Chei

Side: Fantome Iris

[Fantome Iris live]

???: Tonight, I shall grant upon you all, the pleasure of submission…

???: Now come, praise my being. Submit and offer the very proof of your existence; the red blood that flows within you, to me !

HARU: Don’t think you’re all getting home safe and sound tonight !

ZACK: We’ll drive you to the brink of ******** ! Gyah-ha–!

D: The evening banquet is upon us

LIGHT: Let us begin, my Lord

???: Feel the reverence and awe you hold within! My followers, shout our name! 

???: We are…. 「Fantome Iris」!

—-------

–[After the live]--

Fan A: Hah~~ The live was so good ~!

Fan B: Don’t you feel like FELIX-sama’s air has kinda changed recently ?

Fan A: Yeah, but thats what makes it so good !

Fan B: Really? Well.. I kinda liked the previous gentleman schtick FELIX-sama a bit more…

Mashu: ….

–---------------

[Dreadnought Records office]

–[A few days after the live]--

Tomoru: Thank you for finding time to meet me despite being so busy

Mashu: No problem. Since I also had something to discuss with you as well

Mashu: I want you to explain the new song situation for the 「Sales Ranking Game」

Tomoru: …It’s currently in the works

Mashu: Is that so

Mashu: Normally, the song’s concept is decided by your vocalist Felix no

Mashu: I watched your live the other day… it seems like his whole atmosphere took quite a turn

Mashu: Suffice to ask but, is everything doing fine?

Tomoru: ……actually–

– —

Tomoru: –is how it stands. Since his return from France, he’s been a bit uneasy…

Tomoru: Of course, the song creation is continuing on, but there’s a rift in the band in regards to the direction of it as of now

Mashu: I see

Tomoru: So erm, I was wondering what to do… um, I’ll follow any kind of instructions given out

Mashu: Up to you.

Tomoru: Pardon?

Mashu: I’m saying that I’ll leave this up to you

Mashu: For comparison, unlike the GYROAXIA that revolves around Asahi Nayuta, Fantome Iris follows a different path

Mashu: Is what I believe

Mashu: …Time is almost up. I’ll request a progress update on a later date 

–--------------

[Street]

Tomoru: (hm… up to us huh…)

Tomoru: (Maybe the reason Mashu-san said that was because he didn’t think it was best to move forward on another’s orders…)

Tomoru: (... to make me think for myself)

Tomoru: (But I’m sure Mashu-san would have been able to make a better decision than me..)

Tomoru: Gosh I’m in trouble… what to do…

------

[Sharehouse]

Tomoru: Hah….

Jun: Ah, welcome back Tomoru

Tomoru: I’m back. Were you perhaps discussing something?

Daimon: No, we just happened to get together like this. I’ll go prepare the food

Tomoru: Thank you

Tomoru: …and Feli-san?

Koharu: He’s in his room

Tomoru: Is he still, just like that..

Koharu: Yeah. 「Wait with patience until I grant you an order」 and stuff

Jun: hUeUe… I have a feeling that whatever song Felix-san puts together is gonna be some jumbled crazed arrangement…!

Koharu: Me too… But, I guess we don’t have another choice other than letting him be

Koharu: For now, it seems like most of the followers have been accepting of this change but still…

Jun: It’s a long way ahead… wait no, this is more like misfortunes that never come alone ? or maybe adding salt to an open wound?

Koharu: We’re having a tough time as is, but from the looks of it, the other bands are in their own pile of problems.. Gotta hope this isn’t gonna be a repeat of LRFes

Tomoru: Did something happen with the other bands as well?

Koharu: You didn’t hear? Apparently Argona’s leader’s household mess got out and fans are runnin’ amuck

Tomoru: Wha–!

–

Tomoru: You’re right… I didn’t even notice this

Tomoru: (Goryo-kun’s having a really hard time huh… oh, was the thing he mentioned last time, regarding this?)

Tomoru: (...wait, this really isn’t the time to be worrying about others either though…)

Tomoru: (Since I gave Goryo-kun advice, it’d be lame if I wasn’t more stable on my end either..)

Side: Argonavis

--[Sharehouse]--

Yuuto: I have something to do with Furusawa-san so, I’ll be off

Ren: okay, get there safely

--[Yuuto walks off]--

Ren: I wonder if Yuuto is really..okay…

--[Door opens]--

Banri: Oh, did Yuuto-kun already take off?

Ren: He said he was meeting up with Furusawa-san

Banri: I see.. With the live promotion and the other projects, seems he’s been getting a lot busier.. I’m a little worried

Ren: yeah… did, you also see it?

