Continuation of the events from the previous chapter...
We are here, you just have to enter the room behind this door. The man said authoritatively.
I got it, thank you for your assistance. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
Yes, I shall go back to my post now given that the participants have now been completed. The man said coldly, leaving Mizuki alone.
Waiting room, huh? Behind this door is my fellow participants...and even potential my friends too. Mizuki said coldly, gulps It's now or never, I just hope that...my suspicions aren't true. Mizuki said hesitantly, letting out a sigh.
Mizuki calmly opens the door and enters the room.
Sorry for being late, everyone. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
She closes the door behind her and scans the room.
"So, it's true that even international participants can join? There's a lot of foreigners here...I think I was the only Japanese who have joined-" Mizuki taught to herself.
Mizuki's eyes widen when she saw her 4 friends in sitting next to each other.
"What? So, my suspicions are...Damn it! Now, I have to fight against them for the prize pool. It's not that I know the rules already but I have a bad feeling about this! Why? Why does it have to be them? Damn it!" Mizuki taught to herself, clenching her fists.
Mizuki! Come here and sit with us! Hiyori said enthusiastically.
I approaches them and sits next to them.
I didn't expect my suspicions to be true...So, all of us have taken part in this show? Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
I knew it, you already have a hunch about us being here too because of our conversation about "secrets" in our supposedly last bonding time for a while. Shiho said calmly.
We know how smart you are, Mizuki! Even though you practically fails the subjects at the University. Yushiro said sarcastically.
I already anticipated you to be here. Given the prize pool, We can already infer that you won't let this opportunity to be missed...you are the only person I expected to see here and join along with me. But, surprisingly seems like this 3 also tagged along. Shinichiro said coldly, letting out a sigh.
Why do you seem so disappointed? Hiyori said, feigning annoyance.
Now, now! Yushiro said warily.
So, obviously my reason to join here is because of the loansharks and my mother's medical care. What could be the reasons as to why you guys have joined here too? Y'all are the least persons that I expected to see here. Mizuki said curiously, adjusting her glasses.
My reason for being here? Well, it's because I want dad to stop working now in his cafe...due to some lack of personnel, he was obligated to work there himself now too! That's why, I wanted this prize money in order to have sufficient money for our savings and so that he can finally rest...If he still wants to run the cafe, at least with the money we can get even more personnels. Yushiro said hesitantly.
My reason for being here is simple. Out if 5 of us except Mizuki, I was the only one who has a financially unstable family...Just recently my Father's Toy Company gets bankrupted, we are struggling financially for months now. The reason I joined is to try my luck and win the prize money in order to give comfort in our lives that we've lost a few months ago. Shinichiro said coldly.
The reason behind my application here is...to have a better future, I can see that with the prize money and other prizes here Me and My Dad's future will be secured! This was also my Mom's dream for us before she passed away. Hiyori said calmly.
The reason of why I am here today is because, I just want to show my true self on everyone else in the world especially to my parents! People only sees me as an affluent that is binded by expectations. While that is true, I want to show them that I was still a normal woman and I want to make myself even tougher to face the adversities that I might face in the outside world once I am there again and I want to have the courage to stand up for myself and be independent...I have no intention on winning the prizes, I was just here to express myself. Shiho said, her tone is sad.
A static can be heard in the huge speakers surrounding the room.
Hello, housemates! Call me, Grandmaster...I will be the one who will be responsible to y'all throughout your journey here inside my house! Grandmaster said enthusiastically through the speakers.
What the hell? Mizuki said curiously.
It's just like your typical reality show, huh? Shinichiro said coldly.
First, let me introduce you to one another! Starting from the first participant up to the last, shall we begin? Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Yes, please. A korean man said calmly.
Who the hell was that? Mizuki said curiously, adjusting her glasses.
He's somehow familiar, I feel like I've seen him somewhere before. Shiho said curiously.
Starting with our Participant No. 1! He is from South Korea, 22 years old and a well known fashion model and influencer! Please welcome, Jang Jae Jung! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
That was quite a blast for an introduction. Please, just call me Jae Jun from now on! Jae Jung said calmly.
