#sweets box

Season: Summer

Location: Starmony Hall Common Room

Hinata: ♪ ~ ♪ ~

Aah, I’ve got lots and lots of free time! This is great!

I sent in my project proposal to Anzu-san— to the producer yesterday, right on time, plus I don’t have work or any part-time jobs to deal with until tomorrow, so this is a special occasion for me~♪

Weeell, now I’m face to face with this blank canvas of a schedule! What to do today, what to do?

It’d be nice to check out that album I’ve been wanting to listen to, plus the internet’s full of videos that might come in handy for work. There are so many options that it’s hard to choose ♪

Alrighty. Let’s start by deciding what I should spend all this precious time on~ ♪

Growl… (empty stomach)

First things first, I’ll eat something! They say that an army marches on its stomach, after all!

That’s settled, so to the canteen I go~. Wonder what I should do after that… It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to hang out with Yuuta-kun like always, huh~?

Yuuta: And then— But—

Kaoru: Aah, I get it. But I think that— for sure—

Yuuta: That is true, isn’t it ♪ Well, let’s—

Hinata: ...Hmm?

(It looks like… Yuuta-kun is having fun chatting with Hakaze-senpai…?)

(I hid behind this pillar as soon as I could, but... what could those two be talking about? If I’m remembering right, they’ve been spending a lot of time together as roommates, so it’s probably just small talk, riiight?)

(Argh, but I can’t make out the important stuff! I really wanna know what they’re saying!)

Yuuta: Shall we go, Hakaze-senpai? ♪

Kaoru: OK, leave it to me ♪

Hinata: (Hmm, are they trying to leave Starmony Hall?)

(They seem to be getting along well, but... where are they going?)

(That time I went to Beehive with Rinne-senpai, it was the other way around—it was Yuuta-kun who misunderstood what I was doing.)

(So it’d be better to ask about it properly than to leave it all dubious like this, huh?)

Ooh, Yuuta-kun, what a coincidence! Where are you running off to with Hakaze-senpai~?

Yuuta: Wha-… Aniki?

If you’re here, just say so! Were you hiding to eavesdrop on our conversation?

Hinata: I’d never do such a thing! I just so happened to be passing by!

Yuuta: Hmm…?

Well, whatever. It’s my day off, so how I choose to spend it has nothing to do with you, right? I told you that I was just going to hang out with Hakaze-senpai.

We’ve got lots to talk about as a senior and his junior in the same room, okay?

Yuuta: Or what? Want me to tell you my deepest, darkest secrets next?

Hinata: Ggh. That’s not the case at all…

(No, he straight up hit the nail on the head! But if I tell him the truth, it’ll feel like I’m all in his business!)

Yuuta: I knew it~ Were you trying to find out how I was spending my day off?

Ahaha. You’re so easy to read, Aniki ♪

Hinata: That’s not it! I’ve finally got a free day too, so I was wondering how it’d be for all three of us to go together?

Whatcha think, Hakaze-senpai? With both me and Yuuta-kun there, it’ll be double the fun...☆ Or at least it miiight be!

Kaoru: So you’re putting this on me kind of out of nowhere, huh? I’m at a loss here.

Well, I’m fine with it if Yuuta-kun is. He was the one who invited me out this time, after all~ It’s hard for me to decide on my own.

So, Yuuta-kun, what do you think? If you like, I think it’d be fine to all go together, but…

Yuuta: Nuh-uh, Hakaze-senpai. You don’t have to spoil Aniki, okay? Didn’t we promise that today would be just the two of us?

Besides, shouldn’t you try spending time with someone other than me for once? Weren’t you saying that “we can’t always be ‘the twins’”?

You snuck off with Rinne-senpai before without telling me, so if I want to go somewhere with Hakaze-senpai, isn’t that my business?

Hinata: I-I said that I was sorry!

But I never thought you’d assume I was going to some suspicious place with Rinne-senpai… I was really just invited by a senior of mine, you know?

I just don’t know what to say when you keep bringing that up!

Yuuta: So you’re doing this again… Do you have any idea how worried I was then?!

Kaoru: Hey, hey, let’s all calm down, okay~? Fighting’s not good, you know?

Here, c’mon, let’s cool off. If you both get too worked up, you’ll end up saying something you shouldn’t, okay?

Yuuta: It’s okay, Hakaze-senpai. Aniki doesn’t even say what he should.

It would be so much better if he just were honest with me, so that we wouldn’t misunderstand each other like this.

...Ah, shoot. Look at the time!

We’ve entertained Aniki more than enough. Well, should we head out, Hakaze-senpai?

Kaoru: Er. Ah, yeah. Don’t push me~ I can walk just fine by myself, okay?

Hinata: Aah! Wait, Yuuta-kun! I wasn’t finished talki—

...They’re gone! Does he even know how I feel at all?!

Ughhh... He’s the one who started doubting me, so why am I the one that has to...

