Ok ok, Moredohc here but first, disclaimers.

I do not own anything being written here. All rights belong to Aka Akasaka and the illustrator Mengo Yokoyari.

For any thoughts and notes about this chapter it'll be down below.

Chapter 2: Lies and Pleasures

Tapping my card against the handle of my door until I heard the click, I dragged myself inside my new home after hanging out with Frill Shiranui. As I was heading home in a taxi, I googled her and realised the scale of her fame for the first time. The famous teen actor of Japan and apparently one of the youngest is the top contender for the Japan Academy Prize and actress awards. Not only that but she also voiced characters in award-winning animation films such as her most recent one, 'Blessed beauty of the wanderer'.

Exhausted after a mind-boggling day, I began winding down by taking off my school clothes and headed into the living room shower. My mind went blank as i stepped in and twisted the handles, relaxing underneath the cold shower as the fatigue was being washed away. Flexing my muscles a bit and feeling the contorting fibres of my body losing stress, my mind began thinking about my time with Shiranui.

"Why I became an actress? Well, because I was good at it." I blinked in my seat in the Bubble tea café, grasping the straw in the oversized bubble tea we were sharing together.

"So, you don't enjoy acting?" She shook her head in disagreement before dipping her head to the side and looking away.

"No, I do enjoy acting. However, it started as a side hobby of mine as I began looking for what I wanted to do when I was a kid." She explained as I passed her the straw.

Nodding her thanks, she wrapped her lips around the straw and began drinking, enjoying the refreshing beverage. She pulled back and looked into my silver eyes with her catlike eyes.

"My parents supported me for whatever I wanted to do as a child and helped me by getting the best tutors and classes available." She explained further.

'Wow… I knew she was up there, but I didn't know she was this loaded.' I sweat drop from the unintentional brag.

"When I began acting classes, I excelled in almost every aspect I learned from my rehearsal teacher. At the age of 8, I was a prodigy in acting and ever since then, I continued to stand at the top of my game." Ok now she was doing it on purpose.

"And do you still love acting?" I asked once again, trying to gauge her reactions and how she worked.

"Very much so. Even with all the hardships, crushing expectations and painstaking hours of work I'm forced into it, I still find myself enjoying the ability to lie." Her voice was even but her face lit up brightly with a smile creeping in.

My eyebrows raised at her answer, and I couldn't help but stare into her enchanting lime eyes.

"… I know right? To be able to lie to a bunch of people is one of the best feelings there is." I grinned, sharing her sentiment.

The teen actress bulked at me in surprise from her ever poker face expression before giving a beautiful and genuine smile.

"How do your parents feel about your success?" I asked innocently as I began drinking the bubble tea.

"Oh, they're gone."

"kgch?! Your parents are gone?" Punching my chest as to not choke, looking back up at the concerned actress.

"Are you ok?" She spoke out of concern, before nodding and giving her a smile that assured her worries.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just taken by surprise is all. Sorry for your loss." I gave an empathetic bow her way to which she blinked in confusion.

"What do you mean? My parents are currently out of Japan working." Tilting her head cutely, as her explanation caused me to give her a bland stare.

"Shiranui-san, you are very misleading sometimes you know that." Said person just merely stared with a judging look.

"Anyways, you live by yourself. You don't have any siblings or relatives nearby?" I asked as resumed drinking the Boba.

Her bangs followed her shaking her head as I gifted her the straw.

"I have an older sister, but she went off to college two years ago. As for relatives, they either no longer here or in the countryside, but we don't really meet each other anymore." Shiranui lengthy explanation left me thinking about her home life as she begins drinking the large bubble tea.

"How about you, Xiong-san? You have family back in Australia?" Smiling at the question about my family, my eyes turned melancholic.

"Yeah, I do. Me, my brother and sister. Our parents passed away in a car accident we were in a couple years ago. Ever since then we lived with my uncle's family." Shiranui looked at my silver eyes and saw a flurry of emotions.

"I didn't mean to bring up hurtful memories. Sorry, Xiong-san." Shiranui dipped her head to the side, looking away from my eyes apologetically.

Washing away any hindrance of sadness from my being, I gave her a half smile.

"Its ok. I'm already over it, but if your still feeling sorry then can I ask a favour?" Raising her head up, she made eye contact with me once again before nodding.

"Don't worry, it's not something drastic. Just if you would, can you call me Hayden instead?" My eyes turned away in slight embarrassment while her own were raised.

"Oh my, how straightforward. I'm think I'm starting to feel something in my heart for you." She said, raising her hand to cover her mouth can causing my face to redden at the implications.

"W-wait- I didn't mean it li-!"

"My heartrate is now 1bpm faster now."

"….."

I merely blink at her face before she raised a smug eyebrow at me, causing my eye to twitch at how I easily fell for her joke.

"You… are incorrigible, Shiranui-san." My hands dropped dead on the table along with my face.

"I'm glad you notice Hayden-san." She teased, causing me to roll my eyes before I grabbed the straw and notice how it was all finished.

I noticed her calling me my first name and couldn't help but chuckle at her joking nature. Looks like she also knew how to lift up an atmosphere too.

"Looks like we're done here. Do you want to talk more or you ready to go home?" I asked as Shiranui pondered the thought and looked at her phone.

She furrowed her eyebrow as she realised how late It was now before turning back to me.

"I think we're done here, Hayden-san." Nodding my head at her, we both stood up and headed to the counter where I began fishing out my wallet but was stopped by a large hand.

"Aye, no need for that young lad." Urume stopped me with a shake of his head, causing me to pause in my action and looking at him In question.

"Uh… Do you not take card?" I blinked as my question caused the old man to laugh.

