Kyota Rikatsu was a man in his late-twenties.
Just like Asakura, he had risen to his position due to his exceptional talent for business. Despite working in the entertainment industry, he always had a stern, almost aloof air around him.
His appearance was above average, with a handsome face and a well-toned body. But the downside of all this was the fact that he didn't like to smile much.
Sato had always wondered how a person such as him could be so successful, even being a Director at an entertainment agency.
But then again, perhaps that was Kyoto Rikatsu's individual charm that made the man so appreciated by everyone.
The fact that he was honest and blunt, while offering services of an exceptional quality, helped in winning a large clientele. From clothing brands to hotels, and even sports apparel manufacturers, there were a lot of companies who appreciated his flawless business style.
Kyota Rikatsu never said no to an offer as long as it played well with his interests.
Furthermore, he always took good care of his artists.
He was famous in the industry for his strict control over the performers' lives. He didn't tolerate the smallest rumor that could risk the agency's image or the actors' reputation, regardless of the matter. By keeping a firm grip on the young people's behavior and appearance, he managed to uphold a positive image, creating something close to a brand.
Even so, his decisions were never unjust and always took action after carefully analyzing the situation.
This was the person who now stood in front of Sato and Kyosuke. A pair of penetrating eyes stared them down from behind black-rimmed glasses.
Kyota's ink-black hair was flawlessly styled, the color contrasting nicely with the dark blue suit he was wearing. He was looking so dashing that he could pose as a model himself. No wonder all the women in the company were always goggling at him with heart-shaped eyes.
Just as Sato and Kyosuke were about to take a seat on the large sofa, a group of three young women burst inside the office in a storm of color and mirth.
"Kyota-san! Kyota-san, is it true that we have been approved for a debut?" One of the girls asked, excitement blooming on her beautiful face.
"Ne, ne, Kyota-san, is it true the big event is next week?" Another one interjected.
"Kyota-san, what are we going to do?! I'm so nervous, I'm sure I'll do something wrong and make a fool out of myself while on stage." The third girl wailed, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, looking positively dramatic.
Hearing all this ruckus caused Kyota to frown and rub at his temple. He could feel a headache coming.
"You three, stop squealing like a bunch of monkeys and listen to me! The debut concert is two weeks from now and if you perform like you always do while practicing, then you'll be amazing."
"Really?" The third woman asked unsure, still clutching the handkerchief in her hand. She was gazing at Kyota with big, trembling eyes.
"Really. I've seen you practice and there is nothing to worry about." Kyota sighed deeply and patted her head for a second, before regaining his strict attitude. "Now off you go! I still have work to do."
"Alright. We'll leave for now, but we'll come to visit you again soon." One of the women chirped.
"I'd rather you not." Kyota retorted, pushing his glasses up his nose.
"But Kyota-san always says the right things and gives us confidence." The one who was patted on the head quickly interjected, her eyes sparkling brightly as she gazed at him.
"It's my job to know these things. Now go!" Kyota reiterated, pointing at the door.
Seeing him so adamant and also knowing when they should stop teasing, the hyped females turned on their heels and walked out in a single file.
As they left the office, the three of them kept giggling and smiling brightly until their cheeks were flushed red. They really looked just like a group of high school girls fangirling after meeting their crush.
Now that the noisy group was gone, the remaining three could carry on with their conversation.
"I see you're as popular as ever, Kyota-san." Sato began by saying, a small smile gracing his lips.
He truly admired this man for his ability to be so well liked, even without showing any trace of affection in return.
Kyosuke, on the other hand, scoffed. The sight of those women fawning over Kyota like some brainless creatures made him want to gag. He wore a grimace of displeasure as he sat cross-legged on the sofa.
"If being popular means being surrounded by those kinds of headless chickens then anyone can do it." He grumbled in an undertone.
Unfortunately, Kyota had keen ears as well as sharp eyes. Hence, he heard everything Kyosuke said and saw every change in his expression. This caused Kyota's lips to curve into a deep smile. He traced his chin with a finger, looking pensive.
"Is that so?" He asked softly.
"Those women don't know squat about anything." Kyosuke continued to grumble, completely unaware of the amusement his attitude was giving Kyota.
Meanwhile, Sato was watching this exchange from the sidelines. He was already used to Kyosuke acting like a kid most of the time. But whenever Kyota was involved, it was like his immaturity obtained new levels with each encounter.
"Well, then." Kyota suddenly said, arousing Sato from his thoughts. "Kyosuke-kun, I guess you'll have to show me how it's done. You have a modeling session in three days and I expect an impeccable performance from you. Since the photoshoot will probably take all day, make sure to clear your entire schedule."
"Ooh! A photoshoot!" Kyosuke cried out, suddenly looking very excited.
His eyes were sparkling gratefully at Kyota, not very different from how those women had appeared earlier. It was as though their previous quarrels never existed and they were the best of friends again.
"I haven't done that in quite a while. Who's the client?"
"X brand." Kyota replied simply. There was no special inflection in his voice, but a strange look flashed through his eyes.
"X brand? I've never heard of them." Kyosuke said thoughtfully.
"That's because you don't like to buy underwear from them. You always complain they have ugly designs." Sato stated calmly.
Following Sato's words, a heavy silence fell inside the office.