Chapter 365 - Love of Error
(1)
"Toya-kun, wake up. It's morning~"
"Good morning, Airi"
"You've been obedient lately"
Airi said that and laughed.
After preparing, I ate breakfast, took my mug, and returned to my room.
I placed it on the table and watched TV while changing clothes.
ALICE's popularity seemed to be as high as ever.
But at this rate, a worry factor emerges.
Her misdeeds becoming public.
What has been done can't be helped.
But we aren't just sitting on our hands either.
"OK, I deleted her files from Stinger and the office server like you said, Toya"
Such a dangerous message ran through the Watanabe unit from the morning.
"I, maybe I should turn myself in after all..."
"You can't be indicted on a confession alone. Worrying about it is pointless."
I answered Shimomura-san.
"But..."
"Are you free around 3:00 today?"
"Eh?"
"I want to go to the office?"
"You're finally making a move, huh? We're ready on our end."
Emi-san said.
"Toya-kun, what clothes should I pick today~?"
"Hmm, I like black and red~"
"Got it~"
Airi started changing clothes.
"3:00 is fine, I have practice at the office anyway."
"Got it, then 3:00 it is."
"OK."
By the time the three of us had come to an agreement, Airi had finished changing.
I looked at net news.
Airi was also staring intently at the desktop monitor.
...As I thought, rumors were already starting to spread.
ALICE is a fraud.
The office will probably cover it up.
But they can't erase the fraudulent business practices the office itself was running.
We needed to hurry.
Before Shimomura-san got caught up in it.
I shut down the desktop and said to Airi, "Should we head out soon?"
I actually had almost no need to go to university anymore.
I'd already submitted my thesis, and I only needed to finish the required credits, but Airi told me, "Study properly until the very end!" so I was just going along with it.
Don't worry, I wrote a proper thesis for the economics department.
There's no way I submitted some crazy paper like the "Theory of Maximum Speed on Public Roads."
Even when I went to university, it was mostly just time to slack off.
Since Airi listened to the lectures, I just had her explain them to me later in simpler terms.
But honestly, Airi's explanations were so rough that listening to the instructor's lecture was easier to understand.
"How can you not get this?" she'd ask me seriously, and it was tough.
And so the morning ended, and lunch break began.
There were almost no fourth-year students.
Everyone was busy getting their licenses, staying up all night reading/drawing manga, showing up for afternoon classes, doing all sorts of things.
Among them, the Watanabe unit was also busy.
"Senpai, it seems seriously tough for you guys,"
Haruto said.
We were fine though. Airi's schedule management was godly.
It seemed tough for Makoto, Kanna, Ai-san, and Honoka-san though.
The fourth-year members of the Watanabe unit had all secured jobs. Except for Kiritani-kun.
Emi-san and the others came over.
"Preparations are complete. I've established a small entertainment agency. The capital isn't much, but that's no problem. I hired staff with connections in the entertainment industry. All that's left is to prepare the talent."
They really pulled it off overnight.
"I'll provide the office. My parents happen to have some rental properties,"
Akira-san said.
"What's the name of the production?"
Airi asked.
"USE. I left the position of CEO to Nozomi. Seems like it's fine as a side job."
"What other personnel do we need?"
I asked Emi-san.
"It's fine, the manager is already decided. Right, Akiyoshi-kun?"
Huh?
"I'll be the manager. At first I'll learn the ropes from everyone,"
"What about university?"
"Manager work isn't that big a deal, and we've hired someone else for sales, so you just need to take care of Shimomura-san,"
Emi-san said.
"Then the sooner the better. Let's snatch Shimomura-san away quickly."
"Right. Then let's head over after the third period ends."
I and Emi-san said.
"I should come too. I'm the CEO,"
"I'll go too. I'm her manager,"
Ishihara-kun and Akiyoshi-kun said.
When I looked at Airi's face, she seemed like she wanted to go too.
In the end, it was decided that I, Airi, the Ishiharas, and Akiyoshi-kun would go.
No point in a large group.
I had asked Kanna to deliver a message to Makoto.
"Identify who spread the rumors,"
Probably someone from Stinger.
"Got it. The opponent's connected to Stinger, right? You guys be careful too,"
Kanna said.
