“Wow…”

The dressing room was packed with far more people than I had expected. Each girl seemed to have her own team of hair and makeup artists and costume coordinators. Most of them were women, but everyone here was strikingly attractive—handsome men and beautiful women everywhere. Maybe the entertainment industry is just naturally full of good-looking people.

“Oh, there she is! Yukari!”

“Nozomi! Over here!”

It seems Kawabata-san found her friend.

“The concert was amazing! Oh, let me introduce you. This is Tachihara-kun! He’s in my class, and he’s really strong—he practices judo!”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Tachihara. I practice judo and hold a black belt, so I think I can be of some help. Please, feel free to count on me.”

That’s my story, anyway. It’s probably more reassuring to her than just saying I’m a regular student. Besides, my strength does far surpass that of a black belt.

Sayama-san was tall for her age, with sleek, long black hair. She was a stunning beauty, befitting of an idol, and her singing and dancing during the concert were impressive. She’d been front and center on stage quite often, so she must be quite popular within her group.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Yukari Sayama. Thank you so much for agreeing to be my bodyguard! I’m really looking forward to working with you.”

Sayama-san extended her hand toward me. Is… is this a handshake? That’s fine, right? It won’t be considered inappropriate or anything, will it?

This society is harsh on awkward guys like me; even a shoulder tap could be considered harassment these days. But I’ve lost weight now, and since she’s Kawabata-san’s friend, I’ll trust that it’s okay.

“Of course. I’m happy to help.”

I hesitated for just a moment before grasping her hand. When was the last time I shook hands with a girl? My heart raced as her soft, delicate fingers gently held mine.

Suddenly, I kind of understood why some people buy tons of CDs just to collect handshake tickets.

“Um… how long are you planning to keep holding her hand?”

“Oh! Sorry!”

Kawabata-san’s comment snapped me back to reality, and I quickly let go of her hand. No, I wasn’t thinking, Wow, her hands are so cute and small—I could hold them forever. It’s just hard to figure out the right timing to let go, you know?

“Haha, it’s okay, Nozomi! Tachihara-kun is cool, but he’s not going to steal your boyfriend or anything!”

“Wh-what are you even saying, Yukari?! I’m not dating Tachihara-kun!”

“Really? I just assumed since you didn’t have many guy friends back in middle school.”

“Didn’t I clearly explain yesterday that we’re not like that?! You’re teasing me on purpose, aren’t you?”

“Oops, you caught me! But Nozomi, your reactions are just so adorable. I can’t help myself!”

“Geez, come on already!”

I stood there awkwardly, completely out of place. It was clear these two were very close friends.

“Anyway, Tachihara-san, I’m counting on you!”

Wow… the smile of an active idol is truly something else. It’s like a weapon. I finally understand why people get so devoted to them.

“Of course. I’ll do my best.”

“Alright, let’s go somewhere else to discuss the details. I’ll get ready in just five minutes!”

“Okay, we’ll wait outside the dressing room.”

It seemed we were expected to step outside while Sayama-san got ready. Honestly, I was relieved. The overwhelming number of girls in the room had been intimidating, and I could feel several of them sneaking glances my way.

Just as Kawabata-san and I were about to leave, a voice called out behind us.

“Hey, Yukari! Who’s the guy?”

I turned around to see a blonde-haired man with piercings pointing at me.

“Oh, Mogi-san… um, he’s a friend of a friend.”

“Friend of a friend, huh? Wait, don’t tell me—this is about the bodyguard thing for the stalker?”

“Well… yes, but…”

“Come on, Yukari, I told you I could handle that! I’m into MMA, you know? I’m super strong!”

“N-no, Mogi-san, I couldn’t possibly impose on you like that. You have work too, don’t you?”

“Don’t worry about it! Work’s nothing compared to you, Yukari. I’d even guard you in your own room if you asked me to!”

“Uh, Kawabata-san, who is that guy?” I whispered.

“He’s Mogi-san, the costume designer for Yukari’s idol group. Apparently, he’s been hitting on her for a while. Yukari finds it annoying, but she can’t be too firm because of work-related relationships…”

So this guy’s a wannabe playboy? Between the stalker and this guy, it seems like being an idol is a tough life.