"As a rooky, what mindset do you have regarding the dark side of the entertainment industry?" the interviewer straightly asked, eyes flickering between his notebook, microphone, and the teen in front of him.

Akihito's last first Idol Drama revolved around the entertainment industry, and one of the prompts used to make the Male and Female Leads closer was the harassment the Female Lead endured in the Entertainment industry.

From the 'basic' threatening of a rival starlet to the more severe repression of more popular actress, while of course mentioning the use of the back door. Nothing was left out.

And although Akihito's role was less than a Supporting Character yet more than a Mob, he had managed to gain some good exposure for his interpretation. So here he was, giving his very first interview.

Had it been before, at the beginning of his first year of High School, his answer would have probably gone along those lines:

He blinked, unsure of how to answer, slightly lost. "Well, it's a bad thing?" he said, more as a question than a real statement. "I mean, I've never experienced it, and I hope I never will, but I'm not favorable?"

In short, a confused and unclear answer, oscillating between unfavorable impression and insecurity.

But now, after a year of High School, a year spent in Kirisaki Daiichi with Hanamiya and the rest of the basketball club, things were different. Akihito's mindset was different.

.

.

.

"As a rooky, what mindset do you have regarding the dark side of the entertainment industry?" the interviewer straightly asked, eyes flickering between his notebook, microphone, and the teen in front of him.

First, Akihito acted as if he was musing over the man's words. It wasn't much, but it gave the illusion of a well-prepared answer.

Second, his golden eyes misted over, showcasing the complexity of his mind until he blinked, and they went back to their bright golden glow.

Third, he managed to draw a ghost of a frown over his face while maintaining his usual neutral appearance.

"I think that we could make a parallel with basketball. In basketball, a foul is wrong, much like using the backdoor or the likes in the entertainment industry," he began, using an example to make his point clearer, and easier to understand.

The interviewer nodded before scribbling on his notebook.

"Every time someone is found out to be fouling, they get a sanction, because a foul is fundamentally wrong," he articulated, his eyes narrowed, flashing with a rather vicious glint. "And every time someone is found out to be using the back door in the entertainment industry, they get bashed, suppressed and kicked out of the industry."

The man hummed before stopping his writing and looking up at the teen. "Therefore, what would your point be?"

Akihito hummed, he carefully narrowed his eyes, and his lips hooked up into a rarely seen smile.

"My point?" he gave a very fake, yet perfectly executed laugh. "I would rather not get in the industry than using the backdoor and be kicked out before showing what I had to offer," he smiled.

Rather, isn't it alright as long as nobody knows? So long as nobody finds out, it's not using the backdoor, is what he would have liked to say.

Nevertheless, he let his smile casually recede, morphing his face back to its default poker face as he took a sip of his water glass. He was an actor, acting out the viewers desired answers was his job.

Making his agent happy was his duty, and bringing in fans and money was his task.

Becoming a full-fledged actor was his goal.

Succeeding on the international scene, his dream.

::

"My, I read your interview, Aki-chan!" Miss Hanamiya squealed, pulling the blue-haired teen in a hug. "It wasn't as long as I would have wanted it to be, of course, but you were so cute, Aki-chan!" she fawned, letting go of him before searching for the magazine a flipping through its pages.

Akihito gave a mute nod, he hummed. His eyes slid to Hanamiya who carelessly waited on the couch. Their eyes met, and Akihito gave him a wry smile.

Hanamiya raised his brow before snorting, he rolled his eyes, dismissing the blue head, and pulled himself up the couch.

"Ah, look, look, Aki-chan!" Miss Hanamiya enthusiastically called, bringing the teen's attention back to her. Akihito silently gazed at the page, soon finding his face. It was a photo of his laughing— that well manufactured fake laugh.

Akihito felt mildly proud. The fact that they had selected this picture meant that he had been more than convincing, his lips quirked up in a ghost of a smile.

"Oh my! My son is so handsome!" she boasted, a hand to her cheek as she happily gushed.

Akihito didn't correct the way she called him. He was long used to Mako-chan's mother, and in his mind, he did consider Hanamiya a type of brotherly figure. He felt pleased by the way she designated him.

"Here Aki-chan, give me your autograph!" she excitedly asked, thrusting a pen and the magazine in his hands. "I want the date, and my name added to it! That way, once you're famous all over the world I'll be able to boast that I was your first fan!" she sang.

Akihito's eyes crinkled, he truly liked Mako-chan's mother. She was such a warm person, different from his mother but almost as important. Sometimes, when he saw how benevolent she was, he wondered how Mako-chan— this sadistic prick, could be her son.

Not that he would ever tell the both of them.

"Okay, Aunty," he easily complied, taking the pen and writing all of her whims down. "I haven't elaborated an 'official' autograph yet, the agency said that it wasn't necessary at the moment," he explained as the pen glided over the paper.

Miss Hanamiya's lips tugged down, she frowned before her face brightened at once. "Wow, then mine's a limited edition until you get yourself your signature? I'm sure it'll be in very limited quantity, you'll probably get your official signature by your next role!"

Akihito smiled, humming at her words.

Truth was, he would get it much sooner, but they weren't aware of this yet.

"I'll go upstairs now, Aunty," he said, picking his bag up.

Mis Hanamiya's eyes widened, she glanced at his bag, as if only remembering why the boy came here today. "Oh my, yes hurry! Mako-chan gets so grumpy when you keep him waiting," she sighed. "I'll bring you some snacks."

Akihito nodded, slinging the bag over his shoulder. "Thank you, Aunty, I'll tell Mako-chan," he bade before climbing up the stairs.

Although it was vacation, and there was more than a month left before Akihito began his life as a second-year, it was better to do his summer homework early.

Akihito was average when it came to studying. Unlike Mako-chan who was a genius, he had troubles following scientific courses. His literary oriented work was already all done, leaving behind his much-dreaded subjects.

Fortunately, Mako-chan was there to save the day.

Either way, if Mako-chan had refused he would have asked Seto. The male was as much of a book smart genius as Mako-chan after all.

Not that he would tell Hanamiya.