Whatever, I don’t care anymore! At this rate, the day off that I’ve been waiting for for so long will be wasted!

Season: Summer

Location: Starmony Hall Kitchen

That night

Niki: Everyone got their aprons on okay? Did you all finish washing your hands too?

Tetora: Yup!

Hinata: Hiiro-kun took longer than expected to put on his apron, but he’s okay now!

Hiiro: Mhm. I washed my hands with soap as well, so I’m fully prepared.

Niki: Mhm mhm, great. Well, let’s start our cooking class!

Today we’ll be making hot chocolate! Wonder if I’ll come out of this with my stomach full and happy, or if I’ll starve in anticipation ♪

First things first, we’ve gotta melt the chocolate using a hot water bath, okay~?

Hiiro: A hot water bath? What on earth is that?

Niki: Ah, I’ll start you from there then.

Nahaha. Reminds me of how cute and innocent Rinne-kun was at first when I taught him about all these kinds of things, yeah~?

Hiiro: Hmm? Speaking of which, you knew my brother when he first came to the city, right? I had one thing that I wanted to ask you. I do wonder — was he much like I am now?

Niki: Ah! I can’t say even a word more! ‘Cause if I spill any more details about Rinne-kun’s past, it’ll come back to bite me later! Especially if I tell them to you!

Hiiro: Hmm. That’s unfortunate, but I suppose if Nii-san is unwilling to discuss it, it would be rude of me to pry.

Niki: Nahaha. You pick up on things so quickly; are you really sure you and Rinne-kun are brothers~?

I can’t tell you anything about Rinne-kun. But I can tell you anything you wanna know about cooking to make up for that, so feel free to ask me anything you want~ ♪

Moving on. A hot water bath is when you put a bowl in a pot of boiling water, and then you use the heat from the water to heat the chocolate inside the bowl.

Does anyone want to give it a try?

Tetora: Yeah! Yeah! I wanna try!

Niki: Oh? You sure are raring to go, huh~ Alright, I’ll show you how it’s done.

Tetora: Wooo! Aniki, I’ll do some manly cooking that wouldn’t make you ashamed to call me your sworn lil’ bro!

Hinata: Huh~? Tetsu-kun, are you really gonna be okay? You’re pretty bad at cooking, aren’t you?

If I’m gonna be honest, I feel like it might be better for you to try doing another part of the process?

Tetora: C’mon, you don’t gotta worry! I got some chocolate making experience before during ChocoFes, so I’m pretty confident ♪

I can’t show any weaknesses in front of the Karate Club’s newest member!

First things first, I’ll turn on the stove...

Niki: Yup, yup. Well, the first part is the most important one! This is pretty much just as you’d expect, but anyone can boil water, no matter how bad they are at cooking ♪

Well, Hinata-kun, while he’s doing that, can you and the little guy[1] finely dice the chocolate and put it in the bowl for starters?

Hinata: Yuuup. I can handle all the stuff that needs quick fingers ♪

Hiiro: Everything has the potential to be a learning experience, after all. I shall give this my all as well.

Hinata: Well, check out how I use this knife~ You put your hand round like this, then start cutting like this, so you won’t cut your fingers with the knife...

Niki: Ooh. You are pretty dexterous~ Do you really need me to teach you?

Hinata: Ahaha. I’ve been cooking my own meals for a long time now. I’m used to this~♪

Hiiro: Fufu. You have many talents, don’t you, Hinata-kun? I’ll try learning through imitation.

Niki: Yup, there you go. Your cutting method’s a bit messy at times, but all in all it’s great work!

Tetora: Aniki, Aniki! I won’t let you down either! See, the water’s already starting to boil, yeah~?

Niki: Ooh. That was fast. Guess boiling water really is just too easy to do, huh?

Well, next, you’ll put the bowl these two got ready for you into the pot ♪

Tetora: Gotcha!

Once it’s boiled, put the bowl with the chocolate in the—

Nwooooooooh!? My hand slipped!

Hinata & Hiiro: !?

Niki: The chocolate fell directly into the pot?! How’d that happen!?

Tetora: I-I don’t really know either!

I’ve gotta fix this now! Umm, if I splash some water on it—

Niki: No, that’s all wrong! Cut the power! You’ll burn yourself if you put water on it!

Tetora: I-I got it! Uh, the power… is it this?

Tetora: Nwaaaaaah! T-the pot burst into flaaaaaames!

Niki: Aah, you put it on tempura-frying mode! And now the safety device isn’t working right either, y’know!?

Goddammit, this is too dangerous, move! Getting injured in the kitchen would be a disgrace for a chef!

Huff, huff… I managed to get the fire out somehow. That was a close call...

We only just barely managed to get that out, so I’m glad we did, but even one little mistake would have made a disaster happen, okay!?

There’s such a thing as taking carelessness too far… Cooking isn’t something you should take lightly!

Tetora: Uu. I-I wasn’t trying to screw around...

