Kato Megumi was an excellent personal assistant. That much was undeniable.
Just after Michiya Gōshin confirmed his intention to rent, she had already settled the contract with the landlord by the next day.
"Michiya-san, I've settled the preliminary agreement for the apartment with the other party. When would you like to go see it in person? And then you can make your final decision."
"Let's... go today."
With no work in the afternoon, Michiya Gōshin and Kato Megumi went to the high-end apartment building, which boasted sleek lines and a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
The glass curtain wall reflected the sunlight, appearing both grand and stylish.
Before taking the high-speed elevator upstairs, Kato Megumi informed the building manager of their intentions, and the manager immediately followed them with the keys.
She was a relatively young woman. Because Michiya Gōshin was wearing a mask and hat, she couldn't see his face clearly and took the initiative to speak to Kato Megumi beside him.
"You both have excellent taste. This apartment is on a mid-to-high floor, avoiding the noise while still offering a nice city view."
The elevator doors slid open silently, revealing a quiet and spacious hallway.
The manager took out the key and opened the door. The sight that greeted them truly made Michiya Gōshin's eyes light up.
A spacious living room connected to an open-plan kitchen, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows framed the distant city skyline like a dynamic scroll painting.
The lighting was excellent, and the interior was decorated in a simple, modern style with gray and white as the main color scheme, giving it a very high-class feel.
All kinds of furniture and appliances were included, and they were all from reputable brands.
"This is the living room and kitchen-dining area. Over here is the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom."
The apartment manager introduced with a smile, "And this is the secondary bedroom, which can be used as a study or a guest room."
Like a professional real estate consultant, she led Michiya Gōshin with light steps, introducing each area one by one.
"The balcony faces south, so the lighting is great. The property management fee includes central air conditioning and a twenty-four-hour hot water supply. The security system requires both a key card and a password for double verification, ensuring excellent privacy."
Michiya Gōshin followed her on a tour, his fingers brushing across the smooth countertop. He looked out the window at the breathtaking view, already feeling very satisfied.
"What do you think?"
The manager directed this question to Michiya Gōshin, as it was obvious from the beginning that Kato Megumi had been following a step behind the young man.
Being a shrewd judge of character, the manager immediately guessed that the person who would truly make the decision was this "strange man" in front of her, fully armed with a mask and hat.
Kato Megumi stopped and also looked at Michiya Gōshin's face.
"I think it's great. Let's take this one."
"Understood."
Kato Megumi nodded, then stepped forward to discuss the contract signing with the manager, while Michiya Gōshin walked out onto the balcony alone to enjoy the view.
The signing process for the apartment went exceptionally smoothly. The manager was very professional, and Kato Megumi was meticulous, clarifying all the detailed clauses before calling Michiya Gōshin over to sign his name.
Next came the moving process.
Michiya Gōshin quickly contacted a moving company and set Sunday as the official moving day.
After deciding on the date, Michiya Gōshin announced his plan in the "The Dating Show Six-Person Group" chat. He figured that since it was a Sunday, everyone would likely be free.
Not long after he sent the message, replies started pouring in.
"Roger! I'll be there on time on Sunday! Leave the heavy stuff to me and Morimoto-bro!"
That was from the energetic dancer, Kumano Nobuyuki. He was very active in the group, almost as much as MEM-cho.
"Got it, Michiya. I'll be there early." Morimoto Kengo's concise reply was clear, with no unnecessary words.
"I'm definitely going to be the first one there on Sunday! Let me see what kind of new place you chose, Michiya-kun!"
The vibrant MEM-cho typed her reply, serving as the atmosphere catalyst for their little group of six.
"The move. I will be there on time." Asakura Toru didn't say much, but Michiya Gōshin could picture her expression as she sent the message.
Kurokawa Akane also replied with an "ok" in the group chat, then sent a question in a private message.
"Michiya-kun, after you move, I can still visit often, right?"
"Of course you can."
Michiya Gōshin replied with a quick, easy line of text.
"Mm, I understand."
