Chapter Text
In a rare turn of events, Sumire and Keke were scheduled to appear as guests at a music programme together. Despite being in the same talent agency, and Sumire being produced by Keke herself, their activities seldom overlapped. While Sumire was a woman of many talents, acting in various drama series, modelling in photoshoots and recording songs, Keke busied herself with producing music for Sumire, as well as releasing music of her own.
“Sumire-san, we all know that you’re one of the most promising up and coming talents in the industry, and your latest single is trending on music charts and social media,” the host spoke. “What’s your secret to success?”
Sumire straightened up in her seat, delivering her response with practised eloquence. “I’ll have to give due credit to my wonderful producer, Tang Keke. She always knows what works for me, and writes lyrics and compositions that best suit my vocals.”
Keke, who was seated just behind her, reacted with a bashful smile as all eyes suddenly focused on her. “Hehe, Sumire has many charm points, so I always keep those in mind whenever I’m producing music for her.”
“Don’t mind me bringing this up,” the host continued, “but there have been observations and speculation by fans online lately about your relationship, as the both of you seem to be very close. Do you have anything to comment about this?”
“Dammit!” Sumire internally panicked. “It’s definitely because of the influx of selfies we’ve both been posting on our socials recently! I’ve seen many fans shipping us in the comments section!”
The tip of Keke's ears flushed red, and she shifted in her seat as she replied in a small voice. “Well actually, Sumire and I are dat-”
“I’m sure it's no secret to our fans that Keke and I have gone a long way, as we’ve known each other since high school as members of the same school idol group. We’re just close friends who understand each other really well, nothing more than that.” Before Keke could continue, Sumire cut her off with another perfect PR response.
“T-that’s right!” Keke added, quickly catching on to Sumire's drift. “We’re really good friends!”
That evening, in the privacy of her own apartment, Keke found herself becoming the subject of Sumire's glowering stare.
“Keke.” Sumire's voice was grave, and her eyes were like daggers, piercing right through Keke. “Were you seriously going to reveal our relationship on-air this afternoon?”
“I already told you I’m sorry!” Keke retorted. “I’d just thought it wouldn't hurt to tease our fans a bit…”
“Have you ever thought about the implications of this? Our managers will definitely give us an earful if this gets out to the public without our agency's approval!” Sumire crossed her arms with indignance. Between the both of them, Sumire was the more sensible of the two, and was keenly aware of the calculated approach Japanese entertainers took with personal announcements like marriage or having a child.
Keke approached Sumire from behind, wrapping her arms around her waist. “I promise I’ll be careful next time, okay? As an apology, I’ll let you sleep next to the wall tonight.”
Sumire felt Keke's arms tighten around her and the warmth of her body against her back, and her heart melted instantly. She fully knew that Keke preferred sleeping close to the wall while in her own bed, so offering that spot to her was a sincere gesture of apology to her.
“Alright, be careful next time.” When they were not bickering over trivial matters, Sumire found Keke to be absolutely adorable and easily gave in to her charms.
“What else can I say?” Sumire sighed softly to herself. “My silly girlfriend is incredibly cute.”