The night deepened, neon lights flickering, adorning Tokyo's darkness like a brilliant galaxy.
The fervor and clamor of the Alice in Borderland premiere event were now distant memories. Michiya Gōshin, Kato Megumi, and Sakurajima Mai were currently in a private dining room of an exclusive high-end restaurant, nestled in a secluded corner of Ginza. Entry to this establishment required a specific member's recommendation.
The restaurant's private room was exquisitely elegant, resembling an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city.
Bamboo blinds were half-rolled, offering a glimpse of the meticulously sculpted garden ornaments outside. The occasional crisp knock of the shishi-odoshi (bamboo water feature) further enhanced the serene atmosphere.
The air was filled with the faint scent of incense and the fresh, sweet aroma of sea bream.
Since Sakurajima Mai had clearly declared her feelings to Michiya Gōshin in that lounge, she now completely shed her restraint.
Tonight, she was like a queen who had sounded the battle horn. Every glance, every movement, every word carried an unmistakable strategic intent.
She was no longer content merely sitting opposite Michiya Gōshin. Instead, she naturally adjusted her seat to his side, a position more conducive to fostering intimacy.
During the meal, she naturally served Michiya Gōshin with communal chopsticks, softly introducing the unique aspects of each dish. Her words conveyed an intimate desire to share.
"Gōshin-kun, try this sea urchin. I heard it was just brought in from Hokkaido; it's very fresh and sweet."
She even personally handed him a small, specially-sauced appetizer, her movements smooth and natural.
Faced with this all-encompassing and insidious gentle offensive, Michiya Gōshin could only passively parry.
He was not cold-hearted; Sakurajima Mai's charm was multi-faceted and irresistible. Her enthusiasm and straightforwardness continuously battered his emotional defenses like warm tides.
And this dinner, apart from the exquisite cuisine, naturally included alcohol.
Under the influence of alcohol, Michiya Gōshin found his rationality more vulnerable than usual. However, deep in his heart, he still remembered his promise to Kurokawa Akane.
It was a jumble of unresolved emotions, coupled with an instinctive reluctance to make a decision in an unclear situation, lest it cause further harm. This forced him to maintain a final shred of sobriety and distance.
Michiya Gōshin's responses remained largely polite and courteous. Occasionally, he would offer a genuine smile at one of her witty topics, yet he carefully avoided any words that could be interpreted as ambiguous or a commitment.
As Michiya Gōshin's artist assistant, Kato Megumi remained the consummate observer, quietly seated a little further away. Her presence was so minimal, she was almost like an exquisite decoration.
She meticulously attended to every detail of the dinner, serving tea to both at appropriate times. Yet, for most of the evening, she calmly enjoyed her own food, her gaze occasionally sweeping over the interacting pair. Her ancient-well-like eyes showed no ripples in their depths, as if she were merely watching a performance unrelated to herself.
Since becoming Michiya Gōshin's artist assistant, she had witnessed much and developed a profound understanding of his character.
She knew his inner conflicts and inherent kindness, understanding that he would never make a substantial response to Sakurajima Mai's advances while his feelings were unsettled, especially given his 'movie agreement' with Kurokawa Akane.
Michiya Gōshin feared causing harm to anyone, and this hesitation itself could become a more profound hurt.
Unless he chose another path—one that could satisfy everyone.
But... could that path really be taken?
Although she was fully aware of these matters, Kato Megumi remained silent. Beneath her calm exterior, no one knew if she, too, harbored a hidden sentiment of her own.
With each passing minute, the atmosphere of this private dinner, guided by Sakurajima Mai, grew subtly intense.
One bottle of sake after another was emptied, and time quietly slid past eleven PM.
Michiya Gōshin's handsome, pale face was now visibly flushed, and his eyes were a little hazier than usual. Though his consciousness remained clear, his movements carried a hint of drunkenness.
Seeing this, Kato Megumi, as if a pre-set program had been triggered, immediately took out her phone. Her voice was calm and even.
"Michiya-san is a bit drunk. I'll contact the agency to have the nanny car come pick us up."
"No need to trouble yourself, Kato-san."
Sakurajima Mai immediately spoke up. She hadn't touched alcohol, and her eyes were surprisingly bright at that moment.
She looked at the clearly drunk Michiya Gōshin, her voice carrying a decisive, undeniable tone.
"My car is nearby, and the driver has been waiting all along. Let me take Gōshin-kun back directly; it will be faster."
At these words, Kato Megumi's hand holding the phone paused.
She looked up, and for the first time, a distinct, serious expression of disapproval appeared on her usually placid face.
She did not look at Sakurajima Mai but turned her gaze to Michiya Gōshin, her voice still steady but carrying a rare, almost blunt reminder.
"Michiya-san, I think it would be more appropriate to call the company's vehicle. After all, you and Sakurajima-san are both public figures. If you are accidentally photographed together in a car late at night, it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble, especially considering the relevant regulations of Sakurajima-san's agency."
Her words were calculated and precise, striking directly at Sakurajima Mai and the strict image control enforced by her agency, HORIPRO.
