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Part 1

Chikage I’m home.

Masumi

… *Sigh* Yeah, welcome back.

Chikage

… ?

________________________________

Chikage

Hey, I’m back.

Itaru

Senpai, good job at work. Especially this late into the night.

Chikage

What’s up with Masumi? He was going around looking like the world was about to end.

Itaru

Perceptive as always. That’s cuz director had to go on a trip overseas, which is like a rare limited time event.

Chikage

So that’s why.

I’m going on a business trip the day after tomorrow too, now that I think about it.

Itaru

Wow, talk about a coincidence. Is it gonna be a morning flight? I got a meeting near there, want a ride?

Chikage

Thanks for the offer, but it’s fine. It’s a late-night return flight. I’ll just take a cab.

Itaru

Gotcha.

Izumi

Here we go… Hah. This suitcase is so hard to wheel. Guess cheap stuff are cheap for a reason.

Ah. Chikage-san, you’re back.

Chikage

Yup, I am. That luggage’s pretty huge. You’re going abroad, I hear?

Izumi

Pretty much. I’m getting all ready for it now. It was so sudden so now I’m scrambling all over the place.

You’re really something, Chikage-san. Even when you go on unprompted business trips, you’re always so smart with it. Like you just get it done without a hitch, don’t you?

Chikage

Well, you get used to it. How long’s the trip gonna last?

Izumi

It’s gonna be a 3-day trip at the start of the week.

Chikage Then you’ll be back the same day as me.

Itaru

Director, do you need someone to come pick you up?

Izumi

No, I’m all good. My ETA back is around early evening, so I’ll book an airport limousine bus.

Chikage

You sure are being smart with it.

Izumi

Is that your shot at a compliment?

Chikage

Sure is. Securing a way to-and-fro is important when you’re traveling far.

Izumi

Oh, right. Chikage-san, what do you do to pass time on the plane? I’ve been wondering ‘cause it’s been a while since my last long-haul flight.

Chikage

Not much, really. It’s either I work, or… maybe read a book, I suppose.

Izumi

A book… that sounds great, actually! Maybe I’ll buy something tomorrow.

Itaru If you’re heading there anyway, why not party up with senpai? You two probably got totally different tastes, could be an interesting book trip.

Izumi You’re right… If it’s okay, I’d love to go with you, Chikage-san.

Chikage

Of course. It has to be after work but let’s meet up and go there together. ________________________________

Chikage

So, do you have anything particular in mind, director? Izumi

Hmm… not really. I thought maybe I’d go look for a romance novel.

Chikage

Why a romance novel?

Izumi

Just feels like something that’s easy to get into. How about you, Chikage-san?

Chikage

Hmm… I’d say mystery?

Izumi

You phrase it like a question.

Chikage

I mean… anything works, really… as long as it’s not a romance novel.

Izumi

You say anything works and yet there’s an exception.

Chikage

Not that I can’t read them. But it’s just in our nature to avoid things we’re not good at. You’d wanna avoid investment books or business articles too, right? Izumi

It’s not that I can’t read them either, but… fair point?

Chikage

Exactly.

PART 2

Bookshop owner

If you’re having a hard time picking, why not give this a shot?

Izumi

Um, is this… for gifts?

Bookshop owner

It’s a blind book. The cover’s all hidden under the wrapping paper, so you won’t know the title or synopsis.

You buy and it’s a surprise waiting for you.

Chikage

Hm… you see these overseas often. I didn’t know we had these in Japan too.

But, these blind books don’t even have a single hint or recommendation notes.

Izumi

Hints?

Chikage

As an example, some at least have author names written on them with “For fans of this author.” Or there’d be keywords, or the kinds of mood the content has.

Izumi

Ohh! But yeah, now that you mention it, there’s none of those on these…

Bookshop owner

The only hints you’ll get from my blind books are the book thickness and color of the wrapping paper. I thought that people are more likely to stumble into the kind of books they normally wouldn’t pick this way. Chikage

Talk about a gamble. What’s your move?

Izumi It sounds fun…! I’ll choose from these, I think.

Bookshop owner

Take your time.

Izumi

Oh, since we’re here already, why don’t we pick a book for each other?

Chikage

Now I didn’t say all that about this selection, but… well, it’s not like I had anything in mind anyway, so sure.

Let me take full responsibility on my choice for yours.

________________________________

Chikage

—Director, have you made up your mind?

Izumi

Mhm. How about you, Chikage-san?

Chikage

I have.

Izumi

Okay, let’s do a reveal on a count of three. Ready… go!

Chikage

Blue gradient wrapping… What made you pick this out?

Izumi

It had that mystery novel kinda feel, y’know? And Chikage-san, you picked out a pink and purple gradient for mine. Chikage

Felt like a romance novel vibe. Can’t guarantee what’s inside is gonna match, who knows.

Izumi

Hehe, true. Alright, I’ll go on and pay for this. Thanks for choosing mine!

Chikage

Same here.

Izumi

Ah, oh yeah!

Chikage

There’s more?

Izumi

When we finish these, if we like them, wanna swap? I’m curious about what’s in the one I picked out for you, too.

Chikage

… Sure thing. As long as it isn’t a romance novel, that is.

Izumi

Aww. ________________________________

Chikage

(All right, let’s see what’s in here…)

(The title is “The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name”) (Blue hour… the time after sunset and just before sunrise, when the sky is dyed a deep blue…)

… I see.

(So it’s an anthology series themed around that blue hour.)

(I’ve read some of these before, but it’d be interesting to go back to them with this in mind.)

… Though there are a few autobiographical I-novels mixed in here, they aren’t my kind of thing, but it’s better than a romance novel. *Director, on a different plane.*

Izumi

Oh, wow…! I knew it, Chikage-san!

(A romance fiction anthology, perfect for this stylish and pretty wrapping. But… I wonder what this title means.)

(Right, I’m on Airplane mode. I’ll look it up later, let’s dive into this for now)

PART 3

Chikage

(——I sent my luggage ahead to the dorm, so I’ll just take a cab back.)

(As for tuning in after the trip… It’s already late, I’ll just send a LIME text to Spring Troupe and——)

Izumi

—Ah! Chikage-saaan!

Chikage

… Director? I thought you were back on the evening flight?

Izumi

I was, but my flight got delayed. I arrived just a while ago.

Chikage

It must’ve been rough for you. Welcome home.

Izumi

Ahaha. But I figured since it was gonna be late, you’d probably arrive around the same time. I thought we might as well go back together.

Chikage

I could get behind that. Should we head to the taxi bay, then?

Izumi

Wow… the queue is so long, even this late at night…

Chikage

Looks like other flights were delayed too like yours. Maybe we should’ve summoned Chigasaki regardless of the hour.

Izumi

Should we just join the queue?

Chikage

Hmm…

If we wait a bit, we can take the first train ride of the day. That might actually be faster. Let’s grab some coffee somewhere until then.

Izumi

Sounds like a plan.

Chikage

Hand it over.

Izumi

Huh? Chikage

Your luggage.

Izumi

It’s all good, you have your own bags too… wait, actually, where is your luggage?

Chikage

Had it delivered. Easier that way.

Izumi

Figures, this is your thing.

Chikage

Now you know, so hand it over already. With how you’re wrestling with that suitcase, the first train would’ve gone and went before we even make it to the cafe.

Izumi

I’m not that bad! Ah— Chikage-san, wait up!

________________________________

Izumi

It’s just the two of us in here.

Chikage

Probably because everyone else is waiting for a taxi.

Izumi

Could be, if you hadn’t told me about the first train, I probably would’ve queued too… Speaking of which, did you get to finish the book?

Chikage

Around 80%, but work kept me busier than I thought it would, I couldn’t exactly finish it entirely. Did you?

Izumi Yup! I was completely hooked, read the whole thing.

Chikage

So it must’ve been a romance novel.

Izumi

All thanks to you. You sure know your stuff, Chikage-san!

Chikage

Just a lucky guess.

Izumi Hnn…

Chikage

You can go to sleep if you want, it’s okay.

[ Option 1: I couldn’t ]

Izumi I really couldn’t do that. I’m the one that invited you to come back with me. Chikage … If you’d rather not have me see you asleep, we can get separate cars. Izumi Not that I mind, but… I feel like that would make it harder to sleep.

[ Option 2: Aren’t you tired? ]

Izumi Aren’t you tired, Chikage-san? Chikage Not particularly. I’m used to coming back on late-night flights from overseas trips. Izumi Is that how it is? Chikage Exactly how it is. If I hadn’t run into you, I’d probably be working inside a taxi on the way home.

Chikage

I can just read the rest of the book while you rest.

Izumi

Okay… I’ll take you up on that.

Chikage

Director? I thought you were gonna sleep.

Izumi

I am. But I feel like I’d bother you if I sat next to you, so I’ll be over here.

Chikage

Facing each other feels more distracting, but do as you wish.

Izumi

(…Hm? I can hear someone’s voice)

Chikage ………

Izumi

(It’s Chikage-san, but… maybe it’s because he’s speaking in a foreign language, but his voice sounds different from the usual Chikage-san—)

Chikage

Rise and shine. Are you awake?

