>>5716126

SUMMARY

In one the many wards of Tokyo General Hospital, Nagata Miho slumbers.
Her face is bruised, she has a small cut on her forehead, and scratches lining her arms.

One might consider this woman to be some kind of die-hard that gets into viscous scraps with territorial middle-aged folk in battlefields like, say, the shopping centre during a clearance sale.

That isn't the case, Nagata works in the glamorous worlds of idols.
The fictitious realm filled with smiling girls, cheerful songs, and energetic dances.
A place of shared suspension of disbelief where both the fans and talent have agreed to think of it all being so much more than it really is.

A pretty girl is elevated to a goddess by her fans and all they want in return is pictures of her feet.
That and, of course, every detail of every moment of every minute of her life.
And if they don't like what they're hearing, then they'll get upset.

Very much so.

Nagata's injuries were sustained at the outdoors debut event, a soccer match, of her idol: Enatsu Mari.
A fan recognized the location and hurried there, only to end up in a fist fight with the coach.
Naturally, when our just-over-five-feet protagonist, Nagata Miho, watched a man get beaten into the dirt by the rabid fan, she rolled up her sleeves and stepped up.

This being a story, there were certain expectations.
Something along the lines of a last-minute comeback, a one-sided beatdown using superior tactics, or, by a specific subset of the audience, a certain amount of fondling and a six-digit number referencing a place where they could learn about the continuation of this fondling.

No numbers

These expectations were strapped to chair and forced to watch as Nagata got herself beat up.

However, she managed to hang on, in multiple ways, long enough for the police to arrive.
The spirit of expectations was somewhat satisfied and settled for a single one-star review on RoyalRoad which only crippled the QM for an hour or so.

But now we return to Nagata's bedside, enjoying a nice rest after her workaholic tendencies had gotten herself drugged into a deep sleep by her nurse who, constantly getting berated by doctors, enjoys asserting control over anyone she can.

It's evening and a new figure stands beside Nagata's bed, pinching her nose shut.

END OF SUMMARY

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>>5716127

A handful of miles away from central Tokyo, on the seventeenth floor of an apartment complex, Watase Yoko is wading her way through the garbage heap she calls her room.
Bags of trash that were once piled away the corners of the room are slowly starting to close in on its centre, encroaching on the short, square table in front of the TV.
What it smells like she doesn't know. She got used to the scent long ago.

There's a crinkle of cans and swish of plastic as she throws a final bag filled with last week's beer cans over her shoulder, wading her way to a small cabinet previously buried under rubbish.
The blinds are shut, as always, coating the room in a comforting darkness.

The squat cabinet's door rolls open and Watase sighs in relief, pulling out half-full a bottle of hard liquor.

Watase tucks the bottle under an arm and begins to pull at the bottlecap.
The bottle wasn't stored correctly, causing the sticky content to suck at the cap.

"Come on...!" says Watase, gritting her teeth with effort.

The cap pops off and Watase smiles a bright, genuine smile for the first time in hours.
She sniffs the bottle carefully, nose wrinkling at the intensity of the liquor.
Some kind of hard whiskey. No clue where she got the bottle -- a gift, probably.

Doesn't matter now.

She looks towards the kitchen for a moment but remembers that her fridge is empty.
Nothing to mix this with. She'll have to drink it straight.
Probably no clean glass either. The bottle itself will do.

Watase takes a swig from the bottle, wincing as the drink burns down her throat.
She sighs. Bottle in hand, she stares at a distant wall in the darkness of her room -- eyes unconfused.

Long ago, before her delinquent days during in high school, Watase had a crush.
Hanamura Saeko, a girl she met during her first year in high school, they were good friends.
Back then Watase's preferences were secret, but you have to suppose it was showing on her face how she felt about Saeko.

The way the two girls interacted with each other didn't go unnoticed.
People started thinking Watase might've even gone soft.
Be different in even the smallest way and you make yourself a target for bullying.

Not that anyone would ever try anything on Watase.
Even back then she was taller than most, had a hair-trigger temper, and a tendency to hold a grudge.
This combined with a face that seemed ready to kill you over any minor grievance -- nobody would risk getting on her bad side.

Not when there's a far easier target available.

"...Nothing's changed..." announces Watase to the empty room, taking another pull from the bottle.
Then another to avoid the memories of her high school days from bubbling up.

>>5716128

As upsetting as her time in high school was, it did teach Watase a valuable lesson.
Show any kind of weakness and you'll become a target.

People are always looking for somebody to exploit.
Rather than help you up, they're far more likely to hit down.

Her idol persona is the best armour she can ever wish for.
A personality that comes to her as easy as breathing these days.

Dozens if not hundreds of girls are ready to throw themselves at that Watase Yoko.
The rough, masculine girl that'll surely protect them.

But Nagata Miho didn't want her help.
Just like Hanamura Saeko back then.

"Just leave me alone!" the bruised Hanamura had cried, "You'll only make it worse!"

Watase takes another pull from the bottle, which is running near empty.
The warm glow of the alcohol blocking out the cold, distant memories.

Another girl she likes ended up bruised and bloody.

Watase raises the bottle again, only to stop it inches from her lips.

But not everything is the same.

Nagata Miho maybe didn't want her help.

Because she didn't need it.

Did she reject Watase's help because she knew things would end well?
No sane person would face a dangerous man like that alone when help was readily available, right?

Had she planned it all out?
From the first exchange of punches of the coach and the fan to the moment she toppled the man over when the police came running?

That'd be some scary decision-making skills.

Scratch that.

Following through with a plan that includes her taking several punches is downright impressive strength of will.
She might look soft and cuddly all over, but fights in whatever way she can when it counts.
Yet, she still finds it within herself to be kind to everyone.

It appears that Nagata Miho is strong in her own way.

"...Compared to that, I'm..." mumbles Watase.

Watase lowers the bottle, looking at the room around her.

"...Maybe I should clean this place up..."

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>>5716129

Your face pinches together and then your eyes snap wide open as you take a deep, sudden breath.
The hand that had been pinching your nose shut is pulled away.
Your eyes blink in turn as the blurry figure slowly swims into focus.

"...Aki?" you mutter.

Your younger brother, Nagata Aki.
Standing there, in his resplendent suit and carefully sculpted, blonde hair, he looks fresh out of a meeting.

Aki adjusts his glasses, "You look like a mess," he says, "Father did always say leaving for Tokyo was a mistake, didn't he?"

"...How did you...?" you manage, things are still woozy.

"Find you? Mother received a call when you were admitted and she called me," he replies.

Ah, yeah, your parents are still registered as your next of kin.
The hospital would've notified them.

You wipe sleep from your eyes with the back of your fingers, then glance at the clock: 7 PM.

Aki follows your gaze, "I get here as soon as I was done with work," he says, "Mother wanted me to check in on you, but I can see you're mostly fine."

You prop yourself up a bit, leaning on your elbows, "...Eh, yeah," you say, "...I'm fine."

"I have a business dinner at a restaurant after this, so I can't say too long," says Aki, "I've been looking for a new shipping company to ship all the produce from the farm, but these Tokyo stuck ups seem determined to pull one over me because father's farm happens to be in Ishikawa."

"...That must be rough," you say.
The medication isn't entirely gone from your system, making it hard to think.

Though your brother works with your parents in the family business, a large farm, you don't think he has ever gotten his hands dirty.
Instead, he handles the logistics, marketing, and sales.

Your brother takes a long, hard look at you, checks his watch, and then sighs.
He pulls up the chairs reserved for guests and sits down, "Mother and father are worried about you," he says, "You've been in Tokyo for years now and still haven't accomplished anything."

You blink, "I've been trying..." you say.

"Isn't it enough?" says Aki, leaning on his knees, "Time to call it quits, I'd say. Tokyo isn't the place for somebody like you. They're all depraved, work-addicted sociopaths. I know you went and studied in Tokyo, and that's fine, and that you want to start a career and all that, but aren't you done by now? How many more years are you going to pretend playing salaryman?"

"I've been promoted recently, y'know..." you say, swallowing.

"Yes, I heard from mother. Idol manager, was it?" says Aki, then gestures towards you, "How's that working out for you?"

>>5716130

"I..." you begin.

"It's time to face reality," says Aki, "Stop wasting time in Tokyo and come home, we could use your help in the family business. I never spoke against your decision to work in HR, because I knew it would be useful for us. Contract negotiations and general management is currently done by mother and she's far too soft. I hope your time in Tokyo at least toughened you up a bit, but it's no matter."

"...But I like it here," you manage.

"Do you? Do you, really?" says Aki in undisguised disbelief, "The long hours. The poor pay. For what? To come home your cat Etsuki?"

"...Azuki," you correct.

"Azuki, sure," replies Aki, nodding his head to the side, "Did you know most of the girls you went to school with are already married? Better yet, some even have kids."

You frown, "Things are different in Tokyo," you say, strangely defensive, "It isn't strange for a woman to be well in her thirties before those sort of things..."

Why are you even discussing this with him?

"Exactly," says Aki, "Mother and father aren't getting any younger. Mom is the only person among her friends who doesn't have grandchildren yet. How do you think she feels? That her daughter is stuck in degenerate Tokyo -- in the idol business, no less. Boozing and partying for all she knows."

"I mean, I'm not like that," you say, sombrely, "...I, well, I don't go partying, at least."

Aki gets up, "Mother also asked me if I could poke you for information to see if you're at least dating anyone with marriage in mind, but do I even have to ask?"

You look down at the hospital sheets and shake your head.

"This western mindset of women in the workplace is poison," says Aki, "A good husband will provide for you, but you won't find anyone like that in Tokyo. And let's face it, you're not getting any younger either. Drag your feet for a few more years and your options will consist of nothing but divorcees and undesirables," adds Aki, "Come home. Instead of this moral rock-bottom where men hit women."

You grip your hospital sheets, "It's like you said, I haven't achieved anything," you say, then look up towards Aki, "There's still things I want to do here!"

Aki folds his arms, "That so?" he says, "Like what?"

Decision
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome
>2 - Your dream is to manage a world-class performer. A star idol.
>3 - You aspire to start your own business someday.
>4 - Create and produce an original production.
>5 - Find love on your own terms.
>6 - Write-in

These are not hard votes, but more like overarching goals I can keep in mind.

>>5716131
>3 - You aspire to start your own business someday.

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>>5716131
Commission I had done to celebrate 150k words. (reduced resolution because big file)

Welcome to the new thread.

>>5716131
Career goal
>2 - Your dream is to manage a world-class performer. A star idol.

Personal goal
>5 - Find love on your own terms.

>>5716135
Cute

>>5716131
>6 - Find a family that will actually support us
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome
>4 - Create and produce an original production.
I want to create a metal band.

>>5716135
Chigusa is disappointed in us again, because we missed her debut, I assume.

>>5716131
>Create and produce an original production.
This to me seems the most flexible goal. The original production could end up being made by Miho's own company, it could be showed at the Tokyo Dome, etc.

>>5716154
I trust that she isn't so autistic as to not understand the notion of being hospitalized.

>>5716131
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome
>6 - You want to marry

>>5716188
>I trust that she isn't so autistic as to not understand the notion of being hospitalized.
She might decide we were hospitalized of our own fault.

>>5716131
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome
>5 - Find love on your own terms.

>>5716203
This. She might not even learn the full story of what happened until she's already been poached.

>>5716250
We can show her the video of us getting beaten up

>>5716142
We’re back!

And supporting these goals

>>5716131
>5 - Find love on your own terms.
>6 - You want to be rich and influential

>>5716256
I doubt the cameraman recorded all of it
>>5716131
>6 - Become the one that manages managers

>>5716131
>2 - Your dream is to manage a world-class performer. A star idol.
>5 - Find love on your own terms.

>>5716142
Supporting these.

>Mom is the only person among her friends who doesn't have grandchildren yet.
Well, our brother can solve that problem as well…where is his wife?

We’re copping his criticism far too meekly

>>5716131
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome
idol time!

>>5716512
This is it, chief.

>>5716129
Yoko loved our tits, now she's going to love our soul... The plan to activate deredere Yoko is unfolding smoothly.

>>5716603
But we're still hetero.

>>5716665
Spaghetti is straight, until it gets wet.

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Glad we are back so soon! I like this sudden exploration of the characters we are having.
But wtf is wrong with this brat brother, what's with him not supporting his sister...

>>5716131
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome

>>5716135
Cuuute

>>5716131

Vote closed
Thanks for joining the new thread.

