#hareoto

Even though we’re in Tokyo, you can still see the stars.

Riki: …

Airu: Look, reaching out like this, it feels like you can almost touch the stars.

Riki: …

Airu: Being able to have this view all to myself… no, sharing it with the three of you…

I’m really glad I came here after all. … Don’t you think so too?

Riki: … The starry sky is definitely pretty, but…

Why do I have to lie down next to you and stare at the sky!?

Airu: Eh~ if everyone laid next to each other, it’d almost certainly deepen our friendship…

It was an idea from Taka-kun, the one who named Luxarion, after all~

Just a little more, be patient.

Riki: ~~~Then you should at least shut up. Fall asleep.

Airu: Ahaha, it definitely feels good to sleep like this.

What a great idea from Rikki☆

Riki: To me, it’s pretty bad.

You’re always saying too much.

Airu: Ahaha

Takaya: … Hey, Yuri.

Yuri: What is it, Takaya?

Takaya: What is reflected… in your eyes right now?

Yuri: …

Tokyo’s night sky… or rather, a starry sky.

Takaya: Ahaha.

Yuri: Takaya… What are you thinking about?

Takaya: … Why are you wondering about that?

Yuri: When you speak quietly like that, it means there’s something important going on.

Takaya: Fufu. That might be the case.

Yuri: … Takaya.

Takaya: … By any chance, can you hear it?

Right now, my heart is beating out of my chest.

Yuri: Really?

Takaya: My heart has been throbbing out of my chest for the longest time, like a premonition that something’s about to happen.

Here, from now on, I feel like something will connect, spread, and begin.

… Right now, I’m truly having fun!

Yuri: … Not the usual “it sounds fun,” huh.

Takaya: Yep! I’m having fun. 

The present is very fun— and that makes me happy.

Yuri: Fufu, is that so?

Takaya: … Hey, Yuri.

Yuri: Yeah?

Takaya: Yuri, how far will you accompany me?

Yuri: …

Takaya: … Yuri?

Yuri: Fufu… Ah, that feels nice.

Takaya: Eh?

Yuri: You act so clingy towards me alone.

Don’t you think that’s something really special?

Takaya: Ehh, is that really… the case?

Yuri: Yeah. Just between us, every time you act like this and rely on me, I always get a slight sense of superiority? Pleasure?

… I savor that feeling of satisfaction. 

Takaya: … Yuri, so~metimes you have a nice personality.

Yuri: Hmph, don’t you know? Not sometimes. Always.

Takaya: You’re like a devil on the outside.

Yuri: And what do you mean by that?

Takaya and Yuri: Fufufu

Yuri: … I’ll stay by your side.

Takaya: Eh?

Yuri: I’ll stay by your side, wherever you go.

Takaya: … Wherever I go?

Yuri: Yes, wherever.

Takaya: And how far… is wherever I go?

Yuri: That’s why it’s “wherever you go.”

Takaya: You should be more specific.

Yuri: Hm~mm. Then… til the day I die.

Takaya: … I see. Then, let’s go.

It’ll be alright, we can go anywhere together.

The four of us, joining hands, pulling new things toward us with our own hands, connecting, spreading, to places we’ve never seen before!

Let’s look forward to the untread path!

Everyone Else: Cheers.

Takaya: Nonogi Villa is just as lovely a place as Onodera-san said it was.

Yuri: It’s not too far from the city center, and the transit access is good. The security is also a big point in its favor.

Takaya: C’mon, Yuri. Don’t focus on that sort of stuff, and focus on other things.

For example, oh, the rich greenery, the sound of the birds… The refreshing scent of timber carried by the wind…

Riki: Our rooms’ locks are also secure. Honestly, that’s the most relieving thing here.

Airu: Hmph, I really wanted to do game nights with Rikki every night, though.

Takaya: Ahaha, ah, I know. Before our story begins, there’s one important thing we’re missing as a unit.

Riki: Oh, the unit name, right?

Yuri: Onodera-san also told us to discuss and decide together.

Airu: But the ideas the agency sent us are kinda meh. It’s just my personal preference, but they didn’t really pop to me.

Riki: I guess nothing stood out to me either.

Then, let’s think about it from square one. We’re the members who ultimately won Glitz Rise so… Glitz Riser or something.

Takaya: Good idea. We’ll always be able to feel our glory and our roots.

Airu: Eh, that show was our starting point, but I don’t think we should ride off its popularity forever.