Izumi

(There he is… the Chikage-san I know.) (The one from just a moment ago—that must’ve been him in the middle of work he has to keep quiet about.)

Did I sleep for a while?

Chikage

Not too long, but we’re almost at our stop, so it’s best to wake up now.

Izumi

Did you finish the book?

Chikage

Yeah, it’s decent, I suppose. A bunch of dark and moody themes, I don’t think you’d like them, director.

Izumi

Is that so… what’s the title, by the way?

Chikage

Here.

Izumi

“The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name.” Blue Hour?

Chikage

It’s exactly just like now. Night turning into day, day turning to night. That time in-between when light and dark blur together.

Izumi

… It’s kind of like you, Chikage-san.

Chikage

Me?

Izumi

Ah, well… you have a different face when you’re outside MANKAI Company, right? To me, you’re still you no matter what. But… sometimes I wonder which Chikage-san I’m facing.

Chikage

……… Izumi

(Like just earlier, when he was on the phone in a language I don’t recognize…)

Chikage

… I get it. You’re right, that does sound like me.

So, you wanna read it? My book.

Izumi

Mm… only if you read mine in return.

Chikage

“The Gaze of the Venus Belt.”

… Blue hour and Venus belt.* Talk about a match by chance.

Izumi

Do you know what the Venus belt is, Chikage-san?

I wanted to look up the title, but I was so sucked in while reading it that I completely forgot.

I thought I’d figure it out by the time I finished, but the story never described it anywhere.

Chikage

Hm… This kind of thing is more fun when you figure it out yourself.

Izumi

Aww… Okay, I’ll look into it.

Chikage

… Here, it’s dark and can be hard to understand—my Blue Hour.

Izumi

… Then here’s mine, the Venus belt that heals with its warmth and loving affection.

Chikage

Very well said. For someone who doesn’t even know what a Venus belt is.

Izumi

Oh, come on… it’s a romance novel, but please make sure to read it properly! Let’s make a pinky promise.

Chikage

Alright, alright.

Izumi

It’s a promise, okay!

Chikage

More importantly, it’s time to get off now.

Izumi

… Huh? Oh! We’re already at the station! Come on, hurry, Chikage-san!

*Director scurries ahead.*

Chikage

… If I’m the Blue hour, then that might just make you my Venus belt.

Story Clear!

———T/Ns:———

The Belt of Venus is the anti-twilight arch or the soft pink-purple blurry band that appears in the sky opposite the sun during blue hour, which is just above the shadow of the earth. Blue hour and the Venus belt are a joint phenomena that always appear together at dawn and dusk, one dark (Blue Hour) and one glowing warmly above it (Venus Belt.)

*Applause*

Sakuya: Thank you very much!

Izumi: Sakuya-kun was incredible…

Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.

Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.

Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.

Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!

Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.

Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.

Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.

Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.

Citron: Thank you muchly!

Sakuya: —Ah!

Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.

Itaru: GG~.

Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!

Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…

Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today. Sorry, we didn’t let you know sooner.

Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.

Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.

Sakuya: Wait, what!?

Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.

Chikage: I agree.

Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?

Sakuya: Yeah, I am.

Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.

Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?

Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.

Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.

Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.

Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!

Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.

Masumi: Wait. Come with us.

Izumi: Huh?

Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought, too, Director-san.

Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!

Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!

Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san, you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.

Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.

Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.

Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Everyone: Time to dig in!

Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!

Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.

Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.

Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.

Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…

Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?

Citron: Today, it is all Itaru and Chikage’s beet.

Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.

Chikage: You found a good spot.

Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?

Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.

Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.

Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…

Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.

Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.

Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.

Sakuya: Hmm…

Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…

Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?

Itaru: …

Chikage & Citron: …

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Chikage: …

Chikage: That reminds me, isn’t there a place in Hokkaido where the latest-blooming cherry blossoms bloom?

Citron: I know of that place! I want to go see the cherry blossoms there with everyone~!

Sakuya: Huh…?

Itaru: It’s a little early, but why don’t we go there to scout out some cherry blossom viewing spots?

Masumi: I wouldn’t mind that.

Tsuzuru: I’d be up for that too, but… is there room in the budget for that?

Itaru: Ahh, that shouldn’t be a problem. I heard from Winter Troupe that they just covered anything that went over out of their own pockets. We’ll cover whatever goes over.

Chikage: I’m not usually a fan of when you just decide to speak for me on things, but… I was thinking the same thing. Don’t worry about a thing.

Izumi: (Both Itaru-san and Chikage-san seem totally ready to take care of the whole thing!)

Tsuzuru: Well, I think it’s a great idea then. …What do you think, Sakuya?

Tsuzuru: Ah, but it’s not like anything we’ve said is set in stone.

Sakuya: …Are you sure that’s okay?

Itaru: If you’re okay with it, we’re okay with it.

Sakuya: The place I’ve been wanting to go with everyone is… the place where I was born.

Sakuya: The place I went to alone, and where you all came to pick me up. I was thinking that… it’d be nice if we could celebrate there.

Izumi: I think that sounds like a great idea. The main pretense of doing it is for the project, of course, but… make sure you go out there and make some good memories.

Sakuya: Yeah! Thank you so much!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Citron: We are here! Humongous Hokkaido! 

Masumi: So loud.

Tsuzuru: You sure got fired up fast.

Azami: I came along ‘cause I’m the one in charge of doin’ the off-shots, but… really feelin’ like I’m kinda outta place.

Sakuya: You don’t have to be like that! If anything, we should be apologizing to you for making you come along.

Azami: The hell are you apologizin’ for? We all came here to celebrate you today, Sakuya-san.

Azami: I’m gonna be focused on takin’ pics of you, so just have fun like you usually would.

Sakuya: Azami-kun… thank you.

Citron: Azami, I want you to take looooots of pictures of us!

Citron: And I will also take looooots of pictures of you to send to Sakyo.

Azami: You will NOT!

Chikage: Hahaha. It’s hard sticking to just being the photographer, isn’t it?

Azami: You’re the ones who keep makin’ it hard…

Itaru: Sorry for the wait. The rental car’s all ready to go.

Tsuzuru: Thank you. Well, let’s head out.

Sakuya: Yeah!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Car driving*

Sakuya: …

Citron: Are you feeling nostalgic already?

Sakuya: Yeah. But it’s different from last time…

Tsuzuru: I mean, we are all going together this time around.

Masumi: Too crowded.

Azami: I know, right?

Chikage: Haha. But I’m sure Sakuya thinks it’s better this way.

Sakuya: Yeah. Back then, I had made it this far all on my own. I mean, obviously, I knew what I was getting into when I set out on my solo trip, and it was a really great experience.

Sakuya: But now that we’re all able to go together this time… I’m really realizing just how happy that truly makes me. 

Itaru: Yeah.

Masumi: …Yeah.

Chikage: Well, we’ll be there soon.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Wow…!

Sakuya: Amazing… the sky is so starry…

Azami: This really is the same place that was on the postcard you sent us, Sakuya-san.

Azami: So you really sent it from this far away.

Itaru: Whoa, you can really see the stars clearly.

Tsuzuru: I’m pretty sure it rained here yesterday, so maybe that’s why.

Citron: What nice timing. It must have been thanks to Sakuya’s good luck.

Sakuya: —.

Sakuya: (It’s already almost my birthday. And I’m getting to celebrate it with my current precious family this year too.)

Sakuya: (Dad, Mom… Thank you for bringing these people into my life.)

Sakuya: (I really am happy.)

Sakuya: …Ah, right.

Sakuya: (The coin that Chikage-san gave me as a good luck charm before I went on my solo trip.)

Sakuya: (If I hold it up like this, the moonlight reflects off it… It really is super pretty.)

Chikage: …You looked at it like that back then, too, didn’t you?

Sakuya: Yeah. …But unlike back then, I’m not feeling so lonely.

Chikage: I see… I’m glad.

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Azami: …Still can’t believe that you actually came all the way out here on your own, Sakuya-san.

Sakuya: Ahaha… I might’ve been traveling alone back then, but it was still fun in its own way.

Sakuya: But I realized something on that trip.

Sakuya: I really can’t just live alone after all…

Sakuya: Both when I was born and when I was on my trip, I’ve come this far thanks to the support of all of the people watching over me.

Sakuya: They call it a solo trip, but I was never truly alone. I learned that on my trip, too.

*Citron moves closer to Sakuya*

Citron: …That is what it means to be human.

Sakuya: Wah… hehe, yeah.

Sakuya: (The hand Citron-san is patting my head with is so gentle and warm. This warmth is another thing that I wouldn’t know if I were alone.)

Tsuzuru: A person can’t live alone. Just like how even a play can’t exist without an audience.

Masumi: …I agree.

Azami: Kinda unexpected to hear that comin’ from you, Masumi-san.

Masumi: I can’t live without Director.

Tsuzuru: Ugh, yeah, yeah, we get it.

Itaru: That’s our Masumi.

Azami: Y-You just let him get away with that!?

Masumi: …And you guys have been supporting me, too, I guess.

Sakuya: Masumi-kun…!

Citron: You think so too, right, Itaru and Chikage?

