Ichigo picked up the folder from the floor and straightened his clothes, giving Tadano a confident smile.
Ichigo: "So... what's next, partner?" said the blond.
Tadano: "For now, we need two more members to achieve success with the regular Idols... but as for the plan I gave you, I could have it ready in a month at most. I just need you to handle the search for our future stars. I want you to set up auditions that I'll attend. I've also heard you have experience in advertising, which will be helpful... we need to get our company's name out there. How about Strawberry Productions..." said the young man while smiling at the blond.
The blond smiled from ear to ear and agreed.
Then he thought of something and asked.
Ichigo: "So who are those two members?"
Tadano: "Don't worry about it... our dear vice president will help us with that... Right, Shinomiya-san?" said the young man, directing his gaze toward the door of the room.
It slowly opened, and a head with black hair timidly peeked in.
Kaguya: "I-If you need my help... I'm willing to assist," said the young woman shyly, a slight blush visible on her cheeks.
Tadano: "Perfect... I'd like to talk to you privately later," said the young man, winking at the girl with ruby eyes.
She nodded timidly.
...
*POV Tadano*
I smiled as I walked through the halls of the academy.
A notification and a message were the cause of my joy.
*Ding*
[[The Arrow that Pierces Hearts] smells love in the air]
*Ding*
[Main Mission (Activated): "Sorry friend, she's mine now"]
Description: [The Arrow that Pierces Hearts] has alerted you. You have awakened Kaguya's Silly personality. She has fallen deeply in love with you. However, her cold personality interferes with your complete conquest. It's time to finish what you started and claim the maiden's heart.
Objective: "Defeat Shirogane Miyuki in an academic competition and win the complete love of Shinomiya Kaguya."
Reward: +200 Idol Points, +1 random pull from the Premium Roulette, Title [She's Mine!]]
Tadano: "Sorry Miyuki... the reward is too juicy to pass up."
...
Tadano: "Shinomiya-san, I'd like to meet your president... I want to inform him about the future termination of my colleague's duties here," I said while placing my hand on Ichigo's shoulder.
Kaguya nodded.
Kaguya: "I-If you don't mind, I-I can guide you... it's not far," she said, clasping her hands and moving uncomfortably.
...
Both Chika and Hayasaka were stunned.
Chika was shocked because it was rare for her to see this side of Kaguya. She had seen this side of her friend before, albeit briefly. When Chika recovered from her shock, she smiled foolishly and hugged the shy Kaguya tightly, who squirmed in her embrace trying to escape.
Hayasaka was stunned for a different reason.
While Hayasaka already had an idea of who Kaguya-sama's heart beat for, she didn't expect this type of reaction towards the young man in front of her. She also knew that Kaguya-sama had feelings for President Shirogane, but she realized these feelings were not very strong. A proof of this was the clear differences in Kaguya-sama's reaction to both individuals.
While Kaguya-sama tended to get a little nervous in front of the president, she could still use her reasoning in front of him and devise strategies to deal with him. In short, in front of Shirogane Miyuki, Kaguya-sama could defend herself and perhaps fight on equal footing in a battle of wits.
On the other hand, there was the Wandering Musician. Every time Kaguya-sama saw or approached him, her IQ plummeted. The expression she made also told Hayasaka everything she needed to know. Hayasaka also caught Kaguya-sama humming the songs of that young man.
Kaguya herself admitted that she couldn't get close to the Wandering Musician directly, as she would panic.
While Hayasaka was interested in what would come out of a relationship between President Shirogane and Kaguya-sama, she couldn't deny that she was very interested in Tadano-sama... or should she say the young Master Hitohito.
That's right... both Hayasaka and Kaguya knew the true identity of Tadano Hitohito. The head of the family had told them himself.
Hayasaka had been assigned a new mission. No longer under the command of the supposed future heir and eldest son Shinomiya Oko, but under the command of Gan'an himself. Hayasaka's job now was to ensure Kaguya's safety and facilitate the possibilities for both the young master and Kaguya-sama to connect.
The head of the family sought to bind his son to the clan, and his tether would be Kaguya-sama, for whom the young master had shown a peculiar interest, in Gan'an's words.
Initially, Hayasaka was worried since she would have to divide her reports. But thanks to Hitohito-sama's words, she had shed a great burden. If what he said was true, she would no longer need to worry about the machinations of Kaguya-sama's older brother, as she would be protected by Gan'an and his parents. This only elevated Hayasaka's opinion of Tadano in her heart.
With this new discovery about his other identity, her expectations for him had soared beyond imaginable limits. Hayasaka had meticulously investigated the Wandering Musician. She knew about his incredible abilities and his addictive singing. If he was indeed the Wandering Musician, then Hayasaka would do everything possible to ensure he liked Kaguya-sama. If someone as magical as the Wandering Musician took a liking to Kaguya-sama, she would never be in danger again. On the contrary, she would be one of the most protected people. Only God knows what other abilities the Wandering Musician might hide. She promised herself to do everything possible for Kaguya-sama's future.
...
While Kaguya struggled to free herself from Chika, she made a wrong move and fell to the floor. When she tried to get up, she complained of a sharp pain in her foot. Hayasaka quickly moved to check the injury and, with a swift motion of her hand, pulled a small first-aid kit from her skirt. After performing the necessary care, she reported.
Hayasaka: "This will be fine... just try not to put much pressure on that foot. It should be healed by tomorrow," she said in a professional tone.
Chika: "Wow, Ai-chan, I didn't know you could do that..." said the pink-haired girl, jumping excitedly at seeing how skilled Hayasaka was.
It was then that Hayasaka realized she had broken character for a moment and quickly regained her previous tone.
Hayasaka: "Don't worry, hehe. It's just something I learned from my father, who is a health maniac..." she said in a nonchalant tone.
Chika: "Oh... well then. On the other hand, I'm really sorry, Kaguya-san. You were so cute that I couldn't contain myself, I really apologize," said the pink-haired girl, deflating a bit and looking very sad for causing such harm to her friend.
Kaguya: "No need... just let it go. I know you didn't mean any harm," said Kaguya, coming back to her senses a little.
Tadano: "Let's see... uh, I don't think you can walk in your current state. In that case..." I said as I picked up Kaguya's petite figure in my arms, carrying her in the classic princess style.
Tadano: "This is better, right? Well, Fujiwara-san, since Shinomiya-san won't be able to move on her own, would you mind leading the way?" I said while looking her in the eyes.
Chika nodded happily, eager to be useful, and strutted down the hall energetically leading the way.
Author's Note: "Well, here's today's chapter. I know it's a bit late, but I'll definitely bring another one tomorrow, 100% guaranteed hehe. With all that said, remember to drink plenty of water, and I love you very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."
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