When Takashi's final score of 97.1 appeared on the big screen, his first-place victory was unquestionable.
Second place went to Hoshino Ai, who scored 94.5.
Third place was Watanabe Akari, with 87 points.
After the organizers gathered everyone for a group photo, it was time to pick prizes.
Takashi asked for a couple's mug set.
Hoshino Ai, who had originally intended to get bath salts, immediately changed her mind and chose a shopping voucher instead.
That was a whole 10,000-yen voucher—not some measly 5-yen discount coupon from Rolls-Royce.
Back when she was still an underground idol, before she officially debuted, she barely made 50,000 yen a month.
Even now, as a glamorous idol in the eyes of the public, a 10,000-yen voucher was still a decent amount of money for her.
Akari, on the other hand, picked lipstick.
After stuffing the lipstick into her bag, she turned around, scanned the crowd, and quickly spotted Takashi.
A small smile formed at the corner of her lips as she walked toward him with light steps, calling out, "Takashi! You big liar! Didn't you say you couldn't sing—"
She abruptly stopped mid-sentence.
Because she saw Narii.
A girl so stunning that even other girls would feel inferior in her presence.
Her small, delicate face was adorned with a pair of fox-like, mischievous eyes, shimmering like crystal.
Her straight nose and petite red lips complemented each other perfectly, forming a masterpiece akin to a renowned painting.
Her fair skin had a rosy tint, appearing even more translucent under the sunlight.
Her jet-black hair, sleek as a serene stream, flowed smoothly down her back, with a small section on her left temple gently tied with a thin white ribbon, adding a touch of playfulness.
She wore a black Miu Miu short-sleeve shirt on top, paired with matching high-waisted black jeans and black Martin boots on the bottom.
It was a simple outfit—not as flashy as Akari's—but it drew far more attention.
Her beauty, figure, and aura completely outshone Akari.
"Hello!"
Narii only gave her a brief glance before greeting her with confidence.
"H-hello." Akari greeted back awkwardly.
Even such a simple response came out stuttered.
"Takashi, you guys talk. I'll go buy you some water."
Narii seemed to have sensed Akari's unease and took the initiative to leave, giving them space.
Takashi was slightly surprised.
Normally, if he so much as talked to another girl, Narii's eyes would be shooting daggers at him.
Had she been possessed or something?
Meeting Takashi's puzzled gaze, Narii instantly understood what he was thinking and shot him a glare before snatching the mug set from his hands and storming off.
Takashi watched her leave and spoke in a calm voice, "Is there something you wanted?"
Akari hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Is she your girlfriend?"
"No, but she's pursuing me." Takashi didn't hide anything and stated their relationship directly.
"Do you like her?"
This time, Akari didn't stutter.
Takashi withdrew his gaze and seriously thought about it before replying, "I have some feelings for her."
It would be a lie to say he felt nothing.
If there was a girl who treated you sincerely, didn't ask for anything in return, and truly loved you—who could remain completely indifferent?
Then again, explaining this to someone who had never experienced love would be pointless.
"..."
Hearing his response, Akari fell into silence.
With her face partially hidden by her blonde hair, Takashi couldn't see her expression clearly.
He stared at her, his heart skipping a beat as he hesitantly asked, "Don't tell me… you like me?"
Akari abruptly lifted her head, her face filled with blatant disdain.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Me? Like you? You must be full of yourself. You're a compulsive liar—the only thing decent about you is your face. Like you? Stop being delusional."
Takashi studied her for a long time but found no clues.
So, he pulled up his system panel.
Yep.
Akari's secret crush was still Tenjin Minami not him.
He let out a breath of relief.
"That's good. That's really good."
Hearing this, Akari was livid.
She stomped on Takashi's foot with all her might.
"You're insane!"
For the record, Akari was wearing thick-soled leather shoes.
Getting stomped on by those was no joke.
"You're the insane one! Your whole family is insane!"
Akari shouted even louder than Takashi, attracting the attention of passersby.
After yelling at him, she ran off.
Leaving Takashi standing there alone.
"What the hell is her problem?"
He genuinely didn't understand what he said to upset her.
'I should stay away from her next time.'
Takashi looked down at his white sneakers, now dirtied with a shoe print.
It was seriously irritating—like getting an oil stain on a white shirt.
"Um, excuse me..."
Just as he was about to buy some wet wipes, a few timid little girls suddenly appeared in front of him.
They looked quite young—probably elementary school students.
The frown on Takashi's face eased.
"Do you need something, little sisters?"
He crouched down, looking at them with a gentle expression.
"Big brother, your singing was amazing! Can we get your autograph?"
A pink-haired girl with shoulder-length short hair mustered up her courage and held out a small notebook and pen.
Takashi took them and neatly signed his name.
"Here you go. You're my first-ever fan to receive my autograph! Keep it safe."
"If I become famous one day, you might be able to sell it for a good price when you need money." He playfully winked at her.
"I'd never sell it! I'm going to treasure it forever!"
The little girl spoke seriously, looking adorably determined.
Takashi couldn't help but grow more fond of her.
He reached out and gently patted her head.
"Big brother, I want an autograph too!"
"Me too!"
"Big brother, c-can I take a picture with you?"
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