"No, we do. The drink you both had, it's on the house." This surprised the both of us, twisting our heads to look at each other before back to Urume.

"But why, Urume-san?" Shiranui asked, dipping her head as she never once got this treatment in this situation.

The old man gave us a soft smile as he looked at the both of us. Placing his hands on our shoulders, he pulled us into a unexpected hug over the damn counter.

"hgnkr!"

"oomph!"

To our surprise, and our poor small body compared to the big guy, he gave us a crushing hug. A few onlookers staying late raised an eyebrow at the interaction but nonetheless found it wholesome to watch, whereas me and Shiranui looked loss at the sudden affection. A few more seconds later, he gently let go of us before wiping a tear from his face.

"Urume-san… You good?" I asked for both of us, concerned about his surprising action.

"Just… I'm glad that Shiranui has found a good friend to laugh and smile with. As the kind sponsor and saviour of my shop, Shiranui here deserves all the happiness of the world. Hayden, please continue being friends with her." His heartfelt words caught us off guard but after processing his words.

'Shiranui is the person to sponsor and save this place?' I bulked at the idea before the memory of her talking about how this place was quite the investment took place in the forefront in my mind.

Smiling at his words, I bowed in front of the burly Bubble tea owner.

"I promise to do my best to make sure she's happy and smiling, Urume-san." I raised my head with a cheery smile which warmed his heart.

"Well, Shiranui-san, what do you say?" Standing back up straight and looking at the teen beauty next to me with a half-smile, I saw how red her face is.

This caused my silvers eyes to widen at the sudden broken poker face. My surprise face lasted a few seconds before it immediately hardens.

"You ok Shiranui-san?" As I was about to check her forehead with my hand she jumped back and grabbed her bag.

"Th-Thank you f-for the d-drink Urume-san." She immediately left without looking back or turning her head to me which merely confused me.

"… Uh… Did I do something wrong?" I blinked possibly thinking about what custom I could have done or broke as I heard the laughter of the man beside me.

"It'll be fine lad, now get on home. It's a school night so you gotta get that good night's rest." Shaking my head at being essentially left behind, I scoffed playfully at the old man.

"Alright 'dad'. I'll come back again and bring some more friends too." I joked before grabbing my bag and giving the old man a wave who returns it kind.

Back at home and enjoying the cool water washing away my tense fatigue, I let out a relaxed breath. Finishing up in the shower, I stepped out and saw no towel to be in sight. I groaned as I forget to it from my bedroom.

"Damn it." I cursed, not wanting to wet my tile floor but seeing as how there's really nothing here to dry me up, I walked out of the door and into the living room.

As I walked through the living room, puddles began forming from where I stepped while small water droplets from my body also bounce off onto the floor. Wet splats can be heard throughout the whole apartment which made me realise how this place wasn't exactly soundproof, so I had to figure what to do with that.

Opening the door to my bedroom and wetting the handle, I stepped in and found my towel hanging off by my office chair by my desk. Walking around my bed, I finally reached my towel and began drying myself. As I was doing this, I heard a buzzing sound on my bed and swivelled my head.

Bzzzzz! Bzzzzz! Bzzzzz! *

I stopped what I was doing and saw that someone was calling but it wasn't a number I was familiar with. Now normally, with unknown phone calls I don't answer no matter what but seeing how this is Japan, I shrugged my shoulders and decided to answer. Wiping my hands first, I grabbed my phone and picked up whoever's calling.

"Hello?" I called before throwing my wet damp towel on my chair once again and walking over to my closet to pick my sleep wear.

"Hi, is this Hayden Xiong?" An old male voice rang out my phone as I grabbed polyester pants.

"Yes, who's this?" putting the phone down on my bed on speaker as I began searching through my pants clothes basket.

"I'm Masaya Kaburagi, co-producer of the upcoming reality dating show." He explained after I put on my shorts while I raised an eyebrow at why such a person was calling me.

"I see. Then what is the purpose of this call, Mr Kaburagi-san?" Narrowing my eyes at my phone.

Directors or producers, no matter how big and small wouldn't make a call personally if it wasn't important to whatever they were working on or didn't make them sell their product massively. As much as many people outside believe that the entertainment industry is filled with passionate individuals, greed is still the most pivotal goal in the end.

Although it could be said that some people know it and choose to believe in the lie rather than face the truth, otherwise the products they savour from the media won't be as exciting or enticing to them. In other words, to be ignorant is to have a blissful entertainment.

"I understand that you have a background in acting back in Australia. I want you to join the production of the reality dating show, Xiong-san." I rolled my eyes at the phone, already knowing the general idea at what he wanted.

"It seems you've done your homework. Why should I accept your offer, Mr Kaburagi-san." I sneered, turning my attention to the dazzling light from the opposite building.

"You have quite the glib boy, but I'll forget it ever happened, for your sake. If you do this, you'll be able to step into the entertainment industry here in Japan." He offered which I couldn't help but mull what else he wanted from me.

Producers and directors like these always had hidden agendas, even the good ones, and by the time you would find out, it would already too late to back out. I've seen many actors who got the part they wanted only to be treated like trash and for the works of authors and mangakas having their story, in any media than the original, flopping because of cooperate greed who cared more about the IP than the actual product they were selling.

"Reality Dating Shows grow boring from the constant and repetitive outcomes. Sometimes there are small conflicts here and there in the beginning but as the series grow there needs to be an antagonist in the story and you plan to coerce me into that role." I explained with an even voice, walking over to my windows and closing the curtains.

"Like you, I've done my homework about what upcoming films were in production or are greenlighted and I've seen many RDSs back home to know there is always that one sudden bad guy." I picked up my phone and walked out to the living room and check the locks on my front door.

