君を見てるよ。

Sougo: While sharing the things we like with each other, we chose a place we can enjoy together.

Tamaki: Finding a place that both of us could enjoy instead of one or the other was tough but fun huh!

Tamaki: I really like this place! Since it’s near the mountains I thought it’d take longer, but it was only about an hour from Tokyo.

Sougo: It’s usually a relaxing shop, but on clear Friday evenings they play live piano music, and at night you can stargaze on the terrace.

Tamaki: Sou-chan’s plan was to “take it easy at a coffee shop while listening to music”, and mine was “looking at the stars together” so this is a super perfect spot. It’s amazing how we found a place like this!

Sougo: You’re right. Let’s go ahead and walk in.

Shop Clerk: Welcome~

Tamaki: Hello— ...Whoa!

Dog: Woof woof!

Tamaki: Uwah—! What’s with this guy! Ahaha, he’s so friendly!

Sougo: That’s the owner’s mascot dog, Bess-kun. Since you said you also like dogs, Tamaki-kun.

Tamaki: I can become friends with dogs right away so I really like them!

Tamaki: Bess, woof woof!

Sougo: You’re right, looks like you’re friends already…

Staff: And cut! Thank you very much, that’s a wrap!

Sougo: Thank you very much.

Tamaki: Bess, that was great timing! Thanks—

Dog: Woof woof!

Staff: We got the cut of the meal inside the cafe earlier, so please standby until it’s time for the evening live music!

Tamaki: Got it.

Sougo: Then let’s take a break over there.

Tamaki: Haa… This is so relaxing…

Sougo: It’s been a while since we’ve had time like this.

Staff: We’ll resume filming soon! Please standby for a little while longer!

Tamaki: ‘Kay.

Sougo: Understood. Thank you.

Sougo: The sun will go down soon.

Tamaki: Yea.

Sougo: It’s quiet, and the wind feels nice.

Tamaki: You’re right.

Sougo: Thanks for today. For picking a relaxing cafe for me.

Tamaki: Thanks to you too. For picking a shop with yummy cake.

Sougo: When the sun goes down, we can see the stars right?

Tamaki: Yeah. Since you said out of the morning, day, and night, you like the night the most.

Tamaki: Plus I like stargazing. Hey, I knew the name of the star in that song you like, right?

Sougo: Aah, that’s right. Orion.

Tamaki: Orion is made up of 3 aligned stars!

Sougo: Haha… Yeah. That and Sirius.

Tamaki: Sirius is the brightest star. In a place called Canis Major the Greater Dog.

Sougo: Is it a dog bigger than the one we saw during the day?

Tamaki: Way bigger! It’s a constellation after all!

Sougo: Haha…

Tamaki: Ehehe.

Sougo: What did you talk about with everyone? You asked what they all like, right?

Tamaki: Iorin likes his own cool face.

Sougo: Heh…..?

Tamaki: Like a bank teller’s.

Sougo: Aah, I get it. So he likes that kind of thing.

Tamaki: What about you, Sou-chan?

Sougo: I asked Yamato-san and Riku-kun. Riku-kun even gave me advice regarding you.

Sougo: As for Yamato-san…

Tamaki: Why are you getting embarrassed? Did he say he likes something weird?

Sougo: No, it’s just…

Tamaki: I know. It’s something pervy.

Sougo: It’s not pervy. ...I don’t think. I think it’s normal.

Tamaki: Then what?

Sougo: Osaka Sougo.

Tamaki: Ah, oh…

Sougo: Haha… It might’ve been flattery, but it made me happy.

Tamaki: ……..

Sougo: I-Is there something wrong? Wouldn’t you be happy if someone said they like you?

Tamaki: Well yeah, but…

Tamaki: I thought about today a lot too,

Tamaki: but you became happy so easily like that.

Sougo: ……..

Tamaki: Y’know, sometimes I lose confidence. About Sou-chan.

Sougo: About me….?

Tamaki: Yeah. When I think I don’t know you, I lose confidence.

Tamaki: When I think I do know you, I’m happy, it’s fun, and I gain confidence.

Tamaki: Being together becomes fun.

Sougo: Aa… I get it. I might be the same.

