Chapter 28: Hikari's "Idol" Official Music Video
After leaving Director Gotanda's phone number with Akane Kurokawa, Hikaru Hoshino didn't linger around the little girl anymore. He pulled Aqua aside to another part of the room.
Despite just receiving an invitation to an audition, Akane's expression hadn't changed much; she remained incredibly focused. She placed Hikaru's business card on a nearby chair, picked up her script, and went right back to practicing.
As a fellow entertainer, Hikaru couldn't give such a serious girl a perfect score for "star quality," but as an actor? Without a doubt, her dedication made her dazzling.
"Perhaps what I said earlier was a bit one-sided," Hikaru said to Aqua as he watched Akane's performance in silence for a while.
"I poured my own worldview onto you without considering if I'm actually the one with the problem."
"I'm sorry."
Hikaru's soft apology gave Aqua a start.
"I rambled on quite a bit, but honestly, I just wanted you to have more confidence. Still, your perspective isn't wrong..."
"Actors *should* pursue acting skills; that is your calling."
"I'm already a cynical socialite, but you're still a child. Wanting to chase dreams and improve your craft isn't a mistake. If anything, I—the one who sees everything through the lens of money and status—am the mistaken one."
*What is this guy on about...* Aqua curled his lip. *Acting like an adult again. "You're just a child"? If you add up my ages from both lives, I'm older than you.*
"So, is Director Gotanda really planning to film a movie?"
"Yes," Hikaru nodded. "He received a great script recently and didn't want the opportunity to slip away, so he decided to start production immediately."
"Gotanda is a veteran in the industry. The films he shoots are considered classics; his reputation is huge."
"However..." Hikaru drew out his voice with a hint of schadenfreude. "He hasn't won a decent award yet."
"He's a perennial 'bridesmaid' at film festivals. His greatest achievement was a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards the year before last, but he ended up as a runner-up. Quite tragic, really."
"Since he's found a good script this time, he won't let it go. It'll take about a year from filming to release, which perfectly aligns with next year's Academy Awards. He's determined to win big this time—if not a clean sweep, he has to bring home at least one trophy."
"Otherwise, where would he hide that old face of his?"
Hikaru started laughing as he spoke.
"I've read the script too. It's not bad—a standard arthouse film reflecting social contradictions. If the directing and acting are up to par, it has a real shot at the awards."
Aqua slowly tilted his head in a silent question.
"Why did the Director let *you* read the script?"
"Because I'm the music producer for this film," Hikaru answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"A good movie naturally needs good music. Director Gotanda entrusted this task to me because he trusts my ability. It shows he has a sharp eye for talent—an excellent eye, truly excellent!"
*So narcissistic.* Aqua didn't want to deal with this person anymore, but since he still had questions, he stayed against his will.
"I can understand choosing Arima and Kurokawa for such an important film, but why me?"
"Look, there you go again."
"Since he chose you, he obviously believes in your ability. Gotanda has always believed in your potential, yet here you are, shrinking back."
Exasperated, Hikaru started ruffling Aqua's hair again.
"If only you could be as confident as me one day."
*In that regard... I'll pass.*
Aqua swatted Hikaru's hand away again, thinking to himself.
At 6:00 PM, the Hoshino family was gathered neatly around the dining table for their bento. The TV in the living room was tuned to an evening talk show, but none of the three had any interest in watching; the host's pleasant voice served merely as background music for the meal.
"Our first guest today is Keiko Kida, who recently started landing lead roles and has performed excellently in the new season. Let's welcome her with a round of applause!"
"Hello everyone, I'm Kida. Please look after me!"
As was tradition, Ruby didn't stop her internet surfing even during dinner. At that moment, she spotted a familiar thumbnail, and the view count in the bottom right corner was particularly striking.
Ruby decided to bring it up.
"Mama, your MV is trending on YouTube."
"Eh? But the concert was a while ago, wasn't it?" Ai looked puzzled.
"Usually, the traffic would have peaked by now," Aqua added.
"It's not Mama's live version; it's that guy's."
Ruby let out a "harrumph" through her nose. "That Hikaru Hoshino. The animated MV he posted yesterday went viral today."
Ai took the phone from Ruby and immediately saw the title *Idol*, posted by the channel "Hikari."
This was the first video ever posted to the Hikari account.
In just 24 hours, the views had already hit 3 million. At this rate, reaching 20 million in a week wasn't impossible. If it kept that momentum, the total views would likely exceed 100 million, making it a "treasure-tier" MV for the history books.
Aqua thought for twenty seconds and immediately realized the value of this MV. He hurriedly said to Ai, "Quick, log in to your official account and leave a comment. That way, viewers will immediately notice who the singer is."
This was the best way for Ai to ride the hype and gain a massive wave of followers.
"But my account already commented."
Ai swiped through the screen with her slender fingers, and soon her own avatar appeared. Unknown to Ai, Ichigo Saitou had already left a mark using her account yesterday.
Ai: I'm the singer! Wow, the MV is so well-made, thank you, Mr. Hikari!
Anime Kobo: We are the production team! Thank you for Mr. Hikari's trust, which led to this successful collaboration. Our company's skills speak for themselves; for business inquiries, contact XXX...
Strawberry Productions: I don't know what to say, so here are some emojis. \Strawberry/ \Strawberry/
Further down were the comments from netizens.
"Addictive music! Truly amazing!"
"Hikari is incredible for using the lyrics and melody shifts to portray both Ai's dazzling cuteness and the faint, underlying darkness. Especially the 'I am Maria' lyrics and the plushie suit performance—showing the fans' deification of an idol was genius."
"I started stanning Ai because of this song. Listening again, I'm shocked by how high the lyrical resolution is."
"I don't know if it's poisonous, but I've listened to it ten times already."
"If you like this song, don't forget to follow Ai's personal channel! Her account is right above (arrow)."
Aside from Japanese, Aqua saw many comments in languages he didn't recognize. Netizens from all over the world were typing to express their love for the song.
*At this rate, hitting 100 million views is only a matter of time,* Aqua thought.
He could already see Ai performing this song at the end-of-the-year *Kohaku Uta Gassen*.
Hikaru Hoshino was indeed a genius. With just one song, he had paved a path for Ai to reach a much larger stage. If Aqua had handled it himself, it might have taken ten years.
The three discussed the comments while eating their bento. Usually, when browsing comment sections, Ai would use "lies" to hide her true self because even for an idol as successful as her, nasty voices were inevitable.
But this MV's comment section was surprisingly harmonious, making one want to keep reading. Seeing all the praise for herself, Ai couldn't help but feel a little buoyant.
Suddenly, the TV host's rhythmic introduction cut through the air. A specific name interrupted Ai's drifting thoughts, making her wonder if she had misheard.
"Happy times always fly by. Before we knew it, today's talk show is coming to an end."
"Last but certainly not least, let's have a round of applause for Mr. Hikari, who has been rising to fame recently!"
To the sound of enthusiastic applause, Hikaru Hoshino, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, stepped forward gracefully and bowed to the camera.