"What I'm really wondering is…" walking to the couch, placing the phone on the coffee table and sitting on the couch with my elbows on my knees and hands clasped in front of my face.

"… What is your intention with me besides the sales? If you know who I am then you watched the films I'm in, or at least had a glimpse at them." My silver eyes were solely on the phone and number showing on the screen as I gave my intense disposition.

Silence filled on the other end of the phone as this game of information played on. I wasn't content on doing anything else tonight until he gave me a straight honest answer or hung in defeat. Either way, I'd win.

"… To watch you shake the industry asunder." The middle-aged director's voice was low and bare from the phone speaker.

My eyes widened at the revelation as my right leg began jittering up and down. Clenching my teeth, I gripped my knees hard to stop it.

"I've been in the industry for many decades now and I must say… there are some unsavoury lots in here. Some good, some bad and others… very bad. Right now, the entertainment world is reaching a new age, and someone needs to be there to shine brighter than the rest of the stars." The information rested in my brain as I digested it, trying to discern whether he's lying.

Racking my brain around this information, I ran a hand through my hair and let out a deep breath. Seeing as how he nothing to lose in this situation besides his pride, I couldn't what else he wanted under the layers potential deceit stacked upon each other.

"that's something alright. You sure you're talking to the right person, Mr Kaburagi-san. You should also know my acting isn't the greatest or life changing." I grumbled as my head fell.

"That's why I want to see how you perform with no real direction. I want to see how you handle this reality show, Xiong-san as a reference going forward." I chuckled and lifted my face to the phone.

"You're making a deal with the devil yknow. Alright, I'll take it." I closed the call as the black screen reflected off the subtle moonlight showering the now silent room.

Looking down at my reflection, I wore the most manic and crazed grin and felt an intoxicating chill running down my spine. I realised my breath was elevated and my heartbeat was beating in my eardrums and that my body was stabbed with pins and needles.

"Shit… I almost forgot how exhilarating this feeling was, hehe." I let out a restraining laughter.

I sat on the couch for about a couple minutes to calm down my euphoric body, allowing me to think clearly and evaluate what'll happen later down the line. Letting out a soft breath, I looked forward and saw the reflection of myself in the TV screen. My eyes were steeled with a hint of excitement, feeling the faint pricks and needles numbing in my body and hearing the muffled sounds of cars outside the Tokyo.

A ding on my phone broke me of my thoughtful stupor. Looking down, I saw a message with a file attached. Tilting my head and realised it was an email from Kaburagi, I opened the document that showed the show's production timeline and what was to be expected.

"Tomorrow?! Kaburagi you senile dog, couldn't have call me a week ago to prepare? Alright you wanna play, I'll play." Running both hands through my hair as I began formulating a plan to proceed.

As soon as the sun rose up the next day, I already began cleaning myself up and tried fixing my hair up using a comb but no matter what I did, it wouldn't stay the hell down. Sighing, I looked back on the timetable and requisites to bring on set. Apparently, all we needed to bring was our identification since they'll provide the clothes on set, so I opted just wearing my wisteria-coloured shirt and vanilla long pants.

I called Toyo high to explain today's absence and notifying some more ahead of time as well. They said it was ok and understood our careers can be hard working and demanding. They also encourage us to not forget to study the curriculum, so we don't fall behind in studies. Leaving the apartment, I took the elevator to ground floor and saw the attendant in her usual spot.

"Good morning, Yumi-san." I greeted with a bright smile.

Turning around and away from her computer, her hazel eyes lit up at my appearance.

"Ah, Hayden-san. Ready to take on the day I see. Oh, isn't it a school day today?" The mature raven woman dangled her head to look at my casual wear.

"I'm working on Reality dating show right now." I chuckled as I realised how embarrassing to have to explain such a thing publicly.

This caused Yumi to gasp in shock and placed her hand over her opened mouth before it morphed into a sly grin.

"Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events. I have no doubt that you will have ladies dropping on you like flies."

"Don't make it sound like I'm a playboy!" She calmed down before she crossing her arms underneath her chest.

"But isn't working on schooldays detrimental to your future education and career. Kinda seems counterintuitive in the long wrong." I smiled at the lobby lady.

"Yep, that's why we only have three shoots a week for the two months. Two on the weekends and the last on a school day." Explaining the timetable, as she hummed in understanding.

"I see. Then I guess there shouldn't be any issues then. Go have fun mingling with some young woman, Hayden-san. After all, you should enjoy your youth to the fullest." Yumi practically pushed me out of the lobby.

"Oi, don't go saying things like that out loud. I'm not a fraterniser or a ladies' man." I retorted as she pushed me out the doorway.

"I'll call the cab for you." Yumi said before returning to her desk.

I couldn't help but shake my head at her antics. During the week since my arrival here, I've been getting to know Yumi whenever we met. Small talks here and there let me soften her professional wall down and sometimes I just hung out with her in the lobby whenever I could. Honestly, looking back at it now, we were developing some sort of big sister and little brother energy.

'Now that I think about It, she probably knows who actually sponsored me.' I contemplated deeply; my hands were crossed as I leaned my back against a wall.

The scholarship I got was an anonymous sender but the company they were in was a legitimate entertainment industry. It was one of the other reasons why I didn't want to accept it in the first place but looking back now, I couldn't help but think that I was being too obstinate.

Hearing a beep nearby, I turned my head up to see a taxi ready and waiting for me. Smiling, I turned my head around and dipped towards Yumi in the lobby, who gave a small wave along with her beautiful smile. Getting into the back of the car, I looked up at the rear-view mirror and was surprised.

"It's you?!" I exclaimed as I remember this taxi driver being the same from the airport.

"Xiong-san, it's been a while." I couldn't help but chuckle at his welcoming tone before I realised something.

