Badr felt a bit speechless, and softly said:
"This wasn't part of the deal; it's going to cost extra."
"...What are you even talking about?" Ichika couldn't help but laugh, "Help me out here, or I'm really going to get scolded..."
Badr had no choice but to wrap his arms around Ichika. His broad shoulders conveniently shielded Ichika's figure. With many people wearing yukatas at the fireworks festival, they didn't have to worry about being recognized by their attire.
Ichika pressed her whole body against Badr's chest, and Badr could clearly feel her well-developed figure under the yukata.
"If someone sees us, won't they think we're a couple?" Ichika asked, a bit shy.
"There's no doubt about it; they'll definitely think we're a couple."
Badr replied flatly, glancing towards the entrance of the alley where the bearded man had actually sat down.
"Haha... We're just friends, but it feels like we're sneaking around doing something bad..." Ichika chuckled awkwardly, her face blushing from the situation.
Listening to the sound of fireworks exploding outside the alley, the two of them stayed silent for about ten seconds.
"Actually, you're not worried about being scolded, are you?"
Badr suddenly said softly.
"Eh?"
"You're just struggling with whether or not to leave. You really want to be with everyone and watch the fireworks together, don't you?"
The young man's soft words reached her ears, and Ichika's expression slightly faltered.
She smiled bitterly:
"You can even see through that..."
"What do you think?" Badr said calmly, "I'm a devil, after all."
"Haha... You're really something, Badr." Ichika couldn't help but sigh.
"It's just that you're easier to read. I think you also don't want to give up this job, right?"
She fell silent, and after a few seconds, she softly said:
"I like this job. That man is a photographer, and we discuss how to take better photos and create better works together. This has been the happiest time of my life."
"...I see."
For Ichika, watching the fireworks with her sisters was important because it was a memory they shared with their mother, but she also loved this job...
So now, Ichika was torn.
She wanted to work, but was hesitant about how to explain it to her sisters.
Badr could see her dilemma.
"People often say, don't waste your life on things you'll definitely regret;
But in life, there are always some choices that are hard to make."
Badr continued calmly, "However, there aren't many things in this world that can be perfect. In the end, you'll always have to give up something.
But I think the fortunate thing is, no matter what choice you make, I believe that as quintuplets, you'll all understand each other, right?"
...
Perhaps moved by Badr's words, Ichika couldn't help but fall into thought.
"Always have to give up something..."
Muttering Badr's words, Ichika already had an answer in her heart.
She leaned on Badr's shoulder and sighed softly: "I understand now. Can I ask you to tell them? I'm really not sure how to say it..."
"Sure, I'll tell them when we get back."
"I'm so worried... I wonder if they'll be angry..."
Ichika forced a nervous smile. Although Badr had comforted her, saying that everyone would understand each other, who knows what might happen when she actually tells them?
If one of them gets too emotional, it could ruin the mood for everyone watching the fireworks.
"Now that you've made your decision, don't overthink it."
Badr said, taking Ichika's hand and heading towards the bearded man.
Seeing Badr and Ichika walking out of the alley, the bearded man was stunned.
"Ichika! Where did you go? Come on, the audition is about to start!"
Ichika's expression became slightly awkward, and Badr caught a key word.
"Audition?"
He looked at Ichika; didn't she say her job was photography?
Uh...
Badr suddenly realized that calling an audition a photography job wasn't entirely wrong.
Wow, so she's pursuing an acting career too.
For a moment, Badr couldn't help but chuckle.
Why are there so many actors around me?
Sakurajima Mai is a superstar, of course, and her sister Toyohama Nodoka is a somewhat popular idol. Now, Ichika Nakano is also stepping into the entertainment industry...
"Sorry, I had something to discuss with Ichika earlier." Badr took the initiative to take the blame for their earlier escape.
"You? What's your relationship with Ichika? Do you know how important this audition is to her?"
...
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Chapter 78: Badr's Influence! Lights, Camera, Ichika!
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...
The uncle with a mustache was obviously very concerned about Ichika's career, his face turning pale with anxiety.
