Accidental Clamor Pt. 1

Manager Na led me outside to his car without an explanation. As confused as I was, I followed him. This was certainly new.

"So... Can I at least get a brief summary of what I'm gonna be doing?" I asked.

"I told you, kid. You'll see."

"That's not really a vote of confidence. How about a hint or something? What are you gonna do if I'm sitting there on my ass, completely unprepared?"

"Oh, trust me. Even if I tell you, you're not gonna be prepared for it."

I let out a long sigh, resting my elbow on the armrest. My job could mean so many things, especially with Manager Na's unpredictable nature.

When I first applied, I just wanted to be a backstage runner for Yori Entertainment's events. It seemed like the perfect gig where I could do my own thing without constant interruptions.

But everything changed five months ago at that Sunayomi concert. After that, Manager Na started taking a keen interest in my work. Maybe he wanted to see if my skills were real or a one-time stroke of luck.

Now, he treats me like his personal assistant, and I'm still trying to figure out why. Is it really because of that concert? Or am I missing something?

Oh well. At least he keeps everyone else away, which means I have more freedom to be alone.

"Alright, we're here," Manager Na said as he parked.

I glanced out the window to see a bland building with almost no windows. At the front door was a pair of security guards, who seemed more or less like they didn't want to be there.

"This is... a warehouse?"

"That's righ. You're gonna be my lackey for this one. We're setting up a photoshoot station for our own girls, Sunayomi! Excited yet?"

"No. Not really."

"Eh, whatever. It's not like anything I do will ever get you riled up. Come on. Our crew is already there."

"But this isn't a part of my job description."

He threw on a pair of sunglasses, grinning ear to ear.

"Suck it up. Let's roll."

Manager Na showed his ID to the guards, and they allowed us to pass.

I've never seen a photoshoot station before, but it looks similar to what I'd see backstage at a concert.

A massive white panel rested against the back wall, surrounded by a tangle of lights, boxes, and chairs. At the center, a huge camera was trained on the panel. Everywhere I looked, people bustled about, each lost in their own tasks amidst the organized chaos.

"Would you look at that," Manager Na said. "Everything's already set up!"

"What does that mean for us?"

"It means our job has already been done for us."

"...So you're telling me that I was dragged here for nothing."

"No, no... Well, yes. I guess that's exactly what I'm telling you."

For something so out of character for the manager, I'm not even surprised. In fact, the more I think about it, it's definitely in his character to do something like this.

"Okay. So... Now what?" I mumbled.

"Now? Heh. I guess you're getting paid to sit here and do nothing."

"Seriously...? I'm gonna go use the washroom."

"Sure, sure."

While I stepped off to the side, Manager Na went over to the boss of the operation and began chatting with him.

So annoying... but I can't say that I'd prefer him to be any other way. Compared to some of my old bosses, he's a total gem.

I wove my way through the side hallways for a minute before finally reaching the washroom.

For a warehouse, it's surprisingly tidy. Then again, with so few people coming and going, I guess it's not too surprising, after all.

I don't even know why I came here when I already handled my business before coming to work. Maybe I just wanted to get away from all the noise.

Nonetheless, I walked over to the sink, drenched my hands in soap, and washed them.

Until...

"Ah?!"

My senses jolted. That scream...

I turned slowly, and my body froze in place.

There she was, standing by the open stall — a young woman with light pink hair that barely grazed her neck, dotted with a few playful accessories. A long strand fell across her face, nearly hiding her wide, pearl-like eyes, which were clearly caught off guard.

No way... Despite having only seen her a few times, I recognized her instantly.

"M-Mitsuki... Mira...?" I mumbled.

"Y-you! Who are you, and what are you doing here?!" she shouted.

"Huh? Me?! I should be asking you that! This is the men's washroom!"

"What?! No, it's not! Are you blind?!"

I pointed my hand to the left.

"Are you?! You're standing right next to a urinal!"

Her head twisted to look, and just like that, her frown disappeared, replaced by a reddened face that seemed like it could explode at any second.

"Look, I'm sure you had a reason to come in here, and I'm not gonna question it," I quickly said. "I'm already done, so do whatever you need to do."

With that, I rushed out of the washroom, but not without stopping to lean against the wall.

Holy shit... I feel like I've just committed a grave sin. In all of my life, I've never once encountered a woman in the same washroom as me.

I mean, that's never supposed to happen, right? In an ideal world, at least.

I've only been here for five minutes, and I'm already mentally drained. Maybe I should just go home. I'm sure Manager Na will understand.

"I was wondering why Mira was screaming like that," yet another voice said.

I turned around and immediately wished I hadn't, as two faces greeted me.

The first girl stood with her arms crossed, her long, dark red hair cascading in wavy strands to her hips. Despite her bangs nearly covering her ruby eyes, they were unmistakable... and also seemingly annoyed.

Behind her, a slightly shorter girl watched with great curiosity. Her cotton-blue hair was tousled and short, falling messily to her shoulders, with bangs that seemed to have a life of their own. While her sapphire eyes didn't hold the same intensity as the first girl's, there was something undeniably unsettling about her gaze.

"Yoshino Yoko... and... Suguha Suzu..." I gulped.

These girls... They're all members of Sunayomi.