Well, that was different.

I thought Asano-san didn't like me very much before, now he seems to think I'll get fired up and challenge him like an idiot because I seemingly have shown my true colors. I won't change because he expects me to. I act as myself. There is no reason to hide, Rose isn't a wanted person. Even if she was, we are not the same person so there's no point.

After walking away from that encounter I made my way to the Chairman's office since I and my parents were going to speak to him about my soon to be schedule and job.

What, you thought I was going to go on my own to convince him? But he's so scary! I'm just 12, how could I try to convince him without parental support?

As I arrived at the office I noticed my parents coming from the reception area. They had made an appointment with him beforehand, but I thought it would have more impact and drama after getting first in the tests. I smirked and mentally snickered at the thought.

Dad knocked at the door.

"Come in." said a deep voice from within the room.

We walked in together. I really hope this will end in my favour.

Asano Gakuho has neatly combed brown hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a formal business suit that is unique from the other staff members in Kunugigaoka, as it's of brown color instead of the usual grey or black. He also wears a saw tooth leaf pin on his tie that was given to him as a present from his cram students. Not that many people know that.

"... it's a pleasure to meet you as well Hara-san, Hara-san. Kotone-kun is an exceptional student here and has so far done very well in class."

At this he looked toward me and smiled politely. I smiled back, if a bit shyly.

My father looked proud as a peacock. "Yes, she's our little genius, but this meeting is about something else. Kotone, if you could?"

"Hai, Tou-san. Asano-sensei, I am well aware that there are rules against students getting part-time jobs. Would you make an exception if it pertained to their career choice?"

Before he could even think of answering I soldiered on.

"I have plans to become a singer, sensei. But there will be days I won't be able to attend school, sometimes missing weeks of it. So you see my dilemma. I would like your permission to work and miss school, which isn't exactly something you can do in your type of school system. Unless, I keep up my grades..."

I trailed off and waited for his response. He had his hands perched under his chin in a thoughtful manner and looked to be calculating the ramifications of my proposal.

He then lifted his eyes and straitened his back.

"Are you already employed by an agency?"

"Not officially. I do have an interested party in LME that will sign me up as soon as I give my consent, with parental approval of course."

He then trailed his gaze to my parents who were standing slightly behind me.

"Hara-san, is this what you want for your daughter? She could be more than an idol. She can be a doctor, a scientist, or even a politician with that speech of hers. I want to hear your side as well."

My Dad smiled a resigned smile.

"She's been so passionate about this since she started playing the piano 6 years ago. We thought that this school will teach her more about how hard it is to succeed, that you need to work hard for it, but I now realize that she already knew. This is her show, so to say. She has been determined since day one. We agreed to support her as long as she remains in the top 10 best students. We will not go back on our word."

He then smiled sheepishly, "We just forgot to account for school rules and regulations when we did. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you."

The Chairman came to a conclusion.

"If, -only if- I refuse, what would you do? There are other schools that are specialized for this." He seemed curious so I decided to not beat around the bush.

"I would have to transfer. I cannot remain in a school where I cannot pursue my dreams. But the security of this place isn't something one wants to give up. Plus I will be under an alias during my career while I am still a minor."

An unknown emotion flashed in his eyes. What is he planning?

He calmly started speaking. "As you are aware, this is a school for the elite. We have many children from prominent families that have obligations, such as work for the family business. We allow this as long as they maintain their grades, but nothing as extreme as the top 10...but you are an exceptional student and it would be a shame if you lost your motivation to study." he added with a touch of concern and a furrowed brow.

"I will agree to this, but you must remain in the top 10 as your parents stipulated beforehand. If you drop below that you will either stop your career and catch up or transfer to another class and if you end up being lower than the top 50, you will transfer to another school. The homework of the days you miss can be put aside for you, and you may choose to only complete the ones that are graded. Please notify the school ahead of time if you are to be absent. That is all I can think of right now, though I may add conditions in the near future. I wish you all a good day and hope to meet with you again to discuss this in further detail."

My parents and I were elated.

After thanking him for the opportunity, we were headed to the door when a deliberate cough stopped us.

The chairman sat up and spoke.

"If I may, can I have a few words with Kotone-kun before you leave? It will only be a moment."

They agreed and that's how I ended up alone with Chairman Asano.

"Why did you skip questions on the entrance exam Kotone-kun? You don't seem like the type of girl to intentionally flaw her results because you're shy. Were you trying to hide? That's not something someone from the entertainment industry would do as far as I'm aware..."

I giggled a bit with an embarrassed blush on my face.

"That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to get exactly 10th place so I made sure to get just enough, though it was a bit of a gamble since I didn't know what the other students would score, so I guessed. I was just lucky." And that was actually the truth. Getting 10th place was like a HAHA to my parents, YEAH, YOU SAW THAT! I CAN DO THAT ALL THE TIME! A bit childish and it backfired magnificently since my parents argued that if I could only just make it, I needed to work harder. I admitted throwing the test a bit and they grounded me for a week.

He nodded then ordered "Never do that again. It is against what this school stands for and I will have no tolerance for it."

I straighted at the sterness in his voice "Hai, Asano-sensei."

The conversation was over so i left to join my parents in the hall.

"how did it go sweetheart" my mother questioned softly.

I smiled brightly in return, "It went well. Thanks Mom, Dad."

They both smiled proudly. "Anytime Sweetheart."

End of chapter.