bakemonoremy

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Keito: ...Alright, I guess that’ll do it. I’d say it’s about the density of my earlobes now.

To think that just adding water would take so long…

It was so dry and crumbly at first that I worried if it’d turn into a dough at all, but it came together neatly.

Next, it says to leave the dough as it is and let it rise… I guess I’ll make the filling while I wait.

...Umm, let’s see here. First, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water and chop the onions and spring onions into fine slices. Then, grate the ginger…

Add the chopped ingredients and meat into a bowl and knead them with your hands until they’re mixed.

Hmm, there’s a photo of the process. The explanatory note on the photo says “This is more or less how it should look like when it’s done!”...?

“More or less”...? I can’t tell what they mean by that just from looking at the picture. Isn’t there a better recipe out there?

...No, all the other recipes have similar photos. Sigh, and it looks like there’s still so much left to do.

This is my first time making something like Chinese steamed buns, but still, I’d never have expected it to be such a lengthy process.

Cooking really is a lot of work…

I’ve never been aware of that until now. But speaking of which, Kiryu mentioned before that he makes his bento by hand every day.

Knowing him, he probably even takes things like nutritional value and visual presentation into account while cooking, since he makes them for his family and underclassmen as well. ...Good grief, I can only take my hat off to him.

Kanzaki also cooks as a hobby, and said before that he can cook Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisine. Maybe I should learn under them.

Aah, this won’t do. I stopped moving my hands. I need to keep going. Umm, what’s the next step…

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai!

Keito: Uwah, what is it!? O-oh, it’s you, Harukawa. You’re too early. What happened to Aoba?

No, more importantly, I upset you, didn’t I?

While I don’t think my warning was unjustified… I, um, may have gone a bit too far.

And well, it’s not like I’m doing this to butter you up or anything…

But the transfer student just so happened to have a surplus of ingredients for Chinese steamed buns, so I figured I might as well use them, that’s all.

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai! Sora is sorry for causing a misunderstanding!

Keito: W-what? Misunderstanding? What do you mean by that?

Sora: Sora wasn’t upset or anything like that.

Keito: Hm? Are you by any chance talking about that time we met in the hallway earlier?

But back then, you didn’t give me a single word in response at all, no matter what I said to you. I mean, I’m not reprimanding you for that, just…

You even had tears in your eyes then, didn’t you? Wasn’t that because I was too harsh on you?

Sora: It wasn’t. The reason Sora was quiet wasn’t because he got scolded by Kei-chan-senpai~. Sora doesn’t even really remember what Kei-chan-senpai was telling him in the first place.

Keito: What. So I went through the trouble of saying all that, and you don’t even remember any of it? Incorrigible.

Sora: Um, the truth is, back then Sora’s stomach was hurting really bad… That’s why Sora was hurrying to the infirmary.

Keito: To the infirmary? So that’s why you were running in the hallways… But was it really necessary to run in a zig-zag line? That’s so dangerous.

Sora: Sora is very sorry, he meant to run in a straight line but his stomach hurt so bad that it made him unsteady on his feet~.

Keito: Don’t run in the hallways in the first place. But to think that this was the reason behind it… And I held you up.

So the reason why you were quiet the whole time, and why you had tears in your eyes, were all because you were trying to endure the pain?

Sora: Yes. Sora apologizes for the misunderstanding.

Keito: ...It’s fine. I did think something was off.

Thinking back, I should’ve taken the time to ask you for your circumstances instead of just one-sidedly lecturing you.

But whatever the reason may be, you’re a danger to yourself and others when you run in the hallways like that.

Since you don’t seem to remember what I said, I’ll repeat myself; as an idol, you must cherish your own body more. Take better care from now on.

Sora: Understood, from now on Sora will be careful not to crash into anyone when he’s running in the hallways.

Keito: No, I’m telling you not to run in the first place. Do you really understand what I’m saying? Scaling the walls is also out of the question.

...In any case, I’m relieved to hear that I didn’t upset you. Is your stomachache all better yet?

Sora: Yes, Sora rested in the infirmary until it went away. Thank you for your concern ♪

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Keito: Alright, I’ve weighed out all the ingredients for the dough.

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together… So even just something as simple as dough already requires this many ingredients, huh.

And here I thought wheat flour by itself would suffice.

Okay, next up… Pour all the mixed ingredients into a bowl, and slowly add lukewarm water…

How many degrees is “lukewarm water”?

It’s not written anywhere in the recipe, so I don’t know what exact temperature it should be… But well, “lukewarm” probably means it shouldn’t be too hot to touch.

Which means, it should more or less be the temperature of the human body… Hrrm, I guess this will do?

And then knead the dough until it has the density of an earlobe…

An earlobe? Now hold on just a second, don’t those vary between people? Is it okay to just base it on my own earlobe…?

The recipe… of course, it doesn’t specify this. I never thought just making the dough for Chinese steamed buns would already take this much time and labour.

Just like Aoba said, searching for recipes on the phone will bring up numerous results, but the information in every single one of these is just way too ambiguous.

I’d be able to compensate for that if I had enough experience in cooking… This might turn out to be more difficult than I expected.

I get the feeling that it would’ve been faster to go and buy some after all… But now that I’ve decided to make them myself, I’d better finish the job I started.

Also, the whole time I’m doing this, Harukawa is still upset because of me. Aoba said he’d keep him here at school, but there’s a limit to how long he can stall him.

Whatever, time’s too precious to waste it thinking back and forth like this. I’ll just carry on while keeping an eye on the recipe.

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: ...And that’s the story.

Lately, whenever I see Keito-kun, his eyebrows are deeply furrowed, and apparently he couldn’t give it his all with student council work today because the thing with Sora-kun was weighing on him so much.

When he headed to the kitchen, he was walking at a brisk pace that just barely still qualified as “not running in the hallways”.

Makoto: I see, so that’s what happened.

...Er, does that mean that this whole time we’re talking, the vice-president is still in the kitchen making steamed buns?

Tsumugi: Yeah, he’s probably having a one-man staring contest with the recipe as we speak.

Makoto: But even if he has a recipe, are Chinese steamed buns really something you can make so easily when you’ve never done it before? I’m kind of worried…

Tsumugi: Me and Anzu-chan, who happened to be there too, both offered our help, though…

But Keito-kun turned us down in the end, saying that he couldn’t accept such a big favour from us and that he’ll be fine as long as he has a recipe.

It seemed like he wanted to do something about this by himself. I’m sure he feels deeply obligated towards Sora-kun.

Sora: ………..

Makoto: I see~, somehow, that’s really typical of the vice-president.

...I just said that to lighten the mood, but shouldn’t we hurry and tell him what was really going on with Harukawa-kun, instead of letting him keep making meat buns?

Tsumugi: Aah, you’re right. This really won’t do, I got all caught up in our conversation…

Sora: ………..

Tsumugi: What’s the matter, Sora-kun? You’ve been so quiet for a while now.

Sora: Senpai! Yuuki-sensei~! Sora is gonna go see Kei-chan-senpai!

It looks like Sora caused Kei-chan-senpai to misunderstand, so Sora will go and clear up the misunderstanding!

Tsumugi: You’re right, we should go and let him know as soon as possible. Do you want me to come with you?

Sora: Mm-mh, Sora can go by himself~! See you!

Makoto: Ah, Harukawa-kun… Aw man, he practically leaped out the door.

Tsumugi: He’s so lively~. Well, I guess we can leave this to Sora-kun for the time being.

If he takes a while to come back, I’ll go and check up on them.

Makoto: Ah, then please take me with you if it comes down to that.

I’m sure Tenkousei-chan also wants to know how this turns out, so I wanna give her a report about it later.

Tsumugi: That’s true. Then I guess the two of us will wait here until we feel like the time is right, and then head to the kitchen together ♪

Disclaimer: This story has mentions of sibling marriage. TW for incest mention.

Location: Bustling Street

Yuuta: Hmhmhm~m ♪ With the “two of us” as one person~...♪*

...Hm? Oh? He~y, Producer-san ♪

Hello hello, good day to you! Aoi Yuuta of 2wink, at your service! Swish ☆ (He salutes.)

Huh, Hinata-kun recently gave you a salute, too? Ahaha, it’s the latest fad among “us”~♪

Though I’m actually just imitating Hinata-kun. That is to say, Hinata-kun is imitating someone else’s salute, and I’m imitating him imitating that person.

It’s a hand-me-down that’s been passed through two people’s hands already, so it’s kinda worn out.

Well, that just makes using it all the more comfy for me. Apparently Hinata-kun is doing this in an attempt to butter up CosPro’s vice-president, Saegusa Ibara, though.

Just imitating Hinata-kun while he’s doing that, is the “right answer**” for me. It’s as simple as that.

...Er, there I go calling him “Hinata-kun” again. Even though we’ve already established to the public that I’m the younger brother who always calls him “Aniki”.

If I don’t call him that, people will definitely get confused, so I’ve gotta stick to it.

But to put it bluntly, we’re twins, so there’s no real telling who’s the older and who’s the younger brother anyhow.

Well, Aniki seems to be having the time of his life acting the older brother, so I’m letting him have his fun.

But when we’re at home, he’ll often go, “Today I’m the little brother!” and I’ll be all, “Okay, then I’m the older one today!”, and we’ll switch places.

Thanks to that, I sometimes even get hazy on which one I am.

Wait, I’m Yuuta, aren’t I? I’m the younger one, right~?

Psyche! I’m just kidding... It’s a twin joke~♪ Anyway, Producer-san, what are you doing around these parts?

You’re giving the impression that you’re on your way to ES for work. Hmm, so you wanna go home to change clothes before you head over there?

Ah~... Yeah, for some reason it’s fundamentally taboo to show up at ES in school uniform. It’s kind of a pain, really.

Our home is in the opposite direction, so it’s a hassle to walk all the way there and back…

But since there’s a coffin in the light music club room, we just use that as a dresser as we please and change into our casual clothes before heading to work.

There’s still room in the coffin… If you’d like, feel free to make use of it, Producer-san.

It’ll save you some time and trouble, right?

But if I store my clothes in the same place as a woman’s, the scent will cling to them…

My Aniki is possessive as ever, so I think he’ll mind that.

Makes me wonder what’s gonna go down when we hit our marriagable age. In this country it’s illegal for two brothers to get married to the same person, so I feel like we’ve got a quarrel coming on that front.

But if I brought this kind of thing up with him, he’d spout something completely lunatic, like, “Why, you can just marry me instead, Yuuta-kun!”.

Actually, in that case we’d both be married to someone we love, and we wouldn’t be in each other’s way...

But we’re both guys, and brothers at that. So it’d just open up a whole new can of worms.

Oh, no, I have no intentions of marrying Aniki. There’s no need to go through the trouble of tying that knot, since we’ve been family since birth anyway.

...Wait, what were we talking about again? Aah geez, I’m so sorry!

Apparently I’ve got a bad habit of chatting only about stuff that I want to talk about, or rather, talking to myself for hours on end.

On top of that, all the recent negotiations -- Well, every time we had to talk to someone for work reasons, Aniki took care of that. So I’ve been longing for company, just a little.

Ahaha. I’m sorry I made you listen to me go on and on about myself in the middle of the street, Producer-san.

Hm? That’s right~. Well, I’m sure you’re aware of this already… But we’re “two-in-one” twin idols.

