The next episode of Love is a Required Course in Life had not yet aired, but the tsunami of public opinion it had triggered was already showing signs of escalating.
Online, the accusations against Michiya Gōshin for "playing with emotions" and being a "hypocritical author," tirelessly fanned by Executive Director Yamamoto under Suo Shogo's command, had long since detached from the scope of the show itself, gradually evolving into a personal attack and trial of his character.
On Twitter's trending list, various entries attacking Michiya Gōshin stubbornly occupied the top spots.
Although a large number of loyal fans and rational viewers fought back, attempting to pull the conversation back to his work and the show's entertainment value, their efforts were not very effective against the meticulously planned campaign.
There were simply too many people under Nenshi's banner cheering on the assault. Under such a dense barrage, these dissenting voices were often quickly drowned in a more turbulent wave of malice, followed by a new round of vicious comments.
Director Aoyama Akihiro sat in the main control room, his expression grave, as he reviewed the real-time public opinion analysis report scrolling across the screen.
According to the data curve, the show's discussion and search volumes had indeed reached an unprecedented peak. However, the red bar graph representing negative sentiment was also soaring in a glaring, synchronous climb, almost swallowing the areas for positive and neutral discussion.
"Director, if this continues… will there be trouble?"
The assistant director looked worried. "The pressure on Michiya-sensei must be immense. And if this negative buzz keeps fermenting, won't it affect the show's overall reputation and future sponsorship deals?"
"You underestimate those advertisers. Bad press is still press. They haven't shown any sign of pulling their funding. In fact, two major brands recently contacted us wanting to increase their investment. These people…"
Director Aoyama first scoffed twice, but then couldn't help but sigh again.
"Actually, the biggest problem right now is on Michiya-sensei's end. This is far more intense than the last media blackout incident from Johnny & Associates."
The ferocity of this storm far exceeded Director Aoyama's expectations, even making him feel a faint sense of unease.
"Get in touch with Michiya-kun,"
Aoyama Akihiro said to his assistant director after a moment of thought. "Ask him to come over. Just say… I want to discuss the upcoming recording schedule with him."
"Okay."
Not long after, Michiya Gōshin knocked on the director's office door.
He was dressed in a simple white knit sweater and casual pants, his expression calm and his steps unhurried. There was even a faint, gentle smile on his face, as if the raging storm online had nothing to do with him.
"Director Aoyama, you were looking for me?"
"Michiya-kun, please, have a seat."
Director Aoyama gestured for him to sit down, then began cautiously, "You've surely noticed some of the talk online these past two days, haven't you?"
Michiya Gōshin nodded slightly, his tone placid. "Yes, I've seen some of it."
His reaction was so calm that Director Aoyama was momentarily unsure how to proceed. He cleared his throat.
"Let's not beat around the bush. When we first chose you to be the wolf, the idea was to use this angle to generate more attention and traffic. But now, it's clearly gotten out of control."
"I want to ask you, Michiya-kun, what are you really thinking?"
Director Aoyama was a veteran of the entertainment industry who had weathered many storms. Although this online tempest was somewhat sudden, he still maintained control of the conversation when facing Michiya Gōshin.
However, upon hearing the question, Michiya Gōshin merely smiled lightly.
"Director, I don't have any particular thoughts. We just need to record as usual. After the third date, it should be time for the finale night, right?"
His voice was steady, his tone unhurried.
"As for the online firestorm, I don't think it's worth paying attention to. They can't actually demand that I quit the show, can they?"
"...No, that won't happen. After all, it's just public opinion."
Director Aoyama studied Michiya Gōshin's calm eyes. Honestly, he was once again shocked by the young man's nonchalant attitude.
After a moment, as if remembering something, he asked again.
"Michiya-kun, have you spoken with Mr. Suo?"
"Hmm... The answer to that question needs to remain confidential for now."
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment, a hint of a smile suddenly touching his voice. "But this matter will definitely have a better outcome in the end. I hope the director can have a little more patience. Please feel at ease and let me handle it."
Hearing this, Director Aoyama immediately recalled the backlash Johnny & Associates had suffered previously.
He suspected the young man before him hadn't been bothered by the recent troubles in the slightest.
"Michiya-kun, you really have guts. I'm looking forward to your final performance."
