In the previous chapter, we discussed Aqua's adventures in the industry. However, it would also be useful to talk about Ruby. While her brother was beginning to have a solid career as an actor, for her, everything was going in fits and starts.
Her career as a child singer hadn't been very prolific, and despite having a few songs that hit the charts, none went beyond the Top 30. For Ruby, it was frustrating, and giving up was not an option since she saw it as disrespecting her mother, who had helped her with singing and dancing. Although success hadn't come yet, she had the potential to achieve it one day. She was good enough to fit the idol mold. She danced well, and perhaps the only subject she had yet to master was singing, but it wasn't a serious issue.
Ruby wanted to try her luck outside her mother's agency, but both Ai and Aqua did everything in their power to prevent it. They were aware of the dangers of working in certain agencies that could be abusive, especially to newcomers.
There were even rumors that it wasn't a good time to be an idol anymore. Since Ai Hoshino left, the popularity of idols had been declining progressively. Many reasons were attributed to this phenomenon, but among fans, it was held that "since Ai Hoshino, there's been nothing to replace her." For many wanting to enter the industry, it wasn't very encouraging, but Ruby took it as a challenge to revive and revolutionize the world of idols.
With Ai's approval, Aqua dedicated himself to sabotaging the options Ruby was considering, even going so far as to make fake calls rejecting her. Miyako didn't like the idea, but both Aqua and Ai were conscious of how innocent and immature Ruby could be, knowing that any setback could crush her. Finally, things calmed down when they convinced her to stay with Ichigo Production because there was no better option than staying home.
In a secret meeting where Aqua, Ai, Ichigo, and Miyako discussed Ruby's future without her knowledge, they concluded that the only way for her to succeed was to form a group with other idols. The next dilemma was who would help her form this group. For that answer, Aqua had a solution.
Taking on the role of manager and with his persuasive ability, he first recruited Kana Arima. He knew she was an easy catch for several reasons: despite having revived her career, she still experienced periods of drought, and despite her fierce exterior, she was really just a docile kitten inside.
Although it was an easy acquisition, it wasn't a bad choice. From the conversations he had with Ruby, he learned about her musical past. Aqua's sister was surprised by how well she sang.
Later, after finishing that tedious reality show and meeting for a farewell dinner, Aqua spoke privately with Mem-cho on the way out and presented the offer, to which she easily agreed. In fact, when Aqua told her, her face lit up. That reaction showed the door to a dream that was yet to be fulfilled.
It was another good recruitment. Mem-cho, being a fairly popular influencer, had the knowledge necessary to succeed online. But she had a secret. Despite claiming to be seventeen, she confessed to being ten years older. She began to talk about her frustrated dream, to which Miyako responded, "There's no age limit for being an idol," which relaxed Mem-cho.
"By the way," Aqua spoke to Miyako after Ruby, Kana, and Mem-cho had left, "that comment about there being no age limit for an idol, did you say that for a particular reason? Fear of aging?"
"Well!" Miyako responded furiously. "What's with that unprovoked attack from you?!"
"I'm scared. Because you're approaching an age where you won't want to age any further. And I don't want to see you pretending to be younger."
"Are you calling me old?!"
"I'd say the same to Ai."
"Well, don't you dare say it to her. I hope you never bring up this topic again."
Aqua knew perfectly well he shouldn't have said that to Miyako. But he felt that if he didn't, she would end up on the wrong path. He still remembered once when she came home drunk when he was eight. Acting as a babysitter, not in her best state, she began talking about her life and how she mingled with the big shots of the industry in host clubs through her beauty, until one day she settled down thanks to Ichigo, who offered her a job at his agency as an assistant.
Despite the years that had passed, he felt Miyako hadn't changed much. The frustrated dreams of the past still weighed on her, in addition to the burden of being Ai's children's nanny and pretending to be their mother to avoid suspicion. The day she had to sign the custody papers, with the pen in hand over the paper, she froze for a minute and a half showing reluctance, only signing because Ichigo pinched her arm.
