[28] You look an Awful lot like Ai

Producer Kaburagi strides towards us, a champagne flute in one hand and a gleam in his eye that makes me uneasy.

"There's been something nagging at my brain," he says, studying our faces intently. "Has anyone ever told you that you both look an awful lot like Ai?"

Ai. The legendary idol. I've heard the comparisons before, but hearing it from Kaburagi feels different. More significant somehow.

I glance at Aqua, expecting to see the same surprise on his face. Instead, his expression is carefully blank, giving nothing away.

"I've heard that before," I say carefully. "It's flattering, but I don't really see it myself."

Kaburagi laughs. "Modest as always, Akira. But trust me, the resemblance is uncanny. It's like looking at a young male version of Ai herself."

Aqua's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "I'll take that as a compliment," he says, his voice neutral.

Kaburagi nods, a knowing smile on his face. "You should! After all, I got to see her up close pretty often back then."

I sense a shift in Aqua's demeanor, his posture stiffening slightly. But Kaburagi seems oblivious, still grinning at his own memories.

Aqua leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "You saw her up close? What kind of relationship did you have with Ai?"

Kaburagi takes a sip of his drink before answering. "We worked together while I was acting as an intermediary for fashion magazine models. I also sent jobs her way, looked after her in various ways." He winks, a sly expression on his face. "I introduced her to clients, recommended restaurants when she wanted to meet up with a guy without her agency knowing."

Aqua's jaw clenches. "Do you know who she was meeting?"

I open my mouth, ready to intervene, but something stops me. Sometimes it's better to sit back and observe. Not everything needs a response.

Kaburagi raises an eyebrow at Aqua. "Are you a fan of Ai? You're interested in gossip even now?"

Aqua nods curtly. "I am."

Kaburagi studies him for a moment, then shrugs. "I don't mind telling you. But I want something in return." His gaze slides to me, a calculating gleam in his eye. "You two have beautiful faces that resemble Ai. Would you be interested in doing a dating show?"

I feel a sinking sensation in my gut. Of course he's trying to rope me into this somehow. But I know my worth.

"How many episodes?" I ask, keeping my voice casual. "And how much per episode for me?"

Kaburagi grins, clearly pleased by my interest. "Industry rate for Aqua would be around 75,000 yen per episode. But you, Akira... you're the hottest new actor on the scene. With your ability to draw viewership, we could offer 750,000 yen per episode."

I whistle lowly. That's a hefty sum. Kaburagi continues, outlining the concept.

"The show is about a cast of high school students in the performing arts department. They bond and interact through various events on the weekends, seeing if they become intimate by the end. We'd cast you and Aqua as cousins, using your resemblance to each other and the same last name."

I glance at Aqua, trying to gauge his reaction. His face is impassive, but I can see the gears turning behind his eyes.

"So," Kaburagi says, clapping his hands together. "What do you say, boys? Ready to become Japan's favorite cousins?"

I hesitate, my mind racing. A dating show? While I have a girlfriend? It feels... questionable, to say the least.

"I'll need to talk to Marin first," I say slowly. "Taking a job like this while in a relationship is kind of..."

Kaburagi waves a dismissive hand. "Of course, of course. Discuss it with your lovely lady. But don't take too long - an opportunity like this won't wait forever."

He turns to Aqua, raising an eyebrow. "And you? Ready to hear some secrets about dear old Ai?"

Aqua's eyes flash with something I can't quite read. Anger? Pain? Curiosity? Maybe all three.

"I'll think about it," he says finally, his tone clipped.

Kaburagi shrugs, seemingly unfazed by Aqua's coldness. "Fair enough. You boys let me know what you decide. In the meantime..." He raises his glass, a wicked grin on his face. "Enjoy the party! You've earned it."

With that, he saunters off, disappearing into the crowd. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Well," I say, turning to Aqua. "That was... something."

Aqua nods, his brow furrowed. "Indeed. Kaburagi seems to have a lot of insider knowledge about Ai."

