A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

Although she didn't react at first because it was too sudden, Chihaya Aine immediately regained her consciousness and took her brother's phone with a smile on her face:

"Is my antique brother finally going to be forced to come into contact with modern entertainment?"

"It's just the right timing."

In response to his sister's slightly joking statement, Chihaya Tetsu also said:

"As a designer, I will inevitably have to learn about various cultures, such as idol culture this time."

"Oh~ So you don't actually reject these things?"

"Well, it's just that before this I was always focused on improving my basic skills as a designer and pattern maker, so I didn't have the energy to learn new things."

"That's it~"

Chihaya Aine nodded and opened the video app that came with Chihaya Tetsuya's phone.

"...Wow, it really needs an update. And why is the interface still the same as last year? Have you not opened this app all year?"

"kindness."

"That's ridiculous... I always thought you could just use a cell phone for the elderly and still live a normal life."

"I told my mother that, but she insisted I get a smartphone or she wouldn't let me live outside on my own."

"Our mom is as wise as ever...ah, here's the update."

After opening the updated video software again, Chihaya Aine asked:

"Speaking of which, brother, what kind of idol live do you want to see? A group or a solo? Are there any specific styles you're looking for?"

"..."

After hearing this, Chihaya Tetsuya searched his mind for a long time before saying:

"Preferably a solo. As for the style, I remember the notes saying... ah, now I remember, it's called the Royal Way style."

"OK."

(It was designed for Hoshino Ai's performance costume after all.)

Chihaya Aine thought so in her heart.

When she first saw the promotional photo, she immediately confirmed Hoshino Ai's style.

That unconcealed confidence and boldness, as well as that overwhelming cuteness and brilliance, are undoubtedly the kingly route no matter how you look at it.

if it is like this--

"Then I'll find you a live recording of 'Fuyu Yuko'. Even though she graduated two years ago, I still think she's the epitome of a 'royal idol'."

Chihaya Aine said as she typed something into her phone.

"First, watch this, her first solo live."

She did not return the phone directly to Chihaya Tetsuya, but placed it between the two of them very naturally, as if she wanted to look at it together with Chihaya Tetsuya.

Chihaya Tetsu naturally had no objection to this.

Then, the brother and sister started watching the video together, which had already received over 10 million hits on the website...

........................

"Haha... You're really cute, Touyuko."

Reliving this live performance after such a long time, Chihaya Aine once again sighed with deep emotion.

"Just looking at her gives me the feeling that 'this is what an idol should be like.'"

"…………"

On the other hand, Chihaya Tetsuya, who was watching an idol live for the first time, did not rush to make a comment. Instead, he leaned back on the sofa with a thoughtful expression.

“It’s completely different from a fashion show.”

"Isn't that natural? After all, one side is focused on showcasing the fashion, and the other side is focused on showcasing the individual."

Chihaya Aine said in a matter-of-fact tone:

"So, do you have any other ideas besides this?"

"The stage and flow were well designed, the artists' performances were fantastic, and the songs were great..."

Chihaya Tetsuya enumerated his thoughts in this way, but at the end, his tone suddenly changed -

"But it always feels a bit inconsistent."

"……Eh?"

Chihaya Aine was stunned after hearing this.

"What do you mean by violation?"

“The feeling this idol gives people.”

Chihaya Tetsuya replied with a confused look on his face:

"I'm not questioning her character or professional ethics. I just have a vague feeling that...what she shows on stage is not all she has...it feels like she is deliberately playing a role."

"Ah... so that's what you're talking about."

After hearing her brother's doubts, Chihaya Aine immediately nodded in sudden realization. Then she exited the Live video and casually opened the recommended highlights below.

"You'll understand after you read this."

Afterwards, Chihaya Tetsu continued to watch the behind-the-scenes footage of the Live under the guidance of his sister——

[Haa ...

[Producer, bring me another bottle of water... I don't want to move anymore...]

[Is Asakura here? I'm sure my live show will get more views than hers this time! Hehehe~]

........................

"……Eh?"

Looking at the idol in the picture who was completely letting himself go in the lounge, looking lazy and casual, Chihaya Tetsuya showed an extremely surprised expression.

"Is this scene...really okay? It's completely different from how she feels on stage."

