"Mom, is there anything we can do to help Go-kun?"
"It's sad, but there's nothing more the school can do..."
The president's office of Yumekoshi Academy.
This took place right after Go finished the withdrawal procedures and left the room.
"Hmm, what could I do?"
I racked my brain.
I wanted to save Go, who had been kicked out by his family and was probably in deep despair.
Just like how someone saved me back then.
"We've done everything we can as a school, but as the center of Asterisk, surely there's something I can do?"
What could I do as part of Asterisk?
"What do you mean?"
"Well... how about asking Go-kun to help with work?"
It was something only I could do.
(That's right! Now that I'm free from Amagasaki Office, I can invite Go to work with me!)
"That's a good idea! We have a music video shoot the day after tomorrow, so the timing is perfect! I'll ask him!"
I had overheard my mother and Go talking, so I knew which school he had transferred to.
I decided to head to Go's new school the day after tomorrow.
(Just wait, Five. I'm going to give you the best surprise!)
○ ●
"Asuka-chan, please give me your autograph!"
"Shh, take a picture!"
"Sorry, but the agency doesn't allow that. If you'd like, please come to our live shows or fan meetings! Everyone's waiting for you!"
I know exactly how to turn people down politely without killing the mood.
Years in the entertainment industry have taught me how to observe myself objectively and act accordingly.
(It's a necessary skill for an idol, but sometimes I hate how calculated I have to be.)
As I was thinking this, I finally spotted the person I came for.
"Ah! Five! I finally found you!"
"Eh, me?!"
Oh no, I ended up calling him out loud.
When it comes to Go, I stop being the perfect idol Ashiya Asuka and just become myself.
"I'm sure that's..."
"That's the transfer student from yesterday."
"Yeah, the first person who ever talked to the Ice Queen, right?"
"And he's walking home with her?"
"But now he's also connected to Asuka-chan?"
"What the hell?!"
Go looked embarrassed at suddenly having so much attention on him.
I'm sorry, but even when you're flustered, you're so cute!
More importantly—who is that tall, stunningly beautiful girl next to him?
Ice Queen? Walking home together? What does that mean?!
What terrible timing. I came to surprise Go, but now I'm the one who's shocked...
Unable to stand it anymore, I grabbed Go's hand to pull him away from her.
"Five, come with me!"
I said it loud enough for the girl beside him to hear.
(I know this might cause a misunderstanding about what "come with me" means, but I can't help it.)
"Eh! Eh! Asuka-san?!"
"Just get in the car! Sorry, everyone, excuse us!"
"W-wait—eh... eh?! Sorry, Himeji-san. See you tomorrow!!"
(Hmm... "see you tomorrow"... I'm jealous hearing Go say that to someone else.)
Just before the car door closed, I caught a glimpse of the girl next to Go.
She was puffing out her cheeks, glaring at me with half-lidded eyes.
Seeing that, I couldn't help but smirk to myself.
At the same time, I was a little surprised at myself for feeling this way.
I never knew I could be this kind of girl.
○ ●
"Let me out here, Ichikawa."
"Understood."
I spoke to the driver.
"Hey, hey, Asuka! What do you mean 'go out with me'?!"
(Hehe, you're so flustered. It's adorable.)
"We have a music video shoot coming up, so please come support us. Also, I keep telling you—call me Asuka!"
I explained the situation to clear up any misunderstanding.
As usual, Go added "-san" to my name, so I reminded him again.
"Um... why me? I'm a behind-the-scenes worker, and I can't just call an idol by her first name..."
"I don't mind at all..."
Even after all this time, that's still my small personal goal: to one day have people call me just "Asuka."
"Well, let's put that aside for now. The reason I called you here is for your sake!"
"For me?"
I then explained why I wanted him on the job.
Though Go was humble, having seen him work many times, I can confidently say no one matches his level.
Besides, beyond his behind-the-scenes skills, I think his face is cute enough that he could stand in the spotlight too.
He always hides it behind those bangs, so most people don't notice.
I'm happy that I'm (probably) the only one who truly knows how amazing Go is, but part of me also wants more people to see it.
I want him all to myself, yet I also want everyone to know...
Do all my fans feel this conflicted way about their idols?
Hmm. That's a tough one.
◯ ●
After everything was settled and Go agreed to the job, the conversation paused for a moment.
Then I brought up the thing that had been on my mind since earlier.
"By the way, Five, who was that tall, stunningly beautiful woman next to you?"
Yes. I've been wondering about her ever since.
"Um, a friend from school. Yeah, just a friend!"
"Friends, huh…? Who would have thought that just yesterday you'd become friends with someone that beautiful…?"
It's suspicious. And the way he looks so anxious makes it even more suspicious.
I'm not his girlfriend, so it shouldn't matter who he befriends, but I still feel uneasy.
"Umm… well, that's…"
As I stared at his face, he started explaining things I hadn't even asked about.
"Hmm, I see…"
After hearing the whole story, I realized that girl might become my rival.
After all, he saved her from delinquents, watched her eat with gusto, did her makeup to help her transform, and then even reformed the delinquents who had bothered her...
"What's that? Of course I'd fall for someone like that. Five doesn't even realize it, but he's surrounded by strong opponents… If there are more girls like her, then I'll..."
"Asuka-san, what's wrong?"
Oh no. I must have said my thoughts out loud.
Luckily, Five was lost in his own thoughts and didn't hear me.
But still—thinking about other girls when I'm right in front of you?!
No way. I won't allow it!
"No! It's nothing! But you were thinking about another girl right in front of me, weren't you?"
"Eh! Th-that's..."
Looks like I hit the mark.
"Hmm, you've got some nerve. From now on, I'm going to make sure you can only think about me, so prepare yourself, okay?"
Today, I want Go to see me working hard as an idol!