Chapter 36: Lesbian Honey

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Alright then.

After calming down Ange, I decide to call KYOKO-san. She mentioned that I could call her after 10 PM if I needed information about Kurebayashi-san’s current situation, so it should be fine.

In a way, this is quite a rare experience, isn't it? Calling a famous celebrity directly. Well, we only exchanged phone numbers, so there’s no other way to get in touch.

*Ring ring.*

“What the hell is it with you!? Don't you know how to read the room? Don’t call me at a time like this!”

Click.

I reflexively hung up after she yelled at me. That was frustrating. She told me I could call, but then she gets mad? Come on.

I don't remember doing anything to deserve getting yelled at. Maybe she was just in a bad mood because of work. I should’ve asked for her LINE instead of her phone number.

Well, whatever. It's not like I absolutely have to get in touch with her. As long as she helps with the group date arrangements, that's all I need.

Alright, the day's tasks are done. Time to relax in the bath and think about my next steps.

***

Ah, that was a good soak. I haven't figured everything out, but…

Time to hit the hay, huh?

My phone’s notification light is blinking. What's going on…

“KYOKO-san?”

I have missed twelve calls from KYOKO-san. Maybe she was in a hurry to give me some information about Kurebayashi-san.

But twelve calls? Seriously? How badly did she want to talk to me?

Well, if that’s the case, she could at least be polite when I call back.

*Ring ring.*

“Whoa!”

Just as I was thinking that, my phone started ringing again. Of course, it's KYOKO-san. If she's still trying to reach me, I guess I should answer.

“Hello?”

“…”

“Is this KYOKO-san?”

“Sorry about earlier. I was just really upset about something and took it out on you. I’m really sorry.”

Her tone is completely different now—apologetic and subdued. When she apologizes so sincerely, I can’t stay mad.

“Don't worry about it. It's fine. Was there some kind of trouble?”

“Yeah, it's work-related.”

Figures. The life of a celebrity must be pretty stressful. I can't even imagine what it's like.

“Showbiz is tough, huh?”

“Tell me about it… I never wanted to be famous or successful. But the adults in this industry just assume that’s what I want and push their agendas on me.”

“Are you talking about being pressured into sleeping with people for roles?”

“How did you guess?”

“…Seriously?”

“Yeah. People with power are all the same. They act high and mighty, but they're just as sleazy as anyone else.”

Wow, so those stories aren't just urban legends. I might start looking at famous celebrities differently now. Also, KYOKO-san's puns are just as bad as my dirty jokes.

But this raises a question. If she doesn't want to be famous, why did KYOKO-san get into showbiz?

“So, KYOKO-san, what made you get into the entertainment industry in the first place?”

“That’s obvious. I wanted to move to the city.”

“Huh?”

“To be precise, I wanted to find Mii, who moved to Kanto. She had a mental breakdown, and the Kurebayashi family moved to Kanto to help her recover. They didn't tell me exactly where, and from the countryside, there was no way to visit her.”

“What?”

“Then I got scouted, managed to move here, and used all my connections to track Mii down. I finally found her just recently.”

Wow. Determination really can move mountains. Even if Kurebayashi-san doesn't have any literal mountains to move, So, KYOKO-san's desire to apologize to Kurebayashi-san is genuine. It's strong enough to drive her actions.

“KYOKO-san.”

“I’d rather you call me by my real name when it’s not work-related.”

“Uh, okay. Then, Kenzaki-san, if you know where she is, why not just go see her directly?”

I think that's the only way to handle this without getting more involved myself. But her answer is the same as before.

“Like I said, I’m also a target for Mii's mother. If she finds out, it'll be bad. Plus, I don't think Mii would willingly talk to me.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

I get it. But Kenzaki-san, aren't you lacking a bit of resolve?

And it's clear that Kurebayashi-san hasn't forgiven her either. Her attitude towards Okutsu makes that obvious. Kenzaki-san should've explained everything properly from the start.

Well, there is no point in crying over spilled milk. Grudges are just piling up.

So, to reach the group date, I either have to win over Kurebayashi-san's mother or find a way to get Kenzaki-san and Kurebayashi-san to meet without her knowing.

What should I do?