After settling things with Suo Hayato, Michiya Gōshin spent the next two days contemplating the preparations for the company.
Of course, the prerequisite for doing this was to first communicate with Hoshino Talent Agency. After all, his relationship with this agency was quite good, and coordination and cooperation were necessary.
One day, finding a moment of free time, Michiya Gōshin went to the Hoshino Talent Agency alone.
Pushing open the office door, both Kato Arashi and his manager, Nakahara Kazuya, were there. Kato Megumi was also present on the side; after all, although she was Michiya Gōshin's artist assistant, she was essentially an employee of this agency as well.
"Michiya-kun, you're here. Nakahara has already told me your thoughts."
President Kato Arashi, whose aura remained as powerful as ever, glanced at the young man's calm face.
"That's good then. Regarding setting up one's own independent operation, if it were any other business leader, they might not have such a genial attitude as you."
Michiya Gōshin pulled out a chair and sat down, taking an extra glance at Kato Megumi, who was sitting not far away with an expression that remained gentle.
"Hehe, there's no need to say that, Michiya-kun. I knew long ago that you were not a creature of the pond; this day would have come sooner or later."
Kato Arashi chose to get straight to the point, her tone very composed.
"Regarding your plan to establish the [Star Engine] production company, to be honest, I am not surprised." She picked up the coffee on the table, took a light sip, and looked sharply at Michiya Gōshin.
"From the moment you used Love Letter to play a game of chess against Johnny & Associates, I understood that the platform of Hoshino Talent Agency already appeared somewhat narrow for you. Your ambition definitely isn't limited to just being an actor."
Michiya bowed slightly, his attitude very gentle.
"President Kato, thank you very much for the cultivation and support you and Hoshino Talent Agency have given me all this time. I will always remember this debt of gratitude."
Kato Arashi waved her hand, interrupting his formulaic pleasantries, and a meaningful smile curled the corners of her mouth.
"There's no need for pleasantries. I didn't call you here to stage a drama of retention or sentimentality. In this circle, people gather when it suits them and part when it doesn't. I view this very openly. Moreover, I am very optimistic about your ambition and ability."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze burning like a torch. "Therefore, I have a proposal—Hoshino Talent Agency hopes to inject capital into your [Star Engine]."
An appropriately measured look of surprise flashed through Michiya Gōshin's eyes, but he did not immediately state his position. He simply waited quietly for her to continue.
Kato Arashi continued speaking, her pace steady, evidently having thought this through deeply.
"Rest assured, I know your principles and bottom line. The investment amount from Hoshino Talent Agency won't be too large. We can agree that Hoshino Talent Agency's investment won't be more than the share held by Nenshi."
"In any case, Michiya-kun, you will definitely possess absolute control and leadership over the company. For me, this is an investment with an eye on the future. What we need is to maintain a closer strategic connection with you and the massive value you might create in the future."
Michiya Gōshin pondered for a moment, weighing things rapidly in his mind.
"And it's the same for them," Kato Arashi smiled, looking toward Nakahara Kazuya and Kato Megumi at the side. "Although Michiya-kun wants to establish your own company, we at Hoshino Talent Agency can still support you."
"For example, Megumi-chan. I will transfer her contract to your company. She will formally become an employee on your side, helping you handle a series of trivial work matters."
"And if Michiya-kun wants to continue acting, you naturally still need a manager. Nakahara can continue to work for you, and you can pay his salary."
"How about it, Michiya-kun? This way, our cooperation continues, just with one more company in the middle. There won't be any changes from before."
"Hmm... that sounds pretty good."
Michiya Gōshin thought about it. Hoshino Talent Agency itself wasn't some massive industry giant; it indeed needed to bind itself to a high-quality potential stock like him, seeking new points of profit growth.
Accepting Kato Arashi's investment would not only provide a sum of startup capital but also maintain a good relationship with his old employer, leveraging the connections and resources they had accumulated in the industry, all without affecting his absolute control over [Star Engine].
This was a win-win situation.
"Thank you for your high regard and support, President Kato."
Michiya Gōshin raised his head, his eyes firm and sincere. "In that case, let's finalize the cooperation. I will have a detailed talk with Mr. Suo about the specific investment amount. I will also look for my own legal team. On the day [Star Engine] is established, the three parties can sit down and talk in detail."