I study him for a moment, trying to piece together the puzzle. "You seem particularly interested in her. Any reason why?"

Aqua hesitates, then shakes his head. "Just a fan, like I said. Her story has always intrigued me."

I sense there's more to it than that, but I don't push. We all have our secrets, after all.

"So," I say, changing the subject. "A dating show, huh? What do you think?"

Aqua shrugs, his expression unreadable. "It's a lot of money. And the exposure could be good for both of us."

I nod, considering. He's not wrong. But still...

"I don't know," I say, running a hand through my hair. "It feels weird, pretending to date other people when I'm with Marin. Even if it is just for a show."

Aqua gives me a sideways glance. "You really care about her, don't you?"

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of Marin. "Yeah. I do. She's... special."

Aqua nods, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Then talk to her. See how she feels. If she's not comfortable with it, then there's your answer."

I raise an eyebrow, surprised by his advice. "And if she is okay with it? What then?"

Aqua shrugs again. "Then I guess we have a decision to make."

I blow out a breath, my mind whirling. A dating show. With Aqua as my cousin. And the promise of secrets about Ai Hoshino.

It's a lot to process.

Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, I feel a hand on my arm. I turn to see Marin and Kana returning, their cheeks flushed and eyes bright.

"Hey," Marin says, slipping her hand into mine. "What did we miss?"

I exchange a glance with Aqua, a silent question passing between us. Do we tell them?

Aqua gives a small shake of his head. Later, his eyes seem to say.

I turn back to Marin, forcing a smile. "Nothing much. Just catching up with Aqua."

Marin studies my face for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. She can always tell when I'm holding something back.

But before she can question me further, a loud voice cuts through the chatter.

"Attention, everyone!" Kaburagi stands on a small stage at the front of the room, tapping a microphone. "I have an announcement to make."

The room falls silent, all eyes turning to the producer. He grins, clearly relishing the attention.

"First of all, I want to thank you all for your hard work on 'Sweet Today.' It's been an incredible journey, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished."

A round of applause breaks out, whoops and cheers echoing through the space. Kaburagi waits for it to die down before continuing.

"But tonight, we're not just celebrating the end of one chapter. We're looking ahead to the next." His gaze finds mine in the crowd, a knowing glint in his eye. "And trust me when I say, it's going to be even bigger and better than before."

Murmurs of excitement ripple through the room. I feel Marin's hand tighten on mine, her curiosity palpable.

Kaburagi holds up a hand for silence. "I don't want to give too much away just yet. But let's just say, we've got some very exciting projects in the works. And some of your favorite faces-" he nods in my direction, then Aqua's "-will be front and center."

More murmurs, more speculative glances. I keep my expression neutral, even as my heart pounds in my chest.

What is Kaburagi playing at? Is he really going to announce the dating show right here, right now?

But he just smiles, raising his glass in a toast. "To the future of 'Sweet Today,' and all the incredible talent that makes it possible. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" the room echoes, glasses clinking.

As the party settles back into its previous rhythm, Marin turns to me, her eyes wide.

"What was that about? What exciting projects?"

I lean in close, my lips brushing Marin's ear. "We'll talk about it at home," I whisper, my voice low and reassuring. "I promise."

Marin pulls back slightly, searching my face. Her eyes are a mix of curiosity and concern, but she nods, trusting me. "Okay. At home."

I press a quick kiss to her forehead, trying to convey without words that everything will be alright. That we'll figure this out together, like we always do.

Marin leans into the touch, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm holding you to that, mister. No wriggling out of it."

I chuckle, the tension in my chest easing slightly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As we rejoin the party, mingling and laughing with our co-stars and friends, I can't shake the feeling of Kaburagi's eyes on me. Watching, calculating, waiting for my answer.

But I push it to the back of my mind, determined to enjoy this moment. To bask in the glow of our success, the warmth of Marin's hand in mine.

The future can wait. Tonight, we celebrate.