Banri: The online stuff? Of course. Since it was our prefectural news it didn’t take flight, but it seems like a bunch of our fans have starting picking it up

Banri: While it stated that there was an investigation into if its true or not, of course the fans are also worried

Ren: because it seems that there have been some people trying to bring it up during our recent interviews…

Ren: and that Furusawa-san and the staff have been handling that…

Banri: You got that from Wataru-kun right? Same here

Banri: Seems like the decision was to just not respond to it, and pretend like none of that happened, to prevent any further spreading and stuff

Ren: ….i see

Ren: If it was the previous versions of us, we could've been able to just speak to our fans directly and quell their worries… 

Banri: Isn’t that one of the differences… between being indie and being pro…

Ren: yeah, same here but even so… is this really for the best…

Ren: There are also people who are saying 「They’d say something in the past! 」or 「They’d tell us!」so…

Ren: and theres…

Banri: …Ren-kun..?

Ren: Ah, no. It’s nothing. I think I’ll continue my uni report until tonight’s practice instead

Banri: Sure… I hope you’re also not overthinking it either kay

Ren: Thanks

[Ren walks off]

Banri: I wonder if Ren-kun is really…okay..

Banri: (I’d hope he won’t be bothered by all the stuff said online.. but still..)

—----------

--[Studio]--

Yuuto: ….’kay, let’s leave it at this for today

Yuuto: Can I have your attention, before we clean up, go back and all that

Ren: What’s wrong?

Yuuto: …y’know, with all the recent stuff from my side causing a ruckus and all, sorry. I know there’s also a lot of stuff written online too but it’s all hearsay and stuff and….

Wataru: You don’t need to apologize for that. We’re just wondering if… there was anything we could… do

Banri: Yeah yeah. We’re teammates right? In times like this, we’ll be a helping hand so reach out kay

Yuuto: Thanks for that. But I’m doing fine, plus I don’t want to cause anymore trouble so I’ll.. I’ll find a way to deal with it !

Rio: You’ll find a way… seriously, Goryo, you–

Yuuto: No, I just wanted to apologize face to face with everyone… thanks for hearing me out guys !

Ren: ah, y-yeah…

--[Street]--

Ren: hah….

Wataru: Ren, what’s wrong? Did the practice tire you out?

Ren: No that's not it

Wataru: It’s really helpful that the label’s doing all the work for live promotion isn’t it

Ren: yeah…

Wataru: Is the stuff online, still bothering you?

Wataru: Because of Yuu’s stuff, the fans are jumping to their own conclusions, and I’ve seen a few spats here and there too

Ren: yeah, I’m worried… about Yuuto, and also about our fans…

–--------------------

--[Park]--

Yuuto: ….hah–

???: Hah…

Yuuto: Hm? Huh? Wait… Kurokawa-san…?

Tomoru: Goryo-kun. Hold on, were you guys from around this area or ?

Yuuto: Ah no, I just took a detour when walking home. Rather, were you guys from around this area, Kurokawa-san?

Tomoru: Nope, I just decided to stop by here on the way back from work. What a coincidence

Tomoru: That was a pretty heavy sigh you did, did something happen? If you’re okay with it, maybe I could be of help

Yuuto: Really? Well so.. actually…

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

Tomoru: I see… Well, even if you’re always together, there are also times you disagree. I get it

Yuuto: I… I wasn’t sure how much I could even tell them

Yuuto: I was under the impression that I shouldn’t involve the other members in my personal problems… but now, I’ve started to think that maybe… I should discuss it with them

Tomoru: …yet, you can’t bring yourself to tell them?

Yuuto: Yes. Like I missed the timing and if I do now, they’ll be like 「Why now then?」

Yuuto: haha… I’m sounding really pathetic aren’t I…

Tomoru: Well, you’re thinking of telling them right?

Yuuto: …yes

Tomoru: Then, how about setting a 「If I do this, I’ll tell them」sort of counter for yourself

Tomoru: If there isn’t a right timing to do something, you should create that timing

Tomoru: ….I mean, it wasn’t very meaningful advise that I gave so uh

Yuuto: No, thank you so much. I’ll try that

Yuuto: I’m sorry for having you hear me out when you’re so busy... but, Kurosawa-san... your sigh was for…

Tomoru: Don’t mind it too much. I’m sure that other guys are still waiting for when you’ll tell them so

Yuuto: …thats.. true. Thank you so much

--[Yuuto walks off]--

Tomoru: Despite not being in a position to do so, I tried to play it cool…

Side: Fantome Iris

A few days ago

[Right after Felix returned from France]

Felix: Recently, memories of my father have begun popping up again

Felix: This pendant that I received from my brother in France.. was something that was inherited from my father if I recall…

—Flashback — [France]

Gilbert: It’s relieving that uncle had recovered without much hassle. Apologies for sudden calling you over

Felix: No, rather thank you for telling me. After all, I owe a lot to him too

Felix: So, what was it you wanted to discuss?

Gilbert: When I was cleaning up our home, I actually found this..

Felix: This is… a pendant?

Gilbert: Does it ring a bell for you ?

