my next life as an otome game heroine

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Andrew: “I never thought James-san would get married.”

James: “I was also going to be unmarried, but I’m worried about what people would say then.”

Grayson: “What kind of person is your partner?” 

Andrew: “The three of us took a picture the other day. Here you go.”

James: “She’s younger than me but she’s a sharp person. Perfect suit for a business partner.” 

Andrew: “That sounds so businesslike. But it’s not bad to have someone waiting for you at home, isn’t it.”

Grayson: “I have no idea about how people would feel when they get married. Aside from being on duty, being with someone all the time is like hell.”

James: “That’s Grayson for you.”

*shifts to Ethan’s table*

Ethan: “She is my fated partner. I was sitting next to her at the cafe, and ever since our eyes met, I knew it was what was called love at first sight.”

Noah: “She looks just like an anime character, doesn’t she.”

Ethan: “Do you want to see the picture?”

Lucas: “Ah… But that’s why you’re getting married though. The genius graduating at the top of his class despite skipping grades is still in his teens, huh.”

Ethan: “N-not only that. She also has a nice personality, and we’re even on the same wavelength!”

Noah: “Even so, I thought the president’s son should be able to charter this whole cruise ship, shouldn’t you?”

Ethan: “This time, Olivia has arranged everything for me.”

Ethan: “I told her I wasn’t too interested in helding a bachelorette party, but she said I should definitely do it. She’s such a modest person.”

Noah: “I don’t think a modest partner would book a whole floor which costs this much though.”

Lucas: Well, isn’t that great to do this once in a while? Ethan, you didn’t come out and play much when we were students.

Ethan: “It’s because studying is fun.”

Noah: “By the way, who is the SP today?” (*)

Ethan: “There’s no way I’d bring any of them on a day like this.”

Noah: “Is that so.”

Izumi: (Azami-kun’s Ethan, I can feel like he’s really in love with Olivia. It’s completely different from when we started practicing.)

Andrew: “It seems that those guys over there also came to this bachelorette party like us.”

Grayson: “They look surprisingly young though.”

James: “That boy is…”

Ethan: “Cheers.”

James: “That sounds great, Bocchan. Congratulations on your wedding engagement.”

Ethan: “?”

James: “I just happened to hear your story.”

Ethan: “Aah. Thank you.”

James: “I guess there haven’t been any articles yet about the president’s son getting engaged?”

Andrew: “Yeah, if it happened to be seen somewhere,...”

Ethan: “My father is the only one who is well-known.”

Grayson: “There even seems to be some rumours about how much of a rare genius you are that you’ll be the next president?”

James: “I’m James, the secretary for congressman Brown.”

Ethan: “Nice to meet you.”

Noah: “Could it be that you guys are also enjoying the night before the wedding?”

James: “Aah. Such a coincidence.”

Lucas: “How old are you now, James-san?”

James: “I’m 32.”

Lucas: “Normally people are getting married at around that age. Ethan’s case is too early.” 

Andrew: “Well, I also got married when I was 26.”

Ethan: “Because I will never find anyone who looks like Misaki and matches my personality like this in the future!” 

James: “Misaki?”

Ethan: “Do you know the Japanese anime “One Hundred Poems, One People Each Reincarnated in a Different World”? (**). Misaki is a character in that series. Do you know it?”

James: “Hm–, I think I may have heard that name.” 

Ethan: “Here, you can look at this photo of her! You will see they really look alike!” 

James: “Heh… I’m not sure, but are they that similar?”

James: “Hm…? You said her name was?”

Ethan: “She is Olivia.”

James: “...”

Andrew: “James-san.”

Ethan: “Is there something wrong?”

James: “No, nothing. Please enjoy the party then—”

Grayson: “This woman named Olivia, doesn’t her name and face look just like James-san’s fiancée Olivia?”

Ethan: “Eh? That’s an odd coincidence—”

James: “Maybe it’s just a random resemblance to someone.” 

Grayson: “No, it’s just the hairstyle and hair color that are different, but they’re the same person. You can put it into the analysis software.” 

James: “...”

Noah: “So, what does that mean?”

Lucas: “Hm—, in other words, Olivia is gonna get married with two of you at the same time?”

Ethan: “N-No way! There’s no way that Olivia would marry such an old uncle. She said she likes men younger than her.” 

James: “If you say that, then my fiancée also said the same thing. She said she has no interest in someone younger.”

James: “There is no way that she would make a mistake as marrying such a child.”

Ethan: “With all due respect, I am an independent person. Isn’t it too much to say “such a child”? 

Andrew: “Anyway, why don’t you two ask your fiancée directly to confirm? Maybe they are twins who live away from others.”

Grayson: “Isn’t this a marriage fraud?” 

Lucas: “I thought so too.”

Ethan: “That can’t be true!”

James: “We will know right after confirming with her.”

Ethan: “That’s right. Let me make a call to Olivia—”

Ethan: “What? There is no signal.”

Noah: “We could use wireless LANs though.”

James: “This is strange…” 

Andrew: “My phone can’t connect either.” 

Lucas: “It was connected until a while ago.”

Grayson: “James-san, the state at the floor is nowー”

James: “Get down!”

*The power suddenly went out*

Ethan: “ーー”

Noah: “Eh!? W-What!?”

Lucas: “A power outage!?”

*Grayson and Andrew put their guns out*

*Shifts to the ship’s hold*

 Andrew: “Maybe that’s a hijacking.”

James: “There are too many enemies for a normal hijacking.”

Andrew: “This is strange. There wasn’t a single customer there a while ago.”

Greyson: “Right before the power outage, customers began to move all at once. This is no doubt a corporation.”

James: “I can’t say for sure yet, but it might be better to think that everyone except us is the enemy.”

Ethan: “W-What does that mean? What are they aiming for?”

James: “We still have no idea about it. Anyway, we should think about a way to escape this ship safely for now.”

James: “I will go first. Grayson will be behind me, and Andrew will be in defence of these three.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Andrew: “Yes sir.”

Lucas: “You guys all have experience in the army by any chance…?”

James: “Aah. We’re friends in the same unit.”

Noah: “How reliable!”

Ethan: “W-wait a minute. In the first place, we don’t know if those guys are on the same boat with us or not.”

Lucas: “Now is not the time to say that.”

Ethan: “Like, even Olivia’s case is not still clear yet.”

Ethan: “I can’t trust someone suddenly saying that my fiancée, who is going to get married to me tomorrow, is the same person as his fiancée.”

James: “That’s the same for me too. I don’t mind if you don’t want to follow us.”

Ethan: “ーーW-Wait a minute!”

Andrew: “Isn’t it too bad to leave the president’s son behind?”

Grayson: “Our career advancement opportunities are gonna be out of reach.”

James: “...Tsk.”

Ethan: “For now, I’ll put Olivia’s case on hold. But that doesn’t mean I completely trust you.”

James: “This is why Bocchan is so troublesome.”

Ethan: “What?”

James: “No, nothing.”

Noah: “Uhmー, by the way, can I go back to my room?”

James: “We don’t have time to break now.”

Noah: “Ah, actually I’ve brought a drone here since I was thinking of using it for some photoshoot.”

Noah: “Even if the drone can’t connect through wireless communication now, it can communicate through infrared, and it has a camera too so wouldn’t it still be useful?”

Andrew: “It may be useful to watch the enemy’s movements.”

James: “There is a possibility that the cabin is now surrounded.”

Grayson: “Then I’ll be going.”

James: “If it’s impossible after checking the situation, give up and come back here.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Izumi: (As expected of the ex-militaries. Thanks to the hair makeup, they look dignified and powerful.)

*Short timeskip* 

James: “How is it? Do you find something?”

Lucas: “From the time being, the information recorded on the terminal can be easily obtained though…”

Lucas: “It’s gonna take a lil’ bit of time to get the information that requires access to the headquarters' database.”

Lucas: “Anyway, I’ll share this ship’s map that is quite useful.”

Noah: “Uhmー, I’m currently looking around the ship, but it seems like it’s gradually getting farther away from the port.”

Ethan: “It was supposed to return to the port overnight as planned.”

Andrew: “Where on earth is it heading to…”

Grayson: “I’m sure it’s not a good destination.”

James: “First thing first, let’s find a lifeboat to escape from this ship.”

Ethan: “In addition, in order to communicate with others outside this ship, we should look for the signal jammers.”

Ethan: “That’s no doubt the reason why the radio waves suddenly stopped connecting.” 

James: “Then, let’s split into 2 groups. Grayson, preparing for the field. Lucas, please continue to analyze here.”

James: “And Noah, lend me the drone.”

Noah: “Ahー, the operation is quite complicated so only me can handle it.”

Noah: “Since the radio waves are blocked, you can’t control it unless you’re close to the infrared.”

James: “Then you go with Andrew and secure the lifeboat.”

Noah: “It’ll be like that after all…?”

Andrew: “I will guarantee your safety as much as possible.”

Noah: “I’m looking forward to working with you…”

James: “I will go find the signal jammers.”

Ethan: “What should I do then?”

James: “Bocchan should have some tea here.”

Ethan: “ーーI’ll go with you, James-san. I’ve learned self-defense and gun shooting, so we’ll work in pairs.”

James: “Do as you wish.”

Izumi: (Their blatant hostility towards others is perfect. It’s the kind of relationship that only works because it's Azami-kun and Sakyo-san.)

*Shifts to the cabin*

James: “Stop!” 

Ethan: “ーーTsk.”

James: “If you didn’t come here to be a handicap, then at least don’t get in my way.”

Ethan: “...Depending on the function of the signal jammers, there are several patterns of placement to cover the vast interior of the ship."

*James & Ethans run*

Ethan: “However, no matter which pattern is, there should always be one placed around here. It’s not that way.”

James: “Does that mean you've simulated all the patterns?”

Ethan: “It’s not that I’ve simulated all of it before. You can get it right away once you look at the map.”

James: “I see. Seems like “genius Bocchan”' isn't just for show."

Ethan: “Can you stop calling me Bocchan.”

*Short timeskips*

James: “ーーApparently, your reading is correct. It’s a bingo.”

Ethan: “Once we stop this jammer, we can at least call the police from here. Nowーー”

James: “Wait. It comes with a bonus.” 

Ethan: “?”

James: “A bomb. If you touch this carelessly, the bomb will explode.”

Ethan: “If that happens, its effect on the ship willーー Don’t tell me, the other jammers also have a bomb with it?”

James: “The possibility is high. Maybe they’re planning to sink this ship.”

Ethan: “That’sーー”

James: “We will go back for now. I’m also curious about Andrew’s report.”

*Back to the ship’s hold*

Ethan: “All the lifeboats are gone?”

Lucas: “Then how are we gonna escape from this ship.”

Grayson: “That means the bombs are all bluff?”

James: “No, they didn’t look fake at all.”

Ethan: “Unless they are planning to go down with the ship, their comrades are probably supposed to come pick them up.”

Ethan: “Once they accomplish their goal, won't they contact their comrades and sink the ship to destroy all the evidence?”

Noah: “What do you mean by their goal…?”

James: “Their goal is undoubtedly one of us, or even all of us. There were no corpses around this ship, and no one was running away except us.”

Noah: “What should we do then if there is no way to escape or contact the outside?”

Lucas: “It’s an escape game for real.”

Ethan: “Not something we can joke about.”

James: “For the time being, if we can clean up all the enemies, we can spare some time until the bombs explode.”

Ethan: “Please don’t say that easily.”

James: “If Bocchan doesn’t get in the way, we can do it.”

Ethan: “If that’s the case, let me tell you thisーー I think taking control over the cockpit and heading to the port would be faster than dealing with all the enemies.”

Ethan: “Calling for backup and escaping would take time, but if we get closer to the port, we might be able to escape.”

James: “Well, it’s worth a try. Then, are you going to tag along with me again?”

Ethan: “Yes, of course. I haven’t completely believed in you yet.”

James: “Andrew, follow me. Grayson, continue to take care of this place.”

Andrew: “Yes sir.”

Grayson: “Yes sir.”

Izumi: (Noah, the robot enthusiast, and Lucas, who’s into hacking, make a great brainy team. Compared to the former militaries team, it gives a really interesting feeling.)

*Shifts to the cabin*

SP: “Ethan! Where are you! I have been hiding due to the president’s request! Are you alright!?”

Ethan: “That isーー An SP. I’ve seen his face before. What a relief, we are saved! I’m right here!” 

James: “Waitーー!”

SP: “I’m glad you’re safe… Finally caught you.” 

Ethan: “?”

Andrew: “ーー”

James: “Wait. Now is not the time to show your face.”

Ethan: “Let go of me! What are you going to do!?”

SP: “If you value your life, be quiet and behave.”

Ethan: “You tricked me!”

Andrew: “...” James: “It’s okay. He didn’t shoot Ethan.”

Andrew: “Their purpose is kidnapping, isn’t it.”

James: “In that case, there is no need to involve us in this.”

Andrew: “There seems to be no doubt that Olivia is also involved.”

James: “...Leave questioning for later.”

*Shifts to the main hall*

SP: “...Contact headquarters.”

Terrorist A: “It took an unexpected effort.”

Ethan: “...”

*The phone rings*

Ethan: “!?”

SP: “Answer it.”

Ethan: “Eh? Can I?”

SP: “If you say anything thoughtless, I’ll kill you right away.”

Ethan: “...Understood.”

Ethan: “Oliviaーー Are you there?”

Olivia: “Yes. I’m sorry.”

Olivia: “I didn't intend to disturb you today, but I have something that needs to be checked about tomorrow’s wedding arrangements.”

Ethan: “That’s not the point! Nowーー”

*Sounds of bullet being loaded*

SP: “...” Olivia: “What happens?”

Ethan: “N-No, nothing.”

Olivia: “Is that so? By the way, I just got a call from the venue, and it seems the flowers we ordered won't be arriving.” 

Olivia: “White is okay, but if there has to be some mix, which one would be better, pink or red? Considering Misaki's image, maybe purple?”

Ethan: “Ah, that’s right…”

Olivia: “Ethan also thinks so? What a relief! Then, I’ll contact the staff right away.”

Ethan: “Rather than that, I want to ask you something.”

Ethan: “Do you know James? He is the secretary for congressman Brown, and he is going to have a wedding with you tomorrow…”

Olivia: “With me? Who?”

Ethan: “It’s James.”

Olivia: “What are you talking about? You’re the guy who will have a wedding with me tomorrow, Ethan. Could it be that you're starting to regret your last single night?”

