Disclaimer: I, Phoenixflames19, wish to clarify that the anime/manga/video game(s), THE iDOLMSTER, are the property of outside companies (A-1 Pictures, Namco Bandai Games, etc) and claim no ownership of the characters.

Spoiler: We return to the previous format from the chapter before Chapter 8. The concept is basically a balance between good and bad deeds. Every now and then a character would do something good, then something bad, and vice-versa. It is similar to how a seemingly bad action equals good results... if that makes any sense. That's basically how it has gone through since Chapter 6, and it will continue until I the later chapter(s). If you, the readers, believe that there needs to be a change of pace, then let me know so that I will tweak the upcoming chapters.

Note(s): I'll be switching between past and present tenses every now and then since I am still getting used to them. I would like some input about the changes, whether they are favorable or not.

Without further delay, proceed with the read and review for this chapter.

Chapter 9 Apathetic Irresponsibility

Three weeks had passed since then. It was a Tuesday morning, and the time was 8:50am. Ritsuko was sleeping soundly in her room.

Her room was very spacious. The head of her tea green doubled bed was positioned against the wall. There was a window on its left and a door on its right side. On the opposite side of the bed, there was a wide drawer with a mirror vertical to it. There were also some lotion, make-up, a jewelry box, and other possessions on top of that drawer, which were the usual belongings that a young woman would possess.

There was a smile on her face, and occasional movements of her head. She was having a pleasant dream about some events that previously took place in the past. The subject of imagination in her mind was about her idol unit, Ryuuguu Komachi. The setting was right after Project Viola's victory in the Idol Academy competition, and after the Producer's departure for Hollywood. Ritsuko and her idol unit, Ryuuguu Komachi, took the opportunity to participate in the next Idol Academy competition. The battle was fierce but they managed to pull through.

Ever since Ryuuguu Komachi won the last competition, Ritsuko and her unit had been working continuously, attending one scheduled event after another. Regardless of their victory, she believed that her idols cannot neglect their duties for an instant. Otherwise, all they had worked for would have been for naught.

As she dreamt, she reflected on her success as a Producer and Ryuuguu Komachi's victories. She wanted more satisfaction on watching her fellow friends perform their very best and fulfill their own dreams, and desired to expand 765 Pro to other prefectures of Japan. Indeed, the idols were famous, but popularity alone will lead them nowhere. In order for them to do this, Ritsuko needed them to work harder than before.

Her dream continued until she was interrupted by the loud ringing noise of her alarm clock. Returning to reality, she slowly opened her eyes and studied her surroundings.

Suddenly, she felt an unpleasant pang. Grabbing the region where it emanated, she twitched and clenched her teeth. "O-Ow… My head… I… I don't feel good…" Despite this, she still managed to check the time. It was 9:00am.

The alarming sound of the clock only served to increase the pain's intensity. Ritsuko attempted to turn it off. But try as she might, she was unable to. Her whole body was blazing, and her arm felt heavy as if someone was pulling it down. Eventually, she managed to shut off the alarm.

"This is… not good," Ritsuko said, her tone of voice low and crackly. Then, she covered her mouth and started to cough.

She took a deep breath and sighed. "I won't be able to… go to work at this condition. I need to contact Shachou…" She coughed again, before reaching out for her cell phone.

President Takagi was at his office, scribbling on some important documents and bills, until he received a phone call. Picking up his cell phone, he checked the caller ID. He recognized who was calling, and answered the phone. "Hello, Ritsuko-kun?"

In the other line, Ritsuko smiled and responded. "Shachou… Sorry for calling in like this but I am in a dire situation…" Suddenly, she coughed, which caught President Takagi by surprise.

"Ritsuko-kun? Are you feeling all right?" he said worriedly.

"…That's why I am calling. I am letting you know I'm going to remain here at home, until I get better." She paused momentarily to take a deep breath. "One more thing… I need Kotori-san to take over for me while I'm bedridden."

"Hmm… that's unfortunate." President Takagi twirled his chair around. "But all right. I shall make that request for you."

"Thank you, Shachou." She coughed once more, but this time it was a bit more severe than the last.