That day was an afternoon when he would be alone since both Ichigo and Ai had taken Ruby to a singing session. Seeing she would be alone with Aqua, Miyako completely disregarded formalities. He remembered when she came home drunk with a bottle of vodka in hand. At that moment, she spewed all her bitterness for twenty-five minutes before breaking down and lying on the couch. Aqua responded by covering her with a blanket once she was completely asleep and throwing away the vodka bottle so no one would know of that lamentable scene. The reason Aqua didn't give it much importance was because deep down, he understood Miyako perfectly.
Once the group was formed, Ruby, Kana, and Mem-cho decided to revive the name "B-Komachi," a brand that had been on standby for two years. In fact, Ruby was about to debut the group, but at that moment, they decided to disband due to internal conflicts. For a long time, bad luck kept haunting Ruby; it seemed the world conspired against her fulfilling her dream of becoming an idol. But what happened that day would turn the tables.
When Ruby met her new companions, she hugged them and asked if they could be friends. For her, being an idol went beyond success; it was more about connecting with people and, above all, forming friendships.
Despite the years, Ruby still maintained an idealistic vision of an idol. She longed to be a symbol like her mother but wanted to go further; she didn't want it to be fake, she wanted it to be real. For Ruby, being loved by fans was her greatest source of dopamine. The reason for this lay in the pain she felt in her past life, which we will discuss in more detail later.
"Well, thank your brother for acting like a manager," Miyako said, seeing how Ruby was getting overly sweet with her new companions. "I think he'd be better at this than acting... Are you listening, Ruby?"
"I don't think so..." Kana responded while being hugged by Ruby.
At this, Miyako clapped her hands, and Ruby regained her composure. The only way to control her was to treat her like a dog. Incredible but true.
"Well, now that we have everything ready," Miyako resumed, "our first goal will be the Japan Idol Festival. But for that, we need to prepare. Training will have two phases: one physical and the other artistic. So, for the first one, we'll have a guest, with you, the gymnastics influencer, Pyon."
Behind the door appeared a muscular man wearing only swim trunks, his head covered with a chick mask.
At first, the three girls from B-Komachi laughed when they saw Pyon start exercising, but they changed their minds when they saw Miyako's expression change, indicating that training was starting right then.
When the girls began to follow along, Miyako left calmly.
For an hour, they tried to keep up but it was almost impossible. Push-ups, squats, back exercises, sit-ups... It was hell... They were supposed to be idols, not soldiers... When Pyon ended the session, the three girls were completely exhausted on the floor, unable to get up. Barely any oxygen was reaching their brains. It took them about twenty minutes to get up before they went to bed and remembered nothing more.
The next day, they would do the same training.
"Come on!" said Pyon in response to the girls complaining about their muscle soreness. "No excuses! If you keep exercising, you can strengthen your muscles." His ability to talk while doing exercises that were impossible for the average human body was incredible.
A week passed, and the torture continued. Ruby started to keep up, Mem-cho had her good days, but Kana was the one who suffered the most. She couldn't adapt to the pace and always ended up exhausted at the end of each day.
When the second week was up, a surprise awaited them. It was time for a joint live stream. The hidden goal was to promote the resurrection of B-Komachi. For half an hour during the stream, they were exercising while Pyon followed the music and sang, leading the girls, who were also wearing chick masks. At the end, the three new members of the group took off their masks and showed their tired faces to the audience.
"Hello, everyone," said Ruby, sitting and being the only one able to articulate a word. "I'm Ruby Sakurai," she said, giving her stage surname. "And these are Mem-cho and Kana," she pointed at them. "We are the new B-Komachi, and we will debut at the Japan Idol Festival on August 5th. You can't miss it!"
And thus, the stream concluded.
After that, B-Komachi's new YouTube channel skyrocketed in subscriptions, likes, and views. It was time to capitalize on the momentum. Under Mem-cho's advice, they uploaded various short videos in a measured way.