Ethan: “You really don’t know him?”

Olivia: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re drunk, aren’t you.”

Olivia: “Show your face properly tomorrow, okay? I'd never want to stand alone at the venue just by myself.”

Ethan: “Y-Yeah. I already know it.”

Olivia: “Then. Good night. I love you.”

Ethan: “ーー”

SP: “That’s fine. If you obediently listen to what I say, I won't’ take your and your friends’ lives.”

Ethan: “Really?”

SP: “However, there is 1 condition. Bring James and others to the cockpit.”

Ethan: “Eh?”

SP: “You were aiming to take control over the cockpit, weren’t you? Unfortunately, this ship is controlled from the outside.”

SP: “If you try to touch the equipment, it’ll explode.”

Ethan: “No way…”

SP: “I’ll release you, so bring James and others. If you do that, I’ll save your and your friends’ lives.”

SP: “You know the location of the cockpit right?”

Ethan: “...I know it.”

*Sounds of shooting gun”

James: “Ethan!” 

*Sounds of loading bullet and shooting gun*

SP: “ーーTsk.”

*They starts to shoot guns towards others*

James: “Come here!”

Ethan: “ーー”

*Shifts to the cabin*

James: “Any injuries?”

Ethan: “I’m fine… But why…”

James: “I can’t leave the president’s son alone.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “What’s wrong?”

Ethan: Oliviaーー No, there’s nothing.”

James: “There is no doubt that woman is involved in this incident. I understand you have lingering feelings, but you need to let her go. Their goal is to kidnap you."

James: "Most likely, they plan to use this as leverage to negotiate with the president. Once they're done, they might sink this ship along with everything."

Ethan: “...”

*Shifts to the ship’s hold*

Lucas: “Welcome back. I was finally able to break into the headquarters’ database.”

Lucas: “For the time being, what seems to be useful in the current situation is the number of enemies and the wiring diagram. And here is the list of enemiesーー”

Ethan: “Thisーー”

James: “As expected, Olivia is one of them. She must have gotten close to us to gather information.”

Ethan: “That’sーー”

Noah: “W-Well, at least you found out before getting married.”

Lucas: “You may be killed the moment you know it.”

James: “What should we do now? Shall we aim for the cockpit again?”

Ethan: “The cockpit on this ship cannot be used. They said that the control is completely left to the outside.”

Ethan: “In other words, it’s impossible for the terrorists to escape unless they are picked up by their comrades. There is no point in annihilating the cockpit.”

James: “...And?”

Ethan: “They promised me to save our lives on the condition that James-san and others were handed over.”

Ethan: “If their goal is to kidnap me and leave the ship, then I'll let them achieve their goal and make the call for the pickup.”

Ethan: “ After that, we'll hijack the rescue ship. That’s the only way.”

James: “That’s fine. It’s a great strategy for Bocchan.”

*Shifts to the cockpit*

James: “? What does this mean? There is no one hereーー”

Terrorist B: “Don’t you dare to move.”

Andrew: “ーー”

James: “We are surrounded.”

SP: “Thank you, Ethan. You saved us.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “Ethan?”

Andrew: “Did you betray us?”

SP: “There are 3 people here. What about your other friend?”

Lucas: “We disagreed on betraying James-san and the others this time. We had a falling out.”

SP: “Well that’s fine. 1 student doesn't make much of a difference. Let's quickly take care of the three of them."

James: “...Didn't you notice that one of the bombs you carefully planted all over the ship is missing? If you shoot now, we will die together.”

Terrorist B: “There’s no wayーー”

Terrorist C: “That’s fine. Leaving you here would lead to the same result anyway. Contact headquarters. We're withdrawing."

SP: “Originally, we were supposed to let the son go down with the ship as well.”

SP: “Negotiations are gonna take time, so you'll be coming with us. Consider yourself lucky.”

Ethan: “In other words, James-san and others' terms didn't matter at all?”

SP: “You made things easier for us. But honestly, you were more persistent than we expected and it was troublesome.”

Announcer: “10 seconds left until the explosion.” 

Terrorist B: “!?”

SP: “What the heck is this drone? Something like this wasn't part of the planー”

Terrorist C: “More than that, what on earth is the “10 seconds left until the explosion”ーー”

SP: “Don’t panic! Shoot it down!”

Ethan: “That Noah guy, even if you said you’re going to use it to get their attention, this is…”

James: “That’s enough.”

*They start shooting guns towards others*

Terrorist B: “Urgh!”

SP: “Youーー!?”

James: “You two, lie down!”

Ethan: “Y-Yes!”

Lucas: “How many times do I have to come close to dying in just one night…!”

*Shifts to the cabin*

Noah: “There are several small boats moored side by side. Only the driver is on board.”

James: “Well, they will have to carry lots of people. Alright, let’s go.”

Ethan: “What do you mean by going, how do weーー”

James: “Jump!”

Ethan: “Eh!?”

Andrew: “Hurry up!”

Noah: “Hehhhhh!” 

Lucas: “How many times do I have to come close to dying in just…!”

*Shifts to the lifeboat*

James: “Who's in charge of the steering?”

Ethan: “I have the license.”

James: “Then, I’ll leave it to Bocchan.”

Andrew: “Haa… It was a hard bachelorette party.” 

Grayson: “If it's a training, you should have told me earlier.”

*The bomb explodes*

Noah: “Uwah, it really exploded.”

Ethan: “​​That was a close call.”

Lucas: “I wonder how many times I’ve come close to dying in just one night. Please give me a break from this real life escape game.”

James: “We’re escaping right at dawn.”

Ethan: “What are you going to do with today’s ceremony?”

James: “Bocchan, what is your plan?”

Ethan: “I’m going.”

James: “I’m also going as planned.”

Lucas: “Are you out of mind?”

Noah: “You must be kidding!”

James: “Please take good care of me, groomsmen.”

Andrew: “I thought you would say that.”

Grayson: “It can’t be helped.”

Noah: “I don’t know what happens anymore!” 

Lucas: “I don’t wanna die yet…”

*The phone rings*

Izumi: (From now, during an audio-only call, Ethan and James will have a quick change)

Ethan: “Are you there, Olivia?”

Olivia: “Ethan? Where areーー”

Ethan: “We’re almost at the port. The ship was delayed a bit, but it's okay. There's nothing to worry about.”

Olivia: “...Is that so?”

Ethan: “Because I’ll be on time for the ceremony.”

Olivia: “E-Ehh. Wait for me a minute.”

*Arriving at the port*

Lucas: “Why do we need to bother dressing up formal when it's just going to get dirty anyway...”

Grayson: “It seems difficult to move.”

James: “You can't show up at a sunny wedding in a wrinkled suit.”

Ethan: “It might feel better if you get it completely dirty later.”

Andrew: “You two are really a good match.” 

Audiences: “!!”

Izumi: (Alright, these two’s quick change is a success! The audiences were surprised. The rest is…)

Noah: “We just need to stall until the police arrive, right?”

Noah: “I brought as many drones and robots as I could, but they're not really meant for combat against people to begin with.”

James: “That’s enough to create distraction.”

Ethan: “Sorry for making you both come all the way here.”

Noah: “It can’t be helped, right. If I’m the only one not here, they'll probably get suspicious, and if I end up being alone, that could be dangerous too."

Lucas: “So I’ll hide with Noah and support him.”

Grayson: “Let’s finish all these things soon.”

Andrew: “I’m sleep-deprived after all.”

James: “Ethan, have you prepared your vows yet?”

Ethans: “It’s all in my head.”

James: “Very good. Let’s go.”

Izumi: (Now Noah and Lucas will step back, and Taichi's quick change and makeup... We've practiced so many times, so it should be fine.)

*Shifts to the ceremony hall*

Terrorist D: “They came!”

Terrorist E: “Kill all of them except the president’s son!”

Andrew: “We've got some dangerous guests gathered here.”

Grayson: ​​”You should be more careful choosing who you date.”

James: “That’s painfully true.”

Terrorist D: “You’re causing us trouble!”

Ethan: “That’s my line!”

Noah: “Ready?”

Lucas: “GO!”

*The robots start intruding*

Terrorist E: “!? W-What the heck are these!?”

Terrorist D: “Damn it, I can’t see anything!” 

Andrew: “It's rude to cause violence in a church.”

Terrorist E: “Urgh”

Grayson: “Guess it's perfect for a confession.”

Terrorist D: “Ughh” 

Ethan: “It was supposed to be the best day of my life!”

Terrorist F: “ーーUgh”

James: “And now it has become the worst day of my life.”

Terrorist G: “Urrghーー”

Olivia: “You really came. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Ethan: “Olivia!”

Audiences: “!?!?”

Izumi: (Okay, a success! I can tell that the audiences are now gasping)

Olivia: “I love you, Ethan.”

Ethan: “Olivia, Iーー”

Olivia: “That’s why behave yourself.”

*Olivia loads the bullet*

 James: “Ellude, Ethan!”

Ethan: “ーー”

Olivia: “ーー”

Olivia: “Tsk. You're really tight-lipped and overly cautious, such a boring man, James!”

James: “Who was the one saying she liked that about me.”

Ethan: “Olivia, these are all lies after allーー”

*Ethan fights against Olivia*

Olivia: “ーーUgh”

Olivia: “I didn’t know you could do something this rough, Ethan. You’re much more charming now.”

Ethan: “You’re terrible! It was! Supposed to be! My first love!”

*They start to fight against others*

Olivia: “Tch, stop shouting! This is why I can't stand kids!”

Ethan: “ーー”

James: “​​Well, there was at least one truth in what you said. Goodbye now.” 

*James shoots Olivia*

Olivia: “ーーUrgh”

*Olivia passes out*

Ethan: “Olivia!”

James: “She hasn’t dead yet. It’s a tranquilizer gun. I guess she was trying to shoot you with that.”

Ethan: “...”

James: “Ethan, how about the vows?”

Ethan: “In sickness and in healthーー”

James: “To honor and cherish each othersーー”

Ethan: “And be faithful to others as long as we both shall liveーー”

Ethan: “There’s no way I could swear that!”

James: “Bastard.”

*They both throw away the rings*

*Shifts to the port*

James: “After all, marriage doesn’t work like business.”

Andrew: “Obviously.”

Grayson: “But I thought marriage might not be that bad.”

James: “Where in all of this can you think that way?”

Ethan: “Haa… I even thought that was my soulmate…Next time, I'll take more time to understand the person before getting married.”

*Noah and Lucas appears through video call*

Lucas: “Please do so.”

Noah: “I’ll tell you this, I’ll never go to the bachelorette party again.”

James: “Well, you should work on improving your judgment of people, Bocchan.”

Ethan: “The same to you.”

*Shifts to Mankai Stage*

Audience A: Azami-kun and Sakyo-san being buddy were so cool!

Audience B: Isn’t it!? I even did a triple take because these two are both blonde!!

Audience C: Taichi-kun’s dual role really surprised me!

Audience A: The quick change and makeup were really amazing~!

Audience B: Speaking of which, the ex-militaries team is insane. They’re so cool.

Audience C: The Ethan team gave the greatest nobility!

Azami: Thank you for coming this timeーー Thank you so much!

Sakyo: Thank you!

Sakyo’s mother: …

Miyako: Onii-chan, you were so cool~!

Sakyo: ーー.

Sakyo’s mother: Azami-kun too!

Azami: Thanks…

Azami: (To be honest, I didn’t understand what is love or true love but…) (***)

Azami: (Perhaps living with this kind of compassion and supporting each other... is what true love is)

Azami: (This, what am I thinking…)

Sakyo: Why are you giving me that look? Let’s go all out with fanservice!

Azami: Annoyingー.

Azami: (Well, it’s okay once in a while. Only once in a while)

Translator’s notes:

(*) SP stands for Security Police.

(**) I think this is a reference to the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首) - a classical Japanese anthology of 100 Japanese waka by 100 poets.

(***) Love is for 恋 (Koi) and 愛 (Ai) is True love.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Sakyo’s mother: The pudding parfait here is filling and delicious. How about you Hyodo-kun?

Juza: Thanks. Itadakimasu.

Azami: …

(Indeed, Sakyo’s mother really looks like him… She’ll look better with makeup. If I were to style her hair to go well with the wedding dress, I’d rather tie all them up into a bun…)

Sakyo’s mother: Azami-kun doesn’t like sweets that much, right?

Azami: Eh? Ah, yes.

Sakyo’s mother: Since you like black candy, how about this black sugar jelly? It’s slightly sweet and easy to eat. (*)

Azami: ––Thanks. But why do you, know I like black candy…

Sakyo’s mother: Sakyo talked about that, something like “Eating black candy is essential while in the run of performances.”. He often orders delicious black candy, so he recommends it to me. 

Azami: (That guy, did he tell her that…)

Juza: …Sorry for taking your time.

Sakyo’s mother: No, thank you for inviting me. I always see Azami-kun at the Autumn Troupe’s performance, and hear about you from Sakyo, but this is my first time I can properly have a talk with you so I’m really glad. 

I’m Hyodo-kun’s fan, but I’m also an Autumn Troupe stan. Is it the word you use to call an Autumn Troupe’s fan? Miyako taught me this. (**)

I also received a lot of souvenirs from your father, so please let him know that I really appreciate them. (***)

Azami: Eh–– Is that it.

(I didn’t know anything at all. Dad goes easy on Sakyo for some reasons)

Sakyo’s mother: Thank you for always taking care of my son.

Azami: Ah, no–– I’m the one that should be saying that?

Juza: Ma’am too, thanks for always sending me food and supporting me.

Sakyo’s mother: Don’t mind it. I’m also glad to hear from Sakyo that you enjoyed eating them. I’ll send you some delicious food next time. 

So, is there something you want to talk to me about today?

Juza: It is. It’s from Azami––

Azami: Actually, Sakyo’s sister came to our dorm the other day…

Sakyo’s mother: Eh? Miyako came?

Azami: I just happened to be there listening to the story with Sakyo, but about the wedding photoshoot, why don’t you want to do it?

Sakyo’s mother: That was why Miyako came to your dorm? I’m embarrassed…

Of course I’m happy to know that child’s feelings for me but… Even if it feels like celebrating a wedding ceremony when taking a wedding photoshoot now, my embarrassment will seem to win over joy. 

Most of the time I don’t know what to do, even when taking photos with the wedding dress on. I’m so embarrassed that I can’t stand just staying there.

Juza: This wedding photoshoot, is kinda similar to a wedding, then they’re gonna do stuff like vowing or like… Ki-kissing right?

