With a Strum of My Heart Strings

Lads, Are you Down for a Deal Tonight?

When Shinsou was finally feeling well enough, Denki led him out of the back of the restaurant. He knew he wouldn't be able to perform, mostly since he had embarrassed himself, but they couldn't stay back there forever. They'd get caught by a staff member at one point or another, anyways.

Once the two were back out into the open restaurant area, they didn't expect to see Jirou and Bakugou talking with a stranger dressed in a black suit and blue tie. He didn't stick out too much, though Denki felt his gut churn as he realized that the man must be the producer.

Kaminari looked to Shinsou, who had by now seen them. He made eye contact with Denki quickly before slowly walking over to his band, the blond on his heels.

The producer turned to greet them as they approached, shaking Shinsou's hand.

"Shinsou Hitoshi, correct?" he asked. Shinsou nodded. "I'm Iida Tenya, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kaminari could tell Shinsou was nervous. He watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed.

"Look, Mr. Iida. I'm very sorry about--" Iida put his hand up to halt his speech.

"An apology is not necessary. I understand the predicament you were in." Shinsou's tense shoulders relaxed at that.

"Thank you."

"Of course." Iida turned back to Jirou and Bakugou. "Do you think you could excuse us for a moment?" The two shared a glance, looking at Hitoshi, who just shrugged, before walking away. Denki took that as his cue to leave as well, but Shinsou grabbed his sleeve.

"Can he stay?" he asked. Iida seemed to contemplate it before breathing out a sigh.

"I suppose, though he has to make sure this conversation stays confidential." Denki immediatly nodded.

"I won't tell anyone," he said. Iida seemed happy with that response.

"Listen, Mr. Shinsou. I have an offer for you." Denki felt a rush of surprise as Iida continued. "I think you have a magnificent voice, though it could need some work. We could use a deep, raw voice like yours in the music industry. I'll make you a deal." Kaminari looked to Hitoshi, who seemed to be listening intently. "I can sell you a record label. We could start with just one album to see how well you do. I can't guarantee you'd be a huge success, but you would receive ten to fifteen percent of the profit you make from the album sales, minus packaging costs." Denki didn't understand half of what the man was saying, but the look on Shinsou's face told him it was a good thing.

"That's... incredible," Shinsou said, a smile playing at his lips. "But why did you send away Jirou and Bakugou? They're part of the band as well." Iida averted his eyes.

"You see--" He hesitated for a moment. "They're both great musicians, but I can't see the potential in them that I see in you. I hope you can recognize that." Shinsou's smile faltered as Kaminari felt his stomach drop.

"So you just want me? Not all three of us?" Iida nodded. Hitoshi's telltale hand came up to his neck. Crap. This wasn't good. "I don't know if I can do that."

Iida sighed, "I can give you some time to think. I just don't want those two to hold you back. You can achieve great things, Shinsou." Iida handed him his business card. "Here's my information. You have two weeks." And with that, Iida walked off and out of the building before Shinsou or Kaminari could say anything else.

The two stood there in silence for a moment, processing the encounter, before Shinsou asked, "What am I going to do?" He rubbed his temples. Hitoshi was probably asking himself, but Denki answered anyways, grabbing Shinsou's hand and intertwining their fingers, causing him to slightly flinch.