"Music store? What are you going to do there?"
"Ah, no, I just want to... window shopping." Hachiman averted his eyes, suddenly chickening out, "Nevermind, if our job is done we're going home."
"Eh, we're still in Tokyo, let's go somewhere!" Hachi whined.
"Even if you say that, it's not like we have much time before night, and seriously, we have no plans." Hachiman waved his hand.
"Well then, let's go and shopping with Daddy!" Producer shouted, "To Ochanomizu!"
"Yay!" Komachi and member of the LiPPS jumped happily.
"O-oi, why the hell are you even coming?" Hachiman blushed angrily and huffed. "If a group of idols came with us there will be a fucking riot!"
The LiPPS member all disappeared and then came out, in somewhat passable disguise.
Kanade, in particular, looked strikingly different. in the first place, she never looked like someone around her actual age. However, dressed in plain glasses, sleeveless shirt and short skirt, she looked someone completely different generation.
Hachiman raised his finger in objection and decided not to bother. "If a scandal is happening I don't want to get involved."
"Well, we're going to walk there, it's only ten minutes after all." The father said happily, "Man, your mother should join."
"No way."
And so, under the faint light of the sunset, the group of teenagers and one middle-aged man walked through the busy street of Tokyo, with their destination being Ochanomizu.
Ochanomizu was well known to be somewhat a university town, with multiple universities surrounding the station as well as it's location being extremely close to Imperial Palace. The name itself, Ocha no Mizu (Tea river) was because the tea served to the Shogun and his guest was taken from this river.
It's also known for its extremely high-density street market filled by music stores of all brands and corporation chain. If it's related to music, you're going to find it in Ochanomizu.
Of everyone who seems to be happiest, that would be Kanade, who was walking to the left of Hachiman, at proximity so close their arms brushed against each other several times.
Hachiman could not care even less as if his mind wasn't even there and he completely ignored her presence.
She tried to hook her arm around his own but he sneakily lifted it away from her reach.
"I told you Hayami-san." Hachiman glared at her, "If there's a scandal I don't want to get involved."
"Hmm? Why is that? Not like having a little affair with an idol would ruin your career, it might actually make you famous wouldn't it?" Kanade teased.
"In this wretched country where people are obsessed with the purity of their celebrities, that's not happening." Hachiman said matter-of-factly, "What happened is that people would harras me for overstepping my bounds and not knowing the place I belong."
Kanade's eyes softened in response, in fact, she looked a bit sad. "And then your friends would hate you and took their distance away from you."
"In a hypothetical situation where I have one." Hachiman cryptically said, "Fortunately, I don't have one, to begin with. But my family might be the one to suffer in their place. I would be the one to move away from their proximity."
Kanade sighed, "Hikigaya-kun, do you always think to such length of extremes all the time?"
"Extreme situation demand extreme response, I'm not usually get involved in the lives of celebrities like this." Hachiman said, "And it doesn't really have to be me, does it? A lot of handsome, friendly young men would kill to be in this position, and consider the pleasure to be a worthy tradeoff."
"Hikigaya-kun, do you think I am that easy of a woman?" She tilted her head, feeling insulted.
"My opinion is not important at all." Hachiman told her, "It would be like this no matter which idol is in your position. Why me, anyway?"
"It's because you can be trusted." Kanade told him, "Just like Producer. No matter how we try to seduce him, he wouldn't even bat an eye."
"He had a former idol for a wife, I'm very sure he's content enough with that achievement."
"Wait, your mother was an idol?"
"Yes." Hachiman said, "They were from different companies, and when she quit, they decided to live together and the result was me and my sisters."
"I see, I was half-convinced that Producer hates idols and found us unattractive, glad that's not the case." Kanade smiled in relief, "What about you, Hikigaya-san? Do you find me attractive? Or maybe you're not into girls?"
Hachiman chuckled wordlessly.
"I told you my opinion is unimportant, didn't I?"
"No. I think it's very important to see the opinion of people who were outside of this little world of mine, especially people with total lack of interest."
"I think you're very attractive, Hayami-san." Hachiman said, "You're fearless, but not brainless. You're perceptive and know what you're doing. Plus..."
Hachiman glanced a bit at Jogasaki, who seems content walking between Hachi and Producer happily and teasing them both with all sort of jokes and inappropriate touch.
"You're not putting an air of seductiveness." Hachiman scoffed, "Like that fake over there."
