Sakurajima Sachiko is a woman of strong action.
This gold-standard manager, who has floated and sunk in the entertainment industry for over a decade and seen all kinds of storms, finally ceased to view things solely through the utilitarian lens of an agent. After truly feeling the indisputable, almost obstinate determination in her daughter's eyes, she began to prudently and actively plan for her daughter's future from the standpoint of a mother.
Her original ideas and plans were merely a rough framework, but once Sakurajima Mai spoke up, Sakurajima Sachiko immediately set things in motion.
She no longer stopped at verbal expressions of concern. Instead, she truly began to utilize the connections and resources she had cultivated over many years of deep ploughing in the industry. Secretly and efficiently, she initiated preliminary contacts and tentative negotiations with several reputable law firms, financial advisory teams skilled in managing artists' assets, and former partners. If one wishes to establish an independent agency, these are all crucial elements.
Meanwhile, Sakurajima Mai's contract with her current industry giant, HORIPRO, was like a clear countdown document, set to expire around early February.
Sakurajima Sachiko had to race against time to pave all potential roads in advance, ensuring that her daughter would possess maximum autonomy and the most advantageous negotiating position after starting her independent venture, avoiding being controlled by others.
Every phone call made with a lowered voice, every cautious meeting in a secluded tearoom or private club, carried a mother's deep foresight for her daughter's future life trajectory.
She knew better than anyone that the path Sakurajima Mai had chosen—whether it was her emotional leanings which were not yet clear, or her decision to pursue greater career autonomy—was destined to be filled with thorns and challenges.
However, as a mother, she had to build the most solid and reliable fortress for her daughter.
At the same time, the two-day break ended, and the cast of Alice in Borderland reassembled, entering the most critical closing stage of the first season, which also most tested the actors' skills.
Although the news that Michiya Gōshin was about to throw himself into filming We Made a Beautiful Bouquet with Kurokawa Akane pierced Sakurajima Mai's heart like a slender yet tough thorn, she remained the perfect lead actress while on set.
Since the girl had made the clear decision to "never retreat and face difficulties head-on," she would not allow personal emotions to interfere with her professional performance.
As a professional actor with over a decade of experience, she transformed this subtle jealousy and unwillingness into a more powerful performance energy, continuing to bloom with her own brilliance in the subsequent filming.
During the filming of the final few key scenes, Sakurajima Mai held almost harsh requirements for herself.
Every shift of her gaze, the timing and weight of every line, and even the rhythm of every breath were subjected to repeated scrutiny and precise design.
In her scenes opposite Michiya Gōshin, she not only vividly interpreted the complex, profound emotions of [Usagi Yuzuha] toward [Arisu Ryōhei]—emotions tempered in a life-or-death desperation that transcended words.
But inadvertently, she also cleverly and seamlessly integrated a look that belonged to Sakurajima Mai herself—a mixture of affection, unwillingness, growing concern, and a faint possessiveness—into her performance.
Although the emotions were complex, in Director Aoyama's lens, this feeling was absolutely perfect, leaving the director thoroughly satisfied.
As the male lead standing closest to her, Michiya Gōshin naturally and clearly felt this subtle yet powerful change in Sakurajima Mai.
He certainly admired Sakurajima Mai's acting skills, and in certain moments, he was even deeply attracted by this performance that was both highly professional and full of personal charm.
Sakurajima Mai was undoubtedly an extremely excellent woman. Her attraction was all-encompassing and hard to resist; it lay not only in her impeccable appearance and temperament but also in her professional spirit of going all out in her work and pursuing ultimate perfection.
In front of the camera, they were partners with seamless chemistry who completed each other, jointly enacting profound emotions of mutual support against a doomsday backdrop.
Yet outside the camera, the girl's appropriately measured "offensive" was quite obvious.
For instance, handing him a bottle of water with the cap already twisted open, the natural leaning of her shoulder when discussing scenes, the chats filled with bright smiles during breaks—these were like a gentle and continuous warm current, quietly permeating Michiya Gōshin's busy and tense daily life.
He... was becoming increasingly accustomed to Sakurajima Mai's proactive closeness.
One week later, amidst a high-concentration, high-intensity creative atmosphere, all scenes for the first season of Alice in Borderland were finally successfully completed.
When Director Aoyama Akihiro held the megaphone and shouted with a voice slightly hoarse from excitement:
"I announce! Alice in Borderland Season One, all wrap up!"
The moment those words were shouted, the entire set fell into an instant of silence, followed immediately by an eruption of thunderous cheers and applause. Spanning a year of hardship and sweat, they finally welcomed the fruitful day of completion.
Staff members stepped forward one by one to express their congratulations and gratitude to the main cast.
As the undisputed male lead, Michiya Gōshin was surrounded by layers of flowers, hugs, and sincere blessings.
