10 Arima Kana's appeal

#Note : I'm writing about the entertainment industry, but it's fiction. Just enjoy the atmosphere.

________________________________________

Hoshino Aqua didn't know whether to be nervous as a man in this luxurious space, or whether to nod with emotion.

　A table space surrounded by shrubbery in the courtyard. There are bench-like chairs, and the surrounding area is hidden by shrubbery, so you don't have to worry about being seen.

　One man and four women. Moreover, the deviation score for both men and women is over 79, which is a solid lineup. Arima Kana opens her mouth under such a high pressure that if any ordinary person were present in this place, she would deflated.

"If you're in the entertainment industry class, you should keep this in mind. This is a tacitly agreed upon area and is only used when there is a secret to discuss."

　As a senior, I'm probably trying to teach them where is a quiet place when someone is around for secret talk. However, in terms of height, she is the smallest.

　It was such a place, but since today was the entrance ceremony, there was no one there. Each person prepares their own drink on the table in the middle and sits down.

A total of 5 people gathered here. The purpose was to hear from Hoshino Aqua about what happened on the set of

"Today Sweet."

"Shall I introduce myself first? It's the entrance ceremony, so it's not like everyone knows each other, right?"

　The one who spoke first was probably the one who had the most pressure among all the people gathered. She is a Shiranui Frill who has such a well-shaped face that she is said to be a nationall beautiful girl.

"I'm Shiranui Frill. In the entertainment world, I'm known as a multi-talented person. I'm good at acting, singing, and dancing.

I recently appeared in

'High School Detective Sleeps Soundly in an Easy Chair.' ''

　She bowed her head and looked at Minami who was on my left. Apparently it's clockwise.

"My name is Kotobuki Minami and I belong to Cannon Fire. Well, I've recently been doing cover and gravure work for Magazine."

　As she introduced herself, she looked at Aqua, who had brought up the topic earlier, but all Aqua could do was look away.

"Next is me. I'm Arima Kana, who belongs to Ichigo Productions. Recently, I appeared on that program 'Today Sweet'."

　Everyone knows that. Because that's the purpose of today.

"Then, it's me next! Hoshino Ruby from Ichigo Productions. I belong to――――"

　She was stopped by her older brother, Aqua, who covered her mouth from behind. It was as if Aqua knew in advance what she was going to say.

"Stop, it's confidential from here on out."

"Fugafugafuga――――"

　Ruby looked like she was about to say something to Aqua when her mouth was covered, but it looked like she was apologizing, as if she had no intention of letting Aqua know what she was about to say.

　For the time being, Aqua couldn't just leave it like that, so he removed his hand, gave Ruby a look that told her not to say anything, and returned to his seat.

"Um, sorry, I can't tell you what I'm doing now, but I'd appreciate your help."

"In the end, it's me. Hoshino Aqua, who belongs to Ichigo Pro just like this stupid sister of mine , for short Aqua is fine. Recently, like Frill, i was been appearing in 'High School Detective Sleeps Soundly in an Easy Chair'.''

　For a moment, Kana looked like she wanted to say something about Aqua's real name, but in the first place, Aqua is better known by his name as Aqua, not Hoshino Aquamarine.

To begin with, he's been around for so long that no one talks about his real name.

"That's it for everyone. Now, Aqua, please tell us about 'Today Sweet'."

　Frill Shiranui announces this as if it is the consensus of everyone present. How many celebrities can resist this?

Aqua took a small sip of the water from the plastic bottle that was placed in front of him and began talking about the scene of

``Today Sweet''.

　※ ※ ※

The original story goes back to about a year after Aqua entered the school.

　The story takes place several months after Arima Kana joined Ichigo Productions due to certain circumstances.

"Um...Vice President Miyako, I have something to talk to you about..."

"Oh, Arima-san, is something wrong?"