Tamaki: Did you gain confidence today?

Sougo: Yeah. A little.

Tamaki: Hehe… Me too. Just a little.

Tamaki: Ah! The sky is still bright but I can see the moon.

Sougo: You’re right. It’s pretty…

Sougo: …….. I……

Tamaki: What?

Sougo: When you talk about me like you know me, I gain confidence.

Sougo: I guess it’s not right to say I gain confidence. I feel a sense of relief.

Sougo: Like when you said I wanted others to praise the things I like.

Sougo: I felt like you accepted me for the way I am,

Sougo: I felt like you saved the real me, the me who I didn’t know myself…

Tamaki: …….

Tamaki: Is that, a good thing?

Sougo: Probably… I’d like for it to be. For me, it was a very happy thing.

Tamaki: Then that’s a good thing.

Sougo: Fufu… Maybe.

Tamaki: Hehe…

Tamaki: Y’know in the lyrics, it mentions the butterfly effect.

Tamaki: When I asked you what that meant, you said something complicated right?

Sougo: Aah. The butterfly effect is when slight influences evoke change in the natural world…..

Tamaki: I thought that’s like me and you.

Tamaki: The way we change little by little with the smallest, tiniest things.

Tamaki: With something as small as a butterfly fluttering its wings, a storm occurs or a rainbow appears.

Sougo: …...

Sougo: Yeah… That might be true.

Sougo: Then I hope a wonderful butterfly effect happens tonight too.

Tamaki: Yeah.

Tamaki: Ah, look! Sou-chan!

Tamaki: The first star of the evening!

Mitsuki: Alrighty. Something like that.

Tamaki: That was really good! Thanks Mikki. It’s so easy to talk when you’re around. I wanna do promotions with you all the time.

Mitsuki: That makes me happy, but things won’t go like that—

Nagi: Besides sweets and anime, we had many other common interests.

Tamaki: It made me realize we have a lot more places we can go to eat together other than the Kokona cafe.

Nagi: Tamaki, you’re a very very big eater. That’s the most important advantage at a collab cafe. You are an extremely valuable resource.

Mitsuki: I was surprised Nagi likes cheese! Next time let’s go buy cheese together.

Nagi: Of course! With Tamaki as well…

Nagi: OH… What’s wrong? Making such a short face.

Mitsuki: You mean a long face. What’s up, Tamaki? Since you talked about Ousama Purin, do you feel like eating it now?

Tamaki: That’s not it. I just remembered the biggest hurdle is waiting for me after this…

Nagi: You mean thinking of a place to go out with Sougo? Surely that’s not a hurdle. I believe Sougo would be happy with any place you invite him to.

Tamaki: How do I say it, that’s not good enough. That’s what’s bad about Sou-chan.

Tamaki: Mikki’s good at getting angry, y’know? I like getting scolded by Mikki.

Nagi: Wow! We have yet another common favorite thing. I also like it a bit when Mitsuki scolds me.

Mitsuki: What’s with that? I’ll let you know I hate getting angry.

Nagi: OH, I doubt that. Mitsuki, you get angry often. That’s because you like it.

Mitsuki: That’s wrong!! ...At least I think it’s wrong?

Tamaki: But Sou-chan, he sucks at getting angry. Or like, he doesn’t get angry when he should.

Tamaki: That’s why even if I take him somewhere he doesn’t want to go, he’ll say, “This is fun, this is fun Tamaki-kun!”

Mitsuki: There are hardly places you could take him that’d make him mad, right? Aren’t you overthinking it?

Tamaki: No, since we’re advertising on the show, he’s probably holding back 8 times more than usual. Even if he doesn’t like it, he definitely won’t say so. I really don’t like that side of him.

Nagi: In other words, you want him to enjoy the plan you decided on from the bottom of his heart.

Tamaki: ...Well, yeah. Isn’t that normal?

Mitsuki: So you mean you don’t wanna force it on him! I understand how you feel. Sougo still has a tendency to hold back and strain himself.

Tamaki: Although it’s for a TV program. I don’t really get to go out with Sou-chan much, so might as well take advantage of it.

Tamaki: We’ve been doing well lately, so I wanna pick a place he actually wants to go. I should be able to do that though. 

