Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 74

Opportunities and Choices

“I’ll ask, or do you want to ask?”

“That’s something to think about.”

“I’ll go ask. I’ll check the situation first; it wouldn’t be good if you step on a landmine.”

“OK.”

Let’s play it by ear. I used to not want to be a star, thinking I had never been exposed to it in two lifetimes. Neon stars have a low status, so I wasn’t interested… But now that I have some singing and piano skills, it’s worth a try.

Kurosawa, holding his phone, thought to himself.

This was his plan… Before Itsuragi found out that he was the Karaoke Song Deity, he wanted to shift her attention.

As long as Itsuragi signed him, she should focus her energy on him, and for a short time, she wouldn’t want to find the Karaoke Song Deity again.

Over time, if he performed well, she might forget about the Song Deity and completely defuse this time bomb.

Although he really didn’t want to be a singer and a star, Itsuragi was a good friend of Ninomiya, so her words were trustworthy, and communication would be easier.

In fact, he had a bit of a selfish motive. He felt that doing this might give him more opportunities to meet with Ninomiya.

Other than that, there was another thing that changed his views and thoughts.

That was the surfing experience from yesterday and the dream where there wasn’t an empty seat in the audience.

Having these talents, it would be a waste not to do something about it.

In the past, he had no choice but to bury himself in his studies, but now things were different.

It had to be admitted that with the system, his attitude towards life became more positive and confident.

In reality, when it came to being a singer, he had considered many things today and clarified his direction.

He could start by singing without showing his face, just like Kenshi Yonezu did initially, becoming a mysterious singer.

By doing so, he could sell his songs and make money without affecting his daily life.

Before long, Kurosawa’s phone made a sound.

“Oh no, I just said a few words, and Chizuru already guessed that you’re looking for me to talk about wanting to become an artist.” A message from Itsuragi came.

“Why? What did you say?” Kurosawa was a bit confused

At the next moment, a screenshot was sent over.

“Chizuru, Kurosawa is so good at playing the piano. Do you think he can sing?”

“I don’t know.”

“If he can sing, he might become popular.”

“He wants to be a singer?”

Seeing this, Kurosawa finally understood why he was exposed so quickly.

The intent was too strong, and considering the cause and effect, any discerning person could see through it.

Just then, a message arrived from Ninomiya.

“You want to be a singer?”

This sentence, through the text, didn’t reveal thoughts and feelings, but the questioning attitude was very direct.

“I do have that thought.”

After thinking about it, Kurosawa chose to respond straightforwardly without evasion.

“Can you balance it with your studies?”

“I can.”

“Then go for it.” After about ten seconds, Ninomiya responded.

“You’re not opposed to it?”

Kurosawa was surprised that she agreed so easily, feeling unexpected.

Because of Ninomiya’s previous attitude, it was always about his excellent academic performance, indicating that he could pursue a Ph.D. or take postgraduate exams.

“You are just my student, and I don’t have the right to interfere with your life and choices. Moreover, if you can balance your studies, I support whatever you choose.”

Even though it was just a text message and not a phone call, Kurosawa still sensed a distant attitude in these words, as if trying to distance themselves from each other’s relationship.

From another perspective, it sounded like something a tsundere character would say—like, “I’m just your XXX, not your girlfriend. What right do I have to interfere with your choices?”

“Why does it feel like she’s throwing a tantrum?” Kurosawa was somewhat surprised.

After giving it some thought, Kurozaki decided to initiate a voice call directly.

Continuing the conversation with just text felt like it might lead to an unclear and unsatisfactory conclusion, as certain thoughts couldn’t be conveyed properly.

The call request rang for about ten seconds before being answered.

“…”

With the voice call connected, the other side remained silent.

Taking a deep breath, Kurozaki gathered the courage to speak.

“For me, you have the right to influence my choices. Your attitude and thoughts are important to me.”

“If I don’t let you become a singer, will you not pursue it? Is your decision so hasty?”

At this moment, Ninomiya spoke up, her voice cool and gentle, mature with a touch of magnetism, quite pleasant to the ear.

“Your perspective would make me reconsider my choices.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s you.”

Kurosawa wouldn’t blindly follow her decision just because she made it, but he valued Ninomiya a lot, so he wanted to know her thoughts.

“Go ahead, become a singer. If Runa signs you as a singer, I’ll feel more at ease.”

Hearing these words, Ninomiya pondered for a moment and spoke slowly.

“Is this your sincere decision?”

“I appreciate the importance you place on a teacher’s opinion. But since you can balance your studies and possess such talent and potential, I really have no reason to stop you. Moreover, in the history of the University of Tokyo, there have been predecessors who pursued careers as entertainers and singers.”

Feeling that he valued her attitude and opinion, Ninomiya’s somewhat aloof demeanor softened, and she spoke in a low voice.

“Alright.”

Through the tone and words, Kurosawa sensed that she wasn’t being tsundere or upset.

“The major you chose for university doesn’t mean you have to stick with it for the rest of your life. Since you’ve encountered Runa and discovered the potential to be an entertainer, go for it. When opportunities arise, make sure to value them, so you won’t have regrets in life.”

“I understand.”

Seeing her take on the role of a teacher, imparting life experience, Kurosawa also found it beneficial. In fact, he had similar thoughts.

In the past, besides studying, he didn’t have the energy to learn other things. Therefore, he could only think about working in a field related to economics after graduation. But now, with different talents, he had more life choices.

“What did you do yesterday?”

After discussing this matter, Ninomiya casually asked.

“My cousin from my hometown came to Tokyo, so I took her around for half a day.”

Hearing this, Kurosawa felt a slight tension but responded without hesitation.

He had anticipated this situation, considering the possibility of Ninomiya asking about his plans.

“Where did you go?”

“To the beach.”

“Why didn’t you get tanned?”

“I applied sunscreen.”

“I see.”

Ninomiya responded thoughtfully, her voice leaving room for interpretation, making it hard to guess her thoughts or whether she believed him.

“I’ll go and let Miss Runa know. She must be getting anxious, as I just mentioned it to you, and it got exposed.”

Feeling a bit uneasy, Kurosawa changed the subject.

“Sure.”

Ninomiya found it reasonable, and since she was still at school, it wasn’t suitable to chat for too long to avoid being seen by others. She agreed to the idea.

“Phew…”

After ending the call, Kurosawa let out a sigh.

Hopefully, I didn’t give myself away. 

Kurosawa thought to himself, reflecting on his responses and tone during the conversation, feeling a bit worried and doubtful.

Compared to effortlessly lying to Ichinose, lying to Ninomiya felt like an immense pressure.

Because Ichinose was innocent, romantic, and charmingly naive.

Ninomiya, on the other hand, was shrewd, capable, and incredibly sharp-minded.