Goals in order of priority
>5 - Find love on your own terms. (x7)
>1 - You want to start an idol group that'll perform in the Tokyo Dome (x5)
>2 - Your dream is to manage a world-class performer. A star idol. (x5)
>4 - Create and produce an original production. (x2)
>3 - You aspire to start your own business someday. (x)
>6 - Become the one that manages managers (x1)
>6 - You want to be rich and influential (x1)
>6 - You want to marry (x1)

I'll assume that getting married and becoming rich and influential are probably side-products of the two top-voted goals.
As pointed out by others, some other less-voted goals are also likely side-products of other, higher-voted goals.

"Finding love" takes the top spot, but mostly because people's votes were divided between "Idol group in Tokyo Dome" and "Managing a star idol".
This being an "Idol manager quest" things will skew towards the idol parts a bit, but the vote does point out that dating is a strong secondary objective.
I'll make sure to keep that in mind.

>>5716834
Thanks for making a new thread QM!

>>5716834

"I want to leave a mark of my own. Help idols realize their dreams, start a fantastic group and have them perform on Tokyo Dome -- for all to see," you say, "I don't want to be nothing more than some man's wife."

Aki scoffs, "So, you're going to risk lifelong happiness, a family of your own, so a bunch of girls can spend a weekend singing some songs during a concert?" he says, "Really?"

If it doesn't align with his goals, then it's not worth doing.
That's the kind of person your brother is.
Anything you'll say, he'll just trivialize.

"Yes," you say flatly, "Sing songs. Exactly."

"That's a dumb answer," replies Aki.

"Well, I did get a concussion," you reply, "Suppose I'm just a dumb person."

Aki rolls his eyes, "Since you're healthy enough to give me attitude, I'll just tell mother you're fine," he says, looking towards his watch as it beeps, "Do whatever you want, but don't say I didn't warn you. I have to go."

"Thanks for visiting," you say, staring him down.

Aki manages a half-smile, then turns and walks out the door, "Try not to get beat-up again," he says as he leaves.

You let yourself drop back into your hospital bed, cross your arms, and pout.
Perhaps when you were born you took all the empathy for yourself, leaving nothing for him.

Ah, why couldn't you just have a cute younger sister or something!
You sigh and look around your room. Nobody here, nothing to do.
Having just woken up, you're not sleepy either.

They did say you should be resting and Kitabayashi didn't want to bring your laptop, but you can at least use your phone.

So, you decide to send a quick message to your assistant, Matsui Tomo.

@NagataMiho: Hello Matsui-san, as you might've heard I'm in the hospital at the moment.
@MatsuiTomo: I know. Don't worry, I'll handle Chigusa Iki's debut. I have experience with these matters.
@NagataMiho: Yui has banned me from work, so I can't help, but please keep me involved!
@MatsuiTomo: With pleasure. Kitabayashi told me she'd share some kind of picture with the entire company if you tried to go behind her back like this and I'm very curious to see what it is.

Geh.

@NagataMiho: Maybe just handle it yourself then... haha...
@MatsuiTomo: Don't worry. Everything's under control.

That photo of you begging for forgiveness after spying on Kaiba has come to haunt you again.
Come to think of it, you still haven't fessed up about that.
Seems like Kitabayashi hasn't forgotten.

>>5717029

Suppose you can at least check out the reactions to Enatsu Mari's debut stream.

@ch0kem3: I mean, Maeda Rei isn’t ….bad. No?
@slavegirl444: Her attitude at the start kinda got me…
@sparkl3s698: she got put in her place by Watase-sama tho
@ch0kem3: i know, but who wouldn’t?
@ch0kem3: I could see myself do the same to Maeda-chan tho~
@slavegirl444: pfff, please
@slavegirl444: i’ve met you at the event remember? never seen a harder M than you
@strawb3rrri3sx3: username “choke me” acting up lol – delusional
@ch0kem3: h-hey!
@YaBoiGhoulman3: find god, all of you
@yuukioniisan: Enatsu-chan is so cute~ Hope we see more of her!
@Rowboats1293: I dunno, she didn’t have much of a presence imo
@Rowboats1293: the other idols are more interesting
@BlueOcean123: Good luck, Mari-chan!
@SkullsSkullsSkulls95: She was impressive in the match, but not the kind of girl I’d support
@strawb3rrri3sx3: look its a Kuro Hina stan ewww
@SkullsSkullsSkulls95: what? I just support her…
@slavegirl444: what a creep
@YaBoiGhoulman3: said the girls rubbing their clit whenever Watase had a second of screentime
@slavegirl444: fuck off virgin
@strawb3rrri3sx3: pathetic loser~
@ch0kem3: why dont you go jerk it to your oshi and piss off <3
@YaBoiGhoulman3: I will, maybe ill wank to Watase instead
@slavegirl444: just spam report him
@strawb3rrri3sx3: yep
@ch0kem3: yeah
@moderator-bot: <User 'YaBoiGhoulman3' was auto-muted because of multiple reports>
@moderator-bot: <A moderator will manually review your case at a later time>
@slavegirl444: haha
@ch0kem3: cleaning up
@BlueOcean123: I wonder what happened, they seemed so scared
@Rowboats1293: Ending was so fake. Something definitely happened.

You grumble a bit.
There's probably going to be a fair number of rumours about what happened.
But they shouldn't have much to go on, so hopefully it'll just be a bunch of speculation.

Hopefully none of the idols present let anything slip to the press.
The last thing you need is another scandal.

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>>5717030

"And? What'd she say?" says a stocky man in a suit, sweat beading on his forehead.
He's standing in the middle of Nagata's office, arms folded.

"None of your concern," replies Matsui Tomo coldly, putting her phone down on Nagata's desk, "You really think I'm going to bother her with your knee-jerk reaction?"

The man frowns, "These are serious concerns!" he shouts, anger showing on his face, "Your stupid event has stressed out my talent! I've already had two companies call me up about poor job performance! My idols are freaking out!"

"This was nothing," replies Matsui, "If they can't stomach something like this, then they never had a place in this industry to begin with."

The man looks taken aback, then scoffs, "Once again, it's obvious who your mentor was. You're just lik--"

"Finish that sentence," says Matsui, eyes set on a notepad as she scribbles something down with a pen, "I dare you."
She looks up, staring into the man's eyes.

The man's brow twitches, holding Matsui's gaze, then looks away, "...Kuh!" he says, taking a breath, "Point is! How are you gonna pay for this, huh? Not just me, either! Other managers are pissed off, too! We're prepared to take this all the way to top!"

"I'll handle it," says Matsui, then points towards the door with her pen, "I'm busy. Don't let me keep you."

"Geh!?" cries the man, "You can't jus--"

"Don't let me keep you," repeats Matsui.

The man clicks his tongue, then stomps out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Matsui sighs, then looks up at the ceiling, "I bet she never has to repeat herself..."
She picks up her phone, hesitates for only a moment, and dials a number.

The dial tone pulses twice.

"Ara~ If it isn't Tomo-chan..." says the voice on the other end, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Don't play dumb," says Matsui, "You know exactly what's going on."

"I suppose," says the voice, "Certain people have been making an awful lot of noise. Tons of complaints~"

Matsui swallows, "...Make it go away," she says.

There's a pause.

"Ara~ Tomo-chan. Do you know what you're asking?" says the voice.

"I do," replies Matsui.

"You sure are soft-hearted," says the voice, "Then again, that's always been your problem. Even back then."

"I didn't call for a lecture," says Matsui, "Make it go before Nagata gets back to work on Monday."

"You understand the cost?" asks the voice.

"Make it go away!" shouts Matsui.

"As you wish~"

>>5717031

8 PM rolls by and visiting hours are over.
You entertain yourself with bland hospital TV and send a quick message to Enatsu Mari about what happened today, but you don't receive any response.

Furthermore, you message Chigusa Iki that, much to your regret, you're hospitalized and aren't able to attend her idol debut.
Chigusa replies with a short: "Ok. Get well soon."

Every few hours or so a nurse comes by and asks how you are.
You reply that you're feeling great and ask if you can go home yet.
They laugh and leave.

Repeating this exact conversation until you eventually fall asleep again well past midnight.

The next morning you awake to the sound of the door to your room sliding open.
As you rub the sleep from your eyes, your visitor gradually comes into view, "...Yui?"

"...Yaho~ Miho, morning," says Kitabayashi somewhat sheepishly.
She holds up a bag, "I wanted to bring you some overnight stuff yesterday, but I forgot that only family is allowed after visiting hours..."

"It's fine, thank you," you say, "I'm happy that I at least get to brush my teeth now."

Kitabayashi stares at you for a long moment, then exhales sharply through her noise, looking disappointed.

"...What?" you say, tilting your head in confusion.

"First time I get to watch you wake-up and it had to be like this..." says Kitabayashi.

You give Kitabayashi a look, "Well, I'm sorry," you reply, "I'll try not to get beat up again."

"Hmpf," replies Kitabayashi, placing her hands in her side, "That's a start. Guess you'll have to get well soon and join me for a sleepover to make it up to me."

You roll your eyes, then remember something.
"Ah," you say, "Talking about sleepovers... How's Kaiba?"

"Pff, how about your worry about yourself for a change," says Kitabayashi, walking over and placing the bag of overnight items on the guest chair, "I asked her to come, but I think she's still kinda weirded out about what happened at the birthday. Or she's mad, I'm not sure."

"Oh," you reply, a blush creeping on your face as you recall that day's events, "As long as she's okay."

"Mostly, yeah," says Kitabayashi, "She's been chatting with some friends and meeting up later today."

"...Mostly? Eh, wait, friends?" you reply, eyes wide with surprise.

>>5717033

"Uwa... Miho, that's cruel," says Kitabayashi, then smiles, "But, yeah, I know, right? They met on a job, apparently."

"Oh. Good for her," you say, relaxing a bit, "What'd you mean by 'mostly' okay?"

"Still figuring herself out," says Kitabayashi, reaching into the overnight bag and taking out some of the items, "I'm no expert, but I think it's also why she tried to set us up."

"Ah..." you say.

With everything that happened, you almost forgot about Kaiba's weird insistence to get you and Yui together and her strange convictions that you're playing for the other team.
Convictions based around something that happened during the hot spring trip with Watase Yoko.

Oh. You missed that meeting with Watase.

"Kaiba kinda looks up to you like a mentor, did you know?" says Kitabayashi.

"Eh?" you say, "Really?"

That's somewhat embarrassing and flattering at the same time.

"You're alike in a lot of ways, so I guess she sees herself in you," continues Kitabayashi.

Herself!? In you?!

You're a self-made, confident woman are you not?
Kaiba on the other hand is this shy, docile, submissive girl!

You're not like that at all!

"...Why are you glaring like that..." says Kitabayashi, smirking.

"It's just that... Well, it's funny how you can be so wrong. That's all." you say, looking away, "Hmpf."

"...Sure," says Kitabayashi, "Anyway, I think she saw a little bit too much of herself in you. Like, more than there was."

"Exactly," you say, strangely satisfied, then blink, "Hold on. What do you mean? As in she's projecting?"

" I don't know about any of that," says Kitabayashi, confusion clear on her face, "I just mean that she's using you as a model of herself, I guess. Even the bits she's not aware of."

"Can't you help her?" you reply, "She seems to trust you. You did say she's asking you questions about this stuff."

>>5717031
>matsui did the deal with the devil
Exciting!

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>>5717035

"No, this is something she has to figure out for herself," replies Kitabayashi, "She'll be all too eager to accept any answer I give her, but if this isn't something she decides on her own then she'll be doubting herself forever."

"This is all getting complicated," you say, slowly blinking, "It's... tiring."

Kitabayashi smiles, "Well, you are in the hospital with a concussion, so don't worry your pretty little head over it," she says, closing in and gently lowering you into the bed, then tucking you in under the cover, "Just take it easy today. Enjoy your weekend and call me when you feel better."

"I guess," you say, "Thanks, Yui-chan..."

"You're welcome," says Kitabayashi, then glances at the clock, "I should probably head to work."

You nod, "Thanks for coming."

Kitabayashi waves, but then idles at the door, "And... I'm sorry for yesterday, I was kinda mean..."

"Yeah," you say, looking sad, "It broke my heart. I must've cried for hours..."

Kitabayashi's face pales, her mouth drops open.

"...And now we're even," you say, smirking as you turn over in bed, "Have fun at work!"
>pic related

"You're terrible!" shouts Kitabayashi with a big smile on her face, then sticks her tongue out, "Bleh!"

She shuts the door and is off to work.

You sit in your hospital room with a smile of your own, "I wonder how Chigusa's debut will go..."

-----

Need three rolls. All of these use Chigusa Iki's modifiers.
Only one roll per person, please.

