#hahaha..ha...i am not late..at all..yup..ah

  Lor:

YES it's great

"who died and made you queen?" and Dean's face!

  Mace:

“Who died and made you queen?:

HAHAHAHA

  Mace:

YES

  Lor:

LOLOLOL

oh sure Dean, you can climb out of your grave, but when someone else does it, you're all "that doesn't happen"

  Mace:

SNORK

JODY

  Lor:

YAAAAAAS

we arrive at the era where there's some great female characters who are around for more than one ep

  Mace:

YES

but gods forbid they actually let them have their own spinoff

  Lor:

OMG THEIR FACES

  Mace:

OMG BUSTED

“bullcrap” HAHAHA YAS JODY GET EM

  Lor:

"that is a... FUN coincidence"

  Mace:

YES

she is HOT

  Lor:

yes

"what is that smell? is that SOAP?" HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA

  Mace:

SNORK!!

  Lor:

A tank of gas? I love you, Baby, but you guzzle the dinosaur sludge

  Mace:

HA right?!

  Lor:

Dean Winchester, are you whistling in a graveyard?

  Mace:

he IS

  Lor:

I am SURE he was taught better'n that

  Mace:

okay what’s with the smell metaphors?

  Lor:

YAAAAAAAAS

SNORK

LOL

"are you confessing?"

  Mace:

poor boys are confused

  Lor:

"and? and you're welcome?" 

YES

  Mace:

YAS

  Lor:

"you're a zombie." "I'm a taxpayer" too soon, too soon

  Mace:

HAAAAHAHAHA

Bobby is NOT helping unconfuse the boys

  Lor:

poor Bobby and his dumb nephews

NOPE

  Mace:

oh no, i forgot about Bobby’s wife

  Lor:

yeeeeeah

she can make pie though, so it's fine

  Mace:

Sammy, don't give him that look, if PIE

  Lor:

RIGHT?

maybe if you brought Dean his pie when he asked for it, he'd be less likely to take pie from zombies, SAM

  Mace:

HAHAHAHA

that pie DOES look good

  Lor:

it DOES

"well there were the lightning storms" HAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA

  Mace:

SNORK

  Lor:

"MUST BE THURSDAY"

it's okay, Dean, I will soothe your temples. come lie down with me. I gotcha

  Mace:

Ah yes, that old chestnut. Every show in the history of TV is, I think, contractually obligated to make that joke

  Lor:

LOLOLOLOL

i do think it's written down that if you make it past season 4 you gotta

  Mace:

YEP

  Lor:

oh Bobby

  Mace:

“what would you do if you were us?"

  Lor:

that's not in keeping with the rest of the book, Bobby

ooof

oh his FACE. don't mess with his uncle

  Mace:

YES

Dean is TORN. She’s a zombie but she’s offering lunch and more PIE

  Lor:

I do REALLY like her. like, "you think I let Bobby tell me what to do?"

RIGHT?

  Mace:

YES

  Lor:

"or being dead"

  Mace:

“or being dead”

  Mace:

subtle, Dean

  Lor:

yep, that's him, smooth and subtle

he is so dang PRETTY

Mace:

he really is

Lor:

Don't worry he WILL BE

  Mace:

“my job is to bring him peace” oh, girl, no

  Lor:

yeeeeeeah

not a great foundation for a partnership there

  Mace:

EW

  Lor:

now Sam. don't be dumb

you're being dumb, Sam

  Mace:

DAMMIT SAMMY

EWEWEWEW

  Lor:

GROSS

  Mace:

SO SO GROSS

  Lor:

I hope they use their fake credit cards to get them their vaccines

  Mace:

YES

dammit, Bobby, you’re being an idjit

  Lor:

RIGHT?

AND hurting the boys

"we're his family, Sam" oh, Dean, hon

  Mace:

YUP

  Lor:

"okay. I'll head to town and... rescue everyone"

oh Sammy

  Mace:

how do you get a little kid actor to do that without giving the poor thing nightmares?!

  Lor:

RIGHT?

I love that Sammy knows to call her sheriff to get her to focus

  Mace:

YES

poor Jody

  Lor:

RIGHT?

I think sometimes I forget that her story starts with so much trauma

I mean, par for the course for hunters, but

  Mace:

I had totally forgotten!

man up and respect her wishes, Bobby

  Lor:

ooooof

making a lot of noise for someone trying to sneak in there, DeanDean

  Mace:

SNORK

  Lor:

omg those two

  Mace:

YES

  Lor:

"I thought HE was the town drunk"

HAHAHA

  Lor:

i enjoy the implication that every town only gets one

  Mace:

HAHAHAHA excellent point

Dean you did NOT just drop your gun

  Lor:

he's having some trouble this ep

  Mace:

he really is

  Lor:

he's probably distracted by whatever this music is

  Mace:

RIGHT?! I mean, what the shit ?

  Lor:

the tag teaming while one of them is in a wheelchair is pretty cool

  Mace:

YES

Oh, pie!

  Lor:

LOL

  Mace:

“Don’t you ever get tired of being wrong?"

HAHAHAHAHA

  Lor:

"don't you ever get tired of being wrong?"

