Accompanied by Kato Megumi, who was as silent as she was ever-present, Michiya Gōshin left the studio, which still held the residual warmth of his performance, and returned to his exclusive dressing room.
The girl fluidly handed him a glass of pure water at the perfect temperature, then retreated to a corner as if blending into the background. She was constantly staring at the tablet in her hands, seemingly handling various work emails and coordinating schedules.
They had only just started working together, but Kato Megumi had adapted to the role of an artist's assistant with incredible speed.
Michiya Gōshin glanced at her before looking away. He then reopened his laptop, the screen displaying the script for We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.
The audition just now had already yielded experience points for Production Queue 1; now it was time to gather experience for Production Queue 2.
He refocused his attention on the script of We Made a Beautiful Bouquet. The delicate emotional entanglement between Yamane Mugi and Hachiya Kinu represented the myriad problems that all young couples inevitably face.
Emotions flowed, and the structure of the story began to grow more detailed, bit by bit.
[Production Queue 2: Tireless Writer]
[EXP: 3/100]
[EXP: 4/100]
[EXP: 5/100]
About an hour later, the auditions for all the roles finally concluded.
A staff member came to respectfully inform all the actors who had tried out for major roles to proceed to a large conference room and await the announcement of the final results.
The atmosphere in the conference room was so heavy you could almost wring water from it. The actors each found a seat, the air thick with silent competition, anxiety, and intense anticipation.
Michiya Gōshin and Kato Megumi sat down near the front. Not far from them was Sakurajima Mai, who was equally composed, as if she were merely attending a regular meeting.
Director Aoyama Akihiro stood at the front. Without any unnecessary pleasantries, he directly picked up a list with the final decisions, his sharp gaze sweeping over every tense or feigned-calm face in the room.
"Thank you all for your heartfelt performances today. After the director's team's final evaluation..."
Director Aoyama's voice, clear and unquestionable, carried through the microphone to every corner of the room.
"I will now announce the final cast list for the drama series Alice in Borderland."
He paused deliberately, building suspense, then slowly read out the first name—one that everyone expected, yet it inevitably caused a stir.
"The male lead—Arisu Ryōhei, will be played by Michiya Gōshin."
The moment his voice fell, nearly every gaze in the room, as if drawn by an invisible magnet, snapped to focus on Michiya Gōshin.
The looks directed at him were incredibly complex. There was the calm acceptance of those who had already expected it, genuine admiration and appreciation, but even more so, there was unconcealed envy and scorching jealousy.
After all, Michiya Gōshin was too young, having just turned twenty this year.
His rise was like a rocket, his resources enviable, and now he had rightfully secured the absolute top-billed role in this major annual production.
These gazes intertwined into a net, enough to suffocate someone with a weaker will.
However, Michiya Gōshin simply stood up calmly, a modest and appropriate smile on his face, and gave a slight bow to the director's table and the surrounding crowd. His eyes were clear and steady, as if bearing this intense scrutiny and complex judgment was the most natural thing in the world.
This composed demeanor, unfitting for his age, only made some of the resentful individuals feel even more frustrated and powerless.
Today was just a formality for him anyway, so Michiya Gōshin felt no psychological pressure at all.
"The female lead—Usagi Yuzuha, will be played by Sakurajima Mai."
Sakurajima Mai rose gracefully, her smile bright and magnanimous, nodding to the crowd and the directors' table, her presence commanding.
Her selection was also a sure thing, so very few were surprised. She mostly received looks of approval; after all, she was a star who had debuted as a child actress, and her popularity and skill had always ranked at the forefront of her generation.
Next, Director Aoyama continued to announce the other important supporting roles in a steady voice.
Shibuki Saori, Chishiya Shuntarō, Kuina Hikari...
The reading of each name was accompanied by soft gasps, sighs of relief, or undisguised sighs of disappointment from different parts of the room.
This was the trial of the audition site, a process no one could escape.
When he read, "Karube Daikichi, played by Yamazaki Haruto," a young man with a cheerful and sunny disposition sitting in the middle rows nearly sprang from his seat.
His face was a mask of immense, incredulous surprise and excitement. He then bowed a full ninety degrees with great force, his voice booming.
"Yes! Thank you, Director! I will give it my absolute all!"
The young man's reaction was genuine and infectious. His pure joy diluted much of the tense atmosphere in the room, drawing well-meaning smiles from many.
With that, the entire cast list had been announced. Naturally, some were happy, and some were not.
