#assmu

Van: Delicious! This is the best after exercising! I can feel my strength steadily recovering.

Kira: It’s just water. Your statement was misleading.

Van: Nice tsukkomi*, Kira-chan.

Masato: It was such a productive lesson that I think I can understand how relieving the sensation of water seeping into the body can be.

Ren: It was an exciting time. It was the first time we danced together, but we were so in sync it didn’t seem like it. I was surprised by their unconventional dancing.

Ranmaru: You were improvising too, weren’t you? I wasn’t expecting it to be like this from the start. Well, it is a predictable lineup…

Kira: It's not often that we can get together with these members. I'd like to take this opportunity to get on the same page regarding the performance.

Masato: I see. As Sumeragi-san pointed out, it's important to discuss that.

Van: Okay, okay! Well, I have one suggestion to make.

Ranmaru: What is it?

Van: There is a part in the latter half of the song where we can move freely. It's really appealing to have everyone moving together like in the other parts, but I want us to show a bit more individual charm.

Ranmaru: Mind you, you were pretty much doing whatever you wanted just now.

Masato: More freely than what we did now…?

Ren: I’m guessing he meant we should make this section stand out more.

Kira: I understand how you feel, Van. But moving more than necessary is not good. It will cause trouble for Hijirikawa-san and the others.

Van: I’m not trying to cause any trouble. I just believe in the explosive power of this group, so I was wondering if we could make it a little more extravagant.

Ren: I feel like that could work. It's in the free parts that we can show our distinctive dance styles, and people will feel that we have something unique to offer.

Kira: Movements that brilliantly highlight each member’s individuality... I wonder if that could become possible if we practice a bit more and connect with each other.

Ranmaru: I also value intuition. Live performances are always raw, including the fans’ reactions. The music tells us what to do.

Van: (claps) So cool…! That was awesome!

Masato: Kurosaki-san, I have taken your words to heart!

Ranmaru: Now there are two people who overreact…

Ren: You got that right.

Masato: (clears throat) There will be 18 people on stage during the actual performance. As Sumeragi-san pointed out, we don't know how much we’ll actually be able to move around. That being said, we want everyone to enjoy themselves with us as much as they like.

Van: Masa-chan agrees with my idea, and you should also reveal more of the passionate feelings you keep inside your heart, Kira-chan.

Kira: That's right. Let's aim for further improvement together.

Ren: It seems we share the same level of enthusiasm about this. I’m glad we were able to get everyone on the same page.

Kira: Me too. In addition, I have something I want to express myself. While respecting harmony… I want to capture everyone's hearts with these hands of mine.

Ranmaru: I thought he was a cool guy, but it seems that’s not all there is to him.

Van: Yep, that's Kira-chan for you.

Kira: However, I'll be keeping a close eye on Van's movements during the lessons.

Van: Am I being monitored?!

Masato: I'm enjoying the lively exchange between Sumeragi-san and Kiryuin-san. Normally, I would have become tense and stiff.

Ren: As long as we continue sharing the same mindset like this, we'll be fine no matter what happens.

Ranmaru: It’s not like we can decide in detail what to do now. Let’s just go for it.

Van: I guess we'll have to wait until the curtain rises to see what happens.

Kira: Yes. I can't wait for the day we can all get on stage together.

Translator's notes:

Ai: Alright. What do you think about doing the heart gesture in our choreography for the song's intro like this?

Cecil: Excellent! Ai-senpai’s heart move is clean and very cute! I'll give it a try too. Please watch me.

Ai: I think yours is cute and nice too. Maybe you should move your arms 0.5 seconds faster?

Cecil: Yes! I’ll try my best. Um…

Masato: Mikaze-senpai, after you've finished instructing Aijima, can you check my form?

Kira: After that, I'd like to ask you to do the same for me. It’s the important memorable move at the start of the song. I want to execute it perfectly.

Syo: (laughs and pats Ai on the shoulder) You sure are popular, Ai! So, I’m counting on you to check mine too.

Ai: Geez! Don't casually pat me on the shoulder. Alright, I got it. Well then, everyone line up in front of the mirror, let's try it while checking each other’s form.

