Cats and the Camellia Train - Chapter 3

Location: 2-B Classroom

- The next day, after school -

Arashi: Haa…

My, I’m sorry for sighing like that. But, I’m reeeally troubled. That’s why I came to talk to you, Anzu-chan.

Souma: Excuse me! Is Narukami-dono here?

Arashi: Oh my, Souma-chan. Welco~me. Do you perhaps have some business with me?

Souma: Yes. I’ve come to ask about the cat from yesterday…

Arashi: Aah, about the Neko-chan. Haa…

Souma: N-Narukami-dono, what’s the matter…?

Was the cat from yesterday not one of the café’s cats after all? Or did it get hurt on the way there?

Arashi: No, no. There was no mistake about it being one of their cats, and it arrived there safely, so don’t worry.

Afterwards, I’ve been asked to do something… I’ve had my hands full with that, so I couldn’t be considerate. I’m sorry for not telling you about the Neko-chan earlier.

Souma: No, please don’t worry about it. Rather, if you’re fine with me, I’d like to listen to what’s bothering you. We should help each other out when we’re troubled, right ♪

Arashi: Souma-chan… In that case, I’ll let you hear me out.

Truth is, when I went to the café to bring the Neko-chan over, I was requested to do some work for them in a “Oh this is good timing” kind of way.

Apparently there is going to be a winter-only train exhibition at a park in the neighbourhood. A whole lot of different companies will be participating, and it’s some sort of large scale event…

And it seems that it’s at this event that “Hana” will be setting up a cat café inside of an old streetcar.

I was asked to help as a waiter, and appear in an advertisement live show for the store on the event stage.

Souma: Hmm, so it’s outside work… But in that case, instead of asking Narukami-dono, why didn’t they put in a formal request to the school?

Arashi: About that, they did put one in last week, but they haven’t received an application whatsoever, and now they’re troubled.

Souma: Mu… I’ve only heard the story from Narukami-dono, but I don’t think they’re being avoided. I wonder why they’re not receiving an application?

Arashi: Obviously, it’s because everyone’s preparing for the large scale event that’s “StarFes”, don’t you think?

Most of the units of Yumenosaki will be participating in that, and of course, so will Knights.

Our Ou-sama has returned, and everyone from Knights is very enthusiastic about participating in “StarFes”...

Of course we are busy, but I also feel like I don’t want to hinder them…

So I asked our producer, Anzu-chan, if she knows of any units that are accepting jobs at the moment.

Souma: Hmm, so that’s the situation. There may still be some time until “SutaFesu”, but it can’t be said that we have a lot of leeway when it comes to practice time.

Hm, hm. So Anzu-dono tried talking to some units that came to mind, but has been rejected by all of them with “SutaFesu” being cited as the reason.

Arashi: The store is splurging on the reward money for it, it’s just a bad season for the event. I was already well aware there was no way any unit would have free time for something like this at the moment…

I wonder if there’s a unit that will accept the job if we tell them they’ll get to pet cats.

Souma: Narukami-dono. I’ve been wondering about this, just what kind of “café” is a “cat café”?

Arashi: Put simply, it’s a coffee shop that provides you with an opportunity to play with cats. And since it’s a coffee shop, of course they offer drinks and food as well.

Souma: Playing with cats… In that case, if I go to that “cat café”, I’ll get to play with “Hana”?

Arashi: I said this yesterday already, but “Hana” is the name of the store. Of course, since that cat is kept at “Hana”, if you go there you’ll get to meet him.

They said he’ll be coming along to the business trip, so if you go to the cat café in the streetcar, you’ll get to meet him too ♪

Souma: I-I see. If I go to the “cat café”, I’ll get to see him again!

Arashi: Oh my, that cat did get quite attached to Souma-chan, but Souma-chan has also fallen for him, huh?

May I ask you if Akatsuki won’t accept this job?

If you work there as a waiter you’ll get to play with that cat, and the people of the store will be happy if you put on a live show for them ♪

Souma: Muu… If at all possible, I’d like for Akatsuki to take on this job, but the two of them are quite busy. I feel a bit apprehensive about asking them.

Arashi: Aah, Akatsuki are also participating in “StarFes” after all. Hm~m, and here I thought it was such a good idea, too… This is quite difficult, huh.

Souma: Well, I suppose asking won’t hurt… But the two of them are already plenty busy even without “SutaFesu”, so please don’t get your hopes up too much.

Arashi: Right. Then, if you’re apprehensive about asking them to work as waiters, how about only taking on the live show part of the job?

I’ll find two other people to help me with the waiter job ♪

Souma: Hmm… If we take the “weitaa” job off the roster, it’s easier for me to ask them.

However, you said “Naitsu” is enthusiastic about participating in the “SutaFesu”. Is it okay for you to work as a “weitaa”?