President Takagi remained silent as he listened to Ritsuko's uncontrollable wheezing and coughing. "That must be one nasty cough. I do hope you feel better. Drink plenty of water, and don't forget to take your medicine."

Ritsuko chuckled, and smiled again. She was very touch by President Takagi's concern for her. "Thanks, Shachou. I'll see you soon."

"Of couse. Get well soon. Good-bye," he said, pressing the end button on his cell phone.

After a short moment of silence, he sighed anxiously. "Most unfortunate, indeed. I better inform Otonashi-kun about this."

Rising from his chair, President Takagi approached the door and departed from his office. He entered the small thin hallway and traveled a short distance to the producers' office. His destination was only a few footsteps away. There, he found Kotori who was currently analyzing some paperwork at her desk.

"Otonashi-kun, I need a word with you," President Takagi said, interrupting her from her concentration.

Kotori turned her chair around, and glanced up at him with a smile that was pleasant like the morning sun. "What is it?"

"Ritsuko-kun will be absent today so I need you to take over for her," he said bluntly.

Kotori widened her eyes in shock. "E-Eh? But Shachou! I can't! I already have a task to accompany Haruka, Miki, and Hibiki to a commercial event! And plus…" Unknowingly, she started to rant about other occurrences in the tight schedule, much to President Takagi's chagrin.

"Actually… I'll ask Akimoto-kun or the Producer instead when I see one of them." Slowly, President Takagi turned around and returned to his office.

Hours had elapsed until morning turned into afternoon. The eldest idols, Azusa and Takane, were already present in the company, while the rest had recently arrived from school. But like every other day, the idols were scheduled for multiple events, and had to depart from the building immediately.

Most of the 765 Pro staff was hastily proceeding on with their jobs. Meanwhile, Kamei was snoozing at the living room, with an open magazine covering his face. But his timing for taking a nap could have been any better.

"Hey, you bum! Stop sleeping on the job!" the young girl Iori said, with her tone of voice loud and angry like a spoiled princess. She was leaning forward with her hands on her hips while holding on to her stuffed bunny, Charles Donatello the 18th.

"Wake up!" she said again.

The naturally pretty Iori-chan, wore a one piece dress and a black blouse underneath. The dress was a sleeveless dress but not spaghetti strapped. From her chest to her black belt, the dress was a solid lavender blush. Then after her belt, the skirt portion of the one piece dress became vertical stripes of lavender blush and plum. Lastly, she wore a headband with a little bow on top. Indeed, she did look pretty today, with an allusion of cuteness.

Finally, Kamei awakened from his pleasant slumber. Pulling the magazine off his face, he leaned his head back to glance up at Iori. "What's with all the yelling?" His eyes were partially open.

Immediately, Iori pushed down on her skirt, and a rosy red blemish appeared on her cheeks. "P-Pervert! Super pervert! Ultra pervert! How dare you!" Believing that Kamei was looking up her skirt, she attempted to hit him with a downward smack, but Kamei unknowingly dodged her attack when he stood up on the sofa.

Kamei looked at her quizzically. "What are you doing?" His voice was low and fatigued. He was either pretending not to know what she was speaking about, or was actually oblivious on what he had done.

Then, a young woman, standing adjacent to Iori, interrupted them. "Oh my. I'm sure it was simply a misunderstanding, Iori-chan." Here tone was kind and soft.

Azusa only wore a one piece dress and court shoes, but she seemed to stand out more with her appearance. Her sleeveless, Kitty Folye-style dress was long, reaching down to her knees. It was also fully shaded with a non-photo blue and fastened securely with a thin rope around the hemline. She looked absolutely gorgeous for wearing something very simple, but the dress reflected on her maturity as a woman.

Kamei stretched his arms out and released a long, deep yawn from his throat. He closed his eyes and laid back on the couch. "Ehya… I'm still tired… Give me five more minutes and I'll be good to go."

Azusa frowned, becoming emotionally upset for several occasions. Mainly, she was distressed that Kamei was not taking his role seriously. These dilemmas filled her mind, but she tried her best not to show her distastefulness. Instead, she superseded them with the absence of her producer.

"Oh my… but Ritsuko-san is not here," she said.

He apathetically asked her without budging his body or opening his eyes. "Who?"

