bakemonoremy

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Shu: Aah, that was the height of my youthful impetuosity… How embarrassing.

Although, at the time, I also thought of you as something otherworldly, something akin to a fairy. I feared that if I took my eyes off you for even a second, you might vanish.

That’s why I couldn’t possibly restrain myself, and leapt from the second floor window. I absolutely couldn’t allow you to escape me...♪

Nazuna: You’re actually a really smart guy, so how come you turn into an idiot every so often?

Mika: ...Haha.

Does that mean there was a chance that, dependin’ on how Oshi-san was lookin’ back then, the unit name coulda been “Zombie” or “Vampire” instead?

Shu: I suppose. Though I probably would have made some adjustments to it in order to make it sound more beautiful.

Mika: I see… Here I was thinkin’ it had some kinda profound meanin’, but it’s actually surprisingly random.

So there’s no deeper meanin’ behind the name “Oshi-san”, either?

Nazuna: Ah~... This guy’s name is “Shu”, right? So “Shu-san” turned into “Shii-san”, which then became “Oshi-san”.

Mika: What the heck, so there ain’t no point to it at all… Oshi-san an’ Nazuna-nii just assigned value and significance to somethin’ meaningless.

But to me, inheritin’ that is an honor.

Tomoya-kun. I also don’t like the idea of partin’ with Nazuna-nii without havin’ made things right…

So do as ya like, if that’ll give ya peace of mind.

When I think back on the things Oshi-san did these past few days…

I ki~nda get how Nazuna-nii must’ve been feelin’ when he decided to bow outta Valkyrie.

But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a traitor, an’ even now, I still resent him for that…

An’ I think there must’ve been a better way to go about what he did. But Nazuna-nii has always been the awkward type, huh?

Despite all that, I still don’t want those clueless people to throw stones at Nazuna-nii an’ shout abuse at him…

I really do think of Nazuna-nii as my older brother, after all.

But that’s exactly why his betrayal made me so miserable that I couldn’t even stand it…

Thinkin’, “Aah, someone I love is throwin’ me away yet again”... It made me so bitter.

I’m sorry, Nazuna-nii… All of this must’ve been so hard on ya, an’ yet, all I did was take my own anger out on ya.

Nazuna: It’s okay, really. I’m the one who should be apologizing.

Back then, my heart just couldn’t take it anymore… But I don’t even have the right to make excuses like that. Feel free to resent me for the rest of my life, I deserve it.

...But what do you mean, “yet again”?

Mika: ...Nnh. I was abandoned in the past, an’ raised in somethin’ like an orphanage.

So to me, havin’ a family is a very special, distant thing; somethin’ that’ll never be within my reach, or so I thought.

But the people from my hometown, an’ my seniors in Valkyrie… They were kind enough t’become my family.

I’d been discarded for bein’ worthless before, but ya treated me like I amounted to somethin’, even if it wasn’t much.

Ya made me the happiest guy in all of Japan. But even though ya gave me so much, I had nothin’ to give back to ya…

So that’s why ya can count me in for this. Do what ya think is best for Nazuna-nii and the rest of ya.

I can’t say no to ya. An’ this time it’s not ‘cause I’m so worthless that I don’t have the right to speak... It’s because I feel the same way ya do.

Tomoya: ...Thank you, Kagehira-senpai.

Ahaha. But even though I talked so big back at the mall, in the end, we couldn’t win against Valkyrie even once…

And now we’re at your mercy, so it’s kind of pathetic in hindsight.

I was hoping we’d win, so we could act all high and mighty and force you to cooperate with us.

Mika: Ngah? Oh right, you did say stuff like that, didn’t ya?

Tomoya: I did. But ultimately, you were the ones who won the first half of RepayFes.

The more matches you win, the later your performance is in the second half of the program… Which means we lost to Valkyrie by a narrow margin.

How vexing. But we’ll have plenty of chances for rematches next year, won’t we?

I want to make you admit complete defeat, at least once! Otherwise, I’ll just be whining like a sore loser forever!

Mika: Ahaha… No matter how many times ya challenge us, Valkyrie won’t lose! We’re unrivaled, the absolute strongest!

Shu: Heh. The format for the first half of RepayFes requires you to run all over campus, so I’ll take it you have yet to see Valkyrie’s performance in full, correct?

It’s not like you had the time for it before.

So pay close attention, and you’ll surely be astonished. We shall give you the opportunity to appreciate true art.

Nazuna: You’re brimming with confidence, huh~. As usual.

But the one who thought up the program for Valkyrie this time was Mika-chi-... Kagehira, right? At least, that’s what I’ve heard~. Are you gonna be okay?

Mika: …”Mika-chin”’s fine, Nazuna-nii.

T’be honest, I’m not that confident in it either… The audience responded real well to it in the first half, though.

Well, I think that was just ‘cause Valkyrie is super popular right now...

Shu: Indeed, that probably played a part in it. But there is no need for self-deprecation, Kagehira.

While I personally may not agree with it…

At Yumenosaki Academy, you are evaluated by the amount of audience members you can satisfy, and the amount of smiles you can bring to people’s faces.

And in that aspect, you have already surpassed me, Kagehira.

Mika: Huuuh? No way, someone like me could never compare to Oshi-san, even if I was reborn a hundred times over~!

I’m completely hopeless, an’ I’m never happy with anythin’ I make.

Shu: That’s just how it should be. Complacency kills the artist… You’d better cultivate an urge to create that’s strong enough so as to be inexhaustible.

As long as you don’t give up on your studies, I will always be by your side.

Now, then… The curtains are being raised once more. Outsiders, go make yourselves scarce.

The time has come for you to bear humble witness to the tragicomedy that Kagehira and I -- Valkyrie — will weave before your very eyes...♪

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Nazuna: Ooh… They transformed the stage in no time at all. No matter how many times I see this, it’s always like magic to me.

Hajime: It’s great craftsmanship, isn’t it… The Yumenosaki staff always does impressive work.

Tomoya: Ahaha. But let’s retreat to the stage wings, otherwise we’ll get in the way of the professionals.

Mitsuru: Yeah, let’s go, let’s go! For the rest of the show, we’ll be part of the audience~♪

Shu: ...Woah there. Careful.

Mitsuru: Uwah, I’m sorry! Running without looking ahead is a real bad habit of mine, y’know~?

Shu: Well, it’s a good thing you’re aware of it. ...You’re not hurt, are you?

Mitsuru: Yeah, I’m always in tip top shape~☆

Nazuna: ...Itsuki. Aah, so you guys are up next, huh.

I’ve gotta admit I was a bit concerned about you, but I see you’ve safely won your way through the first half of RepayFes~.

Shu: But of course. Our popularity has been on the rise lately, and Kagehira did a satisfactory job today, too.

Simply performing the way we are accustomed to was more than enough to vanquish those small fries.

In any case, I cannot say whether the fate that binds us is a desirable one... But one way or another, it appears our turn comes right after yours.

Heh. The audience must be quite fed up after having to witness your quaint little playtime. Allow us to show them what the fine arts are truly about ♪

Nazuna: What did you just say~? You must’ve had your eyes elsewhere, Itsuki, ‘cause these guys have grown so much!

It wasn’t some kind of playtime, they’ve really become the greatest idols on earth…!

Shu: I’m aware. My words were nothing but a joke, albeit a somewhat cruel one ♪

Nazuna: ...You’re in an awfully good mood, huh, Itsuki? Gross.

Shu: How harsh. ...Even my feelings get hurt sometimes, you know?

Nazuna: ...My bad. But you really do come off like some kind of freak sometimes, so watch out for that.

People are gonna get the wrong idea about you, y’know~, especially overseas, where it’s gonna be even harder for you to get your point across.

Shu: Heh. “Freak” is a compliment. At least, that’s what I’ve come to believe from observing a certain friend of mine.

Tomoya: Umm, Itsuki-senpai!

Shu: Hmm? Aah, I didn’t intend to ridicule your senior, whom you hold in such high regard.

Wataru is one of the few people in this world that I can call my friend and equal… Think of what I just said as a frivolous, lighthearted jest.

Tomoya: No, I really couldn’t care less about that guy right now…

Itsuki-senpai, would you accept this bouquet from us?

Here… Happy White Day ♪

Shu: Oh? I’m happy to receive this, but why me…? Could you be handing these out to every senior that looked after you?

Although I did my utmost to keep my distance from you…?

Tomoya: Ah, actually this bouquet is a bit of a bribe.

You see, we finished our earlier performance just before using up all the time we were given.

Would you let us make use of that extra bit of time after Valkyrie’s performance?

Shu: Hmm? Well, we procrastinated on deciding whether or not to join RepayFes, and consequently, the repertoire we prepared is somewhat insufficient...

We’ll hardly make use of our allocated time, so it wouldn’t pose a problem for us to give up a part of it.

If anything, your proposal is more than welcome. The longer I get to appreciate the fine arts, the better.

And while all of you are exceedingly lovely by yourselves, it is on the stage where your mannerisms are the most mesmerizing.

If it means that I will get to see you perform once more, I cannot think of a single reason to refuse you.

Tomoya: Um, actually… If possible, we want Valkyrie to sing together with us.

Shu: ? I cannot fathom why you would want that.

Tomoya: We want all of us to give Nii~chan our blessings together, as he sets out into the world… Of course, this is just for our sake, so if you don’t want to do it I won’t insist.

Back then, Nii~chan suddenly transferred units without even giving you any notice, right?

There are people who still unfairly hold suspicions against him because of that.

They call him irresponsible and insincere because he quit Valkyrie for his own personal reasons, without explaining a thing…

We’ve been gaining popularity, but as our number of fans increases, so does the amount of weirdos like that.

Some long-time Valkyrie fans even come to our handshake events just to kick up a fuss there.

Shu: ...That is, well, inexcusable really. For better and for worse, there are many eccentrics among our devotees.

I understand. In other words, you want us to formally declare that we acknowledge Nito’s withdrawal from Valkyrie and give him our blessings, correct?

“We gave our approval, so quit whining already, outsiders”.

That’s what you’re asking us to assert, am I wrong? I see. Indeed, this is entirely for your own sake.

Tomoya: Yes. That’s why there’s nothing we can do except bow our heads to you and beg.

Shu: ...I don’t have any objections, though. You gave me such beautiful flowers, and I don’t desire people to speak ill of Nito, either.

In fact, I consider such foolish undertakings to be on par with scrawling all over a breathtaking painting.

But what are your thoughts on this, Kagehira? If you say you’re against it, I will abide by that.