At nine o'clock that night, just as Michiya Gōshin was about to turn in early, his phone screen suddenly lit up. A familiar number popped up on his screen.
"Hello."
He answered the call, and Sakurajima Mai's slightly lazy yet clear and captivating voice came from the other end. "Good evening, Michiya-kun. I hope I'm not disturbing you by calling so late?"
"Not at all, Sakurajima-san."
"Have you set a date for the move?" Her voice held a note of confirmation.
"Yeah, I've booked the moving company for this Sunday morning."
"Hmm..."
Upon hearing this, there was a slight pause on the other end, as if she were checking her schedule.
"I have a magazine shoot and interview on Sunday that was booked a long time ago. I probably won't be done until three."
Sakurajima Mai's tone was a bit helpless. "I'll try my best to rush over in the afternoon..."
Hearing this, Michiya Gōshin quickly said.
"It's okay, Sakurajima-san. Work is more important, of course. I'm just happy you're willing to come. Besides, if you come in the afternoon, that's perfect. We might need an extra pair of hands right around then."
"Is that so."
Michiya Gōshin could imagine Sakurajima Mai on the other end, perhaps frowning slightly before letting out a helpless chuckle.
As a nationally popular actress, most of her time was not her own to command.
"It's fine if you can make it on Sunday, but don't force yourself if you can't, Sakurajima-san..."
"That's good, then. I'll finish my work as quickly as possible and head over."
Her voice became light and cheerful again. "I'm looking forward to seeing your new home, Michiya-kun."
"Mm."
The call ended. Michiya Gōshin held his phone, a full, warm feeling in his heart.
The last night in his old apartment seemed less lonely because of this anticipation.
--------------------
On Sunday morning, Michiya Gōshin woke up in the old apartment he was about to bid farewell to.
Sunlight streamed in through the familiar curtains. He opened his eyes, ready to face a busy day, when his right eyelid suddenly twitched several times without warning.
A twitching left eye means wealth, a twitching right eye means disaster?
Michiya Gōshin rubbed his eyes, an inexplicable sense of foreboding washing over him.
It's probably... just from not sleeping well.
Around ten in the morning, the small episode of his twitching eye was quickly forgotten by Michiya Gōshin.
The moving company's large truck arrived on time downstairs. The workers began to skillfully load the packed boxes and furniture onto the truck, while Michiya Gōshin busied himself with a final check and cleanup.
The new apartment was about a half-hour drive from here. Around the agreed-upon time, the doorbell rang.
Michiya Gōshin opened the door, and standing outside were, as expected, the members of the dating show team.
Kumano Nobuyuki was dressed in sportswear, looking full of energy, while Morimoto Kengo wore a simple shirt and trousers, a faint smile on his face.
Behind them were the three girls. Asakura Toru was wearing a casual dress suitable for moving around, a gentle smile on her face. Kurokawa Akane was in a stylishly designed casual outfit, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Last was the ever-energetic MEM-cho, who was even wearing a hat today, making her look even more lively and cute.
"We're here, Michiya-kun!"
"Good morning, everyone. Thanks again for coming."
Michiya Gōshin quickly welcomed them in.
"Alright, let's get to work," Kumano Nobuyuki said, glancing at the remaining boxes in the living room, an eager look on his face.
"Is everything packed? Which things need to be moved first?"
Morimoto Kengo was already surveying the environment, switching into planning mode. "I assume the professionals are handling the large appliances, right?"
"Yeah, the big appliances have already been loaded onto the truck."
"Michiya-kun, we can help organize these small items first," Asakura Toru asked softly, her gaze already on several small boxes.
MEM-cho and Kurokawa Akane also immediately sprang into action. With everyone's help, their efficiency instantly increased.
Michiya Gōshin and the two guys took on the task of moving the remaining heavy items, while the three girls began to meticulously check each room to make sure no small items were left behind and started organizing miscellaneous things.
For a moment, the old apartment was filled with a bustling yet harmonious atmosphere.
Just as they were about to finish packing, a figure quietly appeared at the apartment's entrance.