"Uh…sorry, I kinda forgot your name." I looked away ashamed that this guy was able to remember but I didn't have the decency to do the same, especially since I was the one who asked the last time we met.

The guy just laughs cheerily before waving it off.

"Its fine but if you need a reminder then its Nagi Matakuri, Taxi Driver." Nagi turned his head and gave me a toothy grin.

I blinked at the guy's friendliness before smiling at him in turn.

"Right, thanks for that Matakuri-san."

"Now where you headed?" Turning his head back to the road, I gave him my destination.

During our drive together, we began bantering with each other as if we were old friends. I guess having a friendly and inviting nature like Nagi's makes it easier being closer to the man but even then, when we first met, he was very professional and formal.

"That's because I was doing my job but now that I have you again, I feel like I can just be me. Is that a problem?" Matakuri asked with a raised eyebrow as I just shook my head with a smile.

"No problem here. In fact, its makes things more comfortable between us. But there is a small issue." I stated which caused Nagi eye me through his rear-view mirror.

I grinned at how strong his character is. From our little time together, I can tell that he's a strong person both mentally and physically, so taking a insult or an retort won't break his cool personality.

"Just call me Hayden. You know how I'm from Australia, right? Well, having people call me by my family name sounds weird to me." I shrugged as I asked my request.

Matakuri, blinked before laughing brightly. Looking back into my silver eyes through his mirror he gave me a nod.

"Alright then Hayden. Ah, to be friends with young guys like you really takes me back to my own school days. Unfortunately, those stories gotta wait another time." I tilted my head at him in confusion before I felt the car slowing down near some school buildings.

These school buildings aren't abandoned but were currently not active by the faculties. Some schools here in Japan don't start until later in the semester thus allowing us a leeway to film without constant disruptions of students. Turning my head back at Matakuri, I gave him a smile.

"Thanks for the drive." I paid for the drive before getting out of the backseat and walking towards the empty school gates before noticing a staff member waiting for me up ahead.

"Seeya Hayden and good luck on your dating show." Nagi drove down with his hand out of the window.

I waved back at the fading car before walking up to the staff member.

"Hi, I'm Hayden Xiong." I bowed before the worker who gave me an analytical look.

Standing up straight and tilted my head at the person.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong. Come, you're the last to arrive." He began walking into the school where I began seeing a multitude of equipment around being prepped and ready by the staff.

"I assume you read the texts and signed the documents regarding the show?" He asked as we weave our way through the crowded area of technology.

"yes." I carefully followed the staff as we finally made it to the door where they were already casting the others from what I saw through the windows.

We reached into what seems to be the school change room. I looked around the room and noticed the many lockers in here before and before I could comment on why we were here. The staff member appeared in my face before offering me a new clothing.

"Put these on quickly, we don't have much time before your debut." I blinked before realising he wasn't going to leave.

Sighing, I grabbed the clothes and began stripping down to my boxers. The staff member usually wouldn't care about seeing someone stripping but once he saw the massive, jagged scar running down from my chest to hips. His eyes and mouth widen in horror at such a wretched mark.

"See something you don't like?" I raised my eyebrows at him as I began putting on the long black pants.

My words seem to break him out of stupor before turning around out of respect.

"No, nothing wrong at all. But I suggest to hurry." I rolled my eyes at the man before finishing up with the school jumper.

After changing and making our way back through the messy hallways, we finally reached the room where they had just begun the introductions of the participants. I was able to glimpse through the window at an angle although I could only see the staff members and the cables leading up to the cameras.

"Right now, we're in the middle of introductions, so when I give you the go ahead, you'll enter and tell everyone about who you are and what you do." The staff member explained.

"Ok, just a normal introduction then." I hummed before I saw him shake his head.

"No, you need to be more than normal. You have to be authentic and real while also being something else." Before I could respond, I saw him furrowed his eyebrows before pulling me towards the door.

"You're up." I blinked as I thought about what to do now.

"Wow, you're so handsome! I really admire actors." I heard a muffled cutesy voice from inside the classroom.

'Who should I be right now. Someone audacious, obnoxious, annoying, endearing or-.'

"You're cute yourself, MEM-cho. I'm feeling all bashful now." I heard a particular familiar voice inside causing my thoughts to momentarily freeze.

"There's your cue." The staff member whispered to my left as he walked backwards slowly to not get caught up in the shot.

My eyes hardened as I haven't really chosen how to antagonise these guys yet.

'Screw it. Start off strong.' I thought as I took a deep breath and exhaled, calming my pumping, nervous heart.

Swinging the door open with my eyes closed, I purposely waited a second, adding a lingering suspense in the air and to garner the silent attention of everyone in the room.

'Good.' Stepping down firmly on the matted floor with my shoes, I drowned out the silence with my steps. Strutting forward with a nonchalant posture as my silver eyes slowly opened.

During the time I was opening my eyes, I dedicated myself to memorising every camera in the room from its positioning, angle, direction and movement. I planned on using all of them for my grand arrival.

"Geez, running late again. Well, can't help what's already done." I muttered with a low carefree voice loudly enough to be heard by everyone and the microphones.

I identified one of the camera's performing a rising shot from my shoes to my face when I entered the room, causing me to grunt in my mind. I tucked my chin, reached for my hair with one hand while the other was in my pockets and as soon as the camera was about to reach my leaning face, I raised my chin and pulled my hair back to create this kinetic flair to my introduction.

"Hey, Hayden Xiong. Foreign exchange student and first year high schooler. I'm an actor" I casually introduced, adding a slight rumble in my throat while tilting my chin up.

Leaning my head back slightly more while keeping my hand on the back of my head, my silver eyes must've shone due to the heavy light I was exposing it to from the window reflecting the sunlight. Everyone around was silent as I eyed each and every one of them.