Need one PERSONALITY roll for Chigusa's ability as an entertaining host:
Please roll 1d100 + 44

Need one ACTING roll for Chigusa's ability to play out her idol persona:
Please roll 1d100 + 25

Need one LOOKS roll for Chigusa's general appeal:
Please roll 1d100 + 48

All these rolls will be added together.
0 - 150 = +0 Fame
150 - 300 = +1 Fame
300 - 450 = +2 Fame

>>5717031
>matsui did the deal with the devil
Fuck.
Let's never get a detailed write-up on any event ever again.

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>5717042
And rolling

Rolled 75 + 44 (1d100 + 44)

>>5717042

>>5717043
>inb4 it's revealed that there's an entire cabal of lesbians helping Miho behind the scene
Nagata "Drug for Dykes" Miho strikes again

Rolled 72 + 48 (1d100 + 48)

>>5717042

>>5717044
>>5717045
>>5717049
>Chigusa is bad at entertaining people
What are these narrative dice

>>5717067
Fitting

>>5717067
Hey, those got us in the high end of +1 Fame, not too bad.
26+44+75+25+72+48

>>5717079
High end of +1 is actually worse than the low end.
Isn't it worse to be on the verge of greatness and fail?

>>5717044
Since this is the only roll without a modifier, I guess I'll assign the +25 from ACTING to this.

>>5717044
Rolled 26 (1d100) + 25 = 51 (ACTING)

>>5717045
Rolled 75 + 44 (1d100 + 44) = 119 (PERSONALITY)

>>5717049
Rolled 72 + 48 (1d100 + 48) = 120 (LOOKS)

Total: 290 (+1 Fame)

Thanks for rolling.
-----

I will now write the summarized idol debut.
It'll be short, concise, and to the point. For real this time.
So that we can move on to the next week.

>>5717106
>great at everything, except acting
That's our Iki.

>>5717046
We really complicated our otherwise-easymode live life by going str8.

No more updates today.
I got distracted with a side-character and can't finish the update in time.

>>5717151
>We really complicated our otherwise-easymode live life by going str8.
Honestly, I say that we dodged a bullet, you just know Yui would have gotten the First Girl Treatment and anons would have been pinning after Watase harder if she had a chance.

>>5717196
But, those would be good things.

Kaiba is hanging out with the cynical, depressed, low self-esteem, almost-too-old women... she's gonna learn to smoke and drink

>>5717106
I'm really tempted to ask how we should've handled the man-gyaru for the best outcome.

>>5717448
Discussing hypotheticals almost never ends well when it comes to TTRPGs or quests.
It'll only serve as a reminder on what you missed out on or could've done better to ultimately only making you feel worse.

It's like playing D&D and watching a cave implode from a distance only for the DM to go: "And there go the Sightline Caverns, burying the six magic items still hidden within."

Or it makes me seem like a lunatic when I reveal how it could've gone worse and have people start thinking I have some weird torture / suffering fetish and the entire quest is just a constant loop of pain.

Risking all of that anyway:
Only read the below if you want to lose faith in me.


We did about as good as can be expected of a situation like that.
I was fully expecting a one or two week timeskip in the hospital with the rolls we had going at the time (I made a lot of medical staff characters), but none of that ended up neccesary.
Nagata ended up not needing any painkillers for migraines or the like, so addiction rules for drugs haven't come into use either.

A guy I went to high school with ended up with brain damage and chronic migraines after getting hit in the head only once.

Your character, Nagata Miho, is barely 5 foot 2 and just about 120 pounds.
Squaring up against a man a foot taller and nearly double your weight is exceedingly risky.

There were so many low rolls and risky decisions in a row that getting off scot-free seemed impossible to me.
>Opted for an out-doors. livestreamed event
>Low roll on calming the fan down
>Muratagi lost the fight
>Risk yourself and stall the man (low roll)
>Clamp onto him (100 roll)

What occured was the absolute best result I could reasonably draw from an exceedingly bad scenario.
Nagata last-second heroics prevented some idols from getting terrified of their fans and cutting their career short, but that came at a cost.
There's more like how Watase was affected by all this and some other things, but mentioning those outright would be spoilers.

>>5717481
Dang, I guess we'll have to try to work in the addiction mechanics another time.

>>5717481
This is not exactly what I asked about, but it answered my question anyway.

>>5717481
We dodged a lot of bullets with that crit

>>5717482
When we get addicted to Yoko

>>5717481
I can't believe it, i read the spoiler and lost faith in the QM

>>5717552
This is the way.

>>5717600
>I can't believe it, i read the spoiler and lost faith in the QM
Many such cases.

----

I hope to post the update later today, but it might get quite late.
The following vote will stay open until tomorrow though, so don't worry about missing that if you care about such a thing.

Welcome back, QM.

And begone, yurifags

>>5717770
No.

>>5717649
> I hope to post the update later today
I lied

>>5717771
We will never kiss a girl

>>5717786
Unless?...

File: NurseMiyazaki.jpg (488 KB, 500x800)

488 KB JPG

>>5717106

Hours tick by.

If Kitabayashi hadn't brought a phone charger this morning, then you'd truly be bored out of your mind.

"Thank you, Yui-sama," you say in a low prayer.

Half a city away, Kitabayashi is suddenly feeling pretty good about herself, but doesn't know why.

"Mhhnnnggg...." you say, stretching, "...Imagine having to spend weeks or months in the hospital... How do people do it..."

"They're usually busy dying, that fills up the day like nothing else," says a nurse with a plain look on her face, her short orange hair dangling freely.

"Bwoea!" you cry, nearly falling out of bed, "When did you get in here?! Who are you?"

"It's the crocs, you understand," says the nurse, "Comfortable and silent."

You look down at her hot-pink crocs and frown, then look up.

"I'm nurse Miyazaki Yuna, by the way," says the nurse, "Nurse Kuchiki's shift was over."

"You coming to sedate me again?" you say, eyes narrowing.

"Do you want to be sedated?" replies Nurse Miyazaki.

"No," you reply.

"Good, because the answer was no either way," says Nurse Miyazaki.

You throw up your hands in confusion.

"Here's an interesting fact," says nurse Miyazaki, "Even if you're looking for something to do, don't masturbate if you're wearing a heart-rate monitor. Your heartrate will spike and four nurses and a doctor will burst into the room thinking you've gone into cardiac arrest. It's awkward for everyone involved."

"W-what?" you stammer, blushing, "I'd never! W-what!?"

"Also, you'd be amazed at the amount of people that take naked selfies in their rooms, something about the hospital gown, I think," says nurse Miyazaki, checking your chart.

"T-that's d-depraved!" you shout, "That can't be real!"

"Oh, yes," says nurse Miyazaki, eyes still fixed on your chart, "I walk in on a woman, phone in hand with her twins out, strutting across the room looking for a better angle or lighting ... Twice a week?"

You're not sure how to respond and just go silent.

>>5719036

"Must be tough for you," says Nurse Miyazaki, glancing towards you, "Bet you have to use landscape-mode."

"What?" you say, confused.

"Good news," says Nurse Miyazaki, "You'll be free to leave at the end of the afternoon."

"Oh...! That's great, actually!" you say, eyes sparkling.

"Just be sure to take it easy during the weekend," says Nurse Miyazaki, "Keep stress low (below 150) in the next two weeks or so unless you want to be carted back in here. Avoid high blood pressure. Do you live with anyone who can take care of you in case of emergency?"

"...Eh, no," you say, "I live by myself."

Nurse Miyazaki makes a note, then sighs in an 'of course' kind of way while lightly shaking her head.

Oi.

"Should I be?" you say, nerves creeping in, "Living with somebody else that is."

"If you, despite my advice, can't avoid stress, it might be best to have somebody around," says Nurse Miyazaki, "Avoid alcohol if you can or go easy if you can't."

"Is it really that bad?" you say, "It's hard to avoid stress in my job. Will I end up back in the hospital if I overdo it a bit?"

"No," says Nurse Miyazaki.

"Well, the--"

"You'll end in the morgue."

"Ah."

"Yes, 'Ah', indeed."

"But I'm only twenty-six!" you cry.

"Hospital doesn't have a children's ward because people only die old," says Nurse Miyazaki.

You go quiet for a moment.

"That's a horrible way to make a point!" you cry.

"Works, doesn't it?" says Nurse Miyazaki, making a final note, "Just avoid stress and alcohol. Keep your blood pressure low. And you'll be healthy again in no time."

"I'm getting stressed just from having this conversation!" you say.

Nurse Miyazaki shrugs, "No better place to have an aneurysm than the hospital."

Disbelief clear on your face, your mouth opens and closes a few times, just speechless.

>>5719037

"Well, Nagata-san," says nurse Miyazaki, tucking her clipboard under her arm, "This'll be the first and last time you see me, my shift will end before you're released from care. Make sure to get some rest."

"Good!" you say, bewildered by the entire conversation, "Bye, I guess."

"...Perhaps another sedative is indeed in order..." says Nurse Miyazaki, staring you down.

You bow, "Ah, have a good weekend, nurse Miyazaki-san," you say, "Take care."

Nurse Miyazaki smiles a final self-important smile and then departs.
There goes a woman who has fully embraced the small amount of power she has.
Almost seems a recurring theme for the nurses here.

You lie back down with an exasperated sigh, then pull up your phone.

"...What... to... do... in... the... hospital..." you type into Yahoo, then scroll through the results.

"...Reading...TV... Crosswords... Sudoku... Page 2 results... Knitting... Selfies?"

Click.

"Ehhh!?' you cry, pulling the phone close to your chest to hide the screen.

She was right.

------

Hours of mindless scrolling, some phone calls, and a bunch of cat videos later, it's finally time for Chigusa's late afternoon debut stream.
You might not be able to help, but at the very least you can tune in and cheer her on.

Phone in hand, you press your shoulders into the bed and get snuggled in.
The countdown screen appears accompanied by Matsuno Inc's cheerful little jingle to serve as background noise.

@BizarreTaru: Another idol, huh?
@Slayme420: They really pump 'em out these days don't they
@s3xyxo: It's a numbers game, isn't it? for every 100 maybe 1 will make it
@twilightshad0w: if its another go-happy girl that says she loves me then I just might throw up
@s3xyxo: I mean, I'm fine with it if she's cute
@Boarroar999: whats this title anyway? "Otaku Health 101"? lol
@SkullsSkullsSkulls95: im not an otaku, I just like idols
@NikoNikoNiii: I think they mean idol otaku
@reservii: just screams poor marketing imo
@twilightshad0w: i may or may not kill somebody if I have to listen to this jingle any longer
@Keyszz1: start with yourself
@banemothh: 6 min left

Livestream viewers are so toxic at times, but "Otaku Health 101" does seem a bit on the nose.
You'll just have to hope that Matsui knows what she's doing.

You switch apps and send Chigusa a quick message -- to wish her good luck.

Unfortunately, Chigusa didn't respond.
There are only a few minutes left until the stream starts, so she is probably called to the set.

File: ChigusaInKitchen.jpg (424 KB, 500x800)

424 KB JPG

>>5719039

Nothing to do but nervously wait for the countdown to tick down.
The counter hits zero and you're hit with a smoothly crafted 2d animation featuring a "chibi" version of Chigusa Iki with a maid costume and cat ears.
The mini Chigusa is depicted cheerfully selecting produce at the store, energetically tapping away with a pointer at a blackboard filled with health facts, and shown cooking stew with a bright smile.

The animation ends with the title screen: "Otaku Health 101"

"...They sure put a lot of work into this..." you say quietly.

The broadcast switches to a camera capturing an empty kitchen.
A click-clack of heels is heard and Chigusa walks onto the screen wearing a maid costume and cat ears.
It seems like somebody went through the meticulous effort to sew as many frills as possible onto her dress.
That must've taken them hours.

"Hello, my name is Chigusa Iki," she says, bowing towards her audience, "Welcome to Otaku Health 101"

"Konnichiwa, Watashinonamaeha Chigusa Iki desu. (Bow) Otaku Herusu oen-o-oen e Yōkoso"

Chigusa glances towards the side, apparently receiving instructions.

"...Nyaa~" suggests a barely audible voice off-screen, then whispers a little louder, "...Nyaa!"

Chigusa ignores them, continuing without any further cat-like antics.

"Today we'll be learning how to create a staple meal: omelette with rice, commonly known as: omurice." she says, walking towards a table filled with ingredients, "Although not the healthiest meal, this otaku favourite is easy to make and a definite improvement over the cup ramen that likely makes up most of your diet."

