#s: solid

Hiyori: ......

Jun: I said I'm sorry, Ohii-san. C'mon, cheer up~

Ibara: Your Highness, there are a lot of delicious desserts here! What about trying one of them?

Hiyori: ...Apple pie.

Jun: Oh, but you're fine ordering food?

Hiyori: ...... (He glares at Jun.)

Jun: Ahh—! Just kidding, I'm sorry! I mean it!

Hiyori: To think both Ibara and Nagisa-kun worked it out... And you even colluded together to leave me in the dark! How unfair of you!

And you, Jun-kun! I should've been the first person you talked to!

Jun: Er, well... I guess you could say my pride got kinda in the way...

Nagisa: ...Hiyori-kun, I didn't work with Ibara behind your back.

Ibara: That's right! It's just a misunderstanding, Your Highness. His Excellency and I both suspected it on our own.

Hiyori: Hmm, that so? In that case, how did you figure it out, Nagisa-kun? You'd said you were merely guessing at things, but you hit the nail on the head, didn't you?

Nagisa: ...Indeed. When Jun makes a mistake, he tends to do it out of hastiness, rather than out of carelessness.

...As if he wants to get further ahead than everyone else.

Jun: Ngh...! C'mon, couldja quit psychoanalyzing me so matter-of-factly? I'm gonna die from embarrassment...

Hiyori: So you and Ibara figured it out at around the same time, and then Ibara took it upon himself to shake Jun-kun out of his slump?

Nagisa: ...Yes. I believe that’s what happened.

Nagisa: ...It even appears Ibara rewrote the lyrics of the new song for Jun's sake.

Ibara: Agh—

Ibara: Are you seriously saying that out loud here!? Then what was the point of whispering to me that time!?

Nagisa: ...What's wrong with that? Everything has already been safely resolved, so I thought that it was okay to say it.

...Besides, I prefer to let everyone know all the effort Ibara made.

Jun: Whaaaaat!? Ibara, are you for real? You wrote those lyrics? Seriously!?

Ibara: ...I don't know what you’re talking about.

Hiyori: Hmmm~?♪ So Ibara did that, did he~? Makes perfect sense!

Hey now, tell me~ What were you feeling when you wrote them, huh? I'd love to hear aaall about it ♪

Ibara: Again, I don't know what you’re talking about!

Hiyori: Ahaha! Ibara, you're getting so flustered! So even you have a cute side to you, hmm?

Ibara: Ugh...

Jun: So that's what happened, huh? You seriously saved my ass this time, Ibara, so lemme treat you to a good meal next time, yeah? It's on me.

We're friends in the same unit, y'know, so if you're ever in a sticky situation, I'll come right to your rescue ♪

Ibara: ...Don't push your luck.

Jun: Woah, dude, scary. Quit taking out your embarrassment on me already, wouldja!?

✦✦✦✦✦

Prologue: ✦

Dark Clouds on the Horizon:

✦1   ✦2   ✦3   ✦4   ✦5

Blue Skies Ahead:

✦1   ✦2   ✦3   ✦4   ✦5

Epilogue: ✦

✦✦✦✦✦

Location: Cafe COCHI Meeting Space

Ibara: Ah, so everyone is already here.

…In fact, it appears you have all finished ordering and are now simply kicking back.

Hiyori: Why, when we're having a meeting at a cafe with such a delicious menu, it'd be rude not to order a thing!

After all, this place is meant for tasty drinks and good conversation!

Jun: Drinks? I saw you order snacks too, Ohii-san.

Nagisa: …So, what’s the matter? It’s quite rare for you to call for a sudden meeting, Ibara.

Ibara: Ah, yes, about that. Let us jump right to the main topic.

The other day, I received the finished lyrics and choreography for Eden’s new song. As such, I decided to gather you all here for an update.

Hiyori: Just for that? I mean, you'd usually update us during a practice break or when we have a job together, no?

Ibara: There has been somewhat of a change in the concept for our new song, which is why I'd like to ensure that we are all in agreement of it.

Please have a look at my PC screen here. It shows our new song's choreography, and here are the lyrics, as well.

