Storage Room
The three troublemakers, unable to resist, were sent here to do prep work.
"Second day on the job and there's already a TV interview, huh."
"Well, it is Dolphin. If it were another store, even calling the TV station wouldn't get a response."
"So cool. And it's that handsome guy from Sips too."
"You know about the Sips too?"
Kamishiro looked at Kohei in surprise. He had always thought Kohei only paid attention to agencies that had something to do with voice actors.
"Of course! Their artists often collaborate with voice actors!"
"..."
As expected, it's still because of the voice actors.
"I heard they're planning to bring in female models later. Why didn't they just go with female models from the start?"
"I think voice actors are more reliable."
"Forget who they're bringing in. I don't think there's any need for male talents. If the main character is male, having me alone is enough."
"…You're really shameless, aren't you?"
"Am I not good-looking enough?"
"..."
Looking at Kamishiro's smug face, Iori wanted to throw a sarcastic jab at him, but… that face really was handsome!
However, he was quite curious about one thing.
"Speaking of which, Kamishiro, why didn't you ever take a part-time job as an entertainer? With that face, you could totally give it a shot. You'd earn way more than working as a host."
Everyone knows entertainers tend to be high-earning professionals. Sure, the big bucks usually go to the top few, but… isn't that the same for every profession?
With Kamishiro's looks, he could totally make it to that level!
Kohei was also curious. He had once received a scouting offer himself but avoided it due to his social anxiety.
He refused to believe Kamishiro hadn't been scouted with a face like that—especially since he used to live in Tokyo!
"Ah, entertainers, huh."
Kamishiro paused what he was doing, as if reminiscing, then continued.
"I did get a lot of offers, but I turned them all down."
"Why?"
"Don't you like being in front of the camera?"
"Didn't you say you wanted to visit a TV station before?"
"Don't tell me…"
"Stop, stop!" Kamishiro cut off their speculations right away. Knowing these two, the conversation was about to go wildly off-track.
"It's not for any of those reasons. It's just… if you become a real entertainer, it's not just a part-time gig anymore. You'd have to sign all sorts of contracts and do performances—it'd be a pain."
Kamishiro scratched his head. That's exactly why he chose not to become an entertainer.
He liked Fukuzawa (the money), but he wasn't hurting for it. As a light novel author and a university student scamming his childhood friend, he was already making decent cash.
Plus, he could travel for inspiration from time to time~
But more importantly…
If he became an entertainer, he'd have no private life left!!!
He absolutely didn't want to spend his future clashing with paparazzi all the time! Getting snapped in compromising photos and slapped with outrageous penalty fees by his agency?
He'd rather live freely as a low-tier novelist!
Without holding back, Kamishiro shared all these concerns.
After hearing him out, Iori and Kohei's mouths twitched. They could totally picture it—if this guy did become an entertainer, he'd be a menace.
He might even organize late-night meetups with his fans or something.
"Well, the main reason is that I still have to study. But after graduation, I might give being an entertainer a try."
"If you ever become an entertainer, I'll be the first to leak dirt on you."
Iori shot Kamishiro a disdainful glance. This guy really was a menace, no matter where he went.
"Hah, with the agency I'll choose, you won't be able to touch me!"
Thinking of his target agency, Kamishiro's expression grew cocky. Maybe he didn't even need to graduate?
"Don't tell me you're planning to market yourself as some pervy creep character?"
"You'll see when the time comes."
Kamishiro waved his hand dismissively. Once they saw his works, they'd understand.
"Tch, probably just a bunch of trashy B-movies."
Iori scoffed, but then thought of all the beautiful actresses in those trashy movies.
"Ah, I want to work with female entertainers too."
Sadly, he didn't have the looks to make it as an entertainer.
"You could be a comedian! You'd probably be really popular."
Kamishiro suggested from the side. Iori might actually become a big hit as a comedian.
After all, it was a universally acknowledged fact~
"乀(ˉεˉ乀) Screw off. What female celebrity would fall for a comedian?!"
"Tch, can't even recognize good advice~"
After a bit more playful bickering, they stopped talking and focused on preparing their diving gear.
Meanwhile, Kohei, who had been quiet for a long time, was lost in thought.
