Sharing the news

Once the door had closed completely behind her, a soft giggle emanated behind me. Turning to face her, she shrieked back a bit. My expression must have been too hard.
Though she quickly regained her spirit. “Sorry about that. …Twice. I heard before you tend to have a more… stern expression, but don’t worry, I will get used to it.” ‘Why does it sound like she is hyping herself up for a big challenge?’ “And, the giggling. I just found it very… endearing.
“No need to be sorry.” ‘But why endearing?’

The question must have been obvious, as I got my answer shortly after. “You see, Yuuko actually behaves normal around you. Usually, she is a bit more withdrawn, and-”
“Cold. Frosty.” Takeshi’s comment entered my head. “An ice queen.”
“Well… yes.” For a moment, her expression turned a bit glum, before jumping back to bright happiness. “But that is not the point. She acts around you without holding back. For me, it looked like she trusts you deeply.”
‘But what for?’ I couldn’t think of much that would beckon such trust. Heck, our first meeting was antagonistic. However, the same observation of acting without restraints held true for Nakano, meaning she was someone I could trust.
“Well, enough talk for now. Let’s give you a tour of the relevant departments, shall we?”

After she walked out the door, I noticed something. “Do we really have that many empty meeting rooms?” Seemed like a waste of money. There were many doors in this corridor, and I knew it wasn’t just here that we had some. And if they weren’t empty, it was a bit unreasonable to use one for a meeting of five people.
“Yes, at least in the mornings. Come afternoon, they will almost all be occupied.”
“Alright. Also, it may be a bit late, but I hope we will get along too.”
Nakano gave a short laugh. “I am sure we will. After all, Yuuko has described you in a lot of detail. And from her account, I think we will get along.”
“She has?” It might not have seemed good, to hear someone is talking about you. But with Takeshi’s assurance that it wasn’t anything bad, I should take it as good news.
“Yes. And I know, despite your more… rough appearance, you do not mean bad. So there shouldn’t be many misunderstandings regarding that.”
‘So not entirely excluding it, huh?’ At least she was being honest.
Still, this reassured me in one aspect. While it hadn’t been an actual worry of mine, it was always calming to find out your new coworkers were going to be nice and that you could get along with them.

From noon to afternoon, I was led around by Nakano. Shown to several facilities I would need to visit regularly, and trying to commit them to memory. Storage, textile, sewing, make-up, photography, presentation, media, marketing, and so on. I hadn’t been aware of it before, but Hanekawa’s job sure covered a lot of different bases.
But I didn’t only take in info. During the walk, I observed my guide. And surely, she seemed like a nice person, who was easy to get along with, but still with some determination and spine. When it came to her job, at least. Professionalism was her moment, where she would focus solely on the present. I could see why she was able to hold out with Hanekawa, getting along with her, and perhaps even standing up to her should the situation call for it. Well, as long as she had something to cling to, that is. Otherwise her blooming facade would probably wilt as she shrieked away…

Our not-so-small excursion ended in a break room, near the office cubicles occupied by many people in suits, working on papers or PCs. Their break room was spacious, and featured various amenities, among them a fridge, hot and cold water dispensers, tea, a coffee machine, and so on. In security, we only had vending machines and standing tables. Well, not that we usually spend much time there, only really for short talks. Even training facilities for us were at a different place.
“How was it?” Care was evident in her voice, as she snapped me back to reality.
“Quite a lot of different places. I will do my best to memorize them as quickly as possible.” And make sure to keep the safety ways and escape paths in mind.

The positive answer seemed to light her spirits. “I know it might be a lot in the beginning, but please do not be afraid to ask us for help should the need arise.” She took a few papers from her clipboard and handed them to me. “A few summarized notes, to help you along.”
After that kind gesture, her tone turned more dignified. “Now, as we have discussed previously, I will take care of the managerial side of things. Essentially, all paperwork and scheduling. Your duties fall more on the personal side. What exactly it entails, you would best ask Yuuko herself.”
“Any hints on what it might be? I mean, you took some on as well.” I preferred having a clear objective.
“Well, thing like accompanying her on shoots among other thing.”
‘So just like an escort or bodyguard.’ That didn’t sit right with me. “If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, could you also show me a few different things about your paperwork. Maybe teach me the basics, so I could at least be of some help.”
She was a bit surprised. “Sure. Ah, once we have time, that is. Generally, I do not mind it, but I would prefer it if you first focused on settling into your new tasks.”
“Understandable.”