Hiyori: Hmm, let's see then...?

Jun: ! Huh!? Wait, you mean—

Hiyori: — You and Jun-kun will be the leads?

Nagisa: …I see. This is a new direction for us, isn't it, Ibara? Will you explain what brought this about?

Ibara: Aye-aye! Certainly, Your Excellency.

Up until now, Eden's choreography and lyrics have been produced with the image of Your Excellency and Your Highness as our leads.

Due to that, the numbers of our fans and sales have grown stable. Eden as an idol unit has already cemented itself as a solid presence in this industry.

Truly, I'd expect nothing else with the two of you among our ranks!

Nagisa: …Hmmm, this may be the truth, but there is no need for your obvious flattery, Ibara. Continue.

Ibara: A-ha-ha. Flattery, you say? How very unfortunate that I cannot convey my true feelings to you, Your Excellency.

In any case, nothing has yet threatened that integrity… But after a while of this, a different problem has begun to loom over us.

Hiyori: What? There's nothing wrong with our current state, is there...? What "problem" would that be?

Ibara: For now, while there is nothing in particular, perhaps it might be better to say that it is an issue that will potentially haunt us in the future.

To put it simply, we are in danger of getting stuck in a rut.

This issue is actually quite destructive. It is something difficult to grow aware of while stable.

In fact, there have been many cases where, by the time a rut was noticed, it was already too late to experiment with new things.

Which is why I’d like to avoid such a situation by taking the initiative to act first.

Hiyori: Hmm. Well, I don't have any issue with it.

Not to mention, no matter what role Nagisa-kun and I may have to play, our brilliance shall never be dulled!

Ibara: Oh no, that would actually be a problem, Your Highness.

This new experiment will be greatly significant for Your Highness and Your Excellency as well.

Nagisa: …Significant for us?

Ibara: Indeed! Just as His Highness says, both of you have a presence that is wholly unique.

You may even say such a unique presence is your greatest weapon— but it can also be a hindrance in our industry.

That is why I would like both of you to learn how to regulate that standout presence by yourselves.

Hiyori: Well, I simply don't see why we must!

Ibara: Certainly, if you are taking the center role, all you need to do is sing and dance.

However, what if you have to play the role of a criminal who has to suppress their presence until the very end?

Or perhaps a role where you have to maintain a secretive existence?

The more popular you become, the more your jobs will vary, and that will lead to you performing different roles in work. As a result, you also will be exposed to the judgement of many other people.

When that happens, those who are valued the most highly will be, without a doubt, none other than the so-called "all-rounders", rather than those who only wield a single weapon.

Therefore, in this trial attempt, I would like Your Excellency and Your Highness to develop that flexibility.

Nagisa: …I see. I understand what you mean.

…If Ibara thinks that this is for the better, then I have no objections. What about you, Hiyori-kun?

Hiyori: (So that's what's going on... Honestly, everyone around me is so troublesome! Instead of going to such lengths only to beat around the bush, I'd rather they just come out with it!)

Well, if Nagisa-kun and Jun-kun are fine with it, then it's no problem with me, either. However, it does offend me that you believe we can't play such roles, Ibara.

Nagisa: ...What do you think, Jun?

Jun: ......

…………

Hiyori: He's been looking completely dazed for some time now. Ahaha! What an entertaining expression ☆

Jun: Hang on, I'm still trying to process this...

Huh? Wait, you mean Ohii-san and Nagi-senpai are fine with it?

Ibara: …Jun doesn’t seem to have any issue with it, so let us proceed with this approach. That shall conclude today's meeting.

Ibara: Ah, Jun, do stay for a bit longer. You have nothing on your schedule after this, correct?

Jun: Wha? Oh yeah, I'm pretty much free...

Ibara: We shall begin practicing for the new song. Since this is something new we're attempting, practice will be twice as hard as usual.

Jun: Well, 'course that's fine with me...

Ibara: Then, let’s go to the dance room immediat—

Nagisa: …Ibara.

Ibara: Hm? Your Excellency, what’s the matter? Is there a problem?

Nagisa: …Not at all. I just wanted to tell you something.