"Cat got your tongue or something?" I grunted, pulling everyone back to the real world.

"Uh Hello." The navy-blue hair girl muttered out as if fallen out of a trance.

'Shit, too much.' I sweat dropped inside but had to keep this attitude up.

"Xiong-san, it's good to see you again. I didn't know you were participating in this too." Aqua had a surprisingly bubbly persona about him if his smile said anything.

"Eh? Didn't think I would meet you here Aqua." Only angling my head to the blonde, I eyed him up and down, hoping the camera behind the group would get that.

"Cut!" the director called out behind the mass of wires and tech by the whiteboard.

"Alright everyone good work. We got our intro scene but before we resume shooting, there are some equipment needed to be adjusted and situated first. It'll take a few minutes before everything is ready. So, take a short break." The director explained allowing me to finally drop the façade.

Letting out a relieved sigh, I turned back to Aqua who, just like me, also retrieved his usual moody character. But before I could even talk to the guy, I was interrupted.

"Wow. That entrance just now was something else entirely." I turned to my right to see Mem-cho looking at me with an impressed gaze.

"Seriously, that was amazing. And you're a foreign exchange student too." Nobuyuki commented as he stood up next to me and placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Was that you acting, Xiong-san?" Kengo asked in his baritone voice, fitting for a musician.

"Yeah, I didn't really have any pre-knowledge about how to proceed so I figured I would just wing it." I chuckled nervously at the rising attention.

"It was a convincing act there, Xiong-san. Even I was surprised by your skills." Akane complimented as she gave me a shy smile.

"Hey, hey, where are you from Xiong-san?" Yuki, the beautiful model girl asked, turning on her seat and looking up at me.

"I'm from Australia." I explained, already expecting the next reaction.

"Wow really?" All five of them somehow reacted the same way with the same words.

Throughout the entire day, all seven of us were interacting with each with small hints of interest here and there. We played with compliments, made small moves here and there and acted interested with each other. After a few hours of filming, we were now situated outside in the courtyard.

"Seriously, this dating show is kind of tiresome huh?" I turned my head to Kengo complaining from the tiresome act, rubbing the back of his neck while me and Nobuyuki sat on both sides of him.

"It isn't that bad Morimoto-san, compared to my usual dance practices, this is all a breeze." Nobuyuki patted the musician's back confidently as he hardly felt any physcial fatigue.

"He's got a point though, Kumano-san. Even with us just talking to each other normally, we have to make it entertaining on a daily basis. Coming up with new interesting topics would be the best way for us to get ahead in this dating reality show, however, the mental toll is quite heavy if we gotta do it constantly." I explained with a sighed, leaning back on the bench with my hands supporting me from behind.

The dancer leaned outwards to view me with an inquisitive look.

"You sound like you've done this before Xiong-san. Could you give us any tips about how to stay on top then?" Nobuyuki beamed at me with his cool and light-hearted question.

"Hey now Kumano-san, you can't expect Xiong-san to do such a thing." Kengo retorted as he crossed his arms.

"Eh? Why not? Its not like we have any experience doing this Morimoto-san. Besides, don't you see the opportunity here? We're meeting with these cute girls." As Nobuyuki tried to convince his fellow performer, I carefully looked around the area and saw a cameraman recording us nearby.

I narrowed my eyes slightly before placing up my façade. Standing up with a disinterested face, I stuffed my hands in my pockets and turned to face them both to my right side while making sure the other half of my features were being recorded.

"Sorry, Kumano-san, Morimoto-san. But I don't intend on giving any pointers here about how to win. Can't have you one upping me with these girls now, can I?" I said in an almost haughty tone as looked down upon them with low lidded eyes.

The dancer and musician were surprised by my sudden change of demeanour and before they could ask me anything else, I turned my backs to them and ignoring their looks.

"Hmm. Xiong-san is an incredible actor. What do you think, Aqua-san?" Yuki tilted her head as she and Aqua were hanging out together under the shade of a tree.

"I agree with you Sumi-san, he's very good. He subtly noticed the cameraman recording them from afar then taking the opportunity to position himself in frame with the camera. Speaking loudly, he gave the audience the topic idea that they were discussing beforehand then leaving." Aqua narrowed his eyes as he recounted the events.

"When you put it like that, Aqua-san, it kind of sounds like Xiong-san planned all of this." Yuki muttered, putting her hands behind her back and tip toeing in place.

"I don't think he did. Like I said, he saw the opportunity and took it. If I were in his place, I would've done the same." Aqua shrugged as he crossed his arms.

Yuki raised an eyebrow at the son of Ai before giving him a sly smirk.

"Are you implying that you could act like Xiong-san and be the typical arrogant superstar." She leaned towards Aqua with her face near his, causing Aqua to jerk his head backwards in surprise.

"To be honest, Aqua-san, when my agency accepted this Dating reality show, I didn't think there would be any quality guys here, but I'm sure that I might be able to kiss if it's you." She whispered in his ears with a small purr.

Aqua being caught off guard from her sudden advance, he stared at her now unsure how to proceed, however as he was about to ask about the sudden statement, she intercepted it with an immediate answer.

"Behind us. There's a cameraman recording. Don't look right in the camera." She whispered while giving him a knowing and beautiful smile that is befitting of a model.

Behind her back was a cameraman recording their whole interaction, who recorded the situation unfold with Hayden, Kumano and Morimoto. Keeping his aquamarine eyes fixed on Yuki, Aqua immediately understood their assignment together.

"I'm sure they'll use this in the show. Let's get along, Ok?" She asked with a teasing smile before walking away towards the director.

