Billiards - Chapter 1

[bakemonoremy]

Location: Road to School - Night

Madara: It’s already gotten totally dark. Anzu-san, thank you for helping me with my work today.

The owner of the billiards parlor that asked me to appear in their PV is an acquaintance of mine, you see. He’s always happy to see young people at his place.

I looked cool when I did that trick shot? I’m leaping for joy! Hearing that from you makes Mama sooo happy ♪

When you said “Please teach me billiards so I can take a good video” during our break, that also made me super happy.

At first, you were in such a hurry you couldn’t even hit the ball with your cue. But bit by bit, you got the hang of it and got quite good at it.

You did a really good job considering it was your first time. Anzu-san can do it if she tries! Good girl, good girl ♪

You looked so innocent and cute when you landed that shot and did a victory pose. Too bad I missed that shutter chance.

But I’ll burn that sight into my heart! It’s a precious memory I’ll never forget…...☆

How was your first time playing billiards? Was it fun?

I see, so you want to play again sometime. I’m glad to hear that!

The PV this time was made in order to attract new customers. So if Anzu-san became a regular at that parlor because of this, I’d be so happy!

But you know, you sure agreed easily to this considering it was such a sudden request.

Frankly, I could’ve somehow pulled off this job on my own, but.

Because you helped with the filming, Anzu-san, we finished ahead of schedule. I am terribly grateful!

Did this job turn out to be a good chance for you to get experience as a producer, Anzu-san?

I see, I see! Anzu-san is such a hard worker!

Alriiight, as a reward Mama will lift you high up in the air! Here we goo, up high, up hiiigh….☆

“There’s something I’d like to give you, so please let me down”, you say? Hahaha, I get it, I get it. There we go!

Let’s see, what is it that you’d like to give me? A letter, or a dunning letter, or maybe a letter of challenge…

“3hr free play tickets for billiards”? You’ve got them as thanks from the parlor owner today?

Why are you trying to give them to me? Anzu-san is the one who received them, you should keep them.

I see. You think I should be the one to receive them, since it was my work.

I get what you’re trying to say, but that’s not a reward for me. The owner gave you that as a favor because he’d like you to come back to the parlor again.

It’s not something you should carelessly be giving to someone else, I think?

Besides, I’m a regular at that parlor. Because of that, I always get to play there for free. So there’s no need to be modest! Take them, take them!

There, there, you took them. That’s good!

It’s not something I should be saying after making you help me with my work, but you’re still a child.

You may be in the producer course, but there’s no need for you to sacrifice all of your free time for idols.

I’d like for you to invite your friends and go play. Working hard as a producer is fine and dandy, but I want you to enjoy your school life as well.

Location: Classroom

- Morning of the next day -

Kaoru: (*sigh*... After getting a sermon from Glasses-kun* yesterday, I tried coming in early to school for once, but it’s really a pain in the ass after all…)

(Alright, I’ll replenish my energy in the morning and start doing my best in the afternoon, so--)

Madara: Good mooooooorning…..☆

Kaoru: Uwoah, you surprised me… Just when I wondered who that came from, of course it was Mikejima-kun.

Madara: Ooh, Kaoru-san! Even though we’re in the same class, it’s rare for us to see each other in the classroom! A strange fate brought us together! Now let’s join our voices! One, two, good mooooooooorning…….☆

Kaoru: Ahaha. Mikejima-kun, you’re full of energy early in the morning, huh~?

Madara: Hmmm, and Kaoru-san isn’t? Then I’ll share my energy with you! Come here, come here!

Kaoru: Uegh! Are you by any chance trying to lift me up on your shoulders!?

I-It’s fine already. Look, I’m full of energy as you can see!

Madara: Is that so? Whenever you don’t have any energy, call out to me. I’ll share mine with you!

Kaoru: Yeah, yeah. When I feel like it.

(That was dangerous. Girls aside, please spare me being carried on a guy’s shoulders...)

(No, there’d be something wrong with a girl carrying me on her shoulders, too. If anything, I’d like to princess-carry a girl.)

Errr, you said earlier that it’s rare for me to be in the classroom. But you know, I think it’s much rarer to see Mikejima-kun in the classroom.

Aren’t you super busy, even after returning from overseas? Is it okay for you to come to class?

Madara: Yeah! If something urgent comes up I’ll be out of here as fast as the wind, but I’ll try to attend class as much as possible.

Learning in the classroom is the greatest pleasure for a student.

Kaoru: Eh~, isn’t it more student-like to want to play hooky? Dedicating your whole youth to studying is way too boring.

If only classes were more interesting. The teachers here are pros at putting students to sleep after all~

(...As I say this, I can feel my motivation for class waning more and more. Guess I’ll skip class and spend the day on the rooftop.)

(It seems like the teacher isn’t here yet, anyway.)

(...Hm? The figure standing close to the door, could that be…?)

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*In case it’s not clear, that’d be Keito