During the interview, Asakura remained strangely silent. Not only that, but he even tried to keep his eyes from staring for too long. By doing so he wanted to minimize his presence as much as possible. Not because he didn't want the other person to take notice of him, but because he was afraid of making Sato even more nervous than he already was.
However, that endeavor proved to be a rank S mission for Asakura.
The moment Sato began to speak and answer the judges' questions, the air around him changed subtly. From the frightened little animal he had been in the beginning, Sato slowly transformed into a radiant young man. His eyes brightened and his smile grew to be even more brilliant. Asakura was even tempted to think that it was all done with magic. The change was just too much for his mind to comprehend.
When he turned his head to look around, Asakura wasn't surprised to discover that he wasn't the only one shocked. Based on their widened eyes and gaping mouths, it was clear that the rest of the judges were just as surprised as he was.
Meanwhile, Sato didn't even realize the powerful impact his shift in attitude caused over the minds of the people sitting in front of him. He simply, and naturally, answered every question, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
When it came to the part where he had to talk about his former projects, Sato answered in an unaffected manner. He wasn't exaggeratedly modest, but there wasn't any sign of bragging in his tone either. All his answers were comprehensive and sensible.
The interview was closing to an end and Sato let out a breath of relief. However, just before everything was truly over, he heard producer Fukuoka speak.
"One last thing. You said your name is Imamura, right? By any chance, do you have a connection with Imamura Kotoko-san?"
Hearing this question, all of Sato's previous relief suddenly evaporated. Along with that his countenance changed swiftly as well. He struggled to keep a smile on his face, while clutching his hands into fists to keep them from trembling.
As expected, this change didn't escape Asakura's keen eyes. He saw it all, but couldn't find a reason to intervene without bringing Sato even more trouble. And if he had to be completely honest to himself, he was also curious to know how Sato was going to answer.
Perhaps this was all just out of curiosity on his part, a simple moment of interest without any deeper meaning. Nevertheless, the fact of the matter was that Asakura felt a strong desire to know more about that person. It appeared that a sense of greed was slowly, and unknowingly, starting to form inside his mind.
While Asakura was holding his breath, brooding over these conflicting thoughts, Sato had eventually managed to regain a bit of his former composure.
"Uhm, she...I mean Imamura Kotoko…"
Sato hesitated for a second. Then, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he finally replied.
"She was my mother."
As soon as they heard his answer, the entire judge panel, except for the person Sato thought was the scriptwriter, immediately began to make a fuss over the information.
Sato expected that much. Therefore, he remained quiet and watched as they chattered away between themselves.
"Ooh, you mean the actress Kotoko-san?"
"Yes, the one who had that car accident all those years ago."
"I believe I read somewhere that she had a son. So it seems the information was true."
"Indeed. I'm curious to see whether he had inherited his mother's talent. Kotoko-san was an amazing actress."
"You're right. It was truly a pity that she died at such a young age. And she was right at the pinnacle of her career."
"She was also an exquisite beauty. It appears you have indeed taken after her, Sato-kun. Such a beautiful and graceful young man..."
Hearing those enthusiastic rants made Sato feel increasingly uncomfortable. He could barely refrain from his urge to jump to his feet and run away from that place. But, since he already decided to do his best, how could he abandon a fight like this? No, it would be too cowardly of him.
So, in the end, all Sato could do was to continue wearing a polite smile and nod his head silently.
After several moments of bearing with it, his temples began pulsing violently and he felt a headache forming. Just when he was about to break under this pressure, a loud clap ended all that babble. The sound was followed by a loud and familiar voice.
"Alright, alright, I know you are all excited to see such a pretty young man but please, maintain your dignity. I believe Imamura-san has already finished his interview. If there is nothing else you want to ask, I suggest you allow him to leave. The next person is waiting to audition."
With this interruption, Asakura effectively put a lid to all those fussing remarks.
The judges held their tongues, and even the Mayama and Fukuoka pair avoided looking him in the eye. Indeed, they had been too carried away and made a spectacle out of themselves. Being so openly chided by a man of Asakura's standing made them feel thoroughly embarrassed.
In the meantime, Sato took a deep breath in order to regain his calm. Then, he turned his head and shot Asakura a grateful look.
With that, the interview concluded. After one or two more perfunctory remarks, Sato was finally allowed to leave the room.
Not even ten seconds after Sato slipped out of the interview room, Asakura got up as well. At the other people's inquiring looks, he merely gave a vague explanation.
"If you'll excuse me, I have something important to take care of." He said the words casually, followed by a wave of his hand. "Please continue without me."
Then, under everyone's surprised stares, he left his seat and followed after Sato in a haste.
For some inexplicable reason, Asakura felt unsettled, as though the young man would suddenly vanish in thin air if he couldn't catch up to him fast enough.
But despite all those worries, Asakura managed to find Sato in less than a minute.