(whispering) …The lyrics for the new song are truly splendid. You did great there.

Ibara: …I have no idea what you're talking about.

We're going, Jun.

Jun: Huh? Hey! Would it kill ya to wait up!?

✦✦✦✦✦

Location: Dance Room

Ibara: ? Jun, just how long are you going to keep spacing out for?

Jun: Hang on... I'm get my thoughts together...

— Dude, Ibara! What the hell are you doing!?

Ibara: Excuse me? Whatever is the matter?

Jun: Why'dja put me and you as the leads for the song!?

Ibara: I do believe I already answered that question in the meeting.

Jun: No, I mean, I heard ya, but...! No matter how much I think it over, it just doesn't seem like something you'd do!

Even if we might get stuck in a rut sooner or later, aren't we tryna aim for stability right now?!

Ibara: I simply thought it was the perfect opportunity to branch out.

Jun: ...But like. What if our sales flop thanks to me being center? What're we gonna do then?

Ibara: Is that still troubling you? I'd rather you show your spirit and say, "Since I'm gonna be the center this time, I'll push the sales up!"

Or rather, in the first place, do you truly think Eden would be this successful if someone else replaced you?

Jun: That's... Well... It'd be a different story if Ohii-san or Nagi-senpai got replaced, but if it's just me then nothing would really change, I guess.

Ibara: It would change, you know. You simply do not realize the sheer ability you must possess just to be here.

Jun: Ability? What d'you mean by that?

Ibara: Anyone who soars too close to the sun will only have their wings of wax melted, and they'll be sent plummeting down to earth.

Jun: Huh? Wings made of wax...? What's gotten into you all of a sudden? Didja hit your head?

Ibara: No, I did not. It’s an analogy based on an existing myth.

Any typical person would have been sent plummeting like a stone. But you haven't — isn't that right?

You managed to establish yourself and be a part of a unit with those two, right? You have those unmeltable wings by being you, not anyone else — that's the very talent you possess.

If I had judged you unsuitable, I wouldn't have even bothered to allow you into our unit to begin with.

Jun: ......

Ibara: Besides, there are many people who think kindly of you. Why did you lose confidence so quickly just from some negativity?

Jun: Umm... Well, that's... I mean, people say nice things just to be nice, anyway, so any negativity's gonna stand out...

Ibara: Right, you really are an idiot.

Jun: Couldja stop insulting me every five seconds?

Ibara: Just stating facts. Now, would you suddenly become a fan of someone you just passed by on the road? No, right?

"People say nice things just to be nice," you may argue, but this is indubitably because your journey has moved their hearts.

Jun: ......

Ibara: ? What's the matter?

Jun: Oh, nothing. I was just thinking 'bout how sometimes even you can come up with nice things to comfort people~

Ibara: The hell are you tryna say?

Jun: Oh, and there he is. The real Ibara shows his face again~

Ibara: Only because you pick at everything I say, Jun.

Jun: But y'know... Those words of comfort did hit home for me...

Haha... I appreciate it. I feel a lil' better now thanks to you.

Ibara: Well, that’s good.

Jun: Alrighty! I'm feeling more pumped up by the second~ Let's get started and practice so hard that we'll leave our seniors to cry in our dust!

Ibara: I've told you already, but playing the lead comes with responsibility and pressure unlike anything you've experienced before. Are you prepared for that?

Jun: Bring it on~!

Location: Solid PV Shooting Venue

Time: On the day of the MV filming

Hiyori: I did wonder how we'd get here, but one way or another we've made it to the day of the filming! What fine weather ♪

Jun: I saw 'em in the storyboards, but there really are escalators. This is a pretty cool set, huh~?

Hiyori: Yes, yes ♪ The direction looks interesting too, so I'm sure it'll be a splendid MV!

Nagisa: ...Ibara, the first scene will be a shot with both you and Jun together, right?

Ibara: Aye-aye! Precisely, Your Excellency!

Come, Jun, let's go. Are you ready?

Jun: 'Course I am~ Let's nail this in one shot!

