Chapter 15

Before we know it, the three of us found ourselves heading out into the city.

I thought it would be bad if I were found out to be a guy, but it seems we decided to pass me off as a distant relative of Kiyokawa. I tilt my head, wondering if such a ruse would work, but apparently, it might just do the trick.

This story involves a certain idol, who apparently managed to pass off her boyfriend as her brother when he was discovered, and it worked out fine.

"Politeness and a good excuse will make everyone understand," Kiyokawa said with a smile.

Her smile was a bit unsettling, as if she was hiding something. It made me feel a little uneasy, and my ideal image of idols was slightly shaken.

"…Not only are we not found out, but no one even looks at us."

I muttered this, glancing at the people passing by.

Even though I’m dressed plainly, I have two popular idols by my side. It feels strange that we’re not getting any attention.

"Once you take off the idol label, it’s surprisingly like this. If you hide your face, you won’t stand out," Kusakabe said.

"Is that how it works?"

"Yeah, you’re only interested because you know it’s us. If you didn’t know, you probably wouldn’t even notice us passing by."

Kusakabe lifted her cap and smiled brightly.

I remember that even when RinKa was in disguise, she didn’t stand out at all.

No matter how popular an idol is, they don’t have a divine glow (unless it’s in your mind). When they act normally, they’re just regular girls.

"Ah, aren’t you Nana and Ayane from Star Mai?"

Just as I thought this, a high school girl called out to us from behind. Actually, there were two of them. Their uniforms were different from ours, so they must be from another school.

…We’re being recognized, aren’t we?

"Is that Ayane? The refined lady?"

"Um, I don’t know what you’re talking about…"

Kiyokawa pulled her cap down low, looking around nervously. …Hey, what happened to her confident attitude from before?

I hope she’s not the type who can’t handle unexpected situations.

"That voice, it’s definitely Ayane! Your voice is so beautiful! It’s just like a lady’s!"

"I’m not a lady… (falsetto)"

…This is hopeless. It’s too late to use a falsetto now.

The two high school girls were excited to meet their idol.

If this continues, we might draw attention from passersby and cause a commotion.

Kusakabe, perhaps sensing the same thing, spoke up.

"Sorry, we just want to enjoy our day today."

"Ah, I’m sorry! I got carried away…"

"No, I’m not angry, don’t worry. Thank you for always supporting us!"

She smiled brightly and shook the first girl’s hand, then the second’s.

They were moved, their faces beaming with joy.

"Um, Ayane… can I shake your hand too?"

"Sure, of course. Thank you for your support."

Kiyokawa couldn’t refuse the polite request and shook their hands.

Star☆Mai seems to be very good at fan service. They didn’t make any unpleasant faces and even smiled like angels.

…I’m interacting with some amazing girls. It really hit me.

"Um, can I shake your hand too?"

"…Huh?"

What’s going on here?

One of the high school girls reached out to shake my hand.

I almost spoke, but I would be found out by my voice. I quickly shut my mouth and remained silent.

"Is… is it okay…?"

The high school girl looked up at me with worried eyes. She was just a regular girl, but I felt a sudden urge to protect her.

To cover up the situation, I shook her hand. Her hand was slightly sweaty.

"Thank you so much! I’ll never wash this hand again!"

The high school girl beamed with hope, bowed deeply, and then left with her friend.

"…Why did she want to shake my hand?"

"Maybe she thought you were an idol too. She probably mistook you for one because you were with us."

"No way."

"Kazuki, you’re so cute right now. It’s not surprising she made a mistake."

I didn’t find that at all flattering. I felt bad for the high school girl. She shook hands with a guy who’s just a gaming addict.

"Kiyokawa, I have something to say."

"Y-Yes?"

"You’re being recognized right away, aren’t you…!"

"Well, it happens sometimes. It’s nice to know our dedicated fans pay close attention to us."

"What do you mean by ‘Once you take off the idol label, it’s surprisingly like this’? Cute girls stand out no matter what."

Attractive people naturally stand out, and good personalities show in their demeanor and appearance.

Charming people are more visible than you think.

"Hey, aren’t those Kazuki’s friends?"

"Huh?"

Kusakabe pointed, and I turned to look. Across the street, at a bookstore, I saw a bespectacled guy and a chubby guy entering. …Saito and Tachibana.

"Wado-senpai, I have an idea."

"Rejected."

"But I haven’t even said anything yet!?"

"You’re going to tell me to avoid being recognized by them, right?"

"Wow, you’re good. Your intuition is really sharp in situations like this."

"Anyone would figure it out in this situation…"

Kiyokawa’s unusually cheerful smile made me feel thoroughly exasperated. She’s definitely enjoying this.

"Kazuki, you can do it! If you’re not recognized by your friends, your cross-dressing is perfect!"

Kusakabe made a cute fist pump.

Stop it, don’t send me to hell with that innocent smile.

"Alright, Wado-senpai! The next quest is ‘Don’t let your friends recognize your cross-dressing!’ The reward is a 100-yen drink. Good luck!"

"Stop talking like it’s a game. And the reward is too cheap."

I realized it.

I’m definitely being toyed with.