A satisfied smile appeared on Kato Arashi's face, as if she had completed an important investment.
"Very good, Michiya-kun. I wish for your [Star Engine] to soar into the sky. I look forward to our subsequent cooperation."
She stood up and extended her hand to Michiya Gōshin.
Two hands clasped tightly together, symbolizing the smooth transition of an old relationship and the formal beginning of a new cooperation.
***
Several days later, in the early morning, the sky over Tokyo was washed with the pale white of a fish's belly. A few strands of golden sunlight attempted to pierce through the thin mist, heralding another busy daily routine.
On the set of We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, a special atmosphere different from usual quietly permeated the air.
Today was the shooting day for the final few scenes of this movie. It was the end of the story, and also the starting point for certain new chapters.
Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane arrived at the set almost one after another.
Michiya Gōshin wore a dark gray hoodie and casual trousers. His face carried a hint of morning drowsiness, but his eyes were clear and focused, as if he had already made full preparations for this day.
Kurokawa Akane was dressed in a simple beige knit sweater paired with jeans. Faint dark circles could be seen on her un-makeuped face; it seemed she hadn't slept peacefully last night.
Without excessive pleasantries, they quickly threw themselves into makeup and styling.
The makeup artist carefully modified their appearances, attempting to precisely capture the exhaustion and struggle of the characters on the verge of breaking up in these final scenes.
The first scene followed immediately after that heartbreaking restaurant chance encounter—that young couple who mirrored their past selves had already become the straw that broke the camel's back for this relationship.
The same café set, with dim lighting simulating the decadence of late afternoon approaching evening.
Michiya Gōshin sat there, his body slightly hunched, as if bearing an invisible weight.
His fingers unconsciously rubbed the wall of the ice-cold coffee cup, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.
After a long while, he lifted his eyes and looked toward Kurokawa Akane, who had been silent opposite him. His voice was as dry as sandpaper rubbing against wood.
"Let's... leave it at that."
This sentence was not a question, but a statement.
It was the cruel conclusion they had to face after exhausting all strength and hope.
Kurokawa Akane did not answer immediately. She lowered her head, her gaze falling on some invisible stain on the tablecloth, her long eyelashes trembling fragilely like butterfly wings.
Her hands were clasped tightly on her lap, her knuckles also turning white from force, as if she were trying her best to suppress something.
"Mn."
Finally, an almost inaudible syllable escaped from between her lips. A light, floating word, yet like a giant boulder, it crashed down between the two of them, and also crashed onto the hearts of every bystander on the set.
Then, came the silent breakdown.
Tears slid from Hachiya Kinu's eyes without warning.
It wasn't a dramatic wailing, but a more heartbreaking flow. The tears rolled down her smooth cheeks, one drop, two drops, wetting the fabric of the skirt on her lap.
The camera tightly captured her close-up. That appearance of forcefully holding back sounds of grief while tears flowed unceasingly was full of a sense of brokenness, causing the director and staff behind the monitors to hold their breath involuntarily.
At the same time, Michiya Gōshin's eyes also reddened.
His crying scene was restrained, a sorrow belonging to a male.
Tears swirled in his eyes, stubbornly refusing to fall, until he took a deep breath, seemingly wanting to say something. But ultimately, it only turned into a more bitter, distorted expression, and a single tear finally slid down the bridge of his nose uncontrollably.
The two of them, one weeping silently, one shedding tears with restraint, sat in the café destined for a breakup, conducting their final farewell.
"Cut!"
Director Doi's voice carried excitement and a trace of imperceptible choking.
"Perfect! The emotions were so full! Prepare for the transition, next scene: the hug and stroll on the night street!"
Giving the actors almost no time to catch their breath, the crew operated efficiently.
The scene switched rapidly to the constructed night street view. Dim streetlights and dancing tree shadows created a sense of alienation and sadness belonging to the urban night.
Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane walked side by side, separated by a gap that was just right. Their footsteps echoed in the silent street, making the surrounding silence even more deafening.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, the girl suddenly stopped.
"Mugi-kun..."
She called out softly, her voice carrying a heavy nasal tone and the raspiness that follows crying, along with a trace of imperceptible attachment.