I managed to learn how to deal with fire better through previous training, but even then, I ended up freaking out in front of you, Aniki. Like, I was all clumsy for some reason.

I guess cooking really just isn’t my thing then, huh?

Season: Summer

Location: Starmony Hall Dorm Room (Hinata, Hiiro, Niki)

Hinata: Zzz, zzz... ♪

Tetora: Alright, come at me! Don’t hold back, unleash all of your might!

Hiiro: Of course, Chief![1] If I held back in combat with someone stronger I would risk getting injured, correct? I shall proceed in earnest!

—Haaah!

Tetora: Oof—! Your movements got sharper since last time, huh?

The rising star of the karate club never fails to impress me!

Hiiro: The same goes for you, Chief! I managed to get through you with a surprise attack last time, but now that I’m attempting an attack from the front, it is truly proving to be as tricky as expected.

I was supposed to be on the offense, yet I’m the one who’s out of breath!

Tetora: Then, how ‘bout this? Roundhouse kick! Haaaaah!

Hiiro: Whoops, I anticipated that one!

Fufu, karate is truly interesting, isn’t it? It specializes in kicking and striking, so one must maximize their speed for unexpected attacks!

When I first started studying kenpo, I was shocked by how brazen it was in comparison to other martial arts. But as I learned, I realized how much depth there was to it.

As it turns out, the city has a multitude of kenpo... no, of martial art styles in general. ♪

Tetora: Yup! Martial arts aren’t only about brandishing violence—they’re a discipline that honors courtesy and respect as well.

Hiiro: So what you mean is, train not only your body, but also your mind! That is very helpful knowledge!

Taaaah!

Tetora: Toryaaaaaaah!

Hinata: Zzz… Hnn?

What’s uuup... Hiiro-kun, Tetsu-kun, are you guys fighting? I’m tryna sleep, so fight quietly...

Hinata: —Wait, whaa!? Why are you guys fighting!? Isn’t this supposed to be my bedroom!?

A-Am I still dreaming? Umm, my brain can’t keep up!

Tetora: Huh, is that you, Hinata-kun?

Hiiro: I believe we might’ve woken him up. I’m terribly sorry.

Hinata: Um, yeah, this isn’t a dojo, you know?

Like, why’re you guys even fighting in the dorm~!? You ruined my beauty sleep!

Tetora: I’m really sorry! We had activities in karate club today, so I was sparring with Hiiro-kun in the dojo, but...

Our fighting scared the other members, so they told us to go someplace else, y’see~?

Hiiro: Thus, since my… and Hinata-kun and Shiina-san’s room was empty, I figured we could have a match there.

Hinata: Sparring? Nuh-uh, no way! That looked like the real deal!

Tetora: Huh, did it? But we were just practicing like usual… right, Hiiro-kun?

Hiiro: Right. That way of practicing feels natural for us.

Hinata: I think I’m with the karate guys back at the dojo for this one...

Hiiro: Um? I don’t really get what you mean, but…

It doesn’t change the fact that we worried you. I’m truly sorry for disturbing your sleep.

Tetora: I really had no idea you were sleeping, though. I couldn’t tell you were there all wrapped up in your sheets, y’know~?

Hinata: Well, I tend not to be around when I have work, so I don’t blame you for not knowing, but... I woke up to something so scary I can’t help but feel disoriented...

I have been sleeping since noon, so it’s probs also my fault for messing up my biological clock so bad. What time is it?

Hiiro: It’s 7pm right now, however… Even though you tend to stay up pretty late, you went to bed fairly early today, didn’t you?

Tetora: Now that you mention it, you really don’t sound like your usual peppy self, huh~? Did you catch a cold?

Hinata: No, it’s just that I had a fight with Yuuta-kun around lunch time today. And I’m sure Tetsu-kun, who’s been with me through all of last year, is about to say “Again?”.

And of course, it was once again me who made Yuuta-kun angry. All that self-loathing and confusion tumbling around inside of me were making me sick, so I was trying to sleep it off.

Hiiro: Yuuta-kun, huh... That’s your younger brother, yes? You mention his name quite often.

Tetora: He sure does. And what’s more, they’re twin brothers, and that’s super rare to find around here! ♪

Hiiro: Whoa... twins are indeed rather rare, aren’t they? I have hardly ever seen any, even back in my hometown.

I’m curious, do the relationships between twins differ from other siblings?

Hinata: Hm~ The two of us share similar circumstances, so we can relate to each other for the most part, but I guess we don’t always have the same opinions either—just like any other pair of siblings.

We’ve always been getting into fights, but I thought it’d be better now that we’ve finally become independent, you know~?

It feels like we’re back to square one all over again.

Now, I have a question—Hiiro-kun, have you ever fought with your brother?

Hiiro: Nii-san and I?

Hinata: Yeah. Rinne-senpai may seem like the harsh type, but I feel like deep down he’s more like an attentive yakuza boss. I was wondering if he’d be the type to fight with his family.

