#2wink

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Season: Summer

Location: Producer Room

Hinata: (Doing a better job at being “Hinata” than I am…)

(Now that I’m thinking about it… Lately, I have been getting a lot of random praise from staff members and others in the industry…)

(I did find it odd I couldn’t remember why I got the vast majority of it, though…)

(But I’ve been so busy, and honestly, the small details of what I’ve been doing get pretty hazy, so I’d just let it slide, like, “I guess I did do that”.)

(Turns out… It was all the work Yuuta-kun’s been doing, huh?)

Hinata: …Whoa?!

…You surprised me~. When did you get here, Anzu-san?

Geez, pranks are supposed to be my specialty, not yours! Quit stealin’ my role~!

Huh, you weren’t trying to pull my leg? You just peered around at me because you were speaking to me, but I wasn’t replying?

Oh~, um, sorry? I guess I was spacing out there! ☆

Ah, don’t worry, I didn’t wait at all long. Actually, I just got here a bit early, that’s all.

If anything, thanks for making time in your schedule for me, despite it being so late at night, okay?

As I mentioned in my message to you, I’d like it if you could adjust my schedule so I have room to participate in Mega Summer. ♪

I’m sure this’ll be a piece of cake for you,Anzu-san! You’re the super-skilled, highly-acclaimed producer after all! So—

Hinata: (…But, well… Yuuta-kun already said he’ll be appearing as “Hinata”, so… I gues it’s kind of pointless to try adjusting my schedule at this stage.)

(Anzu-san did go out of her to make time for me, though. I have to find a good excuse so we can wrap this up quick…

Huh?! Ahh, sorry. I was just thinking about something!

…No, it’s no big deal. Nothing’s wrong.

Oh, you think I’m acting strange~? I’m acting like I usually do, though.

Hinata: W-whoa?! What are you doing, Anzu-san?!

It does’t look like I have a fever…? You can’t just suddenly put your hand on someone’s forehead like that though, okay!?

I feel just fine, okay? And my complexion’s the same as usual!

Geez, you can’t just suddenly close the distance between like that. It’s too much for my heart to handle, more like…

Whatever the case, I’m totally fine!

Oh, huh, what’s this~? So sorry, Anzu-san! I just got word that, as it turns out, I just can’t not do of the jobs I have on the day of Mega Summer!

I’m so incredibly sorry, given you took time out of your day for this! Well then, I’ll be…

Huh? I really am acting strange?

Nah, I told you, didn’t I? I’m fine! There you go, sympathizing with people without thinking deeply enough about it again—that’s one of your bad habits, Anzu-san!

…No, I’m sorry. That was mean of me to say.

You forgive me…? …You really are truly kind, Anzu-san.

Hinata: … …

…Hey, Anzu-san. Right now, I’m “Hinata”, aren’t I…?

…Ju~st playin’☆

Ahaha, well I can understand why you’d react like that. Don’t worry, I’m obviously Hinata, both inside and out!

Sorry, that was a weird thing to ask. Just forget it! Anyways, I’ll be heading out…

Oh, what is it, Anzu-san? Was there something you forgot to tell me?

—Wha? About that variety show I starred on the other day? I haven’t looked at it yet, actually…

The show’s producer had praised me saying that “my quick-witted retorts from the reaction panel were just the best”…?[1]

Wait… What’s this all of a sudden?

“Just shut up and listen”? Ooh, now that’s a rare display of assertiveness…! I don’t think I ever get to see you this pushy! ♪

Umm… And I got praise for the mega-portion food show I appeared on as a guest last week as well?[2]

The director said that my ability in keeping the venue energized and the content entertaining demonstrated a great awareness of my surroundings?

Ehehe, geez, I wish he would’ve told me that himself! I really love receiving praise, you know…!

Really? In particular, my acting’s getting a good rep in the industry as well?

The director for today’s filming had no shortage of praise for me either, huh? They’re even in the talks of getting me to play a lead role next time, huh?

… …

Hinata: …Hehe.

Sorry for laughing. You’re going out of your way to praise me to help cheer me up and everything…

But—all of those jobs you just mentioned… That wasn’t me.

(The variety show, the mega-portion food show, and all those other jobs too. All of them, all of them…)

(Yuuta-kun… Just how far have you gone as “Hinata”?)