From hereafter, you will be the heart of Valkyrie both in name and substance… The right to decide lies with you.

Mika: ……..

Shu: ...Nito. This is unrelated to the matter at hand, but why did you name us Valkyrie?

Nazuna: That sure is unrelated. Is this really the time to be talking about that…?

Umm. Itsuki, do you still remember the time we first met?

That day, you jumped from the second floor of the school building for some reason, remember?

You must’ve been working on an outfit, because your entire body was enveloped in some kind of lustrous, sparkling cloth.

And you said, “We meet at last! My soulmate! Aah, how lovely you are!”…

The way you spoke and acted was so strange that I didn’t think you were human.

I dashed away and managed to escape you then, and I was seriously terrified of you for a while…

While looking up information on ghosts, demons, and the like, I found an illustrated book that talked about the gods of foreign countries as well.

And what came closest to my impression of you were the shield-maidens of Norse mythology… the Valkyries.

When we were trying to choose a name for our unit, this memory just somehow came to my mind again.

Guest translation by Sean

Sora: HaHa~♪ HiHi~♪ HuHu~♪

HeHe~... Ah! Is Sora's laughter bothering you? Sorry! When you're warned, you apologize!

HoHo~, but Sora just can't stay calm when he's quiet, you know~?

If he didn't constantly emit sound waves, like bats and dolphins, he'd feel like he’s losing his grip on a world overflowing with "color".

Shisho~ is always saying stuff like that! Sora doesn't really get it though, because Sora has been this way ever since he was a kid!

Anyway! How was it, Producer? Was the SSVRS comfortable to use?

This is the first time we've had someone not involved in its development touch it, so Sora is really eager to hear your impressions~!

Ahem. "SSVRS" is an abbreviation of "Switch Super Virtual Reality System"~.

Just like you’d guess from its name, it's super cool ☆

The SSVRS is a groundbreaking VR device, developed by the "Information Room", which is also planned to supervise ES's digital sphere!

HaHa~, the development itself had been going on for a really long time though~. Owing to a lack of budget, among many other things, we hadn’t been able to finish it until just now!

However! Shisho~ and Yuuki-sensei negotiated with the ES management and prepared a budget and some staff, and thanks to that…

We finally finished a prototype that even ordinary people can try out! Hard work always prevails~♪

Also, we took on the development and administration of the social media network "WholeHands", and it's been such a success that it looks like the higher-ups have recognised our achievements~. That’s what you call give-and-take!

HiHi~, but if you told Sora to focus on his idol activities rather than system development, he wouldn't have anything to say in his defense.

Hm? You say you know that Sora and the others have also been working hard with our idol activities?

Thank you! Sora is so happy that you’re keeping an eye on us~! When you're happy, you show gratitude!

The Producer is so kind, but it's still okay to scold Sora a little more harshly sometimes~.

Sora has felt like Switch has been able to get together and do idol activities with all three of us less and less lately....

Shisho~ always says stuff like, "Now is the time for preparaTION", and only stops by to work on the SSVRS every now and then…

He seems obsessed with strengthening his status in Yumenosaki Academy, and not ES.

On the other hand, Senpai is always cooped up at ES... Even though he's an idol, all he seems to do is office work— or rather administrative work…

Sora doesn't know which one he should help~. Sora loves both Shisho~ and Senpai, so he wants to be helpful to them, but…

Neither of them tell Sora what to do or how he can help.

Of course, Sora is grateful that they let him do as he likes~...

But both of them are so wrapped up in their own things that they don't even look at Sora... It's like they've forgotten about him. They just leave him alone and make him sad.

HuHu~ Ah! You don't need to look so worried~! Smile, smile! Smiles are the magic that anybody can use~☆

... Really, Sora is okay. Right now, Shisho~ and Senpai are just up to their ears in work because their surroundings have changed.

Before long, we three of Switch will definitely stand on stage together again!

A magical stage befitting of Switch...♪

Anyway! Sora is going to be a good boy, and work hard for a future that is even just a little happier! Firstly, the SSVRS test run~♪

It's a revolutionary tool that enables you to virtually experience idol activities from the viewpoints of us idols!

That's the real charm of VR, but being able to move around in someone else's shoes is already fun by itself~♪

Like, so this is what the world looks like to everyone else!

You can so easily experience things you'd ordinarily have to die and be reborn to do! This is a kind of magic too~♪

You might already know this, Producer, but Sora has synesthesia. Sora apparently thinks and feels things differently from other people.

So, with the SSVRS, Sora will be able to experience and understand the senses of ordinary people... Sora thinks he'll be able to put this to good use in his performances as an idol.

It's sad that people avoid things just because they're different, that they refuse to associate with things just because they're unusual…

That they live separately from others just because they're strangers…

Since we were already so lucky to be able to meet in the same reality like this…

Sora wants to live alongside everyone else! HaHiHuHeHo~☆

Location: Prism Show Stage

- During the Prism Show Live -

Subaru: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Adonis: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Subaru: The venue… No, the audience is glittering and sparkling…!

Now, everyone join your strength together to return the academy back to how it was! It’s going to be fine! As long as we all work together, there’s nothing we can’t do!

Shinshin and Tora-san and Kakerun and Hirocchi-san, and even Lec-san is cooperating with us! ☆

Taiga: Don’t act like you’ve got the time to spare to chatter durin’ the live.

Subaru: Ahaha! ☆ I had so much fun, I couldn’t help it. ♪ But you’re right! I’ve gotta focus!

♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Hiro: Prism Stars and idols alike have to provide dreams to those who come to watch them.☆

Leo: Uchuu~☆ Everyone! Share more and more of your strength and energy with us~!

Ooh!? Those’re some amazing cheers…! The power is swelling more and more! Thanks, everyone! I love you...♪

Tori: Time for our Prism Jump, Kakeru-san!

Kakeru: ‘Course! Leave it to me, Tori-kyun! ♪

Tori & Kakeru: “Party Night Bubble Shower”!

Tori: We’ll take you all to pa - ra - dise! ♪

Kakeru: Lights are gathering…!? This is…

Tori: Thanks to our jump, there are quartz-like crystals appearing like scattered petals…?

Koga: Hey, you ready for this? Don’t fall behind now!

Taiga: Just who do you think you’re talkin’ to! It’s you who should try ta keep up! Let’s go!

Koga & Taiga: “Throughout heaven and earth! Vainglory!”*

Koga: Fall prey to our pair of fangs!

Leo: Wahahaha! ☆ Everyone’s sparkling, this is the best!

Honestly, I want to turn this moment into a song… But right now, there’s something else I must do!

Hiro: I’ll join forces with you, Leo! Let’s go!

Leo & Hiro: “Passion! Hot Breeze! Starlight Kiss”!

Leo: We’ll play the notes of your rising heartbeats...☆

Adonis: More and more flower petals of everyone’s wishes are being born…!

Alexander: Adonis, don’t zone out.

Adonis: Sorry. It’s our turn next. Let’s go.

Adonis & Alexander: “Pillage Heart Countdown”!

Adonis: Three… Two… One. Now there’s no escaping from us anymore.

Subaru: Shinshin! Let’s go~! ☆

Shin: Yes, Subaru-san! Let’s perform the best combination jump together!

Subaru & Shin: “Sparkling Smile Shower”!

Subaru: Bathe yourselves to your heart’s content in our unequalled sparkle…! ☆

Adonis: The flower petals are gathering into one big blossom…! This must be the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Subaru: I implore you, Dream Blossom Crystal! Return our academy to the way it was before!

Tori: Ah!? The flower-shaped gemstone is breaking into pieces...!

D-Did it fail…!? Can it not grant our wish?

Koga: Doesn’t look like that’s it. See, the broken fragments are scatterin’, and the room is filled with a sparkle like I’ve never seen before!

Adonis: Yeah. The sparkles are covering the academy and slowly repairing it…

Leo: What a view! Is this Sukhavati or Utopia!? Or even Shangri-La!?

Wahahaha! My inspiration is welling up~!

Who would have thought I’d find an impetus like this!? After this once in a lifetime encounter, I might just die tomorrow!?

Subaru: Uwah…! ☆ What an amazing sparkle… I could gaze at this my whole life and never get tired of it…! Thank you, it’s all thanks to Shinshin and the others!

Shin: I’m glad I got to see this sparkle with you, Subaru-san!

Location: Road to school

Subaru: Yaaawn….

Aah~... Geez… Because of the dream I had, I feel tired even though I slept all night~…

That was really a strange dream… When I woke up this morning, I was so exhausted. Seriously, it’s so weird.

(But for some reason, I can’t remember any details… Though I do have some vague memories of it.)

(I get the feeling I had an amazingly fun encounter…)

(Who was it that was jumping with me then…?)

Shin: ……….

Subaru: (Ah! The person who just walked by, I think I’ve… seen him…before!)

Wait! You there! ...Er, huh? He’s gone?

I lost sight of him… Maybe he disappeared into the crowd?

Hrm~m…

...Well, whatever! I might meet him again somewhere!

Location: Repaired School Gates

Subaru: I was so caught up in thinking about that person I passed by earlier, I ended up at the academy before I knew it.

Hm? Huh? Hrmmm...? These gates…

Koga: Yo, Akehoshi.

Adonis: Good morning, Akehoshi.

Subaru: Ah. Gami-san, Occhan, good morning~! ☆

Koga: What are you havin’ a starin’ contest with the school gates for so early in the morning?

Subaru: Hey, don’t you get the feeling that the school gates and like, the neighbourhood, look a lot prettier today than they did yesterday...? They’re like, sparkling…?

Koga: Hah? Ya think?

Adonis: Hrm. Now that you say it, it does feel that way, but at the same time I think it’s always been like this.

Subaru: I see~. I just feel like it looked more shabby before… Or maybe I’m imagining things?

Koga: Isn’t it fine, if you think it’s gotten prettier.

Subaru: I see… That’s true!

Koga: That aside, if we don’t get a move on we’ll be late to class.

Subaru: Ah! Don’t leave me behind, Gami-san, Occhan~!

By the way you guys, listen to this~. Last night, I had a really weird but fun dream~.

Koga: What the hell?

Adonis: That’s nice. Please tell me all about that dream you had.

Subaru: So, you see~...☆

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

* The word vainglory/self-conceit here is usually written as 唯我独尊, but they replace the second Kanji (我/ga) with the one for fang (牙/ga) that also appears in Koga’s name. Neither the pronunciation nor the meaning changes, but it’s a bit of wordplay.