Yuri: And if the show goes on for a second or third season, there’s a chance new units will come after us.

Let’s show our originality some other way.

Riki: That’s probably a good idea.

Airu: Like, what kind of name would you like, Yuri?

Yuri: Hm? … Hawk’s Schatz.

Riki: Very nice. It echoes with an unforgettable brightness and sharp ambition. Hawks is “Taka”, Schatz is “Takara.” Don’t use Takaya Hojo as a unit name. (1)

Yuri: Oops, you found me out.

Riki: You’re also pretty weird in your own way.

Airu: Alrighty then, putting everyone’s names in there gives us “Ai - Riki - Taka - Yu”

Or, A・R・T・Y.

Takaya: That’s good. We’ll always be able to affirm the brilliance of our individual thoughts and our bond.

Airu: No, well, hmmm, even while saying it, it doesn’t sound quite right.

Takaya: I thought it was a pretty good name, though.

Yuri: Takaya, you’ve done nothing but praise everyone’s ideas until now. But we still haven’t heard yours.

Riki: Now that you mention it… Hojo. What’s your idea?

Airu: Ah, I also wanna hear it. I wonder how the four of us look according to Taka-kun’s sensibilities.

Takaya: My idea, huh… Right. Hmmm…

Idol. Star. Star, light. Lux… Light. Aeon. Era. Luxarion.

Yuri: Luxarion. 

A portmanteau combining light and era, huh.

Riki: Luxarion…

Airu: Ohh, that’s a pretty good one, Luxarion. It sounds like a luxury car!

Riki: What kind of praise is that? But I agree. I don’t hate how the word sounds.

Yuri: In the end, we’re something that shines throughout all time, right? Yes, Luxarion is a good name.

Airu: Oh, is this the first time since getting here that all our opinions are the same?

Riki: It seems so.

Yuri: Then it looks like we’ve come to a decision.

Takaya: Fufu, thank you.

Alright, starting now, we’re Luxarion.

Let our story, and our brilliance, shine throughout all time.

TL NOTES:

Riki says here “Hawk’s is ‘鷹’, Schatz is ‘宝’”, which are the kanji that make up his name.

Shinichiro: Yep. I’ll head straight there from the other site.

Coworker B: Shinichiro, I got a call from Bashi-kun. He got lost again.

Shinichiro: I’ll go pick him up.

Coworker C: Onodera-kun–

Coworker D: Onodera–

Coworker E: Onodera-san—

Shinichiro: Okay. I’ll head right over.

(Later)

Man: Onodera-kun, thank you for your hard work. You seem to be running all over the place nowadays. Are you handling new talent management now?

Shinichiro: Yes. Thanks to it, every day feels like I’ve done something worth doing.

Man: That’s good to hear. Truthfully, I was a bit worried. 

When you joined the company, you had hoped to be assigned to the planning department, didn’t you?

Shinichiro: Now that you mention it, that was the case. In university, as part of the drama club I handled event planning and management, but I’m really enjoying my current work.

Man: Oh, is that so?

Shinichiro: Yes. It looks like running around suited me better. 

Takaya-kun, Yuri-kun, Riki-kun, Airu-kun. I’m very happy to be working together with them as their manager from here on.

Man: Those boys were very popular even back when they were in Glitz Rise. You wouldn’t happen to be keeping them waiting, are you?

Shinichiro: Oh right. Those boys are meeting each other today. Glitz Rise…  Those four who won GliRi… And the unit I’ll be put in charge of for the first time… Ah, I’m getting nervous.

Man: Haha, they might be waiting there even more nervous than you are. Apologies for stopping you. Go on.

Shinichiro: Of course! Shinichiro Onodera, heading out!

(Later)

Shinichiro: (Inhale)...  (Exhale)... Alright!

(He opens the door)

Good morning! Everyone, apologies for keeping you…

Riki: You… Don’t fuck with me!! Airu Futen!!!

Airu: Uwah, sorry so~rry. Was that a landmine? Is this now also a landmine?

Man~ you’ve got a lot of landmines! Rikki… are you a minefield?

Riki: It’d be fine if some asshole didn’t go around messing with people!

Yuri: Alright alright, you two. Don’t be so noisy, stop right there.

Takaya: Ahahaha. You two, you’re such good friends aren’t you.

Riki: NO!!

Airu: Yep yep!

Riki: WHAT!? WHERE?!