'Someone like me act like Hayden? I could never. But you are just as much opportunistic as him.' Closing his eyes now that he was left alone with his thoughts.

'I see… this is how it is with reality shows.' Opening his eyes, he looked up into the blue sky under the cover of the trees.

After casting the intro scene and everyone reintroducing themselves to each other properly without the camera's rolling, the director gathered us together back into the same room before giving us the general direction we should proceed.

"You can go ahead and converse freely with each other. However, please do pay attention to the angles of the fixed cameras." He explained as all seven of us were sat down on a chair facing the producers and directors.

"When the cameraman gets closer – if you're able to – it'd be a big help if you can have a chat that sums up what you'd been talking about right beforehand." The director finished.

Back to the present, I was walking through the hallways now alone with my thoughts while evading the gear laying around the school. The day was just about to finish and many of us had done standard scenes for the beginning of a typical DRS. Setting up interests in each other, forming some sense of friendship and mutual understanding while also leaving some tense issues in the air.

'Is it enough though?' My thoughts wandered back to the conversation with Kaburagi last night.

'To be the shining star for the next age of entertainment.' I reiterated in my mind, thinking about what he was implying and end goal for such a broad statement.

I couldn't understand it or try to even begin solving it without more clues and information. Turning my head up and seeing the sun beginning to fall, I realised that time was up. Closing my eyes and feeling the mental fatigue of using the façade. I opened my silver eyes back up to see Akane walking to me, scratching her head while constantly looking over her notes.

Looking at her now and her presence, I could begin to see the bluenette struggling in handling this type of show biz. Smiling at her lack of awareness, she was about to bump into me if I hadn't placed my hands on her notebook. Looking up in rapid shock, her face turned red as she realised that she almost stumbled against me.

"I-I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention." She uttered quickly before cutely hiding behind her notebook.

"Its fine Kurokawa-san. No harm done here." I chuckled much to her embarrassment before pulling down her notebook to show her a reassuring smile.

She still had hints of red on her cheeks, but she nodded her head. Taking a deep breath, she looked at me with a firm gaze to which I reacted with dipping my head in interest.

"Xiong-san… or do you prefer Hayden?" I blinked in surprise at Akane.

I've been here in Japan for over a week now and no one really asked my preference about how to call me. So, to hear someone putting it out there suddenly was surprising, but it only lasted as long as the question.

"Hayden. Thanks for asking, Akane-san." I gave her a grateful smile to which she all but nodded happily even with the tinge of shyness in her eyes.

"Hayden-san… can I ask about how to do it? Your acting that is. I've been watching you all day and taking notes but… I wanted to know personally." Akane asked to which I raised my eyebrow.

"Why do you want to know?" My voice was low and interrogating, causing her to flinch as she looked away almost… ashamed?

"Sorry. I was only teasing." I pulled back immediately after seeing how sad she looked.

Blinking, Akane couldn't help but blush at taking things so seriously, but she couldn't help it. It was how she made it here and who she was today.

"No, no, I'm sorry Hayden-san. I know you aren't a bad person like you're acting out to be." She waved her hand in denial quickly causing me to chuckle at her actions.

"I'm glad you know, Kurokawa-san. But back to your question. How do I act? Well, it isn't something that's immediate like telling someone how to act and how to do it. My acting is all about… immersion." I explained cryptically as I find it difficult to actually explain my acting ability.

" 'Immersion'…" I heard Akane muttered as she began writing down my words on her notebook.

"Can you explain anymore?" She inquired with a solid gaze, as if her personality shifted.

"Well, it works li-!"

"Hey, there you guys are. Hoh! Are you two trading secrets about how to win this Reality show together?" Mem-cho yelled out, as she came running out of one of the hallways with a curious glint in her eyes.

"Nothing of sorts, Mem-cho-san." I rolled my eyes playfully before turning to the streamer and giving her a smile.

"Well then hurry up you two. Everyone's already leaving, and we don't want to find you two mysteriously disappearing forever now." She exclaimed to which I raised my eyebrows.

"This isn't a horror movie. It's a Reality Dating Show, get it right." I tsked playfully and shaking my head in disappointment to which the streamer gave it a thought.

"Hmm… good point. So, that must mean you two will be secretly dating in the background!" She concluded to which I blushed slightly.

I heard a squeak behind me and imagined that the shy Akane would no doubt be red too. I growled at Mem-cho who quickly began running away from the incoming fire.

"Better watch out senpai, because I'ma change the script and make this a horror show for you!" I shouted across the hallway as the streamer took a turn leaving us both alone.

Turning around with a chuckle, I looked over at the bluenette who was covering her lower mouth with her notebook. Her shy nature was showing if her averting eyes were a sign.

"Looks like we have to pick this up another time, Kurogawa-san. Come on, let's go home before it gets dark." I offered to which she replied with a small nod.

"Right. Thank you, Hayden-san, for the help."

"Anytime." I habitually said in english to which Akane tilted her head at me in confusion.

"Sorry, old habits die hard as the saying goes." I smiled in embarrassment as I rubbed my neck.

"Don't be Hayden." At the sound of her English, I stopped in my tracks before seeing a teasing smile on her face while walking past me.

I couldn't help the grin appearing on my face, before catching up with Akane with an even pace. Nothing was said between us as we both made our way to the front of the school and saying our goodbyes with our long-time colleagues. By the time I got home, it was already dark out as the lights of Tokyo polluted the night sky of its stars.

As I entered the lobby of my apartment building, I noticed Yumi was not at her desk, so I assumed she had left early today. Thinking about the lobby lady, I made my way to the elevators and pressed the floor button. Leaning back against the mirrored wall and shutting my eyes, I felt a lift.