Location: Outdoor Stage (Unrest)

Alexander: ...What? Something you have that I don’t…?

Enough with the bluffing. There’s no such thing!

Anything beyond this would just be a waste of time! I’ll devour you, and obtain the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Shin: Alexander-san is gonna-! Subaru-san, watch out!

Subaru: No worries~☆

We have it. A chance at victory that you don’t have! And that is [friendship]!

As inherited from Shinshin, [Shin, Infinite Hug]!

Alexander: What the…!? Guah!

Kakeru: Alexander’s clothes are getting damaged..!

Koga: Hah! You’re spot on, Akehoshi! Take that, [It’s a festival! Wasshoi! Flowers for the Fortune Boy!]

Alexander: Gahaa…!

Tori: Knowing that I’m borrowing this technique from that nasty scion is pissing me off, but I suppose he has my gratitude!

[All-Out Date! En - Ter - Tain - Ment, an Invitation to First Class!]

Alexander: Guhuah!

Leo: Ucchu~! [Passion! Hot Breeze! Starlight Ki-chu]! I love you! ☆

Alexander: Guaaah! T-This can’t be…!

Hiro: Yamato-kun’s clothes are being torn off! That means… His defense power is being weakened! Adonis, it’s your chance!

Adonis: Got it. I can’t let this opportunity my [friends] created for me slip away…! This is my final stand!

[Absolute Idol ☆ Love - N - G]!

Alexander: GuhaaaaaAAAAAAAAH!

Location: Outdoor Stage

Adonis: Haa… Haa…

Taiga: What’s the result!? What’s the reading on them devices!?

Kakeru: Alexander’s hit zero. Adonis-kun’s is five… It’s Adonis-kun’s win!

Shin: Hooraaay! We did it! Everyone!

Alexander: ...How could this happen…

Shit…! But I need the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Adonis: Yamato, it was a good match. The outcome could have gone either way. You are strong…

Alexander: A handshake…? Tch…! To think that I lost to a softie like that… But a loss is a loss.

Adonis: By the way, what do you need the Dream Blossom Crystal for, anyway..?

Alexander: The Dream Blossom Crystal is a gem that can grant wishes, right?

I need it because there’s a guy I want to fight one more time.

And right now, I’ve got no idea where he is.

Adonis: I see… In that case, I need to apologize to you.

The truth is, we don’t have the Dream Blossom Crystal.

We lied to you in order to lure you here. I am sorry.

Alexander: What…?

No, nevermind. At any rate, losing against you means I’ve still got a long way to go. I’ll have to start over from my ascetic practices.

Adonis: I still felt it necessary to apologize for lying to you.

Alexander: Hmph. With that we’re even. After all, I did destroy your academy.

Tori: Aah! That’s right, the academy!

What are we gonna do… How are we gonna explain the situation…? Prez is going to be so sad about this…

Shin: In any case, how about we all return to the academy for now?

Maybe we can figure something out! We’ll overcome this adversity together. I’m sure there’s still hope!

Subaru: ……..

Shin: ? What’s wrong, Subaru-san? You’re staring at me so intently?

Subaru: Somehow, just for a moment, it looked like the area around Shinshin was sparkling…? Maybe it was just my imagination?

Shin: Fufu, what’s with that?

Hiro: Anyway. Just like Shin said, let’s return to your Yumenosaki Academy for now.

Location: In front of the destroyed school gates

Adonis: ...As expected, it’s still destroyed.

Hiro: Let’s see, what can we do…?

Koga: I’ve got it. Hey, bourgeois and the brat. Put your assets to use and fix this.

Tori: Don’t ask the impossible! There’s no way I can freely access the kind of money we’d need for this!

And in the first place, how do you plan to explain this situation!?

Kakeru: Exactly~! This is tyranny! Boo~, boo~!

Subaru: Hrm~m…

Adonis: ? Akehoshi, what’s wrong? You look like you’re brooding.

Subaru: Hey, everyone. What if we used the Dream Blossom Crystal...? That way, we should be able to repair the academy, right?

Koga: Aaahn? Akehoshi, are you still half asleep? As I said, that thing’s nothin’ but a fairy-tale.

Subaru: I mean a Prism Show!

Taiga: Haa? We already put on one hell of a show, though.

Subaru: No, no! I mean, if we put on a really amazing Prism Show, it could summon the Dream Blossom Crystal, couldn't it?

Because Prism Shows can make miracles happen, right!?

Shin: I get it..! I think it’s worth a try!

The strength of our wishes… I think it’s going to be better the more people we can gather.

Leo: Hrm~m… Gather a lot of people, huh~… In that case, there might be a perfect method to do that for all of us here.

Alexander: For the lineup we got..?

Leo: Yeah! Together, we’ll put on a live called “Prism Show”...☆

----------

* The original Prism Jump by Hiro is “Starlight Kiss”, but Leo changed this to “Ki-chu” for some reason, possibly to mirror his "uchuu" catchphrase

Location: Outdoor Stage (Unrest)

Subaru: Do you really think Alec-san’ll show up if we wait here…?

Shin: Alexander-san seems pretty set on wanting to acquire the Dream Blossom Crystal, so I think it should be fine…!

Hiro: Yeah. He’ll show up for sure! Besides, I gave the information that the Dream Blossom Crystal is here to Yamato-kun.

Koga: Information…?

Hiro: Fufu ♪ I sent him a letter of challenge. ☆

Tori: A letter of challenge!? That just sounds like we’re trying to provoke him! You should’ve just given the information to him normally~!

Taiga: No point in being all sneaky about this. Challengin’ him directly to a fight is more a festival.

Koga: Ooh, you say some good stuff every once in a while! That’s right! It’s more rock that way!

Kakeru: This time, we’ll wholeheartedly act as your support, so leave it to us~☆

Leo: Well, it is our academy~. As the King, I’ve gotta hand down a suitable punishment towards any invaders of my territory!

Bring in the guillotines~! Wahahaha! ☆

Adonis: ...Hm! It seems like Alexander is here…

Alexander: Fuhahaha! To think you’d challenge me to a duel. You have my praise for showing up here and not running away. You worms of Yumenosaki!

Adonis: If possible, I’d like to avoid fighting… But if you plan to keep up this destruction, I’ll become your opponent with all I have…!

Alexander: You want to avoid fighting…?

Hmpf. Tepid! You’re way too tepid!

You’ll be defeated by other weaklings like that!

Don’t underestimate the street style! Kneel down before my dance!

Kakeru: Whoopsie! Sto~p! It’s still too early to start the fight~, everyone!

Alexander: ……..

Kakeru: Uhyaah… Please don’t glare at me~.

Sure, it looks like I put a damper on you now. But don’t forget that I’m a neutral party here, okay~?

Everyone, please put these on! One for Alexander too...There ☆ Please treat it well~

Alexander: Tch… It’s this device again.

Kakeru: It’d be bothersome if the outcome of the battle was undecided, right~? And on top of that, I’ll be able to gather data, so it’s two birds with one stone...♪

Subaru: What’s this digital wristwatch-like thing?

Kakeru: It’s a judge system device that uses vital signs, developed by the Juuouin conglomerate. I propose we use it to determine the winner of this battle.

Subaru: Huh~! Amazi~ng! I’ll put o~n...☆

Alexander: Here I go!

♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Adonis: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

(As I thought, this guy isn’t just all talk.)

(His body’s potential is genuinely high… And he has dance skills, too. So this is what they call street style.)

Alexander: Hmpf. I’ll bring this to a quick end! [Headspin Levitation]!

Taiga: Guh…! That guy! He’s using that powerful technique that transcends Kazuki-san’s signature move!

Hiro: Adonis!

Adonis: I know…! I’ll use the Prism Jump I learned from Hayami-san. [Lightning Splash]!

Alexander: Nuh…!?

Shin: He did it! It was effective against Alexander-san!

Adonis: [Shining Spiral]!

Alexander: Heh…!

Hiro: …!? Why is Yamato-kun so calm…?

! Adonis! Be careful!

Alexander: You might have practiced a bit, but you’re still so naive I could barf!

[Headspin Levitation]!

Adonis: Guuh…!? It’s even more intense than before...!

Alexander: There’s more! [Burning Splash]!

Adonis: Guuuuuuh!?

Alexander: This’ll be the finishing blow! Go To Hell! [Rolling Thunderstorm]!

Adonis: Guaaaaah….!

Koga: Adonis! Hey, are you okay!?

Subaru: Occhan was blown away! Occhan…! Are you okay!?

Tori: Awawawah… That thing is a genuine monster! W-w-what should we do!?

Kakeru: Uh-oh~... Adonis-kun’s readings are in the critical section~!?

Hiro: Shit… I guess trying to defeat Yamato-kun with a stopgap measure like this is difficult…

Leo: I don’t think so? We’re not giving up that easily! Because no matter what, we’re Yumenosaki’s idols!

Adonis: Guh…. Guguh…

Alexander: You’re an obstinate one. You wanna get up again? Just give it up already.

Adonis: Losing… isn’t an… option… for us...

Subaru: Exactly! If we gave up, it’d all be over! So we absolutely won’t give up!

Alexander: So you’re unwilling to admit defeat. But there’s nothing you can do with this difference in our fighting strengths! It’s your loss!

Subaru: Fufun, but we still have a chance at victory! We have something you don’t!

Location: Edel Rose Academy’s Training Rink

Koga: Gyan!? Ouch! I hit my damn nose…

Taiga: ...Who’da thought we hadda start with skatin’ practice before we could’ve even gotten into Prism Jumps with you.

Koga: It’s not like I can help that! I’ve never skated before in my life. No way I can just put on these incomprehensible shoes and dance right off the bat!

Adonis: Oogami, please get out of the way.

Koga: Uowah!? Adonis, that’s freakin’ dangerous!

Don’t charge straight at m-...Hell, did you just crash straight into the wall!? At least try to brake!

Subaru: Uwawah…! You really hit the wall at full speed, are you okay, Occhan!?

Adonis: ...Yeah, my body is fine. It’s my first time but, skating is quite difficult…

Tori: You think? Once you get used to it it’s surprisingly easy, though.

Koga: I get Akehoshi and Tsukinaga-senpai, but how come even you can skate? Cheeky brat.

Tori: You know how I travel overseas a lot, right? In the colder countries, when the lake next to our vacation home freezes over it turns into nature’s skating rink~.

Leo: Wahaha~☆ Round and round and round~ and ju~mp ♪

What if I insert this step I just thought of? Yes, just like that. Even this delusion is turning into music! I have a feeling this will be a masterpiece...☆

Round and round and round~

Koga: ……….

