Chapter 12 – It seems that JK Idol-san wants to be watched (part 1)
It's already June and the rainy season has arrived.
Whenever I look out the window, it's always raining, and the atmosphere is always humid.
In class, the active members of the sports club who are involved in outdoor activities seem to be happy every day. But for me, who doesn't have any club activities, this rain is just inconvenient.
Sakurazaki, who will be performing in an event this weekend, has been absent from school lately. We only communicate through phone calls every day.
She keeps calling tirelessly, and it seems like she's annoyed because I answer lazily. Sakurazaki was really angry last night.
However, she just sent an email saying that she will call tonight, so it seems like she's not too angry.
Women are difficult to deal with.
"Kou."
"...What is it, Nanamizawa?"
Nanamizawa smiled and approached me.
I had a bad feeling about this.
"Show me your notebook."
"I won't give them to you."
"Why?!"
"You were sound asleep during the lesson, weren't you? That's the consequence of your own actions."
"Eh! Please! I won't sleep again!"
"You've been saying that since middle high school."
"Please! Help me out!"
Nanamizawa bowed her head earnestly.
Well, this is a familiar sight.
"Alright, but it doesn't mean anything if you're just going to copy them. Understand and write them in your own notebook."
"Thank you, Kou."
I handed the notebook to Nanamizawa. Well, in the end, she'll just copy them.
"Hey, Kou. If I make it to the national level... Is there something I want to say to you?"
"Is it the same thing as in middle high school?"
"...It can't be, right?"
"........"
"So that's how it is."
After that, Nanamizawa returned to her seat without saying anything.
Nothing has changed, and I have no intention of changing it.
Women are difficult to deal with.
+×+×+×+
"Sakurazaki, it's finally tomorrow."
"Y-yes."
"Your voice is trembling, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine!"
"...Even though you have experience, you're still nervous, huh?"
"Yes. It might just be me, but I'm still nervous."
A day before the performance, it's clear that Sakurazaki is nervous even over the phone.
"Oh, by the way, do you also do self-introductions on stage like other idols?"
"Eh?! Ah, I don't do anything like that."
"Oh, I found it when I searched it on the internet."
"Wait! Stop!"
"What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry for lying, so please stop."
"Then try saying it."
"Mmm, Himahara-kun is really sadistic, isn't you? What can I do... "
Sakurazaki took a deep breath and started.
"With a smile as beautiful as cherry blossoms, the color of imagination is the yellow of rapeseed flowers. I am everyone's 'Nakotan,' Sakurazaki Nako desu."
"............Wow."
...She's truly a professional.
As I admired her in my heart, the call suddenly disconnected.
And about a minute later, the phone rang again.
"Sorry, I went to wash my face for a moment."
"Are you okay?"
"Himahara-kun, forget what just happened."
"But I thought it was amazing. It shows professionalism."
"Just forget it."
Even through the phone, I could feel the pressure. Truly worthy of being called a professional.
"...So, Himahara-kun isn't interested in me as an idol, huh?"
"Well, that's true."
"Ahh, that's not fair! Himahara-kun should also do something embarrassing!"
"Eh, so I should do an embarrassing self-introduction too?"
"Ah, now you're saying it's embarrassing! Ah, Himahara-kun, you idiot! You're a cruel man with sadistic tendencies!"
"That's harsh."
"It's all your fault!"
Sakurazaki rarely gets angry with such a harsh voice.
"But now you're more relaxed, right?"
"...Yes, you're right."
"Well, stay calm and do your best tomorrow."
"Okay... thank you. Oh, wait a moment, Himahara-kun."
"Hm? Is there something else?"
"So, about tomorrow's performance... there's a live stream on the internet, so I want you to watch it."
"...Alright, I'll check it out later."
"Support me, okay?"
"Yeah yeah, I understand. Okay, I'll hang up now."
"Yeah... good night."
I said "good night" before hanging up the phone.
Seems like she's a little more relaxed now, that's good.
A live stream on the internet, huh.
I searched for information about the live stream on my phone.
"Oh, so this... it's actually paid."
She really knows how to handle business.
Even that aspect, she truly deserves to be called a professional. Nothing is overlooked.
+×+×+×+
I told Himahara-kun that I wanted him to watch!
While staring at my blushing face on the phone screen, I took a deep breath.
What should I do? Why did I say something like that?!
It's only adding pressure to myself, geez!
I rolled around on the bed while groaning.
"I have to work harder."
If I do my best, Himahara-kun will praise me, right?
Maybe he'll pat my head like before.
...Alright, I have to be enthusiastic!
Translator: Janaka