Kanade frowned a bit, while she appreciated his honesty, she also didn't appreciate how he basically just insulted her teammates. "A fake?"
"Whoops, my glasses fell," Hachiman said as he lied through his teeth and crouched down
He stood up just in time for the playful Mika to ram into him accidentally, only to bounce back from the impact and get caught by producer's embrace.
Mika was startled for a moment and quickly pushed him, but Producer was a tall man with a solid build and she herself, unfortunately, being thrown back, this time it was Hachiman who held her from falling with both his palms to her back, where it would be completely, if not ridiculously harmless gesture on both participant.
"Ah, so-sorry," Mika said, straightened herself. "And thank you."
"Don't worry, it's my fault." Hachiman fixed the position of his glasses.
Well, that one wasn't a lie.
Kanade sharpened her eyes in response to Hachiman's little prank on her teammates.
"Do you understand now, Hayami-san?"
"Mika-san dress like that because she liked it that way don't you know?"
"I'm not talking about her gal dress. I also have someone... not a friend, but a classmate I had, she often dress like that, but she didn't force herself to act the part." Hachiman said coldly, in reference to none other than Yuigahama Yui.
"I'm talking about her behavior, that fake air of sluttiness and bravery she put on to appeal fans people close to her, it sickens me." Hachiman looked at Mika, who seemed to return to her usual self quickly enough.
For some reason, Kanade felt she had to be angry at him.
But she couldn't because she have no argument she could use to refute his words.
It was true, that behind her seemingly peerless confidence and willingness to expose herself, Mika is actually the most innocent of the LiPPS members. Sometimes, the bizarrely indecent nature of the other three LiPPS member overwhelm her and made her panicked.
Like that one time, Frederique and Shiki suggest they should kiss the fans as a token of appreciation, which something they totally would do*.
And Hachiman could tell that just by looking? It's not even twelve hours since they meet.
But... Kanade herself don't think what Mika doing was fake. She just couldn't explain it, and decide to stay quiet.
"I see." Kanade closed her eyes, "So, what kind of girls you prefer to be with you, Hikigaya-kun?"
Hachiman looked at her.
For some reason, his mind wandered all the way back to the past.
He originally thought himself being somewhat attracted to Yukinoshita because he projected an ideal of perfection and brutal honesty to her. However, even Yukino lied, and pretend herself to be stronger than she actually was.
It was Hachiman who put her on a pedestal, and not in any way her fault. After all, even Yukino herself said, that no one is perfect.
If Yukino also lied and pretend, does that mean he's not attracted to her that way?
For some reason, Hachi and Yuigahama came into his mind, and he's both grossed out and embarrassed with himself. He immediately scrubbed his mind out.
Disgusting.
However, for a glimpse, it's not just these girls who came to his mind. Orimoto Kaori, the source of his suffering in his last semester of junior high school period, also appeared.
"Someone completely unlike her maybe." He half-assedly said.
"Someone, who foolishly act on their own feelings regardless of the hurdle holding them back, and the consequences of their action?" Kanade smiled teasingly at him, "I guess that means I'm on your strike zone too?"
Hachiman looked away, completely caught off guard by her guess. "I can't say."
"Looks like I hit a Jackpot, so can I ask you for a reward?"
"...Even if I say no, you would just badger me for it."
"I see." Kanade said, "Just for today, please pretend to be my boyfriend."
"...Okay, sure."
"Hmm, I actually thought you would resist harder with your unfriendliness and all." Kanade pouted, "Not that I'm going to look a gift horse in the mouth."
"Not the first time it happened." Hachiman sighed, "Japanese society was way fucking too judgmental."
Hachiman did that too when the awkwardness of being with Yukino reached its peak when they were hunting for Yui's birthday present and entered what essentially female-exclusive shopping area, Hachiman received mother of all stares.
The only way for people to stop staring was to make them appear themselves as a normal couple.
And then there's the shopping date he had with Hachi, ended up unceremoniously with them snarking at PreCure movies, of all things.
Though at least, he managed to talk with her something actually meaningful out of it.
"I see, how many girls you went with on a pretend to date so far?" She egged him as she walked closer to him.
"Twice."
Plus Hachiman felt that some people (read: his family) already misunderstood with how unusually comfortable he was with Kanade. If Kanade decided to make it a big deal then he will get fucked to next Sunday from all the teasing he will get.
