myun’s translations

—I heard that my mother was proven to have committed a serious crime, but to be honest, I was not surprised by the news.

Even within Laplace, she had worked her way up to the role of investigator. As someone who had risen to her current position without having passed the civil service exam, she was rather famous with her name being known both within and outside of the organization.

She had the upper management’s deep trust, she boasted the most criminal arrests in the organization, was idolized by her subordinates, and adored by her colleagues.

She had a strong sense of justice and hated crooked things, but she was sentimental and had a kindness that allowed her to communicate with everyone as equals—

“There’s no way…”

Did anybody believe that somebody like that really committed a crime?

In truth, the topic of my mother was widely discussed within the organization, and there were nothing but voices saying things like “That’s impossible,” or “There must have been some mistake…”

I was both her son and her junior at work.

I received my strict yet kind mother’s love, and was raised being taught not just how to live, but all kinds of things regarding our professional responsibilities.

I am who I am thanks to my mother.

I love and respect my mother from the bottom of my heart, and I trust her entirely; as family, as my senior, and as a person. There was no way my mother had done something “wrong”.

However, there was no way that Laplace would arrest someone on speculation or false charges.

My mother had undoubtedly committed a crime.

“Isn’t there… Anything I…”

Wasn’t there anything I could do for my mother?

I was unable to contain my emotions, and ran to my station in an attempt to rid myself of my shock.

I went to negotiate with my direct superiors. I asked if I could meet with my mother. I told them that I wanted to talk to her.

However, their response was terribly curt. “We don’t have the jurisdiction to allow that,” they said.

What’s more—

“I thought orders just got sent out. …You should be under house arrest as well.”

“...Me too…?”

“It’s very unfortunate, but… They’re orders from above.”

My superiors were quite concerned about me, and said so with a terribly sad gaze. 

At that moment, I realized that I also had something to do with my mother’s crime.

While under house arrest, my subordinate, Yuda, came to visit me. He had been put together with me as my partner for a long time.

“Must be pretty boring, huh, not having anything to do. If you’re fine with me, I’ll come talk to you any time, just give me a call.”

“Thank you for your concern. …However, is it okay for you to come and see me?”

“Yeah… You’re only on house arrest after all, Natsume-san. Things are still fine.”

By ‘still’, he meant that ‘from now on’ the weight of my sins might continue to increase. Even though I had no memory of partaking in any crimes…

I wondered if it would be possible to meet with my mother just one more time before that happened.

I looked at Yuda.

Under normal circumstances I would never think of such an idea, but… Perhaps he could lend me a hand.

Yuda came from a good lineage and had plenty of relatives that were longtime members of Laplace. We had been partners for ages, but by all rights he was an elite with a promised future as a bureaucrat.

While he was guaranteed success in life even without doing such uncouth work, he had become quite attached to me for whatever reason—

Although, I was disgusted by my own choice to use him like this.

I didn’t know any other way.

“Could you act as a middleman with the higher-ups and management and get me in to see my mother?”

“Ahhh…”

A complicated expression made its way to Yuda’s face, though it seemed he had considered it ever so slightly.

“...I’m sorry, that’s impossible even for me. Only the guys even higher up than I am can do that.”

“Yes, that makes sense. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that of you.”

“It’s your family, of course you’d be anxious. …But I think you definitely won’t get permission to meet her face to face.”

“Yeah… I know. I really am sorry.”

Yuda rubbed my back as if to comfort me, my gaze cast downward.

His kindness put my heart at ease, but my sense of uneasiness wouldn’t fade as I gazed out the window.

…In the end, I had not seen my mother’s face even a single time after that and up until now.

I opened my eyes, and I was aboard a ship.

It seemed as though we were traveling through spacetime, and outside the window particles of time sparkled like prisms.

“Oh, you’re up. But it’s fine, you can go back to sleep.”

“No…”

“It’s okay. Please leave everything to me. You’ve been working hard from morning to evening ever since they released you from house arrest, and now you’re on this dangerous kinda mission, Natsume-san… You must be tired, huh.”

“Mis…sion…”

“Ah, you’re spacing out. I knew it, you’re exhausted. Please don’t worry and get some rest.”

Yuda narrowed his eyes worriedly, his finger moving restlessly along the control panel.

He must secretly be worried that I was still weighed down by the desire to end my life.

“It seems I’ve made you worry. I’m sorry… All I can seem to do is apologize to you.”

“It’s fine. When people have a ton of fatigue piled up, they can’t come up with anything satisfactory.”

“Thank you.”

I tried to give my thanks with a smile, but it seemed as though it couldn’t dispel Yuda’s worry.

He had no intention of relinquishing the main terminal to me.

“I said it’s fine, I’ll take care of everything! I’ll handle everything that’s bothering you, Natsume-san, so—”

At that moment, an unnerving alert noise sounded alongside the appearance of the word ‘WARNING’ on the screen of the control panel.

“Wh, don’t tell me this is…!”

The scene outside the window was stained blood red.

The mechanical announcement voice urged us to get out of there.

A criminal’s face was projected on the central main monitor. That distorted face twisted into some semblance of a smile.

“Natsume-san…”

Yuda looked panicked and as though he would start crying.

“Ah…”

I opened my eyes.

I had been dreaming within a dream.

Layer upon layer of my memories, my fantasies, and scenes I was sure I had seen somewhere before came to me just to vanish.

“...”

Some senior officers were looking at me and saying something. Their brows were raised, and they didn’t attempt to hide the contempt on their faces.

This was surely regarding my mother.

They were talking about what my mother had done, and the ‘results’ of her actions.

That’s why I shut my eyes in an attempt to forget everything.

“Haa…!”

Reflected on the lake’s surface was the face I had as a child.

The scent of white lilies enveloped the night shores of the lake around me. 

Speaking of, I had secretly snuck away from the lodging without telling my father and mother.

And right now…

“Were you asleep?”

‘They’ were smiling beside me.

The person looking at me wore the same cheerful yet gentle smile as always, the one that put me at ease.

“I think so. I was dreaming…”

“Really? You scared me, I thought we were looking at the stars together, but at some point you were looking down and breathing steadily.”

“I apologize… I really do fall asleep in an instant.”

“It’s okay. You woke up, after all!”

“Thank you… I think I had a lot of dreams again.”

“What kind of dreams?”

“I can’t seem to remember…”

“That’s what dreams are like, huh. …Oh!”

They looked up at the sky and pointed at the stars.

I followed suit and turned my gaze upward.

There was a lone shooting star sparkling across the pitch-black sky.

Not even a second had passed before another, second star joined the first.

Before long, the stars began to pour down like a shower, drawing a curve across the night sky.

“Today’s the day of the Vultur Volans Meteor Shower! It only happens once every hundred years!”

“Vultur volans … Isn’t it Aquila?”

“People said both Vultur Volans and Aquila in the past, so they didn’t seem to care much about it.”

“I see… Fufu, you’re so free-spirited.”

I’d promised to meet up with this person. I snuck out at night and admired the meteor shower together with them.

The stars looked as though they were burning a bluish-white, but we watched as they just kept falling one after another.

“It’s so pretty…”

I gazed at the beautiful sight together with that person. My heart was full, and at the same time I felt my raison d’être coming to a close.

I had experienced that.

“I’m glad I got to see this with you.”

Truly, so glad.

If this is a dream, please, let me stay in it forever.

If I were to wake up, I would surely burn blue and disappear—just like those stars.

“Haa…”

I opened my eyes, and found myself inside Yumejuuya.

My dreams disappeared as though melting away and my sense of reality to me returned all at once. I had the tangible feeling that this was not a dream.

“Good moooorning.”

“Good Morning, Master.”

Yuda and Chou Un were looking at me, smiling. It seemed as though we were working.

“Didja have a good dream?”

“I’m… Not sure…”

Pale flames danced on the backs of my eyelids. This was the remnant of those dreams.

The important points vanished immediately and what was left after that was surely—

Nothing but the reality that was more complex than my dreams.

“Your sleeping face was all scrunched up at first, but you were smiling during the last bit.”

“Is that so?”

“It’d be great if it was always like that, though,” Yuda mumbled somewhat sadly.

The light of Chou Un’s lantern flickered despondently.

“I’m just kidding.”

“Right.”

“If it’s for you, I wouldn’t mind burning in the flames of hell.”

“Huh?”

“Feels like you might say that this genuine, greedy act isn’t in character for me, though.”

“Yuda? You…”

“C’mon, I’m kidding.”

Yuda winked, tilting his head as if he was telling a joke.

—Today, yet again, smooth classical music sank into the interior of the shop, inviting me into slumber.

—We had no choice but to embark on a journey.

This place was no longer somewhere where we belonged.

As though we were being driven onward towards somewhere, we crossed the vast, desolate land. 

We continued forward—Into an endless world with nothing but sand, clouds of dust, mounds of earth, and the shadows of withered grass and trees here and there as far as the eye could see.

The massive red sun sank below the distant horizon right before our eyes. It was as though it was fleeing from both us and the bright red festering world.

“...”

We continued walking sluggishly, chasing the evening sun.

There were no other landmarks to follow. We had no idea where we should head towards.

Where were we headed? What was our destination? Where should we go? —Not one of us knew.

“...”

The beast that led our group was our gold-maned yet sturdy “king”.

Since we had been traveling such a long distance, he was looking down slightly from fatigue. Without his guidance, our journey would surely have been a failure.

The next in line was a group of lieutenants with distinctive long noses and large ears.

A beast with beautiful mottled stripes tightened their ranks, and behind them followed a single-horned beast bounding along.

Underfoot was a small, mud-colored yet lovable creature.

An arthropod with trembling golden wings.

A creature with deep blue eyes, soaring through the skies.

“...”

And then there was me, who took the form of a beast myself.

I wasn’t sure what kind of appearance I had taken on, but when I looked down, I saw that I had hoofs that struck the dry, cracked earth as I tread over it.

Behind me, stretching on long enough to seem endless, the parade of the evening sun continued on.

There were so many species that I couldn’t begin to grasp the situation—Surely, it was every living thing in this world—and we were all walking through this desolate red world, heading west.

Are there any “humans” out there? I leisurely wondered as much, attempting to nonchalantly look for any sign of their existence. However, I couldn’t see any from where I was.

They might really be out there somewhere, or humans may no longer exist within this world.

“...”

I suddenly felt a pang of hunger.

I looked around to see if anybody had something I could eat. However, everybody around me was continuing forward without a word, and thus I simply kept my mouth shut and kept walking.

What was everybody doing for food…?

It seemed as though there was nothing to be eaten anywhere.

“Woah~...”

As if to put a stop to my questions, someone fell on top of my head.

“Geez… Sorry ‘bout that… I’ve been flying this whole time, and I just got exhausted…”

“Oya, it seems we have another lovely guest here.”

It was a creature that seemed like… a small, small bug.

He had a horn akin to those of the rhinoceros beetle, however his shell had a rainbow-colored shine akin to a jewel beetle’s.

“If you don’t mind, please let me rest on the tip of your nose…”

“Go ahead. You’re free to take your time and relax. I can’t guarantee it will be a nice place to rest, though.”

“It’s a perfect place to kick back,” he laughed, sprawling out atop my head.

It was a bit ticklish, and drew a low noise from my throat.

“Hey, I actually have no idea myself, but… Where are we going, exactly?”

“I don’t know either. Rather, I’m fairly sure nobody does.”

“Right…”

He fell silent.

He had surely realized from the start that our journey had no finish line.

But… He must have tried asking with the faintest of expectations that maybe, just maybe somebody knew the answer, that maybe somebody knew where we were heading.

…That was the kind of situation we were in.

“Um, you know, I… I’m already really, really tired.”

“Is that so?”

“I didn’t think that a journey that never ends would be this tough.”

“...Me neither.”

The arthropod scratched at the sky. He was so feeble, already worn thin.

“Hey, you know, I can’t fly any further…”

“Don’t say such pessimistic things. You can rest up on my head until your strength returns.”

“Thanks. You’re so kind. But my journey ends here.”

“But…”

“I mean, there’s no longer any food or water here in this world. We’re just getting worn down bit by bit and dying a slow death. The distance I can fly is getting shorter and shorter, and I fall down the moment I start flying.”

“...”

“And then someone could trample me. I definitely don’t want that to be how I die,” he muttered sadly, tottering to his feet.