Felix: …is this…father’s?

Gilbert: Yeah. Wrapped in a piece of paper writing 「 To the descendants of my lineage  」…

Gilbert: A fittingly grandiose calling from him

Gilbert: If you’re up to it, would you like to keep hold of this

Gilbert: I’m not forcing you to accept it. Especially since to you, these memories are all bitter and cold

Felix: …no, it’s fine, I’ll keep it

Gilbert:  It’s your boarding time soon right

Felix: Yes, I’m sorry for not being able to stay for too long

Gilbert: No. You can’t afford to have a gap in lives after all. Make sure to make all your fans who enjoy your music happy.

Gilbert: Since I’m one of those fans as well

Gilbert: Felix, don’t push yourself okay. Take care of your body, and treasure your friends

Felix: I know that already, Gil. Then, see you

—End of flashback—

Felix: (Descendants, huh…. )

Felix: (In the past, my father had placed much pride in the Mont d’or family that held a long sense of history in France)

Felix: (As we transferred into the modern era, our name lost its noble standing, and it seems he had a strong push to restore our family name to its former glory, is what my brother had said)

Felix: (He wished to follow in the footsteps of our predecessors; where those of the Mont d’or family were known to be vampires)

Felix: (My father who was relatively wealthy, brought in shady business practices and dealings in an attempt bring back reputation and create connections)

Felix: (Truly.. such as how a vampire drains a human’s blood)

Felix: In the past.. I used to hate how being his son granted me a title「The vampire’s son」

Felix: (A pendant with a mirror pendant… What was the reason that this was left for me.. )

Felix: (Were you trying to say that this son of yours would walk down the same path as you)

Felix: I will… never become like you 

???: To think so is not a fault of yours. However, one must also acknowledge it’s temptation

???: The same blood of mine runs through your veins. Regardless of how much you loathe me, you are unable to run from my grasp

Felix: you’re wrong…

Felix: (10 years have already gone by since his passing… why now of all times…)

???: (Surely you know the answer?)

???: (I am not your father. But rather, I am you. The you who continuously chose to look away, the other ‘bastard’ in you.)

???: (When you were in a state of frustration, when you were in a state of suffering, it was I that helped you)

Felix: (What do you…!)

???: (Whenever you begun to stray from your ideals, burdened with troubles, I would take care of them in your stead)

???: (Is that not why you constantly stand to create what you truly desire?)

???: (It’s the same as now.)

???: (Hand it over to me, as I can truly shape it into the form you desire. What, I won’t destroy it like last time)

???: (You’re itching to remake what was last time no?. I can grant that wish...)

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

???: hm…?

???: ….oh. It seems as something very interesting has taken root

???: To turn it down, thoughtless…. It seems I’ll have to tighten the leash on my servants

???: It seems I am to return… to my residence.

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

[Sharehouse]

--[Door opens]--

Tomoru: Oh, Feli-san. Welcome back

Felix: Why are we not to participate.

Tomoru: eh…?

Felix: An opportunity to make my presence known to the world is not something one cannot afford to simply lose.

Felix: You lot. You lot are my servants no?

Felix: You are to respond to that calling. To let the people hark our music, as it shapes into a more refined melody to signify my rebirth 

Felix: To show to the world, that I, the vampire king that rules over all others, has been born once more

Felix: fufufu….

-----

???: (A vampire king is a species of superior ranking, with the power to rule over his subordinates and humans alike)

???: (This hierarchy was instilled to me at a young age, as I became aware to my own position as an exploiter)

???: (That is why, you should sleep…)

Side: Argonavis

[Apollo Records office]

Furusawa: –so, I want you guys to participate in Genesis Trax’s project

Yuuto: Got it

Furusawa: The promotional live for the project is currently in the works. I know you just had that live a while ago but, I have trust that you can pull this one off just as well

Furusawa: It’d be helpful if you planned your new song around this project as well, I’ll leave it to you

Wataru/Rio: Yes.

Furusawa: It’s a big project so the direction will be stirred from over here but…

Furusawa: Is there anything you’re particular about?

Ren: a……………

Furusawa: Hm? Ren, something wrong

Ren: n-no. Everything’s fine….

Furusawa: Okay. Well, if there is something, just tell me later on if you want

Furusawa: Then, we’ll end today’s meeting here. You’ll be busy in the near future but good luck

Banri: Thank you very much

Furusawa: Yuuto. Stay back for a bit. There’s something I need to talk about

Yuuto: huh? o…   understood

Wataru: Yuu. We’ll head back first then

Yuuto: yeah… see ya later

--[They leave]--

Yuuto: Furusawa-san, what did you mean by.. Talk?

Furusawa: You know what I’m referring to right?

