For several seconds, time itself seemed to have been frozen by an invisible force.
The graceful figure standing at the door, her exquisite face capable of captivating half the nation of Japan, and the familiar, affectionate way she called out 'Michiya-kun'—it was all like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, sending silent yet turbulent ripples through the new apartment's spacious living room.
Standing by the door, Kumano Nobuyuki's mouth was still agape in an 'O' shape, as if he could fit an egg in it. His brain seemed to have crashed, unable to process the incredible fact that the nation's top actress, Sakurajima Mai, had just appeared at Michiya Gōshin's doorstep.
The others were equally astonished. Morimoto Kengo, Asakura Toru, Kurokawa Akane, and MEM-cho were all frozen in place.
Kato Megumi, however, already knew about this, so she wasn't surprised in the least.
The girl, who was always as placid as a deep pool of water, didn't pause in her task of organizing cardboard boxes. She simply glanced in Sakurajima Mai's direction before returning to her work.
Seeing this, a smile immediately bloomed on Michiya Gōshin's face. He wiped his hands and went straight over to greet her.
"Sakurajima-san, you're here. Did you get all your work done for today?"
"It went pretty smoothly."
Sakurajima Mai's lips curved into a perfect, subtle arc. Her beautiful eyes swept over the petrified 'audience' in the room before finally settling back on Michiya Gōshin.
She knew exactly what effect her appearance would have, but she didn't mind. In fact, she rather enjoyed it.
Sakurajima Mai stepped elegantly inside and handed the gift bag she was holding to Michiya Gōshin.
"Since I was the one who offered to help, I can't go back on my word. It looks like I've made it for the finishing touches. Let's get this done quickly."
The girl's voice was crisp and pleasant, tinged with a slight weariness from work, yet it blended seamlessly into the chaotic post-move scene.
"Oh, right. I haven't congratulated you on the new place yet, Michiya-kun. Here's a little something. I hope you like it."
Sakurajima Mai handed the high-end shopping bag to Michiya Gōshin, taking the young man by surprise.
"I'm happy enough that you could make it, Sakurajima-san. You didn't have to bring a gift..."
He took the bag and glanced at its contents. It seemed to be a box, but he couldn't tell what was inside.
Just then, the others finally began to snap out of their shock.
"S-Sakurajima-san! Hello! I'm Kumano Nobuyuki! I... I'm a huge fan of your movies!"
Kumano Nobuyuki was the first to jump up, so nervous that he nearly bowed with his arms and legs moving in unison.
"Good afternoon, Sakurajima-san. It's an honor to meet you."
Although Morimoto Kengo tended to be colder around people he didn't know well, it didn't mean he lacked social graces. He gave a polite nod, his tone more formal than usual.
"Hello, Sakurajima-san."
Asakura Toru's voice was still ethereal, but her tone was calm.
"Sakurajima-san, we haven't seen each other since we worked together on 49. Good afternoon."
A gentle smile appeared on Kurokawa Akane's face, though it held a hint of deeper meaning.
"Sakurajima-san, I'm MEM-cho, hello! I'm a huge fan!"
The only one who was relatively enthusiastic and unfazed was the little ball of sunshine, MEM-cho. She beamed as she approached, showering her with sweet compliments.
"Your face is so small, Sakurajima-san! You're dozens of times prettier in person than on TV!"
"Hehe, thank you. You're very cute too."
Sakurajima Mai looked at each of them in turn, her smile warm and approachable, completely devoid of any top-star airs.
"Hello, everyone. I know who you are. I've been following Love is a Required Course in Life. Please excuse my intrusion today."
Sakurajima Mai's etiquette was impeccable. As a veteran of the industry and a famous actress, she maintained a soft smile throughout.
After some simple pleasantries, Sakurajima Mai very naturally took off her long trench coat, revealing a simple yet stylish outfit underneath, and rolled up her sleeves.
"Is there anything left to unpack? I'll help too."
Her proactiveness and affability quickly dispelled most of the tension in the air.