Itaru: I mean, I guess so.

Chikage: I won’t deny it.

Azami: …This is sorta makin’ me realize how much I respect you, Sakuya-san.

Azami: You don’t gotta be someone who comes in and takes charge to be a leader.

Azami: You’ve made me realize that there’s also leaders who bring people together just by bein’ there for them like you do, or somethin’ along those lines…

Citron: Ohh, Azami… are you giving him a compliment?

Azami: I mean, yeah, ‘course I am. …And, I dunno, he just really pays attention to the people around him.

Itaru: Looks like we’re getting a sudden Affection UP moment from Azami.

Azami: That said, I do think everyone coddles him a bit too much.

Azami: The Sakuya-san I’ve always known has always seemed a lot more dependable than that—not quite like an older brother, but… I dunno, he’s always just seemed more mature to me for some reason.

Sakuya: Wait, really!?

Masumi: No way.

Citron: Exactly. No matter how old you are, you will always be my son, Sakuya~.

Tsuzuru: Well, I guess it’s about time for us to give that to you.

Sakuya: That?

Tsuzuru: Sakuya.

Everyone: Happy birthday.

Citron: It is a present from us!

Sakuya: Aww… thank you so much!

Sakuya: Can I open it?

Itaru: Have at ‘er.

*Sakuya opens the present*

Sakuya: …! This is…!

Citron: It is a dressing room noren! (1)

Tsuzuru: You’ve been getting asked to do more and more guest performances, and, as Spring Troupe, we’re all really proud of you.

Itaru: But we don’t want you to feel homesick when you’re off giving it your all at other theater companies.

Chikage: And this is so that you can really spread your wings when it comes to acting. So we got you this with that hope in mind.

Sakuya: —.

Chikage: I’m guessing you already know when your next guest performance will be?

Itaru: Feel free to use it then.

Masumi: Ordering it was a pain in the ass, so he’s using it whether he likes it or not.

Tsuzuru: Okay, you didn’t have to put it like that… I mean, I know there was a lot that went into it, but still.

Citron: Ohh, we have put our poor Masumi through too mulch.

Masumi: Much.

Tsuzuru: Your order was pretty detailed, Citron-san~.

Citron: It was a noren for our beloved Sakuya, so I wanted it to be just right!

Sakuya: …I’ll definitely bring it with me. Thank you so, so much!

Citron: Ohh, you must be very happy with your noren. You have hugged it so tightly that it is now all wrinkly!

Itaru: …Alright, should we start heading to the inn?

Chikage: We should. It’ll take us a bit to get from here to there.

Tsuzuru: It’s stuff like this that makes you really feel just how big Hokkaido is.

Citron: I am hungry~!

Masumi: Sleepy.

*They walk away*

Sakuya: Let’s head back, Azami-kun!

Azami: …Y’know, Sakuya-san… you really are loved.

Sakuya: …Yeah, maybe.

Sakuya: If this had been way back when, I would’ve said that wasn’t the case, but now…

Sakuya: I don’t want to dismiss the feelings of the people who say that to me, so I’m trying to see it like that.

Sakuya: I’m sure that my mom and dad feel that way, and all of the people who have been there for me along the way, too.

Sakuya: And that goes for you too, Azami-kun.

Azami: Huh? I’m not…

Sakuya: Ah, umm, maybe it’s not so much love for you… maybe it’s more like a feeling of appreciation…

Azami: …Well, it ain’t like my own dream can come true if I don’t got someone to do makeup on.

Sakuya: Huh?

Azami: I’m sayin’ I appreciate you too…

Sakuya: Ahaha. I guess we’re in the same boat then. Let’s keep this up from now on.

Azami: Yeah.

Azami: (Guess this is just the kinda guy Sakuya-san is.)

Tsuzuru: C’mon, Sakuya, Azami~.

Citron: Hurry up and get in! Masumi is going to fall asleep~.

Azami: Ready to go?

Sakuya: Yeah!

• • •

Notes:

*Applause*

Sakuya: Thank you very much!

Izumi: Sakuya-kun was incredible…

Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.

Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.

Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.

Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!

Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.

Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.

Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.

Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.

Citron: Thank you muchly!

Sakuya: —Ah!

Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.

Itaru: GG~.

Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!

Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…

Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today, Sorry we didn’t let you know sooner.

Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.

Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.

Sakuya: Wait, what!?

Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.

Chikage: I agree.

Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?

Sakuya: Yeah, I am.

Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.

Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?

Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.

Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.

Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.

Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!

Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.

Masumi: Wait. Come with us.

Izumi: Huh?

Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought too, Director-san.

Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!

Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!

Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.

Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.

Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.

Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Everyone: Time to dig in!

Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!

Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.

Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.

Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.

Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…

Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?

Citron: Today’s the day for Itaru and Chikage’s Oguri~. (1)

Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.

Chikage: You found a good spot.

Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?

Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.

Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.

Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…

Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.

Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.

Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.

Sakuya: Hmm…

Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…

Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?

Itaru: …

Chikage & Citron: …

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

Notes:

*Applause*

Sakuya: Thank you very much!

Izumi: Sakuya-kun was incredible…

Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.

Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.

Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.

Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!

Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.

Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.

Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.

Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.

Citron: Thank you muchly!

Sakuya: —Ah!

Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.

Itaru: GG~.

Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!

Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…

Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today, Sorry we didn’t let you know sooner.

Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.

Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.

Sakuya: Wait, what!?

Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.

Chikage: I agree.

Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?

Sakuya: Yeah, I am.

Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.

Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?

Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.

Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.

Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.

Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!

Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.

Masumi: Wait. Come with us.

Izumi: Huh?

Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought too, Director-san.

Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!

Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!

Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.

Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.

Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.

Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Everyone: Time to dig in!

Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!

Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.

Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.

Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.

Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…

Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?

Citron: Today’s the day for Itaru and Chikage’s Oguri~. (1)

Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.

Chikage: You found a good spot.

Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?

Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.

Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.

Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…

Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.

Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.

Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.

Sakuya: Hmm…

Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…

Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?

Itaru: …

Chikage & Citron: …

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

Notes:

Film Club Member: Minagi, do you have a sec?

Tsuzuru: What’s up?

Film Club Member: So, y’know, that film you helped us with before was really well received.

Tsuzuru: Nah, I didn’t really help out that much… but I’m glad.

Film Club Member: Well… I’ve got another favor to ask.

Tsuzuru: You want me to help out with the script for your next project?

Film Club Member: Not quite… we don’t want you to just help out this time. We were wondering if you could write the script for us this time, Minagi.

Tsuzuru: You want me to write the script…?

Film Club Member: Yeah. By the way, the theme this time is—.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: (Urgh… what am I gonna do?)

Taichi: Oh, Tsuzuru-kun?

Tsuzuru: Hey, welcome back, you two.

Tenma: We’re back. Were you working on homework?

Tsuzuru: Nah, the university film club asked me to write the script for their next short film.

Taichi: Wait, seriously!?

Tenma: Oh yeah, you did mention that you’ve helped them out before.

Tsuzuru: Yeah.

Tsuzuru: Thankfully, this time, they just asked me to write the script itself.

Tsuzuru: I took them up on the offer because I figured I’d be able to handle it given the length of a short film.

Tsuzuru: Also, the theme of it is “graduation.”

Tsuzuru: As for the direction of the film, they wanted it to be a bittersweet story centered around graduation…

Tsuzuru: Since I myself am gonna be graduating soon, I thought I’d maybe be able to just express my true feelings as they are right now.

Tenma: Right, I guess you are gonna be graduating pretty soon, huh…

Taichi: We’re gonna be so lonely~...!

Tsuzuru: Honestly, it still doesn’t really feel real to me. But I’m glad that you two feel that way.

Tsuzuru: I thought I’d be pretty lonely when Fushimi-san graduated, but thanks to the two of you enrolling, I got to make even more fun memories.

Taichi: Same here!

Tenma: When we enrolled, knowing that you and Juza-san would be there gave us a nice sense of security.

Tsuzuru: …Oh, right.

Tsuzuru: There’s a part of the short film that I’m kinda lost on, so would you guys mind giving me some advice?

Tsuzuru: As part of their request, the film club asked me to add some heart-fluttering romance stuff to the script, too.

Tsuzuru: And since both of you have starred in dramas, you’ve probably seen scenes like that, and have actually acted in them too, right?

Tsuzuru: Have either of you been in any situations lately where you thought, “This is kinda nice”?

Tenma: Lately, huh…

Tenma: For me, the direction they gave me for a Valentine’s Day commercial I did just a bit ago was to make it heart-fluttering since they wanted the whole commercial to be on that makes your heart pound.

Tsuzuru: Oh yeah, I thought you were pretty cool in that commercial, Tenma.

Taichi: At a shoot I did recently, there was this scene in the drama where an actor I was working with kabedoned his crush!

Tsuzuru: I guess a kabedon would be a pretty standard route to go…

Tenma: And coincidentally being alone in a classroom together after school is a classic too.

Taichi: Don’t forget only having one umbrella and being forced to share it on a rainy day!

Tenma: So basically, it’s all about making the distance close instantly for dramatic effect.

Tsuzuru: Gotcha… asking you guys questions was pretty helpful.

Tenma: I mean, a kabedon does seem like it’d be the most classic and easiest approach.