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

ooooo I love that there’s no answer to "you okay?"

  Mace:

YES

Look, I get that she’s your wife, Bobby, but a full separate pyre? Really?

#dramaqueen

  Lor:

HA!

"she was the love of my life. how many times do I gotta kill her?"

jeeeeeeez

  Mace:

Sammy, quit asking if these people are okay.

  Lor:

RIGHT?

SAM

  Mace:

SAMMY. WHAT DID I JUST SAY.

  Lor:

WELL THAT WAS CHEERFUL

  Mace:

It sure was.

But hey, JODY!

  Lor:

[Note]: The first call takes place during the 12 days separation period, and the second call happens after the date~ ♡

–

【1st Call】

Victor: It’s hardly been half an hour into the beginning of work time, and a certain someone already has the time to slack off?

MC: Victor, how did you find the time to call?

Victor: It’s break time for me now. In just ten minutes of not looking at my phone, over twenty messages have popped up.

Victor: When I clicked to see, it was either a bunch of emojis or a link to a short clip. You even changed your profile picture and sign on Moments within this time.

Victor: You said you were gonna go to the set to supervise, are these the things you planned on doing?

MC: Of course not. Actually, it’s because I’ve been stuck in traffic for an hour. I haven’t gotten to the set yet.

MC: From what it seems, I’m only five kilometers away. But the cars at the front are not moving at all. It seems there’s been a bump between two vehicles or something.

MC: If it weren’t for the equipment in the trunk, I would have gotten out of the car and walked on foot.

Victor: Dummy. Five kilometers is not a short distance, don’t be silly.

MC: I won’t. I was just saying. I’m fine, I was just a little bored, that’s all.

MC: But hearing your voice now, my fretful mind has already gotten a lot better! Are you still busy, though? I’m not holding you up, am I?

Victor: No. There are still fifteen minutes left before the next session starts, so I can keep you company for a while.

Victor: I’ve watched the video you sent me. When I get back, we can take pictures of Pudding in that similar model.

Victor: About the three pajamas, the duckling set is suitable for wearing at home, and the rabbit ear set is thicker in comparison, so it’s more suitable for going out to pick up the deliveries.

Victor: Also, the travel blog article is too long. So, I’ll read it after the meeting and tell you about it afterward.

MC: Victor, I’m so moved… you actually read every single message I sent carefully.

MC: Although you’ve always been like this, at this moment when I’m stuck in traffic, it has a special meaning for me!

Victor: …dummy. The desire to share comes from an emotional attachment, so of course, I won’t miss it.

MC: Hehe, I know~ To hear you say that like this, it feels like being stuck in traffic for an hour won’t be so bad.

MC: …ah! The car is moving.

Victor: Why do you sound so reluctant?

MC: Of course I do. I was clearly hoping that the car would start moving at once, but now I want to be stuck in traffic for five more minutes.

MC: Like this, I can talk to you a little longer. After all, you have meetings these days…

Victor: There’s no need to be depressed. The break schedule for this conference is reasonable, and there won’t be any lack of phone calls.

Victor: Alright, let’s get to work. The weather has been dry lately, so remember to drink plenty of water.

Victor: I’m hanging up now.

–

–

【2nd Call】

Victor: I got your email. There were about 1 GB of images, and it took me quite a while to go through them.

Victor: So you’ve been giggling all morning today looking at these pictures?

MC: Yup. I happened to stumble upon this website in the morning, where you can composite images using special techniques.

MC: Users can upload images and combine them with the resources from the public library to create special effects.

MC: So, I uploaded our photos to try it out.

Victor: The quality of most of the images is pretty good. Seems like the technology of this site is quite mature.

Victor: However, a certain someone better explain the “Cat Victor” folder to me.

MC: Hahaha, that’s the set I’ve combined with utmost care!

MC: Although Rembrandt-style and Picasso-style Victor each have their own artistic beauty, I still like the little kitty the best!

Victor: In your eyes, do I resemble these pictures?

MC: Yes! Look at the whiskers; it brings the feeling of a little bit of grandeur and reserve, a little bit of aloofness, and a little bit of insouciance…

MC: Don’t they resemble the cat Victor during the Evol abnormality?

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to their Interflowing Date~ 

–

Victor: I think you’ve been looking at electronic screens too much lately, and we need to have you see an ophthalmologist.

MC: Humph. If you don’t like it, I will enjoy these results all by myself from now on and won’t share them with you.

Victor: It’s okay. I don’t dislike it.

Victor: LFG invested in a pilot project a few years ago, and it had a similar image-processing technology.

Victor: The results of that project, however, are mainly used for historical research and medical guidance.

MC: I didn’t know that you’d already set foot even in this domain long ago…

Victor: I’m simply in charge of the investment decisions, not the specific operations.

Victor: Anyway, compared to those pretty pictures, I like this “old age” folder more.

Victor: The photos have a strong sense of realism and farsightedness.

MC: I like them too!

MC: Even though the generated “grandpa” Victor has wrinkles all over his face, he is still as handsome and prideful as ever~

Victor: Likewise. Even though a certain someone in the photos is old, she is still very cute.