Simultaneously, they began the second phase of training. The preparation for stage performance, singing, and dancing. For this, they would have no less than Ai Hoshino herself helping them. Ruby had to contain her joy to not raise suspicions, the same with Ai.
"Hello, girls," said Ai on the first day. "I think there's no need for introductions since you know who I am. Now, I'll ask which songs you want to perform."
"'Sign wa B' and 'Star T Train'," Ruby responded with total conviction.
"Well, time to teach you the choreography. So follow me." And out of nowhere, Ai started dancing.
Ruby and Mem-cho followed without complaint, while Kana, lacking enthusiasm, had no choice but to go with the flow.
One day they practiced one song, and the next, the other. Even though it wasn't the gym, the repetitive dancing was also exhausting.
During those days, Ai showed complete coldness towards Ruby, something she understood perfectly; otherwise, if she called her "mother," she would mess up.
Three days before the festival, Ai considered the choreography learned, so she wouldn't be at the final rehearsals. The girls took the opportunity to record some of the rehearsals and upload them online as a preview for the festival.
The night before, Miyako spoke with Ai on the phone:
"Tell me," Ai answered upon picking up the phone.
"I was calling to say you did a good job," Miyako complimented her over the phone. "In fact, they uploaded their rehearsals, and they've been well-received."
"There's no need for thanks... I did what I had to do..."
"Yes, but it's not easy, especially when they have little time to rehearse. And working with Ruby is tough."
"I know, but she behaves differently with me."
"For her, you're something..."
"Special? Maybe, but you know how I am off-camera. And I feel that, unlike Aqua, Ruby isn't aware of it."
"It's true she needs to mature."
"But it's not easy. Sometimes I appreciate you acting as a mother, and at the same time, I apologize for putting that on you."
"No worries. I know it's not easy."
"It's not about being easy or not. It's a fact that I haven't been a good mother. The kids are at an age where they'll make their own decisions. And I'm scared they'll choose the best or the worst paths."
"I understand. Sometimes, with Aqua's expressionless face, you never know what he's planning, and well, with Ruby, as we discussed, her innocence could play a very bad trick on her."
"I know... I just hope that tomorrow... but..." Ai gasped while her hand trembled, gripping the phone tighter to prevent it from falling.
"But what..."
"...that she doesn't get nervous, although..." Ai didn't understand why tears suddenly started to fall. "I would like to support her more... But I couldn't because I had to keep up appearances..."
"Ai, are you crying?" Miyako asked, surprised. She had never imagined her like this.
"No..." Ai tried to clumsily lie. "I just think I haven't been good enough to give her..." she choked, trying to hold back her tears. "Ruby will follow in my footsteps, what if she ends up like me?"
"Ai, calm down. Ruby isn't you. She's just a cheerful girl, and with the right company, nothing bad will happen."
"He will come for her and for me," Ai murmured.
"What are you talking about?" Miyako started to worry.
"Nothing... nothing..." Ai stammered. "I'm tired. I'd like to leave it here. Good night." Ai hung up immediately and sat on the sofa.
She began to cry, covering her face with her hands to contain the tears. She knew her attitude hadn't been appropriate, but it had been too long pretending; her true fragile side needed to come out. The fact that she couldn't show affection to her daughter during this time seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back. Ai wanted to love and be loved. That's why she chose to be a mother. But her lack of understanding made it impossible for her to manage these feelings on her own. It was true she had Ichigo and Miyako to help her, but she couldn't depend on them forever. Ichigo had made this clear to her at that signing session.
Hearing her mother's contained sobs, Ruby came downstairs, unable to sleep due to the anticipation. When she reached the living room, she was stunned to see her mother crying; she'd never seen her like this before.
"Why are you crying, mommy?" Ruby asked, concerned.
"It's nothing..." Ai tried to respond, seeing her daughter had found her in this state. "Sit here, I'll explain," she pointed to the right side of the sofa, which Ruby obeyed. "I just felt sad because I couldn't show you affection during the rehearsals," she explained while hugging her daughter and stroking her head.
"Just that?" Ruby asked, not entirely convinced.
