Oshi No Ko; You are my World (SEASON 2 BAYBEH)

32: First Encounter

Dio sat comfortably in his chair, a devious grin spreading across his face as he rewatched the video footage on his tablet. Beside him, Aqua squirmed uncomfortably, his face reddening from embarrassment.

In the video, Kana had Aqua in a tight chokehold, her grip unrelenting as she vented her frustration. Aqua's desperate gasps for air, and the panic in his eyes only seemed to add to Dio's amusement.

"Ahaha! Aqua Hoshino, you never fail to entertain me," Dio chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Look at you, caught in Kana's grip like a helpless little fish."

Aqua glared at Dio, a mixture of annoyance and pleading in his eyes. "Dio, can't you delete that video? It's embarrassing!"

Dio's grin widened as he shook his head. "Oh, no, my dear Aqua. This video is pure gold. It captures the essence of our little drama perfectly."

"But it's not fair! You're always enjoying my suffering," Aqua protested, crossing his arms in frustration.

Dio leaned closer to Aqua, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Oh, Aqua-kun, don't be so melodramatic. I, The Great Dio, enjoy everyone's suffering."

Aqua sighed in defeat, realizing there was no point in arguing with Dio. He knew that Dio's mischievous nature wouldn't be satisfied until he had his fair share of amusement at Aqua's expense.

The door creaked open, and the renowned director, Mr. Kumugai entered the room with an air of authority. Dio's laughter abruptly ceased as he quickly pocketed his phone, his expression morphing into one of seriousness. Aqua, who had been observing Dio's sudden change in demeanor, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kumugai," Dio greeted, his voice steady and professional.

"Good afternoon, Y/N-kun," Mr. Kumugai replied, scanning the room and nodding in acknowledgment. "I hope you all are ready for today's scene. We have a lot of work to do."

Aqua watched Dio closely, trying to gauge his reaction. It was as if Dio had effortlessly transitioned from laughter to seriousness, leaving Aqua puzzled about his friend's acting skills. Did Dio possess the ability to switch emotions so effortlessly? Or was it a result of his years of experience in his previous life?

"Right, before we proceed, I'd like you all to meet the final member of our cast, someone I'm sure you'll all be thrilled to meet," the director announced, clapping his hands with excitement. He stepped aside, allowing a blonde-haired man to enter the room, causing gasps of surprise from everyone present.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Kamiki Hikaru. I'm thrilled to be working with all of you," the man introduced himself with a pleasant smile, his presence commanding attention and admiration from the room. Applause erupted, much more enthusiastic than any Dio had received.

Dio leaned over to Aqua, the only person not caught up in the applause, and whispered, "Who is this man?"

"Not sure, but apparently he's a big name in the industry," Aqua replied with a shrug, hopping off his chair to join Akane and Kana in warmly welcoming the veteran actor.

Dio observed the newcomer with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He couldn't shake off the unease that lingered within him. Their eyes met, and a twisted smile played on Dio's lips as he stepped forward, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Y/n. The pleasure is all yours," Dio grinned, offering a firm handshake, to which Hikaru reciprocated, his gaze unwavering.

"Indeed it is, Y/N-san. You're just as impressive as the rumors suggest," Hikaru acknowledged.

"Hmph, I assure you, the rumors pale in comparison to the reality," Dio replied, his confidence radiating.

"I look forward to witnessing it, Y/N-san," Hikaru responded, their exchange laced with a subtle tension.

As the room gradually quieted down, Dio and Hikaru locked gazes, a silent exchange that went unnoticed by Aqua and the rest of the cast. Dio, however, was quick to pick up on it.

In Hikaru's eyes, Dio detected a coldness, a gaze that had witnessed death but not succumbed to it. It was the piercing stare of a predator sizing up its prey, shining with an unsettling light amidst the darkness. Dio found a strange satisfaction in this realization, relishing the presence of another formidable individual.

Of course, Dio had no interest in confirming or challenging his assumptions. He cared little for the lives of others as long as they didn't interfere with his plans or cross his path.

"I, too, am eager to see what you are capable of, Kamiki Hikaru," Dio chuckled softly, releasing Hikaru's hand and returning to his seat.

Hikaru and Aqua's gazes lingered on Dio for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them, before they refocused on their respective tasks as the director resumed their conversation.

Mr. Kumugai walked over to the table, where scripts and production notes were scattered, and began discussing the upcoming scene. Aqua listened intently, absorbing every detail and instruction. He was determined to give his best performance and impress the director.

Meanwhile, Dio sat quietly, his eyes focused on Mr. Kumugai. He couldn't help but feel excitement building up as he gazed at Hikaru, their gazes meeting as he sent a polite wave of recognition before listening back to the director.

"Hmm, interesting... I wonder who you truly are." Dio mumbled with a soft chuckle, his veins popping out from behind his hands as he clenched his fists in excitement.