When I Lied About Getting a Girlfriend to My Favorite Idol at a Handshake Event…
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
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LearningTranscript
00:00Reina! Please, give me your handshake!
00:03Ugh, you've come again. There's no way I'll do it.
00:07Thank you so much!
00:09My name is Kei Maeda, a first year college student.
00:13It's been four years since I've been a devoted fan of Reina, the super popular and rather aloof idol.
00:19But Reina is...
00:21You haven't changed since high school, have you? Aren't you tired of this yet?
00:26Of course not! I'm devoted to the idol Reina, and only her!
00:30In reality, Reina and I went to the same high school, and we were in the same class for three years.
00:36Of course, a nerd, I, maintained the appropriate distance and only spoke to her when necessary.
00:43Currently, she's at the height of her popularity, but she used to be unnoticed and struggling.
00:48Back then, she was a member of the group called Koiwa Girls,
00:52along with the cheerful and energetic Ran Tenshin,
00:55the teenage delusionary prone Riri Demon,
00:59and the confident and competitive Uzami Uraari.
01:02But...
01:03I'm planning to open a takoyaki stand in the future, so all of you better come!
01:09Mwahaha! All of you shall be sent to the demon realm!
01:14I'm heading to university, and maybe I'll win a beauty pageant and become a model!
01:20Or actress!
01:23Ugh...
01:24So we're all quitting, but we'll still support you, Reina!
01:29You can come to our Sakrumit live shows once in a while!
01:34Thank you, everyone!
01:36Due to differences in entrance exams, future dreams, and paths,
01:40the group disbanded during our third year of high school.
01:43Since then, Reina has continued to put in effort and has reached the point of holding dome concerts.
01:49Her dedication is truly something.
01:51That's why I want to support her with everything I have!
01:54Her aloofness is also amazing!
01:57Oh, if it isn't Kei! You're here again today!
02:00Hey, Otaku! As usual, couldn't get a handshake.
02:04My name is not Otaku, it's Otakuda.
02:07But I've been in the same boat.
02:10He's my nerdy friend, Tamotsu Otakuda.
02:13I don't know his actual age, but he seems older.
02:16Since we're close friends, I've told him about Reina and me.
02:20But that aloofness, it's something else, isn't it?
02:23Absolutely! Seriously, it's like she's taken it up a notch lately.
02:28Whoa!
02:30Are you okay? Um, you dropped your phone.
02:33She walked away before I could say it.
02:35Can't be helped. Let's give it to the staff.
02:38Yeah.
02:39After that, I continued to attend Reina's handshake events.
02:43Can I have a handshake, please?
02:45Declined.
02:47Even though I can never get a handshake, I actually like it that way.
02:51Don't you want to have a girlfriend instead of just focusing on idols?
02:55It's just a coincidence that my favorite is a classmate.
02:59But could she find it creepy?
03:01Alright, to reassure Reina, I should...
03:04Actually, I got a girlfriend the other day.
03:07She's from a different university.
03:09Look, I even have a photo!
03:11Huh? Really?
03:13Well, it's just an AI-generated image that Otakura and I made for fun.
03:17But with this fictional setup, there's no way she'll figure it out.
03:21Hmph! Is that so? I'm happy for you.
03:25I knew she'd react like this,
03:27but it still makes me quietly sad that she doesn't seem to think anything about me.
03:31A few days later.
03:33Phew! Finally done with classes!
03:36Now off to the idol shop, or...
03:39Hmm...
03:40That figure from behind and the sloppy disguise...
03:43Reina? What are you up to?
03:46I-I'm not doing anything suspicious!
03:49Yeah, you're Reina, right?
03:51You figured it out?
03:53Uh, well...
03:55Truth is, I was looking for you.
03:58For me?
03:59Can you go on a date with me? Like, right now?
04:02Huh?
04:03I can't explain why, but please?
04:06Maybe it's for method acting for an unreleased drama or something?
04:10Alright, I understand.
04:12And so, I ended up going on a date with Reina.
04:16However, during the journey to our destination...
04:19Isn't that girl so cute?
04:21I know! Wait, isn't she Reina from the idol group?
04:24Oh no, this is bad!
04:26Reina really stands out, doesn't she?
04:28In that case...
