Everyone Has Talent. If Only We Could Realize It - Volume 1 Chapter 3.2

Collaboration

It’s hard to imagine Shiika collaborating with Shibuya after their heated conflict during class.

It’s over… the collaboration plan is ruined…

“Should I apologize to Shibuya now? If I prostrate and lick her shoes, maybe she’ll forgive me?”

“That’s too creepy, you’d be rejected for life.”

It was a valid point.

“Damn, what am I supposed to dooooo!”

I writhed in agony, clutching my head.

Meanwhile, Shiika, unaware of the gravity of the situation, was dozing off next to me, her head buried in her arms on the desk.

Well, it’s alright. Resolving these minute problems is my job. All Shiika needs to do is to showcase her talent.

Now, what to do… As I pondered, I noticed a gaze.

Not just any gaze, but a passionate one directed at Shiika.

“Hmm…?”

When I noticed it and looked in that direction, I saw a student quickly avert their face.

It was the handsome redhead classmate, Komae Noakiya.

Thanks to his short hair, both of his ears that peeked through were faintly blushing.

Come to think of it, since that “Vocal Basics” class—the one that sparked the conflict between Shiika and Shibuya—I feel like Komae has been paying extra attention to us.

“Hey, Akiha. Do you think that guy might be…”

“Heh. Rakuto, you noticed too?”

Akiha smirked, like a child who had just found a new toy.

Matching her, I also let out a sly grin.

“By the way, what are his numbers?”

“Pretty high. He’s second to Shibuya Erio, but his streaming archives consistently hit 300,000 views, and the citation count for the music videos he posts is incredible. Being known as a songwriter for Shibuya Erio adds to his appeal too.”

“I see. Kukuku… I see the light!”

“It’s the basics of strategy, right?”

“Yeah. The next move I should make is──”

Taking a moment to build up, Akiha and I said simultaneously.

“‘Attack where they’re weakest.’”

Once we decided on a course of action, we moved quickly.

I approached Komae briskly and slung an arm around his shoulder, all chummy.

“Ko-ma-e-kun♪”

“Ugh. What is it, Rakuto? That creepy voice you’re making.”

“Creepy? That hurts, man. I just wanted to get a little closer, that’s all.”

“Hah!? Closer… You’ve never shown any signs of that. Suddenly acting all suspicious!”

“──You’re seriously smitten with Shiika, aren’t you?”

“Wha!?”

Bingo. The most transparent reaction in the world, thank you very much.

“Then it’d be in your best interest to get along with her brother, right? Hmm~?”

“Da-don’t just assume stuff. I’m not particularly interested in Shiika-chan or anything…”

“Oh, playing it cool, are we?”

“What do you want?”

“I’m looking for a collab partner, y’know? Searching for a composer to provide a song.”

“Eh… Eh!?”

“If it’s not you, I guess I’ll have to ask some unknown handsome Vocaloid producer.”

I whispered in his ear with a sleazy voice.

Then, Komae turned pale and blurted out.

“Wait, wait, wait! I’ll do it! Let me provide the song for the collab!”

He clung to me, an immediate surrender.

A spectacular display of folding under pressure.

“Kukuku. You should’ve just been honest from the start. Tsundere men aren’t in style, y’know?”

“Hey, tsundere guys are popular with girls.”

Akiha had to chime in, ruining the moment.

…My apologies for speaking as if I knew the trends among girls.

But anyway.

“If we’ve decided to do it, let’s not dawdle. Start working on a song suitable for Shiika.”

“Leave it to me, big bro!”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I haven’t given you permission to call me ‘big bro’ yet.”

“J-just kidding, Rakuto. Don’t be mad over that.”

“Such a slippery ladies’ man… So, how long will it take to make the song?”

“Two weeks should do.”

“Ah, what a pity. Accidentally sent the collaboration request to another guy.”

“I-I can do it in a week…”

“‘Nice to meet you. My name is Ikebukuro Shiika. I’m writing to discuss a potential collaboration…’”

“Three days! I’ll finish it in three days!”

“Oh, you got it. That’s the spirit.”

The sensation of advancing negotiations in our favor with such a formidable figure known for his impressive view counts was exhilarating.

The weakness of being in love is indeed terrifying.

Despite being a handsome playboy presumably experienced with women, to elicit such an innocent reaction from him must mean Shiika’s charm is truly exceptional. Hmm, as expected of my sister.

“By the way, during the collab stream with Shiika-chan, what kind of things will we do…? Like the Pocky game or Twister…?”

“What? You only see my sister in a sexual light?”

“No, no, no, absolutely not!! I got carried away, sorry!!”

“First, it’s just providing a song and singing. Suddenly acting like best friends would be too unnatural.”

I said, and Akiha nodded in agreement.

Then, I threw a malicious glance his way and added,

“Especially with Komae, your hardcore fans seem like they could be a handful.”

“Ugh… Too right, nothing to counter with…”

“Everything in its proper order. If you continue providing songs for Shiika, fans will gradually accept it. Let’s take our time, okay?”

“Rakuto…! You’re a good guy…!”

Komae, moved to tears, grasped my hand tightly.

Well, Shiika isn’t interested in romance anyway, so even if I act as a go-between, there’s no chance of that love coming to fruition… But let’s keep that inconvenient truth to ourselves for now.

At any rate, it seems like we’ve secured a song from Komae.

A collaboration with someone who has bigger numbers than Shiika; this will surely skyrocket our views.

And then, I suddenly had one lingering question.

“By the way, is it okay contractually to provide a song for Shiika?”

“Hm? Contract?”

“You know, you’re also providing songs for Shibuya, right? I heard you were a famous combo, but if you have an exclusive contract ──”

“Ah, no worries.”

Komae lightly dismissed my whispered inquiry.

“Only Erio-chan has a contract with the label. I’m just a replaceable, poor guy.”

“Huh, so that’s how it is.”

“Though my song was used for her debut, the label probably wants to elevate the next songstress by pairing her with even more prestigious teams. I’ve heard there are plans to tie up with superstar composers.”

Komae said with a hint of sarcasm.

Though his tone was light, it sounded laden with resignation, jealousy, and a variety of emotions.

It was somewhat unexpected.

Komae Noakiya is among the top talents in this classroom, a popular figure. Yet, even he feels a barrier between himself and those even higher up. It’s surprising to see someone who seems to have it all showing such an unfulfilled expression.

“Well, that’s how it is, so don’t worry about the contract, and don’t expect me to hold back. I’ll make a song for Shiika-chan, aiming for a big hit.”

With a refreshing smile, Komae flexed his arm. Despite his slender build, there was a slight bulge in his biceps. Damn him for even having a physique that likely attracts others, I thought, harboring a petty jealousy as I replied,

“Got it!”

──Not that I accept you as a boyfriend candidate for Shiika, though!

tln : lmao plot twist.