After saying this, Kato Megumi took a step forward and actively reached out, steadying Michiya Gōshin's slightly swaying arm. Her movement was natural yet carried an unquestionable resolve, as if silently asserting her duty and position. She then looked at Sakurajima Mai, who was standing nearby, and slowly spoke.
"I can take care of Michiya-san and ensure he gets home safely."
Sakurajima Mai's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. Kato Megumi's abrupt, clearly oppositional action caught her off guard.
She looked at Kato Megumi's hand holding Michiya Gōshin's arm, her gaze chilled slightly. Then, she stepped forward to stand on Michiya Gōshin's other side, her tone filled with considerate concern, yielding no ground.
"Kato-san, I understand your concerns, but look at Gōshin-kun in this state. What if he feels unwell in the car, or needs someone to help him when he gets home? Your strength as a girl might not be enough. It's better if I go with you to ensure his safety. After all, I am Gōshin-kun's [good friend], so of course I can't just stand by and do nothing."
She emphasized the term [good friend] again, and at the same time, reached out firmly to hold Michiya Gōshin's other arm.
Michiya Gōshin, held by the two on either side, seemed to sober up a bit from the alcohol. Feeling the two different forces and temperatures on his arms, his head throbbed.
"Um... actually, I'm fine..."
He tried to struggle, but at that moment, the two women, with unusual synchronicity, simultaneously increased their grip.
Ultimately, this silent struggle culminated in Sakurajima Mai's 'accompany him' proposal.
Kato Megumi did not insist further, merely retrieving her phone in silence. She then guided Michiya Gōshin out of the restaurant, her tightly pursed lips betraying her inner displeasure.
Sakurajima Mai's black luxury sedan drove steadily on the quiet midnight streets.
The car's interior was spacious, yet the atmosphere was palpably heavy.
Michiya Gōshin leaned back against the comfortable rear seat, resting his eyes, attempting to ignore the invisible yet fiercely clashing energies emanating from both sides.
Kato Megumi sat upright, her gaze fixed on the neon lights flashing past the window. Sakurajima Mai, meanwhile, sat elegantly, occasionally glancing at Michiya Gōshin and Kato Megumi on the other side with the corner of her eye. Her desire to assert dominance intensified.
None of them noticed that not far behind the sedan, an inconspicuous black car, like a ghost, maintained a discreet distance, silently following.
Inside the car, the person in the passenger seat, wearing a thick mask and glasses, held a camera equipped with a telephoto lens, the corners of his mouth curling into a satisfied arc.
After a while, the car smoothly arrived at the high-end apartment building where Michiya Gōshin lived.
Kato Megumi was the first to exit the car, nimbly opening the rear car door. Sakurajima Mai followed suit, then very naturally reached out to steady Michiya Gōshin, who was slightly unsteady from rising.
"Be careful, Gōshin-kun."
Her voice was exceptionally clear and gentle in the quiet night.
Since Michiya Gōshin was indeed a bit unsteady in his steps, Sakurajima Mai, to steady him, stood extremely close. Her face was almost at his ear.
This was originally just a normal act of support, but from a certain specific angle, hidden in the distant bushes and viewed through a telephoto lens, their turned heads, silhouetted by the dim streetlights, strongly resembled a couple intimately kissing.
"Click!"
"Click!"
The continuous, faint sound of the shutter was swallowed by the night wind.
The reporter, satisfied with the captured images, his heart pounding with excitement, did not leave immediately. Instead, like the most patient hunter, he shrank back into the shadows.
He aimed the camera lens at the entrance of the apartment building. As an ace reporter for Shukan Bunshun, he believed that tonight would definitely yield more sensational scoops.
Meanwhile, Sakurajima Mai and Kato Megumi, one on each side, supported Michiya Gōshin as they entered the apartment building, taking the elevator directly to his floor.
Entering the foyer, Michiya Gōshin almost collapsed onto the living room sofa, the alcohol fully taking hold as his consciousness blurred.
Seeing this, Kato Megumi, almost without hesitation, immediately moved with the assurance of being on her home turf.
She skillfully turned on the living room's ambient lighting, adjusting it to a soft glow, then entered the kitchen. She soon emerged with a cup of honey water at the perfect temperature.
She then helped Michiya Gōshin sit up, gently yet firmly brought the cup to his lips, and whispered.
"Michiya-san, drink some honey water first; it will make you feel better."
Although Michiya Gōshin was deep in his cups, his response to Kato Megumi's care seemed to be a developed muscle memory. He cooperatively drank a few sips, uttering a muffled thanks.
Next, Kato Megumi brought a warm, damp towel and naturally wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead and neck.
She even half-knelt in front of the sofa, helping Michiya Gōshin take off his constricting leather shoes and socks. Her movements were smooth, without a trace of awkwardness or hesitation, as if all of this had long been part of her daily routine.
The girl's small hands would occasionally and inevitably touch Michiya Gōshin's calves or ankles. Michiya Gōshin showed no hint of aversion, merely closing his eyes and letting out comfortable murmurs.
Standing to the side, Sakurajima Mai watched Kato Megumi's series of seamless, almost intimate gestures of care. She observed her moving with such familiarity over Michiya Gōshin's person, and how he completely accepted it, even subtly displaying reliance.