Hiyori: All the best~ ♪

Ibara: ♪~♪~♪~

(I've been quite sure about it since the lesson, but it seems that Jun has fully recovered.)

(If anything, he seems to have improved a lot compared to in practice.)

Ibara: (All this, and yet he claims to have no confidence. What a troublesome person he is.)

(― I mustn't lose to him either.)

Jun: "♪~♪~♪~"

Jun: (Alrighty. I'm in tip-top shape today~ I feel like I'm moving even better than usual.)

(I guess I can thank Ibara's special training for this as well, huh?)

(My worries have cleared up, too. I'm even starting to wonder why I got that shaken up, after all this time.)

Jun: (If the sky's too far away, then I'll just soar even higher. If the sun's blaze is too hot for me, then I'll just have to fly on wings that won't melt.)

(After all, that's what it means to be me, Jun Sazanami!)

Nagisa: ...It appears that Jun has completely returned to his normal self. I'm glad.

Hiyori: And on that note, both Jun-kun and Ibara are doing surprisingly well...

Hiyori: We can't just sit back and slack off either, Nagisa-kun!

✦✦✦✦✦

[Time: The next day]

Ibara: One, two, three, four—

Jun: — !

Ibara: Jun. You were half a beat too slow.

Hiyori: ♪~♪~...

Jun: ......

Hiyori: Hmm? Jun-kun, did you forget what comes next? You and I are supposed to sing together here!

Jun: ...Ah!

Hiyori: Really, how clumsy of you ☆

Jun: ♪~... ♪~♪

Nagisa: …? Jun, I believe you've mistaken the lyrics. That line is supposed to be from verse A.

Jun: ! Um, huh...? Sorry... The words totally slipped my mind...

I'll check 'em over again.

*pant*... *pant*...

Ibara: *sighs*...

(We've been trying all sorts of things, but Jun’s condition doesn't appear to be improving…)

You won't make any progress at this rate. There is no need to continue pushing yourself this far, so let’s take a break for now.

Nagisa: …Yes. I think that’s a good idea. If we continue on like this, you shall only exhaust yourself.

Hiyori: Honestly, Jun-kun! What is going on with you? You're really not being yourself!

All we're doing in today's practice is going over old songs and simply touching them up a bit for live performances, no?

Your forgetfulness isn't anything new, but it's worse than ever today!

Jun: I'm sorry...

Hiyori: ......

Jun: Huh? Why d'you look so surprised?

Hiyori: Nagisa-kun! Ibara! We've got a crisis on our hands! It's an emergency! There's definitely something wrong with Jun-kun!

Jun: Wha...?

Hiyori: I mean, you sincerely apologised!

While you'd usually answer my very sound arguments with a simple "yeah, yeah", there wasn't an ounce of sarcasm just now!

And that's why I'm certain there's something off about you today, Jun-kun!

Jun: Not really... Even I know how to apologise properly if I feel like I'm in the wrong, y'know?

Hiyori: Really now, there you go again. If you were your usual self, you'd be like "Couldja try not to make me sound like such a constant killjoy?" or something to that effect.

Ibara: Hmm... Considering your poor shape today, are you perhaps dwelling on what happened in yesterday's music show recording?

Jun: Huh? Ahh, er, well, not exactly...

'Course I feel bad about making mistakes. But it's not quite that...

Nagisa: …So you mean to say the cause lies elsewhere?

Jun: Umm... Nah, that's not it...

Ahaha. I'm alright, don't worry about me. Maybe I'm in a bit of a slump or something?

Nagisa: …………

Ibara: Huh. A slump, you say...

Very well, then. Let’s end our practice for today.

Jun: Huh? W-wait, no, I can keep going! I'm not gonna mess up again, so can't we go on for a little longer!?

Ibara: You dare to say that, and yet you keep making mistakes.

If you aren't even aware of that, then things have gotten rather serious, haven't they?

Jun: ......

Ibara: Let me make it clear to you: no matter how much we practice, it will be naught but a waste of time in your current state.

Believe it or not, I have other business to attend to outside of idol work.

If this is how our practice is going to go, I would much rather take care of other matters.