Taichi: It’s the classic-est of classics!

Tsuzuru: I guess you’ve got a point… If I end up doing that, the key is gonna have to be the lead-up to that scene.

Taichi: Maybe if you actually try doing one, it’ll help you come up with some ideas!

Tenma: Yeah. Thanks to Summer Troupe and the director practicing with me before my commercial shoot, I was able to gradually get the hang of it.

Tsuzuru: A-Actually doing a kabedon… I dunno about that one…

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Tsuzuru: (Thanks to my talk with Tenma and Taichi yesterday, I think I’ve got something good to work with.)

Tsuzuru: (But like they said, if I actually were to try doing it, maybe I’d be able to get some more inspiration…)

Tsuzuru: …

Masumi: …What do you want?

Tsuzuru: …Can I, like, kabedon you real quick for this short film script I’m doing, or…

Masumi: …What? Hell no. Ask someone else.

Tsuzuru: Damn, I knew you’d say that.

Tsuzuru: (Well, I figured Masumi would turn me down… guess I’ve gotta find someone else to ask.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Tsuzuru: …

Omi: Oh, Tsuzuru. I just made some scones, do you want any?

Tsuzuru: Sure, I wouldn’t mind having one.

Kumon: Oh yeah, Tsuzuru-san, you’re writing a script for a short film, right? Tenma-san told me about it!

Juza: Are ya really?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. …But along with the graduation theme, they said they wanted me to include some heart-fluttering romance stuff.

Tsuzuru: When I was talking about it with Tenma and Taichi, they ended up talking about how a kabedon might be a good idea for it.

Kumon: Ooh! That IS a good idea!

Tsuzuru: I figured that maybe I’d be able to get some sort of idea if I were to actually do one for myself, but…

Tsuzuru: When I just asked Masumi just now, he shot me down instantly.

Omi: Haha, that sounds about right.

Kumon: But if that’s what you’re trying to do, wouldn’t it be easier for you to picture kabedoning a girl?

Tsuzuru: That’s gotta be the director then. If there’s a woman who’s easy to ask for help that I’m close to, it’s her…

Juza: If ya just tell her the reason behind it, I’m sure she’ll help ya out.

Tsuzuru: Well… I was thinking the same thing. But if Masumi were to see that…

Kumon: Then just secretly ask her when Masumi-san’s not here!

Tsuzuru: Uegh… Give me a bit to think about it.

Omi: …Regardless, you’re about to graduate soon, aren’t you, Tsuzuru?

Tsuzuru: It still feels like you just graduated the other day, Fushimi-san.

Juza: …In the blink of an eye, huh?

Kumon: I wish I coulda spent more time with you, Tsuzuru-san, AND I wish I coulda been there when Omi-san was there too~.

Tsuzuru: After I graduate, I wanna go to Yosei’s cultural festival with you this time around, Fushimi-san.

Omi: Haha, sure thing. We can go together as alumni.

Kumon: You’ve gotta come, you’ve gotta come!

Juza: We’ll be waitin’.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Knock on door*

Tsuzuru: …

Izumi: Come in.

*Door opens*

Izumi: Ah, Tsuzuru-kun. What’s up?

Tsuzuru: If you don’t mind, I’ve got a favor to ask you…

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

*Door opens*

Tsuzuru: Sorry for making you come all the way to my room… Masumi isn’t here right now, so let’s just do this.

Izumi: There’s no need to be so sneaky about it. It’s for the script, right?

Tsuzuru: Even if you’re not worried about it, I’m still kinda worried about Masumi seeing…

Tsuzuru: And if we went somewhere different, someone else might see.

Izumi: (Maybe this is all part of Tsuzuru-kun’s diligence too…)

Tsuzuru: …Well, if you don’t mind.

Izumi: S-Sure. Go ahead.

*Thud*

Tsuzuru: …

Izumi: —!

Tsuzuru: D-Did I do it right…?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Choose!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 1: I think you did!

Izumi: I think you did! Don’t worry about a thing.

Tsuzuru: R-Really? Isn’t this a bit too close…

Izumi: Being this close is what makes it heart-fluttering.

Tsuzuru: …I’ll be sure to remember this feeling, then.

Option 2: W-What do you think?

Izumi: W-What do you think?

Tsuzuru: It feels off, doesn’t it…?

Izumi: No, that’s not it… I’m not quite sure what the right way to kabedon is…

Tsuzuru: …Same here.

Izumi: (That actually made me a little nervous…)

*Door opens*

Masumi: …What the hell are you doing?

Tsuzuru: Masumi!?

Masumi: …

Tsuzuru: Er… I told you about this earlier. It’s for the short film script.

Tsuzuru: I thought that doing one with a girl would maybe help some ideas come to me, so I was just having the director help me out.

Masumi: Practice on me.

Tsuzuru: I tried to before, but you shot me down!

Masumi: If I had known things would’ve ended up here from the start, I would’ve gone along with it. I would’ve crossdressed if you had asked me to. I would’ve even—.

Tsuzuru: Okay, I get it! My bad!

Izumi: A-Ahaha…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tenma: It’s almost time for the screening to start.

Taichi: I seriously can’t wait to see a short film with one of your scripts, Tsuzuru-kun!

Kumon: I wanna just watch it already~!

Juza: …Same.

Omi: Good work, Tsuzuru.

Izumi: Congrats on finishing it.

Tsuzuru: Director, Fushimi-san, thanks for coming here to see it.

Tsuzuru: And Director, I apologize for all the trouble I caused regarding the kabedon incident…

Tenma: So Masumi caught you, huh?

Tsuzuru: And after that, the rest of Spring Troupe told me that acting all secretive about it actually makes it look even MORE like I’ve got ulterior motives, and I realized that they were completely right.

Omi: I guess your diligence backfired on you.

Juza: …Sounds like it was a real disaster.

Tsuzuru: Well… at least it’s a funny story to look back on.

Tsuzuru: And you truly were a lifesaver, calming Masumi down like that, Director.

Izumi: I wanted to lend you a hand with your script, and I knew that Masumi-kun understood exactly what you needed.

Taichi: Ah, it’s starting!

Tsuzuru: —.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Taichi: …That final reunion scene was so freaking good!

Kumon: I know, right!? It was so touching~!

Tenma: It was really heartbreaking how their love was totally requited, but they kept drifting apart to pursue their own paths.

Juza: With one of ‘em movin’ to the city ‘n the other stayin’ behind, I could really feel the emotions of both of ‘em.

Taichi: And then right when they were about to be separated, IT happened…!

Kumon: Yeah, yeah, and it was…!

Taichi & Kumon: A kabedon…!

Kumon: My heart was totally pounding!

Tenma: I bet that was because it was reflecting the results of when Tsuzuru-san tried it out for himself.

Tsuzuru: No matter how many times you say it, it’s still kinda embarrassing…

Tenma: Haha. But it was also really nice that it showed their reunion. It gave you the sense that they were gonna have a bright future.

Omi: Parting ways, but then meeting again across time is very Tsuzuru.

Izumi: Yeah. What made it more than just heartache was how it was filled with Tsuzuru-kun’s kindness.

Izumi: I’ll never be able to say it enough, but I truly do love your scripts, Tsuzuru-kun.

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Masumi: …Hello, grandma? Sorry I couldn’t answer the phone during the day.

Hatsue: “That’s perfectly alright. I just gave you a call since I had something to tell you. Thank you for calling me back.” “Have you been busy lately?”

Masumi: Yes. I attend seminars from time to time to learn about promotions. That what I was doing today.

Hatsue: “I see. You’re working hard. How is your health?”

Masumi: I’m fine.

Hatsue: “That is good to hear. I am the happiest if you are doing well.” “Also… I know it’s a tad early, but happy birthday. I had originally called you to tell you that.”

Masumi: Thank you, grandma.

Hatsue: “Speaking of birthdays, I wonder if you still remember? It was back we were still living together…” “We went together once to a small amusement park called Zephyr Garden Park to celebrate your birthday.”

Masumi: Zephyr Garden Park?

Hatsue: “Yes. You must have liked it quite a bit since you threw a tantrum when it was time to go home, which was unusual for you.”

Masumi: …Sorry, I don’t really remember.

Hatsue: “That’s alright. You were still small back then, after all.” “But to think that Masumi has now grown up so big and splendidly. Fufu. It makes me so proud.”

-pause-

Masumi: (Zehpyr Garden Park… I have absolutely no recollection of that.) (It must have been when I was still really little. It’s kind of a bummer I couldn’t reminisce about the memory with grandma.)

Izumi: All of the photos came out great.

Citron: Everyone has such great smiles~.

Sakyo: This picture is also really well taken.

Masumi: Director…!

Citron: Masumi, you came at a great time! Let us look at these birthday bromides together~.

Masumi: Birthday bromides? You mean for the birthday project?

Izumi: Yeah. This time, the birthday boy will request something they’d like to do and celebrate together with the rest of their troupe members. Remember? These are the candid shots taken of everyone at their parties.

Sakyo: Since I’m the one in charge of taking the candid photos for you, we were just taking a look at the other guys’ shots for reference.

