Chapter 24

Chapter 24: 024, Maybe We Should Try Going on a Date?

Higuchi Kanako’s question made all three of them laugh. It really did resemble that.

As the agency’s partner, Yoshimura Daitomo carefully explained the advertising concept to her.

“Incredible… a love story like this, and you even created an original song for it?” Higuchi Kanako was genuinely surprised. She had never seen such a novel advertising format before.

“Yes. The demo tape is right here. Naoki-san composed and sang it himself.” Yoshimura Daitomo inserted the cassette into the recorder and pressed play.

After hearing the male vocal demo version of “Sakura Anata ni Deaete Yokatta” (“Sakura — I’m Glad I Met You”), Higuchi Kanako was immediately captivated.

“It’s beautiful… and a little sad too.”

Looking at Nagayama Naoki’s youthful and handsome face, she exclaimed, “Naoki-kun is amazing!”

So in Japan, praise always comes down to calling someone amazing?

“Thank you.”

After understanding the full background, Ito Shuichi explained the script in detail to both leads. Nagayama Naoki listened carefully as well; he only knew the general outline before, and this was also his first time seeing the complete script.

“We’ll go over the details during filming,” the director concluded. The two leads were then taken to makeup.

After more than a month, Nagayama Naoki’s hair had finally grown slightly longer. With a small trim, it suited him perfectly. His fresh and simple clothing already fit the image.

The female lead needed a styling change. Her bob haircut was transformed into shoulder-length urban professional hair, and her wardrobe shifted toward a capable office-woman look.

The first scene took place during cherry blossom season, in the rain. The two characters sheltered under the same eaves, their eyes meeting as feelings quietly began to grow.

The filming location was still inside the studio. A full street set had been constructed, complete with storefront shutters and roof eaves. Some props were even dismantled from real streets and reassembled to look completely authentic. There was a functioning vending machine filled with the new cherry blossom–flavored drink, and early-blooming cherry branches had been specially purchased, blooming brilliantly.

Nagayama Naoki already had experience filming a commercial once before, and Higuchi Kanako was a professional actress. The shoot should have gone smoothly.

But the moment required lingering eye contact and the gradual emergence of emotion.

Ito Shuichi had expected difficulty, yet still found himself muttering “baka… baka…” on set.

After countless NG takes, he finally made the two stand face to face at close distance and repeatedly say, “I like you.”

Even knowing it was only work, both were attractive young people. After repeating the line several times, both faces turned slightly red.

Taking advantage of that natural state, they finally captured all the footage needed for the first scene.

“Naoki-san, Kanako-san, the first scene is finally finished.” Even so, Ito Shuichi remained dissatisfied. “But your chemistry is terrible. The next scene is the honeymoon phase. We need a solution.”

“Sumimasen.” x2

After thinking for a long time, inspiration suddenly struck him.

“Why don’t you two become a couple?”

“Huh?!” x4

Yoshimura Daitomo and Higuchi Kanako’s capable assistant, Koyanagi Marin, shouted at the same time.

“Not a real couple,” Ito Shuichi quickly clarified. “I mean… try going on a date.”

“Huh?” Still x4.

Finally organizing his thoughts, he explained, “Spend time getting to know each other. Become more familiar, build better chemistry.”

“Let’s end today here. The weather isn’t good anyway. Once the weather clears in a few days, we’ll shoot the outdoor scenes.”

After saying this, Ito Shuichi turned and left, leaving the four people staring at each other awkwardly on set.

“Ah… I suddenly have something to do today, so I can’t drive Naoki-san back. I’ll take my leave first.” Veteran Yoshimura Daitomo slipped away immediately.

Only three people remained. Assistant Koyanagi Marin watched Nagayama Naoki with the wary eyes of someone guarding against a thief.

Forced to take the initiative, Nagayama Naoki spoke.

“Well… since it’s necessary for work, it can’t be helped. Kanako-san, are you free tomorrow? It’s the weekend. Let’s go hang out in Takadanobaba.”

Obviously, suggesting a Roppongi nightclub would not be appropriate.

Coincidentally, the disco near that area had already begun construction, and architect Honma Takashi had invited him to check the site when he had time.

Higuchi Kanako lowered her head slightly and replied softly, “Okay, Naoki-kun. See you tomorrow.”

After exchanging phone numbers, Higuchi Kanako left with her assistant.

Nagayama Naoki then went to Sachiko-sensei’s place. He had already taken three lessons with Tokunaga Sachiko. He could now roughly write numbered musical notation and had begun learning staff notation.

Sachiko-sensei also started urging him to choose an instrument. A musician should at least master one instrument.

Piano, electronic keyboard, guitar, saxophone… or perhaps even the shakuhachi to elevate artistic sophistication?

Meanwhile, in the taxi ride home, assistant Koyanagi Marin discussed Nagayama Naoki with Higuchi Kanako.

“Kanako-chan, don’t tell me Nagayama-kun and Ito-kun planned this together to take advantage of you. Dating rumors are bad news for someone whose career is just rising.”

“I don’t think so. Naoki-san looked just as surprised,” Kanako replied. “He gave a good impression… very honest while acting. He doesn’t seem like a playboy.”

“It’s exactly those honest-looking handsome guys who are the most dangerous. Stay alert, Kanako-chan. Don’t get tricked so easily.”

The assistant and Kanako were close in age and had a very friendly relationship.

“That wouldn’t happen…”

Yet when she recalled Nagayama Naoki’s handsome face, her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.

“Ah! Kanako-chan, you’re blushing!”

“I’m not!”

The next morning, Nagayama Naoki arrived at Takadanobaba Station by subway.

After waiting a while, Higuchi Kanako arrived as well, this time without her assistant.

Short hair resting on her shoulders, fitted trousers, a white shirt, and a gray coat. A bright red plaid scarf shimmered under the early spring sunlight. She looked like a true urban woman from the 1980s.

It was clear she had dressed carefully.

In comparison, Nagayama Naoki wore a simple shirt, jacket, and sneakers, youthful and minimalist.

“Kanako-san, over here.” He waved and walked toward her.

“Good morning, Naoki-san.” Her smile looked natural, not professional.

“Good morning. Sorry for dragging you out on a rare weekend.”

“Haha, it’s fine. I didn’t have any plans anyway.”

“Have you been around here before?”

“Once or twice. I study at Joshibi University of Art and Design, so I don’t usually come here.”

“Eh? Kanako-san is still a university student?”

Their conversation continued naturally as they wandered through street shops. Before long, both of them were carrying small purchases.

Nagayama Naoki bought takoyaki again, something he seemed to eat every time he went out.

The weekend student district was full of young people with nothing urgent to do, laughing and playing in small groups.

Nagayama Naoki and Higuchi Kanako blended effortlessly into the crowd of youth.

Talking and laughing together, they looked almost exactly like a real couple on a date.