Chapter 37: I Need an Opportunity

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“By the way, Kenzaki-san, aren’t you busy with work?”

I started by checking on Kenzaki-san’s schedule, as it was likely to be the biggest concern.

“Filming for the drama is done on my part, so it’s mostly lessons for a while now. I do have some one-off gravure jobs, though.”

“…Lessons?”

“Yes. For some reason, there’s talk of me debuting as a singer. They even suggested some shady favors for convenience.”

I felt like I just heard something serious, but she seemed unbothered by sharing it with me. Not that I have the influence to spread it anyway.

“Seriously? You’re on the fast track to stardom.”

“It’s just a hassle. I’d rather be doing gravure work in a swimsuit than going through all these lessons.”

Is that so? Well, Kenzaki-san did start as a gravure model. She’s got the looks and the body for it. She made quite a splash when she debuted with her sharp eyes, voluptuous figure, and long, straight hair.

“But are you okay with people looking at you in a swimsuit?”

“People will always look at the opposite sex that way, no matter what you’re wearing. Besides, I chose this job.”

“Really?”

She has a strong sense of professionalism, despite her chaotic personality. She doesn’t seem to mind the work itself, even if she’s not aiming to become overly famous.

Anyway, I didn’t call for small talk. It is time to discuss our strategy.

…

“So, should I subtly ask Kurebayashi-san about you first?”

“Please do.”

“I still don’t quite get your character, Kenzaki-san.”

“There’s no need to put on an act for you.”

“So you are putting on an act. Well, I guess that’s the entertainment industry.”

“Exactly. You should feel honored to know a celebrity like me.”

Honestly, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Dealing with a psycho lesbian is just tiring.

But if it means I get to attend a mixer with a junior model from the same agency, it’s worth the hassle. Opportunities like this are rare, and the quality of the mixer is priceless.

“Anyway, thanks for handling the mixer.”

“I don't like lying, so it's up to you to make it happen.”

“Got it. I'll keep you updated on any progress. By the way, can't we use LINE or something? Timing calls is tricky.”

“I don’t use Line or Facebook. Too much hassle.”

“…What?”

“I don't need it. I have no one I need to contact.”

“Is that okay for a celebrity?”

That was a surprising statement. You'd think someone in her line of work would want some level of social media presence for fan engagement.

“Well, just call me if anything comes up. Sometimes I might not be able to answer, though.”

“Alright.”

I wished she'd be more reachable, but I ended the call there.

Wait, did I get a message during the call? It’s from Mitsuhide? What does that traitor want now?

“Okutsu is missing. Did he come your way?”

I'll leave that on hold. Not my problem. Kurebayashi-san might know more about Okutsu anyway.

Ring, ring.

“Damn!”

A sudden call startled me while checking the message.

It’s from Mom? I must be really popular today, despite having no reliable friends.

“Hello?”

“Yuuta. Did you say something weird to Ange?”

“…What?”

“Well, she was in the bath for over an hour. When I checked on her, she'd fainted. She kept mumbling, ‘I need to be prettier for Onii-chan.’ It worried me.”

“…” I might need to talk to Ange and clear this up later.