(He took my place, all without me knowing… And now, he’s more praised even more highly than the real me.)

(If Yuuta-kun keeps taking my place like this… One day, the existence of “Yuuta-kun” will disappear—He’ll have completely taken over the existence of “Hinata”.)

Hinata: …S-Sorry. Let me sit down for a moment. I think I’m a lot more confused than I thought I was.

“Calm down, and take a deep breath”…? …Okay. Fuu, haah…

I’m sorry for worrying you, Anzu-san. …I’m already at this point, so I’ll tell you about it, alright?

Everything that’s happening with us right now. Everything—

[ ☆ ]

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Japanese variety shows and Japanese television in general have a large emphasis on “reaction TV”, and so typically the variety show content will feature a “reaction panel” of guests who will react to the program content. Usually you’ll see face-cams of this panel in little boxes to the side of the screen.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: Star House (2wink’s Room)

A couple hours later…

Hinata: Hey, Yuuta-kun. There’s something I’d like to check with you real quick.

Did you take my place to accept that work for the drama…? Y’know, the one where I was to make a guest apperance just for one episode?

Yuuta: … …

Yeah, I accepted it.

Hinata: For real?! I thought so!

Man, what are you doing accepting things without my permission?

Yuuta: ‘Cause I told you. Whatever you can’t do, I’ll take care for you.

Hinata: Huh? …Ahh, you’re right, I think you did say that.

Still, can’t you at least tell me when you accept a job? We ran into trouble before because we didn’t communicate enough, you know!

It was you who said “no more hiding anything”. Did you forget?

Yuuta: But I’m not hiding it. I’m telling you about it now, aren’t I?

Hinata: Yuuta-ku~n? You’re being disingenuous!

Yuuta: In an industry like this, they extra legwork makes a huge difference, don’t they?

If you respond with a “let me think it over for a bit”, the opportunity will just be snatched away by another idol before you know it.

And that would just be a waste. Wouldn’t it?

Hinata: S-Sure, but…

Yuuta: But what? We’ve swapped places to get work done plenty of times before. Why are you getting so uneasy over it now?

Hinata: It’s not that I’m uneasy over it, I’m just trying to say that we have to communicate about these things.

Yuuta: Yeah, yeah. Well, I’ve communicated it. It’s just a bit late.

Hinata: Yuuta-kun…!

Yuuta: Oh, be quiet. Do we really have to tell you about every single thing? What, am I still some kid who has to tell his Aniki where he’s going every time he goes out? Because I’m not.

Oh, speaking of. I’ll mention this while we’re at it. I also accepted the job for Mega Summer, the one the Vice Prez told us about the other day.

Hinata: Wha, are you serious?!

Yuuta: I had room to appear on my schedule, after all. You called it a huge opportunity for 2wink and everything, too.

Hinata: Yeah, but… You shouldn’t decide on something that important all on your own, you know?

Still, I’m surprised the Vice Prez have it the go-ahead. He made a point that having only one member of 2wink wouldn’t work well, and all.

Yuuta: Yeah, he did say that, but his main concern was your physical condition, Aniki.

So we argued that you’re doing plenty of solo work, so there’s no reason to worry about only one half of 2wink appearing, and that did the trick.

Seems even she figured it’d be best if it were you to participate too, given you’re on a roll and everything right now.

Hinata: …Huh? For me to?

Wait, what does that mean? Will I be performing? Did my schedule and all that get sorted out?

Yuuta: Nope, I’ll appear as “Hinata-kun” for Mega Summer.

A bunch of people will attend if the currently-popular Hinata-kun gets to be the one performing, right?

Given the event’s really large-scale and holds a lot of influence, it’ll help 2wink’s name gain even more notoriety.

Our name gets out there, and we get paid. Sounds like nothing but pros to me! ♪

Right? Think for a second and it’s obvious. What’s best for 2wink right now is for “Hinata-kun” to participate in this event.

It’s what the people want, after all. And as an idol, we simply just have to live up to the people’s expectations, right? ♪

Hinata: … …

Yuuta: Besides, the project’s handled by your beloved Anzu-san, isn’t it? If it’s for her, surely “Hinata-kun” would want to take the job no matter what?

Hinata: …That’s not true.

