Chapter 68

“Hmm, alright. I’ll think about helping. That seems like a gem worth investing in… and it’s been a while since someone came to me with a request.”

“Is that okay? Honestly, I feel a bit bad about it.”

“I’m the boss, what are you gonna do about it? It’s not like I’m doing idol activities just to make money anyway. Whatever I do, it’s my choice.”

Rurika answered Raven with a somewhat exhausted face from laughing.

Seems like Aisha isn’t just a one-trick pony with her looks; she must have glimpsed some real talent inside.

This practically meant we had already breezed past the toughest part.

Rurika’s agency was one she personally set up to handle troublesome matters.

A company where the president is a famous Pixie? No matter how bold someone might be, they wouldn’t dare mess with it easily.

Always trying to push people around with authority, only to get physically retaliated against leaves you speechless.

Moreover, despite its small size, considering Rurika’s popularity, there was nothing inferior about it in other aspects either.

In other words, for Aisha, this was truly a godsend opportunity.

Who would’ve thought just asking Raven for help would land her a golden lifeline? Indeed, no one can predict the twists of fate.

“But, there’s a condition.”

“A condition?”

Rurika raised a finger as if indicating one particular condition.

Wondering what on earth she could mean, Raven looked at her, and she casually responded.

“I’m planning to shoot a new music video, see? Since it’s perfect timing, let me use your crew.”

Especially that pink-haired one, it’ll be fun.

The group blinked awkwardly at Rurika’s sudden declaration.

A music video? You mean the video that plays when a song comes on?

Alice especially tilted her head, clearly puzzled, wondering if this was really all there was to it.

But knowing the full story, I secretly pitied Alice who had caught Rurika’s eye.

It was because a path of immense suffering awaited her.

*

Rurika’s proposal was a deal we had absolutely no reason to refuse on our end.

Isn’t the amount we’re getting way too much just for filming a few minutes of video?

It naturally felt like an overwhelmingly advantageous deal.

However, the next day, after arriving early at the filming location for Rurika’s music video…

We faced the truth behind this seemingly unfair trade.

“This is…”

“Is this real?”

“Of course, it’s real, not fake! Huh, have you ever ridden on top of a fighter jet before?”

“Do you think we have?!”

Alice, whose ears were covered with thick ear muffs, jumped up from her seat and shouted.

The reason was simple: in front of her stood what unmistakably looked like a fighter jet.

Using a real fighter jet in a music video? And it didn’t look like a replica—it was the genuine article!

Already feeling a spine-chilling sense of dread, Alice looked at Raven with a tearful expression.

But he, as if he had anticipated this, lightly stroked his chin and replied to her.

“Didn’t you check out this girl’s previous music videos when you went home yesterday? Last time, there were tanks and even aircraft carriers. A fighter jet is pretty tame compared to that.”

“No, but… I thought all those were CG! How could I have thought they were real!”

Rurika’s music videos boasted absurdity beyond common sense.

Singing while jumping onto a charging tank or riding a motorcycle across an expansive aircraft carrier—these scenes were so extreme, you’d worry someone might get seriously hurt.

David, well-versed in these matters, cleared his throat lightly and began explaining.

“Hmm, Rurika is particularly famous for power performances that ordinary idols can’t mimic. Knocking over tanks with brute strength, jumping off moving buses, leaping from skyscrapers… Her adorable demeanor combined with these surreal spectacles draws fans in by the masses.”

“Oh, you know quite well. Some kids don’t believe it’s all staged. I’m not one to lie about such things anyway. The fans love the authenticity. Of course… since this airport is near the city, these fighter jets are stripped-down versions without weapons.”

Rurika shrugged casually as she spoke.

For someone like her, who has no reason to fake these stunts requiring raw power, the controversies surrounding manipulation must seem laughable.

But Alice, suddenly cast as the star of the music video, could only clutch her head and look miserable.

Just when I thought things were going smoothly, I get dragged into something this ridiculous!

Looking utterly wronged, Alice probably wanted to beat the ground in frustration.

However, whether Alice reacted or not, Rurika patted her shoulder while holding a rolled-up script.

“You’ve seen the script, right? This time, it’s a music video with a bit of a story. We needed actors besides me. Alice, I need you to give it your all.”

“Ugh… Really, this is unbelievable…”

“And the male cast, don’t miss your timing. It’s dangerous, so Yuria and Aisha should just make brief appearances.”

“Understood.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“…!”

Whooosh!

After exchanging words at the windy airport,

we dispersed momentarily to change into our outfits.

Once we returned dressed according to our roles in the script, everyone’s gaze naturally fell on Alice, who was fidgeting nervously.

“Uh, uh… Is, is this right? Isn’t this just a swimsuit…?”

Though she usually wore a sexy kimono revealing deep thighs, Alice’s outfit was shockingly bold.

Her top consisted of a thin-strapped bikini paired with a sheer jacket that hinted at what lay beneath, while her bottom was denim hot pants so short they almost exposed her rear.