Scenes from last night kept flashing through his mind.
He felt it was time to figure out what Kitahara really thought!
And with Kamishiro here, he could even consult with him afterward!
Time to act.
"Hey, Kitahara."
"Hmm?"
"When you're looking for a partner… what are you looking for, mainly?"
PFFT!
Before Iori could even answer, Kamishiro spat out whatever he was holding.
He stared at Kohei in shock. This guy… is he trying to probe Iori so he can make a move himself?!
The nightmare Kamishiro had barely suppressed last night came flooding back. Did he have to bring this up in such a cramped setting?!
It was weird. It was terrifying!
Stay calm.
Kamishiro, you need to stay calm right now.
Taking a few deep breaths, he silently tried to soothe himself. Once calm, he began analyzing the situation.
From Kohei's question, it didn't seem like the two of them were together yet. That meant… there was still hope?
"You okay?"
"What's with the sudden spit-take?"
Iori and Kohei looked at Kamishiro, puzzled. Wasn't that just a normal question for a guy to ask another guy?
What was the big deal?
(;?＿?)
"Cough, cough. Nothing, I just choked on my spit. Carry on."
Kamishiro averted his gaze guiltily and subtly distanced himself. But he perked up his ears to listen closely.
Today, he was determined to find out exactly what kind of relationship those two had!
The other two didn't suspect anything. Kamishiro being weird now and then was totally normal.
They continued their conversation.
Iori answered seriously, "It's hard to say out loud, but… honestly, it's for the body."
"..."
Kamishiro fell silent. This guy didn't seem the slightest bit hesitant to speak at all.
If he hadn't interrupted earlier, Iori probably would've said that immediately!
"Why the sudden serious question?"
"It's not that sudden. We were just talking about models and actresses, and it popped into my head."
Kamishiro: No way. This guy definitely has more than that on his mind!
As a bystander, Kamishiro unknowingly pulled out a bag of sunflower seeds.
He even forgot the task at hand.
Truly, gossiping is in human nature!
Back to the other two.
Kohei wasn't satisfied with Iori's answer and asked again, "So, besides physical desire, what else do you value?"
Besides physical desire?
Kamishiro's brain raced to interpret the question. If his hunch was right…
Kohei was indirectly asking if Iori could accept a male partner. After all, if it was just about physical needs… Kohei could fulfill those too, maybe?
Ugh. That mental image was hard to accept!
But what could he do? If this was really the path they were taking, Kamishiro could only give them his blessings… and quietly keep his distance.
He definitely didn't want to become part of that love triangle!
Iori also noticed something was off about Kohei. "What's with that serious look all of a sudden?"
"But let me think…"
Even though he complained, he was actually seriously considering Kohei's question!
A minute later—
He answered, "I guess… still boobs!"
"That's just physical desire with a different label…"
Boobs, huh…
At least that confirmed Kitahara was still relatively normal.
By now, the two had finished preparing their diving equipment and were wheeling their oxygen tanks toward the door.
Kamishiro followed closely behind, curious about what kind of shady tactics Kohei might use next.
"Well, I guess being with someone who makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is important too."
After the "boobs" comment was shot down, Iori added. This answer sounded much more reasonable.
"Oh?"
"And someone who matches my personal tastes."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Someone who can open the door to a whole new world for me."
"I see!"
Listening to their conversation, Kamishiro's expression grew increasingly troubled.
Here is the complete English translation of the text you provided:
At this moment, he took back his earlier evaluation of Iori—this guy wasn't normal either!
Thinking carefully…
"Always staying by your side, being easy to get along with, having their own preferences, and able to open the door to a whole new world..."
The more he thought about it, the more it sounded exactly like him and Kohei!
Realizing this, Shiro Kamishiro looked at Iori in horror.
Could it be…
That "boobs" comment just now was a deliberate distraction from Kitahara to throw the two of them off?!
Holy crap!
Why is this bastard using the same strategy as Kohei?!
Are the two of you sure you're not soulmates?!
The shocking realization hit Shiro so hard that he didn't even notice Aunt Kotegawa appear behind him.
Smack!
"Caught you slacking off."
