The following weeks

From here on, things proceeded relatively peacefully. While the actual guarding was minimal, I got thought much by Takeshi. Where to go for what situation, observing the surroundings in a skillful manner, noticing subtle signs in tight indoor spaces, how to properly take care of your charges. He even simulated a few cases with me.
“While they say, experience is worth more than anything you learned theoretically, if you do not have a proper understanding of what you need to do, you can’t even get to the starting line.”
He was trying to set me up for every eventuality. While it might have been a lot to take in, his explanations were really good, and to the point. His long years of experience showed in his deep understanding of the subject matter.
But, over the weeks, a few events occurred.

Several days after the my first encounter with her, Hanekawa showed up again. This time, I made no attempts to stop her. Whether it was my change in behavior, or some kind of regard for me, she stopped and gave me an update.
“Remember that guy who threatened you? Don’t worry about him. He won’t be a problem anymore. Likely, you won’t ever meet him again.”
“Thank you.” I didn’t know what she had done, but not asking was probably for the best. Not that I was influenced by her ominous choice of words. More likely a kind of joke for her. ‘Must be those internal power struggles and infighting in a company. I’m glad I am not involved in those.’
From then on, she showed up about twice to three times a week, and spend some time with the girls. From time to time we had conversations too.

***

And then, we had the first concert of theirs that I attended. Instead of the regular patrolling I was used to, I stayed near them: either behind the curtains of the stage, or around the changing-room. Overall, it was the same as always, just a different spot I stood in.

“Thank you everyone!”
Cheers raced through the hall. The concert had ended successfully. As far as I could tell, there had been no screw ups. I mean, they had been doing this for a while now, so it could be expected. The three went off stage, and I followed suit. Now relaxing, they started talking casually.
“They were really lively today.”
“We gave them what we promised.”
“And we improved, too.”
Understanding the feeling of being satisfied with a good work day, I wanted them to enjoy the moment. I intended to leave, as someone else entered the hallway. Expecting a stage-worker, I was surprised to see someone else. It was obviously one of their fans, his dress-up in their merchandise was a giveaway. He didn’t give off much of a feeling of a threat. Still, I couldn’t be careless. I moved between them and him.
“Excuse me, but- Ah, there you are.” He moved forward as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I blocked his way.
“You are not allowed here. Leave.”
“But, can’t you be a bit lenient. I just felt I had to see them today.”
‘Okay, no large threat, just a dedicated fan.’
“I do not know what you want here, but this area is off limits. Leave, or I will escort you out.”
“You can’t do this! I am one of their most loyal fans!”
This evoked chatter from behind me. “Now that he mentions it, I think I recognize him. We see him quite often, no?”
“Well, you are right.”
“Stands out in a crowd.”
‘You guys aren’t making my job any easier.’ I shortly turn around and glare at them, in hopes of shutting them up. Sadly, they weren’t quiet enough for the fan not to hear them.
“I knew I made a lasting impression. Please, just let me shake hands for a moment.” He smiled.
‘Creep.’ But I couldn’t just violently remove him either, might give them a bad reputation, or escalate into a larger problem. So I had no choice, but to bluff my way through this. ‘Okay, I got an idea.’