Azami: Ju, Juza-san, have you ever seen it?

Juza: I’ve been to my relative’s wedding before…

Azami: Really…

Sakyo’s mother: Fufu. I’m too old to do things like wearing a wedding dress and kissing after taking the oath. That’s impossible. It’s embarrassing, and I can’t do that in front of my children.

But I appreciate your concern. You came all the way here instead of that clumsy Sakyo, right? 

It seems that that child also wants to be filial to me in his own ways but… He has shown me enough filial piety just by him doing his best standing on stage with such kind companions like this.

Azami: …

(If she says so, then we won’t be able to say anything. But even if it’s just a little, if she still has a longing for wearing a dress…)

(I think it’s better for both Sakyo and his mother not to regret doing nothing after all. It’s just that me butting in their story is kinda…)

Juza: …It’s true that you wanted to try on a wedding dress before, right?

Sakyo’s mother: That is true. However, if I were young, I might be able to wear a dress following the momentum.

But now I really can’t imagine myself in a dress, and there is no dress that will look good on me then. For now, I don’t have the courage to wear it. 

Juza: A dress that suits you…

Azami: (Shall I talk about Yuki-san’s advice then…? But is it right to impose my sympathetic feelings for my Mom on Sakyo and his mother without their permission like this, I’m not sure…)

Sakyo’s mother: You really don’t need to worry. I’m happy enough that you thought about it for me after all.

*Shifts to train*

Juza: How to say… She is such a stubborn one. 

I can understand the feeling of wanting to give up ‘cause you’re inappropriate for something. I also had that feeling ‘bout the stage a long time ago. 

No one told me anything, but I overthought so much on my own that I couldn’t even take a step forward. But now I know that it’d be a waste to think you can’t do such things, and to not be able to do something you really wanna do. 

If you might regret doing nothing later after bottling up your feelings, I think it’s definitely better to take the plunge and give it a try.

Azami: About that, I also understand…

(But I couldn’t say a word earlier… About the advice Yuki-san told me, and the cards too… I couldn’t say anything.)

*At Mankai dorm*

Azami: Director, do you have a moment?

Izumi: Azami-kun, is there something?

Azami: I’d like to try a new makeup plan, so could you lend me a hand as the practice model?

Izumi: Sure! Here, you can come in.

*Shifts to Izumi’s room*

Azami: …

Izumi: …How was it, being the lead after quite a long time?

Azami: …Everything feels different from when I played the lead in DEAD/UNDEAD. At that time I was inexperienced, so I was just trying as hard as I could, but it’s fun and also tough that I understand lots of things now.

Izumi: You’ve become more reliable. By the way, I heard that you went to meet Sakyo-san’s mother with Juza-kun today, right? 

Azami: Yeah, but why do you––

Izumi: To be sure, Juza-kun informed me in advance that he would meet someone outside the theater troupe today.

Azami: Is that so…

(Juza-san is amazing when it comes to things like this…)

Izumi: By any chance, did you talk about what the younger sister said the other day?

Azami: …Yes.  Sakyo himself plainly refused her, and I know it’s not something that I should stick my nose into but… I couldn’t help but remember my mother. Because she also said that she had yearned for a wedding dress back then.

Izumi: I see…

Azami: With Yuki-san’s advice, I also searched for dresses with a calm impression that might suit her age.

I met her in person today, and then ended up coming up with the makeup plan for her even though no one asked me to do it… I couldn’t say a thing in the end because I thought it might be intrusive for her, if I do say so myself.

Maybe, instead of Sakyo’s mother, I was just thinking about what my Mom couldn’t do when she was alive. But it’s just my ego being selfish.

Izumi: …But I think that Sakyo-san’s mother will be happy about how Azami-kun feels too. 

It’s true that everyone has things that they want to do for someone but cannot do it, right. About that, I don't think it's wrong to think of doing things for someone when you have a chance. 

In order not to regret this time, let’s try our best to be more kind to someone–– 

In that way, if you keep conveying your compassion to person after person, you will grow as a human being, and such feelings will be reciprocated and keep being conveyed, just like a circulation. 

Rather, perhaps for that reason, people will always remember their regret of things like “If I had done it back then” or “I should have done it that time”.

Even if it’s just your ego being kind to a certain someone, isn’t it able to be considered as a great love. 

Azami: Love…

Izumi: If there is something that Azami-kun wants to do for Sakyo-san’s mother, I think it’s alright to follow what your heart says. However, you should talk to Sakyo-san about it. Sakyo-san’s feelings also matter, right.

Azami: …But he wasn’t too interested in this either, and he told me not to do anything.

Izumi: Then why don’t you carefully ask him whether those words were spoken from the bottom of his heart or not? 

Azami: …Understood.

Translator’s note: 

(*) She was talking about Azami’s favorite food - kuroame (lit. black candy). Kuroame is a kind of hard black sugar candy.

(**) The word Sakyo’s mother uses is “秋組推し” (Akigumi oshi) so I translate the “oshi” part into “stan” (which is a term from Kpop). 

(***) Reference to Sakyo’s MANKAI Memory backstage

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

(glitch text ignore)

Chapter 1

Tenma: Oh, here he comes.

Izumi: Great job, Misumi-kun!

Misumi: Thanks for coming to watch today, everyone!

Kumon: Sumi-san's play was super entertaining!

Kazunari: Even though you were a guest performer, your presence was totally strong~.

Muku: You played an excellent part...!

Tenma: The story and the production were enjoyable, too.

Yuki: And the costumes.

Misumi: Ehehe!

Izumi: (I was surprised to hear Misumi-kun received an offer for a guest performance, but I'm glad to see he's doing well.)

Izumi: (He's got extraordinary acting sense, so I hope he'll get more opportunities like this.)

Kazunari: I'm scrolling SNS right now, and Sumi's reputation is popping! People are even saying they're gonna be his #1 stans after this!

Muku: Even though it's only opening night, people already feel that way?

Kumon: That was quick~.

Yuki: I mean, this is SNS people we're talking about. It's like Kazunari-to-Kazunari communication.

Kumon: The story this time was about a journey, so now I wanna go on a trip too.

Misumi: Yeah, yeah, I get that!

Muku: Should we have another training camp?

Yuki: Training camps and traveling are completely different.

Izumi: It's nice to just take a relaxing vacation once in a while.

Tenma: I won't be able to do anything for a while. I've got a lot of location shoots to do for dramas, so my schedule's packed.

Kumon: Really~.

Muku: You mentioned having to record a variety show yesterday.

Misumi: Tenma's super busy~!

Yuki: Then why don't we just go without him?

Tenma: Oi!

Kazunari: Ah, I'm actually preparing for a group exhibition right now, so I'm also kinda busy.

Izumi: Speaking of, you said the process was really difficult, right?

Kazunari: I've finished my piece for the exhibition, but I've still got a lot to do.

Kumon: Sumi-san's also in the middle of his performance, so we'll have to wait until everyone settles down again, huh~.

Muku: I hope we can all go together next time.

Kazunari: Sweeeet, the print looks awesome~! The colors came out perfectly. You go, me!

Kamo: Hey there, Miyoshi-san.

Kazunari: Oh, 'sup Kamon. How's it hanging~?

Kamo: Long time no see.

Kamo: Even though we go to the same university, it's rare for us to bump into each other like this.

Kazunari: Yeah, I just finished these invitations for the group exhibition. Here, take one.

Kamo: Thank you. What a cool design, it feels really lively.

Kazunari: Right? I don't get as many chances to do many student exhibitions anymore, so if you wanna see it, please come!

Kamo: I'll definitely be there.

Kamo: Are you planning on becoming a designer after graduation, Miyoshi-san?

Kazunari: Umm~, I mean, not exactly a designer... I'm gonna be an UMC!

Kamo: An..... UMC?

Kazunari: Basically, a profession that does everything I want to do. Including traditional Japanese painting, graphic design, and acting.

Kazunari: I guess it's kinda like a freelancer? I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I'm gonna do.

Kamo: I see... That seems like something you'd do, Miyoshi-san.

Kamo: Most of the people I know who are aspiring designers plan on working for a company or design firm to gain experience before branching out on their own...

Kamo: Judging from all you've done and accomplished so far with that theatre company, I think you'd be able to make it as a freelancer.

Kamo: Though if you're going to be a designer, I'd recommend building connections with companies other than your theatre company while you can.

Kazunari: I see~.

Kamo: ....Sorry for saying something so snobby!

Kazunari: No, it's okay! It was helpful!

Kamo: Good luck with your exhibition!

Kazunari: Thanksies~.

Kazunari: Feast your eyes, everyone! An invitation to my upcoming exhibition!

Muku: Wahh~, amazing! It's so stylish!

Yuki: Not bad.

Izumi: It's Kazunari-kun's design, after all.

Kazunari: Everyone's coming, right~.

Kumon: Of course! Let's all go together, when do you wanna go?

Muku: I'm free whenever.

Misumi: I'm still doing performances, but I could probably go on a day where there's only a soiree~!

Tenma: It lasts for three days, huh... my schedule's completely full.

Kazunari: Ehh~!! Tenten won't come...

Tenma: I don't have a choice, I've got a job to do.

Kazunari: What's more important to you, work or me!?

Tenma: Work.

Kazunari: He didn't even hesitate!

Kumon: Whaat~! You gotta think that over a little more! What about work versus me!?

Tenma: Work.

Misumi: Then, what about me or work?

Tenma: It's always work!

Misumi: Tenma...

Tenma: Why are you acting so shocked!?

Izumi: Ahaha.

(door opens)

Tsuzuru: I'm home.

Kumon: Oh, welcome back~.

Kazunari: Tsuzurun, get a load of this!!

Tsuzuru: ?

Kazunari: Tenten is putting his job before me!

Tsuzuru: What are you even talking about.

Tenma: Tsuzuru-san, if it'll shut Kazunari up, go to the exhibition for me. Please.

Tsuzuru: Miyoshi-san's exhibition? Aren't you going with Summer Troupe?

Kazunari: I'd be happy if others came, too!

Muku: Let's go together!

Izumi: It's good to get some different input every now and then, right?

Tsuzuru: Well, I don't really see go see art much, so it could be fun.

Tsuzuru: Even though I've still got some time until then, I've been thinking about Summer Troupe's upcoming play, I may even get some ideas for it.

Muku: Yay! I'm looking forward to it.

Yuki: We still need to set a date.

Kazunari: Tenten's work comes first, so it's impossible for him to join, huh.

Kumon: Yeah, Tenma-san's work comes first, huh.

Misumi: Work comes first, huh...

*Buzzer sounds*

Host: “The 97th Great Literary Arts Award goes to Ryu Yokoyama-san for “Dawn”! Congratulations.”

*Applause*

Participant A: “Congratulations!”

Participant B: “That was a close one.”

Participant C: “Huh, I really thought it would be Tsurumatsu-kun.”

Participant A: “No, that’d be a waste of time. Maybe for a spectacular award for the 100th anniversary.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s what you think, haha…”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

???: “Good evening!”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “Who are you?”

Tomohisa: “Tomohisa Oue!”

Tsurumatsu: “If you want a signature or a letter, address it to the editorial department--.”

Tomohisa: “I’ll be staying here starting today! Hope we can get along!”

Tsurumatsu: “Hah…?”

*Phone rings*

Tsurumatsu: “Hello? Mom? I’m busy with some weird kid right now-- Huh? He’s a relative? I don’t know him. I have no memory of that. Who is he? My fan?”

Tsurumatsu: “I don’t care about that. No, but I’m just saying, they’re trying to buy this estate and-- Ugh, okay, okay. Got it.”

Tsurumatsu: “If one thing goes wrong I’m kicking him out immediately. Just until he finds a dorm. Okay, I understand. Let me know as soon as you figure it out.”

Tsurumatsu: “Eh? Air conditioning? I don’t use it. I’ve told you that a thousand times. I don’t allow those kinds of things in my house. Even Grandfather--...”

Tsurumatsu: “A freeloader?”

Tomohisa: “I really hope we can get along!”

Tsurumatsu: “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

Tomohisa: “This is like a super cool antique house~!”

Tsurumatsu: “Just say it has a history. I’m telling you now if you’re staying here, you’re going to play by the rules of my house.”

Tsurumatsu: “First, you’re only allowed to wear Japanese clothes for everyday things. Using electronic devices is prohibited. Meaning, there are almost no appliances of any kind.”

Tomohisa: “Eh!? What about water supply? What about the bath?”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s water. And the bath is wood-fueled.”

Tomohisa: “That’s like super cool! I’ve never taken a bath in a bathtub heated by wood!”

Tsurumatsu: “It’s not in use right now, so you’ll have to go to the local public bathhouse.”

Tomohisa: “Eh, really?”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s no TV, computers, game consoles, or microwaves. You don’t have to pay rent in exchange for cooking and cleaning.”

Tomohisa: “Ah~, so I’m like a domestic student! Got~cha.”

Tsurumatsu: “...You’ll make it work?”

Tomohisa: “Don’t know, but there’s a convenience store nearby, so I can probably manage!”

Tsurumatsu: “Tch. See if there’s anything that fits for your everyday clothes in that wardrobe other there.”

Tomohisa: “Ah, but I like don’t even know how to wear a kimono!”

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

Director: (This time, the story takes place almost entirely in the estate, so Tetsuro-san insisted on a Japanese-style set…)

Director: (He did a good job, it looks really realistic.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa: “This is my first time using a shichirin, but it’s like surprisingly easy! The grilled chicken and grilled fish are looking super good!” (1)

Tsurumatsu: “You can cook meat and fish on a shichirin…?”

Tomohisa: “By the way, is this shichirin like brand new? Doesn’t even look like it’s ever been used…”

Tsurumatsu: “I’ve used it a few times.”

Tomohisa: “Is that so. Well, anyway, I thought it’d be like super hard to cook without appliances, but it’s surprisingly easy!”

Tsurumatsu: “You’ve got too much adaptability…”

Takasugi: “Pardon meee. What smells so good over here~?”

Tsurumatsu: “Why’d you come here, Takasugi? I thought we were having a meeting.”

Takasugi: “I was so busy that I just so happened to miss lunch.”

Kusunoki: “Oh, chicken and fish, huh. Just perfect for a bite. I brought some sake along too.”

Tomohisa: “Sounds good~!”

Tsurumatsu: “You are underage. Besides that, don’t just come over here without permission when you have nothing better to do, Kusunoki.”

