I really just want to grind for entries related to crossover anime/manga.

"Yes, since Yu-kun thinks so too, how about... we find an opportunity to collaborate on a movie next time? You can be my male lead. With our popularity and chemistry on set, we're sure to be able to make a high-grossing and popular film."

Mai Sakurajima's tone was half joking and half serious, but it carried a blatant invitation.

Upon hearing this, Genkawa Yu gave a helpless, bitter smile.

He was fully aware of the probing and competitive undertones in Mai Sakurajima's words, and he knew that her suggestion was clearly just a joke.

He could only shake his head, his tone gentle and pragmatic.

“Mai-san, stop joking with me. Movie casting... especially the most important lead roles, is a very complicated process involving many factors. How can an ordinary actor like me have any say in it? Do you think I can just play whatever role I want? This is not child's play.”

"Humph."

Mai Sakurajima gave a soft hum, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness, directly exposing his "excuse".

"You're making it sound so high-sounding, Yu-kun. Have you forgotten that Kurokawa-san isn't the female lead in your movie?"

"The public auditions haven't even been held yet, but this was arranged in advance. Isn't this Yu-kun's doing?"

Genkawa Yu was truly at a loss for words when faced with her blunt question. And to be honest, apart from Sakurajima Mai, no one else would dare to ask such a sensitive question so directly.

So he just smiled and shrugged.

"I only made a nomination; the production team also considered many factors."

Upon hearing his words, Mai Sakurajima naturally chose to stop while she was ahead, and her eyes once again became smiling.

The next moment, she changed to a strategy of retreating to advance, using a more straightforward yet affectionate invitation.

"How about this, let's make a deal. If... I mean, if one day in the future, there's a film project that I can lead or have enough say in, and I formally invite Yu-kun to play the male lead, would you accept?"

She blinked her expressive eyes and, half-jokingly, put herself in a difficult position.

Upon hearing this, Kato Megumi, who was sitting next to her, immediately raised her head and looked directly at Sakurajima Mai's exquisite beauty with a calm gaze.

After glancing at her, Genkawa Yu was unsure whether her words stemmed from a competitive spirit or something else. After all, while Sakurajima Mai was famous, she was still somewhat lacking in the ability to influence film casting.

Is he acting out of spite?

To avoid getting entangled in this increasingly sensitive topic and causing unnecessary trouble, Genkawa Yu thought for a moment and decided to agree first.

"Okay, okay, if that day ever comes, Mai-san, if you are able to take the lead in a film project on your own and think I'm suitable, and specifically ask me to play the male lead, then I will definitely consider it seriously and do my best to cooperate. Is that alright?"

Genkawa Yu just wanted to end this topic as soon as possible.

"A word is settled!"

Mai Sakurajima immediately responded, a radiant, satisfied smile spreading across her face, as if she had finally captured her desired prey.

You said those words yourself, so you won't have time to go back on your word later.

This seemingly casual chat in the lounge planted a seed of obsession in Mai Sakurajima's heart: "We must cooperate." She has already begun to rapidly plan how to turn this seemingly joking agreement into a definite reality.

As this conversation took place, the offline premiere event officially began.

The main hall of the luxurious cinema, which can accommodate thousands of people, is fully furnished. The lights are still on, and the huge IMAX screen is very impressive. The air is filled with the excited and breathless chatter of the fans who have already entered the theater.

Meanwhile, at the designated media entrance of the cinema, the lucky member of Yu Genkawa's core fan group "We Who Love Yu-kun"—[Sana Under the Camera], whose real name is Suzuki Sana—was showing her media pass at the entrance and joining several other reporters who had also obtained the right to conduct interviews inside the theater.

These people were all women. Although they worked for different media outlets, they shared the same goal at the moment, and the atmosphere was fairly harmonious.

As they waited for staff to guide them into the inner area, Suzuki's eyes inadvertently glanced at the special passage leading to the backstage area, which was strictly guarded by security personnel.

Several figures appeared there and quickly lined up to go through security.

There were five people in total, all wearing full-face masks and hats pulled low to cover most of their faces.

However, the outstanding body proportions that radiate from within, sculpted through strict physical management, and the unique aura that cannot be concealed even in a crowd, make these people stand out like cranes among chickens, with an overwhelming presence.

As a journalist, Suzuki Sana's instincts allowed her to make a judgment instantly.

