Hachiman wasn't very sure if he was surprised or disappointed. Right outside the security gate of 346 HQ, journalists gathered.
The news that Yuutaro came to 346 HQ was leaked to the Press, practically setting their pants on fire. And worse yet, Hachiman wasn't entirely sure if 346 had a hand or if it was someone else.
It was out of control.
"As we can see, it's not just young President Takagi who came, but also the controversial Idol Akizuki Ryou and young violin prodigy Kagura Rei. What's with this strange group? What are you doing together here?"
"We're classmates." Rei awkwardly explained although it didn't answer the other question.
"President Takagi, would you please clarify if the rumor that 346 Group is trying to acquire 765 PRO is true?"
What kind of fresh bullshit is that?
"That's... That's not at all true." Yuutaro wheezed from panic.
"Don't stutter, Takagi!" Hachiman reminded him. "Slow down and parse your response properly. You represent 765 now."
"Right..."
Yuutaro took a deep breath with the crowd of the chaotic Press also becoming quiet in anticipation.
"Regardless of whether that rumor is true, I cannot answer it on their behalf. However, even if Mishiro Group is interested in acquiring us, our company hasn't been notified of their interest."
Good, deflect the question elsewhere. Yuutaro is learning pretty quickly.
"Secondly, I came here in good faith. I was learning how to run our company properly. Because regardless of people's lack of trust, I have no intention to run 765 PRO to the ground."
"765 PRO might be a small company, but we still have our pride. But more than just that, it's not just the dreams of our Idols that we're carrying. 765 PRO carried the weight of the dreams that fans entrusted to us."
"We are not going down without fighting to the bitter end." Yuutarou declared aloud. "I'm indeed young and inexperienced. However, a company does not run on one person. I have an amazing Producer and a competent Secretary supporting me, and the talents of 765 PRO's Idols are not losing to 346 PRO's."
It was a bold statement. However, it's certainly very inspiring. Furthermore, Yuutaro isn't wrong. Whether it's Takagaki Kaede or Ichinose Shiki, they still can't beat the current reigning queen of Idols.
Kisaragi Chihaya. None other than the top Idol from 765 Production.
"That's why, fans of 765 Idols, I beg you." Yuutaro smiled calmly despite the heavy pressure he got from all the exposure. "Don't give up our dreams just yet. As a fellow fan of 765 PRO Idols, that's all I can say."
That's right. Takagi Yuutaro. Before he became the new President of 765 PRO, Takagi Yuutaro was and still is a genuine fan of 765 PRO's Idols. These words echoed in the hearts of every person who is a fan of 765 PRO's idols.
Hachiman checked his phone and smiled. It seems that Yuutaro turned the web opinion around with those simple, honest words. Should the fans want to support their favorite Idols? They have to keep supporting Yuutaro.
Hachiman still thinks these fanatics are way too naive and gullible. Yet, there is no doubt. The so-called Idol fans represent considerable economic and social powers. They are not to be taken lightly.
Hachiman feels a slim yet firm hand gripping his shoulder and the collective dead silence of the Press.
Director Mishiro.
"Excuse me, aren't you 346 PRO's Idol Division Executive Director, Mishiro Joumu-san?!"
"Is it her!"
"Mishiro-san, can you please explain the rumor of 346 PRO trying to acquire 765 PRO and its Idols?"
Mishiro scans the surroundings with absolutely cold disinterest, and then, as they wait for her reply, she chuckles.
"Irrelevant."
A single word. A single word was all it takes to tear the world asunder. Mishiro's complete and utter dismissal of the possibility is a good enough answer.
Translation:
It does not matter if 765 joined us or not because they're too small to be of significance.
Mishiro was boasting the full might of 346 Pro, one of the biggest Media companies in Japan. And the second-largest Idol production company in the country. Having more top-ranked Idol than many smaller companies have Idols in total, 346 Pro fears nothing. Mishiro acted like she swatted a bug, and rightfully so.
"President Takagi Yuutaro came here on my invitation..." Mishiro explained to the Press. "But we don't talk much about the business side of things."
Okay, first of all, the first part is technically the truth. Mishiro changed the lesson place from Hikigaya apartment to 346 Pro HQ. Secondly, of course, they didn't talk business.
They exchanged not a single word with each other.
However, outright stating that SHE invited Yuutaro to come, she implicitly acknowledged his position as legitimate President of 765 Pro. This statement would ultimately turn positive for 765 PRO's business standing. Yuutarou's position was shaky due to a perceived lack of leadership.
