He is an idol and a childhood sweetheart.

"Furthermore, it is actually a matter of pride for me that more people can understand the merits of wise men. After all, even aside from being a producer, he is still my childhood sweetheart."

"you too……"

This calm attitude, which was exactly the same as that of Higuchi Enka, made Daifu Yuko uncontrollably feel a trace of jealousy in her heart.

So, the relationship between childhood sweethearts is really cunning!The shared memories and emotional foundation over the years not only put the two of them on a higher starting point, but also gave them the "guarantee" that even if they failed, they would not lose everything.

"It's really a fair game."

"Sorry, Higuchi and I are both cheating players."

Asakura Toru said with a smile:

"But even so, I will never be merciful."

"I know, I didn't expect it at all."

Daidon Yuko curled her lips and said:

"So... the reason why you came out to me is to confirm my feelings for Kento Watanabe, right?"

"Well? Didn't I already tell you the reason why I came out?"

After listening to Daito Yuko's question, Asakura Toru said in an indistinct voice while chewing the roast meat in his mouth:

"I really

It's just out of curiosity, so I want to get to know the juniors. "

"...What about the topic about Kento Watanabe?"

"It's just small talk. If you don't want to talk, we can change the topic to other topics... Ah, by the way, I want to order another piece of this beef tongue. What about you?"

"………………what?"

The topic of Kento Watanabe...is just casual chat?

The reason why this guy invited her to meet on the weekend... was just to get to know her?

I specifically added a friend during class time and made an appointment to meet on the weekend... I just wanted to get to know her?

Daito Yuko realized that she might have underestimated Toru Asakura's ability to "go her own way".

However, on the other side, Asakura Toru continued to focus on the baking pan in front of him as if nothing was wrong:

"Oops, no! This piece of meat is almost burnt. It's such a waste... Fuyuko, don't just grill it. Let's eat together quickly."

"…………Oh, forget it."

"Well? What's wrong?"

"nothing……"

Daidon Yuko shook her head, and then scooped a large spoonful of chili powder directly into her dipping dish.

If the people she comes into contact with in daily life are those who can see through their thoughts at a glance, then the three childhood sweethearts here are the type who can never guess what they are thinking.

Continuing to think like this will only increase her mental exhaustion. Since she can't guess what the other person is thinking, and the other party doesn't show too obvious hostility to her, then she might as well start acting as she pleases, just like the other person.

"Asakura."

"kindness?"

"As you know. As for me, I also have a good impression of Kento Watanabe. Maybe I am not as good as you in terms of my ability as an idol and the depth of my feelings, but I am definitely serious."

"……kindness."

"So, in order to make Kento Watanabe pay more attention to me, I will continue to work hard as the idol of Watanabe Agency until I surpass you... That's it."

After uttering her thoughts in one breath as if she was giving up on herself, Daito Yuko also began to pick up the barbecue in the baking pan.

On the other side, after hearing Daito Yuko's speech which was almost equivalent to a declaration of war, Asakura Toru showed a smile.

"In this case, the two of us are officially love rivals."

"Well, that's it."

"But I always feel that the two of us might still be friends in the future."

"...It's best this way."

In this way, the fledgling "brave" was recognized by the "devil" as his opponent.

As for whether this "Devil King" will regret today's "mercy" in the future...

Let’s leave that for later.

Chapter 20: Motivation to go further

"Huh...it's really fatal."

After returning home, Daidon Yuko immediately fell on her bed and let out a weak groan:

"Declaring war on the top popular idol in the industry...is there really nothing wrong with my brain?"

Logically speaking, she would never make such a decision like a moth flying into a flame, as she always knows how to observe people's emotions and understand the world.

It’s really easy for feelings to make a person get carried away...

"But...I don't regret it at all."

Although she did something that was completely inconsistent with her own style of acting, Daito Yuko didn't feel any regret at this time.

Although Toru Asakura is a popular idol, she doesn't give people the feeling of being superior at all. It would be better to say that she feels like an ordinary female high school student.

Light, transparent and dazzling.

Although it doesn't sound like describing a person at all, Toru Asakura's own temperament is so wonderful.

"... He has a good personality, high talent, unique temperament, and cute appearance. It would be strange if such a person is not popular."

But at the same time, Daito Yuko has not forgotten who the person was who discovered and cultivated Asakura Toru's charm to this extent.