Kato Megumi, as quiet and composed as ever, presented a bouquet symbolizing smoothness and hope at the appropriate moment, whispering softly.
"Congratulations on the smooth wrap-up, Michiya-san."
The girl's eyes were calm and waveless, as if all this was just an ordinary part of her duties as an artist's assistant.
"Thank you, Kato."
Immediately following, other key members of the crew and co-actors also presented bouquets expressing their congratulations.
And just then, holding a large, extremely eye-catching bouquet that seemed as if it could burn under the sunlight, Sakurajima Mai walked through the crowd with calm and elegant steps, heading straight for Michiya Gōshin.
Under the gaze of many surrounding eyes filled with blessings and curiosity, she gracefully handed this bouquet full of well-wishes into Michiya Gōshin's arms. A sincere and warm smile belonging to Sakurajima Mai blossomed on her face, and her voice traveled clearly into everyone's ears.
"Congratulations on the wrap-up, Gōshin-kun. It has been very pleasant working with you these past few months. I look forward to the chance to co-star with you again in the future."
Michiya Gōshin accepted the heavy bouquet, feeling the scorching gazes focusing on him from all directions, his heart filled with mixed flavors.
However, on the surface, he could only maintain the appropriate politeness and gratitude, responding with a smile.
"...Mn, thank you, Mai-san."
At this moment, even his good brother Yamazaki Kento, who didn't have many scenes but had rushed over upon hearing the news to celebrate, charged into the set boisterously, carrying several large bags of drinks and snacks which he handed to Michiya Gōshin.
He naturally witnessed the scene of Sakurajima Mai presenting the flowers with his own eyes, including that subtle atmosphere between the two which defied description but could be felt by anyone with discerning eyes.
Taking advantage of the chaotic and festive nature of the scene, he leaned in close to Michiya Gōshin, nudged him with his elbow, and winked while lowering his voice.
"As expected of the lead actor. Now that you've officially wrapped up, I have to make you treat me to a huge meal!"
"Sure. Where do you want to eat?"
Michiya Gōshin raised an eyebrow. He and Yamazaki Kento had indeed met by chance, but now they had become close friends who talked about everything.
"There should be a group dinner today, so owe me one for now. Next time, I definitely have to pick a good place!"
That evening, the Alice in Borderland crew booked a private area in a high-end restaurant for a small-scale wrap-up celebration party.
As the absolute protagonist, Michiya Gōshin naturally became the focal point for everyone's toasts. Although he maintained restraint throughout, after several rounds, his handsome, fair cheeks inevitably became stained with a faint flush, and his eyes held a bit more haziness than usual.
Yamazaki Kento let loose even more, drinking until his face was bright red and his spirits were high. Finally, he simply hooked his arm around Michiya Gōshin's shoulder and forcibly dragged him to a relatively quiet corner of the terrace, claiming they needed to have a "long-overdue late-night heart-to-heart between men."
The two leaned against the cold railing. The night wind was slightly cool, dissipating the heat of the alcohol a little.
Although Yamazaki Kento's eyes were somewhat glazed from the alcohol, after a while, he turned his head, his tone carrying a rare seriousness and concern.
"Michiya, there's no one else around right now. Tell me the honest truth."
He leaned closer, his voice pitched very low.
"I'm not gossiping, but I am really curious about your situation. Have you... actually gotten together with Kurokawa-san?"
"After all, the movie We Made a Beautiful Bouquet has been officially announced. You wrote the script and are starring as the male lead. You've made such a big splash that not only is the internet buzzing, but I've also heard quite a few artists in the industry whispering privately, saying that after the romance reality show, you two actually started dating in secret."
Michiya Gōshin held a glass with half the wine remaining, looking at the river of light formed by the ceaseless flow of car headlights in the city below, and fell silent for a moment.
After a while, he sorted through his thoughts, then shook his head, his voice carrying a trace of raspiness.
Regarding work, Michiya Gōshin believed he possessed one hundred percent mastery; whether it was gaining experience for System entries or completing every writing and acting task, he did it beautifully.
But when dealing with relationship issues, he truly felt somewhat "inept."
"If I said... I really haven't thought it through clearly yet, would you believe me?"
"Haven't thought it through clearly?"
Seeming to recall the content of their last chat, Yamazaki Kento's eyes went wide again, as if half his drunkenness had been scared away.
"No way, bro. You're... you're dancing on the edge of a blade! You aren't planning to string both along and finally come up with a way to two-time them, are you?"
Ni-mata means standing in two boats—two-timing.
"Heh, do you think that's possible?"
Michiya Gōshin smiled, and subsequently, Yamazaki Kento laughed along with him.