Arashi: No need to worry! Since I’ll get to play with the cute Neko-chans, rather than work, it’s more of a reward for me ♪

Souma: Fufu, Narukami-dono really loves cats.

When I said I’d take the “weitaa” job off the roster…

I only meant that in relation to Hasumi-dono and Kiryuu-dono. I want to accept the “weitaa” job for myself.

It’s not like I am busy like the two of them, or rather, I am completely free. Besides, I’d like to try working as a “weitaa” at this “cat café”.

Arashi: Thank you, Souma-chan. Ufufu. The good you do for others is the good you do yourself, right.

It’s my favourite store, so I really wanted to assist them. You saved me ♪

Souma: Mumu, I’ll say it once again but please don’t get your hopes up too much! I don’t know what the two of them will say… There’s a chance it won’t work out.

Of course, I’ll cooperate. Even if the “raibu” doesn’t work out, I’ll still work as a “weitaa”, so I’d like you to rest assured on that point!

Now that I’ve made up my mind, I shall move with haste. I’ll go to Kiryuu-dono’s place first.

Mu? Anzu-dono, you want to accompany me? I’m not confident I can persuade him by myself, so… Honestly, you’re a great help.

Kiryuu-dono is usually at the dojo, so let’s head there. Well then, Narukami-dono, if you’ll excuse us!

Cats and the Camellia Train - Chapter 4

Location: Dojo

Kuro: ………..

Souma: ………..

Kuro: Uwoh, you gave me start. Kanzaki and the little Miss, do the two of you have some kinda business here in the dojo?

Souma: Y- yes. But more importantly, Kiryuu-dono, what are you doing? I wanted to talk to you normally, but you seemed to give off a serious aura.

You seemed to be concentrating on something and I’d feel bad for disturbing you, so I was standing back.

Kuro: Whoops, sorry for worryin’ ya. As you can see, I was… Wait, you can’t tell from where you’re standin’.

Souma: Ooh, a large quantity of outfits! What is the matter with them?

Kuro: They’re some of the outfits for “StarFes”. No matter how much I work, I can’t get them all done, so I thought of stayin’ over in the dojo tonight.

Though doing needlework ain’t the original purpose of a dojo. But when I work here, I make the most progress.

They said it’s okay for us to sleep in the club rooms before a big DreamFes, and Tetsu also seems to be busy preparin’ for “StarFes”.

So for now, we put club activities on hold and I’m focusing on makin’ outfits. Or rather, if I don’t do that I’ll never deal with all this.

That’s how it is, so even while we’re talkin’ I can’t stop moving my hands. Sorry for bein’ ill-mannered.

Souma: No, there’s no need for Kiryu-dono to apologize! I’m the one who’s sorry for bothering you without knowing how busy you are!

(Hrm~m. There’s no way I can say “I want to do a “raibu”!” in a situation like this. Even though I’ll betray Narukami-dono’s expectations like this…)

Kuro: ………..

Hm? What’s wrong, little Miss? “Can I massage your shoulders for you?”

Ah~... You’re right, my shoulders are pretty stiff after being cooped up and workin’ all the time. Haha, they’re creakin’.

It really is ill-mannered to talk while workin’. Not just my shoulders, but my eyes are hurtin’ too. I’ll use this opportunity and take break.

Oi, Kanzaki. You came here because there’s somethin’ you needed from me, right? I’ll hear you out during my break.

Souma: Eh? But I don’t want to snatch away Kiryuu-dono’s precious break time…

Kuro: To me, there’s no more meaningful way of spending my precious break time than talking to my cute kouhai, though.

Souma: Kiryuu-dono… I am greatly obliged for your kind words. In that case, I’ll take you at your word and have you hear me out.

Errr… Kiryuu-dono, do you like animals?

Kuro: Animals? I think I said this before, but I kinda like ‘em, I guess. However, animals are scared of me so they never get close to me.

Rather, what are you bringing up animals for?

Souma: Y-yes, well. The truth is, this and that happened… And so, I’ve been asked by Narukami-dono to work as a “weitaa” at a “cat café” and appear in a “raibu”.

Of course, I am well aware that the both of you are very busy. Narukami-dono says it’s fine if we only do the “raibu”.

I’ll do my best as a “weitaa”, so is there a possibility that Akatsuki can do the “raibu”...!

Kuro: Woah, don’t lean forward too much. There’s outfits with needles in ‘em scattered around here, you’ll get yourself hurt.

Hm~. If Kanzaki says he wants to do it, I’m in.

Souma: ….! Really!?

Kuro: You’re not the type to say “I want to do this, I want to do that”, usually.

So if a guy like that says “I want to do this!”, as your comrade, I wanna grant that wish.

So like, don’t worry about whether you’re askin’ too much or anythin’. If anything, I’m happy to hear this from you.

Souma: Kiryuu-dono...