"Yes," Ai started to bring her face close to her daughter's. "I want to tell you from the heart that you've been fantastic. Your companions haven't been left behind either. I wish you the best at the concert; I was nervous at my first one too. Take this, it will help you." She took out her famous bunny hair tie from her pocket. "This always brought me good luck. I trust it to you because you'll follow in my footsteps."
"Thank you, mommy," Ruby thanked her, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.
"You should rest," Ai caressed her face. "Otherwise, you won't give your all at the concert."
"You're right, mommy," Ruby said, standing up.
"Rest well."
"Thank you and good night," Ruby tucked the hair tie into her pajama pocket and returned to her room.
Once Ai was alone again, she lay on the sofa and reflected again.
"I don't want to be like her," she thought of her mother. "I won't abandon them like she did with me." She was thinking about her mother. The origin of all this was the fear of following the same path.
A few minutes later, she calmed down and fell asleep.
The next morning, Miyako and Ichigo had breakfast together. It was the only time of the day they could talk, as later at work it was impossible. And by the end of the day, they returned home so late that fatigue overtook them.
"I want you to know I'll be back late," Miyako confirmed while sipping her coffee.
"I know," Ichigo replied, glancing at the newspaper. "It's at eight, right?"
"Yes."
"I would go, but you know the day I have ahead of me. I'll be with Haru Watanabe. He's not just an actor in decline; he's now going through a divorce that could be his complete ruin. Since he doesn't have money for a lawyer, he asked me because I'm his friend."
"I understand. But you're aware that he'll have to leave the agency one day. We're a small agency, and it costs us too much money."
"Every time I think about it, it gives me the chills," Ichigo sighed. "If he loses the trial, I'll have no choice but to do it. And it's not easy."
"Think that we have better assets, although I don't know..." Miyako gasped.
"What's with the hesitation?"
"Well..." Miyako swallowed before speaking. "You won't believe me, but... yesterday, talking to Ai, she was acting strange."
"How do you mean strange?"
"I think she was crying..."
"Don't mess with me."
"I'm not messing with you."
"I'm not lying... Apparently, it affected her not showing her feelings to Ruby during the rehearsal."
"That sounds stupid."
"Yes... But I think it comes from further back... I couldn't tell you when, but right now, we have a ticking bomb at home."
"It was probably just one night."
"No, right now Ai is like a pressure cooker."
"Are you sure?"
"It's incredible you'd say that when you've been working with her for decades."
"Ai is like a daughter to me..."
"Well, more than a daughter, you've treated her like a doll."
"HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT?!" Ichigo stood up furiously from his chair.
"I'm telling the truth," Miyako stood up too. "Have you ever looked at Ai's face? It's like porcelain. Who knows what's inside."
"I won't allow you to speak of her that way!"
"Come on! Don't get like this! Deep down, you've treated her like a money-making machine to the point of mortgaging the agency to Ai. It worked for a long time, but now what? Are you going to do the same with Ruby?"
"EVERYTHING YOU SAY IS PURE CRAP!"
"Do you think by shouting you can deny everything I'm saying?"
"You don't know what you're thinking..."
"I don't know what I'm thinking? Your dependence on Ai made you think it was a good idea to risk the company when you took her to that remote hospital for the kids to be born."
"And what did you want me to do? Abandon Ai to her fate? Go to Southeast Asia or to an underground doctor for her to get an abortion? Think about things for a moment, Miyako."
"Maybe it was all too extreme. It worked out for you. But someone had to pay the consequences, and that was ME!" Miyako pointed to herself.
"Why the self-victimization?"
"Aren't you aware of what you've put me through all these years?! While you were there with Ai, I had to be the nanny for Aqua and Ruby!"
"It was a necessary sacrifice. And I thank you for it."
"A necessary sacrifice?! You made me bear the brunt of it all, and now you come to thank me?! Well, good for you! For torturing me like that when I didn't want children!"
"You might not have, but I did!"
