Merry Xmas - assemblé 2

Location: Dorm Room (Yuzuru & Tori)

Tori: Uff~... Sheesh, I’m seriously pooped~...

Yuzuru: Young Master. Throwing yourself onto the sofa like that is bad manners.

Since this is your room, I won’t tell you to correct your posture, but you shouldn’t become careless.

Things like this easily turn into habits. When you regularly behave like this in private, you’ll end up inadvertently acting the same outside on impulse.

Tori: Ugh. Here I thought I’d gained some independence from you, but your lectures are still going as strong as ever. What a pain.

Yuzuru: The Young Master immediately pushes his luck when I go easy on him, so I intend to at least keep meddling whenever necessary.

Tori: Uegh~... Wipe that smile off your face, it gives me the creeps.

Yuzuru: In any case, since you appear to be truly exerting yourself to the best of your ability, I shall be lenient just for today.

How is your shuffle unit project progressing? Is everything going well? No one’s bullying you and making you cry?

Tori: Who do you take me for? I’m the leader, so of course none of that’s happening!

The lessons are on schedule, and tomorrow we’re going to be filming the story part of the commercial. I already thoroughly looked over the storyboard and memorized all my lines perfectly, so I’m all set! ☆

Yuzuru: I am glad to hear it.

Incidentally, you seem to be more invested than usual in this project, Young Master.

Of course, that’s not to say that you don’t give every job your utmost effort. However, you seem to be extraordinarily zealous this time…

Tori: You see, Yuzuru, I just want to make this project a success no matter what.

Yuzuru: ? Could you elaborate?

Tori: fine is the strongest, most brilliant of all units, right?

Yuzuru: Naturally.

Tori: But, you know. If you asked people about fine, how many of them do you think could name all of our members?

I’m sure that if you asked the public about fine — 

Most of them would respond that fine is the unit with Eichi-sama, or that it’s the unit that has Hibiki-sama… As frustrating as that is to admit.

The way they perform is just that amazing, it really is. And I find myself wanting to be able to do what they can, or at least come close to it, time and time again.

That’s why I can’t blame the public for thinking of Eichi-sama and Hibiki-senpai as the face of fine.

But the two of us, we’re in fine, too. And I want the world to learn the name Himemiya Tori through this job.

I want them to know that the two of us aren’t in fine just to make up the numbers.

— And even beyond that, I want them to come to believe that fine wouldn’t be fine without me and you, Yuzuru.

Yuzuru: Young Master…

Tori: That goes for the other members, too. Sure, I think they all have real skill, but popularity-wise, they’re all just up-and-coming children, right?

But if we’re all on the same page and work hand in hand, then I believe that we’ll be able to make something really good — Something that will catch everyone’s attention.

I feel like, if we do our very best — we can make this a turning point for us that changes the way society views us entirely.

Yuzuru: Indeed, I also have faith that you’ll be able to make that happen.

Tori: Ehehe… Also, y’know, I think there’s something I can do that Eichi-sama and Hibiki-senpai can’t~.

Yuzuru: Whining like a baby and acting insolently with no regard for the people around them?

Tori: No! Ugh~, can’t you tell I was holding a pretty cool speech over here~?!

Yuzuru: Hmm. Well, that’s the only thing coming to mind, so… could you enlighten me?

Tori: Listen well. I’m talking about “becoming an object of admiration”!

Yuzuru: Admiration…? Isn’t that something we already have? I was under the impression that our fans already truly treasure fine…

Tori: Sure, the fans do. But I was thinking more about the people who want to become idols themselves one day.

...A while ago, I happened to see the fan letters addressed to Trickstar, since they’re in the same agency as us. They get way more fan letters than I do as an individual.

Many of them said that they admire Trickstar.

But we only rarely see that in letters addressed to fine, right? Even though we’re clearly better, and bring in results that blow Trickstar out of the water.

It’s probably entirely unrelated to results and track records. Maybe it’s about being approachable…?

I think approachability is important. Hate to admit it, but Trickstar has got that going for them.