Angered by Kamei's insolence, Iori stomped her foot down. "Ritsuko-san! Who else?" "And the Producer is too busy right now! Shachou left you in charge of us!" Her voice was loud as a taiko drum.

"You know… screaming won't do you any good to enhance your voice," Kamei said, claiming a discernable point. He did not bother to focus his eyes on Iori, which was the same action he initiated on Azusa.

Iori turned away in a huff, crossed her arms, and pouted. "I-I know that already! Honestly… Can't you say anything else that isn't obvious?"

Kamei paused momentarily. The only thing he can think of is Iori's forehead. But when he contemplated that physical feature, he recalled a memory when Miki called Iori by her nickname. "…Forehead-chan?" He was looking up at the ceiling with his opened, bright aquamarine eyes.

Humiliated, Iori glared at him icily in a malevolent manner. "Don't call me that! I can't believe I'm saying this, but only Miki can call me by that name!" She was about to pop a vein.

The other young girl Ami, who had been watching the scene the entire time, finally decided to step in and defend her good friend. "Bummy-san! Stop being mean to Iorin!"

For Ami, she wore a plain white T-shirt with a squared pattern at the chest area, and an iris blue jog bra underneath. She also wore lemon yellow trousers with field drab brown suspenders annexed, navy blue stockings, and high-top sneakers. Her current style seemed fairly simple, but looked decent on her.

Kamei lowered his head until his eyes were covered by the shadows. Now I have an unpleasant and unwelcoming sobriquet of my own… but I guess I deserve it… he thought with an emotionless grin.

After a short moment, Kamei looked at them. "Oh, right, sorry." His answer was a quick but impassive response.

It nearly sounded as if he was actually ridiculing her purposely. Of course, he never intended to do so. But it was expected from a laid-back guy like him.

"Just shut up!" Iori said.

A long silence stirred in the living room, and no one uttered a sound. The only noise that could be heard was the constant ticking from the clock and the steady circulation of the air conditioner.

Kotori, who was at the meeting room, had been eavesdropping on their blusterous and unfavorable conversation for a short time. She had recently finished with the paperwork on her desk. Therefore, she was browsing 2chan on the computer. Her only response to the situation was a sigh of condolence.

Akimoto-san is not doing well is he? She laughed was the mental conception she had in her mind.

The awkward quietness continued to linger, and started to permeate the entire third floor of the building, until Iori finally said something in loud, authoritatively mandating tone. "We're wasting time! Let's go!"

Iori expected an answer from her fellow members, especially from Kamei, but she received nothing but another odd silence. Then, she heard a light thud, followed by snoozing. Surprised, she turned around and witnessed Kamei napping on the sofa again.

Her eyebrow twitched in annoyance, and her patience was about to run dry. "Y-You useless…"

She paused before raising her voice in acrimony. "Hey! Wake up!" she said, her tone loud and furious enough to startled Azusa, Ami, and Kotori.

When Iori stopped to catch her breath, Kamei awakened from the shortest nap he ever had and rose up on the sofa. He yawned softly and looked at her. "…Is there something you need from me?" He seemed to have forgotten his task to accompany the girls.

Iori became astonished, shocked by Kamei casual demeanor. He was hired to become their co-producer and yet, he was not performing his job at the slightest. This thought truly made her exasperated, and she veraciously wanted to knock some sense into his brain.

"W-What's with you?" she said, barely able to restrain herself from blowing a circuit. "Of course I need something from you! I need you to do your job!"

Azusa, slightly frightened by Iori's hot temper, attempted to console her. "Iori-chan, please calm down."

Ami looked at Kamei with a mischievous grin, and a hand under her chin. "Hm, hm, hm! Ami thinks that the job is too much for Bummy-san. That's why he's so lazy, and can't make any friends."

"Kamei-san, could you, perhaps, be more serious? Ritsuko-san called in sick today and the Producer is not here." She spoke to him as if he was a child and she was the mother, lecturing him. She hoped that Kamei would actually take his job seriously and temporarily co-produce them with her tone.

Kamei turned his glance to the black screen of the television. "…Hmm. I guess I could," he said reluctantly, his tone rather dull and sluggish.