Tomohisa: “There’s plenty more, so it’s all okay~. I’ll grill up some more for all of you after the meeting.”

Takasugi: “Sounds good~.”

Tsurumatsu: “Thank you.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsurumatsu: “So, what’s the deal?”

Takasugi: “We~ll, I’d like to discuss the plot of your new work~. I’ve got some suggestions for it...”

Tsurumatsu: “What’d you do to the plot this time?”

Takasugi: “Ah~, we~ll, about that~, actually, it’s a bit of a rewrite, or rather more of a total rewrite, from the editor-in-chief…”

Tsurumatsu: “Which means it got sunk completely.”

Takasugi: “Ummm… Well, I guess that’s just what had to be done…?”

Takasugi: “But but, I thought there was definitely something very bright and shiny about it~! I felt your will more than I ever had before, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Takasugi: “I thought that maybe I could make it shine even brighter, and I’m sure the editor-in-chief would let me, but I’m not sure I’m quite up to the task, sorry~.”

Tsurumatsu: “...Sigh.”

Takasugi: “I understand that you want to reach new horizons, but it seems you’re lost halfway there…”

Tsurumatsu: “What was wrong with that one? I based it off of Umeji Motoi, who broke new ground in that way in his later years.”

Takasugi: “No, well, Umeji-sensei was, well~...”

Takasugi: “Anywho, what do you think? How about you try writing a more entertaining piece?”

Takasugi: “I’ve actually wanted to start on a more entertainment-oriented brand for a long time~.”

Takasugi: “I truly believe you can write enjoyable works that’ll entertain audiences for years to come, Tsurumatsu-sensei~!”

Takasugi: “Use some of your natural talents for laughter, or… Throw in a few funny lines…!”

Tsurumatsu: “Entertainment value means nothing. Only pure literature has value.”

Takasugi: “Ah, ah~, is that~... So~...”

Tsurumatsu: “...None of them have any clue of what they’re talking about! How can they not recognize the precedent set by Umeji, when there’s no question in the matter?”

Tsurumatsu: “Entertainment was the word my grandfather despised the most.”

*Door slides open*

Shibukawa: “Pardon the intrusion.”

Tsurumatsu: “--What do you want? I’m busy working on a new highly acclaimed plot because the old one was shot down.”

Shibukawa: “That was just Umeji-sensei’s “Windmill”, was it not?”

Tsurumatsu: “Do you know what you’re saying--.”

Shibukawa: “As you know, I’m a big fan of Umeji-sensei.”

Shibukawa: “I still remember the time my grandfather took me to meet Umeji-sensei. I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life.”

Shibukawa: “I never thought that snotty-nosed kid from then would become such a renowned writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “You know what I’m talking about. If I go for “Windmill”, I’m sure to do well. I’ll definitely win the next Great Literary Arts Award too--.”

Shibukawa: “I won’t say anything bad about it, but you shouldn’t.”

Shibukawa: “To start, what the hell are you even aiming for, Tsurumatsu-sensei? For Umeji-sensei? For the Great Literary Arts Award? What did you become a writer for?

Tsurumatsu: “I--.”

Shibukawa: “You shouldn’t let yourself be dragged down by Umeji-sensei. You’ll never be him, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “--Gh.”

Shibukawa: “I look forward to seeing you travel into new territory, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Shit.”

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei, I made some toasted marshmallows, you wanna eat some?”

Tsurumatsu: “Toasted marshmallows? I’m not really in the mood for--.”

Tomohisa: “They’re like super good. I also made some chocolate marshmallows.”

Tsurumatsu: “...”

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei, dontcha like sweet things?”

Tsurumatsu: “Not really…”

Director: (The pain of a slump… It’s portrayed so delicately because Tsuzuru-kun actually experienced it.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kunishige: “H-Here…?”

Kusunoki: “ Yes, this is the estate of the famous Umeji and Tsurumatsu Motoi.”

Tsurumatu: “Don’t make this a tourist attraction without my permission. Who even is he?”

Kunishige: “Ah, um, I’m Takayoshi Kunishige, an aspiring writer!”

Kunishige: “I’m a huge fan of your work, Tsurumatsu-sensei, and, um, I’d love to get your advice on my work--!”

Kusunoki: “He’s a very promising future writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “I don’t have time for that sort of thing. Just read over Umeji’s works and study them hard.”

Kunishige: “Eh, but I like your--.”

Tsurumatsu: “You should leave now.”

Tomohisa: “Sensei! The pizza oven is ready!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Hah?”

Tomohisa: “I thought I’d get like crazy bored of the shichirin, so I watched some videos online and tried building a pizza oven in the corner of the garden.”

Tsurumatsu: “What are you even going to do with--.”

Tomohisa: “It doesn’t use electricity so it’s totally okay.”

Tomohisa: “I test-baked some, so here! Margherita pizza and apple-cinnamon dessert pizza!”

Kusunoki: “Ooh, it looks very good.”

Tsurumatsu: “Apple-cinnamon…”

Kunishige: “Sorry for bothering you… I’ll leave now…”

Tomohisa: “Huh? You’re not gonna eat any? I’ve made plenty for everyone.”

Kunishige: “No, I…”

Tsurumatsu: “...This’ll be too much for just us. So take some.”

Kunishige: “Eh, are you sure…? Thank you so much!”

Kusunoki: “This is pretty good.”

Kunishige: “It really is!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Well, I guess the taste isn’t that bad.”

Tomohisa: “I can do like a whole bunch more with the pizza oven, so I’ll def try out some more things.”

Kusunoki: “You’re very talented, Tomohisa-kun. You can cook, you can DIY things, and you handle Tsurumatsu very well.”

Tomohisa: “Aww, you’re makin’ me blush.”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t let it go to your head. And what do you mean by “handles me well”?

Kunishige: “Tomohisa-kun, are you like Tsurumatsu-sensei’s apprentice or something?”

Tomohisa: “I’m just a relative. I’m doing housework in exchange for living here.”

Tomohisa: “Well, it’s kinda different from normal housework, ‘cause of the appliance ban here.”

Kunishige: “There’s a ban on appliances!? Is wearing a kimono for daily life also part of Tsurumatsu-sensei’s old-fashioned ways?”

Tomohisa: “Yep, yep.”

Tomohisa: “Though, Sensei is like surprisingly lazy and unskilled, so he goes to convenience stores, supermarkets, public baths, and eats out all the time too!”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s enough out of you.”

Tomohisa: “So I heard you’re like an aspiring novelist, right? What kinda novels do you write?

Kunishige: “Umm, I’m working on a manuscript right now--.”

Tsurumatsu: “Is this it?”

Kunishige: “Huh!? When did you notice!?”

Tsurumatsu: “I still can’t give you any advice. I just remembered my younger self and felt refreshed for a moment.”

Kunishige: “Thank you so much!”

Tomohisa: “Can I read it too?”

Kunishige: “Of course!”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kunishige: “H-Hello.”

Tsurumatsu: “You again… I’ll say this again if you want advice, I--.”

Kunishige: “Actually, I came today because I wanted to thank Tomohisa-kun.”

Tsurumatsu: “Thank him?”

Tomohisa: “Huh? What’s up?”

Kunishige: “Tomohisa-kun, I got the grand prize for Literary Newcomer of the Year!”

Tomohisa: “Eh!? For real!? That’s like, super awesome! Congrats!”

Kunishige: “It’s all thanks to your advice!”

Tomohisa: “I barely did anything. It was completely and totally 100% Kunishige.”

Kunishige: “If you become an editor after you graduate, we should definitely work on a book together.”

Tsurumatsu: “Editor?”

Tomohisa: “Ah, actually, I’m like, trying to become an editor.”

Tsurumatsu: “Is that so… I never knew that.”

Tomohisa: “Ahaha, well, you’ve never really been interested in the things around you, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s not true, I--.”

Takasugi: “Hellooo.”

Tomohisa: “Ah, Takasugi-san, are you having another meeting? Here you go.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Takasugi: “Sorry, Sensei~. There was only a lit~tle bit of story this time too.”

Tsurumatsu: “Again? If you don’t want to use my stuff anymore, just make it clear. You’re wasting my time.”

Takasugi: “It’s not that~. Both myself and the editor, Shibukawa, have high hopes for your new works, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Takasugi: “Because of our high expectations, I thought it would be best to sit down and work on this project~.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s enough. I get the gist.”

Takasugi: “...Umm, I’ll be back later~. But I’ll still be looking forward to your next work!”

Takasugi: “If there’s anything we can do to help, please just let us know~!”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Sigh.”

Kusunoki: “Pardon me. Oh, you’re looking quite dreary again.”

Tsurumatsu: “How many times have I told you not to enter without my permission? And more importantly, I have no clue how you’re not bored of this. And also how you have so much time all day, every day.”

Kusunoki: “We’re celebrating Kunishige-kun today. I brought champagne.”

Tsurumatsu: “Why are you celebrating Kunishige here?”

Kusunoki: “That’s because Tomohisa-kun is already cooking up a feast. It smells very good. I think it’s some kind of meat dish today.”

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

Kusunoki: “To be honest, at first I was just showing up to interrupt your newest work, but lately I’ve been more looking forward to Tomohisa-kun’s cooking.”

Tsurumatsu: “Haah?”

Kusunoki: “It’s an ironclad development made to get in the way of rival writers, is it not?”

Tsurumatsu: “Since when are we rival writers?”

Kusunoki: “I’ve been aware of you ever since we debuted as writers at the same time.”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s no need to interrupt me. I’m at a dead-end, so your wish is granted.”

Kusunoki: “It seems that way. But that doesn’t make for a very interesting competitor.”

Kusunoki: “You’ve been stuck in the ghost of Umeji ever since your debut. You should be more open to new environments and changes.”

Tsurumatsu: “I’ve already accepted that and tried to show it off.”

Kusunoki: “I doubt that.”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “Yo, you guys, I’ve grilled some spare ribs and baked a pizza.”

Kusunoki: “Oh, how magnificent.”

Tomohisa: “I’ve also baked some apples, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “You don’t have to do that every single time.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa’s Father: Oi! I know you’re in there, Tomohisa! Come out here!”

Tsurumatsu: “...What the hell?”

Tomohisa: “Damn… He found me…”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa’s Father: “Tomohisa! I know you’re here!”

Tsurumatsu: “Who are you? I won’t hesitate to call the cops.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “I’m Tomohisa’s father. I’m here to take my kid back.”

Tsurumatsu: “It’s not like you’re taking him back. I didn’t kidnap him. He’s just staying here to attend college.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “It’s the same thing as kidnapping if the parent hasn’t given their consent.”

Tsurumatsu: “Eh…? Tomohisa, what does he mean by that?”

Tomohisa: “Umm… I actually kinda asked my aunt to keep my father in the dark about it…”

Tsurumatsu: “You what?”

Tomohisa’s Father: “To start, what the hell were you thinking!? Refusing to go to the medical school you were accepted into and going to a literary arts school instead!? You will NOT become an editor under my watch!”

Tomohisa’s Father: “You’re dropping out of that school and reentering medical school. Literature is bullshit! It’s not useful in a company!”

Tomohisa: “Father, wait--.”

Tsurumatsu: “I won’t be overlooking that comment.”

Tomohisa: “Sensei?”

Tsurumatsu: “Literature is bullshit? It’s not useful in a company? And yet, here’s a human being that lives and breathes that literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Without literature, I wouldn’t be alive like this.”

Tsurumatsu: “Without it, I’m sure I would’ve stumbled in life and never would’ve become a proper, independent, adult.”

Tsurumatsu: “I live and breathe solely for literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Even if there’s one person like that, isn’t that enough to make literature worthwhile?”

Tomohisa’s Father: “W-What the hell are you talking about--?”

Tsurumatsu: “And not to mention, it doensn’t matter how much you want him to go to medical school, if he doesn’t want to, no amount of people are going to be able to push him to do so.”

Tsurumatsu: “And if there’s any chance you can, he’ll completely fall apart when he has to give up on his path to becoming an editor.”

Tsurumatsu: “And you’re wrong. Gathering him here and forcing him home now won’t work.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “Tch…”

Tsurumatsu: “Glad you understood. Now, please cool your temper.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “I’ll be back, Tomohisa.”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “...”

Tsurumatsu: “If you really want to become an editor, you should make your intentions known to your father, Tomohisa.”

Tomohisa: “...Yeah. I’ll go walk my father to the train station.”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Jeez. He’s gotten himself into a hell of a mess.”

Kusunoki: “His stubbornness is a lot like yours, you know.”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t just invite yourself in. And what part of me is stubborn?”

Kusunoki: “You inherited a lot from Umeji-sensei. However, his love for literature and yours are on thing that’s different.”

Tsurumatsu: “--.”

Kusunoki: “Umeji Motoi apsired to be a doctor but failed and became a writer instead. He was known for his depressing feelings towards literature as well as his talent.”

Kusunoki: “The conflict because of the path he chose was not the one he wanted to take was the very thing that gave his work meaning. Ironic, isn’t it?”

Kusunoki: “Still, that great speech of yours earlier was quite impressive. Good going, rival of mine.”

Tsurumatsu: “It was my grandfather that convinced my father that I could be a writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “My grandfather told me to go the way I wanted because of how he had failed. I just wanted to do the same thing he did.”

Kusunoki: “I see… It seems Umeji Motoi never really hated literature after all.”

Kusunoki: “Or perhaps, maybe it was you who made him not hate it.”

Tsurumatsu: “Me…?”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa: “I’m back.”

Tsurumatsu: “Welcome back. Glad to see you’re okay.”

Tomohisa: “It’ll probably take a while to convince him, but I was able to talk to him a little. It’s all thanks to you, Sensei. Thank you so much.”

Tsurumatsu: “It was nothing… I was just saying what I thought.”

Tomohisa: “I… Realized why I like your work so much again when I heard what you were saying…”

Tomohisa: “Unlike Umeji-sensei’s works, your works show a straightforward love for literature, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Tsurumatsu: “I also had a fight with my father when I was in school. He had said very few people could make a living off of novels.”

Tsurumatsu: “My father knew best of my grandfather’s great talent. And he also knows the suffering it caused him at the same time…”

Tsurumatsu: “Even if he didn’t love literature, and even half-hated it at times for not being able to leave it even if he wanted to…”

Tsurumatsu: “My grandfather’s writing always fascinated people.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s why he didn’t think I could do it with just a love for literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Even so, Umeji Motoi’s works saved me. Even when I was struggling to live, I was still able to breathe just by reading his works.”