Furusawa: It’s about your father

Yuuto: …guessed so…

Furusawa: Well off course. After the news broke you’ve been all over the place, I can’t just let it be either

Yuuto: did I… is it really that easy to see? I thought I was operating as normal…. But…

Furusawa: No self-awareness huh… then its pretty bad. So, have you been in contact?

Yuuto: With my family? …not in the slightest…

Furusawa: You…. Okay, listen to me. [--------]

--[Hallway]--

Banri: Will he be okay?

Ren: surely, it’s about his dad right…

Wataru: Since this is Furusawa-san we’re talking about, he’s probably talking to him so Yuu can get back to normal and calm down…

Rio: Well since Goryo isn’t the type to talk about his family on his own accord after all

Rio: We should also wait for him to feel comfortable enough to open up on his own as well

Wataru: Yeah, I’d say the same 

Ren: Yuuto also has alot weighing on his shoulders right now too. So…

Banri: We should think about what to do from now on then. To lessen that burden on him

Wataru: Yup. I also want to get the new song concept down soon. Kikyo, maybe later  we could have a meeting–

--[Footsteps]--

Ryuusuke: Woah, y’all were called by unc as well?

Rintaro: The only one not here is, your leader boy it seems

Wataru: Good work today. Yuu is currently talking to Furusawa-san at the moment

Ren: um. I’d like to apologize for not properly greeting you that time

Ryuusuke: Hm? ….oh~ that thing. We don’t really mind it so don’t worry so much

Ryuusuke: How-ever…

Ryuusuke: Nanahoshi. I need to tell you one thing.

Ren: Me..? What is it?

Ryuusuke: You… You’re not fulfilling your role as a vocalist one bit.

Ren: ….. —— Huh?

[Office]

Furusawa: Oh, good work today to you two

Ryuusuke: We arrived on time as requested

Rintaro: We met those Argonavis kids just now 

Ryuusuke: The leader had this super muddled face when we passed by, something up?

Furusawa: Ah… well, just some stuff. More importantly, how are they in your opinions

Ryuusuke: Young

Furusawa: Well, if you’re looking at it that way then they’re always young. …plus, you know that's not what I meant

Ryuusuke: Being young isn’t a bad thing. The fresh vibe is a strong selling-point. The problem is… how long can they push through with just having ‘that’.

Furusawa: I see, as expected… I hope you’ll continue to look after them then

Ryuusuke: Yeah yeah, we don’t have a choice but to listen to your requests

Rintaro: So, what’s the main topic?

Furusawa: I’m sure you already know about it but… its about the project that Iryuu Koga is involved in

Furusawa: Hah! You don’t even need to ask, you have your answer

Ryuusuke: We’re joining it. Ain’t that right, Rin-chan

Rintaro: Of course. What Ryuusuke wants, is what I also want after all

Side: EpsilonΦ

[Studio]

Reiji: Shu, in regards to the Genesis Trax thing we discussed a while ago… what do you think?

Shu: Ah, that? Yeah, I don’t really care

Shu: Whether I participate or not, it doesn’t matter

Reiji: Then in that case… since there are also some concerns, would it be good to let it pass for now

Shu: Sure. I’ll leave it to you

Reiji: I understand. Then, I’ll keep it out of the eye of other members

___________

[Sharehouse]

–[Same day, after practice]--

–[Door opens]--

Reiji: …hm? You’re here alone Tadaomi?

Tadaomi: Reiji-kun, welcome back. You’re back late, you had a meeting with Sosui-san right

Reiji: Yeah, I had a bunch of stuff to consult him about. Didn’t expect you to still be up

Tadaomi: I was doing university work. Rather than being holed up in my room, I’d make more progress in the living room instead

Reiji: I see…

Tadaomi: You seem to be a little troubled, is something wrong?

Reiji: …recently, have you felt something off?

Tadaomi: Felt something?

Reiji: No, I was just thinking that the band atmosphere was kinda off recently but…

Tadaomi: Haruka was off last practice but… he didn’t do so this time, so I think its okay

Tadaomi: You’re always spotting the small things arent you, Reiji-kun

Reiji: …it’d be great if I was overthinking

Tadaomi: If you’re talking about things changing recently, wouldn't it be Shu-kun instead?

Tadaomi: Since getting cut off from Duck Rivers, and cutting his hair, it feels like his attitude sort of changed right

Reiji: That’s true…

Reiji: Since up till now, he was moving in ways that tried to make his father deem him useful, after getting suddenly cut off, he probably felt a sense of confusion in what to do going forward

Reiji: And now he made the decision to see to that SkyFox succeeds

Tadaomi: (And with that, Shu-kun became a lot more behaved, so it’s gotten boring…)

Tadaomi: But still, I wonder why the secretary of Duck River suddenly became the representative

Tadaomi: I heard about the contract between Sosui-san and Shu-kun but… its kind of an odd relationship 

Tadaomi: Do you know anything about it, Reiji-kun?