In the next moment, a strong sense of vigilance and crisis surged abruptly from the depths of her heart.
She had been focusing all her attention on Kurokawa Akane, yet she had almost overlooked this artist assistant who was almost constantly by Michiya Gōshin's side, sharing his daily life!
In the entertainment industry, were there not countless cases of artists and assistants developing feelings after spending a long time together?
Moreover, Kato Megumi was such a demure, steady, and reliable woman, integrated into almost every detail of Michiya Gōshin's life.
Observing Kato Megumi's current familiarity with Michiya Gōshin's apartment, and his complete trust and reliance on her care, Sakurajima Mai finally realized that this seemingly placid girl might be the most deeply hidden and greatest 'enemy.'
She absolutely could not let her and Michiya Gōshin continue to be alone!
Especially when he was drunk and his willpower was most vulnerable.
A thought quickly formed in Sakurajima Mai's mind.
Thus, she displayed just the right amount of concern and fatigue on her face, rubbing her temples, and naturally addressed the busy Kato Megumi.
"Kato-san, I see that Michiya-san is so drunk; he won't sober up anytime soon and definitely needs someone to take care of him."
"It's so late now; it must be hard for you to take care of him alone, and it's not convenient for a girl to stay here alone."
Sakurajima Mai paused, her gaze sweeping over the spacious apartment.
"Anyway, there are many rooms here. I won't go back tonight; I'll stay and help take care of Michiya-san. It's better to keep each other company."
Hearing this, Kato Megumi, who was helping Michiya Gōshin adjust the pillow, paused slightly.
She turned her head to look at Sakurajima Mai, and for the first time, a very faint emotion resembling displeasure flashed across her placid eyes.
However, she quickly lowered her eyelids again, rendering it unreadable.
"Wouldn't this be too much trouble for Sakurajima-san? I can take care of Michiya-san alone; it's my job."
Her voice was still steady, but it carried a hint of subtle insistence.
"It's no trouble at all. After all, Michiya-san got drunk because he had dinner with me; I also have a responsibility."
Sakurajima Mai's smile was flawless, but her tone carried an unyielding firmness.
"Let's decide it this way, Kato-san. Please help me find a set of clean toiletries and a towel. Thank you."
Kato Megumi was silent for a few seconds. At this moment, she glanced at Michiya Gōshin, finally nodding before turning towards the storage room.
After another half hour, under Kato Megumi's meticulous care and after drinking some hangover soup, Michiya Gōshin's drunkenness gradually faded, and his consciousness returned to clarity.
He rubbed his still throbbing forehead, recalling everything that had happened tonight—especially Sakurajima Mai's decision to stay overnight—and immediately felt a headache.
He looked at Sakurajima Mai, who was sitting elegantly on the single sofa opposite him, with no apparent intention of leaving. He opened his mouth, wanting to tactfully ask her to depart.
However, Sakurajima Mai seemed to see through his thoughts. Before he could speak, she gave him a faintly smiling, yet undeniably resolute gaze.
Faced with this national-level actress's insistence on staying, Michiya Gōshin truly couldn't bring himself to forcefully send her away. Besides, it was already almost one in the morning; he could hardly send her back alone.
In the end, he could only sigh in his heart and helplessly accept this fact.
"Then... Sakurajima-san can stay in that guest room. The guest room has always been cleaned and is very clean; you can stay there."
"Okay, thank you, Gōshin-kun."
Sakurajima Mai displayed a triumphant, bright smile.
That night, the atmosphere in Michiya Gōshin's apartment was somewhat special.
Although Michiya Gōshin was a bit surprised by Sakurajima Mai's stay, he didn't dwell on it and soon fell into a deep sleep. Kato Megumi also stayed in another guest room after Sakurajima Mai did, her expression still calm. However, she didn't truly fall asleep until very late, and whether a tempest of emotions churned beneath her placid exterior remained unknown.
As for Sakurajima Mai, she lay on the guest room bed, her mind repeatedly replaying the familiar and intimate scenes of Kato Megumi caring for Michiya Gōshin, her vigilance burning like wildfire.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains into the living room.
Sakurajima Mai got up early, meticulously groomed and dressed, restoring her usual radiant appearance.
When she walked out of the guest room, she saw that Michiya Gōshin was already awake, sitting on the sofa with a helpless smile on his face from his hangover.
"Good morning, Sakurajima-san."
"Good morning, Gōshin-kun. I have work later, so I'll leave first today. Remember not to drink too much in the future."
"...I know."
Sakurajima Mai was indeed a very busy person, so after a few pleasantries, she elegantly turned and left the apartment.
Just after she walked out of the apartment building and got into the waiting car to leave, the reporter hiding in the grass, who had been lying in wait all night, excitedly pressed the shutter once more, clearly documenting the scene of "national actress Sakurajima Mai leaving Michiya Gōshin's apartment alone in the morning."
"Mission accomplished!"
The Shukan Bunshun reporter looked at the 'ironclad evidence' in his camera, a greedy, satisfied smile spreading across his face.
He knew that these photos were enough to ignite a massive uproar in the entertainment industry.
________________________________________
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