“But why would you want to take on more work than is required?”
“Well, you seem like the type of person to neglect self care, so I’ll try to look out for you too. You have to look out for your self as well, not just the well being of others.” If I were to do this, I intended to go full force, and earn my salary.
She giggled shyly. “Thanks. But I wasn’t done yet. You might also have to help out in her personal life.”
Right, there was a personal in the job title. “For example?”
“There are many things to do for her, cleaning, cooking, laundry.”
“…” ‘Am I a butler?’
“Ah, I know, it might not be usual, but please bear with it. She just… tends to let things like these slide a bit. Please! It is now the fourth time this year I had to show someone around.”
‘Fourth time? And the year was only about halfway done. That doesn’t bode well.’ “I doubt there is much you need to worry about.” ‘After all, I had already done this for a few years now. Which makes me think… how much was discussed with boss, or did he really just know I would make a good choice.’ Overthinking wouldn’t help, so I just put it into the consider-later box.

“Good to hear, thank you. Also Moriya, I will send you your time table this evening, please make sure to check your messages.”
“Appreciate it. …Also, how did you get my contact info?”
“I am a manager, I have access to those. Don’t worry, I will keep everything confidential.”
“I don’t worry about that, you seem professional after all.” I might have said that, but my brain was racing. Even though I hadn’t been part of cyber-security, that still seemed like a pretty big detail to address.
“Thanks for the compliment. Ah, welcome back.”
Following her line of sight, I turned around, and saw Hanekawa approaching. Taking a seat beside us, she exhaled deeply. ‘…Is this one of the moments where I should get up and give her a massage? I know my sister likes it, but it might be a bit much for the first day.’

“Everything alright?” I asked in genuine concern.
“Yes, nothing much. Just the usual bickering about matching colors, accessories, tonal accents, and so on. That aside, I take it you are done on your end?”
Nakano answered. “Mostly. Just finishing the last papers.”
“Yeah, about that… isn’t there more I should do from the start??”
She gave a weary smile. “Don’t worry about that. Rather, it is easier on me this way. If I didn’t take care of it, I would always need to exchange infos with you, elongating the process. I also already handed in a note to your supervisor in security, they will hand me any infos as well, so there is no need to send me their requests.”
‘That would be Smith… At least she should be easy to work with for her.’ “Thank you. And kinda… sorry.”
“It is my job. …But, if you truly want to help me out, please get along well with Yuuko. She doesn't mean bad, it’s just, her behavior that is-”
“Okay, that is enough!” By that exchange I could tell they got along fairly well. If so many PAs had changed by now, and she was still around, it meant something.
“Believe me, she and I will get along just fine, I feel it.” And based on previous experience, I probably wasn’t alone in feeling this way.
“That would be nice. Sticking with her will help me more than taking over any of my work. Since you safe me so much additional work… May I ask one more thing of you? May I message you privately.”
“Sure, I don’t mind, but… what for?”
“Well,” she glanced at the other person for a second. “I will give you a message.”

“Okay.” Which brought me to one thing. “May I ask something as well?”
“Go ahead.”
“Could I call you by your first name?”
“Eh.” Judging from her expression, Nakano had not expected it.
“You see, until now, in security I was on first name basis with most coworkers, or we even had nicknames for each other. It was more comfortable that way, and fostered trust. I understand if that may be a bit abrupt, so feel free to refuse.”
“Ah, don’t worry, it is alright, just a bit sudden…” Her voice grew quieter, and her gaze trailed away. ‘Was something off?’
Turning to Hanekawa, I could see her glaring at me. She seemed really pissed off for some reason. ‘What did I do wrong this time?’ With the current situation, there was only one thing that came to mind for me.

So I faced her. “Hanekawa… may I also call you by your first name.”
Her angry stare softened a bit. “Yes. I just can’t believe it took you this long.”
“…I am going to regret asking, but, why exactly are you so annoyed by it?”
“Huh?!” ‘Okay, she did not take that well.’
“Now, let’s calm down.” Nakano, no, Chinatsu stepped in, acting as a mediator of sorts. “Shuuichi, why did you not ask her yet? I mean, you have known her longer than me.”
“Because she is my charge.” Both looked at me a bit perplexed, so I explained my line of reasoning. “I was thought to always be polite and courteous around the person I am supposed to look out for.”
“And your behavior?”
“Should be adjusted to what is comfortable for my charge.”
“Then, what about the girls in RainySunshine?”
“Well, they asked me if it would be alright, and started with it too. Not only that, I knew some of them from before working here.”
It looked liek my explanation was satisfactory, as Hane-, Yuuko let out a sigh. “Now ti seems silly for me to be hung up about it.”
“Why had that even been the case?”
She blushed slightly. “…I had felt left out.” She muttered quietly.
‘I need to get better at picking up on these things.’ But now, it was not for that. “Then, hope we continue to get along from here, Yuuko.”
Some cheer returned to her. “Yes, Shuuichi.”
We shook hands upon it.