Hiiro: Let me see... I’m not sure if MDM could be counted as a fight, but...

I think that was the biggest argument I’ve ever had with Nii-san. Or rather, it might have been the first time we failed to reach an agreement.

Back in our hometown, Nii-san would always listen to what I had to say, so we never had any disputes to begin with.

Tetora: Hmmm... He’s open-minded when it comes to that, huh? Even though he slandered Ryuseitai, calling us villains and whatnot! [2]

Hinata: Ah… Sorry, I hit a sore spot.

I didn’t mean it like that, it's just—I was just looking for a clue to resolve the fight we had.

Since now that we’re becoming more independent of each other, maybe this’ll be what tears us apart for good?

Tetora: Ahaha, I was just kidding, ok~? As if I’d still be angry about that. But, well, he does still kinda piss me off as a person.

Hiiro: You’re making a scary face, Chief...

Hinata: Ahaha... Nevermind, let’s pretend this whole conversation didn’t happen.

Well, we all have our own ways of dealing with things, right? So I guess I just have to solve it on my own somehow.

Tetora: Then I have an idea, Hinata-kun!

Hinata: Oooh, what is it? Tell me, tell me~

Tetora: In times like this, there’s one thing that never fails—if you're a man, talk with your fists!

Hinata: Yeah, absolutely not~! Idea absolutely, positively rejected! Using violence against Yuuta-kun is unthinkable!

Tetora: Eh~? I thought it was a good idea, though~?

Hiiro: Then, have you considered going hunting together to strengthen your bond…? ♪

Hinata: Also out of the question! We don’t even hunt on a daily basis in the first place, y’know?

...Man, both of you are way too intense.

I’m screwed. What am I gonna do if Yuuta-kun gets closer to Hakaze-senpai and starts distancing himself from me...?

Tetora: C’mon, aren’t you overthinking it~? Haven’t you guys always been having fights up ‘till now?

You may have disagreements every so often, but after a few days everything goes back to normal... That’s the Aoi twins I know.

It’s best if you don’t think too much of it, ‘kay?

Hinata: You’re not wrong, but... things are different now that we’ve moved to ES. The possibility is still out there!

I don’t want that~! What if this is the end for us?

Tetora: ...The situation is pretty serious, huh?

Hiiro: Mhm. He is more troubled than I expected.

Niki: I’m hooome~ ♪

You guys sure look excited~! Are you having a pizza party?

If you are, count me in! Food is the perfect way to get to know each other, after all! ♪

The staff meals I had after work were really good, but I always have a second stomach for parties…☆

Hinata: —That’s it!

Thank you, Shiina-senpai! This is exactly what I needed!

It’s all coming together now~! Man, both your timing and your words—you’re such a genius! Attaboy, Iron Chef!

Niki: Huh, what? What’s happening? Is this another hidden camera prank~? [3]

Nahaha. I can’t feel bad when my cooking’s getting complimented, though... ♪

The title Hiiro uses here is buchou (部長), which stands for club president.

In the Main Story, Rinne publicly slanders Ryuseitai during Crazy:B's live to pressure Ryuseitai into joining so they could defend themselves. It worked, however, the circumstances of the live gave Crazy:B an unfair advantage, and they crushed Ryuseitai in a humiliating defeat. This occurs in Chapter 123, "Injured".

Season: Summer

Location: Suburban Shopping Mall

The next day...

Hiiro: ...... *picks up product and inspects it closely*

...... *eyes shine as he looks at the label*

Hinata: Hiiro-kun.

Hiiro: ......

Hinata: Hiiro-kun?

Hiiro: Hm...?

Hinata: Were you listening~? Can you put that seasoning over there in our cart?

Hiiro: Aah, my bad. I was so mesmerized by all the "new things" that I got caught up in everything around me.

Coriander, cumin, nutmeg... These are all new to me. Aah, I've heard of cinnamon though. That one appears in a café's name[1], right?

However, I still cannot see "spaise" anywhere. I wonder where one is supposed to go to find it.

Hinata: Ahaha. A "spice" isn't a specific thing, it's more like a whole category of seasonings.

You sprinkle them in to add flavor to your dishes, cover up the smell of meat, and stuff like that ♪

Hiiro: Ooh! My hometown has herbs that are used for that. Spices must also be used fairly similarly, I'm guessing?

Hinata: Yup, yup! They're basically the same! Wow, amazing as always, Hiiro-kun. Didn't you get a perfect score on your test the other day? You really do have an amazing memory~!

So, let’s put that chili powder in the cart~ ♪

Hiiro: Okay. Is this one adequate?

Hinata: Yup, thankies! After that, we’ll put the rest of what Shiina-senpai needs in here, and... looks like we only have chocolate left!

Ummm. The other shopping list has...

Hiiro: Hinata-kun, is that thing over there some sort of food?