So, that's why he is familiar! I've saw him in the recent fashion magazine before. Shiho said enthusiastically.
Moving on to Participant No. 2! He is from Tokyo, Japan, 20 years old and A College Student! Please welcome, Yushiro Takegawa! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Wow, so you are the second one who registered as a participant, huh? Hiyori said teasingly.
What does that mean? Yushiro said, feigning annoyance.
Stop whining and just introduce yourself. Shinichiro said coldly.
Just call me Yushiro, nice to meet you all! Yushiro said enthusiastically, bowing politely.
Moving on to Participant No. 3! She is from Brooklyn, New York City, 23 years old and an absolute thug in the streets there! Please welcome, Valeria Granger! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
The fuck you callin a thug, huh?! Valeria said irritatingly with a scowl on her face, she then let's out a sigh Just call me by my surname, I prefer that more than my stupid given name! Valeria said arrogantly.
She seems to know how to impose control, huh? But she seem so stupid to me. Shinichiro said coldly.
Hey! She might hear you we can't have you get pulverized here now. Mizuki said sarcastically, playfully elbowing him.
I know, I was just joking. Shinichiro said coldly.
Well, it's hard to discern whether you are joking or not base on your expression. Shiho said teasingly.
Well, whatever. Shinichiro said coldly.
Moving on to our Participant No. 4! Another one from South Korea, 20 years old and she is a College Student and a well known Volleyball Athlete! Please welcome, Yoon Ji-Hye! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Nice to meet you all, just call me Ji-Hye. Ji-Hye said confidently.
Wow, she gives off an energy same as you Shinichiro! Shiho said teasingly.
Shut up, We don't even know her yet. Shinichiro said coldly.
See? Shiho said sarcastically.
The other three chuckles.
Moving on to the Participant No. 5! He is from the Philippines, 25 years old and A popular gaming streamer and also a College Student! Please welcome, Albert Burgoz! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Uhm, so...Good Morning to y'all, just call me Al! I hope we can get along well during our time together and nice to meet you all. Albert said enthusiastically.
It's obvious that he is trying to mask his anxiousness with that facade unlike those 3 that came before him. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
Why am I not included? Yushiro said, feigning annoyance.
Because, it's obvious that you are about to wet your pants earlier! Hiyori said sarcastically.
Participant No. 6! She is from Spain, 28 years old and is a Psychologist! Please welcome, Sofía Castillo! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Hola! My name is Sofía Castillo and you can just call me Sofi, Mucho gusto en conocerlos a todos! Sofía said enthusiastically.
What did she said? Hiyori asks curiously.
She said "Nice to meet you all". Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
You can understand Spanish? Shinichiro said coldly.
Yes, I learned a bit about it in the past... Mizuki said coldly, looking away.
I see, you really are a smart one! Yushiro said appreciatively.
Participant No. 7 is the next one! She is from Tokyo, Japan, 20 years old and a College Student also the sole heir of one of the biggest conglomerates in Japan! Please welcome, Shiho Kanzaki! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Wow, what a blast! Hiyori said enthusiastically.
That's your time to shine now. Mizuki said calmly, adjusting her glasses.
Greetings, I am Shiho Kanzaki and you can just call me Shiho. It's my pleasure to meet and be with you all here at this moment! Shiho said confidently, bowing politely.
See, I know you could do it. Mizuki said reassuringly, patting Shiho's back.
Thank you, Mizuki. Shiho said appreciatively.
You did a great job! Hiyori said enthusiastically.
Participant No. 8's turn now! Also from Tokyo, Japan, 20 years old and is a College Student! Please welcome, Shinichiro Sakurazaka! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Wow, so you're the 8th! Just next to me, what a coincidence! Shiho said enthusiastically, letting out a chuckle.
Shinichiro lets out a sigh.
Just call me Shin. Shinichiro said coldly, politely bowing his head.
