Arc-1 SS-06

 “The Fourth Sistema Solare Reitaisai, second place in the popularity poll is!?”

“Second place is!?”

“…Third-generation member, Sol, Tomomi Uchikawa-san!!”

Hearing the MCs’ words, I let out a small sigh of relief, quiet enough that no one would notice. I had looked into it myself and heard from family and friends that I was likely to take first place, but even so, I had been anxious.

I believe the primary duty of an idol is to sing. That’s why, as an idol, I’ve always wanted to put my entire focus on singing. I use “Rina” as my first-person pronoun because I think it feels idol-like.

To me, singing = idol = cute is an absolute rule.

But the production company doesn’t see it that way. Singing is a given, but they also want me to appear in dramas or movies. Since my debut, I’ve heard that offers have been pouring in from various places.

The pay is good, and that’s likely why the production company keeps pushing me toward acting jobs. But I just can’t do it. I have no talent for acting. Back in elementary school, I was forced to perform in a school play.

As the standout beautiful girl in my class, I was recommended by many classmates and had no choice but to take the lead role, even though I didn’t want to.

That experience made it painfully clear to me. Acting is impossible for me. While delivering my lines, I couldn’t help but find it ridiculous.

I kept thinking, “What am I even saying with this serious face?” and struggled to suppress the laughter bubbling up and the twitching of my cheeks.

Because of that, I’ve been turning down all acting jobs. I do compromise and take on commercials since the lines are minimal, but that’s the limit. Still, it’s only natural that the production company isn’t satisfied.

The president has told me multiple times that being an idol isn’t just about singing—that it won’t last long-term—and that I should also take on acting. After discussions with the fifth-generation head managers, we ended up making a bet.

The bet was whether I’d accept acting jobs depending on whether I won first place in this popularity poll. In the heat of the discussion, I impulsively agreed to it, but later, once I calmed down, I was filled with regret and anxiety.

After all, it’s the production company that compiles the votes and announces the results of the popularity poll. What if they manipulated the votes just to force me into acting?

That anxiety has now been dispelled. Thankfully, it seems the production company isn’t the kind to engage in such shady practices. Now I can focus on singing without being forced into acting jobs I’m bad at. I’ll probably still have to do some commercials, though.

My only worry now is that the production company might impose yearly conditions. Like, if I fall to second place or lower in next year’s popularity poll, they might push me into making an acting debut.

As my popularity grows in the entertainment industry, the money involved will naturally increase. And with that, the pressure from the production company will only grow stronger.

If other members’ popularity rises, it might take some attention off me, but then I’d have to worry about being overtaken in the poll. There’s one junior who might have that potential, which makes me uneasy.

“I’m sure everyone already knows, but let’s move to the final announcement!!”

“Here it is, everyone!!”

“The Fourth Sistema Solare Reitaisai, first place in the popularity poll is!?”

“First place is!?”

“In her first popularity poll, an astonishing first place!! Fifth-generation member, Rina Takechi-san!!!”

Lost in thought, I realize Tomomi-san’s speech has already ended, and it’s time for the first-place announcement. My name is called, and multiple spotlights focus on me, dazzlingly bright.

Of course, I don’t let it show on my face and bow to escape the glare. When I feel the timing is right, I raise my head, flash a bright smile, and step forward. Bathed in huge cheers and fanatic support, I walk to the center of the stage, charming the audience to secure votes for next year.

“Rina-chan, congratulations!!”

At the veteran male MC’s words, I bring the microphone to my mouth to express my gratitude. I’ll play to the crowd to make sure I can take first place again next year. That, too, is part of an idol’s job.