Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 17: [Asuka’s POV] “For You Is For Me” – Part ①
“Mom, isn’t there anything we can do to help Go-kun?”
“Well, the school has already done everything it can…”
In the director’s office at Yumekoshi Academy.
This was after Go had completed the procedures for his withdrawal and left the room.
“Haa… What should I do?”
I was wracking my brain.
I wanted to save Go-kun, who had likely sunk into the depths of despair after being cast out by his family.
Just like I was saved that day.
“The academy’s role may be over, but perhaps there’s still something you, Ashiya Asuka, center of Asterisk, can do?”
Something I can do as a member of Asterisk?
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well… how about offering Go-kun some work?”
That was something only I could do.
(That’s right—now that he’s been freed from the Amagasaki agency, I can invite him to work!)
“That’s a great idea! There’s a PV shoot coming up the day after tomorrow—it’s perfect! I’ll invite him!”
I had overheard Mom and Go-kun talking, so I knew what school he had transferred to.
I decided I would head to Go-kun’s school the day after tomorrow.
(Wait for me, Go-kun. I’m going to surprise you!!)
○ ●
“Asuka-chan, please give me your autograph!”
“P-please take a picture with me!”
“I’m sorry, those kinds of things are against agency policy. But please come to our live shows or fan meetups. We’re all waiting for you!”
I know how to turn people down without killing the mood or creating a scene.
I’d learned how to look at myself objectively and respond appropriately through years in the entertainment industry.
(It’s a necessary skill for being an idol, but sometimes I really hate how I’ve become this way…)
As I was thinking that, I spotted the person I was looking for.
“Ah, Go-kun! I finally found you!”
“Eh? Me?!”
Oops—I called out without thinking.
When it comes to Go-kun, I stop being “Ashiya Asuka the idol” and just become my true self.
“That’s her, right…?”
“Yeah, the guy who transferred in yesterday, right?”
“He’s the first one to talk to the Ice Queen, isn’t he?”
“Wait, isn’t he trying to go home with her too?”
“And now he knows Asuka-chan too?!”
“Wait, what’s going on?!”
All eyes were on him now, and Go-kun looked embarrassed.
Sorry, but you being flustered is seriously adorable!
…But wait, who’s the beautiful girl next to him!?
“Ice Queen”? Going home together? What the heck is going on!?
While I had looked away for a second, this happened…
I meant to surprise him, but I’m the one getting shocked here!
I couldn’t bear it any longer—I took Go’s hand, pulling him away from the other girl.
“Go-kun, go out with me!”
I declared it loudly enough for the girl next to him to hear.
(I know it’s a way that’ll cause a huge misunderstanding, but I don’t care.)
“Eh?! EHH?! Asuka-san?!”
“Just get in the car! Sorry, everyone! Coming through!”
“W-wait, huh…?! S-sorry, Himeji-san. See you tomorrow!!”
(Hmph… “See you tomorrow,” huh… I’m jealous he said that to her.)
Just before getting into the car, I caught a glimpse of the girl next to Go-kun.
She puffed out her cheeks, glaring at me with a sharp look.
Seeing her like that, I couldn’t help but smirk inside—I’d pulled one over on her.
At the same time, I was surprised at this side of myself I hadn’t known existed.
○ ●
“Drive, Ichikawa.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I gave the driver a quick command.
“Wait, wait. Asuka-san! What did you mean by ‘go out with me’?!”
(He’s panicking. It’s so cute, really.)
“There’s a PV shoot coming up. You’re coming with me. And I’ve told you, just call me Asuka!”
To clear up the misunderstanding, I explained what was coming next.
And as always, I told Go-kun—who insists on adding “-san” to names—to just call me without honorifics.
“Uh, why me? I mean, I’m just someone behind the scenes, I can’t call you without honorifics…”
“I wouldn’t mind if you did, though…”
Even so, this is still progress. Before, he used to call me by my last name with “-san”.
My little goal is to one day have him call me by my first name, with no honorifics.
“Well, let’s put that aside for now. Why did I invite you to work? It’s for you, Go-kun!”
“For… me?”
Then, I explained to Go-kun why I invited him to the job site.
Go-kun was being modest, but having seen him in action several times on set, I can say with confidence—there’s no one of his caliber.
Not only that, but with his cute face, I think Go could even stand in the spotlight himself.
No one’s noticed because he hides his face behind his bangs, though.
It makes me happy to feel like I’m the only one who knows how amazing Go is—but there’s also a part of me that wants everyone else to see how great he is too.
I want to keep him all to myself, but I want his greatness to be known… Maybe this is how my fans feel about me, too?
Ugh, this is complicated…
○ ●
After Go-kun agreed to take the job and our conversation had settled down, I brought up something that had been on my mind.
“So, Go-kun, that super tall, drop-dead gorgeous girl who was next to you… who was she?”
Yes. I had been wondering about her since that moment.
“Uh, she’s a friend from school. Yeah, just a friend!”
“A friend, huh…? You just transferred yesterday and you’re already friends with a beauty like that, huh…?”
Suspicious. And the way he’s flustered? Even more suspicious.
Even though I’m not his girlfriend, and technically he can meet any girl he wants, this strange fuzzy feeling is bugging me.
“Um… well, you see…”
When I stared intently at him, Go-kun started explaining even more than I asked.
“Hmm… I see…”
After hearing everything, what I thought was this: that girl might be a rival.
I mean, she was saved when being harassed by delinquents, got to see Go-kun enjoying his food adorably, had him help with her makeup and change her image, and then even reformed those delinquents…?
“What the heck… anyone would fall in love after that. Go-kun doesn’t realize it, but he’s surrounded by tough competition already… and now there’s another one like that… I…”
“Asuka-san, what’s wrong?”
Oops—did I just say all that out loud?
Go-kun looked like he was deep in thought and didn’t catch it. Thank goodness…
But still—how dare he think about anyone other than me right in front of me?
He was totally thinking about that girl, wasn’t he? I can’t forgive that!
“Nope! Nothing at all! But seriously, were you thinking about another girl in front of me just now?”
“Wha—n-no, that is…”
Bullseye.
“Hmph, you’ve got some nerve. I’m going to make it so you can’t think about anyone but me—so be ready, okay?”
Today, I’ll make sure Go-kun burns the image of me working hard as an idol into his memory—for good!!