His introverted ass is emerging again. Yushiro said hesitantly.
Shut the hell up, man. Shinichiro said coldly.
Alright, Participant No. 8! She is from Los Angeles, California, 21 years old and is a College Student she have also starred in some minor supporting movie and tv series roles! Please welcome, Avary Cardigan! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Nice to meet you, everyone! You can just call me Ava for short, let's get along and have fun in our time together! Avary said enthusiastically.
She really is the real deal! Yushiro said enthusiastically, completely mesmerized.
Wow, I didn't expect to see her here too! Hiyori said in awe.
Next is Participant No. 9! He is from Germany yet he is a born Japanese, 23 years old and is a Nursing Intern! Please welcome, Konrad Matsumoto! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Good morning, everyone! You can just call me Rad, Let's take care of each other and have fun! Konrad said enthusiastically, bowing politely.
So, let me see...Basically, I can deduce that by his surname he's father most likely is the Japanese one and that he was raised here in his early life due to his somehow fluent Japanese Accent and him knowing the culture even though what he have shown is just basic bowing before going to Germany and pursuing life there. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
We have 3/5 yet, Hiyori and Mizuki still doesn't get introduced. Shiho said calmly.
Next, Participant No. 10! He is from London, United Kingdom, 24 years old and is a newly rised name in Mystery Novels. To put it shortly, a novelist! Please welcome, Michael Sinclair! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
A pleasant morning to everyone! You can just call me by my pen name Kael, it's a pleasure to be with you all today here. Michael said in an elegant manner.
Wow, he sure knows proper etiquette that's one thing! Yushiro said in awe.
Well, what did you even expected? Given the way he acts it's clear that he is from a prestige family just like our Shiho here. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
Wow, you can really? Hiyori said enthusiastically.
Well, let's just say that it's quiet easy and quiet a drag at the same time. Anyways, if he really is who he claims to be then I would really love to get his autograph! I am a fan of his mystery novels. Mizuki said enthusiastically.
What's with all of this fan girling? Shinichiro said coldly.
It's finally time for Participant No. 11! She is also from North Korea, 19 years old and is in the Freshman year in college! Please welcome, Jang Hye Jin! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Greetings, I think I am the youngest here so you have me on your care! Just call me Hye Jin, nice to meet you. Hye Jin said enthusiastically.
Jang? Isn't that... Mizuki said hesitantly.
Well, maybe it's just coincidence...since the surname is pretty common in Korea. Shiho said hesitantly.
Maybe... Mizuki said hesitantly, letting out a sigh.
Mizuki glances at Jae Jung and Jae Jung immediately looks back.
Is something the matter? Mizuki, right? Jae Jung said calmly.
"Did he just called me by my name? How did he know my name when I wasn't even introducing or getting introduced myself? Perhaps, he is eavesdropping on us all along?" Mizuki taught to herself, scratching her head.
You have surprisingly good Japanese! Hiyori said enthusiastically.
Well, I studied in Japan back in my middle up to highschool days. Jae Jung said calmly.
Well, yes...I am Mizuki and there's no problem at all. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
I can definitely see it on you, you're wondering if I am related to Hye Jin? Jae Jung said calmly.
Well, technically yes. Mizuki said calmly, adjusting her glasses.
To answer your question...maybe, I guess. Jae Jung said sarcastically.
Quite the secretive plotter, aren't you? Mizuki said sarcastically.
Well, we're currently in a competition right now...you should learn how to play your cards right, I am pretty sure that you are aware of that and is agreeing with me by any extent. Jae Jung said calmly.
Well, I can't deny the fact that you have a point. Mizuki said coldly, letting out a sigh.
Jae Jung just lets out a chuckle.
"This guys is pretty suspicious, he's good at hiding things. I don't know if it's a talent bit surely this guy is someone who knows how to keep his cards and reveal them at the right time...there is more to him than meets the eye, that's for sure." Mizuki taught to herself, eyeing him fiercely.
Hey, don't tell me that you're into him? Shiho said teasingly.