Masumi: Can we switch…

Sakyo: And I’ve told you over and over again we can’t.

Izumi: On that topic, have you already decided where you want to go for your birthday project, Masumi-kun?

Masumi: No, not yet.

Sakyo: Are you so busy that you forgot to think about it?

Masumi: No. I just can’t think of anywhere I want to go.

Citron: In that case, I will help you pick a place~! We will chooses a fun and happy party venue that is perfect for your birthday, Masumi!

Masumi: It's not like I asked for your help or anything…

Izumi: (I’m sure Masumi-kun's candid birthday shots will also turn out fun and unique.) I can’t wait to see your candid photos, Masumi-kun!

---

*Please read disclaimer on blog

---

Itaru: “—So it seems last time was a huge hit, so we’re going to try out a second ASMR project.”

Masumi: …

Tsuzuru: Masumi, what're you watchi—oh, Itaru-san’s stream?

Masumi: You can tell just by looking.

Tsuzuru: Well, that’s true. …But you’re watching it?

Masumi: …

Tsuzuru: …Oh, are you looking for ideas for MANKAI Channel like you mentioned earlier?

Masumi: Yeah.

Tsuzuru: I see…

Masumi: …What?

Tsuzuru: Nothing, nothing. It’s just when I see you working so hard for the sake of the Company, it makes me feel so…

Masumi: …*Sigh*.

Tsuzuru: Hey, wait, where are you going?

Masumi: You’re too noisy, so I’m going outside to think.

*leaves*

Tsuzuru: Ehh… my bad, I guess…

-pause-

Muku & Guy: …

Masumi: …? (What are they doing?)

Muku: Ah, Masumi-kun!

Guy: Would you like to join as well, Usui?

Masumi: What are those? …Seashells?

Guy: A fisherman I met while I was out fishing said they were beautiful and gave them to me.

Muku: You can hear the sound of the sea when you put one up to your ear. Here. Please give it a try as well, Masumi-kun!

Masumi: … …I guess it kind of sounds like that.

Muku: Right! When I listen to this sound, I feel myself gradually relaxing and growing sleepy…

Guy: It is said that sounds from the environment have a healing effect. That would include the sound of birds chirping, the wind, and the crackle of bonfires.

Masumi: I’m aware. I came across those while I was searching for ASMR videos. (That reminds me, I tried listening to one once and ended up falling asleep.)

Muku: It feels like your mind becomes so much clearer when you’re exposed to the sounds of nature while you’re out camping or travelling.

Guy: Humans originally lived amongst nature, after all. Perhaps we think that way instinctively.

Masumi: (It’s the complete opposite of Itaru’s stream…) (ASMR itself has loads of different genres, so I guess different people find different sounds comforting.) (…I wonder what kind of sounds she would like?) Ah. …Maybe I could make a project out of this.

Muku: Masumi-kun?

Masumi: Thanks for telling me about this. You can have it back.

Muku: Eh? S-Sure…?

-pause-

Masumi: (…I hear someone chopping something from the kitchen.) (It might be her…)

-pause-

Masumi: Director—.

Omi: …Hm? Masumi?

Masumi: Oh, it’s just Omi…

Omi: Haha. Sorry I’m not director. Director had plans today so she’s been out since morning.

Masumi: …I see. (I’ll just ask her what I was going to ask her once she gets back.) …Is that curry?

Omi: That’s right. It’s Director’s request today.

Masumi: I’ll help out.

Omi: That’d be great. Alright, please stir fry the ingredients over here. You take them and… you already know how to do this, don’t you?

Masumi: Yeah.

---

Kazunari: Mo~rnin’!

Azuma: Good morning. It’s a bit warm today, isn’t it?

Homare: It seems to be about four degrees warmer than it was yesterday.

Itaru: Probably don’t need to grab a scarf, then.

Chikage: It gets pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, doesn’t it? 

Muku: Good morning.

Misumi: I wonder what we’re gonna have for breakfast today~?

Kumon: Smells like French toast!

Yuki: French toast, huh? I could go for that.

Sakuya: Good morning.

Izumi: Good mor— huh?

Misumi: I haven’t seen you in your school uniform in forever, Sakuya~!

Muku: Is there a reason why you’re wearing it?

Sakuya: I’m performing in a show that features a different guest performer every day, and this is my costume for it.

Yuki: Ohh, so it’s bring your own costume.

Sakuya: Yeah. I could change at the theater, but the dressing room there is kinda cramped, so I figured I’d just wear it under my coat.

Sakuya: Plus, I haven’t worn it in forever, so I should probably get used to wearing it again.

Muku: It doesn’t look unnatural on you at all.

Yuki: You could head to school like that, and no one would even suspect a thing.

Kazunari: You can totes still get away with being a high schooler!

Sakuya: R-Really…? I don’t know how I should feel about that…

Itaru: Well, you’ve definitely grown up at least a little bit since then, don’t you think?

Azuma: Like the contours of your face, for example.

Izumi: Hey, being able to convincingly play a high school student means that you’ve got range. You should be happy about that. 

Sakuya: That’s a good point… In that case, I’ll take that as a compliment!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: See you later, guys.

Masumi: Bye.

Juza: See ya.

Yuki: It’s a bit crowded in the entrance way, don’t you think?

Muku: There sure are a lot of people here today, aren’t there?

Sakuya: Ah, I’m gonna head out too!

Banri: Oh, then let’s head out together.

Izumi: …It kinda feels like Sakuya-kun’s slipped back in time, doesn’t it?

Sakuya: It kinda does… We all used to wear uniforms, didn’t we?

Banri: Feels like it’s been a century since we all walked to school together.

Masumi: We’ve got a mix of different high schools, though.

Juza: Should I go ‘n get Taichi ‘n Tenma?

Yuki: Don’t bother. They’re probably still sleeping.

Muku: Both of them stayed up late last night because their lectures were canceled this morning.

Sakuya: Ahaha, I feel like we’ve had a conversation like this before. It’s like that time Taichi-kun overslept because he mistakenly thought school was canceled due to the typhoon…

Sakuya: It’s kinda nostalgic.

Izumi: Hehe, this’ll make for a perfect role study, then. Tsuzuru-kun, Citron-kun, and I are coming to see your performance today, so make sure to give it your all, okay?

Sakuya: I will! See you then!

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Actor: “W-Wait! You! The cutie over there… Er, Troy! I need your help!”

Sakuya: “...Troy?”

Actor: “You’re a cute guy! You’re in high school! It’s a reference!” (1)

Sakuya: “Oh~! Gotcha!”

Actor: “Alright! Well then, hurry! After that person!”

Sakuya: “That one in the down coat!?”

Actor: “No, that one in the down coat!”

Sakuya: “Huh!? This one here!?”

Actor: “No, the one over there!”

Sakuya: “Aghh, which— there are too many people wearing down coats…!”

Izumi: (Even though the actors switch out daily, so he’s just performing for today, he really blends in seamlessly.) 

Izumi: (After the conversation we had this morning, I can’t help but remember the first time I saw Sakuya-kun perform at MANKAI Theater…)

Izumi: (Even though he hasn’t visually changed that much since back then, seeing him again now, I’m starting to really realize how much he’s truly grown…)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Thanks for waiting!

Citron: Good work~!

Tsuzuru: Nice job.

Izumi: Your performance was really good.

Citron: Your entrance scene was especially cool! “Hold yer horses there, folks!”

Sakuya: Was that my line…?

Citron: It had that kind of stratosphere!

Tsuzuru: Atmosphere. I thought the sword fight in Act II was particularly impressive.

Sakuya: Thank you so much!

Izumi: While we’re out, why don’t we share our thoughts about it over some dinner? You must be hungry too, right, Sakuya-kun?

Sakuya: I’m starving!

*Notification*

Tsuzuru: Ah, it’s the Spring Troupe LIME chat.

Itaru Chigasaki: Heading home with Senpai now, but if anyone’s free, wanna grab dinner with us?

Citron: What good timing!

Sakuya: We can join them.

Tsuzuru: That leaves Masumi—.

M.U.: I’m heading home now. What are we eating? Curry?

Tsuzuru: Even if we’re eating out, he still chooses curry. Can’t say he isn’t predictable.

Sakuya: Seems like Masumi-kun’s in too.

Tsuzuru: Sakuya’s performance just got done, so he, Citron-san, Director, and I will meet up with you guys.

Itaru Chigasaki: Awesome. What are we gonna eat?

M.U.: Curry.

Tsuzuru: You said that already.

Citron: Sopa or futon woudl be goof!

Chikage Utsuki: Soba or udon.

Chikage Utsuki: What about Chinese? I’m in the mood for something spicy.

Itaru Chigasaki: Fork found in kitchen lol. I’m good with anything as long as there’s fries.

Citron: Everyone is subtracted~.

Izumi: So close, I think you mean divided.

Tsuzuru: Sakuya’s probably the hungriest since he just got done performing, so why don’t we just let him decide?

Citron: That sounds good!

Tsuzuru: What’ll it be, Sakuya?

Sakuya: Hmm…

Sakuya: Ah, what about—.

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Izumi: I think I’ve got everyone’s orders in now.