Yuzuru: They certainly do. People may respect those who hold absolute power, but they seldom feel the kind of admiration that makes them want to become like them.

They may keep their distance because they feel like they’d fight a losing battle if they tried.

Tori: Yup. I know that feeling all too well.

But as for me? I believe I can gain the kind of approachability that Eichi-sama and Hibiki-senpai could never have.

Because I do my best to become like Eichi-sama, and sometimes stumble along the way. And because, even though my pace is slow, I keep trying to climb higher and higher towards where Eichi-sama is, bit by bit.

I feel like seeing that might encourage others who want to become idols.

And if they’re looking at me, their eyes will also be on fine.

Otherwise it’d be pretty saddening. After all, I only became an idol out of admiration for Eichi-sama… So I want myself and fine to become objects of admiration like that to others as well.

Yuzuru: ...I — I don’t really feel like indulging you when you ask for the unreasonable, but as for all other wishes you have, I want to grant them for you, Young Master.

Yet, this wish is only meaningful if you are the one to fulfill it yourself.

So I’ll stay by your side and be the first to root for you — Please give it your all, Tori.

Tori: I will! Thank you, Yuzuru! ♪

Merry Xmas - assemblé 3

Location: Starmony Hall Common Room

Aira: Mhmhmhm~hm ♪ 

God himself would be shocked that I’m currently reading the same storyboard as the idols I admire so much. I still can’t even believe it myself.

Hmm. So this is the storyboard for the commercial...♪

The storyboard looks like a comic. It’s fun and easy to read that way… But I can’t really imagine what the footage is going to look like…

Eichi (off-screen): Fufu. That’s because it takes some experience to be able to truly grasp storyboards. And I suppose having a little imagination wouldn’t go amiss.

Aira: Ueh!? Eh, who’s there?! — Tenshouin-senpai?!

Eichi: Fufu. Perhaps I startled you? I’m sorry. I was on my way back from lessons when I was lured here by a troubled-sounding voice.

Aira: Uwagh~. How embarrassing, you totally heard how ignorant I am…!

Eichi: It’ll do you some good to compare numerous storyboards with their corresponding finalized footage. You should be able to find the necessary materials at ES and the dormitory.

Aira: Uu. I will study all the more diligently…

Eichi: Good. You — or rather, all of Alkaloid, still lack experience. Make sure you devote yourself to your studies lots and lots from now on.

Aira: Yessir.

Eichi: Is that the storyboard for the shuffle unit project?

Aira: ...Huh? Ah, yes, it is!

Actually, I had no idea you knew about our project, Tenshouin-senpai.

Eichi: Of course I do. The shuffle unit project itself involves all of ES. I receive reports about it from Anzu-chan.

Aira: Aah, that makes sense. You may be an idol, but you’re also a manager at StarPro, after all.

Eichi: Yeah. I’m sorry to make you idols shoulder the failures of the administration on this project.

I’ve heard about your outline from Anzu-chan, and… Yes, I think that’s a very good project you put together. The aim and marketing you chose also make sense.

I get the feeling that you’re slightly over budget, but when you consider the deficits you had to make up for, we’ll probably come out of this with a net positive.

I wasn’t looking down on you or anything, but frankly, I didn’t anticipate that this plan would stay on track for this long.

Aira: N-No thanks to me, though. Himemiya-senpai is taking the initiative as our leader, I’m merely following him.

Eichi: Hmm? Tori is? Now that’s something I am glad to hear. Fufu, I suppose this must be the joy a parent feels when they see their child grow up.

Would you mind letting me take a look at that commercial’s storyboard? As a StarPro representative I’m highly interested in seeing this project succeed, so while I may not be of much help, I’d like to see if there’s any advice I can give you.

Aira: Eeeh?! T-T-T-T-Tenshouin-senpai’s going to give me advice?!

(Eeek, I’m way too awestruck...!)

(But I might never get a chance like this for the rest of my life~! Advice from the Tenshouin Eichi?!)

(One of ES’ top idols…! I can’t stand by and let this chance get away from me!)

Ehehe ♪ Please, go ahead! Here you go, the storyboard!

