Love Under The Spotlight | Oshi no Ko [Hoshino Aqua x OC]

Chapter 47

Opal's new album was now ready. The songs were done, the photobook was ready, and the physical copies were produced; all left to do was shoot the first single's music video. Diamond Entertainment had released a statement announcing Opal would return with a new album soon along with a secret but never-seen-before project. Nothing much was revealed but just enough to garner hype and anticipation. In early October, the single Love & Roll would be released then on December 1st, the album Under The Banner Of Love would be released with another music video.

So sitting at the vanity desk while the staff were getting the set ready, Himeka remained still as she felt the hairs of the brush gently tapping on her eyelids, leaving the eyeshadow powder on her skin. It felt incredibly good to be back working. It could not exactly be said that she was on vacation, but her schedule had been largely clear for the past few months and it was not something she was used to. Truth be told, it sometimes made her feel anxious, staying at home and not releasing music. Her schedule had always been full from sunset to sunrise ever since she became a trainee to the point that proper rest was foreign to her. She did not know what to do with herself when she resting. It was quite sad, in fact.

That aside, being back also allowed the investigation to move forward, which was not something light. It was September already. Only three months were left before the final showdown. She had to move her pieces before Kamiki did.

"Say, Nami-san, I have a question, but it might bring back painful memories," Himeka said.

Nami changed the brush to switch colors, blending the azure blue with a lavender purple. "Hm? What is it?"

"I was doing a bit of ego-surf the other day to see what people's opinions on idol dating, and I saw an article about Kobayashi Honoka. I recognized you in a photograph linked in the article."

Nami's hand froze, probably not expecting Kobayashi Honoka to be brought up. Sadly, ever since she died, people slowly began to forget her as the industry was ever moving.

"Ah... yes." Her voice had lost its natural cheer, quietening into a frail one. "I was still a rookie on the job. I just started in the industry and was an assistant in her makeup team."

If her eye makeup was not being done, Himeka would have widened them in shock. Nami's skills were undeniably sharp and precise and her mind was creative. Straying away from the natural look was not something she was afraid to do and instead liked to propose more extravagant, more fantasy-like ones that still fit perfectly with the theme of the shoot. So to hear that it had only been five years since she started and already made it as chief makeup artist only spoke even more about her talent.

So Himeka's voice jumped an octave when she asked, "It was your first job?"

Nami put the brush away, allowing Himeka to open her eyes, and grabbed a cushion to apply blush. "Yeah, not really the best anecdote...," she said as she gently tapped on Himeka's cheek, depositing the pink powder. "That's how I got the job at Diamond Entertainment. When she died, the entire staff was laid off since, well, we couldn't work anymore so I applied here."

"So I'm only the second idol you've worked with?"

Nami nodded. "Well, I am commissioned by other idols too sometimes, but you are indeed the second idol I'm truly part of the team. But it's very different to work with you."

"Ah? How so?"

The corner of Nami's lips curled down in uncertainty. Her eyes were veiled with a hint of skepticism as if a lingering confusion was finally peaking through again. "The atmosphere here is more welcoming," Nami said. "Kobayashi-san's staff was not mean but the atmosphere was a bit strange sometimes. Everyone knew she was dating but her manager, Tanaka-san, was not supportive of it at all."