"So this is Miyahito's talent agency." Looking at the building surrounded by lush greenery, exuding an artistic and relaxing vibe, Utaha couldn't help but mutter with envy, contrasting it with her own workplace, Shinobu Publishing. "It's so nice. Working in such a beautiful place."
Especially seeing what looked like artists and managers sitting under the shade of garden trees, chatting about work under crisp white parasols, Utaha felt that if she could, she'd happily sit there all afternoon without moving.
Just then, a manager in professional attire sitting at one of the sun loungers noticed Utaha standing at the entrance.
Unlike the other setups that had artists accompanying them, this manager was alone. Looking at Utaha, her eyes suddenly lit up with a gleam usually reserved for spotting treasure.
Without hesitation, she stood up straight, leaving her laptop on the table, and instinctively walked toward Utaha.
"Hello."
Hearing someone greet her, Utaha instinctively turned around.
"May I ask what brings you to Sakuragawa Talent Agency today?" The manager smiled with practiced warmth and politeness, asking softly.
Seeing her demeanor, the sharp-witted Utaha instantly guessed the professional-looking manager's purpose.
Well, back in middle school in Wakō City, I was approached by 'talent scouts' trying to recruit me as an idol more times than I can count.
Actually, when I first moved to Tokyo, quite a few scouts tried to invite me too...
"Hello, I'm here to see someone." Utaha smoothly dropped the extra expressions, her tone adopting a subtle hint of distance and politeness.
('Oh? Another fangirl chasing stars, I guess.') Hearing this, the manager immediately thought of a certain top-tier singer at their agency.
No choice. Ever since that artist's album dropped, 'Sakuragawa Agency' skyrocketed from a second-tier firm to a near-top-tier powerhouse overnight.
Of course, even though many young people with idol dreams come to interview daily, most have the same purpose as this girl right now.
"You're here to see Miyani-sensei, right?" Confidently stating the girl's purpose, the manager sighed and continued, "I'm sorry, but Miyani-sensei has been busy composing new songs lately. Please head back."
After finishing, she thought for a moment and added another line.
"To be honest, Miyani-sensei doesn't like fans visiting the company, nor does he like private contact with them. However, if you're a fellow artist, that's a different story."
"Look." The manager discreetly pointed toward the sun lounger area, at a blonde girl in a very cool camisole and hot pants. Leaning in slightly, she lowered her voice to Utaha.
"She often asks Miyani-sensei for advice on songs. Just yesterday, Miyani-sensei stayed with her in the studio for a long time practicing."
"Oh~~" Utaha drew out the syllable with a playful cadence. Her wine-red eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the manager, who was obviously spouting nonsense.
How come I don't know about this? Miyahito spent the whole day with me yesterday. When did he have time to stay in the studio all day with that flat-chested elementary schooler?
And this manager telling such things to a complete stranger... clearly intentional.
Setting aside the lie itself, the obvious ulterior motive in her speech proves this lady has bad intentions.
"Then may I ask you...."
"My name is Sakai Shiko."
"Mhm. Then, Miss Sakai, do you have any good suggestions?" Utaha deliberately lowered her head, her eyelids drooping to hide her eyes.
Completely unaware of Utaha's shifting thoughts, and believing she'd guessed right, Shiko's eyes lit up.
Great! This trick really works!
Convinced she could easily recruit this highly promising girl—excellent figure and voice alike—into the agency and sign her today, Sakai decided to strike while the iron was hot.
Just then, a familiar voice suddenly interrupted their conversation.
"Sakai? What are you doing over there?"
"Tch." Unable to control her irritation, Shiko turned around with a displeased face, her gaze cold as she looked at Nakamura Maki, who had just pushed open the glass door and walked out from the agency. "I'm working. Can't you see?"
"Are you sure you're working?" Maki, dressed in a similar style to Sakai, asked with a puzzled frown.
Is this woman planning to scam a rookie again?
Remembering Sakai's notorious methods, Maki walked toward them.
By now, other managers who noticed the commotion wore expressions that clearly said, 'Here we go again. Maki and Sakai are at it again.'
"Since when did you have time to scout rookies? Wasn't your last issue resolved?"
"Hmph, mind your own business. You're not the Artist Division Director yet, Nakamura."
Watching Maki step closer, and remembering Miyahito's past introductions to agency staff, Utaha instantly recognized her.
('Definitely harboring ill intentions.')
Noticing the tense atmosphere between the two managers, Utaha silently confirmed her guess.
At the same time, Maki, now standing right in front of them, unconsciously glanced at Utaha.
Then, the next second.
Huh? Isn't this that kid Miyahito's girlfriend?
Why did she suddenly come to the agency?
Noticing Maki's stunned expression, Utaha, standing just a step or two behind Sakai, smiled. Her moving lips silently formed a sentence.
('Hello, Miss Nakamura. I'm here to pick up Miyahito.')
....
"Mhm, I understand what happened. Thank you, Kasumigaoka-san."
While giving Utaha a tour of the agency, Maki listened to her brief account of what just happened, nodding with a slightly heavy expression.
Seeing this, Utaha couldn't help but ask with concern, "Miss Nakamura, will this affect Miyahito in any way?"
Hearing this, Maki paused for a moment. Then, seeing Utaha's 'Did I come at the wrong time?' expression, she couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"No, no. Sakai might have sharp eyes, but she's not stupid."
"She wouldn't dare provoke someone whose retaliation she couldn't handle."
On one side, you have a manager at a talent agency—competent, sure, but just a manager.
On the other hand, you have the eldest son of a prominent Diet member, a currently red-hot, quasi-top-tier singer, and an enigmatic figure with absolutely zero scandals or even gossip since his debut. There was no way Sakai would dare to smear or offend the young master of the Aragaki family.
However, Utaha, who still hadn't fully grasped the Aragaki family's background, completely misunderstood.
Looks like Miss Nakamura isn't just an ordinary person. Hmm, I'll have to make sure to maintain a good relationship with her for Miyahito's sake.
Miss Nakamura?