Eichi: Thank you. — Hmm. Aah, it’s very good. The direction amply emphasizes how charming you all are.

If I’m not mistaken, the filming is set for tomorrow?

Aira: Yes, it is!

Eichi: I see. You must be excited.

Aira: I aaaam~♪ Maybe I’ll get to meet a bunch of idols at the TV station! I just can’t wait~!

Eichi: Hrmm… Actually, I was talking about being excited to bring this storyboard to life…

Aira: Huh? Did you say something? I didn’t quite catch that…

Eichi: Hey, Shiratori-kun. They say “what one likes, one will do well”. But for you, that way of thinking may be somewhat dangerous.

Aira: Huh?

Eichi: Idols must meet their fans’ demands. Our livelihood is based on selling people dreams, after all.

In order to do this, it’s essential to have an understanding of your fans’ demands. In that regard, one could say that you are exceptionally brilliant.

But it may turn out to be a double-edged sword.

Strong feelings can become a driving force that surpasses everything, but on the other hand, there are times when they cloud your judgment something terrible.

The sword in your hand may one day turn against you and become the blade that stabs your very own body, you know?

Aira: ? Umm…?

Eichi: ...Fufu, don’t mind me. Maybe I just worry too much, who knows? It’s not a good thing when increased responsibility leads to excessive vigilance.

Aira: I… see…

Eichi: Just keep what I just said tucked away in the back of your mind. Well then, let me continue with the advice I was going to give you.

Aira: Huh? Ah, yes! Please do…!

Merry Xmas - adhésion 1

TL Note: The title for this arc is “adhésion”, which can mean “membership” and “joining”.

Location: TV Station Set Backstage



Hajime: Uu… There are always so many staff members at the TV station’s studio, and all the cameras look really expensive, too… No matter how often I come here, I still get nervous every single time.

All these people… putting in so much effort… for our sake… *whimper*~.

Tori: Uwah?! Hajime, please don’t faint on us~! We’re still on camera, remember?! And we’re about to start the filming, so we really can’t have you fainting right now!

Sora: Jime-chan, take some deep breaths~! You’ll be okay again!

HaHa~, Sora is so excited~♪ When he’s in high spirits, he feels like bouncing around!

Tori: Harukawa~! You’re being way too rowdy! Don’t jump around inside the studio~!

Oh, oops. Shh~...

You totally got me caught up in the moment and made me raise my voice. Uu~, I’m sorry, Anzu.

Sigh. These slapstick parts are also being recorded, right? It makes us look uncool, so can you deal with them during the editing?



Aira: ………. (He’s intently staring at something.)

Tori: Hm? Come to think of it, Shiratori is being really quiet.

Yup, yup. How commendable of you to be so calm despite being the youngest here. Let me praise you!

But actually, what is it that you’re staring at so intently? Today’s script?

Aira: Himemiya-senpai… Look… Look at this! You’re not gonna believe this…!

Tori: Huh… W-what is it? Is there some kind of mistake…? No way, stop freaking me out~!

— Er. Isn’t this the guide map to the backstage area that the staff gave us earlier?

Aira: Yeah! Please look at this!

Isn’t this incredible? Next to our dressing room is the room of an idol group that’s super popular right now…!

Their monthly CD sales are always in the national top three~! Ra~vely~♪ 

I really wanna meet them~. Do you think I might run into them in the hallways? And like, maybe I can even get their autographs!

Or actually, maybe it’s okay if I go to their dressing room and greet them directly…?

Tori: So it’s just about idols again! No, actually, you’re an idol yourself! Your idol job is about to start any second now! You’re not here to play around, so quit acting like it~!

Aira: O-oh, whoops. I got carried away… Ehehe, I’m sooo sorry.

Tori: Geez! You really freaked me out! It’s one thing after the other with you guys~!

Hey, Anzu? I’d really like to start filming before everyone’s focus drifts any more than it already has.

Aah, I see. So that’s why we can’t start the recording yet. The actress who’s playing the queen of the fairy kingdom is running late. Well, then there’s nothing we can do about it.