Izumi: For food, I’ve got anchovy fries, salted cabbage, and garlic shrimp… anything else?

Masumi: Curry-flavored chicken sauté and spring rolls.

Citron: And a final bowl of soba, please!

Izumi: Got it, soba for after the meal.

Chikage: I’ll take kimchi fried rice and cheese dak-galbi, two of each.

Itaru: Change one of those fried rices to mixed vegetable fried rice.

Tsuzuru: Ah, and fried chicken for me, please.

Izumi: Roger that. Alright, I’ll send the order in.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: Well then, to Sakuya-kun’s one-day guest performance. Cheers!

Citron: Cheers~!

Sakuya: Thank you so much! Cheers!

Tsuzuru: But still, I never would’ve thought you’d choose a bar, Sakuya.

Sakuya: Everyone wanted to eat different things, so I figured a bar would be a good choice.

Sakuya: Plus, I remembered that we’ve stopped by here before, after I saw a play with Director and Citron-san. (2)

Citron: Oh yes, I remember that.

Izumi: And it’s a lively place, so it’s perfect for chatting away about what we thought about performances.

Itaru: Well then, how was it?

Tsuzuru: It was really interesting. The high school boy premise worked really well, and the banter was smart and flowed well.

Citron: Both the sword fighting and jokes were pointy as ever!

Chikage: Sharp as ever. It’s a shame that we couldn’t see it.

Izumi: Somehow, it reminded me of the first time I ever saw Sakuya-kun perform. It was really nostalgic and touching.

Sakuya: I’m glad to hear that. But it’s still kinda embarrassing~.

Masumi: Starting tomorrow, I’m wearing my uniform to campus.

Itaru: That’s just called cosplaying, bud.

Masumi: Then I’ll be a high schooler in our next play. Tsuzuru, get on it.

Tsuzuru: I don’t take requests for reasons like that.

Izumi: But now that you mention it, it’s about time for you guys to start getting ready for your twelfth play.

Tsuzuru: Right. Anyone who’s not Masumi, be sure to think about what you want to do for it.

Citron: I have something!

Tsuzuru: What is it?

Citron: An order of sashimi for three, please~! I want to eat lots of fresh seafood until I am full.

Tsuzuru: Not what I was asking…

Sakuya: Ahahaha!

Izumi: Sakuya-kun…?

Sakuya: Ye~ah? 

Izumi: Your face is looking a little red there…

Chikage: He was downing that drink pretty fast.

Itaru: Beer on an empty stomach will do that to you.

Sakuya: You’re always so funny, Citron-san~. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to beat your gags~.

Citron: Just call me the master!

Sakuya: Master Citron~!

Izumi: Seeing Sakuya-kun drunk is still a pretty new experience. Going from just seeing him in his school uniform to this really makes you feel the passage of time, huh…

Chikage: And it’s not just about how he’s gotten older.

Izumi: Yeah…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Zzz…

Tsuzuru: Looks like Sakuya’s out.

Izumi: It’d be a shame to wake him up after he worked so hard.

Chikage: Should we carry him home?

Masumi: Not it.

Itaru: And I’m gonna have to refuse out of fear of messing up my back.

Tsuzuru: So that leaves…

Chikage: Me, Tsuzuru, and—.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Itaru: Our next performance is probably also gonna feel like we’re challenging a new frontier, huh?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. I wonder which direction we should go—.

Sakuya: Nmh—?

Citron: Ooh, are you awake? We are almost home.

Sakuya: —Wait, you’re carrying me!? I’m sorry! Did I fall asleep!?

Citron: Very soundly!

Sakuya: I’m sorry, you can put me down now!

Citron: You have nothing to worry about, so sleep a little longer, okay?

Sakuya: But… aren’t I heavy?

Citron: It is fine! Not a blizzard, nor a typhoon, nor even a strained back could stop me!

Sakuya: That’s really too much, so you can just put me down…

Citron: I am only kidding!

Citron: …I know that you were up late last night preparing for your guest performance today.

Citron: This train is bound for Room 101~ Room 101~. There will be no stops~.

Sakuya: Hehe… Sorry… Thank you… so much…

Citron: You can replay me on stage.

Sakuya: Yeah, I’ll repay you for sure… during our twelfth performance… zzz.

Citron: Sleep well.

• • •

Notes:

(1) Originally, it says “DK” here. “DK” is an abbreviation of “男子高校生” (danshi koukousei) and is slang for a high school-aged guy. I have no clue if the joke lands or not, but I could not come up with an exact English equivalent for the life of me, so turning it into a High School Musical reference is the closest I could get.

Citron: 《Let’s make flowers bloom on the dead trees! Ta~da!》

Woman: 《...What are you doing?》

Citron: —.

Citron: 《Umm… I’m… putting fake cherry blossoms on it. There’s this Japanese picture book called “Hanasaka Jiisan” that’s really interesting…》 (1)

Citron: 《When the old man recites a spell, beautiful pink flowers start blooming all at once.》

Citron: 《So I thought it’d be nice if cherry blossoms could bloom here too…》

Woman: 《...If you were to ask people what the most important part of a tree is, they’d likely answer its fruit. But in reality, it’s the seed.》

Citron: 《Huh…?》

Woman: 《What matters isn’t planting the flowers, it’s nurturing the seeds, Citronia.》

Citron: 《It’s not planting the flowers, it’s…》

Woman: 《—I apologize for saying something pretentious like that. I think it’s wonderful that you’re planting cherry blossoms.》

Woman: 《I’m sorry for interrupting your precious time off. I’ll be going now.》

Citron: 《Ah, you’re leaving already—?》

Citron: …

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: So it’s finally Spring Troupe’s turn to do our twelfth performance!

Itaru: Took long enough.

Tsuzuru: Took long enough, indeed.

Citron: It took too long! I was losing my brain from waiting so long!

Chikage: Don’t you mean ‘losing your mind’— Well, I guess that’s close enough.

Izumi: Spring Troupe has always been the troupe to go first. Winter Troupe felt that way, too, but now we’ve changed that up.

Masumi: Since this is the finale that’s been built up by everyone else’s efforts, we can’t afford to fumble this.

Itaru: Whoa, crazy thing to hear coming from Masumi.

Chikage: Our youngest has grown up so fast.

Masumi: Keep saying old person things like that, and we’re sending you to the retirement home.

Sakuya: But Masumi-kun’s right. We’re last in line for the twelfth performances, so we’ve gotta make sure Spring Troupe’s performance is one that’s worthy of wrapping things up!

Tsuzuru: Should we decide on our lead actor first, and then hear everyone’s preferences and decide on the theme and all that after?

Itaru: That could be good… The theme for this batch of performances is ‘breaking free from the shell,’ right?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. That’s why the other troupes ended up with plays that were different vibes from the ones they usually do.

Itaru: Alright, then, how about we have Spring Troupe’s performance be one that breaks you out of your scriptwriting shell, Tsuzuru?

Tsuzuru: Pardon?

Itaru: You always write the scripts based on the lead’s requests, but it’s not that often that you just get to write what you want to write, Tsuzuru.

Sakuya: That’s a good point. You are part of Spring Troupe, Tsuzuru-kun, so that definitely could be the challenge that we take on!

Tsuzuru: Wait, but, are you sure…?

Citron: I would love to read a work that breaks through Tsuzuru’s skull!

Tsuzuru: Okay, that’s horrifying. Literally just actual horror content.

Chikage: It’s not a bad idea, though, right? It’d undoubtedly be a performance that breaks Spring Troupe out of the shell that we’ve been in up until now.

Masumi: It’d be a challenge for whoever’s lead, too, so I’d say let’s do it.

Izumi: I agree. I think the other troupes each broke out of their shells in their own way, and this would be the perfect way for Spring Troupe.

Tsuzuru: Thanks. Well… I’ll write up a rough outline first, and then we’ll refine it based on the lead’s requests later.

Chikage: So you are still taking requests then?

Tsuzuru: Stories written from the heart are just part of who I truly am, so that’s not something I’m gonna compromise on.

Itaru: Nice. That’s our Tsuzuru Minagi.

Izumi: Good luck, Tsuzuru-kun.

Sakuya: I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Citron: Keep on breaking through to hell!

Tsuzuru: I will NOT be doing that.

Izumi: Alright, next up is the schedule—.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: That should be it for what we needed to discuss for today, so let’s end things here. Good work, guys.

Sakuya: Good work, everyone!

*Phone buzzes*

Chikage: Citron, was that your phone?

Citron: It was.

*Beep*

Citron: 《Hello…》

Masumi: Director, I’m going to make tea. Do you want some?

Izumi: Thanks. I’ll help. Anyone else want some?

Itaru: If you’re offering.

Sakuya: I’ll take some too!

Citron: 《—Yes, could you wait a moment? I’m going to move somewhere else.》

Izumi: Would you like some tea too, Citron-kun?

Citron: This may take a while, so I am okay. I must also be a model corporeal slave.

Itaru: Corporate slave.

Citron: 《At the previous meeting, we—... the cherry blossoms—...》

*Door closes*

Tsuzuru: Seems like he’s pretty busy.

