My new Neighbor's an Idol!?

Conceding for Love

"So repeat again why exactly am I one of the contestants?" Ishi asked as the pair headed backstage. He had never once considered the possibility that he'd be one of the people voted in regardless of position. After all, the boy wasn't popular in terms of being well-liked. So why would so many people want to vote for him?

"Well, if you're wondering why the students chose you..." Otoya explained to him that a lot of people believed it would've been interesting to see him in such a situation. Unknown to them, a lot of individuals were like Rinse and wanted to find out. The boy was already regretting being the one to come up with this idea. Maybe they really should've just made a bland cafe so he wouldn't have to be on stage like this.

This was going to be rather bothersome, but at least he wouldn't have to worry about winning the event. Unlike the sports festival, which didn't matter in his eyes anyway, this one was only for pride and a potential date. Since Ishi didn't want to chase teenage girls for love, he figured that he could just do whatever while competing. Nothing he would do would necessarily be for the sake of winning, whatever that would entail.

"Hello." He greeted the other two boys would be his competition. One was a popular second year and the other was a first year that he didn't know much about. Given his composure, he was also likely popular with the girls in his class. Depending on whoever this mystery girl was, he'd be likely to be punching above his weight class.

"Wow, so this is Ishi Hirose." The younger one said after they exchanged handshakes.

"Oh yeah, this should really be interesting." His reputation preceded him as neither of those boys hid their curiosity from him. That only irritated him even more, since that meant that the audience were going to be listening in closely to each and every one of his answers to whatever questions would be asked.

"Anyway." Ishi ignored the pair and returned his attention back to Otoya. "Is the girl already here?"

"Oh yeah, I already prepped her for this." Now the only thing left was for the boys to take their seats, and soon the curtains raised to begin this game. There was a massive crowd already standing and watching them. "Welcome everyone!"

Otoya was already a master at being an excellent game show host. He got the audience fired up for a good show and introduced each person in a private manner. "Our lovely lady tonight might have some bite to her, or maybe not. Perhaps her hard shell hides a veil of innocence?" That was an interesting way to put someone, Ishi thought. If those were his words, then that meant he didn't know that girl very well.

The introductions continued until it landed onto Ishi, who was considered the third contestant. "You might think he's a cold person, and you'd be right. I'd like to call it a part of his charm." Is that really what that boy thought of him? Eh, he could live with that. "And now, let's the game begin!"

This little game show was a lot more simplified compared to the real deal. After all, they were only high school students creating a cheap intimation of a large television show production. Though the concept was practically the same with the mystery girl being the one to ask questions. They were separated by her with a thin wall, with only their silhouettes to work on for appearances.

"So, are you happy to be on the show?" The girl asked them. Her voice was modified from the microphone so that they wouldn't be able to determine who she was. That was smart, and he believed that the same would be done for the boys with these headsets they were given.

"Of course I am." They were ordered by their ages, so the first year went first. "I'm really excited to see the crowd from up here." Ishi tried to understand this first question she decided to lead them off with. What was she seeking asking something like this?