Hey, street bastard! Teach me some tricks on how to quickly get better at skatin’, on the double!

It pisses me off that I’m fallin’ behind.

Taiga: If such a trick existed, no one’d be strugglin’ with this, rock bastard. Don’t think becomin’ a Prism Star is that easy, alright?

Subaru: Now now, Gami-san and Tora-san. Let’s all get along and dance together ☆

Taiga: Cut it out with the weird nickname!

Subaru: Eeh~? Your name is Tiger, so I thought calling you Tora-san would be perfect, though?

Taiga: It’s not Tiger! It’s Taiga!

Shin: At any rate, Subaru-san, you’re really good at this! I was surprised by how quickly you picked up skating!

Subaru: Yaaay! ♪ Well, it’s in part thanks to how good Shinshin is at teaching, though!

Also, we work well together so it’s easy to dance with you ☆ Wanna go for one more song?

Shin: Yes! Let’s go! And let’s try a combination jump while we’re at it.

Subaru: Alriiight! Let’s do it, let’s do it...☆

Tori: Those two seem ki~nda close. Maybe they get along because they’re similar types?

Kakeru: Eeh~! But Tori-kyun and I are close too, right~?

Tori: Ugegeh!

Kakeru: That reaction is so cruel~! Seeing as we’re similar people, let’s get along~? We’re buddies who talked about our hardships at home together, right? ♪

Tori: It’s not like we spoke at length or anything! We just talked about how we have similar social standings!

Uu~... I’m grateful to you for teaching me, but you’re way too carefree and gaudy~!

You’re the type of person I’ve never been around!

Kakeru: Eh, is that so? I guess that means I’ve emotionally resonated with Tori-kyun, in a way!

Tori: It’s kind of scary how you turn anything into something positive right away! And that positivity is kind of reminding me of that long haired pervert from my unit!

And that only makes me feel like you’ll be hard to deal with!

Kakeru: That intimidating way of yours reminds me of when I first met Taiga-kyun, so it gives me a sense of affinity, though~♪

Anyway, it’s a shame but we can’t waste all our time standing around chatting idly.

Come on, let’s resume our crash course~. The world may be full of inequalities, but the progression of time is the same for everyone. And time is money.

Tori: Uuu~... I get it already! It’s the academy the Prez has always protected, after all. So as a member of the student council, I’ll definitely protect it as well!

Kakeru: Yep, yep! That’s the spirit, Tori-kyun!

Adonis: Oogami. Himemiya is doing his best. We should work as hard as we can, too…!

Koga: Those words carry no persuasive power whatsoever comin’ from a guy who’s like a newly born fawn, y’know!

Er, owah… Gyahn!

Taiga: Look who’s talkin’. As soon as you lose focus, you fall right over.

Leo: Wahahaha ☆ How about we turn the dance into a waltz of the fawns already?

Watching your unpredictable movements is fun! I’ll wobble along with you! Wobble wobble~☆

Ah, but doing it this way is actually more difficult?

Koga: You makin’ fun of me, bastard? I’ll bite you to death!

Hiro: Adonis, Koga. It’s fine. ☆ Your skating has already improved a lot compared to when you first started. Your learning speed is just as expected from you.

I’m sure you’ll be able to perform jumps before long!

Adonis: Yeah, we’ll show you we can perform Prism Shows no matter what it takes…!

! Era (Roughly chronological order)

Stories marked with an asterisk (*) are incomplete on this dreamwidth because the missing chapters were translated by someone else. To find out which chapters are missing, visit the wiki page for the story in question. I am unable to help people locate missing chapters, as I don't know if and where they are uploaded by their respective translators.

Event Story

Easter Night*: C11 / E1 / E2 / E3

Book Fair: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / E1 / E2

Amusement Live: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / E1 / E2

Sunshower Festa: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / E1 / E2 / E3

Glitter of the Prism (King of Prism Collab)*: C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Cats and the Camellia Train: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / E1

Diner Live: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / E1

Wonder Game* - outbreak: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11
Wonder Game* - infinite: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11
Wonder Game* - blue bird, red queen: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / C14 / E1

Class Live: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / E1

Human Comedy*: Humanity 7 (with Mandy) / Humanity 10 / Humanity 11 / Epilogue 1 / Epilogue 2

Operetta: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / C14 / C15 / C16 / E1 / E2

Scout Story

Mail Delivery: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Devils*: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 (C7, C8, E1 translated by royalquintet)

Billiards: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Storia of Angels and Rabbits (Merc Storia Collab): C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7

Chinatown: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Brilliant Star Air Force: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Showtime: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Jewel Candy: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Chuunibyou: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Sub Story

Sora Harukawa - Colorful Games

Natsume Sakasaki - When will the rain let up?

!! Era (Release order)

Stories marked with an asterisk (*) are incomplete on this dreamwidth because the missing chapters were translated by someone else. To find out which chapters are missing, visit the wiki page for the story in question. I am unable to help people locate missing chapters, as I don't know if and where they are uploaded by their respective translators. Chapters that appear on the list but have no links exist in my private storage and will likely be uploaded soon.

Scout Story

Honey Bee: C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8

Event Story

Night Club: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 / E5
Night Club (Post-Censorship): P1 / C1 (The rest of the chapters are unaffected)

A Dark Night's Passing*: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / C14 / C15 / C16 / E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 / E5 / E6

Hot Limit: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / E1 / E2 / E3 / E4 / E5

Merry Xmas: P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / E1

Antique Legend (In Progress) (Collab with Soup): P1 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / C7 / C8 / C9 / C10 / C11 / C12 / C13 / C14 / C15 / C16

Ariadne (In Progress): P1 / C1 / C2 / C3

Feature Scout

HiMERU 5☆ "Past, Present and...": C1 / C2

Natsume Sakasami 4☆ "The Magician's Delivery"

Arashi Narukami 3☆ "Maiden's Time"

Rinne Amagi 5☆ "The Bee's Knees": C1 / C2

Idol Story

Yuuta Aoi Idol Story 1
Sora Harukawa Idol Story 1 (Guest translation by Sean)

Location: Inside the Labyrinth

- A short while after the beginning of the treasure hunt -

Niki: Oh boy, how much longer ‘til I get my beef tongues~? I can’t wait!

They’re inside a Golden Treasure Chest, right? That means it should be sparkling golden and super easy to see!

Kohaku: Niki-han, can ya drop the beef tongue thing already? Yer ruinin’ the tense atmosphere.

Keep in mind that we’re locked inside a labyrinth here, will ya.

HiMERU: Considering that it was the Vice President who prepared this, the beef tongues may be positioned close to the exit of the labyrinth, based on how the program is named after a cow-adjacent monster.

Kohaku: Not you too, HiMERU-han. Feels like yer lettin’ Niki-han coax ya into sayin’ moronic stuff.

HiMERU: Oh my. HiMERU was merely attempting a deduction based on the information we currently have.

— Well, Crazy:B has survived as a unit by circumventing the rules.

Since we’re unable to make use of this strong point of ours in this isolated environment we’re placed in, not a lot of the footage they get will be of much use.

Given that they intend to broadcast this as a variety show, Shiina’s thoughtless manner should work out well for that purpose.

Niki: Mean of you to call me thoughtless when I’m as serious as can be! There’s food on the line!

Speaking of which, I’m not the only one they prepared a Golden Treasure Chest for, right? What did you guys say you want?

Feels weird when I’m the only one who’s desperate, so spit it out already, guys ♪

Kohaku: Uhh… Bein’ put on the spot like this feels kinda embarrassing…

Well, since they’re recordin’ a variety show here, it’ll be a good chance fer the viewers to get ta know us.

The shame an’ nerves I’m feelin’ really fade away a bit from how unreserved you’re actin’, Niki-han.

As fer me, I answered that I want a travel coupon.

Ever since I left my family home, I’ve spent basically all o’ my time in the vicinity of ES. So I kinda started feelin’ like goin’ on a trip somewhere.

Niki: I see… Traveling’s a lot of fun, I agree!

What did you ask for, Rinne-kun? Though you seem the type to ask for cold, hard cash ...♪

Rinne: ………

Niki: Rinne-kun?

Actually, you’ve been weirdly quiet for a while now. Got a tummy ache?

Rinne: As if. More importantly, check this out… The mark on this wall, I mean.

Niki: Let’s see here… Oh, you’re right. On closer examination, there’s a cross mark scratched into it. ...Think it’s marking the location of a treasure chest?

Wow, that’s a great find, Rinne-kun! We’re one step closer to the treasure!

HiMERU: No. This mark — it doesn’t signify anything good. Judging from the traces of dirt, it must have been made fairly recently.

Niki: Huh?

Kohaku: Fairly recently… Are you sayin’ that someone who’s not part of our group made this cross mark?

Rinne: Nope. I was trailin’ behind the rest of you guys and left these marks as I went. Figured they’d come in handy if we wanted to retrace our steps later, but who would’ve guessed it’d come to this?

Kohaku: It felt like we’ve been walkin’ straight ahead all this time, so does this mean that the inside of this labyrinth is somehow slightly warped?

Rinne: You’ve got it. Just as you said, Kohaku-chan, it means that we’ve been walkin’ in circles all this time. Our Lil’ Snakeyboy is puttin’ his serpentine wisdom to good use ♪

Kohaku: I told ya to quit it with the “Kohaku-chan”. Don’t go crackin’ jokes just ‘cause yer in a good mood, Rinne-han, it’s a real pisser.

‘Sides, why’re ya in such high spirits at a time like this anyway, Rinne-han? They made us walk the same path over an’ over!

Rinne: Gyahahahaha ♪ What’s interesting to me is the very fact that we’ve been in the same situation the whole time ♪

Kohaku: Hah?

Rinne: Think it over. Lil’ Snakeyboy’s in a position where he could have directly set his hands on us, and yet he went through all the trouble of preparin’ this whole-ass labyrinth instead.

He could be causin’ us real harm, but instead he’s just doin’ this show… Get it?

Puttin’ in the other way around, this shows just how much he wants us to give it our all on this program.

Plannin’ this program, “Labyrinth of Minotaurus”, and even givin’ us these rewards…

At first I thought this was some kinda trap, but now I can tell that he doesn’t mean harm.

In fact, it’s like he conducted that whole interview in advance just to scrape together some freebies we’d like.

Even his twisted personality starts to seem adorable when I think of him as my junior. Haven’t you guys started to find our Lil’ Snakeyboy kinda cute, too? ♪

HiMERU: “Cute” is a strong word.

