#c:wataru

Location: TV Station Set Backstage

Yuzuru: —Understood. I shall remain idle here. 

Oh, please pay no mind. I understand that the amount of currently available dressing rooms is limited as a result of the on-going remodeling; there’s nothing that can be done about that. 

"... At least sit on this chair," you say? Then, I will take that offer and use it. 

Yes. By all means, I look forward to working with everyone during the second half of the shooting.

(As someone who has undergone discipline training in the past, I would be fine even if I were expected to stand.)

(But they must not feel so comfortable letting a guest stand, so I shall comply with their request.)

(Still… Lately, I have received a large amount of individual jobs.)

(The number of requests to appear in TV dramas have increased, and along with them, the magazine promotions and advertisements.)

(Walking down the path of a life I usually wouldn’t have been able to experience before is enjoyable, and I’m truly grateful that someone as unripe as an ‘actor’ as me is called for this…)

(But before I realize it, my mind goes back to Bocchama.)

(I start to ponder, “What is he doing now?,” “Is he being troubled by anything?”—I know that such excessive worries are unnecessary now that he’s grown into such a splendid young man.)

(And for the sake of Bocchama’s future, it’s necessary to distance myself like this.)

(But still, I…)

Tori: He~y, Yuzuru?

Yuzuru: …!

Tori: What’s with the sour face? Did something bad happen?

Yuzuru: Bocchama… Is this a mirage? I wonder if I am daydreaming.

Tori: Dreaming~? What’re you saying? (pinch!)

Lookie, lookie, even if I pinch your cheeks I’m not going anywhere! I’m none other than the real Himemiya Tori-sama ☆

The rest of us have a job as fine today, don’t you remember? The studio is close, so we decided to stop by.

Yuzuru: I see. So that’s why you’re here.

While I will be edited into the recording on a different day, I am still truly sorry that I’ll be the only one missing today.

Tori: You don’t have to be sorry, y’know. You have your own job to do, and Eichi-sama accepted this offer while being aware of that.

Besides, I want to support your work. As your master, nothing makes me happier than seeing people hold you in high regards ♪

Yuzuru: Bocchama… Thank you, truly.

Eichi: —Is it alright for us to join the conversation now?

Yuzuru: Eichi-sama, Hibiki-sama, how long have you… If you were around, you should have said something.

Wataru: Fufufu. I simply couldn’t refuse Eichi’s proposal to avoid disrupting your tryst with Himegimi.

Yuzuru: Tryst…? The two of us live together in the dorm, so there is no need for you to be so thoughtful.

We are talking about Eichi-sama here. He probably wanted to surprise me, and that’s why he didn’t say anything.

Eichi: Fufu. I took the liberty of watching you work earlier, and I must say, you lived up to my every expectation. The way you promoted the show was effortlessly flawless.

Yuzuru: You were already here by the time of the recording? I thought you were simply stopping by before heading to work?

Tori: Mhm. I really wanted to see what you're like when you're hard at work!

Even if I’m not around, you’re giving it your all, huh~? Good boy, good boy ♪ As a reward, I’ll give you a shoulder massage~

Yuzuru: I couldn’t dare, just your words are enough.

Tori: Oh, come on now, just let me do it!

Yuzuru: Sigh... How terrific…

Eichi: Sounds fun. Maybe I should give you a hand massage?

Yuzuru: You too, Eichi-sama? I’d prefer not being used for your own amusement.

Wataru: As for me, I shall give you… Ta-dah! ☆

It’s a present from all of fine, so please do hand it over to the staff.

Yuzuru: I may be repeating myself, but I’m truly grateful. The wrapping is quite intricate—may I ask what’s inside?

Eichi: Guimauve. I’m sure I got a card from the shop… Found it. It’s from this one.

Yuzuru: I have seen this name before. If I remember correctly, this shop has provided for the French royalty in old times…

Tori: Hu~h, is that so? We just went there ‘cause it caught my eye.

I must have superb taste to pick a store like that without realizing… ♪

Yuzuru: Truly. Still, this might be a little too extravagant for it to be given as a present from the guest actor.

Next time I will prepare one myself, adding your names as well.

Eichi: Is that so? Sorry about the trouble, I will leave it in your hands.

Well then, you won’t be able to fully rest if we stay here, so we will take our leave now.

Tori: Mhm! Ah, wait a moment.

Here. I got it for myself, but I’m gonna give it to you.

Fufun ♪ Even if I’m not here, do your best at the recording~

Yuzuru: Understood. I will think of this guimauve as if it were Bocchama, put it inside my pocket and work my utmost hardest.

Tori: Eh~ Just eat it!

It’s super yummy, y’know! ‘Kay, see ya later~

Yuzuru: Yes, Bocchama. Strive to do your best at work.

(...Not only did he give me a shoulder massage, but he also gave me sweets. I have been nothing but pampered.)

(Bocchama said he is supporting me, and that seeing me be appreciated like this makes him happy.)

(It’s an honor to have my own master be delighted by my solo work.)

[Location: Connecting Corridor 2F]

Wataru: Fufufu. I see one, two, and three cute little rabbits…. ♪

To counter, I shall counter a thousand paper cranes! Both rabbits and birds are similar*, so they should have no trouble flying through the skies☆

Tomoya-kun! Now then, hurry and flap your way up to my height! I’ll be here to catch you with an embrace! Amazing….☆

Tomoya: Rabbits can’t fly! And neither can people! Anyway, you’re in the middle of work, aren’t you? Quit bugging me and focus on that instead!