"This video was released by the agency after she graduated, and she agreed to it."

Facing her brother's shock, Chihaya Aine said calmly:

"This way, you should be able to understand her more comprehensively, right?"

"That's true, but if that's the case, then wouldn't the way she behaved on stage become a 'lie'?"

Chihaya Tetsuya seemed to find this very difficult to understand.

"Can her fans really accept such a contrast?"

"Well, that's certainly not acceptable to everyone. But, brother, you still don't seem to understand the true nature of the existence of 'idols'."

Chihaya Aine put down her phone and explained to Chihaya Tetsuya earnestly:

"Idols are people who present their best selves to everyone, seeking admiration, love... and even worship. Whether they're acting themselves or playing a role isn't important to idols."

"And the Wangdao style is basically the type that's at the highest level of acting. They're simply positive, simply dazzling, and simply cute. Their sole purpose on stage is to earn everyone's love and approval. Even if it's all an elaborate lie, even if it's just a role-playing performance, everyone's admiring them solely for the on-stage persona. As for the reality behind that... not all fans consider it."

"Lies, pretend..."

Chihaya Tetsuya muttered dully:

"Is this the path that love chooses? Lying for affection and approval..."

"...Huh? What's wrong, brother?"

"………………nothing."

Chihaya Tetsuya did not answer, but put the phone back into his pocket, then stood up and walked towards the clothes rack at the door.

"I'll be out for a bit. Don't wait for me, go to bed early."

"what……"

Then, before Chihaya Aine could respond, he immediately picked up his coat and walked out of the house, leaving Chihaya Aine alone with an extremely confused expression facing the closed door again...

"Brother...what on earth is going on?"

Chapter 15: Night Caressing Agate

If we have to find a common point among the orphanages filled with all kinds of human suffering, then there must be only one answer.

That is, every child living there... has experienced "lies" -

【Why does love come here? 】

[My mom stole something and was put in jail. She said she would come pick me up after she got out... Where's Zhe?]

I can't quite remember when I was sent here. But from the first day, the adults kept saying one thing to me... "Just wait a little longer. Your parents will be here to pick you up soon."

[…That's definitely a lie. Just like my mom, even if she were released from prison, she wouldn't come pick me up.]

[Well, that's definitely a lie.]

「It’s really annoying, lies and all. 」

[I hate lies the most.]

[Is that why Zhe never wanted me to call you brother? ]

[Well, the only thing about our relationship is that I don’t want any lies.]

「Is that so... Then, I will definitely not lie to Zhe either. It’s a deal!」

【It’s a deal.】

........................

"Seven years...it's still too long."

Chihaya Tetsuya stood on the empty platform, muttering to himself:

“Even those of us who once hated lies the most eventually changed.”

This is not a blame, nor a complaint, but simply a sigh.

In fact, when he heard Hoshino Ai's name again after seven years, he was already mentally prepared for this moment.

Seven years is too long a time, enough for a person to undergo a complete transformation.

Now that Chihaya Tetsuya has entered society, he will naturally no longer be as naive and one-sided as he was as a child.

There is no way for a person to guarantee that he will never tell a lie in his entire life.

Good intentions, bad intentions, no intentions.

No matter who you are, it is impossible for you to be 100% truthful.

Chihaya Tetsu is also very clear about this truth and has long accepted it as truth and common sense.

But during this seven-year hiatus, he never thought of linking this common sense with his childhood companions.

As for the result, it is just like now.

squeak--

The last train pulled into the station and stopped in front of Chihaya Tetsuya.

After entering the empty carriage, Chihaya Tetsuya sat directly on the seat by the window.

He really likes the feeling of taking the last bus.

The empty carriage offered enough space for calm reflection. The rocking of the carriage and the rustle of the wind outside the window were his favorite white noise. At this moment, if he simply tilted his head slightly to look out the window, he could directly admire the neon lights of the city, isolated from the noise and bustle.

"...The city nightscape, after all, is best viewed in places like this."

No matter what the considerations are... in short, what love chooses is a future that shines on the stage.

Be it lies or acting, these things are not important to idols.

As long as I can get everyone's praise, as long as I can get everyone's recognition, that's enough.

……