"YOU'RE BRINGING THAT UP NOW?! TRYING TO CHANGE REALITY WHEN YOU DIDN'T WANT THEM EITHER?!"
"Because I went along with your desires without thinking much about what it would bring us!"
"I don't understand you."
"When Aqua and Ruby were born, everything changed. In fact, it was the first time I saw Ai truly happy. Then I thought, why can't I be happy too?"
"You're too soft on her. We've been hiding the secret for over fifteen years, but it won't be forever. What will you do when it comes out?"
"Now's not the time to talk about that."
"You always say that. Always avoiding the answer."
"DO YOU WANT TO STOP ARGUING ALREADY?! I have to go!"
"Then go," Miyako said with disdain.
Ichigo stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Miyako sat back down and gasped.
This was another of the countless arguments they'd had, further eroding their relationship. Though they'd intensified over the last year. Normally, they would have considered divorce, but the agency was in both their names, so the outcome could be catastrophic for both.
Five in the afternoon, the new B-Komachi, led by Kana Arima, alongside Ruby Sakurai, the hidden successor of Ai Hoshino, and Mem-cho, the famous influencer, got into a white van driven by Miyako.
Everyone was nervous, including Miyako herself, who accidentally ran a red light. Kana couldn't stop talking about her insecurities, Ruby's dark circles betrayed how little she'd slept, and Mem-cho was trembling. They knew it was an important day, and if it went wrong, their careers as idols would end sooner rather than later.
They arrived at the festival venue around six. They got out while Miyako parked and went straight to the dressing room, a large room where dozens of idols were preparing for their debut.
After waiting five minutes, Miyako arrived with the stylist to give them their dance costumes and do their makeup.
At seven-thirty, it was B-Komachi's turn. It was now dark. The only light came from the stage spotlights and the audience's penlights.
The music started, and the moment of truth arrived. There was nervousness, but it calmed when they saw Ai, with her characteristic cap, hat, and sunglasses, and Aqua, who had come on their own, at one end of the venue.
When the performance began, everything flowed smoothly. The people cheered with their lights for their favorite, Mem-cho. Some for Ruby. But none for Kana, which frustrated her. Until a miraculous light appeared, no less than Aqua, who started dancing like a madman to the point of embarrassing them on stage. Both Kana and the other two tried to keep their composure. Meanwhile, Ai decided to look the other way.
"Congratulations, all three of you!" Ai complimented them after the concert in the backstage. "You were fantastic." She hugged them.
"I'm glad you're here," said Miyako upon seeing her. "But we have to go now. Sorry to be abrupt."
"No problem. See you later." Ai said goodbye, heading towards the subway as Aqua had done before.
In the car, while Mem-cho and Kana were on their phones, the former posting on social media and the latter scolding Aqua for his foolishness during the concert, Ruby was completely lost in her thoughts.
For her, this new life was like a gift. Gone were those years as a sick, abandoned child. She had what she wanted: a mother, a brother, an environment that loved her, and above all, to fulfill her dream of being an idol. And she had Ai Hoshino as the central figure in her life.
The next day, they appeared on all the news and variety shows. Visits to their YouTube channel skyrocketed. B-Komachi was back, and now all they needed was a new single. But that would have to wait.
It was September first. School resumed after the summer holidays. Ruby, cheerfully, met up with the new friends she had made at school: Frill and Minami.
When Ruby met Frill, she was surprised by her boldness. From the first day, Frill kept giving her advice on how to survive in such a complex industry as entertainment. In fact, Ruby had taken a look at some of her performances and felt a healthy envy.
With Minami, being more introverted, Ruby was surprised by her unexpectedly large bust. She still remembered when she awkwardly searched for photos of her in front of her. She couldn't help it when Minami told her she was a pin-up model - she didn't believe it, so she had to see it with her own eyes. Indeed, in that glance at photos with little clothing and suggestive poses, Ruby questioned her own sexuality. But that was fleeting.
Their conversations usually revolved around daily life and trivialities. However, that day, the conversation was going to take a slightly different tone.