@Boarroar999: What the... she isn't cute at all!
@mindbreak752: i dunno this is kinda working for me
@WagaMegumiiin: she's cute, but not .... cute...?
@Nyantaroo: those cat ears same crazy real
@IsekaiCosplay: Provided by Isekai Cosplay! Find our store in Tokyo!
@mindbreak752: she seems a little cold, yeah
@mindbreak752: kuudere is my jam so im okay with it
@twilightshad0w: i dont think there's any dere to be found its just ... kuukuu?
@Slayme420: hello chicken-san

>>5719041

Chigusa continues on to list the ingredients used, the kitchenware required, and what other preparations need to be made.
During it all, she presses the importance of personal health.
She cracks the eggs and mixes them in a bowl, "You can't keep living like you have," she says softly, a sad note to her voice, "You'll worry your favourite idols..."

@WagaMegumiiin: dere detected?
@Rowboats1293: a little maybe
@YaBoiGhoulman3: its ep1 -- she's not gonna go full dere yet obviously
@Rowboats1293: great... now I have to follow just to see if she eventually goes full dere
@Purrfect4: tfw no catgirl maid to complain about my eating habits

You're quite sure Chigusa didn't mean as it concern for the viewers, but it's fine if they take it that way.

Chigusa completes preparing the meal with her usual cold efficiency, then presents it to the viewers.

It's impressive that she can flawlessly prepare a meal like that at her age, perhaps she has talent as a chef.

@BizarreTaru: wife material
@IdolMaster33: breeding material
@Rowboats1293: you're fucking everywhere, aren't you?

"Just healthy meals won't be enough," says Chigusa sternly, "Make sure to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Otakus are notorious for their poor posture, impacting their lower back. Make sure to correct your posture, you'll have dire need of your lower back in the future."

She then returns to the stove to prepare some minor side dishes.
Completely obvious to what she said.

@s3xyxo: what will be using our lower back for, Iki-chan ;)) ?
@IdolLov3: damn this girl is pretty direct
@lovecollars11: get topped by the catgirl maid lol
@reservii: get those thrusts in! 3-4!
@yuukioniisan: the kind of exercise I can get behind
@Nyantaroo: please go nyaa... please ... I cant take it anymore
@Nyantaroo: THE EARS JUST THERE, NOTHING ELSE
@Notesandboats32: nyaa? how about just a smile in general
@Purrfect4: the intro was false advertising haha
@Napgang333: you uncultured vermin aren't worthy of kuudere
@Napgang333: her being like this now means future dere will be all the sweeter!

Another dish, an animated presentation of the importance of posture, and some light-hearted conversations later -- the stream comes to a close.

It only lasted just over an hour so.

--------

File: Spoiler Image (451 KB, 500x800)

451 KB JPG

>>5719042
>dont look at spoilered image until mentioned

Chigusa Iki stands dead centre of the camera "Thank you for watching," she says, bowing, "I hope you'll put today's information to good use. Perhaps prepare a meal for your parents or family, I'm sure they'll appreciate you helping them out in their later years."

Chigusa stands there, hands clasped together tightly and resting on her apron, staring at the distant camera.

This is her idol debut, but it feels nothing like the idols she saw on TV growing up.
She's fairly certain she hasn't made any mistakes and preserved the dignity she was raised to uphold.

Yet, she feels that if she were to watch back the broadcast, then she'd surely be disappointed.
Her aspirations as an idol were to be like the idols she watched growing up -- to grant joy.
The kind of happiness that can even reach a young, lonely girl in a secluded town.

Maybe her personality is just a poor fit for something like an idol and she won't go very far.
She might not have that special idol factor.

Nothing more than a pretender.

In fact, things might already be over.
What kind of idol debut doesn't have a single smile or a second of laughter?

Still, she's glad that she tried.
Chigusa might not make it, but perhaps there's somebody watching who can.
If she's nothing more than a shallow impersonation of what an idol should be, then she might be as well commit to the bit.

And speak those hopeful words often said by her favourite idol, long ago.

"Make sure you try your best, okay?" says Chigusa, adding an uncharacteristic wink.
>pic related

The show ends, the outro plays, the studio lights dim.
Matsuno Inc's jingle plays as background music.
Halfway across the country, a single viewer is ranting about the music in live chat.

-------

>>5719043

"That's a wrap," says a man in tones of somebody doing this a dozen times per day, "Break down the set, we've got another shoot after this. Anyone got the playbook for that?"

"I've got it here," says another, raising a stack of papers.

Chigusa bows politely, "Thank you all for your work," she says as the staff takes apart the kitchen set around her, then climbs from the stage.

Some of them concede a nod.

Well, it's not like she was expecting much. Idol debuts are a dime a dozen in this industry.
There's no point in getting familiar with somebody who is just as likely to be gone a month later.
The crew members here are pros and now so is she.
There's no reward for doing what's expected from you, never has been.

Intrinsic motivation is vital for the achievement of any long-term goal.

Chigusa takes off her cat ears and holds them in her hands, rubbing the soft ears with a thumb.

"Ah! Chigusa-san!" cries a voice.

Chigusa looks over.

Nagata Miho is holding her phone sideways in her hands, the broadcast's jingle still echoes from it, said phone she then pockets.

"Nagata-san?" says Chigusa, "I thought you were in the hospital."

"I was, but I just got out," says Nagata with a smile.
The large bruise on her face is hard to look at.

A green-haired woman playing around with her car keys follows close behind, but then waits at a distance.

Nagata unexpectedly grabs both of Chigusa's hands, "That was so good!" she says cheerfully.

"...Eh? It was?" says Chigusa, shocked.

"It was!" says Nagata, "And all the animation bits! I didn't even know anything about that!"

"I talked it over with PR and design, they said they could do it," says Chigusa, "After I provided them with sketches."

"Eeeh? You handled that all by yourself?" cries Nagata, clearly impressed.

"...And I did all the frills on the dress," adds Chigusa.

"Wow! That as well?!" says Nagata.

"...I practiced all the dishes at home," continues Chigusa.

"You must've worked really hard!" says Nagata.

"...I did," replies Chigusa, "I did work hard."

Nagata pulls Chigusa into a hug, embracing her fully, "It shows!" she says, gleefully, "Good work today!"

"...I ... I worked hard," says Chigusa in a small voice, carefully hugging back, "...I worked really hard."

Chigusa's idol debut was completed successfully
Chigusa's fame has increased by 1 (2 3)

--------

>>5719044

You spend a bit of time with Chigusa, going over the comments of the stream.
The majority of viewers mention they actually liked the content.
A straightforward stream with informative content is a nice change of pace from the usual "Ehhh? I fell! I'm so clumsy! Ehe? Love me?" content that seems so prevalent these days.

@Napgang33: was... a pretty good stream I'd say?
@Nyantaroo: kinda felt like watching a documentary almost, but the host is cute instead of an old man
@NikoPanda87: I'll check back next time! Chigusa-san!
@Purrfect4: -san?
@NikoPanda87: calling her by -chan feels wrong
@Purrfect4: Hmmm I kinda get it, like we need to earn calling her -chan and we're not there yet
@Slayme420: need higher numbers on the dere chart before we can go -chan
@IdolLov3: where we at on the dere meters, capn?
@Slayme420: solid 1/10 id say
@IdolLov3: rip

Chigusa stands a little way off to the side, leaning against a wall, her face lit up by the glare of her phone.
The band of her cat ears wrapped around her wrist.
People didn't hate it -- she concludes as she scrolls through various social media.

"You did good today, Chigusa-san," says a voice, then handing her a bottle of water.

Chigusa takes it, "Thank you," she says, "Miss...?"

"Kitabayashi Yui," says Kitabayashi, then points a thumb over her shoulder, "I drove Nagata-san here from the hospital. I work at Matsuno Inc as well. At HR."

"I see," says Chigusa, bowing, "Thank you for taking care of Nagata-san."

Kitabayashi laughs politely, "We've been friends for years, so of course I would," she says, "Say. What's that wrapped around your wrist?"

Chigusa looks down, "Hmm?" she says, "Cat ears. They were part of my costume."

"Oh?" says Kitabayashi, seemingly interested, "Cat ears? I've only ever seen plastic ones. How do they work?"

"Like any other hairband," says Chigusa confused, then pulling them from her wrist and demonstrating, donning them, "Like so."

Kitabayashi nods, taking it all in, "Hoooo... I see."

"Yui!" you snap in a sharp whisper from a short distance away, almost a hiss.

"Ah," says Kitabayashi, wincing, "I think I need to go. Take care, Chigusa-san. Might see you around at the office."

Chigusa bows, "Have a good weekend," she says, watching both Nagata and Kitabayashi leave.

Chigusa sighs, taking off her cat ears, speaking softly, "Will the company be alright with somebody like that in HR?" she murmurs, "That doesn't even know how a hairband works?"

------

>>5719046

On the drive back to the office you spend your time just staring daggers at Kitabayashi, only for her to take a wrong turn.

"...You missed the exit," you say.

"I didn't," says Kitabayashi, "I brought you to Chigusa's debut, but we're not going to the office."

"What?" you say, "But I was cleared from the hospital!"

"I'm bringing you home," says Kitabayashi.

"But my car..." you say, looking for an excuse, "Renault Twingo-san..."

"Wha...?" begins Kitabayashi, then briefly shakes her head in disbelief, "Your car will be. I called already."
"If I take you to the office, you'll just work the entire evening," continues Kitabayashi.

You can only grumble as Kitabayashi rides you home and stops in front of your apartment.

As you exit the car and say your goodbyes, Kitabayashi lowers the window and calls out, "And remember," she says, with a big smile, "If you use your company card to enter the office during the weekend -- I'll know."

Having a friend in HR is the worst.

--------

The rest of the day ends without incident and you finally get to go home.
You check your phone and aside from some well-wishes, it's strangely void of messages.
Honestly, you were expecting your phone to be blown up by the fallout of Enatsu's debut.
Either idols themselves or their managers slapping you on the wrist for reckless endangerment.

That isn't the case though, this must be the privilege of the hospitalized.
Any person with a shred of empathy would find it difficult to complain about somebody's mistake if that person got hospitalized trying to prevent that mistake.

Since you've been repeatedly told to take rest, you do as much and spend most of the weekend at your apartment.

"Fufu~ Azuki-chan," you say, closing in on your cat, "Did you miss me?"

The cat ignores you.

>>5719046

Budget: $105.500
Date: May 18, 2015 (Monday, Week 21)
Calendar event: None

Time ticks forever onwards.
What’s your plan for the next week?

Every week an idol’s stress is automatically reduced by 30.

Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Write-in

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>1 - Have Kaiba work on her SKILL_HERE (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>4 - Write-in

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>1 - Have Enatsu work on her SKILL_HERE (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>4 - Write-in

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>1 - Have Chigusa work on her SKILL_HERE (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>4 - Write-in

All events will be summarized this week to try and inch us closer to the next performance review a little quicker. (July 1)
If you pass the next performance review, you'll be able to manage five idols, but male idols will start appearing regardless if you pass or not.

Mari should probably take a week off, yeah?

>>5719044
>"...I did," replies Chigusa, "I did work hard."
Awww that bit was so fucking heartwarming, nicely done with the contrast between the cold "There's no reward for doing what's expected from you, never has been." and the warmth of "Nagata pulls Chigusa into a hug, embracing her fully, "It shows!" she says, gleefully, "Good work today!"" Very nice chapter.

>>5719055
No. This is Japan. Work her to death.

>tfw no catgirl maid to complain about my eating habits
He gets it

>>5719048
>Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Ask for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital

>Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

>Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>1 - Have Chigusa work on her SKILL_HERE (40 stress)

>Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>4 - Also try and talk with her a bit about the whole debut thing, keep an eye on her don't let a Kaiba incident happen again

>>5719048
>1 - rest
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5719048
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Ask Matsui for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital

We as players might know what Matsui did, but Miho the character doesn't - I'm curious to see if she'll say us anything about it

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>1 - Have Kaiba work on her LOOKS (40 stress)

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5719048
>1 - Ask Matsui for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital

>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

Work work work. Our review is coming.

>>5719048
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Ask Matsui for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital

We as players might know what Matsui did, but Miho the character doesn't - I'm curious to see if she'll say us anything about it

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>1 - Have Kaiba work on her LOOKS (40 stress)

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5719048
Nagata Miho:
>Rest, and do some online shopping to look for something nice for the handsome soccer coach who got the shit kicks out of him

Kaiba Aoi:
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Enatsu Mari
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>4 - Also try and talk with her a bit about the whole debut thing, keep an eye on her don't let a Kaiba incident happen again
Don't we have a counselor for these things? Kaiba was going to one, right?