Michiya Gōshin also stopped and turned around. The dim light cast bright and dark shadows on his face.
The next moment, as if pulled by an invisible thread, the two stepped forward simultaneously and hugged each other tightly.
This hug was full of the meaning of farewell.
Kurokawa Akane buried her face deeply into the crook of Michiya Gōshin's neck. Her arms wrapped forcefully around his back, her fingertips turning slightly white from the exertion, as if she wanted to leave her last bit of warmth and scent on him.
Michiya Gōshin also used almost all his strength to hug her back. His chin rested on the top of her hair, which emitted a faint scent of shampoo. He closed his eyes, his face wearing a complex expression mixed with endless nostalgia and a trace of relief that had finally arrived.
Their bodies were trembling slightly. That was the aftershock following the release of an emotional torrent, and also the complete farewell to the past.
There wasn't a single line of dialogue, only this hug that was so long it seemed like time had stopped, recounting all the unspoken words and the deeply hidden love and regret.
Next was the final road home.
The camera followed them, recording their journey together. Although they had separated, they still walked back to the apartment together.
The following few shots captured the state of the two after they had thoroughly separated.
On one side was Hachiya Kinu, played by Kurokawa Akane, alone in her room. The hair dryer buzzed, the hot wind fluttering her wet long hair. Her expression was very soft; there was no resentment, but rather a sense of relief.
On the other side was [Yamane Mugi], played by Michiya Gōshin. Holding the cat, he looked at a certain photo on his computer that was stained with memories, and a heartfelt, carefree smile appeared on his face.
"Cut! That's a wrap—!"
The director's voice resounded through the set via the megaphone, carrying a massive joy of relief.
The heavy atmosphere was broken; applause and cheers rose one after another.
These months of intense filming had finally ended. The staff members hugged each other, high-fived, and offered congratulations. The set instantly plunged into a sea of jubilation; everyone's heart was filled with the sense of achievement of completing the project.
However, amidst this collective jubilation, one person's state was starkly different.
Kurokawa Akane maintained the posture of drying her hair. She lowered her head and used the back of her hand to wipe away the tears that had unknowingly slid down her cheeks again. These tears were not just for [Hachiya Kinu], but also to bid farewell to this character into whom she had poured months of heart's blood and with whom she had almost merged.
On the other side, Michiya Gōshin received another call from Suo Hayato. This was a Nenshi project, so he naturally knew that filming wrapped today. He started with a congratulatory call for the wrap-up, followed by a conversation in the business realm.
After Suo Hayato learned that Hoshino Talent Agency would also inject capital into Michiya Gōshin's company, he didn't have much of a reaction. He simply emphasized ensuring that for the subsequent Your Name project, the Nenshi shares he represented could obtain the largest investment share. As for other matters, he wouldn't interfere for the time being, and Michiya Gōshin wouldn't let him interfere.
After chatting on the phone for more than half an hour, Michiya Gōshin finally returned to his personal resting room, unloading the noise and calculations of the outside world.
Just as he closed the door and turned his back to the entrance, before he had time to breathe a sigh of relief, a warm body carrying a faint fragrance hugged him gently from behind.
It was Kurokawa Akane.
She had already changed back into her private clothes and removed her makeup. Her face still bore a bit of paleness and fragility following the intense emotional fluctuations.
The girl didn't speak. She just pressed her side profile tightly against his broad back, her arms encircling his waist, hugging him quietly and dependently, as if he were the only harbor she could dock at in a storm.
Michiya Gōshin was no longer unaccustomed to Kurokawa's intimate actions. He raised his hand and gently covered her hands that were wrapped around his waist, his warm palm conveying silent comfort.
They embraced quietly like this for a moment before Kurokawa Akane seemed to accumulate enough courage. She slowly loosened her hands and walked around to face him.
Raising her head, those clear eyes were currently tinged with a moving redness.
Michiya Gōshin knew what she wanted to say. We Made a Beautiful Bouquet wrapped up today, and the promise he made to the girl also had to be accounted for today.
Looking into her eyes, Michiya Gōshin saw the unease, expectation, and a trace of hidden fragility within them.
He took a deep breath. Since he had already made a choice deep in his heart, he didn't want to fail her feelings anymore, nor did he want to leave himself with any regrets.