“I can’t allow you to do that.”
“But why?!”
“Because you are not a true fan!” I boldly exclaimed with a loud voice. Shock, confusion, and then anger spread across the fan’s face.
“Do you question my loyalty? I have been to every event, every concert, always buying the special ticket’s that allowed to get closer to the angels of RainySunshine!”
“Then you should know that there is always a short break between their stage events and the start of the meet and greet sections. They need time to recover, to make sure they are in perfect condition to face their most loyal fans. Not because of some superficial standards, but due to their goodwill, their wish to always show their best to their fans! And by suddenly appearing here, you disregarded their feelings, trampling on them! And with all of this in mind, you still dare call yourself one of their most loyal? Don’t make my laugh!”
My improvised speech must have had some effect, as his face whitened, his shoulders slumped down, tension draining from his face. ‘That ought to do it.’
“Now, it should be clear why I didn’t want you here. Now, leave at once!” I pointed to the entrance. Obeying, without saying a word, head facing to the ground, he turned around and made ready to leave. But someone had to interrupt.
“Wait!” Asumi called behind me. I turned around, and saw her looking concerned. Haru and Shizuka also had some discontent visibly in their expressions. The fan, spirit crushed, glanced over his shoulder. Upon this, she asked “May you tell us your name and address.”
‘Is she gonna follow this legally?’ It would be out of character for her, but…
“Yes, it is…” In somewhat of a trance, the fan gave it apparently truthfully.
“Thank you. I can’t promise anything, but I will try to send you a special ticket next time it is possible. It might not have worked out today, but I think you should get a reward for you loyalty.” The fan, before heartbroken, now had a new light, newfound hope shine in his eyes. “Really?”
“Yes. Ah, but you have to keep it a secret, okay?” She gave a playful pose, leaning forward, pressing her index finger against her lips.
“Certainly! I shall not betray thine goodwill.” ‘Why the switch to old formal?’ “I thank thee greatly for thy compassion, oh goddess.” Ah, that word is off limits. Peaking at her, I saw her barely contain an outcry, the other members present with stiffened faces.
With renewed vigor from this kindness, the fan made his way out, a slight spring in his steps. Once he was out of earshot, I asked her.
“So, how are you going to make this work out?”
“Oh well, I thought I could ask Megu to help me with it.”
Now they were all smiling wryly. ‘I am sorry Megumi, but you got to clean up their mess. But I guess it isn’t the first time, so hang in there.’

***

After this event, things carried on relatively normally. Due to the continued success, the planning for the previously mentioned large concert went on, becoming more concrete by the day. Which meant the girls renewed their effort, and continued on with their practice.
On one such occasion, I carried towels and new drinks for the idols in the training room, where they practiced a dance routine. I saw them warm up and stretch. They did solo and partner exercises interchangeably, as they were three people. However, I noticed something else.
“Might I help you?” The answer to my question was three stares: surprise, interest, and disgust. The last one was what bothered me. “I did not mean in the manner of doing the exercises with you, but giving some tips.”
Seemed like I won them over. And the previous reaction was probably just a joke. “Like Yuuko?” Shizuka showed some interest.
“Yes and no. I can’t help you with proper positioning nor with how to pull of certain poses or looks. However, I have trained in martial arts for well over ten years now. When it comes to properly exercising the body, or taking care of it, I have more experience than all of you. Maybe even more than some instructors.” ‘Thanks to the training of my strict teacher.’
Haru wasn’t that amused by my statement. “Come down from your high horse.”
“You know I didn’t mean it that way. Anyway, for example.” I showed a few different techniques for stretching, and pointed out muscles they might want to train more. How to stretch them and getting them more flexible to prevent injuries.
Starting from that point on, they had two advisers. One for purely physical training, one for proper posture and appearance. With this, their performances were sure to become even better.

Still, having two advisers was sure to lead to clash. During certain points, Hanekawa and I had different opinions on the matter. And neither of us would back down. She wanted their show to look good, I wanted them to effectively use their bodies. This meant we had squabbles, until they resolved themselves, or Takeshi intervened and gave us a middle ground that we could both accept.
When we actually had found common ground, it seemed to have a very positive effect on the girls, and their performances notably increased in quality. So much so, that management even recognized their efforts.

***

To my surprise, the members of RainySunshine didn’t only sing and dance, they had instrumental lessons too.
“To give them an understanding of how the music comes to be.” As Megumi explained to me. But not only that. Before starting as idols, they had played instruments. Well… Haru and Shizuka did, the drums and the piano respectively. Which kind of fitted their personalities. While Asumi had none, she started to learn the guitar, to understand the different between lead and rhythm, and how those two worked together. Some rooms had instruments prepared, staying in them all the time. Though in some cases, they needed to be moved, from a storage room to the actual practice room. Which of course fell to my duties.
“It is really nice not having to do this by ourselves.”
“Wouldn’t it normally fall under Takeshi’s purview?” ‘When he is not injured, of course.’
“You want me to carry this amount of luggage at my age?”
At first I wanted to contradict him, along the lines of ‘I am sure you have enough strength left to put up a fight, so carrying a few things should work too’. But, I sensed that no matter what I said, it would end up in my loss, so I decided not to say anything, and continued my pack mule duty.

But that wasn’t all. Since they performed songs, they needed songs too. At a few days, they were not present in the studios, instead writing lyrics. As I understood, the instrument lessons were also to further their musical knowledge. From other people — aka Megumi — I learned that they had always written songs themselves, albeit with some assistance and checking. Their goal was to strive and become good enough to not need these extra steps anymore. ‘Gotta respect their drive.’