Hinata: Over where...?

Oh, they’re selling chocolate on that side, so it must be the candy section.

What you saw just now are probably those candies that come with a toy.

Hiiro: Candy that comes... with a toy?

Hinata: Yup. For example, this Sentai Hero ramune comes with a hero finger puppet!

Hiiro: Whoa, so there's a puppet in this small box...

Hinata: And it's not just sentai heroes! There’s candy toys of idols and magical girls[2] too ♪

I think there are fans who collect this Idol Bromide Gum here.

Hiiro: Aah, Aira has been buying a lot of these, actually! That explains why he's been chewing so much gum.

So the city has a culture like this, huh! How interesting!

But why sell candy and toys together, I wonder? Aren't there also stores that specifically specialize in selling toys?

Hinata: Hm~. Even I don't know what's up with that. Maybe it’s a marketing strategy or something.

Well, we're idols, not businessmen, y'know? If we were to start thinking about how to sell ourselves on top of everything else, the possibilities would be basically endless!

Hiiro: That's true, now that you mention it. The producer will do this type of work for us, so we should probably just follow orders.

Alkaloid is a unit of soldiers. By following orders, we're able to put on our very best performance. Perhaps that is why Tenshouin-senpai named us that way?

I didn't realize it until only just recently. Up until the end of MDM, I was so caught up in my own issues, I didn't have time to think about it.

But everyone living in the city helps teach me things that aren't common sense to me. It's an amazing thing.

Hinata: What's wrong, all of a sudden-? Your composure cooled so much that I feel like I'm going to catch a cold!

Hiiro: Ah, sorry. I seem to always act outlandish, huh? What you said just now made me find the answer for something I was thinking about yesterday.

Hinata-kun, you asked me if my brother and I have fought before, right?

Hinata: I did, but... what about it?

Hiiro: Mhm, you see— I thought the reason Nii-san and I never had fights was because I don't know anything and can't think for myself.

Hinata: ......?

Hiiro: And the reason I thought there wasn’t any need to think about how to sell myself, was because I didn't know anything about idols. I would just accept what I was told.

But recently Aira had organized the project Feather Touch, right? It was such a surprise to me, because it’s something I would’ve never thought of doing.

Because, Aira was thinking for himself. He had his own beliefs, and expressed it in the form of a project... It left a deep impression on me.

Aah, sorry. I really went off topic there, didn't I? I have what I want to say in my head, but I can't seem to be able to find the words.

What I'm trying to say is—it's the same thing when it comes to sibling fights. Fights occur when two people's viewpoints differ. If that's true, then are fights really all that bad?

2wink is a unit that can exchange beliefs and develop together. We in Alkaloid want to be that way, too.

You guys aren't taking any steps backwards... At least, that's what I think.

Hinata: Hiiro-kun...

Hiiro: Hinata-kun, can I also buy one of these Idol Bromide Gums?

I want to think for myself as well, so—I wish to collect this! I can't help but wonder what it's like to chew gum every single day. ♪

Hinata: Ah, yeah. I think that's good~. Seeing our idol work pay off in places even like this is pretty motivating as well, right?

...Whoa, and we're back to normal just like that?! After saying all that inspiring stuff, I was nearly knocked off my feet!

Hiiro: Aah, my apologies, I fell into my bad habit again...

Hinata: No, thank you, actually. It made me feel better.

"We" have been having fights throughout our entire journey, up until now. That won't change, and that's alright ♪

Hiiro: Mhm. Our futures have endless potential. Let's not look back, Hinata-kun!

Referring to Cafe "Cinnamon". Niki works there as well.

Season: Summer

Location: Starmony Hall Kitchen

Two hours later

Tetora: Guys, the cookies are done!

Ahhh~! This is probably ‘cause you guys decided on how long we should cook them, but I feel like I actually cooked something right for the first time in a while! I couldn’t have done it without you guys… ☆

Niki: Cooking’s a science. It’s pretty common knowledge that if an amateur uses their own judgement to switch up the cooking time, the food’s gonna come out burnt, y’know~?

Sniff, sniff…♪ Still, all things considered, they smell amazing. Ahh, freshly baked cookies… Let’s taste test them right now ♪

Hinata: You’re still saying that? Shiina-senpai, you didn’t even wait until they were done to “sample” the chocolate in them! Haven’t you already eaten enough~?

Niki: Nahaha. There’s a difference between sampling something you’ve already tried and sampling something for the first time!

Sooo, let’s all split the treats we’re not wrapping up among the three of us and dig in ♪

Hiiro: Mhm. These are the well-deserved spoils of our day long battle. It’s only natural that we should have the right to taste them.

Is that not right, Chief?

Tetora: Ahaha. I’m gonna pass this time. I just did everything Aniki said, so it’s more like I was just dragging you guys down the whole time, and I’d feel too bad to have a bite.

Niki: Well, naturally, I can’t forgive anyone who wastes food.