MC: When I was looking at these photos, I was reminded of our nostalgic trip a few days ago.

MC: In the future, when we become old and gray, we will composite a few “back to youth” pictures!

Victor: There’s no need for that.

Victor: Every photo taken with you will be stored and backed up securely, so we won’t lose them.

Victor: If you want to “experience youth,” how about setting aside some time this weekend to go out with me and feel the spring?

HARU: Ahh～(*´Д｀) Finally, I can stretch my legs~ AOI: It must be difficult for you since you have long legs, right? HARU: Yup, yup. I have 300m inseam☆ KOI: Huh? Where's Car #2? RUI: I got a message from You. In the middle of the way, Arata wanted to go to the washroom. So, they had to stop at the service area. They'll be a little late. AOI: Arata... (just how much strawberry milk did you drink?)

#Summer Festival Memories

KOI: Let's see, they say they'll... reach in 5 more minutes. YORU: Isn't that a bit too quick considering they had to stop at a service area? RUI: Dai challenged himself to see how quickly he can shorten the distance with the driving skills he cultivated when he was a SP. AOI: I-Isn't that technique something that shouldn't be used on a public highway? HARU: Well, in that case, let's just wait in the parking lot.

#Summer Festival Memories

HARU: Oh, Kai. Want a drink? You must be tired from driving. KAI: Ah, thank you! Phew... this is refreshing! AOI: Truly. The evening breeze feels really good. RUI: Yeah. You can smell the grass too. YORU: I'm looking forward to THE countryside summer festival since it was recommended by our staff. KOI: I hope Car 2 comes soon~♪

#Summer Festival Memories

☆ WENT TO A SUMMER FESTIVAL ☆

>Car 2 (a moment ago) KUROTSUKI: ~♪ IKU: Kurotsuki-san, you're humming (laughs) KUROTSUKI: It's my day off after all! I'm excited to drive today. TSUKISHIRO: Even if it isn't for work, be careful, okay? We have passengers with us. KUROTSUKI: I know. But my driving's always smooth, right? TSUKISHIRO: I guess so (wry smile)

#Summer Festival Memories

YOU: (yawn)...I'm somewhat sleepy after looking at those endless rice fields. ARATA: I get you. KAKERU: Am I the only one who wants to wear blue clothes and run through those swaying greenery in the rice fields while singing "la la la♪ la la la♪"? IKU: You mean clothed in blue robes, right? (laughs) ARATA: Speaking of symbol of peace, in the back is... HAJIME & SHUN: (asleep)

#Summer Festival Memories

YOU: It's still peaceful. Okay, don't wake them up, or else we'll be in danger, okay? KAKERU: Roger. TSUKISHIRO: Hajime-kun has been quite busy lately, so I'm glad he's able to get some sleep (bitter smile) KUROTSUKI: Shun-kun sleeping is a daily occurrence though. IKU: Let's reach our destination peacefully and quietly. Just like it is now. KAKERU: I agree. ARATA: ...AH!!!!

#Summer Festival Memories

EVERYONE: ... KAKERU: By the way, about the summer festival we're heading to~ ARATA: Kakerun, don't ignore me... TSUKISHIRO: ...Uhm, Arata-kun, what's the matter? ARATA: ...I'm sorry, but my bladder is... unstoppable Six Gravity!♪ KAKERU: Get down. YOU: He does need to be getting down but... (www)

#They're on a highway #Summer Festival Memories

KUROTSUKI: Let's see, the closest service area is... IKU: We just passed it, didn't we... (sweatdrops) Hold on a moment (opens up GPS) ARATA: A sudden wave is surging through my body...!!! KAKERU: Calm down. Calm down~ YOU: Can it be calmed down? (www) IKU: Found it! 10 more minutes!

#Summer Festival Memories

ARATA: Ahh~~~ 10 minutes~~~ I see~~~ Urgh, ah~~ 10 minutes~~ (while shifting his legs) YOU: Hold on for 10 minutes (www) IKU: A side an idol cannot show... TSUKISHIRO: P-Put your mind to it and you can do it, Arata-kun! KAKERU: Anyways, let's aim for that service area! KUROTSUKI: Y-Yeah!

#Summer Festival Memories

☆ WENT TO A SUMMER FESTIVAL ☆

~Though there was quite the drama, we finally arrived~ RUI: Candy apple... KAKERU: Let's have some! HAJIME: Yakisoba. KAKERU: Let's have some! AOI: Ah, there's takoyaki. KAKERU: Let's have some! ARATA: Kakerun, you're eating too much. KAKERU: Super happy!!!

#Summer Festival Memories

HARU: Oh, Katanuki. So nostalgic... YOU: Haru-san, please don't do anything. HARU: But I haven't said anything yet!? Ah, but I do want to try!! Just one time! Ah, it looks easy... lucky! Okay, let's attack from a safe place... (cracks) HARU: ... YOU: I didn't even say anything. YORU: I'll avenge you!

