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“I surely won't forget you, Mai-chan.”
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Mai was never interested in idols or pop culture. She didn't get why one would care so much about someone who didn't even know of their existence. So when Todo gave her a fan meeting ticket for some idol, she wordlessly shoved it back.
“Mai! I'm offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance! Do you know how many guys would kill to get this ‘flimsy piece of paper’?” Todo bellowed.
“I really don’t care. Haven’t you noticed no one gives a fuck about your idol obsessions? It's creepy.”
“Pretty please?” He dragged out the last syllable, “I'll look like a loser in front of Takada-chan if I go alone, and that'll make a bad first impression. Ultimately, the already meagre chances of our marriage will be reduced to none.”
Mai rolled her eyes. “Fine. But only if you promise to not tell anyone. And don't ever whine again.”
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“Nobuko, are you done with your pigtails?” her manager asked.
“Just a minute! I'll come out soon.”
“Hurry up. Don't keep Akane waiting for long.”
Takada sighed. Ever since the day she met Takumi Miura, he was so stern and cold she questioned his career choice. Though intimidating, Miura had always been fair and considerate to her. With his delicate features and perpetually neat undercut, Takada had once thought he should be the idol instead.
She adjusted her bangs lightly then stepped into the makeup room. Akane was prepping her brushes.
“Akane! It's been so long!” Takada pounced onto her.
Calm and collected, Akane replied, “It's been two days,” she grabbed Takada's chin, “did you use the face wash I gave you last time? Your skin is duller. Sit down.”
“It's expensive! You would think idols would be paid more, but no. One of the hardest professions in Japan earns 275K yen on average.”
“Stop moving your face. Besides, I'm sure there are harder jobs than dancing and looking cute. Don't think I don't know you ate premium sushi last week.”
“You would think! I had to pay them back! The sheer audacity! Akane, you really don't get just how-”
She was cut off by Akane smearing toner on her lips.
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Mai hated every second of this. She was the only girl at the venue. The rest were giddy high school boys or middle aged men who should've been at work instead at an eighteen year old's fan meeting. Why would they queue for hours just to greet a stranger then get dragged out? And they were paying for this willingly? She was almost curious to see Takada-chan for herself.
She queued for two hours. After handing out her gun, she entered the curtain where the idol was waiting.
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Takada was starting to get bored. She loved her job, but hated the fanmeets. Most of them were men who asked for a Tan-taka-tan beam and a selfie. It was the same over and over again. So when a disinterested teenage girl stepped in, her eyes instantly widened.
The girl stood stiffly at the table. Overly excited, Takada held her hand and smiled fondly. She grimaced but did nothing to resist her approach.
Dammit! You're not the fan here. Though she is pretty. Why is everyone around me good-looking enough to come for my job?
Shut it. Focus.
She gazed softly into the girl's almond eyes. “What's your name?”
The girl looked down, her cheeks pinking.
“It's Mai.”
Takada intertwined their fingers. Mai looked down nervously.
She leant forward. “Well, Mai-chan,” Takada whispered softly, “I hope you come meet me again at the next fanmeet. I'd do more than a beam.”
Before she could say more, one of the guards kicked her out of the booth.
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Mai still hadn't regained her composure even after being shoved out by security after five minutes. Her cheeks were still flaming as she walked out the venue with Todo, who still had an idiotic grin on his face. Looking up at the sky, it was as red as her face.
“So, how was it?”
“It was nothing special.”
“Liar. Your fists are clenched, and you look like a tomato.”
Mai opened her fist. Inside was a small strip of paper.
Call me at 16189249~ ♡
Takada Nobuko
Her eyes widened. How did Takada-chan sneak it in, and where did she find the courage to hit on a fan?
Walking behind Todo, she silently put the number in her phone then threw the paper away.