Embracing the poor dog after kicking it down, Mishiro Joumu is ruthless beyond pale. It is so decisive and coldly rational that Yuutaro is at a loss for words. And Hachiman could only worship her for it.
"Whether we will have a business tie in the future remains to be seen. But Takagi Yuutarou has potential, and people who overlooked it might regret it soon." Mishiro finalized. "That's all."
Mishiro turned around and told Hachiman. "Get on your bike and bring Totsuka-kun out of here. The rest will be dealt with separately."
"Saika!" Hachiman called him loudly.
"Ah, right!"
A limousine stopped nearby, providing a distraction to the Press. Rei blinked and realized something. "It's my family's car. Akizuki-kun, Takagi-kun, hurry!"
"Gyooon! Thank God! Hachiman, we're going ahead!" You looked like he was on his last leg trying to hold back the tide of ravenous journalists. "See you again at school!"
"Yeah!" Hachiman raised a thumb and slipped through the crowd with Saika behind him.
Meanwhile, Rei, Ryou, and Yuutaro rushed through and entered the limo's safety and privacy without much issue. Looking at this, both Saika and Hachiman felt relieved.
So they sneaked into the dorm garage.
"Hachiman... will Anastasia... will the two of us also face such pressure and harassment in the future?" Saika asks in concern.
It doesn't appear that Saika is afraid of it. He's worried about something. Does he only think about Anya or maybe his family as a whole?
"Yeah." Hachiman decided that he would not give false hope to Saika. "The scandal on this scale is pretty much expected. And even if it's not immediately after debut, it'll blow up even worse later."
"I see."
For some reason, Saika looked calm and focused.
"My family said I should go for it." Saika winced as he tried to recall it. "I think everyone figured it out. They figured before I did that Anya likes me, and I also..."
Seriously. Just how dense could Saika be? But Hachiman couldn't blame him, considering his trauma and psychological hangups.
"Anya is an adventurous person despite her meek appearance."
"Hey, Saika. Between your vacation in Hokkaido and meeting Anya for the second time, have you fallen in love again?"
"Yeah, two crushes in middle school. But come to think of it, I brushed these feelings aside, knowing they didn't even see me as a guy." Saika shook his head. "Can't say I have another crush in High school, perhaps because Anya started living with my family."
Saika might have an issue of dependency, but it's also an issue caused entirely by an outside factor.
"You know? I talked about these issues with Anya over the phone yesterday. I don't want to be ignorant baggage."
"Anya is more than ready for anything the public throws at her. Yet, looking at Takagi-san being surrounded and cornered like that, just thinking about it makes me want to vomit."
"...I'm a coward, aren't I?"
"Not at all. It's weirder if you didn't feel terrified by it." Hachiman rolled his eyes aside. "Regardless of whether he's talking out of ass or not, Takagi was quite brave to face the Press head-on. Ryou was like this too, shortly after his gender reveals announcement in the Old Whistle."
Even the current Hachiman wasn't confident surviving that much mental onslaught. The old him would almost certainly crumble. Perhaps it was why his father never brought the topic of working in the entertainment industry to Hachiman.
"These people are way too amazing. I don't feel that I have the right to stand here." Saika closes his eyes.
"So, you want to give up?"
"No." Saika firmly answers. "Just thinking that Anya will have to bear the burden alone makes me sick. Because it's scary, all the more reason I had to face it with her."
"To give up on her before we even began dating properly, I will never be able to forgive myself."
Saika was determined to see things to the bitter end. This fiasco isn't just about his romantic feelings for Anya or wanting to support her emotionally. It has everything to do with Saika's need to break the curse imposed on him by this cruel and unjust world.
Regardless of how long their new relationship will last, only she can save him.
"Then it's my job to support you." Hachiman smiled. "Come on, I'll get you back to Chiba."
"Right."
"Good timing. I'm just about done with your new ride!" A woman shouts in response. "Hachi-kun, meet your new bike. The Super Harada Version 8 YZF250SS!"
Hachiman twitched in response while Saika backed down when a red motorcycle practically launched itself.
But it turns out a young woman was riding it.
"Harada-san, are you sure THAT is safe to ride?"
"It's fine. I've installed a supercharger AMR300 with the cam changed in the ratio of-"
Hachiman put his palm on her mouth before she rambled about the intricate details of the bike modification. It hurt Hachiman's head too much the first time he heard it. Hachiman likes riding bikes, but his mind can't wrap around the mechanical porn.
"Just tell me if it's still fuel-efficient and doesn't require biennial inspection. Then I might forgive you for blowing up my Inazuma."
