Intersection of Pranks 1

Rinne: “—Now here’s a must-see! Get ready to witness, for the first time ever, the adorable sleeping face of top idol Saegusa Ibara!”

“Take a good look! Rise and shine, Viper-kun!”

Rinne: “...Uh, huh?”

Yuuta: “What is that, a mannequin?! That’s not the VP, Rinne-senpai!”

Rinne: “Hey, hey, what the hell is this, huh? I thought you made sure the VP was fast asleep in his room!”

Kuro: “Sure. I’ve been hearin’ some weird noises for a while now, though.”

Yuuta: “No, seriously... is there sound coming from that doll?”

“Huh? Wait, what is this—?!”

Time rewinds. A few days ago

Ibara: —A prank-based project for a variety program?

I did some research of my own on the program, and it seems that it’s quite popular among the general public.

It would be in our great interest to our agency if we get the opportunity to perform in this program.

No, no! I’m overjoyed that you’ve brought such a wonderful proposal to CosPro, Anzu-san!

You brought it forward to the other agencies, so I shouldn’t give you too much credit?

I’m aware of the circumstances. It’s a project based around pranks, so the more entertainers we have available to us, the more variety there will be.

Idols, TV personalities, comedians... this isn’t a niche that can only be occupied by idol agencies.

If CosPro can fill up some of the few slots afforded to idols, then I see no reason not to.

For a project such as this, I believe 2wink and Crazy:B would be most suitable, but I’ll have to check their schedules...

Hm? Is something wrong, Anzu-san? You want to know if I’m interested in this?

Of course now. What makes you think I would ever want to be part of this?

Pranks require a lot of wirepulling and behind-the-scenes work? Ahaha! I’m happy that you have such a strong impression of me ♪

...However, I’m not exactly a fan of variety, myself.

Adam doesn’t market itself using variety, either, so it doesn’t fit with our branding.

Well, recently His Excellency has been participating in some variety shows on his own...

But I, at least, have no intention of being actively involved in them.

—You thought I was enjoying myself during Bogie Time? Well, that was an exception to the rule.^[1]

At the end of the day, if I’m going to deal in plots and schemes, I’ll rather employ them where money and power are at stake! I have no need to engage in such insignificant games.

In any case, I’ll contact you once the cast has been decided.

Now then, I’ll be returning to work. If you’ll excuse me!

A few hours later

Yuuta: Thanks for meeting with me. I was pretty shocked you reached out to me so suddenly.

And on top of that, you just wanted me? I don’t think Aniki got a call...

Ibara: Hinata-kun had a scheduling conflict, so I’m leaving this matter in your hands.

Yuuta: And this matter is... a job, I’m assuming?

Ibara: You’d be correct. Anzu-san offered us this prank challenge on somewhat short notice.

It seems that it’s for a highly popular variety show. If you can make an appearance, I have no doubt you’ll get plenty of attention from the public.

I believe you’ve been focusing your attention on solo work recently, so this would be a good opportunity for you, yes?

Yuuta: Whoa. That’s prime time TV, isn’t it?!

You sure you’re okay with me working a job like that?

Ibara: I wouldn’t have come to you otherwise. I don’t mind if you turn this down, but...

Yuuta: No way! I’d never refuse something like that. I actually trying to figure out how to beg for it!

And jeez, pranks? As a seasoned prankster, I am itching to put my skills to the test!

So what kind of things are they looking for?

Ibara: According to the proposal, the contents will be left up to the talent.

Yuuta: Free reign? So I can basically do whatever I want then, huh?

Ibara: Naturally, the budget may restrain you at times, but I’ve also been told that you can choose whoever you wish as your victim.

I believe that, so long as you inform the crew in advance, they’ll make all of the necessary arrangements for you.

Yuuta: That’s prime time TV for you! How magnanimous of them~ ♪

Well in that case, I just got super busy. Where should I start? My dreams keep getting bigger and wilder... ☆

Ibara: Good luck pulling it all together. The budget is theirs, so I have no reason to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

For now, I’ll contact them and let them know you can participate in their project.

Yuuta: Got it. Thanks a bunch!