Chapter 6: The Girls Gather and Compete

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Translator: Soafp

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The floor-to-ceiling glass window faced a busy main street, yet none of the noise from outside could be heard.

High above the skyline of buildings, the sky, which had once been clear, had turned cloudy. Beams of sunlight filtered through gaps in the clouds, casting soft light on the plain carpet.

“I see… I think I’ve grasped most of your situation, Hajime-sensei.”

Sitting on the sofa across the low table, Hizaki-san set down her coffee cup and took a breath.

“Y-yes, sorry for causing you any trouble.”

As I awkwardly scratched the back of my head and replied, my eyes suddenly met those of Kousaka-san, who was sitting right next to me.

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and for some reason, she shyly turned her face away.

But still, she was too close… way too close.

Even though the sofa could comfortably fit four people, we were sitting so close that if I moved even slightly, our elbows might touch.

If one of Kousaka-san’s fans saw this situation, I was certain I’d end up floating in Tokyo Bay by morning.

“Sorry to both of you, but it seems the director and his team are stuck in traffic, so we might have to wait a little longer—”

Knock knock.

Everyone’s attention turned toward the door. Someone was knocking on the reception room door.

“Come in,” Hizaki-san called out.

The door slowly opened.

“Excuse me.”

A clear, beautiful voice filled the room. A young woman entered.

Her face was as delicate and perfect as a doll’s, and her figure was graceful and well-balanced—she was stunningly beautiful, the kind of beauty that made you sigh in admiration at first sight.

The woman slightly bowed her head and quietly stepped into the room. Her movements were so elegant, like she was performing on stage, that I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

“Ara, could you be…?”

As the woman entered the room, she locked eyes with me and gazed intently, almost studying me.

I was startled by her deep, onyx-colored eyes that held a hint of melancholy. I quickly averted my gaze, only to meet the pouting face of Kousaka-san.

This isn’t good. She might think I’m being careless.

I need to get my act together…

“Are you Hajime-sensei?”

“Eh?”

Hearing my name, I turned back to face the mysterious woman.

“Ah, let me introduce you. This is Hajime Rangaku, who is currently making waves in the field. And this is singer and actress Kagura Shinomiya. Like Kousaka-san, she’s one of the double heroines chosen for this movie.”

Double heroines… So these two are… Now that she mentioned it, both of them resemble the characters Miyabi and Aoi from my novel. Even their hairstyles are almost identical.

“Nice to meet you, sensei. Feel free to call me Kagura.”

Shinomiya-san leaned forward slightly, smiling down at me.

Wait, that posture is dangerous. The neckline of her white blouse was skimming a very perilous line… And she’s much more casual than she seemed earlier.

This must be her real personality.

I couldn’t help but glance at her neckline twice as that thought crossed my mind.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp gaze stabbing into my back, and I hurriedly bowed my head to break eye contact.

“Aha, is the sensei shy? How cute!”

Shinomiya-san cheerfully teased as she unexpectedly sat down next to me and grabbed both of my hands.

“Eeh!—W-what the—”

“I’m a huge fan of yours, Sensei! Please shake my hand!”

Ignoring my flustered state, Shinomiya-san spoke excitedly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Wait, Shinomiya-san, you're already shaking my hand… though it's kind of forced…

I mean, I hardly ever hold hands with girls. Even with Miyabi and Aoi, my childhood friends, it was only back when we were in elementary school.

At sports festivals, it was practically routine for my female dance partners to give me a sour look.

“Hey, Kagura! I haven't even had the chance to do that yet!”

“Heh? Uwa!”

Before I knew it, the hands that Shinomiya-san had been holding were suddenly snatched away by Kousaka-san, who reached out from behind me.

Confused by what was happening, all I could do was let out a dumbfounded noise.

“Oh come on, it’s not a big deal! I was looking forward to meeting him too, you know? Plus, it feels like you've already gotten closer to him, Marin. Ara fufu, wait—aren't you sneakily holding his hand too?”

“Ah…! S-sorry, Hajime-sensei!”

Embarrassed after being called out by Shinomiya-san, Kousaka-san quickly let go of my hands, her face flushed bright red.

The rollercoaster of emotions—the happiness and embarrassment—was overwhelming me. If this keeps up, my heart won’t last.

I tried to calm myself, taking a deep breath and patting my chest.

But wait… do these two know each other? They've been calling each other by name…

“Ahem! …I hate to interrupt your fun, but may I continue with the discussion?”

Hizaki-san cut in, looking somewhat awkward as she spoke.

“Y-yes, of course.”

I bowed my head apologetically, and both Kousaka-san and Shinomiya-san gave me sheepish smiles, bowing their heads in turn.

“Alright, before the director and producer arrive, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the basic outline. First—”

As Hizaki-san started reading the documents in her hand, I suddenly felt something touch my right hand. Startled, I looked down.

A slender, graceful woman’s hand had gently placed itself on top of mine, resting on the sofa.

The soft, warm touch enveloped the back of my hand, and a shiver ran down my spine.

Swallowing nervously, I stole a glance at Shinomiya-san. She smiled softly at me, her lips curling as she gazed at me with a sultry sidelong glance.

But just then, I felt the same sensation on the back of my left hand.

Panicking, I turned my head, only to see Kousaka-san holding my left hand, her lips pouting as she glared fiercely at Shinomiya-san.

What on earth is going on…?

As Hizaki-san calmly continued reading through the materials, a cold sweat formed on my forehead, and all I could do was stare at the floor in silence.