Yuuta: Why do you look so unhappy over this? This is just another case of swapping places like we always do, isn’t it?

Hinata: That’s not the part I’m unhappy about. —I want you to find success too, Yuuta-kun!

Mega Summer is the perfect opportunity for that! If you do great there, you’ll definitely gain more recognition, Yuuta-kun.

So, Yuuta-kun, I’d really rather you to participate under your own name.

I feel like there’s become somewhat of a gap in popularity between us currently, you know? So if you get to appear in Mega Summer, then surely, you’ll—

Yuuta: …Oh, I see. So you’re giving up another thing for me, just like that.

Hinata: Huh?

Yuuta: —Aniki, do you even know why I’m doing this?

Hinata: …?

Yuuta: Because right now, I’m doing better at being “Hinata-kun” than you are.

Hinata: …At… being “Hinata”?

Yuuta: I’m sure you’ve gotten a bunch of praise for work you don’t remember accepting lately, haven’t you, Aniki?

Hinata: That, well… Yeah, I guess I have.

Yuuta: Truth is, even aside from doing work for that drama, I’ve been taking your place as “Hinata-kun”. and doing other jobs meant for you.

Like interviews, photoshoots for magazines, and many more…

And to avoid any discrepancies, I’ve been recording all the programs you’ve appeared on too, and watching them over—taking in the person that is “Hinata”.

By doing so, I could then pick up everything you couldn’t do, and do it in your place.

And when I did that… The work I’ve been taking up as “Hinata-kun” began gaining recognition throughout the industry.

With all that considered, doesn’t that mean I’m better that being “Hinata-kun” than you are?

Hinata: …!

Yuuta: This Mega Summer job is such an important job for 2wink, you see…

So in that case—you should leave it to me, okay?

I’m gonna make it into a massive success, as the best “Hinata-kun” out there, just you wait…♪

[ ☆ ]

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: Riverside

A couple hours later, at the set of a drama where Hinata is making a guest appearance

Hinata: Great work today, Director~! ♪ I’ll be heading out now~!

Huh, you wanna talk with me? What could it be? Is it something I did…?

Hmm, I see… You’re asking if I’ve ever had professional experience with acting?

No, not really—I’ve co-starred with my little brother in Timbres of Heaven[1], but…

But on my own, I can’t say I have much experience with dramas…

Whoa?! Is it so shocking to you that you couldn’t help but shout?

My performance was so magnificent you can scarcely believe I don’t have any experience acting…?

Wow~, I’m honored! My role was so key to the drama’s story that I felt I definitely couldn’t afford to mess it up!

Wha, and the other staff members really liked my performance too? That makes me so happy~! ♪

Especially my expression at the end, it gave you all the chills…?  Sheesh, you’re really heaping on the praise~! ♪

Hinata: I’d really love another chance to work with you on a drama, though! Next time, it can be a regular role, rather than a guest one! ♪

Ahaha, maybe that’s me getting a little carried away, though. I am serious, though! I look forward to working with you in the future!

Oh, that reminds me. If there is another time, I’d love it if my little brother, Yuuta-kun, could get invited as well.

Since y’know, 2wink’s selling point is that we’re twins! ☆ Who knows, maybe Yuuta-kun’s acting will turn out even better than mine!

Location: TV Station Hallway

A couple hours later, at a TV station hallway after filming…

Hinata: (Hah~… I’m beat…)

(Now that I’m done with this live performance, my filming, my photoshoot, then my other filming… I’m done with work, right?)

(I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been invited to work on so many different kinds of things, but my schedule is seriously brutal right now~. I’m gonna hurry back to the dressing room and head on back.)

(I wonder what Yuuta-kun’s doing right now…)

(…It seems that Yuuta-kun hasn’t been getting that much work since we finished participating in Mega Stream. Though I haven’t worked alongside him in a while now, so I’m not too sure…)

(The gaps in our in popularity just won’t seem to close… Even though we’re the two-in-one twin idols.)

(Even though it doesn’t mean a thing if I’m the only one who makes it big. Even though everything I’ve ever done has been for him.)

Hinata: (—But… If I want to fulfill my wish, then I can’t afford to be picky, you know?)

(If I keep getting invited to work on various things, and if I’m able to solidify my standing within the industry, then my influence will carry more weight than it ever had been.)