(PRI☆LOVE∞UNIVERSE♪’s intro starts playing)

Syo: Done! Looking at it again, it’s kind of interesting. It's a simple movement, but it brings out the characteristics of each person more than I expected.

Masato: You’re impressive Aijima. As expected, you were very cute. It looks like you were able to solve the 0.5 second delay from earlier.

Kira: Hijirikawa-san’s heart looked graceful and composed.

Cecil: Kira's heart was sharp and gave off a cool vibe!

Syo: What about me, then? I did it coolly, right?

Ai: No, it was cute. I think the energetic part was very Syo-like. If you pay more attention to your fingertips all the way to the end, I think it'll get even better. And next is Masato…

Cecil: Thank you very much! Ai-senpai’s instructions are very easy to understand.

Kira: Hm…

Masato: What's the matter, Sumeragi-san? You have a troubled look on your face.

Kira: I understand what each of us can improve on. But as it stands, we are still uncoordinated. A cute style or a cool style… which one is more suitable for the song?

Syo: I prefer the cool style. After all, it's important to make a sharp and stylish impression from the start.

Cecil: I love Syo’s energetic heart.

Masato: It's a tricky situation. I think Kurusu, Aijima, and Mikaze-senpai are nice with their current cute image. However, I think Sumeragi-san should remain cool.

Masato, Syo, Cecil, Kira: Hm…

Ai: I don’t think it’s necessary to unify things forcefully. I believe it’s better to develop each person’s individuality here, which is why I guided you the way I did earlier.

Masato: I see, so that’s what it was. As expected from you.

Syo: Thank you, Ai. Let’s make sure our appeal is fully appreciated by the fans!

Cecil: Once again, we have received your assistance. We need to do something to express our gratitude.

Ai: No, it's ok. It's no big deal.

Kira: Hm…

Ai: What is it, Kira?

Kira: You all get along so well. It looks like a lot of fun.

Syo: Why are you speaking as if you’re not included? We’re all the same here, right?

Masato: Yes. We are rivals, but we are also companions now.

Ai: I have no objection to that either.

Cecil: Yes! Of course, Kira is included among us as well.

Kira: I see. Thank you.

Syo: Huh, that smile just now... Could it be that you can pull off the cute style too?

Masato: Indeed, Kurusu is right. My assessment was lacking.

Cecil: Then why don't we all try the opposite next time? Syo, Ai-senpai, and I will try the cool style!

Kira: So it's me and Hijirikawa-san in the 'cute' category, huh? Got it. I’ll give it my all.

Masato: I have no issue with that. I’ll try it with sincerity and dedication.

Eiji: Ichinose-san! It's been a while. I’m happy to be able to perform with you again!

Tokiya: I should be the one to say that. I’m looking forward to seeing your wonderful performance up close.

Eiji: (chuckles) When I hear you say that, I feel really motivated!

Tokiya: Let’s work together and aim for an exciting show!

Eiichi: I never thought I would see and perform with you again at a live concert, Otoya! Let’s showcase it at the venue this time as well. The brilliance of our souls! A true resonance!

Otoya: Y-Yeah, I guess so. You might be exaggerating a bit, but yeah, let's do our best together!

Reiji: Hey, wait a minute! Aren’t you all already close? Let me join in, too!

Eiichi: Of course. This performance is only possible when ST☆RISH, HE★VENS, and QUARTET NIGHT are all present. With this lineup, we should be able to reach new heights.

Eiji: I have worked with Camus-san before, but I’ve always wanted to speak with you directly, Kotobuki-san. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Reiji: The same goes for me. How nice! This feels refreshing.

Eiichi: Our objective is to let the Angels experience the best music. Although we are usually members of different groups, I believe it would be wonderful if this could be a moment where we elevate each other.

Reiji: I think so too. Let’s talk about some things before we start the lesson so that we can deepen our friendship. Come here, you two. Otoyan and Tokki, wait here for a bit.

Eiji: Alright. What is it?

Tokiya: (distant) Do you think Kotobuki-san is up to no good?