Airu: U~m, here?

Takaya: To search for something unseen, we all must set out on a journey, huh. 

Airu: Exactly! Taka-kun, that’s a good way of saying it!

Riki: AAAAARGH! STOP MESSING WITH ME!

Yuri: Oi! Don’t get violent… Ah, shoot!

Shinichiro: … Huh? WAAAAA!!

… Eh~, ahem. So, once again.

From today forward I’ll be your manager. My name is Shinichiro Onodera!

Takaya: Yes! A round of applause for Onodera-san who got a bump on his head on the first day~

Airu: Yo! Nice bump!

Yuri: I wonder whose fault that is…

Riki: … Pleased to meet you.

Shinichiro: Ah, haha, pleased to meet you all too! I’m sorry for troubling you!

Uum… It looks like everyone’s introductions have concluded already?

Takaya: Yep. We originally faced off against each other in Glitz Rise, right?

Airu: Riki-kun and I kept each other company since before GliRi!

Riki: We did not keep each other company, absolutely not.

Takaya: If you’re talking about that, Yuri and I have known each other since we were in diapers.

Yuri: Please stop this mysterious battle for dominance.

Shinichiro: Ahaha… Anyway, from now on you four who’ve won Glitz Rise will be conducting unit activities together!

Everyone: Oka~y.

Shinichiro: First, how about you all take a look at these materials I have here while I explain? Well, you probably already know it but…

(Everyone hums as they flip through it)

Takaya: “This project is a longspanning documentary project.”

Shinichiro: Exactly. Yes, next is?

Yuri: “The new unit members will commence communal living together at the agency’s arranged property, Nonogi Villa.”

… Communal living?

Shinichiro: That’s right.

Airu: “The aim of this project is to strengthen the interactions between members while the agency protects the members’ safety and privacy.”

… I see~

Shinichiro: It’s better to get along well with each other.

Riki: “Furthermore, by carrying out regular releases, it aims to provide fans with content and boost popularity” … huh.

Shinichiro: To summarize, so that we can continue to provide content for the fans who discovered you through GliRi even after the show’s ended, you four will be living together, doing regular livestreams, and working together with a behind the scenes crew. That kind of project.

Takaya: Even before our official debut, we’ll be increasing our exposure.

Shinchiro: That’s exactly it!

Recently there’s been a trend where simply engaging with content, seeing the faces, and hearing the voices is becoming more common.

Relatability and closeness easily correlates to popularity.

Yuri: So to increase these opportunities, not only will we be doing lessons, but also moving forward with a longspanning project…

Shinichiro: Bingo.

Airu: Providing content via the amount of exposure. Gaining popularity through relatability. That’ll work~

If we didn’t appear center stage and focused on our lessons, we’d be forgotten instantly.

Shinichiro: And that’s this project’s moment to shine.

Airu: Yeah yeah! It’s great! I think it’s pretty good, but…

Shinichiro: ? … WAA!?

Riki: …Communal… living…

Takaya: Riki’s surroundings are turning murky.

Yuri: Amazing, he’s so reluctant you can see his aura.

Riki: Communal living… as in, living our daily lives together?

Yuri: Well, that’s… usually what it means.

Riki: That is to say… Eating and sleeping in the same building together, is what you mean?

Yuri: … That sounds about right.

Airu: Rikki, do you wanna get matching jammies? When do you wanna go shopping?

My schedule is looking pretty well~ hmm~, no, nope! Any time is open for Rikki!

Riki: Close them all.

Onodera-san, may I have a moment to think about it?

Shinichiro: EEEEEHHHH? EH, YOU HATE IT THAT MUCH!?

Airu: Mmmmm. If it’s okay with you, could you call me Airu? I like it when people call me by my name, Scout-san.

Shinichiro: Then, Airu-kun, may I ask you a few more questions about yourself?

Airu: Suuure. What do you wanna know?

Shinichiro: For example, your personal background or your strong points.

Airu: Roger that, I’ll tell you all about it. You should probably pull out a notepad for this. Ahem, Airu Futen. I’m a jobless middle school graduate who grew up in an orphanage.

Shinichiro: Airu Futen… Orphanage— ah, I-I’m so sorry.

Airu: Huh? Huh? Why’re you apologizing? There’s nothing to apologize for.

Shinichiro: Well, um…

Airu: Anyway, my strong points are everything.

Shinichiro: Everything, you said…?

