Actor(Oshi no ko)

The Tough Idol World

"Ah!" Ai exclaimed, letting out a loud scream. "My ice cream!" She halted her patting of Aikara and Ruby, and rushed to grab the container from the table. As she watched the melted cream ooze out and drip onto the table, she couldn't help but cry out in frustration. "That was an imported ice cream, you know? It cost me 2100 yen!" She sank to her knees, feeling defeated.

Everyone looked at her in alarm and they all had a single thought.

'That's 2100 yen!?'

For context, the usual price for Ramen in Japan is usually priced 600-1200 yen per bowl. If you add extra toppings, a side dish, and a drink, like beer, you will still likely pay no more than 2000 yen.

And the tub of ice cream  Ai had in her hands is very small, not worth the 2100 yen she paid for it at all.

Miyako heaved a sigh, "Perhaps it's time for you to stop indulging in expensive ice cream. Have you ever considered budgeting?"

However, Ai seemed to have tuned out Miyako's advice as she absentmindedly devoured the creamy treat in her hand.

Miyako shook her head at being ignored and let out a sigh.

After polishing off the ice cream, Ai handed the triplets over to Miyako and bid her goodbyes. "Well, off I go to my lesson," she announced. "Be good, kids." With a final wave, she departed from the apartment.

___________________

After Ai left, Miyako placed the triplets on the couch before returning to her laptop to resume work. Aqua was lost in his own thoughts until he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He immediately recognized the source of the touch - it was Aikara. Unlike Ruby, who often called out to him loudly, Aikara preferred to initiate contact before speaking.

"What do you want, Aka?" Aqua asked, turning to face his little brother.

Aikara grinned, "You're right, Aqua nii. I'm always impressed by how you can tell it's me or Ruby. How do you do it?"

Aqua shrugged nonchalantly. "Just basic common sense, I guess."

Aikara nodded energetically, "I see, I see." He paused before his expression turned serious. "Anyway, I have a question for you."

Aqua raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Aikara was not one to ask many questions unless it involved learning Japanese. "Is it another Japanese question?"

Aikara shook his head, his expression becoming more solemn. "Nope. I just want to know why Mom's salary is only 200,000 yen per month. I thought their salary was at least one million yen per month."

"Of course not," Aqua replied, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Miyako was still preoccupied with her laptop. Just as he turned back, Ruby appeared out of nowhere and shouted, "It's not?!"

Aikara and Aqua both jumped at her sudden outburst, causing Miyako to glance up momentarily before returning her attention to her work.

"You surprised me there, Rubes," Aikara said with a chuckle, while Aqua nodded in agreement.

"Sorry for startling you guys, but is what you're saying true?" Ruby asked, prompting Aqua to nod in confirmation. "It's true," he said, pointing his finger in the air. "Royalties and TV performance fees are equally split among the members. If merch doesn't sell during concerts, they'll be at a deficit, and costumes are also deducted from their salaries. There are only a handful of idols who make a million yen a month."

Aikara's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa! Being an idol sure is tough!" he exclaimed, while Ruby's anger began to rise. "What!? That's so unfair! The world must be rotten if money doesn't go to those working the hardest!" she exclaimed.