I'll post an extra chapter every 300 Power Stones. Good luck with that!
Goal for the next extra chapter: 150/300
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As the time to meet up with the actors drew closer, I stopped writing and went to my room. I took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and put on some cologne so I'd smell nice.
Whenever I go out, I always make sure to dress well.
As soon as I left my room, I ran into Miu, who had been about to knock on my door.
Unlike what she usually wore, she had on a beautiful black dress that reached a little above her knees. It wasn't revealing at all—in fact, it looked rather innocent.
Even so, she looked very beautiful now.
Or rather... cute?
However, her dress seemed a little tight, making her breasts stand out quite a bit.
Miu had also taken great care with her hair. It was a little curlier than usual and had a healthy shine to it. I'm sure my mother had helped her do it. 'She's even wearing makeup.'
I really have to thank my mother for making her look even more beautiful.
Because of the makeup, her grayish-black eyes seemed to stand out even more. Miu adjusted her glasses with one finger and asked, "So... how do I look?"
The moment she asked, I didn't hesitate for even a second before complimenting her.
"You look beautiful. That dress suits you really well. Did my mother help you with your hair and makeup?"
"Oh? Do you think I can't do my own hair and makeup?"
"..."
"I'm kidding. Don't make that face." Miu laughed.
"..."
Miu stepped a little closer to me and sniffed.
"Hmm... You smell nice. Is that a new cologne?"
"Yeah, I bought it recently."
"Mhm, it smells really good."
She leaned in even closer and kept sniffing me.
"Oh, and your clothes look really nice too. Well, you're always so handsome and well-dressed that I don't even need to compliment you. Hahaha."
"I like hearing your compliments." I smiled at Miu.
Her fair face flushed slightly, and she turned away.
"Alright, it's almost time, isn't it? I already told your mom that we'd be going out. She said she hopes we have fun."
"Oh, right. I forgot to tell her we were going out today."
"It's fine. I already talked to her."
I followed Miu downstairs. There, I found my mother and my father, who had just gotten home from work. The moment they saw us, they both spoke almost at the same time.
"Kyaaa~~ You two look so adorable!"
"You two really went all out, huh?"
My mother was much more direct, while my father gave us a more restrained compliment.
"Miu told you, right? We're going to watch the premiere of *A Piece of My Heart* with the rest of the cast."
"Yes, she told me. And I'm upset with you—you should've invited me..."
My mother puffed out her cheeks like a child.
"There's still time. If you want to come, I can wait a little longer."
"I'm only kidding. Just be careful around that woman."
"Aya Fuji?"
"Yes, her. You know very well you shouldn't trust her. Miu, keep an eye on him, alright?"
Miu looked surprised by my mother's request.
"I'll keep an eye on him," she said with a smile.
I held back a laugh.
####
As soon as we got close to Daiki's car, I noticed he hadn't come alone. Rina was sitting in the back seat. The moment Miu saw her, she hesitated for a moment before getting into the car and closing the door.
Once the car started moving, Rina said, "You didn't tell me you were bringing someone with you."
She smiled.
"Is it a problem if she comes?"
"Of course not. But I'm sure a few rumors are going to start spreading."
"But isn't this a private event?"
"It is, but there are obviously going to be journalists there."
"Journalists?" Miu murmured. "Is it really a good idea for me to come?"
"Don't worry. You're my friend, so it's fine. Even if rumors start spreading, I honestly don't care."
Maybe it'll even keep away the women who approach me wanting something more than friendship.
"Even so..."
"Don't worry so much... Miu, right?"
"You remember my name..."
"Of course I do. Kyo talks about you a lot."
"Don't say unnecessary things, Rina."
"Alright, alright. Sorry, Mr. Kyo."
"Don't call me 'Mr.' It makes me feel old."
"Haha..." Miu laughed. "Sorry."
"It's okay. That was the whole point," Rina said. "You feel a little calmer now, don't you?"
"Actually... no. It feels like my heart is about to burst. I'm going to meet Aya Fuji and Ren Kisaragi—people I've only ever seen on TV!"
"She's more nervous about meeting them than she is about the journalists."
"Seriously?" Rina looked surprised. "You're going to be disappointed. They're just ordinary people. There's nothing that special about them. Well, they're good-looking, but Kyo is way more handsome than either of them. You won't be that impressed by their looks."
"Even so... they're famous. They're special."
"Special..." I murmured. "Is there really anything that special about being famous? The only good thing fame brings is money."
I was being honest.
It's nice to read and hear compliments coming from everywhere, but fame has far more disadvantages than advantages.
Journalists, people stopping you on the street, people taking pictures of you without your permission, and, of course, rumors that can destroy your reputation at any moment. If you do something good, it goes viral quickly. But if you do something bad...
You can break the internet.
People enjoy hating far more than they enjoy praising.
So far, I've never been "canceled," but when that day comes, I have no idea what I'll do.
"Kyo's right. There's nothing all that special about being famous. My job is much better—I make a lot of money and I'm completely anonymous. Nobody pays any attention to me. Isn't that great?"
A lot of money? Just how much does Rina make? Now I'm curious.
"How much do you make, Rina? Now you've got me curious."
"You don't ask someone how much they make! Hmph!"
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