Airu: Literally everything. I could probably do anything you wanted me to do.

Shinichiro: Eh?

Airu: I’m a genius, after all.

(Flashback)

Old Man: Airu-kun. … Airu-kun, so you were in a place like this?

Young Airu: Ah, teach, what’s up? You look all panicked.

Old Man: Seriously, you skipped out on another job information session again without permission.

Young Airu: Ah, sorry. I just don’t have any interest in working.

Old Man: Then why don’t you give continuing your education a second thought? There’s several schools who’ve offered to waive the tuition fees.

Young Airu: Pass. In middle school I understood that me and Japan’s education system didn’t vibe together.

Old Man: Airu-kun… Then what do you intend to do after leaving this facility? How do you intend to live?

Young Airu: Hmmm. Well, I’ll go on a journey of self discovery.

Old man: A journey of self discovery?

Young Airu: Yeah. Mhm, I got it. Ah, look, I’m like that koinobori, floating and swaying. Freely.

Old Man: Oh, stop saying such nonsensical things and be a bit more serious. 

Ah, what’s that?

Young Airu: Hehe, it’s the only gift I received from my parents I don’t even know the faces of. A bankbook with 100,000 yen in it!

C’mon, can you see it? 1, 2, 3 zeros.

Old Man: And how on earth did you get that amount of money?

Young Airu: Don’t worry, teach. It’s all perfectly clean money.

Stuff like forex trading and investment. Right now it’s growing at about 5,000,000 a year. It’s become so easy even kids can play money games. 

Old Man: When did—

Young Airu: So that’s why you don’t have to worry about me.

Thank you for always watching over me up til now, teach.

Old Man: Airu-kun…

Young Airu: Ah, right. While we’re at it, could you be my guarantor for this, this, and this? 

Well, til now there've been a few shady contracts and deals, and it looks like I won’t be able to dodge ‘em much longer.

Old Man: Airu-kun…

(End Flashback)

Airu: Haha, how nostalgic. That’s the story of the facility I was at. You remembered so many little details, Onodera-san

Shinichiro: Since it was such an exceptionally impactful story. But, but, I’m so happy you’ve been diligently coming to lessons like this. 

Airu: Well, I’m just killing time. Being unemployed means you’ve got tons of time on your hands. And dance lessons are good exercise too.

Shinichiro: You don’t have to say it so bluntly.

It’s okay for now. It doesn’t matter if it’s killing time.

Airu: Are you really saying that? I like you, Onodera-san. (Grabs onto Shinichiro)

Shinichiro: Yes, yes. Ah, right. Today someone’s coming to observe, okay? I’d appreciate it if you’d talk to him, please?

Airu: Oh, alright. Is this a girl? Is she cute?

Shinichiro: Unfortunately, this lesson is—

Airu: Of course it’s men only.

Hmph, well, I’ll go bother him properly. What’s the kid’s name?

(Later)

Airu: Umm, are you the observer I heard about? Greetings.

Riki: … (Brushes him off)

Airu: Woah, so you’re the overly cautious kitty type?

Riki: Huh? Who’re you calling a kitty? Gross.

Airu: The more you get angry, the more you’re like a kitty. You’re so cute, Riki-kun.

Riki: … The hell? How do you know my name?

Airu: The kitty’s tail’s gone all poofy!

Riki: No it hasn’t!

Airu: I’m Airu, Airu Futen. Please treat me well from here on.

Riki: I have no intention of treating you well.

Airu: Eh, so cold! Somehow I think we’re gonna be best buds!

Riki: How could you possibly think that based on what I said?

Airu: Hahaha

(Later)

Staff: Alright, let’s take a short break. Be sure to properly hydrate.

Trainees: Okay.

Airu: Hey, Ri-ki-kun, did you see it? My gorgeous dance moves?

Riki: Shut up, annoying.

Why are you bothering me during my break time?

Airu: Since you went through all the trouble of coming to observe, I thought why not show some hospitality– it’s pretty important don’t you think? Hos-pi-ta-li-ty.

Riki: …

Airu: Yeah, I've gotten used to your cold stare.

Hey hey, if there’s anything you don’t get then feel free to ask me anything. I’d like to teach you as your senpai.

Riki: There’s no need. I don’t need to be taught, I can understand the gist from just watching.

Airu: Eh, isn’t it pretty difficult to do that based on first sight? 

– Huh, Riki-kun, that notepad—

Riki: Everyone— Idiots won’t understand waht they’re looking at.

