Chapter 105: Eventually, It Gets Found Out (But Only Part of It)

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Alright, how do I break this awkward silence?

While I was pondering this, Kurebayashi-san dropped a bombshell that completely changed the subject.

“Oh, by the way! Yuuta-kun, did you know that Kimura Airi-san from our class went to the same middle school as us?”

“Be-be-be-be-bear!?”

Oops, that was an unexpected reaction. I can’t afford to wake up Yuki-chan. But I couldn’t help glancing at Kumi-san, whose warm gaze quickly turned sharp.

I mean, it was only a matter of time before this got out, but why now? Kurebayashi-san is definitely one of those people who speak without thinking. I’m convinced now.

“How did you find that out?”

“Oh, actually, I heard it from Asuka-Nee.”

“What?”

That was unexpected. Sure, Kenzaki-san was a year older and went to the same middle school, so it makes sense she might know Airi…

“Apparently, there’s an annual audition at the agency Asuka-Nee works for. Kimura Airi-san applied for it.”

“Seriously?”

“Asuka-Nee was one of the judges, so she recognized her name. When she asked if I knew someone named Kimura Airi-san from F Prefecture, who attends the same university as us, I was shocked.”

“…”

Well, that was way more information than I expected. I can’t help but wonder about confidentiality, though. Is she really trying to get into the agency?

If she gets accepted, she’ll be a single mom gravure idol.

I looked over at Kumi-san, who gave me a ‘I didn’t know’ look. So, she applied without telling her family. That’s bold.

Kimura-san does have the body for a gravure idol—big breasts and a youthful face. It’s not like she can’t debut after having a child. If she made it public, she might even get unexpected support.

But if she neglects Yuki-chan for her debut, I can’t support that. Plus, she’d definitely get hounded by tabloids. It’s a risky move.

…

Come to think of it, Kimura-san did write “I want to be an idol” in our elementary school graduation book. What a blast from the past. I thought it was just a childish dream.

…

Maybe clinging to that old dream is the only way she can find hope.

“Well, at least you’ve reconciled with Kenzaki-san enough to have this kind of conversation.”

I could only manage a bland response to Kurebayashi-san, my thoughts all over the place. It’s been a while since I’ve been this thrown off.

“Yeah, thanks to you, Yuuta-kun. I feel like a weight has been lifted from my heart. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing…”

“No, it really means a lot.”

“…Okay.”

I did it for myself, well, for the group date, so I don’t really deserve her thanks.

So, the group date is basically set…

…

I have a bad feeling about the group date, but I’ll ignore it for now.

“Oh, and Asuka-Nee warned me about Okutsu too. She said he might do something crazy, so be careful.”

“…What? Okutsu?”

Another surprise! Most people have forgotten about Okutsu, the self-proclaimed “9cm Vulcan cannon.” I admit, I forgot too.

I think there were rumors about him disappearing…

“Yeah. Apparently, Asuka-Nee’s been receiving weird letters and threats, and they were from Okutsu.”

“No way!”

“Yeah. Because of that, they increased security for today’s stage, Asuka-Nee said.”

“Oh my god.”

What’s with all these plot twists? And Ange’s lines are completely missing.