We arrived at the studio.
I explained the job details to Go.
He said that before doing makeup for the members, he wanted to greet everyone on set first.
I thought it was nice that he cared about building a good atmosphere by interacting with the staff, but that wasn't his only reason.
After greeting each department, Go asked detailed questions about their work. Technical terms flew back and forth as he held natural, in-depth conversations with the professionals.
Watching him, I felt excited thinking about what was coming.
(This is going to be amazing!)
◯ ●
After finishing greetings with the crew, we headed to the dressing room to meet the other Asterisk members.
Because of me, there was an awkward moment when the door opened while they were still changing.
I found myself getting strangely angry seeing Go blush at the sight of the members in their underwear.
(I-I haven't even let anyone see me like that yet... W-wait, what am I thinking?!)
The misunderstanding was eventually cleared up, but Go's first impression with the group wasn't great.
Right after things calmed down, Suzuka spoke up.
"By the way, who is this guy? Could he be Asuka's...?"
She grinned and gave a thumbs-up.
Suzuka always has that old-fashioned vibe.
Even so... thumb means boyfriend, right?
If it was the pinky, it'd be girlfriend...
A boyfriend?!?!
"Bah! W-what are you talking about! That's not it!"
As soon as I realized what she was implying, my face heated up and I instinctively turned away.
"What? You're kidding. Is that reaction for real?"
"This is the first time I've seen Asuka act like that."
"What does the thumb mean? Is this guy Asuka's boyfriend?"
"You don't need to know yet, Kozue-chan. But still... wow, this guy..."
"Hey! What are you doing here? Tell me your name!"
Kuon glared at Go like she was about to pounce.
"Kuon-chan, I know you love Asuka, but hold on. Asuka's useless right now, so could you explain?"
Suzuka asked while physically holding Kuon back.
"Y-Yes! I'm Sakasegawa Atsumu, introduced by Asuka-san. I'm here to handle your makeup today! I hope I can do a good job!"
That was the moment Go properly introduced himself to everyone.
"Asuka-san, this new song 'Kimi no Hitomi no 1 Inch' is the one you wrote lyrics for. It's incredibly important to all of us. You know how crucial the music video is, right? Are you really okay leaving it to a guy like this?"
Kuon's question snapped me back to reality.
"Kuon, I understand that better than anyone. That's exactly why I brought Go. His skills are the real deal, so everyone can relax."
It's not that I have zero personal feelings, but when it comes to work, I refuse to compromise.
I also didn't want anyone thinking Go got this job through connections.
I wanted them to know he earned it through pure ability.
"A guy Asuka vouches for this much sounds interesting."
"Hmm, let's see what you can do."
"What techniques are you going to use to please me?"
"I'm looking forward to it!"
"Thank you."
"I won't accept this kind of man!"
The mood wasn't exactly warm, but Go didn't seem intimidated at all.
"Five, then I'm counting on you."
"Yes!"
When I called out to him, Go's eyes turned serious.
Cool.
Just seeing that made my heart skip.
And now I know how reliable he really is.
Do your best, Five.
◯ ●
"""Thank you for your hard work!"""
The entire PV shoot had just wrapped.
Not only the members, but the whole staff was talking about Go.
Seeing him get praised made me happy too.
As soon as the crew learned Go wasn't affiliated with any agency, they swarmed him, trying to recruit him on the spot.
Go looked completely confused about why everyone wanted him so badly.
(You're way more incredible than you realize, aren't you? Everyone wants you, but I'm not giving you up... because...)
"What's all this commotion about?"
President Hoshikage had arrived on set.
The atmosphere grew tense, but I had known she was coming.
Honestly, I was the one who invited her.
○ ●
"You're not interested in working at this agency? As support for Asterisk."
After reviewing the footage, the president made the offer directly to Go.
"Y-yes, President?!"
Everyone except me and Go looked shocked.
I had spoken with her beforehand. She said if Go truly had the ability, she'd gladly take him on as support staff.
And clearly, he had met her standards.
"I believe Asterisk could reach even greater heights with you here. What do you think?"
Everyone wanted Go, but that wasn't going to happen.
Because... you're going to be working with me!
But the answer Go gave wasn't what I expected.
"Asuka-san, President Hoshikage. Thank you so much, but... I'll have to decline."
"Ah, Five?! Why?!"
"Right now, I want to step away from the entertainment world for a while and try living a normal life. Besides, I'm not skilled enough."
I understood his wish was reasonable.
He had supported seven sisters nonstop, working around the clock.
"Oh, Asuka. You got rejected."
"Ugh... even after all this, I still can't break through Go's preconceptions..."
Also, I could tell he was completely serious when he said he lacked the skill.
After years of being belittled by his family, Go's self-esteem is incredibly low.
(You have more than enough skill! Go always undervalues himself. That's one of his good points, though...)
Even if working together isn't possible right now, I hoped today would at least give him a little more confidence.
But it seems it wasn't enough yet.
"Ah, Five... I'm not giving up!"
If Go wants a normal life, then I'll become part of that "normal" life!!
◯ ●
(Five, are you going to be surprised?)
I was excited about what was coming next.
"Excuse me."
I opened the classroom door and stepped inside.
The first thing I did was look for Go.
(Ah, there he is. Hehe, he looks so shocked. Surprised Five is adorable.)
The class was buzzing, but I had expected that. I ignored it and introduced myself.
"Nice to meet you. I've transferred from Yumekoshi Academy due to personal reasons. My name is Ashiya Asuka. I look forward to getting along with everyone."
While greeting the class, my eyes stayed fixed on Go.
I knew I'd be able to see him every day from now on, but I didn't want to waste even one second of this moment looking away.
"Okay, everyone quiet down and get along. Ashiya, there's an empty seat next to Sakasegawa. Why don't you sit there?"
Yes! Right next to Go! Perfect!
"Hehe, here I come."
Seeing his stunned face, I couldn't help sticking out my tongue like a kid who just pulled off a successful prank.
"You really came?!"
(Hehe, blushing Five is so cute too.)
"Of course. I wanted to go to the same school as you, Five... This time I'm not letting you get away, okay?"
I sat in the seat beside him and told him my honest feelings along with my determination.
"And Himeji-san, looking forward to getting along from now on too?"
With Go and the classmates around, I kept my smile in place.
But I applied pressure toward her.
The first move is crucial in situations like this.
How she responds here will decide who's on top.
I've heard a little about your situation from Go.
When someone you just met greets you, you're supposed to turn away and stay silent, right?!
Heh, if that's how you are, you're not fit to sit next to Go!!
"Yes, pleased to meet you."
Contrary to my expectations, Himeji-san looked straight into my eyes and replied clearly.
Huh?! I thought you couldn't talk properly to anyone except Go!
Wait... does that mean when it comes to Go, you can speak normally?!
"Hehe."
"Hehe."
"Hehehehehehe."
Interesting!
This school life is going to be fun in all kinds of ways!