　Around this time, the entertainment agency Ichigo Productions continued to make rapid progress. In the actress category, Ai Hoshino, a

'woman who can only be a leading actress' is active in dramas and movies, and in the actor category, Hoshino Aqua, who has finished his growth period and left child acting, is active as a multi-talented actor. A virtuous cycle was created in which people were lifted up.

　Meanwhile, Arima Kana, who works in the department that directly reports to Saito Miyako , the vice president of production, approaches Miyako with trepidation.

　Normally, she would have consulted with the manager of each department, but Arima Kana works in a top-secret project department and reports directly to Miyako. Therefore, in terms of job title, the rank-and-file employee will be making a direct appeal to the vice president, but this consultation is not a mistake.

"Oh, Arima-san, is there something wrong?"

"Um...I received a request from someone I worked with when I was freelance before to appear on the show...what should I do?"

　Miyako checks the proposal and sender displayed on her smartphone. The sender is "Masaya Kaburagi".

The proposal is for a live-action adaptation of ``Today is Sweet''.

However, the content is mainly to sell the model to which the investor belongs, and what Kana is expected to do is act as a balancer who seeks the minimum quality for a drama.

　If Arima Kana were free, this is a deal that she would have been happy to take on. The leading actress after all. In other words, this is the most prominent role in the drama, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Arima Kana, who has only been given bit parts until now. If this caught the eye of someone, if she caught the eye of someone who could use her as an actress, Kana would grab his hand desperately.

However, Arima Kana is already a successful person who is clinging to every straw. In that case, there is no need to grasp at the second straw.

　It's not necessary though...

"Huh? The drama of 'Today Sweet'? "

　Was it unfortunate or lucky that Hoshino Aqua was there? He became interested in the proposal Kana brought to him.

"To call it a waste, isn't it a bit risky?"

"No, even though the original work is complete, it is well-known, so there is a path to follow.However, I am concerned about its purpose――No, I wonder if it will be prioritized over the quality of the drama?"

　Yes, normal works use popular original works to gain a certain amount of viewership. However, this work has the opposite structure, in which works that are expected to have a certain level of viewership are used as springboards to cast models who want to sell. This is an impossible casting if it wasn't for an internet drama.

　However, adapting a manga into a drama is surprisingly difficult. The reason for this is copyright. Basically, the original author has absolute authority. So, even if it were to be made into a live-action film, it wouldn't be possible any further. If the original author declares that, there is a risk in adapting a manga into a drama that it will no longer be aired. However, considering that several years have passed and the work has already been completed, the producers may be thinking that it is a good idea to see the light of day.

However, the question is how to view the fact that there are still strong fans even though the series has ended.

　The production side believes that this will lead to the minimum number. The performers think that they will turn their loyal fans into enemies. It doesn't mean which one is correct. Both are correct. You'll get the numbers, but if you perform badly, you'll be abandoned or flamed. It was such a risky plan.

　If you look at the proposal and the director's office, distribution is almost inevitable. The environment is the worst even for an office with a low budget, amateurs, and short-term jobs. Ichigo Productions would have rejected it even if it was the lead role.

　The only thing that bothers me is that the original story is called ``Today is Sweet.'' What's more, the person I was interested in was Hoshino Aqua -- one of Ichigo Pro's two-panel signboards.

"I'm telling you, you can't come. There's not enough money, not enough time, nothing."

"I know"

　Aqua answers while looking at the proposal on Kana's phone, feeling a little unprepared. Yes, what Kana has brought to us is an internet drama that is a collection of seasoned actors and newcomers. There is no room for serious actors to get involved. In fact, if you get involved, you will immediately end up over budget, impacting the big names, and potentially destroying the project itself.

"But it's too good to turn down this offer. It's Arima's lead role... Considering the current project, it's confidential for a while, so isn't this your last chance?"

"Maybe so, but..."

"Arima's ultimate goal is not to be that, but to be an actress. If that's the case, you'll need a track record."

"…I wonder if this will be an achievement?"

"Well, if you do it normally, it'll just be a dark history. I can see it being rated 1 star on the internet."