Sakurajima Mai's presence didn't feel out of place. She was quite capable and skilled at reading people, always managing to lend a hand at just the right moment or offer practical organizing tips.
Her presence was like a bright light, illuminating the entire space and transforming the once-subtle atmosphere into something lively and bustling.
However, when Sakurajima Mai occasionally spoke with Michiya Gōshin in an incredibly familiar tone, it once again struck a chord with certain people.
Like Asakura Toru and Kurokawa Akane.
————————————————————
By the time the new apartment was completely organized, the city lights were beginning to glow.
Outside the window, the neon signs of the metropolis had lit up, signaling the start of Tokyo's nightlife.
To thank everyone for their hard work, Michiya Gōshin had booked a private room in a high-end restaurant known for its discretion.
The group left the apartment and took Michiya Gōshin's van to the restaurant.
The restaurant had an elegant and quiet ambiance.
A long dining table was covered with a pristine white cloth, and exquisite tableware gleamed softly under the gentle lighting.
The waiter silently guided them to their seats, poured water, and introduced the dishes with professional fluency.
However, just as Michiya Gōshin, as the host, naturally took his seat at the head of the table, two figures made their move almost simultaneously.
Sakurajima Mai pulled out the chair to Michiya Gōshin's left with extreme naturalness and sat down gracefully, as if the seat had been reserved for her all along.
At almost the exact same moment, Kurokawa Akane, wearing her trademark gentle smile, serenely took the seat to Michiya Gōshin's right.
One to his left, one to his right—like some kind of special ceremony, they instantly placed Michiya Gōshin at the absolute focal point of the table.
This sudden turn of events caused the atmosphere to freeze once more.
Kumano Nobuyuki and Morimoto Kengo exchanged a 'what is happening' look and both silently chose seats farther away, preparing to enjoy the show.
Asakura Toru pursed her lips slightly. After a moment's thought, she quietly sat down next to Kurokawa Akane.
MEM-cho immediately chose the other side of Sakurajima Mai. She had more or less grasped the situation. Thanks to her experience on the dating show, she knew very well that several people here had a special interest in Michiya Gōshin.
Like Kurokawa Akane and Asakura Toru.
And the superstar Sakurajima Mai, who had suddenly appeared today, clearly had frequent private contact with Michiya Gōshin as well.
Michiya-kun... he's really popular.
She just wasn't sure if this popularity was a good or a bad thing.
As an assistant, Kato Megumi tactfully chose a seat near the door in a less prominent position. Her calm gaze swept over the three seated side-by-side, and then she lowered her head to look at the menu, as if none of it concerned her.
Once both Sakurajima Mai and Kurokawa Akane were seated, Michiya Gōshin felt like he was in the eye of a storm. The distinct yet equally powerful auras coming from his left and right made his back stiffen slightly.
He cleared his throat, trying to break the delicate atmosphere.
"Everyone, see what you'd like to eat. I hear the Wagyu beef here is excellent..."
The exquisite dishes were soon served, and the delicious food gradually eased the tension.
Everyone started chatting, the topics ranging from amusing moving-day anecdotes to behind-the-scenes stories from the variety show, and then to recent trends. On the surface, everything was harmonious.
As the host of the dinner, Michiya Gōshin did his best to attend to everyone, frequently starting new topics or serving food for others.
After a few rounds of drinks and several courses, the atmosphere became more relaxed and natural.
Seeing that the time was right, Michiya Gōshin raised his glass, stood up, and looked sincerely at everyone present.
"Thank you all so much for today! Thank you for sacrificing your rest time to help me move and get settled in."
"Kato-san, thank you for all the arrangements you made in advance."
"And Sakurajima-san, for rushing over despite your busy schedule... And Nono, Morimoto-nii, Asakura, and Kurokawa, and MEM-cho, thank you all so much! I'd like to propose a toast to everyone!"
Everyone raised their glasses in response, smiling.
"You're being too formal, Michiya!"
"Congratulations on the new place!"
"You have to invite us over often from now on!"
Amid this cheerful atmosphere, Kurokawa Akane, seated to Michiya Gōshin's right, suddenly put down her glass. She turned to face him, the gentle smile on her face becoming even more profound and captivating.