04:30My girlfriend is seriously adorable!
04:32She even gets told she looks like the idol Reina!
04:35And as her boyfriend, I'm really proud!
04:37Is this going overboard?
04:39Well, I guess the real deal wouldn't be here, huh?
04:42I'm envious of the Reina look-alike girlfriend!
04:45Phew, that worked out.
04:47Hey, um...
04:49Hm?
04:50Y-you said girlfriend...
04:53Were you talking about me?
04:55I-I'm sorry, that was just to throw them off.
04:58I mean, you wouldn't want to be my girlfriend, right?
05:01I-it's not like I'd hate it or anything!
05:04Anyway...
05:06Let's just go on the date!
05:08Later, we arrived at the zoo.
05:10It's been a while since I've been to a zoo.
05:13It's close by, but I don't come often at this age.
05:17Besides, everyone's focused on the animals,
05:19so no one's paying attention to us, right?
05:21True.
05:22We went through the entrance and began exploring the animals.
05:26However...
05:28Ah!
05:30Huh?
05:31Sorry, I got startled.
05:34It's a bit scary...
05:37So, is it okay if we stay like this?
05:40S-sure.
05:42W-what's going on?
05:44Somehow, today we're really close!
05:46Her usual aloofness is great, but this too...
05:49Hey, want to go over there?
05:52The rabbit feeding experience?
05:54Sounds interesting.
05:55We fed the rabbits together, but...
05:58It tickles so much!
06:01Rabbits are not coming anywhere near me.
06:03Reina playing with the rabbits is nice, though.
06:06Oh, wait!
06:08What?
06:09There's a rabbit inside Reina's clothes!
06:12Can you help me get the rabbit out of my clothes?
06:17That's seriously impossible, right?
06:20Despite such a mishap, we enjoyed the zoo and ended the day.
06:25Lastly, we decided to take a ride on the Ferris wheel nearby to get a view of the whole park.
06:30Hey, do you remember?
06:33Even back in high school, we came to the zoo for a school event, right?
06:37It feels nostalgic.
06:39I think back then...
06:41I got separated from everyone.
06:43At that time, I was often absent from school due to work and lessons.
06:47And I didn't have any friends.
06:49I didn't even know anyone's contact information.
06:53At that moment...
06:55I... I don't know anyone's contacts.
06:58What should I do?
07:00Someone... help me...
07:03Reina!
07:05I'm glad you're safe.
07:07Why are you here?
07:09Everyone was looking for you, Reina.
07:11I had a feeling you might be here, and it turned out to be true.
07:15It's like the nerd intuition, I guess.
07:18What's that?
07:21Thank you.
07:23Up until then, there had been a distance between Reina and the others.
07:27But because of this incident, she became more approachable and popular at school.
07:31When I was feeling really anxious, you rushed over to help me, K.
07:36And you took the initiative to approach everyone to exchange contact information.
07:40So they could stay in touch easily, right?
07:43I feel like it was mostly my nerd friends that I approached.
07:46I... I've been feeling this way about you, K.
07:50Huh? Uh, watch out!
07:52Huh?
07:53Ouch. Reina, are you okay?
07:56Uh, thank you.
07:58It's dangerous to stand up suddenly. Just sit back down for now.
08:01Uh...
08:02Reina?
08:04I can't take it anymore!
08:06The truth is... I really like you!
08:10Even if I'm your second choice, make me your girlfriend!
08:14Huh? Reina has feelings for me, and she said second choice!
08:19You have a girlfriend, right?
08:21I thought today would be our last memory together, but...
08:24I just can't give up after all!
08:27I didn't notice at all. I thought I really was just seen as a regular fan.
08:32I couldn't treat you as a special fan, so I kept my distance just like with everyone else.
08:38But I thought today's date with you would be our last, so I wanted to lean on you a lot.
08:44So that's why she was so forward.
08:47I'm sorry, Reina. I really care about you.
08:49But you're an idol, so I can't say reckless things.
08:52And about having a girlfriend, that was a lie.
08:55That image was just an AI creation.
08:58I see. You're kind, Kei, for lying to me.
09:03Huh? No! There really isn't anyone!
09:06Really?
09:07Really, really!
09:09Well then, I'll keep approaching you from now on!
