Tokyo Exorcism Diary

“Cut! That’s a wrap for this scene! Makeup artist, touch-ups over here! Next group of extras, get ready!”

At a filming site nestled against mountains and rivers, the temporary studio, set props, and filming equipment filled the area. The crew, lead actors, their assistants and managers, extras, and even fans who had heard that tky02 was shooting here, all combined to form a chaotic crowd.

Amidst countless envious and admiring gazes, Hoshino Rin entered the studio, surrounded by her assistant, makeup artist, manager, and the assistant director. While the makeup artist touched up her look, she listened to the assistant director explaining the scene.

The assistant director spoke animatedly, full of dramatic gestures, but Hoshino Rin found it hard to concentrate. Her thoughts were weighed down by Marika’s death and her brother’s warning earlier that morning—that Marika’s ghost might appear on set.

Sensing Hoshino Rin’s distraction, the assistant director stopped mid-speech and called out, “Miss Hoshino!”

“Ah?”  Hoshino Rin blinked and quickly apologized, showing no diva-like attitude. She acknowledged her mistake with sincerity. “Oh… sorry, sorry!”

The assistant director sighed, running a hand through his hair before putting his hands on his hips. “I get it. Marika’s disappearance has been hard on all of you, but we’re on a tight schedule here. Look, even the director’s practically fuming over there!”

Following his gesture, Hoshino Rin glanced toward the director, who was furiously berating a group of actors. Listening closely, it seemed he was angry about how many takes a scene required.

Clicking her tongue lightly, Hoshino Rin apologized again. “I’ll get myself back on track.”

The assistant director waved her off and turned his attention to demonstrating actions to another actor.

After her makeup was touched up, Hoshino Rin was about to grab a cup of black coffee to wake herself up when her fellow tky02 member, Chiya Yuuho, approached her. “Rin-chan, it looks like someone’s here to visit the set. From what I saw from afar, he’s super handsome. Want to check it out…”

Before she could finish speaking, Chiya Yuuho fell silent, her gaze shifting as the visitor she mentioned was being warmly greeted by the director and producer.

Hoshino Rin also turned to look and immediately brightened. Waving enthusiastically, she called out, “Onii-chan!”

The boy glanced over at the sound of her voice, then politely excused himself from the director and producer before heading toward Hoshino Rin. Only then did Hoshino Rin notice that her brother wasn’t alone; a petite girl with a sweet appearance and a neatly styled look followed closely behind him.

So… that’s the person he was supposed to pick up?

Hoshino Rin’s eyes narrowed slightly as she saw the girl gently tug on her brother’s sleeve and speak to him with a cheerful smile. For some reason, an inexplicable unease stirred in her heart.

When Hoshino Gen reached her, he asked casually, “Anything unusual?”

Hoshino Rin blinked her wide, dewy eyes, taking a second to realize he was asking about Marika. She shook her head and glanced curiously at the girl hiding behind her brother, who was staring back with equal curiosity.

Since Hoshino Gen didn’t seem inclined to make introductions, Hoshino Rin took the initiative. “Onii-chan, who is this?”

“…A colleague, I suppose,” Hoshino Gen replied indifferently. He then introduced Hoshino Rin to the girl out of politeness, albeit briefly. “My sister.”

Hoshino Rin’s lips twitched slightly. Was that supposed to be an introduction? Not even a name?

Before she could comment, the girl stepped out from behind Hoshino Gen, revealing her cute, well-dressed figure. With a bright, admiring expression, she exclaimed, “Wow—! So you’re Rin-chan, Hoshino senpai’s sister? You’re even prettier in person!”

Truthfully, Hoshino Rin did look stunning today. Playing a high school student in the shoot, she was essentially portraying her real self, dressed in a JK uniform similar to her Seigawa Academy attire. Her delicate, refined features, even with minimal makeup, made her the center of attention on set.

Still, despite the girl’s sincerity and admiration, Hoshino Rin couldn’t help but feel a flicker of discomfort.

The girl continued cheerfully, “I’m Kiryu Rakuye, a second-year student at Seigawa Middle School and Senpai’s junior. I guess you could also call me his part-time colleague. It’s nice to meet you, Rin-chan~!”

She extended her hand, white and soft.

Hoshino Rin hesitated briefly before shaking it. “Nice to meet you. I’m Hoshino Rin. Please take care of me…”

Hoshino Gen, uninterested in the interaction, walked over to a nearby chair and sat down.

Just then, the director called out, “Actors, to your places!”

He glanced over and gave Hoshino Gen a friendly wave before turning to Hoshino Rin with a kind smile. “Miss Hoshino, time to prepare for the next scene!”

Hoshino Rin quickly bid farewell to Kiryu Rakuye and said to her brother, “I’m heading to work now, Onii-chan.”

Hoshino Gen waved her off nonchalantly and pulled out his phone, diving into a chat with “Chi-chan” on Redskirt.

After Hoshino Rin left, Kiryu Rakuye pulled up a chair beside Hoshino Gen, rested her elbows on the table, and propped her face in her hands as she gazed at his profile. In a soft voice, she asked, “Senpai, do you really think the ghost will show up here?”

“Maybe,” Hoshino Gen replied without looking up, his fingers flying over his phone screen.

“So we’re just going to sit here and wait?” Kiryu Rakuye asked curiously, stealing a glance at the bustling set. She noticed several people sneaking glances their way and whispering to each other.

“Unless you have a better idea,” Hoshino Gen said flatly.

Kiryu Rakuye stuck out her pink tongue playfully before retreating into her seat. “If even you don’t have a plan, there’s no way I’d come up with one. I was just wondering, if the ghost doesn’t show today, do we wait here again tomorrow?”

Finally, Hoshino Gen looked up, fixing her with a mysterious smile. “We don’t have to be that passive…”