Chigusa Iki
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5719048
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Ask for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital
>2 - Talk with Chigusa about her debut

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

>Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5719048
>>Nagata Miho
>Have "The Talk" with Kaiba
We need to make things clear to her.

>>Kaiba Aoi
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

>>Enatsu Mari
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

>>Chigusa Iki
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

>>5719215
>The Talk
The "we're not a lesbian" talk? She won't believe us anyway, and it's not like her misapprehension really affects us apart from her egging us on to give Yui fanservice.

>>5719037
What's the deal with the mild sexual harassement of this woman...
If this were another job we could claim PTSD or something and be living without a care for 5 years while getting a full paycheck... or more

>>5719048
>SUMMARIZED EVENT
will you ever learn what summary means? That was eight posts. I liked them but damn... your mind and your soul

>1 Write in: Check up on the coach.
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki
we MUST

>>5719101
>>5719232
leave Enatsu out of this my dudes, she's dangerously stressed (rightfully so: if a dude invaded a company private event and beat the shit out of my boss, I'd probably visit HR next day and call it quits)

>>5719314
A break!? Just after her debut??
She better ride the wave and succed

>>5719048

Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Ask for a catch-up on what's been going on while we were in the hospital

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (90 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (20 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (150 Stress)
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)

>>5719353
Winners. Vote closed.

>>5719353
>>5719356

All-in-all, you've thoroughly enjoyed your weekend.
The nurse at the hospital did say you should relax and keep your stress down and you've tried to do right by that advice.
Other than a trip to the grocery store and a gift shop, you've stayed home.

Monday has arrived and it's time for work.
Kitabayashi did say that nobody would mind if you took a few extra days off, but that would just mean offloading your tasks to Matsui.
You can't do that to her when you feel healthy enough to work!

As you've got a good hour left until it's time to drive to work, so you're enjoying a modest breakfast, your bare feet swaying gently beneath the kitchen table.

Your phone is propped up against a scented candle, displaying a newscast while you finish your meal.

"Last Sunday evening saw a fire at a college dorm in the outer Tokyo area," says the male newscaster, "The building in question was an older building so faulty wiring is suspect, but investigations are proceeding. Luckily most residents were able to evacuate the building in a timely fashion. One woman, a college student, wasn't so lucky and has been brought into the care of a local hospital with severe burns."

"We wish her a speedy recovery," says the female newscaster, "And now for the weather…."

Goes to show that things could always be worse.

Off to work.

-----

>>5719489

The bruise on your face has discoloured into a harsh yellow-ish purple.
You tried to cover it with make-up as best you could, but it still peeks through.
Naturally, you get some looks as you make your way through the lobby, purse swaying at your side.

Some of those people have heard what transpired at the event and either commend you on your actions or wish you a speedy recovery.

Before you head to your office, you make a quick pitstop at the breakroom for some coffee.

Kitabayashi happens to also be there, "Hello, hello~" she says, holding a cup of coffee of her own, "How are you feeling?"

Honestly? Crappy.

But you're not gonna tell Yui that, she's gonna overreact.

"Good," you say, "A lot better than on Friday, at least. Got some proper rest."

"I know," says Kitabayashi, "Didn't see your name pop up in the time tracking program, so you at the very least weren't at work."

You give Kitabayashi a look and press some buttons on the coffee machine, "This is sounding suspiciously like stalking," you say jokingly.

"Aren't you lucky?" says Kitabayashi, shrugging, "Getting stalked by a pretty, caring girl like me?"

"Suppose I am," you reply, retrieving your coffee from the machine, "Well, I should get to work. I'm probably behind on a bunch of stuff."

"Take it easy on your first day back," says Kitabayashi, "And if anyone comes to complain, just send them my way. Issues between workers should be handled by HR."

You give Kitabayashi a confused look, but then remember, "Ah."
Contrary to your expectations, those idols and their managers haven't blown up your phone, but that might've been because they wanted to confront you in person.

"I can handle it!" you say, walking away before Kitabayashi can complain.

-----

>>5719490

Coffee in hand, you make the short journey towards your office.

"Morning, Matsui-san," you say.

"Morning, Nagat--" she takes one look at your face and winces, "Does it hurt?"

"Not as much anymore, no" you reply, then sling your purse around, "Thanks for taking over Chigusa's debut and my other tasks," you add, reaching into the purse.

"Not at all," says Matsui, looking on curiously.

"These are for you," you say, presenting a wrapped package, "Wasanbon. Enjoy."

"Aw," says Matsui, a smile on her face as she accepts the package, "You shouldn't have. Thank you."

"It was the least I could do for dropping a stressful event in your lap like that," you say, zipping your purse shut and swinging it around, "Anything worth mentioning that occurred when I was locked away?"

"You make it sound like a prison," says Matsui, laughing, "And, no. Nothing happened."

"Really?" you say, surprised, "I assumed people would've come by to try and skin me alive for putting their talent through a traumatic event like that."

"It's true that some idols are shaken-up by what happened," says Matsui, sighing, "But people seem to be very understanding."

"Oh," you say, your mood instantly improved, "Lucky. I was preparing for the worst."

"You ended up in the hospital," says Matsui, "I wouldn't call that lucky."

"All things considered, I mean," you reply, taking a few steps towards your office door, "I'll be answering email and taking care of backlog for a while. Afterwards we'll have to see to the schedule for Chigusa and Kaiba."

"Not Enatsu?" says Matsui.

"No," you answer, "She looked like she was falling apart even before the debut. I might've overworked her with those two large jobs back-to-back. Enatsu always seems to have endless energy, but last week I noticed that wasn't true. Combine that with what happened last Thursday and I think she can do with some rest."

>>5719491

"That's fair," says Matsui, "Can I still call those companies she and Chigusa worked for that they no longer need to hold their material?"

Unlike Kaiba, Enatsu and Chigusa hadn't had their debut yet, so their contract mentioned that any material produced through their efforts would have to be kept private until the debut.

"For sure," you say, "It's the ideal follow-up to their debut. Send those companies some gifts for agreeing to hold off on publishing their things -- as a thanks. I'll call Enatsu myself."

"Understood," says Matsui, bobbing her head, "Good to have you back, Nagata-san."

"It's good to be back!" you say, winking as you disappear into your office.

Matsui smiles and returns to her own work as her phone buzzes.
A single glance at the caller ID strips the smile from her face.

Hada Midori.

Matsui takes a deep breath before she picks up.
Whatever it is. Whatever task Hada has prepared for her. It'll be worth it.
Out of nowhere over a dozen complaints had been filed against Nagata.
Emotional trauma, reckless endangerment, and enough damage claims to drain the budget to a hard zero.

Matsui had to make the deal.
Nagata-san would've lost her job if she hadn't.

Matsui had to do it for herself, too.
To prove something to herself.

One phone-call to Hada Midori was all it took.
All complaints disappeared instantly, as if they never existed.
Not even a trace left in the software that previously held them.
As if somebody deleted them straight from the underlying database.

The people that were screaming bloody murder only last week are now quiet.
One of them arrived at work in a brand new company car.
A different one is suddenly wearing a Rolex that he claims he always had, but just never wore.

It's obvious what's going on.

Matsui answers the phone.

-----

>>5719492

You spend the first few hours of the day clearing out your inbox and completing any stray tasks.
Truthfully, there isn't a whole lot. Matsui seems to have taken care of almost everything.

Over the course of the morning, you kept stealing glances at your office phone.
But despite the willpower you try to channel into the device -- it doesn't ring.
Eventually, you sheepishly call Matsuno Inc's support department and ask if, maybe, a person by the name of Muratagi Tetsu has called for you.

Up until this morning your phone would've been set to "Out-of-office" and any calls would've gone to the general support department.

No luck. He hasn't called.

"Maybe I should've asked for his number instead..." you say to the empty office.

No! That'd seem desperate. Isn't it the job of the man to ask for a girl's number?
Though you ended up giving him your number unprompted either way.

You pout.

Back during the fortune telling the fortune said all signs pointed towards love, but maybe you're putting too much stock in the astral guidance of a teenage girl.
Still have her phone number from back when she asked you to pay through LinePay.

Though the fortune mentioned you should be putting in some effort yourself if you want love to flourish.

You gave out your number, didn't you?
That's something.

Well, you gave it out with the disclaimer that he should call if he wants his medical costs covered.
Not really a clear romantic invitation.

Muratagi Tetsu.
With everything that happened, you didn't get a chance to speak much.
You're not entirely sure if you feel anything for him, but anyone that's willing to fight to protect your idols is worth getting to know a little better, right?

Besides, it's exciting to think that somebody might call because they're interested in you.
A man, even!

Or... to he'll call to get his medical bills covered.

"I should've been more clear..." you say, sighing as you bury your face in your hands.

The clock strikes 11 AM.
Back to work.

Before you call Matsui to prepare new jobs, you browse the internet to see how the girls' recent jobs have been received by the public.

Enatsu's sportwear shoot with Genki Clothing will mostly be published on traditional media, so that'll probably come later this week.
However, Kaiba's job with Yoshikawa Sailing is already displayed on their website.
Much to your relief, the pictures used have their focus on the sailboats with the girls being mere decoration.

Chigusa's catgirl shoot with Isekai Cosplay has an unintended side-effect.
People seem to start to think that wearing cat ears is part of Chigusa's idol persona.
Oh well, that's just an assumption on their end. They'll find out eventually.

Later you send a message to Matsui asking her to prepare job offers for Chigusa and Kaiba.

-----

File: IdolStats_Week21.png (913 KB, 933x979)

913 KB PNG

>>5719495

Unpicked jobs may carry over to next week, but might be picked up by other idols.
Job payment is heavily dependant on an idol's fame, that's why idol jobs are now split.

Kaiba Jobs

-----

Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)

We’re looking for some voice actresses for the sequel to Noragami.
You’ll get to work alongside actors such as Hiroshi Kamiya of Owarimonogatari and Attack on Titan fame.

Stress: 40
Payment: $23.000
Skill: Acting
Idol: Kaiba Aoi

About:
Studio Bones Animation is known to be a respected company.

-----

Job as Gravure Model in Entema Magazine (DC 80, Rank E)

Our scouts were thoroughly impressed with the work Kaiba did for Yoshikawa Sailing.
Entema Magazine believes Kaiba Aoi is "naturally gifted" to be a gravure idol.
We'd love to have the luxury to be the first proper gravure magazine to display her.
Naturally, we're willing to pay handsomely for her gravure debut.

Stress: 60
Payment: $50.000
Skill: Looks
Idol: Kaiba Aoi

About:
Entema Magazine is known to be a sleazy company.

-----

Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

We’re bringing a great line of sweets to the market: Blitz!
This flavour-packed treat is sure to provide you the energy to make it through those boring school days.

Stress: 50
Payment: $18.000
Skill: Looks
Idol: Kaiba Aoi

About:
Sugar! Tokyo is a company with sleazy morals.
-----

>>5719497

Chigusa Jobs

-----

Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F Rank)

There’s a large fashion event happening in Tokyo in the week of May 11.
We’d like to hire some good-looking, personable girls to represent our brand at our booth.
Lunch will be provided.

Stress: 50
Requirement: 40+ in looks
Payment: $15.000
Skill: Personality
Idol: Chigusa Iki

About:
Fair Maiden Clothing is known to be a virtuous company.

-----

Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)

If you’re anyone at all then you’re familiar with Zeezy Fashion.
We dress only the most important members of your nation in the finest clothing.
We’re putting together a fashion catalogue to remind people what they’re missing out on.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, you’ll only show off some minor items.

Stress: 40
Payment: $65.000
Skill: Looks
Idol: Chigusa Iki

About:
Zeezy Fashion is known to be a company with a decent reputation.

-----

Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

Madhouse Animation is looking for a vocalist for an undisclosed, in-house anime OP and ED.
Applicants must be female, have a clear, pleasant voice, and sound youthful.

Stress: 50
Payment: $35.500
Skill: Vocals
Idol: Chigusa Iki

About:
Madhouse Animation is a respected company.

-----

Decision

Kaiba Aoi
>1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>2 - Job as Gravure Model in Entema Magazine (DC 80, Rank E)
>3 - Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa Iki
>1 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F Rank)
>2 - Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719498
No further updates today.

>>5719497
>Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719498
>Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)

>>5719489
>One woman, a college student, wasn't so lucky and has been brought into the care of a local hospital with severe burns."
WATASE YOKO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>5719498
>>5719497

Kaiba aoi
>>JOB AS A GRAVURE MODEL IN ENTEMA MAGAZINE Cough
Chigusa Iki
>>Haute Couture fashion showing. A bummer we will only be showing minor items...
Since Iki only has 20 stress, failing it will get her up to 100, which is alright and it will be on par with Enatsu Mari after her off weekend... Kaiba will bump up to 150 tho, but a weekend off afterwards will be well worth it. Plus, I am confident she will continue networking with others.