The layout in the business world had already taken a solid and crucial step. Thus, emotionally, he also had to give an equally clear and firm response.
"Akane."
Michiya Gōshin spoke, his voice deep and serious, carrying an unprecedented solemnity.
"I am actually... not a good person."
"I am very greedy, so I intend to choose a very special path. This path may face countless challenges, criticisms, and pressures."
Kurokawa Akane listened quietly, her gaze focused. She didn't reveal any surprise or withdrawal, simply pursing her lips slightly to indicate she was listening seriously.
"I must walk this path."
Michiya Gōshin continued, his tone firm as iron, carrying a determination that allowed no doubt. "This not only concerns the future but also concerns everything I cherish."
He paused, staring at her with a deeper gaze. "However, this might require time."
"So, I hope... you can give me some time. Wait until I become strong enough, strong enough to..."
"I understand."
Kurokawa Akane suddenly spoke up, interrupting the potentially more direct promise that would follow.
She shook her head, a complex smile of understanding appearing on her face.
"Yu-kun, you don't have to carry all the pressure on your own shoulders, nor do you need to speak so clearly. I... can probably guess some of it."
Her intelligence had long detected Michiya Gōshin's thoughts from subtle clues. Besides Sakurajima Mai, perhaps there were others thinking about her beloved; this wasn't some very secret matter.
Thus, Kurokawa Akane took another step forward, closing the final distance between the two, close enough to feel each other's breath.
She tilted her head up, her gaze burning, carrying a dominance that turned the guest into the host.
"However, Yu-kun, can those words you just said be understood as... you are accepting me? Accepting the fact that I like you, and also indicating... that you likewise like me?"
Michiya Gōshin looked at the light flickering in her eyes and laughed very quickly, speaking softly.
"Of course."
This explicit reply was like flipping a switch. The next moment, brilliant radiance instantly burst forth in Kurokawa Akane's eyes.
Without any hesitation, she stood on her tiptoes and moved rapidly toward Michiya Gōshin's head.
This kiss carried the solemnity of confirmation, the implication of a declaration, and the scorching heat of the emotional release accumulated in the girl's heart for a long time.
After touching and parting, Kurokawa Akane's cheeks were dyed with a moving crimson, like the soaking sunset glow.
Yet her eyes were unusually clear.
"Since Yu-kun has so clearly admitted that we like each other, then I do not accept the phrase 'wait for me'."
Kurokawa Akane held Michiya Gōshin's hand. Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet they conveyed firm strength.
"I don't want to wait!"
"Although I don't know what Yu-kun's specific plan is, I like you and want to be with you. That means sharing happiness together, and also bearing pressure together."
"What I want is now, not waiting continuously for some uncertain moment in the future."
"But..."
Michiya Gōshin wanted to say that such a hasty start might not provide enough companionship and might even make her bear some unnecessary pressure.
"No buts."
Kurokawa Akane interrupted him again, her tone gentle but carrying a will of steel.
"Anyway, I won't give up on Yu-kun. If... I'm saying if, if Yu-kun's plan doesn't completely succeed by then, or encounters setbacks, that doesn't matter."
"What I like is the person Michiya Gōshin; nothing else matters."
The girl held his hand tightly, as if she wanted to transmit her conviction and strength to Michiya Gōshin.
"So, starting today, we are a couple, right?"
Looking at that unquestionable seriousness in her eyes, Michiya Gōshin felt a unique side of Kurokawa Akane's personality.
She was actually... also a rather 'stubborn' person.
Thus, Michiya Gōshin squeezed her slightly cool fingers back with force and nodded vigorously.
"In that case, starting today, please take care of me, Akane."
Once these words came out, the calmness and even dominance that Kurokawa Akane had actually been struggling to maintain crumbled instantly. Her eyes reddened rapidly, and large, crystal-clear teardrops rolled down without warning.
This time, her tears were no longer the sorrow of [Hachiya Kinu], but the joy belonging to Kurokawa Akane herself, and the relief of finally getting what she wished for.
While shedding tears, she couldn't help but laugh.
That smile was like the first ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds after rain—pure, brilliant, and full of hope.
The girl's voice carried a trace of choking, yet it was incomparably clear.
"Mn! Please take care of me, Yu-kun."
"Our love life is finally about to begin."
________________________________________
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