"Until the magic runs out." Kanade whispered, "Please make me feel like Cinderella."
It sent an uncomfortably warm feeling and excitement down his spine.
He should have refused, damn it.
やはり, 俺の関係の値はリセットされました
As Expected, My Relationship Values had been Reset
Disclaimer:
Original Story by Watari Wataru
Chapter 8 - Eros
"It's like the entire street itself is a lego construct made of music stores as material blocks." Hachi hummed, "Too awesome."
"So, what do you want to buy, Hachiman?" The father asked.
Hachiman, who was too busy dodging Kanade's unreasonably clingy affection, answered, "I never said I'm going to buy anything, did I? I just want to see... references, that's all."
"Oh come on, don't be shy. Papa is being generous at the moment so I'd buy it for you." Producer happily said.
Hachiman was tempted but he felt there is a catch, so he didn't answer. Besides, if he were to buy something, then he would just buy it with his own pocket money.
Street musician abounds, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, this is truly worthy of being called the Guitar Street of Japan.
"Let's enter this one here." Hachiman said, "I heard Ishibashi have the greatest selection of anything, it was no joke."
Ishibashi Music stores were well known not just in Japan but also by enthusiast outside. Within the store, deep inside, was the famous Guitar's corner.
A literal wall of guitars of all prices, brands, and conditions was arranged so densely that he felt like his head about to spin. There must be like, thousands of instrument being sold every time.
"Oh, my." Hachi licked her lips, "This is so fucking cool."
Hachi grabbed one of the guitars nearby. "7500 yen?! How cheap!"
"It looks like one of those local brands. Aria Pro and Selvas seems to be very common." Producer commented, "Let's not buy that one."
Hachi and Hachiman looked at him weirdly.
"I'm serious here, go get something better." Producer frowned, which made his already scary face even more frightening, "It feels like I'm being insulted if my children half-assedly picked their first guitar like that."
"You say that like it's chump change. I'm shocked." Hachi gasped.
"Tell me about it, he's crazy." Hachiman nodded.
"Aneki and Onii-chan shouldn't be too reserved, this might be the only time Dad can be this nice to you, no?" Komachi stuck her tongue out.
"If you still hesitate, how about we restrict it to... say, 50.000 yen for each of you." Producer offered.
"I don't wanna." Hachiman said, "You might as well give me the yen notes instead."
"Oh come on, when the last time we went together and I actually buy you two anything?"
Neither Hachi nor Hachiman can remember it, must've been a long time ago. So it's not as if they don't understand his woe. But looking at him like this, they felt like they were the adult in the room instead and creeped out by his generosity.
"There's the usual father." Hachiman and Hachi commented. Indeed, this whiny manchild was the more normal appearance of the father they always know.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun, how about this one?" Kanade asked.
Kanade took out one of the guitars from the shelf, to be examined. Its design seems to be fairly normal, but it's gunmetal blue coloring looked really pretty, and perfectly meshes with Hachi's favorite color scheme in general.
"Hayami-san, didn't you look at the price tag?"
57.200 yen, way over budget.
"Besides, even if, and I mean if I buy one I will also have to buy the support equipment, like an amplifier, cables, guitar stand, and other stuff. That should be about seven to ten thousand more in addition." Hachiman muttered.
"Well, I don't really mind, but is the price worth it?" Producer asked.
"Ooh! Fender Aerodyne Stratocaster, you have an eye for something, boy." Someone approached Hachiman and pointed.
The person was almost as tall as Hachi and Hachiman, but slender and dressed in semi-formal, almost flamboyant red maroon blazer.
The person's posture and upper-lower figure were completely balanced, making it impossible to guess the gender of the person in question. Plus, even the face was completely androgynous.
And even the voice was ambiguous to hell and back.
The teens were all confused.
"...Producer Iwata, is that you?" Producer Hikigaya asked the person, "It's me."
The person whispered, "Ssh, I'm doing undercover research here. By the way, what are you doing here, Producer Hikigaya?"
"Ah, I see." Producer Hikigaya hummed, "I'm just going around shopping with my children over here."
Hachi, Hachiman, and Komachi bowed.
"I see." The person said, "By the way, I'm Iwata from 315-Pro."
"My name is Hachi, this is Hachiman and Komachi." Hachi introduced them.
"315-Pro specialized in the management and training of male idols." Producer Hikigaya enthusiastically explained, "In other words, rather than competitor we're more like mirrors in the entertainment world."
