Kays Translations

Chapter 18: [Asuka’s Side] “For You Is For Me” ②

We arrived at the studio.
Then, I explained the work details to Go-kun.

Go-kun said he would greet the staff before doing makeup for the members.

I thought building rapport with the crew was a good idea because it improves the atmosphere on set, but that wasn’t his only goal.

After greeting each department, Go-kun dove right into asking in-depth questions about the work. Amid a flurry of technical terms and specialized knowledge, he carried on natural conversations with the professionals in each field.

Watching him, I started getting excited thinking about what was to come.

(This is going to be interesting!)

○ ●

After greeting the crew, we went to the dressing room to meet the members.

There was a bit of an incident—I accidentally opened the door while they were changing because of me.

Go-kun saw the members in their underwear and turned bright red.
For some reason, that really annoyed me.

(H-he hasn’t even seen me like that yet… W-wait, what am I even thinking!?)

Even though we cleared up the misunderstanding, Go-kun’s first encounter with the members didn’t go very smoothly.

And then, just as things were calming down, Suzuka spoke up.

“So who’s this guy? Don’t tell me he’s your… ‘thing,’ Asuka?”

Suzuka grinned and asked while giving me a thumbs-up.

Ugh, she has such an old man vibe sometimes.

Besides, doesn’t the pinky finger mean “girlfriend”? So the thumb… means boyfriend, right?

B-boyfriend?!

“Wha—w-what are you talking about!? N-no way, that’s not it!”

When I realized what she was asking, my face got hot, and I quickly turned away from everyone.

“Wait, seriously? That reaction is for real?”
“I’ve never seen Asuka-chan act like this before.”
“Wait, what does the thumb mean? Are you saying this guy is Asuka’s dad or something?”
“You don’t need to know yet, Kozue-chan. But hmm… this is the guy, huh…”
“Hey! Who the hell are you!? State your name!”

Oh no. Now the dressing room atmosphere was getting even weirder.

Kuon looked like she was about to lunge at Go-kun any second.

“Kuon-chan, I get that you love Asuka, but hold on. Asuka’s totally useless right now, so can you explain for us?”

Suzuka held Kuon back and addressed Go-kun directly.

“Y-yes! I’m Sakasegawa Atsumu. I was introduced by Asuka-san and I’m here today to do your makeup. It’s an honor to work with you all!”

That was the first time Go-kun introduced himself to everyone.

“Asuka-san, this new song ‘One Inch from Your Eyes’ has lyrics you wrote, and it’s super important to all of us. You understand how crucial the PV is, right? Are you sure it’s okay to leave it to this guy?”

Kuon’s words snapped me back to reality.

“Kuon, I understand better than anyone how important this is. That’s exactly why I chose Go-kun. His skills are the real deal, so don’t worry.”

It’s not like I can say my feelings aren’t involved at all, but when it comes to work, I don’t want to compromise.

And I definitely don’t want people thinking Go-kun got this job through connections.

I wanted everyone to understand: he’s here because of his talent.

“If Asuka’s vouching for him that much, he must be interesting.”
“Hmph, let’s see what he’s got.”
“I wonder what kind of technique he’ll use to delight me?”
“Can’t wait!”
“Nice to meet you!”
“I still don’t approve! Not this guy!”

It wasn’t exactly a warm welcome, but Go-kun didn’t show any signs of being intimidated.

“Go-kun, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

At my cue, Go-kun’s expression turned serious.

So cool.
I felt my heart skip a beat.

I knew—this version of him was someone I could rely on.

Do your best, Go-kun.

○ ●

“Thank you for your hard work!”
All the filming for the PV had just wrapped up.

Not just the members, but even the crew were all talking about Go-kun.

Hearing him praised made me feel happy, too.

And the moment they found out he wasn’t affiliated with any agency, the staff surrounded him, urging him to join their teams.

Go-kun didn’t seem to understand why he was being recruited so hard.