(And if I can achieve that… Then I’ll be able to pull up Yuuta-kun up into a brighter world.)

(And for that, I have to consistently deliver proper results in the work I have at hand and continue to meet expectations.)

(Umm… What’s my work schedule like tomorrow, again?)

(Mm, I can’t recall. I think my brain’s starting to lag behind. I should eat something, something sweet to nourish my brain…)

(Ooh, the catering here’s got mizu yokan![2] People have been raving about it’s deliciousness lately. I’m excited to try some myself~! ♪)

Hinata: Oh, staff! Thanks for all your hard work today~! The audience was super hyped for our recording earlier, weren’t they!

No, no, I didn’t really do anything! The host was just amazing at guiding the conversation, I just went with the flow and talked a bunch! ♪

Ahaha, I’m not being modest, really!

Huh? I delivered a solid performance on my work on the drama earlier as well?

Umm… What work for a drama?

Oh, right… Is it the one where I make a guest appearance for just a single episode?

Hinata: (—That’s weird…? I’m pretty sure I turned down that job.)

(The role itself was a really juicy one though, one that was key to the story, so I really wanted to accept it, but…)

(But if I remember correctly, the time commitment needed for the filming was just too lengthy.)

Ahaha, umm, are you maybe confusing me with someone else? I don’t remember ever accepting that role, so…

There’s no way that’s the case? Ahaha, uhhh…

Hinata: … …

…Ohh, I remember it now! Sorry ‘bout that! ☆ I’ve been so busy that I think it just totally escaped my mind!

(…No, no matter how hard I think back, I seriously don’t recall ever accepting any job of that sort.)

(But, judging this staff member’s reaction, he’s absolutely sure he’s not mistaken…)

(In that case… …Could it be that Yuuta-kun took on the job?)

(But, whenever we trade around jobs, we always discuss beforehand which ones to swap and what-not, don’t we?)

(Yet, I don’t think he’s talked to me about anything like this.)

(Meaning he did it without letting me know… Why?)

[ ☆ ]

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Referring to the plot of Timbres of Heaven. Read my translation of the story here!

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: Underground Livehouse

Koga: …Hyah-CHOO!

Hinata: Whoa, yuck. Geez, I think some of your snot flew this way.

Koga: Hey, I covered my face properly! Seriously, for a while now, you’ve—

Kuro: A’ight, good work today, both of ya. We’re done cleanin’ up, so let’s wrap things up..

Hinata: Ah, Kiryu-senpai! Good work today~! ☆

Anyways, today’s live was a huge success, wasn’t it? The audience really loved it, and our singing went nice and easy too!

Kuro: Sure was. It was just a small event of some CosPro and RhythLin idols performin’ together, but the turn-out was real good.

Koga: Seems like not only our own fans, but the live house’s regulars also came to tune in as well.

Kuro: Is that so? Y’know, singin’ on music programs and streams is great and all, but nothin’ beats a real stage. Feelin’ the audience’s response first-hand really gets the blood pumpin’.

Koga: Right! I mean, live shows have their own good points, yeah?

I’m really lookin’ forward to the upcomin’ Mega Summer for that specific reason~! ♪

Hinata: Ah, you’ve heard about Mega Summer too, Oogami-senpai?

Koga: ‘Course I have~! UNDEAD’s scheduled to participate as well too, y’know!

What ‘bout you, AKATSUKI?

Kuro: Yep, ‘course we are. From what I hear, every ES unit’s gonna be performin’ in it.

Hinata: Wha, every unit?! Are you serious?!

Kuro: It seems some schedules need to be adjusted, though. But well, basically anyone will be jumpin’ at the chance to participate in somethin’ handled by the little miss.

Hinata: Really~? I see…

Koga: I overheard a little somehin’, actually. Apparently, there are plans to put up stalls for a buncha popular shops from the ground for the sale of exclusive merch that day.

And plans to collaborate with some restaurants in the Passage Arcade to sell food suitable for festivals and all that…

In other words, it’s gonna be a seriously massive festival that’ll consume the entire Mega Sphere! ♪

And whenever we’re not on stage duty, we’ll get to do whatever we want! I’ve alrighty got my eye on some spot to go eatin’ meat with Adonis at. ♪

Kuro: Our Taki’s gettin’ pretty excited, too. He and Kanzaki were figurin’ out timetables for the lives they wanted to go to together, despite all their bickerin’ otherwise.

