"It's okay… Himeji-san. You're doing great."
"Like… maybe… Like this?"
"Yeah… keep going just like that…"
"Uh, yeah…"
"Yes, that's perfect… you're really good at this…"
"Really…? Maybe…? It tickles a little…"
On the school rooftop, it was just the two of us.
A quiet, private space where no one would interrupt.
"Yes… very good. Himeji-san is so cute…"
"I'm… happy…"
Himeji-san's cheeks were flushed bright red. She looked unbelievably adorable.
"Wow, Himeji-san, you pick things up so quickly! Applying blush gently with a brush is actually pretty tricky, but you're doing it perfectly!"
"Thank you…!"
I was giving Himeji-san a makeup lesson.
Yesterday we'd promised to talk during lunch every day, so we were spending our break together up here again—talking, then practicing makeup.
"You're so skillful even though I just taught you!"
"That's because… Sakasegawa-kun is a good teacher."
"I don't think that's true… but I'm really happy to hear you say that… hehe."
"…Nn…"
A calm, gentle time passed between us.
"By the way, I'm kind of surprised you want to learn makeup yourself, Himeji-san. If you ever want it done, I'd be happy to help anytime."
"If I don't learn it myself… I'll have to keep relying on Sakasegawa-kun forever, and I don't want to burden you…"
After yesterday's events, Himeji-san realized that wearing makeup let her speak normally—like she does when streaming.
She wanted to master the skill so she could talk to more people and feel confident in her own results.
"Don't worry about burdening me! You can always rely on me!"
"Wha—?! F-forever…?"
(Isn't it normal to want your friends to depend on you all the time?)
"Wow… wow…"
I heard a soft popping sound from Himeji-san, and then she froze completely.
She'd said makeup helped her speak, but sometimes during our conversations she still locked up like this.
(It can't be helped. You can't become fluent overnight.)
We'd talk during lunch, then have a makeup lesson.
It looked like this would become our daily routine.
"I wonder how long these makeup samples from the other day will last. I need money to buy more… And before that, I have to figure out my future. Even if I start working now, I won't get paid until next month. For now, I guess I'll have to find some day labor just to get through this month…"
I had one big problem of my own.
Money.
The chairwoman from my old school had covered my first month's dormitory fees.
Starting next month, I'd have to pay everything myself.
Plus, daily living expenses—food, transportation, small things—added up fast.
I'd managed yesterday and today with the few thousand yen left in my wallet, but that would disappear soon.
"What should I do…?"
Puzzled, I looked up at the sky.
After school, as Himeji-san and I were walking home together, we heard a commotion near the school gate.
"Isn't that…?"
"That idol?"
"Yeah! Wow, her face is so tiny in real life."
"Celebrities really are built different…"
A crowd had gathered.
At the center was Asuka Ashiya—the center of the top idol group Asterisk.
"Sorry, but autographs and photos aren't allowed by the agency. If you'd like, please come to our live shows or fan meetings! Everyone's waiting for you!"
With a quick wink, she sent the crowd into a frenzy of heart-eyes.
(She's really good at turning people down politely without killing the mood.)
That's probably why she's called the perfect idol.
At the same time, people say she has a slightly unapproachable aura.
She's always been kind to me, so I don't think she's distant at all…
But why is Asuka here at this school?
Does she have business with someone?
Just as I was thinking that and about to pass by—
"Ah! Five! I finally found you!"
"Eh—me?!"
(If you call me that loudly, everyone will look…)
A clear, resonant voice stopped me in my tracks.
Every student surrounding Asuka turned to stare.
"Isn't that…?"
"The transfer student from yesterday."
"Yeah, the first person who ever talked to the Ice Queen, right?"
"And he's walking home with her?"
"But now he's also connected to Asuka-chan?"
"What the hell?!"
As expected, the crowd immediately started buzzing about me.
(I've always worked behind the scenes… I'm really not good at being the center of attention like this.)
As I stood there awkwardly, a hand suddenly grabbed mine.
"Five, come with me!"
"Eh?! Eh?! Asuka-san?!"
(Wait—what do you mean 'go out with me'?!?!?!)
Ignoring my panic, Asuka pulled me along.
"Just get in the car! Sorry, everyone—excuse me!"
"W-wait—eh… eh?! Sorry, Himeji-san! See you tomorrow!!"
Asuka led me by the hand straight into a sleek black luxury car.
Just before the door closed, I caught a glimpse of Himeji-san.
She was puffing out her cheeks, glaring at me with half-lidded eyes.
"Let me out here, Ichikawa."
"Understood."
Asuka spoke to the driver, and the car began moving smoothly.
"Hey, hey, Ichikawa-san! What do you mean 'go out with me'?!"
"We have a music video shoot coming up, so you have to come support us. Also, I keep telling you—call me Asuka!"
(Oh… so that's what she meant by 'go out'…)
I felt deeply embarrassed by my misunderstanding.
"Um… why me? I'm a behind-the-scenes worker, and I can't just call an idol by her first name…"
"I don't mind at all…"
No, I mind!
"Anyway, let's put that aside. The reason I called you here is for your sake!"
"For me?"
"That's right! You'll need to earn money from now on, won't you? Do you have any plans yet?"
"Uh… not yet…"
"It's only been a couple of days, so it's natural you don't have anything solid. That's why I thought—you should come support me!"
(Wait… support Asuka?!)
"I'm supporting you? But I was planning to leave the entertainment industry completely…"
"That's such a waste! I've seen you work before. You can do so many things. It's hard to find someone as capable as you."
Asuka was so kind, even seeing me like this and praising me.
Even though my own family—the people closest to me—had never once said anything positive.
"No, there are plenty of people like me."
"No way! I really think it's a waste for you to stay behind the scenes…"
"What do you mean?"
"N-nothing! Anyway, come with me! And if it's about money, I'll pay you right away, you know?"
Ugh… instant payment?
That was extremely tempting.
"Hey, Five… is that okay…?"
(What?! She's looking up at me with those pleading eyes?!)
Phew… there's no way I can refuse when she asks like that.
Plus, I can't let her lose face in front of everyone.
"If I can be of any help… I'd be glad to!"
And so, I agreed to support Asuka.
It definitely wasn't because I thought the way she asked was cute.
Yeah. Absolutely not.