So we’re getting a ton of work done by dividing it among us.

Negotiations and project planning are Aniki’s strong suits since he’s always been 2wink’s leader, so I’m leaving those to him.

Or rather, as soon as I take my eyes off him for even a moment he’s already accepted a whole heap of new jobs.

Well, unlike sweets which can be split into two perfect halves... A lot of those jobs can’t be split so easily.

That also goes for the marriage partners I was talking about earlier, and basically all human relationships.

But human relations are our weak point, so I feel like the burden weighs heavier on Aniki…

To make up for that, I wish he’d leave difficult jobs that he struggles with to me...

I thought I had grown up enough to be able to deal with anything smoothly.

“We” are two as one, so how come I’m the only one who still gets treated like a child?

...Er, I’m really sorry for venting to you like that!

You’re heading to work, aren’t you, Producer-san? Please don’t mind me and be on your way ♪

Hm? Yeah, it’s my day off! We alternate our off-days~, but I’m sure you already knew that.

Compared to Aniki, who works part-time jobs all the time, I have a bunch of different interests, so I’m enjoying myself with some shopping today.

I’ve picked out some stuff, like hair accessories and fashion glasses, to make it easier for people to tell us apart when they meet us for the first time.

While we’re on the job, like during live shows and such, it’s better if we’re indistinguishable from each other, as twins should be.

But that would be inconvenient in day-to-day life, since it would just confuse everyone around us.

Up until now though, Aniki has always been the one who picked out all our clothes and belongings, so I kinda suck at choosing them for myself…

Which is why I’m actually sort of agonizing over it right now.

Fufu. If you feel like it, I’d very much like to get your advice when you have the time.

I’ve really been wanting to hear the opinion of someone who’s clever, someone who knows the “right answers”.

From here on out… What kind of idols should we become, Producer-san?

--------------

* He’s singing 2winkle Star Beat.

** The “right answer” references Setsubun, as a lot of this idol story does. It’s specifically mirroring a line from Hinata in Deep Love 2.

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: …..?

Makoto: That game is co-op only, which, while difficult, is a lot of fun~♪

Since there’s three of us, why don't we try it at the hardest difficulty?

Sora: Yes! Sora will work together with Yuuki-sensei and Senpai~!

Tsumugi: (Hm, how strange. Sora-kun seems like his usual self. And it doesn’t feel like he’s just putting on an act, either....?)

Sora: Senpai, what’s the matter? You’re giving off a curious “color”...

Tsumugi: Ahaha, of course you’d notice that right away, Sora-kun.

...Um, well I heard that you were really upset, so I thought it strange that you didn’t seem that way to me at all.

Makoto: Huh, Harukawa-kun is upset? I didn’t notice at all, even though we spent so much time together today.

Sora: …..? Sora isn’t upset or anything. Who did you hear that from, Senpai?

Tsumugi: Keito-kun told me about it when I went to the student council room to drop off some documents earlier.

Sora-kun, didn’t you feel dejected when you got told off by him?

Sora: Hmm~, well, Sora did meet Kei-chan-senpai in the hallway. But Sora wasn’t dejected or anything like that~?

Tsumugi: But Keito-kun said that you wouldn’t say a single word to him in response, and on top of that, you had tears welling up in your eyes. It was really weighing on him, too.

Makoto: ...Wasn’t that because of Harukawa-kun’s stomachache?

Tsumugi: Sora-kun, you had a stomachache?

Sora: Yes. Back then, Sora was desperately trying to get to the infirmary, which is why he was running in the hallways. Then, Sora almost ran into Kei-chan-senpai.

He stopped Sora in his tracks and said a bunch of stuff at Sora. But for Sora, it wasn’t the time for that.

By the time Kei-chan-senpai left, Sora’s pain had gotten so bad that he couldn’t even move.

Makoto: Yep yep, and that’s when I happened to pass by.

Harukawa-kun was crouching in the corridor, his eyes full of tears. I was so shocked to find him like that~.

Sora: Yuuki-sensei~ supported Sora and helped him walk, so he made it to the infirmary in the end~. Sora wouldn’t have been able to make it by himself.

Tsumugi: Eeh? But that’s also an emergency in its own right…!

If your stomachache was that bad, it’s no trivial matter. Do you know what caused it?

Makoto: I asked Sagami-sensei the same thing, but he couldn’t figure it out either.

But in all likelihood, his stomach got cold when he was napping outside*.

Sora: It was nice and warm out today, so Sora took a stroll in the garden terrace!

And then Sora got kind of drowsy, so he decided to take a nap in the shade of a tree.

But during the nap, Sora’s stomach started feeling all weird, so he woke up~.

Sora tried to endure it, but the pain kept getting worse, and that’s why he hurried to the infirmary.

Tsumugi: I see, and that’s when you came across Keito-kun. So, the reason why you were so teary-eyed was also…

Sora: Sora’s stomach had been hurting for so long that he didn’t even notice the tears welling up in his eyes.

Tsumugi: So that’s what it was~. By the way, Sora-kun, is your stomach okay now?

Sora: HiHi~♪ Yes, it’s all better already ♪

Makoto: I guess your stomach warmed up from the hot tea Sagami-sensei made for you while you were resting.

Harukawa-kun said he was feeling better, and suggested playing some games, so we came to the game club together. And we’ve been playing games here ever since.

Good thing the stomachache wasn’t caused by anything serious~.

Tsumugi: Hmhm, now I see the whole picture.

I’m relieved to hear that Sora-kun wasn’t upset, and that his stomachache got better. All’s well that ends well ♪

Please be careful not to let your stomach cool down during a nap again, Sora-kun.

Sora: Yes, understood! Senpai, thank you for worrying about Sora!

Tsumugi: Don’t mention it. In any case, everything turned out fine ♪

...Aah!

Makoto: Woah, what are you yelling for all out of nowhere, Aoba-senpai?

Tsumugi: Oh this is bad, I completely forgot about Keito-kun!

Makoto: The vice-president...? Is something up with him?

Tsumugi: Actually, Keito-kun is making Chinese steamed buns in the kitchen as we speak.

Makoto: Wh-, Chinese steamed buns? Why on earth..?

Tsumugi: I-in any case, I need to tell him the truth about this matter immediately. Otherwise he’ll make tons of steamed buns for nobody at all!

Makoto: Uhh. What do you mean, “steamed buns for nobody at all”... I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about…

Sora: What’s this about? Are we talking steamed buns? Sora loves Chinese steamed buns~♪

The ones we had with Shisho~ the other day were really tasty ♪

Tsumugi: Yeah they were, weren’t they~? I remember it like it was yesterday.

Well, I guess that’s exactly why we’re in this mess now to begin with…

Makoto: Hrrm? At this point I’m so confused I don’t even know if you want me to give a funny retort or what. Umm… Seriously, what happened, Aoba-senpai?

Tsumugi: Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything from the beginning. So here’s what happened…

--------------------

* It’s a common belief in Japan that a cold stomach is the cause of many stomach problems, including nausea and stomachaches. Apparently it’s not backed up by any scientific data though.

Location: Student Council Room

Keito: By the way, where do I need to go in order to procure those Chinese steamed buns?

Tsumugi: Well, we got them from a food truck that we just happened to find at the time.

A few days later I was passing through the same area, and they weren’t selling them there anymore, so it may be impossible to find the exact same steamed buns now.

But even if they’re not the very same ones, if you went to the school store or a Chinese restaurant they might have a similar kind?

Keito: Are pork buns still sold at this time of year, though? If they don’t sell them at the school store, I’ll have to head to the Chinese restaurant in the shopping district…

Well, no use overthinking it. I’d better go and check as soon as-…

Woah there! Oh, it’s the transfer student. You’ll give people a start if you stand right in front of the door like that. What’s the matter, do you have business in the student council room?

Aah, so you’re also bringing some documents over.

Sorry, there’s a crucial task that I have to complete right now, so I’ll be excusing myself for a moment. If you’re just submitting those documents, leave them on the desk over there. I’ll verify them sometime in the coming days and let you know if there are any errors.

Hm? What’s wrong, is there still something you need?

...Huh? If the ingredients for steamed buns are fine by themselves, you can get them ready for me?

Aah, you must’ve overheard me and Aoba talking.

Hmm. So there are leftovers from a cooking class in the cafeteria?

I see, so the leftovers are being kept in the fridge in the cafeteria kitchen. And you’re telling me I can use them if I’d like.

Tsumugi: Isn’t that great timing, Keito-kun? How about you accept the ingredients from Anzu-chan and make steamed buns by hand for the occasion?

Keito: I only considered buying them until now, so this strategy didn’t even cross my mind. But I’ve never made Chinese steamed buns before…

Hm? If I look it up on my smartphone, there are plenty of recipes online for that?

I see, so you’ve cooked many meals using recipes you’ve found online, transfer student.

Tsumugi: Oh yes, apparently lots of the recipes even have photos attached to them~. How about this one, it has really detailed quantities and instructions.

Keito: That makes sense, I guess even I can do it if all I need to do is follow a recipe.

...What? You want to help me out, transfer student?

Tsumugi: Keito-kun, I’d like to offer my help too, if that’s okay. The student council is pretty overwhelmed with work right now, isn’t it?

Keito: No, don’t the both of you have things that you should be doing instead? I can’t possibly accept such big favors from you.

While it’s true that there is still work left for me to do here, it’s mostly just sorting a few documents, so I’ll be fine by myself. And this work was my responsibility to begin with.

I’ll gladly accept the ingredients you offered, but I’ll attempt to make the steamed buns on my own. Why, it’ll be a cinch as long as I have a recipe.

Tsumugi: Okay. But at the very least, allow me to detain Sora-kun until you’re done cooking the steamed buns, Keito-kun.

Keito: Yeah, please do. Now that I’ve decided on a course of action, I better hurry to the kitchen at once. I’ll repay these debts to you two as soon as I get the chance, trust me.

Location: Hallway

Tsumugi: Keito-kun headed straight for the kitchen, huh~. But that only goes to show just how concerned he really is for Sora-kun.

Huh? What is it, Anzu-chan? You want to know what happened...?

Apparently, Sora-kun started crying after receiving a warning from Keito-kun for running in the hallways.

Yeah, I agree that Keito-kun’s sermons are frightening…

But it’s still strange for Sora-kun to cry because of something like that. It makes me wonder if there weren’t some greater circumstances involved.

Well, in any case it’s probably best to ask him directly.

Umm, I wonder where Sora-kun might be at this time… I guess I’ll drop by the game club first.

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: Excuse me~, is Sora-kun here~?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Someone called Sora’s name~. Sora is right here! What’s the matter, Senpai?

Tsumugi: Ah, Sora-kun, I figured you’d be here. Here’s the thing…

Oh? I see Yuuki-kun is here as well.

Makoto: Hello, Aoba-senpai~♪

Do you need Harukawa-kun for something? In that case, I can leave…?

Tsumugi: Aah, there’s no need for that. So you two are playing videogames together today?

Sora: Yes! Shisho~ had something to do today and is absent, so Yuuki-sensei~ played together with Sora!

Makoto: I was free because the other guys from Trickstar aren’t around today. It was perfect timing.

Sora: Yuuki-sensei~ is incredible! He’s clearing all the games that were collecting dust in a corner after Shisho~ declared them garbage one after another!