Unable to bear it any longer, I repeated my words… I wanted to cheer him up somehow.

“You can rest here forever. Once we reach somewhere, I’ll wake you up."

“No, rather than that, I have a better idea. You should—”

“Eat me.”

He said that and mustered the last of his strength to fly into my mouth.

I swallowed him, and as I felt him fall into my stomach… I shed a tear.

Next to me, other large animals were swallowing up smaller creatures whose strength had faded away, just like his had.

And next to that, still more self-sacrifice and predation unfolded in the same manner.

While crying out of sorrow, everyone accepted their companions’ final moments.

“Ah, I see…”

The reason the march had continued this far was due to the kindness of the food chain.

That’s how we continued onward, with our worn down comrades becoming our source of sustenance

We headed towards some part of  the world.

We headed towards the other side of the sun.

Eat and continue forward. Those were our basic instincts.

That’s what’s instilled in living beings, for the sake of continuing to live.

However, was that really a good thing?

To continue giving your life to this parade… Was it really?

I pondered over it again and again in my head, and this time a bird that resembled a kingfisher… came to perch on me.

He pecked at my head with his sharp beak while speaking in a voice identical to someone’s.

“Your bad habits are showing, Boss.”

“My bad habits?”

“C’mon, you wanna go against the flow, yeah?”

“Well… I wonder.”

“You’re still dodging the question. It’s obvious you’re thinking ‘bout heading off somewhere else on your own!

“You know me well.”

“‘Course I do. We’ve been together for a long time. …Please don’t go. Please, anything but that.”

“Why is that?”

“If you stray from the herd, you won’t survive. That bug earlier said that there’s no food or water left in this world, yeah? The only thing left to do is to eat your companions.”

“...”

“Doing that here in this group is the only way to survive that’s left.”

“I see.”

“If you get it, then keep up and come with me. I—”

His bird body swayed back and forth as he spoke in a sad, quiet voice.

“—Absolutely don’t want to lose you.”

I couldn’t say anything.

I was grateful and happy to hear how he felt, and I had no desire to make him upset.

However, I did not want to pursue what was “right” in this dry, barren world.

“Thank you.”

I smiled and turned my back on the sun.

A cloud of sand rose from the dry land, and in one instant all of my companions froze in place. They looked at me with innocent eyes.

“I am by no means a person who makes only the correct choices.”

“Boss…”

“I’m sure that I’ve come to love the mistakes I made many times.”

“...”

The bird gently took off from atop my head.

He watched me stray from the path, continuing to fly the other way.

“Please promise me just one thing, then. …Please don’t die, no matter what.”

I turned my back on the sun, on what was right, and continued walking.

In all honesty, it didn’t really matter if the march was right or wrong.

The bird may have asked me to do so, but if I were to die like this, I’d only have myself to blame.

“Don’t die!”

Just what was this feeling?

Was it the guilt from having eaten that bug, or just me being an immature contrarian, not wanting to go along with everyone else…? Or perhaps I wanted to deviate from what was natural from the start.

“I still don’t know.”

I continued onward.

I continued away from the sun—Towards where night would soon appear.

—Talk of a “revolution” started by the people had been circulating as a plausible rumor for some time now.

They’d change France with their own hands… 

They’d create a city not for the nobility and royals, but for the people—

This was the end of the French dynastie des Bourbons[1]. 

The sound of gunfire reverberated nonstop outside the Palace of Versailles, and both cheers and screams could be heard.

This revolution would come to be known as the French Revolution, however…

“...”

I, the master of this dream, took the form of a child still under the age of 10, and had no power in such a state.

My family had been torn apart with my father, the king of France, having been captured alongside his wife, my mother. I was confined within a stone tower, awaiting my sentence.

Frightened by even the slightest of noises or the sight of people’s figures, all I could do was pray for everything to end quickly, for everything to hurry and pass me by. 

“It’s almost time. Soon, France will change. We just have to get rid of you lot…” The soldier on lookout grumbled.

Contempt, fear, and hatred; These negative emotions clearly bubbled to the surface of his eyes.

—We had been alienated from the rest of the population.

My mother, who was called a wicked woman who lived her life indulging herself to the fullest.

My father, who was unable to control her, was ridiculed as an incompetent man who simply went with the flow of things.

And I, who was promised to inherit the throne of France

To the people, we were existences to be detested.

To the country of France and those who wished to live there—We were just getting in the way.

“...I wonder if Father is safe?”

I pushed down the feeling that I couldn’t endure any more and murmured quietly.

My attendant quickly raised his head and shrugged his shoulders, showing off ever so slightly. He replied in his usual laid-back tone, free from any sense of foreboding. 

“Who knows… I’ve got no idea if he’s fine or not, but… He’s not here anymore anyways, yeah?”

He’s not here.

Does that mean that he was not confined within this tower like I was?

Or did it mean that he was no longer in this world…?

Well, it was the same either way. Both equally meant that “he was not here”.

“How is Mother?”

As soon as I spoke, my attendant’s expression clouded. After a pause that suggested it was somewhat hard to discuss, he opened his mouth.

“I heard that she’s being imprisoned here, just like His Majesty Charles. Her Majesty Antoinette is… Well… She’s being treated like she committed some serious crimes… And she’s gonna be executed soon…”

“...”

“The guillotine’ll go chop, no hesitation…”

Ah, of course, I thought.

Mother’s head would be severed from her neck at the guillotine. That would become one of the cornerstones of the French Revolution.

While I would escape execution myself, I would soon die young as a result of such intense alienation.

…These events were set in stone. 

It was precisely because I knew what came next in history that I was all but surprised. Although, I had arrived at an even deeper state of resignation some time ago.

“Natsume-san… Nah, Boss… No, not that either… What exactly was your name at the moment?”

“It’s Ichizou.”

“Wh–You’re using a Japanese name here in France? Please take this seriously.”

“I just wanted to have a bit of fun. …It’s Charles.”

“Right, yeah, Charles, huh. *Sigh*... This might be a dream, but let’s stick to the plot~”

“Sorry, Yuda. It’s just that you rarely make such a serious expression.”

“I’m just a nameless attendant, not Yuda! …Well, regardless… Aren’t you cold, Your Highness? Maybe I should go get more blankets or something…”

The soldier snorted upon hearing our conversation.

“One blanket is more than enough for you. You’ve lived in nothing but luxury up till now, yeah?”

“Woah, yikes… He’s still just a kid, y’know.”

“Shut up. Whether he’s a little brat or not, people like him don’t deserve a damn thing”, the soldier declared bluntly.

He suddenly turned and stared out the window through the iron bars as if to see for himself the reason behind the cheering that had grown even louder.

With that, he looked me in the eye with a wide sneer.

“Your mom’s execution’ll be starting soon. …I’ll take you there. You should watch it happen with your own eyes.”

Ah—So the time had finally come.

A large crowd of citizens had gathered in the plaza, eagerly awaiting the execution of the greatest sinner of the century.

My mother was on her hands and knees atop the scaffolding, trapped in the guillotine.

“‘S in real poor taste to make a kid watch this… Cruel stuff…”

My attendant furrowed his brow as if to avert his eyes, but I did not. I planned to see this through to the end. Both my mother’s fate, as well as how history would play out.

Mother.

You’ve done horrible things.

I may even be an existence that should never have been born unto this world.

So it would be for the best if I too… were to leave this world quickly.

The executioner took his place atop the scaffold. 

After calmly checking the equipment that held my mother in place, he raised his axe.

My attendant’s breath caught in his throat.

The executioner swung his axe. Without hesitation, the rope attached to the blade was severed—

“...”

The guillotine’s blade fell with great force, catching on my mother’s neck—

“Mother…!”

Were we really meant to be cast out from society?

Did we really—

“Did we really do something wrong…!?”

In the next moment, what danced through the air was not her head.

A huge flock of pure white doves cried out while taking to the skies in unison. The spectacle seemed to split the cloudless French sky into two perfect halves.

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

We were dumbfounded, and right before our eyes my mother, who was supposed to be dead, rose to her feet.

Her head was attached to her body properly, and she had not a single wound on her body… How?

“It’s all an illusion.” A vacant smile made its way onto my mother’s face as she made her loud declaration.

“???”

“Wh, huh, an illusion… Wait, so it’s basically a magic trick?”

Disregarding both me and my attendant’s shock, the soldiers and citizens began clapping simultaneously.

Undoubtedly, this was… applause, yes… It was a deafening round of applause that rang through the plaza.

“That’s Her Majesty Antoinette for ya. It’s a performance on the level of a famous illusionist’s.”

“Yeah, it goes from suspense to spectacular dove magic… This one really took some guts.”

“Oi, let’s get the next magic trick started!”

“Next up is… Miraculous alchemic magic, huh! I love this stuff!”

I could hear the soldier that held me captive speaking in an animated voice. 

“Hold on… The hell’s this?”

As if the atmosphere of the dream had been greatly changed, my attendant Yuda’s mind had gone completely blank.

It was only natural. Even I, the dreamer, was surprised by this turn of events.

Yuda wore a pitiful expression and looked at me desperately.

“Hey Boss, what on earth is this~ This’s supposed to be history, the revolution, but…~”

“Come on, you have to call me Prince Charles right now.”

“You’re saying that now!? Who cares if you’re Charles or Ichizou or whoever! This dream’s totally ruined!”

“Hahaha… You’re certainly right about that.”

“So, your mom was a magician?”

“No… I don’t think so.”

“Then, was Queen Antoinette really a wicked woman who did that kinda stuff?”

“No, I don’t… think so.”

“That so… Man, anything’s fine at this point! Who caaaares~” 

“Haha, you seem to be at a loss, Yuda.”

“Really, what’s with this, this is a suuuper weird dream…”

“Indeed it is.”

It was indeed a very strange dream.

However, I thought that there was no happier dream than this one.

Look, isn’t everybody here smiling and laughing?

Atop this stage known as an execution ground, my mother brought forth doves and butterflies, roses alongside sweets and bread, hawks, and to top it all off, my father who “should not have been here”...

She produced various things out of thin air, and the audience erupted with excitement. It was as though she was a robot modeled after a cat with a 6-dimensional pocket[2].

The next magic tricks would have my father serving as her assistant. It seemed they would be doing magic to saw a person in half, to escape from a cell, and to float in mid-air.

It was a program that was sure to get the audience fired up.

I wanted to watch as well, but… It was likely already time for me to open my eyes.

“Father, Mother, please be well…” I murmured.

I prayed that my wish would reach them.

I couldn’t see their faces very well, but I was positive that they were laughing and enjoying themselves.

I too was happy, enjoying myself, and was undeniably smiling.

All while praying that the future we’d arrive at would have a conclusion as happy as this one—

[1] The dynastie des Bourbons is also known as the Bourbon dynasty or the House of Bourbon, was an absolute monarchy that governed France in the 16th and 17th centuries until overthrown during the French Revolution.

[2] A reference to Doraemon's 4D-pocket, a gadget capable of storing anything inside regardless of size.

📍 mahorova - BD area

Nagi: A traditional rock garden… “JPN Zen garden”... I’ll make sure to be on my best behavior today…!

Netaro: Giii~? Why are you whispering!? Use your chest, talk louder!

Nagi: Shh, be quiet, Netaro. You shouldn’t disturb the birds’ singing.

Yodaka: Fufu, you can talk as you usually do. 

Momiji: It doesn’t feel like we’re in mahorova at all… The air is so nice here.

Toi: Yes, it really is!

Daniel: But c’mon. Aren’t there way too few visitors here? The concept’s not half bad. 

Yodaka: They split up the servers to avoid congestion. I asked them to randomly assign everyone to different rock gardens with a variety of themes after they log in.

Ryui: This way, we can take our time and go look at everything. That’s good, huh, Toi. 

Toi: Yes! Taking a stroll with Ani-sama through the garden… There’s too many things I want to see, I don’t think I have enough eyes!

Ryui: Yeah. … I guess we should start with the explanation [that’s on] display. 

Nagi: “About the historical background that created/birthed the zen garden”... Huh, I get why it’s here, but why is it a commentary on Japanese history too?

Yodaka: That would be because the creation of zen gardens is deeply ingrained in Japanese history.

Yodaka: I separated historical fact from fiction, but I used period dramas and the like as examples to make things easier to understand 

Momiji: Waah, it seems like a good read!