Let’s call it a day for now. However, we shall double the length of tomorrow's practice to compensate for today's.

In the meantime, Jun, please rid yourself of that slump as soon as possible.

Jun: ... Understood.

Hiyori: Jun-ku—

Nagisa: …Hiyori-kun. Doing this much exercise has gotten me rather hungry..

Hiyori: Huh?

Nagisa: …So why don't we go to a cafe and have something together?

Hiyori: Eh? What? But Jun-kun's —

Nagisa: …Come, let’s go.

…Fufu. I’m delighted to have lunch with you ♪

Hiyori: W-Wait a moment, Nagisa-kun!? I heard you! I heard you loud and clear so do stop dragging me along!

Ibara: I will also be returning to my management duties. Thank you for your hard work.

Jun: ......

Damn it all! What the hell am I doing...!

(That was all it took to throw me off... I'm so damn pathetic!)

Let's try this again from the top...

Ibara: ......

✦✦✦✦✦

Location: Practice Room

[Time: One hour later]

Jun: ♪~... (panting)

One more time, from the top—

Ibara: First you ruin your mental stability, and now you're destroying your physical health, are you?

Jun: Huh? Wha— Ibara!? What's the matter? Didn't you go back to work?

Ibara: I did. And now I've finished with it and returned. …Have this.

Jun: Umm... A bottle of water? For me?

Well then, don't mind if I do. Thanks.

Ibara: So? What exactly happened during the talk show recording the other day?

Jun: ...!?

Ibara: What's with that face? You look like you've just encountered a friend you believed killed on the battlefield.

Jun: Er... I've never been in that kinda situation so I'm not sure what exactly I'm supposed to imagine here...

—Wait, forget that! H-how did you...!?

Ibara: I had my suspicions, of course.

Up until the music show, you were still very much acting like your usual self. From that alone, it would be logical to assume that something had happened during the recording.

Jun: Nngh...

Ibara: Do you still intend to beat around the bush? Hurry up now; out with it. What's the reason behind all this?

Jun: No, um... Well, I mean... Like I've been saying, it's really nothing...

Ibara: Are you kidding me!? Do you seriously think I'd accept that shit after you keep making mistake after mistake!? Cut the crap already and just spit it out. Now.

Jun: Uh, Ibara, your true self is showing...

Ibara: ......

Jun: ...... *sigh*

Ibara: Hmm, I get it now. So that was what happened...

Jun: If you wanna laugh then just go ahead already. Tell me it's dumb as hell and all that.

Ibara: I won’t laugh about it... but I do think it's stupid.

Jun: ...Sure sounds like you're still making fun of me.

Ibara: I mean, isn’t it a bit too late for you to get bothered by your standing now, after all this time? Eden has been like this all along, since the very beginning.

Jun: Well, yeah. I've always personally done the best I can as part of Eden, and I take pride in that.

But what if that's not how it looks to the audience? The moment I started to wonder that, all my confidence disappeared in an instant.

Ibara: We're in the same boat with that. Besides, is there anyone capable of outshining His Excellency and His Highness whilst sandwiched between them? I personally don’t think so.

If such a person does exist, I'd love to get them into CosPro and produce for them. Ah-ha-ha☆

Jun: But Ibara, you're different from me.

You're not just an idol, but you have a manager side to you, too, yeah? You're pretty well-known in the industry for that, aren't you?

Ibara: Well, I will not deny that.

But even I have mixed feelings over how my name is more recognised as part of management instead of as an idol.

Jun: Hmm? Never thought you'd be the type to dwell on that stuff.

Ibara: Well. Who knows.

Jun: ...Don't tell me you're just messing with me.

Ibara: Anyway, nevermind that. Do you still intend to continue with practice, Jun? If you are, then allow me to join you.

Jun: Wha—!? You mean you'll help me with my practice, Ibara!? You, of all people!?

Ibara: …Don't get the wrong idea. It's just that if I leave you to it, you and that muscle-brain of yours will definitely continue to overwork yourself without restraint.

As such, I decided that it’s simply more logical for me to remain here and observe your practice myself.