Although judging from the Vice President’s words and actions, as well as the contents of this labyrinth, HiMERU also believes that he isn’t trying to make us yield to him.

If anything, the natural conclusion would be that by bestowing Crazy:B rewards, he is trying to attain success in a much larger, separate plan.

Otherwise, the Vice President’s underhanded and treacherous — Ahem, HiMERU misspoke. His bold and innovative way of thinking should’ve culminated in a labyrinth that is filled to the brim with traps.

Kohaku: Now that ya say it, fer our Vice Prez-han, this sure is a mighty gentle setup he’s prepared here.

Sure it’s a prank, but it’s a setup the viewers are gonna be okay with. Meaning, it’s a layout that’s not impossible to beat or anything.

Rinne: Exactamundo. Now that we cleared that up, let’s walk another lap and choose the path that doesn’t have any cross marks on it yet.

Niki: Alright. I don’t really get what’s going on, but gotcha!

So, I’ll be following behind you guys! Guiding the way seems like a pain, so I’m leaving that up to you!

I’m used to traveling for the purpose of gathering ingredients, but even I’ve never explored a labyrinth before~.

Rinne: Well, damned if any of us have any experience bein’ in labyrinths.

Location: Inside the Labyrinth

Kohaku: The Vice Prez said his part an’ buggered right off… No idea what goes on in that head of his.

HiMERU: Thinking about it will likely prove useless, anyhow. The more pressing issue at hand is that we are trapped in this labyrinth, equipped with nothing but the clothes on our backs.

Take a look around. In the time the Vice President was exercising his eloquence, the studio bus that brought us here quietly vanished somewhere.

In all likelihood, it boarded some sort of elevator that connects with the surface and was recovered there. There is no doubt that we Crazy:B are truly locked inside this labyrinth now.

Rinne: No oversights on that part, as expected of a strategist like him.

Since we can’t come back the way we came, our only chance at escape is playin’ along with that game of his. At least we’ve got those sweet rewards from the treasure chests to look forward to.

Niki: Oh, right. Those “prizes” the Vice President spoke of.

My stomach’s growling already, so I hope they’re food. But since he called them prizes, it sounds like they’ll be some kind of merchandise...

Rinne: Who knows. We’ll know when we open one up and have a look-see.

I’m always down to rebel against Lil’ Snakeyboy every chance we get, but we’re at the mercy of our hunger and thirst like this, so we should get a move on and aim for that blue sky in the distance.

Aside from how we ain’t got a choice but to look for the exit anyhow, I’m also pretty sure they’ll force us to obey the rules of this “Labyrinth of Minotaurus” no matter what.

HiMERU: Crazy:B following rules for once will be quite the rare spectacle.

If his goal is to have us compensate for the humiliation he endured during Bogie Time, then HiMERU would call his plan a success.

— That said, HiMERU has already laid eyes on the first treasure chest right away.

Judging from how easy it was to find this one, HiMERU wagers that this one was left out in the open in order to facilitate an explanation of the rules.

Kohaku: A “Red Treasure Chest”... Those still have prizes in ‘em, don’t they? Might be a good idea to try our hand at the mission fer it.

HiMERU: — Vice President, you’re still watching, aren’t you? We would like to attempt this mission.

Ibara: “Yes, yes! Naturally, I am observing every single move you make!”

“But it wouldn’t do for me to steal your spotlight as participants, so I will only be appearing on monitors at suitable moments ♪“

“Well then, since you’ve opted to attempt the mission for the Red Treasure Chest — please touch the lock to the treasure chest.”

HiMERU: Touch it… Like this?

- QUIZ MISSION! -
First Question: “Which fruit is dangerous when handled improperly?”

HiMERU: Interesting. The treasure chest has a touch sensor that displays the mission when activated.

A fruit that is dangerous when used improperly…

Niki: Oh, I’ve got it! It’s probably the duria—

Mmph…?!

Rinne: Hold it, punk. Don’t use up our guesses all willy-nilly.

Niki: Mmngh, mmph~!

… Phew! Please don’t cover my mouth and nose out of nowhere like that! Were you trying to suffocate me?!

Rinne: I was trying to make ya shut up and listen. What we’re dealin’ with here ain’t a “quiz mission”, but a “trick question”.

Remember, it was our foul-tempered Snakeyboy who set this question up. You’ll regret it if you just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

Niki: Uu~. But there aren’t many fruits that can cause harm when you handle them carelessly, right? The only one is really the duri—

Rinne: What was that?

Niki: N-Nothing. Nevermind. I don’t wanna burn calories on something stupid like this, so I’ll keep my mouth shut!

HiMERU: — Please leave this matter to HiMERU. Quizzes happen to be HiMERU’s area of expertise.

Rinne: That may be our best bet here. Leavin’ aside the question of whether quizzes and trick questions are the same thing, Merumeru’s prolly the brightest among us either way.

HiMERU: If HiMERU is the brightest among us, then Amagi must be the sharpest.

Judging from the automatic voice playing from the treasure chest, there will also be other missions that aren’t quizzes, so we should always use the most suitable person for the job.

“Which fruit is dangerous when used improperly?” — The answer is the pineapple.

… Please confirm this, Vice President.

Ibara: “What a definite answer! And the correct answer is: The pineapple! — since that’s also a nickname for hand grenades ♪“

“Since you solved the riddle so magnificently, allow me to open the treasure chest! Open sesame!”

Niki: This smell must be… a sandwich!

Kohaku: There’s also a plastic bottle with water in here. And something that’s lookin’ a mighty lot like a key of sorts.

Ibara: “That would be a key to open a door in the labyrinth!”

“While it is possible to reach the exit without using any keys, getting your hands on them will open the path to a number of convenient shortcuts.”

Kohaku: Hmm. So long story short, by openin’ up treasure chests we’ll be supplied with provisions an’ equipment, and we’ll progress through the labyrinth.

Ibara: “Exactly. However, if you are to fail a mission, there are variety show-like punishments prepared for you, so I implore you to proceed with utmost care.”

“Well then, now that the explanation of the treasure chests has concluded, allow me to return to my quiet observation! Best of luck to you all...♪”

Niki: Fufufufu...♪ Time to dig into this sandwich! Gotta say, I was starving over here...♪

Rinne: Now, now, Niki-kyuuun! It’s bad manners to hog all the food, now hand over that sandwich you’re holdin’!

Niki: Wh-, I was totally going to share it with the rest of you~! There’s only enough food for one person in here, so obviously we’ve gotta divide it between us four!

Rinne: Right, like I’m buyin’ that comin’ from the guy who made sure he’d be the first to grab the sandwich. As if!

There, confiscated~♪ Leave it to lil’ old me to divide it fairly and evenly!

Niki: Guh, sloppy as you always are, Rinne-kun, it stings to hear you say the words “fairly and evenly” to me...!

Kohaku: I’m not that hungry anyway, so I don’t mind givin’ you my part of the sandwich, Niki-han.

A fourth of it won’t make a difference, but if ya can at least eat half of it, that should be satisfying enough for now, right?

Niki: I owe you big time! Next time we come across anything edible, I’ll make sure to pay you back with my share, Kohaku-chan!

HiMERU: In order for you to fulfill that promise, we’ll have to attempt more treasure chest missions while we’re looking for the exit.

We’re playing right into the Vice President’s hands, but it’s our only choice. From the sounds of it, the Golden Treasure Chests will contain more lavish prizes, so not attempting them isn’t an option.

In all likelihood, the Golden Treasure Chests contain the grand prizes of this game — They must be things we covet desperately.

Kohaku: Oho. We’ve only just opened the first Red Treasure Chest an’ you’ve already figured it all out?

HiMERU: — Yes. We were recently interviewed for a magazine, remember? HiMERU recalls that among those questions, there was one that inquired as to what it is that we covet.

If that was part of the Vice President’s set-up, HiMERU believes that it’s possible for the Golden Treasure Chests to contain our answers to that question.

Niki: So it really is beef tongues!

Kohaku: No way, Niki-han… Did ya seriously answer “beef tongues” during that interview too…?

Niki: How could I not have~. Ever since I heard that we’d spend the weekend in the countryside, my head’s been filled with nothing but beef tongues!

Alrighty. Now that this is settled, let’s go look for the next treasure chest! Come on now, don’t dally around~!

HiMERU: Oh my, how troublesome. As soon as Shiina sets his mind on food, he’s immediately as eager as can be.

Rinne: Yep. Still, this is a hundred times better than when he’s throwin’ a tantrum like, “I can’t move, I’m sooo hungryyy”.

But I can’t shake the feeling that something’s fishy here. Ain’t this all a bit too benevolent comin’ from the guy who’s known to be a venomous snake?

HiMERU: Fufu. The thought crossed HiMERU’s mind as well.

It’s another mystery we’ll need to solve as we progress through this labyrinth — otherwise our actions won’t amount to much more than dancing in his palm.

At the very least, we must remain vigilant.

Location: Inside the Labyrinth

Rinne: But man, now this is what I call a labyrinth! Think they’re gonna make us do hard labor down here?*

Kohaku: Even ES ain’t shameless an’ cruel enough fer that.

This labyrinth — well, it’s more spacious than my place back home, but it still don’t seem like a pleasant place ta be brought to against my will. The air here’s all stuffy an’ humid, an’ it’s way gloomy in this place.

HiMERU: It’s hard to say whether it’s due to the geological features of the area, but it indeed feels quite musty here.

Niki: Hey, what gives? Why are your reactions all so lukewarm, like “Welp, this sure is a labyrinth”?!

What the hell do you mean we’re in a labyrinth!? Where are my beef tongues~?

Kohaku: Give up on those beef tongues already. Look, we’re clearly imprisoned in a place where we might struggle to find anything ta eat at all.

Lettin’ this ruffle our feathers ain’t gonna help one bit. All we can do is keep a calm head an’ unravel these circumstances we’ve been thrust into.

Niki: I-I mean, you’re right, but… It’s scary how you’re all way too used to being in trouble! What if we starve to death locked up in this labyrinth?!

HiMERU: — Please be at ease. Since they passed this off as a simple job, they won’t go as far as to make us die of starvation. Also, for what it’s worth, this country has laws in place.

They wouldn’t want to run the risk of breaking those for a group of troublemakers like us.

Judging from how there are surveillance cameras and monitors installed everywhere, it would be reasonable to infer that this is the contrivance of someone who wants to turn us into a spectacle.

Niki: Now that you say it… What are those things for?