"Speaking of congratulations..."
The girl began softly, her voice carrying a strange rhythm that instantly captured everyone's attention. "Actually, I also prepared a special gift today, the one I mentioned last time."
Michiya Gōshin paused, recalling their previous conversation.
Under the curious gazes of the others, Kurokawa Akane took something out of the small, delicate handbag she carried with her.
It was a bracelet.
It wasn't made of luxurious or precious materials, but consisted of a red cord adorned with a few charms. In the center was a lustrous, natural lapis lazuli stone. The design was simple and unique, exuding an air of mysterious tranquility.
"I had a job in Kyoto a few days ago, and I took some time to get this from a very potent shrine."
Kurokawa Akane held the bracelet in her palm, presenting it to Michiya Gōshin, her eyes fixed on him intently.
"They say it's been bathed in incense and blessings, and can ward off evil and ensure safety."
"I thought that since you'll be filming in all sorts of places and might encounter unexpected situations, I'd get this for you. I hope it can protect you and bring you good fortune and peace, wherever you are."
Her tone was incredibly sincere, filled with a concern that was impossible to refuse.
And her gaze was so focused, as if he were the only person in the world.
Michiya Gōshin was stunned. He never expected Kurokawa Akane to prepare such a thoughtful gift.
Looking at the bracelet, which radiated a tranquil aura, a wave of warmth washed over him.
"Kurokawa, thank you. I love it."
He reached out to take the bracelet.
However, Kurokawa Akane pulled her hand back slightly, not giving it to him immediately. A faint smile played on her lips.
"Just liking it isn't enough. The old miko at the shrine told me that the blessing is most effective when the giver puts it on the recipient personally."
"Is that okay, Michiya-kun?"
With those words, the recently eased tension at the table instantly snapped taut again!
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the bracelet and Kurokawa Akane.
The dating show cast members instinctively glanced at Sakurajima Mai, only to see the long-haired girl, who had been dining elegantly, pause for an almost imperceptible moment.
Then, she put down her chopsticks, picked up her napkin to gently dab her lips, and looked at Michiya Gōshin with a calm expression.
"..."
Michiya Gōshin noticed a glimmer of amusement in her bright eyes, along with a hint of someone enjoying the show.
"Honestly."
He sighed, not letting the atmosphere remain tense for long.
"Alright, then. I'll be in your care."
In the next moment, the smile on Kurokawa Akane's face bloomed like a shion flower. Immensely satisfied, she leaned forward, her slender fingers picking up the bracelet and wrapping it around Michiya Gōshin's wrist with near reverence.
At that moment, the girl's fingertips inevitably brushed against Michiya Gōshin's skin, a slightly warm sensation for her.
Even though they had hugged several times, this kind of intimate act still made Kurokawa Akane's heart race.
She carefully fastened the clasp and adjusted the fit. The entire process was slow and focused, as if she were performing an important ritual.
"There."
She looked up, her smile brilliant. "It suits you, Michiya-kun. To ensure your safety, you have to wear it always, okay?"
Michiya Gōshin looked at the bracelet on his wrist, which carried a faint scent of sandalwood, and could only nod.
"Yeah, I will."
Just then, Sakurajima Mai suddenly took a gift box out of her own bag. Her fingertips traced the smooth velvet surface before she turned her gaze to the stunned Michiya Gōshin beside her.
"Michiya-kun, you were so busy with the move all day that you never got to open the housewarming gift I brought you."
Sakurajima Mai smiled. "Luckily, I made sure to bring it with me when we left. It's not too late to open it now. I want to see how it looks on you."
"On me?"
Don't tell me it's another bracelet.
Michiya Gōshin took the small box. It was a thoughtful gift, after all. As he accepted it, the expressions on the faces of the others at the table were varied.
Under everyone's 'expectant' gaze, the young man carefully unfastened the box's clasp.
Then, everyone saw the contents of the gift.
Resting on the velvet lining was a watch. The dial was a deep color, inlaid with the classic stainless steel BVLGARI double logo.