I’ll do my very best! I won’t let Kiryuu-dono’s feelings go to waste!

Kuro: Yeah, do your best. Since it’s you we’re talking about, you probably didn’t talk to Hasumi about it yet, eh?

Souma: Y-yes. I thought I’d persuade Kiryuu-dono first, and then talk to Hasumi-dono.

Kuro: Sheesh, he’s the leader of Akatsuki, though. Why’d you come to consult me about it first?

Well. That guy’s real busy right now, so consulting him requires a lotta courage.

It’s a job you wanna do. So talk to Hasumi properly, and persuade him.

If it’s completely hopeless, I’ll go and ask him.

Souma: Yes! Kiryuu-dono, I am so grateful! I’ll do my best not to betray your confidence in me, Kiryuu-dono!

Ooh, my blood is boiling! “Strike while the iron’s hot” they say, so I’ll go and see Hasumi-dono while I’m still invigorated!

Kiryuu-dono, please expect good news! Excuse me…!

Cats and the Camellia Train - Chapter 5

Location: Dojo

Kuro: Haha. And there he goes flyin’ out the door.

...Thank you, little Miss.

Hm? You’re starin’ blankly as if you have no idea what I’m thankin’ you for.

You changed the subject by sayin’ “Can I massage your shoulders for you”, didn’t you. And from that, the topic of takin’ a break came up, which created an atmosphere in which it was easier for Kanzaki to bring up what he wanted to say.

Hm? What do you mean, it’s thanks to me guessin’ at what your intentions were..?

It’s not like I’m good at guessin’ that kinda stuff. If anything, I’d say I’m thickheaded?

Anyway, what are you doing, little Miss? Is it okay not to go with Kanzaki?

Hmm. It’s fine for you to stay here, but I can’t really entertain’ you or anything.

The huge pile over there is all “StarFes” outfits. I haven’t touched a single one of ‘em yet, so by the end of the day I’d like to get the pile down to half its size.

Eh, the little Miss is gonna help me? That’d be a great help, but aren’t you busy, too?

Haha, when you tell me you wanna see your teacher’s skill, I can’t say no to you. In that case, I’ll gratefully accept your help ♪

...But y’know, I’m really hopeless for makin’ my kouhai hesitate like that.

So uncool of me to be so swamped with work that I couldn’t pay attention to the crucial part, the idol activities.

The reason why Kanzaki never says what he wants to do is probably due to that as well. I need to improve myself.

Hm? Little Miss, you’re already done with that part? ...Ah, you’re sayin’ you got it done quickly because I already finished it up halfway?

Yeah, the craftsmanship is good, thanks. You work quickly and conscientiously, so you’re a great help.

Be more confident in yourself. You’ve improved so much, little Miss. At this point, I got nothin’ to teach ya anymore.

I’ll take responsibility and finish up the one I started halfway, so can I ask you to start this new one, little Miss?

I said it, didn’t I? You improved a lot. I’m leaving it to you because I have faith in you.

Haha, you’re lookin’ real happy. Almost makes one forget I am pilin’ my own work onto you here.

If I can finish this quickly, I’ll be able to not just do the live show but also work the waiter job. Well, even if I say that, since it’s Hasumi he’s probably gonna undertake the whole job anyway.

That guy hates doing things half-baked. Besides, he wouldn’t refuse a request from Kanzaki as long as it’s not completely outrageous.

I’m the same way, as his comrade and his senpai I want to grant his wishes.

Whoops, with the little Miss here I find myself blabberin’ on and on. I should shut up and get my hands movin’.

……………..

What’s up, little Miss? Rather than sewin’ in silence, you work better while talkin’?

Hm? “You’ve been sewing the same spot over and over, is that okay?” you ask?

Uwoh, I didn’t notice at all.

Hm~... Rather than worryin’ about something…

For Kanzaki’s sake, I wanna be eager to work the waiter job, but. Once I thought about it, I’m not sure it’s a job that’s well suited for me.

Look, I’ve got this kinda face, right? Whenever someone meets me for the first time, they’re always scared of me.

If they make someone like me do customer service, their business is gonna be doomed. And even the employees of the cat café, and the cats there will be scared of me.

...I want to grant his request, really. But if we failed because of me, I’d feel so bad, I wouldn’t be able to face him.

Haha. Little Miss, you’re shaking your head at a ridiculous speed. You’re saying that’s ain’t how it is at all, are you.

I’ve always wondered about this, but the little Miss ain’t scared of me at all, huh?

You’re not scared, and you think I’m cool? Haha, you’re the only one in the world who would say something like that, little Miss.

You’re making a displeased face. Do you wanna say that not just you, but everyone who knows me feels the same way?

You’re a real weird one, little Miss. Well, I’m genuinely happy that you hold me in such high esteem.

Now then. If we don’t hurry up and focus on the work, we’ll really have to stay the night in the dojo.