"Eh? Your Inazuma got blown up?" Saika blinks.
"I don't want to talk about it." Hachiman still feels like fainting whenever he remembers.
"Alright."
"Well... I mean? You'll have to use high-octane fuel at 10% higher consumption. But it results in less pollution, and far more responsive in the urban road." The woman laughed. "By the way, I'm Harada Miyo, yoroshi!"
"She was formerly a mechanic Father found somewhere in Tokyo and scouted. And now she's doing stuff like this for a hobby."
"Well, sadly, I'm not that famous as an Idol, but the Director will forgive me as long as I can bring jobs to the table." Miyo made an okay sign. "Not all Idols in 346 are superstars, you see. Still, we're all pursuing a higher stage at our own pace."
Complacency is a sin, indeed. Even the bottom rung Idols will have to keep fighting. Otherwise, they will perish.
"Oh. Uh. My apologies for being slow. I'm Totsuka Saika. I'm Anastasia's cousin." Saika bowed and was finally able to introduce himself.
"I've heard of the circumstances. This baby will be able to reach Chiba in no time flat! You'll be able to outrun your stalkers and paparazzi." Miyo hands out all the legal papers to Hachiman, which Hachiman puts in his wallet. Even modified bikes need registration in this country.
Miyo has a ton of colleagues and connections. Getting something like this prepared isn't hard at all. Naturally, they're also part of her fanbase. Also, the Inazuma incident was partly his father's responsibility.
"I don't think my life is a Hollywood action movie, Harada-san." Hachiman snarks. "Thanks for the effort, though."
"Well, you are living a high-tension life regardless of that, so take care of your health properly." She finally gives him the key with a spare.
And so, Hachiman makes his way to ride to Chiba.
"Ano... Hachiman, about Anastasia... I'm still not entirely clear about it. However, the agency is treating her as a big deal. Was it because she's the first one to break the taboo?"
"No, 346 treated her as a big deal because of her massive potential. Anastasia had done a lot of Pre-debut works with exemplary results." Hachiman tells her. "She isn't like Komachi, who had her debut planned long before she officially joined. Anastasia reached her position through sheer effort, gaining recognition and fame despite not being the official Idol yet. She's the most promising among all the rookies."
"It can be very catastrophic once the news of you two dating prop up after her debut. We made sure the fact spread before that happened."
That's why Hachiman used the Fastgram strategy and many other contingencies to cushion the unavoidable crash. Aria Program went into activation exactly just in time.
"Because we made your relationship known early on, we only have to deal with the vultures afterward. It doesn't mean it would be an easy fight, but it's far from unwinnable."
"I understand."
"Originally, Anya and Komachi are supposed to debut together. And if he had his way, my father would rather keep it." Hachiman sigh. "I'm sure he's torn about it. It might protect Komachi's debut, but he prefers it so that Komachi can support her instead."
The heart of a Producer is complicated.
Komachi represents a significant investment for 346 PRO because her debut was predetermined ahead of her pre-debut performance. Director Mishiro would never allow Anya's ultimately selfish choice to be a weight on Komachi's shoulder.
Not unless Anya proves that she can stand independently under all that weight.
As she said before, Mishiro doesn't like bad investments. Hachiman loathed her as a person, but he admits her lack of hypocrisy was pretty appealing as a boss. Her pursuit of profit was entirely pure. Yet, she was not needlessly petty or evil about her interests.
If she could find a method that benefits everyone, Mishiro would do it without blinking. The situation with Yuutaro was proof of that. Mishiro managed to prop up Yuutaro as a potential rival yet also confidently showed 346 PRO's unshaken dominance.
Hachiman cannot in conscience argue against her side of this debate.
"That's why... the things I can do to help Anastasia are limited..." Hachiman tells Saika. "It's up to you to support her emotionally. Don't let your relationship become a hindrance to her or you."
"I understand. I'll make sure of that."
When Hachiman delivered Saika safely to his family, it was already late. He wondered if he should go back or spend a night here.
Hachiman decided to go back to the dorm as soon as possible. Riding at night feels uncomfortable in the city. But along the highway and the strong coast wind? It was so much worse.
At night, the cold air from the land rushes toward the relatively warmer sea. Perhaps Hachiman needed more experience despite his confidence in his riding skills.
Also, it was tiring today due to how hectic things have been. So Hachiman's body isn't in its best condition at all.
The new bike is very responsive, perhaps a bit fierce. Without Saika as extra weight, it feels like Hachiman is riding a wild horse. And it's putting even more strain on him.