Netaro: Doudou, can we read it later~? I wanna hurry and go look at the garden!

Yodaka: Fufu, there’s no need to rush, Netaro. Come over here.

　　ーTimeskip

Netaro: Hummmm. So this is a zen garden!

Yodaka: The design of the raked waves in the rock has a meaning. It’s not just showing the flow of water, but also is meant to evoke a sense of the vastness of space.

Netaro: Space! Should I build one behind HAMA House and hijack intergalactic communications?

Momiji: Hijack!? L-Let’s not do anything dangerous, Netaro-kun!

Yodaka: You can express the feeling of water without using any.  Here, you can face an incomplete, "insufficient" scenery in a garden that shows you your current feelings.

　ーNagi glitches

Toi: So philosophical… But if I can understand that, I might be able to become more mature like Yodaka-san—

　ーNagi glitches

Toi: Nagi-kun?

　ーNagi glitches

Nagi: Sorry, it’s just, a bit, ago, a gingko leaf, fell, onto my, head, and, I can’t, stand it.

Momiji: Huh, are you okay!?

　ーNagi glitches

Ryui: What the hell are you doing.

Netaro: A gingko barrage bug! Let’s count how many can fall down in just one second!

Daniel: You guuuys~ Quit makin’ noise just ‘cause we’re the only ones here.

Momiji: Manager? Are you lying down to nap?

Daniel: I ain’t sleeping. I’m taking up the nirvana posture so I can face my inner self.

Yodaka: Fufu. You can sit back and relax, Danny.

Momiji: …Yodaka-san, aren’t you a bit too soft on him?

Yodaka: Am I? I believe it’s precisely because he’s a precious friend of mine that I want to go easy on him.

Yodaka: More importantly, come. We should help Nagi—

　　ーTimeskip

Momiji: (We managed to fix the bug without incident. All’s well that ends well, I guess.)

Momiji: (Everyone’s spending time however they’d like. I think I’ll go take a break on the veranda…)

Yodaka: Chief. I brewed some tea. Please have some. I have some traditional snacks here too, so help yourself.

Momiji: Thank you very much.

Yodaka: …

Momiji: …

Yodaka: … It’s rather peaceful. 

Momiji: Yes. The sound of the wind and birds chirping is really nice… It’s like my exhaustion is melting away.

Momiji: I’ve been wondering how things would turn out when I heard you talk about making a carnival, but I’m glad everything seems to have gone smoothly.

Yodaka: A carnival? I said something like that? 

Momiji: Umm, well… You said it over some drinks, so…

Yodaka: And that’s why you looked so relieved when you asked about what the contents of this area would be.

Yodaka: I apologize for worrying you.

Yodaka: …Originally, I was thinking that I’d like to create a space that could provide guests with a way to relax in a different form from Yumejuuya.

Yodaka: People’s hearts waver during such restless days. 

Yodaka: Everybody has a heart, and although that is your one and only treasure in this world… Sometimes we neglect to take care of it, and lose sight of it.

Yodaka: Because of that, I thought I’d make some time here in this stillness for those people to reexamine themselves. 

Momiji: …You really poured your kindness into this zen garden, huh.

Yodaka: That makes me a bit ticklish, but I’m happy to hear you say that.

… May I assume that you are enjoying yourself, then?

Momiji: Of course! And it’s not just me—

Momiji: I’m sure that everyone else, and all the other visitors are all enjoying the scenery too.

Yodaka: Thank you, Chief.

Yodaka: Though there may be parts that are still lacking. Is there anything else you’d like? 

Momiji: Something else…?

Momiji: Oh, I know! Since we’re here, could you tell me more about Japanese history?

Momiji: I want to properly read the display panels later, but I want to hear what you have to say first. 

Yodaka: I’d be happy to. Where should I start?

Momiji: Let’s see… Since we’re here, I’d like to hear a story about your favorite Hanbei Takenaka!

Yodaka: Alright. In that case, come with me for a moment, would you?

Yodaka: (...You’re listening so intently to my stories.)

Yodaka: (You said that this garden is a place full of my kindness, but—)

Yodaka: (It’s precisely because you’re so kind that you can see things that way.)

Yodaka: (I’d like to continue to share that.

…With you, whose kindness is as deep as the sea…)

📍 HAMA House - Living Room

Momiji: (That’s another week down! I’m up a bit late tonight, but tomorrow is a day off, so… Ah.)

Yodaka: Hey, Chief. Welcome back.

Momiji: Yodaka-san! And…

Daniel: Yo, come have a glass.

Raito: Seems like all the kids have gone to their rooms,so we’re using the living room for a drinking party.

Yodaka: I’m on good terms with a wholesale store, and got my hands on a rather rare sake through them. 

Yodaka: I suggested we have a sample, and everyone came with their own recommendations.

Ten: I was just passing by. They said I’d get the chance to sample a rare liquor that’s been aged for a few years, so I’m just here for a little~

Daniel: You’re in good shape, you know. Bring something to drink next time. Your parents own a sushi joint, you should know a good sake or something, yeah?

Ten: Well, I can think of a few. They’ve given me a few good ones to try, so I’ll pick something out.

Yodaka: What say you, Chief? Everyone else is drinking it hot or as-is from the fridge, but I recommend having it in a cocktail as well.

Momiji: Using sake in a cocktail is pretty uncommon! Maybe… I’ll go with that? 

Yodaka: You got it. Alright, please take a seat on the sofa. It’s cold tonight, so I’ll make you something to warm you up.

Momiji: (He’s preparing it on a countertop burner… He’s so thorough.)

Yodaka: Using this as a base, I’ll add some honey and lemon—

Yodaka: And it’s done. You’ve worked hard again this week. Take this drink as a reward. Please, drink up.

Momiji: Thank you very much!

Momiji: Mmm… It’s delicious. It’s not too sweet… Drinking it is really relaxing.

Yodaka: I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I think I’ll have the same as you for my next glass.

Momiji: (I’m glad I stopped by the living room… Huh? What’s that on the sofa—)

Momiji: Huh!? 

Momiji: (W-What the, what’s with all those empty bottles!? Don’t tell me they drank all of that before I got here!?) 

Momiji: (Tomorrow might be a day off, but this is definitely way too much alcohol…)

Daniel: Maaan, that’s the good stuff. I can’t enough... Oh, it’s empty. Next one, c’mon! Drink more, you guys, bottom’s up! 

Momiji: Hey, Manager...!

Ten: Okaaaay. Bottom’s up~

Raito: Oh, speaking of, Yodaka-san. Did you decide on what you’re going to do for your mahorova BD event? You talked about it with Nayuki the other day, right?

Momiji: …!

Momiji: (They stopped drinking while we were talking. I’ve gotta stop them from drinking so much, even if just a little…) 

Momiji: I was curious about that too. You even wrote a proposal!

Yodaka: Yeah… I’ve already decided. I could only think of one thing—

Momiji: (Yes, alright, Yodaka-san and Raito-san seem fine…)

Yodaka: A carnival of pomeranians and fire trucks.

Momiji: (Or not—)

Momiji: (He doesn’t look drunk at all, though. That’s right, huh. With that many empty bottles, it would be weirder if they didn’t get drunk at some point…)

Raito: Ha… Haha, ahahaha, that’s great! In mahorova, hehe, you could get a full-fledged parade. Let all those lights twinkle, ahahahaha!

Daniel: Oup, oh man. Sayin’ such insane things is makin’ the liquor taste even better. 

Momiji: Please don’t say such irresponsible things!

Ten: Yodaka-saaaan, can I have a refill?

Daniel: I’ll take one too.

Raito: Me too. 

Yodaka: Of course. You could even help yourself to kombu and skinny jeans.

Daniel: Still, are ya just gonna make a parade? Can ya make a place to get a drink?

Ten: Nice ideaaa. Your stomach can’t get full in mahorova, so we can drink ‘s much as we want. 

Yodaka: Yeah. I’ll make a nice place, a Niagara. Out of whiskey.

Raito: Drinking enough that we’re practically bathing in it, right? Hahaha! Wasn’t that a good one?

Momiji: Ahaha…

Momiji: (Nope, I give up, this is 4 against 1…)

Momiji: (At any rate, nothing I could say here will get through to them. I’ll have to properly talk to him tomorrow—)

Yodaka: Chief…? Pegasus Wasabi is at 3-chome, Halation.

Momiji: (...... I’m worried, though.)

📍 HAMA House - Living Room

Momiji: (In the end, I was so worried about everyone last night that I stayed up really late with them…)

Momiji: (They should have sobered up by now. For now, I want to talk to Yodaka-san… Oh, there he is.)

Yodaka: Oya, Chief. Did you need something from me?

Momiji: Yeah. Um, I was curious about your BD event…

Yodaka: Ah, about that—

Yodaka: I’d like to do an exhibition of a zen garden and Japanese history.

Momiji: I-I see!

Momiji: …Thank goodness, what he was saying yesterday didn’t affect him…

Yodaka: Hm? Did you say something?

Momiji: No, it’s nothing!

Momiji: I’m excited to see your “zen garden and Japanese history exhibition”! 

Yodaka: Thank you. I’ll work hard to live up to your expectations.

tl notes: no, yodaka's drunk speech is not supposed to make sense

📍Beach

Momiji: (*Sigh*. In the end, Yodaka-san is just taking care of me. I guess this is Yodaka-san we’re talking about, but…)

Momiji: (What exactly can I do to help him relax?)

Yodaka: …

Yodaka: … Hey, Chief. The seaside bar is about to open. If you’d like, how about we head over? 

Momiji: Huh?

Yodaka: I’m a bit thirsty. Would you join me?

📍 Beachhouse

Yodaka & Momiji: —Cheers.

Momiji: Mm…! This is delicious! Umm, what is it called?

Yodaka: That’s a Cafe Tropicana. It’s a cocktail made with coffee, liqueur, and soda water.

Yodaka: It’s perfect for summer, and I thought that you could enjoy a drink with a cafe feel to it, even though it’s a bit early.

Momiji: Woah~! There’s a lot of other cocktails that use coffee in them, right?

Yodaka: Yes. I’ve long heard rumors about them… I’m quite curious.

Momiji: I see. Do you use coffee for cocktails at Yumejuuya too?

Yodaka: I have a small menu available, but not nearly as much variety as they do here.

Yodaka: However, if I make the best of this experience from the coffee truck, I’m sure someday I’ll be able to expand my offerings.

Momiji: When the time comes, I’ll have to come and have a drink then!

Yodaka: Yes. I’ll be waiting. There’ll be a special seat prepared for you.

Momiji: …Oh! Hey, Yodaka-san. This cocktail on the menu here–...

　　ーTimeskip

Momiji: —And then, the black kite took off and snatched away Akuta-kun’s memory card!

Yodaka: Oya… That’s quite unfortunate.

Momiji: I know, right… Oh, but—

　　ーTimeskip

Yodaka: …—I see. So in the end, business with that agent didn’t go very well?

Momiji: Yeah… But I’m not gonna give up! I’ll revise my proposal and give it another shot!

Yodaka: Fufu, that’s our Chief for you. That attitude of yours is wonderful. It’s like a flower that stands straight even when trampled.

Momiji: Haha, thank you.

Momiji: Ahh~ I’m glad I could talk about all kinds of things today~ Thank you for listening, Yodaka-sa—

Momiji: WAHHH!!!!

Yodaka: ! What’s wrong?

　　ーTimeskip

Yodaka: —Fufu, so that’s what it was. 

Yodaka: You seemed to be worrying about something before we came here. I was wondering what it could’ve been.

Momiji: …I had decided to make today a relaxing day for you, Yodaka-san. But I don’t really know how to do that, so…

Momiji: But instead, all I did was make you listen to me go on and on... *Sigh*. 

Yodaka: I’d like to tell you not to worry, but… that wouldn’t be enough to properly explain.

Momiji: ?

Yodaka: —You told me this afternoon that there were customers who came to the coffee truck with the sole purpose of talking to me.

Momiji: ? Yes, that’s what I heard.

Yodaka: I myself am aware of that… And it’s not just at the coffee truck, either. You could say the same about many of Yumejuuya’s customers

Momiji: …

Yodaka: This coffee truck is comfortable, and holds a fondness that’s quite similar to what I feel at the bar.

Yodaka: I believe that is what has been happening.