Tsurumatsu: “The only place I can live is within the realm of literature.”

Tomohisa: “The works that you’ve written are like the same thing for me, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “I see… I can’t be Umeji Motoi. I love literature. I should recognize myself as the Tsurumatsu Motoi that loves literature and is kept alive by literature.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Takasugi: “So~, about the plot from last time…”

Tsurumatsu: “...”

Takasugi: “We’re going with it~! Shibukawa also gave it his stamp of approval.”

Takasugi: “Yeah~, it was so good, in fact, that I was almost confused how I was reading something so exciting!”

Takasugi: “I would love it if you could write from my new label when I launch--.”

Tsurumatsu: “For now, how about I just work on the stuff that’s in front of me.”

Takasugi: “Sure thing~! Good luck!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Well, once I’ve successfully written this up, you might want to try to be more open to the idea of new environments and changes.”

Tsurumatsu: “Like dessert pizza for example.”

Takasugi: “Sensei…!”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Narrator: (A few years later--)

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei! I’m here to pick up the manuscript!”

Tsurumatsu: “You really came.”

Tomohisa: “You bet I did! Our editor, Takasugi, is really looking forward to this new series.”

Tsurumatsu: “Still, I was surprised when Takasugi actually went and started his new label, but I never imagined you’d get a job there, Tomohisa…”

Tomohisa: “I’m just as hyped as anyone else would be! I wanna help you create more and more new works, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Tsurumatsu: “I’m more or less relying on you now. You know Tsurumatsu Motoi better than I seem to. So that’s good enough for me.”

Tomohisa: “‘Course I do! At least I like to think so!”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t get too cocky.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Syu: (I told him before to just focus on one script, but I never thought he go ahead and take full advantage of his experience and play the role of a writer.)

Syu: (The realism of this play is really something only he could pull off.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Applause*

Tsuzuru: Thank you very much for attending today!

Sakuya: Thank you so much!

Citron: Thank you!

Tsuzuru: (I’m glad the first day went off without a hitch…)

Tsuzuru: (There’s Mizuno, Otomiya-san, and oh, over there is Tooru and Kaoru and the rest of my brothers.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Gawain: “Good job.”

Enis: “Congrats.”

Rick: “Keep up the good work.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: Heh.

Tsuzuru: (I’m sure I’ll keep suffering as a writer as many times as Tsurumatsu did.)

Tsuzuru: (But, If I can sublimate my work like this every time I do… A writer is definitely the right thing for me.)

Tsuzuru: (I’ll continue to do my best and continue down my own path. Along with everyone else--.)

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

T/N:

*Buzzer sounds*

Host: “The 97th Great Literary Arts Award goes to Ryu Yokoyama-san for “Dawn”! Congratulations.”

*Applause*

Participant A: “Congratulations!”

Participant B: “That was a close one.”

Participant C: “Huh, I really thought it would be Tsurumatsu-kun.”

Participant A: “No, that’d be a waste of time. Maybe for a spectacular award for the 100th anniversary.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s what you think, haha…”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

???: “Good evening!”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “Who are you?”

Tomohisa: “Tomohisa Oue!”

Tsurumatsu: “If you want a signature or a letter, address it to the editorial department--.”

Tomohisa: “I’ll be staying here starting today! Hope we can get along!”

Tsurumatsu: “Hah…?”

*Phone rings*

Tsurumatsu: “Hello? Mom? I’m busy with some weird kid right now-- Huh? He’s a relative? I don’t know him. I have no memory of that. Who is he? My fan?”

Tsurumatsu: “I don’t care about that. No, but I’m just saying, they’re trying to buy this estate and-- Ugh, okay, okay. Got it.”

Tsurumatsu: “If one thing goes wrong I’m kicking him out immediately. Just until he finds a dorm. Okay, I understand. Let me know as soon as you figure it out.”

Tsurumatsu: “Eh? Air conditioning? I don’t use it. I’ve told you that a thousand times. I don’t allow those kinds of things in my house. Even Grandfather--...”

Tsurumatsu: “A freeloader?”

Tomohisa: “I really hope we can get along!”

Tsurumatsu: “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

Tomohisa: “This is like a super cool antique house~!”

Tsurumatsu: “Just say it has a history. I’m telling you now if you’re staying here, you’re going to play by the rules of my house.”

Tsurumatsu: “First, you’re only allowed to wear Japanese clothes for everyday things. Using electronic devices is prohibited. Meaning, there are almost no appliances of any kind.”

Tomohisa: “Eh!? What about water supply? What about the bath?”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s water. And the bath is wood-fueled.”

Tomohisa: “That’s like super cool! I’ve never taken a bath in a bathtub heated by wood!”

Tsurumatsu: “It’s not in use right now, so you’ll have to go to the local public bathhouse.”

Tomohisa: “Eh, really?”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s no TV, computers, game consoles, or microwaves. You don’t have to pay rent in exchange for cooking and cleaning.”

Tomohisa: “Ah~, so I’m like a domestic student! Got~cha.”

Tsurumatsu: “...You’ll make it work?”

Tomohisa: “Don’t know, but there’s a convenience store nearby, so I can probably manage!”

Tsurumatsu: “Tch. See if there’s anything that fits for your everyday clothes in that wardrobe other there.”

Tomohisa: “Ah, but I like don’t even know how to wear a kimono!”

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

Director: (This time, the story takes place almost entirely in the estate, so Tetsuro-san insisted on a Japanese-style set…)

Director: (He did a good job, it looks really realistic.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa: “This is my first time using a shichirin, but it’s like surprisingly easy! The grilled chicken and grilled fish are looking super good!” (1)

Tsurumatsu: “You can cook meat and fish on a shichirin…?”

Tomohisa: “By the way, is this shichirin like brand new? Doesn’t even look like it’s ever been used…”

Tsurumatsu: “I’ve used it a few times.”

Tomohisa: “Is that so. Well, anyway, I thought it’d be like super hard to cook without appliances, but it’s surprisingly easy!”

Tsurumatsu: “You’ve got too much adaptability…”

Takasugi: “Pardon meee. What smells so good over here~?”

Tsurumatsu: “Why’d you come here, Takasugi? I thought we were having a meeting.”

Takasugi: “I was so busy that I just so happened to miss lunch.”

Kusunoki: “Oh, chicken and fish, huh. Just perfect for a bite. I brought some sake along too.”

Tomohisa: “Sounds good~!”

Tsurumatsu: “You are underage. Besides that, don’t just come over here without permission when you have nothing better to do, Kusunoki.”

Tomohisa: “There’s plenty more, so it’s all okay~. I’ll grill up some more for all of you after the meeting.”

Takasugi: “Sounds good~.”

Tsurumatsu: “Thank you.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsurumatsu: “So, what’s the deal?”

Takasugi: “We~ll, I’d like to discuss the plot of your new work~. I’ve got some suggestions for it...”

Tsurumatsu: “What’d you do to the plot this time?”

Takasugi: “Ah~, we~ll, about that~, actually, it’s a bit of a rewrite, or rather more of a total rewrite, from the editor-in-chief…”

Tsurumatsu: “Which means it got sunk completely.”

Takasugi: “Ummm… Well, I guess that’s just what had to be done…?”

Takasugi: “But but, I thought there was definitely something very bright and shiny about it~! I felt your will more than I ever had before, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Takasugi: “I thought that maybe I could make it shine even brighter, and I’m sure the editor-in-chief would let me, but I’m not sure I’m quite up to the task, sorry~.”

Tsurumatsu: “...Sigh.”

Takasugi: “I understand that you want to reach new horizons, but it seems you’re lost halfway there…”

Tsurumatsu: “What was wrong with that one? I based it off of Umeji Motoi, who broke new ground in that way in his later years.”

Takasugi: “No, well, Umeji-sensei was, well~...”

Takasugi: “Anywho, what do you think? How about you try writing a more entertaining piece?”

Takasugi: “I’ve actually wanted to start on a more entertainment-oriented brand for a long time~.”

Takasugi: “I truly believe you can write enjoyable works that’ll entertain audiences for years to come, Tsurumatsu-sensei~!”

Takasugi: “Use some of your natural talents for laughter, or… Throw in a few funny lines…!”

Tsurumatsu: “Entertainment value means nothing. Only pure literature has value.”

Takasugi: “Ah, ah~, is that~... So~...”

Tsurumatsu: “...None of them have any clue of what they’re talking about! How can they not recognize the precedent set by Umeji, when there’s no question in the matter?”

Tsurumatsu: “Entertainment was the word my grandfather despised the most.”

*Door slides open*

Shibukawa: “Pardon the intrusion.”

Tsurumatsu: “--What do you want? I’m busy working on a new highly acclaimed plot because the old one was shot down.”

Shibukawa: “That was just Umeji-sensei’s “Windmill”, was it not?”

Tsurumatsu: “Do you know what you’re saying--.”

Shibukawa: “As you know, I’m a big fan of Umeji-sensei.”

Shibukawa: “I still remember the time my grandfather took me to meet Umeji-sensei. I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life.”

Shibukawa: “I never thought that snotty-nosed kid from then would become such a renowned writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “You know what I’m talking about. If I go for “Windmill”, I’m sure to do well. I’ll definitely win the next Great Literary Arts Award too--.”

Shibukawa: “I won’t say anything bad about it, but you shouldn’t.”

Shibukawa: “To start, what the hell are you even aiming for, Tsurumatsu-sensei? For Umeji-sensei? For the Great Literary Arts Award? What did you become a writer for?

Tsurumatsu: “I--.”

Shibukawa: “You shouldn’t let yourself be dragged down by Umeji-sensei. You’ll never be him, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “--Gh.”

Shibukawa: “I look forward to seeing you travel into new territory, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Shit.”

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei, I made some toasted marshmallows, you wanna eat some?”

Tsurumatsu: “Toasted marshmallows? I’m not really in the mood for--.”

Tomohisa: “They’re like super good. I also made some chocolate marshmallows.”

Tsurumatsu: “...”

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei, dontcha like sweet things?”

Tsurumatsu: “Not really…”

Director: (The pain of a slump… It’s portrayed so delicately because Tsuzuru-kun actually experienced it.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kunishige: “H-Here…?”

Kusunoki: “ Yes, this is the estate of the famous Umeji and Tsurumatsu Motoi.”

Tsurumatu: “Don’t make this a tourist attraction without my permission. Who even is he?”

Kunishige: “Ah, um, I’m Takayoshi Kunishige, an aspiring writer!”

Kunishige: “I’m a huge fan of your work, Tsurumatsu-sensei, and, um, I’d love to get your advice on my work--!”

Kusunoki: “He’s a very promising future writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “I don’t have time for that sort of thing. Just read over Umeji’s works and study them hard.”

Kunishige: “Eh, but I like your--.”

Tsurumatsu: “You should leave now.”

Tomohisa: “Sensei! The pizza oven is ready!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Hah?”

Tomohisa: “I thought I’d get like crazy bored of the shichirin, so I watched some videos online and tried building a pizza oven in the corner of the garden.”

Tsurumatsu: “What are you even going to do with--.”

Tomohisa: “It doesn’t use electricity so it’s totally okay.”

Tomohisa: “I test-baked some, so here! Margherita pizza and apple-cinnamon dessert pizza!”

Kusunoki: “Ooh, it looks very good.”

Tsurumatsu: “Apple-cinnamon…”

Kunishige: “Sorry for bothering you… I’ll leave now…”

Tomohisa: “Huh? You’re not gonna eat any? I’ve made plenty for everyone.”

Kunishige: “No, I…”

Tsurumatsu: “...This’ll be too much for just us. So take some.”

Kunishige: “Eh, are you sure…? Thank you so much!”

Kusunoki: “This is pretty good.”

Kunishige: “It really is!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Well, I guess the taste isn’t that bad.”

Tomohisa: “I can do like a whole bunch more with the pizza oven, so I’ll def try out some more things.”

Kusunoki: “You’re very talented, Tomohisa-kun. You can cook, you can DIY things, and you handle Tsurumatsu very well.”

Tomohisa: “Aww, you’re makin’ me blush.”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t let it go to your head. And what do you mean by “handles me well”?

Kunishige: “Tomohisa-kun, are you like Tsurumatsu-sensei’s apprentice or something?”

Tomohisa: “I’m just a relative. I’m doing housework in exchange for living here.”

Tomohisa: “Well, it’s kinda different from normal housework, ‘cause of the appliance ban here.”

Kunishige: “There’s a ban on appliances!? Is wearing a kimono for daily life also part of Tsurumatsu-sensei’s old-fashioned ways?”

Tomohisa: “Yep, yep.”

Tomohisa: “Though, Sensei is like surprisingly lazy and unskilled, so he goes to convenience stores, supermarkets, public baths, and eats out all the time too!”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s enough out of you.”

Tomohisa: “So I heard you’re like an aspiring novelist, right? What kinda novels do you write?

Kunishige: “Umm, I’m working on a manuscript right now--.”

Tsurumatsu: “Is this it?”

Kunishige: “Huh!? When did you notice!?”

Tsurumatsu: “I still can’t give you any advice. I just remembered my younger self and felt refreshed for a moment.”

Kunishige: “Thank you so much!”

Tomohisa: “Can I read it too?”

Kunishige: “Of course!”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kunishige: “H-Hello.”

Tsurumatsu: “You again… I’ll say this again if you want advice, I--.”

Kunishige: “Actually, I came today because I wanted to thank Tomohisa-kun.”

Tsurumatsu: “Thank him?”

Tomohisa: “Huh? What’s up?”

Kunishige: “Tomohisa-kun, I got the grand prize for Literary Newcomer of the Year!”

Tomohisa: “Eh!? For real!? That’s like, super awesome! Congrats!”

Kunishige: “It’s all thanks to your advice!”

Tomohisa: “I barely did anything. It was completely and totally 100% Kunishige.”

Kunishige: “If you become an editor after you graduate, we should definitely work on a book together.”

Tsurumatsu: “Editor?”

Tomohisa: “Ah, actually, I’m like, trying to become an editor.”

Tsurumatsu: “Is that so… I never knew that.”

Tomohisa: “Ahaha, well, you’ve never really been interested in the things around you, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s not true, I--.”

Takasugi: “Hellooo.”

Tomohisa: “Ah, Takasugi-san, are you having another meeting? Here you go.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Takasugi: “Sorry, Sensei~. There was only a lit~tle bit of story this time too.”

