"I can't believe I actually agreed to this...."
"The title of 'Former Child Actress Prodigy' means nothing now...."
"Now, I'm the 'Idol Who Was Once a Child Actress Prodigy'...."
"Wherever I go, I have to carry mothballs in my pocket...."
At Strawberry Production, Arima Kana lowered her head, clearly regretting her decision to sign a contract as an idol.
Originally, she had no interest. She never imagined she'd switch professions from "actress" to "idol." But thanks to someone she liked—Hoshino Aquamarine—who sweet-talked her with just the right words, Kana gave in after a few compliments.
Now, looking back, that decision could change her career path entirely.
Forming an idol group isn't a small choice. The competition in this industry is brutal, and that was one of her main concerns.
On top of that, once she became an idol, she'd lose the label of "a promising young actress" and instead be thrown into the unstable market of "rookie idols."
If the idol group failed, she'd lose both chances—of being an actress or an idol. Her dream might vanish just like that.
Still, Hoshino Ruby—Aqua's little sister—somehow reminded Kana of a certain famous idol from the past: Ai.
Kana only worked with Ai once, and that was when she was a child. But even so, she knew Ai was born to shine—destined for greatness.
Ruby, for some reason, gave off that same feeling.
"You really look down on yourself, don't you?" Ruby finally spoke after noticing Kana's gloomy expression.
Though Ruby didn't know exactly why Kana always underestimated herself, she figured it probably had something to do with Kana's past as a child actress.
"Forget it. Anyway, doesn't Aqua have a job soon?" Kana turned to Ruby.
"..."
"Eh? Why the sour face?"
"Just take a look at this."
Instead of answering, Ruby handed Kana a tablet.
"Let me see." Kana took the tablet, and the moment her eyes landed on the screen, her expression twisted. "What?! Aqua's on a dating show?!"
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We're About to Fall in Love for Real, or LoveForReal for short, was a high school celebrity dating reality show. The cast consisted of high school students active in the entertainment industry. Every weekend, they gathered and interacted to see if any couples would naturally form by the end of the show.
There were eight cast members—from actresses to YouTubers—all of them popular and with established fanbases.
Sumi Yuki, fashion model, first-year
Kurokawa Akane, actress, second-year
Kumano Nobuyuki, dancer, second-year
Morimoto Kengo, musician, third-year
Mem-Cho, YouTuber, third-year
And then—
"Oh, that's Onii-chan!"
Recognizing the familiar figure, Ruby shouted excitedly.
Of course, it was her older brother—Hoshino Aqua, actor, first-year.
But something was off. He looked too cheerful. His expression sparkled unnaturally.
"Hey guys~ Are you nervous too~?"
"..."
"WHO IS THIS GUY?!" ×2
Ruby and Kana shouted in unison. Cold sweat dripped down their foreheads.
"That's not the Onii-chan I know! He's way too different!"
"Where's his usual gloomy aura?!"
"Even if it's for the show, this is just too much!"
"Wait—there's one more person!"
Their attention shifted as the camera revealed the last cast member.
"He looks familiar...."
"I feel like I've seen him somewhere too...."
That boy... looked so familiar. They couldn't quite place him, but they were sure they had seen him before.
As both girls struggled to remember, Saito Miyako leaned forward to glance at the screen.
"Hmm, isn't he that rising musician? I think his name is Asahina Takt...?" Miyako said while tapping her chin.
"Ah, that's him!" ×2
Ruby and Kana exclaimed together.
Kana quickly pulled out her phone and searched for something.
"Found it!"
"Let me see!" Ruby leaned in close.
Kana felt a bit awkward with Ruby so close but tilted her phone so Ruby could take a better look.
Several photos of a teenage boy filled the screen. It was clearly the same person on the show.
That was Asahina Takt. Tall and slim, pale skin, brown eyes, and slightly messy black hair. His most noticeable feature was the black stud earrings on both ears.
His expression in both the show and the photos was the same—blank and indifferent.
Still, he had an undeniable aura that made people notice him, without even trying.
"Heh, so he's a pianist?" Ruby grew more intrigued, especially when she saw a picture of Takt performing on a grand stage in front of thousands.
"That's what I heard," Miyako replied, hand still on her chin. "But I don't think he's the type to only play one instrument."
"Eh? So that means...."
Ruby looked up with wide eyes. If that was true, wasn't this guy ridiculously talented?!
And he was their age, too!
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While the shooting of LoveForReal was about to begin, the staff were busy preparing everything. The cast, meanwhile, were relaxed—there was no script to memorize after all.
Suddenly, the show's producer—Kaburagi Masaya—called them all together to make an announcement.
"As you know, we initially planned for eight cast members. But one backed out due to lack of interest. So, I'd like to introduce his replacement," Kaburagi said with a small smile, gesturing toward the boy standing behind him.
"His name is Asahina Takt. Some of you may know him, some may not. Either way, he'll be working with you on this show."
The boy in question—Asahina Takt—only spared the cast a brief glance before wearing a cold, indifferent expression.
He didn't greet them. Just sighed quietly and crossed his arms.
His demeanor made some of the others visibly uncomfortable. Still, out of professionalism, they tried to be welcoming. But Takt simply turned around and walked away as if he had no intention of socializing.
They were the same age, yet Takt clearly had no interest in getting close to anyone.
Not because he hated them. Not because he thought he was better. But his participation here was due to one thing—Kaburagi Masaya.
If Masaya hadn't baited him with crucial information about his father's death, Takt would never have joined a dating reality show like this.
"Oh, and one more thing. I'm sure you're all aware, but let me say it again—there's no script. Feel free to act naturally, like normal high schoolers."
"Also, if I may suggest—build some tension early on to hook the audience. And as you know, couples will be formed by the end of the show. So, think carefully about whom you'll choose to fake-date for at least one month."
Everyone fell silent at Masaya's words—even Takt.
They already knew the rules. But hearing them again made things feel more real.
One of the cast members, Sumi Yuki—a model—was among those deep in thought.
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The first scene was shot in a tree-filled park. Fitting, since the show's theme revolved around teens hanging out after school.
With no script, the cast had to rely on improvisation and just be themselves.
"Hey guys~ Feeling nervous too~?" Aqua approached, arm raised and a bright smile on his face.
His performance was so natural. Anyone unfamiliar with him would believe he was truly that cheerful.
Even Ruby and Kana fell silent, stunned by this "friendly" version of Aqua.
"Uwah~ So handsome~! Actors really are something~!" Mem-Cho covered her mouth, blushing.
"Thank you, you're very pretty too, Mem-Cho," Aqua replied with a charming smile.
His warm smile and polite demeanor were dangerously enchanting.
If someone average acted that way, people would find it creepy. But this was Aqua—with flawless genes and smooth skin. Too bad his real personality wasn't nearly as warm.
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"Disgusting. Just drop dead."
Kana couldn't help but mutter under her breath as she watched Aqua's behavior. Her expression twisted in disgust.
He always acted cold and distant toward her. And yet, he only called her pretty or cute when he wanted something.
Case in point: when he wanted her to join Ruby's idol group. He praised her, called her the perfect candidate.
At the time, Kana was drunk on those compliments. She didn't think things through and agreed without hesitation.
Now, reflecting on it, she deeply regretted her decision.
"Well... he is a guy. I guess it's normal for him to be interested in girls, but still...."
Ruby's thoughts weren't far off from Kana's.
Seeing Aqua getting close to other girls—it didn't sit right with her.
He rarely showed emotion. Even to his own sister, he was distant.
But now, watching him smile and act all friendly with the cast—like they'd been friends for years—made Ruby feel uneasy.