The long-haired woman seemed ready for Shirase's refusal. She smiled patiently. "Don't turn me down so fast. Our agency won't disappear after today—we'll keep recruiting. I truly think you'd make a great entertainer. Even if not an actor, you'd be perfect as an idol."
"You're praising my looks?" Shirase planted his hands on his hips, smug enough to burst. "In that case, you can keep it coming today. We might not run into each other again. If you don't seize this chance to shower me with compliments, you may never get another."
"Eh?" She blinked, unconsciously glancing at Nakano Ichika as if to ask: Is he always this narcissistic?
Ichika covered her mouth, chuckling. She knew Shirase was putting on an act to refuse quickly.
Getting no answer from Ichika, the woman turned back. "Shirase-san, please think it over. There's no rush—I'm patient. Our agency really needs young, attractive newcomers like you." She handed him a business card, then tactfully withdrew.
Experienced, she didn't press; pushing would only annoy him.
Shirase gave the card a glance, then looked at Ichika's smile. "What now? If I say yes, we'll be rivals someday."
She heard the tease and smiled back. "Why not companions instead?"
"True companions who actually support each other—in showbiz? Hard to buy."
"If you joined, wouldn't that make it possible?"
"Oh, impressive—quick on the draw. Now the pressure's on me… Give me a minute to craft a response."
Seeing him put on a thoughtful face, Ichika laughed and punched his shoulder lightly. "Stop messing around. Since you've been paid, go home and rest. There's nothing fun to do here."
Shirase acted like he hadn't heard and pointed across the set. "You know that guy? He's been sneaking looks at you since we started talking."
Startled, Ichika followed his gaze and recognized him. "Ah, that's Asama-san. We worked together before, and we just happened to end up on the same project again."
"A coincidence, really?" Shirase sounded skeptical.
Ichika smiled knowingly. "Maybe not. But he isn't my type. More importantly… I'm still underage~"
Respect flickered in Shirase's eyes. "As expected of the one I rate highest—you already know how to use your age as a shield."
"I said cut it out." Ichika huffed in mock annoyance. "No wonder Nino has a hard time with you. With that personality, she can't handle you at all."
"So you're saying you can?"
"Want to find out?" Ichika's smile brimmed with confidence.
"Not interested."
Just then, the man in question walked over.
"Ichika, is this your friend?" He greeted her like an old acquaintance and flashed Shirase a friendly smile. "I'm Asama Yuu, also an actor. I'll be shooting here tonight."
"Nice to meet you." Shirase nodded politely.
Ichika's brow creased for a heartbeat before she smoothed it over with her usual bright tone. "This is Shirase-kun, my friend."
Shirase added smoothly, "To be precise, we're close friends who see each other every day and often visit each other's homes."
Ichika paused, biting her lip to stifle a laugh, neither confirming nor denying.
The man's smile faltered, then recovered. "Ah, I see… You two must be very close. By the way, after work tonight, want to grab dinner with us, Shirase-kun?"
Shirase glanced at Ichika, still fighting a grin, and shook his head. "Sorry, not tonight. Ichika and I already have dinner plans—just the two of us."
"Just the two of you?" He blinked. "Isn't that basically a date?"
"You could put it that way," Shirase said without hesitation.
The man turned instinctively to Ichika. She nodded with a sunny smile. "Yes, that's right. Sorry, Asama-san."
"Oh, no problem. Someone else invited me first anyway. I just thought I'd ask. I won't intrude…"
As he hurried off, Shirase watched him go and said dryly, "His intentions seemed pretty obvious."
Ichika finally burst out laughing. "You were so convincing just now! Looks like that manager wasn't lying—you really do have talent as an actor."
"Joining the praise chorus too?" Shirase chuckled, then softened his voice. "But next time you turn him down, even if you want to be polite, make sure he gets the message you're not interested. Otherwise he'll keep trying."
Warmth rose in Ichika's chest. "I'm not the kind of girl who gets fooled by just anyone, you know."
"Fair point. You're Ichika—the strongest of the five."
Hearing that, Ichika's smile turned faint, and she whispered in her heart:
Seriously… why are you this kind to me?
Being this kind to a girl could send the wrong message.
She knew he was helping mostly because of Nino, but she was still a teenage girl—overthinking was inevitable.
...
Shirase didn't linger on set.
Back home, he read for a while and didn't activate the [Wheel-of-Fortune Lottery] yet, unsure if Kojima Kana would be back for lunch.
Near noon, his hunch proved right. Kana, out all morning, came home.
"You haven't eaten yet, right? I'll make lunch."
She was in a great mood, humming as she headed to the kitchen in an apron, swaying her hips.
Over the meal, Shirase mentioned he planned to hit the anime convention later.
"Anime convention? I've never been," Kana said eagerly, looking straight at him. "There weren't any where I grew up in the countryside. After moving to Tokyo for work, I never really paid attention."
Amused by her expression, Shirase chuckled. "If you want to go, just say so. It's not like I'd turn you down."
Kana's cheeks flushed, but her smile stayed sweet. "I was worried I'd annoy you, since I've never gone and wouldn't know anything."
"How could I think that?" Shirase laughed.
Giggling, Kana cupped her bowl in both hands. "Then I'll change into something nice to make you proud."
Shirase blinked. "Make me proud?"
Her blush deepened. She swayed her hips shyly and puffed out her chest, showing off her figure.
Shirase gave a light clap. "Amazing, amazing."