Volume 13 Chapter 248 Inori Hisui, The Three Who Are Of Concern
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
There are three famous people in my class.
One is Sumeragi Kukuri-chan, known by every Japanese national.
”Kukuri-chan-sama, you’re as dignified as ever today—truly wonderful.”
”Yeah, she’s the same age as me, yet so composed. Her poise and posture are flawless, making her one of our school’s twin jewels alongside second-year Kanon-sama.”
The girls around me gaze at Kukuri-chan with starry eyes.
Kukuri-chan, envied by peers and seniors alike, has never been seen mingling with anyone, even after a semester.
I gather my courage and ask why no one talks to her.
”Huh? No way! She’s Kukuri-chan-sama!”
”Exactly. I’d worry about saying something disrespectful.”
”Our worlds are just too different.”
”My grandma once asked for her autograph, but I was told, ‘Don’t be disrespectful.’”
”Mine prays daily to photos of Kukuri-sama and Aqua-sama.”
”That’s still better. My grandma worships a Holy Aqua Religion jar of the Four Saints. Shumi and Nee-san are fine, but Sommelier or Hagetoru? No way.”
The conversation drifts from Kukuri-chan.
Hmm… Being from the same agency, I avoid unnecessary interaction at school to prevent cliques. But this feels off.
Kukuri-chan may have noble blood, but she’s a high schooler like me. I want her to have friends too.
It’s not just Kukuri-chan who feels distant.
”Oto-san’s amazing, right?”
”Totally! Despite social media drama, her maturity and indifference are cool.”
”That actress aura! I admire her as a peer.”
”Her side profile—even I, a girl, get flustered.”
”Both her and Kukuri-chan seem ageless.”
”Oto-san’s ‘don’t talk to me’ aura is intense but captivating.”
Actress Oto Rurika-san.
I thought she preferred solitude, but apparently not.
She’s been glancing here, subtly.
No one notices, but it’s happened repeatedly.
Thanks to Aqua Producer’s training, I sensed it.
‘Don’t look—feel the fans’ gaze, their heat. Return it precisely when the moment strikes. You can do it without seeing.’
Starting with small gigs, I honed this skill.
Without it, I’d never have noticed Oto-san’s gaze.
It made me realize how extraordinary idol Shirogane Aqua is.
Now, I want her to return my gaze.
In that fleeting moment, idol Shirogane Aqua always responds.
In that instant, he gives his best self to that person.
Doing this every second during a 3-hour live—unbelievable.
Fans always leave saying, “I made eye contact with Aqua-sama!”
I aspire to be like him, even if it’s audacious.
I won’t lose to Milk Dipper, eau de Cologne, or Fairies.
I glance at Fairies’ ace, Kato Iria-san.
”Hm?”
Oops, Iria-san noticed immediately.
Top idols are so perceptive.
I smile, averting my gaze.
Iria-san rarely mingles with classmates, maybe due to her seniority.
Is it okay for them—Kukuri-chan, Oto-san, Iria-san?
Maybe it’s none of my business, but I can’t help worrying.
I return to my seat as the teacher enters.
Next class is homeroom, right?
”Today, decide on cultural festival exhibits. Executive Committee, come forward.”
Yay!
I’ve been excited for this.
Otomezaki’s festival is legendary—success or failure, it’ll be memorable.
”Any ideas?”
”Yes!”
Takoyaki, yakisoba, ghost house—standard fare fills the board.
The teacher mutters,
”2A’s doing a fashion show in the courtyard. Aqua-kun and Kanon-san will walk together at the end…”
”””””””Ehhhh?!””””””””
The class erupts.
That pairing in 2A? Unfair!
Amid the chaos, someone whispers,
”Should we counter with our own fashion show?”
”””””””Eh?””””””””
Huh? What?
Isaka Chitose-chan steps forward.
”The courtyard’s symmetrical. We can split it for a fashion showdown!”
”””””””Ooooh!””””””””
Hmm, doable…
But who’ll participate?
”We have Sumeragi Kukuri, Oto Rurika, Hisui Inori, and Kato Iria! 2A’s strong, but we can win!”
”””””””Yaaaay!!””””””””
Wait, me? I’m just a country girl!
This expectation’s overwhelming… But if it helps bridge the gap…
Festivals are great for bonding.
All eyes are on us.
”You can leave me out.”
Iria-san speaks first.
”Me too.”
”…Same here.”
Kukuri-chan and Oto-san nod reluctantly.
Ah, I’m last…
Everyone stares at me.
”Then… I’ll join too.”
”””””””Yaaaay!!””””””””
With our agreement, the class cheers.
Embarrassing, but their joy makes it worth it.
”Hold on. Are you sure? You can refuse if it’s inconvenient.”
The classroom falls silent.
”Maybe the teacher’s right.”
”It’s okay to refuse.”
”Sorry, I got carried away.”
”The festival’s fun either way.”
Classmates apologize one by one.
They’re so kind.
”I’m in. Fighting Ayana-chan and Aqua-sama? Yes, please!”
Only Iria-san would say that…
Idols need that drive, I guess. Aqua Producer always says, “No physicality, no idol.”
”I’m fine with it. I’m on hiatus anyway…”
Oto-san’s smile is bittersweet.
Her edge is too sharp. I wish she’d soften up.
Kukuri-chan, show your true feelings!
She was happy to be asked, but only I noticed. Be more open!
”It’s embarrassing, but a fashion showdown would be memorable.”
The class erupts again.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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