The director's lips twitched into a smile. "In that case, let's proceed with the recording as planned. After the third date, we'll do the final confession night as a live online broadcast. Is that all right with you?"
"No problem."
Michiya Gōshin nodded. According to the original plan, his discussion with Director Aoyama at the hotel about the show's theme and the "wolf" role would be revealed at the very end of the program.
Using a live broadcast format was a perfect way to push the hype even higher.
"It's going to be quite lively then."
Leaving the room, Michiya Gōshin glanced at the [New Writers Tokyo Branch!] group chat he had joined. Several author friends he was on good terms with had offered to speak up for him.
Asada Mao: "Michiya-sensei, I just asked around. That author who keeps writing articles to slander you is deliberately attacking you! He has no grudge against you, this is outrageous!"
Sasaki Kaoru: "Michiya-sensei, should we issue a joint statement? Do they think we have no one in the literary world?"
Mystery writer Miyamoto Miyuki: "@Michiya Gōshin, Michiya-sensei, I believe this is a targeted attack against you. If you need help, I can use my connections to handle it."
Michiya Gōshin smiled slightly and typed out a reply.
"Thank you all for your concern. I appreciate the sentiment, but for now, it's not necessary."
"Everyone can wait a bit longer. This turmoil will die down immediately after the show ends. There's no need to trouble everyone to stand up for me."
"After everything is over, I'll find a time to thank you all properly."
"Thank you again."
Michiya Gōshin politely declined the literary community's offer of support.
The writers' group fell silent for a moment. Although they didn't understand his reasoning, they quickly expressed their respect for his decision.
Putting down his phone, Michiya Gōshin walked to the window and gazed at the gray, hazy sky in the distance.
He knew his friends meant well, but he understood even more clearly that this storm was fundamentally a power struggle, not a simple matter of public opinion.
At eleven o'clock that night, just as he was preparing to rest, Michiya Gōshin received a call from a familiar acquaintance.
The name flashing on the screen was Sakurajima Mai.
Michiya Gōshin took a deep breath and answered the call, his tone carrying a greater, almost imperceptible gravity than last time.
"Good evening, Sakurajima-san."
Sakurajima Mai's cool yet concerned voice came from the other end.
"Michiya-san, did you go and offend someone again?"
It was typical Sakurajima Mai style. As a veteran of the entertainment world, she naturally understood that the current online storm couldn't have been caused by the show alone.
A warmth spread through Michiya Gōshin's heart, and he responded with a smile.
"You're as sharp as ever, Sakurajima-san. But I've already figured out a way to resolve this. Don't worry about me."
"Who's worried about you…"
Sakurajima Mai clutched her phone, her tone tinged with that familiar tsundere flavor.
"Didn't you say you were going to audition for the male lead in Alice in Borderland? If this storm ends up ruining you…"
"Don't worry, Sakurajima-san. I'll be at the audition on time."
Michiya Gōshin knew she meant well, so he quickly added.
"I'm looking forward to acting opposite you then."
Although Sakurajima Mai was very worried about him, after going through the Johnny & Associates media blackout incident together, she could now gauge his inner state from his attitude.
Since his tone was still as calm and breezy as ever, it meant he was confident he could handle this turmoil.
He was no longer the fledgling actor who had just debuted.
A rising author who wrote the national bestseller Love Letter, a variety show ace, a core talent at his agency.
All these titles combined gave Sakurajima Mai great confidence in Michiya Gōshin.
However, she had no idea that he had also gotten himself involved in the succession battle of the largest agency in the entertainment industry.
"In that case, I'll wait for you to handle all this."
"Of course. Remember to rest early, Sakurajima-san."
"Mm, good night."
Although the storm of public opinion about Michiya Gōshin continued to rage outside, thanks to the efforts of the director and the production team, the inside of the Love is a Required Course in Life villa seemed to be insulated by an invisible barrier, and the atmosphere remained pleasant.
The final date arrived with unhurried composure, following the established schedule.
Director Aoyama walked into the living room and personally announced the rules for the final date.
This time, they abandoned the previous format of planning outings and instead adopted a more direct "blind selection" method that tested chemistry and intuition.
"Everyone, for the last date, we will be using the 'Heart's Voice Matching' rule."
Director Aoyama slowly explained.
"The women will take turns entering the 'Heart's Voice Booth' next door and speak to the three men in this room through a voice-changing microphone. The men's voices will be processed with an echo effect, so you won't be able to identify who is who."
