I Became a Beautiful Girl, but I’m still an MMO Junkie

### Chapter 104: That Name is Lulus

Seeing the familiar name displayed on the screen, I became puzzled.

She rarely contacted me after nine o’clock at night.

For a moment, I wondered if there was some problem with the sports drink commercial we filmed last week. However, I was confident that I had perfectly fulfilled the director’s and company’s expectations during the shoot, so I dismissed that possibility.

Perhaps she had secured a new urgent job for me? This week, I only had two fashion magazine shoots, so it was a relatively free week for me.

Since there was no point in speculating, I picked up the smartphone vibrating with the incoming call.

“Shinki, is it okay to talk now?”

Her voice came through the receiver at her usual pace, calling me.

I responded in my usual manner, “Yes, I’m fine, Tokunaga Manager.”

“Sorry for contacting you so late at night.”

Tokunaga Manager apologized, sounding a bit uncomfortable.

“It’s rare for you to call this late.”

“Well, yes…”

Detecting a slight hesitation in her voice, I sensed that something was indeed up. Since being scouted by her in my first year of high school, I’ve been under her care. But her uncharacteristic behavior deepened my suspicion.

Maybe I was a bit on edge due to some strange occurrences happening around me recently.

“Did something happen? Is there a problem with my work or something?”

Tokunaga-san always tried to get me jobs that matched my preferences and managed things, showing maximum understanding even for things I was reluctant to do. She respected my stance on declining gravure, TV show offers, and other entertainment opportunities, although we had clashed a few times.

I straightened up and waited for her to start the conversation.

“There are no problems with your work at all. In fact, things are going well. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you, Tokunaga Manager. You’ve been a great help with negotiations, promotions, and schedule management.”

“That’s my job. Don’t worry about it.”

Her tone suggested that, just as my effort as a model was a given, her work was also a given-a mutual understanding.

“Our next goal is to get Shinki a role in a drama. Let’s work hard together.”

To others, she might seem like a cold professional, but beneath her cool exterior, she had a burning passion.

“Yes, I’ll give my all to each job.”

“And make sure you attend your university classes. I’ve scheduled things to give you plenty of time for school and your hobbies.”

She was considerate. That’s why we could work well together for the past three years. However, I always felt she wanted to give me more work.

I was grateful for her high regard and desire to see me succeed.

“I understand. I’m grateful for everything.”

But if asked whether I wanted to continue this career for life, I was unsure.

Starting as a model and then debuting as a singer, entertainer, or actress was common. I was on a likely path to becoming an actress.

There were still many things I didn’t know. My desires might change as I discovered new things. For instance, I never thought I’d be so into gaming until I encountered the game Kuran Kuran.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

So, even though I’m not sure what I want to do in the future, I find real fulfillment in modeling. My interest in clothes and fashion might have initially driven me, but now, thinking about how to portray myself and style outfits is enjoyable.

“Yes. So, what is this call about?”

It seemed about time to get to the main point, so I asked directly.

“You know I also manage the idol section besides your work, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

There’s a twin sister unit I know. We don’t interact much, but we greet and chat occasionally. They’re in the same agency, and we share the same manager, Tokunaga-san, which led them to introduce themselves to me.

“They have a bit of a problem.”

“A problem?”

At just 15 years old, they’re quite impressive idols who can sing and dance at a high level. They’re active in TV shows, music programs, radio, events, and live performances, diligently pursuing their entertainment careers. They’re the pillars of our agency now.

Although we’re in different departments, I don’t consider myself their senior. They’re much more famous and hardworking.

So, what kind of problem could they be having?

“Actually, Lulus, the younger sister, said she wants to withdraw from the next job.”

“Have you already signed the contract?”

“No, not yet. But it’s a significant opportunity to boost their momentum, so I don’t want to let it go.”

“I see…”

Since the contract wasn’t signed, canceling wouldn’t damage the agency or them.

However, Tokunaga-san likely believed this job would significantly benefit them.

“So, how does this involve me?”

I didn’t ask about the job details.

“Shinki, do you remember the game Kuran Kuran you talked about?”

“Yes…”

“We’re close to securing a contract with Kaguya Corporation and Shony Corporation, the co-developers of that game.”

“That’s a big deal…”

Kaguya is a small to medium-sized company, but Shony is a major player in computer entertainment, representing Japan.

“We’ve arranged a collaboration event in that VRMMO.”

“With Klarus?”

I mentioned their unit name.