Of course I’d planned to do that from the beginning, but I can’t have the little Miss accompany me.

You look like you’re gonna say “I’ll go home first, just let me get to a good stopping point first” and then stay behind anyway.

So let’s get to work without chatterin’. Of course, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me anytime...♪

Cats and the Camellia Train - Chapter 6

Location: Student Council Room

Souma: Hasumi-dono~! Kanzaki Souma is paying an unannounced visit!

Leo: Ah, it’s a visitor! Ucchuu~☆

Souma: U-ucchuu~...?

Leo: Ooh, while suspicious, you still returned my greeting! You’re a good guy! I love considerate guys and weirdos!

Souma: Thank you…? Eerr, you were already having a visitor? In that case, I’ll come back later.

Keito: No, just ignore this guy.

Leo: So mean! It’s fine though!

I’ll bring another masterpiece of a song into this world today~ ♪

Keito: I keep saying this, but don’t scribble on the chairs and walls.

Here, I’ll lend you this musical score and pen. If you’re gonna scribble, do it on this.

Leo: That’s a great help~! I somehow always misplace my writing tools.

I lose my musical scores all the time, too, so can I store this one in the student council room once I’ve completed it?

Keito: Don’t use the student council room for that just because it’s convenient for you. Well, in your case it seems like you’d probably lose even things someone lent to you. I’m only keeping it for you temporarily, because you nagged me.

Leo: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Keito: Good grief, listen to the end when someone’s talking to you. Well, not like talking to you right now would have any effect whatsoever.

Kanzaki, I’m sorry for letting you wait. ...Hmm, you’re back to normal today?

Souma: I’m in my growth period, so I lose fat quickly, too!

Keito: I-I see. A convenient growth period, isn’t it?

Oh, well. I’m relieved to see you back to your normal self. Good. With that, one of my worries has disappeared.

Souma: I-I’m glad to hear that…

(Hrm~m. There’s a whole mountain of documents stacked in front of Hasumi-dono.)

(Would it be a bother if I asked him to do a “raibu” when he is in such a busy state, after all…?)

(No, I promised Kiryuu-dono I would talk to him properly! I can’t disappoint him. With the resolution needed to take a leap into the dark, here I go!)

Hasumi-dono! I want to do a “raibu” and work as a “weitaa” in a “cat café”!

It’s fine if Akatsuki only does the “raibu”! Because I’ll do my best as a “weitaa”! So, I’m begging you…!

Keito: …………….

Souma: I-is it no good after all?

Or could it be that you have no idea what I’m talking about because I brought up the “raibu” and “cat café” out of nowhere? If needed, I’ll explain it all from the beginning!

Keito: Well, if you said this to someone who doesn’t know the situation, they’d be at a loss.

Souma: That’s tr-...Huh? Could it be that Hasumi-dono already knows about all this?

Keito: Yes. Someone else consulted me about the same matter just earlier. Isn’t that right, Tsukinaga?

Leo: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Keito: Are you still composing? It looks like you’re about to run out of paper. I’ll give you more, so listen to what I’m saying.

Leo: Ouch!? There’s no need to hit me~! If there’s something you want to say, say it with your mouth!

Keito: You gave no response when I said it with my mouth, so I had to resort to force. Tsukinaga, show Kanzaki that flyer you showed me earlier.

Leo: Flyer…? Ah, now that you say it, I had one of those!

I’m so stupid, stupid! If I’d remembered that earlier, I could’ve written on the other side of it~!

Keito: Don’t. Here, Kanzaki. The job you mentioned was this, right?

Souma: ….! That’s it! To think there’d be a coincidence like this!

Keito: This guy didn’t learn his lesson and was scribbling in the hallway, so I dragged him to the student council room to give him a thorough lecture.

That’s when he said he actually had some business in the student council room himself.

He took out that flyer and said he wants to do that job together with Akatsuki.

I never expected Kanzaki to consult me about the very same thing, so I was a bit taken aback.

Souma: Oh my, so that’s how it was!

Keito: It’s gotten buried in all the other DreamFes, but there’s nothing to criticize about its contents.

By the way, did you talk to Kiryuu about this yet?

Souma: Yes. Kiryuu-dono said if it’s something I want to do, he’s in.

Keito: I see… I understand, in that case Akatsuki will accept this job.

Souma: Eh, is that really okay!? However, Hasumi-dono is extremely busy with student council work, and Kiryuu-dono is swamped with work related to “SutaFesu” outfits.

I feel guilty for having the two of you go along with my selfishness…

Keito: Don’t say such standoffish things. You’re also one of the members of Akatsuki. I see no reason not to accept a job my comrade wants to do.

(However, it seems like I’ve yet again caused Kanzaki anxiety. Even though I was supposed to have repented for that during the “Tsukimi Live”... It seems I’m still immature...)