"I don't feel marginalized in class anymore!" Ruby exclaimed jubilantly after an endless wait. "I can finally say I'm a celebrity, right?!" As she looked at them radiantly, her two friends were eating. Minami had yakisoba bread while Frill had an onigiri.
"Are you still going on about that?" Minami asked, tired after hearing it for the umpteenth time.
Both Minami and Frill couldn't stand Ruby's broken record behavior at times.
"What did you expect?!" Ruby excused herself. "Every time someone talked about their artistic activities, I felt super excluded and couldn't join the conversation!"
"For me, it's more uncomfortable to talk about these topics with industry colleagues, to be honest," Frill said decisively.
"Yeah, I understand," Minami affirmed, leaving Ruby looking puzzled. "In fact, when you talk about your work, even if you complain, some might interpret it as bragging."
"Exactly," Frill agreed. "By the way, I'd like to talk about these things as if it were no big deal. For instance, yesterday, the actor Doyama messaged me, inviting me to dinner."
"You're showing off, aren't you?" Minami quickly realized.
"Was it that obvious?" Frill asked sarcastically.
"The things Frill talks about are from another dimension..." Ruby said with discomfort.
"Are you going to go?" Minami asked her.
"I don't know," Frill responded with her mouth full. "There are many rumors that he's a womanizer."
"You're right," Minami said. "Nanami from the morning series also told me he sent her a message."
"No way... In fact, I've become friends with Shiranui. We even eat together... I'll talk to her to ask for advice..."
At that precise moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of the break and the resumption of classes, concluding their conversation.
That afternoon, Minami had a new photo shoot. But a new event awaited her.
"Miss Kotobuki," said her manager, a middle-aged woman, waiting for her upon arrival at the studio. "It seems the agency wasn't satisfied with the previous photographer's work, so they've fired him." Minami was somewhat saddened by this. Maybe he had a very irritable temperament, but she felt sorry because, in that industry, a dismissal was synonymous with death.
"Is the session canceled?" Minami asked.
"No, in fact, they've found a replacement, though he hasn't arrived yet. It's better if you go into the dressing room to get ready."
And Minami complied without objection.
While she was being made up, she looked at herself in the mirror. Despite her typically innocent-looking gaze, her mind was teeming with swirling thoughts. For starters, who would the new photographer be? Would he be a good or bad person? And was it really worth continuing with her work or not?
She still remembered how she entered the world of gravure idols. It was a day between late May and early June. She was twelve years old at the time. She was shopping with her mother for a swimsuit for the summer. That's when they met a talent scout who was dazzled by the girl's beauty. Her mother agreed without hesitation because it was an easy source of money. Minami wasn't so sure, but she went along with it anyway. At first, she didn't see it as a bad thing since it started with normal photos in cute outfits, which she liked. But as time progressed, the level increased. From pretty outfits, they moved to photos with little clothing. Initially, it made her uncomfortable, but she got used to it.
Her precocious development was something to boast about compared to girls her age. Her bust was her standard, though it seemed inevitable to be reduced to just that.
For some months, Minami had begun to question her work from the moment Ruby saw her photos. At some point, she knew she must stop, but on the other hand, she felt she was only good for this.
After half an hour of makeup, Minami came out of the dressing room wearing a white robe, with only a bikini of the same color underneath.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," greeted a man around thirty years old with glasses, little hair, and a goatee. "My name is Ren Niwa, the new photographer. Pleased to meet you." They shook hands.
"Likewise," Minami responded.
"I hope you'll enjoy working with me. Can we start now?"
"Of course."
Minami removed her robe, revealing her bikini, and the camera began to roll.
The photographer's instructions and way of working were pleasant. At the end of the session, Minami was impressed with the results of the photographs, which were destined for the next year's calendar.
This new photographer seemed to be to Minami's liking. He had it all: he was polite, friendly, and above all, a skilled professional.
It was eight in the evening when Frill was about to head to the Italian restaurant in Shinjuku.
Initially, she was going to consult Shiranui about whether to go or not. But when he suggested going to that restaurant she had never tried before, she automatically agreed.