Reiji: To an extent I’d say

Tadaomi: Hmmm…

Tadaomi: Maybe Shu-kun, rebuilt SkyFox for you?

Reiji: What….?

Tadaomi: Well because, your ‘original’ family, the Fushimi’s originally managed SkyFox right?

Reiji: …I don’t want to talk that much about.. my home

Reiji: and anyway, I’m sure that Shu doesn’t have intention in mind

Tadaomi: Really?

Reiji: It was only because conditions aligned. Thats it.

Reiji: Plus, because of that name use, Sosui-san did reach out to me. So, you’re not entirely wrong

Tadaomi: Thats right

Reiji: …? Look at the time

Reiji: I’ll be heading to my room soon, you’re gonna stay here?

Tadaomi: I’ll.. head back in a bit. Reiji-kun, good work today.

Reiji: Yeah

--[Reiji leaves]--

Tadaomi: Fufu, just learned something new…

__________

[Street]

--[A few days later]--

Kanata: Ah~~ Practice wringed me dry~! Hey hey aniki, ya wanna go somewhere after this?

Haruka: no

Kanata: Then I guess I’ll just head back too~

Haruka: …I keep telling you, stop tailing me

Shu: Hm, I’m hungry. Reiji, come with me

Reiji: Understood

Shu: What about you Tadaomi?

Tadaomi: I think I’ll pass, I have something to do

Shu: Really? Then we’ll split here I guess

--[They walk away]--

Tadaomi: ….

[In front of Genesis Trax Japanese branch office]

Man: Tch… really workin’ me to the bone aren’t cha…

Tadaomi: Good evening.

Man: Ah? Who the hell are you

Side: GYROAXIA  

[Dreadnought Music office]

Kenta: Thank you for your work. What is it you called us in for today

Kenta: To ask for everyone to come means that this is an important discussion…

Mashu: I’d like to have you all participate in this

Kenta: 「Special project to celebrate Iryuu Koga’s return」..!?

Nayuta: …!

Miyuki: So, you want us to also participate in this sales ranking game thing…?

Kenta: (...usually I’d immediately say yes to this but at the same time I’d like to not corner Nayuta any more than already done… what to do…?)

Nayuta: …got it

Reon: You sure?

Nayuta: I’ll pummel him to the ground since at least now he’s thinking that there isn’t any out there that can best him

Mashu: …It’s good to hear you have motivation

Mashu: The release of the new songs related to the tie-ups will be aligned with this sales ranking project then

Nayuta: yeah

Kenta: I understand. Then, once we finalize the demo we’ll contact you again

Mashu: Do so. That is all.

Ryo: See ya later, president-san

.

[Sharehouse]

--[A few days later]--

--[Door knocks]--

Kenta: Nayuta, how long do you intend to be holed up like that. Please, could you come out for a bit

--[Door opens]--

.

Nayuta: Don’t bother me

Kenta: Saying that, do you know how long you’ve been in there. I know its normal for you to do that, but do take some breaks in between

Nayuta: …you don’t need to tell me. I’ll rest when I need to

Kenta: You’re lying. Day and night, there’s a constant sign of you working

Kenta: It’s not just me, everyone else is just as worried

Nayuta: Tsk… shut up

.

--[Nayuta walks away]--

.

Kenta: Where do you intend to go?

Nayuta: Cause you’re so noisy, I’m going out for a walk 

Nayuta: ….Don’t tail me

Kenta: …I understand. At least just make it so you’re able to be contacted

Nayuta: yeah…

.

--[Nayuta leaves]--

.

Ryo: …Kenken, how was Nayuta?

Kenta: Somehow got him to leave his room. He said he’d go out for a bit of a walk

Ryo: It’s normal for him to stay in his room but.. Nayuta seemed like he was more troubled than normal…

Ryo: Maybe, the thing about his dad is really bothering him

Kenta: I’d assume so. To add on that he’s already someone who pushes himself to the limit, I just wish he’d take care of himself a little more…

Ryo: Should we make something for when he comes home?

Kenta: Yeah. Preferably something easy to take in and filling… we need to factor in nutrition too…

Ryo: If there's anything I can do, just tell me okay. I want to help you too, Kenken

Kenta: …thank you, Ryo

[Park  /  In front of clinic]

Nayuta: ( Tsk… it’ll be a pain if they see the medicine. ….better hide it)

Nayuta: ( 「If you don’t take the medication properly and not rest enough, there’s a high chance that your condition could worsen」huh… Why now of all times…)

.

[Sharehouse]

Reon: Welcome back. Were you able to catch a breather

Nayuta: That doesn’t concern you. Leave me be

Reon: If we do, you’ll just completely stop living like a human being 

Reon: You know that Kenta-san was super worried about you right?

Nayuta: One after another, all of you just butting in with your two cents…

Reon: If that really bothers you, then at least do the bare minimum for living activities

.