"It's fine. There might be a little commotion, but we won't make a huge move,"
I said.
Then, when the third period ended, we headed to the entertainment agency.
(2)
After classes that day too, I was having practice at the office.
The WHITE members were gathered and chatting.
Without even glancing at them, I desperately memorized the choreography.
"Arusu, get changed and come to the reception room,"
Kurusu-san said, and I changed in the locker room, feeling their cold stares, then headed to the reception room.
"About that talk... about the rumors. Is it true?"
The president said. Hiding it now wouldn't change anything.
"It's true,"
I answered honestly.
"If you get interviewed, say it's a lie. Understood? We'll take care of the rest,"
The president said.
They would probably use Stinger's power to cover it up.
"Well, leaving that aside. There's someone from a TV station who's a fan of yours. I want you to entertain them."
I didn't need to ask what that entertainment entailed.
"...I refuse. Also, there's something important I need to talk about."
"What did you say?"
"What's this important talk?"
Kurusu-san and the president's tones changed.
My legs were trembling.
"I... I'm quitting this office."
"Hah, don't be stupid!! Do you have any idea how much it cost to buy you!?"
"I've repaid that debt enough by now,"
My voice was shaking.
"Is it because of that woman who did the massive shopping spree the other day!?"
I silently nodded.
"That woman is banned from now on,"
The president said.
"Arusu. You don't think you can just wash your hands of this, do you?"
Kurusu-san said.
Until then, a man who had been silently watching, holding a wooden sword... no, a disguised sword, started approaching.
"Looks like this girl needs some discipline, huh?"
"Don't damage her face. She's an important product,"
The president said. The man came closer. I tried to run, but my legs were trembling and wouldn't move. Just then—
"Hey, beyond here is off-limits to unauthorized personnel... guh!"
It got noisy outside.
The president and the others seemed to notice too.
Soon the door opened, and Katagiri-san and the others were there.
Katagiri-san had a... Japanese sword in his left hand? Ishihara-san was carrying two attaché cases.
Emi-san looked at the president and us, then chuckled.
"Judging by the looks of things, seems like perfect timing,"
"What the hell are you people!?"
The man said.
"We came for business? Which one of you is the president?"
Emi-san said.
"I am, but what kind of business?"
"Nozomi."
Ishihara-kun brought out the two attaché cases.
"Could we have you hand over ALICE for this? I've prepared 200 million in cash."
T-two hundred million yen!?
"That's a pricey offer for an underground idol, don't you think? Mr. President?"
Emi-san said.
But the president wouldn't say yes.
"She's worth more than that. That's a tough request,"
Katagiri-kun, who had been listening silently, smiled and said.
"Could you please accept it somehow? She's too good to keep as this fraud-like underground idol. She should be able to give dreams and hope to many more people."
"Fraud...? Are you talking about the rumors?"
"That's not it. Rumors will die out soon enough. 'One-day date rights' are a dubious affair, and they could violate the Entertainment Business Law, right?"
"You bastards trying to shake us down!?"
The man threatened Katagiri-kun.
But Katagiri-kun didn't give a damn and continued talking.
"We want to handle this peacefully. Please accept these terms,"
"Don't get cocky, you brat!"
The man drew his hidden sword and swung at Katagiri-kun. Danger!
But it seemed that worry was unnecessary.
Katagiri-kun drew his sword in a flash and sliced up under the man's chin.
The man, launched upward, got impaled on the ceiling and went limp.
"I'm talking to the president. You extras shut up for a bit."
A cold voice unlike the usual Katagiri-kun.
"Th-these guys are carrying weapons! Kurusu!! Call the thugs!"
Kurusu-san tried to leave the room to call his subordinates, but his voice wouldn't come out.
I also left the room. In the hallway, the employees were beaten to a pulp...
"She's our important comrade. Could you hand her over quietly? I think it's better than having your office dismantled here and now,"
Katagiri-kun pointed the tip of his blade at the president.
"I-I understand. Do as you like..."
"Give us the contract."
The president frantically unlocked the safe and handed over the contract.
Katagiri-kun said nothing and passed it to Emi-san, who tore it into shreds.
"Good thing you're a president who listens to reason. Well then, we're taking her home. Arusu, let's go."