Koga: That reminds me, I hear you’re involved with the makin’ of the outfits, Kiryu-senpai?

Kuro: Yup. The little miss came cryin’ to me, sayin’ she won’t be able to finish the outfits in time and needed my help.

So my hands have been pretty full lately with both unit activities and costume-makin’ for Mega Summer.

Well, I don’t dislike this this sort of festival preparation work, so it’s all good. ♪

Koga: I’m even plannin’ on rentin’ out a practice room to practice my guitar after this, too!

I’m wanna treat everyone to the best of my best song that day! I’m not riskin’ anythin’ to underpreparation!

Hinata: Gghh… This is so frustrating~!

Koga: Huh? What, are ya guys not participatin'?

Hinata: Nope. It’s been decided we’ll pass on it due to my schedule… or rather, taking my stimaina into account.

Koga: Stamina? Just use sheer determination and grit to power through it, then! C’mon, the Hinata I know isn’t some weakling who’d let somethin’ like this stop him!

Hinata: I’d participate if it were up to me, you know! But it seems like Vice Prez already declined for us…

Kuro: Well, it is true that you’ve been pretty busy as of late, Hinata.

On the measure of not wantin’ you to overexert yourself, I do think Saegusa made the right call with that.

Hinata: You think so too, Kiryu-senpai…?

Koga: Well, that’s just too bad! I’ll just have to go and enjoy Mega Summer on your behalf, then! ♪

Hinata: Kh, I’m so frustrated~! Your smile’s just pissing me off so much~!

Alright, that does it! I’m gonna try talking to the Vice Prez about it one more time!

It’s just way too frustrating to have to miss out on a festival that’s gonna be this fun!

Besides, if all units get to participate, then there’s just no way that 2wink can’t participate either, right?!

Kuro: In that case, wouldn’t it be better to talk to the little miss about it directly, rather than beg to Saegusa?

She’d be able to smooth things over and make negotiations with him, too.

Hinata: Great idea! Lemme send her a message right away. Umm, let’s see, Anzu-san’s contact info…

Alright, said and done! Now we’ll be able to participate in Mega Summer… maybe!

Koga: …Hey. There’s somethin I’ve been wantin’ to tell ya for a while now.

Hinata: What? Why so formal all of a sudden?

Koga: Hinata, you… You’ve been reekin’ of sweets for a while now! It’s sickly sweet!

Hinata: Ack, I reek?! No way!

Kuro: *sniff sniff*… I guess? I do kinda smell some sort of sweet scent…

Ah. Could it be some perfume you’re wearin’?

Hinata: Bingo~! Yuuta-kun gave it to me, sayin’ he got it at work and had some left over. Mfufu, I get to share Yuuta-kun’s scent…♪

Seriously though, is the smell that strong? I’d thought I didn’t put that much on…

Koga: “Not that much”?! Yeah right, it’s enough to burn my fuckin’ nose off…!

Kuro: It doesn’t really bother me, though. It doesn’t smell bad, and the scent ain’t that strong. Isn’t it just you who has a sensitive nose, Oogami?

If anythin’, it kinda warms my heart, I feel like you’re all grown up. ♪

Hinata: Stop looking at me like I’m your teenage son… I’d rather be told I reek than be told that.

Koga: Aaaalright, I can’t take it anymore!

Okay, you, take off those clothes right now and take a shower! Wash it all off!

Hinata: Hold on, don’t just take off my clothes! Oogami-senpai, you pervert! Lecherous wolf!

Koga: ‘Scuse me?! Now who are you callin’ a lecherous wolf!

Hinata: Oh, could it be you wanna see me naaaked~? You’re such a teenager, Oogami-senpai! ♪

Koga: Quit pokin’ my cheek! Quit it, you’re given’ me crazy goosebumps!

Look at this, Kiryu-senpai! I’m covered head to toe in ‘em!

Kuro: Uh, you don’t have to show me your arm. What kinda energy is this, even?

Hinata: Oogami-senpai~, come on, come gimme a biiig hug! ☆[1]

Koga: Stop, don’t get any close to me! God damnit, what the hell’s all this?!

