Love Live!: SHATTER [PART 9]

GOOD FOR NOTHING:

*STREETS - KABUKICHO - SHINJUKU - TOKYO*

Just to the side of me, tucked away out of sight, a shady-looking geezer in a cheap suit was talking to a young girl who couldn't have been older than middle school.

He was smiling too wide, adjusting his glasses with sausage-like fingers while gesturing excitedly. Something about 'model scouting' and 'exclusive idol management opportunities' and 'quick cash for photoshoots.'

My stomach twisted. As someone who's researched the red flags of idol scouts, this one was screaming crimson to me.

I've dealt with situations like this before to protect my friends, but I don't even know this girl...

Even so, I can't stand here and let her sign her life away.

AKI: "Hey, don't listen to him."

The girl turned toward me, eyes wide and uncertain. The old man's fake-friendly smile dropped instantly.

AKI: "That pitch is full of holes.

TENDO: "Ohoho, pay this young man no attention, he doesn't know what he's talking about."

AKI: "Like hell I don't. No legitimate agency recruits girls off the street at night like this. No contract details, no business card with a real office address, and I bet he's pushing you to go somewhere private right now? That's not how real idol management works. He's lying to you.

The man's face turned beet red. He adjusted his glasses again, stepping closer with a threatening glare.

TENDO: "Who the hell do you think you are, brat?! You have no idea who I am!"

...

*LAST SUMMER*