Chapter 55: Sponsor

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Translator: Soafp

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When they told me to “meet in person and convince them,” I had assumed I'd be dealing with agency staff or some executive.

But the person I actually had to convince turned out to be… someone completely unexpected.

“So, you're the sponsor?”

Red twin-tails tied with black ribbons. A heart-shaped choker.

A pale pink off-shoulder blouse full of frills, with a large black ribbon at the chest.

A short black high-waisted skirt, with sheer black stockings peeking out beneath.

A girl dressed in full-on “jirai-kei” fashion bluntly addressed me. [TL: Jurai-kei –> it features “dark girly” fashion—black and pink clothing with ribbons, bows, and laces—often worn to signify emotional intensity, obsessive tendencies, and association with alternative youth culture.]

“Yes, not yet officially a sponsor, but my name is Ren Fukagawa.”

That's right—the person I had to face was the idol herself.

And not just any idol, but the very red-haired girl from my “nightmare”—the one struck by lightning.

“I mean, I'm not one to talk about age, but… aren't you a bit too young to be a sponsor?”

“Well… I've simply had some success with investments. I understand your concerns, but I intend to fulfill my role properly as a sponsor.”

“Honestly, I don't really get complicated stuff. I just want to shine as an idol. But…”

She suddenly slammed her hand on the table and stood up.

“Why are you trying to get in the way of ME standing out!?”

She's intense…

More hot-blooded than a “Landmine” honestly.

Still, her desire to become a star was unmistakable.

“Hey, that's enough! What are you doing? Sit down! …My apologies, Fukagawa-san. Our Miyoko is being very rude.”

Another woman sat across from me—the manager.

From what I'd heard, the agency wasn't very large, so she also handled producing.

“Don't call me Miyoko!! I'm Kokoa!”

“Apologize!”

The manager grabbed her head and forced it down in a bow.

I smiled awkwardly.

“I don't mind.”

So “Kokoa” must be her stage name, and Miyoko her real one.

“S-Sorry…”

She apologized more obediently than expected.

Then, beside me, Airi spoke calmly.

“Kokoa-san, could you explain specifically what you're dissatisfied with?”

“Because! I'm the center, right? The center stands in the middle of the stage! But the sponsor said I can't stand there!”

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. We're not saying you can't be the center—we're asking that the exact middle of the stage be left open.”

“That's the same thing!!”

As her voice rose again, the manager covered her mouth.

…Then why bring her here in the first place?

The manager turned to me.

“I do have one question. Why must the center of the stage be left empty? It's not impossible, but it does involve choreography changes, so we'd like to understand the reasoning.”

Apparently, the other members were also suspicious.

Fair enough.

Even I thought it was surprising they were still negotiating at all.

(I can't exactly say it's because she'll get struck by lightning.)

The very person I was trying to protect was the one opposing it the most.

What a mess.

For now, I'd go with the excuse I'd prepared.

“Our company collaborates with firms in Silicon Valley to collect big data for AI.”

“Big data…?”

“Yes. Specifically, we need performance data from artists influenced by new media rather than traditional legacy media. We want to analyze how audience reactions and venue atmosphere differ depending on media influence.”

“I see, but how does that relate to leaving the center empty?”

“We'd also like to collect data on how audiences react to unusual staging conditions.”

Even I knew it was a stretch.

But for a small agency, verifying IT jargon would be difficult.

So I just strung together buzzwords like AI, big data, and new media.

“I see… This is a guerrilla performance, so experimental staging would be easier. It does make sense.”

Thankfully, the manager seemed somewhat convinced.

But Kokoa still looked unconvinced.

(I need to present a clear benefit.)

What she wanted wasn't money—it was fame.

Something visible.

“Kokoa-san, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by our request.”

“Eh? N-No, you don't need to apologize…”

When I bowed, she panicked a bit.

Hard to read her at all.

“As compensation, we'll run a one-week advertisement featuring you as the main focus of your group on the large screens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing.”

“…!”

Both Kokoa and the manager widened their eyes.

For a small agency, that level of promotion was no small matter.

They began whispering to each other.

I pressed further.

“If that's still insufficient, then unfortunately we'll have to withdraw the sponsorship—”

“No!”

Kokoa suddenly stood up again and grabbed my hands.

“Please, sponsor us! Redoing choreography to leave the center open is no problem at all!”

“That was fast…”

Still, persuasion succeeded.

After that, only minor adjustments remained, which Airi handled.

Surprisingly, she was very capable with paperwork.

(She's more talented than I thought.)

Likely due to her various part-time jobs—and natural ability.

Plus, she must have had a good education before her father's business failed.

This success owed more to Airi and Nodoka than to me.

(That settles it.)

It had been an unexpected expense, but the problem seemed resolved.

Now we could enjoy the idol live show without worry.

Relieved, I moved to another table so as not to interrupt Airi and the manager.

But for some reason, Kokoa followed me.

“Do you need something else?”

“No, I just wanted to talk with you, sponsor-sama.”

“Talk?”

She grinned and pointed at Airi.

“That secretary of yours is super pretty. Is she your… you know?”

She raised her pinky finger suggestively.

…Why the sudden personality shift?

“It's not like that.”

“Reaaally? She was staring at you the whole time. Her ‘I like you' aura was leaking everywhere!”

I couldn't confirm from where I sat.

Though technically, she wasn't wrong.

“So, what do you think of me?”

“Eh? Well… you're good at singing and dancing, and you're cute. I think you have strong potential as an idol.”

“Right!? You've got a great eye! Will you keep supporting me from now on?”

“I'll consider it. But this sponsorship is for the group, not just you.”

But then, she suddenly sat next to me and pressed close.

I could feel her warmth and faint perfume.

“Ehh, don't say that~ I want a long relationship with you, sponsor-sama!”

…Is this her way of selling herself?

I wasn't even really a company owner.

I didn't know how to respond.

Just as I was about to refuse—

“Ara, Kokoa-san. Are you also interested in that kind of relationship with our boss?”

Airi had returned, glaring at her.

Kokoa flinched and quickly moved away.

“N-No! I was just joking… Wait, what do you mean ‘also'?”

“Our boss is more aggressive than he looks. Are you okay with that as an idol?”

“W-What!? With that face!?”

“…What's that supposed to mean?”

I didn't think I looked particularly gentle…

“Trying that kind of ‘pillow business' with him would be quite difficult, you know?”

“Haha, you're joking! I'd never do that!”

“Well, fine. Shall we go, boss?”

“Y-Yeah.”

As I stood up, Airi immediately clung to my arm—almost like she was showing me off.

“…Airi?”

“Even I get jealous when I see you getting close with other girls.”

“I wasn't getting close—”

“Let's ask Nodoka what she thinks. If we agree, you'll need to be punished.”

…At this rate, I was definitely getting punished by both of them.