Volume 13 Chapter 163 Shirogane Aqua, Summer Temptation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After finishing up with Claire-san, I move to the park square in Shirogane Kingdom with everyone.
”Okay, this time we have a special guest helping us with the shoot, the former student council president of Otomezaki High and a member of Beryl, Natsuki Sana-san!”
Hearing Emily’s introduction, my brain freezes for almost a minute, unable to process what’s happening.
”Wait? Summer King!?”
”Nice to meet you, Aqua-kun!”
No way! The Summer King, who’s still chasing after beetles, shouldn’t be involved in stuff like this!
I might not be in a position to say anything after using Claire-san as my outlet and entering my own little zen moment, but it feels wrong to go after someone who seems so innocent.
Or maybe, just like Claire-san, who looked pure but turned out to be quite the tease, Summer King also seems innocent but is actually a bit naughty?
”Hey, look Aqua-kun! A cicada shell!”
No way, that can’t be right…
Claire-san looked all sweet and innocent but had a wild side, so I felt something deep down.
But here’s Summer King, picking up a cicada shell and getting all excited, looking like she hasn’t grown up from being a little girl.
Noticing my confusion, Summer King leans in to look at my face.
”Aqua-kun, you don’t seem very energetic today. Is something wrong?”
”N-no, I’m fine. Just a little surprised, that’s all.”
Yeah. Just now, when she looked at me from so close, I realized that the Summer King, evolving from a high school girl to a college girl, is blooming from a beautiful girl into a stunning beauty.
Honestly, the simple white dress and straw hat combo is such a classic look, and her long black hair just makes it even more perfect. It suits her so well because she’s simply gorgeous.
”Look, I found another cicada shell, so I’ll give this one to you, Aqua-kun.”
”Oh, thanks!”
Even I, who usually gets excited about stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles, can only be happy about a cicada shell until elementary school.
It seems like she’s slowly growing up to be a proper adult, but when I think about how she’s still the same Summer King inside, it gives me a mix of happiness and a bit of guilt that’s hard to describe.
”Hey, um, what are you planning to do today, Summer King?
”Oh! It’s going to be like a date between me and Aqua-kun, and we’ll be filming it, right?”
What does that mean?
I turn my gaze towards Emily.
”Aqua-sama, come over here for a sec.”
Emily waves me over, and we sneak behind some grass in the park to talk quietly.
”Actually, the scriptwriter, White Liquid Love-sensei, really wants us to start from a proper date…”
”I see. Ai, I mean, White Liquid Love-sensei is the type who cares about the introduction.”
There are indeed many adult videos like that.
It varies for different guys, but generally, a lot of people skip that part.
I’m the type who watches from the beginning to show appreciation to the creators, but I’ve heard that the introduction is also meant to get the actresses in the right mood.
”Aqua-sama, even just the date scene has a lot of demand for us girls as pure dating material, so could you help us with the filming, even if we can’t go all the way? If we can’t do that with Natsuki-san, our White Liquid Love-sensei will step in instead!”
”If that’s the case…”
Thanks to Claire-san, my urges have been reset for now.
And if I do get worked up, Claire-san will take care of it again tonight, so I have no problem at all.
Emily and I stop our sneaky talk and head back to where Summer King is waiting.
”Welcome back, you two. Did you finish your talk?”
”Yeah. Summer King, looking forward to today’s shoot!”
”Me too, let’s do our best! Aqua-kun!”
I move to the spot Director Hongou indicated.
Looking around, I noticed the staff working in the Shirogane Kingdom glancing over at us.
”Sorry! We’re about to start filming a date scene, so everyone, please cooperate!”
”””””Kya~!”””””
Girls really do love this kind of stuff, huh?
Emily, even though she’s the director, was bowing her head like an assistant director, asking everyone for their help with the shoot.
”Okay, let’s start with Scene 1!”
I took off running in the direction she signaled.
On the way, I pretended to check the time on my watch, and just before reaching the designated point, I slowed down, put my hands on my knees, and caught my breath a little.
A good actor can control not just tears but also sweat.
I moved my body a bit before we started filming for this performance.
Wiping my brow lightly, I looked up and gave a serious gaze to Summer King, who was right in front of me.
”Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?”
”Nope. I just got here.”
I let out a small sigh and relaxed my expression upon hearing those words.
Seeing that, Summer King reached out and placed her index finger on my lips.
”Sorry, that was a lie. I was actually so excited I’ve been waiting since 4 AM.”
Summer King’s girly feelings showed on her face, and I felt a little flutter in my chest for a moment.
In that instant, I remembered what Kohina-senpai had told me.
’All of us actors aim for that blurry line between acting and not acting.’
’What do you mean by that?’
I didn’t understand, and I stopped the movement of my chopsticks as I slurped my ramen next to Kohina-senpai.
’Don’t you ever realize while watching a drama or movie that this is acting, that it’s a made-up story?’
’Ah, yeah, like when the acting is really bad?’
I felt bad for Tsuwabuki-san, but Hana-ata was really terrible.
