"After school today, tell the members of your group that you'll secure opportunities for them to be center. I'll go negotiate with my uncle. Once I'm done, I'll have him cooperate with you for a performance. That way, you'll gain the gratitude of the members, they'll probably all be impressed by you." Hiko laid out a precise plan.
The method seemed simple and effective, but in reality, all the pressure rested on Hiko. If he couldn't persuade Ichigo, and Ai had already spoken with her teammates, her credibility would be damaged.
"But isn't this your credit?" Ai asked, feeling as if it was deceiving people. She resisted the idea. "And wouldn't that be lying to them?"
"How is it deception?" Hiko thought for a moment about how to phrase it. "As long as we persuade my sleazy uncle, everyone can perform as center, right?"
"Right," Ai admitted.
"Then if we tell them beforehand, how could it be considered lying?" Hiko pressed.
"But… it still feels a little off…" Ai found that Hiko's explanation made sense, yet something about it still bothered her. She just couldn't pinpoint what.
"You're overthinking it. After school, just tell your teammates you'll try persuading the president in the coming days. I'll go negotiate today." Hiko remembered his Saturday appointment with Ai and decided to make preparations, which meant visiting Ichigo-Pro.
"Alright… Even if it means deceiving them a little, as long as I can maintain good relationships with them, I'll work hard," Ai said at last.
...
After school.
Hiko and Ai arrived at the office together.
In the dance studio, Ichigo was in a black suit and sunglasses, while four girls around ten years old practiced in front of the mirror.
After greeting everyone, Hiko turned to Ichigo. "President, I need to discuss something with you. Let's go to your office."
With outsiders present, he gave Ichigo enough face.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked, confused.
"It's not convenient here. Let's talk in the office," Hiko replied, opening the door and walking out.
"Mysterious brat," Ichigo muttered, but he had no choice except to follow.
The moment they left, Ai raised her voice to the other girls. "I have something to tell everyone. Please come closer."
"What is it?" Watanabe asked on behalf of the group.
"It's like this…" Ai explained, presenting the method Hiko had suggested as though she had come up with it herself. She and Hiko had already agreed it would have more impact this way.
"Your method might work, but who's going to persuade the president?" Niino asked.
"I'm the lead, and I came up with the method. Of course I'll be the one to negotiate with him," Ai said firmly, reciting her prepared answer.
"If you can really persuade the president, then I'll acknowledge both your lead and center positions," Takamine said, impressed by Ai's initiative.
"I agree with Takamine," another chimed in.
The remaining two nodded in agreement.
"I'm very happy you all support me as lead. Now I'm going to find the president!" Ai said with a bright smile.
Once she left, the four members glanced at one another.
Noticing the tense atmosphere, Watanabe spoke up. "If Ai really persuades the president and achieves what she described, would you all be fine being friends with her?"
"Mm," Takamine replied.
"I became an idol to perform, not to scheme. If Ai really lets us all become center, then I don't see a problem. I'll just focus on practice," Niino said.
"I also don't want anyone to resent Ai after the announcement," Ari added.
"As long as she succeeds, we can't play petty games. Group members should love each other," Watanabe concluded, relieved that the others were being rational.
...
Meanwhile, Hiko and Ichigo had arrived in the office.
"Aren't you planning to give Ai some pocket money?" Hiko immediately stood on the moral high ground. "You're her guardian now, yet you don't give her a single yen!"
"Pocket money?" Ichigo frowned. "I'm only her guardian in name…"
"In name only, and you won't give her anything? Too much! You're employing child labor without paying her, and after becoming her family you don't even care about her. Is that the kind of guardian you are? Truly unqualified!"
Hiko pressed harder, pointing directly at him. "I'm embarrassed for you."
"I only just became her guardian. The company's been so busy, I forgot…" Ichigo muttered, guilt making him avert his eyes. He knew Hiko always came with sharp words.
"Just became? The paperwork was signed Sunday, and today's Friday! And you say you forgot? I saw you slacking off in the practice room twice this week. Is that what you call no time?" Hiko mercilessly exposed his lie.
"I was supervising their progress! How does that become unforgivable in your mouth?" Ichigo shot back weakly, though even he felt at fault.
"And then? You know Ai grew up in an orphanage, yet you don't care for her or let her feel the warmth of family. Instead, all your thoughts are on the agency. In such a short time you've already scouted new members, you must've spent plenty of time on that, right?"
Hiko didn't hold back. He sympathized with Ai and wanted her to feel warmth, so he spared no effort to push Ichigo.
Knowing Ai would come soon, he had to finish quickly.
"Brat, enough! Isn't it just pocket money? I'll give it to her later!" Ichigo finally snapped. Being lectured by his twelve-year-old nephew like an elder was unbearable. He decided to pay up just to silence him.
"You misunderstand me. I just want you to care about her. If it's about money, I can pay." Hiko clarified. "Even pocket money can't be too much or too little. It has to be just the right amount, otherwise, it'll hurt her self-esteem."
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