"I'm Ichika's friend, and I'm really sorry for causing you any trouble. Please hurry up and start driving," Badr said calmly, thinking that if the car couldn't make it in time, he would just take Ichika there himself.
Even though he hadn't mastered flying magic yet, his running speed wasn't slow, and he was confident he could be faster than a car.
Hearing this, the mustached uncle quickly went to get the car.
Badr stayed with Ichika as they waited.
"Are you sure you want to pursue an acting career?"
"Yes, half a year ago, President found me and asked if I wanted to try acting. So, I gave it a shot, playing some minor, nameless roles. Just now, President informed me that I have an audition for a pretty significant movie role..."
Ichika explained her experiences over the past six months, which followed the traditional route of being discovered by a talent scout while walking down the street.
"This path might not be as easy as you think."
Although his girlfriend Mai Sakurajima was also an actress, Badr didn't have any illusions about the profession. He knew how tough it was to make a name for oneself.
Not everyone could be Mai Sakurajima.
"Of course, I know that. But I have to try my best anyway, and now is the right time to officially debut."
As she spoke, Ichika smiled at Badr.
But Badr just stared at the girl in front of him, his black eyes deep and thoughtful.
Looking at Ichika Nakano, he suddenly said calmly, "Has anyone ever told you that your smile seems fake, forced even?"
"Huh..."
Ichika was taken aback.
"Re-Really?"
"Yes," Badr replied calmly. "Because I used to wear the same fake smile you're wearing now, so I'm very sensitive to this."
He pursed his lips slightly, reminiscing about his past self, feeling a bit sentimental.
Perhaps he should be grateful that he had met so many special girls, whether it was Rias and the others, Mai Sakurajima, or even the quintuplet sisters of the Nakano family, they had all unconsciously changed him in many ways.
However, Ichika Nakano was not like him.
At the very least, Badr considered himself more advanced than Ichika Nakano.
He used to smile with a purpose, while Ichika's fake smiles were a way to conceal herself. There was a fundamental difference, and Badr's mindset was much stronger...
This didn't stop Badr from seeing through Ichika's fake smile, just as Mai Sakurajima had once seen through his.
At this moment, his experience gave him an edge over Ichika Nakano...
Becoming a devil marked a turning point in Badr's mindset.
And now that he had made a contract with Ichika, he was naturally willing to try to support her and help her change.
Badr thought this might be the opportunity to establish the so-called "faith contract."
Reflecting on his relationship with Mai Sakurajima, they had reached a point where they trusted each other without reservation, and their bond had grown deeper.
Maybe helping Ichika see the truth this time would reward Badr with a pleasant surprise?
"I'm increasingly realizing that the easiest way to live is to express what's truly in your heart," Badr said, smiling as he reached out to gently tweak Ichika's cheek, shaping it into a cute smiling expression.
"So now I rarely fake smiles to please others. You should try it too, don't force yourself. There's no need to always appear calm and collected. You're worried, aren't you? After all, you've been trembling this whole time."
Ichika's eyes widened, and her face flushed slightly.
"When I started this job, I felt like I had finally grown up, like I could finally stand tall as the eldest daughter. But after experiencing a few things, I can't help but imagine how I'd feel if I failed and had to return home in defeat, so I'm scared..."
As she spoke, Ichika looked at Badr, unable to help but sigh.
"I wish I could be as composed as Y..."
"Well, you might be disappointed," Badr replied with a faint smile.
"My confidence comes from my eternal life. I have plenty of time to keep making mistakes and to grow. If I were in your position, I might not handle it as well as you."
Ichika Nakano had no words to respond. She wanted to say something, but she hesitated because she felt that what Badr said wasn't entirely true.
Even without eternal life, Badr's mindset was something she couldn't compare to.
This boy seemed to have seen through the world's many facets. His mentality was unbelievably strong, so no matter what happened, he could face it calmly...
In the end, she could only sigh, "Being a devil sure is nice..."
Badr gently patted her shoulder with a shallow smile.
"Do your best. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. No one will laugh at someone who gives their all, so just do your best."
...