Airu: Is that labanotation? Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen it. Just from observing it once you managed to diagram the movements perfectly.

Riki: You… really understood it, huh. I’m just mimicking what I saw in a book once, but half of it is my own style.

Airu: Well I could kiiinda tell that from looking at it.

Riki: …

Airu: Oh, isn’t this symbol a bit wrong?

Riki: Oh, it is. Thanks.

—Gh, too close, too close, too close! Learn what personal space is!

Airu: Ahahaha

(Later, the sound of a door opening)

Airu: Ah.

Riki: Gh.

Airu: YOU’RE HEEEEEEEEREEEEE! (Runs up and hugs Riki)

Riki: Oi, what’re you doing all of a sudden!

Airu: I got to see you again, Riki-kun!

Hey, do you remember me?

Riki: I don’t know you. I don’t remember you. I’m a different person.

Airu: Wow, I never expected we’d meet again at Glitz Rise’s orientation! This must be fate, right?

Riki: Ah shit. Don’t say weird things. If you’re going to be auditioning too, then I’ll defeat you.

Airu: Ah, so you recognize me as someone you have to defeat. What an honor! I knew we’d get along, Ri-kki-ku-n!

Riki: How could you possibly think that based on what I said?

Riki: Hm? What is it?

Waitress: I’m terribly sorry. Due to the high volume of customers around this time, we ask that you limit your time here to 120 minutes.

Riki: But I only just got here. You’re mistaking me for those guys over there.

(People from the other table chatter away)

Waitress: Um… Sir.

Riki: I heard you. I’ll just go home already.

Every single one of them…

They all need to shut up.

(Flashback)

Teacher: Umm, well. I’m not sure how to say it but Riki-kun has a much pickier personality than his older brother. Even when he’s invited to play when he’s reading a book all alone, he shakes off the hand of the kid who invited him.

Riki’s Mom: I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. 

Teacher: I’m sure it must be tough for you as his mother as well, but I’d recommend getting imaging done at the hospital. Riki-kun’s probably just having trouble putting his feelings into words.

Riki’s Mom: That’s, um, alright. My apologies. I’ll consider it.

Doctor: Yes, there’s nothing particularly wrong with his physical development.

Riki’s Mom: I-Is that so?

Doctor: However, without formal testing I can’t say this for certain, but Riki-kun may have high intellectual potential.

Riki’s Mom: Eh, high potential? So it’s not that he lacks intelligence—

Doctor: Yes, it’s high. This should be good news, isn’t it?

However, these sorts of children face a lot of struggles because their conversational level doesn’t match those around them—

Girl: WAAAAH, RIKI-KUN- RIKI-KUN IS BULLYING MEEE!!

Young Riki: I-I’m not! I was just correcting you!

Boy: I never understand anything Riki says.

Girl: Well that’s fine, I didn’t wanna play with Riki-kun anyway!

Young Riki: Why, why!? Why don’t you understand?! You’re all stupid! Stupid, stupid stupid stupid! STUUUPID!

Riki: Shut up, shut up shutupshutup! Mom and dad both think I’m useless don’t they! They just pretend not to!

I know better than anyone else– compared to my brother I… I!

(Sound of a car flying past)

Riki: …

Maybe I’ll stop at the bookstore on the way home.

Shinichiro: Um, excuse me. Ah, my apologies. Um, excuse me! Ah, wait, you! Um, sorry!

Riki: What.

Shinichiro: Ah, I’m so sorry. Um, so…

Riki: What?

Shinichiro: Um, uh, may I have a moment of your time please?

Riki: Huh?

Shinichiro: Ah, um, I’m Onodera from Hareno Records.

Are you interested in stuff like show business…

Riki: …

Shinichi: I-It’s not shady or anything! Here’s my name– this is my business card. Here you go.

Riki: Not interested. Bye.

Shinichiro: Aah, sorry! Sorry. Please. Just talk to me a little…

Riki: You’re persistent. Why me?

Shinichiro: Well…

Riki: Well, what? …… Bye.

Shinichiro: AAAAAAAAA (grabs onto Riki)

Riki: Can you let me go?

Shinichiro: I won’t let you go. I can’t let you go.

The reason I called out to you is because you seemed very charming.

Riki: Even though you know nothing about me.

Shinichiro: Eh…

Riki: You need to get your eyes checked. Bye.