--[Door opens]--

.

Kenta: Nayuta, you’re back

Miyuki: You fi–nally left your room. For starters, it's a relief that you're alive and kicking

Nayuta: …I’m going back to my room. Don’t bother me

Kenta: At the very least eat a bit before you go back. You haven’t ate anything right, here, we made some

Nayuta: Don’t need it. Just hand me the water

Miyuki: Hah… could you cut the stoic-act in half? I’ll give you my jelly supplements so at least just take that and eat in your room

Nayuta: …hmph

.

--[Nayuta enters his room]--

.

Reon: Kenta-san….

Kenta: It’s the usual thing. If we just leave it in the fridge, he’ll take it out when he feels like it

Kenta: At least he took Miyuki’s jelly supplements, so there’s one good thing

Miyuki: But still, how long does he intend to hole up like that? If he keeps exerting himself at that rate, he’ll really pass out no?

Kenta: I’d assume until the song is done but still… Perhaps I really should be more forceful towards him…

Miyuki: Doesn’t he get that if he really does fall it’ll all be for nothing…

Chapter 5

Side: EpsilonΦ

[Street]

Reiji: Shu, where do you intend to go?

Shu: Does it matter? It just felt suffocating to be holed up like that

Shu: I’ll take a walk out for a bit and maybe when I get back Haruka will be somewhat better

Reiji: …that's new then

Reiji: If you were really concerned about Haruka, I don’t think it was the best choice to leave those 3 together 

Shu: What? Reiji, aren’t you misconstruing something here?

Shu: It’s not that I’m being considerate to Haruka 

Shu: I couldn’t care less if he got pushed back by Kanata and suffered more for it

Reiji: …then, you’re looking for a sort of dissonance?

Shu: Haruka’s music and voice heavily depend on his mental state right? Then wouldn’t it be better if he just broke, is a thing for thought

Reiji: (...he and I are the same, sort of justification then)

Shu: Plus, I’m quite looking forward to what sort of music Haruka and Tadaomi can muster up

Shu: Maybe at this moment, Tadaomi is also joining in and putting pressure on Haruka too

Reiji: It seems that they’re having trouble with the songwriting process at the moment, so are you intending to just watch it go over?

Shu: Yup. Isn’t it more fun to see someone get overwhelmed and sink down in something they thought they had sturdy footing in, right

Shu: And I think the harder he gets stuck in a slump, the better the resulting product will be

Reiji: I understand

Reiji: …my condolences to Haruka

.

[Practice room]

--[Door opens]--

Tadaomi: Haruka-kun, welcome back

Tadaomi: I was thinking about some things, are you willing to listen?

Haruka: ….what is it

Tadaomi: I regret saying things that made me sound like I was waiting on you earlier

Tadaomi: When I thought about it for a bit, Shu-kun did say that he wanted the both of us to create something

Tadaomi: So, rather than having both of our ideas laid out, how about we think this through together

Tadaomi: That way, there's a chance that better ideas can come to fruition

Haruka: …you.. What are you thinking

Tadaomi: I’m only thinking about what I just said?

Haruka: …………fine

Haruka: I’ll join that

Haruka: I have no idea what you’re thinking about but, it’d be faster this way too…

Tadaomi: Fufu, that’s lovely. Then, from the top again, I look forward to working with you, Haruka-kun

.

--[Door opens]--

Kanata: Sounds like you’re havin’ fun. Whatcha chattin’ about? Songwriting?

Haruka: You have nothing to do with this.

Kanata: Aww don’t say that, aniki–

.

--[Door opens]--

Shu: I’m back. Lets restart practice~

Reiji: Haruka, is everything okay now

Haruka: yeah

Kanata: Boo~~ I got interrupted 

Tadaomi: Shu-kun. We’ll work hard on the songwriting okay

Shu: Why are you repeating yourself. Well, I’ll look forward to it then

.

[Skyfox record office]

Reiji: I would like to apologize for taking up your time despite being so busy

Sosui: No, don’t mind it. Lucky timing though, since there was also something I wished to discuss

Reiji: And that is?

Sosui: I want you to relay this to Shu-kun

Sosui: A little while back, this sort of project information started circulating

Reiji: …a 「Sales ranking game」?

Sosui: GENESIS TRAX, where Iryuu Koga is under,  is a worldwide known music label

Sosui: I’m not sure if what’s written there is pure fact, but it doesn’t change the fact that this project has great benefits attached

Sosui: A bunch of labels have already announce their partnering to it as well

Reiji: So EpsilonΦ is to join this too?

Sosui: Yes. I also indeed to offer this to Fujin RIZING! as well but at the moment they’re a little rocky

Reiji: Fujin RIZING! as well?

Sosui: Hm? What do you mean by 「as well」?

