Love Live!: SHATTER [PART 9]

PATER:

*HALL - PATER - SHINJUKU - TOKYO*

Walking into a place like this felt surreal. Not because of the velvet curtains or soft lighting, or the fact that everyone inside looked like they belonged on the cover of some magazine Karin would pose for...

No.

It was because of all people, Taiki Himekawa, the fastest rising male actor in the country was casually guiding us through the place like it was his house.

TAIKI: "I'll be honest, Katayose-san, I didn't expect to see you visit a place like this."

FENIX: "Haha, me? Oh, y'know, I'm a man of culture and refinement."

TAIKI: "You've made it clear before that you hate host and hostess establishments."

After that comment, Fenix's ego deflated a little.

FENIX: "I'm not here to stare and talk to pretty girls, Himekawa. Tonight I'm purely on business, there's someone here with helpful information."

TAIKI: "That's what you've cashed Kindaichi-san's favor for? Feels like a waste."

TAKABE: "Don't look at me, it was Fenix's idea. We're trying to help the upstart."

AKI: "Hi."

TAIKI: "Uh-huh. Well, just stay out of trouble. I come here often and the girls are cute."

FENIX: "Oh, trust me. Tonight? Smooth sailing!"

Himekawa hummed, unconvinced, then glanced at him again.

TAIKI: "Speaking of... How's your sister?"

Fenix's smile softened, like someone just switched him from 'idol-mode' to 'little brother-mode.'

FENIX: "Ah, Yura. I know about the rumors, but they were completely blown up."

TAKABE: "Don't you think we deserve an explanation after you made us worry about you?"