The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden patches of light on the living room floor.
The three female participants' outing plans were printed on exquisite cards and posted on the living room's bulletin board, labeled "Plan A," "Plan B," and "Plan C."
The boys gathered around early, while the girls sat on the sofa, seemingly calm but secretly observing the boys' reactions.
Michiya Gōshin looked at "Plan A" first.
[Destination: Glass-making workshop; Activity: Experience the process of making glass products, fire your own unique trinket; Looking forward to feeling time slow down amidst the warmth of clay and flame.]
This plan didn't reveal many clues about the proposer's profession, but Michiya Gōshin had spent time with Kurokawa Akane before. He remembered her mentioning that making handicrafts was fun, so there was a good chance this plan was hers.
Next, "Plan B."
[Destination: An influencer-famous restaurant in Shinjuku; Activity: Film a "daily romance" vlog, check in at spots like the spiral staircase and the starry sky coffee table, focusing on capturing interactive moments; I hope to do this with someone who is highly cooperative.]
MEM-cho, without a doubt.
It seemed she had no intention of hiding her profession; this was just too obvious.
Finally, he looked at "Plan C."
[Destination: Chiba's Isumi Railway; Activity: Use a one-day pass to ride the Isumi Railway train, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside, and capture the wonderful views along the way.]
This was another plan that didn't hint at a profession, but by process of elimination, it was likely Asakura Toru's.
"So? Any ideas?"
Kumano Nobuyuki came closer, scratching his head. "Besides the second one, which is almost certainly MEM-cho-san, I really can't figure out the other two."
Morimoto Kengo's gaze swept over the three plans, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yeah, aside from Plan B, the other two don't reveal anything about their professions. It's hard to guess."
Both of them looked at Michiya Gōshin simultaneously, as his choice could directly influence the final outcome.
"Michiya, which plan are you going to choose?"
"Hmm... I don't have any strong ideas right now. What about you guys?"
Kumano Nobuyuki frowned in thought for a while before finally making up his mind. "I'll just go with Plan A, then. Even though I don't know whose it is, I can give it a shot."
Morimoto Kengo didn't state his choice directly. Instead, he looked at Michiya Gōshin and said, "Michiya, you pick first. I'll just choose whichever one is left after you."
"...Morimoto-san, you're really considerate."
"It wouldn't be good if someone was left out," the band's lead singer said with a faint smile. He wasn't in a rush to find love right now; as long as he was on the show, his band would get more exposure.
"Hmm, in that case, I'll choose Plan C."
Michiya Gōshin thought back to his earlier conversation with Kurokawa Akane. Although he didn't know where the director planned to start editing the show, for the very first outing, it was better to be separated from her.
This would manage the audience's expectations and prevent them from thinking he and she were interacting too much.
On the other hand, as the "Wolf," switching targets was also an excellent strategy.
"Plan C?" Morimoto Kengo nodded. "Then I'll choose Plan B."
"Okay."
After the application forms were submitted, a staff member delivered them to each of the three girls.
The atmosphere in the living room instantly grew tense. Everyone was waiting for the final result.
-------------------------------------------
Where the girls were, Kurokawa Akane took the application form and opened it. Inside was Kumano Nobuyuki's request.
She glanced at the reason written on the paper, then gently placed the form on the table and wrote the word "Disagree."
A wave of disappointment washed over her as she realized Michiya Gōshin hadn't chosen her plan.
MEM-cho received Morimoto Kengo's application. Seeing the reason, "Vlogs are interesting, and I can provide background music for the video," she couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Morimoto-san is just too cool and aloof. I don't think he matches my channel's style."
Shaking her head, MEM-cho wrote "Disagree" in the results column.
Lastly, it was Asakura Toru's turn. She opened her application form. Inside was Michiya Gōshin's name and a simple reply.
"Riding the Isumi Railway train sounds like a fun activity. I'm looking forward to the view from the window."
A faint smile touched the corners of the girl's lips, and she wrote the word "Agree" in the results column.
At two in the afternoon, a staff member posted the final results on the bulletin board right on time.
Plan A: Pairing failed. Free activity tomorrow.
Plan B: Pairing failed. Free activity tomorrow.
Plan C: Pairing successful. Departing for Chiba tomorrow. Members: Michiya Gōshin, Asakura Toru.
The next second, the area in front of the bulletin board erupted in an uproar.
"Wow! Michiya-sensei and Asakura-chan matched successfully!"
MEM-cho clapped her hands excitedly. Even though she only had a free activity day tomorrow, she was still surprised by the result.
After seeing the results, the disappointment in Kumano Nobuyuki's eyes was almost tangible. He glanced at Michiya Gōshin, whose expression remained calm, his voice filled with envy.
"Michiya, I'm so jealous of you."
"Uh..."
Morimoto Kengo leaned against the wall, looking at the results on the board. He placed a hand on Kumano Nobuyuki's shoulder. "It's okay. We have a free day tomorrow. I can take you to a performance."
"Thanks, Morimoto-san!"
Just then, Michiya Gōshin saw Asakura Toru walking over.
"Michiya-sensei."
She stopped in front of him, her voice not deliberately intimate but possessing a natural ease.
"For tomorrow's route, I made some notes."
Asakura Toru pulled a light-colored notebook from her pocket. Inside, important sights along the train journey were marked with colored pencils, such as the lighthouse's location and recommended picnic spots.
"If you don't want to stick to the plan, we can just wander around."
Michiya Gōshin took the notebook, glanced at the carefully marked details, and then looked into Asakura Toru's frank gaze.
"This is very detailed. Thank you for your hard work."
He pointed to the lighthouse on the map. "Can we see the sunset from here?"
"Mhm."
Asakura Toru nodded lightly, her gaze following his to the lighthouse marker. Her tone was very casual. "There might be a sunset glow tomorrow evening, and the breeze should be nice."
She paused, then looked up at Michiya Gōshin, her eyes unwavering. "If there's a place Michiya-sensei wants to go, we can change the route. You don't have to accommodate me."
"It's fine. Let's stick to your plan. I'm looking forward to seeing the sunset."
Just as the two were chatting, Director Aoyama's voice suddenly came over the living room speakers.
"Attention, all participants! The first episode of the show is about to be officially broadcast. The airtime is set for ten o'clock in the morning, the day after tomorrow."
"You can all look forward to it."
This announcement stunned everyone.
This variety show was essentially being filmed and broadcast simultaneously. It was only two weeks long in total, so the broadcast schedule wouldn't be much longer than that.
As soon as enough content was filmed, it could be edited and produced, the commentary from the dating show panelists could be recorded, and then it would officially go live.
"Is it finally going to air?"
Michiya Gōshin glanced at the others present, his thoughts calm.
As the "Wolf," he felt that he wouldn't be identified by anyone right from the start.
Probably.
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