“Now then, I will excuse myself to finish some business. There is the trip coming up after all. You will get the papers later this evening.” Chinatsu got up, and gave us a bow we reciprocated. Then, she left the room.

“Alright, we should get going too. If we face them, I want it to be with both of us, so there won’t be any misunderstandings.”
Not waiting for an answer, she rose. I followed suit, and we walked towards the recording aisle. Even without mentioning exactly who, it wasn’t much of a riddle of where to head to.
On the way, I asked her. “By the way, what was that trip she had mentioned?”
“Ah, that’s a photo shoot that is coming up.”
So, it would soon be directly going into my new work. Fine with me.

We quickly found the correct room, as a sign showed it was occupied by them. Taking a quick peek inside, we saw they were in the middle of business, seeing them sing behind a thick glass panel. Not only that, someone else was also present at the mixing board, listening in with focus. Not wanting to disturb, we retreated to the small break room next to it.

Now, with just us two here, we looked for a point to start conversation. Luckily for me, my partner broke the silence first.
“Let’s be clear here. With just the two of us, we can speak without having to hold anything back.” Yuuko’s expression had turned serious. I gave an affirmative nod, wanting her to continue.
“I know you do your work diligently, so it may be a bit easier to talk if there are no other people around to judge this conversation. A bit less formality. Generally, I think I established you won’t need it that much around just me, and I hope you continue with that trend.”
Again, I nodded, still not fully knowing where this was going.

“…You don’t have to force yourself to do this, you know?” Her expression had softened up, making her look slightly dejected.
“I don't know how you got the idea, but I am not forcing myself.” That much had been clear to me.
“But, isn’t this completely different from what you did before?”
“I guess, but it isn’t exactly like I clung to this job. I kind of fell into it, as a matter of fact.” While I remembered it a bit fondly now, Yuuko grimaced slightly. “While my circumstances before that may not have been the best, it isn't all bad. Sure, this is way different from security, but I had fun in my time with the band, so hanging around you should be good too, as I am sure you will still visit them.”
I didn’t really have a direction for life at this point. So, I intended to get as many experiences as possible, and then decide on a goal. Taking on a different role as of right now, working alongside that process, aligning my work with my private life, of course I wouldn't refuse. Heck, it was better than my previous emergency plan, which had been to travel around as a cook and learn form different regional cuisines.
It looked like I wasn’t really able to convey her that none of this bothered me, so to stop her from mopping around, I chose another route.

“But, did you really fight with that many PAs?” That might contain info relevant for me.
“Well, yes. But, let me tell you, they were all not fit for the position.” She crossed her arms, assuming a defensive position.
I could imagine her butting heads with others, especially if they were remotely as headstrong as her. I mean, even we had our disagreements.
“That part should be covered with me. I mean, we do not fight that much, or?”
”No. And I can stand your company.”
At that point, I realized. She was unsure of my assignment, the current situation. And, as my job would want it, it was my duty to give her confidence when she needs it. …At least, I thought so. “Then, if I do my job well, all is good. Which brings me to the point, what exactly should I do. I mean, assisting you is a vague term. What parts do you need help?” ‘Actions speak louder then words. Therefore convincing her and easing her worries should be easier if I just do the work properly.’

“Well…” She actually thought for a moment. “During my work hours, it isn't that much. Most of the time, Chinatsu’s assistance is the only I need. At least for now, since you lack the knowledge needed. From time to time, I will tell you when to come with me. Or have her write it into your schedule. For example, it would be helpful to have you around when things like lots of clothes have to be carried around. On these days I would need you here. Otherwise…” She went silent. It had to be something uncomfortable. She then stared me squarely in the eye. “Can you keep secrets?”
“Sure. I mean, it is part of the job. If you want a legal foundation, I already signed a NDA…”
“Not, quite on that level. Also, its more a private thing.”
I contemplated an answer. “If I come into contact with parts of you private life during work, it falls under the work category for me. So, as long as you do not have a corpse lying around or something, I wont tell anyone.”
That example exasperated her. “Now, why would I have that…”

“It’s just… when I say something, I mean it. If I said, I would never tell anyone, no matter what it was, that would mean no matter what to me. Even if I were to find illegal drugs, firearms or corpses, I wouldn’t say anything.” ‘…Why the hell did I come up with these ideas?! My thoughts must have turned to uncle’s group during trying to think of bad things. Now I look like a crazy person!’
Luckily for me, she chose not to dwell on that point. “That is pretty inflexible of you.”
“Which is why include those points. That is one of the points you can count on me: If I say something, I will stay true to it.” It apparently had some impact on her. “…Now, what was that thing you wanted to mention?”
“…Kind of not that bad anymore, since you blew everything out of proportion. …Still.” She blushed slightly. Just what might it be? “I am not the most orderly person.”

