By Tuesday, it had gotten worse.
"Takeda, play at our class party!"
"Sing something for us after school!"
"Do you take requests?"
It was like the entire school had collectively decided I was their new pet musician.
In math class, someone actually slid me a folded note that read: Write lyrics for me? For my girlfriend?
I nearly combusted on the spot.
Rina found this hilarious.
During lunch, she watched me dodge another request like a deer avoiding traffic. "You need an agent," she said.
"I need a time machine to go back and never sign up for that audition," I muttered.
"Too late." She stole a piece of fried chicken from my bento without asking. "Besides, this is entertaining. Free show, every period."
"Glad you're amused."
"Oh, I am." She grinned wickedly. "Should I start charging admission?"
I groaned and buried my face in my hands.
---
After school, things hit a new low.
I was halfway down the hall when two first-years ran up, eyes shining.
"Senpai! Can we have your autograph?"
"…What?"
They shoved a notebook and pen at me.
"I don't— I'm not—" I stammered.
"Please!" they begged in unison.
I froze. I had no idea how to give an autograph. Did I just… write my name? Draw a guitar? What?
Before I could implode, Rina swooped in.
"Sorry, my client's schedule is full today," she said smoothly, plucking the notebook from their hands. "But you can book an appearance through me. Ten yen per signature, fifty if you want him to smile."
The girls squealed and ran off, giggling.
I stared at her in horror. "…What was that?"
"Public relations," she said proudly. "You're welcome."
"You made me sound like some—some—celebrity!"
She smirked. "That's because you are one now, Music Boy."
"I hate this," I groaned.
"No, you don't."
I opened my mouth to argue, but the truth caught in my throat. Because somewhere deep down… maybe she was right.