HiMERU: They’re likely related to the job. In all probability, they’re equipment for broadcasting and video recording.

As for what kind of person would go this far to play an intricate prank on us, even choosing to monitor us at this remote location — There’s pretty much only one man who fits that criteria.

Rinne: Right on. If ya narrow it down to people who’ve got incentive to lock us up, you can count the suspects on one hand.

Hey, you can see us right now, can’tcha, ya ol’ viper?

Ibara (Off-screen): “Ah ha ha ☆ Indeed, clear as day!”

“Did you enjoy your first impression of the labyrinth, esteemed members of Crazy:B?”

Niki: S-So it was the Vice President who brought us here?!

Rinne: Who the hell else would’ve done it?

There’s no one else who’d willingly mess with killer bees — unless they’ve got a reliable antidote to our poison, that is.

Like fightin’ poison with poison. Ain’t that right, Snakeyboy? Finally felt up for teachin’ us some manners, huh?

Ibara: “Far from it! I have no intentions of keeping unruly pets ♪“

“I merely arranged for a variety show recording for all of you in my function as a manager at our agency, seeing as how Crazy:B is always in want of work!”

“You would not believe it, but I was made to suffer — I mean, enjoy, this very same underground labyrinth myself during Bogie Time.”

“Although I’m aware that I may be overstepping my boundaries, I took the liberty of recycling it for my own purposes in order to help Crazy:B become a more friendly and approachable unit.”

“By delivering the viewers a cheerful comedy during primetime, Crazy:B can break into a new fanbase bracket, and I’ll be able to subject others to the hardship I was made to experience during Bogie Time...☆”

“What do you think? Aren’t you glad to have such a considerate superior?”

HiMERU: That is just about the worst reason to abduct someone that HiMERU can think of.

Kohaku: Bogie Time — Ain’t that this show Rinne-han exploded with laughter watchin’? The one where they called Vice Prez-han “Ibanyan” the whole time? So that’s the kinda experience we’ve gotta steel ourselves fer, huh.

Niki: So that whole story about getting to eat local specialties in the countryside was nothing but a lie!? That’s so heartless! You do realize I only made it through the past week of my life because I had those beef tongues to look forward to, right?!

Ibara (Offscreen): “Fufu, please be unconcerned regarding that matter!”

“These kinds of challenge-based variety shows have prizes and penalties prepared for the participants.”

“Humans are capable of dealing with less-than-reasonable circumstances when there is a reward waiting for them at the end — Needless to say, I’ve kept that in mind when coming up with this plan.”

“There are a number of treasure chests placed in this labyrinth.”

“Inside them are your prizes — The catch being that you need to accomplish missions in order to obtain them.”

“The name of this show is “Labyrinth of Minotaurus”! I hope you thoroughly enjoy it, dearest members of Crazy:B!”

HiMERU & Kohaku: ……… (Staring coldly)

Ibara: “My oh my, your motivation strikes me as quite lacking! And here I went through all this trouble of preparing a project for you all, in spite of how busy I am~...”

“Very well. Figuring out how to put your subordinates to work — that is also the duty of a manager.”

“The prizes we’ve prepared for you contain items that you have been coveting! Particularly the “Golden Treasure Chests” hold prizes that you won’t want to miss out on, so please try your best to obtain them unabashedly!”

“It only makes sense that due to this, the difficulty level of the corresponding missions are that much higher than the ones for the regular ones — the “Red Treasure Chests”, so feel free to try your luck at those as well!”

“Allow us to witness from a safe distance whether or not you troublemakers will be able to escape this labyrinth unharmed…☆”

———————————

* TL Note: Rinne is making a reference to the “Underground Labor Camp” in “Tobaku Hakairoku Kaiji”, the second part of the “Kaiji” series. As the name implies, in this story Kaiji is incapacitated and brought to an underground labor camp in which debtors are put through backbreaking work in order to repay their debts. From the wiki page for this arc: “The meals provided to the workers are intentionally to be made scarce so the workers would spend most of their earnings to buy foods and drinks, effectively making them unable to pay off their debts.” The workers at this labor camp also gamble (as Kaiji is a gambling manga first and foremost), and interestingly, the gamble they do there is “Underground Chinchiro”, a dice game. Something to keep in mind for this event.

Location: Seisou Hall Dorm Room (Crazy:B)

HiMERU: ………

Kohaku: Hm~? The design on these socks doesn’t look familiar. Hey, whose socks are these?

Niki: Oh, those are mine! I bought them recently ♪ Don’t they look sooo delicious? The yellow-green color of them reminds me of kiwis!

Kohaku: Oh, so they were yours, Niki-han. Kiwi-colored, I’ll remember that.

…Still, I can’t believe everything ya own is based on food. Though I reckon there’s a more apt comparison than kiwis fer these.

Whatever. I’m more interested in why we’re suddenly bein’ forced to pack overnight bags. Rinne-han just sprang this on us outta nowhere, so I reckoned I’d ask while we’re doin’ it.

Niki: Hey, I wanna know that, too! The way he suddenly told us to pack up… Don’t tell me he’s planning to flee the country with us in the dead of night?

Tell us the truth, Rinne-kun. Did you stoop so low as to dip into our unit funds this time?

Rinne: Pff, as if. This is for a gig, alright?

Niki: A gig…?

Rinne: Yep, and the location for it is in the countryside!

CosPro usually tends to be stingy with the job offers for us, but we’ve been given a rare work opportunity this time. So, regardless of what you guys’ve got goin’ on, I’m havin’ ya drop everything and draggin’ yer asses on location straight away!

Niki: Huh?! So we’re packing our bags for work right now?!

I don’t wanna~, going away for work sounds so tiring!

Rinne: Ya sure about that, Niki? There’s lots of local specialties to be found in the countryside, y’know? Don’t tell me you wanna stay behind and watch the house when ya could be out there eatin’ your fill of ‘em?

Niki: What?! In that case I’m coming along! A hundred percent!

Kohaku: What a calculating fella. Well, whatever. I’m just glad to hear that we’ve got work.

HiMERU: — ……

Rinne: Oi, what’s with the melancholic vibe?

Broodin’ over something again, ◼◼?

HiMERU: ……! Amagi, why do you know “my” name…?

Kohaku: Aww, ◼◼-han, didja really think ya could keep that a secret from us?

We know everything, ◼◼-han. Even that ya became an idol to take HiMERU’s place.

Niki: I already noticed it back when we formed Crazy:B! But Rinne-kun told us to keep our mouths shut for a while, ‘cause it’d be funny ♪

HiMERU: No… There’s no way “my” real identity has been leaked—

Niki: Nahaha. You really hadn’t noticed?

Even our fans and the idols at ES aaa~ll know about it!

HiMERU?: Impossible…! You’re lying, right!?

Kohaku: It’s very possible, actually. You were the only one in the dark about alla this, ◼◼-han…

Niki: Man, we were all looking forward to when you’d finally realize it~♪

Rinne: You’re such a fuckin’ laughingstock, ◼◼. You really had yourself thinkin’ ya fooled everyone ♪

But now there’s no need to pretend anymore, ◼◼.

HiMERU’s a thing of the past now. From today on, you’re one of Crazy:B, like us!

Oh right, we’ve also been preparin’ a big live show to reveal your real name, ◼◼! You’ve gotta make your grand debut ♪

HiMERU?: Stop it! I didn’t become HiMERU for this!

To say nothing of the fact that I don’t have the slightest intention to become a spectacle for all of society to see—!

https://imgur.com/4ToZrrR

Location: Pitch Darkness

HiMERU: ...Ah!?

A-a dream…? And what is this place…?

Kohaku: Ya seemed ta be havin’ a mighty bad dream there, HiMERU-han. Yer drenched in cold sweat.

We’re in the middle of a long tunnel right now. The blackout curtains of the studio bus are closed so our sleep wouldn’t be disturbed by the lights outside.

HiMERU: What a poetic atmosphere. In truth, one might even say that it’s so pitch-black in here that it’d be believable if you were to claim that everyone inside this bus has died in an accident.

So once we are out of this tunnel, the view outside will show the Snow Country* — No, the countryside where we’ll be filming, yes?

Kohaku: You’ve got it. Still, talkin’ about everyone in here dyin’ sure is a bad omen. Just what kinda nightmare were ya havin’, HiMERU-han?

HiMERU: — Oh, it was trivial. A nightmare of no importance.

Niki: Beef tongues~!

HiMERU: ………?

Niki: Beef tongues… beef tongues… *smack smack*... ♪

HiMERU: So he’s talking in his sleep. How misleading.

Kohaku: Beef tongues are all Niki-han’s been talkin’ about lately, huh. I get that he’s really looking forward to those*2, but we’re actually here fer work, right?

HiMERU: — Indeed. Seeing as Amagi’s explanation wasn’t very helpful, HiMERU ended up having to ask the vice president about it.

Surely you remember the job we had with that honey maker*3 before? HiMERU heard that a regional TV station endorsed us after seeing that.

Since then, they’ve been most ardently pushing for Crazy:B to come and promote their regional delicacies for them.

Kohaku: Oho… So that’s what went on behind the scenes. An’ here I was sure they were sendin’ us to a farm so we could get some hands-on work experience.

We’d take even the most trivial jobs, after all. But in this case, I reckon the Sun’s been witnessin’ how hard we’ve been workin’.

HiMERU: — Hmm. HiMERU wonders about that.

Kohaku: ? Sounds like there’s some hidden meaning in yer words. Something on yer mind?

HiMERU: The view outside the window has been on HiMERU’s mind for a little while, yes.

Kohaku: Outside the window…?

Rinne: …Don’t tell me you were so excited about the rare chance to go on a trip that’cha didn’t notice, Kohaku-chan?

Kohaku: Not you too, Rinne-han. Since when have you been up?

Rinne: Oh, just now. Figured I’d better rest while I can so I don’t run out of steam during work.

The bus seems to be slowin’ down, so we should be arrivin’ soon.

Kohaku: Arrivin’ soon…? Weren’t we supposed to get there in the morning? But it’s still so early that the sun ain’t even up yet…

Rinne: Come on, guys, doesn’t any of this strike ya as weird? With the way these blackout curtains completely block out the view, with not even the smallest crack to see through—

HiMERU: If you noticed it too, you should’ve said something sooner, Amagi. Studio buses aren’t our usual mode of transport — due to that, it took HiMERU a while to figure it out.

Rinne: Gyahahaha ♪ But don’t they say the road to misfortune’s paved with good intentions?*4 In that case, the road to fortune must be paved with bad intentions ♪

In other words, this is the kinda job that shows hints of bad intent behind it — my gambler’s intuition told me to take it!

