CH 21

Arc-2 Chapter-3: What is the Wrong Choice?

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Whenever possible, I tried to avoid the rain when recording. From my point of view, it is "dangerous," and from the TV station's point of view, it is a "shooting hazard."

Therefore, I basically chose to record on days when the weather forecast indicated clear skies.The reason why we don't schedule any major work before or after the recording is to prepare for rainy weather. These days, weather forecasts are so reliable that they have only failed me a few times. Even then, it was only a pretty drizzle and didn't affect me much.

Today, however, it is raining heavily. It felt like a torrential downpour. Even the wind is quite strong.

"Yoshikawa-kun, what should we do..."

"For now, let's just move some of the stuff near the entrance to the back."

"Got it."

Fortunately, we chose a cave as our location. Due to the structure of this cave, there was no way for rainwater to penetrate. It is also windproof and we have some provisions. The problem is not us, but Yukiho and Kaho. I used my emergency cell phone to contact the staff. Unlike us, Yukiho and Kaho were accompanied by a staff member.

"Hello, this is Yoshikawa speaking..."

"Daikichi! Are you okay over there!?"

It was the president who answered the phone. Before I knew it, he had started calling me "Daikichi."

"No problems here, since we're in a cave. How's Yukiho doing?"

"They're safe. They're evacuating to the ship, including us."

I'm relieved.

"Daikichi, this rain is going to get worse. A typhoon is said to have formed nearby."

"Typhoon!?"

"Fortunately, it's not on a direct course, but it's definitely approaching the island. We need to get off this island as soon as possible. The weather could be rough for a few days, maybe even a week!"

"Then we'll head for the ship too!"

"That's the thing...."

The president's voice grew cloudy. My brow wrinkled, and Yui saw it and looked worried

"This situation, visually, is simply delicious."

It hit me immediately.

"Oh, you mean, like, continue recording? Just the two of us."

Yui's face said, "You're lying." Or rather, she muttered that in a small voice.

I felt the same way.

"Normally I would say that. But this time it's too dangerous. I'm not in a situation to worry about the ratings numbers."

"What do I do if it's...?"

"I've asked several experts for their opinions, and it's 50-50."

"50-50?"

"Should we wait for you, or leave you on the island and return? The experts are splitting hairs on this one."

"I see."

"The distance from the cave to here is quite long. It's dangerous to walk on the rain-slicked soil. It's especially dangerous for Yui since she's not used to the island. Besides, waiting for you guys would increase the danger for us. That's why my first opinion was that we should leave the two of you in the cave and go back alone. Fortunately, there is a good amount of food in the cave, so you should be able to survive for a few days."

"Indeed."

"On the other hand, there are those who think that leaving you guys on the island, who are not survival professionals, is dangerous. We all know Daikichi's survival skills, but we don't know how well you can perform in this weather. Besides, we don't know if the weather will improve in a few days. From an ethical standpoint, leaving you behind is not a good choice."

"Hmm. Then what should we do? There's quite a bit of risk either way."

"I think I should leave the decision to you and Yui."

"To us?"

The president answered immediately, "Yes."

"Whichever you choose, there is always the risk of death. That's why I want you to make the choice you think is best. You don't have to think about the ratings. Of course, the cameras are still rolling."

The president laughed. I guess he's trying to ease our anxiety.

"Please wait a moment. I'll check with Yui-san."

I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at Yui.

"I heard what he said. Boss, you're too loud."

Yui smiles weakly.

"What should we do?"

"Which one do you prefer, Yoshikawa-kun?"

"I'm..."

I think about it as I look outside.

What are the chances of us getting to the ship safely in this rain?

--Seventy percent.

If we take into account the worsening weather, I'd say we have a 60% chance.

What are the odds of survival if we remain in the cave?

--99% until day 3.

80% on the fourth day, 50% on the fifth day, and 5% on the sixth day.

It's a tough call.

"You don't look like someone who has an answer."

"Yeah. They're both equally difficult..."

"Then I'll change the question. Which one is more likely to get better ratings?"

"No, I'm not going to worry about ratings right now..."

"Yes, but not if both choices come with the same amount of risk. We are professional entertainers, and as long as we are on TV, we have to entertain the viewers. The ratings figures are important not only for ourselves but also for the viewers."

This person, like Yukiho, is a entertainer at heart. Her level of professionalism is different from mine, which still has the feeling of an ordinary person.

Inspired by Yui, I also thought about it as a person in the industry. As a result, I came up with the following answer.

"I think it's better to stay. Being stranded on a deserted island in a desperate situation not only has an unseen horror, but also fits the title of the program. Running through the rain would be thrilling, but I'm not sure if I could get a decent shot of that."

"Then we stay."

"I understand. I'll tell the president."

"`Kay"

I put the phone to my ear and told him that we would stay.

"All right. Don't take it too hard. Also, your wife has something she wants to tell you."

"No, Yukiho is my girlfriend, not my wif--"

"Daikichi-kun! You have to survive! Promise!"

Interrupting my words, Yukiho shouts over the phone. She must be crying, and her voice is shaky.

"Don't worry. I'm the guy who lived on Grandpa's island for two weeks. I've survived torrential downpours. You know that, right?"

'Yes, but, but... it's a typhoon! It's dangerous!"

"It's not a direct hit. Besides, it's a cave this time. Grandpa's hut would have been blown away, but in a cave you don't have to worry about that. As long as we have water, we can survive."

"You have to survive for sure. If Daikichi-kun dies, I, I....."

Yukiho made a sigh and then continued.

"I will be the stupid girl who quit being an idol!"

"I won't let that happen." A small smile came over my face.

'The phone should be able to reach the mainland, so we'll talk later! I promise!"

"Yes. Next time, let's talk on our phone. I've got a top-of-the-line mobile battery from Bunker, so I don't have to worry about charging it!"

He also never misses a chance to promote his sponsors. Yui put her mouth to her hands and giggled. She could hear Yukiho's laughter over the phone.

"I'll see you later! Just so you know, you can't cheat on me, okay?!"

"Of course. Cheating is a scumbag thing to do. Isn't that right?"

"Yes, it is!"

Yukiho said, "Well, then," and hung up the phone.

I exhaled, "Phew."

"What now? Should we eat?"

Yui had placed her camera near the entrance. She placed it in a place where it would not be exposed to the wind and rain.

"I thought I'd take some shots of the outside. I'll put it on the ground so it could get some good shots."

"Is that so?"

"Can I have Daikichi-kun put his camera there too?"

"Alright."

I handed Yui the action camera. She places it next to the handheld camera.

"Now then, lets get some food."

"Yes."

Yui and I headed deeper into the cave. The cave is in an S-shape, and the light from the fire did not reach us. It is dark inside, partly because it is nightfall.

"I can't see anything with this. I'll get us a lantern for emergencies."

"Yes. But first--"

The next thing I know, I'm pressed up against the wall. Yui brought her body close to mine and stroked my thigh with her fingertips.

"Wait, Yui-san, what are you--"

"Daikichi-kun, didn't you say earlier that 'cheating is something that scums do'?"

Yui said and licked my neck then whispered in my ear.

"I don't think there's a man in the world who isn't a scum."