It took her a moment to say those words, but she nodded and repeated them. "I do care for Sano."
"But it isn't love, right?"
Sumire nodded. "If somebody were to ask me if I fell in love before, I would say yes and with two people." The only ones who could occupy the spot in her heart are Terashima Yuhi and Tsueno Mamoru.
"I see. I guess it is Sano's loss. But don't break him down too much. He has experienced enough pain."
"Mm, I am aware."
Hino passed her a small book. "I organized your schedule for you up till the end of January. If there is anything you want to change, tell me."
Sumire briefly flicked through the pages, and something came to mind when she saw how empty January second was. "Say, Hino, I want to do more work after the new year."
Hino blinked, surprised. "Normally, people would want more of a break since they are still in a festive mood."
"No, there is no need. Besides, I have already had enough of a break."
"Then I will arrange more work that day."
Sumire watched him concentrating on the schedule and chuckled. For somebody who just recently got this role, he sure is serious. Then again, she supposes it is like him.
"Well, now isn't this our big star?" A familiar shrill voice said.
A deep sigh passed her lips. As long as she is in this industry, she will run into those people again one day. People call Hori Fuuko the current entertainment Queen and even the next Takashi Yumi; naturally, they would cross paths eventually. But Sumire didn't think it would be this soon.
She looked up to confirm her thoughts. Indeed, the person who called out to her was her former manager. A woman with long curly pink hair followed behind her.
"Katakura-san, we didn't have to come here."
Katakura Leona, now age thirty-six, was her previous manager. The woman had straight purple-colored hair tied in a bun, and she wore a grey colored suit.
"Of course we have to complain! How dare they replace you when we made time for them? I thought they replaced you with somebody famous, but instead, they replaced you with worn-out goods."
It seems this person hasn't changed. It was then when Fuuko took a look at her. She seemed startled. "Ibuki-chan?"
"Mmm."
Fuuko seemed very surprised. "You mean they replaced me with you?"
Actually, she hadn't heard that they decided on the female guest already. All she knew was the director of the program seemed unsatisfied and wanted to make a few changes.
Her lips curve to a smile. "It appears so."
"I see; congratulations, even though you have not had any work this past year."
There it is, the famous poison tongue. It seems neither has changed. To think somebody is capable of smiling even when saying such poisonous things.
Katakura interjected by standing in front of Fuuko protectively. "You don't have to waste time with this woman." She glared at her viciously. "I am warning you, Sumire, you better return Fuuko her slot back; otherwise, you will face the consequences."
"Return the slot?" Sumire scoffed. "It seems you are not up to date on the news. The director seemed unsatisfied with some details in the program and asked me to attend."
'Although the reason the director most likely took an interest is Sano. But I can't mention that now.'
"Who knows what dirty tricks you used? How dare you, a small-time star, take a job away from Fuuko, who is the entertainment Queen? How dare you resort to such dirty tricks even though you belong to the supposedly top agency. It seems that is all that company is good for."
Sumire frowned when she heard those words. She could tolerate them insulting her; it won't make a difference now. But for them to insult the agency. Before she could get a word out, the focused Hino suddenly tossed her the schedule book back.
"Here, I got you some new offers. You have to choose, though, because some have clashing times." Hino spoke calmly, like the other two weren't there.
She looked at the list for January second, amazed. So he was quiet this entire time because he was messaging people? But some of these are way too much! If she takes on such jobs, won't people call her out for being arrogant?
It seemed Houjou finally noticed Hino's presence since she seemed startled. "This-"
Fuuko looked over at Hino, and she immediately recognized him. "Hino-kun, I haven't seen you in a while. How are you?"
Hino's gaze dimmed when Fuuko addressed him. "Who are you?"
Fuuko remained calm. "Oh silly, how could you forget me? We spent a lot of time together."
Those words would sound misleading to those walking by; in fact, they would assume that Hino had a special relationship with Fuuko before.𝐟𝙧ℯe𝙬𝚎𝒃𝗻𝒐ѵel. 𝐜o𝓶
"Now I remember you; you're that rat Yuhi tossed away after you bullied a female artist and chased her out of her company."
It seemed the break-up was a sore subject for Hori Fuuko since Sumire never heard her talk about it. In fact, it seemed few people knew about the woman dating Yuhi. At those words, some curious staff members started whispering.
Fuuko clenched her fist but remained calm. "It has indeed been a while since I last saw Yuhi. Hino-kyn, what are you doing here?" She looked over at her. "What type of relationship do you have with Ibuki-chan? You appear close."
Sumire rolled her eyes at this question. Despite how calmly she asked, Sumire already interpreted those words as something bad. This woman is even resorting to implying that she and Hino have an odd relationship.
The people who didn't know Hino was her manager gave them odd gazes.
"Isn't Ibuki dating Terashima? To think she brought another man here."
"Did you see how close they were just now? I think they were about to kiss."
The entertainment industry never changes; people love to gossip and misinterpret every single little thing. If a man and woman get close to each other, it ends up being a scandalous rumor.
"It's nothing serious, and I am only her manager. Do you doubt my credibility as Nasaki hino?"
At those words, the people whispering immediately shut up.
It seems Hino is quite famous in the Entertainment industry, not just as the president of Yuhi's company but as a gold tier manager. Her eyes twitched, annoyed when she heard that title. Just now, he was being too modest about having manager experience. For him to obtain that title, he must be that good.
Oh dearest, what kind of monster did you send over to her? She would rather scramble around with her schedule carelessly like she did before. Sumire immediately figured out that Yuhi was the one who sent Hino over, only he is capable of making Hino do anything.