"The men will also be unable to recognize the women's voices. Each woman may ask one question to all the men and, based on their answers, choose one person you'd like to go on a date with."
"To the men in the room, you each have three opportunities to answer questions. After the answering segment is over, the men must also ask questions to guess the identity of the other person and then choose their desired partner."
"Only if the choice is mutual can a final date pair be formed."
As the rules were announced, the six people in the hall wore varied expressions. This rule undoubtedly added variables and difficulty, but it also lent a touch of fateful romance to the proceedings.
"Then let's begin right away. I assume no one has any objections?"
"Sounds good."
The group nodded, and the three men walked into a special room with a long white sofa. Michiya Gōshin sat in the middle, flanked by Kumano Nobuyuki and Morimoto Kengo.
The first of the women to enter the "Heart's Voice Booth" was MEM-cho.
Her voice, altered by the changer, had a strange, electronically synthesized quality, but her lively tone was still discernible.
"My question is… if you encounter an unexpected problem during a date, like a sudden downpour or an attraction being closed, what would you do?"
Kumano answered first. "I'd immediately look for a nearby indoor activity or a café. I would never let the date go cold!"
Morimoto Kengo thought for a moment before replying, "I'd ask for her opinion. If she wanted to stay, waiting for the rain to stop together would also be fine."
Michiya Gōshin already knew it was MEM-cho, so he gave a simple answer.
"Unexpected things are normal. I'd also ask what she wants to do. If there's really no way to continue the date, going home together wouldn't be so bad either."
MEM-cho listened to all three answers. She thought in silence for a while before finally saying softly.
"I… decline to choose."
This result caused an uproar among the nearby production crew.
Director Aoyama, however, was not surprised. He knew she was a very smart girl who was here to advance her career as a YouTuber.
Moreover, Michiya Gōshin had already revealed his preference for the final date, so MEM-cho naturally wouldn't force the issue.
Next up was Asakura Toru.
Her question, filtered through the voice changer, sounded even more ethereal and hazy: "When you hear the word 'forever,' what comes to mind?"
Upon hearing this question, all three men in the room guessed her identity.
After spending this much time together, Kumano Nobuyuki was already aware of Asakura Toru's inclinations, so he answered calmly, "When I think of forever, I think of promises and responsibility."
Morimoto Kengo also understood the situation. He wasn't here for romance anyway, so his mindset was very peaceful.
"When I think of forever, I think of classic musical works that have endured through countless years and can still be passed down through the generations."
Michiya Gōshin remained silent a little longer before speaking slowly.
"When I think of forever, I think of the human heart. It's like a special kind of power that allows someone to do something with greater determination."
Asakura Toru listened quietly. After a long moment, she said softly, "I also decline to choose."
Her refusal carried a serene sense of having seen through everything.
She knew that one person was destined to come for another, and she was unwilling to become an unplanned variable.
Finally, it was Kurokawa Akane's turn.
Inside the "Heart's Voice Booth," even through the voice changer, the question Kurokawa Akane asked was unique, as if custom-made for one person.
"May I ask what your favorite season is?"
When this question was posed, all three men in the room were stunned.
Kumano Nobuyuki was a bit bewildered, but after some thought, he answered directly, "I like summer."
Morimoto Kengo followed him, also stating that he liked summer.
Only Michiya Gōshin immediately identified her, because Kurokawa Akane had often mentioned this question when she came over to his place for dinner.
"I like winter."
That winter-themed modeling job had been proof of their deepening relationship, a special bond that belonged only to the two of them.
In the adjacent Heart's Voice Booth, Kurokawa Akane finally let out a breath of relief. Her eyes reddened slightly, her heart stirred by a continuous current of affection.
It was him.
There was no need for any more hesitation.
"I choose…"
Her voice carried an unquestionable certainty. "The one who answered winter."
On the other side, in his room, Michiya Gōshin had also submitted his preference to the staff.
He had chosen the last person to ask a question.
A mutual selection. Confirmed.
Ten minutes later, the six were reassembled in the living room, and the director announced the final pairing results.
Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane had successfully teamed up for the final date.
"Well, that's… not a very surprising result."
Kumano Nobuyuki knew he would be paired with Morimoto Kengo again. For him, this had truly been a unique show experience—no one-on-one time with any of the girls, but plenty of time hanging out with his good buddy.