[ ☆ ]

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[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: CosPro Office

A couple days later. ES Building, in the COSMIC PRODUCTION Office…

Ibara: —Hinata-kun.

Hinata-kun, are you listening?

Hinata: Huh?! Yes, of course I am! Aye-aye☆ *salutes*

Yuuta: Yeah, bullshit~. The Vice Prez didn’t say anything that would warrant that, so you’re definitely lying~.

You got home pretty late last night again too. Don’t tell me you’re still half asleep? Get it together, Aniki.

Hinata: Ahaha, I’m sorry. I was spacing out a bit.

Yuuta: You’re such a mess, geez.

So, Vice Prez? What’s this thing about work you wanted to tell us?

Ibara: —Have you two heard of the upcoming Mega Summer this season?

Hinata: Mega Summer?

Yuuta: No. What’s that?

Ibara: Mega Summer—full name “Mega Summer Festival!!”—is an upcoming large-scale summer event to be held at the Mega Sphere at the end of August.

Idols are scheduled to perform at the Sphere Stage throughout the entire day to enliven attendees… It’s essentially a standard summer festival.

Hinata: A summer festival?! That sounds super fun!

Yuuta: Huh? But isn’t the opening ceremony for the Mega Sphere also coming up around that time? Are there gonna be two large-scale events around the same time?

Ibara: Correct. The primary focus of the opening ceremony will be the grand unveiling of the Mega Sphere.

However… That event holds a secondary purpose as well.

Hinata: Purpose?

Yuuta: Don’t tell me. Another of those sketchy situations?

Ibara: Truthfully, there are rumors circulating about the Mega Sphere of which border upon conspiracy.

For example, that the Mega Sphere is a facility for human experimentation disguised as an entertainment venue, and that test subjects are being lured in via idols…

Another being that there is a mysterious prison at the heart of the Mega Sphere, that travels around the world for the purpose of human trafficking…

Unproductive conversations and rumors of no credibility of the like are currently running amok on the ground.

Yuuta: Are you kidding me? You’d have to be out of your mind to believe stuff like that.

Ibara: Fully agreed. Who would even start conversations like these? A simple look at Mega Stream would make it obvious the facility is nothing of the sort.

Yuuta: You know, usually it’s the people who haven’t looked into things properly that speak the loudest about it.

Hinata: Hmm… Well, I do kind of get those people’s feelings, though.

If a massive flying ship suddenly appeared in your sky, who wouldn’t break out in speculation?

I mean it’s only natural for people to feel uneasy. You just try to look for explanations, you know?

Ibara: However, those explanations cause problems.

And when idols are just beginning to draw world-wide attention, too…

If our Mega Sphere, our “home base”, were to fall flat, then CosPro’s… no, ES’ profits and credibility will plummet alongside Thunderbolt’s.

Therefore, by having a large number of attendees go to an event within the Mega Sphere and return having enjoyed themselves, this negative reputation established by the rumors will dissipate…

In other words, the goal is to instill everyone upon the ground with the impression that “Mega Sphere is a wonderland of dreams created by idols”.

Hinata: I see! A strategy to lower the psychological barrier by hosting a fun event, huh?

Yuuta: ‘Cause if everyone says it’s fun, then the Mega Sphere becomes “something that is fun”, right?

So, who’s the one behind this event? Is it you, Vice Prez? Tenshouin-senpai, maybe?

Ibara: The one in charge of producing and planning this event is Anzu-san.

I can’t say if she considered the aforementioned factors when devising this plan, but…

It can be called an effective strategy to change impressions of the Mega Sphere.

Hinata: I can’t imagine her putting together this event for political reasons like that

Knowing Anzu-san, she probably just thought something like, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have an event where everyone can enjoy summer’s end~?”

Yuuta: …♪

Hinata: Yuuta-kun, stop grinning like that.

Yuuta: I’m not grinning. I always look like this, it’s my natural resting face.

Hinata: If that’s your natural resting face, then why don’t our faces look the same right now?

Hinata & Yuuta: … … (pulling each others cheeks)

Ibara: …Enough with the roughhousing, please. Now, regarding this Mega Summer job that has come your way…

Hinata: Ah, you got it! This is a huge opportunity for 2wink, just leave it to us to make our mark! ♪

Ibara: No, please sit this one out.

