The Nonfiction That Only You Know

Chapter 29

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/06/22

Love Mill suffered enormous damage from this scandal.
The members not only lost their work but the public's trust in the group has been shattered.

Above all, the amount of slander against each member keeps increasing day by day.

It might not be so bad if the insults only remained on message boards and similar outlets.
However, they're constantly getting hate even on their blogs and in direct messages. There's no way to avoid them.

Perhaps it's because things couldn't continue like this that all the members have been gathered here in the office today.

Maybe this meeting is to focus on their mental care.

"...I can't take this anymore."

One of them says it.
Clutching her head, she lets out a terribly pained voice.

This member egosurfs on a daily basis, so she's been overwhelmed by all the hate.

Not only on personal social media accounts but even the comments sections of their blogs are also filled with hateful messages.

Though there certainly are messages of support, the comments of antis are much more visible.

One terrible comment leaves a much stronger mark in the members' minds now than 100 supportive comments.

"Isn't it already over for us?"

Their leader Fuuka taps the shoulder of the disheartened member.

Even though she must also be extremely worried as well, she tries to keep it together on the surface.

"What we can do now is to cherish the few fans that are barely remaining in front of us. Then, we'll eventually be able to perform as we have up until now."
"But people are saying we were also in on it... there are even rumors like Minami being the ringleader."

There's fake news on the internet that decided to put a comedic spin on the story when reporting it.
Even Chiho has seen some fake articles that have framed her as the main culprit.

She opens her mouth to the members who are speaking.
She may have thought she was used to slander, but that's not the case at all.

It hurts to see those harsh words and there are times when she would cry.

She has even considered quitting.
Up until now, she has never thought about such a thing.

"...Even if we try to defend ourselves now, no one will believe what we say. We've already updated our blogs with the official statement and apology, didn't we? That's why all we have left to do now is to show results."
"Eh...?"
"We'll work just as hard, no, even harder than we have been up until now so that everyone will think they don't want us to disappear after all... don't look at any hateful comments. If you happen to see any, let the manager take care of your smartphone."

There's no way that Chiho is completely fine.
She's seen so many insults directed at her. Some even tell her to die.

Everyone is extremely distressed by this incident.
Despite that, they do not quit for the sake of Love Mill... and the people who support Love Mill.

Love Mill's fans must also surely be feeling very ashamed because of this scandal.

People have even been insulting their fans for continuing to support them.

That is why they have to take everything back.

They need to regain the trust they lost not only for Love Mill but for the people who support Love Mill as well.