"Is this thing even legal?" Hachiman wondered, but Miyo probably knew what she was doing. Miyo even said she installed an engine limiter, which restricts the bike to 9000 rpm. Maximum speed of 150 km/h at 6th gear. The engine itself red-lined at 14000, but Hachiman feels he will never need that much speed.
Guess she regretted blowing Hachiman's bike for shit and giggles. Hachiman didn't feel attached to it much, but it's still annoying.
Ah, Hachiman feels a little cranky now.
When Hachiman arrived, he noticed that Komachi's bedroom was closed. It means Komachi is inside and likely vast asleep. She pushed herself more than usual, thanks to her mother's arrival. Her fellow trainees most likely got floored.
Ah well. Hachiman decided to go to sleep.
青春 の輝かしいステージ ひどく明るい感じ
The Shining Stage of Youth feels awfully bright
(Oregairu/Idolmaster - Cinderella Girls)
Original Story by: Watari Wataru/Bandai-Namco
Written by: ZeroXSEED
Chapter 11 - Fatigue
He was punctual on his schedule and slept seven hours daily in the last three weeks.
At 8 hours, Hachiman slept more than usual last night. Yet, when he woke up at 6 AM, he felt a little sluggish.
"Ah, right. Homework."
Hachiman barely had the strength to wash his face. He brushed his teeth and brought his bag to the library afterward. Fumika isn't here today because she's been on the job since yesterday. Most likely, she wouldn't show up until tomorrow.
So Hachiman worked his study in a peaceful lonesome. Or not. He woke up later than usual, which cost him a precious hour.
While Otomejoshi is pretty liberal about homework deadlines, Hachiman could not procrastinate. It was probably better to rush through today.
When he comes to the garage, he already feels sick looking at the custom red YZF R250.
No bike today.
"Eh? Not going with the bike today?" Miyo asked him, clearly disappointed and at the same time concerned.
"For some reason, riding it is tiring, but yesterday was pretty hectic, so... I can't blame the bike alone."
"Well, I guess the racing frame will do that." Miyo sticks out her tongue. "I'm sorry, but we don't have much choice. Inazuma had a standard frame, more comfortable to ride at a slower speed."
"What budget? Last I remember, YZF is pretty expensive..."
"This bike might look nice outside, but it's a Frankenstein made of cannibalized parts. Other than the paint, not a single thing on this bike is brand new. It's a pet project of mine."
Goddamn, cheapskates.
"So other than buying a new bike myself, I had to suck it up and get more fit?"
"More or less, sorry about that." Miyo shrugged. "Can't argue against accountants."
"Alright then."
Today would be the first time Hachiman will ride the company car to school. Not that he hates the idea, but since he is practically the only guy of high school age in this office, he would be sticking out like a sore thumb.
But he couldn't ask Takumi or Rina for a ride, either. Hachiman will never live it down. Takumi will mock him so hard afterward because of the accursed double standard.
The car is the more logical option.
Hachiman ignored all the stares from the Idols, wary of his unusual appearance in the bus garage area.
"Hikigaya-senpai... here!" Anastasia waved at him.
"Alright." Looks like Hachiman found his seat partner.
Since neither Mika nor Kanade is here, sitting with Anya is the best option.
"Are you... going with the bus today?"
"Yeah, my body is creaking today. Probably over-exhaustion." Hachiman winced.
"It's fine. Shouldn't you take a day off, though? Yesterday was pretty rough on everyone." Anya told him, concerned.
"Director Mishiro took care of it in such a neat way. Why would they end up affected?" Hachiman asked, weirded out.
"346 PRO has uncontested supremacy in terms of business and media influence. Until recently, no one has been willing to pull that kind of media stunt on us. This status quo gave us a feeling of security. No, I guess the right word isn't that."
"Complacency, isn't it?" Hachiman finally understood.
"It is. Thank you." Anya nodded. "The feeling that you're untouchable is extremely dangerous, isn't it?"
"Yeah, until now, no one would dare to pull that stunt on 346 PRO. However, things have changed. Both the rumor and the leaks deliberately framed 346 PRO as a greedy and oppressive industry giant."
Hachiman found out that the whole leak wasn't part of the plan. At least, neither Mishiro nor the Chief Producer saw that coming. The complacent Idols probably got scared their wits out.
"What about you, Настя?"
"When I see the crowd on TV, I can only think... this is the problem I'll face after my debut..." Anastasia mumbled with a sad yet strangely calm face. "According to the Director, no one will be fussy about it before debut. However, the news of my dating spread around in the fan sites and Idol forums. A lot of online bashing and harassment got passed in these places. My Fastgram account already targeted."
