Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 21: LoveNow !

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the set in a warm glow, the crew of "LoveNow" a popular reality dating show, buzzed with anticipation. It was the eve of the first episode, and excitement filled the air as they meticulously prepared for the big event.

Akane Kurokawa, stood amid the bustling crew, feeling a mix of nerves and bewilderment. She had never imagined herself on a reality dating show, and now, with cameras and crew members surrounding her, she couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place.

As she watched the busy production team, Akane overheard snippets of conversations discussing camera angles, lighting adjustments, and the grand entrance each contestant would make. The set was a picturesque garden adorned with twinkling lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere that would surely captivate the viewers.

Taking a deep breath, Akane tried to calm her nerves, reminding herself that she had willingly chosen to be part of this show. She knew she wanted to explore new possibilities, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone. "I can do this," she whispered to herself, mustering some reassurance.

As she glanced around, she noticed another girl speaking to the crew, appearing just as anxious as she was. Intrigued, Akane decided to approach her and offer a friendly greeting. "Hi there," she said with a warm smile, trying to establish a connection amidst the bustling set. "I'm Akane Kurokawa. Are you feeling as nervous as I am?"

"Hi, Akane! I'm Yuki Sumi," the other girl responded with a friendly smile, relieved to have someone approach her amidst the chaos. "Oh, I've heard about your acting career and I'm really excited to work alongside you on 'LoveNow.' It's a bit overwhelming, isn't it? But don't worry, we've got this!"

Yuki's warm and social demeanour instantly put Akane at ease, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendly encounter. "Thank you, Yuki," Akane replied, feeling a wave of camaraderie. "Yes, it's definitely a lot to take in, but I'm eager to embrace this experience and see where it leads"

As Akane and Yuki continued to chat, a third girl with a bubbly personality approached them with a cheerful wave. "Hey there, lovely ladies! I couldn't resist joining this party!" she exclaimed with a playful wink. "The name's Mem-Cho. Mind if I join your little nervous-but-excited club?"

Akane and Yuki exchanged amused glances before welcoming Mem-Cho with warm smiles. "Of course, Mem-Cho! The more, the merrier," Akane replied, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease a little. "We're just getting acquainted, and it's nice to have a friendly face around."

As Akane, Yuki, and Mem-Cho continued chatting and laughing amongst themselves, the atmosphere on the set began to buzz even more. The crew's excitement heightened as they prepared for the entrance of the male contestants. Cameras were positioned strategically to capture every moment, and the garden set glowed with an enchanting aura, adding to the anticipation.

As the time for the male contestants' arrival drew near, the three girls instinctively paused their conversation and turned their attention towards the entrance. They couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves, wondering who they would be interacting with during their time on "LoveNow."

First to arrive was Nobuyuki Kumano, a handsome and charismatic young man who seemed at ease in front of the cameras. He exchanged playful banter with the crew, making them laugh and further adding to his charm.

Next came Kengo Morimoto with a disarming smile that immediately caught everyone's attention. He greeted the production team with a confident yet friendly demeanour, which set a positive tone for the night.

The third contestant to make his entrance was Aqua Hoshino, a reserved yet intriguing individual with a mysterious air about him. His enigmatic aura piqued the girls' curiosity, leaving them intrigued to learn more about him.