Tamaki: When we get there, if I find out that he’s holding back even a little bit, it’ll probably piss me off a lot…

Nagi: If that’s the case, you’ll need to find more and more things that Sougo likes.

Nagi: Remember. This is not a game where you guess what Sougo likes.

Nagi: The point of the project is to properly convey your likes and to understand Sougo’s likes, is it not?

Tamaki: …That’s right.

Mitsuki: I get that you want to surprise him, but it’ll be better to do that after MEZZO” levels up more. You like leveling up, right?

Tamaki: That depends on the game.

Nagi: I don’t like leveling up. I want to use cheats for an instant max level.

Mitsuki: Ahaha. Tamaki, try asking Sougo directly via rabbit chat. That’s more like leveling up than using a cheat.

Tamaki: I wanted to guess though—

Tamaki: I like sweet things, but Sou-chan doesn’t, so maybe it’d be better if we stray away from anything food-related.

Tamaki: Then, what should I do…

Tamaki: …..

Nagi: Tamaki’s making all kinds of faces while rabbit chatting. Smile, Nod, Facepalm, Whew…..

Mitsuki: He’s not usually like that though. This is such a funny image so I’ll take a pic.

Tamaki: He replied. Rather than the morning or daytime, he likes nighttime…

Tamaki: He likes concerts but doesn’t like crowds. He likes quiet places.

Tamaki: Hmm… Is that so.

Tamaki: Uwah! What are you doing! You don’t have to take a picture of this, stop it!

Nagi: Mitsuki’s variety show sensor has activated! It’s better to have more material.

Mitsuki: See? He properly said what he doesn’t like. Sougo doesn’t hold back on stuff like that anymore.

Tamaki: ……

Mitsuki: If he thinks he’ll be taken somewhere he doesn’t want to go, he’ll properly say, “That’s troubling, Tamaki-kun…”

Tamaki: Ahaha! That sounded like him, Mikki.

Tamaki: I see, that’s right… Sou-chan will tell me properly.

Tamaki: This is proof that we get along now!

Nagi: Of course!

Tamaki: Ehehe.

Tamaki: Rabbit chat is a little boring, so I’ll go ask him the rest directly!

Nagi: Good luck, Tamaki!

Mitsuki: Don’t fight, okay!

Tamaki: We won’t!

Tamaki: ‘Cause Sou-chan and I are gonna talk about what we like!

Tamaki: Hehe….. I’m starting to look forward to it

[End of Chapter 2]

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, Tamaki-san, welcome back. Thank you for your good work on the recording!

Banri: Good work you two. 

Tamaki: Yeah— Good work. 

Sougo: Manager, Banri-san, thank you for your good work. 

Banri: Sorry this is right after you finished, but here are the documents for this time’s promotion plan. 

Sougo: Thank you. Amazing. Compared to when we first debuted, the number of program names that I recognize have increased. 

Tamaki: This many… Wasn’t it tough? 

Tsumugi: Although there are also sales, recently when we submit information for the press, we’ve been receiving more interview requests. 

Tsumugi: It may be taxing for you two, but please work hard! 

Sougo: We’ll do our best. 

Tamaki: Ah— this. It’s the TV show I always watch with Iorin. 

Tamaki: “Let’s Tell Your Friends What You Like, And Learn What Your Friends Like” 

Banri: Going along with the theme for “Dear Butterfly”, the plan is for you two to think about where you want to hang out in the show. 

Sougo: You’ve gotten us such a big time slot. 

Tamaki: Member interview, filming by MEZZO”... We can record everyone with a camera? 

Tsumugi: Yes! If you two are okay with it, the plan is to borrow a handheld camera from the program and record filming material.  

Tamaki: Ohh— Sounds fun. Let’s do it. 

Sougo: I’m worried whether the material will turn out good… If Tamaki-kun’s alright with it, I’ll try it too. 

Banri: Thanks! I’ll tell the other members. I’ll look forward to your interview and the place you two decide to go! 

Tamaki: Sou-chan, where do you want to go? 

Sougo: You can decide, Tamaki-kun. 

Banri: You’ll decide together. Talk it out and try to find a place both of you can enjoy. 

