Arc-3 SS-07

"See, that’s exactly what I told you. Based on the lesson evaluations, there’s absolutely no problem with the current Rina-chan."

"Yes, that’s true..."

It was the first day of filming for the television drama that marked my acting debut.

After the shoot concluded without incident, when I was alone with my manager, Gondou-san, who had by now been almost exclusively assigned to me, those were the very first words she spoke.

I had already told her about the trauma I carried from acting during my elementary school years.

Even so, the agency’s pressure did not change, and I reluctantly agreed, on the condition that if it proved absolutely impossible, I would withdraw from the role.

And then, today.

The result of my first performance as an actress was that, perhaps because the role was relatively simple, I had very few NGs, and everything wrapped up smoothly.

There were certainly moments when I felt an urge to laugh, yet compared to my elementary school days, that impulse was far weaker.

I found myself wondering whether that was because I had matured, both mentally and physically.

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"...But I’m relieved. It seems you can continue the filming like this. The television station appears to be investing considerable effort into it as well."

"Yes, it does seem that way."

I had assumed it was a standard ongoing television drama, but the first episode had been scheduled in a two-hour special time slot.

When I first received the script, I was genuinely startled, and the pressure I felt was immense.

If I had been unable to act and been forced to withdraw from the role, it would have caused trouble for everyone involved in the production.

Naturally, that would have affected Fortissimo, the group to which I belong, and Sistema Solare as well.

Realizing that I could likely avoid that outcome, I felt the dark sediment settled deep within my heart begin to thin.

"Your expression is much brighter than it was this morning."

"I-is it?"

"Yes. This morning, you looked so visibly tense, more than I’ve ever seen before."

Indeed, I think my level of tension this morning surpassed even that of the Reiteisai at the time of my debut.

Back then, even if I had failed, I would have been forgiven because I was a newcomer, and since it was an event organized solely by the agency, I could resign myself to it to some extent.

Compared to that, it was only natural to feel even more tense about this drama shoot.

I was truly grateful that it concluded without any mishap.

"Once you’ve grown accustomed to it through this drama, I plan to gradually increase your acting assignments."

"Please go easy on me."

"Of course. I’ll decline any roles that seem too demanding right away. Gradually, step by step."

"I understand."

With this, my future appears bright.

After graduating from being an idol, my path won’t be limited to becoming a solo singer; a new avenue as an actress has now opened before me.

(And with this...)

I’ll no longer trail behind my rival in popularity within Schus Sola, Kayanuma-san.

In the time leading up to next year’s grand festival, I must increase my acting work and gain new fans.

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"I’m happy for you. It seems you can handle acting jobs now as well."

"Yes. Focusing solely on singing has its limits, after all."

Back at my apartment, after returning home from work, I was speaking on the phone with Erika-san.

She’s the senior with whom I get along best, both within our internal group and across Schus Sola as a whole.

"I need to increase my acting work too. Gravure alone won’t sustain me forever."

"But you’re appearing on variety shows as well, aren’t you?"

"Well, that’s because Mikuri-chan doesn’t appear on those. As for Tomomi-chan... I’ve heard she plans to scale them back."

"Eh!?"

Tomomi-san truly involves herself in a wide range of fields.

Over the past two years, she’s been so busy that I’ve sincerely worried about her health.

"Apparently, dropping to third place was quite a shock for her. After putting in so much effort."

"I see..."

"Well, I didn’t hear it directly from her. Since Mikuri-chan joined, she’s become even more distant."

Erika-san’s basic stance is not to put up walls with anyone.

Because of that, she maintains normal relationships not only with me but with Mikuri-chan as well.

If things aren’t going smoothly with Tomomi-san, it’s likely due to reasons on Tomomi-san’s side.

She probably regards us more as rivals than as comrades.

Even so, compared to the fifth-generation members, she doesn’t display it openly, so in that sense, you could say she’s more mature.

"Anyway, you’re probably exhausted from work, so I’ll hang up soon."

"Ah, yes. Erika-san, thank you for your hard work today as well."

"Good work. Things will grow busier toward the year’s end and New Year’s, but let’s both do our best. Good night."

"Yes, let’s do our best. Good night."

"Go to bed soon and don’t let the fatigue linger. Bye."

With that, the call ended.

"Erika-san remains just as busy as ever, unchanged..."

In preparation for the annual national song competition on New Year’s Eve, there are rehearsals and related television appearances.

There are magazine interviews, and naturally, the drama filming as well.

The broadcast is scheduled to begin in April next year, so there’s still some time, but since I’m occupied with various commitments too, the filming will inevitably proceed in segments.

For the time being, the coming month will be one in which I’ll be entirely consumed by keeping up with my work.