With her gaze locked on them, she immediately began matching the height and hair color of these people with a certain guess in her mind. When all the details matched, her heart skipped a beat.

Suppressing his excitement, Suzuki quickly took out his phone and sent a message to the "We Who Love Yu-kun" group.

[Sana under the camera]: "Everyone, I have arrived at the scene, and I just saw a few super suspicious figures at the entrance of the contact person passage."

[Sana under the camera]: "Although they are wrapped up like dumplings, I think they are the participants of 'Love is a compulsory course in life,' especially Kurokawa-san. Her tall figure and blue hair are really eye-catching. They must be here to support Yu-kun today."

This message was like setting off a bomb, immediately sparking an explosive discussion in the group.

【Yuki-chan_Summer】: "Really? Kurokawa-san is here too?"

【Tokyo's Number One Love Yu】: "Although I support 【Yu-Aka】, shouldn't today be Sakurajima-san's home turf?"

[Yu's Breath]: "So what? I think Sakurajima-san and Yu-kun are probably just good friends. Kurokawa-san and Yu-kun are a better match."

【Aiyuu's Vanguard No. 1】: "Can't it be a friend coming to support me? I still support Sakurajima-san. Sakurajima-san is a big star and can help Yu-kun go further!"

Putting aside the various CP (couple) fan discussions in the group, Suzuki Sana's guess was indeed very accurate.

These five people are the "close friends" that Yu Minakawa met through the dating reality show: the cheerful and outgoing young dancer Nobuyuki Kumano, the seemingly cold but warm-hearted Kengo Morimoto, the energetic MEM Chu, the ethereal idol Toru Asakura, and the particularly eye-catching central figure today—Akane Kurokawa.

They came specifically to support Yu Minakawa's drama premiere, thanks to tickets obtained through private connections provided by Minakawa Yu.

Guided by staff, they passed through a special passage to a lounge prepared for important guests to meet with Genkawa Yu.

However, when the staff knocked on the door and he opened the door to the lounge, the scene inside stunned everyone.

Inside the dressing room, Yuu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima stood side by side, seemingly making final checks on the details before going on stage.

Both of them were dressed up. Genkawa Yu was dressed in a sharp suit and had a handsome demeanor, while Sakurajima Mai wore an elegant and stylish evening gown with exquisite makeup and radiant beauty.

Under the bright lights, they stood very close. Mai Sakurajima was slightly tilting her head, saying something to Yu Genkawa, a confident yet intimate smile on her lips, while Yu Genkawa listened attentively with his head slightly lowered, his posture relaxed and natural.

This scene resembled a perfect couple about to go on stage to receive blessings, but for some, it felt like something had hit their heart hard, causing a dull ache.

Akane Kurokawa's lips, hidden beneath her mask, instantly pressed into a pale line, but her strong professionalism allowed her to adjust her expression in a very short time.

She stepped into the lounge first, took off her mask, revealed a gentle smile, and spoke in a clear, melodious voice.

"Yu-kun, Sakurajima-san, thank you for the tickets. Everyone and I came here specifically to support your premiere."

Upon seeing them appear, Genkawa Yu's face showed genuine surprise and delight.

"It's so great that you've all come."

At this moment, Mai Sakurajima also turned her gaze over. She naturally heard Akane Kurokawa address Yu Minakawa as "Yu-kun," but this was actually expected, and she did not show any signs of losing her composure.

After her gaze swept quickly over the five people, Mai Sakurajima revealed an impeccable, dignified, and composed goddess-like smile.

"Welcome, please don't be so polite. You are all good friends of Yu-kun, and we are very happy to welcome you to support him. The drama series 'Alice in the Land of the Dying' is very exciting, and we believe it will not disappoint you. Please enjoy it."

Although Mai Sakurajima's tone was kind and gentle, it naturally exuded an aura as if she were the mistress of the house.

Although the words were very thoughtful, they inadvertently included Genkawa Yu in the category of "us," while placing Kurokawa Akane and the others in the position of "welcome guests."

Especially that natural "Yu-kun," it was like a tiny needle gently pricking Kurokawa Akane's heart, making her heart tremble.

After a few more polite exchanges, the staff came to urge the lead actor to head backstage to wait.

After nodding to them, Yuu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima left the lounge together.

The moment the door closed, the air in the lounge seemed to freeze instantly.

The perfect smile on Kurokawa Akane's face faded like the tide, and a hint of unease was barely concealed in her eyes.