***

As I rarely listened to music — aside from the occasional radio in the background — my understanding in this field was severely lacking. To the point that I couldn’t keep up with some of their conversations at all. Therefore, even if I suggested things, they were simply dismissed.
Even Hanekawa — and more surprisingly, Takeshi — would join these discussions form time to time. From my mentor, I got told “If you work around musicians for a while, you will pick up some musical knowledge. Not only that, it can be useful to get your charges to trust you when they can talk with you about their work. Therefore, it is suggested that you learn about these kinds of things.”
‘Perhaps I should learn a bit about this as homework?’ While it wasn’t a real interest of mine, it was always good to broaden your horizon with new knowledge. And so, my journey in the musical world began. It would be a long time until I could actually provide opinions aside from more than an occasional glimpse of insight. But, as they say, you never finish learning in your entire life. With unexpected enthusiasm and excitement, I had acquired a new hobby.

***

There was a time when Megumi was in a conference for longer than planned. I noticed, and did what came naturally to me: prepare food for them. It was only a short break, so going to the mess hall extra for it wasn’t really a thing to do. Instead, I looked through the things left in the fridge, and quickly prepared some sandwiches.
I had previously prepared short breaks from time to time, but that was just pouring hot water onto teabags, and taking already prepared food out. However, with my spirit now sightly stirred, and finding a container with loose tea leaves, I went the fancy route.

I managed to finish in time. The girls got out, and gladly accepted the food and drink from me. And, it seemed they were up to taste. Praised even.
A few minutes later, we are joined by the person running late.
“Sorry I am late, the discussions took longer than expected, and…” She took in the sight of the prepared food and drinks. “Who did?”
“Shuuichi. He prepared it for us.” With this, she turned to me. I gave a quick explanation.
“Well, I assumed you would be running late, and decided to help out. I hope I wasn’t overstepping my bounds.”
“No. Actually, thank you.” She gave a curt bow.
“But really, you make some good food.” Returning the mood to normal and relaxed again, as always I could count on Haru to do so. ‘Was she just acting not to notice the mood most of the time, or was it really just coincidences when she got it right?’
“Thank you. And, it would be bad if I didn’t. I had worked in a restaurant kitchen for some time, and did the chores at home, including cooking for several years.”
“You should prepare food more often.” A short reply during nibbling at food.
“Shizuka is right. Take over sometimes. Ah, nothing against you Megumi.” Haru immediately switched to a disarming smile.
Asumi picked up the idea, and continued it “But it would be a good change of pace, and Megu can even take a break. If it wouldn’t be too much, I would like to ask this of you too.”
I scratched my head. “I mean, if you are that insistent. And really, it isn’t really that much more work. So, I will do it from time to time.”
“Yes!” I was met with approval. “But, how do you make it tasty? It is just normal ingredients.”
“That’s right. It should have been the same ingredients I use.” Megumi shared her concern.
“Hmm... Secret, I guess?” I tried to play it like a joke. ‘Saying, the secret ingredient is love, would be too much in this situation.’
“But really, what do you do?”
“I can give a few hints, I guess.” Expectant faces turned to me. “First, you need to look for a balance. Too much of any ingredient will overpower the rest, not blending in harmoniously, and thereby upsetting the dish. Then, you have to consider the taste of each ingredient, how much you need of each to get a balanced taste. Then, how the ingredients interplay, and if they even fit together. Also-”
“Stop.” Haru had a look on her face that told me I was going too fast. “Anything more beginner friendly? Less abstract?”
“Well… practice makes the master.”
“That doesn’t help.” Disappointment was clear.
“Now, generally, not just things like sandwiches: Until you have a feel on what goes with what, and how to combine it, use recipes. Seriously, just follow them strictly to the letter, and you will get a good result. Once you have more experience, you can deviate from them, or come up with your own.”
“And here I thought we might get a shortcut.”
“So, it is the same as idol work. Constant practice.”
“I guess…?”
“Yes, you are right. And so, let us get back to practice.”
““Y-yeah.”” Two had hoped for more break, but got dragged by by the more spirited center woman.

From here on, I occasionally prepared food and drinks, and at times more elaborate dishes. Takeshi even approved of it on the condition that I do not neglect my guard duties, so there should be no problems. However, I couldn’t help but notice his eyes change whenever he saw me prepare things…