Momiji: By that, you mean... Customers coming to enjoy a conversation with you?

Yodaka: Right. That’s what I noticed. By nature, I’m the kind of person who enjoys listening to what others have to say.

Yodaka: How other people feel, how other people see the world–I’m terribly taken by that sort of thing.

Momiji: That’s true…  I feel like that’s so you, somehow.

Yodaka: Fufu, you think so?

Yodaka: This conversation took a bit of a detour, but… I would like it if you wouldn’t think that you’re talking too much, or that you’re only talking about yourself.

Momiji: …Oh.

Yodaka: Above all, I enjoy the time I spend listening to your stories. It would be no exaggeration to say that to me, this time is what is most calming to me. 

Momiji: ! Then… Are you saying I was able to help you properly relax today…?

Yodaka: Yes, of course. The stories you told me, the time we spent together relaxing on the beach, the warmth of your hands touching my back…

Yodaka: Everything was quite soothing. So— Thank you, Chief.

Momiji: O-Of course…! I’m so glad…

Yodaka: Fufu. 

…While we’re at it, Chief, how about one more drink?

Yodaka: I’d like to listen to you for just a bit longer… No, for as long as time permits.

📍 Beach in Front of the Coffee Truck

Yodaka: — Thank you very much. 

Yodaka: (Now then, it’s about time to begin closing up shop…)

　ーFootsteps

Momiji: Good work today, Yodaka-san. I came to check up on things here.

Yodaka: Oya, Chief. It’s good to see you. 

Momiji: I was hoping I could get a cup of coffee… Huh? Are you already closed for the day?

Yodaka: We are. Today we were running under reduced business hours. One cup of coffee shouldn’t be a problem, though. I’ll take care of it for our final customer of the day.

　　ーTimeskip

Momiji: —Yodaka-san. I washed up all the equipment!

Yodaka: Thank you. I’m sorry to have you help with cleaning up.

Momiji: It’s no problem! You made me coffee, and besides…

Momiji: When I heard you were planning to let the kids go back early and close up alone, I just couldn’t leave you be.

Yodaka: I had planned on keeping this to a casual talk... It seems as though I’ve caused you to worry.

Momiji: It’s no problem. Speaking of, I heard from Raito-san that things are going well!

Momiji: He said that there’s a lot of customers coming just to talk to you, Yodaka-san…

Yodaka: Fufu. It’s an honor to be able to provide an oasis for someone’s soul under the midsummer sun. 

Momiji: …

Momiji: Yodaka-san. Once again, thank you very much for helping with the Noon Team kids’ assignment and running the coffee truck.

Yodaka: What’s this all of a sudden?

Momiji: Well… To be honest, without you, I don’t think this would’ve worked out. I’m sure it’s a lot of work for you.

Momiji: The Noon Team is made up of kids that are more unique than most others, so it must be hard to go along with them…

Yodaka: Not at all. If anything, I’m the one relying on them.

Yodaka: Besides, if it weren’t for an opportunity like this, I wouldn’t have a chance to witness their growth from so close.

Momiji: … I’m glad, then.

Momiji: Although, you’re working at Yumejuuya and as a ward mayor at the same time. Are you able to take proper time to rest and relax?

Yodaka: Fufu, you seem rather worried about me today, Chief.

Momiji: I’m just saying…

Yodaka: I’m not as worn down as you think. However… I know, would you accompany me down by the sea for a short while after this?

Yodaka: It’s beautiful from here, but I’d like to get even closer and try touching the water myself.

Momiji: ! Of course…!

📍Beach

Yodaka: Yeah… The sea really is magnificent and beautiful from up close. But it’s rather hot here out in the open—

　ーFootsteps

Momiji: Yodaka-san! Sorry to keep you waiting.

Momiji: Look what I found when I went to change! I borrowed a parasol— Wh…Waaah!?

Yodaka: Oh dear. Are you alright, Chief?

Momiji: …S-Sorry… You caught me in time… Nice catch. 

Yodaka: Fufu, I’ll carry the parasol. Could you hand it to me? 

Momiji: No, that’s…!

Yodaka: There’s no need to have reservations. I’m more than grateful that you picked it up for us.

Yodaka: See, I had just been thinking something to obstruct the sunlight would be nice. Perhaps this is what they call telepathic communication?

Momiji: Haha. That might be it.

　　ーTimeskip

Yodaka: Alright. Now then, let’s set up the parasol around here.

Momiji: Waah…! That feels great! Thank you. 

Yodaka: Oh, that’s right. I’m sorry, Chief… But could you help me put on this sunscreen? I can’t quite reach my back.

Momiji: Yes, of course. 

…Here I go, then.

Momiji: (His back is large… He has a mole back here too.)

Yodaka: ….!

Momiji: Huh!? Ah, I’m sorry! Should I stop?

Yodaka: No, that’s not it. I’m just a bit ticklish. You’re doing just fine, so you can continue. 

Momiji: Okay.

Yodaka: …, …

………, …

Momiji: (Huh? Did he fall asleep…?)

Yodaka: …Having someone touch you feels somewhat nice. 

Momiji: (Oh, he’s awake.)

Yodaka: Your hands are warm, it’s putting me in the mood for a massage.

… *Sigh*.

Momiji: (He closed his eyes again. He really must be tired…)

　　ーTimeskip

Momiji: (…Alright. Since he seems exhausted, today will be all about letting Yodaka-san relax!)

Momiji: (ーOr, that’s what I thought…)

　　ーTimeskip

Yodaka: Here, Chief. There was some delicious-looking shaved ice, so I bought some for us.

Yodaka: Also, are you thirsty? If there’s anything you’d like, I’ll go and buy it…

Momiji: (Yodaka-san doesn’t seem relaxed at all! If anything, he’s just fussing over me…!)

Yodaka: … Chief?

Antholic A: Wahh, coming into the venue is crazy nerve-wracking!

Antholic B: Yeah! The day’s finally here! Anthos* is gonna be at the Music Awards!

Antholic A: I’m so emotional! I’ve been supporting them since their pre-debut days and always wanted to see them perform at a huge venue, standing on a huge stage! Today, another dream for both Anthos* and us Antholic is gonna come true!

Antholic B: Oh, hey, all seven of them are gonna be here, right? Setsuna-kun’s been taking a lot of days off recently, so I’m worried…

Antholic A: The agency hasn’t said anything, so I think he’ll be here. It seems like he hasn’t been doing well, but maybe the flowers are just sensitive, even with proper health care?

Antholic B: Hmm, but all of their flowers bloomed just fine, and the seeds they got implanted were in special capsules, so wouldn’t it be just as safe as if we changed our hair or eye color? 

Antholic A: More importantly, I wonder what kind of show is Anthos* gonna put on? I have no idea, but we’ll watch over them with a smile! I’m positive that they’ll show us the best performance ever! I have a feeling that today will be a day I’ll absolutely never forget!

Antholic B: Right! I brought the uchiwa and penlight I prepped to cheer them on! I hope they all see it!

ー

Haruta: W-What do I do! I’m kinda all nervous!

Kaoru: That’s unusual for you, Haruta.

Mahiro: Hahaha, it’s pretty scary now that the Music Awards are actually about to start and we’re finally about to go onstage, huh.

Haruta: Ahh, I’m thirsty. I’m gonna go get some water.

Chise: Here ya go, Harry.

Haruta: Huh, Chise-nii is being thoughtful?

Chise: Heyyy, what’s with that face? I won’t give it to you anymore.

Haruta: A-Ah, kidding, thanks.

Haruta: Oh, does Sena-nii want anything to drink? 

Kaoru: Please take this bottle to him if he hasn’t. It seems he hasn’t had much to drink since we got here.

Haruta: Okay, sure.

Haruta: Sena-nii?

Setsuna: Haruta… What is it?

Haruta: Here ya go, I brought you water.

Setsuna: Thank you.

　ーSetsuna drinks

Haruta: Hehe.

Setsuna: What’s wrong?

Haruta: I’m just suuuuper happy right now. Sena-nii came back, and we can all go onstage together.

Mahiro: Haru…

Haruta: When they said that we might have to show up as six that day, I was super shocked, and I got overthinking ‘cause of that. I kept thinking that it’s not a guarantee that we’re all gonna go onstage together.

Mahiro: Yeah, it’s just like Haru said. It’s really special that we’ve all come this far together, so, we gotta treasure today’s performance.

Ryoga: Yeah. Our biggest dreams are finally gonna come true, here at the Music Awards! You can’t be getting all nervous now, right?

Haruta: It’s not fair to only say that to me, everyone else might be nervous too! Litto-nii hasn’t said anything this whole time!

Lihito: …

　ーLihito leaves

Haruta: Huh? Litto-nii?

Chise: Where did he go?

Ryoga: Is he actually the type to get nervous?

Mahiro: I wonder, I’m gonna go check on him.

Mahiro: Ryo-san.

Ryoga: ?

Mahiro: Could you keep an eye on Sena-san for me? He still doesn’t seem to be back to normal yet.

Ryoga: Yeah, you got it.

　ーDoor opens and shuts

Lihito: …

Mahiro: Oh, there you are.

Lihito: So you’re butting into my business again.

Mahiro: Getting up and leaving like that when you did made me curious. Can I sit next to you?

Lihito: You’d sit down even if I said no, so don’t even ask.

Mahiro: Here, have some water.

You and Sena-san haven’t had anything to drink at all, right?

Lihito: …Ah… Right.

Mahiro: You’re not gonna drink it?

Lihito: I…

Mahiro: Lee-san?

Lihito: I… might’ve been wrong this whole time.

Mahiro: …What happened with Sena-san isn’t really your fault.

Lihito: That would be nice, but… That day, Yashiro-san told me that I couldn’t see anything. 

Lihito: He might’ve been right. I knew it deep down, but I was just telling myself otherwise. I didn’t want to accept any of it.

Mahiro: … Haha.

Lihito: What are you laughing at!?

Mahiro: I feel like I’ve said the same thing to you before. 

Lihito: I’ll apologize for what I did to you back then. Sorry.

Mahiro: Mhm. 

Mahiro: Hey, you said that you’re thinking only about yourself, but nobody really knows that. Nobody. We don’t understand the things we can’t see. 

Mahiro: That’s why when we exchange words, sometimes we run into issues when we’re coming to understand each other. It’s the same for me, and everyone else too.

Lihito: If results are something you can change, then I would be changing too. But that’s not the case. I’ve just been repeating the same thing over and over again. I'm sick of it. 

Mahiro: Maybe, but I don’t think so. Even if you’re doing the same thing over and over, you’re still moving forward little by little. 

Lihito: What do you know?

Mahiro: There’s a lot of things I’ve noticed too. If there’s things one person can’t see and things they can’t understand, then they should rely on someone else. Once you realize that, your outlook on things grows just a little wider. 

Lihito: Just a little, huh…

Mahiro: I think even that much is enough. So I want you to rely on someone too, Lee-san. It’s okay if it’s me, and it’s okay if it’s someone else.

Mahiro: You should talk to Chii-san about this too.

Lihito: Mahiro, you…

Mahiro: Hehe.

　ーStanding up

　ーFootsteps

Lihito: Oi, Center, the green room is that way.

Mahiro: Yeah, I’ll just be a minute/I’ll be back in a minute.

 Lihito: Don’t even think about loitering and walking around and getting lost before the performance.

Mahiro: I know, I’ll be back in time.

Lihito: I really… don’t get that guy.

Lihito: No good if it’s not Chise, huh… Chitose, I’ll…

ー

Chise: People just keep coming in. I think the whole venue’s gonna be packed by the time it actually starts.

Haruta: The audience is here too, but other than that it’s nothing but super famous artists. Thinking that we get to perform here is making me all excited. Oh, where is Loulou*di sitting?

Kaoru: You’re the same as always, Haruta.

Haruta: I wanna hurry up and show off Anthos*’s performance, you know? The dance part I prepared for today is suuuper cool, and I think it’ll definitely surprise the Antholics!

Lihito: Oi Squirt, if you keep acting all excited, the other artists are going to think you’re a child that got mixed up in the crowd. 

Haruta: Hey, don’t call me a squirt right now! And don’t treat me like a kid!

Kaoru: Hehehe.

Setsuna: Kaoru.

Kaoru: Hm? What’s wrong, Setsuna-san?