"No offense but could I ask, are you man or a woman?" Hachi asked bluntly, much to Hachiman's shock.
"Rude," Hachiman told her.
"Oh, I'm a woman alright, though I might not like it." Iwata winked. "And over there is the member of the LiPPS correct."
"Nice to meet you." The four idols bowed politely, in complete sync with each other due to their professionally trained reflex kicking in.
"It's very likely that we'll end up working together since my boys would also take part in the audition for the role of that movie. Endless Romanza." Iwata explained, "My boys and your girls might even get paired if things went smooth."
"I see, that would be great."
"Hachiman-kun, isn't it?" Iwata patted him, "Want to work with me as an idol."
"With due respect, Ma'am. I hate this industry so no." Hachiman grinned in response.
"Ouch." Iwata backed down, she truly felt the sting. "And by the way, are you interested in the music world? Starting with a guitar, you can't really go wrong with Aerodyne Stratocaster."
"What makes this guitar so special?" Hachiman handed it to her.
"Aerodyne series Guitar and Bass only made in Japan, with Japanese electronics. It's a hard find, and sought after by all but the most casual of Fender fans." Iwata picked another, randomly chosen Fender brand guitar and brought it as well, "It'll be a hassle to explain so might as well just show you the difference. Excuse me, I want to do some playtesting."
"Please come in!"
The store worker guided them to the testing area where a potential customer can test the instrument through the use of the powered amplifier there.
The other guitar first plugged in and Iwata played a couple of chords. It sounds good if nothing noteworthy.
"As you can tell, there are two most famous brands of Guitar in the world: Fender and Gibson. Fender USA however, considered far too expensive for those who want to start with music, so a cheaper alternative had been made. Fender Mexico was one of them, offering Fender Design with slightly inferior hardware, but much lower cost."
"But compared to that, things only getting better when Fender also made collaboration with local Japanese Manufacturer FujiGen Gakki and Kanda Shodai. From that time onwards, Fender Japan was born, and Aerodyne is one of the peak achievement of that venture."
Iwata connected the guitar to the amp, and then played the same set of chords.
To normal people who paid no attention, there might be little to no difference. But almost everyone who was there could notice, the stark difference in the sound. The resonance, impact, and sway of the sounds were entirely different.
"It was beautiful," Kanade noted.
"It was said that some people actually consider Aerodynes to be better than even original Fender USA while having the same exact price as Fender Mexico products." Iwata plugged off the connector and gave the guitar back to Hachiman.
"Even if you say that it's still too expensive, and I don't want a guitar anyway," Hachiman told her.
"Let me borrow that one," Hachi said as she picked it from him, plugged on the amps, and then began to play a series of clumsy, yet consistent melodies and chords.
She looks absolutely thrilled and happy.
"That's how the guitar was, but what about the bass?" Hachiman asked Iwata.
"Aerodyne Bass were labeled pure Jazz Bass, but in actuality, it's design and sounds are somewhere in between. It's a Precision Jazz, just like Fender PJ Bass series."
"Jazz bass?" Komachi raised her eyebrows, "Does that mean there is ordinary bass? Rock bass? Pop bass?"
My little sister can't be this cute. Hachiman cry inwardly. But he couldn't blame her for being unfamiliar with the term. "Bass comes in two flavors, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass. The former is best used when you want harmony and don't stand out too much, dun-dun-dun. Jazz Bass have louder treble and distinct tone, which made them stand out but hard for beginners. Deng-Deng-Deng. Do you understand now?"
"Ah, Komachi knew these sounds." Komachi cheered, "I always knew there's something different."
"Of course, a lot of people don't care about the bassist until they lost him." Hachiman went to search for the bass he wanted, he found several, and one of them was dark grey Aerodyne Bass, which just happen to be just over forty-two thousand yen. That's fifteen thousand yen cheaper than the guitar counterpart.
"Hayami-san, could you please bring that one, the black Fender? Careful, it's heavy."
"Ow, heavy!" Kanade winced when she tried to lift the black Jazz bass. "How could a high school girl play this for hours?"
"Carefully." Hachiman snarked while himself carrying two basses, a Fender Precision and Aerodyne Jazz one.
He went to test all three of them, one by one and found out it seems that Aerodyne really fits him the most. It wasn't quite as distinct and colorful as Fender Jazz but not as subtle and subdued as Fender Precision.