“Yes, that’s right. The game has many users, so it would be a great promotional platform.”

“Indeed, it would be a significant promotional tool.”

“But Lulus doesn’t seem enthusiastic… Her sister, Lara, is as energetic and motivated as ever.”

Tokunaga Manager’s words made me vaguely recall the duo. Clara, the older sister, had a lively impression, while Lulus, the younger sister, seemed a bit shy.

“That’s where you come in, Shinki. Since you play Kuran Kuran.”

“Huh?”

“I need you to find out why Lulus doesn’t want to do this collaboration and try to persuade her.”

“I see…”

While it seemed a bit simplistic to think that my playing Kuran Kuran could help me understand Lulus’s concerns, I agreed to it anyway.

“Will you do it?”

“I don’t mind, but don’t expect too much.”

“Thank you, Shinki. I’ll give you a bonus if you succeed.”

“Thank you. But is Lulus okay with this?”

“She is. They actually joined our agency because they admired you.”

That was news to me. I was genuinely pleased that such popular idols thought of me that way.

“So, about the timing. The only available day in their schedule this week is tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? That’s sudden.”

“Yes, I’m sorry for the late notice. We can’t wait until next week, so I had to contact you at this hour. Can you meet Lulus tomorrow?”

“Yes, I can.”

“Thank you, Shinki.”

And so, I, Shinki Futsumayo, was tasked with counseling and persuading Lulus, one half of the rising idol unit Klarus.

—

—

“Alright, Taro’s outfit is done.”

“Ugh…”

I looked at myself in the full-length mirror in the living room, dressed under my sister’s guidance.

I was wearing a navy dress. Just that.

But still…

“This pattern…”

I protested, looking at the design on the dress, focusing on the abdomen and skirt parts.

“Isn’t it cute? A bunny.”

Yes, the bunny had round eyes and a simple mouth, a simple yet charming design.

“But, Taro, the wind is strong today. Shall we tie your hair?”

“Ehh, that’s too much trouble…”

Before I could fully complain about the outfit change, my sister set another trap.

“It’ll be quick. Just a ‘kururinpa’.”

“Kururinpa?”

A word I hadn’t heard before.

“It’s easy and quick. Let’s match.”

“Ehh…”

“Don’t fuss, you’re a man. No ice cream treat if you argue.”

“O-okay.”

With that, my sister went behind me and started playing with my hair.

“It’s simple and even clumsy people can do it. Remember it, Taro?”

“Okay…”

“First, use a thin hair tie so it doesn’t stand out.”

“Alright.”

“Gather a section of hair on the side; we’re doing the left this time. Tie it loosely.”

“Hmm, my neck feels cooler.”

“Right? Then, loosen the tied hair a bit, make a hole with your fingers in the upper middle part, and pull the end through the hole.”

“Okay.”

“Now, just pull the end through the hole and fold it back.”

Oh.

“Normally, ‘kururinpa’ is done at the back, but the side-up style is easier for you to see and do yourself, right?”

“Yes, I guess.”

My sister beamed at my hairstyle.

“See, Taro? You’re cute today.”

“This is nice and cool!”

“Told you?”

“But I still want to cut it short.”

“If you cut it wrong, it’ll look weird. I’ll introduce you to a good salon. We’ll go together.”

“Thanks, sis.”

My sister was in a great mood.

“Wait a minute, Taro. I want to try something.”

“Uh, okay.”

She undid my finished hairstyle.

“This time, don’t tie all your hair, leaving some at the back.”

“Okay.”

“Do the same thing, making a hole and pulling the hair through.”

“Alright.”

Although I couldn’t see clearly from the back, she seemed to be doing the same steps.

“Now, it’s a half-up kururinpa.”

“This leaves hair at the back, so it’s hotter.”

“Hmm… It looks cuter, but not as neat…”

“Sis…”

After much fiddling, we finally returned to the original kururinpa, taking over 30 minutes.

—

—

Thus, we set out with matching hairstyles. But before that, I had one

more thing to confirm.

“By the way, sis.”

“What is it, Taro? No more complaints about your hair or outfit.”

“No, I just want to ask, who exactly are we meeting now?”

I wondered about her connection to the person we were meeting.

Could it be her boyfriend? I felt nervous. Meeting her boyfriend as family meant I couldn’t mess up. My behavior could reflect on her.

“She’s a friend… or maybe a junior.”

“Oh, a junior.”

I felt a bit relieved.