The Case Where I, the Manager, Became More Popular After Standing on Stage as a Substitute for an Idol Who Got Injured Just Before the Live Performance

“I appreciate it, you curious candidate. With this change, it looks like I can pass the second round with good results.”

After swapping their assigned idols, the aspiring manager and Hanamiya rebooked their photo shoot reservation at the studio and Hanamiya burst into laughter when she saw the disheartened idol still huddled in her trench coat.

“Goodness…ha ha, what’s with this girl? Even though she’s crying, her makeup isn’t smudged; that’s quite a mystery. It turns out she probably didn’t wear any makeup in the first place! Maybe she applied on a whim without understanding the seriousness of this. This isn’t just a game, you know?”

The girl in the trench coat blushed and stood up, apologizing to the examiner.

“I’m s-sorry! I’ll withdraw, so could you find a replacement idol? I don’t want this change to make him fail the exam because of me…”

The girl seemed taller than expected when she stood up, perhaps around 170 cm.

“No, that won’t do. Part of a manager’s job is to capture their idols’ best shots. If he can’t handle the photo shoot, it simply means he lacks the necessary skills.”

“B-but…”

“It’s too early to give up. We already reserved the photo shoot studio, so let’s think about what to do until then.”

I took her away from others to a secluded spot and bought warm cocoa from a vending machine. We both sat on a bench together.

“Drinking warm beverages helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system and allows you to relax. Here, have some and calm down,” I said.

“Thank you…” She replied with a relieved expression as she took a sip.

After taking a sip of the warm drink, the girl in the trench coat let out a sigh of relief.

“My name is Makoto Sugiura, and what’s your name?”

“M-My name is Makoto Nitanda. I’m really sorry…I’m just no good at this…” She replied as she lowered her head in apology.

Seeing her react that way, I couldn’t help feeling even more upset at the guy who had been so harsh to her.

Nitanda laughed with a hint of self-deprecation. “Haha, it’s just taking off this coat and getting a photo taken…I can’t even do something so simple. I guess being an idol is just impossible for me.” 

I shook my head firmly in response. “It’s not a simple thing. The significance of a problem can only be truly understood by the person experiencing it. I want to solve this problem together with you. So, to the best of your ability…can you talk to me about it?”

As I said that, Nitanda tightly grasped the can of cocoa and started to open up hesitantly.

“I’ve always lived thinking I was a boy. I’m tall, and I loved sports, so I was always running around with my male friends chasing after a soccer ball.”

Nitanda continued speaking slowly.

“But…when I reached middle school, I finally realized that I was actually a girl. My body started to change and I started liking cute clothes and accessories. But I couldn’t just suddenly act like a girl, I didn’t know how to make friends either.”

She spoke without trying to hide anything, perhaps because she trusted me so I listened attentively, taking her words seriously.

“I’m sure I don’t fit in well with others around me. Even now, I always feel people’s eyes on me. I’ve even been secretly photographed by someone’s smartphone while just walking around,” she said.

A trauma related to being seen by others, I suppose…

Nitanda had just recently graduated from middle school. Her emotional struggles must be significant.

“So, right after starting middle school, I ended up becoming a shut-in. However, I secretly admired girl idols on TV in my room. I wanted to be cute and confident like them. That’s why I applied. Haha, as that girl said, my reason for applying was just a spur of the moment thing…”

Her body trembled slightly and I could tell that speaking to me required a great deal of courage from her.

“I’m tall, and I couldn’t even bring myself to wear the skirt of my school uniform. So, the thought of suddenly wearing such revealing outfits and drawing attention from so many people…it’s terrifying,” she continued.

The designated idol outfit for this test was a crop top and a mini skirt, which indeed exposed a lot of skin—something that would be challenging for someone with her traumas.

I tried to encourage Nitanda, “Being seen by many people is scary for anyone and Nitanda, you’re taking this entrance exam because you want to change yourself, right? That’s a wonderful reason, and it’s something that no one can undermine.”

“Sugiura…” She uttered my name.

“You can’t let anyone else deny your desire to become an idol. What matters is your own feelings.” I reassured her.

“Thank you! I’ll do my best, no matter what!” Nitanda looked at me with teary eyes.

Now, what should we do?

In the photography studio, there were, of course, multiple examiners present to check the shooting process. There was no avoiding being seen by them during the shoot.

While I was contemplating, Nitanda muttered hesitantly, stealing glances at me.

“Um…w-well, I’m actually wearing the idol outfit under my coat. Nobody is here, so I think I can show it…only to you, Sugiura…”

“No, it’s okay. I’m happy that you’re willing to try your best, but I don’t want to push you into something uncomfortable,” I replied.

“I-I have this feeling that even in the changing room, the other girls were staring at me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been outside, and maybe I look strange in this idol outfit…so, I want you to see and confirm it for me…”

“If that’s the case, and if it’s alright with you, then, I’ll do it.” I offered.

“I-I want you to do it! It’s just…you’re kind.” She replied.

With that, Nitanda unbuttoned and took off her coat, revealing her idol outfit. However, it seemed that she couldn’t bear the embarrassment, as she immediately blushed and put the coat back on.

“H-How is it?! Does it look weird?!” She asked anxiously.

Seeing Nitanda in her idol outfit, I unintentionally froze.

“…Sugiura?”

“Ah, yeah! It looks great! This is a step forward!”

“Really? Hehe, I’m glad I could show it to you, even if it’s just you!”

I celebrated Nitanda’s growth as she took a step forward on her own.

Now, I understand the reason behind Nitanda always feeling others’ gazes on her. She believed it was because she looked strange and didn’t fit in, but the reality was different.

In truth, Nitanda had a “too good” figure that unintentionally drew people’s attention.

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