The chance of Kaiba to succed is 80 - 34 = 46. On a 1d100 that's 64%
The chance of Iki to succeed is 120 - 48 = 72. On a 1d100 that's 38%
Yikes, are the chances too bad? What do you say? I am risky when betting

>>5719523
Wh-what? Oh god! She's in college??
And badly hurt, too, I guess.

Seirously though, that sucks. Poor, sad woman. If we learn what happeend to her in-character, we gotta' help her out.

>>5719498

>2 - Job as Gravure Model in Entema Magazine (DC 80, Rank E)
I'd like to ask Kaiba if she would be ok with doing this before actually sending her off to the job

>2 - Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)
I believe we can get this roll

>>5719498
For Kaiba >1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)

And Chigusa >3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

I was reading some Bogleech DIgimon design reviews and came cross a snippet of character analysis for Sora from Digimon Adventrue that I am beginning to suspect might apply to our own caring, emotion-focused manager MC...
>Of course you'll seem fearless and selfless if you're the very last person you care about

>>5719498
Kaiba Aoi
>1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
Not sending her to sleazy companies.
Even better if we could refuse all and have her training instead.

Chigusa Iki
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)
There's no point in sending her to a job she'll fail. Don't be greedy.

>>5719523
Shit, I hope that was Emiko.
Please let it be Emiko.

>>5719498
Kaiba Aoi
>2 - Job as Gravure Model in Entema Magazine (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa Iki
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719674
>>5719564
>>5719534
Anons, you do understand that this is 99% likely a trap option that will ruin Kaiba's life?

>>5719498
>>Kaiba Aoi
>1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>3 - Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)
Either one of these, she already got groomed once, let's not tempt fate with a slezy company this time.

>>Chigusa Iki
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719689
Blitz is also sleazy though

>>5719498
Kaiba
>1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)

Chigusa
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719664
Supporting but
>Even better if we could refuse all and have her training instead.
By the quest rules, we can't do that - else we'd always pick the job selection then just quit if most of them had DCs - and that would be a waste of QMs time. So we *have* to pick a job after choosing to browse the selection of ones available.

>>5719679
make or break.

>>5719498
Kaiba Aoi
>1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
Chigusa Iki
>3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719498

Winner
>Kaiba - 1 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>Chigusa - 3 - Vocalist required for anime OP and ED (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5719902
>By the quest rules, we can't do that - else we'd always pick the job selection then just quit if most of them had DCs
I think I'm going to move away from that next vote and flatten the selection process out.
Instead of "Job" vs "Train" vs "Rest" that might require a follow-up vote, I'm just going to flatten it out.

Next vote will have something like

Idol Task:Example (0 Stress)
>1 - Have Example work on her LOOKS (40 stress)
>2 - Have Example work on her DANCING (40 stress)
>3 - Have Example work on her VOCALS (40 stress)
>4 - Have Example work on her ACTING (40 stress)
>5 - Have Example work on her PERSONALITY (40 stress)
>6 - Go on Job #1
>7 - Go on Job #2
>8 - Go on Job #3
>9 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>10 - Write-in

The options might get a bit long, but it should go a bit faster than waiting for a vote to finish only to then have more votes afterwards.
I'm open to suggestions on this.

The big list with tons of job options worked well because all idols were the same fame, but that's no longer the case.

>>5720212
That sounds better. I support it.

>>5720212
This is a good idea

>>5720212

The short stint with Yoshikawa Sailing was a welcome distraction and hopefully all the, well, let's call them positive comments online have increased her self-confidence a bit.
There's no doubt that Kaiba's greatest strength is her acting and she should get back to that.

As far as Chigusa Iki is concerned, it's time for her to flex her musical muscles.
You recall that she mentioned playing the violin and is supposed to be a capable singer.
Madhouse Animation's job for a vocalist should tell you what she has to offer in that department.

The only thing on Enatsu's schedule will be rest.
She's at school right now, so you wait until she has her lunch break to give her a call.

You dial her number and wait for the call to go through.

"Manager-san, hello," says the voice of Enatsu in a morose whisper.

It's likely that she was with friends and has excused herself to some corner to take the call.

"Hello, Mari-chan," you say cheerfully, "I'm calling to discuss this week's schedule."

There is a moment of quiet and hear Enatsu take in a breath.
"I'm ready for it," she says over the phone, "What's this week's job?"

"Nothing, actually," you say nonchalantly.

"Eh?" utters the voice of Enatsu, "Did... was the debut so bad that...?"

"Oh, no-no," you reply quickly, "There's jobs for you."

"I can work!" says Enatsu, her voice almost sounding desperate, "Manager-san. I can do any job. Let me work!"

"Mari-chan! You're on break!" you cry.
Maybe you should've led with that.
"I just called to say that you have the week off!" you nearly shout at the phone.

"...Manager-san," says the voice of Enatsu, "Please. I can work. The money..."
Her parents seem so happy these days.

"You're gonna get paid either way!" you say, "You have a salaried contract!"

"Eeeeeeehhhh?" says the voice of Enatsu, "Really!? But my dad always said that you need to work hard to make money!"

"You have!" you say in reply, "You took on multiple big jobs, you did the debut, advertisement campaigns for Genki Clothing are about to go live. You get to take a break now! Relax!"

"...My mom always says I shouldn't trust free money..." says the voice of Enatsu.

"It's not free, it's in your contract. That's what it means to be salaried!" you say.

"Uwwwaaa... Contracts, banzai~" says the voice of Enatsu with notably more cheer.

You sigh in relief; she seems to have gotten the message.
"So, yeah. Just have fun with your friends for a week,"

"Umu!" says the voice of Enatsu, "I will! Thank you, manager-san!"

>>5720223

You say your goodbyes and hang up the phone.

In the privacy of your office, you let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Jeesh. She just went through what's basically a traumatic event.
And she still tries to work? Some people really don't know their limits.
Enatsu really should be looking out for her own health more.

The unexpectedly lively phone call leaves you light-headed.
You take a big gulp of your coffee to compensate.

Now to contact both Chigusa and Kaiba with their weekly schedule.

Kaiba's job with Studio Bones will be on Tuesday.
Chigusa's job with Madhouse Animation will be on Thursday.

---------

Tuesday, May 19

Today's the day of Kaiba's voice-acting audition.
She's probably a bit tense considering she didn't get selected during the last audition.
Furthermore, the both of you haven't really spoken since Kitabayashi's birthday.

Kaiba even went as far to go on last Wednesday's job by herself -- unannounced.

Studio Bones's audition site is in a hard-to-reach location, so you drive her there.
The forty-minute drive is set out to be incredibly awkward as, after the initial greeting and pleasantries, neither of you seem to know of a tactful to resolve the tension.

Kaiba is naturally shy and adverse to confrontation.
Meanwhile, you're sitting here thinking that part of the reason she's upset with you is because you denied Kitabayashi and being into girls even though Kaiba might've overheard you with Watase during the hot spring trip.
As far as you know, nothing happened with Watase, but...

You can't very well hit her with the famous words of former U.S president Bill Clinton: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

It's just all awkward.

Decision
>1 - Quiet drive to Studio Bones.
>2 - Talk about what happened at the birthday, the stunt she pulled last Wednesday, and what she thinks she heard at the hot spring.
>3 - Write-in

>>5720224
>3 Talk about her job on Wednesday and her new friends.
The other topics might leave her out of shape for the job (even though I know mechanically it's irrelevant)

>>5720225
>even though I know mechanically it's irrelevant
I did consider this at first.

The first option was actually
>1 - Quiet drive to Studio Bones. Bringing things up might leave her rattled.
But I figured it would set a bad precedent where people end up second-guessing all decisions as they might result in negative / positive modifiers and feel cheated if they don't.

And if I explicitly start mentioning positive / negative modifiers than the negative ones will always be avoided and the positive ones will always be picked.
Which could be interpreted as a form of railroading.

So in the end, indeed, mechanically irrelevant.

>>5720226
In my opinion it'd be fun to have small modifiers result from such choices. Just to know we have a reason to choose one option over another. Knowing that you managed to detect and dodge a -5 is nice even if it's not that impactful.

>Contracts banzai
Is the motto of my life. Nice.

>>5720224
>1 - Quiet drive to Studio Bones.

>>5720224
>2

>>5720224
>2 - Talk about what happened at the birthday, the stunt she pulled last Wednesday, and what she thinks she heard at the hot spring.
We picked the empathy build, right? Surely talk no jutsu should be our go-to

>>5720224

Winner
>2 - Talk about what happened at the birthday, the stunt she pulled last Wednesday, and what she thinks she heard at the hot spring.
>3 - Talk about her job on Wednesday and her new friends.

I'll include the "3" write-in since it has such a big overlap.

>>5720224
>2 - Talk about what happened at the birthday, the stunt she pulled last Wednesday, and what she thinks she heard at the hot spring.
We can do it!

>>5720228
>In my opinion it'd be fun to have small modifiers result from such choices.
If anyone's wondering why a certain option will have a modifier, blame this anon.

>>5720313

"So..." you begin, "Those pictures for the Yoshikawa job came out pretty well..."

Kaiba nods, "They did. I'm happy with the pictures they used, nothing too... Ah... " she says, looking for the right words, "The man in charge said they were going for a western-style marketing campaign, so I was expecting that they'd use different pictures."

A western-style campaign? From a Japanese company?
They must've gotten some blowback from the more conservative, Japanese members then.
In the end, it might've been a bikini-shoot, but the girls were more part of the picture than the picture themselves.

"I was a little surprised," you say, "I remember you being skittish about appearing in a bikini."

Kaiba laughs quietly, a bit embarrassed, "Haha... That's... " she says, "...I've always worn sweaters and stuff. I don't like showing my body like that. I'm not as skinny or pretty as the other girls are."

"Aoi..." you say, adding a comforting smile, "We've talked about this. You wouldn't be getting jobs for modelling jobs if you weren't good-looking."

"You've said that, yes," replies Kaiba, "It just doesn't feel real to me. I looked at some of the comments online and the people mostly seem interested in... " she adds, looking down at her chest, "Certain parts of me."

"There's always going to be people like that," you say, "As long as they stay behind their computer screen, then there's no harm in them."

"It just had me thinking that gravure idols must have it rough," says Kaiba, "People only like them for their bodies. Yanase-chan did say there's a lot of money in the gravure business, but I don't know."

"Yanase-chan?" you say, trying to keep as much attention on the road as you can.

"Ah. She's a gravure idol. I met her and Oshiro-san during the Yoshikawa photoshoot," says Kaiba, "She was a regular idol before, but moved into gravure shoots later."

Kaiba also got a job offer for a gravure shoot, maybe that's a viable option for her as well.

"How's that working out for her?" you ask.

"We met last Friday and she seemed pretty sad," says Kaiba, "She said people are losing interest in her and she'll either have to call it quits or joked that she'd move into something she called the last stop."

These must be the friends that Kitabayashi mentioned, then.

"The last stop?" you ask, eyebrow raised.

Kaiba shakes her head lightly, "I asked, but they wouldn't say. They just laughed and said it was too early for me."

Ah. The final frontier.

>>5720450

"Why not just go back to normal idol work?" you say.

"Oshiro-san says that being gravure idol is a one-way career path," says Kaiba, "Once you've appeared in gravure magazines then a lot of companies don't want to work with you anymore."

"That's awful..." you say, you don't have a better response.

Japan. Uptight as always.
Any company with at least a decent reputation will be wary of having their product associated with you.

"Yanase-chan is very youthful looking with voice to match. She said she used to voice a lot of anime for children, but after her debut as a gravure idol, they didn't want her anymore," says Kaiba, "Her only options left were gravure shoots and... d-dirty stuff. Like games and things."

Sorry, Kaiba, but things can get a lot dirtier than that.

"She sounds like a very ... unreserved girl," you say, carefully.
They've barely known each other for a few days and she's already mentioning those things?
Perhaps it's different if you've lived that world for a few years.

"Yeah..." says Kaiba, a warm smile on her face, "It's impressive how she can say whatever she wants, but she was also pretty drunk at the time... and a bit vulgar."

A youthful looking gravure idol that's going around cursing and drinking?
That girl basically has to go around with her ID-card glued to her forehead.

Hold on.

You give Kaiba a look, "You didn't drink... right?"

Recently shamed Idol Kaiba Aoi spotted engaging in underage drinking with what appears to be a middle-schooler!
More at five.