Banri: Sougo-kun, Tamaki-kun, good luck. 

Tamaki: I’m home— 

Tamaki: Huh? Iorin. 

Iori: Welcome back, Yotsuba-san. I received the plan documents and handheld camera from Manager. 

Tamaki: Ooh, the thing from before! The camera came? Gimme gimme. 

Iori: It’s a valuable opportunity to publicize in a prime time variety show with such a big time slot. 

Iori: In addition, not only can we show MEZZO”’s charm point, but also the members of IDOLiSH7. Let’s have a meeting to thoroughly discuss the video and comments to be used for advertisement and… 

Tamaki: Ya~y. Iorin! Look here, over here! 

Iori: Could you listen to me!? 

Tamaki: Iorin, you like Usamimi Friends right? Who’s your favorite character out of… 

Iori: Stop, stop! Please stop this, this is completely unacceptable! 

Tamaki: Eh, what…? 

Iori: I’ve been saying this repeatedly since before, but I don’t like fancy goods such as that at all. 

Tamaki: Hey. I’ve been thinking this since before too, but how long are you gonna put up that front? 

Iori: What do you mean how long? I’ve been like this from the beginning and up until now. 

Tamaki: Yeah, yeah, let’s say it’s that kind of setup. 

Iori: Do you want to be knocked down? 

Tamaki: Then Iorin, please tell me your fake, TV-version of what you like. Please go ahead—

Iori: What an attitude… 

Tamaki: Oh right. Iorin, you like Mikki right? 

Iori: That’s true. I like him. Since we’re siblings. 

Tamaki: I like my sister too so we’re the same. 

Iori: Now that you mention it, that may be something we have in common. 

Tamaki: Also, you like Rikkun right? 

Iori: I respect Nanase-san as IDOLiSH7’s center. I also recognize his true strength. 

Tamaki: I like Rikkun too. And you like me too right? 

Iori: You, Yotsuba-san? 

Tamaki: Well, you meddle with me and Rikkun a lot. Saying don’t do this, don’t do that. 

Iori: Because you two keep doing dangerous things, my hands are full. 

Iori: But that’s true. As a member, and as a classmate, I hold favorable feelings. 

Tamaki: Then if me, Mikki and Rikkun were hanging off a cliff, who would you save first?

Iori: Huh? What kind of question is that? You’re straying from the point. 

Tamaki: Doesn’t matter. Say it. I won’t get mad. Who? 

Iori: I’ll ask the same to you, Yotsuba-san. If your sister, Osaka-san and I were about to die, who would you save? Would it be your sister after all? While you abandon the rest of us? 

Tamaki: Hey— excuse you but I asked first didn’t I—? 

Iori: Don’t ask me a question you can’t answer yourself. ...Jeez, this is unacceptable. We have to think of comments that make us look more appealing. 

Iori: Osaka-san even read and studied a book on cameras. You should follow his example at least a little. 

Tamaki: Then let’s show your charm with a face you like. Try it. 

Iori: A face I like? You mean an expression of mine that I like myself? 

Tamaki: Yeah yeah. When they see that face, they’ll think, “Oh! Iorin’s making a face he likes!” 

Tamaki: “Ah! This smug face is the face Iorin himself thinks is super cool!” Both the fans and me. 

Tamaki: Here we go— 3, 2, 1… 

Iori: W-Wait! This is embarrassing. I can’t do this. 

Tamaki: Why? Even though when we take pictures, you always say to do this and that. 

Iori: You do it first. Here, give me the camera. 

Tamaki: Jeez— you keep being like that. Fine, I’ll do the face I like. 

Iori: Here we go. 3, 2, 1… Cue. 

Tamaki: Nn. 

Tamaki: MEZZO”’s “Dear Butterfly” is on sale! Check it out! 

Iori: ...So a smile? 

Tamaki: What. Is that bad? Everyone’s smile is good, normally. 

Iori: That’s somewhat surprising. You’re popular for your cool side, aren’t you? I thought you’d make a sharper expression.

Tamaki: Eh—? Is that better? Does that mean you like the cooler me? 

Iori: Putting what I like aside, gaps are popular. I think a smile is fine. 

