113: Brand

Fufu. However, if you don’t know them, Aira-san, then just who is the unit organizing this?

Is Crazy:B using a pseudonym in anticipation of not being able to attract people due to their bad reputation?

A name is a brand, for better or worse. It’s not uncommon for idols at CosPro such as HiMERU-san to hide their real names and work under pseudonyms.

Oh, so HiMERU is a stage name after all?

I don’t know too much about the CosPro conglomerate—But Tattsun-senpai, you seemed pretty friendly with him. Do you know his real name?

I feel like it’s pretty rude of me to ask about something he wants to keep under wraps… but I’m still curious, as a fan.

I understand. I’m sure that’s why gossip stories haven’t been eradicated.

“Again has it been written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” But we idols are not gods—¹

In any case, HiMERU-san and I haven’t had much personal contact, so I don’t know much about his private life.

I do know his real name, but he used to be much less cautious back in the day.

Once, at a launch party we both attended for work, he suddenly mentioned what seemed to be his real name while we were talking.

I asked him who that was, and he lost his composure a little and said, “That’s my real name—but keep it a secret.”

Because of that, I won’t reveal his name…

However, I’m not sure what happened while I was in the hospital, but his mood and behaviors have changed quite a bit.

Huh, really? I was curious about HiMERU’s past too, so I went searching for some old videos and news articles…

The impression I got was that he really hasn’t changed, or rather he’s still the same as from those interviews.

Kinda like he just leaped out of all those old videos.

Maybe he’s just acting out a character… Well, I guess that’s normal.

But I became an idol because I want to see who idols are under their masks.

I want to know everything about the people I love, although that does kinda sound pretty crappy of me, like I’m digging for some gossip.

Fufu. Well, isn’t it nice, then, that God doesn’t strictly forbid anything, even for non-believers.

Although, while it may not be a sin, excessive stalking still poses a problem.

…… (startled)

Anyhow, the idols from Yumenosaki don’t particularly seem to have “on” or “off” switches.

Well, that could just be because I haven’t gotten to know them well yet.

I have the impression that CosPro excels in this area. They’ll even give you scripts before interviews, and such.

I used to find it annoying, but I suppose it’s a measure they take to protect their idols.

If you want people to love you for your real, unadorned self, then you have no need to wear nice clothes or sing and dance.

It’s a difficult job, so idols have to make various efforts and plans in order to carry out their mission to create and share their love.

Hm. So that’s how it is.

I’d wondered why all of the idols behaved in such strange and showy ways. The first time I saw it, I thought they might be performing a religious ceremony.

Fufu. It’s quite interesting to hear your perspective, Hiiro-san.

Not knowing the ins and outs of being an idol may be a disadvantage, but it’s also an objective way of seeing things that we don’t have.

Urgh… In my case, it feels like all the knowledge I’ve gained from being a fan just gets in the way nowadays.

I can’t speak for Crazy:B since they just go on rampages across the stage, but ALKALOID feels like we’re just meant to be a fad.

It’s not even that I can’t use my knowledge, but rather that everything’s in a state of chaos all the time.

I may be an underachiever, but it feels pretty ridiculous to say this is what being an idol is like.

Fufu. Well, I think you ought to stick to your guns and follow the path you believe in.

Unlike me, you’re not obligated to remain faithful to God’s teachings.

Excuse me.

—Oh. I thought I heard some noise. I guess there is someone here already.

Hello, Yuuki? It looks like we can’t use the hanging garden after all—Another unit is having lessons here.

I know we’re trying to keep expenses low for now, but it’s probably best we rent a practice room.

You make the arrangements. Yeah, thanks for always helping us out.

Hmm? Isn’t that the guy from Trickstar…?