Seiya had already heard about Arima Kana's current situation.
Once a popular child star, she was now labeled as a "washed-up idol." Ever since her fame plummeted, she hadn't been getting much work.
As her friend—and since Kana had once helped him before—this was the perfect time for Seiya to return the favor.
Popularity-wise, Kana couldn't compare to Shiranui Mariro; and in terms of figure, she was practically "flat" when standing next to Suminoha.
But pairing Seiya with Arima Kana as a CP (couple pairing) would still make for a strong selling point. After all, they were childhood friends who debuted together as child actors!
The show Current Love was a reality dating program that thrived on hyped-up CPs. A love story between childhood friends was something people always adored—and if both were former child stars, that would definitely boost the show's ratings.
Once the show gained traction, Kana, as Seiya's on-screen partner, would naturally share the spotlight and maybe even regain her lost popularity. It was truly a win-win situation!
Thinking that this plan could kill two birds with one stone, Seiya didn't hesitate. As soon as he got home, he picked up his phone and dialed a certain number he'd just saved earlier that day.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Arima Kana had just finished showering. Wrapped in a towel and sitting on her bed, she looked at her phone on the nightstand, her expression wavering in hesitation.
She was debating whether to message Seiya—maybe even explain why she'd intentionally avoided him two years ago.
Ten years had passed, and Kana had learned the harsh truths of human warmth and indifference. The once-naive girl had grown more socially aware and accommodating.
Unfortunately, that realization came too late. Her glory days were gone, and even her mother—who once took pride in her—had returned to their hometown.
Kana had assumed Seiya would be like everyone else and distance himself from her.
After all, Seiya was no longer the same as before. Standing before him now, she felt like an ugly duckling facing a swan.
Yet, when they reunited two years later, Seiya's actions told her otherwise—Wenren Seiya had never changed.
Seeing that he hadn't forgotten her and still treated her as a dear friend, Kana was deeply moved.
Even her own mother had given up on her, but her childhood friend hadn't. He still treated her with the same warmth as before.
Still, she wasn't sure whether Seiya bore any resentment for what happened two years ago. That's why she'd been hesitating about whether or not to message him.
Every time she opened Seiya's LINE chat, she froze again, worrying he might be busy working—or already asleep.
After all, Seiya was now a popular actor, his schedule surely packed. Unlike her, who was basically unemployed.
"Maybe I should just send one message… Who knows, maybe he's free right now?"
Ding ding ding ding ding—
But just as Kana finally made up her mind—typing out a message and preparing to hit send—her phone suddenly lit up with an incoming call.
When she saw the name and profile picture on the screen, she nearly jumped out of bed in shock. The towel wrapped around her slipped off completely.
Fortunately, she was alone in her room, so she didn't really care. Heart pounding in excitement, she pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Seiya? It's so late—what's the matter?"
Her tone sounded calm, but her heart was practically fluttering with joy.
She had just been debating whether to message him—and now he was calling her first!
"Uh… Kana, actually there's something I'd like to ask your help with. Could you… be my girlfriend?"
Arima Kana: (///▽///)!!! Wait—what?! Happiness came this suddenly?! But isn't this confession a little too fast?!
Without question, Kana's brain instantly short-circuited.
Even though she wasn't wearing a single thing, her face turned bright red in seconds, steam practically rising from her head.
Hearing only silence on the other end, Seiya realized that his phrasing might've sounded wrong. Just as he was about to explain, there was a loud bang! as his bedroom door was kicked open!
Yuko: "No way! I don't approve of this relationship!"
Ayako: "Exactly. Early romance is not acceptable. Seiya, you're still too young. Trust Mama Ayako—you can't handle it."
Seeing Yuko and Ayako suddenly barge into his room, Seiya was completely dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, on the phone, the "Steam Princess" Arima Kana had just recovered from her daze and was about to reply with her face flushed red—
But before she could say a word, Seiya's voice came again: "Uh, Kana, something just came up here. I'll call you later—" beep beep beep beep…
Arima Kana: ( _;)
Listening to the dial tone, Kana froze completely.
First Seiya's sudden confession, and now, just when she'd finally decided to respond—he'd hung up?!
At the Wenren household, inside Seiya's room, Seiya crossed his arms and glared at his two foster sisters. "What the hell are you two doing?! Wait—how did you even get in here? I locked the door! So that's why my collection kept disappearing, huh? I knew it! Care to explain, Yuko-san?"
Knowing they'd been caught red-handed, Yuko could only give a guilty look. In their panic earlier, they had just used the spare key and rushed in.
But can you really blame them? Seiya was confessing to a girl!
After raising him since childhood, it felt like their precious little piglet was being stolen by someone's cabbage—who could stay calm?!
"Hmph, those were all degenerate books about cults. Naturally, they needed to be destroyed. What's so good about siscons and lolis anyway…
And besides, Seiya, you know I'm a doujin artist. I only took them for… reference! Yes, inspiration and creative study!"
Even though she'd been exposed, Yuko still tried to defend herself.
Meanwhile, Ayako, ever the older sister, immediately switched sides and joined Seiya, standing at the moral high ground. "That's right, Yuko, how could you do that? I understand you wanted to help Seiya clean his room, but that doesn't mean you can just throw away his stuff."
Yuko: (▽｀) "Sis, since when did your acting get this good?!"
Ayako: Sorry, little sister. Better you go down alone than both of us together!
(End of Chapter)