Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 19

(Y/n)'s POV

"I'm sorry, I have to go to my other job. You two are okay with hanging out together, right?"
"Yeah, we'll be fine, right Iori?" Riku said.
"Yeah, don't worry about us."
"Alright, bye."
"See you later, (Y/n)!" Riku called.

Flashing a smile towards the two, I waved as I turned around. The loud roaring of a motorcycle grew near as it zoomed past, shattering my balance. A pair of strong arms steadied me as they held onto my shoulders.

"Yo."
"Momo, what are you-"
"Oh, didn't Trigger tell you? We're doing a collab on a live variety show. That motorcycle was a part of it."

He stole a glance at the cameramen hidden behind a few bushes, catching their signal as they nodded. An excited grin graced Momo's face as he whispered a 'play along' into my ear.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I'm sure you all know who I am!" Momo exclaimed as he took off his sunglasses and mask.

Shrieks and cries of fans reverberated across the plaza as they crowded around, snapping pictures here and there. Our faces were broadcasted onto the giant screens adorning the tall buildings as Momo placed an arm around my shoulder.

"The motorcycle that just zoomed past stole my wallet and this poor girl's phone! We need your help! Help us stop him! Yuki and the members of Trigger have also had their belongings stolen by this motorcycle gang!" announced Momo.

Various murmurs shifted around, all enthusiastic and filled with overwhelming excitement. Crowds and crowds of people began to move, chasing down the man in question.

Surreptitiously sparing a few looks at the man beside me, I wondered how much effort it had taken for Re:vale to reach where they were now. How they could hold so much influence over so many people...

"Thanks for the help, (Y/n)-chan. I'll let you go now," Momo whispered as girls began screaming for him to notice them.

He slipped away, waving his arms with a happy smile as he greeted his fans. I felt intense staring into the back of my head. I turned around to find Riku gazing at me with an open mouth. Iori immediately forced it closed.

I flashed a small smile before disappearing into the wave of people. An unexpected encounter with Re:vale's Momo was sure to shock anyone. Yet with parents like mine, I had grown somewhat desensitised from the excitement that came with fame.

I immediately called Anesagi, annoyed that she hadn't told me any details regarding this live variety show. I was their assistant manager for pete's sake! This was unacceptable. I could not allow another blunder on my part.

"Anesagi, you didn't tell me anything about this!"
"Geez, you and that brother of yours, always stubborn and hotheaded. Gaku told me to keep it from you. If you want to pick a fight, do it with him."
"Why?"
"He said something about you having too much on your mind. Anyway, now that you know about this, I suggest you hurry up and help. This is tiring enough without you complaining about everything."

Gaku-nii...as much it warmed my heart, I would have to show him how capable I was. The cameramen managed to catch my attention, gesturing towards Momo. Seemed like they knew who I was.

I gave a discreet nod. A young boy following them passed a notebook into my hands and bowed before chasing after his superiors. Hurriedly skimming through the pages, I hammered the schedule into my memory.

Anesagi was with Tenn now. I had to go to Yuki and direct the staff there and soon lead them to Gaku-nii. Taking a deep breath, I wound through masses of limbs and faces.

Heading down the street, taking a right then a left. Yuki's long silver hair caught my eye. A kind smile tugged at the corners of his lips as fans graciously let him through, forging a path to the motorcycle.

A tap on my shoulder made me turn around. A staff member handed me an earpiece attached to a microphone. I thanked them and put it on, hearing various instructions coming from the director.

"This is Trigger's assistant manager speaking. Who's in charge of Yuki's footage?"
"I am," came a male voice.
"Zoom in on his face and the fans around him. Make sure you emphasise their relationship."
"Yes ma'am."
"Yuki, can you hear me?"

I saw him give an 'okay' sign with his hand as a fan gestured for him to head down the path.

"Alright, your main goal is to get to the motorcycle. Interacting with your fans is great but that can come after. This show is supposed to be dramatic."

Biting my lip, hands wavering slightly. Had I crossed the line? I was only an assistant manager, and of Trigger. Did I have any right to direct him like that?

"You with Trigger?" came a new voice.
"Yes sir."
"I'm Re:vale's manager. I heard that you're quite experienced."
"Well, yes. I have worked in this field for some time."
"Good job. I wouldn't have expected anything less from the girl Trigger holds in high regard."
"Thank you."

With newfound determination, I continued to direct various staff. As soon as Yuki reached the trapped motorcycle, Gaku-nii appeared at the end of the street...riding a motorcycle himself (let's just say he can for the sake of the story).

This wasn't in the script at all. Just leave it to him to make us improvise. Fans screamed in excitement as he zoomed past and stopped beside Yuki. He raked a hand through his hair as he took his helmet off.

"Gaku-nii, don't tell me you stole that motorcycle from..."
"Damn right I did," he replied cockily.
"*sigh* You..."
"What? It's faster than walking on foot. Besides, it's better that you're occupied so that dad can't single you out. It'll disrupt the flow of the show if he did."
"Anyway, I think Yuki's having trouble keeping all the fans away from you. You better get going."
"See ya."

Right, time to make this the best variety show Trigger and Re:vale had to offer.