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

“What the…?”

On both TV and social media, all I heard were voices wishing for me to return to the stage but all I wanted was to support idols.

It’s not about me shining. But it’s about assisting idols who want to shine, and to bring smiles to people. That was the irreplaceable assistance I wanted to provide.

“I’m sorry… It’s all because I caused trouble. At this rate, I…”

“…”

Kazuhiko, who was on the other end of the phone, remained silent, anticipating my response.

In this situation, I could no longer be by their side.

I gathered my courage and spoke what I had in mind.

“I’m quitting as Charlotte’s manager. I’m sorry I couldn’t take all of you to the top of the idol world.”

“I see. Just wait at the agency for a moment.”

“…”

“Yes, understood.”

***

A few hours later, the members of “Charlotte”, excluding Atsushi who couldn’t make it, came to the agency.

It seemed like they’re throwing a farewell party for me.

“There were TV cameras everywhere outside the agency.”

“I put up a sign prohibiting interviews, so I think it’s fine as long as you don’t go outside.”

Ren and Kazuma said as they brought cakes and pizza.

“Well, it was a special occasion. It can’t be helped. This will be the start of your new beginning after all.”

Tomoya said that as he took out a bottle of high-end fruit juice from his bag. Somehow, it resembled wine.

“T-thank you, everyone! For doing something like this for me…”

I replied moved by their actions and the members scratched their heads awkwardly.

“Well, uh, from now on, we’ll change our hearts and do our best in our idol activities.”

“Yeah, seeing the smiles of everyone in the audience, that was the first time I saw it.”

“We finally understood why we’re doing this idol thing. It’s to make everyone smile.”

“And for that, you’ve been working so hard all along…”

The members said, apologizing and bowing their heads for their treatment of me until now.

“Hey, if you’re willing, would you like to join us?”

“Kazuma! Stop it! Looking back at our actions, this is the expected outcome.”

“Yeah, we shouldn’t hold back Sugiura, the shitty manager, anymore.”

“The story of the popular idol “X”, Sugiura, starts from here!”

Saying that, everyone smiled and raised their fruit juice for a toast, leaving me puzzled.

“Huh? Are you saying that I’ll become an idol? But I don’t want to be an idol myself.”

“W-what?”

The room fell silent, and the sound of a cork popping from a bottle, labeled Kyupon, echoed in the office.

Unfortunately, I was greedier than the members of “Charlotte”. Seeing the smiles of the audience wasn’t enough, I also want to see the delighted expressions of the idols who made them smile.

I wanted them both.

The members started bombarding me with questions.

“But then you’re going to have to search for another idol… What are you going to do? Do you already have another agency lined up?”

“Nope! For now, I plan to attend high school!”

“High school…? How old are you, Sugiura?”

“I’m the same age as all of you, sixteen! I’ll be one year behind, but I want to enroll as a new student in April next year!”

“So you graduated middle school and started working instantly… I knew you were young, but still.”

“I was kicked out of my house and needed money… The success of this live concert helped me gather enough for the tuition! Thanks to all of you! Once I pay it, I’ll go back to living frugally though. Hahaha!”

“But your face has already become well-known nationwide, right? Won’t going to high school be troublesome?”

“Yes, that’s why I’ll keep this appearance for a while. With glasses and this messy hair, I don’t think I’ll be recognized! And…”

I clenched my fist firmly.

“I’ll enroll in Tansen High School, the largest entertainment high school in Japan, and produce new idols!”

I would enter the school while hiding my true identity as the enigmatic charismatic idol ‘X’, to obtain both the smiles of idols and the smiles of the audience. I will obtain both of them.

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