Shinichiro: I probably do!

Riki: Huh?

Shinichiro: I’ve never scouted anyone before, and there hasn’t been anyone that I thought I could call out to. But, um, I thought I absolutely had to approach you. This’ll be my first scout!

So, like you said, I probably do need my eyes checked.

Riki: No, you should deny that. It’s rude to me as the one you approached.

Shinichiro: Ah, that’s probably right— ummm.

Riki: What is it?

Shinichiro: If you could come and watch just one single lesson…

Riki: Earlier you said this was just talking, didn’t you?

Shinichiro: PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! I BEG YOU! (Sound of him getting on his knees)

Riki: Will you give up if I go with you?

Shinichiro: Ah, no, I probably won’t give up.

Riki: Give up!

Takaya: Mm. Doesn’t it sound fun?

Yuri: There it is, Takaya’s “sounds fun”. And here I was wondering what you’ve found to make you barge into my room.

Takaya: Saying I barged in makes it sound like we’re strangers, Yuri.

We’ve always been next-door neighbours. We’ve always been visiting each other a lot anyway, so it’s almost like we’re living together.

Yuri: The fact that we’re neighbors and visit each other regularly comes from the relationship between our families and the balance of our parents’ work? It's the relationship between the top family of the Hojo Group and the top secretary’s family.

Takaya: Ehh, but our relationship is unrelated to work, though.

Yuri: Well, that’s true.

So we’re childhood friends who’re a year apart.

Takaya: Yep. You and I are two hearts beating as one.

Yuri: Huh, I think childhood friends and two hearts beating as one are pretty different, though.

Takaya: To me they’re the same. That’s why what makes me happy is also what makes Yuri happy. Absolutely.

Yuri: Yes, yes. As his majesty commands it.

On that note, just the other day, the two of us were scouted by a talent agency.

Takaya: That’s it.

Yuri: That?

Takaya: I got this idea from that agency.

Yuri: Wh- haaaah. You’re already setting your eyes on plans to make your TV debut so soon after yesterday. Hmm.

The favorite is naturally Takaya, but even if there’s calculation in it after checking the Hojo’s background… They’re moving incredibly fast, so they must’ve bought him at a high price.

Takaya: Hm? Yuri.

Yuri: No, it’s about us. I don’t mind that we’re being noticed.

Takaya: Me neither. My hunch when we got scouted was right on. Things will be exciting from now on.

Yuri: That proposal, could I read it over again?

Takaya: Yeah. Here you go.

Yuri: Hm? I see. It’s for a period of three months. The participants are limited to talents belonging to or under contract with Hareno Records. The official debut members will be chosen from among the juniors, is how it seems to be structured.

Takaya: Hmmmm. Yuri.

Yuri: Since it’s a public audition, our names and faces will be made public. Reporting to the company and father for approval is a must. Also Hojo-shi’s opinion too? The broadcast is late at night. There’s also plans for online streams and the media—

Takaya: Yuuuuri.

Yuri: Gh, c’mon Takaya.

Hmph. If you don’t properly read things like this thoroughly, problems will come up in the future.

Takaya: Don’t worry about the small things.

Yuri: You should worry more– you’re the Hojos’ only son. Have a bit more self-awareness. Just yesterday, Sakura-sama went out of her way to call you from London to worry about your circumstances—

Takaya: Nn, alright alright alright. Mom really worries too much. To start with, if she really wanted to hear how I was she’d call me directly.

Yuri: She lamented about how no matter how many times she called you, you never picked up.

Takaya: Huh? Did she really?

Yuri: Hey, Takaya. I’m being serious here.

Takaya: It’s alright. Mom and dad will be okay with it. You’ll be with me, after all.

Yuri: …

Huh?

Takaya: I applied for the both of us.

Yuri: Huh?

Takaya: Let’s do our best together, Yuri.

Yuri: Y-You… Haaaah…

Takaya: Hahaha.

(Later)

Hiroki: I’m home.

Yuri: Welcome back, Aniki. You’re back fast today.

Hiroki: I have urgent plans for tomorrow.

I’m catching an early flight to America to meet with Director Hojo.

Yuri: You work so hard. That guy is just as impulsive as Takaya.

Hiroki: He’s definitely impulsive, but mysteriously circumstances always align in his favor. They’re on the same wavelength, you could say. Looking only at the results, it usually winds up as the best course of action– it really is a strange thing.

Yuri: That’s… also Takaya.

