While Akikawa Kyousuke and Itakura Misaki were chatting, Kyousuke suddenly noticed that many people around them seemed to be glancing in his direction.
Curious, Misaki turned her head and then her eyes lit up. They saw Okino Yoko walking toward them in a light blue dress.
Her form-fitting gown accentuated the perfect figure she had honed over years of dance training. The flowing dress, paired with her light brown hair, made her appear even more radiant than she did on television.
'Miss Yoko… Even in this banquet filled with industry elites, she remains the most dazzling and outstanding presence,' thought Misaki, unable to suppress his admiration.
"Akikawa-kun, have you eaten? Let me introduce you to some industry friends," Okino Yoko said softly to Kyousuke.
Misaki, worried about Kyousuke missing the chance to expand his connections, naturally welcomed her suggestion. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder how Akikawa Kyousuke had earned such special treatment from Okino Yoko.
"Alright," Kyousuke replied without hesitation. After gently dabbing his lips with a linen napkin, he stood up.
Yoko glanced at the barely touched plates on Kyousuke's table and frowned slightly, but she chose to remain silent.
---
Kyousuke followed Yoko to another table near the center of the room. Seated there were individuals whose demeanor immediately signaled their importance in the industry.
"Let me introduce everyone. This is Akikawa-kun. He's a young talent from our company, and his acting skills are exceptional~" Yoko said with a hint of pride.
A slightly overweight man chuckled loudly, his voice amplified by his evident excitement from drinking. "Well, this is a rare sight! Miss Yoko introducing a young male artist to us."
"That's true," a woman in her early thirties chimed in, teasing Yoko with a playful expression. "He's quite handsome. Could it be that you two are a couple?"
"No, he's just a young talent from the company~" Yoko replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She covered her mouth and smiled at the woman.
"Yoko, your reaction isn't convincing!" the woman teased further. But just as she was about to stand, she suddenly winced, clutching her lower back.
"Ouch—oh, the pains of aging. I must book another massage appointment soon," she joked before straightening up and directing her attention to Kyousuke.
"I heard you played Otani Sae in Takemura's play. I attended one of the performances, and your acting was truly remarkable."
"Thank you," Kyousuke replied politely.
The woman extended her hand toward him, and Kyousuke responded with a gentle handshake.
"This is Director Kousaka," Yoko introduced the man who had greeted Kyousuke earlier, "and the one who just praised your acting is Director Soma."
Yoko then gestured toward another man at the table who appeared to be dozing off. "And this is Director Sogabe. He seems a bit tired tonight."
Hearing his name, Sogabe stirred, looking mildly embarrassed. "Yes, I didn't get much rest. If I'd known, I would've napped at the hotel," he admitted, yawning.
---
"Let's move to the next table," Yoko suggested. Kyousuke nodded, glancing one last time at the prominent directors and writers seated at this table before following her.
At the next table, Kyousuke recognized familiar faces—Director Hota Yoshitoki and scriptwriter Oda Ema, whom he had met recently.
The individuals at this table exuded the same confident aura of industry veterans, yet the atmosphere felt notably different. It was more intimate and less formal.
Yoko introduced Kyousuke to the group, who greeted him cordially. Kyousuke could sense that most were being polite out of respect for Yoko, which didn't surprise him.
As Yoko made her introductions, Kyousuke's attention was drawn to a man sitting next to Hota Yoshitoki.
Unlike the others, this man lacked the usual pride and authority that marked the industry leaders Kyousuke had encountered tonight. Yet, his confident demeanor and refined appearance suggested someone extraordinary.
'His presence stands out, but not in the way of a director or writer,' Kyousuke thought.
"Mr. Ohga~" Yoko called softly to the man, who turned toward her with a warm smile.
"Ah, my apologies, Miss Yoko. I got caught up talking with Hota-kun," he said, standing up and extending a hand toward Kyousuke.
"Hello, I'm Takao ohga. Just call me Ohga."
"Hello, Mr. Ohga. My name is Akikawa Kyousuke."
As they shook hands, Kyousuke's sharp gaze took in every detail.
'His hands are well-maintained, with no calluses or visible scars, and his nails are meticulously trimmed. He must often engage in fine manual work and takes care of his appearance.
His demeanor suggests he is likely in his thirties or forties, yet he looks younger than others of that age here.
It's clear he's not a director or writer, but his confidence stems from professional skills and a prominent status in the entertainment industry.'
Kyousuke's eyes flicked to the man's other hand, where a sleek mechanical watch adorned his wrist.
'A high income, without a doubt. So, he must be a producer.'
Kyousuke concluded his analysis just as their handshake ended, keeping his observations to himself.
---
'A new character has entered the stage. What role will he play in Akikawa Kyousuke's journey?'
(To be continued...)