She was there at the agreed time. The restaurant's appearance was impeccable, with white walls and round tables covered with cream-colored tablecloths.
At one of the tables in the middle of the dining area, among so many people, was the boy who had invited her, the actor Doyama, known for some popular school dramas at the time. As Frill had seen in his Line profile picture, he was indeed attractive. With his tousled black hair and amicable smile, he was seductive to any woman. However, Frill wasn't an easy girl. Acting had taught her to sense the hidden intentions of people.
"I'm glad to see you arrived on time," said Doyama with his characteristic smile as Frill sat down.
"Yes, well," Frill responded somewhat coldly. "I didn't expect you to arrive early."
"It's only been five minutes. I just don't like to rush things," he explained while the waiter handed them the menu.
Like any good Italian menu, Frill decided to order vitello tonnato.
"I've already decided what I'll have," Doyama affirmed. "And you?"
"Same."
"Good evening," said the waiter who appeared casually. "What would you like to drink?"
"For me, spaghetti alla calabrese," Doyama responded.
"I'll have vitello tonnato," said Frill.
"And to drink?" the waiter asked again.
"Water," Frill replied.
"The same."
The waiter left, leaving the two alone.
"So, how's everything going?" Doyama asked to break the ice.
"I'd say well," Frill responded. "The role I have now is less exhausting than the last one, although that doesn't mean I've stopped juggling my schedule to balance it with my studies."
"I understand. I'm in the same boat. Though in my case, we're about to finish shooting the last episodes. After that, I'll take a break to focus on my studies since I have two make-up exams."
"Fortunately, I don't have any," Frill responded with a smile as the waiter came with the bottle of water.
"You have to admit, girls are more diligent in that regard," Doyama affirmed while pouring water into Frill's glass.
"Yes, and what do you want me to say? That God made us this way, or what?"
"I sense something off about you..."
"I don't know," Frill turned her gaze away. "I just think that comment from you is stupid. I believe men and women are equal and don't have innate abilities."
"Come on, don't be like that. It was just a compliment to women. I also believe in equality..."
"I don't believe you."
"What do you mean?" Doyama asked, placing his hands over hers.
"Don't touch me," Frill exclaimed, quickly removing her hands from the table. "I didn't give you permission to touch me."
"Sorry... I just wanted to calm you down..."
"I don't think so."
"But come on, I was just trying to set the mood..."
"Mood for what?! To sleep with me?!" Doyama was speechless at Frill's accusations.
"N-No, of course not..."
"Oh, come on! The whole industry knows you're a notorious womanizer! And that you send messages to several girls to meet up." Frill showed him the screenshot Minami had just sent her from her friend Nanami talking about the same thing, for the same date and time. "And it's clear this isn't the first time you've done this."
"I can explain..." Doyama tried to speak.
"Explain what? That you go from one girl to another? You might fool an insecure girl, but not me."
"It's not what you're thinking—I swear I'm not like that."
"OF COURSE NOT! YOU'RE JUST A JERK! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY I AGREED TO MEET WITH YOU! I'M LEAVING!" Frill stood up and, like a rocket, left the restaurant to head to the station, all to avoid Doyama intercepting her.
When she reached the station to catch the train back home, she spoke with her friend Shiranui over Line. She apologized for not asking her advice beforehand, which her friend downplayed. Frill sighed and boarded the train. As she entered, she started reflecting on what had happened.
For her, boys her age were nothing more than "jerks" who were only interested in one thing: sex. The only exception might be Aqua, but he had recently gotten a girlfriend. Moreover, it wouldn't be appropriate to make a move on him out of respect for her friendship with Ruby. Her ideal guy would be someone mature enough to keep up with her. But it seemed like he wasn't coming, and she feared she might end up alone. Though she didn't rule out becoming a lesbian.
In the end, Ruby, Minami, and Frill shared their experiences in a voracious and changing environment. They said just enough to reveal their vulnerabilities. Among all that, it was just girl stuff.