"Mai, what happened?" Amamiya Shiori and Shiraishi Mai whispered.
"How do I know what happened?" Mai Shiraishi looked at several serious-looking staff members and shook her head.
Time has quietly arrived in December. During this period, the members have challenged themselves to ride a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland and film reactions to haunted houses; they have also discovered two rare talents in food planning. Everyone laughed all the way while doing the program "Where's Nogizaka?"
Today, as usual, a group of people came to the TV station just before dark to prepare for the new program. This program is a Christmas special. At the end of the program, the members will give a rehearsed Christmas song as a gift to the fans in front of the screen.
But from the moment he stepped into the TV station, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. The accompanying staff were not in the mood to adjust the atmosphere as usual. They just asked everyone to sit around a long table in the small lounge and told Konano-san that he had something to say.
As for what happened, everyone has their own speculations in their minds.
Nango Yui walked in with a rare serious expression, holding a notebook in her hand. The girls were still whispering to each other.
"Hi, hi, I understand. That's how it will be handled, Mr. Akimoto, please." After making the call, Yoshio Konno walked into the lounge with a straight face.
The girls who were whispering just now fell silent immediately.
"Good evening, everyone." Konno said.
"Good evening," the girls replied in unison.
"Before recording today's program, I have gathered everyone together to inform you of something." Konno raised his head and glanced at the girls, "About some recent comments on the Internet."
Some comments on the Internet? Amamiya Souri frowned. She thought of a post she saw recently. She thought it was not important, so she didn't take it to heart. But today's posture seems to indicate that the operation does not think so.
Most members are still kept in the dark, but there are also many well-informed people who are aware of it.
"The two photos are related to the relationship experience of a certain member before he officially joined the group. You can find them online, and they will not be released here." Although Konno's tone was calm, it was still like a stone hitting the water, excited. It caused ripples in the hearts of the members.
Love, who? Photos, what are they like? Question marks emerged one after another.
really. Amamiya Shiori frowned, those were two photo stickers.
In the middle of a photo with a blue background, a man and a woman hold their arms and gesture with scissor hands, and underneath are the words "Five-month commemoration of idiot couple yeah! yeah!" written crookedly.
The other showed a more intimate pose, with the caption "Always together."
Although the poster who published these two photos did not reveal his identity, he was able to obtain such private photos. Netizens who commented on the post began to speculate that he might be the person in the photos.
Amamiya Shiori looked around and couldn't find Wakatsuki Yumi.
Yes, the girl in the photo post is none other than Wakatsuki, who is loved by everyone for her reliability and warm-heartedness.
The relationship we were in before joining the group ended long ago, so it shouldn't be a problem, Amamiya Sōri thought to herself. In Japan, puppy love is very popular. While teachers and parents in China are still getting angry after hearing about "puppy love" and schools are making catching up on puppy love a priority in their daily work, Japanese primary school students have already stood on the rooftop and confessed their love to the girl they like in front of the whole school teachers and students.
It is normal for a girl of Ruoyue's level to have a relationship experience. Although "love is forbidden" is an unwritten rule in the Akimoto Yasu girl group, one cannot "use the sword of this dynasty to kill the officials of the previous dynasty".
"Come in, Wakazuki." Konno said, "Explain it to everyone."
Ruoyue walked in with her head lowered, wearing a white sweatshirt, long hair shawl, and uncharacteristically put on a pair of thick glasses, her eyes under the lenses were already red from crying.
The nature of this matter is actually not serious, but before the debut, this unexpected situation was a big blow to the reputation of the entire team. After consulting with company superiors and producer Yasushi Akimoto, the members of the operating committee decided to give an explanation to the outside world.
Ruoyue cried and told everything about the past. The girls didn't know how to respond. Ruoyue is a trustworthy person. Since we stayed together, everyone has been helped by Ruoyue. She was in such a crisis, and everyone felt bad.
"I have also thought about what to do about this. Before that, the first thing I thought of was that I ruined the image of the entire group before we even debuted. I am really sorry for everyone." Ruoyue's words were interrupted several times by the sound of crying.
Wakazuki, who came to Nogizaka to change herself, stumbled over her past self. If this matter only affected her, she would bear it silently and alone. It's a pity that she can no longer be as chic as when she first came to Tokyo. Here are her friends, her efforts, and her unfinished dreams. If you give up here, you will be the same as before.
"Although it's just my willful request, please let me stay in Nogizaka for a while. Please give me another chance." Wakayuki bowed 90°. Please accuse me, blame me. I have done something wrong and I don’t ask for forgiveness. As long as I can let everyone vent their grievances, I will feel better. With this thought in mind, Ruoyue maintained her bowing posture and never dared to raise her head.
"Although our principle is not to question members' actions before joining, except for crimes, this time it has caused trouble for most fans and related personnel. Our official debut on February 22 next year is not far away, During this critical period, in order to prevent further waves, we will give a formal reply to the media tomorrow."
"As for member Wakazuki Yumi, she will suspend her activities during the year. The return date is yet to be determined." Konno briefly introduced the solution.
Today, I deliberately informed all members of the incident and asked Ruoyue to apologize in person. There were two purposes. One is to serve as a warning to other members. "Dating is prohibited" is a rule in the Japanese idol industry. How many idols have hastily graduated because of falling in love before they succeeded, and how many famous idols have had their reputations ruined because of falling in love. The girls in Nogizaka are still young and are easily tempted to avoid falling in love from the beginning.
Another purpose is for Wakatsuki to reach reconciliation with the members. Wakayuki is a good prospect. Not long after they stayed together, Akimoto Yasushi and Imano Yoshio regarded her as one of the candidates for the captain. Konno doesn't want the team members to feel resentment towards her, and doesn't want this matter to become a stumbling block to team unity. Letting Ruoyue apologize in person and seek forgiveness from his teammates is the best way to resolve his knot. Although it seems a bit cold to her personally now.
"Here, let me emphasize. Although in principle, our operation does not pursue past events, but everyone should carefully think about anything that will have a negative impact on their future idol career. Afterwards, you can come to my office and personally Tell me, we will do our best to help everyone deal with it." Konno added, "I don't want this to happen again. Please remember that you are a team now, not alone."
After saying that, Konno left with several staff members, leaving the girls looking at each other.
Some girls have straight eyes and don't know what they are thinking. Some members have already stepped forward to help Ruoyue wipe her tears.