Tsurumatsu: “Again? If you don’t want to use my stuff anymore, just make it clear. You’re wasting my time.”

Takasugi: “It’s not that~. Both myself and the editor, Shibukawa, have high hopes for your new works, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Takasugi: “Because of our high expectations, I thought it would be best to sit down and work on this project~.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s enough. I get the gist.”

Takasugi: “...Umm, I’ll be back later~. But I’ll still be looking forward to your next work!”

Takasugi: “If there’s anything we can do to help, please just let us know~!”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Sigh.”

Kusunoki: “Pardon me. Oh, you’re looking quite dreary again.”

Tsurumatsu: “How many times have I told you not to enter without my permission? And more importantly, I have no clue how you’re not bored of this. And also how you have so much time all day, every day.”

Kusunoki: “We’re celebrating Kunishige-kun today. I brought champagne.”

Tsurumatsu: “Why are you celebrating Kunishige here?”

Kusunoki: “That’s because Tomohisa-kun is already cooking up a feast. It smells very good. I think it’s some kind of meat dish today.”

Tsurumatsu: “Sigh…”

Kusunoki: “To be honest, at first I was just showing up to interrupt your newest work, but lately I’ve been more looking forward to Tomohisa-kun’s cooking.”

Tsurumatsu: “Haah?”

Kusunoki: “It’s an ironclad development made to get in the way of rival writers, is it not?”

Tsurumatsu: “Since when are we rival writers?”

Kusunoki: “I’ve been aware of you ever since we debuted as writers at the same time.”

Tsurumatsu: “There’s no need to interrupt me. I’m at a dead-end, so your wish is granted.”

Kusunoki: “It seems that way. But that doesn’t make for a very interesting competitor.”

Kusunoki: “You’ve been stuck in the ghost of Umeji ever since your debut. You should be more open to new environments and changes.”

Tsurumatsu: “I’ve already accepted that and tried to show it off.”

Kusunoki: “I doubt that.”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “Yo, you guys, I’ve grilled some spare ribs and baked a pizza.”

Kusunoki: “Oh, how magnificent.”

Tomohisa: “I’ve also baked some apples, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “You don’t have to do that every single time.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa’s Father: Oi! I know you’re in there, Tomohisa! Come out here!”

Tsurumatsu: “...What the hell?”

Tomohisa: “Damn… He found me…”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa’s Father: “Tomohisa! I know you’re here!”

Tsurumatsu: “Who are you? I won’t hesitate to call the cops.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “I’m Tomohisa’s father. I’m here to take my kid back.”

Tsurumatsu: “It’s not like you’re taking him back. I didn’t kidnap him. He’s just staying here to attend college.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “It’s the same thing as kidnapping if the parent hasn’t given their consent.”

Tsurumatsu: “Eh…? Tomohisa, what does he mean by that?”

Tomohisa: “Umm… I actually kinda asked my aunt to keep my father in the dark about it…”

Tsurumatsu: “You what?”

Tomohisa’s Father: “To start, what the hell were you thinking!? Refusing to go to the medical school you were accepted into and going to a literary arts school instead!? You will NOT become an editor under my watch!”

Tomohisa’s Father: “You’re dropping out of that school and reentering medical school. Literature is bullshit! It’s not useful in a company!”

Tomohisa: “Father, wait--.”

Tsurumatsu: “I won’t be overlooking that comment.”

Tomohisa: “Sensei?”

Tsurumatsu: “Literature is bullshit? It’s not useful in a company? And yet, here’s a human being that lives and breathes that literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Without literature, I wouldn’t be alive like this.”

Tsurumatsu: “Without it, I’m sure I would’ve stumbled in life and never would’ve become a proper, independent, adult.”

Tsurumatsu: “I live and breathe solely for literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Even if there’s one person like that, isn’t that enough to make literature worthwhile?”

Tomohisa’s Father: “W-What the hell are you talking about--?”

Tsurumatsu: “And not to mention, it doensn’t matter how much you want him to go to medical school, if he doesn’t want to, no amount of people are going to be able to push him to do so.”

Tsurumatsu: “And if there’s any chance you can, he’ll completely fall apart when he has to give up on his path to becoming an editor.”

Tsurumatsu: “And you’re wrong. Gathering him here and forcing him home now won’t work.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “Tch…”

Tsurumatsu: “Glad you understood. Now, please cool your temper.”

Tomohisa’s Father: “I’ll be back, Tomohisa.”

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “...”

Tsurumatsu: “If you really want to become an editor, you should make your intentions known to your father, Tomohisa.”

Tomohisa: “...Yeah. I’ll go walk my father to the train station.”

*Door slides open*

Tsurumatsu: “...Jeez. He’s gotten himself into a hell of a mess.”

Kusunoki: “His stubbornness is a lot like yours, you know.”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t just invite yourself in. And what part of me is stubborn?”

Kusunoki: “You inherited a lot from Umeji-sensei. However, his love for literature and yours are on thing that’s different.”

Tsurumatsu: “--.”

Kusunoki: “Umeji Motoi apsired to be a doctor but failed and became a writer instead. He was known for his depressing feelings towards literature as well as his talent.”

Kusunoki: “The conflict because of the path he chose was not the one he wanted to take was the very thing that gave his work meaning. Ironic, isn’t it?”

Kusunoki: “Still, that great speech of yours earlier was quite impressive. Good going, rival of mine.”

Tsurumatsu: “It was my grandfather that convinced my father that I could be a writer.”

Tsurumatsu: “My grandfather told me to go the way I wanted because of how he had failed. I just wanted to do the same thing he did.”

Kusunoki: “I see… It seems Umeji Motoi never really hated literature after all.”

Kusunoki: “Or perhaps, maybe it was you who made him not hate it.”

Tsurumatsu: “Me…?”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tomohisa: “I’m back.”

Tsurumatsu: “Welcome back. Glad to see you’re okay.”

Tomohisa: “It’ll probably take a while to convince him, but I was able to talk to him a little. It’s all thanks to you, Sensei. Thank you so much.”

Tsurumatsu: “It was nothing… I was just saying what I thought.”

Tomohisa: “I… Realized why I like your work so much again when I heard what you were saying…”

Tomohisa: “Unlike Umeji-sensei’s works, your works show a straightforward love for literature, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Tsurumatsu: “I also had a fight with my father when I was in school. He had said very few people could make a living off of novels.”

Tsurumatsu: “My father knew best of my grandfather’s great talent. And he also knows the suffering it caused him at the same time…”

Tsurumatsu: “Even if he didn’t love literature, and even half-hated it at times for not being able to leave it even if he wanted to…”

Tsurumatsu: “My grandfather’s writing always fascinated people.”

Tsurumatsu: “That’s why he didn’t think I could do it with just a love for literature.”

Tsurumatsu: “Even so, Umeji Motoi’s works saved me. Even when I was struggling to live, I was still able to breathe just by reading his works.”

Tsurumatsu: “The only place I can live is within the realm of literature.”

Tomohisa: “The works that you’ve written are like the same thing for me, Tsurumatsu-sensei.”

Tsurumatsu: “I see… I can’t be Umeji Motoi. I love literature. I should recognize myself as the Tsurumatsu Motoi that loves literature and is kept alive by literature.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Takasugi: “So~, about the plot from last time…”

Tsurumatsu: “...”

Takasugi: “We’re going with it~! Shibukawa also gave it his stamp of approval.”

Takasugi: “Yeah~, it was so good, in fact, that I was almost confused how I was reading something so exciting!”

Takasugi: “I would love it if you could write from my new label when I launch--.”

Tsurumatsu: “For now, how about I just work on the stuff that’s in front of me.”

Takasugi: “Sure thing~! Good luck!”

Tsurumatsu: “...Well, once I’ve successfully written this up, you might want to try to be more open to the idea of new environments and changes.”

Tsurumatsu: “Like dessert pizza for example.”

Takasugi: “Sensei…!”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Narrator: (A few years later--)

*Door slides open*

Tomohisa: “Tsurumatsu-sensei! I’m here to pick up the manuscript!”

Tsurumatsu: “You really came.”

Tomohisa: “You bet I did! Our editor, Takasugi, is really looking forward to this new series.”

Tsurumatsu: “Still, I was surprised when Takasugi actually went and started his new label, but I never imagined you’d get a job there, Tomohisa…”

Tomohisa: “I’m just as hyped as anyone else would be! I wanna help you create more and more new works, Tsurumatsu-sensei!”

Tsurumatsu: “I’m more or less relying on you now. You know Tsurumatsu Motoi better than I seem to. So that’s good enough for me.”

Tomohisa: “‘Course I do! At least I like to think so!”

Tsurumatsu: “Don’t get too cocky.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Syu: (I told him before to just focus on one script, but I never thought he go ahead and take full advantage of his experience and play the role of a writer.)

Syu: (The realism of this play is really something only he could pull off.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Applause*

Tsuzuru: Thank you very much for attending today!

Sakuya: Thank you so much!

Citron: Thank you!

Tsuzuru: (I’m glad the first day went off without a hitch…)

Tsuzuru: (There’s Mizuno, Otomiya-san, and oh, over there is Tooru and Kaoru and the rest of my brothers.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Gawain: “Good job.”

Enis: “Congrats.”

Rick: “Keep up the good work.”

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: Heh.

Tsuzuru: (I’m sure I’ll keep suffering as a writer as many times as Tsurumatsu did.)

Tsuzuru: (But, If I can sublimate my work like this every time I do… A writer is definitely the right thing for me.)

Tsuzuru: (I’ll continue to do my best and continue down my own path. Along with everyone else--.)

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

T/N:

Citron: Say the password! MAN!

Masumi: KAI!

Citron: That was too enthusiastic! You must be a fake Masumi!

Itaru: I wouldn’t even open the door if he said it normally.

Sakuya: This is serious!

Masumi: …You’re all annoying.

Citron: We cannot open the door until we prove it’s the real Masumi! How many times has the Director touched your hair today!?

Masumi: Six.

Citron: You may enter!

*Door opens*

Director: You’ve been counting!?

Masumi: Obviously.

Itaru: Your Director Abilities are getting more and more inhuman by the day.

Chikage: So, to what do we owe the pleasure?

Masumi: It’s about Tsuzuru.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Chikage: I see…

Director: It’s a new challenge for him, so I knew it wouldn’t be simple… But it sounds like it’s tougher than I thought.

Chikage: Once again, it’s Syu-san who’s blocking the progress.

Itaru: It’s not even a script for MANKAI, so I don’t know how much there is that we can really do.

Citron: Syu being the opponent makes it even more difficult.

Masumi: He told me that the all-nighter ban was also his order.

Director: What you all said is true, and more importantly when it comes to orders, Tsuzuru-kun has to write what he wants, and he has to be selfish…

Chikage: There’s probably not much we can do this time.

Director: The only thing we can do is watch over him, make sure he doesn’t wreck himself, and support him where we can.

Director: Masumi-kun, can you keep an eye on him?

Masumi: Understood.

Sakuya: But it’s still frustrating, isn’t it? Tsuzuru-kun’s always there for us.

Sakuya: We might be able to give him hints, but in the end, Tsuzuru-kun has to overcome the obstacles and write the script on his own.

Sakuya: We can’t stand beside him and support him like we do on stage.

Sakuya: I know it can’t be helped, but…

Itaru: That’s just what the world of creativity is.

Citron: Being a writer is bonely.

Masumi: Lonely?

Citron: Yes, that.

Itaru: All we can do is support him as huge fans of the playwright Tsuzuru Minagi, who are excited for his next work more than anyone else.

Sakuya: Yeah.

Chikage: But what Sakuya said still holds true, we are able to give him hints.

Masumi: Are we going to wear costumes again or something?

Director: Oh, what about something like the manzai performance during Clockwork. He said that was a nice change of pace.

Citron: Well then, let’s hold a full company meeting about the Fourth MANMAN Grand Prix!

Itaru: But we already said there’s not much time before Syu-san’s deadline, so isn’t it kinda impossible to hold a whole company Grand Prix?

Chikage: What if it’s short and sweet, that way it can be written quickly?

Director: But you’d have to be able to get him to write it…

Sakuya: Ah!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: Ughh…

Tsuzuru: A theme I want to write…

Tsuzuru: …Huh, a baby red land was born at the zoo, huh…

Tsuzuru: Nope, looking at online news articles isn’t gonna help…

Tsuzuru: What to use for inspiration…

Tsuzuru: …

Tsuzuru: Damn… Nothing’s coming to mind.

Tsuzuru: (How on earth am I going to make it as a writer if I can’t even come up with a story easily?)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

???: “It’ll all be okay.”

Rick: “You sent Oz-sama to our world. He’s our patron and a wonderful wizard of storytelling.”

Rick: “So I’m sure you’ll be okay!”

Tsuzuru: Haha, wizard of storytelling, huh. Thanks, Rick…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: (…God, this sounds like I’m just comforting myself.)

*Phone buzzes*

Tsuzuru: …Kaoru?

*Phone beeps*

Tsuzuru: Hello?

Kaoru: “Ah, hello, Tsuzuru-nii-san. Tooru wants to talk to you.”

Tsuzuru: Tooru?

Tooru: “Tsuzuru-nii-san…”

Tsuzuru: What’s up?

Tooru: “Nii-san, I don’t think I’m a talented writer…”

Tooru: “I’m trying to write a story, just like the first one, and I’m writing a lot of stuff for the manuscript, but…”

Tooru: “I’ve got a bunch of stories that I’m working on, but I can’t finish any of them.”

Tsuzuru: I see… The first one always seems to feel like it finishes much faster than the others.

Tsuzuru: No wonder you're lost on a road you don’t know the goal of, a road you haven’t ever taken before.

Tsuzuru: To say you have no talent just because you’re struggling with one piece is dramatic.

Tsuzuru: (No, even if it’s not the first one, it can still be painful just the same…)

Tooru: “Hey, Nii-san? Did you write your first script quickly?”

Tsuzuru: “No way. I had a super hard time writing the first one, too.”

Tooru: “The kappa play? How did you come up with it? How did you write it?”

Tsuzuru: I remember how hard it was, but I don’t really remember the details of it…

Tooru: “Oh, okay…”

Tsuzuru: I’ll try to remember some things and get back to you.

Tooru: “Okay. Thanks.”

Tsuzuru: Don’t get too worked up about this, okay? Try a change of scenery.

Tooru: “Okay, I will.”

Tsuzuru: Well then, talk to you later.