Plus, the price also fits the budget perfectly, since a whole set of bass starter pack cost seven thousand and five hundred yen.
"Ah, it's the Dolphin grey one." One of the shop staff commented, "There are many of them here because no one wants them. Everyone prefer gunmetal blue, marble red, or pearl black."
Unwanted model huh.
Hachiman felt like getting attached to it even more now.
"Huh, no wonder it's cheaper," Hachiman commented.
"Would you like that one Hachiman?" His father asked, "Then it's decided."
"Please give me the bass starter pack as well, the one with PG-10 Amp. What about you, Hachi, have you decided?" Hachiman asked.
"Nghhh I'm conflicted." Hachi said, "Aerodyne is great but the price is higher than the Epiphone Les Paul and Squier Fenders."
"Ten or twenty thousand won't make that much difference to father." Hachiman sighed, "I'm pretty sure he won't mind."
"Wouldn't you mind?" Hachi asked him suddenly.
"Why should I? I'm lucky enough that father would buy me something so expensive in the first place." Hachiman yawned, "I want to go home and sleep."
Ah.
Maybe Hachiman doesn't want to be greedy, plus he's accustomed to getting the short straw in favor of Komachi. In fact, Hachi could understand if Hachiman still had that lingering sentiment.
"Alright then!" Hachi decided, "Please give me the PG-10 Starter pack as well."
"I see, then the total would be-"
"One hundred fourteen thousand and four hundred yen." Hachi cut the cashier off and handed out three pieces of five thousand yen bill to her father, "I'm paying the extra."
The father scoffed and took out ten pieces of ten thousand bill from his own wallet, to be added to the money Hachi gave him.
After all, Hachi also worked on her own to earn that. She would know what it's like to spend hard-earned money on something she likes.
"Well, then, we should go back."
Producer ended up carrying a pair of heavy shopping bag which contains the starter equipments while Hachi and Hachiman carried their instrument in a newly bought gig bag. They were waiting for Chihiro to come with a minivan so everyone can get in and come back to the studio without walking.
However, Kanade stopped Hachiman when he was about to get in. In the end, Hachiman gave up and instead gave his gig bag in.
"Hmm, aren't two of you getting in?" Hachi asked.
Kanade instead hugged Hachiman's arm and smiled, "We'll go there on foot, don't worry."
"Ehhh?" Komachi gasped.
"Kanade you sly fox!" Her teammates cheered.
"Well, don't stay too late. You two have to go to school tomorrow." Producer Hikigaya smiled knowingly, "Be careful on your way back to the studio."
"Ah, yeah," Hachiman said.
As the minivan left a faint trail of smoke, Hachiman faced Kanade. "Now, what do you want to do, Hayami-san?"
"Drop the -san bit and call me Kanade, for starters."
"Fine, Hayami."
"...I'm not sure why but now you just sound rude." Kanade pondered.
"There's no helping it, I call everyone outside the family that way." Hachiman grumpily said in response, she protested too much.
"Even the girls?"
"They never complained."
"I see." Kanade said, "Then please, entertain me who haven't gone on any dates before."
"...Seriously?"
Kanade hugged him tighter, "Yes, my lips still pure and untouched too, so if Hikigaya-kun... if Hikigaya-kun wanted it, then I'll give it to you. My first?"
"No thank you, I do value my first kiss too. And it's not necessarily less valuable than yours." Hachiman pushed her away again as much as possible.
Seriously, how could his father survive for 6 months here?
...
Naturally, Hachiman was being careful about whatever they're doing. Nevertheless, he tried his best to entertain her, in his own twisted and spiteful way.
First, they walk around the parks nearby. They end up having a nice dinner at a fairly nice family restaurant.
"I'm sorry you're stuck with me." Kanade apologetically clapped her hands, "I just never went on a date before."
"Well, I'm not sure if men can be choosy, but at least I'm pretty sure going on a date to the family restaurant is unusual." Hachiman said, "I guess it depends on the girls?"
"I do appreciate wealthy dinner, but for some reason, I felt more secure eating alone in a family restaurant while in disguise like this," Kanade explained.
"Hiding in plain sight huh, that's actually clever." Hachiman looked away.
Kanade did look like twentysomething office lady in this appearance, at least. So the more people in a place, the easier for her to blend in.
They didn't talk much, in fact, other than rudely commenting at the aspect of a date, they didn't talk at all. They went to the game center, won a couple of plushies.
