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Sodachi was cautious of her DMs. As an idol, and especially as one who had been in the public eye for most of her life, she knew the kinds of strange things people might say about her. Her DMs on social media were often filled with parasocial praise, unwanted suggestions, and actionable threats that would require police action, assuming she ever thought to check. All in all, she had learned to not check very often.
The most annoying messages she got were always the unsolicited business requests. Sponsorships, collabs, or people who claimed to have the one idea which would make Sodachi a multi-billionaire— usually some variation of “make better music” or “show tits”— Sodachi was no stranger to these.
That’s why she should have ignored that message. She had never heard of 519 Productions before, which screamed fraud. However, the message offered for them to meet in person. Furthermore, when Sodachi asked for more information, the person DMing her was able to provide a professional-looking website, as well as to provide a list of idols already working for the company. There weren’t many, but the list had a few names Sodachi recognized. The person offered to meet in person, so if there was something illicit going on, it meant Sodachi was about to be murdered in a cafe, not scammed out of money.
Well, she could invite a friend to sit at the table next to hers and ensure nothing bad happened. There could be some harm in trying, but there were pressing matters that left Sodachi wanting to give this a try.
Ever since leaving the production agency she had started at, Sodachi had been in and out of several different companies. The company she started at had been fine, but after her mom had vanished, Sodachi took a temporary break from activities. When she returned, their roster was full. She wasn’t especially torn up about it, but it did present a problem. Being an idol of mediocre acclaim, Sodachi was able to get a new producer, but it wasn’t great. She was getting by enough to get by, but her career was floundering. Many idols struggled during the transition from child idol to teenager and adult.
So Sodachi took the suggestion of a new agency seriously. If this helped her revitalize her career, she would appreciate it. The worst that could happen is that she switched again six months later.
Since the person messaging her didn’t give much identifying information, Sodachi didn’t know what she was looking out for. Presumably, the producer would recognize her, since they had reached out to her. Idols with her hair color weren’t exactly common, after all.
Sodachi sat facing the door, with her friend immediately behind her. She assessed each person that came into the cafe. However, none of them gave her any time of day.
Finally, a woman, or really, a girl the same age as Sodachi stepped inside. When she saw Sodachi, she waved. It was the kind of wave you did if you already knew someone. While it could have been a fan, Sodachi figured that was the mysterious agent. Besides, she was wearing a black suit and had a briefcase with her. Despite her age, she was likely the agent.
A girl, then, and one who was still in high school. Both of those were interesting traits. Sodachi was becoming more interested in this offer.
As the girl got closer, Sodachi began to think that she looked similar. However, whatever questions she may have asked were answered when the girl introduced herself.
“I’m Hitagi Senjougahara, representing 519 Productions. I’m glad to meet you.”
Everyone in the world of idols knew who Hitagi Senjougahara was. Even if it was only secondhand or thirdhand, they had heard the rumors. She had been an up and coming child idol, a star in the making, until one day, she suddenly vanished. The public story was that she had retired to focus on her studies, but with how sudden it was, even people not in the know were asking questions.
The true story was, at least according to the rumors, that Hitagi had been molested by a producer. Such things were unfortunately rather common. Sodachi knew plenty of other idols who had dealt with sexual experiences at a young age— she had narrowly avoided them herself, even. Often, it was the parents unwittingly pushing their children into those situations by encouraging them to do what it took to go far. When a producer, an adult they otherwise trusted, offered a way for them to see more success, it was only natural that they would accept it.
If the story had ended there, it would be a common tragedy. Instead, the rumors went, Hitagi had fought back. Instead of allowing herself to be raped, she refuted the producer and fought back. According to some, she literally fought back.
As a consequence, she was blacklisted overnight. She was a message from the industry. Don’t fight back or else they would ruin you. Accept everything a producer did. Don’t say no.
Sodachi had always assumed that Hitagi had retired and moved on with her life. Yet here she was, standing before her.
“Ah, um, hello. I’m Sodachi Oikura. Although you already know that.”