But I think it would be a little weird for just the three of us to eat all these sweets, yeah?

Tetora: Hm…?

Do you mean… It’s really okay for me to have some?!

Niki: Make sure to show your gratitude to the god of cooking when you dig in, alright~? Oh, and you have to swear that you won’t waste any ingredients ever again!

Tetora: You’ve got my word! God, Buddha, please forgive me!

Munch, munch! Mm, ‘s sooo good! All that skill you passed on to me is baked right into these— the spiciness gives them a kick, and it works really well! These are perfect!

Oh, yeah. These were just the kind of manly cookies I was hoping for!

Hinata: Fufu. Tetsu-kun, you’ve got crumbs all over your mouth, y’know~?

Tetora: Shoot! I got way too ahead of myself!

Hiiro: So this is that “manly cooking” you have been so fixated on, Chief… What a wonderful mix of saltiness and spiciness— it’s like nothing I’ve ever eaten before ♪

I had never expected that homemade sweets would be able to bring such a smile to my face.

I might like to bring some of these sweets we made today to my own brother. This is the first time I’ve had an opportunity like this, after all.

Niki: Now all that’s left is to bring them to Yuuta-kun. We’ll be cheering you on!

Hinata: Yeah! Thanks for everything, Shiina-senpai. Ah, guess it’s not just Shiina-senpai I should be thanking, huh? Hiiro-kun, Tetsu-kun, all your help really cheered me up!

Well, I’m gonna be off!

Location: Starmony Hall Dorm Room (Kaoru, Yuuta, Nagisa)

Hinata: ...Pardon me…?

Yuuta: Hold on, Aniki! I share this room with my seniors, so don’t just come barging in whenever you please!

I guess it’s fine because both of them just so happen to be busy with their work right now, but still. We’re not in our home, you know?

Hinata: Ah, sorry. It wasn’t locked, so I just walked right in without meaning to.

But I’ve got something more important than that, Yuuta-kun. I’m gonna talk about something serious now, so hear me out, won’tcha?

Yuuta: Huh? It feels weird to hear you say you’re gonna talk about something serious! I’ve got goosebumps.

Besides, you know I’m not still mad about what happened yesterday, right? I was thinking that it was more my fault than yours.

If anything, I’m sorry for causing such a big misunderstanding. To tell you the truth, Hakaze-senpai and I had gone to pick out a present for you, Hinata-kun.

Hinata: Huh…?

What are you talking about? Our birthday’s still a ways away, so for you to get me a present—

Yuuta: What are you talking about? You’re my brother, Aniki, so I don’t need a reason to get you a present, right?

You’ve given me a lot more freedom to do what I want these past six months, so this is my way of showing you thanks!

Besides, there was that time I was suspicious of you when you went with Rinne-senpai to Beehive, and I thought you were up to no good…[1] Well, you can take this as an apology for the time being, right?

Hinata: Ahaha. So it’s actually an apology for that whole thing, huh ♪

Yuuta: I told you, that’s not it~ I’m grateful for you, I really am.

For some time now you’ve been working really hard in my stead to do part time jobs, plus you plan for our actual unit work, and you do even more stuff on top of that too. You’re always looking out for me in all kinds of ways.

Hakaze-senpai has good taste, so I asked him to help me look for something that would really suit you, Aniki.

But I didn’t expect that you would find out, you know? So I tried to keep you from coming, and ended up saying some really terrible things to you...

I was thinking of looking for a present for you while you were busy with that project proposal, but then I ended up running into you, and… Our thought processes really are similar, huh?

Hinata: Ahaha. Yeah, we’re two of a kind.

Actually, I’ve got something to give you too… Here, it’s my apology for making you worry so much earlier— homemade sweets!

We made good use of your love for spicy things, and put together a box of all kinds of spicy sweets!

My roommate Shiina-senpai taught us how, so I can guarantee they all taste good. You gotta try them!

...Which is what I had planned to say to apologize. But you beat me to it ♪

Yuuta: Aniki— No, Hinata-kun— I didn’t know you had the same thing in mind.

Well, let’s split this sweets box between the two of us! We can each take half as a symbol of reconciliation, yeah?

Hinata: Ggh?! N-No, don’t make me do that, please~! I made these just for you, Yuuta-kun, so they’re ten times spicier than they normally would be… You know I can’t handle spice well!

Yuuta: Just a joke~ There’s absolutely no way I’d do that to you, Hinata-kun.

We are two different people, after all.

And that’s why it’s a miracle that two different people are able to care dearly for each other this much.

Hinata: ...Yeah. I was thinking the same thing.

Sorry, Yuuta-kun. I know I’m like this, but please keep being kind to me going forward!

Season: Summer

Location: Starmony Hall Dorm Room (Hinata, Hiiro, Niki)

Ten minutes later

Niki: Oh! I see, I totally get you!

So basically what you mean is that you wanna treat Yuuta-kun to a homemade meal to raise his spirits, huh?