Setsuna: Can I have that water?

Kaoru: Oh, yes. Here you go.

Setsuna: Thanks.

Haruta: Sena-nii, you good?

Setsuna: Mhm, I’m good.

Haruta: So you say, even while obviously spacing out like that…

Kaoru: I heard that the medical staff are also waiting behind the scenes today. If your health takes a turn for the worse or you’re worried about anything at all mid-performance/during the event, please let them know immediately. 

Setsuna: Mhm, okay. 

Ryoga: Isn’t the liveliness here kinda like us?

Ryoga: Hiro?

Mahiro: Huh? Oh, yeah, right. 

Ryoga: Loulou*di, huh… If we’re talking about the differences between us and them… The auras around each of us are completely different. And that Rui guy won’t even look me in the eye. I never know what that guy’s thinking.

Mahiro: Haha. I think having differences between units is a good thing. Anthos* is Anthos*, right? We can have fun and get lively anywhere. I love that about us. 

Ryoga: Right? Me too… Hey! What happened to the back of your neck?

Mahiro: Huh?

Ryoga: Your hair’s covering it, but it’s all red right where your flower is.

Mahiro: Huh, really? I wonder what happened…

Ryoga: You mean you didn’t even notice? Does it hurt? Let me take a look.

Mahiro: It’s fine, if something was wrong there’s no way the medical staff would miss it. They didn’t say anything, so nothing’s wrong.

Ryoga: …

Mahiro: Hey, Ryo-san.

Ryoga: Hm?

Mahiro: I wonder if I’m doing the right thing.

Ryoga: What’s with you all of a sudden?

Mahiro: Ah, no, it’s nothing. I’m probably just a little anxious from the venue’s atmosphere, don’t worry about it.

Ryoga: Anxiety, huh… It’s up to you to decide what’s right and what’s wrong. Whatever you decide, I’ll follow you, no matter where we end up.

Mahiro: Right. Thank you. 

　ーCheering

Haruta: Oh, the host is here.

Emcee: This long night has finally begun. After this, our everyday lives will continue on as usual. It is all thanks to everyone’s support and assistance that we were able to make this day possible and invite all of you, both audience and artists, here tonight.

Emcee: Now then, without further delay, let us get this evening started! 

Emcee: The Music Awards have begun!

Emcee: We’ll start by announcing the nominated artists for our first category…

　　ーTimeskip

Emcee: Thank you very much, everyone!

Mahiro: Loulou*di haven’t returned to their seats yet.

Ryoga: You’re right, it’s been a good while since their performance ended.

Haruta: I’m sure they’re just being swarmed by interviews after winning those awards. It’s gotta be that after winning two huge awards at the same time and showing off that performance, right?

Chise: I’m jealous~ I wanna get tons of shiny trophies too!

Emcee: Now then, moving on. We will now be presenting the Best Group Performance award to an artist who has garnered support from across a wide range of ages with their incredible singing and dancing.

Emcee: We will now announce the winner.

Mahiro: Hey, I think I’m going to go take a quick look.

Ryoga: Where do you think you’re going, Mahiro?

Emcee: The winner of the Music Awards’ Best Group Performance Award is… Anthos*! Congratulations!

Mahiro: The Best Group Performance Award…

Haruta: That means… Anthos*’s performance was cooler than any other group’s, right?!

Ryoga: Look at that, that’s the reason we won. It says that our dancing was rated highly in particular. 

Haruta: Our lessons… paid off. That’s why we could give it our all. And, and… 

Kaoru: Haruta, it’s too early to cry. We’re going to go up on stage after this. Come now, show all the Antholics your smile too. 

Haruta: Kao-nii…

Emcee: Next, to represent the connection between Anthos* and their fans, we will also be presenting them with the Most Treasured Bonds Award under special circumstances separate from the Group Performance Award.

　ーCheering

Chise: This’s amazing, the whole venue is going crazy.

Chise: Everybody’s looking at us!

Lihito: They really are…What’s with this feeling, it’s incredible… I’m shaking a little.

Setsuna: Mahiro, are you happy?

Mahiro: I am. Happy isn’t enough to describe it. Yeah, it’s truly indescribable. 

Mahiro: What about you, Sena-san?

Setsuna: …Me? 

Mahiro: Are you happy?

Setsuna: …Um…

Mahiro: Listen here. 

Setsuna: This is… my heart’s voice.

Kaoru: Let’s go, everyone. Everyone here is waiting for us.

Mahiro: Lee-san, Chii-san, Kaoru, Haru, Sena-san, Ryo-san. Let’s go. Everyone together, up on that stage.

Emcee: The chairman of the selection committee will now hand over the awards.

Emcee: Now then, Anthos*, your acceptance speech, please!

Mahiro: Yes.

Mahiro: It’s an honor to receive these incredible awards here today. We received both the Best Group Performance Award and the Most Treasured Bonds Award not just with our own abilities, but thanks to the staff who’ve worked with us as well as the support of the Antholics. 

Mahiro: Thank you, Antholics.

Those who have been supporting us since our pre-debut days, and those who will begin walking with us from today onwards, everyone who is by our side has always been Antholic.

Mahiro: As you all know, there are flower seeds embedded within our bodies. Because of that, we’ve had many experiences, both good and bad up until now. To be honest, I’ve thought countless times that I couldn’t endure it as well. There were times I’ve felt like I would succumb to the pressure and anxiety… 

Mahiro: But during those times, both my fellow members and our fans have always supported me.

Mahiro: From here on out as well, we will not neglect our hard work and effort in order for us to remain as ourselves. Together, the seven of us who are like a family to each other and our fans–the Antholic–will pour lots of love for each other while sharing both the painful times and the happy times through our bonds. This way, we will make many of the flowers of your smiles bloom from up on stage. 

Mahiro: Really, truly, thank you very much. 

　ーApplause

Ryoga: Even though we’ve strived to see this day come for our entire career, standing here on this stage still doesn’t feel real. It feels like even this moment right now is a dream. 

Thank you, not just for having us here on this stage, but for presenting us with such a wonderful award.

Ryoga: I’ve overcome both painful times and fun times together with these members to get here. I’d like for all seven of us in Anthos* to support each other, to have the kind of gentle and deep bonds that will let us extend a hand without hesitation to one another in times of need.

Thank you very much.

　ーApplause

Setsuna: There’s so many people here. I’m so happy to receive two wonderful awards. Thank you very much.

Setsuna: But this isn’t the end. We won’t end things here. 

Even if we change little by little with time, we will always be Anthos*. We will never leave you, Antholic. 

Setsuna: Even when there’s trouble, I’ll protect the things that are important to me. That will never, ever change. I swear it, here on this stage.

　ーApplause

Haruta: Good evening! I’m Anthos*’s Kiyose Haruta! Standing here on this stage, getting such a cool award… I thought we’ve gotten really big. Not in height, but I do wanna get taller… That’s not it, it’s about Anthos*... 

Haruta: Anthos* is where I belong. It’s where my dreams can come true. It’ll be like that forevermore. I’m so grateful to everyone who taught me that. The Antholics, all of Anthos*, and the Hana*Doll Project. Thank you for your time. 

　ーApplause

Chise: Hi everyone, it’s Chise! I thought soooo much about the day I’d be up on this stage, but the view from here is so pretty, I love it sooo much more, ten times more, no, a hundred times more than I expected!

Chise: Anthos* is where I can really shine, and I’m gonna become an even more amazing Chise from now on! As long as we have these beautiful flowers, I believe that Anthos* will shine even brighter than we are right now! 

Chise: I’ll work super hard so I can say with confidence that I’ll be the one to make all the Antholic, everyone we’re yet to meet, and most of all, myself, happy.

Chise: I hope the future will always be sparkling! 

　ーApplause

Lihito: It is difficult to be a good person in the eyes of everyone. However, I’d like to be a good idol while I’m here up on this stage. Of course, I will face both the Antholic cheering for us as well as those who came across us Anthos* by chance head-on. 

Lihito: Showing and conveying things that are satisfactory for everyone for as long as our voices are capable of doing so, no matter what form it takes… That is what makes a good idol. I was once again reminded of that while standing here. Thank you very much.

　ーApplause

Kaoru: Just how difficult is it to stand on stage at the Music Awards, to receive an award … We ourselves know that better than anyone, having spent so many days dreaming and striving for this moment.

Kaoru: The seven of us could be here together today thanks to the support of the Antholic and staff, as well as how each and every one of us has continued forward without stopping to look back, growing ourselves alongside our flowers.

Kaoru: To me, Anthos* are my precious companions, and I will not lose them. The precious dream of ours that has come true is not over yet. 

Kaoru: No… I will never let it end. I will… We will aim even higher. We can continue to evolve in order to reach perfection. Moving forward, all of us together… That’s why, please keep supporting us, Antholic. 

　ーApplause

Emcee: You have our heartfelt congratulations, Anthos*! 

Now then, without further delay, let us begin the performance! It will be a special medley performed tonight only, featuring the dancing that was so highly rated! Now then, the floor is yours! 

　ーApplause, cheering

Ryoga: And then Setsuna collapsed, and Hiro went to the medical tower with him?

Haruta: Those guys told us not to worry about him, but of course we’d be worried after seeing that.

Ryoga: Was he conscious? 

Haruta: It seemed like he was talking to Hiro-nii up till he was carried out, so I think he’s okay there.

Ryoga: …Why did he even collapse in the first place? 

Lihito: We don’t know. He was talking to me and Chise when he suddenly seemed to be in pain. The medical staff said it was a panic attack. 

Chise: It was like he couldn’t breathe well. It seemed like he was in a lot of pain, and he kept saying Yukki’s name over and over.

Kaoru: Having symptoms without a clear cause is worrying moving forward.

Haruta: Moving forward…?

Ryoga: The Music Awards, huh…

Lihito: Well, he’s got a point. I don’t really want to think about it, but depending on how things go from here on out, Yashiro-san might not be able to move.

Kaoru: Even if he’s able to move, will he be well enough to be able to sing and dance?

Haruta: You mean that we might not get to perform at the Music Awards as seven, huh.

Ryoga: Of course, the best case scenario would be if that doesn’t happen, but this isn’t exactly a normal situation.

Lihito: Yeah, that’s the first time I’ve ever seen Yashiro-san like that.

Chise: We’ve all been working so hard together, only for this to happen right before the Awards…

Kaoru: But we can’t push him too far. If Setsuna-san can’t come, the six of us may have to stand onstage without him.

Haruta: There has to be another way! I don’t really get it, but if his symptoms get better and he rests for a few days he might be able to come back soon, right?!

Lihito: We all hope so. But even then, we have to think about risk management in a worst-case scenario.

Haruta: But! …But, that’s…

Ryoga: You tend to think about bad things when you’re anxious. Instead of talking about that right now, let’s wait for the medical tower–for Hiro to contact us.

Haruta: Ryo-nii…

Ryoga: Don’t you remember? We had times like this back when we were in the pre-debut class. We were all desperate since we didn't know whether or not we would all move forward, but we managed to get past that together back then. I’m sure we can do it again this time. 

Lihito: You were the one who was the most hopelessly depressed over it, though. 

Ryoga: C’mon, really…

Chise: Oru-kun, what’s wrong?

Kaoru: I’m going to go out for a bit.

Haruta: Huh? Where are you going this late?

Kaoru: I’m worried about Setsuna-san, and I can’t seem to calm down. I’m going to go for a walk. 

Haruta: If that’s all, I’ll come too. 

Kaoru: I’m sorry, Haruta. I have some things on my mind, so please let me go alone this time.

Haruta: Oh… Okay, sure. 

Ryoga: Alright, then we’ll get dinner started while we wait. Man, all that thinking works up an appetite. Let’s eat once you get back.

Kaoru: Yes, thank you very much.

Ryoga: …No problem.

Kaoru: …Ryoga-san?

Ryoga: No, it’s nothing. See you later. 

Kaoru: Yes, I’ll be back soon.

ー

Kaoru: So you’re still here, Mahiro.

Mahiro: Kaoru? Why are you here…

Kaoru: I heard Setsuna-san was taken here, so I came to see how he’s doing. Everyone at the dorm is worried. 

Mahiro: Oh, sorry. I was freaking out a little and forgot to contact them. 

Kaoru: It’s only natural to be shaken up. Someone important to you suddenly collapsed, I don’t think anyone would be able to stay calm after that.