"Hehehe, let's let Michiya-sensei and Kurokawa-san have this final chance."
MEM-cho smiled at the blue-haired girl beside her. She knew what Kurokawa Akane wanted, so she was very happy for her.
"Speaking of which, I have a proposal."
Morimoto Kengo, though outwardly cool, had a warm heart. Having lived with these people for nearly two weeks, he cherished the friendship they had formed. He stood up and said.
"Everyone, the finale night is almost here. I want to organize a performance, starring the six of us."
"We still have three days. I think that's enough time to rehearse."
"What do you all think?"
"I'm in! What kind of performance are you thinking of, Morimoto-san?"
MEM-cho also wanted to create a perfect memory from this show and immediately raised her hand in agreement.
"Let's do a band-style live performance. I can play guitar. For the girls, you can choose to sing or play other instruments."
Morimoto Kengo looked at Michiya Gōshin. "Michiya, can you sing?"
"I can sing, but my skills are average. Please don't laugh at me."
"It's fine. This is a memory for all of us. Let's do it together."
"Okay. Let's wait until after tomorrow. Kurokawa and I will rejoin the group as soon as we can."
Tomorrow was the filming for the last date, and then it would be the live finale night.
"Sounds good."
The destination for their final date was not a romantic restaurant or a scenic spot, but the rehearsal theater of Kurokawa Akane's LALALAI Theater Troupe.
This was something he and she had discussed in advance.
By presenting Kurokawa Akane's unique charm through a stage play, she would gain more attention.
Following the girl's lead, Michiya Gōshin stepped into the LALALAI Theater Troupe's rehearsal space, which was slightly worn but full of artistic atmosphere.
The air was filled with the faint scent of pine wood and dust. The empty stage was illuminated by a few solitary spotlights from above.
"For our final date,"
Kurokawa Akane turned around, a smile on her lips. "The play I want to perform with you, Michiya-kun, is... the final scene of Romeo and Juliet."
"Romeo and Juliet?"
Michiya Gōshin was slightly taken aback. He had expected a more modern piece, or something better suited for a variety show.
To choose Shakespeare's classic tragedy, especially its most impactful suicide scene, was no easy task. It demanded extremely high emotional explosive power and line delivery skills from the actors.
Of course, it was very much in line with Kurokawa Akane's style. She was an excellent stage actress.
"I'll do my best to support you."
Michiya Gōshin made up his mind.
After a while, a crew member from the troupe silently approached and handed Michiya Gōshin a thin script.
He quickly scanned the lines, already beginning to construct the character's inner world in his mind.
"Michiya-san, please come over here to prepare for a moment and familiarize yourself with the lines. Kurokawa-san is trying on her costume."
Another staff member guided him behind the stage-side curtain, where the light was dim and various props and equipment were stored.
Michiya Gōshin leaned against the wall, his fingertips tracing the desperate and ardent words of Romeo in the script, feeling Shakespeare's literary genius.
After an unknown amount of time, the faint sound of footsteps came from behind him.
He subconsciously looked up.
A slender, pale hand gently parted the heavy, deep-red curtain, and a figure slowly emerged.
Michiya Gōshin's breath hitched almost imperceptibly.
Standing there was Kurokawa Akane, yet she was no longer the girl who always wore a calm expression.
She had changed into a classical-style, ivory-white satin gown. The design was not elaborate, its lines simple and elegant, perfectly outlining her slender yet gracefully feminine waist.
The smooth satin flowed with a soft luster in the dim light, its hem reaching the floor with a slight fullness that made her posture seem even more erect, like a noble lady stepping out of a classical oil painting.
Her blue hair, usually worn down or tied back neatly, was now exquisitely styled in an updo, revealing the graceful line of her swan-like neck and her distinct, beautiful collarbones.
But what truly captivated him was her face.
Immersed in her character, Kurokawa Akane's eyes held a breathtaking beauty—a mixture of rationality and sorrow.
She wore stage makeup, much more refined than her usual look, which emphasized her already excellent bone structure and full lips, showcasing a unique and mature charm.
Merely by standing there silently, Kurokawa Akane radiated a powerful, tragically beautiful aura.
She was no longer the gentle girl, but Juliet, about to step onto the final stage of her destiny and die for love.
"Good morrow, my Romeo."
________________________________________
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