Chapter 8 – It seems that JK Idol-san is interested in phone calls
Ah... I'm tired.
After taking a bath, I lie down on my bed, facing the fan.
I notice that my phone, which was placed on the desk, is vibrating and making a sound.
It's probably a message from Sakurazaki, I thought, but it turns out to be a phone call.
"Oh yeah, we exchanged numbers on the rooftop."
For a moment, I remain silent as I answer the call.
What's going on?
"Um, excuse me, is this the Himahara’s house?"
The voice sounds different, more formal than usual.
Did they mistake this for a house phone?
"It's me, Sakurazaki."
"Oh, Himahara-kun! I got nervous there."
"But you're calling my phone, not my house phone."
"Oh, really? I thought I was calling your house."
Oh, so it wasn't a senile moment after all.
"So, was there something you wanted?"
"Um... Well..."
Sakurazaki's voice momentarily trails off.
"Well..."
"So, you don't have anything to discuss?"
"I-It's not like that! Even if I don't have anything to talk about, can't I call you?"
No, actually, it's quite bothersome.
"Don't you often talk to your friends on the phone? As an idol, you must have friends, right?"
"Some people send me emails, but I don't call them. It's difficult to call when I think we're both busy."
"Oh, I see."
Indeed, there can be hesitation or mutual respect among colleagues in the same industry.
"Oh, I didn't get to say it properly earlier, but t-thank you for today. And sorry for crying so much."
"Oh, it's okay. More importantly, are you the type who easily cries? Like at work."
"I don't cry at work! And in front of others... I can't cry."
"So, can you hold back your tears in front of me too? I struggle with that."
"I'm sorry, but... I feel comfortable around you, Himahara-kun. Or, well... I can't help it."
Does she see me as a sounding board or something?
"Hey, did you watch the variety show I mentioned earlier when you came home? I was on it, right?"
"Oh..."
"From your reaction, I guess you haven't watched it yet?"
"Sorry, I was taking a bath at that time."
"Mou! I told you to watch it."
"Okay, okay. I'll watch it next week."
"Huff. You don't have to force yourself to watch it."
I've made her angry again.
"Is it really that important for me to watch you?"
"Today's episode was the one where I appeared in my casual clothes, and you misunderstood my casual clothes as a jersey, so I wanted to show you my actual casual clothes..."
I was about to say, "Is that really important?" But I sensed that she would get genuinely angry if I said that, so I held back the words in my throat.
"Ah, I see. Then, I'll search it and watch it online later."
"Make sure you do!"
"Yeah, yeah."
At least this should slightly improve her mood.
"Is it enough for today? If you don't sleep now, tomorrow will be tough, right?"
"...Yeah."
Sakurazaki answers with a hint of disappointment.
"It's not like it's a final farewell. You can call anytime you want."
"...Can I call even without any reason?"
"Oh, yes. So, I'll end this call now."
"Wait a moment, Himahara-kun."
Sakurazaki stops me as I try to end the call.
"Good night, Himahara-kun."
"......G-Good night, Sakurazaki."
And then, I end the call.
Good night... huh?
Translator: Janaka