HiMERU: What kind of unscientific reasoning is that…— Well, HiMERU believes he ultimately would’ve made the same choice, but he wishes he’d at least gotten a chance to mentally prepare first.

In any case, we lack the necessary information to deduce our client’s true intentions.

Kohaku: Ya two are talkin’ like ya know it all, but what’s even goin’ on? I ain’t got the slightest clue!

HiMERU: You’ll see when we get off the bus. And indeed, it seems like that very bus has just stopped.

Please go and wake up Shiina, if you would. We’re going to find out what situation we’ve gotten ourselves into.

Niki: Ngh… Huh, where are the beef tongues?

Rinne: Come on, Niki, we’re on the move! Gotta stay in groups during excursions, didn’t they teach you that in school?

Niki: Ngyah!? Don’t kick my butt right when I only just woke up!

What is it with you! And those are some big words from someone who never even went to a school!

Location: Inside the Labyrinth

Kohaku: W-What the dickens is this place…?!

HiMERU: A man-made maze — No, perhaps one should describe it as a labyrinth. HiMERU has never set foot into a place like this before either.

But it seems that we have been tricked and brought here under false pretenses.

——————

* Snow Country (雪国) is the name of a novel that happens to begin with a scene of the protagonist riding a train to a remote onsen town.

*2 Beef tongues are a regional specialty of Sendai.

*3 Honey Bee Scout Story

*4 They don’t say that, actually. The correct idiom is, in both English and Japanese, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”.

Location: Sakura Park (Center, Christmas)

Aira: Uwaaaah ♪ Ra~velyyy! It looks amazing…!

Hajime: Wow...♪ We were shown the 3D design mock-up, but it’s so much more dreamy than I ever imagined!

Sora: The tree we’re going to decorate is the one on the very top, right?

Tori: Yup, that’s the one.

Aira: But how are we even going to climb up there? Himemiya-senpai?

If we climbed the outside of the structure, I’m scared that we’d damage some of the ornaments on it~...

Tori: Of course we aren’t gonna do that. Don’t worry, there’s a plan in place for this.

Ummm…? Ah, here it is. See, if you look closely there’s a door here.

We can go inside the structure from here, and a staircase leads to the top of it.

Sora: Wooow! It’s like a secret hideout~!

Hajime: Fufu. When I was younger I built secret hideouts out of cardboard boxes with my little brother and sister. To children, a secret hideout is a place of dreams, isn’t it?

Sora: Hm~. Shisho~ really likes secret hideouts, secret rooms and other places like that, so they feel really familiar to Sora, actually.

Tori: Let’s keep moving. We can leave the idle chatter for later. I want to get this done and over with before anyone walks by and catches us putting up the star. It’d spoil the fun.

You got the star ornament with you?

Aira: Yessir! I’ve got it right here!

Tori: Alright, then let’s all go put it up together.

Hupp. It’s a narrow path, so be careful. Shiratori, make sure you don’t drop and break the star.

Aira: Uu. I knooow…! But it’s really tight in here~.

Tori: Ah, look! There’s the exit!

Wow, the view from here feels entirely different, this is great ♪

Hajime: Fufu. This time you’re the one chattering away, Tori-kun.

Tori: Oops, silly me. Alright, let’s put up this star! Shiratori, you hold it too. We’ll do it together.

Aira: Huh? Are you sure?

Tori: Of course! No holding back, right?

Aira: Ahaha ♪ You’re right, no holding back. We’re fairies who make Christmas fun for everyone together.

Tori: Exactly!

There are all kinds of people in the world. Some are happy, and others aren’t. Giving equal joy to all of them might be difficult…

Tori: Still — Even still, I pray that everyone in the world gets to spend time with those who bring them joy this Christmas…

Tori & Aira: Heave-ho… ☆

Location: Meeting Room

Aira: Wow, you sure were running late, Anzu-san and Mr. Cameraman.

Huh? My eyes look red?

Ah, ahaha. Some dirt got into my eyes, that’s all…!

But I’m alright now. Everyone helped me get it out, so I can see clearly now ♪

Sora: Hime-chan, it looks like the camera’s all set up and ready!

Tori: Okay~☆ Anzu and the others are here, too, so let’s get started on the orna—

Sora: Hm? What’s the matter, Anzu?

Tori: What?! Our unit name’s been chosen?! Why didn’t you tell us right away!

Yaaay ♪ What is it, what is it?

Hajime: — “Branco”?

Aira: Ra~vely~♪ It’s sooo cute! The way it sounds is cute, and like, it seems fun!

Tori: I do think it suits us well since we’re so cute, but why “Branco”?

Sora: Hmm? So it’s not the name of that playground toy?*

It means “white” in Portuguese?

Aira: Ohh, I get it! “White Christmas”... It’s the color of snow, so the unit name means “white”.

Sora: HaHa~☆ What a lovely name! Sora likes it a lot!

Because we’re fairies that gently float down with the white snow~♪

Hajime: Yes! I also really like it...♪ It fits this project perfectly!

Tori: Alri~ght, now that our unit name’s been decided, let’s decide what ornaments to make next!

Hajime: Umm, we already started compiling some ideas, right? So far we’ve got unit motifs and angels, and also the moon and planet Saturn. Should we choose from these?

Aira: Um, may I? I think we should go with stars…!

Sora: HiHi~, you want to use stars?

Aira: Yes. Stars might be kinda conventional, but… I think that’s what makes them a good choice. Sometimes the simple approach is easiest for people to get into, I think.

Also it’s like, stars are crammed full of everyone’s wishes!

People don’t turn to the moon or angels when they wish for happiness, they wish upon a star, right?

So in order to make everyone happy this Christmas, I want us to go with stars.

Hajime: Fufu, it’s almost like in Tori-kun’s picture book. I think it’s a great idea.

Sora: Yes! Sora is in favor, too~!

Tori: So am I ♪ We’re going with Shiratori’s proposal, the stars!

Besides, I feel like stars suit us really well ♪

Hajime: ? How come, Tori-kun?

Aira: Our unit name is Branco, and stars remind you more of Trickstar or even Ryuseitai, though…

Tori: Still, you know how they call performers like us “stars”? And at the same time, stars are the decorations of the night sky ☆

- A few days later. The day the commercial is being recorded -

Sora: “♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ☆”

(Hime-chan and Ai-chan’s “colors” feel really good… While looking at them, Sora gradually becomes dyed in them as well~.)

(We’re all sharing the same “color” right now! Sora is convinced that real fairies are just like this, too.)

(This is so much fun ☆ Sora can’t help it, he wants to view this scenery forever and ever, he doesn’t want it to end~!)

Sora: (But of course, that’s impossible. Every song, every dance, has its end…)

(And that’s why… Sora wants to collect all of our joy and twinkles and convey them to the world!)

Hajime: “♪ ~ ♪ ~”

(I’m so glad — I’m so happy we’re all singing here together, right here and now, with these bright smiles on our faces.)

(We’re still growing, and perfection is far out of reach for us.)

(But it’s because we’re not perfect that we get to encounter each other and support one another.)

(Compared to units that have spent a lot more time together, we may not understand each other all that well yet.)

Hajime: (But that’s okay…)

(After all, not knowing everything yet just means there are still more things I can find to love about the others ♪)

Aira: “♪ ~ ♪ ~”

(Ahh… I’ve never been this nervous in my life…)

(But it’s not like my mind is blanking, it feels more like it’s all light and fluffy.)

(This is fun — It’s so, so, so much fun…!)

(My body isn’t frozen stiff, and I can move the way I want to. I can hear the rhythm of everyone else’s breaths. I know how I have to move…!)

(I’m having so much fun right now I just can’t contain myself…!)

(I don’t have to hate myself and cower in fear — It’s alright.)

(Because the others saw my good parts and bad parts, all of them, and they took me by the hand and told me I’m okay the way I am.)

Aira: (When you raise your head and look the people before you in the eyes… When you open your heart… the world is overflowing with so much love.)

(Fufu. The kindness I received from the others is overflowing from my heart, too. So I’ll pass it on to everyone.)

(Ai lo~ve...♪)

Tori: “♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪ ~”

(At first I thought making this project a success was going to be an easy feat with these members.)

(But it turned out to be a super bumpy ride. What a joke.)

(I should’ve seen that coming, though. We’re all different people who were raised in different environments.)

(We’re flawed and have rough edges. Almost like we’re pieces to a jigsaw puzzle.)

(But that’s exactly why we can click so perfectly, turning into cohesive scenery that spans the horizon.)

Tori: (Even if it’s not the perfect scenery I pictured at first…)

(Still, all those times we worried, and the times we laughed together — and even all those meaningless moments in between… They’re becoming something altogether irreplaceable.)

(I’m confident that anyone who sees us right now can find something to admire in this scenery — and that’s why I can say it with my head held high!)

Tori & Aira: “Merry Christmas ♪“

Hajime & Sora: “Merry Christmas ♪”

—————

* “Branco” (buranko) is a homonym with “buranko” = swing set

TL Note: The chapter title “étoile” is French for “star”.

Location: Hanging Garden

Aira: Umm. Himemiya-senpai, I…

Tori: — I’m sorry.

Aira: Huh? You have nothing to apologize for, Himemiya-senpai…

Tori: I tested you without even letting you know how I felt, and said such horrible things to you — And for that, I’m sorry, Shiratori.

Aira: No, those… Those things were all my fault.

Tori: I really want to make this job a success.

I felt that I wanted us to become the kind of idols that people see and aspire to be like.

But there’s no point to it if I do it by myself… I felt like I could grant my wish with these members, so I got all frantic.

But you know, there was no way we were going to become a true unit just by seeing each other and talking for such a brief time.

I didn’t even realize that much. And for that, I’m sorry too.

Aira: I was the one who held everyone back yesterday… and caused so much trouble—

Tori: You can cause trouble for us.

Aira: Huh?

Tori: Saying you’re sorry is important, but more than that, I wanted you to say “thank you”!

We’re a unit, aren’t we? We’re not solo artists, not on our own. Shouldn’t we shoulder all our failures and successes together?

And that’s why it’s okay for you to cause trouble for us! That’s what we’re here for!

You were always holding back, always staying one step behind us, weren’t you, Shiratori? I hated that!

Aira: Himemiya-senpai…

Tori: You idolized us unconditionally… And that’s why I got the wrong idea about having become someone’s object of admiration.

Aira: ……....