#Summer Festival Memories

YORU: ... YOU: ..You.. to do this for 20 minutes... YORU: Ssh, just a bit more! HARU: Good luck!! (somehow felt whispering was right) (sudden touch) TSUKISHIRO: Woah! KUROTSUKI: Botted Ramune. It's rare, isn't it? Here, have some. TSUKISHIRO: Thank you. KOI: Kurotsuki-san's acting like he's in some romantic comedy!! I want to do it too!

#Summer Festival Memories

(sudden touch) KOI: Woah! HAJIME: I tried doing it like a romantic comedy. KOI: ...I wanted to do it~~ Ah but it suits so much~ (laughs) SHUN: If I freeze everything, do you think he'll do it to me too? KAI: Stop. KAKERU: Shun-san, let's eat shaved-ice! AOI: An invitation that doesn't seem to have any logical reasoning

#Summer Festival Memories

IKU: I heard someone mention shaved ice. Ta-dah. I bought some for everyone~ I had to borrow a tray. SHUN: Woah🌸 IKU: Kai-san gets to choose first since he drove us here. KAI: Melon flavor for me! IKU: Which one would you like, Shun-san? SHUN: Let's se...! EVERYONE: ... (takes a bite) EVERYONE: ! (brainfreeze)

#Summer Festival Memories

ARATA: Hajime-san~ we can see the fireworks from there. HAJIME: Great, everyone let's go. ARATA: Okay♪ KAKERU: I'll gather everyone from that side! KOI: Then, I'll head the other way! 🎆🎆🎆 AOI: I hope everyone has a fun summer. YORU: You're praying? (laughs) AOI: Just felt like it (laughs)

#Summer Festival Memories

HAJIME: The hot days will continue. Everyone, please take care of yourselves. SHUN: Happy summer☆☆ Everyone, make lots of memories, okay~!

|Kamurocho – 1992.|

Serena Customer: “Oh? Yumi-chan, you haven’t touched your alcohol. Is it not to your liking?”

Yumi: “No, that’s not it, President. It’s just . . .”

President: “Come to think of it, Yumi-chan isn’t a heavy drinker of alcohol.”

Yumi: “Yeah, well . . .”

President: “Haha, you don’t have to overdo it.”

Yumi: (I shouldn’t cause the customers concern . . . really, I . . .)

{The door opens.}

Reina: “Oh, Yuu-chan. Welcome back.”

Yuu: “I’m back! Mama, I went shopping!”

Reina: “Thank you. Can you stay to assist Yumi-chan?”

Yuu: “Okay.”

Yuu: “Good evening, I’m Yuu. May I disturb you?”

President: “Oh, you’re cute! Sit down, sit down!”

Yuu: “Pardon me!”

Reina: “Wait, Yuu-chan. Is this all you bought? Some items are missing.”

Yuu: “Eh, it’s not enough? That’s funny~, I confirmed everything was all there.”

President: “Ahaha! Yuu-chan, are you saying it fell out?”

Yuu: “You know~? I often make mistakes~! Like last time . . .”

Yumi: “. . . President, may I leave my seat for a moment? I’m going to go buy more.”

President: “Yeah sure, sure! I’m having fun with Yuu-chan!”

Yumi: “. . . Well then, excuse me.”

----

Yumi: “Alright, that’s everything. I have to get back quickly . . .”

Drunk Thug: “Oh?! It’s Yumi-chan of Serena!”

Yumi: “Eh?”

Drunk Thug: “We’ve gone drinking a few times before. I feel like this is fate~! We met tonight because of it, so let’s go drinking together!”

Yumi: “I’m sorry, I have to get back to the bar . . .”

Drunk Thug: “Huuh?! Come on!!”

Yumi: “Kyaa?! Don’t pull! It hurts!”

Drunk Thug: “Heh, you’re always so high and mighty. Come to think of it, you never join in when I start drinking. The other hostess with you is Yuu, right? That one was more entertaining.”

Yumi: “. . . !”

Drunk Thug: “That’s it! Starting now, I’ll teach you how to please your customers.”

Yumi: “No, let go!”

Male voice: “Oi, you thug. What are you doing?”

Drunk Thug: “Huh?”

Yumi: “Shi-Shinji-kun?!”

Shinji: “Yumi-san, are you alright?”

Yumi: “Y-Yup. But, this person . . .”

Drunk Thug: “What do you want?!”

Shinji: “Don’t say bad words. If this is a pick-up, make your move somewhere else.”

Drunk Thug: “This is going to be fun . . . you wanna be messed up?! Apologize, hey!”

Yumi: “Shinji-kun, this is dangerous!”

Shinji: “Yumi-san, please stand back. I’ll deal with him.”

Drunk Thug: “Hah! I’m not scared of some kid! I’ll show you!”

{Shinji beats up the drunk.}

Drunk Thug: “Damn it, I’ll get you for this!”

Shinji: “Geez . . . I’m relieved you’re okay, Yumi-san.”

Yumi: “Thank you. But why is Shinji-kun here?”

Shinji: “I had something to do in the area and was walking nearby when I heard Yumi-san’s voice, so I came rushing in.”

Yumi: “I see. You really helped me.”

Shinji: “Hehe, it’s not a big deal. Something else might happen, so I’ll escort you to Serena.”