Of course, talking about a game center, there's one place that the girls never dare to miss no matter what.
PuriKura**!
In other words, taking pictures together with a boyfriend and then print it into nine stamp-sized stickers that the girls would put somewhere, such as their wallet or diary.
Hachiman already uncomfortable enough taking pictures, and now he had to do it with an idol? Any sane man would consider it heaven, but Hachiman feels nothing but uncomfortable hell.
However, he wasn't so brazen as to actually offend her because such tiny matters, so there's exactly one sticker that he ended up saving for himself, and the rest he gave out to her.
Him holding his Office ID card, identifying him as (temporary) Assistant Producer of 346-Pro. And with both of them standing upright, it looked less like a date and more like a professional outing.
"That was fun. So this is what normal date feels like?"
"If magazine survey is any indication, that's basically half a date. We're missing watching movies, go to karaoke, bowling, or shopping." Hachiman said as they walked toward the studio's direction. And by half-past seven they arrived at the entrance.
"Before we're done, I want to ask something." Hachiman suddenly stopped, "Why me?"
"Because I found Hikigaya-kun trustworthy." Kanade smiled, it was almost sad, however. "No matter what I do you refuse to take advantage of me. I am disappointed as your partner, and my pride as a woman somewhat hurt, but even so... thank you for indulging in my selfish request."
Hachiman didn't even react when she said that. And with that, she bowed.
"Just one thing I wanted to ask in return," Kanade asked seriously, "Did you enjoy it at least?"
"I don't hate it." Hachiman simply said, "It might be mentally draining for me, but I feel like I found something important, myself. Hayami."
"I see." Kanade closed her eyes happily, "Thank you."
Producer Hikigaya and the rest of the family members already waiting in the lobby.
"Did you have fun, Hayami-san."
"Yes, this puts things into perspective." Kanade replied confidently, "I think I am ready to tackle the drama audition, thanks to Assistant Director Hikigaya's help."
Hachiman's face looked completely detached, even more than before he came to the studio.
"I think it's time for us to go home, Father." Hachiman said, "Komachi looked like she needed a really good rest."
Hachiman pointed at Komachi, who looked like she was sleepy from boredom and tiredness.
"You say that but aren't you're the most tired of all?" Hachi crossed her arms, miffed. "Can you even ride bikes all the way to Chiba?"
"I'll manage somehow." Hachiman weakly smiled, not wanting to make his female counterpart worry.
Hachi looked at Kanade suspiciously.
On a glimpse, Kanade could felt there's something about Hachi that looked like she was angry, no, angry would be too strong of a word. Annoyed?
Or...
Jealously?
"You should go to rest as well, Hayami." Producer Hikigaya suggested. "We're going home then, Senkawa-san, I trust you could take care the rest?"
"Of course, producer." Chihiro smiled cutely.
"Alright then," Hachiman said, as he tightens his helmet.
"Wait, Hikigaya-kun." Kanade, who was about to return to her dorm room, decided to pursue him.
She grabbed his collar and gave him a kiss on the lips.
Or at least, what looked like one from a distance. She put her two fingers between their lips to avoid direct contact.
"Someday, please bring me to a real date, and maybe I can give you a real kiss as well," Kanade whispered.
Hachi blew up a fuse and her jaw dropped completely, Komachi took a picture by sheer reflex and Producer Hikigaya just shook his head in exasperation, as Chihiro covered her mouth from the shock.
Hachiman wasn't even remotely surprised.
"You're being unfair, Hayami." Hachiman sighed in annoyance, muttered one last curse on her, and then walked away in embarrassment and a bit of anger, while Producer Hikigaya tried to console him, and both Hachi and Komachi badgering him for details.
"Hayami-san, that's very rude of you." Chihiro bopped the back of her head, "And Hikigaya-kun already so far as to keep being professional. Please don't give him false hope like that."
"I'm not lying though," Kanade said as she clutched her aching chest, so tight that she felt like ripping her shirt if she were to be in her lonesome.
Could she use this newfound feeling to evolve, the way Anastasia did with her own? Maybe, Kanade will have to do it. Because otherwise, she will do a disservice for both Hachiman, her fans and everyone who support her.
She will apologize to him when they meet again, though.
* Idolmaster Starlight Stage, Tulip Event.
** Print Club, a registered trademark of Photo Booth system developed by SEGA and Atlus, which prints resulting photo to stickers.