"No way! Forget it!" She opposed the idea on having him as their substitute, not after his disrespectful behavior. "I don't want a lazy, good-for-nothing guy to run our produce! I rather have the Producer take over for Ritsuko-san!"

"…That was harsh," Kamei said, feeling a slight affliction. "If it will make you happy, I'll—."

Before he could complete his sentence, he was immediately interrupted by Iori's yelling. "Just forget it! You're so unreliable!"

She turned to Azusa and Ami. "Come on! We can do this by ourselves!"

Ami looked at her friend in high spirits! "We sure can! After all, we've done this before!"

Azusa seemed skeptical about the intention at first, but she remembered that they're in an idol unit. There were times when Ritsuko was absent. When the things do not operate in their favor, they can instantly turn the situation around, as long as they have each other and cooperate as a team.

She nodded and smiled warmly. "That's right. Ritsuko-san is counting on us. As long as we lend each other our strengths, we can really topple our problems."

"Nihihi~ All right everyone! Let's head out!" Iori said, replacing her anger with great pride. She had completely forgotten what she was agitated about.

Smiling, Iori proudly exited the living room and headed towards the entrance door of their production company. She was then accompanied by Azusa and Ami.

Before Azusa left, she turned to Kotori and asked her to transport them to their next scheduled event. Without a doubt, Kotori gladly complied with her request and escorted Azusa outside, leaving Kamei alone.

Iori and her friends were inside Kotori's car, and were on their way to their event. It was a live musical recital that would be conducted in one of the popular locations, a place for general stage performances in Tokyo. During their short pilgrimage, Ami was playing a fighting game on her yellow PSP, while Azusa and Iori were silently focusing their attention on the road. Occasionally, Iori would be looking at Charles and inspecting any damage on her favorite bunny. As for Azusa, she would simply be contemplating on who would be her destined person, which was one of her usual habits.

The atmosphere was unusually cold and quiet. To lighten the mood, Kotori turned on the radio and tuned into a music channel. When she dialed the switch to a certain position, a familiar and catchy song began to orchestrate through the speakers.

Kotori smiled brightly. "Hey! It's one of your previous debut songs!" The refrain she was referring to was Ryuuguu Komachi's first debut song, Smoky Thrill.

minarenai kanjou yureru shinkirou
koe te yuku umi wataru kaze WAIPU
sake wo amaku shinaide hoshii, to
hanpanai roku demo nai EGOISUTO
itameru nara ANTEIIKU ni nure

onna wa abireba fuuraibou
moteamasu namida
uwasa wo sureba kage ga sasu
hoshizora no UINKU

daremo shiranai shinkai no BOODAARAIN
miwaku no Lover chase hajiku

Listening to the lyrics, Kotori assumed that the song reached the eighth verse. She looked at Azusa, who was sitting adjacent to her. "That song is still quite a hit!"

Azusa smiled pleasantly, agreeing to Kotori's claim. "It is, isn't it?" She could not help but to giggle softly. "Ufufu~ Shachou and Ritsuko-san were really proud of us."

While looking at the window, Iori immediately joined the conversation. "Honestly… that is much like you. We should focus on the here and now."

Before she spoke another word, she paused momentarily to contemplate about the situation that their production company had gotten itself to. "More importantly, I am worried about the future of 765 Pro…" Now, she was saddened.

It was true that 765 Pro was slowly losing its reputation. Azusa could not discover the true cause, but she only had an assumption.

She sighed morosely, placing a hand over her cheek. "It's hard for me to say, but Iori-chan is right. I thought that hiring Kamei-san was the best choice on Shachou. But now…"

When Iori heard his name, she became slightly aggravated. "Hmph. What an excuse… I hold nothing against Shachou, but why did he choose a slacker?"

Ami pressed the pause button on her PSP, and looked at Kotori. "What should we do?"

Kotori sighed. "I'm not quite sure to be honest. If all else fails, then we will have to report to Shachou."

The three members nodded, as their vehicle drove away into the busy highway. Three weeks had passed since that conversation.

~End of Chapter~

Note(s): If there are any errors of certain types, please let me know. It is the same for the previous and upcoming chapters... nothing new.

© 2011 Phoenixflames19