"Here comes the Showbiz Minute! Today we have with us the Rising Star Actress, Raiquèn Xy Ignazio-Kanazora!" the host announced as the cameras zoomed in on the young actress seated gracefully on the studio couch.
"Ms. Raiquèn, thank you for joining us today!" another host added warmly.
"Please, the pleasure is mine. It's an honor to be your guest." Raiquèn chuckled softly.
She wore a fitted crimson dress that highlighted her poise, her hair braided into elegant waterfall waves cascading down her back.
"Hahaha! The rumors are true—Ms. Raiquèn really is a humble star!" one of the hosts teased, earning light laughter from the audience.
"Ms. Rai, do you mind telling us—why did you decide to become an actress?"
Raiquèn's lips curved into a shy smile.
"Well… I may be a little shy to admit this, but I became an actress because I was inspired by someone I admire deeply."
"Aww, that's so sweet!" the first host cooed.
"I wonder who that someone might be?" the second one pressed.
"Someone she admires, maybe?" the first host teased further.
Their playful banter made Raiquèn laugh.
"Is that someone perhaps in the entertainment world?" asked the second host with a grin.
"Yes, but…" Raiquèn leaned in mischievously. "I can't tell who!" She laughed again, her eyes sparkling.
"I feel like Ms. Raiquèn is playing with us!" the first host joked, making the crowd laugh along.
"Don't tease our Rising Star too much! She's only sixteen years old, yet her name is already known all over Italy!" said the second host proudly.
"Hahaha, that's true! It's all because of her unparalleled talent!" the first host exclaimed.
"Unparalleled?" Raiquèn repeated curiously, tilting her head.
"Of course! Everyone knows you're the star of method acting!" the second host said dramatically, causing another wave of laughter.
"Alright, let's move on to our Q&A!" the first host announced with a grin.
The clip faded out as Hachiro set down his tablet, the glow of the screen vanishing.
They were sitting inside the same private studio Roskow Agency had given Raiquèn six years ago. After her initial five-year contract ended, she had renewed without hesitation.
Just as CEO Leora had promised, Roskow nurtured her talent. Now Raiquèn was no longer a hopeful child but a teenage sensation—the Rising Star of Italy.
She had acted in over a hundred films and series within those five years. In at least half of them, she held crucial roles, and in twenty, she shone as the lead. The schedule had been grueling—acting day and night, balancing sets and scripts with little rest.
Yet Raiquèn loved every moment of it.
Her passion kept her moving, and her sacrifices paid off. Now, everyone in Italy knew her name. But Raiquèn wasn't satisfied yet—her dream stretched further. She wanted the world to know her, just as her Aunt Sera had once been celebrated as a global star.
And she didn't stop at acting. International brands sought her beauty and charisma, pulling her into the world of fashion and modeling. Campaign after campaign, she dazzled the public.
To the world, she was the picture of grace and talent—Italy's beloved rising star.
Yet here she was, sprawled lazily on the studio couch, snoring softly.
"Raiquèn…" Hachiro muttered, one eyebrow twitching at the sight.
"Mhm… five more minutes…" she mumbled in her sleep, hugging a pillow like a child.
"You missed lunch," Hachiro said flatly.
That alone jolted Raiquèn awake. Her eyes blinked half-shut as she shot upright.
"R–Really!?" she mumbled, still groggy, her hair slightly messy from her nap.
Before Hachiro could respond, a knock came at the door.
"Sir, an offer was sent for Miss Raiquèn," a voice called from outside.
Hachiro smirked faintly. "Just kidding," he muttered under his breath before raising his voice.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a young staff member stepped inside, clutching a folder tightly to her chest. She approached, bowing lightly before handing the paper to Hachiro.
"Hm? What's this…" Hachiro murmured, flipping through the document. His sharp gaze flicked up to the girl.
"Are you new?"
"A-ah, yes! I am Wren, at your service, sir!" she said quickly, bowing deeper this time.
"I see." Hachiro nodded, already turning his attention back to the papers.
Behind him, Raiquèn shuffled forward, still rubbing her eyes like a child, her voice soft.
"What's going on…?"
Wren's gaze shifted—and froze. The young actress sat there in the simple glow of the room, hair falling in soft waves, her golden eyes hazy from sleep yet shining all the same. Even in such a disheveled state, her presence was striking.
'Woah… she's so dazzlingly pretty…'
Wren thought, momentarily forgetting where she was.
Then, as if sensing the stare, Raiquèn tilted her head and smiled warmly. "Hm?"
That smile hit Wren like a spark to her chest, her breath catching. Her heart jolted, cheeks flaring red.
"I–I'll excuse myself now!" she stammered, bowing hastily before darting out of the room.
The door clicked shut.
Raiquèn blinked after her, then looked at Hachiro with mild confusion.
"Eh? Did I do something wrong?"
"You're good," Hachiro said as he sank back into his swivel chair.
On the sofa, Raiquèn stretched her arms, grabbing a pillow and hugging it to her chest.
"Hachiii~ I'm hungry~" she whined dramatically.
"I already ordered food for you. Be patient."
Her golden eyes drifted toward him, curious as she noticed the papers he was focused on.
"What's that?"
"It's from Roskow."
"The CEO?? What did she saaay?" Raiquèn leaned forward eagerly.
Hachiro glanced at her, then back at the document.
"She's asking if you'd like to try a theater play."
"Theater? Hmmm…"
Raiquèn tilted her head, eyes darting up at the ceiling as though weighing the idea.
"It's a one-week preparation, followed by a live performance at the La Scala Theater in Milan."
"WHAAAAT?! THE LA SCALA!?" Her eyes lit up instantly, her entire face glowing. She bounced up from the sofa.
"Count me in! Count me in!" she chanted like an excited child.
Hachiro sighed, watching her with a mix of fondness and exasperation. "There will be other agency actors and actresses participating—not just Roskow's talents."
"I know, I know. It's a live show, Hachi~" she sing-songed, cutting him off mid-sentence.
He narrowed his eyes at her. "You take things too lightly sometimes."
"So? Which agencies are joining us?" she asked, leaning over his desk.
"Kenson Agency, Raptors Agency, Trex Agency… and Mediaset TXP."
Raiquèn froze. "Mediaset!? Whooo are they going to send!?"
"I don't know. But I doubt it's your crush," Hachiro said dryly, flipping the page without even looking at her.
"Hachi! She's not my crush!" Raiquèn snapped, pointing at him with a glare.
A knock on the door cut her protest short.
"Sir, the food you ordered."
Raiquèn rushed to the door, thanking the staff brightly before placing the takeout on the low table.
"Sure, sure~" Hachiro teased.
"Grr! Stop it! I just admire her because she's so good at acting!"
Raiquèn huffed, unpacking the food aggressively as though stabbing at her frustration.
Hachiro leaned back in his chair, watching her with unreadable eyes.
The Genius Young Actress, Yeira Inès Lefevre Monteval, huh?
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Unlike that girl, Raiquèn still has a long way to go before reaching her level. Yeira is already a legend when it comes to acting…
His gaze softened, lingering on Raiquèn's animated movements.
But Raiquèn… she's burning to catch up.