*Phone beeps*

Tsuzuru: (Usually when I’m in a slump, everyone encourages me, but it’s the opposite this time.)

Tsuzuru: (But still, back when I wrote my first one, huh…)

Tsuzuru: (Maybe the reason I was able to finish it so quickly was because it was for my brother’s birthday party.)

Tsuzuru: (Maybe, unlike me, Tooru’s purpose for writing this time is so vague that he can’t finish it.)

Tsuzuru: …Even so, I really like writing stories for other people.

Tsuzuru: (Well, it’s not like Tooru and I are necessarily the same type.)

Tsuzuru: (I suppose if I can find some part of a story I wrote for someone else that I wanted to write for myself, then…)

Tsuzuru: (Maybe some advice for Tooru would work as a hint for myself.)

Tsuzuru: (Why’d I even write about a kappa in the first place? Did my brother like them or something?

Tsuzuru: Hmm, I can’t remember…

Tsuzuru: There might be someone else who does though…

*Phone rings*

Tsuzuru: --.

*Crashing sounds*

Mizuno: “Hello-- This is Mizuno.

Tsuzuru: What was that loud sound just before? You okay?

Mizuno: “I-I’m okay.”

Tsuzuru: This actually isn’t anything related to MANKAI. I have something to ask you. As a friend.

Mizuno: “Tsuzuru-kun, I…! I’ll take care of whatever you need!”

Tsuzuru: Maybe next time you’re free--.

Mizuno: “I’m free anytime from now!”

Tsuzuru: You can really do it on that short of notice?

Tsuzuru: Well then, how about tomorrow?

Mizuno: “I’m free 24/7!”

Tsuzuru: Harsh. Well then, how about we meet for lunch? I’ll let you know where.

Mizuno: “…Gh!? I-I’ll accept!”

Tsuzuru: Well, see you tomorrow.

Mizuno: “Likewise!”

*Crashing sounds*

Tsuzuru: There’s that loud noise again, is he really okay…

*Knocking on door*

Sakuya: Tsuzuru-kun, do you have a minute?

Tsuzuru: What’s up, Rick… I mean Sakuya!

Sakuya: We should talk…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: …

Sakuya: I’m sorry, I know you’re busy. Is this a bad time…?

Tsuzuru: I know you’d love to help me with the story, but… I actually have a few ideas.

Tsuzuru: Can you just give me a minute?

Omi: --So, Itaru-san invited me to play the new eSoccer game with Tsumugi-san and Tasuku-san. (1)

Director: Huh, that’s an odd set of members.

Citron: That series is a classic! It is perfect for every soccer lover!

Tasuku: Chigasaki isn’t a soccer lover though, he’s just a diehard gamer.

Citron: Azami you said you have always loved soccer. Are you also interested in playing eSoccer?

Azami: Nah… I never had games or anything like that at home.

Citron: Really?

Tsumugi: Speaking of soccer games, Tasuku has a foosball table at his house. (2)

Tasuku: Ah yeah, I used to play with my older brother.

Citron: I know what a foosball table is! It is table football!

Director: It’s a game where you play soccer by controlling figures on a rotating stick, right?

Azami: …Ah, I think I had one of those back at home.

Azami: Ichiro-san made it by hand I think…

Omi: Ichiro-san… Is that Makita-san from the ensemble cast?

Tsumugi: Handmade by Makita-san…

Tasuku: That’s surprising.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: --Well then, thanks you two.

Sakoda: Come again any time!

Ichiro: Next time, show up when the chairman’s around.

Azami: …I’ll do it when I feel like it.

Sakoda: Ya said the next play’s ‘bout soccer, right? Lookin’ forward to it!

Azami: Ah, now that you mention it…

Azami: We’ve got a soccer table in this house, right?

Ichiro: Soccer table? Oh… I made something like that.

Sakoda: What’s this about a soccer table?

Azami: Nothin’, I just remembered it cuz we were talking about it the other day.

Azami: Well, I’ll be going. Later.

Sakoda & Ichiro: …

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakoda: Ah, Boss Lady!

Ichiro: Excuse us.

Director: Huh? Sakoda-san aside, it’s unusual to see you here, Makita-san.

Ichiro: Ah, we brought this.

Director: This must be what Azami-kun was talking about before…

Sakoda: A handmade soccer table!

Citron: Oh~, it is getting old! It’s very worn!

Taichi: It’s really got that handmade vibe!

Muku: Making a soccer table is really cool!

Kazunari: The field and goal are super well made and pretty sturdy, totally pog!

Azuma: Did Ichiro-kun make it for Azami? I’m sure Azami was very happy to play with it.

Sakoda: Azami told us about it the other day when he came to Ginsenkai.

Ichiro: We heard the next show is gonna have a soccer theme, so we thought we’d bring it along to see if it could be used for anything.

Director: I see.

Azami: I’m back.

Ichiro: Ah. Bou-chan, you’re back.

· • — ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ — • ·

Azami: Huh, Ichiro-san? And Ken-san too…

Director: They both brought the soccer table over here.

Sakoda: You mentioned it the other day, Azami!

Ichiro: I was wondering what you were gonna use it for. It’s been a while since you’ve looked for it.

Azami: ...Seriously.

Taichi: Well, now that Makita-san has brought it, I say we should totally play with it!

Citron: Yes! I second that!

Kazunari: If that’s the case, then Azamin’s gotta start it!

Citron: Let’s do this!

Azami: ...Damnit. I ain’t gonna lose.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: ...And.

Kazunari: Goal!!

Director: You’re one point ahead, Azami-kun!

Citron: No no! The Sweet Shrimp Kickers will not be defeated! (3)

Azami: The hell kinda team name is that?

Ichiro: You like sweet shrimp, huh.

Citron: Hyah!

Muku: Ah!

Azuma: The prince scored his own goal.

Citron: Oh!? I’ve done it!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakoda: Let’s go! Azami wins with a three point lead!

Citron: Oh, I was deleted… (4)

Director: Not deleted, defeated.

Muku: That was so cool, Azami-kun!

Azami: I mean, I used to play this a lot.

Taichi: Welp, I’m up next! Aachan, let’s do this!

Azuma: Do your best, both of you.

Citron: Ole~ Ole ole~ ♪ Fighting Taichi ♪ Fighting Azami ♪ Cafe Ole~ ♪ (5)

Kazunari: Ronron’s chanting is totally making the vibes get super hyped up~!

Director: Well then, time for Azami-kun versus Taichi-kun, match start!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: Aah~! I lost~.

Citron: Azami is on a twinning beak! (6)

Azuma: Perhaps you mean winning streak?

Citron: Yes, that!

Taichi: You’re super strong, Aachan!

Azami: I haven’t done this in such a long time… But it’s still something I remember how to do.

Ichiro: Bou-chan and Sakyo used to play together. It made me feel the effort of making it was worth it.

Sakyo: No wonder it’s so loud… Not only is Sakoda here, but Makita too.

Ichiro: Oh, speak of the devil.

Taichi: We’re playing with Makita-san’s handmade soccer table right now!

Sakyo: Soccer table? You brought that old thing over here…

Kazunari: Yuppers! Since you’re both here, why not play a game together!?

Citron: Yes! It will be a final showdown!

Sakyo: Huh?

Ichiro: I think it’d be a good idea. Might even lead to me making more handmade things.

Sakoda: Azami, c’mere!

Sakyo: …Damn, I’ve got no choice.

Azami: If I’m doing this, I swear I ain’t gonna lose.

Sakyo: …Hah, go ahead and try.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: C’mon, get out of the way!

Sakyo: Hey, that’s my line!

Director: Both of them are so good…!

Taichi: Both the ball and the players are moving way too fast!

Citron: Sakyo is so serious!

Ichiro: Just like the old days.

Azuma: But is it really safe for them to be moving it so vigorously?

Director: It is really old, at this rate, I’m afraid they’ll break it…

Azami: Hyah!!

*Breaking sound*

Azami: !?

Sakyo: --.

Citron: Huh!?

Kazunari: Th-they broke it!!

Director: (Th-they really did…!)

Azuma: It looks like the stick came loose and tore through the cardboard.

Muku: S-Such a memorable thing…!

Sakyo: …Sorry, Makita.

Azami: Ichiro-san, my bad…

Ichiro: No, it was already shabby to begin with. It just finally ran its course.

Taichi: Both of them were way too heated!

Azami: It’s all cuz of Shitty Sakyo.

Sakyo: Speak for yourself. Jeez…

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: …

Chikage: Hm? What are you doing here?

Azami: Nothing… They’re trying to fix the soccer table.

Chikage: Ah, so it was the handmade soccer table. It was pretty damaged.

Azami: We were just playin’ with it and it broke.

Azami: Ichiro-san said he wasn’t mad, but it’s still the soccer table he made for me.

Chikage: …

Chikage: Hey, can I borrow it for a second?

Azami: ?

Chikage: I’ll fix it for you, okay?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: …Hey.

Chikage: Ah, come over here.

Tasuku: We fixed the soccer table.

Azami: --!

Azami: Wow… It looks so much nicer than before.

Chikage: I thought it’d be a good idea to ask Tasuku about something soccer related. So I asked him to help.

Citron: So cool~! That’s our repair department!

Director: It’s like brand new!

Tasuku: It was getting pretty old, but the base of it was sturdy enough.

Azami: …Thanks, both of you. I’ll let Ichiro-san know.

Chikage: You’re welcome.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Choose!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 1: Azami-kun, that’s great!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Director: Azami-kun, that’s great!

Azami: Yea. I used to play with it a lot when I was a kid--.

Azami: …Hey, your face is so close!

Director: Eh? Ah, sorry. It was fixed up so nicely that I couldn’t help but take a peek at it.

Azami: …It’s fine.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Option 2: Now I wanna have a try at it too.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Director: Now that it’s fixed so nicely, I wanna have a try at it too. Could you give me some tips on how to play, Azami-kun?

Azami: I mean, I can, but… Are you sure you can really do it?

Director: Excuse you, I can do it! …Probably.

Citron: I would also like to learn from Coach Azami!

Kazunari: Me too, me too!

Taichi: Once Aachan teaches us how to play, let’s organize a table soccer renewal cup!

Kazunari: Totes! It’ll be supes fun! Let’s get Furuche-san to join us!

Azami: I’m gonna settle it with Shitty Sakyo this time. I ain’t gonna lose.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Chikage: Oh, side note. I’ve modified the goals so they’ll light up.

Tasuku: It’ll cheer when you score a goal too.

Director: Really!? That’s so cool!

Chikage: Also, the scores will automatically be added and displayed here.

Tasuku: And, on the field--.

Taichi: Is it seriously like an analog soccer table now!?

Azami: No way, what kind of technology even is that.

• • •

T/N:

(1) Omi says “ウイニレ” here as the name of the game series. I think it’s supposed to be a reference to the real life “eFootball” game series, which is called “ウイニングイレブン” (Winning Eleven) in its Japanese release. I’m not really sure what the best English equivalent would be because I’m not very familiar with sports games.

(2) I’m not really how to TL this. They’re saying “サッカー盤” lit. “Soccer board” but that doesn’t really sound right to me. I’ve always called it a foosball table but I don’t know if that’s just a regional thing for me because I’ve also seen it be called table soccer/football.

(3) Reference to Citron’s favorite food, sweet shrimp nigiri sushi.

(4) Citron originally says “放牧” (houboku; meaning grazing), the Director corrects him with “敗北” (haiboku; meaning defeated). I changed it a bit so it matched better in English.

(5) I think the cafe part of this is just random Citron nonsense.

Tsuzuru: There! Come on!

Tasuku: Shoot and score--!

Azami: …Ah, damnit. Close one.

Omi: Yeah, it was a close one alright…

Guy: Hm? What’s all the excitement about?

Director: Ah, Guy-san. We’re watching a soccer game right now.

Kazunari: You should join us GuyGuy! It’s a match between the V Falcons and the FC Trolls!

Guy: I’ve heard of the V Falcons… That’s the domestic soccer team that Takato and Izumida support, correct?

Kumon: That’s why we’re all so excited!

Yuki: You’re all too excited if you ask me.

Yuki: But, the upcoming show is about soccer. So I’m watching it with them because I think it’ll be good for costume reference.

Guy: I see. I’m curious so I shall watch the game too.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: OMG! Was that pass like supes crazy or what!?

Omi: Shoot now!

Azami: Shit, no good again…!

Yuki: Why wasn’t that a goal? Ah, it was offside, wasn’t it?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. That explains it…

Director: Ah, the ball…!

Azami: That was a foul!

Tasuku: That was a wrong call!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: 2 to 1, the V Falcons win~~!!

Azami: Hell yeah!

Tasuku: Let’s go!

Director: Phew, that was a sweat-inducing turn of events…!

Guy: Yes, it was a very heated match.

Kumon: Hah, super heart-racing!

Tsuzuru: Although, since they won this time, the next opponent for the V Falcons is…

Omi: The V Falcons rival team, the SC Salamanders.

Kazunari: So it's a traditional face-off then!?

Tasuku: Yeah, that kind of thing. The supporters are very enthusiastic about this matchup.

Azami: Well, of course the V Falcons are gonna win the next one too.

Director: (Fufu, both Tasuku-san and Azami-kun seem to be more excited than usual. They seem to be having a lot of fun talking about soccer.)

Tasuku: I’d really like to go to the stadium to watch the game, but the next venue is in a rural area and I have to perform that day.

Azami: That’s a tough one…

Omi: That reminds me, you mentioned you have a favorite sports bar, right Tasuku-san?

Director: Huh. That’s the first I’m hearing of it.

Tsuzuru: How about watching the game there?

Tasuku: Yeah, that could work. The master there is a pretty big soccer fan…

Director: Tasuku-san?

Tasuku: Ah… Nevermind, we can’t go there with the soccer club.

Azami: Why?

Tasuku: …It’s a bar. Not only is it a night game, but it’s not a great idea to bring the minors along to a bar either.

Omi: Ah, I see…

Tsuzuru: Yeah, and I just looked at the schedule and it seems to be on a weeknight. It seems pretty hard to plan that one out…

Azami: Well, guess it can’t really be helped, huh?

Tasuku: Unfortunately, we’ll have to do it another time. One of these days, I’d really like to go to a stadium with the soccer club to watch a game some time.

Tsuzuru: Same.

· • — ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ — • ·

Director: (Today’s meetings and my job at the other theater company are finally over.)