"If I can always follow the route set by the producer for me, can I be as good as her?"

After seeing Toru Asakura's success and Enka Higuchi's growth, she no longer doubted Kento Watanabe's strength.

At this point, the only person she doubts is herself.

Perhaps her first modeling job did provide her with a lot of confidence, but even so, it is still a bit reluctant for her to directly compare with Toru Asakura and Enka Higuchi.

She has been in a state of low self-esteem for a long time and does not yet have the mental strength to build self-confidence out of thin air.

In order to further affirm herself, she still needs more work and results.

and so……

bell bell -

While Dai Dong Yuko was still thinking wildly, her cell phone ringtone suddenly rang.

The next second, when she saw the name on the caller ID, she pressed the connect button without hesitation——

【oh!Picked up so fast! 】

Kento Watanabe's voice sounded a little surprised.

[Although I knew you would not have classes at this time, I didn’t expect that you would pick up the class instantly...]

"hand

The machine is just at hand. "

Daidon Yuko put her face next to the phone and said:

"What do you want to see me for at this time?"

[Yes, I have something to discuss with you. 】

Kento Watanabe gave an affirmative answer:

[You should still remember Higuchi’s first stage performance last month, right? 】

"Of course I remember...it was "Blessings" that I sang, right? That video is still in my computer."

[Just remember, this is what I’m discussing with you this time. 】

".........!?"

Hearing this, Daidon Yuko sat up instantly, put the phone directly to her ear and asked:

"Could it be...that it's my turn this time?"

[Yes, I confirmed with Mr. Ishibashi not long ago that you now have the ability to perform on stage. 】

Kento Watanabe said:

[So next, in order to allow you to adapt to the stage one step ahead, I am going to let you perform an "informal live" in the Livehouse. What do you think? 】

"I accept! Just tell me the time!"

【……Eh?Is it so refreshing? 】

Kento Watanabe couldn't help but be stunned by Daito Yuko's overly cheerful reply.

[I thought it would take a long time to persuade me just like Enka...]

In the view of Kento Watanabe, Yuko Daito is a person who lacks a sense of self-identity even more than Enka Higuchi.

So before making this call, Kento Watanabe originally thought of a lot of rhetoric to persuade Yuko Daito.

As a result, he never expected that instead of resisting his proposal, Yuko Daito accepted it very decisively...

Was it because his enlightenment that day had an effect?Or is it because something happened to Daidon Yuko during this period that made her figure it out?

Or rather...

……

[Although I am very happy that you agreed readily, but...do you really not need to think carefully anymore? 】

Kento Watanabe asked worriedly:

[Never make a choice that you will regret because of impulse. 】

"...Why is it that now you are the one trying to dissuade me?"

[Uh... Mainly I'm a little worried that you might have agreed so decisively because you were considering my mood. 】

After that day of heart-to-heart talk, Kento Watanabe has gradually understood Yuko Daidon’s inner thoughts.

She seems to be more receptive to the "Give & Take" format than to unilateral, unreasonable kindness.

She needs to prove her worth through feedback from others, and this is a common problem or a common way of thinking among people who lack self-confidence.

[Although I know that you want to repay my expectations for you, your personal wishes should be more dominant than this.If you are just taking care of my mood, then I suggest you think about it again. 】

"……………………"

After listening to Kento Watanabe's clumsy but serious tirade, Daito Yuko was silent for a long time, and then said softly:

"What if I say...I accepted it out of my own free will?"

[That’s no problem, I will support you in all aspects. 】

Kento Watanabe said:

[I have great faith in your ability. The only thing I am worried about is your mental state, so——]

"No need to worry, I have thought about it clearly since that day passed."

Yuko Daito interrupted Kento Watanabe's "concerns" that he had not yet finished speaking.

"I am indeed a person who longs for recognition and praise from others, and I also really want your approval, but besides that... the reason why I want to become an idol is to become a more ideal version of myself. .And there is no conflict between the two.”

"The last photo shoot has given me the confidence to think positively, and it has also given me further motivation. In order to get closer to my ideal posture, and also to get your praise again, I need more More work, and more results. So... please don't worry, please give me as much work as possible!"

【………………】

After listening to Daito Yuko's words, Watanabe Kento was stunned for a moment, and then said with a smile:

[I understand, then as a producer, I will look forward to your next performance. 】

"Ah, please be sure to look forward to it."