Otoya: (laughs) It’s kind of unusual and funny seeing those three huddled together in a corner!

Eiichi: What’s going on? You suddenly leaned in closer, is it some kind of negotiation you can’t tell Otoya or Tokiya?

Reiji: Funfunfun… While I am also interested in that… Having common topics of conversation is important when getting to know each other, right?

Eiichi: Oh?

Eiji: Common topics…?

Reiji: I’ll tell you all about those two. I used to live in the same room as them, so I know all sorts of things about Otoyan and Tokki.

Eiichi: About Otoya and…

Eiji: Ichinose-san?!

(Otoya and Tokiya suddenly come up to them)

Reiji: Ack!

Tokiya: It seems we need to have a discussion between us first before you can deepen your friendship with them.

Reiji: N-No, you got it wrong, Tokki! I was just going to talk about trivial things. Just some things that happened in the room we shared during the Master Course, you see...

Tokiya: I have a bad feeling about this.

Otoya: I’m also bothered by it! Shouldn’t we talk about Rei-chan instead? Like the story about how he got so engrossed in frying karaage that he nearly set off the fire sprinkler…?

Tokiya: Or that time he almost mistook toothpaste for face wash while still half-asleep in the morning and caused a ruckus…?

Otoya: There’s also that time when the eggs in the refrigerator ran out and all three of us ended up buying a carton so we struggled to eat them for a while.

Tokiya: You don't have to tell them that.

Reiji: You remember it well…! More importantly, stop disclosing my embarrassing moments!

Eiichi: I see. It is precisely because you have such an unreserved relationship that you are able to communicate smoothly and develop an excellent working relationship.

Eiji: (chuckles) You all get along really well.

Otoya: (laughs) You could say that.

Tokiya: I hope there’s no misunderstandings.

Eiji: No, I’m really envious. We’ll do our best to create enough memorable stories for you to take back home.

Otoya: Eiji is right!

Eiichi: At times, we interact in a friendly and harmonious manner, and at other times, we engage in friendly competition, spending wonderful moments together. Good! Let’s work hard to make sure the time we spend together leads to the best live performance!

Tokiya: Now, Kotobuki-san, don't be discouraged and set an example as a senpai.

Eiji: I look forward to receiving your guidance!

Reiji: Yes. If you rely on me, I will do my best to help. Everyone, follow Rei-chan!

Ai: It is interesting that towards the end of the song, when the 18 of us sing together, the position of the five of us splits into two, with me in the center.

Ai: On the right are Natsuki and Yamato, who are large and adult-like, and on the left are Syo and Nagi, who are small and cute.

Nagi: Nagi may be small and cute, but my feelings are the greatest, so I’ll make the audience more excited than anyone else.

Natsuki: Wah! You’re so lovely, Nagi-kun! Not only are you cute but you’re also cool! Gyuu!

Syo: W-Wait a minute!!

Nagi: Woah!

Syo: Wait, Natsuki! Don’t go hugging Nagi! If you’re gonna do that, it should be with the super cool me.

Natsuki: I understand. Of course, Syo-chan is always cute and cool too. Gyuu!

Syo: Argh! I got it, but-! You’re squeezing too hard!!

Nagi: Jeez, what are you two doing? It can’t be helped. Nagi will teach you how to hug more cutely. Come here for a second, Natsuki.

Natsuki: Okay. Is it okay if I just wait here like this?

Nagi: Yes. Lean down a bit more. Like that. Here we go. Gyuu~ Then let’s both look at Syo and wink! How was that?

Natsuki: It makes it look like we get along well, which is very good.

Syo: Wow, that was damn clean.

Yamato: Hey, Natsuki. If you have any energy left over, be my opponent.

Natsuki: Really? That sounds fun too.

Ai: That kind of thing should be done after practice, not now. Incidentally, I'm pretty confident in my own skills though.

Syo: I mean, I'm not losing either. I'm not talking about height or arm wrestling! What's needed for a live performance is spirit! I'm going to put my heart and soul into singing and dancing for my fans.

Yamato: Yeah, exactly. I can’t waste time. I need more stamina to put on the best live performance I can. Should I increase my training? First, 500 push-ups!