Hitagi handed Sodachi a business card. It had her name, the 519 Productions address, two phone numbers, and an email address. It looked altogether professional. Sodachi had thrown out dozens, possibly even hundreds of business cards exactly like that one.
Still, it further cemented the fact that Hitagi Senjougahara was sitting in front of her. It made her want to take this seriously.
“If you want, I can explain why I think you should join 519 Productions. I don't expect you to sign the contract today— in fact, I don't even have one with me. Still, I was hoping we could talk and I could convince you to join us.”
Sodachi studied Hitagi's face. She was much more mature than the girl who had been a stare at a young age. Still, her features were recognizable.
“Why me? I don't think I'm particularly noteworthy.”
Hitagi thought for a moment. “I would disagree. I see a lot of talent in you. You have a strong voice. Your dancing is fluid, yet highly calculated. You have a distinct personality.” Sodachi took that as a polite way to say “traumatized”. “You've been underserved by other producers, but I think I can help you unlock your full potential.”
Sodachi considered that. She was a creature of ego, so that kind of promise appealed to her. However, this wasn't the first time she had heard it. Ego flattery was the most basic way to win someone over.
“Can you tell me about yourself? How did you go from being an idol to a producer at such a young age?”
“Ah, mhm.” Hitagi seemed a little surprised that Sodachi knew who she was. Maybe she had become so disconnected from the industry that she hasn't heard the rumors. “Well, if you already know my story… After the incident, there was a lot of controversy. The cops were involved, but the issue was covered up with only a minor penalty. However, it was around that time that my boss reached out to me. He seemed to be recruiting me, but rather than returning to idol activities, he gave me space to recover. He also provided money, which was important considering that my family had fallen apart around that time. I feel indebted to him, so instead of returning to being an idol, I became his assistant. At first, it was one or two days a week, but once I entered high school, I began getting promotions. Now that I'm close to graduation, my boss has elevated me to the position of a producer and given me the directive to recruit idols for our company. You were one of the first ones I reached out to.”
“O-oh.” Clearly, she thought a lot about Sodachi, in that case. It was rather humbling, in fact. Still, Sodachi remained steely. “Why should I choose 519 Productions? What would you do for me as a producer?”
Hitagi lit up. She reached into her briefcase and pulled out a folder. “If you read through this, there’s specifics about how we structure our contracts. However, the short of it is that we like to provide our employees with benefits and more freedom than other company. While producers, which is to say me, will have power to make choices as I see fit, you still get a choice in everything. That includes your image. Furthermore, few things will be forced on you. The things that will be forced are minor or beneficial to you. You will not be forced to do gravure shoots if you don’t want to. In fact, we don't allow idols to do gravure until they turn 18. If you wish to do an image change, we would talk that through.” Hitagi looked up and down Sodachi, then smiled. “However, I already have some suggestions in mind. Since I’m assembling a team, I’d like to coordinate a theme. We can talk about that more if you agree to join.”
Those weren't unique promises. Every producer in the industry claimed they would give their idols more freedom. What mattered was in the contract.
“I'm interested in reading the contract. Can you send it to me when we're done here?”
“Of course,” Hitagi said with a smile. “I'm glad you're at least considering it.”
Name recognition was getting Hitagi a lot of credit here. She was someone that Sodachi could trust to do things right. It would be hypocritical for her to not. If Hitagi had grown up to become the kind of person who exploited idols, then it would prove that she was a shallow idiot who couldn't learn from experience. Sodachi didn't think that Hitagi was that kind of person.
From there, their conversation mellowed out. They drifted towards talking about more mundane things like the frivolous minutiae of the idol industry. By the end, Sodachi had an idea that she knew Hitagi well, even if this was only their first meeting.
They agreed that Hitagi would send Sodachi the contact. Sodachi would read it, then, if she wished to sign it or negotiate, they would meet in a week at Hitagi's office.
Sodachi had higher expectations for the building. She knew that 519 Productions wasn't a massive company, but their building seemed… cheap. The paint was chipped and it seemed to have been built just after the war. It didn't fill Sodachi with confidence.
What filled her with confidence was the contract. Sodachi had a few points she wanted to negotiate, but she was more or less happy with it. There were no major issues.