Besides, doing unit practice alone is inefficient. Without someone else around, your results will be less than satisfactory.

Jun: ...Sooo... to sum it up, you are gonna help me with practice?

Ibara: Shut your mouth and start immediately.

[Location: CosPro Office]

Ibara: (relieved sigh) …With this, I’ve finished my quota for today.

(Hm…? What's this new email?)

(—Ah. The choreography and lyrics for Eden’s new song have just been finalised and uploaded to the CosPro server.)

(Hmm. There seems to be no issue with either of them… I’m sure this arrangement will be well-received by fans.)

(— Well, no issue except…)

Jun: But what if that's not how it looks to the audience? The moment I started to wonder that, all my confidence disappeared in an instant.

Ibara: ...... [starting to type]

✦✦✦✦✦

Location: TV Station Stage

Time: Several days later, during a recording for a music program

Hiyori: "Now, this next song will be performed on TV for the very first time!"

Ibara: “Indeed. We've performed it once before during a live, and it was received very well by fans. As such, we've decided to perform it on TV today as well.”

Nagisa: “...I quite like this song myself.”

Hiyori: "If I recall, Jun-kun, you've said you like this song too, haven't you?"

Jun: "......"

Hiyori: "Jun-kun? Jun-kun! Are you listening?"

Jun: "Huh? Sorry? What'd you say...?"

Hiyori: "Goodness! As I was saying, I believe you mentioned liking this song too! What's got your head in the clouds?"

Jun: "A-Ahaha. I'm just thinking about my workout routine for when we get back..."

Hiyori: "Again? How I do wish you'd give that a break!"

"Keep thinking so hard about working out and even your brain will turn into ... Ahaha ☆ Oh, pardon me! Jun-kun, your brain has already turned into muscle, hasn't it!"

Jun: "I'm gonna get you back for that later, Ohii-san..."

"Well, never mind him for now. That's right, I'm a big fan of this song, too."

"The dance was pretty tough, though. I remember the trainer giving me loads of pointers since we only had one shot at its debut, with it being live and all."

Nagisa: “...Ah, is that so? Was the dance that difficult?”

Jun: “'Course it was no sweat for you, Nagi-senpai... I mean, you're the kinda guy who can do anything."

Ibara: "Your Excellency. The tempo of this song is quite fast, so that alone would make the choreography difficult by normal standards. Of course, this was all intentional."

Nagisa: "...I see. So that is how it is. It must have been quite a challenge for you, Jun."

Jun: "Mgh... Your sympathy's only making me feel worse so I'd rather you give it a break..."

Hiyori: Fufu ♪ Looks like Nagisa-kun's got Jun-kun beat here!

"Hm? Ah, it's about time for us to be on standby!"

Nagisa: “Well then, everyone. Shall we head for the stage?”

Jun: ......

Ibara: (whispering) Jun.

Jun: (whispering) Huh? What's the matter?

Ibara: (whispering) I should be the one asking you.

(whispering) Is there something wrong with you, Jun? You were zoning out all throughout the talk segment. Are you not feeling well?

Jun: (whispering) Woah. So even you've got in you to worry 'bout others sometimes, huh, Ibara?

Ibara: (whispering) Kindly spare me the jokes.

(whispering) You said it yourself earlier that this song is relatively difficult, didn’t you? You must focus. It's the real deal from now on, you know?

Jun: (whispering) I know, I know. It's fine, I'll pull it off.

Ibara: (whispering) If you say so...

Jun: (Umm... Where's the stage mark... Right, here it is.)

(Breathe in... Breathe out...)

(I've got this. I'll manage everything just fine.)

Nagisa: "♪~♪~♪~"

Ibara: "♪~"

Hiyori: "♪~♪~♪~"

Jun: "♪~♪~"

(Alright! I didn't mess up the dance just now, and I've got the lyrics down.)

Nagisa: "♪~♪~"

Hiyori: "♪~♪~♪~"

Jun: (Let's see... This isn't the full version, but the shorter one meant for TV instead, so after the A-section is the interlude where we'll do the final chorus.)

(There we go. I am getting through this. Just goes to show how much I've practiced.)

