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After School – Confrontation at the Gates
Kenji slammed his palm against the agency van's window, startling the cameraman inside. The tinted glass rolled down, revealing the smirking face of Mr. Takada, the slick-haired representative.
"We're done," Kenji hissed. "The contract was fulfilled. Why are you still filming?"
Takada adjusted his designer sunglasses. "Our boss wants a renewal. Bigger campaign. More exposure."
Kenji's grip on the van's frame tightened. "I never agreed to that."
"You didn't have to." Takada leaned forward, voice dropping. "Our boss has… prioritized you."
A chill ran down Kenji's spine. "Who the hell is your boss?"
Takada's smirk didn't waver. "Someone who doesn't like sharing."
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The Unanswered Questions
Kenji's mind raced. "Then why didn't your agency clear my schedule? Other brands have been calling me—why am I suddenly 'unavailable'?"
Takada chuckled. "Because our boss doesn't want you distracted. You're exclusive now."
"Exclusive?" Kenji's voice rose. "I never signed that!"
"You didn't have to," Takada repeated, sliding a new contract through the window. "But you'll want to."
Kenji glanced at the number on the page—enough to buy his mom a new house outright.
His fingers twitched.
"Who. Is. Your. Boss."
Takada rolled up the window. "You'll meet him soon enough."
The van pulled away, leaving Kenji standing there, fists clenched, the contract fluttering to the ground.
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The Fallout – Rumors and Fury
By the next morning, Kenji's phone was flooded with angry messages from other agencies:
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Even Ami had texted:
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Kenji stared at his reflection in his locker.
Someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.
And he had no idea why.
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