----

Yumi: “Thank you for escorting me to the bar. Ah, I know. Let me treat you to a drink as thanks.”

Shinji: “I’d be glad to, but I still have work to do . . . I’ll drop by the bar again some other time.”

Yumi: “I see . . . Yup. That’s alright.”

Shinji: “. . . Yumi-san, is something wrong? You don’t look fine.”

Yumi: “. . . I was thinking about how I’m always just getting help from someone.”

Shinji: “No, that’s not the case! Kiryu-san and Nishikiyama-san say that Yumi-san simply being there for them is soothing.”

Yumi: “Eh . . . ? Really?”

Shinji: “Really! I think the same way! So please stay as you are, Yumi-san.  . . . Oh, I need to get to my Aniki. See ya!”

{Shinji runs off.}

Yumi: (Shinji-kun says that . . . I should stay as I am . . . should I really?)

----

Reina: “Oh, Yumi-chan! Welcome back. It’s late, did something happen?”

Yumi: “No, everything’s fine. I just took my time in shopping.”

Yuu’s voice: “Ahaha! That’s right~!”

Reina: “The President and Yuu-chan are enjoying themselves.”

Yumi: (The President is drinking a lot . . . but he looks like he’s having fun, isn’t he?)

Reina: “Yuu-chan is amazing, even though it’s only been half a year since she became a hostess.”

Yumi: “Yeah, I can’t get the President to drop his reservations that quickly . . .”

Yuu: “So then, President. Please continue the story you were telling earlier!”

President: “Hahaha! I’m glad I got to know Yuu-chan today!”

Yumi: (Do I even need to be here? With Yuu-chan here, I’m not necessary . . . )

----

Yumi: “Good morning.”

Reina: “Oh, Yumi-chan! You’re not with Yuu-chan?”

Yumi: “Eh? She hasn’t come in yet? Shouldn’t she have an early shift today . . .”

Reina: “That’s right. I tried to contact her, but the call wouldn’t go through . . .”

Yumi: “Maybe she’s just late again? I’ll go change clothes for the time being and help out.”

{The phone rings.}

Reina: “Oh, a phone call.  . . . Yes, this is Serena. Ah, Yuu-chan! It’s already time for your shift . . . Eh? Wait a minute! So sudden . . . the call dropped.”

Yumi: “What’s wrong? Was the call from Yuu-chan?”

Reina: “It was . . . Yuu-chan’s quitting from the bar.”

Yumi: “Eh?”

Reina:” That’s all she said before the call cut off.”

Yumi (Why? Even though the President liked her so much.)

Reina: “I wonder what happened all of a sudden . . . I hope it’s nothing.”

----

Yumi: “Thank you, please come again.”

Office Worker Customer: “Of course, Yumi-chan. But I’m lonely without Yuu-chan~.”

Yumi: “Fufu, don’t say that.”

{The customer leaves.}

Reina: “It’s been a week since Yuu-chan quit. It’s lonely because of her sudden disappearance.”

Yumi: “Yup . . . it was a little too sudden. Maybe something happened.”

Reina: “. . . I failed to tell you at the time, but Yuu-chan said this. ‘I quit because I found a place I can make more money’.”

Yumi: “Eh? Serena pays pretty well. More than that . . .”

Reina: “Yup. I’m worried that it’s a dangerous place. I’ve called several times since then, but I couldn’t get in touch with Yuu-chan. I hope she’s alright . . . I worry something fishy is going on. Ah, Yumi-chan, a customer. Welcome~!”

Regular Customer: “Reina-mama, is Yuu-chan in?”

Reina: “Sorry. Yuu-chan quit a while ago.”

Regular Customer: “Ah, then . . . was the kid in that shop Yuu-chan?”

Reina: “Eh, did you see Yuu-chan somewhere?”

Regular Customer: “Yeah, in the cabaret club I came from, there’s a new hostess who looked like Yuu-chan. Well, I couldn’t see the face clearly because I wasn’t in my seat.”

Reina: “I see, a cabaret club . . . did she look okay?”

Regular Customer: “Hmm, I wonder . . . I’m really worried if that is Yuu-chan.”

Yumi: “. . . Why?”

Regular Customer: “That cabaret club seems to have changed management recently, and the evaluation is not good. Rumor has it they’re forcing girls into recruitment for prostitution.”

Yumi: “Forcing into prostitution . . . ? That’s a crime!”

Reina: “Calm down, Yumi-chan.”

Regular Customer: “It’s just rumors. If you’re worried, would you like to go there? Here’s the club’s business card.”

Reina: “Understood, thank you.”

Yumi: (Recruiting for prostitution . . . If that’s true, is Yuu-chan aware of it . . . ?)

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 2

.

Yumi: (This is the address on the business card . . . Yuu-chan is in this cabaret club. Someone came out . . . that’s-!)

Yumi: “Yuu-chan!”

Yuu: “Whoa, Senpai? What are you doing here?”

Yumi: “I was worried about how Yuu-chan was . . . I heard from a customer that you work here.”

Yuu: “Hmm? Is that so?”

Yumi: “. . . Hey, Yuu-chan. Is your current workplace enjoyable?”

Yuu: “. . . It’s fun, I can make a lot of money. See, please take a look. I was able to buy the necklace I wanted right away!”

Yumi: “I see . . . that’s good. I was worried because I heard bad rumors about the club Yuu-chan is working at.”

Yuu: “Don’t worry. Besides, Senpai and I aren’t working together anymore, right?”

Yumi: (Certainly, she’s already quit Serena, so it’s just as Yuu-chan says . . .)

Man’s voice: “Where’s my Yuu?”

Yumi: “Ah, sorry. I’m just here to see a friend . . .”

Mild-mannered Man: “Is that right. However, Yuu has work after this . . . can you come back some other time?”

Yumi: (. . . This person, I wonder. I can’t put a finger on it, but he makes me uncomfortable . . .)

Mild-mannered Man: “Are you alright?”

Yumi: “. . . Yes. Yuu-chan, sorry for disturbing you from your work.”

Yuu: “. . .”

Mild-mannered Man: “Yuu, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and let’s go.”

Yuu: “. . . Yes sir.”

Yumi: “. . . U-Um!”

Mild-mannered Man: “Something else you want?”

Yumi: “Yuu-chan, she’s not in trouble, is she?”

Mild-mannered Man: “. . . Yeah. Don’t worry. Rest assured. If there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave.”

{Yuu and the man walk off.}

Yumi: (Yuu-chan looks fine . . . but . . .)

Yakuza-like Man A: “Oh, it’s a beautiful Nee-chan. If you’re depressed, shall we comfort you?”

Yumi: “I-I’m fine. Excuse me . . . !”

Yakuza-like Man B: “Now, don’t say that. After all our effort?”

Yumi: “Kyaa . . . ! Don’t grab my arm!”

Kiryu: “Oi, what are you doing?”

Yakuza-like Man A: “Aah? Who are you?”

Yumi: “Kazuma!”

Kiryu: “Yumi, I’m here to help now.”

Yakuza-like Man B: “Kazuma . . . is this guy Kiryu Kazuma?! The one called the Dragon of Dojima . . . !”

Yakuza-like Man A: “Haw, that’s something. I’ve only heard the rumors, Kiryu-san. It’s a good opportunity. We’ll beat you and be the ones to name you!”

{Kiryu beats up the yakuza. They run away.}

Kiryu: “Are you injured, Yumi?”

Yumi: “I’m alright. Thank you for your help, Kazuma. For us to meet in such a place . . .”

Kiryu: “There’s something I wanted to check around here. That’s why I was passing by. Those men . . . they’re guys from the Takezuka Family. So that means the rumors are true?”

Yumi: “What do you mean?”

Kiryu: “This area is our territory, but I heard the Takezuka Family is moving in on it. It seems some stores have been crushed because of this situation. They must have been bought off . . .”

Yumi: (. . . If Kazuma’s story is true, then the man with Yuu-chan a while ago . . . I’m not sure . . . but I have to go. Mama and the regulars didn’t know!)

Yumi: “Sorry, Kazuma! I remembered I have a little errand!”

{Yumi runs off.}

Kiryu: “Oi, Yumi?!”

----

Yumi: “Haa, haa . . .”

Yumi: (Should be around here . . . ah! There!)

Yuu: “Um . . .”

Mild-mannered Man: “What? Are you going to say you want to quit now?”

Yuu: “No, I just wanted to finish this as soon as possible.”

Mild-mannered Man: “I see. Then head inside . . .”

Yumi: “Yuu-chan!!”

Yuu: “Senpai? Why are you here?”

Yumi: “That person might be a yakuza. I thought Yuu-chan might be in danger . . .”

Yuu: “. . . I know this person is the captain of the Takezuka Family, we’re here together.”

Yumi: “Eh . . . ?!”

Yuu: “Why doesn’t Senpai come with us? See, Kiryu Kazuma . . . you get along with him well, don’t you?”

Yumi: “That is . . .”

Takezuka Family Captain: “Kiryu? That’s good to hear.  . . . Looks like you can be used.”

{The captain grabs Yumi.}

Takezuka Family Captain: “Would you like to come with us too? Oops, don’t make any noise. See this?”

Yumi: (He has a handgun pointed at me . . . !)

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 3

.

Takezuka Family Captain: “Now then, why don’t you behave yourself here?”

Yumi: “. . . Trapping us here, what are you planning to do with us?”

Takezuka Family Captain: “You’ll understand soon enough. Oh, you guys, keep an eye on the woman. I’ll come back out in a moment.”

{The captain leaves.}

Yumi: “Yuu-chan, are you alright?”

Yuu: “Why are you worrying about me more than I am? I’m here for work.”

Yumi: “Work . . . for a yakuza? You don’t even know what that entails.”

Yuu: “So what are you trying to say?”

Yumi: “Yuu-chan . . . ?”

Yuu: “As long as you make money, it doesn’t matter if the other party is a yakuza.”

Yumi: “. . .”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Yo, Nee-chan. You’re free while you’re waiting, right? Come give us a hand.”

Yuu: “I don’t want to. Because it’s not part of my job.”

Takezuka Family Member B: “Heh, saying something so cheeky. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, do you? You are our product. It’s your job to do what we say.”

Yuu: “If you’re with the Captain, you don’t have to listen to what the underlings say.”

Takezuka Family Member A: “. . . Geez, it seems like there’s a need for you to be educated.”

Yuu: “Wait, ow! Don’t grab my hair!”

Yumi: “Let go of Yuu-chan!”

{Yumi slaps the yakuza holding Yuu.}

Takezuka Family Member A: “Haw, I’ll admit Nee-chan has courage. But Nee-chan and Yuu are in a bad position now, aren’t they?”

Yumi: “. . . !”

Takezuka Family Member B: “You should give us compensation, yeah?!”

Yumi: (If it comes to that . . . !)

Yumi: “. . . I’m the one who raised my hand. So I’ll be the one to keep you company.”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Hehe, so you understand?”

Yumi: (To get out of this situation . . . what can I do . . . Ah! That’s it . . . !)

Yumi: “Do you guys like alcohol? It seems there’s a lot of liquor lined up over there.”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Yeah, I like alcohol. Especially the alcohol I drink with a woman like Nee-chan.”

Yumi: “Then I’ll drink it with you.  . . . If you can get me drunk, I’ll do whatever you like.”

Yuu: “Senpai, what are you saying?! You can’t hold your liquor at all!”

Takezuka Family Member B: “Oi oi, you can’t drink but you want to compete in a drinking contest with us?”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Well, it’s entertainment before the actual fun. I’ll take you up on that.”

Yumi: “Well then, let’s get started.”

{Yumi and the yakuza down drink after drink.}

Takezuka Family Member A: “Uugh . . . I can’t drink anymore . . .”

Takezuka Family Member B: “Uughp . . . ! Lo-Losing to a woman at drinking alcohol . . .”

Yumi: “Are you alright? I’m only just getting started in drinking.”

Yuu: “Whoa . . . so many liquor bottles emptied out.”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Wh-What the hell is this . . . weren’t you weak at handling alcohol . . . ?”

Yumi: “Are you already at your limit?”

Takezuka Family Member B: “Shit . . . ! Everything is spinning in front of me . . .”

Yumi: “Yuu-chan, now’s our chance . . . !”

Takezuka Family Member A: “Don’t be silly . . . we won’t let you escape . . . !”

Yumi: (All right . . . ! With such unsteady opponents, I can do something!)

{Yumi beats up the drunk yakuza.}

Takezuka Family Member A: “O-Ow . . . I’m also feeling sick . . . ! Uuugh!”

Yumi: “Hooray . . . ! Quickly, before it’s too late . . .”

{The yakuza collapse. The door opens as someone comes running in.}

Kiryu: “Yumi, are you safe?!”

Yumi: “Kazuma?!”

Kiryu: “. . . What’s this, what’s going on?”

Yumi: “Kazuma, why are you here?”

Kiryu: “I was contacted by the Takezuka Family saying they had you in their custody. They called me and said they had the intention of getting rid of you.”

Yumi: “Are you okay?”

Kiryu: “Heh . . . they weren’t a big problem. Even so, it’s good I arrived before they sold you off.”

Yumi: “. . . What does it mean to be sold?”

Kiryu: “These guys weren’t just mediating prostitution. They were selling the women they gathered to overseas organizations.”

Yuu: “. . . I didn’t know that.”

Kiryu: “Even the Dojima Family had trouble getting a lead on it.”

Yuu: “Was Senpai aware? That they were that kind of a dangerous organization.”

Yumi: “Not at all . . . this is the first I heard of it.”

Yuu: “. . . Aren’t you too fearless? Despite that, you still challenged them at a contest.”

Yumi: “It’s thanks to Yuu-chan.”

Yuu: “. . . Ha?”

Yumi: “I . . . I wasn’t confident in myself. At first I wanted to be someone that can be relied on, so I tried to help Yuu-chan. But when I saw Yuu-chan, that’s when I realized. If you really want to be confident, you need to possess a sufficiently strong will within yourself. That’s why I was able to act like that. Without Yuu-chan, I wouldn’t have had self-confidence.”

Yuu: “. . . In that case, I don’t need to thank you. Ah, but now what should I do? I’m going to lose my job.”

Yumi: “How about you come back to Serena? Mama and the regulars are waiting for Yuu-chan.”

Yuu: “. . . I don’t want to. As if I’ll accept Senpai’s help. If I do, just like with the President the other day, I’m told nothing but stories of Senpai.”

Yumi: “Stories of me . . . ?”

Yuu: “’Yumi-chan cares about my physical condition, right?’ . . . is all the President says. You can drink so much, and yet you don’t drink at the bar because you’re thinking about the customers . . . that’s it, isn’t it? Ultimately, instead of revealing that to customers, you’d rather be a lousy liar.”

Yumi: “. . . My ears hurt.”

Yuu: “Well, that’s my reason. I wonder if I should go back to the countryside.”

Yumi: “I see . . . it’ll be lonely.”

Yuu: “You won’t be saying stuff like that for long. When I return, I’ll overtake Senpai right away.”