Director Aoyama then briefly explained the crew's subsequent preparations, the script reading schedule, and the general plan for the opening ceremony before declaring the meeting adjourned.
The crowd began to disperse like a receding tide.
Michiya Gōshin gathered his things and was about to leave with Kato Megumi when a figure approached him, somewhat hesitantly and tentatively.
"Um, Michiya-san, may I disturb you for a moment?"
Michiya Gōshin turned to find it was Yamazaki Haruto, the actor who had just won the role of Karube Daikichi.
Looking at him up close, he noticed the other was about his own age, with a similar height and build. He had a head of soft, fluffy-looking black hair, open features, and a smile that carried a natural, goofy charm and an unguarded frankness. He was like a large canine, giving off a sense of inexplicable warmth and trustworthiness.
"Hello, Yamazaki-san."
Michiya Gōshin nodded back in a friendly manner. The character the other would be playing, Karube Daikichi, was Arisu Ryōhei's best friend. His attitude towards the actor who would play one of his most important companions in the show was very amicable.
"Um, Michiya-san..."
Yamazaki Haruto seemed a bit embarrassed. He subconsciously scratched the back of his head but pressed on.
"So, I know this might be a bit forward, but I was wondering if Michiya-kun has any plans later. If it's okay, maybe we could go for a drink together? Since we'll be co-starring, we could get to know each other a bit beforehand?"
His invitation came out a bit stumblingly, but it seemed very sincere.
It was like a new college roommate, being a little reserved while making a first friendly overture before the real bonding begins.
Michiya Gōshin was slightly taken aback.
He quickly scanned through his social network in his mind.
It was true; he didn't have any male friends in the entertainment industry.
The two members from the dating show, Kumano Nobuyuki and Morimoto Kengo, only half-counted. After all, they didn't act; they just weren't non-celebrities.
After entering the entertainment world, his highly unusual rise to fame and the previous media storm that had swept the internet made it difficult for Michiya Gōshin to make genuine male friends who weren't motivated by personal gain.
He always seemed to be surrounded by the women he had worked with—like the gentle Kurokawa Akane or senior friends with complicated relationships like Sakurajima Mai.
Oh, and there was also the female author, Kasumigaoka Utaha.
A direct invitation for a drink from a male actor of his own generation was, for him, a fresh and rare experience.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sakurajima Mai nearby, seemingly about to come over and speak with him. But upon seeing Yamazaki Haruto there, she stopped.
She seemed to quickly type something on her phone, and a moment later, the phone in Michiya Gōshin's pocket vibrated.
He took it out. As expected, it was a text from Sakurajima Mai.
[Michiya-kun, looks like you have a 'new friend' to entertain. I won't disturb you. Let's have a good chat at the next script reading.]
The text was followed by a playful winking emoji.
Although Sakurajima Mai could be a bit proud, she was also a very considerate person.
If she had come over to greet him directly, it would surely have made Yamazaki Haruto, who was also a newcomer actor, feel awkward, which is why she chose to send a text instead.
Michiya Gōshin smiled, a wave of warmth spreading through him as he typed a reply.
[I will. I'll treat Sakurajima-san to dinner next time. You can pick any place you like.]
He had checked his bank account two days ago.
After the massive success of Love Letter, his appearance fee from Love is a Required Course in Life, and the income from several advertising endorsements, the young man's account had smoothly broken into eight figures. He was no longer the broke, unknown actor he once was.
Putting his phone away, Michiya Gōshin looked back at the expectant yet nervous Yamazaki Haruto. He thought this seemed like a good opportunity to expand his circle of friends.
After all, a guy can't just live surrounded by women all the time, right?
"Sure."
He smiled and readily agreed. "I don't have anything planned for tonight anyway. Let's go for a drink."
Standing to the side, Kato Megumi seemed a bit surprised by this sudden non-work-related plan. She looked up, her gaze sweeping over Yamazaki Haruto before turning to Michiya Gōshin's face.
"Michiya-san, tomorrow afternoon you have a cover shoot for the men's magazine LEON. It's expected to take four hours."
She paused, then said, "If you are going drinking, please control your alcohol intake tonight. You must ensure you get adequate rest to maintain your peak condition."
She didn't object directly, but her duties as an artist's assistant required her to give a clear risk warning.
"Don't worry, Kato-san. I know my limits. I won't let it affect my work."
Michiya Gōshin nodded at her, signaling that he understood.
Thus, Kato Megumi said no more, simply giving Yamazaki Haruto a formulaic nod as well.
