pong
—As I was thinking about that, the intercom at the front door rang.
“Oh, I’ll go check it out.”
Yuzuha was considerate enough to go to the intercom herself.
“Ah! It’s the creep in the black car!”
Yuzuha sounded genuinely disgusted. A black car… Was it the car that had been staking out our house? I wanted to see his face too, so I peered at the screen with Yuzuha.
“Excuse me…”
There was a tired-looking man at the front door. His messy hair hung down over his eyes. He was thin but wore baggy clothes, and he definitely had a suspicious aura about him. Is he really a reporter? The others were wearing suits and looked very sharp.
[I’m Asahina…]
At those words, my heart skipped a beat.
What? No way…
“…Oh, it’s Dad.”
Toka murmured those words from behind me!
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