Masumi: He seemed kinda serious.

Sakuya: It… kinda sounded like he mentioned “cherry blossoms” on the phone…

Chikage: He did.

Izumi: Cherry blossoms?

Tsuzuru: There’s no way he’s planning a cherry blossom viewing… right?

Itaru: That wasn’t the vibe I was getting.

Masumi: And it’s nowhere near cherry blossom viewing season.

Sakuya: …

[ 🌸 ] [ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

Notes:

Other Theater Troupe Member A: Good work with the finale!

Sakuya: Good work to you, too! Thank you so much for inviting me to do another guest performance!

Other Theater Troupe Member A: No, thank you. We were glad to have you, Sakuya-kun.

Other Theater Troupe Member B: Ah, do you have a moment, Sakuya-kun? Sakuya: Sure thing!

Other Theater Troupe Member B: This is Sakuragi-san, the owner of Jewelry Sakuragi. She lent us a hand with the props this time around.

Sakuragi: Hello.

Sakuya: Whoa, you’re the one who lent us an actual ring…!?

Sakuya: When I heard we were borrowing a real ring, I was pretty worried about scratching it. Did I do everything okay?

Sakuragi: Absolutely, there wasn’t a single scratch on it. I’m honored that you were the one to wear it, Sakuya-kun… Er, sorry, Sakuma-san.

Other Theater Troupe Member B: Actually, the backstage crew was originally in charge of making us a ring.

Other Theater Troupe Member B: But then one of the staff members said they had connections through an acquaintance. And that acquaintance was Sakuragi-san.

Sakuragi: When I saw your name, Sakuma-san, on the flyer they showed me, I just had to offer my help.

Sakuya: Really? But what did my name have to do with it…?

Other Theater Troupe Member B: Sakuragi-san has been a fan of yours since Spring Troupe’s debut performance.

Sakuya: Whoa! Since our debut performance…! Aww, I’m really glad! Thank you so much for supporting me all this time!

Sakuragi: N-No, it’s nothing, really…!

Other Theater Troupe Member B: Alright, Sakuragi-san, why don’t you get to asking what you really wanted to ask?

Sakuragi: R-Right. So, we’re planning on launching a new brand that takes on a more casual style called “Bella Mille” soon. (1)

Sakuragi: And I’d love it if you could be the ambassador for that brand, Sakuma-san.

Sakuya: Huh!? M-Me?

Sakuya: I’d be happy to, but are you sure you want someone who has no knowledge of jewelry like me taking on such a big role…?

Sakuragi: Don’t worry about that at all! The brand is targeted at people who are wearing jewelry for the first time…

Sakuragi: And besides, I’d love for more people to learn about you through promotions and advertisements, Sakuma-san.

Sakuya: …Thank you so much. Is it okay if I take some time to think about it?

Sakuragi: Of course. Take as much time as you need.

Sakuya: Got it. I’ll think it over carefully and get back to you!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: —and that’s what happened.

Citron: That is amazing, Sakuya!

Tsuzuru: Seriously, who would’ve thought that a guest performance could lead to getting an offer like that…

Itaru: I mean, if I got the chance to work with my top oshi of all time, I’d definitely take it.

Chikage: It might be able to indirectly promote the company, so it doesn’t seem like that bad of an idea. What does our resident PR manager think?

Masumi: Sounds good. It’s not like Spring Troupe has a performance going on right now or anything.

Izumi: Have you heard anything about the specific job duties and schedule?

Sakuya: I have. Apparently, it’s a contract that lasts about one to two months, and requires only a few days of photoshoots and collaborating with them on social media promotions for new products.

Izumi: That doesn’t seem like too much of an issue. If it’s fine with you, I think you should give it a shot, Sakuya-kun.

Sakuya: Actually, I was kinda hoping to give it a try. I’ll go and reply to Sakuragi-san right away!

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

*Shop bell rings*

Sakuya: I’ll do my best today!

Sakuragi: Same here. Well, let’s get started.

Sakuya: Whoa…!

Sakuya: (All of this jewelry is incredible… I haven’t even put any of it on yet, and I’m already feeling nervous.)

Staff: I know it’s sudden, but would you mind taking off your tie and putting this necklace on?

Sakuya: Sure thing!

*Fabric rustles*

Sakuya: Like this…? Please let me know if anything looks weird.

Sakuragi: Nope, everything looks perfect!

Sakuragi: We’re doing promotional photos for our website today, so we’re planning on taking pictures of several of our more expensive jewelry pieces too, but…

Sakuragi: Like I said the other day, this new brand is emphasizing casualness, so I’d like to focus on taking pictures of our more affordable jewelry pieces.

Sakuya: Understood!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Camera clicks*

Photographer: Hmm, your expression is a little stiff.

Sakuya: I’m sorry…!

Photographer: Don’t worry, I know how you feel. You can’t help but get nervous as soon as it’s mentioned that this is expensive jewelry~.

Sakuya: Yeah…

Sakuya: (That is part of it, but… I think I just haven’t figured out how to properly show off jewelry.) 

Sakuragi: Um! Maybe you’d be more natural and relaxed if you thought of it as being like showing off a costume for a new performance to your fans.

Sakuya: !

Sakuya: (I get it… The pictures just need to be taken in a way that makes people want to come to the store to see this jewelry.)

Sakuya: I’ll give it another go!

Sakuya: —.

Photographer: There, that’s perfect! Keep that expression for the next couple of pictures!

*Camera clicks several times*

Sakuya: …How was that?

Sakuragi: That was the best! All of your fans will definitely be overjoyed to see a new side of you, Sakuma-san!

Sakuya: I’m glad…! Thank you so much for the wonderful advice!

Sakuragi: N-No, it’s nothing, really… Alright, let’s swap out the jewelry and take some different shots.

Sakuragi: After the photoshoot, I’ll tell you a little bit about our jewelry, and then we’ll move on to the interview.

Sakuya: Understood!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuragi: —Well, that’s it for today. Good work!

Sakuya: Good work to you, too!

Sakuya: Umm, I’m sorry that things got so serious at the end there.

Sakuragi: No, it’s not a problem at all! Actually, I was honored that you took the time to tell me so much about Bella Mille’s charm in such a short time.

Sakuya: That’s all thanks to you and everyone else here, Sakuragi-san.

Sakuragi: Huh?

Sakuya: I’m kinda repeating what I said in the interview, but…

Sakuya: I was really nervous to wear jewelry like this at first. But then everyone went out of their way to pick out all sorts of things for me…

Sakuya: And it was a little bit embarrassing, but seeing myself in a different light felt refreshing… That’s when I realized.

Sakuya: Some people probably feel the same excitement and joy of encountering a new world with jewelry, just like I do with theater. 

Sakuya: Once I realized that, I wanted to help spread the word about the charm of Bella Mille jewelry…

Sakuya: So I ended up getting kinda carried away during the interview.

Sakuragi: To hear you say something like that, Sakuya-kun…

Sakuragi: I’ll be sure to spread the word about all of your charm to the whole world, just like you spread the word about the beauty of our jewelry, Sakuya-kun…!! (2)

Sakuya: Ahaha, I’m honored!

Sakuya: Um, this might be a bit out of line, but I’ve got a suggestion…

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Izumi: Three, two, one…

Sakuya: Hello, everyone! I’m MANKAI Company’s Sakuya Sakuma!

Sakuya: Sorry if I startled you with this sudden Inste Live. I’ve got an announcement for you all today.

Sakuya: I’ve been appointed as an ambassador for the new brand being launched by Jewelry Sakuragi “Bella Mille”!

Company Fan A: “Congrats~!!”

Sakuya: Though, those of you who love jewelry might’ve already been aware of that from their official website or social media…

Company Fan B: “I’ve already been eyeing up the second line of my favorite brand!”

Sakuya: Whoa, lots of you guys were already aware of it, huh? Thank you so much!

Sakuya: By chance, I’ve been given the opportunity to work with “Bella Mille” for one special day only!

Sakuya: If you can, I’d love for you to come and see me!

Company Fan C: “We get to experience being served as a customer by Sakuya-kun!?”

Company Fan D: “I’d better take off from work.”

Izumi: (There’s a lot of hype right now, but it’s almost time to wrap things up. I’d better give him the signal…)

Sakuya: Ah! Umm, one last thing—.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Choose!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 1: A few words about the appeal of jewelry.

Sakuya: So, about the appeal of jewelry… I’m sure that you’ve all got lots of things that you love, things that get you excited.

Sakuya: If you’re able to find that in your favorite jewelry, I’m sure that it gives you just a little bit more confidence in yourself…

Sakuya: I think the fact that jewelry can become an item like that is what makes it so appealing!

Option 2: Introduce recommendations.

Sakuya: What I’d recommend… A little while back, I got the chance to wear one of Jewelry Sakuragi’s rings for a guest performance.

Sakuya: Variations of that one are also going to be released as part of “Bella Mille,” so I’d recommend those.

Sakuya: I’ll post the official link for them for you guys after this!