Mahiro: Thanks. I’ve calmed down a lot by now, so I’ll shoot them a text. 

　ーMahiro opens messaging program

　ーKaoru walks away

Mahiro: Wait, they said we can’t go to his room.

Kaoru: Huh?

Mahiro: They already told me to go home, actually. They can’t give a clear explanation, and that we won’t know anything until they run some tests anyways. 

Kaoru: Despite that, you decided to stay here?

Mahiro: Yeah. Even if I can’t see him, I want to stay with him. The staff said it would be fine if I stayed here. Though I guess it just made it clear that I’m not allowed to see him in person.

Kaoru: …

Mahiro: Kaoru? Is there something wrong with your flower?

Kaoru: No. I understand how you feel, but rest is important. Don’t you have work tomorrow morning? 

Mahiro: …You’re right. I’ll head back to the dorms soon. You said everyone was worried, and I can’t cause any problems at work. 

Mahiro: Are you gonna come back with me? Even if you wait here, I don’t think you’ll be able to see Sena-san. 

Kaoru: I’ll… stay here a bit longer. 

Mahiro: Huh? But…

Kaoru: Everyone was shaken up by what happened to Setsuna-san. I wasn’t there when it happened and I only heard about it from the others, but it seems it’s affected me without me realizing it.

Mahiro: Kaoru…

Kaoru: Please let me stay here alone for a bit. I will return to the dorms once I’ve calmed down. 

Mahiro: Okay. Be careful when you come home. 

Kaoru: You really are a worrier, Mahiro.

　ーFootsteps

Kaoru: Setsuna-san, Mahiro already went home. This is best for you too, isn’t it?

Kaoru: Yes… It’s good that I was the one to come here. If you saw him when you woke up, it would surely cause you more confusion.

Kaoru: Perhaps… The reason you’re thinking about unnecessary things is because your dream hasn’t come true yet.

Kaoru: Ah… I’m getting hungry.

　ーKnocking

Chise: Come innn.

Setsuna: Chise. 

Chise: Oh, Sena, what’s up?

Setsuna: I came to get you. Mahiro said he wanted to check on the outfits. 

Chise: The outfits? Oh, for the Music Awards. I was just thinking that they’re just about done. Umm, ‘kay, I’ll come down in a minute.

Setsuna: Okay.

Chise: Oh, Sena. 

Sena: What is it?

Chise: Can we chat for a bit? 

Setsuna: Chat? But I have to go back to Mahiro. 

Chise: Yukki will forgive us if it’s just for a little. C’mon, over here.

Setsuna: …Okay. 

　ーFootsteps

Chise: Thanks. 

Setsuna: Mhm.

Chise: Hehe.

Setsuna: Why are you laughing?

Chise: You’re just so honest, I really like that about you.

Setsuna: Hmm… Chise, you've been laughing a lot recently. Do you feel better?

Chise: Thanks for worrying about me. See, I thought a little about what you said the other day. 

Setsuna: What I said?

Chise: You asked me when we met at the medical tower the other day, remember? You said that even though I was smiling, I wasn’t.

Setsuna: Mhm. 

Chise: I was thinking that right now is totally just a prep period so that I can be happy.

Setsuna: So you can be happy?

Chise: Yeah. And if it’s for that, then I’m ready to do anything, and I wouldn’t hesitate. But when you asked me that back then, I kinda doubted myself a little since I can’t see my own color, y’know?

Setsuna: Synesthesia.  

Chise: Yeah. I’ve always thought that the things I can see are what’s true, so I’m pretty bad at knowing how I should look at the things I can’t see, even though I was taught that if I can’t see something, then I should just trust my intuition.

Chise: So, I’m thinking that from here on out, I’m gonna try listening to my heart’s voice.

Chise: Hey, Sena, do you think I can do it too?

Setsuna: I don’t know. You’re the only one who knows if you can do it or not.

Chise: That’s true, huh… That I’m the only one who knows.

Chise: Oh, I know!

Setsuna: Hm?

Chise: Ryo-kun said that it’s up to me to decide if something is true or not, not anyone else.

Setsuna: Ryoga did?

Chise: Really, if you can’t see anything, you don’t know anything, yeah?

　ーDoor opens

Lihito: Chise— and, Yashiro-san?

Chise: Littoooo, you could at least knock.

Setsuna: Lihito?

Lihito: What are you two doing?

Chise: Umm, having a secret chat?

Lihito: Chise?

Chise: Fiiiine.

Lihito: Well? Where’s the things you put away?

Chise: Umm, I put it all over there. 

Lihito: Hm, good work. You cleaned your room a considerable amount. Yashiro-san, move.

Setsuna: What are you doing, Lihito?

Lihito: Can’t you tell just by looking? I’m making the bed.

Setsuna: But this is Chise’s room?

Lihito: I know.

Setsuna: Do you always do that?

Lihito: Yes, and what about it?

Setsuna: Nothing…

Lihito: And just how long do you plan to be here?

Setsuna: I don’t know.

Lihito: Huh?

Setsuna: Chise said he wanted to talk to me, so I’m here.

Lihito: Huh, I see. Well, it seems like you’re done talking, so go downstairs. Mahiro is waiting.

Chise: Heyyy, Litto, you don’t get to end my conversation whenever you want. I still wanna talk to Sena. 

Setsuna: Chise, don’t tug on me.

Lihito: Oi!

Chise: Ow… W-What? Litto, let go of my arm. 

Lihito: Chise, what is this?

Chise: It’s nothing. I just had some blood drawn yesterday.

Lihito: Didn’t you say you were going shopping after work yesterday?

Chise: !

Lihito: I knew something was up, but I didn’t push because I was waiting for you to tell me yourself. However, with the evidence right in front of me, I can’t overlook this. 

Chise: Ah… I didn’t go shopping yesterday, I went to the medical tower. I wasn’t feeling great, so I got an injection, that’s all. 

Lihito: So you lied about getting your blood drawn. What kind of medicine did they inject?

Chise: Umm, that’s… Anyways, this injury’ll be gone after a day. That’s what happens with everyone, yeah? There’s nothing to worry about. 

Lihito: That’s not the point. Are you still getting those suspicious treatments at the medical tower?

Chise: …! Litto… You knew?

Lihito: Why are you looking at Yashiro-san?

Chise: Wh— No.

Lihito: You, do you know something by chance?

Setsuna: I don’t.

Lihito: Really?

Chise: Sena…

Setsuna: Chise said I couldn’t say. So I don’t know. 

Lihito: What does that mean?

Setsuna: I won’t say anything because I have to keep my promise to Chise. Promises are made with people you’re close to. I read that friends are people who keep promises.

Lihito: Hah? Are you making fun of me?

Setsuna: No, I’m not. It’s just that Chise is my friend, and I promised him, so I won’t say.

Chise: A friend…?

Setsuna: Lihito, let go of his hand. Chise isn’t smiling. He isn’t happy right now. 

Chise: Litto…

Lihito: It’s not that I want to make him make that face. It’s just…

Setsuna: I understand how you feel. It’s not weird to have someone you want to be with. Kaoru and Haruta said that it’s normal. 

Setsuna: But it’s no good if you’re together and Chise isn’t smiling too. If both of you aren’t smiling, Mahiro will be sad. I think Anthos* should all get along.

Lihito: You sure are talkative today, aren’t you.

Setsuna: What makes you smile, Lihito? If you smile, then you’ll be happy. So, tell me. I want to be friends with you, with everyone.

Lihito: Huh?

Setsuna: I want Chise and all the other people who are precious to me to smile and be happy. That includes you too, Lihito. What about you? Is it different for you?

Lihito: Me…?

Setsuna: Hm…? Ah, you really can’t see anything. Lihito, is it really no good if it’s not Chise? 

Lihito: What are you saying? There’s only one Chise. 

Setsuna: No, that’s not it. You’re wrong.

Lihito: What about that is wrong?

Setsuna: You’re wrong. I’m, that’s wrong. I’m… Yashiro Setsuna.

Lihito: Yashiro-san? 

Chise: Sena!? Are you okay? You really don’t look good. 

Setsuna: I… I…

　ーSetsuna collapses

Lihito: Oi, get it together!

Chise: Sena!

Setsuna: You’re wrong! I’m…

Lihito: PLANTS! Oi! Yashiro-san, take deep breaths. You can lean your body over here.

Lihito: PLANTS! Contact the medical tower after a Medical Check! Hurry! 

　ーPLANTS beeps

　ーFootsteps running

Haruta: Plants came running over here, did something happen?!

Chise: Harry! It’s Sena!

Haruta: What happened to Sena-nii!?

Lihito: We don’t know. We were just talking when he suddenly started hyperventilating. PLANTS is contacting the medical tower now.

Haruta: What about the Medical Check?

Lihito: All normal. We don’t know the cause.

Haruta: Sena-nii? Are you okay?

Setsuna: Haru…ta…

Haruta: Yeah, it’s me!

Setsuna: Haruta… Mahiro… Call Mahiro…

Haruta: Huh?

Setsuna: Call him… Haruta… Hurry…

Haruta: I got it, don’t talk! Litto-nii, I’m gonna go get Hiro-nii!

Setsuna: Mahiro… Mahiro…

Chise: It’s okay. He’ll be here soon.

Lihito: The medical staff still aren’t here!?

Setsuna: Mahiro…

—

Mahiro: Sena-san and Chise-san are taking their time…

Haruta: Hiro-nii! It’s bad!

Mahiro: Haru!? What happened?

Haruta: Sena-nii collapsed!

Mahiro: Huh!? He collapsed!?

Haruta: He’s been calling for you the whole time, and…!

Mahiro: Okay! Let’s go!

　ーFootsteps

Mahiro: Huh? The medical staff…

Medical Staff A: Where is Yashiro Setsuna?

Haruta: Upstairs!

Medical Staff A: Please show us the way. Let’s go.

—

Chise: Yukki still isn’t here?

Lihito: What the hell is that squirt doing?

Medical Staff A: Please step away! Bring the stretcher here!

Other Medical Staff: Got it!

Mahiro: Sena-san!

Lihito: You’re late.

Haruta: Sorry. 

Mahiro: Sena-san! Sena-san!

Setsuna: Mahiro…

Mahiro: What happened? You were fine just a little bit ago…

Setsuna: Mahiro… Mahiro…

Mahiro: I’m right here. Sena-san, please…

Setsuna: Mahiro, come with me. Together with me. But you can’t come. If you come, then you won’t be able to return. You can’t. But I don’t want to be alone. Together… Please…

Medical Staff A: We can’t perform medical treatment like this. Inject him with Lorazepam.

Medical Staff B: Hey, hold down his limbs!

Medical Staff A: You, let go of his hand and get out of the way!

Setsuna: No!

Mahiro: Sena-san…

Setsuna: I don’t want to. I won’t be able to see anything if I go somewhere dark.

Medical Staff B: It doesn’t matter. Inject it. 

Setsuna: Mahiro, I’m sorry. I have to see if what Ageha said was wrong. I have to protect you. Mahiro…

Mahiro: Ageha-san…

Medical Staff A: He calmed down. Let’s get him out of here. Put him over there. You all, return to your rooms.

Haruta: But…

Mahiro: Please let me come with you. I don’t want Sena-san to have to be alone.

Medical Staff A: You saw his symptoms, it’s nothing more than an ordinary panic attack. This is not a life-threatening matter, so please wait here at the dorms. 

Mahiro: …!

Medical Staff A: Let go of his hand!

Mahiro: He’s an important member of Anthos*. Please.

Medical Staff A: But…

Lihito: If you can confidently declare that it’s an ordinary attack from his symptoms, then there shouldn’t be any issues with him tagging along. Or are you saying that it would be inconvenient for you if he comes?

Medical Staff A: *Sigh*… If it’s just to the entrance of the medical tower…

Mahiro: Thank you very much. Lii-san, I’ll leave the rest to you.

Lihito: Got it.

Chise: What happened to Sena?

Lihito: I don’t know. All we can do is leave it to them for now.

Chise: …

Haruta: …

Lihito: Hey, Squirt. You okay?

Haruta: Huh? Oh, yeah. It’s nothing.

Mahiro: Hmmm… 

Setsuna: Mahiro? What’s wrong?

Mahiro: Have you decided on what to talk about during the interview for the Music Awards yet, Sena-san?