Makoto: Ehehe, I’m not as great as you say. You get the hang of these kinds of games after speedrunning a bunch of them, and they’re actually not all that hard. The vital part is clearing your mind of all thoughts ♪

Sora: Sora wants to play this game next~. Senpai, do you want to join us?

Location: Student Council Room

Tsumugi: Yes, that’s correct. Sora-kun and I are both members of Switch.

And Natsume-kun is our leader. We’re a unit of magicians who entertain people in fantastical ways by casting the magic of happiness on them ♪

Keito: I didn’t ask for a presentation on your whole unit. There’s no need to tell me things I already know.

What I want to talk about right now is Harukawa. I almost ran into him in the hallway earlier…

For some reason he was running in a zig-zag line down the corridor, so I stopped him and gave him a warning about his dangerous behaviour.

Tsumugi: In a zig-zag line, you say?

Hrrm, I know he often runs or climbs on walls as a shortcut, but I’ve never seen him run in a zig-zag line for no apparent reason…

Keito: Well don’t let him climb on walls. If you call yourself his upperclassman, at least give him adequate warning for such behaviour. How incorrigible…

That said, it’s possible that I was just a bit too harsh on him...

Tsumugi: Huh? I don’t really think Sora is the type to mind that kind of thing, but what makes you say that?

Keito: He didn’t utter a single word, and there were tears welling up in his eyes. As though he was thoroughly devastated by my words.

Tsumugi: Eeeh? Keito-kun, did you make Sora-kun cry?

Keito: Uu… I had absolutely no intentions of the sort…

But that doesn’t change the fact that while I was scolding him, his countenance became as such; which is why it’s still weighing on my mind.

Tsumugi: I see, so the cause of your furrowed brow was Sora-kun…

Hrrm, but you know, I’ve never really seen Sora-kun disheartened.

That’s why I can’t really picture it, I guess..?

Well, in any case, I’m sure he’ll perk up again as soon as he eats some tasty food ♪

Keito: What, it’s really that simple?

Tsumugi: Look, doesn’t just being hungry already make you feel kind of sad, in a way?

So conversely, maybe eating something tasty will make Sora-kun full of food and happiness ♪

Keito: ...Is that how it works?

Well, while I don’t entirely follow that line of reasoning, it beats doing nothing at all, like I have been.

And since you’re speaking as a fellow member of Harukawa’s unit, it’s probably a better plan than anything I would come up with by overthinking it.

So, what kind of food does he like?

Tsumugi: Umm, let me think~. He seems like he’d enjoy eating anything, really.

Like when we’re all together, he often says “The food Sora eats while looking at Shisho~ and Senpai’s beautiful “colors” is so tasty ♪”.

And then he looks like he’d be happy no matter what’s on the menu.

Keito: I see. But on the contrary, that makes it even more difficult to decide what to get him.

Tsumugi: ...Oh, then how about Chinese steamed buns?

Keito: Chinese steamed buns…?

Tsumugi: You see, the other day we, as Switch, were out together for a live and got a little peckish, so we all ate Chinese steamed buns together.

They were sooo hot and doughy, bursting with meat juices, and absolutely delicious~♪

Oh yeah, when I bit into it I carelessly burned my mouth.

And then Natsume-kun was like, “SenpAI, you got meat juices all over mE” and kicked me~.

Despite all that, Sora-kun was really enjoying his steamed bun next to me, so I’m sure he likes them a lot.

Which is why I think he’ll be overjoyed if you got them for him.

Keito: There are a great many things I’d like to retort, but you know what. Nevermind. I’ll just procure Chinese steamed buns for him.

I can’t bear to let him stay depressed like that. If I get him those buns, at the very least Harukawa might cheer up a bit.

Location: Hallway

Keito: Aah, classes are finally over for the day.

(I’m seriously just reaping what I’ve sown here, but thanks to that “town revitalization plan*” taking up all of my time, my student council work has been piling up.)

(Honestly, this must be what they call “being so busy you don’t even have time to catch your breath”.)

(And I know that if I overworked myself I’d just burn out and not get anything done at all… But I really am up to my ears in work. It’s a hopeless situation.)

(I need to hurry to the student council room and get started on the paperwork. Of course, I won’t run in the hallways, but I’ll walk as quickly as possible…)

Sora: ……….!

Keito: Uwoh!

Who’s that running in a zig-zag across the corridors! That’s dangerous! I almost ran straight into you!

You’re… that first-year from Aoba’s unit?

Oi, are you listening? I’m telling you to quit running in the hallways!

And to do it in a zig-zag, too, that’s completely inexcusable! Walk in a straight line…

Wait, I wasn’t telling you to walk away from me right now! Get back here!

Who would ignore the person cautioning them and just try to walk off!

Why, you little… You did not just do something as dangerous as trying to climb up the walls to escape me.

Not a shred of remorse in sight. Seems like today’s finally the day you require a sermon from me.

Sora: ………..

Keito: Oi, you haven’t said a single thing yet, are you listening? Don’t make me repeat myself. How about you at least give me a response?

Sora: ………..

Keito: (....? He’s still not answering me.)

(When I met him the other day, he had a vastly different attitude. What could be the matter? Maybe he’s reflecting on his behaviour…?)

Oi, Harukawa… Hm?

(Wh-, there are tears in his eyes…!?)

(I-is he that remorseful...!? No, this is beyond remorse, it’s like he’s completely down in the dumps…)

(Maybe I was a little too harsh on him? But in this situation I have no choice but to give him a stern warning, for his own sake…)

I-in any case. This is far from the first time that I’ve seen you partake in hazardous behaviour like that. If you run into someone, there’s a good chance that not just the other person, but you personally, could get hurt.

Seeing that you’re an idol, I urge you to cherish your own body more. Once you have an accident it’s already too late.

If you understand this, don’t ever let me catch you running in the corridors again. And walking in a zig-zag line is also taboo. Take good care from now on.

Sora: ………..

Location: Student Council Room

- A few minutes later -

Keito: ………..

(It’s no good, I can’t get Harukawa’s strange demeanor from earlier out of my head. At this rate I’m liable to putting the wrong stamps on these documents.)

(I am by no means close to Harukawa, but I know that he’s not the type of person to be so rude as to not even grant me a response.)

(In fact, the way he kept completely silent, his eyes wet with tears can only mean…)

(While the warning itself was necessary, lately I have been so overworked that I may have adopted an excessively aggressive tone…)

Tsumugi: Excuse me~.

I am here to deliver documents for Switch in Natsume-kun’s place~.

Keito: ………..

Tsumugi: ...Umm, hello, Keito-kun? Can you hear me?

Keito: ………..

Tsumugi: Excuse me~?

Keito: Uwoh! Don’t thoughtlessly bring your face so close to mine, Aoba. Bastard, how long have you been in the student council room?

Tsumugi: Ah~, you finally noticed. You know, I did try calling out to you several times.

But since you didn’t react at all, I started wondering if maybe someone left a doll that perfectly resembles Keito-kun in this room.

Keito: As if that would ever happen. If you’re only here for smalltalk, get out. I’ve got my hands full with work.

Tsumugi: Geez, of course I’m here for a reason. When I came in I did say that I’m here to deliver some documents.

So you really didn’t hear me speak at all, huh.

Here you go, the documents for Switch. There’s no hurry, but please verify them for us.

Keito: Hm? Aah, I see. Yeah, consider them received.

Tsumugi: Is something the matter, Keito-kun? Your forehead is even more wrinkled than usual, did some kind of trouble come up with your work...?

Keito: No, there’s no problem with the work itself. It’s just that there’s a whole mountain of it…

That reminds me… Aoba, you’re in the same unit as Harukawa, aren’t you?

---------------------

* This story takes place around the time of Shinsengumi, which is what he refers to here.

Location: Lockers Area

Natsume: Good Morning, Hokke-kUN ♪

Hokuto: Sakasaki? How rare to see you actually attend school this early in the morning.

Natsume: I thought it might be good to attend first period every now and thEN. Do you always come here at this tiME, Hokke-kUN?

Hokuto: I do. That aside, come to class every day, not just every “now and then”.

You barely ever show up to school, so shouldn’t your attendance be insufficient?

Natsume: That’s no problEM, because I make up for it with my scholarly abiliTY.

Hokuto: Yeah, I guess you can get away with it because Yumenosaki Academy is rather laissez-faire.

No one here is going to find fault with a student whose attendance is lacking as long as his grades are up to par.

But while we may be idols, we are also students. Make sure you don’t forget that.

Natsume: I suppose diligent class representatives just can’t overlook frivolous studenTS, hUH?

In any caSE, Hokke-kUN, you’ve got some serious bedhead todAY. You’d better fix that before you enter the classroOM.

Hokuto: Huh, really? Hrrm, but I did check the mirror before I left my house this morning.

Hmm? As I thought, I don’t have bedhead at all. Sakasaki?

...Sakasaki? Ah, he’s gotten so far away already! Damn it, Sakasaki, we’re not done talking!

Natsume: AhaHA, spare me the sermON, alrigHT? I’m not in the mood to play tag so early in the morning eithER, so I guess I’ll take refuge in the secret roOM.

Bye-bye, Hokke-kUN ♪

Location: Dance Room

- A few days later -

Hajime: Haah~... Squeak, squeak ♪ Haah~... Squeak, squeak ♪

Tomoya: Hajime~? You started polishing the windows as soon as you stepped into the dance room, huh. But it’s not like you’re here for a school part-time job, so there’s no need for you to do that, you know.

Hajime: Ahaha, you’re right. But there was still some polish residue on the windows, and it bothered me…

Alright, it’s sparkling clean now~♪

Doing laundry is fun, but so is cleaning. When everything is clean and orderly, it makes me feel so accomplished.

Nazuna: Well, I hate to break this to you when you look so satisfied, but our practice is only just starting~. Brace yourself, okay?

Hajime: Wawah, Nii~chan? I didn’t notice you at all!

Umm, I’ll clear everything away, so please wait just a moment!

Nazuna: Oh no, there’s no need to be in a rush~. We got lucky today and managed to rent a dance room, so we’ll start practice once Mitsuru-chin gets here.

Actually, does he know that we’re having practice today? He didn’t go home because he forgot about it, did he...?

Tomoya: Aah, I walked by Mitsuru’s classroom, and he told me “I’ll come as soon as I’m done!”.

Nazuna: I see, that’s a relief.

...But “done” with what? What’s Mitsuru-chin making?

Tomoya: Beats me, I didn’t ask him, so… Ah, speak of the devil.

Mitsuru: Dash, da~sh! Sorry I’m late! Did you already start practice?

Tomoya: Don’t come barging into the room like that. Well, unlike our usual practice room, this one’s soundproof so at least you’re not bothering anyone…

Mitsuru: Nii~chan! I’ve got something to show you!

Here it is… I’m sorry it took me so long, but it’s my signature. ...What do you think?

Nazuna: Yeah, this one really shows your individuality, Mitsuru-chin. It’s a really great signature. Well done, Mitsuru-chin, you’ve improved a lot ♪

But are you sure you don’t want to go with kanji? Didn’t you say that hiragana are uncool?

Mitsuru: Well, yeah… But I stopped aiming for coolness. What really matters is the sentiment!

Nazuna: Ooh, how mature of you, Mitsuru-chin~! Did something happen that made you change your mind in such a short period of time?