Hiroki: Maybe… They're similar. But that’s good.

Speaking of Takaya, I just saw him over there. He seemed to be in a good mood, so I’m guessing he came here today?

Yuri: Yeah.

Aniki, there’s something I want to report to you.

Hiroki: A public audition program… is he serious about it?

Yuri: Unfortunately.

Hiroki: A public audition tv program where a group of people prevent each other from gaining points, while there is unnecessary exposure to the media?

Yuri: I know what you want to say– I felt the same way. I went to Takaya and thought a lot about it.

Hiroki: So, under Hojo’s rule…

Yuri: That’s how it is. Once the family and their heir’s decided, anything you say is useless. You know all about that, don’t you, Aniki.

Hiroki: Enough of this. This is something Takaya would pass with flying colors. Soon he’ll be pulled every which way by the media.

Yuri: It seems so.

Hiroki: Don’t say it like it’s someone else’s problem. Yuri, you must pass no matter what. You must follow him.

Yuri: I don’t think it’s the kind of thing you can just aim to get into and pass.

Hiroki: Even so, it’s the duty of those born into the Imasaka family.

Yuri: Roger that. 

Hiroki: In a year, you’ll be as busy as I am. Prepare yourself for it from now on. 

Yuri: Are you already thinking about what comes after I get in? As usual you sweetly hold Takaya in high regard.

Hiroki: And what’s so bad about that?

Yuri: This is exactly why.

Hiroki: Still, can’t you conduct yourself a bit better?

Yuri: Me? I’m always devoting my utmost. But Hojo… There’s nothing in this world that can hold Takaya down.

Hiroki: I didn’t say to tie him down, I said to stay one step ahead of things. 

Us Imasakas have served the Hojo family for generations. To support and protect them no matter what. Yuri, you’re also an Imasaka. Don’t forget that.

Yuri: I understand that. That’s why I bought the rooms next to Takaya’s and look after him 24/7.

Hiroki: The director is very concerned about Takaya since he’s been left alone in Japan. If anything happened to him…

Yuri: I know.

Besides, there’s no need to worry that much, Takaya isn’t a child who knows nothing.

Hiroki: Even so, the fact remains–

Yuri: It’ll be alright. Takaya only acts pushy and spoiled toward me.

Always has and always will.

Hiroki: Who’s actually doing the protecting here?

Yuri: Hm? What? 

Hiroki: Nothing.

Yuri: Aniki, could you report the information to everyone for me?

Hiroki: Ah, alright. Protect him well.

Yuri: You don’t have to tell me that. Takaya’s selfishness and smile are what I should protect.

Takaya: Ah…

Yuri: Hm? … Takaya?

Takaya: Ah, I’m fine. I can hear you, Yuri.

… Yuri, is something wrong?

Yuri: That’s my line. Your body is here but your spirit isn’t.

Are you alright? You don’t feel sick do you?

Takaya: Nooope, it’s not that. I’m fine, thanks.

Yuri: I see. … Don’t push yourself, okay?

Takaya: Alriiiight. 

Airu: Haha, Yuuri, did no one ever tell ya you’re overprotective? 

Hey, Taka-kun, has he always had this vibe?

Takaya: Yep, as far back as I can remember… Yuri’s aaaalways been like this since we were kids, right?

He’s very caring♪

Yuri: I have no intentions of spoiling you that much, though.

Airu: Yikes, kinda a red flag to be so unaware.

Anyway, as I was saying, Ta~ka-kun. It feels like you’re zoning out, so where’d your head float off to?

Takaya: Hm~mm.

Riki: —Absent minded?

You’re zoning out at the unit initiation kickoff meeting, is what you’re saying?

Airu: Ah, is that a land mine for you?

C’mon, Rikki. Taka-kun is a carefree, leisurely guy, the total opposite of a square like you.

Takaya: I don’t think I’m on the same level as you, though, Airu?

Airu: Nah nah, that’s not true.

Takaya: Nah nah nah nah, that’s not true.

Riki: Hey, you two. Don’t change the subject.

Takaya: Sorry, sorry. 

Hm~ … I wasn’t asleep but I was kinda immersed in my memories, y’know?

Yuri: Memories?

Takaya: Yeah. That dream-like time… I remembered the moment it all started.

Riki: All started…?

Airu: That moment…?

Takaya: Yep!

Riki: … The hell? Takaya, you always speak so… abstractly, and roundabout.