MEM, who was standing to the side, keenly noticed her emotional change. He immediately stepped forward, affectionately took her arm, and lowered his voice, speaking with the firmness of a little soldier.

"Kurokawa, don't be afraid! We're here!"

She looked into the girl's eyes and said, word by word, "So what if Sakurajima-san is a big star? We're all your supporters!"

Although MEM Chu actually prefers the ambiguous feelings between Asakura Toru and Genkawa Yu deep down, Sakurajima Mai's "direct threat" is too strong right now. Out of sisterly loyalty and a subconscious "exclusionary" mentality, she chooses to stand firmly on Kurokawa Akane's side without hesitation.

Although she doesn't dislike Mai Sakurajima, when making choices, she always chooses the person who is closer to her.

Human nature is always like this, with its likes and dislikes.

The two grown men, Nobuyuki Kumano and Kengo Morimoto, exchanged a glance, cleared their throats somewhat awkwardly, and felt at a loss as to what to do about the undercurrents of the girl's thoughts. They could only pretend to study the decorative paintings in the room.

Akane Kurokawa was amused by MEM's childish protectiveness and smiled helplessly, shaking her head with a hint of weariness in her voice.

"MEM Chu-san, don't talk nonsense. We're all here today to watch Yu-kun's drama. Don't think about anything else."

Meanwhile, Asakura Toru, who remained as quiet as a delicate ink painting, did not speak, but her eyes, which were always shrouded in a hazy mist, clearly reflected the scene of Sakurajima Mai and Genkawa Yu standing side by side, their posture intimate.

She was not unaware of the rumors circulating online.

Seeing this firsthand, the naturally exuded atmosphere of closeness stirred an indescribable ripple in her heart.

Ten minutes later, the premiere officially began.

The lights in the theater went completely dark, the huge screen lit up, and the first episode of "Alice in the Land of the Dying" officially began playing.

The plot is extremely fast-paced and dramatic at the beginning, starting with Arisu Ryohei, played by Yu Genkawa, a decadent teenager addicted to games, who accidentally gets involved in the strange "Land of the Dying" with two friends.

The opening's everyday feel contrasts sharply with the sudden shift to a terrifying survival game, instantly captivating all viewers.

The core of the first episode focuses on the perspective of Ryohei Arisu, showing how he goes from being panicked and escaping reality to being forced to face the cruel rules and gradually using his wisdom and observation to find a way to survive.

Yu Genkawa portrays this complex psychological transformation and growth with subtlety and depth, especially when he solves the first game, "The Gate of Life or Death." His focus, resourcefulness, and courage at crucial moments in the face of adversity are magnified on the big screen and appear particularly dazzling.

Asakura Toru stared intently at the young man on the screen, who was struggling on the edge of life and death, yet whose eyes grew increasingly resolute.

A faint but genuine smile unconsciously appeared on her usually expressionless face. The smile contained many complex meanings. Her "closeness" to Genkawa Yu was complicated, but it was still a long way from being fully expressed.

The other members of the Love Story team were also completely engrossed, occasionally letting out a low gasp for the tension and excitement of the plot, and praising Arisu Ryohei's quick thinking.

The first episode lasted about an hour. When it finished playing and the end credits started, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic and prolonged applause.

Immediately afterwards, exciting clips and trailers for subsequent episodes began playing on the big screen.

When Mai Sakurajima's character, Yuzuha Usagi, appeared on screen, her agile figure exuding calmness, decisiveness, and exceptional skills, and when she met Yu Genkawa's character, Ryohei Arisu, the two had many scenes of fighting side by side. These scenes once again elicited cheers and exclamations from fans.

Finally, amidst the host's enthusiastic introduction, Yu Genkawa and Mai Sakurajima, as the lead actors, stepped onto the center of the stage side by side, followed by the director and producer, making a total of four key personnel for today's offline event.

Of course, the audience didn't pay much attention to the middle-aged director and the older female producer; their focus was mostly on the male and female leads of the film.

Standing under the spotlight, they were simply too eye-catching.

Yu Minakawa's suit accentuated his tall and handsome figure, while Mai Sakurajima, in a dazzling gown with perfect makeup and a confident smile, exuded a powerful aura standing beside him, like a queen.

The two standing together looked very harmonious, even their heights were a perfect match, as if they were born to be together.

Below the stage, Akane Kurokawa looked up at the two dazzling figures on the stage, who seemed to exist in another world.