Mitsuru: Yeah. It’s all thanks to Mister Masked Pervert! I think I might actually kinda like that guy~!

Tomoya: Eeh, don’t be ridiculous, Mitsuru! That guy’s such a weirdo he deserves the title of “pervert”! What about him could you possibly fall for!

Hajime: Hm~, I actually like him quite a bit, too~. He’s a good person, that Hibiki-senpai.

Tomoya: Sigh, not you too, Hajime… Uu, he’s defiling my oasis~! S-stop it, keep your hands off my friends!

Nazuna: Hm…? Tomo-chin, you dropped some kind of paper.

Are these practice signatures…? Huh, so Tomo-chin also turned his signature into hiragana?

Tomoya: Yeah, I was thinking it over for a while and decided to try hiragana, too. But I never expected Mitsuru to do the same, it was a real surprise.

Mitsuru: Fufun, but my signature’s way cooler than yours!

Look, I drew a little dash symbol next to it. Dash, da~sh ☆

Tomoya: I thought you stopped aiming for coolness. ...Well, whatever.

Nii~chan. I like this signature best, so can you reject the one I turned in before and accept this one instead?

(TN: Tomoya’s final signature:

)

Nazuna: Sure. Alright, then I’ll accept your hiragana signature as the official one~♪

Hmm… So we have two signatures with kanji, and two in hiragana. That might be a good balance. And each of them brings out your personalities, so I’m sure the fans will love them, too.

Mitsuru: Nii~chan, do you want my autograph? I’ll give you my commemorable, very first autograph~♪

Nazuna: Oi Mitsuru-chin, what do you think you’re writing on? Stobbit, that’s my favwowite button pin!

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun, I just happen to have some autograph boards with me today, so how about you sign one of those instead?

Mitsuru: That’s perfect! I want your autograph too, Hajime-chan!

Hajime: Ah, in that case, how about we all exchange autographs? That way, we’ll get a taste of what it feels like for our fans to receive our autographs ♪

Nazuna: He~y, did you guys already forget what we came here for?

...Well, whatever. Guess we’re practicing giving autographs today.

Check it out, this is my signature~♪

(TN: Nazuna’s signature:

)

Mitsuru: Yaaay, it’s Nii~chan’s autograph!

And check out mine! This is it! Tenma Mitsuru’s signature~♪

(TN: Mitsuru’s final signature:

)

Location: Hallway

Mitsuru: Uu, guess I’ll give up and confess… The truth is, I also wrote a letter to Suba-chan-senpai.

Subaru: Oh you too, dash-dash kid? Yahoo, I’m dashingly popular~♪

Mitsuru: Geez, stop stealing my “dash” thing.

The reason why we performed as a marching band was all thanks to Hajime-chan, you see. He said he really wanted to help you in any way he could.

I wanted you to know that, so I wrote it to you in a letter…

But Suba-chan-senpai already knew all about it, so I guess there was no need for that.

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun… Thank you for doing that for me. I’m so happy I could cry~♪

Ehehe, guess I’ve been in your debt in more ways than one today.

Mitsuru: It’s fine for you to indebt yourself every once in a while. I only ever receive favors from you, Hajime-chan, so I’m happy that I got the chance to return some favors this time around!

Subaru: Heyhey, that letter’s addressed to me, isn’t it? Which means it’s okay for me to read it, right?

Mitsuru: But I already told you what I wrote, so won’t it be a pretty boring read~?

Subaru: Still, you wrote that letter out of your heart-felt consideration of Shinonon, didn’t you? It’d be a waste not to read it. You think so too, right Shinonon?

Hajime: Yes. If it’s okay with you, Mitsuru-kun, I’d also like to read it.

Mitsuru: Well, I won’t say no if you insist like that. Umm, if there’s parts you find hard to read or don’t get, you can ask me.

Subaru: Roger-dodger~. ...Wow, it’s all hiragana ☆

Mitsuru: Uu, it’s actually better than it used to be. I exchanged letters with Hajime-chan, and now I’m gradually starting to use more kanji.

Subaru: Ahaha, it’s like a letter from a child~♪

Mitsuru: Mph, I’m not a child. It feels like you’re making fun of me, and that’s super annoying.

Wataru: I think it’s fine the way it is, what really matters is the sentiment.

Actually, I took the liberty of reading it as well, and thought that your strong feelings for your friend were conveyed vividly. I am blinded by the tears I am moved to, ahahahaha...☆

Mitsuru: Owah, where did these pigeons come from!?

Subaru: Yeah. I feel the same way, dash-dash kid.

After reading all of it, I finally understand. I’m sorry for saying that it’s like a letter from a child.

It’s a great letter that conveys that you like Shinonon lots and lots.

Really, it’d be a waste to throw it out. I’ll treasure it, just as much as I’ll treasure the letter from Shinonon!

Hajime: I was kind of embarrassed while I was reading it… But by the end I was tearing up again, and I feel like I’ll really burst into tears any second now~♪

Mitsuru: Mister Masked Pervert, Suba-chan-senpai, Hajime-chan…

After dashing for so long, I feel like I can finally see the finish line!

I’ll trust that this is the right answer, and push on through~♪

Location: Hallway

Hajime: Huh? Wha? Why are you apologizing? Mitsuru-kun, please raise your head!

Mitsuru: No, I’ll keep speaking like this. You see, I dropped the letter that you entrusted me with, Hajime-chan.

And then I made Suba-chan-senpai help me look for it… I really shouldn’t have gotten him involved, when he’s the one I was supposed to deliver the letter to in the first place. Really, I am so sorry!

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun… It’s okay. Please don’t worry about it so much.

My name is written on the letter, so maybe some nice person will find it and return it to me.

And even if no one finds it, I can just write it again.

Mitsuru: Ah, we actually already found the letter. Mister Masked Pervert picked it up for us.

Hajime: Oh, I see. All’s well that ends well, then ♪

...Mitsuru-kun, I’m sorry to say this after I already asked it of you. But can I hand over that letter myself, after all?

Mitsuru: Huh, are you sure?

Hajime: Seeing how hard you were trying for my sake helped me gather up my courage ♪

Mitsuru: Hajime-chan…

Alright, go for it, Hajime-chan! Hit ‘im with those feelings of yours!

Hajime: Y-yes! I’ll do my best!

Akehoshi-senpai, giving you a letter out of the blue like this may just be a bother to you, but… Well, I don’t need a reply, but please accept this!

Subaru: It’s no bother at all! In fact, I’m really happy~! Thank you, Shinonon ♪

I wonder what’s written in here? Heyhey, is it okay if I read it right away? I wanna read it out loud!

Hajime: What…!? Please don’t, I’d be so embarrassed if you read it in front of me~!

Also, if you read it out loud, everyone’s going to find out just how much I like you, Akehoshi-senpai…

Subaru: That’s alright! I love you too, Shinonon...☆

Hajime: Uwah… Hearing you say that with that smile on your face is making me all dizzy, Akehoshi-senpai…

Subaru: Your smile always makes me dizzy too, Shinonon...☆ (winks)

Hajime: Wawah!? I-I get it already, so please stop~!

Subaru: Sorry, sorry. Oh right, thanks for what you did back at “SakuraFes”, Shinonon!

Hajime: Huh, why are you suddenly bringing that up? You didn’t even read my letter yet…

Subaru: It’s always been at the back of my mind that I still had to thank you for it, so I thought right now would be a good opportunity to do it~♪

Hajime: B-but I didn’t even do anything you’d have to thank me for, Akehoshi-senpai…?

Subaru: Geez Shinonon, didn’t you, well, I mean all of you, advertise for us with your marching band back then?

Thanks to you, “SakuraFes” had a full house, and the excitement carried all the way up to the stage!

I can’t thank you enough~!

Hajime: Akehoshi-senpai…

So you knew about the marching band… Just giving you my letter would’ve already been enough for me, but now I really feel like I’m on cloud nine~♪

Mitsuru: Yep yep, seeing Hajime-chan so happy makes me happy, too! I guess that’s case… Case, what was it again?

Hajime: Fufu, you mean “case closed”~. You know, I’m really glad I mustered up the courage to give Akehoshi-senpai my fan letter in person.

Really, thank you so much, Mitsuru-kun.

Wataru: What a heartwarming tale~. I’m truly fortunate to be witness to such a moving scene ☆

By the way, and I hate to butcher the plot to your tale like this, could this be another letter that you dropped?

Mitsuru: What? I-I’ve never seen that letter in my life! Someone else must’ve dropped that one, no?

Wataru: Hmm, maybe I was mistaken? However, this letter was on the stairway right next to the one you dropped…

Hajime: Huh? Isn’t that the same stationery that you bought at the school store earlier today, Mitsuru-kun?

Mitsuru: Uhii!? N-n-n-no it’s not~!

Wataru: Whoops, were you trying to snatch this letter from my hands? And yet you have no reason to do that, since it doesn’t belong to you, correct?

Mitsuru: U-uu~!

Location: Hallway

Mitsuru: Sniff, sniff… I can smell it. It’s probably somewhere around here!

Subaru: Oooh, so your strategy is to sniff out where it is? Does that mean your lost item is food, dash-dash kid?

Mitsuru: Nope. My lost item is a letter!

Subaru: Huh, it’s a letter? Is that really something you can sniff out~?

Well, whatever. If I find anything that resembles a letter, I’ll let you know.

...Oh?

Mitsuru: Suba-chan-senpai? Did you find it already?

Subaru: Nah, but I feel like I’ve seen that guy over there somewhere before~.

Mitsuru: Hmm? Isn’t that the guy Tomo-chan always goes on about… Mister Masked Pervert?

Wataru: Amazing! Allow me to respond to your summons!

Spreading love and wonder to the world one day at a time, I am your Hibiki Wataru...☆

Subaru: Umm, Hibiki-senpai? Hello~!

Wataru: Yes, hello there~! You must be Hokuto-kun’s friend, Akehoshi Subaru. I’ve heard looots about you from Hokuto-kun.

Subaru: Huh? What, pray tell, did he tell you about me?

Wataru: Fufufu. There’s no need to speak so politely.

Subaru: Thank god. I’m so bad at it~! So, Hibiki-senpai, whatcha doing here?

Wataru: Nothing in particular. I was in the middle of my club activities, but I tasked my juniors with an assignment, and now I have more free time than I know what to do with.

If you two have some time to spare, won’t you keep me company?

Subaru: Oh, great timing! I’m helping the dash-dash kid find a lost item, maybe you want to join forces with us, Senpai?

Mitsuru: Mister Masked Pervert. You didn’t happen to see a letter lying around here somewhere?

Wataru: If it’s a letter you want, I’ve got hundreds~.. Which one of these letters did you drop?*

If you’d like, you can have all of them!

Subaru: Uwah, a whole ton of letters appeared somehow! Wait, aren’t there way too many?

Mitsuru: Ahaha, amazing! Is this a magic trick? How is he doing this~?

Wataru: Fufufu. If you get so visibly excited, I’ll get carried away, you know?

Mitsuru: Ah, it’s this one! That’s Hajime-chan’s letter!

Wataru: It appears you’ve found the letter you’ve been seeking. How wonderful...☆

Mitsuru: Mister Masked Pervert, where did you find this?