Sakuya: Whether it’s something you wanna pick up and try or something you wanna choose as a little treat for yourself…

Sakuya: To make your day wonderful like that, please do come and stop by! This has been MANKAI Company’s Sakuya Sakuma, and that’s all for now!

Izumi: (Sakuya-kun really is the perfect ambassador!)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Welcome!

Company Fan A: We saw your Inste Live!

Company Fan B: We want to see what jewelry you’d recommend…

Sakuya: Thank you so much! I’ll lead the way!

Company Fan C: Even the lower-priced designs are still super stylish!

Company Fan D: This ring is so Sakuya-kun-core!

Sakuya: (Everyone looks like they’re having fun. It seems like there isn’t anyone troubled or in need of assistance.)

Middle-Aged Woman A: Oh… Are you the ambassador?

Sakuya: Yes! I’m Sakuya Sakuma! Are you looking for something in particular?

Middle-Aged Woman B: We came to look at that jewelry you were wearing on the website. Where might we be able to look at that?

Sakuya: It’s just over here. Let me show you!

Middle-Aged Woman B: Your interview was really lovely. I just had to have this jewelry after seeing it.

Sakuya: Really? I’m glad!

Middle-Aged Woman A: Ah, right here. That’s the jewelry you were wearing on the website. You’re some sort of actor, aren’t you?

Sakuya: I do theater at a theater company called MANKAI Company.

Middle-Aged Woman B: Oh, we might just have to come and see you sometime. We’re already fans, after all. I suppose I’ll wear this jewelry when we eventually do.

Middle-Aged Woman A: What a wonderful idea. May we buy this jewelry? 

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Middle-Aged Woman A: Fufu, this was a wonderful shopping trip.

Middle-Aged Woman B: Keep doing your best at work. We’ll be coming by your theater next time.

Sakuya: Thank you so much!

*Shop bell rings*

Sakuragi: We’ve done it, Sakuma-san! You’ve gained even more fans in no time!

Sakuya: I-It’s a little embarrassing when you put it like that…

Sakuya: (But by getting to serve customers like this, I feel like I was able to convey the appeal of “Bella Mille” even more effectively to people of all ages.) 

Sakuya: (...I really am glad that I decided to accept this request from Sakuragi-san. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have gotten to see this many smiles.)

Sakuragi: Sakuma-san?

Sakuya: No, it’s nothing!

Sakuya: Ah, it looks like another customer has come by. Let’s go and convey our excitement to them together!

Sakuragi: Yeah…!

• • •

Notes:

(1) I consulted an Italian-speaking friend, and they told me it doesn’t seem to be referencing anything in particular, but bella mille means “beautiful/pretty thousand” in Italian.

Omi: I just grabbed the shimeji and maitake mushrooms. And then the eggplant, pumpkin, and one kilogram of chicken breast…

Sakuya: The director’s in charge of dinner tonight, right? So that means we’re having…

Omi: Yep, autumn vegetable curry with plenty of mushrooms.

Omi: …Alright. We’ve got all the ingredients she asked for in the basket. Is there anything else you were looking to get?

Sakuya: Oh, right, there were some seasonal sweets that some of the moms at the daycare recommended to me.

Sakuya: Can I go get some of them while we’re here?

Omi: Of course.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Ah, here!

Omi: Pie made with chestnut cream, huh… That is pretty fitting for autumn.

Sakuya: Since we’re here, I might as well get at least two.

Kid A: Do they have it~?

Sakuya: ?

Kid B: Nope. Onto the next store~.

Kid C: Maybe that big shopping center over there has it? Let’s go ask Papa if he’ll take us there—...

Sakuya: …Some kinda popular sweet that sells out a lot? 

Omi: Seems like it.

Sakuya: I wonder if it’s also some sorta seasonal sweet…?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: Guys~, dinner’s ready, so if you’re eating, come and get your plates ready~.

Sakuya: I’ll help! Umm, who’s all here right now…?

Tsuzuru: All of Spring Troupe is… except for Citron-san.

Tenma: Same goes for us, minus Kazunari.

Azuma: Right, it seemed like there was something they wanted to buy, so those two have been out together since this afternoon. 

Guy: That’s true, they did mention something about candy…

*Door opens*

Kazunari: We’re back~...

Citron: We are home…

Izumi: Ah, welcome back, you two.

Tsuzuru: Seems like you guys are kinda down. Did something happen?

Kazunari: You ever heard of “Don’t F*** With Me”?

Sakuya: Don’t eff with me…?

Itaru: Yeah, Banri says it all the time.

Banri: I do not.

Chikage: You don’t? I was thinking the same thing.

Banri: Hey.

Banri: But yeah, you’re talkin’ about that, right? The candy that’s been trendin’ in videos?

Izumi: Candy?

Banri: Y’ever heard of a candy called “Don’t F*** With Me”? It’s been goin’ viral on video sites like TikTak.

Kazunari: The weird name has been gaining tons of attention, but the real reason it’s been doing numbers is because of something completely different…

Citron: It is also known as the “Get Rich Quick Candy”!

Izumi: That sure is quite the second name for it…

Kazunari: The wrappers have prizes in them, and the grand prizes are things like luxury cruises or high-end appliances.

Citron: They are ultra-luxury prizes!

Izumi: And those are prizes from some candy…?

Tsuzuru: Those sound a little TOO luxury for what it is…

Kazunari: Anyway, posting unboxing vids online is like the thing nowadays.

Kazunari: But it seems like it’s selling out everywhere because of how explosively popular it is…

Citron: We tried going around to many shops, but in the end, we could not find any…

Sakuya: (Could that be what those kids at the supermarket were looking for…?)

Citron: At this point, we have no choice but to activate the power of adults… No, the power of the royal family! 

Tsuzuru: What!?

Masumi: For something like that…

Itaru: Damn, he’s pulling out the royal family bit.

Itaru: But now that you mention it, I’m pretty sure our company used to handle that product.

Chikage: Yeah, now that you mention it, I think I remember hearing about it before.

Itaru: Can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to get you some, but I might be able to get my hands on the restocking info for you.

Kazunari: For realsies!? Like, actually for realsies!?

Citron: Ooh, elite office worker powers, activate!

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Kazunari: There it is~!

Citron: Way to go, elite office worker information!

Sakuya: I’m glad we found them!

Kazunari: It seems like you can only get ten per person, though…

Citron: I will buy ten, of course!

Kazunari: Same here! What about you, SakuSaku?

Sakuya: Well, since we’re here, I might as well also get ten of them for the kids at the daycare.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: Alrighty, let’s get to shooting this unboxing vid ♪ And, action—.

*Beep*

Kazunari: What’s up, guys!? MANKAI Company here! We’ve got twenty “Don’t F*** With Me”s here, so let’s get right to opening them!

Citron: It is my turn first!

Citron: The first one is… nothing!

Kazunari: Damn!

Citron: Let us keep opening them~!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Citron: This is it. My heart is racing…!

Kazunari: Last one! Hey, hey, can’t you like, totally see some text on this one!?

Citron: Have we gotten it at last!?

Kazunari: And it’s…!

Kazunari: Ah… damn. Twenty whole pieces and we struck out on all of them~.

Citron: We will have to go out on yet another quest for candy…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: So in the end, we didn’t win a single thing~.

Citron: How sad! I wanted to go on a luxury cruise…

Sakuya: That’s really too bad…

Kazunari: Do you wanna open one too, SakuSaku? Ah, but you said you wanted to give ‘em to the daycare kids, right?

Sakuya: Yeah. …But since we’re here, I guess I can try opening just one of them.

Kazunari: Opening just one of them could make for a pretty interesting vid on its own!

Citron: And since it is you, Sakuya, you could possibly win the grand prize on your first try!

Sakuya: I-I’ll try my best!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: S-Spring Troupe’s Sakuya Sakuma here! Umm… I wanna try opening just one of these “Don’t F*** With Me”s!

Sakuya: …

Sakuya: …Ah, there’s something written on it…

Sakuya: “Well, damn, a top prize. Nice going, pal.”…?

Kazunari: WHAT!? Did you seriously just solo-yolo it!!?

Citron: That is our Sakuya… a super strong master of luck…!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Customer A: Hey, that’s the guy who the insane eff candy pull!

Customer B: That really was something~.

Izumi: …Seems like you’re the talk of the town after that unboxing video, Sakuya-kun.

Sakuya: I never would’ve thought that’d become such a big thing…

Izumi: “Don’t F*** With Me” is pretty incredible, isn’t it?

Sakuya: Ahaha, it’s kinda embarrassing, though.

Izumi: Well, things should calm down soon enough.

Sakuya: But at least the daycare teachers were happy with the brand new cordless vacuum cleaner I won as a top prize…

Sakuya: And above all, I’m glad it was some good publicity for the company!

Izumi: Yeah. Everyone was pretty happy, and—.

*Ping*

Izumi: Ah, it’s a LIME message. 

Sakuya: It’s in the whole company group chat.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakyo Furuichi: If you find any Don’t F*** With Mes, buy them immediately and share your location.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: …Well, figures that would happen.

Sakuya: I’ll do my best to get another super lucky pull!

Izumi: You’re being way too optimistic…!

• • •

Notes: