#digrock

Q1. What kind of year was last year for you? Any memorable events?

Mashiro: Definitely that—our legendary heavy rain live. Akane: Yeah, I guess that’s it. Kurono: I was also really happy every time our singles made it onto the charts. Mashiro: Chained to You stayed on for five weeks, right? Haiji: That’s right. Oh, and I moved too… Mashiro: Ah—…right, you did. Akane: I’m glad you seem to be settled in now. Haiji: Sorry for worrying you back then!

Q2. Tell us something about how everyone’s doing recently!

Akane: …What kind of answer would be the right one here? Haiji: Umm, maybe… "Everyone’s doing well"? Mashiro: We all get along~♪ Kurono: Akane-san wakes up early and sticks to a regular routine every day! Akane: Wait a second, is this your observation journal or something?

Q3. What would you like to do if you had a full day off?

Mashiro: By the time I realize it’s a day off, the sun’s already going down… even though I haven’t done anything. Haiji: Ah, I get that. Even when I think I want to do something special, I end up spending the day cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. Kurono: Same here—housework. If I could, I’d want to make a dish that takes a lot of effort. Mashiro: Look at these two housewives. What about you, Akane? Akane: Even on a rare day off, it’s not much different from usual. I wake up, eat, play instrument or write songs… maybe eat Kurono’s cooking? Kurono: I’ll give it my all! Mashiro: It’s your day off, take it easy for once.

Q4. What do you all want to eat this winter?

Haiji: In winter… maybe hotpot? I think it’d be fun to eat together. Mashiro: Crab! Akane: Somehow I suddenly got hungry… Alright, Kurono. Let’s have crab hotpot today. Kurono: Understood.

Q5. What kind of Valentine’s gift would make you happy?

Akane: Chocolate. Mashiro: Whoa, straight to the point. Akane: It’s Valentine’s, isn’t it? Mashiro: I’d go with alcohol~. "Sweet stuff? Your smile is all I need"—or something like that. Kurono: You always say stuff like that so casually… Mashiro: What about you, Kurono? Kurono: As long as it comes from the heart, I’d be happy with anything. Haiji: Same here… Oh, but maybe if someone just casually handed me a cup of hot chocolate in the cold, I’d feel a little fluttery. Akane: Oh, that’s actually nice. Kurono: Akane-san likes it with a bit of liqueur and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. Mashiro: Look at the king liking sweet stuff. Noted.

Q6. What are everyone's blood types?

Mashiro: I’m B. Akane: O. Kurono: I’m A. Haiji: I’m AB! Mashiro: Wow, all different across the board. Haiji: By the way, Iwahara-san is also A!

Q7. If you could take only one person to a deserted island, who would it be?

Akane: Kurono or Haiji. Mashiro: Wow, I got cut out just like that. Kurono: Obviously. You’d be no help at all. Akane: Besides, Mashiro, you panic way too easily when something unexpected happens. Mashiro: Yeah yeah, I’ve got a weak heart, I get it. Then I’d choose Akane~. I feel like whatever happens, we’d survive by luck. Haiji: Ah, I kind of get that. I think I’d pick Akane-san too. Akane: So Kurono, how about you? Kurono: …… Mashiro: What are you hesitating for? You’d pick Akane anyway, right? Kurono: I don’t want to put Akane-san in danger… I’m enough to get stranded on a deserted island. Akane: That’s not what the question was asking.

Q8. What was the funniest moment this year?

Akane: The temple. (laughs) Mashiro: Wait, stop! Akane: I only said “the temple”… (laughs) Mashiro: You’re laughing too hard! Kurono: That countryside trip was pretty wild too. Mashiro: Kurono! Haiji: Umm… Mashiro: Sorry, please cut this part!

Q9. Lastly, a message for the fans!

Tsugumi: Okay, let’s get this party started—Blast kickoff celebration project! An interview showdown between Impish Crow and RUBIA Leopard! Akane: Huge thanks to all the Jewels and Colors who sent in your questions. Today, we’ll be answering some of the ones our manager picked out. Hope you enjoy! Tsugumi: Honestly, I wanted to answer all of them~! Toki: There were a ton, and there’s a lot of us today… Hibari: I bet even between bandmates, there are still things we don’t know about each other. Mashiro: If we get another chance, send in more questions. I actually really like reading them. Tsugumi: Me too! I love this stuff! Akane: Alright then, shall we get started? Kurono: Looking forward to working with you today, Impish Crow. Toki: Likewise, RUBIA Leopard.

Q1. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Tsugumi: Open my eyes! Hibari: Uh, Tsugu-chan, I don’t think that’s quite what they meant… Akane: They probably mean like your morning routine? Haiji: I wash my face, brush my teeth, get dressed, open the curtains in the living room, and make breakfast… Nothing too fancy, really. Kurono: That’s pretty much what most people do, right? Haiji: I think whether you’re living alone or not changes what you do first thing in the morning. Mitsuru: True. When I’m home alone, I don’t really have a routine, but if I wake up at Hibari’s place, I say good morning to him and Tanaka-san first. Kurono: That’s sweet. Greetings matter. Hibari: I guess I check on Tanaka-san. Tsugumi: Uhh… I don’t really have a routine… Toki: At the very least, wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on clothes when you get up. Tsugumi: Yeees sir— Akane: What about you, Toki? Toki: I tidy up my bed and toss the comforter in the dryer. Mashiro: You really like things clean, huh? Toki: Coming home to a messy house after a long day is just depressing… Haiji: I totally get that. So Mashiro-san and Akane-san, any habits? Mashiro: First thing I do is hop in the shower. You? Akane: Nothing set in stone. If Kurono’s not around, I just go make coffee… Well, really, I just toss some beans in the machine and hit the switch.

Q2. Got any embarrassing live-show fail stories?

Mitsuru: Embarrassing, huh… Kurono: Can’t think of any off the top of my head. Mashiro: Same here. Toki: Basic stuff, maybe—like messing up your lines or stammering during the MC segment… Mitsuru: Funny how you don’t get nervous playing guitar, though. Hibari: Right? Even when your strings snap, you just coolly switch to a different solo. Kurono: That takes guts. Toki: One time I went onstage with my T-shirt on backwards… Haiji: Ahh, that’s so awkward once you realize! Tsugumi: That happens to me all the time! Also, I once rushed to change and forgot to put on pants, almost went on in my undies! Mashiro: Wait… why were your pants off to begin with? Toki: Or when Tsugu trips or rolls onstage and steps on the effects pedal, killing the sound. Akane: (laughs) Tsugumi: That was a tiny accident! Toki: We call those "user errors." Tsugumi: I haven’t done it since! Hibari: This is basically just a list of Toki’s flubs. Mitsuru: True. Neither Tsugu nor the rest of us really get embarrassed.

Q3. Got anything to say to your manager?

Tsugumi: Tobi-chan, let’s keep doing our best together! Toki: I owe you so much… Really, thank you for everything. Haiji: Tobikura-san’s the kind of manager who really sees things from the artist’s perspective. Hibari: Doesn’t look it, but he’s surprisingly stubborn and dependable. If I had to say something—it’d be, don’t push yourself too hard, okay? Mitsuru: I want to work hard so Tobi-chan can keep smiling. Hibari: What about RUBIA Leopard? Akane: We’re counting on you, so keep up the good work. Mashiro: I can already picture Gan-chan making a fed-up face at that line. Akane: I meant it as a compliment? Mashiro: Sounds more like, “Take care of all the annoying stuff, thanks.” Akane: I just meant I appreciate getting to focus on the fun parts. Kurono: I trust Akane-san’s talent completely when it comes to music, and our manager supports us in the most detailed ways. We’re honestly really grateful. Mashiro: Can’t imagine anyone but Gan-chan managing rubire. Tsugumi: Is Iwahara-san, like, a super strong manager? Hibari: I’ve heard he’s one of the best in DIGPRO. Mitsuru: Tobi-chan’s always singing his praises. Tsugumi: But he also kinda seems scary… Haiji: Ahaha… Toki: Huh? Haiji-san? Akane: Got something to say? Say it now. Haiji: Uh… Iwahara-san is the one who introduced me to RUBIA Leopard, and I’m super grateful. But… lately he’s gotten really into fitness, and I wish he’d stop buying every workout gadget he finds online… Mashiro: Ah… so those muscle-training rumors were true

Q4. Who’s the strongest at arm wrestling?

Tsugumi: In Impish Crow, Hibari's definitely the strongest! Akane: And for us, it’s gotta be Haiji, right? Mashiro: Yeah, probably. Toki: Well, drummers tend to be pretty unbeatable in the arm strength department… Haiji: Haha… People are always surprised when I roll up my sleeves. Hibari: It’s hard to find clothes that fit properly around the arms and shoulders. Haiji: Ah, totally! The overall fit gets thrown off. Hibari: Right? And then the sleeves end up feeling too tight. Haiji: Exactly! Yes! Mashiro: You two could write a whole guidebook on drummer fashion. Anyway, who’s next strongest? Akane: Kurono, maybe? Mashiro: So between Akane and me, who’d win? Kurono: Obviously Akane-san. Mashiro: That’s just favoritism. Akane: Alright, Mashiro. Let’s settle this next time. Mashiro: Yes yes, whatever you say~ Mitsuru: What about us? Tsugumi: Hmm… After Hibari, probably Mitsuru. And the weakest is Toki. Toki: You didn’t have to say it like that.

Q5. Where did you put the sample plushie?

Haiji: I picked it up from the office and took it home! It’s sitting on display in my room now. Mashiro: Same. They did a great job on the details—it’s super cute. Mitsuru: I want to collect everyone’s once they’re out. Line them up by the window! Kurono: I’ve got mine on a shelf in the living room. Akane: You suddenly started rearranging things, so I thought you were about to do a full room makeover. Kurono: It’s a special piece, so I wanted to give it a nice spot. Mikado-san and Kaede-san gave me great feedback when I sent them a pic. Mashiro: I bet they’re gonna buy, like, a truckload of them… Akane: Don’t remind me… I’m trying not to think about that. Hibari: I need to be careful with mine or Tanaka-san will end up playing with it. Gotta figure out a safe display method. Toki: Tsugu left his at my place. Tsugumi: It’s fine! I’m always over anyway! If I left it at my place, it’d probably go missing!

Q6. Who had the biggest gap between expectations and reality?

Mitsuru: RUBIA Leopard definitely gave off a different vibe than expected. I thought you’d all be more intimidating. Haiji: Probably because of our music and jacket visuals? Toki: And your live performance videos, too. Mashiro: Yeah, compared to our stage presence, our off-stage vibe is pretty different. Akane: I mean, if we acted like that 24/7, we’d be totally unhinged. Kurono: You embody charisma on stage, but off-stage you're calm and grounded… Akane-san is perfect. Akane: Kurono, you're kinda off-topic. Mitsuru: How about you guys? Any surprises when you met us? Mashiro: I didn’t really have expectations going in, so no gap. You’re all pretty much exactly how you seem. Kurono: I feel like you all come off more approachable now than on day one. Mashiro: Ah, we were all tense at first. Toki: …To be honest, I’m still kinda nervous. Mitsuru: Huh? Why? Mashiro: You were way too relaxed from the get-go. Haiji: I didn’t really feel a gap. It all made sense once I saw your playing styles. Mitsuru: Come to think of it, Tsugumi had seen RUBIA Leopard live before, right? Mashiro: Wait, really? Tsugumi: Uh… yeah, kinda. Akane: Oooh? Tsugumi: What? Akane: So? After meeting the real deal, did your impression change? Tsugumi: …You’re weirder than I thought. Akane: I’m weird? Tsugumi: So chatty. Loud… always laughing. Hibari: Right? You totally give off spoiled-youngest-child energy. Akane: You mean the only sane middle child. Tsugumi: What about me? Did I match what you imagined? Akane: Yes and no. You’re exactly what you seem… and also not. Tsugumi: That’s such a vague answer!

Q7. What do you do before going to bed?

Mashiro: Ooh, spicy question~ Kurono: Keep it PG, you degenerate. Mashiro: Come on, it's just a joke. Lighten up. Kurono: Don’t drag RUBIA Leopard’s reputation through the mud with your nonsense. Akane: Okay okay, both of you, cool it. We answered the morning routine earlier—now it’s bedtime. Hibari: Aside from the basics like brushing teeth… I try to soak in the bath if I can. Toki: I listen to the radio. Usually fall asleep with it still playing. Haiji: I put on some soft music and do light stretches. Kurono: That sounds nice. I’ll try that tonight. Akane: I’ll help you out, just call me. Mashiro: Kurono’s so stiff, though. Kurono: …Shut up. Haiji: Kurono-san, Akane-san—any habits before bed? Kurono: Nothing specific. If I can’t sleep, I’ll read a book. Akane: I scroll through social media. I know it’s not good before bed, but still. Mashiro: Oh, I do that too. Sometimes when I post, Colors will reply with “Good night!” It’s so cute, I love it. Mitsuru: I drink warm milk. Tsugumi: I don’t really have a nighttime routine either… Honestly, my schedule’s messed up because of my part-time jobs. Kurono: Tsugumi-kun, please take care of your health.

———

Q1. What kind of year was last year for you? Any memorable events?

Tsugumi: Of course—our debut! Toki: Yeah. Same for me. Hibari: Me too, obviously… but, uh, is it okay if I talk about something personal? Mitsuru: Why not? Hibari: When Mitsuru told me we were done being friends. Ah, but it’s okay now—we made up, so don’t worry. Mitsuru: Now that you mention it, it’s been a while since we last fought, huh? Toki: Just watching from the side was enough to give me a heart attack… Tsugumi: Eh, really? I figured if it’s you and Mitsuru, it’d be fine?

Q2. Is your room messy or tidy?

Mitsuru: I’d say tidy. I never even need a moving truck when I change places. Toki: Aside from guitar stuff, I don’t really have much either… Hibari: I’ve been collecting more cat-themed goods lately, but I regularly clean out my stuff. Toki: More importantly, Tsugu’s the only one with a messy room. Tsugumi: I end up making a mess in no time… I wonder why? Toki: First, just throw out your trash. Let’s talk after that.

Q3. Can you drink coffee? Do you put sugar in it? I can’t handle bitter stuff…

Tsugumi: I can’t drink coffee at all. Even with sugar, it’s still bitter… Toki: I’m fine with black. Sometimes I’ll add milk depending on my mood. Hibari: I can drink specialty coffee black, but usually I’ll add a little sugar and milk. Mitsuru: Same here—I want both sugar and milk.

Q4. Tell us about how everyone sleeps! Sleep habits? Positions?

Toki: Tsugu has crazy sleep habits. His belly’s usually exposed. Hibari: Toki barely moves at all. Tsugumi: Yeah, totally. He wakes up in the exact same position he fell asleep in (laughs) Toki: That’s not really a problem… Mitsuru: I might have bad sleep habits too. Toki: Mitsuru’s issue isn’t how he sleeps—it’s that once he’s out, he doesn’t wake up. Hibari: And he falls asleep super easily too. Mitsuru: Now that I think about it, I’ve almost never seen Hibari asleep. Tsugumi: Ah, true! Toki: By the time we’re waking up, he’s already dressed and ready to go. Tsugumi: Yeah! Next time, let’s do a prank wake-up on him! Hibari: Ehh… please don’t. (wry smile)

Q5. What are your blood types?

Tsugumi: I’m AB! Mitsuru: Type O. Toki: A. Hibari: Not surprising. Especially for Toki. Toki: Rude. You’re A too, Hibari. Hibari: Yep. Happy we’re a couple? Toki: Complicated feelings… Tsugumi: Tobi-chan was A too, right? Mitsuru: Toki, Hibari, and Tobi-chan… totally different vibes. Toki: Trying to sort all humans into four blood types is nonsense…

Q6. Can you wink?

Tsugumi: I’m good at it!! Hibari: I can do it too. Mitsuru: I can’t. No matter how hard I try, both eyes close. Toki: …… Tsugumi: To~ki! Try it? Toki: …No need to do it right now. Hibari: I guess winking practice is next after practicing how to smile.

Q7. What’s the most surprising gift you received during your indie days?

Mitsuru: Out of nowhere, someone sent 10 kilos of rice. Tsugumi: That had a huge impact. We got boxes of cup noodles sometimes, though. Hibari: Didn’t you and Toki split that rice? Toki: Yeah. Hibari can’t cook, and Tsugu said it’s too much trouble. Hibari: I’d be fine if I could microwave it, though.

Q8. What were your Valentine’s experiences like back in school?

Tsugumi: I actually got a decent amount? I was known for being in a band, and that makes you more popular than the guys who did nothing. Hibari: Same here. I gave proper returns to everyone, too. Tsugumi: Ohh, nice! Hibari: But mine were mostly casual. Unlike Mitsuru. Mitsuru: Eh, me? Hibari: You got a lot from people who seemed serious. Mitsuru: Did I…? Toki: I kinda get it… Tsugumi: Toki had a pretty heavy one too. But the happiest he looked was when he got one from my sister. Toki: Hey! Stop that!

Q9. A final message to your fans!

"Is that so… I understand. No, not at all! Well then, excuse me," Kasuga said brightly, and quietly hung up the phone.

He sighed deeply, careful not to let anyone in the office notice.

(Things aren't going well.)

According to the original business plan, they were supposed to hold HOUND ROAR's live a few months later. However, they still hadn't found a suitable venue.

Leaning back in his chair, he gazed up at the ceiling.

The harsh brightness of the fluorescent lights was painful to his eyes.

(Brightness like this is violent.)

In addition, his hangover headache throbbed.

(Even with my eyes closed, it still hurts…)

Furthermore, he spread a magazine over his face.

To be honest, things hadn't been looking good lately.

(I thought I was planning ahead and acting quickly…)

Suddenly, the phrase "what goes around comes around" popped into his head, and he stifled a bitter laugh.

(It's like being a Buddhist only when it's convenient, well…)

Mocking himself, he couldn't help but think.

(If only I could catch… no, no, I can't catch anything if Shion doesn't come out on his own.)

If only he had met Toya a little earlier. The fact that Hibiki was found by Shion after being introduced to Sougo it was all beyond calculation.

Also Shoma… even more so.

(In the end, I haven't done anything.)

They were quietly connected by the invisible thread called "music," drawn to each other and emerging into the spotlight of their own accord.

Even if he did nothing, the world would have eventually noticed them. Though the forms might have been different, they would have connected somewhere.

(It's presumptuous, isn't it? Wanting to help them.) But still… at least, a little longer.

"What do you mean by 'a little longer'?"

"Whoa!… Toya!?"

Startled, he jumped up, causing the magazine on his face to slide off.

"Wh-What a surprise…" "You're overreacting. Is this fashion magazine your favorite, Haru-chan?" "No, no, it's a gift. It's an interview with hauro… not that! Why are you here at the office again?" "I told you last night that I'd drop by." "Oh! Right!"

After being invited for drinks by a client and returning home after midnight, still somewhat drunk, he received a call from Toya asking if he would be at the office the next day.

"That's right! Sorry, sorry!" "It's okay, I know you're busy. Still no progress on the live, huh? Well, it's fine." "It's not fine, though. You were so enthusiastic about doing the live, Toya." "It's alright."

Then Toya continued, "Haru-chan made hauro happen," and gently placed a paper bag on the desk.

"I'm not sure if you'll like this, but it's a gift. It's separate from the one we all sent on SNS. I heard you lost your foldable umbrella the other day." "Huh…?" "Happy belated birthday. Just a day late." "Huh….. !?" "What's with that reaction?" "I-I mean… for something so trivial, you came all the way to the office…" "Could you stop calling it trivial? It's important to me."

He was taken aback by Toya's words. Furthermore,

"Thank you so much for finding me. Let's continue working together from now on… Hey, are you listening?"

(I'm listening. I'm listening, I'm listening, but…) Despite wanting to say it, it just didn't come out right. (Because, this is… such violence, Toya.)

【7:30 AM】

I opened my eyes.

"Ugh, what's this? On a day like today, I could have slept a bit longer..."

As I mumbled my complaints, drowsiness quickly caught up, and I let out a big yawn. Today is December 6th, my birthday that comes once a year. Mashiro, anticipating this, showed up the day before with some alcohol, and we spent the night drinking while crossing over the date, engaging in pointless conversations. Though I intentionally avoided looking at the clock, it must have been close to dawn when I finally went to sleep. Despite being completely sleep-deprived, my eyes felt strangely alert, and I couldn't bring myself to go back to sleep.

(I guess oversleeping isn't a habit of mine.)

Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I changed into sportswear and headed to the gym within the apartment building.

【8:55 AM】

After breaking a sweat at the gym, taking a shower, and returning—it's almost nine o'clock. As I entered the living room, Kurono's voice greeted me.

"Good morning."

"Morning... huh?"

On the table, there was a neatly sliced shortcake and a cup of black coffee.

"Since it's Akane-san’s birthday today."

"Oh, right."

Suppressing a strange ticklish feeling, I took a seat at the table. After midnight, Mashiro enthusiastically cut the cake and we had it with champagne. This was the remaining portion.

"When did we start having cake for breakfast?"

"I believe... it was the year after I moved in."

"Ugh, I don't want to count."

Because it's my birthday, cake for breakfast is a tradition—originating from a childish whim I expressed long ago. It was decided that the morning after cutting the birthday cake, the leftovers become breakfast. It's easy to say I'm not a child anymore, but stopping something I've done every year since childhood feels somewhat nostalgic.

(Well, it's only once a year.)

With a big bite, I see Kurono squinting happily. This happens every year.

"I said it last night, but again. Happy birthday."

"Thanks... by the way, where's Mashiro?"

"The bastard is passed out in the guest room."

Kurono's expression slightly turns stern.

"How late were you two up?"

"Oh... I don't remember."

"I should've kicked him out before the date changed."

"Well, let's enjoy cake without saying that."

【11:30 AM】

After soothing Kurono and finishing breakfast, I tackled the accumulated trivial tasks—checking audio files and documents, making calls, organizing mail, and other miscellaneous chores. Just as I was contemplating taking a break and stretching, my phone conveniently rang. The name on the screen was Haiji.

"What's up, Haiji?"

"Akane-san, happy birthday!"

"Oh, thanks."

"Did you drink with Mashiro-san yesterday?"

He’s quick to catch on—I thought. But yeah, that's probably it. Knowing Mashiro, he most likely posted about it on social media.

"We had a few drinks with the stuff he brought."

"Oh, unfair. I told him I couldn't make it."

"Are you coming today?"

"Yes. I'll come by in the evening."

"Once the meeting's done, I'll let you know. I'll pick you up, so be ready."

"Thank you!"

【4:00 PM】

In the afternoon, I headed to DigPro. Accompanied by Iwahara manager, we greeted the promoter and discussed concepts for next year's live performance. The enthusiasm on the other side was unexpectedly high, leading to an unplanned lengthy conversation.

"Oh, by the way. I saw BLAST."

"The energy is incredible, right? Not just RUBIA Leopard, but Impish Crow too. DigPro's newcomers are doing great."

"DigPro, led by RUBIA Leopard, has everyone with fantastic momentum."

"This was my first time on the scene, and I was surprised by the number of men more than I thought."

"There was that CM for the instrumental-only album a while back. It sparked quite a discussion even among hardcore rock fans."

"Oh yeah! That was amazing too!"

"I think there'll be more instrumentals on the next album. Looking forward to it."

I nodded in gratitude, suppressing the urge to say, "Did you finally realize we're not just a face for tie-ins?" I couldn't say it, not even if my life depended on it.

(What's his deal, holding a grudge against me?)

I stifled a laugh that was about to burst.

"So, here's the thing. We're thinking of expanding the venue a bit more next time. We're confident about the audience turnout."

"Please, consider it positively."

I glanced at the manager with a smile before interjecting, "Regarding the size of the venue in relation to the fanbase, it's my request."

I wanted to avoid blindly enlarging the scale, risking the diminished sense of delivering songs to each individual. Letting the surrounding enthusiasm accelerate on its own, rolling into areas I couldn't perceive, and collapsing at the last minute—I didn't want that again.

(I won't make the same mistake as with RUBIA.)

Consciously and unconsciously, I had been thinking about that for the past three years.

"But, I think it's about time to take a step forward."

"Thank you for considering it," I said, bowing my head. Iwahara next to me let out a small sigh of relief. He, who had been aware of everything, might have been the most anxious over the past three years. Otherwise, I couldn't find a reason for him to present the song of Impish Crow at that particular moment.

"So, as a trade-off, I have a suggestion. We've been relatively low-key so far, separate from the tour, throwing a bit of a curveball might be interesting."

"Oh, that sounds good!"

"Please allow me to assist with that as well."

【6:50 PM】

Once the meeting concluded, Iwahara promptly gestured for me to follow him to the manager's office.

"What's up, Iwahara-san? Nagging me?"

"Do you have any idea why?"

"Too many, I can't keep track."

"Ugh... let's just get this over with."

"... Alcohol?"

"Happy birthday."

"Seriously?"

"Just say 'thank you.'"

"Thanks. But, a birthday present from you that doesn't fit your character?"

"You're sharp. This is a joint gift with my housemate."

"What a hassle. A pack of cigarettes would've sufficed."

"If I gave you a present that would harm your throat and health, Haiji would scold me."

"Is it okay for me to be drinking all night?"

"Haiji is going to your place today, right?"

"A set of chaperones and a present. I see.”

【7:05 PM】

After convincing Iwahara to take a break for a smoke, I contacted Haiji and got into the car. Haiji and Iwahara's apartment was just a stone's throw away from the office. We'd be there in about five minutes.

(Everywhere is already in full Christmas mode.)

Navigating through the main street, I parked the car in a random alley and took a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't particularly fond of December. The city was lively and festive, and it felt like I was the only one standing still.

(So, that's why the shortcake.)

When I was a child, I lacked the ability to bridge the gap between the bustling city and the quiet home. When I realized that our home and others were somehow different, the most I could do was express small whims. Kurono was the only one who indulged those whims.

(But, it was okay back then.)

As I grew taller, my desires grew too, and I had more capabilities. Music filled the gaps and spaces.

(Still, enjoying it just within the confines of home wasn't enough for me.)

As my thoughts wandered off, the phone suddenly rang.

"Akaneeeee! Happy birthday, my little brother!!!"

The volume on the speaker seemed ten times louder than usual, and my brother, Mikado, continued.

"You must be happy, right? Of course! And why am I calling at this hour? Because, my dear brother, I'm in New York right now!"

"Oh, really?"

"Mikado, you have to go running soon or you’ll be late for the morning meeting."

"Oh, right, Kaede. Well then, I'm going for a run in Central Park! Kaede, I'm counting on you! That's all!"

As I was about to hang up, Kaede's voice came through the speaker.

"Wait, Akane."

"What?"

"Did you have cake this morning?"

"...Yeah, I did."

"I see. My breakfast was shortcake too. Well then, take care of Sora for me."

He said what he wanted to say and hung up. Immediately after, a message arrived—it was from our parents.

"A-chan, happy birthday. We'll send you something surprising again this year. From Mom and Dad."

"No, don't send anything."

I couldn't help but speak aloud.

(Man, my family, seriously, none of them have any sense of delicacy.)

Yet, their eagerness to make me happy came across 120%. It was quite annoying. But if I twisted about it, I'd just be a fool. I convinced myself of that, and it saw me through the sensitive teenage years. Or so it feels.

(Really.)

Throughout my life, there have been various thoughts. I've been hurt in trivial matters, but they never turned into significant pain or obstacles to moving forward because I've been incredibly fortunate. Now and then.

【7:10 PM】

"Akane-san."

The sound of tapping on the side window accompanied the call of my name. I hurriedly opened the door.

"Haiji, sorry. I was lost in thought and didn't notice."

"No, not at all. I just arrived!"

【7:30 PM】

I set off in the car with Haiji. By now, Kurono would probably be preparing some extravagant meal. While hurrying home, I received a call from Mashiro.

"Good morning, both of you."

"Huh, Mashiro-san, were you sleeping until now?"

"More importantly, where are you now?"

"I'll be home in about five minutes."

"Then, is it not snowing there?"

"Snow?"

"Oh, right!"

Haiji joyfully pointed to the sky. Snow in Tokyo at this time of year would likely stop in no time.

"I haven't seen snow in a while."

"This is such a rare sight for Tokyo in this season; it'll probably stop soon."