Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 37: A Web of Ambitions and Intrigue

Aya sat on her room's floor, counting the crumpled cash in her hand. Her fingers moved deftly, and the corners of her lips curled into a sly smirk. She couldn't help but be amazed by Hiroshi's uncanny ability to read her from the moment he joined Lala Lie.

"Wow," she muttered, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. "I still can't believe how you figured me out on the very first day."

Hiroshi leaned against the wall, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Aya," he began, his voice calm and confident, "I always knew. From the moment I joined Lala Lie, I sensed there were two distinct groups within our company."

Aya's eyebrows raised, curiosity piqued as she continued counting the money.

Hiroshi continued, "One group was led by Sekito, those who followed him out of both respect and fear. They saw him as the leader, the one to be followed without question."

Aya nodded, her fingers pausing briefly.

Hiroshi gestured towards Aya with a subtle nod of his head, "And then there was your group, Aya.
In your group, some genuinely admired and loved you, but there were also a select few who saw beyond the facade. They recognized the predator within you, the one who craved attention and money like a wild beast stalking its prey."

Aya's smirk widened, and she chuckled softly as she looked up at Hiroshi. "Well, that's certainly one wild way to put it," she admitted with a playful glint in her eyes. "But you're not wrong, Hiroshi. That's definitely who I am, and I don't deny it for a second." She continued counting the crumpled cash, the sly smirk never leaving her lips.

Aya chuckled again, shaking her head in amusement. "You know, Hiroshi, I may have my facades, but you... you're on a whole different level. Sometimes I can't decide if you're some kind of mastermind or just a complete lunatic with quirks of your own." She shrugged playfully, her focus back on the cash in her hand. "But I have to admit, it's been quite the ride since you joined Lala Lie. Whatever your game is, it's made things a lot more interesting around here."

Hiroshi's expression turned serious and calculated as he acknowledged Aya's acting prowess. "Aya," he said, his tone measured, "I must give credit where it's due. Your ability to play the role of the supportive friend to both Akane and me, and your brilliant execution of faking that injury on the grand stage day, were nothing short of top-notch. You're not just a predator, but a useful one."

Aya glanced up at Hiroshi, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, Hiroshi," she replied with a sly smile, "you know, as long as the payment is right, I'm willing to do almost anything. After all, in this world, money talks, and I'm always ready to listen." She continued counting the bills, her fingers moving with practised precision, clearly unapologetic about her mercenary mindset.

Aya's sly smirk faded slightly as she hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "Hiroshi, I've noticed something that's been bothering me," she admitted, her tone more serious. "You seem to be treating Akane like a tool, a means to an end. She's a sincere and genuine girl, nothing like us. I can't help but worry about her in all of this."

Hiroshi let out a mock laugh at Aya's concern. "Aya, you've got it all wrong," he said with a genuine smile. "I may have my own methods and motivations, but I've never considered Akane as just a tool. If I had, trust me, she would have been crushed a long time ago."

Aya paused her counting once more, looking up at Hiroshi with a hint of curiosity. "So, Hiroshi," she inquired, "if you don't see Akane as a tool, how do you see her?"

Hiroshi's expression softened as he regarded Aya. "Aya," he replied thoughtfully, "I've always seen Akane as a fragile flower. She's a beautiful thing you can adore and, at the same time, pity. She's innocent and pure, and that's something I find intriguing. It's not about using her as a tool, but rather protecting her delicate nature while harnessing her potential. I believe in nurturing her, helping her bloom in our world."