Wataru: I picked it up just a moment ago, on the staircase over there. But when I went to deliver it to the owner’s classroom, I found that it was locked, so I intended to deliver it tomorrow.

Mitsuru: I’m so glad you found it~! Thank you, Mister Masked Pervert!

Hajime: …-kun. Mitsuru-ku~n…?

Mitsuru: Hm? Ah, it’s Hajime-chan! He~y, Hajime-cha~n!

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun! What a relief~. So this is where you went.

I got worried because you didn’t come back no matter how long I waited, so I went looking for you~…

Mugyuh!?

Subaru: Yaaay, it’s Shinonon! You’re as cute as ever today!

Hajime: Huh, Akehoshi-senpai!? I-I’m glad to see you too, but I don’t really know how to react to this~!

Subaru: Hugging Shinonon gives me life, it’s so soothing~, nuzzle nuzzle ♪

Hajime: P-please don’t rub your cheek against mine~! I don’t dislike it or anything, but there are people watching! It’s embarrassing~!

Mitsuru: That’s no fair! I’ll snuggle Hajime-chan, too~!

Hajime: Wawah, not you too, Mitsuru-kun… I’m gonna get crushed between you both~.

Wataru: My, what a lively atmosphere...☆ There’s no room for me to slide in, so I’m feeling kind of lonely!

Hajime: Huuh? Isn’t that… Hibiki-senpai? I-I’m so sorry. With all this fuss, I didn’t notice you were there!

Wataru: I don’t mind, please do go ahead and keep up that hilarious commotion! I shall be enjoying the view with a refreshing drink in hand!

Mitsuru: Hmm? Somehow I feel like I’m forgetting something important.

Ah, right! I need to apologize to Hajime-chan.

Hajime-chan, I’m really, really sorry!

-----------------

* Wataru is referencing The Honest Woodcutter. The wikipedia link has a good summary of it.

Location: School Store

Mitsuru: Hajime-chan, Hajime-chan, look at this cute stationery they’re selling!

Hajime: Huh, which one? Waah, there are dogs on it, how cute~♪

Akehoshi-senpai seems to really like dogs, so I think he’d love to receive a letter written on this paper.

Mitsuru: ……….

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun? Are you going to buy some stationery as well?

Mitsuru: Uh, yeah! I’m kinda running low on stationery to use for our letter exchange, so I was thinking I should stock up again!

Hajime: Fufu, I see. I’ve decided to buy this one, so I’ll meet you at the register, okay?

Mitsuru: Y-yeah. Gotcha!

Location: Garden Terrace

Hajime: Hrm~mm… Hrm~mmmmm…

Mitsuru: Ahaha. Hajime-chan, you haven’t been saying anything but “Hrmm” for a while now. If you’re troubled, I’ll hear you out, ‘kay?

Hajime: Umm, I’m wondering how to phrase it so it doesn’t come off as rude, and I feel like once I start talking about all the things that are cool about Akehoshi-senpai, one page won’t be enough. So basically, I’m worrying about everything.

Umm… “I’ll cheer you on, so please keep working hard.”... There. I-I’ve finished it~!

Mitsuru: Then let’s go deliver it to Suba-chan-senpai right away!

Hajime: But I’m sure Akehoshi-senpai is really busy… I’ll just wait until I get a good opportunity for it.

Mitsuru: Whaaat~? But you went through all the trouble of writing it, don’t you want him to read it as soon as possible?

Hajime: Of course I want him to read it. But to tell the truth, I just can’t muster up the courage to give him the letter...

Mitsuru: You poured your heart into writing this letter, Hajime-chan, so I’m one hundred percent sure he’s gonna be thrilled about it!

Alright, I’ve got it. I’m gonna dash over and deliver that letter to Suba-chan-senpai!

Hajime: Nooo, it’s fine, really~! I can’t treat you like you’re my errand boy, Mitsuru-kun!

Mitsuru: I’m telling you that I want to do it, though. Also, you helped me out lots with my signature, Hajime-chan. Let me return the favor!

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun…

In that case, while I really do feel bad that I’m making you do this, I’ll entrust that letter to you, okay?

Mitsuru: Ehem, leave it to me! I’ll dash and deliver it, dash da~sh...☆

Location: 2-A Classroom

Mitsuru: ‘Scuse me!

Superstar of Ra*bits, Tenma Mitsuru, comin’ through!

Umm, is Suba-chan-senpai here?

Subaru: Ah! It’s the noisy kid that always goes “dash, dash”! Whazzup~?

Mitsuru: Phewie, Suba-chan-senpai is still around, what a relief~!

Subaru: I’m dashing through today’s day duty right now~! Lucky you, dash-dash kid ♪

Mitsuru: “Dash” is my thing! Wait no, I mean, I’m here to give you something, Suba-chan-senpai…

Tada~-... Huh?

W-wait just a moment! I put it right here into my pocket. So why isn’t it there~!?

Subaru: Calm down~. Dash-dash kid, did you lose something?

Mitsuru: Y-yeah. Suba-chan-senpai, do you have any idea where it is?

Subaru: Why would I? I don’t even have a clue what your lost item is to begin with.

You might be able to find it by retracing your steps. I’m free right now, so I’ll help you.

Mitsuru: Huh!? N-no, that’s okay! I’d feel bad if I made you help me!

Subaru: No need to hold back, we’ll get it done together in a dash ♪ Dash-dash kid, you’re friends with Shinonon, so when you’re troubled I want to lend you a hand.

Mitsuru: Suba-chan-senpai...

Yep yep, I think I kinda get why Hajime-chan likes you so much, Suba-chan-senpai.

I dashed here from the cafeteria, so let’s go back and search as we go~!

Location: 1-A Classroom

- A few days later -

Mitsuru: Hajime-cha~n!

...Huh, it’s just Tomo-chan here? Where’s Hajime-chan?

Tomoya: He told me he’s at his school part-time job. Since he’s only bringing in the laundry today, it shouldn’t take too long, though.

Mitsuru: I see~... Then I’ll wait for Hajime-chan to get back. Is that okay, Tomo-chan?

Tomoya: Why are you asking me for permission? Well, it’s fine by me.

...Uu~. I just remembered that I have club activities today. Maybe I should play hooky… Or even better, quit entirely.

Mitsuru: Ahaha. Whenever club activities come up, you talk about how you wanna quit, Tomo-chan.

I like the track club! My seniors there are nice, too, so I’m real glad I joined~♪

Tomoya: You have it so good there.

As for me, I’d be fine if Buchou was a decent person… If only he was a decent human being, I could go to my club activities without a worry in the world!

Hajime: Huff, huff… Tomoya-kun, did I keep you waiting?

Tomoya: Nah, you’re good. But actually, Mitsuru is here waiting for you. He says he’s got some business with you.

Hajime: Huuh? Aah, is it about you-know-what? Fufu, it’s already become a habit, huh.

Mitsuru: Tada~h! Today, I actually put my letter in an envelope!

Hajime-chan always uses cute envelopes for his letters while I just hand mine over as-is, and it’s been bugging me a little.

Hajime: Wah, thank you so much~♪ You used a bread-shaped sticker as a seal, huh? It’s so cute, I feel like it’d be a waste to break it by opening the envelope…

Mitsuru: It’s not real, edible bread, so it’s not a waste! But I’ve brought real bread too, wanna eat some?

Hajime: Eh, I’m not feeling hungry, so I’m fine, really~. You really love your bread, don’t you? Somehow I feel like you’re constantly eating it, Mitsuru-kun.

Mitsuru: Yep! I like it lots, but I’m in a fix because I bought way too much again today. That’s why you’d actually be doing me a favor by eating some of it~.

Hajime: In that case I’ll have some.

Tomoya-kun, do you want to go halfsies on this cream roll? It looks absolutely delicious~♪

Tomoya: Yeah, I guess I’ll fill up before club activities start. ...Munch, munch.

Actually, we’ve gotten off track here. You two have been exchanging lots of letters recently~. How’s it going? Any progress?

Hajime: Yes. Mitsuru-kun is really giving it his all. If he keeps this up, I’m sure Nii~chan will give him his approval soon.

Tomoya: Hmm, if you say so I guess he really did improve a bit. Hey, Mitsuru. Let me have a look at your handwriting, will you?

Mitsuru: Sure thing. Fufun, I am actually practicing my signature as we speak~!

Tomoya: …?

Mitsuru: Tomo-chan, why are you tilting your head? Is it because you can’t read it?

Tomoya: Hrm~m, it’s not entirely illegible… I think. If I squint real hard, it’s like I can somewhat make out what it says, but that’s all.

Hmm, but Hajime can read it like normal, huh?

Hajime: Um, yes. Hm~m, I wonder why?

Tomoya: This is just my theory, but could it be that you simply got used to Mitsuru’s handwriting while exchanging letters with him?

Hajime: Ah, that could be it.

Uu~, now I’m at a loss. I never expected this to happen, so I didn’t come up with a counter-measure or anything!

Tomoya: Well, it’s not like you didn’t make any progress whatsoever.

The results of your letter exchange are showing little by little. There’s no hurry, so just keep at it, yeah?

I’m sure that’s why Nii~chan didn’t give you a deadline either.

...Oops. It’s about time, so I’d better head over to my club now.

What about you two?

I’m on day duty, so I’d like to lock up the room when I leave. But if you wanna stay, I’ll give you the key and you can return it to the staff room when you’re done.

Hajime: That’d be great, thanks~! Tomoya-kun, please do your best at your club activities.

Tomoya: Yeah, I will.

I wonder if Hokuto-senpai is coming today? Uu, I’d hate to be all alone with the Masked Pervert…

Mitsuru: ………..

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun, please cheer up. Tomoya-kun said that our letter exchange is showing results little by little, didn’t he?

I’ll keep helping you out, so let’s keep at it together ♪

Mitsuru: Hajime-chan… Yeah, I’ll do my best!

I’m a strong kid who can weather any storm*, it’ll take more than this to get me all down in the dumps!

Hey, Hajime-chan. While I was reading your letters, I started wondering… Could it be that you like Suba-chan-senpai?

Hajime: Yes! I respect him so much~!

Akehoshi-senpai was so cool during “SakuraFes” the other day, I even ended up buying some of his merchandise. They’re my treasures~♪

Mitsuru: Yeah, I figured you felt that way, since your talking of him takes up like half of your letters.

Speaking of which, do you think Suba-chan-senpai knows that we did that marching band?

Hajime: Hm~m, I’d say he does know about it, no?

Mitsuru: We did that to advertise for “SakuraFes”, right?

I heard that you asked Nii~chan for advice on how to help out Suba-chan-senpai back then.

Hajime-chan, why don’t you tell Suba-chan-senpai about all that? I’m sure he’ll be grateful~♪

Hajime: Oh no, I could never! I have no intentions whatsoever to tell him about that~!

Besides, the marching band was also intended to bring Ra*bits into the limelight. And the reason why “SakuraFes” was such a great success is entirely thanks to our seniors’ competence.

Mitsuru: If I were you, I’d write tons! Like about how I did my best playing the drums for them, and how I was totally cheering for Suba-chan-senpai!

Hajime: I guess you’re right. I do want to tell him that I was cheering him on… No, I think what I really want to tell Akehoshi-senpai is how cool I thought he was back then.

Mitsuru: Yep yep! So write Suba-chan-senpai a letter!