I was led out of the office by Emi-san.
"You know what'll happen if you touch Shimomura-san again, right?"
I felt Katagiri-kun's cold voice at my back.
(3)
"Ugh..."
"What's wrong, Airi?"
pat
"That's dangerous while driving, you know?"
"You've still got a scary look on your face, Toya-kun?"
Ah...
"Sorry, I got caught up in the heat of the moment."
"You should quit that habit."
"I won't do it in front of you."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Then I forgive you~"
We were heading to ALICE's new office.
"USE," an office that Ishihara-kun was running as a side job.
It was apparently one of the rental offices that Akira-san owned...
An office right in the middle of Otemachi.
More like a building than an office.
A five-story building.
"From today, this is where your life begins,"
Emi-san said.
Wasn't this a bit too grand for a one-talent agency?
"We've prepared coaches for both dance and singing. Practice hard. We've got a new debut song ready for you too,"
"Thank you very much."
Shimomura-san was looking around the new office.
There was a live venue in the basement.
Airi and the others were also looking around the office.
While waiting for them, I got a call from Makoto.
"How's it going over there?"
"Went as planned. What about you, Makoto?"
"Yeah, just as you predicted. The trademark isn't registered. We can operate under ALICE's name. Akira-san is handling that side,"
"Then, you're on schedule."
"Yeah, it's fine. Got a lead on where the rumors came from. Watanabe-kun and the others should be heading out to 'negotiate' by now,"
"Got it."
"Are we having a wrap-up party today!?"
"No, there's still things to do today,"
"Gotcha. Let me know when it's done."
"Yeah, I'll contact you again."
The call ended.
"Seems like things are going smoothly,"
Ishihara-kun said.
"Seems so."
"What else is there to do?"
Ishihara-kun asked.
"Akiyoshi-kun's family is supposedly a distinguished family. I hear his relatives are packed with school principals, bureaucrats, top-class people,"
"And you need to persuade them... right?"
I nodded as Ishihara-kun said that.
Akiyoshi-kun and the others came out.
"Well then, shall we head home?"
I said.
"I-I..."
"I know. Do your best."
When Akiyoshi-kun tried to say something, I encouraged him by saying "Do your best."
Akiyoshi-kun put Arisu-san in the car and headed towards the city center.
(4)
When I entered a high-end jewelry store, I said to Shimomura-san.
"U-um..."
"Yes..."
I couldn't get the next words out easily.
I remained silent for a while.
She waited for me, staring intently.
I quietly steadied my breath.
Then quietly said:
"Will you pick a ring with me?"
"...If someone like me is acceptable."
Joy welled up inside me.
"Thank you."
"No, thank you. I never thought someone like me could obtain ordinary happiness."
We had the store clerk measure our finger sizes and choose rings.
I slipped a beautiful ring studded with diamonds onto the ring finger of her left hand.
She looked a little shy.
The next day, I went to greet Shimomura-san's parents.
Her parents were surprised, but they accepted it.
The problem was my parents.
When we went to my house, I could feel her tension.
How could I ease her tension?
I naturally took her hand.
She squeezed back.
Then we met my parents.
I explained everything to my parents.
I laid out her entire background.
My father's eyebrow twitched.
Then my parents talked among themselves.
Silence stretched for a while.
Her hand was trembling.
"I never thought you'd bring her here..."
My father opened his mouth.
I had made up my mind.
If my father opposed, I would drop out of university and leave home.
I already had a job secured.
I would devote my entire life to her.
Even if it was a forbidden love.
Because she was my first and only.
"Do you plan to live your whole life as that manager or whatever?"
"Yes."
My father's voice felt very heavy.
"A man doesn't go back on his word, you know?"
"I understand."
"Did you inform her parents?"
"Yes?"
"...I won't approve of a marriage while you're still a student."
Huh?
"If it doesn't last four years, give up on marriage. It won't last anyway."
What does that mean?
"I won't allow a shotgun wedding either. I absolutely forbid any action that would disgrace the family."
My mother said quietly.
"Congratulations. I never thought Keita would get a bride..."
"Thank you very much,"
She said.
I was vindicated.
"Dad, Mom. Thank you."