The building didn't have a secretary. It didn't even have a lobby. In fact, Sodachi couldn't get in without a key. That meant she had to ring random offices until someone answered.
When someone did, Sodachi was a little taken aback. She was greeted by a tween with teal hair. Was that one of the child idols?
The girl looked at Sodachi. With a posed look, she asked, “Are you here for Hitagi?”
Sodachi nodded.
The girl nodded back. “You'll find her on the third floor, in office two.”
Sodachi thanked the girl, then hurried off. The building wasn't any newer inside. It didn't even have an elevator, so Sodachi had to hike up the staircase to the third floor.
Once she reached it, she found the office without issue. There were only a couple offices. With how they were laid out, Sodachi was beginning to think this office building was actually a repurposed apartment complex.
If it worked, it worked. For a minor agency, Sodachi couldn't complain too much. Especially not when it seemed that they channeled the money saved on rent into benefits for their idols.
Sodachi opened the door to Hitagi's office. What she was met with was the fact that she wasn't alone.
The main room of the apartment had been converted into a lobby, while it seemed that the bedroom was the office proper. The lobby had some couches and chairs, a few of which were already taken.
That was unfortunate for Sodachi, she recognized one of the other people waiting. Koyomi Araragi. Sodachi had a sordid past with him. It was bad enough that she nearly began shouting at him. She didn't want to risk her contract, though, so she restrained herself. He didn't seem to recognize her, so she could just ignore him.
It was just like him to not remember her. It wasn't the first time.
Stewing in her frustrations, Sodachi waited. The first person called in was a girl that seemed to be a little younger than everyone else. She returned quick enough that Sodachi suspected there was no negotiation at all.
Koyomi was next. Sodachi had never taken him for a shrewd negotiator, especially considering some of the deals he had agreed to. Still, he spent quite a while in there. Based on some of the sounds coming out of the room, Sodachi wondered if he and Hitagi were flirting. A producer dating their idol was scandalous… but they weren't usually the same age.
When it was her turn, Sodachi breathed a sigh of relief. Koyomi left happy, so it seemed that everyone would be leaving today with a contract. At least, Sodachi hoped she would. He had also left with a hint of a shameful blush on his face. She found that ominous.
When Hitagi greeted her, she said, “Sorry about the delay. Koyokoyo and I have known each other for a little while now. He actually played a part in my recent decision to become a producer.”
“It's fine.”
Sodachi had a few specific points she wanted to negotiate. Payment was the biggest one. The contract mentioned monthly payments, but with Sodachi's life, weekly would be more convenient. Hitagi had no issue agreeing to that. Other points, such as social media, took more debating, but weren't deal breakers.
Finally, they were going to discuss theme. Hitagi had mentioned that she had a theme for the group she was assembling, but she hadn't said what. Sodachi was curious.
“Crossdressing!”
Sodachi was a little stunned. Clearly, Hitagi needed to explain some more.
“If you agree to the contact, I'll have three idols. Koyokoyo will dress in feminine clothes, while you and Kanbaru dress up in a masculine way.”
“...Why?”
“In order to target an appeal other groups don't cover. People love crossdressing. It will allow us to get a lot of publicity. Plus, wouldn't Koyokoyo be so cute wearing a dress?”
Sodachi grimaced at that. Just what was their relationship…?
The idea of dressing up as a man was a strange one. Not that Sodachi hadn't considered it before, but was that really okay for a female idol? Still, Sodachi felt a thrill as she considered it. It felt wrong, but it also felt right. The more she thought about it, the more it felt like she was talking herself into it.
“I… suppose that's not a deal breaker. I'm willing to try it.”
“Great!” Hitagi clapped a single time. “In that case, I believe everything is settled.”
Sodachi signed the contract. It felt strange. It was as if she was starting a new era of her career. She didn't even know if this would work out, but it felt promising.
It was Friday, but starting on Monday, she would be visiting the office every day for practice, meetings, and more. It would be a lot of effort, but it was a type of effort Sodachi had put in before. What mattered now was her passion.