Hinata: Yeah… I just wanna make up with Yuuta-kun, one way or another.

Shiina-senpai. Would you be willing to teach me how to cook?

Niki: I gotcha. We’re roommates, so we’re friends here. Not to mention that you’ve blessed me with so many sweets before too...so yeah, I’ll cooperate with you ♪

Hinata: Thanks, Shiina-senpai. You’re my savior~♪

Tetora: Cooking class! How cool~ I want you to teach me too, Aniki! [1]

Niki: “Aniki”? Er, I wasn’t really planning on the two of us being brothers… Have we met before?

Tetora: Nnah!? Y-you don’t remember….!? Remember that one time in the staff canteen? I might have forgotten to tell you my name back then, but I said hi to you! [2]

Niki: Umm, did that ever happ—…

Ahh, I remember now!

You came up to me when I was debating the idea of quitting being an idol, and you were pretty hot-blooded too — If I’m remembering right, you’re that Ryusei Black kid from Ryuseitai, right?

Tetora: Uh-huh! I’m Nagumo Tetora! I’m so honored you remembered!

Niki: Boooy, I only just connected the dots! I’m pretty forgetful when it comes to things that aren’t about cooking, so…

Anyway, Nagumo-kun. What’d you come here for? This is our room, you know~?

Tetora: Ah, I came because Hiiro-kun’s in the same room as you!

But maaan, I didn’t expect that I’d be able to talk to you like this again! I’ve always been super moved by everything you do, Aniki — You’re my cooking role model to this day!

If it’s cool with you, I want you to teach me how to cook too!

Niki: Um. But I’m not your brother… Did I say that title was better than “Shiina-sensei” the last time we talked or something?

Hmm… I’m not exactly the biggest fan of people being clingy with me, but… I guess having a third person is no different from having two, so I may as well teach you while I’m at it.

Tetora: Awright! Thanks so much, Aniki!

Niki: “Aniki”... Hmm. I’m still not used to it, huh… Think about it from my point of view— I can count the amount of times we’ve met on one hand, so it’s sending shivers down my spine!

Hinata: Ahaha. It’s because once Tetsu-kun falls for you, he’ll be completely devoted to you~ He’ll probably stay like this for a while.

Niki: Why is it that both Rinne-kun and this kid give me no space, huh?

...Ah. We got totally off-topic.

So, you were saying that you wanna treat Yuuta-kun to something homemade, but what kinds of foods does he like?

I can teach you how to make anything, from Japanese food, to Western food, to Chinese food, or even something completely new and creative.

Hinata: Ah, yeah… Yuuta-kun likes food that’s super spicy, so I was wondering if I should ask for a recipe with some spice in it?

Niki: Hmm. A recipe with some spice in it, huh? Plus it’s still gotta be relatively easy to give as a gift, too...

Hiiro: How about super spicy omurice?!

Niki: That’s what you like, isn’t it?

Tetora: Aniki! How about we do some manly cooking— what about something like yakiniku?

Niki: I’m not sure if that really counts as cooking!

Hm… This has to be something you can personally deliver, otherwise it seems like it’ll be hard to make up with him. Maybe if we had a dish that’s a little easier to carry...

Hinata: Usually when you wanna put your whole heart into an apology, you bring the person a box of assorted cakes or something like that, huh? But if we’re going for something spicy, I can’t really think of anything…?

Hiiro: Oh, by assorted cakes, you must mean those sweet things Aira often eats. So there’s a spicy version of them as well?

Tetora: Uumyu. There’s all different kinds of spicy snacks. But can you make stuff like that yourself?

Niki: Spicy sweets… Ah, if that’s what we’re going for, I’ve got a good idea!

A spicy sweet that you can carry… We can make hot chocolate!

Hinata: Hot chocolate…?

Hiiro: I have heard of chocolate before, but this “hot chocolate'' is a first. Isn’t that the project that you and my brother did some time ago?

Niki: That’s “Hot Limit”.

Hot chocolate is a dessert made by adding chili pepper to dark chocolate with a high cacao content.

The bitterness coupled with the spiciness yields an absolutely exquisite flavor— it’s delicious!

Tetora: I see. Just as we’d expect of you, Aniki! Your cooking knowledge is out of this world!

Hiiro: I can’t quite imagine it from just hearing about it, but it sounds so interesting!

Hinata: Mhm. Yuuta-kun’s got a soft spot for spicy things, and the creativity of the snack should be a big help in clearing up things between us.

Shiina-senpai! Please teach me how to make hot chocolate! Pretty please!

Niki: I gotcha, but under one condition!

Hinata: One condition...?

Niki: Oh, don’t sweat it. It’s really simple, okay? If you’re gonna cook, you gotta make some for me too!

I can fill up my stomach, you can make up with your brother… It’s just like killing two birds with one stone...♪

Hinata: That’ll be no problem at all! If there’s any other odd jobs, or just other kinds of help that you need from me in general, you can feel free to ask, okay?