Shut the hell, am not! I don't have time for shits like relationship. Besides, men are nothing but a piece of crap...I mean not everyone, but to some extent, majority of them is. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
"Just like that asshole father of mine." Mizuki taught to herself, letting out a sigh.
Participant No. 12 is up next! She is also from Tokyo, Japan, 20 years old and is a College Student! Please welcome, Hiyori Yonebayashi! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
You're up, Hiyori! Shiho said enthusiastically.
You can do it, good luck. Mizuki said calmly.
Good morning, everyone! My name is Hiyori Yonebayashi, you can just call me Hiyori. Nice to meet you all! Hiyori said enthusiastically, bowing politely.
You're the only one who didn't got called, Mizuki. Hiyori said warily.
Well, it's quite obvious and easy to tell that she won't be going to get called in the next few participants too. Shinichiro said coldly.
When do you think he will get called then? Yushiro asks expectantly.
Probably, second to the last or the last one. Shinichiro said coldly.
"As expected from Shinichiro, he is introverted and secretive but he sure is the most intelligent in this group." Mizuki taught to herself.
Participant No. 13! She is from Sydney, Australia, 26 years old and currently the landlady of an apartment complex that she has been inherited from her dead parents! Please welcome, Isla Bennett! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Greetings, you can just call me Isla. Nice to meet you. Isla said coldly, letting out a big yawn.
It's easy to say that she's quite the sleepyhead like I am. Shinichiro said coldly.
At least you're self aware, dude! Shiho said teasingly.
Shut up, girl. Shinichiro said coldly.
Participant No. 14! He is also from London, United Kingdom, 25 years old and is a well known musician around his town! Please welcome, Josh Stanford! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
A pleasant morning to all of you and it's a pleasure to be here with you all today! My name is Josh Stanford, you can just call me Josh. Josh said calmly.
A musician, huh? Yushiro said in awe
You also aspire to be one, right? Shinichiro said coldly.
Yes, that's why I always keep on practicing. Yushiro said warily.
You can do that if you persevere, stop being an idiot. Shinichiro said coldly.
Yushiro just lets out a sigh of defeat.
You just really don't know how to comfort a person, aren't you? Yushiro said sarcastically.
Shut up.. I am trying my best too, alright? Shinichiro said coldly, his cheeks blushing.
Participant No. 15 is on the way! He is from Vancouver, Canada, 26 years old and also serving as a part time Physics Professor in a well known university there! Please welcome, Shawn Carter! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
You can just call me Shawn, nice to meet you all. Shawn said calmly, adjusting his glasses.
Wow, now someone is giving Mizuki vibes here too! Shiho said teasingly.
Tsk, damn it... Mizuki said irritatingly, adjusting her glasses.
Participant No. 16's turn now! He is also from Belgium, 28 years old and he owns one of the biggest bakeries in the country! Please welcome, Nicolas Dupont! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Bonjour à vous tous! My name is Nicolas Dupont, call me whatever you want as long as you're comfortable. Nicolas said confidently.
Wow, actually I don't understand what he said in the beginning. Hiyori said sarcastically.
It's a french translation of "Good morning to all of you". Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
You know french too? Shiho asks curiously.
Just studied a bit when I am bored. Mizuki said calmly, letting out a nervous chuckles.
Participant No. 17 is here! Also from South Korea, 25 years old and he is a well known influencer and podcaster! Please welcome, Park Hyun Jin! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Good morning and in case I don't see you again! Good afternoon, Good evening and Good night! My name is Park Hyun Jin, just call me Hyun or Jin. Hyun Jin said enthusiastically.
Wow, that line seems a bit familiar. Mizuki said sarcastically, scratching her head.
I feel like I heard those before too. Shinichiro said coldly.
Participant No. 18 is up! She's from Osaka, Japan, 27 years old and is one of the best and well known Shogi Player in our country! Please welcome, Sayaka Shimozawa! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Good morning, everyone! My name is Sayaka Shimozawa, you can either call me in my given or surname but I prefer being called in my surname as an act of respect from y'all. Nice to meet you! Sayaka said calmly yet there is a hint of arrogance, bowing politely.
