Stealing Spree

Having gathered the attention of those nearby, our group didn't leave the scene right away to avoid being seen as a guilty party escaping. Or rather, to handle the aftermath.

Kakine-san, who's supposed to be the guy's manager, appeared not long after.

Someone fetched her and from the way her hair and eyeglasses adorning her face looked disheveled, she rushed out to this scene after hearing what happened.

I expected her to demand an explanation from us. However, that didn't happen.

Instead, the first thing she did was to bow in front of Yue and apologize on behalf of the unconscious dude.

Given how quick she was to bend her upper body, either someone filled her in on what happened or she's already used to apologizing on behalf of the troublemaker singer she's managing.

Somehow, I felt a little guilty seeing the woman do that. The idiot might've started it but I delivered the final blow.

In any case, since claiming that the events that unfolded were intentional on our part could lead to Yue being criticized, I didn't say anything and just let it happen.

Following that, Kaoru-san handled the situation from there. She's aware that we're also at fault but since the other party was already taking responsibility, it would just complicate things if she brought it up.

As dishonest as that might be, Kaoru-san also had the same opinion that the guy deserved his plight.

Ah. I should prepare to hear an earful from her later though...

She watched everything that happened, after all. She knew I intentionally retracted my hand, dodging the guy, causing him to fall face first.

It was obviously excessive so I deserved to be scolded for that

Anyway, after Yue had accepted the apology without making more fuss, the two managers squatted in front of the guy to check on him.

Upon finding out that he really did faint from that fall and there was no other visible injury on him, they called for male staff to help carry him to the floor's infirmary.

Before separating from us to follow her talent, Kakine-san depressingly expressed her apology again.

What a tough job for that woman. She should find someone else to manage, no? Or maybe she was assigned to manage him so she had no escape unless she resigned. Who knows?

Putting the incident to the back of our minds, we continued on our way.

--

Surprisingly, our destination wasn't that far from there. After passing by two corridors and turning left and right, we arrived at the Recording Studio A.

The first thing that I noticed at the place was the noticeably quiet atmosphere.

I guess even if the rooms are sound-proofed, they still encourage everyone to mind their manners when passing by in this area or they might disrupt an ongoing recording or rehearsal.

With Kaoru-san's lead, we entered the studio and were immediately met with a brand-new world.

It's like stepping into a different dimension. Because, unlike the places we passed by before coming here, the atmosphere here was more hectic than normal.

While the interior was huge, perhaps the whole area on this side merged into one, there was clear separation of rehearsal rooms and recording booths.

The middle area served as a lounge but no one was sitting there. Instead, staffs and artists alike were busily moving from one place to another.

My girls were clearly fascinated at the contrast outside but like me, they're quite uninterested in the singers or artists whose attire sets them apart from the staffs and managers.

Thankfully, before we could get lost in this foreign land, Kaoru-san and Yue continued to lead us further in.

A woman in an office suit then appeared before us, greeting Yue and then Kaoru-san before looking at Akane and Miho.

Yua and I only got a passing glance since our visitor pass was easily noticeable.

"Welcome. They must be the other singer and the composer."

"Ah. Yes, director. This is Shimizu Akane and Nishioka Miho." Yue introduced the two girls who immediately bowed their heads in courtesy.

So, she's the director, huh? I thought she was just a normal staff member, considering her ordinary appearance. That explains why she's not wearing any ID pass.

Since I could only observe her from behind, the only detail I could pick out was she was fairly young. Maybe around the same age as Eguchi-sensei. Her hair was clipped behind her head and she's giving off an amiable vibe.

She smiled at the two girls and also introduced herself.

"I'm Iwanami Risako. I heard the sample and I must say, I'm impressed. It's my honor to direct the single for you."

She stretched out her hand to the girls.

"You flatter us. We're but an amateur."

"Please do not hold back if we mess up."

Akane humbly replied while Miho was a little straightforward. Well, that's their personality.

Akane decided to do the song because of me. And while Miho had the same reason, she always maintained this attitude outside. Even if she's susceptible to praise, she wouldn't easily show it on her face.

On my side, Yua couldn't contain her excitement even though we were going to spectate.

Well, she's always bubbly and only showed nervousness seconds before her photoshoots.

The director laughed in reply before ushering us to follow her to one of the rehearsal rooms.

"Director, why did you come out personally? Aren't you still busy?" Yue interjected as we started moving again.

"Do I look busy to you? Asahi, the top brass are also looking forward to this. Two more talented girls of your age have come to our door. We can't miss out on getting a first glimpse of these diamonds in the rough."

Diamonds in the rough, huh? Why does she sound old-

fashioned? Is she actually older than she looks?

Anyway, Akane and Miho had no reaction to that. They're not interested in this career, after all.

But to think that they put so much importance on this recording... Yue's popularity must've been bringing their music label a great amount of reputation.

If I'm not wrong, they're going to put an emphasis on signing more young singers or talents.

And since she's already this successful after just a year, the other companies will also do the same.

Soon enough, we reached the rehearsal room. It's empty, of course, as it would serve as our waiting room before the actual recording starts.

Although the director didn't pay me or Yua any attention, I noticed the few staff who just so happened to walk in the same direction or those coming from the opposite direction also eyeing us.

Ah. No. They're specifically looking at me.

As soon as the door closed, the director turned around and faced Yue.

"Okay. Before I leave you here, can you satisfy my curiosity, Asahi-chan?"

"Yes, director. What is it?" Yue unhesitatingly nodded. Following that, she glanced back at me.

Yeah. Even if the director had yet to voice it out, she already knew what she was going to ask.

It's about me. The guy who inspired her.

"Oh. It appears I don't need to ask about it anymore. That affectionate glance is more than enough confirmation." The director drew a grin as she walked towards me, scanning me from head to toe. "It's you. The boy who caught her heart. I must say... You're courageous. Have you two decided that it doesn't matter if people uncovered your identity?"

Ah. This woman... Is she actually one of Asahi's avid fans? I could see a similar glimmer in her eyes whenever Sumire talked about Asahi.