09:14Even if you have a girlfriend, my feelings won't change!
09:18She definitely doesn't believe this.
09:21From the next day on, Reina started appearing in front of me.
09:25Now, before my next class, I'll grab some lunch.
09:28Kei!
09:30Reina, why are you here?
09:32You can enter the university even if you're not a student here.
09:36Since it's lunchtime, I brought you a lunchbox, Kei.
09:39You mentioned having a girlfriend from another university,
09:42so I thought this might be my chance to approach you.
09:45I told you about having a girlfriend. It's a lie.
09:48If it's a lie, you can still eat lunch with me, right?
09:52Let's go to the cafeteria!
09:54And so, we changed locations.
09:56Here comes the airplane!
09:59Uh...
10:01The stairs from people around us are so uncomfortable.
10:04It seems like they haven't caught on that she's Reina,
10:06but all the guy's gazes are piercing through me!
10:10On a day that was like this for a few days...
10:13I'm back!
10:15Reina didn't come today, which is unusual.
10:17Well, she's probably busy, and there must be days like that.
10:21I wonder if I got any messages or something.
10:24Huh? Reina's on hiatus!
10:27I need to contact her!
10:29Hello? Reina, you're on hiatus. Are you okay?
10:32Kei...
10:34Help me!
10:37It seems that bad rumors have been circulating on Talkator,
10:41and she's not in a state to continue her activities properly.
10:45It's said that there were reports of bad performances,
10:48and photos with staff members have been leaked,
10:51leading to suspicions about her having a boyfriend.
10:54I'm usually aloof,
10:56so I can't blame people for disliking me.
10:59That's not true!
11:01The people spreading rumors are just aunties!
11:03Even Reina's aloofness is something fans love about her!
11:07Kei...
11:08Everyone has their preferences,
11:10but spreading false rumors is the real mistake on their part!
11:13Reina is absolutely not at fault!
11:16Because of your usual distant demeanor,
11:18the smiles you occasionally show and your dedication shine even more!
11:22Seeing you not giving up despite not gaining popularity gave me strength!
11:27There are people here who love you,
11:29so don't think that her aloofness is wrong!
11:32So...
11:33For you...
11:34And for all the fans...
11:36I want to keep being an idol!
11:38I'll do whatever I can to support you!
11:40If you ever encounter difficulties,
11:42don't hesitate to rely on me!
11:44Thank you...
11:45Well, I did say I'll support her,
11:48but what can I actually do?
11:50Even if I deny it verbally,
11:52people won't believe me...
11:54Hm?
11:55This photo...
11:56A few days later...
11:58Ugh!
11:59Finished with classes today and now I have work!
12:02So tiring...
12:04Um, excuse me?
12:06What's with the sudden interruption?
12:08I'm busy here!
12:10Oh wait!
12:11Reina?
12:12It's been a while...
12:14I have something important to discuss today...
12:17What's the suddenness?
12:19And who are these people with you?
12:21Former Koiwa Girls member Uzami.
12:24You're the one who spread those false rumors about Reina, aren't you?
12:27What on earth are you talking about?
12:30There's no point in playing innocent!
12:32We have evidence that you're the one who took those photos!
12:35What?
12:36It turns out the photo was taken through glass,
12:39so the face was blurry,
12:41but her distinctive phone case was clearly visible.
12:45We've confirmed from talkator posts by Koiwa Girls
12:48that you're using that phone case.
12:50Plus, when you bumped into me at the live venue,
12:53you dropped your phone, right?
12:54I handed it over to the staff, and you received it.
12:57As a former member, the staff also remembered you.
13:00Oh, what an incredible story.
13:04You should become a novelist, don't you think?
13:07But it's also possible that we just happen to use the same phone case, right?
13:11Shall we verify then?
13:13What are you talking about?
13:15Actually, I have this ability
13:17to identify the culprits behind online posts.
13:20It's possible to request disclosure.
13:23What?
13:24Like a lawyer?
13:26While we normally avoided discussing personal details
13:29like age and profession among friends,
13:32this time, considering Reina's predicament,
13:34we asked Otakura for help,
13:36and he gladly agreed to cooperate.
13:38There's no escaping it now, huh?
13:41Yes, it was me.
13:43Why did you do something like this?
13:45I was jealous of you!