Airu: Eh, it’s not a bad thing. I kinda like that about him?

It gives Taka-kun the vibe that he’s mysterious… no, that he’s not an ordinary person.

Takaya: Mysterious, huh?

It’s probably natural to feel that way, though?

After all, we know hardly anything about each other.

Yuri: You’ve got a point.

During Glitz Rise’s filming, we interacted a little bit, but didn’t really get involved with each other on an individual level.

Airu: Sounds about right.

Yuri: Yeah.

However, from here on we can’t use that as an excuse.

Takaya: Exactly. The four of us here— we all have a common destiny.

Riki: … Common, destiny…

Takaya: Yeah! Now that that’s all said-and-done♪ first, how about we start with self introductions?

Riki: It’s too late for that.

Takaya: Don’t say it like that. We’re going to be together for a long time from now on.

Airu: You said it~. Well, it’d be a problem if that’s not gonna happen.

I plan to live off this for at least the next five years.

Riki: Five years…

Hey, Futen. Don’t you think five years is too shortsighted?

Airu: Eh, really? Was that not long enough?

Riki: Not long enough.

Airu: I think it’s long though?

Riki: Not long enough.

Yuri: We really need to introduce ourselves to come to a consensus about our differences in values, don’t we?

… It looks like the agency people haven’t arrived yet, so let’s get started ourselves ahead of time.

Takya: Alrighty!

Riki: … Sigh.

Airu: Oh? What’s going on, Rikki? Could it be, you’re the anxious type over this kind of stuff?

Aha, you’re so~ cute♡

Riki: No.

… As I said earlier, I just thought it’s too late for that.

Of course, every member here has already drilled every piece of information about their rivals to memory.

Airu: Too bad, I didn’t.

Riki: … You didn’t?

Airu: Yeppers. Well, the way each person survives is dif-er-ent.

Anyway, Rikki, we’re not rivals anymore, right?

Riki: …

I suppose we’re not rivals… anymore.

Takaya: Yep.

Like I said before, those of us chosen in Glitz Rise are going to be a unit from here on out.

What you’d call people who share a common destiny.

Each of us has something sparkling in us…

We’ve gathered here because we have a shine that others don’t. Right?

Riki: A shine… only I have…

Takaya: Fufu.

Airu: Hey~, Taka-kun. From your point of view, what kind of sparkle do I have?

Takaya: Well, that’s something I’d like to know.

Airu: … Really?

Takaya: That’s why I’d like you to show me.

Something not written on the program profiles, something more, more.

Now’s the time to speak honestly about the stuff we can’t talk about unless we reach out to each other.

Yuri: In short, putting down our walls…

Before anything else, talking unreservedly about private things, childish chatter, and other things like that. … Is what you’re saying, right?

Riki: You’ve saved us, Takaya-speak interpreter.

Airu: Oh~ I like the sound of that~♪ Mutual support comes from mutual understanding after all.

Then, ask me anything, Rikki. What do you wanna know about me?

My childhood? My favorite food? My favorite color? My three sizes? My love life? Or, or~~~~

(Gasp) … My Rikki porn.

Riki: What the hell!

… I mean, Futen. Why do you keep pestering me?

Airu: Mmm, well, look at the members here. No matter how you look at it, Taka-kun and Yuuri are a close pair, aren’t they?

So, there’s nothing else to do but for the leftovers to get involved with each other, right?

Riki: Well it’s not like we can help being the only ones left!

Yuri: Takaya and I aren’t that attached at the hip, Airu.

Airu: Really? It didn’t look like it though? … Right, Taka-kun?

Takaya: …

Yuri Imasaka, Riki Shinohara, Airu Futen… And myself, Takaya Hojo.

Our story is starting now.

… Yeah, I’m looking forward to it!

The audition program to dig out the next generation’s shining stars from Hareno Records’ trainees, Glitz Rise’s, is reaching its conclusion.

There’s truly been all sorts of drama leading up to this moment.

Struggle, discord, setbacks, and anguish. Behind the shining stage everyone dreams of, there were lots of sweat and tears shed.

They banked on their own potential, struggled, and pushed each other's growth, so that they may arrive here.

Everything! Yes, it was all so that they may stand under this spotlight!

In this moment, each and every one of them must remain confident that no one else but them are worthy to stand here.

So at last, today a new star will be born!

Now, I’ll present them to you. The chosen debut members are—