After another moment, he patted Michiya Gōshin's back again, his tone half-teasing and half-serious warning.
"I really have to remind you. Playing with fire in relationships can burn your hands, especially since you're in the limelight right now. Countless eyes are staring at you!"
As if remembering something, his expression became more grave. He leaned even closer, almost whispering.
"Also, you must be extremely careful of that bunch at Shukan Bunshun. They are the industry-famous 'Hyenas'—they permeate almost everywhere."
"I heard from a big senior before that to get a big scoop, Bunshun reporters think nothing of staking out a place for days and nights. Chasing shadows, catching wind, and taking photos from misleading angles are their specialties."
Although Yamazaki Kento's current fame was not equal to Michiya Gōshin's, he had good relationships with several male seniors, so he knew a bit more about the entertainment industry's lore than Michiya Gōshin.
"And don't you forget, behind Sakurajima-san stands HORIPRO. That's one of the three major agencies in the entertainment world. They have deep roots and vast influence. Although they claim to be very humane toward their own artists, that's for their own people. They never go soft on outsiders, and they are extremely strict about protecting their artists' images."
"If... I'm saying if, Bunshun really snaps something of you and Sakurajima-san, and a scandal blows up, not only might Sakurajima-san face immense pressure from her agency, but your own career, which has just taken off, will likely be affected."
"Although you've hitched a ride with Nenshi, that doesn't mean you're truly invincible in the entertainment world. Do you understand what I mean?"
As a good brother, Yamazaki Kento's words were not just a casual mention, but truly out of consideration for him.
Although Michiya Gōshin knew the severity of the matter, he couldn't help but feel a little helpless.
From clashing with Johnny's—one of the three major agencies—just as he started playing supporting roles, to getting mixed up in the succession struggle of the industry leader, Nenshi, and now involving HORIPRO behind Sakurajima Mai.
What is this? Are you guys here to teach me how to speed-run the entertainment industry?
"I know. I'll pay close attention. Thank you, Kento."
"Tch, we're bros. Why say all that?"
Yamazaki Kento smiled, then continued to drink a little more with him.
The celebration party dispersed late at night. Kato Megumi arrived in the Hoshino Talent Agency's nanny van to pick up the drunken Michiya Gōshin and take him home.
The interior of the car maintained its customary silence, with only the low hum of the smoothly running engine.
Michiya Gōshin leaned back against the comfortable rear seat, resting with his eyes closed. He was relatively happy today, so he had a tendency to be drunk.
Kato Megumi sat right next to him. She could feel that familiar male presence and the smell of alcohol floating in the cabin.
However, the girl was already very familiar with this.
She showed no rejection, simply silently preparing sobering medicine and taking out warm water she had drawn in advance to help Michiya Gōshin recover his state better.
Once Michiya Gōshin gradually sobered up, Kato Megumi cracked the window a sliver to let the fresh night breeze blow in and instructed the driver, an older gentleman in the front, to drive even more steadily.
She did these things in one smooth motion, just like her person—always so reliable and reassuring.
"Kato... are we almost there?"
"Yes. I'll help you upstairs in a moment."
"Okay. Thank you, Kato... Without you, I feel like I'd really turn into a useless person."
The man, whose voice still carried a trace of murmuring, twisted his head and finally slowly leaned toward the other side.
The next moment, Kato Megumi immediately used her own shoulder to support Michiya Gōshin's head, her voice remaining soft.
"Mn. I will always... always stay by your side."
One week later, under the meticulous coordination of Director Aoyama and the efficient operation of the Nenshi agency, the official account for the Alice in Borderland TV series, combined with the social media of all major actors, jointly released a blockbuster announcement that filming had officially wrapped and post-production was in full swing.
The announcement not only confirmed that the rough cut of the series was complete and that post-production work like special effects and scoring was proceeding urgently, but also threw out an event preview that instantly made all fans boil over.
[Next Friday, the Alice in Borderland crew will hold an offline fan meeting and premiere screening of the first episode at a large cinema in Tokyo.]
This news was like a spark thrown into a pile of dry wood, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of all the fans who had been waiting for so long, sparking a roaring blaze.
Although the official announcement clearly stated that due to safety and venue limitations, the quantity of tickets for the offline event was extremely limited and would use an extremely strict "Pure Fan Club Priority Lottery System" (Michiya Gōshin also had a fan club, which was helped run by Hoshino Talent Agency).
This nearly one-in-ten-thousand winning rate led directly to tickets being hard to come by, but this did not hinder the fans' frenzy and desire in the slightest.
On the internet, various actor support groups, fan discussion forums, and social media topic pages completely fell into an ocean of carnival.
"I've finally waited for it! Happy wrap-up! Fan meeting! Premiere! I'm so excited I can't sleep!"