13:47I know that your success is the result of your hard work,
13:50but if I'd continued like that,
13:52I felt like I would've reached the same place I wanted to be.
13:56I thought it was unfair that it was just you!
13:59I wanted to work hard with everyone even more,
14:02but everyone had their own circumstances,
14:04so I couldn't stop you.
14:06Even though something like that happened to me,
14:09I couldn't continue being an idol anymore.
14:12Huh?
14:13Is it because of an injury?
14:17Each member had their unique traits,
14:19but among them, Uzami stood out for her exceptional dancing skills.
14:23However, even before her retirement announcement,
14:26her performances had gradually been declining.
14:29Is your reason for quitting really just an injury?
14:32I don't have any evidence, and it's just speculation, but...
14:35You really should become a novelist.
14:37But yes, you're right.
14:39I decided to quit because of an injury.
14:42I can manage daily life,
14:44but I can't engage in intense physical activity anymore.
14:47As Reina gained popularity, I started to resent you more and more.
14:51But I'm sorry.
14:53Regardless of circumstances, what I did was unforgivable.
14:57I forgive you.
14:59Are you sure?
15:00I tried to tarnish your reputation!
15:03I'll forgive you, if you genuinely support me from now on.
15:07While I can't fully understand your feelings,
15:10I can imagine how frustrating it must've been if I were in the opposite position.
15:14Reina...
15:16Thank you.
15:18I'm truly sorry.
15:20Uzami vowed never to do something like this again.
15:23Since Reina was satisfied with this resolution, I didn't say anything further.
15:27And then...
15:29Hey, Reina, I really don't have a girlfriend.
15:32Isn't that just a kind lie, Kei?
15:34Well, well, take a look at this.
15:37Otakura showed Reina how he was creating the image to make it clear.
15:41The image also included a picture of the woman I had claimed to be my girlfriend.
15:45Thinking that words alone might not be convincing, I had asked for Otakura's help.
15:50Huh? This looks so realistic.
15:54But it's really an AI?
15:56Technology has come a long way recently.
15:58Well, Kei is devoted to Reina, so he wouldn't cheat.
16:02Well then, I shall take my leave now.
16:05Thank you so much for today.
16:08No problem at all. I'm doing this for my fave, Reina.
16:12Huh?
16:14Reina, no, Reina Nakano.
16:17Y-yes!
16:18I support you, Reina, but I also had romantic feelings for you.
16:22I lied about having a girlfriend to make sure you wouldn't find me creepy or weird for it,
16:27and to make sure you didn't read too much into it.
16:30I really like you, Reina, but I know I can't date the idol Reina who gives everyone dreams.
16:35I understand.
16:37Being an idol is about giving people dreams, but I also really like you, Kei.
16:42So when I become the ordinary Reina Nakano again,
16:46I want to have the same kind of conversation we're having now,
16:49not as an idol and a fan, but as regular classmates.
16:53I got it! Until then, I'll keep supporting you, Reina!
16:57After that, our relationship returned to what it used to be,
17:01and just like before, I continued going to live performances with Otakura.
17:05But there was something that changed.
17:07Ah! There you are!
17:10I'm Kei Otakura!
17:12Gah! You dare to leave me behind like this?
17:16Have the courage to face the seal left hand!
17:19Riri, are you sure it's not just a lack of exercise?
17:23What? You...
17:26How dare you!
17:28Prepare to become a meal for my familiar!
17:32Uzami, just as promised, started supporting Reina at her live performances.
17:37We reconnected with Ran and Riri, and we all began going to the live shows together.
17:42Days like those continued, and a few years passed.
17:46Reina is still so cute!
17:49Even though the real me is right here, you prefer the screen?
17:54No, that's not it! I found it while cleaning, and it just brought back memories.
18:00Make sure you clean properly!
18:02Yes. After Reina's 22nd birthday, she retired as an idol and transitioned into being a celebrity.
18:09After that, we started dating and just recently, we got married.
18:13You prefer me when I was younger?
18:15It's not like that! You're amazing no matter when I look at you.
18:19The memories from back then are important to me too!
18:22Then, as your wife, please continue supporting both the younger and present me.
18:29Of course!
18:31I intend to keep loving my beloved favorite just as passionately from now on!