It was a Bvlgari watch, priced at around 800,000 yen—by no means an ordinary housewarming gift.
"...Sakurajima-san, this is far too expensive."
Michiya Gōshin instantly recognized that the watch's value was well beyond that of a typical gift, enough to cover several months' rent for his new apartment.
For a housewarming, one should naturally give something practical.
But Sakurajima Mai acted as if she had given an ordinary gift, her tone light.
"Michiya-kun, you're a well-known entertainer now. You'll probably be attending all sorts of events and meet-and-greets in the future. You'll need a decent watch to go with your outfits. You can't just rely on your phone forever, can you?"
"For an entertainer, it's a necessity. After all, we live in the spotlight."
Sakurajima Mai's eyes shimmered, a gentle smile still on her face.
"..."
"With such a valuable gift, I'll have to think long and hard about how to reciprocate. You've really given me a difficult task, Sakurajima-san."
"Hahaha, we'll be seeing each other on set every day from now on. I'll be looking forward to it."
Sakurajima Mai said it as if it were an offhand comment, but she clearly emphasized 'on set' and 'seeing each other every day,' and the meaning was obvious.
Although Kurokawa Akane understood what she meant, she only glanced at the bracelet on Michiya Gōshin's left hand—the one she had just put on him herself—and said nothing more.
"Boys should wear their watches on their left hand, right, Michiya-kun?"
Sakurajima Mai added.
"...I'll wear one on each. I don't really care about that."
Michiya Gōshin didn't linger on the topic, putting the watch and the bracelet on his right and left wrists, respectively.
...Hmph.
After the gift-giving segment concluded, the dinner party gradually came to an end in an atmosphere that was outwardly harmonious but subtly tense.
After Michiya Gōshin paid the bill, everyone said their goodbyes and departed.
Once in the van, Michiya Gōshin glanced at Kato Megumi sitting beside him.
"Kato, thank you for all your hard work today as well."
Michiya Gōshin rubbed his temples and said sincerely.
"It was no trouble. Now that you're done moving, Michiya-san, please get a good night's rest. You have work again tomorrow."
"Yeah."
Michiya Gōshin let out a long sigh. He raised both his arms, looking at the dark-colored bracelet and the silver-gleaming watch, feeling a complicated mix of emotions he couldn't quite articulate.
————————————————————
————————————————————
In a bustling area in central Tokyo stood the headquarters of the Nenshi Agency.
The president's office on the top floor was magnificent. Outside the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows was a dazzling view of the city at night, as if the entirety of Tokyo's prosperity lay at one's feet.
Behind the spacious office was an even more exquisite private lounge, decorated in a reserved, modern Japanese style with expensive solid wood furniture. Calligraphy with bold, flowing strokes hung on the wall, and a wooden sword was displayed on an antique shelf.
The president of Nenshi, Suo Fumio, sat quietly on a tatami mat.
The old man, nearly seventy but still vigorous with a sharp gaze, wore a traditional kimono. His frame wasn't large, but he naturally exuded a powerful, imposing aura.
Then, a knock came from outside the lounge.
"Come in."
Suo Fumio's voice was steady, not turning his head.
The door opened, and his two sons, Suo Shogo and Suo Atsumu, walked in one after the other.
The elder son, Suo Shogo, wore a meticulously tailored high-end suit. His expression was calm and his gaze reserved—the perfect image of an elite.
The younger son, Suo Atsumu, wore a cerulean casual suit. His hair was impeccably styled, and he had a seemingly relaxed and carefree smile on his face, but deep within his eyes lay unconcealed ambition and sharpness.
"Father, you sent for us?"
They spoke in unison.
Suo Fumio slowly turned around, his world-weary old eyes sweeping over his two excellent yet fiercely competitive sons.
He didn't speak immediately, and the atmosphere in the office grew somewhat oppressive.
After a long moment, Suo Fumio finally spoke slowly. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable weight.
"Shogo, Atsumu, I'm getting old. I don't have the energy I used to."