"Then..."

"However, these guys are aspiring models, and this drama is about increasing their popularity. Then there's plenty of carrots to dangle."

"No, I guess that's the case with you, but… is there any profit for Ichigo Productions if you go that far?"

It was a project that was brought up out of the blue. If it were a normal office, it would have been a project that would have been scoffed at. However, Aqua and Miyako seriously consider it. I can't help but wonder about the benefits and disadvantages of an office on a scale that I have never considered before. Until now, Kana had only thought about herself. She couldn't think otherwise , but now.

　When she was a child actress, she acted as the people around her told her to do, and was admired, but as her season passed, everyone left one by one, and all that remained was a girl who clung to her past glory as an actor. Although she had her reasons, I think she was lucky to have been picked up by Ichigo Productions. She brings a project that can be called a legacy of her past to the office, and causes the two people who are her benefactors to argue.

　Kana couldn't help but feel sad. However, it is her instinct as an actor that it is difficult to give up on the lead actress.

　know. It's a choice I made myself. But before that, it is my instinct as an actor to want to let my work bloom. that's why----

"Vice President! Please. I know you're being selfish. But--but I'm...an actress."

　I wonder if I'll interrupt Miyako and Aqua's argument. When it comes to organizations, I can see how reckless this is. It wouldn't be surprising if she got fired on the spot. But still, being an actor is the last bulwark I've been able to hold on to. And then, at that last stronghold, the last chance came. If so, is it an actor's instinct to want to devour her?

"Because. Well, since you're a newcomer, wouldn't it be a good idea to have a story published in some of the magazines I'm in, to motivate you?"

"I don't think you'll have a problem with that, but what about you as an Ichigo professional?"

``Is this a sign that the former genius child actress is coming back? Or wouldn't it be better if she starred in something like this for the first time in a long time? Originally, Arima Kana needed a certain level of recognition. "Today Sweet'' had a lot of fans. Well, it looks like they're gathering people who can direct. Well, Kaburagi-san has probably calculated that."

Masaya ya Kaburagi --- In the original work, he is an amused producer. He is a producer who comes into contact with Aqua and the others in various ways, and even in this life, Aqua is indebted to him, and their relationship remains one of lending and borrowing.

" If I could improve my acting here, it would probably be a normal three-star work.I'm an amateur, so it's a bit of an afterthought.''

"Hmm, well, it's an internet drama, so if you take that into account, there's a benefit to Arima-san as the lead actress. There's also the appearance fee..."

"Mr. Kaburagi, I don't know that Arima joined Ichigo Pro yet, so it must be from her free agency days, right?"

"Ah, um...if I can appear, I can do it all at the office."

"No, it's according to the contract. But, well, let's just say this time I'll use Arima-san's foil."

　As long as you belong to an agency, it's a business. If that were the case, appearance fees would have been an issue, but I was relieved that this time around, I was able to receive the appearance fees before I joined the agency.

　The reason why Arima Kana was used was because she was not affiliated with an agency and her appearance fee was low.

"Arima-san, please have Kaburagi-san send me the consent and contract."

"Y-yes!"

　She raised her head, clapped her hands in front of her chest, and was genuinely happy to be starring in a leading role for the first time in a while. Even if the scene is likely to be problematic, the protagonist is the protagonist. I felt a strong desire to do my best from the bottom of my heart.

　For some reason, I felt eyes on me from the side, and when I looked up I saw Aqua looking at Kana with a smile on his face. It was an expression that like looking at a child , and Kana couldn't help but pout.

"What...…"

"No, that's good."

　Aqua's words, laughing as if it were never his own, made she feel a little relieved.

　※ ※ ※

Arima Kana was sitting in the open meeting space set up at Ichigo Productions' office, waiting for Aqua.

　Today is the first meeting of

"Today Sweet".

Participants will be performers Arima Kana and Hoshino Aqua from Ichigo Productions. Aqua is an escort to let people know that she , Arima Kana belongs to Ichigo Pro.

