The Thrill That Emerges: Episode 2
Shu: —You don’t need to apologise so much. I understand the situation well.
If you feel sorry for me, end the call now, return to the site and make an effort to solve the problem.
Yes. That's fine. Well, I'll be waiting at the usual café.
(More than anything, it's hard to believe that problems would arise at work for a small girl only on the day that we're making arrangements for the feature live.)
(Oh well, if I read a book, the time will pass quickly.)
(Moreover, I haven't been to that café in a while and I'm looking forward to eating the soft bread.)
(Although the patronage has changed after the shuffle unit project, I just hope that it doesn't become so noisy.)
Tsumugi: It's Shu-kun isn't it? Why are you ignoring me?
Tsumugi: H-Huh? Can you really not hear me? Shu-kun, it's me! It's Tsumugi Aoba~!
Shu: ...I don't want you raising your voice so close to my ear, Aoba.
Tsumugi: Ah, you finally noticed me...! Thank goodness.
Shu: I'm not good at all... I never thought I'd bump into you in the middle of town like this.
Tsumugi: Fufu. I was surprised too. Even though I knew you wanted to return to Japan.
Are you going to ES from here? Or is it something else?
Shu: I'm on the way to the café from when we were in a shuffle unit together.
Tsumugi: Aah, it was promoted as BLEND+...
But... I thought for certain that café was closed today?
Shu: ...What? I thought that café was only supposed to be closed during national holidays?
Tsumugi: Yes. That was originally true but...
Because the café now has a reputation for being familiar with ES rookie idols, the business structure has changed a little bit.
But, it very rarely has days off. I remembered it's closed today because it's so rare.
Shu: Ha. The café is closed and there's trouble at the girl's work... Today must be my unlucky day.
Tsumugi: Is Anzu-chan in trouble?
Shu: Ah, you don't need to worry. The problem isn't as big as it seems.
But... She did just contact me to inform me we she wouldn't make it in time for the feature live briefing.
Tsumugi: I see. I guess it's Shu-kun's turn next.
Does that mean the bag you're holding is a present for Anzu-chan? And my souvenir... I don't expect you got me anything?
Shu: You know very well. Of course not.
Tsumugi: Uh. I thought so but, you say it so bluntly...
Shu: I question why you thought I would give you something in the first place. I have no intention of gifting you something as though we're friends.
Tsumugi: Eh~ I though we'd become close after forming the shuffle unit together...
Shu: You're being awfully troublesome today.
Haa... If you really want a souvenir, feel free to have some of the pastries I left in the Starmony Hall shared room.
Tsumugi: Are they a souvenir for everyone at Starmony? How strange, for Shu-kun to do such a thing.
Shu: I suppose. Since I return to Japan to often, if I bought souvenirs every time there would never be an end to it.
...However, I once had someone help me pick a souvenir for a friend in Paris.
It's late but, I just thought I should show my gratitude.
Shu: ...What. I don't want to see that disgusting look on your face.
Tsumugi: I just think Shu-kun really has changed♪
No, you were always like that, but it's started to come through recently.
In any case, take my word that I'll be very thankful when I go back to Starmony Hall.
Shu: Hmph. Do as you wish.
Tsumugi: In that case, I'll be on my way. I'm looking forward to Shu-kun's feature live♪
Shu: You really haven't changed, Aoba...
(Right, I'd better inform the girl we can't use the usual café for our meeting.)
I've had enough apologies. I've heard all about the situation and it's no fault of yours.
Then I won't blame you for this matter.
...Aside from that, I'm more concerned about your appearance.
It's a meeting, but it's also work. Although we're familiar from our school days, it's not good to lack manners.
...Of course. I know that you hurried over to not keep me waiting.
I'll give you time to adjust your garments a little... Hm?
Shu: You're curious about what's on the table?
This is a gift for you. It seems to be new product released by a popular pastry shop in Paris.
I purchased this on the recommendation of a friend in Paris. I'm not sure if it will suit your taste but...
"Is it okay if I have some"?
I bought it for you. Rather, what are you holding back for.
You've been looking after Kagehira. Take it as an everyday courtesy.
Also, I have one more thing for you.
It's an art book. It summarises every piece that has caught my eye in the past year.
...Although the feature live is my solo live, I'll need your cooperation to build that stage.
I appreciate your ability, but that doesn't mean you fully understand the art that I create.
That's why I've gifted you this art book.
By knowing about the works that I feel comfortable with, perhaps you can get closer to my point of view.
If you do that, we can come to an understanding about what my ideal performance is, can we not?
We can both envisage the same perfect form.
That is very important in a collaborative production.
Although, you can't come to understand the world of art in only a day.
At the very least, I hope it helps you expand your perspective.
You seem to enjoy it... Yes, give me your best effort.
However, you're eating more than I expected. Well, if you're happy don't feel bad.
Right, lets begin the meeting for the feature live right away.
Hm? You're asking what we should do about the pamphlet photography?
...That being said, what do you think about a photoshoot in Paris.
Although I return to Japan occasionally, my current working location is Paris.
In that case, it would make sense to take the off-shots in Paris, and above all, that would allow Shu Itsuki to demonstrate his strengths as an artist.
"I'll check my schedule"?
...You can come to my group exhibitions sneakily with Kagehira, but you can't just reply to my invitation?
Don't worry, I'll act as your guide.
There's no lie in the words that we will create a stage together. This time you'll accompany me until the end.
In order to strike the world as the artist, Shu Itsuki.
snowghoul
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