Hinata & Yuuta: Why?!

Ibara: I’ve made this decision taking in account Hinata-kun’s schedule and physical condition as of recently.

Hinata: My physical condition? Why? I’m totally fine right now!

See, look, look! Somersault! ☆ Cartwheel! ☆ Aaand backflip~! ♪

Ibara: Stop. Please, no horseplay within the office, it kicks up dust.

I suppose you could be able to participate if I pry up room in your schedule, but…

This is a crucial time for Hinata-kun. From the perspective of the agency, we would want to avoid any situations that could cause you to take time off due to poor health.

Now Yuuta-kun has room to appear on his schedule, but… To have only one member of 2wink appear in a festival-style event like this wouldn’t work well.

Hinata: You’re kidding me… A summer festival, and I can’t participate…? Sobsobsob… (fake tears)

Yuuta: That’s Aniki for you. Ever so busy with his solo work!

Hinata: S-Sorry? You wanted to participate in Mega Summer too, right?

Yuuta: Not really? I don’t exactly want to participate, not at all.

Hinata: Ugh, I’ve made you put on a strong front… I’ve failed as a big brother, making my little brother put up with this!

I’ll definitely make it up to you, okay?! Next time, we’ll go out to the restaurant you want to go to!

Yuuta: No, don’t care.

Still, though. You really have been racking up more solo jobs lately, huh, Aniki?

Has everyone forgotten that we’re two-as-one “twin idols” or something?

I get it, what’s “in” right now for variety shows are bright and energetic characters like Aniki, not cool-headed personalities like me, but, still.

It’s gotten to the point that “2wink” basically means “Aoi Hinata”. When you think about it like that, no wonder you’re overwhelmed with endless job requests.

Hinata: That’s… I mean… I’m making sure to promote you too, Yuuta-kun!

Whenever I have the chance, I always make sure it gets through that we’re the two-in-one idols!

I… guess I can’t say for sure if that’s actually gotten us any jobs, though.

Yuuta: …Whatever, it’s fine. Look, even if it’s nothing compared to yours, my own work’s steadily increasing too, okay?

Yuuta: Anyways, don’t worry about Mega Summer. It is true that you seem to be absolutely swamped with work. Let’s pass on it this time.

I suppose right now, that’s just what’s best for 2wink.

However. Don’t misjudge your own limits just because you’ve got work pouring in, alright? Whatever you can’t do, I’ll take care for you, alright?

Hinata: Yuuta-kun…!

I love you~! (throws arms around)

Yuuta: Whoah?! I told you to not cling to me! It’s so stifling!

[ ☆ ]

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: Beach

ES’ second year of establishment, in August. During a live broadcast for an information variety program…

Hinata: “The sparkling sea! The dazzling sun! The scorching sandy shore!”

“Hello everyone! I’m Aoi Hinata, your reporter, with an energy that rivals even the sun!”

“Today, I’m reporting from a beach that’s been quite the hot topic lately!”

“And hear this—It seems the beach has opened a floating obstacle course for a limited time…!”

“Check it out! You can see a slide and some obstacles over that way~! Doesn’t that look like so much fun?”

“I think I’ll have to give this obstacle course a try today too! ☆”

“Y’see, I’m a pro at these sorts of things! So much so that I know I won’t slip up~. Heheh♪”

“Huh? You’re challenging me to clear it in 30 seconds, then?”

“You guys in the studio, hey! No puttin’ me on the spot like that allowed~!”

Hinata: “But that doesn’t mean I’m backing down from the challenge! Now I gotta clear this—2wink’s reputation is on the line~! ♪”

“Well then… Aaalright, let’s go!”

“Hah, hup…☆”

“Piece of cake~! Something like this is nothing to… wha, whoaaa?!”

Hinata: Pwah… This is the worst. I fell off.

Ack! My mics gotten all wet?!

Location: Star House (Shared Space)

Hinata: Ahh~, What a total blunder…

Chitose: Are you alright? Umm… Yuuta-kun, was it?

Hinata: Wrongerz! I’m Hinata. The older brother of 2wink, the one on the TV right now.

Chitose: Huh, wha… I’m sorry, I got it wrong…!

