Inside the villa, the screen of Michiya Gōshin's phone lit up with notifications for new messages. There were three in total.
He thought for a moment, then opened each message one by one.
Sender: MEM-cho
Message: Michiya-sensei, are you participating in this dating show to do research for a new book?
It was a bit direct, but that was very much in line with her personality. Moreover, according to the typical format of dating shows, the content of the messages would definitely be made public when the show aired.
As a YouTuber, MEM-cho knew what kind of topics could generate buzz.
So he sent a simple reply: I just wanted a change of pace. I'm also looking forward to meeting the right person.
He opened the second message.
Sender: Asakura Toru
Message: Michiya-sensei, your answers were exactly the same as mine. Maybe we'll have a lot in common.
This was typical of Asakura Toru's simple style. Though it was their first meeting, she had a very frank way of speaking.
As members of a dating show, most people would maintain a certain level of reserve and politeness. After all, there were many cameras in the villa, and whether it was to maintain a persona or to appear graceful, they would be restrained in their expression.
But Asakura Toru didn't seem to have any reservations about it. Her words were a little quirky, yet also very direct.
After silently noting the impression she gave him, Michiya Gōshin typed back: Asakura-san, having things in common is indeed a matter of fate. I look forward to us finding more common ground.
After replying to Asakura Toru, Michiya Gōshin finally opened the message from Kurokawa Akane.
Sender: Kurokawa Akane
Message: Michiya-kun, we have to cook for ourselves starting tomorrow. What would you like to eat?
She didn't try to hide her closeness to him, but Michiya Gōshin still felt this might cause some problems.
When the show airs, some viewers might react negatively.
I should find a chance to remind her tomorrow.
He replied to Kurokawa Akane: If we go grocery shopping tomorrow, let's pick something out together at the supermarket.
After replying to all three messages, everyone was allowed to return to their rooms to rest, as per the director's instructions.
Just as he reached the second floor, Michiya Gōshin heard a light sound on the stairs. Kumano Nobuyuki and Morimoto Kengo came up, one after the other. The former looked visibly disappointed, while the latter still wore that same indifferent expression, the guitar case he'd brought with him slung over his back.
Their eyes met, and Kumano Nobuyuki scratched the back of his head, a pleading look on his face. "Michiya-sensei, will you have a moment later? There's something I'd like to ask you."
"Sure," Michiya Gōshin said, glancing at the silver-haired Morimoto Kengo beside him. "Morimoto-san, would you like to join? We could have a simple guys' night."
"Yeah. I'll go back to my room and put my guitar down first."
Morimoto Kengo had a cool exterior but was warm on the inside; he wasn't a difficult person to get along with.
"Sure, let's have a guys' night!"
Kumano Nobuyuki suddenly grew excited. Given his personality, he was likely someone who hated being lonely.
"Alright."
A short while later, Michiya Gōshin invited the two young men into his room. The guest rooms in the villa weren't exceptionally large, but they were well-equipped with all the necessities.
The three of them sat around a small, round table. Michiya Gōshin poured them each a glass of warm water, then looked at Kumano Nobuyuki's expression. He seemed extremely downcast.
"What's wrong, Kumano-san? Is it about the messages from earlier?"
"Yeah."
Kumano Nobuyuki gulped down some warm water and let out a long sigh. "Not only did I not receive any messages, I didn't get any replies either."
He pointed at Morimoto Kengo. "Same for Morimoto-san. Our answers were identical, but none of the girls who could message us did."
Morimoto Kengo folded his arms across his chest, his tone flat. "It's nothing."
Compared to love, music and performing were the things he treasured most in life.
"Liar! Morimoto, didn't you just say you've been practicing a love song? Are you sure you don't care?"
Kumano Nobuyuki immediately called him out. Guys didn't need to be overly polite with each other; they had been chatting nonstop during dinner and seemed to have gotten familiar already.
"Even if I don't use it now, I can play it for the audience at a future live show."
Listening to their conversation, Michiya Gōshin couldn't help but smile. These two guys, who seemed so different in style, actually got along surprisingly well.
Gazing at the moonlight outside the window, the young man spoke slowly, "It's actually very normal. It's the first day and everyone is still unfamiliar with each other. Prioritizing someone you have common ground with is a safe choice."
He paused, thinking of the three messages he had received. "I was just lucky that my answers happened to match with all three of the girls."
"Luck can't explain everything. Michiya-sensei, you're really popular and the most watched person here."
Just then, Morimoto Kengo, who was sitting on the other side, suddenly spoke up. "Michiya-sensei, do you really think love that grows over time is more reliable than love at first sight?"
His voice was a bit raspy. It didn't sound like a challenge, but more like a sincere question.
"I think it depends on the person."
Michiya Gōshin could roughly figure out the band leader's personality and didn't plan on giving him a half-hearted answer.
"Love at first sight is just the thrill of a first meeting, while love that grows over time means never tiring of being together. For me, discovering someone's shining qualities through day-to-day interaction makes for a more solid relationship."
"After all, to feel a lasting attachment to someone is a very difficult thing, especially..."
He paused, suddenly remembering that there were still cameras in the room.
"Hehehe, don't worry, Michiya-sensei! I just asked the director. If we feel that what we're saying isn't suitable for broadcast, we can ask the staff to turn off the cameras and microphones."
"You're certainly proactive."
Michiya Gōshin smiled, then watched as Kumano Nobuyuki took out his phone and started communicating with the staff in the work group chat. About a minute later, he looked up, smiled, and gave an 'OK' sign.
"It's all good now, Michiya-sensei. You can continue. We're really curious to hear your views on love."
"What I was about to say is... the circles we belong to are basically all connected to the entertainment world. We're all good-looking people, so naturally, we'll encounter a lot of temptation."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
"I get it..." Kumano Nobuyuki replied, and for some reason, he suddenly started smiling again. "Actually, before coming here, I thought you'd be one of those aloof, unapproachable writers, Michiya-sensei."
"Me too," Morimoto Kengo added, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Well then, let's all do our best."
"Exactly. The director said he wouldn't force pairings or dates, but since we're on the show, we have to try our best to show our charm."
Kumano Nobuyuki looked at Michiya Gōshin earnestly. "Michiya-sensei, you may be charming, but I won't lose!"
"Alright, alright, enough with the sappy talk."
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment. "I'm twenty this year. What about you two?"
"I'm twenty too," Kumano Nobuyuki nodded.
"I'm twenty-three," Morimoto Kengo said. He was the oldest.
"We're all around the same age. Since we'll be spending two weeks together, how about we stop using honorifics from now on?"
"Okay."
The three of them chatted idly late into the night, talking about their respective professions. Kumano Nobuyuki told amusing stories about street dance competitions, Morimoto Kengo occasionally commented on the integration of music and dance, and Michiya Gōshin shared what it was like to be both an actor and a writer.
The moonlight outside gradually shifted westward. The guys' night finally came to a close when Kumano Nobuyuki let out a huge yawn.
"See you tomorrow!"
Kumano Nobuyuki stood up, rubbing his eyes. He turned back at the door.
"Michiya, starting tomorrow, I'm going to give it my all. You'd better watch out!"
"Good luck."
Morimoto Kengo also stood up and paused at the door. "Michiya, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Morimoto."
________________________________________
Get rewarded for helping with our community goals!
🎯 Reward for all: +1 bonus chapter at 50 Powerstones.
🚀 Tier Reward: Help us reach 10 members for +5 chapters on all stories!
👻 Join the crew by searching Ms. Medusa on (P). You know the spot! 😉