“Really? I wouldn't have guessed.” This remark earned me a glare. “Calm down, no sarcasm or anything. It’s just, you seem organized. Especially while instructing the girls.
“…” It put her in a more uncomfortable position. “Well, if it is things I have a passion for, I can put my mind fully to it. But, when it comes to things like housework or such…” Aah, I was beginning to see where this was going.
“Don’t worry.” I gave her a smile with a thumbs up. “My sister falls under the same category, so I am used to it.” Well, that was an overstatement, and kind of my fault too. Plus, she wasn't anymore, it was only for a short period after I left. But we didn't need to talk about the details of my statement right now. “Before I lived alone, I had actually taken care of the housework by myself, all of it: cleaning, laundry shopping, cooking, you name it. So, I am kind of a fit for the job.”
It looked for a moment like some kind of anger would flare up, but that quickly abated. “Then, I guess it is my turn to say it.” “Hm?” “Unexpected of you.”
“Well, I kind of get that.”

“I already knew that, from our previous interactions, but based on looks alone, you appear to be more of a… muscle-brain? No offense. And not only that, I had heard some parts about you helping out the girls when it came to so already had a guess into that direction, you just don’t look like it.
“Again, while I am used to hearing that, did you have to say it twice?”
“Yes. And even if you are used to it, you don’t have to take it.” Her voice took on an unexpected sharp tone/was very clear. I stared at her. ‘Seems she really cares about people selling themselves short.’ Only then did she seem to realize what had happened. “Sorry.” I had wanted to make a joke, but even this sort of self-deprecation didn’t seem to fly with her.
“Don’t worry. Also, sorry. I might have been a bit too harsh.”
“It’s fine.”

There must have been something in the past. Not only that right now, but she did choose to avoid asking about me living with just my sister? …Now, that I think about it, I haven't heard much about her talking about her family. Takeshi had told me straight up about his situations, and I heard the idols talk about theirs from time to time. And from my interactions with her, she had some underlying problems. Perhaps, she had some family trouble and knew better than to ask others about their situation, owning to her own situation. I kind of felt her there. Still, I might have to look into hers, despite common courtesy saying no. As it might turn into potential trouble for her. Not only with publicity, in worst case, even to physical harm.
Maybe it was again my exposure to uncle’s group talking, but these kinds of things were sadly more common than I would wish. And, it was my job to be prepared for these eventuality. Well, not actually, but it still felt like it.

“Now that I know the rough details, of my work, I guess it is time to get started. Do you still have to work?”
“No, I am done for today. Got off early since they didn't know how long this PA business would take. But as I knew you from before, it went faster than I thought. And, if I can be honest, I am kind of happy it is you. Better than another one of those fools they usually drag here.” Her saying she was happy made my heart skip a beat. Was something wrong with me? “Why are you asking?”
“Well, if my job includes taking care of your home, it would make sense for me to check it out…” I trailed off upon seeing her face. Her mouth hang open in a display of shock I hadn’t seen on her before.
“You mean… now?”
“Yes.”
“Right now?”
“Yeah.” ‘Why the double confirmation?’ “Well, not necessarily, but after we have talked with the others-”
“No.” ‘Huh?’ “No way!”
What was it? “I already told you, I-”
“Forget about that.”
Seriously, what was it? She must have been alright with it before, or? Her frustration reached a boiling point, and she let of steam by sighing deeply.
“You have no experience with women, or have an utter lack of delicacy.” ‘Is it a point for women only?’ I guessed her previous PAs must have been women too. Perhaps it was unnatural for a man to work with a woman? I might have to look a bit more into this.
…What was her point? Her hand hit her face.
“Forget it. You are dismissed for today.”
“Okay…” That meant I could start packing up. Which made me recall one fact I might wish to mention. “Then, I will prepare for moving.”
“You are moving?” Seemed like she didn’t know about it. Well, if she didn’t know about me being her PA, it was only reasonable.
“Yes. I was told I’d be moving close to you to make work easier.”