Hajime: That might be nice, kind of like fan mail… It kind of makes my heart pound, though...

Mitsuru: Yeah, it really is fan mail! Alright, I’ll help you with it!

Hajime: Thank you so much~. I ran out of stationery though, so how about we go to the school store first?

Ehehe, I don’t even know where to start, there are just so many things I want to write to him about~♪

----------------

* Mitsuru uses a turn of phrase that literally means “not losing to the rain, not losing to the wind” which is originally from a poem by Miyazawa Kenji. I doubt Mitsuru knows the actual poem, but it’s a nice one so I wanted to link it.

Location: Practice Room

Nazuna: Alright, let’s take a break.

Hajime: Mitsuru-kun, how is it going? Did you write a good signature?

Mitsuru: Hrm~m. I wrote it over and over, but I can’t tell if it’s gotten any better…

Hey hey, which one of these looks coolest to you?

Tomoya: ...Your handwriting really sucks.

Mitsuru: Mph~! Don’t say that with such a serious expression! I really put my heart into writing these! You’re so mean!

Tomoya: Sorry, sorry. Well, the one who’s going to make the judgment is Nii~chan anyway. Nii~chan, what do you think?

Nazuna: Yeah, well. Your enthusiasm shows, but it hasn’t changed much.

Mitsuru: ………..

Hajime: Umm, Mitsuru-kun. Please don’t be dejected, okay?

If you keep writing it over and over, I’m sure you’ll improve eventually… If it’s okay with you, I’d like to help you out.

Mitsuru: I’d be grateful, but are you sure? Won’t I be a nuisance to you, Hajime-chan?

Hajime: Not at all~! In that case, how about we start exchanging letters starting tomorrow?

Mitsuru: Hmm? Letters?

Hajime: Actually, that’s how I taught my little brother and sister how to write. With letters, you can learn how to write well without stressing out over it.

Mitsuru: Hajime-chan, what am I supposed to write about in the letters?

Hajime: Anything is fine. Things you did that were fun, or what you ate for dinner last night… Anything goes in a letter ♪

Mitsuru: Sounds like even I’d be able to write that!

Yahoo, I’ll be Hajime-chin’s pen pal! I can’t wait~♪

Location: 1-B Classroom

- The next day, during lunch break -

Mitsuru: Ooh, when I opened the envelope, a nice smell came out! Sniff, sniff… What scent is this?

Aah, it’s what Hajime-chan always smells like. Umm, I think it’s called lavender?

Ahaha, makes me feel drowsy~.

Whoops, this isn’t the time for a nap. I wonder what Hajime-chan wrote? How exciting~♪

“Mitsuru-kun, thank you for your letter.”

“So you had curry for dinner last night? My dinner last night was also curry. Ehehe, what a coincidence~♪”

“Since you drew a picture for me, I tried drawing one as well. There’s 5 people in it, so it’s quite lively~. Speaking of which, there are also 5 people in Mitsuru-kun’s family, right?”

“I only have a little brother and sister, that’s why I long to have older siblings like you do.”

“Tell more about your older sister and brother next time… Ah, I mean please write about them.”

“I look forward to your next letter, Mitsuru-kun ♪”

“P.S.: You’re already really good at writing hiragana, so please try using more kanji in your next letter.”

Mitsuru: Ooh… His handwriting is so beautiful and easy to read! I want to learn how to write like this, too!

No, I will learn to write as beautifully as Hajime-chan...☆

Hajime: E-excuse me~.

Uu, entering the classroom next to mine makes me nervous.

...Ah, Mitsuru-kun! Did you read my letter?

Mitsuru: Yep! Hajime-chan, you could be a teacher!

Hajime: Eh, a teacher? Did I write anything about that subject...?

Mitsuru: Nope. Hajime-chan’s handwriting was just so pretty and easy to read that you could be a teacher! That’s what I meant!

Hajime: Thank you very much~. But I’m actually aiming to be an idol, not a teacher…

Fufu, Mitsuru-kun. You’re already practicing again.

Mitsuru: Of course, my kanji look terrible and I only ever use hiragana. And sure, I want to improve my kanji, but this is still funny!

Hey hey, Hajime-chan, what do you think this says? Take a guess!

Hajime: Okay~. This is kind of like a game, huh.

Hm~... Ah, I’ve got it! It’s the kanji for Kushi (串), right?

Mitsuru: Bzzzt~! It’s not Kushi (串), it’s Ten (天). If it were Kushi (串), that’d make me Kushima Mitsuru (串満光)!

Hajime: Ah, right. So you were practicing your signature again… I-I’m so sorry!

Mitsuru: Nono, it’s not your fault, Hajime-chan. It’s my fault for having such messy handwriting.

I still need a lot more practice. So will you stick with me until I improve?

Hajime: Of course! Let’s work hard together, Mitsuru-kun ♪

Location: Practice Room

Nazuna: Before we start today’s lesson, I’m gonna check your homework~!

Hajime: You mean Nii~chan’s homework assignment, “Come up with a signature”, right...♪

Tomoya: Mitsuru, did you properly do your homework?

Mitsuru: How rude, of course I did!

Nazuna: Ohh, well done. I’ll review all of them, so let’s start with Hajime-chin.

Hajime: Uu~, now I’m nervous. But this is something we need for our idol activities…

Nazuna: Yup. Your singing and dancing skills are important, but so are your signatures.

Come on, lemme see it.

...Oh, Hajime-chin’s signature is cute. I think it’s great. Yup, you passed!

Hajime: Do you mean it? Uwah, that’s such a relief!

I wanted to have a cute signature like Nii~chan’s, so I practiced mine over and over.

Ehehe, so this is going to be my signature*. I’m so happy~♪

Nazuna: Alright, it’s Tomo-chin’s turn next. ...Hmm, so you chose to write it in kanji, like Hajime-chin.

Tomoya: Yes. I practiced together with Hajime, so they kind of naturally turned out as kanji… But maybe that’s too normal?

Nazuna: Nah, you don’t have to come up with an eccentric design just because it’s your signature. I think it suits you well, so it’s fine as it is, Tomo-chin.

Tomoya: You really think so~…? Well, I should probably be happy that you said it’s fine, but I still think it’s too normal, so I’m not entirely satisfied with it.

Nii~chan, is it okay if I think about it a little longer?

Nazuna: Sure thing. In the end, it’s most important that your signature is to your own liking.

Umm, last but not least, Mitsuru-chin. Now let’s have a look-see~.

Mitsuru: Ehem, I’m super confident in my signature! Let the rave reviews roll in, Nii~chan!

Nazuna: …………

Mitsuru: H-huh? Nii~chan, why so quiet all of a sudden! I want you to tell me “I’d expect nothing less from Mitsuru-chin!”...

Nazuna: Aah, I’m sorry. Well, as you say, it really is what I’d expect of Mitsuru-chin... I can’t read any of this.

Mitsuru: Eh~? Being praised like that doesn’t make me happy at all!

I properly wrote Tenma Mitsuru (天満光), see! This is the Ten (天), this is the ma (満), and this part here is Mitsuru (光)~♪

Nazuna: Uu~, it’s actually amazing how I still can’t tell even after you showed me. Umm, can you two tell what this says?

Hajime: N-not really… I’m so sorry! But, maybe Tomoya-kun can read it!

Tomoya: Nope, it’s completely beyond me. So this is what people call “chicken scratch”~. I’m kind of impressed, really.

Mitsuru: As I said~, being praised like that doesn’t make me happy in the least!

Nazuna: Ten (天) and Mitsuru (光) aside, maybe ma (満) has too many strokes for you. How about you use hiragana instead of kanji, Mitsuru-chin?**

Mitsuru: Eh~, but hiragana aren’t as cool. Kanji are way cooler, no matter what!

Tomoya: Don’t be such a baby… Seriously, what are you gonna do about this? This signature won’t earn you an OK from Nii~chan, you know.

Nazuna: Hmm, well. Since it’s a signature, I guess it doesn’t matter if it’s illegible. But if you want a cool-looking signature, it might be for the best if you keep practicing a little longer.

Mitsuru: Hrm~m, you’re right. After looking at Hajime-chan’s and Tomo-chan’s signatures, I kinda lost confidence in mine.

I’m no good at kanji, so I don’t usually use them… But I’ll try my best to practice writing kanji!

Nii~chan, start the lesson with the others in the meantime! Hm~hmhm~m♪

Tomoya: Who put you in charge...

Hajime: Fufu. But it’s fine like this, Nii~chan agrees too, doesn’t he?

Nazuna: Yup. Hajime-chin, Tomo-chin, let’s keep it down during our lesson so we won’t bother Mitsuru-chin~♪

------------------------------

* This is Hajime’s signature:

** This is Mitsuru’s Name in kanji: 天満光
This is the same name in hiragana (syllables): てんまみつる

Location: Hallway

Sora: ………..

Tsumugi: What’s the matter, Sora-kun? Are you looking at something outside the window?

Sora: Mm-mm. Sora was just watching the rain fall~.

On rainy days, everyone’s “colors” are so depressing, it brings Sora’s mood down as well. Won’t the rain let up soon~?

Tsumugi: I get what you mean. When there’s a sudden downpour, all the people who didn’t bring umbrellas are in such a rush to get home…

And as for me, my hair gets frizzier than ever on days like this, which is why I consider humidity my worst enemy.

Sora: Ah! You’re right, Senpai!

HaHa~♪ Your hair is shaggier than usual ♪ What kind of “magic” did you use for that?

Tsumugi: There’s no magic involved, it’s a simple physiological phenomenon.

Natsume: Oi, MojabombER. Can you quit making a fuss in front of my classroOM?

Tsumugi: What the heck is a Mojabomber!? I mean, yeah, it’s a perfectly fitting phrase for the state I’m in, but still!

...Anyway. I’m sorry for causing a fuss. The open-air event we planned to participate in today was canceled, so we came here to tell you about that, Natsume-kun.

Natsume: AaH. The work offer that came in for Switch, hUH… So it was cancelED?

Tsumugi: Yes. I tried calling you on your phone earlier, but the call didn’t go through. So I came looking for you together with Sora-kun instead.

Natsume: Ah, you’re rigHT. There are missed calls in 1-minute intervals on heRE.

Are you my mother or somethiNG, SenpAI? Why are you being so meddlesome when all I did was turn my phone oFF.

Tsumugi: Ahaha. I’m sorry, I just got a bit too anxious.

Natsume: In any caSE, I was conducting an experiment in my classroOM. I feel bad for doing this after you went through all the trouble to come heRE, but I’ll be going back there nOW.

Tsumugi: An experiment..?

Location: 2-A Classroom

Sora: HiHi~♪ How unusual for a laboratory flask to be in a classroom~. Is this Shisho~’s experiment?

Natsume: It’s not a flaSK, it’s a storm glaSS.

Sora: A storm glass..? That’s the first Sora has heard of such a thing!

Natsume: It’s no wonder that you’ve never heard of it befoRE, SoRA. It’s an outdated piece of laboratory equipmeNT, after aLL.

You can use it to forecast the weathER.

Tsumugi: Hmm. What an interesting device~. Is it okay if I touch it a little?

Natsume: ………. (Wordlessly yanks Tsumugi’s hair)

Tsumugi: Owah! Please don’t pull on my hair! It actually hurts quite a bit, you know!?