I work part-time at a Chinese restaurant, after all. I’m pretty confident with this type of stuff~♪

Niki: Gotcha. Then I’d be glad if you went out shopping for me ♪

The spices they’ve got at the shopping mall are authentic and tasty, but it’s pretty out of the way, so it’s been hard for me to replenish my stash, y’know~?

So I’ll leave that to you ♪

Hiiro: What is… a shopping mall? Chief, do you know?

Tetora: Ah, you don’t know what shopping malls are, huh?

Then I think you should get Hinata-kun to show you around ♪

Hiiro: But we have club activities tomorrow, don’t we? Is it truly alright for me to forego them?

Tetora: Don’t worry about it. An idol’s health has always been more important than their club activities, plus—

It’ll be more useful in the future to learn stuff about the world now, after all.

Hiiro: Thank you. I’m grateful for your consideration.

I don’t fully understand what this “shopping mall” place is, but if there’s anything you need help carrying, I’ll assist you!

Also, this may be rude of me to ask, but in exchange for that, could you teach me about the outside world?

Hinata: Alright, then it’s decided! You’ll go out shopping with me tomorrow!

And then we’ll make hot chocolate at night, and I’ll give it to Yuuta-kun, and then we’ll make up! Yup yup, it feels like a beam of light’s shining brightly on my future...☆

Tetora refers to Niki with “aniki” in kanji, contrary to Yuuta’s version of “aniki”, which is written in katakana. Yuuta’s version of “aniki” when referring to Hinata is more of a nickname, whereas Tetora’s is more as if he’s calling Niki his older brother/older brother figure.

Season: Summer

Location: Shopping Mall 1F

A few days later…

Yuuta: Wait up, Aniki...! You’re walking way too fast!

It’s great that you wanted to make up with me and all, but you're always way too eager!

Hinata: Ahaha, sorry, sorry. I’m just excited...♪

Last time we’d gotten into a disagreement, but now we’re here to shop together for real, so it’s like all my worries have floated away! ♪

Yuuta: Nuh-uh. You’re the one who’s floating away!

Hinata: Ahaha, how could I not be? Anzu-san approved my proposal, we gotta celebrate!

Yuuta: A celebration, huh... But didn’t we just give each other presents the other day~? At least, it feels like it.

But, that’s nice. This time we’re working together as the brothers of 2wink—it wouldn’t have worked out if we were still fighting.

A TV program where “we” go around interviewing various brothers and sisters... that’s a job we can only do as the twins from 2wink!

Just looking around us, we have the Amagi brothers and the Sakuma brothers—didn’t Anzu-san also have a younger brother? Our targets are endless, huh~♪

Hinata: Fufufu. Keep the praise going, Yuuta-kun!

It’s a great way to make connections too, y’know~♪

Yuuta: Yeah, yeah. But don’t go tooting your own horn.

I mean, I don’t even have to be praising you in the first place, right?

I’m always grateful to you. Coming up with ideas for 2wink, selling them as proposals...

And now, as a token of appreciation, you’re looking for accessories for me, right?

Hinata: Eh, how’d ya know?! Telepathy?!

Yuuta: How long do you think we’ve known each other? I don’t need telepathic powers in order to understand you.

Hinata: Oh, yeah. You’re right...

Well, there’s nothing to hide then! I’m gonna look for accessories that look so good on you, just follow me! ♪

Yuuta: I’ve been following you for a while now. You’re so strange, “Hinata-kun”.

Ah—Looking for accessories is fine and all, but how ‘bout we buy some shoes here first?

Hinata: Shoes?

Yuuta: Mhm. We used to just buy the same sneakers in different colors and replace them as we went. But I dunno, I don’t think it’s so bad to try out something completely different for us.

Like, lately it’s been getting weirdly cold out, don’t you feel that autumn is coming soon~?

Hinata: Okie-dokie! Change of plans, let’s start off with looking at shoes!

Well, how ‘bout these leather boots? I think they’ll suit you.

Yuuta: Ehh~, would they? It seems more mature than my usual image, but...

Hinata: Now now, just try ‘em on! Trust my good taste!

Yuuta: Okay~. I’ll try to believe, then.

How’s this...?

Hinata: Ahaha. They suit you, they suit you! ♪

But, kinda feels strange somehow, doesn’t it...? Before this, we’d always buy the same thing but in different colors—you’d think doing this would be twice the work.

Yet I feel like all this trouble is kinda endearing.

Yuuta: Ehh? Aren’t you always making exaggerations, “Hinata-kun”? Now that’s a good one!

But—I think I agree with you, too. Days like this are tons of fun. ♪

Hinata: Ah, lookie, lookie! Those clothes on display over there, though—

Afterwards, “we” had fun shopping all day long.

From here on out, we may get in many more disagreements, and maybe even fight...