Reiji: …To tell the truth, this is what I wanted to discuss today as well but, we’re also a tad rocky these days

Sosui: Is that so

Reiji: You don’t sound very surprised. Possibly you’ve already noticed Haruka’s slump?

Sosui: I did have a thought. But, I didn’t know the exact reasoning as to why. Do you have any ideas as to why, Reiji-kun?

Reiji: …no, there wasn’t anything that stood out to me in particular

Sosui: I see. If possible, I want both EpsilonΦ and Fujin RIZING! to participate in this promotion project and release a single, so maybe just keep this in mind

Side: Fujin Rizing

[Park]

Fuuta: He’s in critical condition… Aoi, are we there yet?

Aoi: We’ll be there in 10 I think. Y’know, the place we always go to

Fuuta: Sakutaro… he’s in constant pain…

Aoi: Right. I already made a call so they can look at him immediately 

Fuuta: Thank g–

.

--[Flashback]--

[Hospital room]

Fuuta’s mother: Fuuta… you should also [       ] to Sakutaro

Fuuta: Saku-niichan? [       ]...?

--[Flashback ends]--

.

Fuuta: ah….

Aoi: Fuuta? What's wrong?

Fuuta: Hey… Aoi… Who’s…. ‘Sakutaro’ ?

Aoi: eh….!?

.

[Sharehouse]

Kohei: Aoi! Fuuta!

Aoi: Hah, hah…! We- we’re back!

Misaki: …oi. Is the stuff about Fuuta recalling all true?

Aoi: Well thats…

Fuuta: …hey… so who’s…. Sakutaro?

Fuuta: Isn’t Saku-niichan…

Fuuta: Why can’t I remember him? Saku…nii-chan… where is he… now?

Kohei: Thats…

Aoi: Ko-nii….

Fuuta: Why aren’t you telling me !? You know don’t you! Both Ko-nii and Aoi!

Misaki: Fuuta, lets calm down for a bit

Fuuta: Misaki… Lemme guess, you know too?

Misaki: …yeah, I know. I’ll tell you in a bit so give us some time

Misaki: Ko-nii. Choose a side

Kohei: Misaki…

Misaki: Fuuta himself is giving you this chance. By ignoring what he wants, do you think that’ll make him happy?

Misaki: Fuuta ain’t a kid anymore. Take this timing and it suddenly coming back to him, dontcha think it's ‘bout time to tell him

Aoi: …it’s become too hard to hide it from him now too

Kohei: ( I know what Misaki and Aoi are getting at. Even I wanna tell Fuuta about Sakutaro. But how…)

Kohei: ( how am I supposed to tell Fuuta without breaking that promise…)

Kohei: ( the last words of Sakutaro’s… to 「protect Fuuta’s happiness」...)

Kohei: ( I made a promise that I’d honor his final wish. To make Sakutaro’s wish a reality alongside Fuuta…)

Kohei: ( If I really tell Fuuta everything that he wants, I can’t tell if he’d break down like last time…)

Kohei: …sorry. Right now, I can’t… tell you everything

Fuuta: why…?

Kohei: I promise, one day I’ll tell you everything I know. …Misaki, you should at least tell him about Sakutaro

Misaki: ….got it

Kohei: …thanks

Fuuta: … … …

.

--[Flashback]--

Misaki: When I first met your brother, Sakutaro, I was pretty young back then. Maybe that was around, 3 years old I guess? I’m talking way before I met Aoi levels

Misaki: He was 7 years older than me so I always thought he was a cool bro. And you were all attached to your brother’s, always going around callin’ him 「Saku nii-chan, Saku nii-chan」.

Sakutaro: Kohei. Is it okay if my little brother and his friend come along to play?

Young Kohei: Saku nii-chan’s little brother, and his friend..? Sure, I’m okay with that

Sakutaro: Fuuta, Misaki. This is my friend, Kohei-kun. He said he’s happy to play with you

Misaki: Ko–he -kun?

Sakutaro: Kohei-kun is 2 years older so maybe it's better for you to call him Kohei onii-chan

Fuuta: Ko-he nii-chan !

Kohei: Er… nice to meet’cha, Fuuta-kun, Misaki-kun

Misaki: Ah..ah… um.. Is it okay to call you Ko-nii?

Fuuta: Ah! That also sounds good! I wanna call you 「Ko-nii」 too!

Sakutaro: These kiddos are also in the same nursery as you

Sakutaro: They’re different years but maybe if you come to play with them at the park. I’d love for you 3 to get along

Kohei: Got it. Maybe I’m not as good as Saku nii-chan but… I’ll be you two’s onii-chan!

Fuuta: Yaaay! I got a second nii-chan!

Sakutaro: Haha, rather than a friend you ended up getting a 「onii-chan」 huh. Isn’t that nice, Fuuta, Misaki

.