My thoughts drifted to today's events of the DRS. How, objectively speaking, I was the worst looking person there, which isn't to say I looked bad. I imagine myself to look above average if I do say so myself but nothing model worthy like my colleagues. Hearing the ding of the elevator, I kicked off the wall and proceeded to my door on the far-right hallway.

Tapping my card against the handle, I proceeded to the living room and turning on the lights before locking my door behind me. Sitting on my couch and going limp into it, I rested my head on the headrest. Closing my eyes and letting my tense muscles loosen as my entire being relaxed. My mind meanwhile began going on overdrive.

'What was the point of casting me there. From what I saw, they all could've made the show a hit without me. So, it's more than just about money but what?' I opened my silver eyes and eyed the white ceiling.

Sighing and feeling myself getting a headache at the constant repeating question of why, I decided to forego dinner and showering and instead turned off my lights and headed into my bedroom. Taking off my shirt, I immediately was embraced by my bed before covering myself underneath the blankets.

The next day as I entered the classroom looking refreshed and ready, I turned to look outside the window next to me. Thinking again about everything happening and how to organise it all neatly later down the line. Ruby made her way to the classroom with her ever-cheery smile that seemed to charm many people from her sheer cuteness and captivating beauty.

Opening the door, she saw me sitting down on my desk with a thoughtful look while gazing out the window. Ruby eyes widening in recognition she dashed towards my desk in incredible speeds and skidding to a halt.

"Xiong-san!" She exclaimed as she leaned forward in front of my turning face and causing me to jerk my head back.

"R-Ruby-san?!"

"I heard from my Onii-chan that you're in the New upcoming Dating Reality Show, right? If so, can you do me a favour." I blinked before giving her a smile.

"of course, Ruby-san. What are friends for?" She beamed at my immediate agreement if her high pitched squeal wasn't evident enough.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I chuckled at her reaction, causing her to blush at making a ruckus early in class.

"A-Ahem. Anyways, what I want is simple. I want you to make sure that my Onii-chan doesn't get with any girls on that dating show." She crossed her arms, raising her chin as if she was doing a civil duty.

"…What?" I blanked.

It seemed like my relationship with the twin siblings was going to be complicated and hard if I'm going to be getting in situations like this in the future.

"That's a… bizarre and concerning request, Ruby-san." Faltering on my chair but catching myself using my desk, I turned my head to look at the confused idol.

"It isn't that bizarre Xiong-san. As his sister, its my moral obligation to choose who will be my future sister-in-law." Waving her finger at me with a gratifying smile.

"I don't think its either moral or your obligation to do so, Ruby-san." I chuckled nervously at sisterly views of being siblings.

Ruby hearing my concerns, puffed her cheeks and glared at me. Making a whining sound, she crossed her arms with a huff and turned her head away from me as if I took a child's favourite candy for myself. Sighing at her rebutting actions, I tilted my head at her with a small smile.

"Ruby-san, I understand where you're coming from." I said as she immediately looked at me with a gleeful smile.

"See, see. I knew you would understand. Now, I have a-."

"Let me finish." I placed my hand in front of her, stopping her from continuing.

"While I understand, I also know its better to let things be as they are. I can't stop your brother from falling in love in a show made to make people fall in love. Whether its genuine or not, I don't know." I levelled with the twin sister, as I gave her my piece of advice.

"But… But what happens if Aqua chooses someone bad for him. What if they hurt him in the end?" Ruby voice was subdued, and her bright starry eyes turned dull through her bangs.

Seeing her genuine worry for her brother's love life, I couldn't help but grab her arm and giving it a firm squeeze. Eyes regaining its light, Ruby looked down at me, surprised by the sudden contact.

"Ruby, we can never know if the decisions we make are good or bad. Each person is entitled to choose what they want to do with their life. If it comes to hurt them in the end, then we need to be ready to support them in their darkest moments." Ruby eyes shined back to its usual light but for a second, I thought I saw something… dark flashed through it.

"So instead of trying to cater to Aqua and his life, support him through whatever endeavour he'll go through." I brightly smiled.

Slowly nodded her head in understanding, placing a hand under her chin and looking down at the ground, she digested my words before flashing me her usual smile.

"Ok. I'll believe in you and my brother. If he does get hurt, I'll be there for him like the best sister I am." Her eyes was set in stone and her voice were resolute.

As we finished our conversation, the homeroom teacher had arrived and causing Ruby to quickly seat in her desk behind me. Turning around to give her a reassuring smile, I noticed that Shiranui and Minami were missing. Furrowing my eyes, I returned my attention back to the front of the classroom and prepared to meet the day.

Now that I am here properly learning and studying in Japan, I began noticing some of the similarities and differences between how learning was back in Australia and here. The classes were fine here in Toyo high school, in fact due to me already completing grade 10 and 11, some of the subject's knowledge was something I'm familiar with. What was the most drastic difference was the attitude of the students.

"Xiong-san, wanna hang out together with me, Minami and Shiranui-san?" Ruby offered with a cheery smile.

Being pulled out of my thoughts, I blinked at the blonde before seeing that both Shiranui-san and Minami were behind Ruby. The famous teen actor gave me a nod while the pinup model smiled and waved at me with all her beauty being displayed.

"Sure, I'm down." I accepted as Ruby practically dragged me over with the girls.

Yes, some of the students can be rowdy when the moments called for it such as a sudden surprise or small dramas that were occurring, but overall things were very disciplined. Makes sense seeing as how this was a prestigious school for rising stars of Japan's entertainment industry but comparing it back to the school I went to, the students at the beginning of high school were usually either rowdy or calm.