“What are you talking about?!”
Unbeknownst to us, a few people had drawn closer while we had been talking. And that last bit had hooked their interest like a fish on a line.
“Tell us everything, from the beginning.” Three pairs of gleaming us stared full of interest.
Yuuko sighed once more, and brought her her into her hand. ‘Seems like it might be rough on her, so I’d better do the talking.’
“Not much to tell. I accepted working as her PA, so to make the private support easier, I will be moving closer to her.” ‘Tough even I do not know where that will be.’
Glancing over to her, I saw some disbelief in her eyes. Switching over to the girls, I could estimate why. Their curiosity had just grown, as much as any ideas or delusions they might have carried.
“Just so you know, I do not know how much closer that entails, so there’s no need to get any weird ideas.”
I heard a groan beside me. We all turned to face her, as she uttered, “I can take a guess inkling as to where you will be moving. And by the way this is developing, it may very well be true.”

“Ah, do you mean the vacant apartment next to yours?” With impeccable timing, Megumi arrived at the scene, bringing some additional info with her. This made everyone stare at her in turn. She recoiled a bit from the intensity of some of the stares. “I-It’s just what she has mentioned before, right?”
Now, all gazes swept away from her, back onto the main character here. And while it may have taken her a moment to muster a response, she had one available pretty quickly. “Hmph, that might not be so bad after all. I can have someone to carry my luggage, cook for me, and do my bidding all the time.” …Even I could tell her face was fake at the moment. But, she wasn’t out of allies just yet.
“What are you guys yapping about? I can hear you from the floor, you know?” Takeshi had turned up. “The rooms may be sound proof, but that is no reason to overdo it.”
“““Sorry.””” Everyone apologized.

Then, with some calm restored, we explained him the gist of our talks. “Well, isn’t that a big coincidence going on here.”
“…” He hid it pretty well, but I could tell, he was definitely amused by that at the very least. Perhaps, he might have instigated part of this himself. Naturally, I had no proof of this.
“So, what was all the ruckus about then?” Takeshi’s gaze stuck to the three idols.
“We were happy for them!”
“And for us! With this, we’ll continue to see Shuuichi too!”
“We can all stay together.”
He heaved a sigh, then turned to Yuuko and me with pity in his eyes. “You better think hard about how you will tell them future developments if this is the baseline of a reaction.”
“What do you mean?” Without answering my question, he spoke to Yuuko.
“Best of luck to you.”

Unknowing of what he was referring to, I tried to read her face, but was unable to. It looked like a lot of emotions were mixing in there…
A chuckle, and he continued, “Best to give you some mercy for now. Alright everyone, we still have work to do.”
“He is right. You still have to head to the tailor for trying on your new outfits.” Megumi reminded them of their schedule.
Which peaked my interest. “Oh, some progress?”
“Well, yes. After the last success, they saw enough reason to continue to invest into them. …And while you would deserve to see the fruit of their labors,-”
I knew where this was going, so I quickly cut in. “A guy accompanying women to change clothes isn’t the best idea, I get it.” I gave them a smile.
In response, I received a small nudge to my side from Yuuko, before she offered to go along with them. “Might as well head back there.”
“Oh, you had been there today?”
“Yes, some work about…” She and the girls got into a fashion conversation, which I immediately got unable to follow. Why had there to be so much importance on clothing.

Takeshi walked over to me, smiling. “You have your work cut out for you, huh?”
I returned it. “You have it worse. For you, it’s triple the amount.”
A short moment of silence passed, before he offered me some more advice. “Try to stay on your best behavior there.” “Hm?” “If I am correct, you will move to the women’s ward. Security has a free pass for these things, but you’d better make sure there won’t be any misunderstandings, since that could easily hurt your position, and others’ too.”
If I screwed up, it would also reflect on those that recommended me. …That would bad. But, “Don’t worry, I won’t screw up.” I gave him a thumbs’ up.
“Let’s just hope it stays that way… Now, we need to get moving.” Takeshi encouraged them to be on their way.
Which I took as my sign to leave. “Alright, good work to you. And if anything needs doing, feel free to message me Yuuko.”
That last mention made heads turn around, as another flash appeared in their eyes.
“So, you are on first name basis now?”
I noticed a glare coming my direction for a second, before realizing what I had done, and evacuating the situation. ‘You can handle them better than me, good luck.’
And while I would be sure to hear from her later, leaving seemed the better option than possibly misspeaking more. ‘Yeah, let’s go with that.’