No matter how good the staff is or how great the lead actress Ayafuji-san is, if there’s even one person in the cast who’s bad, that moment pulls the viewers back to reality.
Since I’m a newbie and a guy, the picky viewers and those who just want to enjoy the drama won’t let that slide. That’s why big actresses like Kohina-senpai, who can even influence the casting around them, make sure to warn the producers not to use any bad actors.
It’s harsh, but that’s how the acting world works.
Dramas aren’t there to train someone; if you’re on TV or in movies, you have to deliver the best quality. Only those who can handle that pressure are the real actors.
’Yeah, that’s true. But if you act too perfectly, it can come off as fake. That’s why stars, especially your mom Yukishiro Mikuni, are popular──she has the talent to make her acting feel real.’
’Real…’
I gulped down the ramen left in my mouth, set my chopsticks down, and turned my face toward Kohina-senpai.
’Right. I’m just an actress who acts logically, not a star. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get that talent. But you have it.’
’Huh…? But…’
The works featuring actress Kohina Yukari are praised by the public and the industry for their high quality and immersive experience.
I never think about whether Kohina-senpai’s acting is real or not.
That’s why I didn’t understand what she meant.
’That’s why I say I act logically. Just like how some forgeries are valued more than real art, you can make people believe it’s real. I’m not as simply structured in my thinking as you or Mikuni.’
’Wait, did I just get called simple-minded?’
’Oh, if you realize that, you’re foolish but not an idiot. Good for you! This is what growth looks like. Good job, good job.’
No way, even if you press your boobs against me and say ‘good job,’ I won’t be fooled!
Personally, I’m a bit… no, I’m really happy about it!!
’Just kidding, but for an actor, having a simple mind is a good thing. It’s actually a compliment. You don’t have to overthink like me, and you can dive right into your role, so much so that you can become the real thing. That’s a talent of yours, so make sure to cherish it.’
I was praised normally by Kohina-senpai, and I didn’t know how to react, so I looked away.
’Hehe. That’s just how you’re still a kid.’
’Well, I mean, I’m still a child.’
’Oh, right! I just remembered you’re still a little kid who can’t even drink alcohol!’
No, no, I can accept that cooking is a bit much, but I can’t believe you, who can’t even clean, is considered an adult!! But, putting that aside.
Huh? Then why did Kohina-senpai take me on as her disciple? Our acting styles are completely different…
’Then you’re wondering why I made you my disciple, right?’
I nodded silently.
’I wanted to see it. I’m a bit of an acting nerd myself, so I wanted to see the perfect form of an actor. The talent of Yukishiro Mikuni mixed with everything I’ve polished. You have the potential to reach the highest peak as an actor. Luckily, you don’t look bad… well, you look pretty good, and you’re tall enough to stand next to foreign actresses and actors without looking out of place. Your voice is good enough to work not just as an idol but also as a voice actor or Vtuber. Of course, you can sing and dance too. You have everything anyone would want as an actor. I know you want to focus on live performances and music shows as an idol, but this experience will definitely mean something for you as an idol too. See, it’s not a bad deal, right? You, who are seriously pursuing being an idol and trying to make that image real, understand this the best, don’t you?’
I thought, yeah… that makes some sense.
But I also felt like I might never be able to beat this person in my lifetime.
’Oh, you were just thinking about whether you can beat me, right? Just so you know, do you really think you can win against me? I said that earlier, but for the rest of your life, I’ll be sitting on top of you like a heavy rock, sticking my tongue out and going “bleh!” Because honestly, that sounds way more fun!’
Kohina-senpai spread her arms wide, moving her tongue up and down while rolling her eyes.
What a kid! Even elementary school kids wouldn’t act like that.
’Grrr!’
Seeing Kohina-senpai acting so childish made me feel a mix of disbelief and frustration.
”M-maybe 4 AM is a bit too early?”
Summer King kept glancing at me.
I mean, it’s way too early to make a boring comment about it.
The story by Hakuryuu Aiko… or rather, White Liquid Love, is just like that.
Remembering Kohina-senpai’s earlier antics, I realized Summer King is similar to me and Mommy Mikuni.
Summer King is smart like Emily, but you can tell from her actual performances that she’s not the type to act purely based on logic.
”That’s not true. Just thinking you were looking forward to it made me happy.”
I timed it just right to meet Summer King’s gaze, letting my expression soften into a shy smile.
In the next moment, I saw the sparkle in Summer King’s eyes as her cheeks slowly turned a natural shade of red.
It was like she had truly fallen in love.
But this wasn’t something Summer King did on her own; it was her natural reaction brought out by my acting.
Thanks to Kohina-senpai’s transformation of me, I could reach this new level. It’s the ultimate performance that combines the shining talent of Yukishiro Mikuni, who only makes herself sparkle, with the effort of Kohina Yukari, who makes everything else shine too.
I spread my true self to those around me.
This is the new realm I’ve reached.
Of course, I can’t just aim for it yet.
Even if I can, the only thing I can pull out is a good performance from someone like Summer King, who’s close to my type.