It was a girl in a simple yet high-quality dress. She had delicate features and a calm demeanor, and she was carrying two exquisite-looking paper bags.
She stood there quietly, her calm gaze sweeping over the busy scene inside before finally landing on Michiya Gōshin, who was bent over organizing a box.
The girl's appearance was so natural, yet it carried a peculiar "presence," causing the busy group to notice her almost in unison.
Michiya Gōshin seemed to sense something, and when he turned to look, a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Kato-san, you're here."
He walked quickly to the door and introduced her to everyone.
"Everyone, this is Miss Kato Megumi, my personal assistant."
Then he turned to Kato Megumi and introduced the others: "Kato-san, these are the friends I made on Love is a Required Course in Life."
Of course, Kato Megumi knew who they were. She bowed slightly, her tone as calm and composed as ever.
"Hello everyone, I'm Kato Megumi. Thank you all for coming to help today."
The girl's demeanor was poised and graceful, not at all reserved, as if her appearance here was the most natural thing in the world.
"Hello, Kato-san."
Although Kumano Nobuyuki was a bit surprised by the term "personal assistant," he took the initiative to greet her.
The others followed suit, but their curiosity about Kato Megumi grew.
The next moment, Kato Megumi placed one of the paper bags she was holding on a small table nearby.
"I brought some snacks for everyone. Please have some. The van is on its way and will take you all with the moving truck to Michiya-san's new apartment shortly."
Her thoughtfulness seemed effortless as she also laid out the next steps of the plan.
Then, Kato Megumi picked up the other, slightly longer paper bag with a fashion magazine's logo on it and walked toward Michiya Gōshin.
"Michiya-san, this is the sample jacket from the collaboration project with ViVi magazine that I mentioned before. They'd like you to try it on first to check the size and fit."
"I figured you might not have time today with the move, so I went to the office to pick it up for you in advance."
"Ah, right, that."
Michiya Gōshin remembered that there was indeed such a thing and reached out to take the paper bag.
Having Kato Megumi arrange these trivial work matters for him was certainly much more convenient.
"Michiya-san, would you like to try it now? If it doesn't fit or there's a problem, tomorrow is Monday, and I can contact them immediately for an exchange."
"Now?"
Michiya Gōshin glanced at the slightly chaotic surroundings.
"Yes, it will only take a moment," Kato Megumi nodded.
Michiya Gōshin thought about it. It wouldn't really delay anything important, so he took the jacket out of the bag.
It was a well-tailored casual blazer made of high-quality fabric. It had a strong design aesthetic and looked expensive at a glance.
He took off the clothes he was wearing and put on the new jacket. The size was a good fit.
"How is it?"
Michiya Gōshin instinctively turned his head to ask Kato Megumi, apparently already used to seeking her opinion.
Kato Megumi didn't speak. Instead, she very naturally took two steps forward, coming to stand right in front of Michiya Gōshin.
The girl tilted her head up slightly and reached out with both hands, carefully adjusting the collar of his jacket. Her fingers inadvertently brushed against the skin of his neck, bringing a faint, cool sensation.
Then, her fingers slid down to the front of the jacket, where she meticulously fastened a button that seemed a bit tight, her fingertips gently pressing to confirm it was secure.
"The shoulder line is a little wide, but it's not a big problem. It can be altered."
She said softly, then raised her hand to smooth out an almost non-existent wrinkle on his shoulder.
"The color and style suit you very well. Can you try raising your arm? Does it feel tight?"
Kato Megumi was very close, so close that Michiya Gōshin could clearly smell the faint, fresh scent of gardenia from her hair.
The girl's expression was focused and serious, scrutinizing every detail of the clothing. She was completely immersed in her "work" state, utterly unaware of how intimate and natural her actions appeared to others.
Of course, after working together for some time, Michiya Gōshin had also grown accustomed to Kato Megumi's efficient, direct, and detail-oriented way of doing things.
So he cooperatively raised his arm.
"Mm, movement is fine, but it's a little tight here at the button."