I’ll reflect on my transgression of carelessly touching your device, so please calm down. Okay?

Natsume: Good griEF… You’re the one who should be calming down heRE.

Oh wOW. While I was out and aboUT, it started showing resulTS.

Sora: Shisho~, what kind of experiments can you do with this?

Natsume: WeLL, you sEE. The substance within the storm glass changes greatly depending on how the weather is going to be hereaftER.

Tsumugi: By substance… you mean this liquid?

It just looks like plain water to me, but maybe it’s actually some kind of chemical?

Natsume: This looks like “plain water” to yOU?

You really are a lost cauSE, SenpAI. Are your glasses just for decoratiON? If your prescription is that oFF, I don’t mind smashing those useless lenses into pieces for yOU.

Tsumugi: T-that’s so mean, Natsume-kun! Just explain it to me, please~?

Natsume: It means that the fact that there’s nothing to see in the glass predicts tranquiliTY.

Did you understand thAT, SoRA?

Sora: Yes! Sora understood that it’s super impressive!

Tsumugi: ……..?

Natsume: This storm glass contains a compound of a number of different chemicaLS…

Before the weather changes to raIN, the sediments within the chemical increase in numbER, and before a stoRM, the sediments start to migrate to the opposite direction of where the storm will becoming frOM.

And when the liquid is perfectly cleAR, it means the skies will clear uP, tOO...☆

Tsumugi: So in short, the liquid within the storm glass looking like plain water means…

Look out the window! Sora-kun! Beyond the clouds, there’s a patch of blue sky coming!

Sora: HuHu~☆ The sky has such a refreshed “color”~♪

Natsume: And that’s what it comes down tO.

I already guessed that the open-air event was going to be canceled when I saw the first unfortunate signs of raIN, but I thought there’s still a chance it’ll clear uP. Since I got curious about thAT, I decided to investigaTE.

Tsumugi: Ahaha. Natsume-kun, you must’ve really been looking forward to the event. I’m so glad...♪

Natsume: YeAH. I don’t care about SenpAI, but I wanted to appear in an event together with SoRA.

UnfortunateLY, the event got canceled anywAY… But for an experiment suitable for a rainy dAY, there’s nothing more pleasant than thIS, rigHT?

The “magic” to control the weathER… I’m sure if we tried, we’d be able to perform that kind of aCT.

Sora: HeHe~♪ A kind of “magic” that’s special to rainy days~♪

Sora wants to try performing that during the next Switch live!

Natsume: I just can’t say not to yOU, SoRA… But “Magic” is vital because it cannot be predictED, or at least that’s what my Shishou taught mE.

StiLL, it’s decidED. We’ll do all that we can to show people the “magic” of controlling the weather during our next jOB.

The weather is something that can’t be fully predictED, but since we can use “magIC”, it’s our job as magicians to meet the qualifications for it anywAY...☆

Sora: How cool~, I admire Shisho~ because you can use the “magic” that controls the weather!

Tsumugi: Ahaha. As expected of Natsume-kun ♪

Natsume: Well thEN, just like the skies have cleared uP, our schedule for today has become cleared as weLL.

I was thinking of conducting another experiment outside after thIS... SoRA, do you want to coME?

Sora: HoHo~♪ Sora wants to see a lot more of Shisho~’s “magic”!

Senpai is also going to come with us, right?

Tsumugi: Of course. I’ll follow you two anywhere. Because all three of us together are Switch.

Natsume: Even if we tried to run from yOU, you’d just catch up anywAY. ...WeLL, hurRY. Senpai has always been a slowpoke after aLL.

Tsumugi: You know me so well, Natsume-kun ♪

Look, we can all walk side-by-side, that way I won’t get left behind!

Where should we go? The sky is finally clear, so how about the schoolyard~?

Natsume: You’re a smooth talker as alwaYS, SenpAI… I’ll take you to court for your stalker-ish behaviour one dAY, you knOW?

Tsumugi: Ahaha. If they lock me up, please come visit me in prison every once in a while ♪

Natsume: As if I ever wouLD. SeriousLY, what is this guy even sayiNG…

.̞̮͉͉..M̖͔̦̰a̖̞̟̖͔̯y͉ ҉͔͍̮̣t̰͇̘̫͈̰̭h̠̜̳̗̗ͅi̝s̛͍̜̲̼͕ ̥s͍͕̣͜u̥̪̭̱͍͝n̘͕̪͙̻̯n̝̖̟̼͘y̱̭̼̳ w̴e̳̭̜̟͙͚͢a͉͔̼͢t̥̰͙͔h͇̣͈̠e̡̥̙̦ͅr̛ ͟ẖ͚̟͔̠͇o͖̖͉̘l̼̼ḏ̗̯̠ͅ ̟͓́f̼̺̰̤͍̮̯o̠̣r͍ a͓̯̻̱͕ ̘̲̖͙w̵͔̖h͚̼̰̠͓̟i̳̤l̷͓̮͉͍̫̩e̯͇͎̜̫.̕

Location: Arcade

Sora: HaHa~☆ It’s finally time to challenge the final boss ☆

He’s a fierce opponent, but Sora’s equipment is flawless! It’s gonna endure the enemy’s barrage~♪

...Owah!? Sora lost so easily!

(HiHi~, games are fun even when you lose~☆ Coming up with counter-strategies and testing them is such a great feeling by itself!)

(Sora’s gonna put in another 100 yen and press continue right away~♪)

(...Huh. Sora totally forgot to prepare 100 yen coins!)

(What a bummer~. And after Sora finally made it to the final stage, too. He’s going to have to redo it from the start again.)

Makoto: Did you run out of cash, maybe?

Sora: Ooh? Yuuki-sensei~! You were watching Sora play?

How unusual for you to run into Sora here~☆ Yuuki-sensei~, did you come to the arcade to play, too?

Makoto: Yup. Sorry for addressing you so suddenly.

I originally dropped by to play some games on my way home from club activities, but when I saw Harukawa-kun playing so cheerfully, I got curious and ended up studying your skills by watching over your shoulder.

By the way, the timer for your continue is almost up… If you’d like, I could lend you a 100 yen coin?

Sora: ...Uwah, oops! That was close!

Thank you very much! Sora is gonna clear the game, so please wait just a moment~!

Makoto: Sure thing. In the meantime, I guess I’ll sit back and enjoy watching you play ♪

- Ten minutes later or so -

Sora: HuHu~☆ Yuuki-sensei~, you saved Sora!

Thanks to Yuuki-sensei~’s secret technique, Sora managed to beat the last boss! Sora’s so happy~☆

Makoto: Oh, not at all. If anything, I’m sorry for butting in. Coming up with your own battle strategy is the real thrill of games, but I couldn’t help it when I saw what a close fight you were having.

Sora: It’s okay! There are still plenty of other games in this arcade!

HeHe~♪ In fact there are so many, it feels like no time in the world would be enough ♪

Makoto: (Fufu. I’m glad I talked to him. Back in the game club Harukawa-kun seemed like a bit of a rascal, but he’s actually an obedient, good kid.)

(Or rather, maybe when we played around with the VR system*, he just got carried away due to the summer heat…?)

Sora: What’s the matter, Yuuki-sensei~? Your “color” looks super absent-minded~?

Makoto: Ahh, sorry, sorry. I was just a bit lost in thought.

More importantly, what other kinds of games do you play, Harukawa-kun?

Sora: Sora loves games that sparkle! Like shooters, and fighting games… Games where you can enjoy the lights and sounds ☆

Sora likes phone games because you can play them whenever you’d like, but arcade games have lots and lots of lights and sounds, which makes them fun~♪

Makoto: Ahaha. I totally get you. Arcades have their own special atmosphere, don’t they.

If I had to choose, I’d say I enjoy simple playstyles. As long as the game gives you a sense of accomplishment by tapping buttons over and over, I get hooked.

Like RPGs, social simulation games... I guess I’m a bit of an omnivore.

Sora: HoHo~? Straightforwardly tapping buttons sounds typical for you, Yuuki-sensei~.

Makoto: Of course, I also like shooters and fighting games. By putting in lots of practice, you can level up, which gives you that sense of accomplishment ♪

Sora: In that case, let’s have a fighting game match! Sora wants to compete with Yuuki-sensei~!

Makoto: A match...?

Hrmm. I really appreciate the offer, but are you sure? Games are my strong point, you know.

If we went head to head I think the match would be settled in a second. You wouldn’t enjoy yourself for long.

Also, don’t they have fighting games in the club room? Maybe it’d be a better idea for you to play them there.

Moreover, as your senior, I’d feel guilty if I made you waste your money like that, Harukawa-kun.

Sora: Is that so? Sora doesn’t mind it, though~.

But Sora can tell that Yuuki-sensei~ is giving off a sad “color”, so let’s play something else instead!

How about… Ah, the people coming out from the purikura** booths give off such warm “colors”!

Yuuki-sensei~, how about we take purikura pictures together~?

Makoto: Nope nope nope! First of all, purikura isn’t a game, and guys aren’t allowed in there on their own***, right!?

Sora: But Sora heard you can take pretty pictures in there?

Sora heard the pictures you take there are almost like magic, and there’s been talk of Switch getting a job for purikura promotions!

Makoto: Huh, I see… Maybe it’s an offer from the alumnus of the game club? For real, it’s reassuring to have so many seniors in high places.

But in this store, men aren’t allowed in the purikura section. If we went there, we’d get banned from this arcade.

Sora: Is that so~? There’s still so much Sora doesn’t know about arcades…

In that case, how about a claw machine? It’s economical, because we can both enjoy it together~☆

And the plush toys they have as prizes give off fun “colors”, Yuuki-sensei~♪

Makoto: A claw machine, huh… That’s a great idea. Working together sounds like it’s going to be fun ♪

Sora: Alright, then let’s take turns playing, and try to get that gigantic plushie!

Ehehe. It looks worth the challenge~♪

Makoto: Right! It looks like it’d usually cost you several thousand yen to get, so it’s the perfect opportunity for us to show the results of our daily gaming drills ♪

Alright, I’ll go first...☆

Sora: Yes! Show Sora your skills, Yuuki-sensei~☆

Makoto: Claw machines aren’t my specialty, but I’m confident in my controller operation skills. How about this…?

Sora: Ooh. You moved the plushie so close to the opening! As expected from Yuuki-sensei~!

It’s Sora’s turn next. Sora will focus so he won’t bring Yuuki-sensei~’s efforts to waste~.

...Ngh. Unlike other games, it’s hard to find the balance!

But look! Just a little more, and it’s going to fall into the opening, Yuuki-sensei~!

Makoto: Thanks. You can leave the rest to me ☆

First, I bring the claw real close to the plush toy, then, with the arm and neck as the center of gravity, I grab it…!

Sora: Amazing~. You’re lifting up such a large plushie so easily!

At this rate, it looks like it’s going to fall into the opening! You can do it, keep it up ♪

You did it, you won the super gigantic plushie...☆

Makoto: Heck yeah! It’s our victory, Harukawa-kun!

Sora: Yes ♪ Yuuki-sensei~, you’re so good at this ♪

Makoto: Ahaha. I didn’t do anything that impressive, but thanks ♪

Sora: (Fufu. Yuuki-sensei~’s “color” is sparkling so brightly.)