A cold voice came from behind Shiro, and the familiar pain on his head made him cover it with a pitiful expression.
This time… it really wasn't intentional slacking!
He could only blame the "bromance" between his two best buddies being just too close!
He no longer knew what kind of expression to use when facing the two of them.
Seeing Shiro look totally out of it, Kotegawa looked at her hand, a bit confused. Did I hit too hard?
Am I really that strong?
Cough cough...
Thinking it might be her fault, Aunt Kotegawa stuffed a lollipop into Shiro's mouth.
That was her way of apologizing.
Then she said to him, "Come on, help me with something."
"Eh?"
The sweet taste brought Shiro back to his senses. Since he had just snapped out of it, he was still a bit dazed.
He pointed at the oxygen tanks on the cart and asked, "What about these...?"
"Oh, just leave those to Iori and the others."
"Iori!"
The two people silently walking in front turned around in confusion, only to see the manager pointing at them, then at the cart in front of Shiro—before pulling Shiro away by the collar.
{{(°△°; "}}!
The two were stunned. Is this how vague the task assignments are now?
Fortunately, since neither of them were normal people, they had a bit of a knack for interpreting vague instructions like these.
So they stepped forward to take over Shiro's cart.
"We're all in the odd jobs crew, so why does this guy get special treatment?"
"Maybe... he's actually got it worse?"
"..."
The two glanced at Shiro and the manager's retreating backs. Just a moment ago, the manager had smacked Shiro on the head again.
Terrifying!
Rattle, rattle…
The sound of wheels echoed through the store as the two resumed their previous conversation.
Kohei recalled the earlier chat and couldn't hold it in anymore.
Given that all three of them had similar ways of thinking, and considering the points Iori had just listed…
Kohei, now drenched in cold sweat, pointed at himself and asked, "Were you just talking about me?"
(?°?д°?)
"You dumbass! I said the person was the opposite sex!"
Iori growled, veins popping on his forehead. Why did this idiot forget the most important condition?!
"Please, have mercy—I can't show you any new world!"
"I never asked you to!"
With the misunderstanding cleared up, the two started bickering again!
But…
Shiro Kamishiro had no idea about this little development.
Having been dragged away by Aunt Kotegawa earlier, his head was filled with the thought that these two idiots were just one thin layer of denial away from becoming full-blown bros!
At this stage, they were still awkwardly testing the waters with indirect remarks!
…
Manager's Office
Shiro sat in the chair looking utterly defeated.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't figure out where things had gone wrong.
One of them was a boobs-obsessed idiot, and the other was an otaku who loved anime.
How on earth did the two of them end up liking each other?!
As expected…
Sister Azusa is the real goddess!
She saw through everything from the start!
"Snap out of it. Help me organize the reservation notes on the desk."
Aunt Kotegawa pointed to the messy pile of papers—notes she had scribbled down during phone calls.
Since the new shop opened, lots of old customers and friends had called to make appointments.
But things had been too hectic lately, so the notes were all disorganized and now needed to be properly sorted.
"Got it."
Shiro didn't dawdle. He suppressed the shock in his heart. Anyway, since those two hadn't broken through that final barrier yet, there was no need to get involved for now.
Besides, he had no idea how to help anyway. Better to talk it over with Sister Azusa later and figure it out then.
At the very least, this job was way easier than what Iori and Kohei were doing~
Wait a minute—wasn't the reason Aunt Kotegawa dragged him in here just so he wouldn't interfere outside?!
Come to think of it, the TV crew should be arriving soon…
"..."
Staring at Aunt Kotegawa's back, Shiro had a feeling.
He'd guessed right…
Damn it!
Kohei and Kitahara are way more chaotic than me!
Though he was bitter about it, he eventually let it go. It was just a TV station, and he'd have plenty of chances in the future.
Suddenly, Shiro remembered something.
He had meant to bring it up yesterday, but things had been too busy and it slipped his mind.
"Aunt Kotegawa."
"Hmm?"
"You haven't told Chisa yet, have you?"
"Told her what?"
"About your left ear…"
Upon hearing that—
Aunt Kotegawa, who had been jotting something down, froze.
…