(You’re way more amazing than you think you are, you know? Everyone wants you, Go-kun—but I’m not giving you up. Because…)

“What’s all this commotion?”

President Hoshikage had arrived on set.

The atmosphere tensed a little, but I already knew the president was coming.

After all, I was the one who had invited her to the set.

○ ●

“Would you be interested in working with this agency? As support for Asterisk?”

After watching the finished footage of the shoot, the president made this proposal to Go.

“P-President!?”

Everyone—except me—was shocked, including Go-kun himself.

I had already spoken to the president beforehand. She had said if he proved himself, she’d be willing to let him join as support. It seemed he had made a good impression on her.

“With Go-kun on board, I believe Asterisk can go even higher. What do you think?”

Everyone might want him now—but that’s not going to happen.

Because… he’s going to be working with me!

But the answer Go-kun gave wasn’t what I expected.

“Asuka-san, President Hoshikage. I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline.”

“Wha—Go-kun!? Why!?”

“Right now, I want to step away from the entertainment world and experience a more ordinary life. Besides… I’m not skilled enough.”

Having supported his seven sisters nonstop until now, Go-kun’s wish for a break was completely understandable.

“…Oh dear, Asuka. You got turned down.”

“Ugh, even after everything I did, I still couldn’t break Go-kun out of his delusions…”

And I could tell he truly believed he wasn’t good enough.

After years of being mistreated by his family, Go-kun’s self-esteem was incredibly low.

(But your talent is more than enough…! Go-kun, you always sell yourself short. It’s one of your good traits, but still…)

Even if working together wasn’t possible, I had hoped today would at least give him some confidence.

But… I guess it wasn’t quite enough yet.

“Go-kun… I’m not giving up on you!”

If he wants a “normal life,” then fine—I’ll just become a part of that “normal” myself!

○ ●

(I wonder if Go-kun will be surprised?)

I was feeling giddy thinking about what was about to happen.

“Excuse me.”

I opened the classroom door and stepped inside.

The first thing I did was find Go-kun.

(Ah, there he is. He looks so surprised. So cute when he’s shocked!)

The class erupted into noise, but I had anticipated that. Without minding it, I introduced myself.

“Nice to meet you. Due to personal circumstances, I transferred here from Yumekoshi Academy. I’m Ashiya Asuka. I look forward to being with you all.”

Even as I greeted everyone, I kept my eyes locked on Go-kun.

I knew I’d be able to see him for a long time from now on, but I didn’t want to take my eyes off him for even a second.

“Alright, quiet down, everyone. Be nice to her, okay? Ashiya, there’s a seat open next to Sakasegawa. Go ahead and sit there.”

Yes! Next to Go-kun!? That’s the best seat in the house!

“Hehe, I came after all.”

Seeing Go so surprised made me stick out my tongue like a mischievous kid who just pulled off a great prank.

“You came after all!? What are you doing!?”

(Haha, Go-kun’s blushing again—so cute.)

“What’s wrong with it? I just wanted to go to school with you… I’m not letting you escape this time, okay?”

I sat down beside him and spoke honestly, letting him know my true feelings and my resolve.

“And you too, Himeji-san. I look forward to getting along.”

With Go-kun and the rest of the class around, I kept a smile on my face.

But I made sure to put some pressure on her.

The first move is critical in situations like this.

This moment would determine who had the upper hand.

I’d heard a bit about her situation from Go-kun.

If someone she’s never met suddenly talks to her, she’ll probably freeze up and turn away—won’t be able to say a word!

(Heh, if that’s the case, then she’s not fit to sit beside Go!!)

“Nice to meet you as well.”

Contrary to my expectations, Himeji-san looked me straight in the eye and responded clearly.

Huh!? Wait… Isn’t she supposed to be bad at talking to anyone but Go-kun!?

No way—don’t tell me she can talk normally when it comes to him!?

“Fufu…”

“Fufu…”

“Fufufufufu…”

How interesting!

Looks like school life is about to get very fun in more ways than one!

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