"Ah, loli senpai. That's right, today is the 'Today Sweet' meeting, right? Show me the script !"

　Ruby probably came to the office for a lesson, wearing a comfortable shirt and pants, and suddenly appeared.

"No. Most of the time, we don't even appear in the same work, so there's no way we can show it."

"Oh, look, I'm from the same office as brother."

"No"

　Even though they are in the same office, there are lines to be drawn. There are things that can be easily shown and things that cannot be shown. Knowing that making a mistake could be fatal, Kana flatly refused Ruby's request.

"Eh, you're an ass loli !"

Ruby said, but once trust is lost, it takes time to regain it. Kana knew that best.

"So, are you waiting for something, Senpai?"

"Aqua. It's already past the meeting time, but he..."

"Sorry, I'm late."

　I was about to say,

"What are you doing?"

but over the top of my voice, I heard the slightly panicked voice of Aqua, who must have been panicking from the back of the office.

"It's you---"

"Ah, big brother is in serious mode."

　It was Kana who gasped. Hoshino Aqua appeared from the back of the office. I understand that. Lately, we've been seeing each other almost every day. That's why I thought I was used to seeing a considered handsome in Aqua's. No, that's what I wanted to think.

But apparently that was a mistake. His thin, silky golden hair was styled with wax, and his face, which could only be described as beautiful, looked prettier than usual, perhaps because he was wearing makeup. The texture of his skin may be better than Kana's. Furthermore, he wears an obviously expensive-looking watch on his right wrist, the shirt, jacket, and pants he wears are marked with recognizable brands, and he has sunglasses in his breast pocket. What's more, it's not just casually worn, but it's organized around a unified theme to the point that you'd think it could be featured in a model magazine.In short, it's...

"(So cool)"

　It had given Kana such a shock that her vocabulary was poor. His younger sister Ruby must have been used to it, as she casually talked to him, saying things like ``Today is an important day,''

as if it was nothing.

"Well, it's your first time. If you decide now, it will be easier later."

　This is the first time I've seen him in this outfit, and it seems like he was prepared just for this occasion. From Ruby's words, he doesn't do it very often---From Aqua's point of view, it might not be something he wants to do outside of work. However, this time I did it not as a job, but as a mere support For what?

"(Maybe, for me?)"

　The main character of "Today Sweet'' is Kana. Aqua will take on a manager-like role. However, he still made decisions to make Kana's job easier. That made me incredibly happy.

"Hey, Arima. It's my fault, but I'm late. Let's go."

"Oh, wait."

　Whether he knows about Kana's feelings or not, Aqua calls out to Kana as usual and tries to leave the room. Ruby said to them, "Be careful!"

to send them off.

"Wait! Where are you going? The exit is this way."

"What about the parking lot?"

　They both realize that their destinations are different. What are you saying to each other? This guy? However, the first thing I noticed was Aqua said ,

"Oh, by any chance, aren't you trying to go by train?"

"No? I took the train every time."

"Huh...there's no way I can go by train..."

"Ah!"

　Kana and Aqua have been together ever since they were child actors, and after joining Ichigo Productions, they see each other almost every day. So she didn't notice. It turns out that Aqua is a handsome actor who can be paired with a national beautiful girl.

"Let's go. I've reserved a hire car."

"Yeah"

　It was Kana's first time using a taxi to get from the office--when she was a child, she took her manager's car, and when she was freelance, she took the train--so she followed behind Aqua, feeling a little confused.

　At the back entrance in the opposite direction from the entrance, there was a direct road like a rotary, and a black car was waiting there. It feels like it's a purveyor, and it makes you think of the clear difference between the current Kana and Aqua. When Aqua approached the car, he opened the door and turned to look at Kana without going inside.

"――――What are you doing? Come in quickly."

"eh?"

I was a little surprised that I had never been escorted before, but I was sure we didn't have much time, so I got into the car as Aqua told me to. Aqua got in the car as well, closed the door, put on his seatbelt, and told the driver, ``Please, let's go.''