Tamaki: Then next is Iorin. Here, give me the camera. 

Iori: ...A face I like… 

Tamaki: Here we go— Say cheese!

Iori: ….. 

Iori: Did you just say “say cheese” when this is a video? 

Tamaki: Eh— what’s that, you look sullen. Like a bank teller. Even a bank teller smiles more than that. 

Iori: It’s fine like this. 

Tamaki: That’s not cute. I like your smiling face. That’s cuter. You like cute things right? 

Iori: I like cool and sharp things! It’s fine like this. 

Iori: ….. 

Tamaki: Your smiling face would be way better—

Tamaki: Kya—! Iorin, laugh—! 

Iori: ….h… 

Tamaki: Look over here, Iorin~!! 

Iori: …fufu… 

Tamaki: Ahaha! I did it! I recorded you smiling! 

Iori: Jeez… What a pushy person. 

Tamaki: Ahahaha! 

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, good work on the concert! “~A Melty Night to You! Valentine’s Concert~” was really wonderful!!

Sougo: Thanks! I’m really glad the concert was a blast. The fans were also satisfied. I could see their smiling faces clearly.

Tsumugi: There was lots of cheering! I got excited too! The concert costumes had a sweet design but also looked cool, which fit everyone very well as you danced!

Sougo: I’m happy. And I was glad Yamato-san was utterly surprised…

Tsumugi: It looked like Yamato-san didn’t expect a reenactment of a drama that he appeared in!

Sougo: After his initial shock, he was cracking up. When we sang happy birthday together, he looked a bit solemn…

Tsumugi: I’m glad we were able to get permission to do Yamato-san’s birthday surprise during the concert! I think it was a happy surprise since we were able to have the fans participate as well!

Sougo: I think Yamato-san was happy too! His eyes were a bit teary.

Tsumugi: The surprise was a huge success!

Tsumugi: (laughing Kinako stamp)

Sougo: I hope we were able to express our gratitude to Yamato-san even a little bit.

Tsumugi: I bet your feelings surely reached him! No matter how good he is at acting, I don’t think he’d be able to laugh so happily like that!

Tsumugi: It truly became a great Valentine’s concert…!

Sougo: I still feel the excitement. When I close my eyes, I feel like I can see the green-filled venue.

Sougo: That’s right, I had the chocolate cake! You’re good at cooking, Manager.

Tsumugi: I don’t deserve such words…! I was careful about the balance between the bitterness and sweetness, but… I was still a bit worried.

Tsumugi: (sweating Ousama Purin stamp)

Sougo: I could tell that you worked really hard to make it. Truly, thank you so much for all that you do for us all the time.

1. Did my feelings of gratitude reach you? Sougo: Of course! My chest was filled with warmth.

2. The Valentine’s present was a success…! Sougo: Yeah, it was a wonderful present. Thank you for the food.

3. I’ll make it again if you’d like! Sougo: Really? Next time I’d like to try something different. Can I ask for it next year as well?

Tsumugi: Since you enjoyed it so much, I’m really glad I made it!

Sougo: I felt bad because I’m the one who’s grateful. Thanks so much, Manager Tsumugi.

Tsumugi: Please, I’m the one who can never express her gratitude enough! I’m always strengthened by everyone’s performance and smiles!

Tsumugi: While I’m IDOLiSH7’s manager, I’m also a huge fan of all of you!

Sougo: We’re always strengthened by you too.

Sougo: I have to give back to you as well. If there’s something you’d like me to do, or if there’s something I’m able to do, please tell me. 

Tsumugi: Your words are more than enough…!

Sougo: You can rely on me a bit more… Just kidding, is that spoiled?

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, please rely on me more as well!

Sougo: (thumbs up Ousama Purin stamp)

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, thank you for your hard work! The Valentine’s concert is finally around the corner, but how do you feel about it?

Sougo: Thank you for your hard work, Manager. The lessons for the concert are moving along without delay.

Tsumugi: We’re also moving along with preparations for the stage on this end…! Also, regarding Yamato-san’s birthday surprise, how is Yamato-san!?