Shogi? Well aren't you good at that Shinichiro? Shiho said curiously.
Well, not great just proficient. Shinichiro said coldly.
Trying to be humble now, huh? Hiyori said teasingly.
Really, girls are so irritating at times. Shinichiro said coldly, scratching his head.
A fellow Japanese that isn't in our friend group, huh? At least we got to know one of our kind. Mizuki said enthusiastically, adjusting her glasses.
Right! Yushiro said enthusiastically.
Participant No. 19, now we're almost done! He is also from Los Angeles, California, 26 years old and also one of the famous internet fashion icons in the world! Please welcome, Kenzo Mendes! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Greetings of peace to everyone of you! Just call me Ken and that's it nice to meet you all. Kenzo said calmly.
Wow! Are you for real? He is the least person I expected to be here. Yushiro said in awe.
Why is that? Mizuki asks curiously.
He owns a huge clothing line besides of being a fashion icon! Most of the fashion style that I imitate is from him too. Yushiro said enthusiastically.
I see. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
Lastly, for our most awaited Participant No. 20! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
See, I told y'all she'll be either be called second to the last or the last one. Shinichiro said coldly.
She's also from Tokyo, Japan, 20 years old and a College Student! Please welcome, Mizuki Nishina! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Mizuki Nishina, 20...just call me Mizuki. Mizuki said confidently, adjusting her glasses and bowing politely.
Mizuki Nishina, huh? Jae Jung said calmly, eyeing her up and down.
"What the hell? What's wrong with this man? When the others are being introduced he is just wondering his gaze around the room and now? He's eyeing me as if judging my entire existence? Jang Jae Jung, so far in everyone inside this room...you are the most suspicious one to me." Mizuki taught to herself, calmly sitting down.
Jae Jung looks away and a subtle smirk forming in his face.
Interesting, this sets of people are interesting...Jae Jung mutters to himself, letting out a sigh Especially you, Mizuki Nishina. Jae Jung mutters to himself, scratching his neck.
That concludes our introduction! You can finally get out on this waiting room once you have been called by the guard outside, that's the sign that you're journey inside Tomodachi Ie will begin and you can finally be able to see the house itself! Isn't that exciting? It's just 7: 25 A.M, you still have 2 hours to build rapport with each other before the guard calls you! When you got called that also means that we are already premiering our pilot episode. Thank you and enjoy your stay in my house, my friends! Anyways, I'll also explain everything that you need to know later inside the house! Grandmaster said enthusiastically.
The speakers suddenly went off.
Weird. Shinichiro said coldly.
Anyways, for starters why don't we get to know the others and build trust too? Shiho said enthusiastically.
Yes, we should do that...I just want to warn all of you, don't be attached by this other people around us. What matters is that we prevail here in the end. Mizuki said coldly, adjusting her glasses.
That's right, I can tell that if we got attached with others...it will definitely hurt a lot when they eliminated them. Hiyori said warily.
"That's not the point, Hiyori. There's always a possibility of betrayal here, this people too is somehow suspicious especially the Jang Jae Jung bastard." Mizuki taught to herself.
Let's go together! Yushiro said enthusiastically.
Right! The four of them said in unison.
"Even though I still refuse to let that prize pool go to other hands even if it's in the hands of a friend...I will make sure, that we will prevail here and go out unscathed. I won't let this show taint our friendship, we will win together if that's even possible...My friendship is much more important than any material things, but that doesn't mean I am letting go of it already." Mizuki taught to herself, adjusting her glasses.
In the management monitoring room...
Don't you think our sets of contestants is interesting, Director? Aoko Ayase, the producer of the show said coldly.
That's right, Producer Aoko... we'll definitely profit from them, I can't also wait to see how this story will unfold. Director said enthusiastically.
Though, may I ask why you are wearing a mask? Aoko asks expectantly.
Well, that's another story for another day. Director said coldly.