Yumi: “Fufu, then I’ll have to work harder. So that I can fight back when Yuu-chan returns.”

Yumi: (From this moment on, instead of being helped, I will be the one who helps others.)

.

-END-

Narumi Sena: Guys, I’ll be taking the pictureー! Readyー

Narumi Sena: Yup, and it’s done! Thanks guys!

Serizawa Haruki: Send it to me later. Uh, Natsuki... Are you eating again?

Enomoto Natsuki: Yup! And it’s super yummyー!

Serizawa Haruki: Your appetite doesn’t change...

Mochizuki Souta: Weren’t you eating a matcha parfait just an hour ago...

Serizawa Haruki:That girl’s personality are the same as before, right Yuu?

Setoguchi Yuu: (It should be... like that.)

Serizawa Haruki: Nn. Yuu, what’s wrong?

Setoguchi Yuu: Ah, aah... Nothing.

Serizawa Haruki: Why... Is it because you’re nervous that the girls are dolling themselves up in kimonos?

Setoguchi Yuu: ...! Of course.

Serizawa Haruki: Rightー! Even though you’re confessed to regularly, you’ll express some interest in this, huh!

I became embarrassed from replying to Haruki in a fluster and could feel my temperature steadily rising.

To dodge the question, I drank the red bean soup that the employee brought at a coincidental time in one gulp.

In the seat next to me, Natsuki stared as she smiled wryly for some reason.

Enomoto Natsuki: Geez, since it’s you, you can eat hurriedly but you have azuki beans on your mouth!

Natsuki took a paper napkin with her left hand from the right sleeve of her kimono and wiped my mouth.

Enomoto Kotarou: Geez, and you’re a high schooler too, how embarrassing.

Setoguchi Yuu: ...!

Natsuki’s fingers barely brushed my lips. The slightly calm beating of my heat quickened again.

Enomoto Natsuki: Nn, Yuu, why’s your face red?

Natsuki touched my forehead with her right hand and measured my temperature.

Enomoto Natsuki: You don’t... seem to have a fever.

Enomoto Natsuki: Huhー? Could it be... that you’re just flustered... by me?

Setoguchi Yuu: Huuh? ‘Course not!

Enomoto Natsuki: Geez, I was just joking. You didn’t have to deny it that bluntly!

Mochizuki Souta: Urm～ Sir and Madam, I am so sorry for interrupting your flirting but..

Natsuki & Yuu: We’re not flirting at all!!

Mochizuki Souta: Hahaha, that was a joke!

Acting as a helping hand, Mochita quietly asked 『What do you think about negotiating with Natsuki and the others to appear in our film?』

Setoguchi Yuu: (Well, it’s true... We’re acquaintances and there’re flowers.)

With a small nod to Haruki, Mochita went to talk to the girls.

Mochizuki Souta: We were actually going around Kyoto’s attractions and shooting a coming-of-age film with parallel story lines about youths.

Serizawa Haruki: I was thinking about making a short film with everyone from Sakuragaoka High in a Kyoto landscape.

Enomoto Natsuki: Even in this school trip, you’re only thinking about films. Haruki has and will always be a film idiotー

Serizawa Haruki: Shut up!

Aida Miou: Fufufu, but that’s kind of a Haruki-kun and the rest thing to do

Mochizuki Souta: If we get a prize in this student filming competition, our filming research club will be promoted to a club!

Serizawa Haruki: ...And with that, we’ve got something to ask of you.

Serizawa Haruki: To open up the future, will you please cooperate with us?

Serizawa Haruki: I would like it if you spared some time from your enjoyment of the school trip to let me film you.

Serizawa Haruki: The film is my motive but there will definitely be memories of the school trip left so...

Serizawa Haruki: And I think it’ll be a nice memento for everyone.

Serizawa Haruki: Please! When we were first-years, I filmed Narumi and Miou a little, right?

Serizawa Haruki: The way you are is fine! The acting is really at the bare minimum, being natural is fine!

Mochizuki Souta: I’ll request it of you too! Here, Yuu and Midori, you too Ayase, ask it of them too!

With Mochita’s encouragement, for some reason, Midori and Ayase too, we were facing the girls’ group, putting our palms together.

Aida Miou: ...If it was as good at that time, I’ll... I think I can cooperate.

Serizawa Haruki: Really, Miou!

Aida Miou: Well at that time, it was ok whether or not I had acting ability or not...

Narumi Sena: We’re wearing kimonos so you better help us film how cute we are♪

Natsuki was taking the last bite of the red bean soup. With her mouth full, she stood up with enthusiasm.

Enomoto Natsuki: Sounds goodー! It’s work so you better film our cutenessー!

Serizawa Haruki: Oouh, thank you guys!

Serizawa Haruki: With that settled, it seems like we’ve just finished eating, so let’s go to Kiyomizu temple together!

I stood from my seat and stared at Natsuki.

Enomoto Natsuki: What’s the matter, Yuu?

Setoguchi Yuu: You still have beans on your mouth, y’know.

Enomoto Natsuki: Eeh!? I’ll wipe it!

Setoguchi Yuu: Pf- Yea yea.