Setsuna: Mhm. I’ll talk about the important parts of a performance and what we paid most attention to during production.

Lihito: You’re thinking an awful lot about this. 

Setsuna: And then I’ll talk about Mahiro. 

Lihito: Huh?

Mahiro: M-Me?

Lihito: I knew you were going to say that…

Lihito: Have you ever once thought about the interviewer’s side of things? They want to hear about the Music Awards. Are you really planning to just say something like Mahiro spilled milk this morning, or yesterday night I watched a movie with Mahiro? 

Setsuna: Is that bad? I thought all the Antholics would definitely be happy. 

Mahiro: Uhh… what if you say it after the interview? 

Lihito: You’re awful. You baby him too much. 

Setsuna: Lihito, aren’t you going to talk about Chise?

Lihito: I-If the conversation goes there, then–

Mahiro: Ahahaha… What about you, Kaoru? Don’t you have some advice to give for interviews?

Kaoru: Me? Let’s see… 

Appearing in front of others as an idol is more than just singing and dancing, we must also be 

able to figure out how to best answer questions in a way that’ll make the interviewers happy.

Kaoru: Shouldn’t we understand the intention of the question, the things the interviewer wants to draw out of us, so that we can give them a proper answer?

Lihito: That’s the best advice.

Mahiro: But if it was that easy, there’d be no need to worry at all. 

Kaoru: Hehe. Let’s do our best from here on out, Setsuna-san.

Setsuna: Mhm. 

Lihito: It’s not “from here”. First we have to get through today’s interview.

Haruta: We’re baaack! 

Mahiro: Oh, hey guys. How’d it go? 

Haruta: Perfectly! The interviewer was good at asking questions and we used up every last second we had! 

Chise: Yeah! We talked about anything and everything. I can’t wait to see what’ll be used in the final product~

Ryoga: Alright, it’s you guys’ turn next. Break a leg. 

Mahiro: Yeah. Everyone ready? 

Setsuna: Don’t worry. Perfectly ready. 

Lihito: What’s with that switch in attitude?

Kaoru: Hehe.

Mahiro: …Alright, then we’re heading out.

Ryoga: Yeah. 

Haruta: See ya!

　ーDoor closes

Haruta: Mmm….

Chise: What’s wrong, Harry? 

Haruta: I’m gonna go peek in on Hiro-nii and the others’ interview.

Chise: Huh? Why? 

Haruta: Isn’t it obvious? I can learn more by watching them.

Chise: But, Harry, don’t you have another job after this? You should ask everyone about it tomorrow when we can sit down and talk—

Haruta: I’ve still got time, it’s fine! I have things to do tomorrow anyways. 

Ryoga: Huuh, you sure are fired up. It’s fine, yeah?

Haruta: Ehehe, exactly. I’ll be right back!

Ryoga: Ah, hey– 

Make sure you get permission from the staff.

Haruta: I know! 

Chise: He ran off…

Ryoga: That kid. He’s always raring to go, even more than before.

Chise: He’s doing his best to prepare for going to the Music Awards. He asked the Production staff for personal lessons, too. 

Ryoga: He’s always got his eyes set on the next thing in front of him. I should learn a thing or two from him.

Chise: Ehehe, I love that about Harry. That honesty and upfrontness hasn’t changed at all since we first met. 

Ryoga: Hasn’t changed at all, huh… Speaking of, Chise?

Chise: What’s up?

Ryoga: The other day, didn’t you say that Loulou*di’s color had changed?

Chise: Huh?

Ryoga: Remember? Back when we were all watching that program Loulou*di was on.

Chise: Oh, really?

Ryoga: …Well, you said that it had changed. Maybe it was insignificant, but…

Chise: …

Ryoga: Chise? 

Chise: Loulou*di is different from us. Totally different. 

Ryoga: Totally different, you say… Okay, then what about Anthos*? What’re our colors like?

Chise: Why do you ask all of a sudden? 

Ryoga: From my point of view, it’s not that sudden at all. Actually, it’s been weighing on my mind since that day.

Chise: …Really? 

Ryoga: If Loulou*di’s color changed, then there’s a chance Anthos* changed too. Before I knew it, I even started thinking about that kind of thing. The Music Awards are close, so I wanted to get rid of those worries before then.

Chise: But…

Ryoga: You don’t wanna talk about it?

Chise: …

Ryoga: Sorry. I asked that without thinking about how you’d feel. I don’t wanna push you, so–

Chise: No, it’s okay. I can get rid of some of your worries by talking about it, right? 

If that’s how I can be useful as Chise, then I’m happy. 

Ryoga: As… Chise? 

Chise: Okay then, let’s see… Right. Let’s start with you, Ryo-kun. Compared to before, your color’s all gugugu!

Ryoga: G-Gugugu?

Chise: It’s not blurry and it doesn’t get smudged, and it’s warm and bold. It’s not sharp, and feels like finding your way.

Ryoga: I feel kinda self-conscious for some reason.

Chise: Yukki hasn’t changed one bit. He’s always a really warm color, and I can tell he’s always thinking about everyone else. 

Chise: Harry’s color goes all over the place whether he’s happy, sad, or excited. But it’s always super shiny, he really is dazzling.

Ryoga: I see… I'm glad. 

Chise: Next is Sena… Umm…

Ryoga: Setsuna? Is there something wrong with him?

Chise: Huh? Oh, no. It’s just that Sena’s color is really hard to see. Even I have a hard time understanding him. 

Ryoga: The guy’s a real mystery, huh… What about Kaoru?

Chise: Oru-kun’s color has gotten really faint. And…

Ryoga: And?

Chise: There are times when I can’t see anything at all. But there’s probably just something wrong with my synesthesia, so I don’t think it’s something you should worry about. 

I mean, recently, Oru-kun’s been super cool and pretty, right?

Ryoga: Well, the fans and production agency both seem to hold him in high regard. 

Chise: I'm sure that Oru-kun is just working hard to become a perfect idol. And, if he’s changing because he himself wants to, then… I want to support him. 

Ryoga: I see. 

Chise: Mhm.

Ryoga: Then, Lihito is last, what about him? 

Chise: Huh?

Ryoga: Hey, you good?

Chise: Oh, yes. I'm good. Litto… Litto’s color is… 

…Recently, Litto’s color is… a little scary. I can see it, but I don’t know what it means, if anything. It’s scary…

Ryoga: I thought you didn’t know what his color meant before, either. Why is it so scary now? 

Chise: That’s true, but… No, that’s not it… It’s hard to put into words…

Ryoga: The fear of it becoming fainter, huh…  You don’t plan on asking him directly what his color means? You two are always really close, right? 

Chise: Mhm.

Ryoga: Is there a reason you can’t ask him? 

Chise: …It’s just that if I ask him, then Litto will know I’ve been thinking this way, right? That’s even scarier. If he knows how I'm feeling, then that might hurt him.

Ryoga: I see. So that’s what it is. 

Chise: Huh…? 

Ryoga: Of course it’s important to think about other people’s feelings. But I don’t think it’s right if you get so caught up in that that you can’t do anything because of it.

Chise: That’s…

Ryoga: Chise. It’s not about what someone else thinks. It’s about what you think, what you yourself want to do… Isn’t that what’s important?

Chise: What I think… 

Ryoga: Yeah. You said it yourself earlier. You said if Kaoru changes because he himself wants to, then you’ll support him. What you yourself feel, that’s what’s important. You understand that too… That’s what I think. 

Chise: …

Ryoga: Hey, Chise. Can you see your own color? 

Chise: I can’t. 

Ryoga: Damn… Well, that makes us the same. 

Chise: We’re the same? 

Ryoga: I can’t see what color anybody is, so I’m always scared that I might be overstepping. You’re scared that your feelings might be too much, so we’re the same in that regard. 

Ryoga: I’ve never been able to see what might happen as a result of my actions. It makes me anxious and scared… I always end up thinking that I’ve done something wrong. 

Ryoga: But it’s also exactly because I can’t see all of that that there’s possibilities. Maybe, there’s something precious waiting for me if I take that first step forward.

Chise: You can say that because you’re strong. 

Ryoga: Hahaha. Hey now, I'm not strong. It’s thanks to my weakness that I have so many regrets from my life up till now. But I just kept pushing forward one step at a time, and I got a little stronger until I found a light. Even though I’m scared, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Chise: A light?

Ryoga: Yeah. I’ve decided to not take orders from anyone, to act of my own free will. Whether I’m right or mistaken, that’s for me to decide, nobody else. My resolve won’t be shaken. 

Chise: Pushing forward because you don’t know what’s ahead… Even without being able to see the things that are important… That’s the same as the box in my heart.

Ryoga: The box in your heart?

Chise: Mhm. I can feel the things that are important but I can’t see in my heart. A long time ago, my mom taught me that there’s a box in my heart, and that it’s packed full of wonderful colors. 

Ryoga: I see. 

Chise: Thanks, Ryo-kun. I kinda feel like I might be able to do it now.

Ryoga: Heeey, it’s only ‘cause you’re always saving my skin.

Chise: Huh? 

Ryoga: When we first came to the dorms, or the day we all ate curry together, or the day I hit Hiro, or when you told me it was okay to cry– You’ve helped me out time and time again. I’d be happy if this could be my way of repaying you. 

Chise: Ehehehe… It’s ‘cause I'm an expert at making amends.

Ryoga: See, you’re super reliable! You really are. 

Chise: Ryo-kun?

Ryoga: Hey… You’re always telling the people around you to count on you, but everyone… Everyone really does rely on you, more than you think.

Chise: Then you better count on me lots, ‘kay? I’d be really happy if I could become everyone’s strength.

ー

　ーTyping

Medical Staff: Kiyose-san. Please slowly open your eyes. 

Haruta: Mm…

Medical Staff: Don’t move your head. Take a deep breath just like that.

Haruta: *Exhales*...

Medical Staff: Does your body feel strange anywhere?

Haruta: …Uhh… Not really. If anything, I guess my mind feels really refreshed.

Medical Staff: We found no particular issues when we looked at your recent medical checks, either. Apart from your vitals, your sleep and appetite are normal, as well as the development of your flower.

Haruta: Really!? Thank god. I was worried about what I was gonna do if there was something weird since the time before the Music Awards is really important.

Medical Staff: If you understand that, then please ensure you don’t push yourself too hard. Outside of the personal lessons you requested, you’ve been spending more and more time on individual practice as well, haven’t you?

Haruta: Um… Yes. I want to do everything I can, and I know that I gotta take care of myself.

Medical Staff: That’s good, but if the balance between your mind and body is thrown off and you were to collapse again, then all that hard work will have gone to waste.

Haruta: I really was just being stupid last time… I’m sorry that I didn’t realize I was going overboard and got sick with a really high fever, it was really uncool. I caused a lot of trouble for the other members, too.

Haruta: But I feel like staying at the medical tower might’ve been kinda refreshin–

Medical Staff: Medical treatment is no laughing matter.

Haruta: I-I’m sorry.

Medical Staff: Furthermore, our concerns are not limited to just your physical and mental condition. Depending on your actions, there’s a possibility that there could be a negative impact on the development of your flower that you’ve been worrying about all this time.

Haruta: …

Medical Staff: You want to hurry and fully bloom, don’t you?

Haruta: Yeah. Kao-nii and Chise-nii have gotten way more work, and they’re super brilliant as idols… I think I can do even more too. If my flower grows and blooms, then I’ll be able to be like them too.

Haruta: Also, my flower is a marigold, right? That means I gotta shine like the sun more than any of the other guys, you know?

Medical Staff: You all are extremely important as a part of the project. Do take appropriate precautions when it comes to changes in your health.

Haruta: Okay.

Medical Staff: You’re fine to head home for today.

I will go and arrange a car for you.

Haruta: *Humming*

Medical Staff: Hm?

Haruta: Oh, this is one of Loulou*di’s songs. I’ve been a fan since way back. So it really does seem like a dream for me to appear at the Music Awards and stand on the same stage with the idols and people I admire.

Haruta: Thank you very much for choosing me. For having me here.

Medical Staff: I am not the one who chose you.

Haruta: But I’m still grateful! President Amagiri might be the top guy, but it’s the truth that you medical staff have been supporting me.