Both men immediately feigned concern.
"Father, you're still in excellent health."
"What are you talking about? I think you're getting more spirited by the day."
Suo Fumio raised a hand, cutting off their pleasantries.
He sighed softly, a sigh that carried a trace of genuine fatigue and the wisdom of one who has seen it all.
"No need to comfort me. Old is old. I built this company step by step from a small pachinko parlor less than ten square meters. Decades of hardship... looking back now, it feels like another lifetime."
His gaze grew distant, as if he were looking back through time, seeing the spirited young man who had carved out a domain for himself through courage and luck in a chaotic era.
"Back then, I dared to do anything, dared to risk everything. Now, this business has grown larger and larger, but I feel more and more that I can't keep up."
"Those old brothers on the board, and the jackals lurking outside... Heh."
Suo Fumio let out a soft, ambiguous chuckle.
At this, Suo Shogo and Suo Atsumu held their breath. They knew the main point was coming. They exchanged a quick, wary glance, vigilance and calculation hidden deep in their eyes.
"I know."
Suo Fumio's gaze suddenly sharpened like a hawk's as it swept over his two sons.
"The two of you haven't been idle behind my back—contacting board members, forming factions, cultivating confidants... Did you really think my old eyes were too dim to see all those little maneuvers?"
His words were like cold daggers, instantly piercing through the calm and obedient facades they had put up.
Suo Shogo's face paled slightly, and the smile on Suo Atsumu's face stiffened for a moment. The air in the office nearly solidified.
"Father, I..."
"Enough."
Suo Fumio cut them off again, his tone carrying undeniable authority.
"I didn't call you here to hold you accountable for that. Conflict itself isn't a bad thing. Without a bit of ambition, how could you support this business?"
He changed the subject, leaning forward slightly, which intensified the pressure he exuded.
"I've decided that at the end of next year... I will formally step down as president."
The news hit them like a thunderclap.
Although this was the goal they had secretly hoped for countless times, hearing it stated so clearly from their father's own lips still left them speechless from the immense shock and ecstasy.
Both men lowered their heads almost simultaneously, trying hard to conceal the uncontrollable excitement on their faces and the blazing fire of ambition in their eyes, and said in a solemn tone:
"Father! This is too sudden..."
Suo Fumio watched his sons' performance and waved his hand impatiently before continuing.
"Save the pleasantries. I've already made my decision."
He paused, his gaze shifting back and forth between them, like an emperor about to announce the rules of succession.
"You have a little over a year left. This year is your final chance. Whoever can produce results, whoever can prove they have the ability to lead Nenshi into the next era, will be the next president!"
Suo Shogo and Suo Atsumu looked up at the same time, their eyes erupting with a sharp light. All pretenses were utterly torn away in that moment, leaving only the raw desire to compete.
"Please instruct us, Father!"
They spoke in unison, their voices thick with suppressed excitement.
Suo Fumio sighed and spoke slowly.
"Nenshi started with artist development and the idol economy. Today, we are a giant in variety, music, and television dramas."
"However..."
He tapped the table.
"The film industry has always been our weak spot. We invest heavily every year, but the returns are unstable. We lack significant, representative awards and blockbuster hits."
He looked at them, his tone even.
"In that case, I'll use this as the challenge."
"This year, you will each find a way to achieve results in the film industry. Investment, production, distribution... any method is fine. This time next year, you will speak with solid box office numbers, critical acclaim, and awards."
"Whoever's results are better, wins."
The test was both unexpected and logical.
Film was indeed Nenshi's relative weakness, and it was a highly challenging and visible field.
"I'm tired of watching you two fight. If this continues, outsiders will just keep laughing at our Suo family."
Suo Fumio sighed again.
"Well? Any problems?"
"None! We will follow your instructions, Father!"
"Very good."
Suo Fumio nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand.
"Then go. Show me what you're capable of."
The two men bowed and exited the president's office.
After leaving the office, Suo Atsumu looked at his older brother's back, a fighting spirit already igniting within him.
"Michiya-kun, I hope your screenplay won't disappoint me."
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