(When Sora suggested playing a fighting game, his “color” got so dark and dull… But in the end, Yuuki-sensei~ is still the same old Yuuki-sensei~.)

(Sora is the only one who can see these “colors”... But when Yuuki-sensei~ plays games, his “colors” shine so brightly~☆)

Makoto: What’s wrong, Harukawa-kun? Is the plush toy tough to carry around?

Sora: Not at all. Sora’s just really happy~! Sora is going to treasure the plushie he received from Yuuki-sensei~♪

Now, Yuuki-sensei~. We cleared the claw machine, so how about we play a co-op gun game next!

Makoto: Eeh. You’re in such a hurry, Harukawa-kun. You shouldn’t run indoors~.

Sora: Ehehe. The arcade’s so much fun, Sora got super excited somehow ♪

HaHiHuHeHo~♪ Games are wonderful, because they bring color into our ordinary lives~☆

---------------------

*Summer Flowers

**Purikura

***Male customers are generally not allowed to use purikura booths without women accompanying them, as they make the girls using the booths uncomfortable (and there’s been peeping incidents and the like). Many arcades enforce this ban as official policy.

Location: Handicrafts Club Room

Mika: Now I get it~. So that’s why you were starin’ at my face like that.

But y’know. I don’t think it’s the drone that everyone was so happy about?

Sora: What do you mean?

Mika: Umm, well I do think that usin’ a drone for deliveries is a rare sight, which makes it interestin’?

I mean, I also thought the drone was super cool when I first saw it ♪

But that’s not what’s important. What really matters is the deliverin’ of stuff, right?

‘Cause you see, I was really so happy that you helped me carry that package all the way here, Sora-kun ♪

Sora: ………..

Mika: Umm, do you get what I’m tryin’ to say?

Sora: ...Yes. Just now, Sora finally understood.

Everyone was so impressed by the drone, and praised it. That’s why Sora misunderstood them, and thought that they were just happy to see the drone.

But what they were really happy about wasn’t the drone. In reality, they were glad to receive their orders.

After all, they said “thank you” to Sora when they received their packages.

Hearing “thank you” from them made Sora so happy.

And the reason why Sora got to hear those words that made him happy, was because he delivered packages to them… Because he delivered “Happiness” to them.

Being a deliveryman means delivering “Happiness” to people!

Mika: Yeah, I’m sure of it...♪

Sora: Mika-chan-san, thank you very much!

Mika: Ehehe, I don’t think I did anythin’, though. But you’re welcome ♪

Anyway, let’s finish our tea ♪ I’ve got seconds, if ya want~.

Sora: HaHa~♪ This tea is really sooo delicious...☆

(Shisho~, Senpai… Sora has finally realized it.)

(Being a deliveryman means delivering “Happiness”, that’s why that game’s main character does it with all his might.)

(And that’s why Sora can finally do his very best to become that main character.)

(It’s because being a deliveryman and being an idol is the same~♪)

(Both deliver “Happiness” to people, and fill the world with beautiful “colors”! HaHiHuHeHo~!)

Location: Game Research Club Room

Natsume: (FuFU. I was worried about hIM, so I followed Sora with the drone and secretly watched over him through the cameRA… But it’s all okay nOW.)

(I knew that Sora would be able to find the answer by himseLF. I’m sure his job will go over well like thIS.)

...Now thEN, I guess it’s about time to fly the drone baCK.

It won’t do me any good to keep peeping at thEM, and if Shu-niisAN, who doesn’t know about any of thIS, were to show uP, he’s gonna be surprised and I’ll be in troubLE...♪

Location: Secret Room

- Another day -

Sora: HaHa~♪ Shisho~, Senpai, hello! When you enter a room, you greet the people inside! You called for Sora?

Tsumugi: Ah, we’ve been waiting for you~♪ Look, I made prints of the photos from when you were doing that campaign boy job the other day.

I was deeply moved to see how much you resembled that game’s main character, Sora-kun ♪ You can take as many of the photos home as you’d like, as a commemoration.

Sora: Yaaay, thank you very much ♪

Natsume: ………..

Sora: Hmm~? Shisho~, why are you staring so intently at your phone? Your “color” is all gloomy, too~?

Tsumugi: Ah, that’s right. There’s another reason why we called you here, Sora-kun. In fact, you could say this is the main reason, actually ♪

You see, after the campaign that you performed in took place, the game got super popular. Which is why they decided to add some new characters to it.

Sora: HiHi~♪ Really? Sora is so happy to hear that~♪

Tsumugi: Fufu, and because of that, they also decided to hold another campaign. And this time, they sent a request for all of Switch to perform in it ♪

Sora: HuHu~, that’s amazing! Does that mean Senpai and Shisho~ are going to be the new characters?

Tsumugi: Yes, exactly. I’ll be playing a character who wears glasses, and Natsume-kun got the role of a cute, red-haired girl.

He’s going to become Natsume-chan~.

Natsume: ……….. (Wordlessly punches Tsumugi’s stomach)

Tsumugi: Ow!? W-why did you punch me?

Rather, if you punch me with the hand that’s gripping your phone, your screen could break! Also, it hurts more than usual~!?

Natsume: HmPH, that’s what you get for spreading falsehooDS.

Tsumugi: Huh? Did I say something wrong?

Natsume: HeY, SoRA. Sorry I didn’t return your greeting soonER.

Sora: HeHe~, it’s okay, Sora didn’t mind! More importantly, are you okay, Shisho~? But then again, the gloomy “color” from earlier disappeared already~♪

Natsume: YeAH, that’s because the response to an inquiry I sent to that game company just came in on my phoNE.

They told me that the role I’ll be playing won’t be that red-haired giRL, but her twin brothER. Which means the request they sent for a female character was a mistaKE.

Tsumugi: Aww, so that’s why you’ve been all quiet for a while, Natsume-kun. You didn’t need to confirm that so soon, though.

Natsume: ……….. (Wordlessly kicks Tsumugi’s stomach)

Tsumugi: Gyaah!? Don’t you know that it hurts to get punched and kicked!?

Wait, could it be that the new character they added is the violent type, and you’re just getting into character already…?

Natsume: Shut uP. If you say another woRD, I’ll stuff you in a cardboard bOX, lift you high into the sky and drop you from aboVE, SenpAI.

Tsumugi: Don’t you think the weight of a person is a bit too much for a drone to lift?

Sora: (HoHo~♪ Shisho~ and Senpai get along great as always~.)

(Lively “colors” are so beautiful! They’re “colors” you can’t produce by yourself! Sora loves these “colors”~.)

(Sora is sure we’ll be having lots of fun as a delivery service again soon ♪ Just that thought is enough to get Sora all excited~...♪)

Location: Game Research Club Room

Natsume: HmM, in the eND, Mika-kun started carrying it by himself agaIN.

Sora: ………..

Tsumugi: Sora-kun? What’s the matter? You keep staring at Mika-kun through the monitor…

Sora: Shisho~! Senpai! Sora is going to go help Mika-chan-san carry that package!

Natsume: GotcHA. We’re done delivering today’s packagES, so feel free to do as you liKE.

I’ll fly the drone home for yOU.

Sora: Okay! Then, Sora’s leaving now!

Tsumugi: Fufu, he handed the controller over to Natsume-kun and dashed out of the room immediately. How very like Sora-kun.

By the way, shouldn’t we go help them as well?

Natsume: Let’s just observe the situation through the drone’s camera and jump into action if we deem it necessaRY.

Until thEN, I’m leaving it all to yOU, SoRA...♪

Location: Hallway

Mika: Huff… I-I finally made some progress…

(I turned down that offer from Sora-kun even though I really appreciated it, so I really can’t whine now!)

(The handicrafts club room isn’t that far, I just gotta keep at it.)

Sora: Mika-chan-san!

Mika: ...Hm? Feels like I just heard Sora-kun’s voice again? But the drone isn’t around anymore, maybe it was just an auditory hallucination…

Sora: It’s not an auditory hallucination! Sora is right here!

Mika: Nnah! Y-you gave me a start!

Huh, ooh, it’s the real Sora-kun. You were hidden behind the package so I didn’t notice ya ♪

But what’s up? Ya still need somethin’ from me?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Sora came to help out, after all~♪ Instead of the drone, Sora is going to help you carry that package!

It’s such a big package, it’d definitely hurt a lot if you dropped it on your foot or something. So please let Sora help you!

Mika: Nnah? Ya sure about that? To be honest, it’d be great help ♪

Thank ya kindly, Sora-kun. I’m countin’ on ya, then...♪

Sora: Yes! Please rely on Sora. Okay then, Sora is going to hold this side of the package.

...Uwah. It’s super heavy. Mika-chan-san, were you carrying something this heavy all by yourself!?

Mika: My bad, Sora-kun. The handicrafts club room is right over there, so if you could just hold out ‘till then…

Location: Handicrafts Club Room

Sora: Heave ho, heave ho… Uu~, so heavy…

Mika: Just a little further, Sora-kun. We’ll put it down on that desk over there~.

Huff ho. Nnah~! We did it~!

Sora: HaHiHuHeHo~☆ We’ve arrived!

Mika: Carryin’ it with two people was much faster, as expected. You really were a great help, thank ya so much~♪

Sora: You’re welcome ♪ Okay then, Sora is gonna head back!

Mika: Nnah, wait, wait! Don’t leave just yet!

Sora: …? Why not?

Mika: I can’t just let ya leave right away after helpin’ me out.

Let me thank ya properly~. Carryin’ that heavy package must’ve made you all sweaty. I’ll make some tea right away ♪

- A few minutes later -

Mika: Sorry I kept ya waitin’~. Here ya go ♪ I’ve got some tasty sweets for you, too ♪

Sora: Yaaay, thank you so much...☆

...Phew, this delicious tea is bringing Sora back to life~♪

Mika: Ya must’ve been parched ♪ Well, it’s only natural after carryin’ such a heavy package.

Sora: Speaking of which, what’s in there anyway?

Mika: Ooh, makes ya curious, huh~? No problem, I’ll open the box and show ya ♪ And inside of it is…

Tadah~! A whole ton of different fabrics~♪

Sora: Uwaah, there’s sooo many! And they’re all so beautiful~♪

Mika: Fufun. I know, right ♪ Tell ya the truth, next month is Oshi-san’s birthday, y’see. That’s why I’m plannin’ to make an outfit for Mado-nee as a present.

If I start my preparations now, I should make it in time. That’s why I already started thinkin’ about what to make.

But I kinda got too excited and got carried away with the amount of fabric ♪

I’m really so glad ya helped me carry this precious package, Sora-kun. Thank ya kindly ♪

Sora: ……….

Mika: ...Hmm? Whatcha suddenly starin’ at me for? Bein’ stared at makes me kinda restless, y’know…

Sora: ...Mika-chan-san, why are you making that face right now?

Mika: Eh? W-whatcha mean, “that face”? What kinda face am I makin’? Personally, I was intendin’ for it to be a smile…

But maybe I had a sloppy look on my face, like Oshi-san always tells me I do. I-I can’t tell!

Sora: When Sora used the drone to deliver packages to people, they also made the same face when they looked at the drone. A really happy face, like they were so delighted.

But in Mika-chan-san’s case, Sora didn’t use the drone to deliver the package~?

And yet, you made the same face as they all did. Sora thinks that’s strange~.

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