Chereads / CHECKMATE! / Chapter 54 - Shiziru's Choice, Marie's Consequences

Chapter 54 - Shiziru's Choice, Marie's Consequences

As Shizuru's emotional breakdown takes place for the sake of the idols and their dignity and stance, it is now time for the victims to express themselves and expose the deceitful industry that has brought forth darkness on their dreams.

After Shizuru's emotional breakdown, it is now the victim's turn to rise up and express themselves. They start to expose the deceitful industry that has cast a shadow of darkness over their hopes and dreams.

They begin to break free from the suffocating grips of the manipulative forces that seek to exploit them for their own gain. Through their courage and resilience, the victims start to bring light to the dark side of the industry, paving the way for a better future for themselves, their fans, and their beloved idols.

Mei stood before the audience, taking a deep breath to compose herself. She was determined to expose the deep-rooted issues of the idol industry that had taken advantage of her and her fellow idols.

"My name is Mei Kitsuno, and I am from the idol group PIXY DUST Z. I am here to tell you how our company managed to use us for their own personal gain. I know that our company is not financially well-off enough to fully support us as idols and enter the competitive market, but exploiting us is not the answer."

One after another, the idols who have come forward take the stage to speak their mind and answer the questions from the interviewer. They all have their unique experiences and stories to tell, ranging from exploitation, manipulation, and abuse. Through their honest and raw testimonials, they hope to shed light on the dark side of the idol industry and help create a better future for themselves, their fans, and their beloved idols.

The entire ABC Japan office is still reeling from the news of Shizuru's resignation. While they are saddened and shocked by her sudden move,they are also frozen with fear as they were unaware of her silent movements behind the scenes. Marie starts to accept her part in the situation, realizing that she was also involved in the deep fake issue with Hino that day and has come to terms with her part in it, knowing that there is nothing she could do to change her situation now. This tension and sadness slowly spreads across not only the office but also the entire industry.

During the night, as Shizuru and Hino were about to leave, the idols sent their support and gratitude to her. Mei approached Shizuru with emotion in her voice and asked her, "Is this your final decision, Shizuru? Resigning just for the sake of the truth?"

Shizuru looked down at Mei with sadness in her eyes and a heavy heart, nodding in response, feeling that she had no choice but to step down from her position. This conversation between Mei and Shizuru showed that the idols were not going to just accept her resignation, as they also valued her and recognized her efforts in revealing the truth.

As Shizuru drives, she glances over at Hino and sees him leaning his head out of the window, feeling the breeze on his face. She smiles to herself as she drives, knowing that this moment is special and that Hino is enjoying it just as much as she is.

They both drive in silence, taking in the beauty of the city and feeling the tension and excitement building between them. Hino finally breaks the silence, turning to Shizuru and asking if this is her final decision. She nods solemnly and Hino sighs, knowing that this moment is the end of their road together.

Shizuru was driving, but she couldn't help smiling as she saw Hino enjoying the wind on his face. She increased the speed slightly, watching as the wind began to blow in Hino's hair. They both enjoyed the moment, feeling an intimacy between them as they prepared for the end of their road together.

"You should really touch grass more often, Hino!" Shizuru laughed in response to Hino's joke. She knew that he wasn't being serious, but she still wanted Hino to get out more and enjoy life.

But Hino's response was different than she hoped, he said, "If I touch grass, I might even get attacked by a secret organization! My life is in danger when I go outside, so I have to compromise and stay at home, even if it drives me delusional."

"You don't need to worry, Hino! I'll go with you from now on! We will both feel safe with each other." Shizuru smiles as she offers to accompany Hino outside; she was worried that he would become more isolated and delusional if he stayed inside all day. Hino was touched by Shizuru's concern and willingness to protect him outside the office. He had always enjoyed staying inside and playing games, and conspiracy theories but now he had someone to go with him and keep him safe.

"Alright Hino, I need you to come with me," Shizuru said as she gathered all her personal items and documents from her office. She also wanted to take some mementos from her office, including the photos and momentos that she had with Marie, her memories were precious to her. Hino accompanied her to help carry the heavy boxes and bags to her car. Shizuru's mind was filled with emotions for the last time in her office, she knew that this would be the last time she would ever see this place.

Shizuru and Marie locked eyes for a moment as Shizuru was leaving and she looked at her with a stern and even furious expression, never to forget Marie's ignorance of the idol industry. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel the pain and frustration of having to leave due to Marie's selfishness. She knew that she would never forgive her for this, but she also knew that she was making a stand for herself and the rest of the industry, and that she was taking a stand against manipulation and exploitation.

Hino carefully put all the boxes in the backseat and some in the trunk of Shizuru's car. He knew that this was a big moment for her, and he wanted to make sure everything went smoothly. He also couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness as he watched her prepare to leave, knowing that this would change the dynamics between them but he was proud of her for choosing her principles over everything else.