It was an ensemble more suited for the beach than the city.

“You look great.”

“I like it.”

“Well, o-of course you would! Seriously!”

Perhaps it was due to her violently curvaceous figure, accentuating all the right places.

Even Raven, who never saw her as a woman, couldn’t help but nod in admiration.

But, geez, she must be freezing. It’s not even summer.

I watched Alice with pity, grateful I wasn’t in her shoes.

If I were to wear something like that now, it would look more dangerous than sexy.

No amount of money could make me want to stand in front of a camera dressed like that… Alice is strong.

“The protagonist should look like this. As for the other two… Oh, how cute.”

Suddenly, Rurika’s gaze, which had been leisurely scanning everyone, stopped squarely on me.

It was like the curious eyes of a child who stumbled upon a decent toy in a shop they were about to pass by.

Hmm… I understood why she reacted this way.

Though I still wore my mask, my outfit wasn’t the usual maid uniform.

My attire was a black dress heavily adorned with frills—a so-called Gothic Lolita style.

Simply put, imagine my usual white frilled maid outfit turned dark.

From head to toe in black hues, with a large ribbon at the waist and a red rose pinned to my hair.

The crimson fox mask I wore blended seamlessly without ruining the vibe.

Hmph, not half bad.

“Hmm. Black Gothic Lolita with flowing silver hair. Soft shoulders and delicate legs… Ah, what to do. I’m so curious about the face behind the mask. I want to rip it off. But I guess I shouldn’t, huh?”

“…!”

What I hadn’t expected was Rurika suddenly leaning close enough for her breath to tickle me as she spoke.

She lightly grazed my shoulder with her fingertips, and I froze like a rabbit facing a snake.

“That’s enough. Can’t you see she’s scared? If you want to tease someone, go bother Alice.”

“Aww, her reaction is cute. Hey, your name’s Yuria, right? If you’re interested in idols, come talk to me later. Got it?”

“What kind of conscience calls someone ‘sis’ with this age gap… Ouch!”

Watching Raven get elbowed in the side by Rurika as he tried to intervene, I finally snapped out of it.

No, this person is seriously scary! I almost got eaten alive!

I quickly hid behind Raven, who had come to my rescue.

Interested in idols, huh? Yeah, I won’t say a word. Why should I?

“Alright… Let’s get started. First, let’s film what we can here. Alice, climb onto the fighter jet.”

“Ahh… Ugh…”

Perhaps thanks to that initial scare,

the rest of the music video shoot proceeded smoothly without major issues.

The plot was simple: Alice, the female protagonist dreaming of freedom, arrives in Night Haven, bumbles through adapting, and ends up atop a flying fighter jet, savoring her newfound freedom.

Huh? What kind of plot is this? Well… music videos aren’t exactly known for profound meaning.

Probably just an excuse to show off the fighter jet they bought. At least it’ll be a feast for the eyes.

“Ah! That scene was amazing. In a music video, what matters are the actors, direction, and the song! Looks like we’re good on all three fronts?”

“Ah, I, I guess so… Thank goodness…”

“Let’s do two more takes! This time, I’ll be right beside you, so it’s fine!”

“W-what?! Two more times…! I don’t want to climb onto the fighter jet anymore, eeeek!”

Despite being chosen as the music video’s lead, Alice found herself atop the wing in this weather, not inside the cockpit…

It was an unavoidable sacrifice for Aisha’s sake.

Hang in there, this will surely become a proud memory later on.

Fortunately, we managed to wrap up filming before the day ended.

As compensation for helping with the music video, Aisha successfully joined Rurika’s agency.

This was the first real opportunity given to her, who had never even reached a fair starting line.

By the time things wrapped up, Aisha expressed her heartfelt gratitude, cheeks flushed.

“Truly, truly… thank you. I honestly didn’t expect this much. I’ll never forget this help.”

“It’s nothing, it’s just work for pay. If you’re grateful, promote the office name when you make it big later.”

“Mr. Jin… You’re such a materialistic person.”

“Just being honest.”

Aisha chuckled at Raven and Alice’s exchange, then gave each of them a light, genuinely thankful hug.

“Phew, truly… I’m so glad…”

“Pfft, why’s she crying?”

“Haha… She was really worried about us.”

“…!”

Meanwhile, David was shedding tears of joy…

Anyway, resolving everything amicably was a good thing.

Secretly, I prayed that everything would continue to go well for Aisha, who hugged me tightly.

Sad endings aren’t my style. Happy endings are always the best.

“Then, I’ll be going now! Bye! See you next time!”

With a bright smile, Aisha left the scene.

She seemed liberated, as if freed from something that had bound her. She was entirely different from when we first met days ago.

That settles this task. Shall we have a casual dinner party today?

Following Raven’s suggestion to treat ourselves to some meat with the commission fee, I quietly pondered.

Soon, when my part-time job ends, I won’t get to see this lively bunch anymore.

While farewells aren’t sad, this boisterousness will be missed.

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