"No, no," says Kaiba, waving her hands in front of her, "I said I didn't want any. I just had tea."

"Good, good," you say, then clear your voice, and take a deep breath, "I'm sorry, but we should talk about what happened last week as well."

Kaiba deflates a bit, "Yes... I was afraid of that."

This is going to be awkward.
Please share with the class why you tried to hook up your boss with her best friend.
You'll just have to try and ease your way into it.

"I don't mind you going on jobs by yourself, in fact, I think it's a good thing, but I feel like you didn't do that because you wanted to," you say, "But rather because you were avoiding me."

"I'm sorry, manager-san. I was ...pretty upset with you," says Kaiba, "Yui-chan cried a lot that night."

Eh?

>>5720452

You even messaged Kitabayashi to ask if she was okay.
She said she was! Even sent you a smiley!
Of course, you can't take something like that at face value.

But, crying all night?
You didn't think it was that bad.

If only Kaiba hadn't involved herself with your relationship with Kitabayashi!
Then it might've been a normal birthday party.

Huuuu. Calm down, Miho.
Kaiba's probably meant well.

"I... I didn't set out to make her cry, she's my best friend," you say, "But we're just not like... that ...with each other. I'm not like... that."

Where did things go wrong in life that you have to justify your sexuality to your teenage employee.

Kaiba frowns, looking away, "Liar," she mumbles, pouting.

Your jaw drops, "Liar!?" you say, "I think I'm pretty sure."

"Yui-chan likes you a lot you know!" says Kaiba, unexpectedly fierce, "She talks about you a lot and always smiles when you send a message or call and always says how worried she is about you!" she adds, "Because you don't care about yourself! So, she has to!"

Why does this side of Kaiba only come up in moments like this?

"Well, I'm sorry," you say, "But I can't be responsible for Yui's happiness. Not like that, anyway. It would just be a fake relationship. That wouldn't make her happy either."

"Why not?!" says Kaiba.

Argh! You really don't want to have this conversation with her!
Having to reason your way out of the lesbian fantasies of a lonely teenage girl.

She's not in college, her new friends are too risky as they might ditch her if she starts saying things like that, and offering questions like this to her parents is basically the same as asking them to disown her.

Nobody told you that this would be part of being a manager!

Research shows that as many as one in three of teenage girls go through a phase like that.
Considering what Kaiba went through, it isn't unexpected that she wants to experiment and try things.

If what Kitabayashi said is true, then she may be using you as a way to validate her own conflicting feelings.

If the people around her are being that way, then so can she.
But she can't. She's trying to become a popular idol and proper idols don't get into relationships.

So she's using you.

Decision
>1 - "It may surprise you, Kaiba, but most women don't feel that way about other girls."
>2 - "Don't use me to live out your fantasies!"
>3 - "Because you don't want to risk your friendship for something that'll never work out!"
>4 - "Just no and that's final. It's none of your business."
>5 - "Ace this audition and I'll consider it."
>6 - Write-in

>>5720459
>6 - "It may surprise you, Aoi-chan, but most women don't feel that way about other girls. But even if I did, nobody is obligated to enter a relationship for another's happiness. It's something you should only do for yourself. Otherwise you're headed towards suffering.
Is surely would be great if people could only fall in love with someone who would love them back. But all we can do is support each other and keep searching."

>>5720459
>6 - "It may surprise you, Aoi-chan, but most women don't feel that way about other girls. But even if I did, nobody is obligated to enter a relationship for another's happiness. It's something you should only do for yourself. Otherwise you're headed towards suffering.
Good write in

>>5720212
That streamlines it but defeats the purporse of commiting in choosing between job, training and rest. My head cannon was that we couldn't ask our assistant for work and then telling her "na, the jobs you got me suck"

>>5720224
The length of this update was just-right
>6 - Write-in: "Even if I swinged that way, aoi chan, you don't date with someone out of obligation. You sure no one asked you out in highschool?"
I bet kaiba did get a suitor or two, because of her TETAS, and that she felt like dating them only to correspong their feelings or because she felt it was the right thing to do.

>>5720565
Supporting

Will leave the vote open overnight as I wouldn't be able to finish the update in time if I called it now.

>>5720495
+1

>>5720495
Good write in - supporting

>>5720495
Sounds good! +1

>>5720495
+1, oh kaiba

>>5720459
I supoort the write-in at >>5720495, but hote how especially cruel that would be to Yui, who would gradually realize we didn't feel that way and feel betrayed and hurt that we lied to her for... What? Several dates? Months? YEARS? It's not worth it. When you pretend to love someone, you don't give them happiness, you loan it, and the misery and loneliness accrue interest.

Hey QM, I know we did vote for the sexuality but... Is there any chance Miho changes her opinion on that? I didn't even get to vote there....

>>5720795
maybe the concussion flipped a switch, I'm pretty sure I read an article about that.

>>5720797
Brain damage into a different sexuality? I really want to read that article to see the explanation.

>>5720807
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17703018
I'm joking around, but it's an interesting read. The scientific consensus seems to be that it's more like the brain damage dislodging a repressed attraction than a fundamental change, though I guess in practice that looks like the same thing. still gonna ship with Yoko though.

>>5720459

Winner
>6 - "It may surprise you, Aoi-chan, but most women don't feel that way about other girls. But even if I did, nobody is obligated to enter a relationship for another's happiness. It's something you should only do for yourself. Otherwise you're headed towards suffering. Is surely would be great if people could only fall in love with someone who would love them back. But all we can do is support each other and keep searching."

>>5720813
Why would you root for Miho to get brain damage anon

File: 1680337195967245.png (1.39 MB, 1680x1050)

1.39 MB PNG

>>5721170
A bit of brain damage never hurt anyone.

>>5721087

It's time to talk some sense into this girl.

"It may surprise you, Aoi-chan, but most women don't feel that way about other girls," you say.

"Maybe not most..." answers Kaiba, "But if you would just give Yui-chan a chance, then I'm sure the both of you will be happier."

"Even if I did like girls, nobody is obligated to enter a relationship for another's happiness," you reply, "It's something you should only do for yourself," you add, "You remember that talk we had before Yui's birthday? When I didn't want to wear the maid costume? You can't let people take advantage of you. Even if they mean well. In this end it's you that'll end up suffering for it."

"Is that it, then?" says Kaiba, "You're just not into Yui-chan...?"

You sigh, has this girl been listening at all?

"Like I said, and I feel like I've been extremely patient with you on this, I'm not into girls," you say.

Kaiba pouts, folding her arms, "I don't buy it..."

You decide to pull your car to the side of the road, parking it just over a curb and away from traffic.

"Okay, let's do a thought experiment," you say, "We're a few years in the future. Things have worked out great for you. Idol career is going well, you got your own apartment, the works. You're on the couch with your lover..."

"L-lover?" says Kaiba.

You snap your fingers, "Stay with me here," you say, "It's a big couch where you can comfortably both lie down, side-by-side. Your back is pressed against them, they've got their arm swung around you, pulling you closer to them. A blanket covering the both of you. It's warm, you're happy. What do you do?"

"W-wha..." says Kaiba, clearly caught unaware, "Is.. it like... lewd? Are we doing lewd things?"

Your jaw drops open a bit as you tilt your head to the side.
"Sure," you say, "Doesn't matter. What do you do?"

"I... I don't know..." stammers Kaiba, "Snuggle up against her?"

You point an accusing finger, "There!" you say, "If I had to imagine something like this, then the other person is a guy! I'm lying on my side, his arm swung over me, and I'm holding his large hand in both of mine, as it rests between my collarbones, and like I'm just... feeling... the sort of... calluses on his hand...and stuff," you add, your intensity simmering down, then shake your head, "You get the point!"

"You're just saying things!" cries Kaiba, "It can't just be me! All guys I've ever met were cruel to me! Most girls are sweet, they smell nice, and they're cute... and... and... I can't believe you would pick guys over girls!"

"Why not!?" you shout, matching her.

>>5721180

"Because I heard you have sex with Watase!" shouts Kaiba, her eyes widen, and she immediately covers her mouth with a hand.

"Wa..." you say begin, feeling a deep blush spread across your face, "I d-did no such thing!"

"Liar!" says Kaiba, removing her hand, "I heard it! During the hot spring trip!"
By her expression she seems to think she's got you on the backfoot.

"No!" you cry, "I was just irresponsible that night and had too much to drink and Watase helped me to bed. Nothing happened!"

"Then why did I hear you m-m-moaning in Watase's room!?" retorts Kaiba.

Your mouth opens and closes a few times, "I did NOT," you say, confidence slipping away, "...I think."
Honestly, you barely remember anything from that night, you mostly have Watase's word to go on.

Seemingly detecting a chink in your armour, Kiaba goes on.
"And t-then I heard Watase say that she thought you were c-cute and that she was gonna make you her office p-pet and how she was gonna get you into bed," she cries, "And then...I heard movement... and then you m-moaned like you were really into it!"

"W-were you pressed up against the wall with your ear or what!?" you retort, "How could you've heard all that!"

Kaiba goes equally red, "I couldn't sleep! I thought my time as an idol was over! It's not my fault I overheard you... you doing... I was awake! Okay!?" she says, "It's not my fault!"

What the hell happened that night!?
You're never drinking again!

Getting confronted over your drunken antics by a girl almost a decade younger than you.
The shame!

Shame is bad, but what if...

"Please, stop..." you say, covering your face in your hands, "I can't take this anymore, I don't wanna... I'll talk to Watase tomorrow, get it cleared up."

"So you admit it" asks Kaiba, sporting a signature look of superiority.

"Let's just focus on the job, alright...?" you say sheepishly.
You feel a headache coming on. This isn't the rest the doctor recommended.

"Fine!" says Kaiba, face red with embarrassment but somehow still smug.

With a twist of the key, the car starts up and you're back on your way to Studio Bones.

--------

>>5721181

Welcome, once again, to Studio Bones.

The animation studio responsible for the product of Noragami Arigato.
Still dealing with the aftershocks of your talk in the car, your confidence and professional manner is stolen away by Kaiba who strides into the studio.

"Hello," says Kaiba to the receptionist, "I'm Kaiba Aoi from Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency. I'm here for the Noragami Arigato audition?"
"Ah," she adds, almost as an afterthought, "And this is my manager, Nagata Miho-san."

You bob your head, "Pleased to m-meet you," you say, "This is our second time here... Thanks for having us."

"Welcome to Studio Bones," says the receptionist, "Waiting room for the open auditions is down the hall."

"Thank you," says Kaiba, then looks over her shoulder, "Come, Nagata-san."

"Y-yes," you say, head held down.

Even though you're here with your idol on an important job, your mind isn't on the job at all.
What did Watase do that night? Did she honestly try something?
The more you think about it, the more the dread sets in.

The idea that somebody might've had their way with your body while you were completely out of it sends shivers down your spine.

Kaiba seems so pleased that by revealing your night with Watase that she might've pulled you one step closer to a loving relationship with Kitabayashi that she fails to consider the alternative scenario.

That even if something did happen, that it wasn't consensual.

That you've been sexually assaulted.

"I want to go home..."

Need one ACTING roll for Kaiba Aoi
Kaiba's feeling pretty good about herself right now and gets a +10 to the roll!
This combined with her 58 in ACTING gives her a modifier of 68.

Please roll one 1d100+68 (DC 120)

Rolled 9 + 68 (1d100 + 68)

>>5721182
Go Kaiba!

Never change.........

AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE

>>5721186
ffs

>>5721186
Gravure is her destiny.

Also, I kind of don't think Watase is a rapist. It's possible she is, but that doesn't seem like her vibe to me. Especially in the scene we got from her perspective, her sexual aggression seems to be orimarily a bit or an act, and she's actually depressed and inward-facing. I'm betting on Kaiba misinterpreting a backrub or cuddling. Which... Nude cuddling with an unconscious person isn't great either, admittedly, but I doubt she slipped us any fingers.

>>5721180
>All guys I've ever met were cruel to me!
Okay what. Does this include the agency staff? Was she bullied at work? I feel like Miho should ask her about this.

>>5721186
I knew this job was out of her league, but still.

>>5721195
I smell a delicious anime misunderstanding.
>>5721196
She needed 52, it was a coinflip... Poor Kaiba.

>>5721186

"I'm sorry, but you fail," says the bones employee.

"Ehhh..." says Kaiba, "How? I thought I did great."

The man checks his notes, "It's true that you had great articulation, spoke with confidence, and altogether put up a splendid performance of a strong, capable woman."

"So, what did I do wrong?" says Kaiba, incredulous.

