Chapter 122: Three Years Later, Trouble for Miku Izayoi

She did not recognize the two men who had come to see her, and she looked at them with a bewildered expression. Sensing Miku Izayoi’s confusion, one of them produced a business card and said, "Hello, I am a talent agent from XX Idol Agency. During the GDM concert today, I was struck by your vocal talent. I would like to ask if you are interested in becoming a singer like Iwasawa!"

The man beside him nodded in agreement. They were both in charge of scouting, and they knew that since Miku had appeared at the GDM concert and performed a duet with Iwasawa, her popularity would inevitably skyrocket in a short time. If she were to become an idol now, it would be extremely advantageous, a thought shared by many entertainment companies.

They had simply acted faster, and having some acquaintance with Miku’s parents allowed them to locate her so quickly. Miku’s parents were quite pleased with the prospect, viewing their daughter becoming an idol as a positive development, and they hosted the agents with great hospitality.

"To become a singer like Iwasawa-senpai!" This prospect held such immense appeal for Miku that she did not even stop to consider the reality of the situation; after a moment of thought, she accepted immediately.

Because the excitement following the GDM band’s first concert had yet to fade, the event remained a common topic of conversation, and Miku’s appearance occasionally surfaced in those discussions. Capitalizing on this momentum, Miku’s agency worked quickly, and three days after the concert, she debuted under the stage name "Tsukino Yoimachi."

Because of her duet with Iwasawa at the end of the GDM concert, coupled with her natural beauty and charm, she made a lasting impression and garnered widespread attention immediately after her debut. The members of GDM even sent their congratulations to their new friend.

Miku quickly became a rising star. The time immediately following her debut was the busiest; she was occupied with the rigorous training required of an idol. When she finally managed to find some free time, she immediately arranged to meet Yoru in the park.

Upon arriving at the park, Miku saw the person she had wanted to see most over the past few days. She felt a surge of joy—honestly, this was the first time since they had met that Yoru had arrived before her.

"Yoru, I’m an idol singer now!" As soon as they met, Miku shared the good news, eager as a child hoping for praise.

"I know. Iwasawa and the others already told me." Since Miku was her friend, there was no way Yoru would not have heard the news. If Miku had expressed an interest in becoming a singer earlier, Yoru had intended to have her join the Star Group, but since she had already partnered with another agency, there was no need.

"Eh? We are friends after all, aren't we? Why can't you congratulate me properly!" Yoru’s indifferent reaction left Miku somewhat disappointed. It was as if she had accomplished something incredible, only to be met with no reaction at all when she hoped for praise.

"Then, I congratulate you! The training for an idol must be quite difficult lately, right?"

"It is indeed tough. But I’ve said it before: one day, I will surpass Iwasawa and the others to become an even better idol singer." It was clear that Miku truly loved her identity as an idol.

"But I might be very busy from now on and won't have much time to hang out with you, Yoru. If you're free in the future, you must come to hear me sing! It would be a great honor for a busy idol to sing just for you!" Miku took a few steps back, clasped her hands behind her back, tilted her head, and flashed a beautiful smile at Yoru.

After that day, Miku frequently invited Yoru to go out or to hear her sing alone. They grew closer, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.

Over those three years, Miku had matured from a cute girl into a beautiful young woman. As an idol, she had learned how to present herself well and had developed a composed, measured way of speaking. Aside from singing, she had few other talents.

With her long, violet-silver hair and matching eyes, she caught the attention of everyone around her. Miku’s presence was defined by sheer beauty; simply standing there was a delight to behold. Yet, she maintained a sense of detachment toward everyone except Yoru.

Because of her striking appearance, ninety percent of her fans were male, many of whom did not care for her music at all.

Miku’s beauty was coveted by many, including a producer at a very famous television station. One day, her agency abruptly summoned her to the studio. A sleazy-looking middle-aged man stared greedily at Miku’s exceptionally graceful figure.

The greed in his eyes filled Miku with revulsion. She immediately branded him a person she never wanted to encounter again and asked with a frown, "May I ask why you called me here?"

"So you are Tsukino Yoimachi. Just as beautiful as they say. There are very few singers as lovely as you these days. I’m currently producing a fantastic program, and I believe you are qualified to participate. However, why don't you stay tonight so we can discuss the details of the program properly?" The producer’s pudgy hand reached out toward her disrespectfully.

Miku felt a wave of nausea, dodged his hand, and quickly rose to head for the door, refusing, "No thank you. I have no interest in this program! And I never will!"

She refused without hesitation, fully aware of what the man intended. Her face flushed with anger as she left without looking back. The rejected producer glared maliciously at her retreating form. He had extensive experience in such matters; whenever someone refused him, he would retaliate.

After Miku left, scandalous and fabricated rumors about her began to spread. Her reputation plummeted instantly. Everyone was talking about these lies, and even the fans who had once supported her began to turn on her completely.

"I never thought she was that kind of person! I regret ever liking her music!" Remarks like these were everywhere. Miku had never imagined that her fans would believe such rumors so easily.

She felt deeply wronged. She was already distraught because of the producer, and now he was shamelessly spreading falsehoods. The betrayal of her fans left her heart cold, and what was worse, her own agency pressured her to give in to the producer’s demands.

On the verge of a breakdown, the first person Miku thought of was Yoru—her best friend of many years, the only one who truly mattered. Perhaps, in her heart, their relationship had already surpassed that of mere friends.