That actress is really skilled, isn’t she? I think it’s amazing how she can play any role, from a disgruntled police detective all the way to kind mother figures.

The role of the fairy queen is far from a difficult role, and there are many scenes where she doesn’t even have any lines.

So I just needed someone who could get the atmosphere across and act out the movements… I never dreamed you’d get us someone who checks all of our boxes like this.

Yeah, I’m fine with that. I’ll keep waiting. Well, personally I’d like to start filming before some kind of problem occurs, though.

Huh? Yeah, you could say that. As you say, Anzu, I’m not actually all that worried. I really believe that we can succeed with the members we have. It’s a given, since I’m their leader!

Hajime: Huh? The staff suddenly seem to be in a panic for some reason.

Sora: Is there someone over there~?

Aira: Uwaaah! That’s…! That’s her! The great actress who’s going to play the role of the queen!

Seeing her in the flesh like this…! Her aura is really off the charts~!

Tori: Shiratori? So you don’t just like idols, but actresses and actors, too?

Aira: Nope, idols are my everything ♪

But when you see a performer you’ve only ever watched on TV right in front of your eyes, of course it’s exciting… Don’t you think that’s a normal reaction to have?

Sora: HiHi~! Ai-chan’s so silly. We’re also performers, aren’t we~?

Aira: Uu… I mean, yeah~. It just hasn’t really sunk in for me yet…

Hajime: ? Umm… The actress is kind of staring at us, isn’t she…?

Ah! Don’t we have to go and greet her?!

Huh? We’ll go to her dressing room and introduce ourselves properly later, so it’s fine? Right, if all of us piled on her at once, she’d probably be overwhelmed.

Aira: Oh, she left. Did she go into hair and make-up?

Tori: In that case she’s going to be a while. Let’s be good and wait for her.

Aira: Okaaay!

- One hour later -

Tori: No matter how you look at it, this is taking too long~!

Hajime: It really is. Maybe hair and make-up always takes this long for women, though?

Sora: Hmm. Even taking that into account, Sora still feels like she’s late~. Maybe something happened?

Aira: Anzu-san already went to see what is going on…

Ah, she’s back!

Umm, it feels like this is all taking rather longer than expected, did something happen?

Tori: Hmhm, I see — Huh?! She indicated an unwillingness to co-star with us?! W-wait, wait! Where is this even coming from~?!

Sora: So she doesn’t want to work with us…?

Hajime: B-but why?! Did we make some kind of blunder? But our eyes only met for a fraction of a moment…

Tori: Hm? Anzu, you already asked about the reason? Then tell us! We really can’t follow what’s going on otherwise!

Uh-huh? It seems like her mood dropped when she overheard us talk earlier…? Umm, did we talk about anything that could’ve soured her mood like that…?

Aah, it’s about the thing Shiratori said? Uh-huh…

Eeeh?! Her mood was ruined when she heard Shiratori say that he likes idols more than actors~?!

Aira: I-it’s a misunderstanding! I didn’t mean it like that…! I just meant to say that I’m only an otaku for idols, nothing more!

Hajime: In that case, can’t we come to an amicable solution by clearing up that misunderstanding?

Sora: Hm? Anzu has a troubled “color” all of a sudden~. She seems hesitant. Does that mean that we can’t do Jime-chan’s idea?

Tori: Huh? That actress only started acting because she failed her auditions as an idol? I-is that so…?

Uh-huh? So that’s why she’s a bit over-sensitive about matters regarding idols, and putting idols above actors is like stepping on a landmine around her?

She’s angry because she thinks he said it just in time for her to hear it on purpose?

Aira: I-I had no idea! How could I have known about something that happened so long ago!

And like, I wasn’t even comparing idols and actors. It’s all a misunderstanding~! W-what do I do?!

Tori: Eh? Anzu, you’re going to help us…?

Y-yeah. You’re right. Let’s all go there together, sincerely apologize for causing this misunderstanding, and explain what really happened…!

Aira: I’m… I’m so sorry for causing this… What do I do… It’s all my fault…



Tori: ……...