Misaki: …but Sakutaro prone to gettin’ sick, so when we hit elementary school he got hospitalized, and wasn’t able to play with us anymore

Misaki: and then… when we were our 2nd year of middle school, his illness suddenly got worse and…

--[Flashback ends]--

.

Misaki: ..You couldn’t bear the idea of your beloved brother passing away that you well… by forgetting everything up ‘til that point you were able to stabilize yourself

Fuuta: My memories were…

Side: Argonavis

[Bar]

Wataru: This is…?

Rintaro: One of our favorite bars. Usually you’d have to sign up for it but if it’s empty they’re chill if you jump on and play a few songs

Banri: True that there’s a drum set, base and even guitar but… why'd cha bring us here..?

Ryuusuke: Oooi–, is it fine to use em?

Bar owner: Yeah sure, even reserved em for you this time

Ryuusuke: Thanks!*

Rintaro: hm? …What are you loitering around for? You guys better get ready too

Yuuto: !?

Wataru: Since you suddenly dragged us along, I’m not catching the drift here…

Ryuusuke: What, y’all don’t know our lives or something?

Ryuusuke: Ain’t it obvious by now that we’ve been using support members provided by the label by now

Banri: Yeah we know that part but more like now, here now, are we supposed to be playing that part !?

Rintaro: Play the part. C’mon, get ready

--[ST//RAYTRIDE performance starts, with argo as supporting]--

Wataru: (Ah–, what is this…)

Banri: (You’re joking right, even if we’re all over the place they’re matching us..)

Yuuto: (It feels like I’m being pulled up by Tennoji-san and Yodogawa-san’s voices..)

Yuuto: (Its different from him, and also different from Ren but… this prowess is overpowering…)

Wataru: (These are… the true pros….)

--[Performance ends]--

Ryuusuke: Thanks a bunch–!

Bar owner: That's my line. Cause of your performance the mood here is completely lifted so it helps a bunch

Rintaro: Thats because we’re on friendly terms with you of course. Right? Ryuusuke

Ryuusuke: Yeah! We fancy this place alot so look forward to the next one

Bar owner: These guys over here, are they the juniors you were talking about the other day?

Ryuusuke: Yeah yeah. Well now we know they’re more jello than we thought they’d be though

Ryuusuke: Lemme borrow that place for a bit~

Rintaro: For now, take a seat

Yuuto: r…right…

Wataru: Do you frequent this place alot?

Rintaro: You could say so. We poked in and out here a few times before our major debut so I guess you can say we’ve been long time patrons

Ryuusuke: We can’t go too frequently anymore since we’ll get mobbed by fans so we’re holdin’ back

Ryuusuke: Okay. Let's switch to the main topic here

Ryuusuke: You kiddos, just like your presentation; your playing is just as sugary

Banri: …so you mean to say we’re lacking in skill…?

Rintaro: Half right, but also half wrong

Ryuusuke: I ain’t callin’ ya lacking in skill in total. But yeah, y’all got that roughness that comes with bands newly starting off

Ryuusuke: Just as I said, y’all are all ‘sugar’. Maybe ‘sweetly spoiled’ is a better word

Ryuusuke: When you hit a troubled wall somebody will help you, everyone’s all in this together holdin’ hands kinda stuff….  Its all just fluff

Banri: But, isn’t the internal workings of the band just as important right

Ryuusuke: If ya wanna go off and just casually have fun playin’, then go do it as a side hobby or something

Yuuto: ….!

Rintaro: If you’re really looking into going pro, the current rate you’re at needs to change, stat.

Ryuusuke: …On that note! The special advice lesson cuts off here!

Wataru: sorry…?

Ryuusuke: What, ya thought we’d go from a to z or somethin’?

Ryuusuke: Do we look like a pair of nice seniors like that to you?

Rintaro: Ryuusuke in actuality is a nice person though 

Ryuusuke: Rin-chan ya didn’t need to add that in

Ryuusuke: Yeah but he actually wanted to put a word in with Nanahoshi directly but yeah… maybe it can hold off ‘til next time

Ryuusuke: So, we’re gonna log out now so y’all better hurry back

--[They leave]--

Banri: …hah, from start to finish I don’t get them

Wataru: Yeah… but saying all that, they were amazing. Yu? You’re spacing out, something wrong?

Yuuto: Hm? Oh… oh, yeah… We’re going back right

Banri: Yeah. It feels out of place for us to be here anyways so…

Banri: Ren-kun’s pair, are probably already at home right…?

[Park]

--[A while back]--

Ren: r…Rio, wait!

Rio: Nanahoshi

Ren: Um… about Yuuto

Rio: Yeah, I get it. At the moment, Yuuto is trying to hold it out alone

Rio: …well, there’s also a feeling of disappointment that he didn’t come to talk it out either..

Ren: Same here… I wonder if Yuuto is really okay

Rio: Once some time has passed and he has all his thoughts in place, I’m sure he’ll explain it 

.

— — —