Director: (…Hm? There’s a few people wearing uniforms here and there…)

Director: (Ah, I know! The game between the V Falcons and their rivals is today. The guys were talking about it the other day.)

Tasuku: …

Director: Huh, Tasuku-san?

Tasuku: Director. Returning from work?

Director: Yeah. I didn’t expect to run into you on the train, Tasuku-san. You usually always have your car…

Tasuku: Ah… That’s because I’m gonna have a few drinks today.

Director: Oh, are you gonna go to the sports bar you mentioned the other day?

Tasuku: Yeah. I was thinking of watching the game there.

Director: (A sports bar, huh… Come to think of it, I’ve never been to a lot of places like that.)

Director: Um, can I come with you?

Tasuku: You wanna come?

Director: I had a lot of fun at the V Falcons game when I went with you before, and I think it’ll be a good way to learn about stuff for the upcoming show. (1)

Tasuku: I see…

Tasuku: …Okay, let’s go.

Tasuku: But, the master of that sports bar is a bit odd. He’s a good guy though.

Director: (? I wonder what he’s like.)

*LIME Start*

Director: I’m going to a sports bar with Tasuku-san tonight, so we won’t be joining you for dinner.

*Seen by 2*

*LIME End*

Tasuku: Hm? Why’d I just get a LIME?

Director: Eh?

Tasuku: …Oi, Director. You just sent it to a group with all of us in it.

Director: Eeh!?

*LIME Start*

Director: Sorry! I thought I was just sending that to Omi-kun, but I accidentally sent it to the whole MANKAI group chat!

*Seen by 3*

M.U.: You’re going to a bar, Director? Just you and Tasuku?

KAZUNARI MIYOSHI ☆: You’re sure quick to respond, Massu! And don’t worry about it, Director-chan~!

Chigasaki Itaru: Director hit the wrong target lol

M.U.: Which bar? I’ll come too.

*LIME End*

Director: Ah, jeez…

Tasuku: Got another LIME. …A DM this time.

*LIME Start*

M.U.: I’ll never forgive you if you get carried away and do something with the Director just because you went out together.

M.U.: Sit at least 10 meters apart.

*LIME End*

*LIME Start*

Tsuzuru: I’m so sorry, Masumi was just frantically typing out a LIME and I think he sent something to you, Takato-san…

Tsuzuru: He does this a lot, so don’t worry about it too much. Have fun at the sports bar.

*LIME End*

Tasuku: Of course Minagi is used to that…

Director: ?

Tasuku: Ah, the sports bar is at the next stop. We’ll get off there.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Master: Welcome~.

Director: (Ah, I wonder if the man standing at the counter is the master Tasuku-san was talking about.)

Master: If it isn’t Tasuku~! I’m so glad you came!

Director: !?

Tasuku: Master, it’s been a while. Still the same, huh?

Master: I told you, I’m not master, just call me Fani!

Director: (I-I see… He’s a bit unusual and quite the character, but the impact is incredible…)

Master: Huh? …Wow, can’t believe Tasuku actually brought a girl with him.

Director: ?

Tasuku: I’m in a theater company and this is my direc…

Tasuku: …No, she’s an acquaintance.

Director: (? I think Tasuku-san was about to say something but stopped himself…)

Director: Umm… Nice to meet you, I’m Izumi Tachibana.

Master: Hmmm… Well, that sure took its time.

Director: (Was that look he gave me a little bit cold…? Might just be my imagination.)

Master: Anyway, Tasuku! Looking forward to the game today~!

Tasuku: Yeah, it’s a V Falcons versus SC Salamanders match. Can’t miss that.

Tasuku: She and I went to a V Falcons game together once.

Director: Yeah! It was a really good game, super impressive!

Master: Ah, is that so? The V Falcons always play good games though.

Director: (His words still feel harsh… Did I do something wrong…?)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Bell ringing*

Master: Welcome~!

Master: Ah, welcome!

Tasuku: It’s getting pretty crowded in here.

Director: Must be because the game is about to start.

Customer A: I’d like to place an order~!

Customer B: We need some more orders over here too!

Master: Yep, yep!

Master: There’s a lot more people in here today than usual. Maybe it’s because the World Cup is coming up soon and people are getting more excited about soccer!

Tasuku: That could be.

Director: Our troupe was also getting pretty excited.

Staff: Master, add another order!

Master: Kaay~!

Master: …Haa, I’m glad we’re thriving, but I’m having a hard time keeping up.

Director: (The master and staff all seem to have their hands full…)

Director: Um, I could help you with something if you’d like. I can carry glasses, and I can somewhat cook too.

Tasuku: You’re not planning on cooking curry, are you?

Director: I wouldn’t do something like that!

Master: Is that so…? Well, honestly, I could use a helping hand. I’m sorry, but I do just need a little help.

Director: Yes!

· • — ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ — • ·

Customer A: Another beer, please.

Director: Yep, coming right up!

Customer B: Shoot! Go!

Director: Aah, almost!

Customer A: Damnit~, they were really close this time!

Master: …She’s not a bad kid.

Tasuku: Yeah, I know.

Master: Hey, you. Now that the game has started and the orders have gotten going, you can be done helping.

Master: It’s all okay now, you can have a drink.

Director: Ah, okay! Well then…

Tasuku: Hm? Those fries…

Director: These are my homemade curry fries! I got permission from the master to make them the special dish just for today!

Tasuku: So you made curry-flavored after all.

Director: But the customers love it! Here, you try some, Tasuku-san.

Master: Sigh… You work hard and seem to get along with Tasuku well.

Master: I guess I don’t have a choice but to accept it. You’re Tasuku’s girlfriend.

Director: Girlfriend?

Tasuku: …Sigh.

Director: Th-That’s not it! I’m the leader and general director of the theater company Tasuku-san belongs to.

Master: Oh. So you’re that director then?

Director: Eh? That director…

Master: Y’know, Tasuku and I~, we often talk about the theater company’s Winter Troupe, the soccer club, and the director.

Director: Eeh…!?

Director: Tasuku-san talks about… That’s somewhat surprising.

Tasuku: I already know I’m not much of a talker, but…

Tasuku: When we got together, I found myself talking about things triple time.

Tasuku: To be honest, I felt kinda awkward about it, so I hesitated to introduce you as the director or bring the soccer club along.

Director: So that’s why.

Director: What kinda stuff did you talk about?

Master: Huh, you wanna know? Well, we’ve talked about a lot of things.

Master: We talked pretty enthusiastically about Winter Troupe, the theater company, plays, and we had quite the time talking about soccer--.

Master: After that, he talked about the Director pretty enthusiastically--.

Tasuku: Oi, master.

Master: Aw, you’re embarrassed~. Guess I can’t tell you any more or Tasuku will get mad at me~.

Tasuku: Geez…

Master: I’d like to meet everyone in Winter Troupe too…

Master: And as a soccer fan, I’d like to meet the guys from the soccer team. Please bring them along next time.

Tasuku: Even though you say that, one of them is a minor.

Master: Then when he’s old enough. Promise me!

Tasuku: That’s pretty far in the future… But fine.

Tasuku: You’ll come with us then too, right, Director?

Director: Are you sure you want me too?

Tasuku: Of course.

Master: I can hardly wait!

Director: Thank you so much! I better learn more about soccer before then.

Master: Fufu, yeah.

Master: Come on, eat and drink up! You’ve helped me a lot today, so I’ll completely pay for your meals!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Masumi: …They’re late.

Guy: You have been pacing back and forth between the entrance and the dining room for five minutes now, Usui.

Hisoka: …You’re too nervous.

Homare: …Ah! Watching Masumi-kun’s fidgeting has graced me with poetic inspiration!

Tsumugi: …Ah, I just heard a noise from the entrance. Maybe they’re home?

Masumi! ! Director--.

Tasuku: We gotta be more careful there.

Director: You don’t get it! You just gotta go for it! Like playing offense in soccer!

Tasuku: You’re the one who doesn’t get it, Director. Think about the next scene--.

Azuma: Well what do we have here? It seems like both of you have been drinking and talking about the play pretty enthusiastically.

Tasuku: Oi, Tsumugi, what do you think?!

Tsumugi! Eh, me!?

Director: You think the scene should be more jazzed up, right, Tsumugi!?

Tasuku: Nooo, I’ve told you a million times! We gotta be more--.

Homare: So much passion…

Azuma: You wanna get in on it, Masumi?

Masumi: …I’ll pass.

• • •

T/N:

Director: For today’s leader meeting, Kazunari-kun will also be participating.

Kazunari: Looking forward to workin’ with ya~!

Banri: You got another idea?

Kazunari: Bingo, right on the money, Setzer! There’s been a little something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.

Kazunari: In fact… I actually did a whole planning survey for our fans to fill out to see what they’d like to do~!

Sakuya: Planning survey?

Director: Yep. As per the suggestion of Kazunari-kun, we held that event for all our fans.

Kazunari: Thanks to that, MANKAI Company’s fame is growing like crazy right now!

Tenma: True, we have been getting a lot of new fans.

Kazunari: However, some of our long-term fans said that they’re getting a little bummed that we haven’t been as focused on them.

Kazunari: But, no matter how famous we become, we still wanna be a theater company that’s familiar with their fans, y’know?

Banri: Gotcha. So a planning survey then.

Tsumugi: What were the results?

Kazunari: The number one most common reply was that they wanted to see more Inste-lives and selfies of everyone! That was def the most common!

Tenma: There’s a difference in the frequency of going live on Inste from person to person.

Tsumugi: Same thing with selfies. I tend to leave that stuff to those who are good at social media things.

Kazunari: So! I propose, as a special project, to hold a solo Inste-live and selfie fest for 24-days straight!

Banri: Selfie fest?

Kazunari: It’ll be even more fun if you take the selfies during the live and post ‘em to Inste later!

Director: I talked it over with Sakyo-san, and he said that it would be fine as long as I watched over the live to make sure there’d be no trouble.

Kazunari: Anyway, I guess it’s just up to y’all… Whatcha think?

Sakuya: I wanna do it! I want everyone to be happy, of course, so…

Sakuya: I myself am happy to be able to have the chance to talk to all of our fans, even if just through a screen!

Tsumugi: I also want to give it a shot. I feel like I’m starting to understand the whole InsteLive thing a little better now.

Tenma: But we can’t just make small talk during them, right?

Kazunari: So, about that, I thought it’d be a good idea to hold another survey to see what everyone wants each individual member to do.

Banri: That would make things a lot easier.

Director: It’ll be interesting to see how everyone’s InsteLives turn out.

Kazunari: Well then, it’s all settled! I’ll take care of all the form creation and tallying!

Sakuya: Thank you so much, Kazunari-san!

Director: Well then, leaders, please share the InsteLive and selfie project with the rest of your troupe members.

Leaders: Roger!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Kazunari: Mhm mhm, yep~.

Taichi: Ah, Kazu-kun! Is that the survey for the upcoming InsteLives?

Kazunari: Yep yep!

Taichi: I’m curious about your requests! What’d you get?

Kazunari: I’ve been getting lots of them asking how I take my Inste photos and what I do for my flyer designs!

Kazunari: Oh, by the way, didn’t you once mention on the blog that I was reading a book on hypnosis?

Kazunari: They all saw that and some of them want me to hypnotize them!

Taichi: Ah! I did write something like that!

Taichi: I couldn’t hypnotize anyone… But I end up being hypnotized by you, didn’t I~?

Kazunari: Yeah! Only you and Mukkun tried it out.

Taichi: You’ve def got a talent for hypnotism, Kazu-kun, it would be a lot of fun to do it on the live!

Kazunari: You think so? I think I’ll do that then! It’ll def be super exciting!

Taichi: Yeah yeah! I’m sure all of your fans will have lots of fun together. I know I’m mega excited!

Kazunari: Yeah! It’s decided, my solo InsteLive is gonna be a mind show ☆

Kazunari: Now it’s just a matter of who to do it on. I’d like it if it was someone who hasn’t done it before…

Taichi: Someone you haven’t done it on and someone who would have fun with it… Hmm~…

Taichi: Ah, A-chan recently told Juza-san that he eats too many sweets…

Taichi: How about hypnotizing Juza-san so he only wants to eat spicy things!?

Kazunari: Oh, now we’re talking! That’s def interesting!

Sakuya: What are you writing this morning, Misumi-san?

Misumi: A resume! I’m gonna apply for a new part-time job~.

Banri: You shouldn’t write while you’re eating onigiri.

Director: What kind of job are you gonna do next?

Misumi: The role of an oni for Setsubun!

Kazunari: Ooh, that kinda job!

Tsuzuru: Why’d you decide to apply for that?

Misumi: It seemed like it’d be fun~, plus the pay is pretty good!

Director: That’s surprisingly logical reasoning…!

Sakuya: But, wouldn’t it be kinda hard to hit Misumi-san with beans…?

Kazunari: That’s what I was thinking~! I’m pretty sure he’d be able to dodge them all!

Banri: You can’t just avoid them all. Isn’t it kinda like the whole point of the job to get hit by them?

Tsuzuru: Well, yeah, I guess so…

Misumi: I might accidentally dodge them~.

Kazunari: In that case, how about we practice by holding a bean throwing ceremony at the dorms beforehand?

Manager: Please don’t! It’s way too hard to clean up! Especially if it’s involving Ikaruga-kun, he’s likely to run around everywhere…

Kamekichi: I can eat all of the extra beans! Don’t even worry about it!

Kazunari: That’s no good either~! You’ve been eating way too much lately, Kamekichi!

Sakuya: Yeah, I agree, I was just discussing with Kazunari-san about needing to cut back on your feeding a bit.

Kamekichi: W-What!?

Director: Well then, I guess we can think about it more after you get your part-time job, Misumi-kun.

Director: More importantly, are you all ready for going to school?

Banri: Shit, I’ve been being too careless. I should go.

Kazunari: Me too! We’re off!

Tsuzuru: I’m off too.

Director: Take care!

Misumi: My resume is done~! I should get going now too.

Director: Then how about we go to the station together?

Misumi: Yeah, let’s go~!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Event Staff: Move that sign a little more this way… Yep, yep, that’s good!

Misumi: Huh~, they’re preparing something in the square in front of the station!

Director: They are, huh? Some kind of event?

Misumi: Hmm~... Maybe it’s some kind of festival?

Director: It sure does feel like that.

Misumi: If it’s a festival, I wanna invite everyone in Summer Troupe!

Director: Fufu, I thought you were gonna say that.

Misumi: Well, I’m off to my interview~.

Director: Okay, good luck!