"Then on Monday I will contact them to exchange it for a size up or have it adjusted." Kato Megumi nodded, seemingly having already made a decision.
However, this scene left the onlookers with a variety of feelings.
Asakura Toru's hands, which were organizing items, stopped completely. She watched the incredibly natural and intimate interaction between the two, watched Kato Megumi's fair hands buttoning Michiya Gōshin's jacket and adjusting his collar.
The girl's eyes flickered slightly. A very faint trace of "concern"—one she herself might not have even been aware of—quietly passed through her heart.
Although Kurokawa Akane still wore a gentle smile, a sharp glint flashed in the depths of her eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts.
She had already signaled to Michiya Gōshin her intention to make a move, yet she hadn't expected another "personal assistant" to appear by his side.
She touched her pocket, where a bracelet she had prepared long ago was resting.
If that's the case... then I'll give it to him today.
Morimoto Kengo and Kumano Nobuyuki were somewhat stunned by the sight. Kumano opened his mouth, almost saying something inappropriate, but was stopped by a light nudge from Morimoto's elbow.
As an internet personality with astonishing powers of observation, MEM-cho immediately sensed something unusual in the air.
She first glanced at Asakura Toru, then at Kurokawa Akane. Seeing that neither of her friends reacted, she felt a slight sense of relief.
After a moment, Kato Megumi seemed to realize that everyone's gazes were focused on them. She took half a step back, resuming a normal social distance.
"Well then, I'll take this jacket back with me for now. I'll bring it to you on Monday after it's been taken care of."
"Okay, thank you for the trouble."
Michiya Gōshin wasn't particularly bothered. He glanced at everyone's expressions, shrugged, and took off the jacket to hand it to her.
After this little interlude, the moving work continued.
Kato Megumi also took out the snacks and distributed them to everyone. Then she rolled up her sleeves and very naturally joined the team helping to pack and organize.
Her movements were swift and efficient. She sorted and organized items so quickly and well that even Asakura Toru couldn't help but murmur in admiration, "Kato-san is amazing."
But the subtle, almost imperceptible tension in the air didn't seem to dissipate completely.
Time flew by as they worked. All the luggage had been loaded onto the truck, and Michiya Gōshin and the others boarded the van sent by the agency to head to the new residence to receive and unpack everything.
When they arrived at the new apartment, everyone was amazed by its spaciousness and luxury.
The enormous floor-to-ceiling window, in particular, drew gasps of admiration from the group.
"Whoa! This place is amazing!" Kumano Nobuyuki exclaimed, pressing his face against the glass to look outside.
"It really is a nice apartment. The environment is quiet, the view is open. It's good for thinking and resting."
Everyone chatted and laughed as they began to unpack and organize.
Kato Megumi also helped silently. Just as the moving work was winding down, with most of the boxes in place and only some small items left to sort, the doorbell rang again.
Michiya Gōshin had a good idea who it was, since it was about that time.
Kumano, who was closest to the door, didn't hesitate. Saying, "Coming, coming," he walked over and opened it.
However, the person standing outside was not one of the movers.
A woman stood elegantly at the door.
She wore a wide-brimmed, fashionable hat and a pair of sunglasses that covered half her face, but the lower half that was visible—with its delicate jawline and slightly upturned lips—was enough to spark the imagination.
Dressed in an elegantly tailored long trench coat, she had an outstanding presence. Even in her understated attire, it was hard to hide her graceful and commanding aura.
She was also carrying what looked like a high-end gift bag.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to her.
The next moment, the woman gently took off her sunglasses, revealing a nationally-renowned, exquisite face that could make countless people hold their breath—Sakurajima Mai.
A perfect smile curved her lips. Her gaze swept over the astonished people inside, finally landing on Michiya Gōshin, her voice like the crisp ringing of a wind chime.
"Looks like I made it for the final stage? I'm not too late, am I, Michiya-kun?"
In an instant, the entire living room fell silent.
Every member of the dating show quintet looked surprised, including Kurokawa Akane.
"S-Sakurajima-san?!!"
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