Haruta: And I’m really, really happy that all of the dreams I never wanted to give up on were able to come true! I get to stand onstage with Toki, and to be a part of Anthos*!

So, thank you very much!

Medical Staff: I see. Good for you.

The car will be here shortly.

Haruta: Huh!? Whuh, already!? Ah, um, then I’ll be going! Anthos*’ll be in your care! 

Medical Staff: …

📍BAR Yumejuuya

Yodaka: ! This is…

Yunyun: Crème de cassis, huh.

Kuguri: It was made with the finest ingredients, and it’s quite rare. 

Yunyun: Huuuh. How on earth did you get your hands on a bottle of that?

Kuguri: Heh, you want to know more about me? Fine by me, I’ll indulge you.

Yunyun: Ahh~ Nah, I’ll pass.

Yodaka: I’ve heard stories about it, but this is my first time seeing the real thing. To think I would come across one here, of all places…

Kuguri: Fufu, you look as though you’ve been enchanted by a lover.

Yunyun: He’s totally starstruck.

Kuguri: Make me the finest drink you can so that I may enjoy the flavor of this liqueur to the fullest tonight. Something suitable for so late into the night… A rich cocktail akin to melting into slumber sounds good.

Kuguri: The average bartender would kill the flavor, but you, Yodaka—I’m sure you can do it, yes?

Yodaka: Fufu, you’ve got quite a bit of faith in my skills. 

Kuguri: I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

Yodaka: … Indeed. I’ll have to live up to your expectations.

　　ーTimeskip

Kuguri: …

Yodaka: Come to think of it, have you been drinking elsewhere today?

Kuguri: A bit.

Yodaka: And you chose us for your final drink. I’m quite grateful.

Kuguri: Yumejuuya is just the place to spend what little remains of the night. 

Yodaka: In that case, to finish off the night— Here, a Cardinal. 

Kuguri: …Thanks. 

Kuguri: Heeh, it’s got a lighter flavor than your typical Cardinal.

Yodaka: You’re spot on. I can never trick your palette. I changed the ratios a bit to make the most of the liqueur’s flavor. 

Yodaka: Furthermore, you seem to have had a fair bit to drink before you came here, so I lightened things up so as to not be too heavy on your palette.

Kuguri: Hmm…

Yodaka: Is it not to your liking?

Kuguri: …No,  it’s not bad. I thought you’d make it a bit stronger, but indulging in this kind of kindness and consideration isn’t so bad every now and then.

Kuguri: Most importantly, the refined flavor of the liqueur shines through.

Yodaka: I’m glad to hear that. What would you like to do with the rest of the bottle?

Kuguri: I’ll leave it here with you. I plan to order something that’ll allow me to savor this taste once again. 

Yodaka: Understood. I’ll have to prepare some appropriate drinking snacks for your next visit.

Kuguri: You say that, but I’ve got quite picky tastes. I expect you to select the finest pairings for me. 

Yodaka: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

Yunyun: …

Yunyun: …He really is too soft on that guy. 

📍BAR Yumejuuya

Yunyun: Thanks for coming!

Yunyun: …That’s the last customer~ What should we do now?

Yodaka: It’s a bit early, but let’s close up for today.

Yunyun: Okaaay. Then I’ll go outside and–

　Bell chimes

Kuguri: Hey there, stay open a little longer for me.

Yunyun: Woah! If it ain’t Domeki-san.

Yodaka: Welcome. It seems we have a late-night customer today.

Kuguri: I was in the mood for a drink of yours. You don’t mind, do you?

Yodaka: Yes, of course. I’ll go ahead and reserve the space, then. Go ahead and close up outside.

Yunyun: Huh? …Got it.

Kuguri: I’ll make myself at home.

Yunyun: …Isn’t he doting on Domeki-san a bit too much?

Kuguri: Oya, is paying for my drinks not enough? You’ve got quite the greedy little employee here.

Yunyun: (Geh, he heard that.)

Yunyun: …My bad~ Thank you for continued patronage.

Chou un: What would you like for tonight’s Playlist?

Kuguri: I’ll take the same as last time.

Yodaka: Can I leave that to you, Chou un?

Chou un: Understood. 

Kuguri: The music isn’t half bad, and you’ll serve anything I order… I’ve taken quite a liking to this place.

Yodaka: It’s an honor. It makes me quite happy that you wind up here as often as you do. 

Yodaka: You subtly pick up on the little details in the cocktails I prepare. 

Yodaka: Of course, how one chooses to enjoy themself depends on the person. It’s worth making drinks as a result.

Kuguri: … It’s a basic courtesy to all the sweet works of art you create. 

Yodaka: And? What’ll it be tonight?

Yodaka: You always have a special order in mind when you come to pay a visit.

Kuguri: …

Kuguri: —I got my hands on quite the luxury bottle. Use it, and make me a glass of your finest drink.

📍Hallway Lounge

Hisoka: (I can’t sleep in the coffin after all. I guess I’ll go nap somewhere else today.)

Hisoka: Oh, Chikage. 

Chikage: It’s you. I thought you’d be taking a nap somewhere or another since the weather’s nice. 

Hisoka: Don’t worry, I plan on going to sleep now. 

Chikage: You’re the same as ever…

Hisoka: (…Oh, right. Maybe Chikage could open the coffin’s padlock without a key.)

Hisoka: (But if I tell him that I want to nap in it, he probably won’t help, even if I ask…)

Hisoka: I wanna ask you about something. 

Chikage: Something to ask me?

Hisoka: Yeah. There’s a prop coffin in the storage room that I wanted to use for role building for Franz, but…

Hisoka: The coffin lid is shut with a padlock, and I don’t have the key, so I can’t use it. That’s why I want you to open the lock.

Chikage: I see… Speaking of, I heard you slept in a coffin while building a role for a previous play.

Hisoka: Yeah. That’s why that coffin is super important this time too. 

Chikage: …

Hisoka: (Chikage looks really deep in thought. Maybe he won’t do it after all?)

Chikage: That coffin was in the storeroom?

Hisoka: You’ll open it for me?

Chikage: Well, only if it’s really necessary for role building.

📍Storage Room

Izumi: Hisoka-san, you came back! But once the Manager comes back from throwing out the garbage, I think we’ll be just about done…

Izumi: Um, is Chikage-san here to help with the cleaning too?

Chikage: No, I’m here to do something else.

Hisoka: Chikage’s going to open the padlock for me.

Izumi: Huh, he is?

Hisoka: Yeah.

Chikage: He said it was necessary for role building. Is there an issue with removing the lock?

Izumi: …

Izumi: (To be honest, I’m a little worried about the reason that coffin was sealed up, but it would be hard to use it for role building as it is now…)

Izumi: No, I think it’s fine.

Chikage: Got it. So where is this coffin?

Hisoka: It’s over there.

Chikage: This is… More than I had imagined. So I just need to open this lock?

Hisoka: Yeah. Can you do it?

Chikage: Yeah. I should be able to do something about this kind of padlock one way or another if I have some kind of thin rod.

Hisoka: A thin rod… Will this screwdriver work?

Chikage: Thanks. I should be able to use that. Give it here for a minute.

　　ーTimeskip

Chikage: …Alright, the padlock and chains are off. You should be able to take off the lid now.

Hisoka: Yeah. Thanks.

Izumi: (Oh, Hisoka-san got into the coffin.)

Hisoka: This really is… A nice place to sleep… Zzz…

Chikage: …He seems right at home in there. Is this really for role building?

Izumi: Ahaha…

　　ーTimeskip

Homare: I was thinking I hadn’t seen Hisoka-kun in quite some time, but to think he was sleeping yet again in this here coffin…

Homare: If Director-kun had not informed me of such, I fear I never would have found him.

Hisoka: Zzzzzz…

Homare: Wake up now, Hisoka-kun. It is long past dinnertime by now. Behold, a marshmallow. 

Hisoka: Munch… Nom nom…

Homare: Goodness me… I heard you were role building for Franz within this coffin, but are you not simply sleeping as per usual?

Hisoka: Don't worry, I’m doing my role building properly.

Hisoka: *Bite*

Homare: HYAAA!! Just why on earth are you biting at my wrist all of a sudden!?

Hisoka: I’m just showing you the results of my role building.

Hisoka: Alice, you should do more role building too. That’s not how Nonomiya would react.

Homare: That was simply inevitable!

📍Dormitory Lounge

Izumi: Hm? This breathing…

Hisoka: Zzz…

Izumi: (I knew it, it’s Hisoka-san. It seems like he’s sleeping really peacefully…)

Izumi: (The lounge is all warm since the weather is so nice today, so I get it.)

Manager: Ah, over there is… Director and Mikage-kun! Perfect timing!

Izumi: What’s wrong, Manager? 

Manager: Well, I was thinking I’d go clean up the storage room right about now. If you’d like, could you lend a hand?

Izumi: Sure, I don’t have any plans today.

Manager: Thank you very much! Furuichi-san has been talking my ear off about taking care of it for a while now.

Manager: By the way, I’d be reeaally happy if Mikage-kun would come help out too. 

Hisoka: Zzzz…

Izumi: But waking up Hisoka-san when he’s like this will be a little difficult. If only we had some marshmallows, at least…

Hisoka: *Yawn*… Good morning.

—

CHOOSE: I’m sorry for waking you. 

Izumi: Were we being too loud? I’m sorry for waking you.

Hisoka: It’s not your fault. I woke up because the Manager was being noisy.

Izumi: I-I see. You looked like you were sleeping peacefully, were you having some kind of dream?

Hisoka: I don’t really remember, but I feel like I was dreaming about being wrapped up in something fluffy. It kind of felt like a marshmallow. 

Izumi: Hehe, that’s a wonderful dream.

CHOOSE: Oh, he’s already up.

Izumi: Oh, you’re already awake?

Hisoka: I wanted to eat marshmallows… Director, do you have any?

Izumi: I’m sorry, not right now. 

Hisoka: …I see. Goodnight, then.

Izumi: Huh!?

—

Manager: Thank goodness you woke up, Mikage-kun! Would you come help clean the storeroom with me and the Director?

Hisoka: Sounds like a pain.

Manager: Pretty please~! If you came with us, I’d feel suuuuper reassured!

Hisoka: …Okay.

Manager: Yippee~! With the three of us, I’m sure we’ll get this done in a jiffy!

Izumi: Ahaha, you’re right.

Izumi: (But I’m a little surprised Hisoka-san agreed to help clean…)

📍Storage Room

Manager: I really was gonna put 110% into cleaning, even if it was all on my own.

Manager: But just when I thought I’d clean up, I found something really crazy in the storage room! 

Izumi: Something crazy?

Manager: Yes. It’s here in the depths of the room.

Izumi: Huh!? This is…

Izumi: (This thing that’s like a big box all wrapped in chains is…!)

Hisoka: …

Izumi: M-Manager, what is this?

Manager: I don’t know either. But it showed up here/in the storage room without me noticing.

Izumi: It looks completely sealed up… There’s even a padlock on there, the chains won’t come off easily.

Manager: Right~ That’s why cleaning on my own is scary! If I threw it away carelessly, I’d get cursed…!

Hisoka: You can’t get rid of it. This is important.

Manager: Huh? Mikage-kun, do you know what this is?

Hisoka: Yeah, I think you two know too. 

Izumi: We do?

Hisoka: It’s a prop coffin. I used to sleep in it a lot.

Manager: Oh, you’re right…! I’ve seen this before, we used it as a prop in our past plays!

Manager: Maaan, I didn’t notice since it was all wrapped in chains.

Izumi: Speaking of… During Phantom, Tasuku-san confiscated it since it’s hard to wake you up when you’re sleeping there, didn’t he? 

Izumi: (I didn’t think he’d actually go this far, though.)

Hisoka: Yeah. It was really comfortable to sleep in, but Tasuku went and wrapped it in chains, so I can’t use it now. It sucks. 

Izumi: Manager, can you remove this chain?

Manager: No way~! It’d be hard to take off the chains without taking off the padlock first to begin with.

Izumi: Tasuku-san might have the key. So we have no choice but to ask him?

Hisoka: He refuses, no matter how many times I ask. 

Izumi: I see…

Hisoka: *Sigh*…

Izumi: (Oh, Hisoka-san left.)

Manager: Huuuh?! So Mikage-kun wasn’t gonna help clean the storeroom!?

Izumi: Maybe he just came to look at the coffin.