Today was the day I would step into the role of PasuPare's producer. Glancing at the clock, I noted that it was 7:30 in the morning. Maruyama had emphasized the importance of being early, but unfortunately, she hadn't provided a specific time.
I let out a sigh, pushing aside any negative thoughts. There was no time for self-doubt; I needed to make a good impression on my first day at their agency.
I decided to go the extra mile in grooming myself. I brushed my teeth thrice, took two showers, applied deodorant, and meticulously styled my hair. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I was taken aback.
"Who the hell are you!? Is that really me!?" I exclaimed, surprised by the transformation. It seemed like I had just walked out of a salon with my bangs swept to the side.
The sudden rush of self-disgust hit me like a wave. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the overwhelming feeling. "It's just a haircut," I reminded myself. I wanted to make a positive first impression as PasuPare's temporary producer.
With newfound determination, I left my place, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me...
Challenge.
And as I stepped into the building, a realization hit me, "I guess I was really, really early."
Walking in, I caught the attention of one of the staff members who seemed puzzled. "Hm? Who might you be? This is not for you to casually visit."
They're already suspicious of me.
"I am the new producer!"
There was a momentary pause as some of the staff looked at me with skepticism.
"Yeah... No, you're not the producer."
"Eh?! I swear Maruyama-san told me to come here!"
The staff exchanged glances, and one of them said, "Is this one of the fans?"
They weren't buying it. I guess blurting out like that by a random person doesn't sound convincing.
"Um... Sir, please kindly get out of this building."
"Wait, wait! I'm serious! Maruyama Aya told me to come here. I'm Nakasone Kyo, the new producer for Pastel*Palettes!" I tried to assert myself, but the staff's skepticism remained evident.
"Pastel*Palettes' producer? That's a new one," one of them remarked sarcastically.
I quickly pulled out my phone to show them the Line messages from Maruyama. "Look, see? She messaged me the address and everything. She even added her contact info. It's legit!"
The staff exchanged glances, still not entirely convinced. After a brief discussion, one of them said, "Fine, show us the messages then."
I handed over my phone, and they scrolled through the conversation. Eventually, their expressions softened, realizing that I might indeed be the new producer Maruyama mentioned.
"Alright, seems like you're telling the truth. Sorry about that. We've had some trouble with overenthusiastic fans lately," one of them explained, returning my phone.
"No problem. I understand. Thank you for checking." I gave a polite nod, relieved that the misunderstanding was cleared.
As I walked further into the building, I couldn't help but think, "Well, this is quite the memorable entrance."
"Geez..."
"Oh, so you are the producer that Maruyama told me." A woman in a professional suit approached me.
"Y-Yes! My name is Nakasone Kyo! Nice to meet you!" I bowed.
"Come... The girls aren't here yet."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
She paused, turning her face over her shoulders, "My name is Yamaguchi Maiko. I am the manager for Pastel*Palette." She continued to walk until we both arrived in a studio.
"This is where they... rehearse?"
"That's right..."
My eyes widened as I looked around. The musical instruments here were impressive, with a cute design that still exuded a sense of richness.
"Woah! Is this the Duff McKagan Precision Bass!?" I exclaimed, looking at the bass guitar standing on the wall. "This is a great bass, and I'm honestly very surprised by the build quality since it's a MIM!"
"Oh? You know them?" She asked, clearly impressed.
"I'm actually quite knowledgeable when it comes to musical instruments."
I turned to the guitar, "UWOHH!! Infinite Trad T HSH - Luminous Blue!!" and then the keytar caught my attention. "KORG RK-100S! Honestly, I think this is on par with Shirokane-san's Roland FA-08!"
"It's a solid piece; I believe the only keytar on the market that has a wood body. The synth engine is the same as Korg's micro Korg Xl plus, which is a great 8-voice engine."
"I wasn't expecting our new producer to be this knowledgeable," she chuckled.
"I-I just love music, and I've spent a lot of time researching different instruments," I said, a bit embarrassed by her scrutiny.
"Hmm, I see. Well, that might come in handy. Anyway, let's get down to business. The girls will be here shortly. You'll need to discuss your plans and get acquainted."
We waited for a few minutes and then the first girl to enter the studio was Hikawa.
"Good morning, Manager!" Hina then noticed me, "Oh? Are you the new producer!? Wait, your face is familiar? Could it be that staff from CirCLE?"
I nodded, "Hello, Hikawa Hina-san."
Followed by Wakamiya Eve, "Hina-chan, why are you blocking the door!?" She then managed to slip in. "Hello! Good morning, Manager!"
"Yeah! Round up everyone."
"Huh? Nakasone-kun? You're very early?" Aya says entering, followed by Chisato and Maya.
"Oh? Nakasone-kun?" Chisato was surprised.
"Ohh! It's the part-timer from CirCLE!" Maya says pointing at me.
"Round up now everyone! We'll introduce ourselves one by one."
They all gathered and then started introducing themselves one by one. It's embarrassing, but at the same time, I feel honored... but mostly embarrassed... after all, I'm a producer of PasuPare.
Aya was the first to walk forward. "Hello!~☆ I'm Maruyama Aya! I'm the vocalist of Pastel*Palette, Nice to meet you!" She stepped back to her position, radiating vibrance like a literal star.
"I'm Hikawa Hina! I'm the guitarist for Pastel*Palletes! What can I say...? I guess that's it. Hehe!" She stepped back to her position, showing a playful demeanor.
She's different than her sister.
"I'm Shirasagi Chisato, and I play the bass for Pastel*Palletes. Looking forward to working with you, Nakasone-kun." She winked at me and flashed a smile before returning back to her position, exuding confidence.
She will kill me with that kind of smile.
"H-Hello! I'm Yamato Maya... Yamato Maya desu, I play drums for Pastel*Palletes! Nice to meet you!" She walked back to her position, ending with a quirky 'desu.'
"Hello! My name is Wakamiya Eve! I play the keyboards for Pastel*Palletes, Nice to meet you! Bushido!"
"Eh?" I couldn't help but express my confusion at the unique greeting.
Why Bushido in the end?
I cleared my throat and stepped up, "My name is Nakasone Kyo. I will be your temporary producer from now on. If you have any problems, please let me know."
Hina raised her hand, "Me!"
"Go ahead."
"What do you think of Marina-san?"
I grinned, "She's the most amazing person I've ever met!"
"Oh?" They all said in unison, smirking, except for Eve, who wore a curious expression.
"Now now, that's enough practice. Questions later," the manager said as she was about to leave, turning to me, "Nakasone, I'll leave it to you."
"Yes! Manager!"
She smiled and left.
I turned to them, "Alright, everyone! Let's get started!"