Bingo.
"Exactly as you planned, Hikigaya-san." She laughed. "Thank you for telling me everything that I need."
"Rotten people see rots in society." Hachiman jokingly responded. "It's our job to support you from behind the curtain."
"However, the more buzz generated by the net, the higher the chance of the news prematurely shooting your debut in the curb. For that, we have our contingency."
"Thanks."
"Don't mind it. If anything, I'm amazed that you can stay composed facing these unavoidable issues." Hachiman earnestly told her. "You'll lose a lot of fans, don't you understand?"
"...Do you know the first man in space?"
"Soviet Union's Yuri Gagarin?"
"People said those who play with fire will get burned, but without fire, Yuri-san will never be able to achieve that..." Anya mutters. "I want to be someone like him."
The space program is the culmination of Human's pursuit of science and technology. A lot of side benefits from its research can be enjoyed today, as consumer items no less. However, everything came with a high cost attached.
Financially, materially, and also, the space program claimed many lives.
In other words, this is Anastasia's personal space program. Forget complacency. Настя is pulling all the stops and taking careful steps in everything she's doing. A mistake can be fatal, and she knows it all too well.
Because she's a fucking space nerd, that's why.
In a way, she's scary. Despite her appearance of innocent meekness, Anastasia is a cool-headed girl with nerves of steel. The type of Idol that Hachiman deemed as ideal.
This unexpectedly bold side of Anastasia is why even the profit-driven Director Mishiro decided not to throw her aside.
She hates Idols who rely on cuteness or gimmicks to play into a niche market. Mishiro prefers it when idols dare to challenge their limits.
"Saika is such a worrywart." Hachiman sighed in defeat. "Forgetting his insecurity because he's too concerned of you."
"Even so... that's why I like him so much!" Anya replied.
Goddamn lovebirds.
...
The situation in the class is lively. The scenes yesterday became a trending topic because the whole thing aired on multiple TV stations. Hachiman could feel eyes on him the moment he entered.
"Oh, hey. Morning, Hikigaya!"
Three weeks ago, Hachiman couldn't imagine random classmates greeting him in the morning. But really, these Idols are way too honest. Even though they welcomed him casually, they didn't mean anything with it.
But that was why Hachiman felt the greeting even more impactful.
"Yo." Hachiman shortly replied.
"Everyone watched what happened last night. It was amazing." The guy commented without care. "Director Mishiro is merciless, though."
"When you lead a company as big as 346, you need that much confidence and ego." Someone else pointed out. "I think I fell in love~!"
"Get in line, dude!"
A collective laugh ensued. If the fans of those young celebrities and athletes hear it, they will start crying blood! Hachiman shook his head. On a side note, he's very irritable today, but they still can make such a hilarious joke.
Another day in Otomejoshi.
As planned, the three boys stood up and glued themselves to the wall for a posture check every time they got a subject change break. It's not like they're not putting any effort to be less conspicuous, though.
Ryou pretended to stretch, Yuutaro pretended to play with his phone, and Rei looked like he was doing an air violin.
This situation happened twice before lunchtime came.
"You look tired, Hikigaya. Not enough sleep?" Yuutaro asked Hachiman.
"No, probably just piled up fatigue." Hachiman shook his head. "I don't even want to eat right now. But I am hungry."
Hachiman might be a little sick. Nothing grave, he was sure. Still, it was a bad timing to consider.
He really should have rested in Chiba last night.
As if his problem didn't pile up enough? Ichinose Shiki bothered him again. The appearance of this controversial yet undoubtedly charming Idol makes the guys in the class agape.
"Henlo, I'm borrowing Hikigaya-kun for lunch! Is this alright?"
"No." Hachiman refused her.
"Okay, change of plans. I'm taking you to the infirmary because Mika-chan and Kanade-chan are worried about you today." Shiki whispered to him. "You don't want me to leak your secret shenanigans, don't you?"
Both Mika and Kanade weren't at school today due to job reasons. But they did meet briefly in the garage area. They probably noticed how crappy Hachiman looks today.
"Bitch, do you not have a shred of conscience?" Hachiman bluntly asked her.
"I can cure your fatigue. Don't worry. It is not an experiment. I've done this multiple times to your father and the other girls." Shiki winked. "You think you can do any work in that sad state?"
Dubious. Dubious. But Hachiman heard that Shiki tends to help her friends in the most unconventional, sometimes downright infuriating way.
But she didn't always fail. Only sometimes.