Syo: No, that's ridiculous. We finished practicing the basics and now it's time for the dance lesson.

Yamato: Don't be so rigid about something being a little out of order. Let's do it together! 1, 2, 3…

Syo: I haven't said I'm going to do it yet! Ah, damn it!

Yamato: 4, 5, 6…

Syo: 7, 8, 9, 10

Ai: Okay. I'll leave the push-ups to you two. Shall the rest of us go over the moves again?

Natsuki: Yes! That’s right, Nagi-kun. How about we try to incorporate a moment of interaction with the fans like we did just now in the song?

Nagi: That might be good. Let’s see…

Syo: (out of breath) Hey, don't just leave me like this, do something about it!!

Ai: (sigh) It can’t be helped… Yamato! Let's stop that for now. Since we're all here, let's all review the choreography together so that we're all in sync.

Yamato: Now that you mention it, you’re right. Got it.

Syo: Thank god! I'm so glad Ai’s here.

Natsuki: Ai-chan is our center not only in that part of the choreography but also figuratively.

Nagi: I guess I can kinda see it.

Yamato: Natsuki, that was a good line!

Syo: I feel like having Ai in the group gives it a nice balance. Let the five of us create a new harmony.

Ai: I think I understand what everyone is trying to say. Well, thank you. Now then, I think we should get back to the lesson. After this, Syo and Yamato will do push-ups. Let's start again from the beginning.

Yamato: Sounds good. It’s the perfect schedule.

Syo: Let’s do that. I’ll do my best!

Ren: Oh, it’s already this late? We got so caught up in our conversation. Since our interpretation of the song has deepened, shall we take a break?

Camus: Yeah. Just thinking about it won't help generate good ideas, so we need to take in some sugar and give our minds a rest.

Van: Alright, in that case, I’ll pour drinks for everyone! Oh, you two over there, you’re staring at the sheet music with such serious faces. What’s wrong?

Tokiya: I have felt this since we received the sheet music, but the part entrusted to us is indeed very important.

Eiichi: The song is structured to begin with our voices, without any prelude, so the listener’s first impression will be deeply influenced by our delivery.

Ren: There's a good kind of pressure, right? I'm also curious about the ladies’ reaction, and every time I sing it to myself, it makes me even more eager to stand on stage.

Tokiya: That's true. However, we can't just enjoy ourselves. It will be a test of our abilities.

Eiichi: I suppose we’ll have to decide wisely.

Van: Well, it’s important to stay focused, but taking breaks is also necessary. Here’s yours, Toki-chan.

Tokiya: Toki-chan? … No, never mind. Thank you very much.

Eiichi: You were saying you needed sugar, right? Camus, help yourself to the refreshments I brought. No need to hold back. Take as much as you want.

Van: I’m good, but I'm sure they’re delicious especially since Ei-chan put a lot of effort into choosing them!

Camus: Alright.

Tokiya: Actually, I also brought some sweets to share. I hope they suit everyone’s taste.

Camus: I’ll accept.

Ren: (chuckles) More than anything, we want to be able to work together in harmony like this.

Van: Ren-chan! That was a great line, as usual. Let's keep communicating more and more! (puts an arm around Ren)

Ren: (laughing in surprise) Hey. I didn’t say you had to go as far as to put your arm around my shoulder.

Van: Now, now. By the time of the actual performance, we might even get so close that we surprise the Angels! No, maybe even the members would be surprised. You too, Toki-chan!

Tokiya: U-Uh… Um…

Ren: You’re still as high-energy as always.

Eiichi: Even rivals can be comrades at times. Let’s aim to build a good relationship, beyond the singing lessons.

Camus: Hmph. What’s the point in going out of your way to liven up the conversation? We can perform just fine without all that unnecessary back and forth.

Ren: Does this mean you acknowledge the abilities of the members here? (chuckles) But, it’s always better to have a good relationship, right?

Van: That’s right, Camus-chan!

Camus: … Camus-chan?

Van: How about we take this time to chat until the sugar you put in your cup of tea dissolves completely? After all, we’ve got just the right members here for exchanging information.