(Himemiya-senpai… The Himemiya-senpai, of fine, the strongest unit of all…)

(He’s just the same as me…)

(Just like me, he’s struggling so much, and reaching his hand out to the stars in the night sky…)

I was under the impression that you were like a god who has everything, Himemiya-senpai.

Tori: I’m really not. I’m always frantic, you know. And the same goes for Harukawa and Hajime, too.

On the surface we’re keeping up appearances and might even make it look easy, but underneath that surface, we’re all paddling desperately to stay afloat.

What do you think? Are you disappointed to see this side of us?

Aira: Ehehe. Not even a little.

In fact, I suddenly feel closer to you guys. So we’re all the same, huh? And yet I deliberately put all that distance between us and single-handedly forced my expectations of what you should be like on you.

Tori: Well, now you know how uncool we really are. So none of that from now on, okay?

Let’s become a real unit this time, Shiratori.

Aira: I still admire Himemiya-senpai, Shino-senpai, and Harukawa-senpai for being idols, who I love so much… Even now, that won’t change.

But if I keep only admiring you from afar… only ever looking at you from one step behind you… then I’ll never stand side-by-side with you.

Please let me become one of you for real this time…!

Ahaha. My inner idol otaku is going hogwild and calling this blasphemy, though.

Still, I really want to belong with the rest of you guys…!

Location: Meeting Room

Tori: ………

...I’m such a terrible senior, aren’t I.

Shiratori’s a rookie compared to us, and I know he’s earnestly giving it his best effort. Even after what happened yesterday, he didn’t run away and showed up today, too…

Hajime: You’re not terrible at all. I think you’re a really good senior, Tori-kun.

And I don’t think your anger had anything to do with that, anyhow. Am I wrong?

Tori: You’re not angry with me…?

Hajime: Why would I be? Neither you nor Shiratori-kun are in the wrong. There’s no reason to blame either of you, is there?

You’re both kind-hearted people, so you were both walking on eggshells around each other, that’s all. You just clashed a little, nothing more.

I don’t think we need to find someone to blame in this situation.

Tori: ………

I tried to handle everything skillfully… But I couldn’t do it at all. I was a leader in name only. I was putting on airs like one, but I wasn’t leading anybody.

These days I can finally stand side by side with the person I admire… So I felt as if I’d become just as omnipotent myself…

But of course I’m nothing like Eichi-sama...

I’m sorry…

Hajime: You’re telling that to the wrong person, you know? Tori-kun.

Tori: ...Yeah. You’re right. I’m gonna go tell him…! I’ll tell him what really matters!

Hajime: Huh? But we don’t even know where Shiratori-kun is…?

Tori: Then I’ll look for him! If I just sat around waiting — Well, no citizen’s going to follow a king who won’t leave his castle, right…!

Hajime: Fufu. You’re right. I think that’s a good idea...♪

Location: Hanging Garden (Winter)

Aira: …

(He told me I’m not one of them…! That’s like saying he doesn’t need me anymore…)

(It’s all over… He’s totally sick of my shit for sure…!)

(Why am I like this? I thought I’d gotten used to this job by now, and even gained some confidence… But I was wrong, and this is what I get for getting all carried away.)

(I thought that my love for idols would always prevail, that that’d be enough for me to eventually accomplish anything I set out to do.)

(I never thought these feelings would ever hurt anyone… I didn’t think they’d get in anyone’s way.)

Aira: Uuu, *sniff*. *sob, sob*… *sniff*…

Sora: Ai-chan…?

Aira: ! Harukawa-senpai?! — Wh-why are you here…?

Sora: It’s because Sora saw Ai-chan’s sad “color”. That’s how Sora could tell you were here.

Aira: *sniffles*. “Color”...?

Umm, I, I’m sorry, this isn’t what it looks like. I’m okay, really. I just cried a tiny bit, but I’ll stop now… *sniff*…

Sora: Ai-chan. Is it okay for Sora to sit next to you? Sora brought a tea that contains a spell to make your tears stop~.

Aira: *sniff*... A tea… with a spell? — Hehe, that’s so weird.

Sora: HaHa~♪ Ai-chan looks loveliest when he smiles after all. Here you go, warm and toasty tea ♪ Sora is sure that it’ll make you happy~!

Aira: Thank you very much. — *gulp*. It tastes so good...♪

Sora: HiHi~. Sora is glad to hear that! Did you calm down a little?

Aira: Yes…

Umm. It’s not Himemiya-senpai’s fault that I was crying, okay? It was just because I felt pathetic, that’s all…!

Sora: It’s fine. People cry because their heart overflows sometimes, you know~?

So there’s no need to hold it in. Sora wants Ai-chan to treat his heart with care.

Aira: Harukawa-senpai…

Sora: Ai-chan. Please don’t regret your feelings of love, okay~?

Aira: Huh?

Sora: Did Sora guess right? That’s how it looked to him, you see.

Ai-chan’s feelings of love sparkle so beautifully, and they twinkle like the stars in the night sky! That’s why Sora wants you to take good care of that twinkle.

Aira: The stars…

(He might be right…)

(Their twinkle is way too beautiful. Even if you try, your hands will never reach them… Still, I can’t help but reach out again and again. I reach out to that which I want so much that I could cry, so much that it’s unbearable. To that which I admire.)

Tori (Off-screen): Shiratori, there you are…!

Aira: ! Himemiya-senpai….

Sora: Hime-chan’s here, huh~? Then Sora is going to take his leave.

Aira: Ah, H-Harukawa-senpai…!

Sora: You’ll be okay~. Please don’t be scared.

You’re just like the stars. There may be clear days and rainy ones, and on some days, they might be hard to see. But the stars’ twinkle doesn’t change because of that. And Hime-chan is the same way, too ♪

Aira: Me and Himemiya-senpai are the same…?

Location: Meeting Room

- The next day -

Sora: Uff~. Yesterday sure was a lot to handle~...

Hajime: It really was… But I’m glad we managed somehow.

After all that fuss we went and explained the situation thoroughly, cleared up the misunderstanding and were able to finish the recording… It was all just very mentally draining.

Shiratori-kun seemed rather depressed... I hope he recovered his good spirits by resting well last night.

And Tori-kun acted the way he always does, but he somehow seemed to be in a bad mood yesterday… I’m a little concerned about that.

Sora: Hrm~m… Sora’s impression is slightly different.

Hajime: Huh?

Sora: Sora feels like Hime-chan’s source of irritation doesn’t lie in what happened yesterday, but that it has some entirely different reason behind it~. He can’t tell for sure though.

Hajime: You think so…?

Oh well! We can’t allow ourselves to sulk like this forever, right? It’s times like these when we’ve got to keep our heads up! Ey, ey, oh~♪

Today us fairies are going to make the ornaments that we’ll use to decorate the art installation, right?

Sora: HaHa~♪ That’s right! That’s why we’ve got all these materials here, huh~?

Hajime: We have materials for making shrinky dinks and even resin for casting ornaments. We should have everything we need to make anything we want.

Tori (Off-screen): Sorryyy~! I didn’t mean to be late!

Sora: Hime-chan! Hello ☆

No worries~, we’re still missing some people anyway.

Tori: Right, Anzu and the cameraman said they’d be running a little late today… Sheesh, it was silly of me to be in such a hurry~.

Hm? Hajime, Harukawa, you both got changed already? I’d better change my clothes too, then.

By the way, where’s Shiratori? Not here yet?

Hajime: Ah, no… He hasn’t come yet…

Tori: I see…

Sora: HiHi~, but Sora feels like Ai-chan is somewhere nearby for sure! He’s gonna go look for him, okay~? Please stay right here and wait.

Aira: … Excuse me…

Sora: Wawah?! Ai-chan! Hello there~? Sora got a bit startled because you were right behind the door when he opened it.

Aira: Umm… I…

Sora: It’s alright, Ai-chan! Come, come on in ☆

Hajime: Ohh, now we’ve got everyone ♪

Aira: Umm… I’m so sorry! I caused so much trouble for everyone yesterday…

Tori: No one minds that. And we managed to wrap it all up in the end. You shouldn’t let it weigh on you either, Shiratori.

Aira: I know… But, still… I’m just so sorry.

Tori: ………

Alright! We’re making the ornaments for the tree today, but we still haven’t even decided what exactly we’re going to make.

I want us to have as much time as possible to make them. Anzu and the staff aren’t here yet, but let’s just go ahead and decide what we’ll be making!

Hajime: Christmas trees look cutest with lots and lots of ornaments on them, don’t they? ♪ So let’s make a list of christmas-y things we can use.

Sora: What are we going to do with the treetop? We still haven’t decided anything, huh~?

Tori: We sure didn’t~. A star would be traditional… But I also kinda want to come up with something new and inventive.

Hajime: Hmm. If we want something no one else has… Then how about we decorate the tree with the motifs of all kinds of different units?

Tori: Angels would be cute too, and they bring the words “holy night” to mind ♪

Sora: HuHu~. Or we could choose other things one can find in the sky besides stars~? Like the moon, or planet Saturn!

Aira: ………

Tori: Hey Shiratori, what do you think? What kind of ornaments should we make?

Aira: ...Huh? Oh... I’m fine with anything! And all your ideas are really cute anyway.

Tori: — Ugh!

Shiratori. You know, I really want to put the golden shachihoko* of Nagoya on top of the tree! I wanna do that soooo badly! What do you think?

Aira: Huh? Sh-shachihoko…?

Tori: Yup, you’ve got it. So, what do you think?

Aira: ...Umm. Err… I mean. I think that should work? And like, shachihoko are cute, so…

Tori: …!

Aira: Ehehe…

Tori: Is that really what you think? I’m talking about a shachihoko here! Having a shachihoko on top of a tree would be weird no matter how you look at it!

Why do you only ever smile and nod, no matter what I say?! You’re not acting like you’re one of us at all! And since you keep acting like that — I can’t think of you as one of us, either!

Aira: — !

Hajime: T-Tori-kun…!

Aira: ...Uh, umm… I’m so sorry, I’m just… just going to the bathroom for a moment…!

Hajime: Shiratori-kun! Please wait!

Sora: Jime-chan, Sora is going after him. Please leave it to him.

Hajime: Thank you…! Then I’ll look after Tori-kun…!

——————

* Shachihoko are animals from Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. Nagoya Castle is known to have golden ornaments in the shape of shachihoko on its roof, to protect it from fire (shachihoko have the ability to make rain fall.) This is what golden shachihoko ornaments look like. (PLEASE LOOK AT IT)

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: ……...

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…!

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! ♪

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