"You conveyed your own will. Don't ever bend it. See it through for life."
My father said.
That day, a small party was held.
(5)
"...And so, today we celebrate Akiyoshi-kun and Shimomura-san's engagement! Everyone, let's get fired up!"
When Watanabe-kun said that, the party began!
At our table were the Tadas, the Ishiharas, Airi, Shimomura-san, and Akiyoshi-kun.
"Everyone, thank you so much,"
Akiyoshi-kun bowed deeply.
"It's the happiness you earned. Treasure it."
"But isn't balancing being a manager with the archery club and university life tough?"
"I'll quit the archery club. I can practice at home."
"...I'm sorry,"
Shimomura-san apologized. Then Airi said:
"Shimomura-san, that's no good. In a place like this, there's a more appropriate word. You understand, right?"
Shimomura-san corrected herself.
"Thank you."
Airi seemed satisfied.
"Still, marrying an idol! I'm jealous! I wanna do it too!"
Kiritani-kun was going wild again.
Makoto was pretending not to know.
"Even Makoto gets it, right!?"
Kiritani-kun mercilessly dragged Makoto into it.
"I-I've got Kanna, so I'm fine,"
"Oh? You've started saying things like that, have you?"
"H-hey, I've always been devoted to Kanna,"
"I'll believe you for now."
Kanna was laughing. But Ai-san didn't seem to be.
"You want to marry an idol that badly? Then shall I divorce you right now? Find one yourself."
"A-Ai... you're supposed to say that as a joke at times like this, right?"
The mouth is the gate of misfortune, huh...
"But I'm truly impressed you managed to get those two together. Katagiri-kun,"
Ishihara-kun said.
"Their own wills made it happen. I just guided them,"
"That's the amazing thing about Katagiri-kun,"
Emi-san said.
"Now, next month is going to get busy!"
"Is something happening?"
"Arusu. You tell them."
When Emi-san said that, Shimomura-san stood up.
"U-um. Could I ask to be invited to the Christmas party next month?"
"Of course you're invited, you're part of the Watanabe unit. Is something up?"
"I want to perform my new song for the first time!"
When Shimomura-san said that, everyone got excited.
"She's already in training. She's really hard-working. Catches on fast too. For now, we plan to dominate the local scene,"
Emi-san said.
"Then we need to prepare a place with a stage,"
Watanabe-kun said.
"It's fine. I'll use the hall at the hotel my mom runs,"
Akira-san said. The Watanabe unit really has everything.
"Will activities be local for a while?"
"I'd like to go on trips when university is on break,"
"Could you give us priority tickets?"
"Me too, me too,"
Makoto and Eita started their backroom dealing.
"Of course! I'll prepare special seats for everyone,"
Shimomura-san said.
"And one more announcement,"
Miyuki-san said.
"The heart defect of her youngest sister. I'll perform surgery to treat it. The eldest daughter's illness will need steady treatment though,"
When Miyuki-san said that, everyone got excited.
"The Watanabe unit is finally entering the entertainment world! This means we have no choice but to take over the political world too!"
That's probably impossible...
Ah, but... maybe it's possible...
"Who's gonna run!?" and "What's the platform!?"—the first party got lively with such topics.
The second party got even livelier at karaoke.
Shimomura-san sang with choreography, which made it even more exciting.
The party continued until morning.
When morning came, everyone went home.
Akiyoshi-kun immediately started moving as Shimomura-san's manager and sent her off in a taxi.
We also took a taxi home.
"Toya-kun,"
"What's up?"
"the Watanabe unit really is a strange group,"
"Yeah, it is."
"But the one who's really amazing is you, Toya-kun,"
"Eh?"
"You really did lead those two to happiness."
I should say it now.
"I'll lead you to happiness too, Airi."
"Huh?"
"I'll show you a wonderful world too."
Airi laughed.
"That's impossible."
"Why?"
"Because I'm already happy right now,"
She said and hugged me.
Someone once said:
If you mess with the Watanabe unit, you won't get away with it—happiness is waiting for you.
When we got home, I took a shower and waited for Airi.
I turned on the TV.
On a local late-night program, ALICE's shocking transfer was already being reported.
It remained unclear what was moving behind the scenes.
And then, the last month of the year arrived.