"Need a ticket! Buying a ticket for a heavy price! Any seat will do! I'm willing to trade my luck in love for the next three years for one ticket!"
"Sakurajima-san! Finally able to see Sakurajima-san offline! Looking forward to it, I will definitely go!"
"Gōshin-kun! My deity, I must go to the venue to support you! To scream for you!"
"I heard the venue will not only screen the complete first episode for the first time but also have lead actor interactions and autograph sessions? This is too blissful!"
"I actually want to see what Michiya Gōshin looks like offline. This guy has had way too much news lately, right?"
"Original work party is ready to grab tickets, ready to strike at any time!"
And in the core fan group for Michiya Gōshin, "We Who Love Gōshin-kun," the chat was as lively as if celebrating the grandest festival.
Natsukawa Yuki, with the ID "Yuki-chan_Summer," was naturally so excited she spammed the screen continuously, expressing her ecstasy and determination to grab tickets.
[Yuki-chan_Summer]: "Sisters, a historic moment has arrived! This is Gōshin-kun's first offline fan meeting. The time is set for next Friday. If I can really touch Gōshin-kun's skin, I feel my life will be complete!"
[Yuki-chan_Summer]: "Look quick! Details are out! There's a lottery channel! Everyone go register!"
[My Screen Is A Bit Dusty, Let Me Lick It]: "Calm down, Yuki-chan. Although I'm super excited too, this winning rate feels harder than winning the lottery. I'm already starting to get anxious. what should I do?"
[Love Yu Pioneer No. 1]: "Sincerely happy for Gōshin-kun. This TV series is estimated to be released soon. I will try hard to grab tickets. If I can't grab one, I will also wait for everyone's good news in the group chat!"
[Tokyo's No. 1 Yu Lover]: "I wonder what Gōshin-kun will look like at the offline meet. If I can exchange a single sentence with Gōshin-kun, then I'll truly die without regrets."
[Breath of Yu]: "These tickets are indeed hard to grab, and there are other artists' fans grabbing them too. Can't they open a channel exclusive to Gōshin-kun's fans?"
Just as the group was sighing over the difficulty of grabbing tickets, a female member who usually didn't speak much, with the ID [Sana Under the Camera], suddenly appeared to speak.
Her avatar was a frontal photo of Michiya Gōshin with blonde hair wearing a school uniform from when he played in 49—clearly a veteran fan.
[Sana Under the Camera]: "Don't lose heart yet, everyone. Because of the nature of my work, I guess I'm on the media side. My leader already notified me today to attend the event that day, and I obtained qualifications for media interviews in the inner field."
[Sana Under the Camera]: "Although I can't participate in all interaction segments like ordinary fans, I should be able to move around in specific areas and take some backstage behind-the-scenes and on-site photos. If the event organizers allow it and it doesn't involve confidential content, I will try my best to share them to the group immediately so everyone can feel the atmosphere of the scene."
This message was like rain falling from the heavens; it instantly stirred up a thousand waves in the group!
[Yuki-chan_Summer]: "Ahhhhhhhh! Sana-san, you're too amazing!"
[Tokyo's No. 1 Yu Lover]: "Inner field media qualification! My god, that is truly amazing. This is a real life-saving straw. Begging you to take more close-up handsome photos of Gōshin-kun; I want to make them into posters to stick by my bed."
[Breath of Yu]: "Tears of envy flowing from the corner of my mouth... Sana-san, then we're counting on you. You are our eyes."
The appearance of [Sana Under the Camera] opened a window to the mysterious scene for the countless fans in this group who could not attend in person, bringing immense comfort and unprecedented anticipation.
Natsukawa Yuki excitedly stated that if she couldn't grab a ticket, she would definitely stay in the group without taking a step away, refreshing in real-time, waiting for the first-hand frontline news transmitted by the other party.
For a time, all eyes and topics focused on the upcoming offline event for Alice in Borderland.
Fans were immersed in ecstasy and anticipation, while keen-nosed media and industry insiders realized that this was by no means a simple series promotional event.
It gathered the current actors with the most buzz and a highly anticipated major production; it was undoubtedly a massive vortex of traffic and a goldmine for news.
"Will there be pressure?"
In the lounge of Hoshino Talent Agency, Michiya Gōshin looked at the various expectant comments on his phone and heard the voice of his manager, Nakahara Kazuya, beside him.
Since becoming Michiya Gōshin's exclusive manager, the other party had not only received super treatment in terms of promotion and salary increases, but rumor had it that President Kato intended to groom him for the management track, so this man had been working very hard recently.
"A little bit."
Michiya Gōshin didn't even turn his head, continuing to look at his phone.
"Remember to perform well. When this drama airs, maybe you can make a dash for this year's Newcomer Award."
"Is that so? That would be pretty good."
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