"You were typecast for a shy, mumbling character," says the man.

"W-what.. But I thought that..." stammers Kaiba.

"Nice try, but auditions are over," replies the man, "Better luck next time."

Kaiba shuffles back to the waiting room, then plops down in the seat next to yours, staring down, "I failed..."

You look up lazily, "Ah?" you say, your mind elsewhere, "Good job."

Kaiba glances to the side, "No, I failed..."

"Oh," you say, giving her a thin smile, "There'll be more auditions. Don't worry."

"...Are you okay, Nagata-san?" asks Kaiba.

You sigh, "I think I'll go home early today," you reply.

Kaiba nods, "Yui did say she thought you went back to work far too quickly."

"I'll be fine," you say, "We should go. You have a meeting for your livestreaming comeback, right?"

"Yes," says Kaiba, "I'll be happy to forget about this audition."

The both of you depart.

The owner of Studio Bones, the man who offered you a special job months ago, watches you leave in silence.
Anyone could see that it wasn't a good time to talk to you right now.

>>5721212

You're back in the office and there's a lot on your mind.

Kaiba went off to her meeting, the comeback stream is scheduled at the end of the week and there's still plenty to do.

Try as you might, you can't seem to focus on work.
Furthermore, there's a deep-seated fear in your stomach that you might run into Watase.
You'll have to talk things through with her, but you can't seem to even consider meeting up with her right now.

It's only 3 PM, but you shuffle out of your office and apologise profusely to Matsui that you're calling in sick -- again.

"You are looking rather pale," says Matsui.

"Unlike you," you reply, forcing a smile, "Haircut and new make-up?"

Matsui smiles, "How kind of you to notice," she says, "Yes, I have a sort of company event later today."

You freeze up, "I wasn't aware there was anything like that..."
Did you miss an email or something?

"Oh, don't worry," says Matsui, reading your expression, "It's with an outside firm. Distant relations."

You visibly relax, "Oh, great," you say, "That scared me. Well, have fun."

"I'll try," says Matsui, "Hope you feel better tomorrow."

You take a moment to gather your courage, "Can you..." you say, "Can you schedule a meeting with Watase Yoko somewhere tomorrow afternoon? We have something to talk about. From Enatsu's event, that is."

Matsui has that particular tilt of the head that says she assumes there's more going on, but she asks no questions, "Sure," she says, "Get some rest for now."

"Thank you, Matsui-san," you say, "I'll be off."

You leave the office and sit down in your car, staring ahead.

Watase wouldn't do something like that, right?
Didn't she say something like that wasn't manly?
Then again, she may have just said that to cover it up.

Back then you did only know each other for a day or so.
She might've just considered you yet another office plaything at the time.
If you take into account what happened at the massage parlour and things, it did seem like she was quite aggressive in a certain way.

Kitabayashi did say as much.
That Watase didn't voluntary leave a lot of her previous jobs, but rather that the way she interacted with her coworkers, slightly older office ladies specifically, meant that things got heated to a point that she had to leave.

Guess you'll find out tomorrow.

You want to think the best of the situation, but maybe that's just naive.
The inability to trust your own memory is a special kind of scary.
You don't know what happened. But if something did, then what happens when you confront her?

Having somebody else there would be incredibly embarrassing, but at the same time reassuring.

You could also have security standby in the hallway.

>>5721214

Decision
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.
>2 - Meet with Watase with Kaiba present.
>3 - Meet with Watase with Kitabayashi present.
>4 - Meet with Watase with Matsui in attendance.
>5 - Meet with Watase alone but tip off security to be on standby.
>6 - Write-in

>>5721212
>"So, what did I do wrong?" says Kaiba, incredulous.
>"You were typecast for a shy, mumbling character," says the man.
We thought Kaiba's life was a tragedy, but actually it was a comedy

>>5721212
"You were typecast for a shy, mumbling character,"
Matsui did her job too well!
>>5721214
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.

>>5721215
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.

>>5721215
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.
Kaiba would claim she is lying if Watase said she didn't do anything lewd, bringing security into this is useless, and Yui and Matsui don't have anything to do with this.

>>5721181
>"Please, stop..." you say, covering your face in your hands

What a waste of time, anons. Just drop the subject, this won't go anywhere, ever - Miho has paper armor.

>>5721212
>"I'm sorry, but you fail," says the bones employee.

yeah fuck you guys and your dices lmao, coin-flip rolls are a fucking bad idea with this split's god forsaken luck

>>5721215
I don't think this will change anything. Let's suppose Watase confesses that she did something non consensual - then what? Would Miho have the guts to tell Kaiba that she was straight up raped? Miho barely had the stomach to tell Kaiba that she passed out drunk and didn't enter the bedroom with sexual intentions. Of course we'd file a complaint or even ask for Watase to be fired but that would come off as a strange demand - people would think we're trying to fire her to cover up our lesbian tendencies, to maintain an image.

Let's suppose then that nothing happened (the most likely scenario). So what? Would Miho confront Kaiba again? That would end up exactly like it ended on the car - Miho would fold and Kaiba would think that she "won".

All in all, a waste of time. I'd rather not go through it at all, from a meta standpoint.

>6 - Write-in: cancel the meeting - take the time to do some "ego search" on the idols and see what the internet thinks of them.

>>5721215
>4 - Meet with Watase with Matsui in attendance

>>5721215
>3 - Meet with Watase with Kitabayashi present.

She is HR, shouldn’t she technically be present anyways? I’d hope Yui would be empathetic and not - god forbid - jealous…

>>5721215
>3 - Meet with Watase with Kitabayashi present.

>>5721215
>3 - Meet with Watase with Kitabayashi present.

Tie-breaker needed
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.
>3 - Meet with Watase with Kitabayashi present.

I'd argue that if you want someone from HR present, Kitabayashi is the wrong choice due to our personal relationship.

>>5721401

>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.

>>5721215
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.

>>5721254
First off, this is Japan and not even rlesent day Japan. Drumming someone out for being a lesbian is socially sort of acceptable. Aside from that, though, "dommy lesbian thug" is her brand, so if we say she pushed things too far... Well, nobody will doubt us and it lines up with her reputation and rumours of her conduct. My hope is that this is a misunderstanding and it doesn't come to that, though.

>>5721401
>>5721413

Winner
>1 - Meet with Watase by yourself.

I’m still rooting for Watase to not be a horrible person

>>5721473
We were moshing because we were super drunk and couldn’t sleep, right… right anon?

>>5721424
Not gonna be able to finish this update today.
Maybe I'll break it up into pieces tomorrow so it isn't as much at once.
Might have to rewrite based on votes, but we'll see.

>>5721424

Watase isn't the same person from back then anymore.
She'll have to own up to anything she might've done, but you feel like you could at least discuss it with the current Watase.

One that doesn't say suggestive things every moment.
But only every other moment. A big improvement.

Involving Kaiba is a no.
With her convictions she can probably only make it worse.

Suppose you could've told Kaiba that you're having this intervention because you're suspecting sexual assault, but you don't want to plant the idea in Kaiba's mind that that such things can happen even within the company.

Matsui would be an option, but you don't want her thinking any less of you.
She's like the only employee you have left that you have a proper, professional bond with!

Kitabayashi... no.
She's HR and being HR yourself you know that there's a very formal process for serious allegations like this.

Besides, how would you even begin to explain?
Hello, Yui. You know that aggressive lesbian that joined the company a while back?
Yeah, the one with the pierced nipples. Well, she may or may not have sexually assaulted me.
When was this? Oh, the first day we met, basically. We had some drinks and I don't remember much.
However, I woke up in her bed with her naked next to me. What? Lawsuits, you say?

You want to believe in Watase, having an HR member there might send the wrong message.
If nothing else, it'll clearly state that you think Watase lied and that you think she's the kind of girl that would molest somebody that's asleep.

Well, you do kind of think that might be the case.
Which is why you're having this talk.
But you don't need to broadcast that and piss her off.

Without anyone present, you can just quietly hear her out and explain why you need to know.

You'll just have to hope your faith in Watase well placed.
Still, it's a little scary having to confront her in a room by yourself.
But that's a problem for the Nagata of tomorrow! Take that!

For now, it's time to go home.

You get to stretch out on the couch and watch a movie or something.
Can't be helped! Doctor's orders! Plenty of rest needed.

---------

>>5721994

Tuesday evening, coloured lights tastefully shine through stained-glass windows.
Normally places like this, a downright medieval castle, are found only in western Europe, but it has been replicated here.
It's the ideal place for foreign investors and the sons of influential connections.

Matsui walks towards the building, annoyed how out of place the faux castle seems in the Japanese landscape.
The dress and shoes she's wearing were prepared for her and cost more than several months' salary.

A westerner stands outside the castle's double doors and gives a little wave, slicking back his blonde hair.

"You look radiant," says the man, pulling at his collar, "...I, uh, take it you've memorized?"

"Of course," says Matsui, "My name Takagi Miki, twenty-three, former model."

"Most good, most good," says the man, clapping his hands together, "And we met in...?"

"Spain," answers Matsui, "I had a jet ski accident and went unconscious into the water. You were on one of your yachts and jumped in to heroically save me. We started dating after."

"Perfect!" says the man, all smiles, then leans in, "...It's a pretty good story, don't you think?"

"Modern day Cinderella story, I'd say," says Matsui flatly.

"It is. Isn't it?" answers the man, "I'm sure they'll buy it. And, well."
He looks Matsui up and down, "You understand that we have to, nevertheless, be convincing."

"Anything above the belt is fine," says Matsui, "But keep kissing to a minimum."

The man takes a step back, staring at Matsui in bewilderment.

"By god, you understand perfectly!" says the man, impressed, "Considering the arrangement... I, uh, well, I never expected you to be so cooperative."

Matsui sighs, "I know what'll happen if I'm not."

"Don't get down in the dumps on me!" says the man, putting an arm around Matsui, steering her towards the entrance, "Try to enjoy yourself! By the by, what's your actual age?"

"Twenty-five," says Matsui.

"Ugh," replies the man, wrinkling his nose, "Don't tell that to anyone. Actually, if anyone asks -- you're twenty-one. You Asians are lucky in that regard, it'll work. The other guys bring girls that are around eighteen, but at least I'll have some arm-candy myself this time."

"I understand," says Matsui.

"Splendid," says the man, placing a hand on the wooden, double-doors leading towards the party, "And remember -- former model!"

"...I understand," says Matsui.

"Good," says the man, opening the door, "By the by, how do you know Hada-san?"

------------

>>5721997

Wednesday, May 20

No outside jobs, but still plenty to do at work.
Your stomach hurts a bit.

Yesterday's Nagata spend the entire evening on the couch, watching movies well past midnight and gorging on sushi.
Telling herself little lies like how it's alright since she didn't eat much in the hospital.
She even left today's job of confronting Watase to you!

Yesterday's Nagata sucks!

Not like you can do anything about it now.

"Morning, Matsui-san!" you say cheerfully.

"Ah, Nagata-san," says Matsui, "You feel better?"

"Yeah, I'd say so," you reply, "How was your party?"

"Exhausting," says Matsui with a tired smile, "It ran pretty late."

"Oh," you say, "Do you want me to get you some coffee?"

"Would you?" says Matsui, "I'd appreciate it."

"It's no effort at all!" you say, aggressively suppressing your impending intervention with Watase, "I'll be right back."

-------------

After getting yourself and Matsui some coffee, you return to your office and finish up some tasks.
Hours tick by and eventually there's a knock at the door. It's time.

You swallow, try to calm down a bit, and speak up, "Come in," you say.

The door opens and Watase walks in, wearing a long-sleeve shirt and seemingly confused, "Yo, you wanted to see me?"

You can't just outright accuse her of sexual assault.
That'd only make her mad. You have to be careful about it.

"Yes," you say, locking your fingers together, hoping to seem professional, "I did."

"Could've just texted me," she says, "Instead of being so formal about it."

You're about to speak when Watase interrupts.

"Actually, wait," says Watase, "I'm sorry I didn't visit you in the hospital, I should've."

"Eh?" you reply, "Don't worry about it. I was only there for a day."

"Still," says Watase, "I feel bad. I should've helped back then. If I did your face might not've gotten busted like that."

"Not your fault," you say, "I told you not to, didn't I? I didn't want to risk you getting hurt."

"...Me getting hurt?" says Watase, strangely offended, "Have you seen me?"

"How's the shoulder?" you say flatly, "Long-sleeve shirt is coming in handy, it seems."

Watase's face falls, "Pretty banged up," she says, "Been sore all weekend."

This can't possibly be a woman that sexually assaulted you, right?