I thought it was you, Hinata-kun, based on your appearance, but…

Then I remembered that I was told that you two switch places, so even appearances can be deceiving…

I shouldn’t have spoken up, since I couldn’t tell for sure which one you were. I’m really, really sorry…?

Hinata: Ahaha, there’s no need to apologize so much~! It really doesn’t bother me.

Hinata: If anything, it’s awesome that you’re paying attention to our hairstyles! I’ll give you some Hinata-kun points for that! ☆

Chitose: Thank you, I don’t know what I could use those for, but I’m happy…

I used to be the assistant director, after all.[1] I really tried my best to memorize every idol’s name so I wouldn’t get them wrong.

Well, I did get it wrong though, so I guess it was all pointless, but…

Anyways, why did you look so sad earlier, Hinata-kun? You can talk to me about it, if you want…?

Hinata: Ah, I mean, it’s nothing major? I was just watching a recording of a program I starred in, and I could barely stand watching it anymore…

Chitose: Why? I thought it was pretty interesting, though…

Hinata: Wha, you watched that, Tsuzura-san?! Oh god, That’s so embarrassing!

Chitose: I-I knew it, I shouldn’t have watched it without permission, right?! I’m sorry, I’ll hurry and die so you can pretend I’ve never existed. Please forgive me!

Hinata: No no no, please spare the dying?! What kind of twisted logic is that?!

…Well, if you liked it, then I suppose it’s all fine, but… I’m afraid I can only give that report 30, no—20 points or so.

My eyes looked like they were dead… or rather, like they were devoid of energy… I totally failed at livening up the broadcast. A complete failure as an idol.

And the worst part of it all, I fell off the obstacle course and ended up getting my mic soaked in water!

Thankfully, we managed to finish up the broadcast using a spare, but… The whole segment would’ve been ruined if we hadn’t been so lucky.

Chitose: I see… That really is tough, isn’t it.

It’s okay, I make way worse mistakes on the regular. Remember, there’s always someone doing worse than you are.

Hinata: You’re pretty bad at comforting others, huh, Tsuzura-san…

Hinata: Still though, it makes me happy to be fussed over like this~. I’m the older brother, but every so often I just wanna be the one getting thoroughly spoiled…!

Chitose: Hehe, there, there…♪ *pet pet*

Hinata: Ugh, I feel so touched by your kindness… Please, have some of this mizu yokan![2] Or all of it, actually!

Chitose: Really? Well, don’t mind if I do, then…

*chew chew* But y’know, Hinata-kun, you’re really dedicated to what you do. Do you review every program you star in?

Hinata: No, not every one, but… I guess lately, I’ve been making an effort to.

Because, I’ve got my beloved brother Yuuta-kun. I’ve gotta do whatever I can so I don’t end up holding him back.

Chitose: I see, so it’s like that. I don’t have anyone like that in my life. Makes me kinda wish I did…♪

Hinata: Heheh♪ Jealous, are you~?

That being said, I feel maybe I’ve been pushing myself a bit too hard on that front lately…?

Chitose: Umm… What do you mean by that?

Hinata: Ummm… Well, not to brag, but… Since my appearances on Mega Stream, the solo work I’ve been getting has really picked up.

And I’ve been getting quite a lot of solo work for a while now, y’know?

But ever since Mega Stream successfully drew more public attention to the existence of idols…

As a result, I started to get a lot more attention, sorta like a ripple effect. So on top of the work I had already been getting, I started to get a bunch of offers from new clients rolling in. ♪

Chitose: Really? That’s amazing…!

Hinata: Ugh… Now that I’m thinking about it, it feels really condescending to get praised by a member of the world-famous unit MELLOW DEAR US like this…

But anyhow—If I can help it, I’d rather not turn down any offer given to me.

So I took on a bunch of those solo jobs. I figured any chance to get 2wink’s name out there is worth it, no matter how slight.

And to be honest, I think I hit my limit… I’m so busy that I’m bordering on overworking myself.

Chitose: I see… That sounds like a lot.

But, isn’t it great for an idol to be needed in so many different ways? I don’t know, though…

Hinata: That should be the case, right? It should be, but, still…

Chitose: …?

[ ☆ ]

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Chitose is referring to his time as assistant director during the Mega Stream Arc.