The car drove off, and Ichika Nakano headed to the audition. Badr turned around and returned to the hotel rooftop.
He briefly explained the situation with Ichika to the other four sisters.
"But...we were supposed to be together," Nino Nakano murmured in disappointment.
"This was Ichika's choice. We should respect it," Itsuki said seriously.
Nino frowned slightly in displeasure.
"Of course, I understand that. It's just...we only have this one day each year. There will be plenty of other work opportunities."
From Nino's perspective, the annual fireworks festival they attended as sisters was more important than anything else, and work was something that could be done anytime.
But Badr understood that Ichika valued this opportunity very much. She had worked hard for six months to prepare for this day, and it was not something she could easily give up, as Nino suggested.
He walked over to Nino's side and gently explained on Ichika's behalf.
"Perhaps you don't quite understand, but opportunities are fleeting. Ichika wants to seize this opportunity, so she can't just wait as you suggest.
Maybe compromising would be a way to have the best of both worlds, but life becomes ordinary when you keep compromising."
Nino glared at him, her emotions a bit stirred.
To her, the bond between the five sisters was the most important thing, so she wasn't happy with Badr's words.
"In the end, you just don't understand what this fireworks festival means to us. We should never be divided. Can you stop lecturing us?"
Her tone was a bit harsh, causing the other three sisters to frown slightly.
"Nino, watch your tone," Miku scolded bluntly.
Nino wasn't one to back down easily, and she retorted seriously.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Miku wanted to say more, but Badr raised his hand to stop her. He then spoke to Nino in a calm tone.
"You didn't say anything wrong. I shouldn't have lectured you."
With that, he turned and walked away. As he passed by Yotsuba and Itsuki, he whispered.
"She's a bit emotional right now. Keep an eye on her. I'll step away for a bit."
He knew Ichika's concerns weren't unfounded.
Ichika's departure was bound to create some discord among the quintuplets, so it was better for everyone to cool off for now.
Itsuki was a bit surprised. "Huh? Where are you going?"
"I have something to take care of. I'll come find you when I'm done," Badr said softly, then headed downstairs.
Watching him leave, Yotsuba became a little nervous and whispered.
"Is he...angry?"
"Maybe...not?" Itsuki replied, uncertain.
After all, Badr had always been this calm and collected, so how could she tell what he was thinking?
Seeing Badr leave, Nino couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.
Maybe she had been too harsh with her words...
After all, Badr had always been very patient and gentle with them. How could she have spoken to him like that?
Nino wanted to apologize, but Badr was already gone, so she could only sit there, sulking.
Fireworks continued to burst in the sky, and the four sisters looked up at the colorful flames exploding in the night. The fireworks should have been a sight to behold, but they couldn't enjoy them, feeling uneasy instead.
With Ichika absent and Badr's departure weighing on their minds, they couldn't help but let their thoughts wander.
They all had a feeling that Badr might actually be angry.
Nino was especially conflicted, wondering if that boy was disappointed in her.
Meanwhile, Ichika Nakano arrived at the audition venue by car, quickly changing out of her yukata and into her audition outfit, making it just in time.
The audition began, and she started her performance, reciting lines she had long since memorized.
However, Badr's words echoed in her mind.
Expressing your true feelings is the easiest way to live, huh.
He really is an open-minded guy. I can't help but envy him...
But if I told him that, he'd probably get all smug, wouldn't he?
Thinking of Badr's image, a smile unconsciously spread across Ichika's face.
The judges were slightly taken aback, marveling at how genuine her emotional performance was, as if it came from the heart. She had perfectly captured the feelings of a young girl in love.
What a promising talent!
The judges exchanged glances and unanimously agreed to pass Ichika's audition.
When Ichika Nakano received the news that she had passed the audition, she could hardly believe it.
"That's it? I passed? That was... surprisingly easy..."
The pressure she had been feeling suddenly lifted, and her heart was filled with joy.
As she walked out of the audition company, Ichika Nakano checked the time.
By now, the fireworks festival was probably over...
Suddenly, a magical circle lit up in front of her, and Badr appeared through teleportation.
