"A wrap party... It's been a while since I've been to one of these, especially since I haven't done many dramas or movies lately."
To be honest, the parties hosted by other companies always had much better production value anyway.
Standing next to me was Aqua, dressed in his usual casual clothes, and Kana, who was wearing a dress—whether it was because of the nature of a wrap party or specifically because of Aqua, I wasn't quite sure.
"Seeing everyone here, it really hits me just how many people are involved in a single project. Was it usually like this for you too, Yume?"
"Hmm... You know I rarely did anything this small-scale. Even if it looks like this, this production holds a pretty significant place in the industry. The wrap parties I used to attend were easily double... no, triple this size."
"As expected of a senior like Yume, you can really feel the difference in status... Ahem!"
It didn't feel half bad having her call me 'Senior' every chance she got.
"To answer your question, Aqua—yes. Our acting is intertwined with the hard work of many people."
"That's exactly why we have to deliver results. Things like scandals are completely out of the question."
Normally, that would be true, but Ai went ahead and announced everything at twenty-five right after retiring from B-Komachi...
Just thinking about the mess I had to clean up back then... Ugh... my head hurts.
I massaged the back of my neck as a headache flared up from the memories.
"...By the way, Aqua, do you happen to have a girlfriend?"
Oho? Now this is getting interesting.
"I don't, so there won't be any scandals or anything like that."
"I see... Is that so~?"
Man... I really need some popcorn for this. Still, as a father, seeing Aqua have absolutely zero interest in romance is a bit concerning...
Then again, come to think of it, Aqua was single in his past life too.
"Thank you all for your hard work on the shoot."
Ah, is that the original author?
"Ah, Sensei..."
Honestly, you rarely see the original creator at these parties unless the adaptation was a massive success...
"Ms. Arima, your performance played a huge part in the success of this work. Thank you."
I see... I guess that final episode really moved the author's heart too.
"What do you think, Aqua? The performance you helped Kana pull off?"
"Well, it wasn't bad, was it?"
"And you know, it would be nice if you could just relax and be yourself all the time, not just when it's just us."
"I can't do that. You have to keep business and personal life separate."
"I wonder who you take after..."
"Well, obviously..."
Aqua carefully shifted his gaze toward me.
"I think I take after my father more than my mother, don't you?"
"Smiling like that really makes you look like a brat."
"I'm your son, aren't I? Give me a break."
"This kid!"
I reached out and ruffled Aqua's hair aggressively.
"Hey there, Yume. And Aqua."
"Director."
I spoke with a frown, and Director Kaburagi Masaya broke into a cold sweat.
"Ah, come on, Yume. My comments from before were a mistake. Can't we just let it go already?"
"Sigh... Just be more careful from now on."
"Right, right. Making an enemy out of Yume is basically a death sentence in this industry."
I wanted to say 'as if,' but for those who know who's backing me, that's usually the standard reaction.
I gave Aqua a subtle hand signal that he would understand. Seeing it, Aqua gave a slight, careful nod.
"Well then, I should go and greet the others, so if you'll excuse me."
"Sure, sure. Manners are important. That aside... Is this Hoshino Aqua your protégé, Yume?"
"...Let's just say I'm looking after him."
"I see... A promising rookie, then."
"I appreciate you looking at it that way."
With that, I stepped aside. Aqua would handle the rest on his own.
Now then, maybe I should go have a chat with Kana about the 'future'?
************
Aqua's Perspective
"Man... It's been a while since I've seen an actor Yume is personally looking after. Anyway, the reviews for this final episode have been excellent."
"Profit-wise, the project was... on thin ice, but the goal was to provide an opportunity for talent like you, so I suppose that mission was accomplished."
"Well, the moment Yume said he was backing you, your skills were basically already proven."
...Is Yume's—no, Dad's—reputation really that high?
It's amazing how a person's attitude can flip just because of one comment about who is backing me.
I hadn't really had any points of contact with this Director on set, so I hadn't found any evidence yet. But Dad probably stepped aside so I could seize this opportunity.
"That reminds me... You're with Ichigo Production, right?"
"Hmm... You know, you look somewhat like Ai. And you also seem to share that specific aura Yume has..."
!??
"Is that so?"
I carefully looked away as I spoke, caught off guard by the Director's sharp observation.
"Yes. I've seen both of their faces up close quite often. There's no doubt about it."
"Up close... you say?"
Is this my chance?
"What kind of relationship did you have with Ai?"
"Hmm? Let's see... We worked together when she was a fashion magazine model, and I looked after her to make sure she got other jobs after that. I introduced her to good business connections. Of course, I discussed most of this with her manager at the time, Yume..."
"That's right. For example, keeping things secret from the agency when she was meeting a boy, or telling her about good restaurants."
He was likely talking about the times she went out with Dad, but to me, this was the best information I could ask for.
Because Mom didn't go public with her relationship with Dad until she left B-Komachi at twenty-five. That means, until then, this Director didn't know if Mom's dating partner was actually Yume.
I have to take full advantage of this.
"Do you know who she was meeting?"
"Hmm? Are you a fan of Ai's? Are you interested in a married woman who's already taken?"
Since I couldn't exactly say 'she's my mother'...
"She's my senior at the agency, and I've always been a fan, so it's only natural to be curious."
"Is that so? Well... I don't mind telling you, but let's make a deal."
"Your face is beautiful, like Ai's, and you have that unique aura and charisma Yume possesses. If used right, you'll be incredibly popular."
"Are you interested in a dating reality show?"
I'm not interested in the show, but I am interested in the information you have. He's giving me an offer I can't refuse.
Will I have to consult with Yume again...?
*************
3rd Person Perspective
After Aqua's filming concluded, the entrance ceremony for Aqua and Ruby at Yoto High School began.
"Congratulations on getting in, Aqua. You too, Ruby."
Arima Kana, now a second-year student, approached Aqua and Ruby as they looked around the school.
She had been looking for them to kindly give them the rundown on how the school worked.
"Here at Yoto High School, they're just flexible with class schedules. Otherwise, it's not much different from a regular high school."
"Just like anywhere else, if you fail your classes or don't have enough attendance, you'll be held back. The subjects are similar too."
"However, there is obviously one massive difference."
As Arima Kana introduced the school, she began pointing her finger at students passing by, one by one.
"That person walking over there is an actor."
"Those two are members of a top-tier idol group."
"That girl with the big chest is a gravure model."
"He's a voice actor and a streamer."
"Fashion model and singer."
"The people sitting on the bench are a Kabuki actor and an actress."
"Everyone is a celebrity."
"This school has the highest concentration of people with high TV ratings in the country. Welcome, juniors."
Welcome to the entertainment industry.