　``Allright,''

the driver announced, and the car slowly started moving. The seat was softer than the cars Kana had driven in the past, and even though it was moving there was hardly any shaking, giving it an unnecessarily luxurious feel. Kana and Aqua were relaxing in their seats while looking out the window at the cityscape.

"――――You're used to it. Are you playing with it?"

"Huh? That's normal, normal. In fact, I'm sure Arima is used to it. She was more senior than me."

"...Get rid of me before you treat me like that. I went all the way there at my own expense and went back at my own expense."

"That's...sorry."

"Okay. It's just a fact."

　Although he was aware of Kana's situation, he felt unable to stay in the entertainment industry because it was out of line with Aqua's common knowledge of the entertainment industry. He let out a small laugh and opened his mouth as if to ridicule her.

"Come to think of it, Ruby also said that you rarely dress like that?"

"Ah, it takes a lot of time to prepare and it's a hassle. However, it would be less troublesome if we finished rating the performers first. It would be intimidating if I was the one backing Arima."

"Heh, hmm, huh~"

The reason for Aqua's work mode is calmly stated. However, all of this is just a small play that Aqua uses to make it easier for Kana as an actor in the minefield of ``Today Sweet.''

　I was glad that Aqua went out of his way to protect Kana, even pretending to be troublesome.

"what is it ?"

　Perhaps he didn't like Kana's mocking tone, Aqua turned his head from where he had been looking out the window. In the same way, Kana also has something she wants to say to Aqua, so she turns her gaze towards Aqua and they face each other.

"I can't believe Aqua went so far as to want to see my acting. Aqua, you really like my acting, don't you?"

　I thought that if Aqua was a little embarrassed or upset by this, I would be able to repay the joy that was born in Kana, but Aqua was stunned, as if he didn't understand what she was saying. With an expression like...

"I wouldn't go this far if I didn't love it."

　The moment Kana heard those words, she instinctively felt that she couldn't show her current face, so she hurriedly reflected her face out the window again.

"???"

　Aqua didn't seem to understand why Kana suddenly turned away, and when he looked through the window glass, he had a confused expression on his face. I, Kana on the other hand, was so hot that I could tell that her face was bright red without even looking in the mirror.

　Kana knows that Aqua's casual words were not directed at Kana herself. However, even so, what was said in Aqua's usual calm tone was understandable as Aqua's sincere words, and as time passed, the embarrassment and happiness that began to well up came to an end. i don't know.

"fool...…"

　She muttered a few curse words to disguise her current feelings, but Kana's maiden heart didn't seem to stop beating faster for a while.

"Did you say something?"

"Noisy // urusai "

________________________________________

Driver: ``Amae...''

It started with a reminiscence of " Today Sweet''.

However, the meeting is not over yet! Aqua's Work Mode comes from the belief of using whatever you can.

Kana is the heroine in this episode, so it can't be helped that she's cute! The story of how I joined Ichigo Pro is on the back burner, but I plan to write about it later.

Next time, Aqua will attack Ichigo Productions' short construction period, low budget, amateur construction site.

Thank you for reporting any typos. Thank you for your help.

If you like, please give us your impressions and ratings. It would be a great encouragement to me, so I would appreciate it if you could give me your thoughts.

Ichigo Productions

' president is Saito Ichigo and vice president is Saito Miyako.

The male and female actor categories are now Ai, the ``woman who can only do the leading role,'' and Aqua Hoshino, the ``national handsome man.''

・The idol division is currently on hiatus because it is reminiscent of the legendary B Komachi

. ・The company has purchased its own building, which serves as an office, a place for lessons (dance and singing), and a pick-up and drop-off place.

・There is a rental company that we have a contract with, and you can make reservations. (Fees are billed directly to the office)

- Although the number of employees is medium-sized, the influence is high. Or rather, when Ai appears on the back program, the front and back programs are flipped.

It's word count is 4,117.