She then took a step back, took out her phone, and began to record the change in schedule, indicating that she would not be participating in the upcoming private gathering.
Yamazaki Haruto was clearly very familiar with the area around TBS. He led Michiya Gōshin through a few bustling main streets, then made a turn into a quiet little alley full of life, finally stopping in front of an izakaya with a narrow storefront and a noren curtain.
The red lantern at the entrance cast a warm glow, and the aroma of grilled skewers wafted out as soon as they stepped inside.
"Ota-san! I brought a new friend!"
Yamazaki Haruto expertly lifted the curtain and shouted to a middle-aged man behind the counter who wore a clean apron and had a kind, honest face. His tone was as if he had just returned home.
"Oh! It's Yamazaki! Long time no see! And this is...?"
The owner sized up Michiya Gōshin curiously as he polished a glass. Although the other's appearance was striking, he didn't seem overly surprised, only showing the warmth reserved for a regular's friend.
"This is Michiya-san! He's going to be my important partner from now on!"
Yamazaki Haruto introduced him with a smile, his arm resting naturally on Michiya Gōshin's shoulder. His tone was warm and proud. This small izakaya was his secret hideout, so there was no need to mention Michiya Gōshin's current fame. His attitude was more like introducing his new best friend from school to his family.
Michiya Gōshin was also infected by this atmosphere and greeted the owner amicably.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Michiya Gōshin. Please take care of me."
This relaxed, unpretentious, and even slightly 'street-smart' atmosphere was quite different from the people he usually interacted with, but it felt very comfortable.
The two sat down at a small table by the counter.
Yamazaki Haruto expertly ordered yakitori skewers, fried chicken, edamame, and a few mugs of ice-cold draft beer. The golden foam surged, and after a few glasses of the cool, mellow liquid went down, the initial bit of unfamiliarity and restraint was instantly washed away.
Yamazaki Haruto had a cheerful and talkative personality. He was a natural atmosphere-setter, but he wasn't loud; instead, he knew how to listen and guide the conversation.
"Was that woman just now Michiya-san's artist assistant?"
"Yes."
"That's amazing. I only debuted half a year ago, and I just have one manager, and they're not even my exclusive manager." Yamazaki Haruto chuckled and stuffed a whole yakitori skewer into his mouth.
"Everyone goes through that."
As they talked, Yamazaki Haruto began to speak about his debut experience. It seemed he was scouted while walking around in Shibuya, followed by a talent scout for a while before officially joining an agency.
He had a deep understanding of the original work of Alice in Borderland and could even discuss with Michiya Gōshin the bond between Arisu and Karube that transcended life and death.
Their conversation was very relaxed. He could temporarily shed the halo of fame, with no need for schemes or defenses, just two young actors who had just met but hit it off, drinking and chatting.
"Seriously, Michiya-kun, your audition today... I was sitting there watching, and I got goosebumps all over!"
Yamazaki Haruto chugged a large mouthful of beer and gave a heartfelt thumbs-up. "That sense of despair was just so real! Acting alongside you will be a ton of pressure, but I'm also super excited! I feel like I'm going to learn so much!"
Michiya Gōshin smiled and clinked his glass with him.
"Yamazaki-kun, your acting isn't bad either. You immediately established that hot-blooded feeling of someone who seems rough around the edges but is actually deeply loyal and sentimental."
"Let's look out for each other in the coming months."
"Hehe, I have a feeling that in the next few months of co-starring, we're definitely going to become great friends!"
Yamazaki Haruto clapped Michiya Gōshin firmly on the back, laughing brightly as he made his grand declaration.
Michiya Gōshin also smiled and nodded in agreement. He felt Yamazaki Haruto was right. Given how well they were getting along, it was highly likely they would become good friends with a harmonious relationship and seamless collaboration during the months of filming ahead.
However, they were both wrong.
It didn't take several months. It didn't even take more than a few short hours for the two of them to become friends who could talk about anything.
However, the next day, they forgot all about these words.
The next day at noon.
Michiya Gōshin was forcibly awakened by a splitting headache, a parched throat, and the glaring sunlight peeking through a gap in the curtains.
He found himself lying fully clothed on the living room sofa, covered with a thin blanket he must have grabbed at some point.
His phone had fallen onto the carpet, its screen flashing with dozens of unread messages and missed call notifications, most of them from the ever-diligent Kato Megumi.
The feeling of a hangover washed over him like a tide, his temples throbbing with pain.