”Alright, let’s go!”
”U-um.”
I naturally take Summer King’s hand, and that’s when Emily shouted, “Cut!”
”Wow. Director Emily-chan, White Liquid Love-sensei, this is already like a prime-time drama. Let’s air it as a prime-time drama!”
”Director Hongou, Emily-chan, isn’t this more like an adult video now?”
Yeah, yeah.
Honestly, I feel satisfied with Claire-san, so personally, I’m okay with either way.
Emily shakes her index finger back and forth in front of the two.
”That’s why the erotic part is important. It’s okay if you can’t trust me, but please believe in the power of female eroticism!!”
Female erotic power, huh… I thought, but after seeing Claire-san’s true nature, I can’t say that for sure.
Until now, the people around me have been pretty normal, based on the standards I had from my first experience with Kanon, but there are also many girls who love being naughty, like Yuki, Pegonia-san, Victoria-sama, and Emily.
Thinking about it that way, there might be a lot more girls who seem to be holding back but are actually quite naughty.
”Let’s keep shooting the next scene!”
Summer King and I are just casually dating inside Shirogane Kingdom.
We go fishing together at a fishing spot and play some sports, and it didn’t feel much like a date with a girl, but I had a lot of fun.
”Look, look, big catch, big catch!”
”Wow, I lost! Sana is really good at fishing!”
I’m healed by Summer King’s smile as he proudly shows off the fish he caught in the bucket.
I could fish with Shintaro too, but I thought it was nice to do it like this on a date.
We move to a place where we can play sports and enjoy tennis together.
It’s not that I wanted to see Summer King’s mini skirt flash, it’s because the script said so!! Thank you, everyone!!
”Yay! I just won my first game against Aqua-kun!”
”Ugh, I got hit.”
Summer King hops around happily.
In this world, there aren’t many guys who work out, so it’s not often that we can play sports together. I really enjoy playing sports with Summer King, who is good at everything.
Tenga-senpai works out too, but he’s not very athletic. Still, I think it’s amazing how hard Tenga-senpai tries in action scenes.
”Alright, this is the final date scene. We’re filming from a hidden angle from here!”
The last date scene takes place in a park.
I walk through the park with Summer King.
”Hey, look. Aqua-kun, a little fountain!”
”Wow, you’re right!”
Summer King suddenly lets go of my hand, playfully kicks off his sandals, and starts splashing around in the little fountain.
The moment I see Summer King’s innocent expression while he plays, my heart feels hot, contrasting with the warmth of his hand slipping away.
I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but whether it’s Kanon or Ayana, I tend to fall for this type of person.
Even though I have a reputation for being a bit dense, I’m starting to understand myself a little better.
”Sana, be careful running around like that!”
The script says to have fun at the fountain, but I can’t help but worry that she’s getting a bit too carried away.
”I’m fine, I’m fine. Oh!”
Whoa, that was close!
I catch Sana as she slips.
Phew, thanks to always covering for Kaede when she trips, I was able to react quickly.
”Hey, I told you not to run!”
”Sorry…”
Looks like she’s a bit remorseful.
I gently pat the head of the sulking Summer King.
Well, tripping wasn’t in the script, so from here on, it’s all improv.
”But, I don’t want to go home…”
Not a bad improv line.
Summer King looks up at me, staring intently.
”I don’t want to go home either.”
We gaze at each other, framed by the fountain behind us.
I want to kiss her. Before I could even think that, I send a signal to Summer King with my eyes.
──I’m about to kiss you, but if you don’t want to, you can dodge or stop me.
”Sana”
”Aqua-kun…”
Summer King and I slowly bring our faces closer.
At that moment, even though I was acting, something intense pulled my gaze away.
”Oh, Aqua-kun, and Sana-chan.”
Summer King and I freeze as we look in the direction of the voice.
”You two, you’ve already become that kind of relationship without telling me!!”
Huh? Wait, is this part of the script?
I quickly glance at the filming crew hiding behind the bushes
All 3 of them turn pale and shake their heads vigorously.
Wait, could this be… a huge crisis?
I can’t say we were secretly filming an adult video with your daughter. Guhehe!
Prime Minister Habu gives my frozen shoulder a light tap.
”Aqua-kun, Sana-chan. You two, let’s go to that shop over there and talk about what’s been going on.”
”Y-yes.”
S-someone, help me!!
As Prime Minister Habu drags me away, I reach out towards the 3 who were saluting from behind the bushes, hoping for help.
So next time, it’s a parent-child meeting.
Aqua, I think you know, but do your best for Agewa-san who’s waiting for the next part!
It’s still okay. I’m sure Emily, Director Hongou, and White Liquid Love-sensei will help… probably!
Next time, Aqua, you’ll be in big trouble! Look forward to it!!
But putting that aside, Aqua is simply being totally praised by Kohina-senpai for his talent, and then he completely forgets it all after being silly and goofy.
I think Kohina-senpai was quite the strategist here.
Maybe she thought she praised him too much, so in a panic, she acted silly to cover it up.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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