Shinomiya sat in silence, head bowed, unable to form a single word of refusal. The arrangement hollowed her chest, but she'd already used up her right to be willful. Kuroha had accepted her request to avoid public exposure once—that's why she now pursued voice acting at all.
She couldn't burden him again.
Besides, no matter which path she chose in entertainment, the outcome remained the same. He would keep his distance. That was simply how this world worked.
But...
Is there really no way to escape the world's eyes?
To be with him secretly?
Shinomiya refused complete despair. Her mind churned, searching for some method—any method—that might satisfy both love and career.
Kuroha's influence hadn't just given her dreams and motivation. It had given her determination. Refusal to accept fate quietly.
Think, Shion! Think! If this continues, Akira-kun will drift further and further away!
While she wrestled with impossible equations, Kuroha continued his pitch to Tashiro Kurenai.
"Bottom line: Shion's manager must be female. That's why I thought of you, Kurenai-san."
"But I've never managed anyone." Kurenai tilted her head. "Aren't there more professional options?"
"Professionalism isn't the priority. If you're willing, you don't need to handle everything like a traditional manager—because I, the producer, will still be here."
"So Akira-kun is a producer?"
"Exactly. The agency Shion joins, business negotiations, image promotion, development strategies, handling negative press—all handled by me. You wouldn't need to worry about those."
"Then what would I do? Assuming I agree, I can't just do nothing."
"Schedule arrangement, accompany her to work sites, monitor her physical condition. That's it."
"Sounds like a pretty minor job." Kurenai laughed. "Like handing water to an athlete."
More like a nanny, Kuroha thought. Or a personal maid.
Kurenai had once drunkenly declared she'd even work as a maid. The willingness to serve others was clearly there. Pity she couldn't be his maid—but Shinomiya's maid worked too.
"Today I discovered another unique advantage you have, Kurenai-san. One I lack entirely."
"Oh?"
"Image design for her."
Picking clothes. Makeup. Kurenai's forte.
Granted, voice actors rarely needed extensive makeup unless participating in concerts or variety shows—and Shinomiya's natural beauty needed no enhancement. But Kuroha used image design as bait to lure Kurenai into the trap.
"Even without gravure work, good presentation leaves positive impressions on agency staff and anime directors. You could choose Shion's work outfits according to your own vision."
"My own vision... to dress her up!"
The appeal was immediate and visceral.
Today's shopping trip had been pure dress-up-game ecstasy for Kurenai. She'd wanted to buy everything, restrained only by Shinomiya's protests. Just watching her model various outfits had made every yen spent worthwhile.
If dressing Shinomiya became work—Shinomiya couldn't refuse!
Seeing the temptation take hold, Kuroha struck while the iron glowed.
"Most importantly—I trust you, Kurenai-san. I don't trust others."
"Akira..."
Professional managers spotting talent like Shinomiya would exploit her mercilessly. Push her toward acting, suggestive gravure work, maybe even arrange "pillow talk" appointments. Squeeze every drop from this cash cow.
An amateur manager was actually safer.
Plus, knowing Kurenai's past life and current situation, Kuroha understood her thoroughly. And people don't actively harm what they genuinely like.
He remembered everything she'd said while drunk. Easy work, 200,000 yen monthly salary acceptable. Maid service okay.
Simple. He'd satisfy all preferences.
"Compensation: Shion and I agreed on fifty-fifty split originally. Your salary—two-tenths—will come from my share."
"Um, Akira-kun!" Shinomiya finally found words. "Kurenai's salary should come from my share!"
She couldn't bear the thought of Kuroha's portion decreasing. If his earnings through her shrank, her value to him would diminish further.
But Kuroha shook his finger, rejecting her suggestion.
"No. I proposed hiring Kurenai, so payment comes from my side. Besides—how much we split ultimately depends on how high you climb, Shion. Earn enough, and half of it remains substantial income for both of us."
"Mm..."
Shinomiya lowered her head again, swallowing words she couldn't speak.
I don't even need payment, she wanted to say. Just let you always be my producer. Always watch over me. That would be enough.
But taking nothing would be suspicious. Might expose her true feelings. And if those feelings were exposed...
Their relationship would end.
So she stayed silent, letting the words die unspoken.
Kuroha continued his pitch, unaware of the emotional earthquake beside him. A fixed salary wouldn't truly tempt Kurenai—she needed stakes. Risk. The thrill of investment.
No one could guarantee Shinomiya's success. That's what made this interesting.
Besides, Kuroha couldn't afford a manager's salary right now anyway. He was running on empty, pulling tricks with nothing—for the second time.
First, he'd reeled in a future superstar. Now, a dedicated manager. After Shinomiya debuted, he wouldn't need to follow her everywhere, handling every detail. Just set goals and wait for money to roll in.
This is what it means to be a kept man, isn't it?
Comfort over maximum profit. A fair trade.
"Can't guarantee Shion's earnings yet," he admitted, "but I can guarantee this: she's a one-in-a-million super genius."
He met Kurenai's eyes meaningfully. She understood—he'd already seen Shinomiya's talent, recognized its top-tier level. His ability, explained to her previously, should communicate the rest.
Shinomiya glowed at his words. Hearing Kuroha proud of her filled her with satisfaction. Being valued by someone she loved—there was no better feeling.
Tashiro Kurenai closed her eyes, brow furrowed in thought. The silence stretched, heavy with consideration.
Finally, she reopened her eyes, meeting Kuroha's gaze seriously.
"This isn't a small decision. Can you give me time to think carefully?"
"Of course. Shion won't debut immediately. Take your time—just give me an answer within the year."
"Won't take that long." She shook her head firmly. "This month. I'll decide this month."
"Perfect. I'll wait for your good news."
The poaching of Tashiro Kurenai was temporarily concluded.
Their food arrived—the waitress setting down dishes with practiced efficiency. Kuroha dug in enthusiastically, mood buoyant. Across the table, both women sat motionless, lost in separate thoughts.
Kuroha observed them between bites. Kurenai was already swayed; he could tell. Now she just needed an opportunity to tip fully into decision.
After one more day oppressed by her black-hearted company and idiotic boss, she'd probably resign in anger and jump straight into his arms.
Quickly say goodbye to corporate slave life, Kurenai! Come hug the genius's thigh with me! Enjoy some delicious soft rice!
Once Shinomiya debuts successfully, becomes a well-known voice actress...
Our financial future looks very, very bright.
He smiled inwardly, chewing happily.
Be mine, Kurenai-san.