Some teachers get lucky with students who take things seriously, treating high school as a next level business of work while the unfavourable few gets the students who still act like it's their primary school days. The students also differ up in the last years left back in Australia. As they come to realise their time in school is almost up and having to integrate into the real world, there becomes two types of senior students.

The first one is the laxer and laid-back students. These are people who either given up on trying and instead focused on passing or already have a trade they want to go into. The second types are the hard working and serious students. These guys are usually the ones who messed around a lot in their early high school years and as they come to realise their changing situation, they bring back their studies at the end of years where it truly counts.

Here in Toyo high, there's a similar kind of casting students. The first ones are those who are unable to secure a proper footing in the entertainment industry. These people are usually hard working and humble, always trying to find the next big thing to be apart of or creating the moments themselves in hopes to be scouted.

The last group of students are the arrogant entertainers that are belligerent, socialistic and nepotistic. These guys have an easy life and usually picked on anyone who were on their radar. They relish the power they have because of their connections or their high standing in the entertainment industry.

"Hayden-san, I heard that you're in the new upcoming reality dating show." Taking a bite of rice from bento box, Shiranui twisted her gaze to me while enjoying her lunch.

Tearing me away from my deep thoughts about the student social structure here in Toyo high school, I was reminded of where I was and who I was with.

"Really? That's amazing Xiong-san." Minami congratulated beside me, causing me to chuckle at her praise.

"Thanks Minami-san but how'd you know Shiranui-san? The first episode doesn't come out until this Friday." I opened my plastic lunchbox and pulled out my chopsticks.

The four of us were sitting on a bench together near the pitching field behind the school as other Students were out and about playing baseball or just walking around with their friends. I was sitting next to Ruby while Minami was in between me and Shiranui causing me to be the ire of envy by many guys watching and some girls too.

"A friend of mine is in production with the show." Ignoring the deathly looks I garnered from the people around us, I nodded in understanding from Shiranui's explanation.

"Reality dating shows huh? Say, is it true the actors really fall in love in the end?" Minami asked with her heavy accent.

"I have no idea. I'm not really interested dating shows, but it wouldn't be surprising if they did." I shrugged my shoulders, taking a bite of my rice and chicken.

"It isn't uncommon for people on Dating reality shows to be an official couple after the season ends. However, the relationship sometimes isn't genuine but for appearance sake." Shiranui explained as we watched one of the students hit a pitch.

Ruby frowned upon hearing that, as she stabbed fried meatball with her chopsticks and dipping it into her mouth.

"That sounds disingenuous of actors. I mean, imagine knowing that your favourite ship wasn't even real in the first place. If that happened to my favourite celebrity ships, I would be bummed out." Ruby pointed out with a disapproving tone.

"Hmm true, but don't you think that's what everyone wants Ruby-san?" My surprising question caused all the girls turned their heads at me.

"Are you saying that people like being lied to, Xiong-san?" Minami tilted her head as her bangs pink hair fell to the side.

"Yeah, I mean, I don't like finding out I've been lied to." Ruby grumbled, slumping forward with her chopsticks in her mouth.

"There's a difference in what I'm talking about. Genuine lies are hurtful, no one likes to be lied like you said Ruby-san, however in our careers, do you think the viewers prefer to know the real us or the image we want to put up for their entertainment?" I put forward to the girls.

"Hayden-san is right. Actors always are putting up a mask anytime we're filming. We get into the character we need to be and show it to the world for them to fall in love with." Shiranui added with a neutral face.

Picking up her water bottle and taking a sip from it, the two girls looked at each other as they took in the information. Ruby never thought of it that way. If you had to lie to your fans because they wanted it, would her mama do the same thing to her and Aqua today. Minami meanwhile reflected on her career as a model and find what me and Shiranui said to be true. There wasn't a single moment where she wasn't forced to be something stunning rather than being herself.

"I see you both are beginning to understand now. Good, the faster you know the longer you'll survive in the industry." I nodded sagely at them both.

"Is that how you two are such great actors? By creating a convincing lie that your audience doesn't care?" Ruby tilted her head at me and the teen actress.

Me and Shiranui looked at each other before returning our gaze back to those shining star eyes of Ruby's.

"It's true. We're good because we're liars." Shiranui statedly matter of fact as she sipped on her drink.

"Don't say it like that! You'll make it sound like we're bad people Shiranui-san." I exclaimed with a tired sigh.

"But yeah… what Shiranui-san was right. In the industry, you must lie eventually and if you want to succeed you gotta learn the proper way to do so." I added on.

As the girls turned their attention to their food while digesting the information, we all watched the fields silently as we finished our lunches. Letting the sounds of chatters and the ball being pitched by the players drown our presence. The bell had rung, signalling everyone that lunch was now over.

"I have one more question, Xiong-san."

"Go ahead Ruby-san." I turned to the blonde with a smile.

"Why is Shiranui-san calling you by your first name?" Her smile was sweet, but I could see the hint of envy from it.

"Oh… right…."

Ok ok, what a chapter to write. Yknow, when I began writing this chapter and planning it our, I severely underestimated the amount of casting characters and how much i wanted them involve. Like, there's Hayden, Shiranui, Aqua, Ruby, Akane, Kana, Minami and so much more... Then again, trying to involve them into the story and seeing their change is what i enjoy thinking about every time I write.

Where am i taking this story? Well, i'm sticking to the main story so there won't be too many changes here and there. The only differnce being is that some characters will have developing stories before their big change. i plan to do the characters change over time instead of in flashbacks and sudden spurring moments like in the anime. Not to say the character's development were all random, in fact they were handled really well. I'm just adding more flavour into it that makes it more convincing or natural.

Anyways, that's all for now and thanks for reading. If you have any tips or advice to improve or i need to fix then go ahead, i;m still learning how to do all this, so much appreciated :D