Tokiya: If you have any unique training methods, I would like to take this opportunity to learn about them.

Eiichi: Your stoicism surpasses what I heard. It seems like it will be a beneficial time.

Camus: Information, huh? I find it hard to believe that there’s something I don’t know, but if you’re willing to lay your cards on the table, I’ll listen.

Van: No, no. We’ll have Camus-chan join the conversation too. Let's start with a light topic first. Relating to the snacks we have here, how about we discuss everyone's favorite types of sweets?

Camus: Oh?

Tokiya: That's wonderful as well. I’d like to use that information as a reference for future gatherings.

Ren: If it's something healthy, will you eat it too, Icchi?

Tokiya: Please don’t worry about it. I’m looking forward to hearing your selection.

Eiichi: I see. That goodwill between both of you is truly good! I’m sure it has an impact on your performance.

Tokiya: I think you might be exaggerating a bit.

Van: Camus-chan, you already ate the snacks from earlier!? That was quick! Were you hungry, by any chance?

Camus: This much is nothing. However, I still haven’t finished my tea.

Eiichi: Hmm. You have something you want to talk about, don't you? Certainly, you should have an advantage when it comes to sweets.

Camus: I didn’t say that much. I simply meant I would have some more sweets.

Reiji: Everybody, let’s gather up! Today's members are all here, right? I would like to start the lesson with the four of us.

Nagi: Oh? Is Reiji in charge of things today?

Natsuki: Rei-chan-senpai is very reliable!

Yamato: That's fine, but what should we start with? Training?

Reiji: That's also hard to pass up, but… There's something I want to talk to you about first.

Natsuki, Nagi, Yamato: Is that so?

Reiji: Yeah. Take a look at the lineup when we gathered. Isn't there a huge height difference between us?

Yamato: What the heck… I thought it was going to be something serious, so I got worried.

Nagi: If the publicly available profiles are accurate, it means that the tallest in the groups, Natsuki and Yamato, and the shortest, Reiji and I, are all gathered together.

Natsuki: No wonder I thought you were cute and I felt a little flutter in my heart from the moment we met up!

Nagi: In your eyes, pretty much everyone is cute, right?

Reiji: As you can see, it seems like it would be difficult to maintain balance during a performance, so I just wanted to try dancing a little to make sure.

Yamato: All right, let’s do it!

Reiji: Well, what do you think after having danced?

Nagi: As Nagi predicted, it feels a bit different than usual. It's hard to align our gazes properly.

Natsuki: We were unable to measure the distance properly, so we ended up bumping into each other.

Yamato: The transition between formations might be a little off. We might get used to that as we keep practicing, though.

Natsuki: But it was a lot of fun!

Nagi: Geez! You're so optimistic. Well, it’s not like it was a complete failure, but it felt like we weren’t in tune with each other.

Yamato: I’d rather take advantage of this imbalance!

Reiji: That's right! I was a bit worried earlier, but with these members, I think it's okay to think of it as an attractive point.

Nagi: That's a good point! After all, we’re all professional idols, right?

Natsuki: Then, let's intentionally arrange the order so that the height difference stands out. How about this?

Yamato: The order is me, Nagi, Natsuki, and Reiji? This way it stands out nicely!

Reiji: It looks like we’ll definitely be able to grab everyone’s attention perfectly. We can try enhancing the effect by doing actions such as this: Yay! High five!

Nagi: When two tall people are nearby, the cutest Nagi seems even cuter. Reiji, you do your best too!

Reiji: Woah! Competing with Nagi-Nagi there might be a bit too much for me. But when it comes to performance, I’m ready for it. I plan to give it my all!

Natsuki: Don't worry, you’re both as cute and tiny as ever.

Reiji: But this time, there's someone bigger than Nattsun, right? It's rare to see someone like that at the Shining Agency, so it's refreshing.

Yamato: Oh, you’re talking about me. I don't really care that much about height, but… (chuckles) Let's get along, since we're both tall guys. (pats Natsuki’s head)

Natsuki: Indeed. I don't often get my head patted like this. Thank you very much! I'll do my best!