I took my newly topped-up card.
I suppose I’ll take a spin of this lottery-wheel-like game. 50 Points!
I guess my luck has never been great. Making my way around, I met back up with Haruto-kun, who was still religiously playing fruit ninja. Staring at the monitor like a cat watching its prey, he meticulously positioned his arms.
“Harut—”
“Shh! I’m concentrating!”
“Ah.”
I decided to open my phone as I waited for Haruto-kun to finish playing the game. I had heard a notification earlier, although I didn’t bother to check it. Opening it up, I noticed that it was quite an important one, maybe one that I shouldn’t have ignored. It was from the only person who I could somewhat refer to as a trusted adult.
—I need to talk to you. Meet me at the usual place.
Ah… well, I better see him them.
“Haruto-kun, I’ll be back.”
“—Huh? Yeah.”
It seemed that he was still engulfed by the game in front of him.
I took my leave, leaving the loud, boisterous arcade and going onto the street. Our city was pretty rich, so the roads, storefronts and even alleyways were decently kept. It was pretty convenient that I was already near our usual meeting place, behind one of the popular bars in the city. It was the type of place a tired part-timer would go to have a smoke, but for us, it was a place for us to discuss important things…
I was just happy to have some peace and quiet. Making my way over, I looked around at the large wheeled bins that decorated the area. It wasn’t exactly the greatest environment for discussion, but it just sort of became our place.
Wearing his usual long brown coat and dark blue jeans, he looked down at me with a slightly unpleasant face—although, I was used to it by now. Blowing some smoke into the air, he dropped his cigarette onto the ground, breaking it apart with the sole of his shoe.
“Mizutaka-kun, you need to check your phone more, for god’s sake.”
“Sorry, Yoshikawa-sensei.”
“Ugh… anyways, I had something important to talk to you about.” He grabbed another cigarette out of his pocket and placed it into his mouth.
“What’s the matter?”
“First of all, how’s everything going at the moment?”
“Huh? Well, it’s alright. I’m a bit low on money, is all.”
“That’s perfect. I’ve got a job that’ll get you some money and also help you find that man. This is the first clue I’ve gotten in a while.”
That man.
That man.
The sound of those words rang through my mind.
I took a few steps closer to him. The pungent smell of smoke brushed my nostrils, but it didn’t matter. In fact, I my mind focuses on nothing but the sound of the words from Yoshikawa-sensei’s mouth. Lighting another cigarette, he puffed out another breath of grey gas.
“I’m going to need you to go on a dating show.”
What?
“You want me to go on a what?”
“As I said, a dating show. One of my colleagues from the entertainment industry asked me to recommend him a student. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get knowledge into the higher-ups.”
“I’m a little confused, but I understand what you mean. I’ll go on it if what you’re saying is true.”
“Haa, that’s good. I was a little worried you’d reject me. It’s been a while since we last talked, after all.”
“As long as you understand my interests, I have no qualms with listening to you.”
“Well, I’ll sort out the details then. I’ll contact you again. Just to let you know, this dating show is a little different from the usual. You’ll be put up on a stand in front of around thirty girls. They’ve all got a red button in front of them, so try your best to keep their interest. The better you do, the most information you can get from the producers afterwards. It’s the first episode, after all.”
“How long will this go for?’
“It’s just a single episode. You’ve only got one chance to make an impression. Go home and fix yourself up. You’ve got to swoon some girls.”
“I don’t actually have to go out with anyone afterwards, do I?”
“It’s fine for you to reject them. Just make sure they don’t reject you. You need to make a positive impression. This is your chance to get into the entertainment industry. Don’t get too cocky; lie if you have to.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Haha, it’s always great talking to you. I love it when people are on the same wavelength as me! Anyways, good luck. This is a stepping stone for both of us. Although, if you do fall for a girl on the show, don’t be afraid to court her~!”
Ah.
I guess I’d have to skip going to the arcade today.
• ───────────────── •
— I’ve just finished negotiating with the director. You’ll be on the show Saturday morning. I’ll pick you up, so make sure you’re ready.
Well, that was fine, I guess.
Sitting down on my dense, rickety bed in my apartment, I looked out into the distance. I didn’t have much furniture, but fixing my bed up and being able to pay the water bill would be great. It was already outstanding, and any longer, I’d probably have my water cut off.
Despite my attempts to try to keep it clean, there was only so much you could do with an old cloth. My bathroom was useable in the most basic sense, constantly littered with spider webs and mould. I guess it’d be good to get some cleaning supplies as well.
I wonder what it’s like to be in the entertainment industry.
To be honest, I didn’t care that much about the show itself. However, I wouldn’t mind being pleasantly surprised in whatever way.