(Once we get to the interlude, the choreo's gonna get faster. This is where we really get to show off.)

(Alright, now for the next position...!)

Ibara: ! Jun, you're too far forward!

Jun: (Agh—! Shit! I'm gonna crash into Ohii-san!?)

Hiyori: ! Ouch!? J-Jun-kun...!?

Location: Backstage

Jun: I'm so sorry...!

Hiyori: Jun-kun, just what is the matter with you?

Well, at least today wasn't a live broadcast, so we managed to reshoot without any further issues. All the same, Jun-kun, you're not quite yourself today, are you?

Ibara: As Eden, we rarely make mistakes, and the industry has great trust in us because of that. That's why even the staff were concerned, you understand?

Nagisa: …...

Hiyori: That's right! You got them all worried you're not feeling well!

Jun: No, I'm feeling fine. It's just......

I've only got my own carelessness to blame for this... I'm very sorry.

Hiyori: It's all water under the bridge. If you only ever look back on your worries and regrets, you'll be blind to the future.

Now, just be sure to not make the same mistake again, and face what's to come instead! That would be fine weather ♪

Jun: Ahaha... You're right. I'll be careful.

Ibara: ......

✦✦✦✦✦

Nagisa: … Hiyori-kun. What will you be ordering? I'm unsure what to get.

Hiyori: Hmm. Since I'd been exercising up until just now, I'd like to have something light or healthy! Anything too heavy might not go down too well.

Nagisa: …Something light, you say. How about the cold tomato pasta, then?

…It has around 700 to 800 calories. While this is high compared to the other items on the menu, I assume the many vegetables would balance that out. ♪

Hiyori: Hm? What a surprise, Nagisa-kun. Have you taken the time to memorise calorie counts?

Considering how our daily lifestyle keeps us active one way or another, I don't believe we have any need to fuss over calories that much.

Nagisa: …No, I'm not so concerned about them. Ibara simply talks so often about them I can't help but remember.

Hiyori: Oh, that makes sense. Now that you mention it, Ibara's always nagging at us since watching our figures is part of his management duties!

But today it's just you and me, Nagisa-kun, so nevermind that Ibara! You ought to eat all your favourite foods or whatever your heart desires!

Getting to see you enjoying yourself matters more to me than any old calorie count!

Nagisa: …Fufu. Then perhaps I'll go for dessert as well ♪

Hiyori: Wonderful! Then, I'll order something different from you and we can go halfsies ♪

— Wait, hang on a minute! Why are we cheerfully going on about lunch?

Nagisa: …Hmm? Would you prefer to talk about dinner?

Hiyori: No, I'd like to talk about Jun-kun instead!

You were the one who dragged me out in the middle of everything and we ditched Jun-kun just like that!

Nagisa: …Ah, that.

Hiyori: Mmm.... You're rather calm about this, aren't you? Even during practice, it felt like you were just watching on quietly.

You wouldn't happen to know something about Jun-kun's slump, would you? Or did he tell you something?

Nagisa: …No. He didn't tell me anything, and I know nothing about it.

…It’s just that I've noticed a pattern to Jun's mistakes, and can hazard a guess from there.

Hiyori: A pattern to Jun-kun's mistakes? Whatever do you mean?

Nagisa: …I think I ought to leave it unsaid for now, as it may not be quite what I imagine.

…We should just keep an eye on him from a distance. Jun is now encased in his chrysalis. Soon he shall grow his wings of flight.

Hiyori: Wings? A chrysalis...? Whatever do you mean by that?

Honestly! You're not making any sense!

However, if you're saying all this, then I'll just have to watch over him from afar, too. All the same, I don't completely understand it.

Nagisa: …Oh? Hiyori-kun, please cheer up. Here, why don't we have some delicious food?

…It saddens me deeply to think I put that look on your face, Hiyori-kun.

Hiyori: ...Look who's talking, Nagisa-kun! How unfair of you to make a face like that! I could say the very same thing — I would never want to see you make such an expression.

Well, if you won't explain it to me, then you'll just have to make up for it by spending the whole day with me instead ☆

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