Wataru: Hmm. Rather than work, I’d say it’s closer to volunteering, or even a punishment game…. I don’t have much motivation to be doing this.

But it’s my mission to find Amazing in all things, so I’ve been forcing myself to feel excited over it, and making the advertisement flyers extra fancy, see?

Tomoya: Well, now that I think about it…. You seem like you’d be the perfect fit for the “phantom thief.” Much more than “Knights” is, actually.

Wataru: I’m so delighted to hear that! What an honor!

I would have been glad to play the part of the phantom thief, however, while it wouldn’t be a problem if it were as an individual, I cannot do so as a member of “fine.”

“fine” capitalizes on elegance, after all. It would pain me to make them go along with my personal tastes and hobbies.

Tomoya: Huh. It’s unusual to see you actually worry about other people. So I guess, at least your own “unit” is important to you?

Wataru: I wonder? If I get bored, I would just toss them away. Although I don’t think I need to worry about that happening just yet.

I’m not very good at staying put in one place…. But it’s probably just an issue with time.

Well, in any case, that’s why I’m taking a backseat role this time. Anzu-san came to me for advice on the costumes and the stage.

And I helped ‘Knights” with their acting, as well.

Because of the circumstances, I’m not allowed to approach “Ra*bits,” but if you so desire, I could give you a lecture on the essence of play?

Tomoya: No thanks! That won’t be necessary! I-if you lay a hand on my friends, I’m really gonna snap!

Wataru: Alright, I understand. Even I know when to quit, after all. Still, taking a backseat role isn’t much to my liking.

I’m bound to get bored of it before long, and intrude suddenly and unannounced.

I shall always be an actor, after all! I want to show myself off more, to the entire world! I want to righteously monopolize all the love in this world…. ☆

Is it not the same for you, Tomoya-kun? Since you are also part of the Drama Club!

No, it is because we are idols! It is our job to stand out! Amazing…. ☆

Tomoya: But, I’m not, particularly…. There are so many others that stand out more than I do.

Wataru: Hm? What’s that~? I can’t hear you! Take a deep breath! Let your humanity ring out loud and clear!

Ahh, I’ve been waiting for that moment for so long!

Tomoya: Sh-shut up! You’re being so loud! Don’t compare us! I’m different from you….!

Wataru: Fufufu! But isn’t that the best part of acting? The ability to constantly change into a different person, or animal, or even something completely inanimate?

But no matter what mask I put on, I will always be me!

Tomoya: What is that, some kind of zen riddle? Anyway, I’m worried since you say you’re taking a backseat role this time….

This is an important job for “Ra*bits,” so don’t get in the way! Seriously!

Wataru: Of course. But unlike Little Mister Rabbit or Mister “King,” I have no intention of taking a step back in order to train the younger generation.

I haven’t withered to that point just yet.

Idols may be going out at a younger age every year, but an actor is an actor until death!

I will not retire as “Hibiki Wataru”! It is my lifelong career! No, even when I become a skeleton, I will continue to dance like mad!

But, anyway…. Regrettably, this time I truly am taking a backseat role.

I was lectured by Nurse Sagami to not push you too hard, Tomoya-kun.

Amazing☆ When was the last time I was scolded by someone, I wonder?

It was a rather valuable experience, and it wasn’t as if I intended to do you any harm, after all?

I’m sorry, Tomoya-kun. That was imprudent of me, tossing you around like I did…. I apologize, and wholeheartedly regret my actions.

Tomoya: Wh-what the…. Even if you apologize now, I’m definitely not going to forgive you, you know?

Wataru: I thought as much. Despite how verbally defiant you and Hokuto-kun are, you two always end up following along somehow…. I’d forgotten about it.

The fact that humans are fragile beings. You collapsed, didn’t you? Are you alright?

Tomoya: Eh? Well, I guess…. I’ve recovered enough to move around like normal, at least.

Wataru: I see! How splendid! ☆ I wouldn’t have known what to do with myself if you became bedridden in the hospital like Eichi had been at one time!

I’m glad that I realized before it was too late….

Ah, but in the end, you did wind up collapsing due to fatigue, after all. So it seems I really was too late! ☆

Tomoya: That’s right! It’s too late for you to feel sorry now! For a minute, I really thought I was gonna die, you know?!

Wataru: Ahaha. Well, with that in mind….

I’ve realized that I mustn't push you too hard. You won’t need to be performing in the Drama Club’s show this time.

Tomoya: Eh? Oh, okay…. That would help me a lot.

I’m not so skilled that I can perfectly handle both my idol work and the Drama Club performances at the same time, after all.

Wataru: Right, right. You should prioritize your activities as a member of “Ra*bits.”

And I, as the ill-fitted unsung hero, the backseat role, will not hesitate to assist with promotion and other such matters.

I realize that won’t be enough to completely atone, but I hope you will accept it as a sign of my sincerity.

Do your best at the live, alright? I will be here to support you…. Tomoya-kun♪

Tomoya: Ah, right. Well, even without you telling me, I’m already planning on doing to do my best.

(Huh….?

Had President Hibiki’s eyes always been that cold…?)

Wataru: Now then. As I’m sure you’re very busy, I mustn’t keep you by chatting too long.

I should be returning to work, as well. You’ll be getting plenty of advertisement, so take care not to let the audience see anything ungraceful.

Now, now, ladies and gentlemen! Listen up well to my next words! A never-before-seen much ado about nothing, starrings rabbits and knights!

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