Tokyo Exorcism Diary

Kiryu Rakuye’s beautiful eyes lit up with curiosity, but Hoshino Gen showed no intention of continuing the conversation. Instead, he lowered his head and went back to playing on his phone, leaving her hanging.

“Senpai, you’re so mean!” Kiryu Rakuye pouted, protesting softly against his “careless cruelty.”

…

Since the next set of shots required her presence, Hoshino Rin stood at the edge of the filming area, quietly building up her emotions in preparation.

A slender, fair hand patted her on the shoulder. She turned to find Asahina Kaoru looking at her with a gentle smile.

The other girl motioned toward the studio, curiosity evident in her tone. “Your brother?”

Hoshino Rin blinked and then displayed a proud expression. “Yep.”

Asahina Kaoru covered her mouth and chuckled. “He’s definitely too good-looking—it’s almost unfair. Way better than in the news photos.”

“Of course! We’re twins, after all~” Hoshino Rin half-joked with a playful grin.

“Yes, yes, you’re the prettiest,” Asahina Kaoru replied with a helpless smile before tilting her head in thought. “By the way, who’s that girl with your brother? Is she his girlfriend?”

Hoshino Rin’s eyelid twitched at the question, and she quickly responded with a hint of displeasure. “Of course not. My brother is super aloof; he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

“Is that so…” Asahina Kaoru’s expression grew contemplative before she teased, “Then how about introducing him to me?”

Hoshino Rin looked at her friend in mild surprise but didn’t get the chance to respond before the director called her to prepare for her scene. She stuck out her tongue at Asahina Kaoru, made a face, and jogged off to the camera.

After she left, Asahina Kaoru’s smile gradually faded. She watched Hoshino Rin’s retreating figure—the kind of girl who seemed born to be adored, someone who effortlessly received the world’s best offerings. A complicated look crossed Asahina Kaoru’s face.

…

Meanwhile, Hoshino Gen, having finished his casual chat with Chi-chan, found himself bored and started playing a trending multiplayer adventure game Kiryu Rakuye had recommended.

The two teamed up to tackle dungeons in the game, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“Senpai, here’s a one-handed sword for you.”

“Ahh! Senpai, save me!”

“Senpai, I ran out of healing potions…”

“Senpai, I really want this staff. Can you beat that boss and see if it drops? Please~?”

Time flew while gaming, and before they knew it, it was already noon.

The crew took a break, and the staff handed out lunch boxes to everyone.

The director personally delivered two high-quality lunchboxes to Hoshino Gen and Kiryu Rakuye, placing them on the table with a cheerful smile. “Mr. Hoshino, Miss Kiryu, would you like to try our production crew’s bento? The taste is quite good!”

Hoshino Gen exited the game, put away his phone, and responded politely, “Thank you.”

“Not at all! In fact, I should be thanking you! Your sister, Miss Rin, is the key to this show’s popularity. Her performance during filming is impeccable, and she’s a big reason for our high ratings!”

Hoshino Gen merely smiled without commenting. After all, the praise was directed at Hoshino Rin, and it was indeed true.

The director scratched his head awkwardly but was saved when Hoshino Rin and Asahina Kaoru approached with their lunches.

“I’ll leave you young people to enjoy your meal. See you later!” the director said and quickly left.

“See you,” Hoshino Gen replied politely.

As the director walked away, Hoshino Rin let out a long sigh and grumbled softly to her brother, “I’m so tired! The sun this morning was brutal—I feel like I’m about to peel!”

Asahina Kaoru glanced at Hoshino Rin’s still smooth and radiant skin, enough to make any woman envious, and chose to stay silent.

Kiryu Rakuye, however, chimed in with a cheerful laugh. “What are you talking about? Your skin is perfect, Rin-chan! I’m so jealous!”

Hoshino Rin flashed her a smile, then pulled Asahina Kaoru closer and introduced her to Gen. “Asahina Kaoru—she’s the most popular member of TKY02. Isn’t she super pretty, Onii-chan?”

Hoshino Gen glanced at his sister’s colleague, gave her a polite smile, and said nothing further.

Asahina Kaoru wasn’t fazed. She returned the smile gracefully. “Hello, I’m Rin-chan’s good friend, Asahina Kaoru. I’m half a month younger than her—also sixteen. Can I call you Onii-chan, too?”

Calling a friend’s brother “Onii-chan” was a common and polite gesture. However, Gen smiled and declined. “No need. Since you call Rin by her name, you can just call me Hoshino.”

“Uh… alright then, Hoshino… Onii-san.” Kaoru’s smile wavered slightly.

Noticing her friend’s awkwardness, Hoshino Rin quickly changed the subject with a grin. “Alright, alright, let’s eat! I’m starving!”

With the lively Kiryu Rakuye and Hoshino Rin at the table, lunch passed in a cheerful atmosphere.

A few members from tky02 couldn’t resist and came over to chat with Hoshino Gen for a little, but most of the others were too shy to approach. They could only glance over from a distance, occasionally laughing and chatting with the people around them.

The afternoon shoot proceeded much like the morning. After wrapping up a few scenes, the sky began to darken.

Having spent the entire day on set, Hoshino Gen and Kiryu Rakuye felt like their time had gone to waste.

As the director announced the end of the day’s filming and the actors prepared to head back to the hotel to rest, Kiryu Rakuye suddenly followedHoshino  Gen’s earlier instructions. She ran over to stop the members of TKY02.

“Excuse me, everyone!” Kiryu Rakuye called out with a bright smile. Despite being the center of attention, she showed no signs of nervousness. “I’m sure you’ve all noticed—Rin-chan’s brother came to visit today! I bet you’re all curious about him, right?”

Her words immediately piqued the interest of the group, who had been discreetly observing Hoshino Gen all day.

Kiryu Rakuye continued without suspense. “Well, Rin-chan’s brother wants to play a game with everyone. Would you mind sparing a little time in the studio over there?”