Michiya Gōshin struggled to sit up, rubbing his forehead as he tried to recall the details of last night. All he could remember was walking out of the izakaya with his arm around Yamazaki Haruto's shoulders, loudly singing off-key anime theme songs. Then... did they hail a taxi together?
Everything after that was a complete blank.
He gave a wry smile, not expecting to have such a day of losing his composure.
But strangely, apart from the physical discomfort, he didn't feel much regret or annoyance. Instead, there was a sense of relief, as if from a release of pressure.
He staggered to his feet, wanting to take a hot shower to wash away the fatigue and fog of the hangover. However, when Michiya Gōshin turned on the tap, he waited for a long while, but only ice-cold water came out.
The water heater was completely unresponsive.
He tried again several times, even checking the power and the gas valve, but the old water heater remained silent, as if it had declared a permanent strike.
Michiya Gōshin sighed, rubbing his aching forehead, and habitually pulled out his phone, intending to call his fat landlord—who was only ever proactive when it came to collecting rent—to report the issue.
However, his finger hovered over the dial button, and he suddenly stopped.
He looked around the apartment. The furniture was a bit worn, some parts of the walls were slightly yellowed from dampness, and the space felt a bit cramped for him now.
"Forget it. I'll be away filming later anyway. I might as well just get a new place."
Michiya Gōshin directly dialed another number—his personal assistant, Kato Megumi.
The phone was answered almost instantly, after just one ring, as if she had been waiting. Kato Megumi's perpetually calm and gentle voice came from the other end.
"Good morning, Michiya-san."
"Kato-san."
Michiya Gōshin's tone was one of resignation. "The water heater in my apartment is broken."
"Should I contact a repairman immediately or communicate with your landlord?"
Kato Megumi's reaction was extremely fast, immediately offering the standard solution.
"No."
Michiya Gōshin cut her off, his gaze sweeping over the old apartment once more, his tone decisive. "Don't contact a repairman. Can you look for a new place for me?"
On the other end of the line, Kato Megumi seemed completely unfazed by this, not even pausing for a second before responding.
"Understood. I can start looking for suitable properties for you right now. I can have it sorted out before this afternoon's work. Do you have a preference for the area? Minato ward, Shibuya ward, or Chiyoda ward?"
"After you do a preliminary screening, just give me the best few options."
Michiya Gōshin was satisfied with Kato Megumi's efficiency.
"Understood. Are there any other requirements, Michiya-san?"
Kato Megumi immediately began to note down more important criteria on her notepad: things like the building's security, privacy, spaciousness, and the quality of its facilities.
And since this was a sudden request, the ability to move in immediately was also a very important screening criterion.
"That's all for now."
"Understood."
The call ended. Michiya Gōshin put down his phone and let out a long sigh.
Meanwhile, in a high-end apartment building somewhere in Tokyo, known for its strict management, tranquil environment, and affluent residents.
Kasumigaoka Utaha, dressed in comfortable casual wear, was strolling languidly out of her apartment, preparing to go to a nearby boutique supermarket to buy some coffee beans and snacks to replenish her dwindling 'battle supplies'.
She habitually walked towards the elevator hall, her gaze unintentionally sweeping over the bulletin board on the corridor wall, which was usually only used for posting property management notices or information about community events.
Today, however, there was a different-looking A4 sheet of paper on the board. The words "Apartment for Rent" were clearly printed on it, with a simple floor plan and contact information below.
In this luxury building with stable residents and extremely low turnover, a rental listing was quite rare.
When one appeared, it often meant the original resident had encountered some major, sudden change in circumstances, forcing them to move out.
Kasumigaoka Utaha paused for a moment. Out of a sliver of curiosity, she moved closer to see which household was so unfortunate.
Her gaze fell upon the apartment number.
The next second, a rare trace of genuine surprise appeared on her beautiful, usually somewhat languid face.
1206?
It was, unmistakably, the apartment right next to hers.
She froze for a second, then looked at the information on the bulletin board again to confirm she hadn't misread it.
The apartment next door is for rent?
She wasn't familiar with the resident, but she had run into her in the elevator occasionally—a sharp-looking professional woman. She didn't seem like someone who had run into trouble...
Kasumigaoka Utaha stood there, pondering for about two or three seconds, before quickly schooling all her emotions.
After all, it had nothing to do with her.
She just shook her head and continued on her way with her elegant, slightly unhurried steps.
Walking to the elevator, she pressed the button.
"Oh right, Michiya-sensei's show is over. He should be writing his new work soon, right?"
"I'll ask him tonight."
________________________________________
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