Sougo: It looks like Yamato-san is on his guard about what we’re doing… But since we surprised Iori-kun last month, it can’t be helped if Yamato-san thinks we’ll surprise him as well…

Tsumugi: He also suspected me a bit…! Sweats He won’t be easily deceived after all. How formidable!

Sougo: When Yamato-san directly told me, “Tell me the surprise plan,” I was shocked… He wouldn’t let his guard down, so I didn’t have a way to escape… I wonder if I was able to fool him…

Tsumugi: If you’re asked a leading question it’s even harder to escape huh… I guess you could say it’s like we’re playing right into his hands… After that… what happened?

Sougo: In the end, Yamato-san was the one to give up, and he stopped pressing me. I almost ended up telling him. That was a close one…

Tsumugi: Yamato-san really is watching us closely! Which is why he’s one or two steps ahead of us and gets the better of us…!

Sougo: Since it’s his birthday, we all want to treat him kindly, but he won’t accept it honestly.. Since Yamato-san takes care of us on a daily basis, I want to take this opportunity to give back, so I wonder why?

Tsumugi: I think Yamato-san is embarrassed! Lol It’d be nice if he’d accept the surprise. If it’s a surprise attack during the concert, surely it’ll be difficult for him to dodge that!

Sougo: We can’t give up! I want Yamato-san to be happy about it. Let’s do our best so that we can move him to tears!

Tsumugi: Yes!!

1. How do you feel about working with TRIGGER? Sougo: Since we’ll be standing on the same stage, I think I definitely cannot do anything shameful. Even during rehearsals, TRIGGER is extraordinary. As always, I’m sure they’ll be even more amazing during the real thing. Well I guess that’s obvious… Actually, I’m really happy that I’ve gotten more chances to see TRIGGER’s concerts up close recently.

Sougo: To be honest I still think this is some kind of prank. Or am I dreaming? Maybe I need Tamaki-kun to pinch my cheek again.

2. How is the preparation for the surprise going? Sougo: Mitsuki-san and Nagi-kun are practicing with all they’ve got! The rest of us are helping wherever we can. The two of them are the crux of the surprise so they’re working hard, Nagi-kun in a cool way and Mitsuki-san in a cute way.

3. I’d like to hear about your excitement for the concert! Sougo: On a special day like Valentine’s, many fans are coming to see us. I want to make it a concert that makes them think it was fun and that they were glad they came from the bottom of their hearts.

Tsumugi: I’m looking forward to Valentine’s Day as of now!

Sougo: Me too! But when I think about how it’ll go, I feel a bit uneasy…

Tsumugi: Are you worried whether the concert and surprise will go well?

Sougo: A little. But since we’re working hard together, I’m not anxious. It’s fun to prepare while feeling restless like this.

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, Valentine’s is getting closer isn’t it? I think I’ll be able to deliver the cake I promised before! 

Sougo: You’re going to bake a chocolate cake, right? I’ll be looking forward to it. 

Tsumugi: I’ll bake it using a recipe Mitsuki-san showed me…! I’ll give it my all and bake it so that even you can enjoy it, Sougo-san! Please eat it if you’d like! 

Tsumugi: (sunglasses Ousama Purin stamp)

Sougo: Thanks. But it’s a cake everyone will eat, so you don’t have to worry about me that much okay? 

Tsumugi: I’ll make it so that it’s balanced, without being too sweet nor too bitter…! In order to accomplish this, I asked Mitsuki-san for advice!

Sougo: You’re good at going all out. That’s how you make things so that we can all enjoy it. 

Tsumugi: No way, it’s because it’s Valentine’s after all…! I want you to enjoy it as much as possible. Although I think everyone will receive many chocolates besides mine! Lol 

Sougo: Since everyone is very charming. 

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, I feel like you too received lots of chocolates since way back! 

Sougo: I don’t know if it’s a lot, but… The girls around me were just nice. 

Tsumugi: It’s because you’re very charming…! Did you eat all of the chocolates you received even though you don’t like sweet things? 

Sougo: Of course, since they were gifts. It did take time though. When I was a child, there was a time when I thought snacks were delicious. 

Tsumugi: Is that so! 

Sougo: I remember getting some from my uncle and being impressed. I didn’t think there could be something that delicious. 

1. So it’s a memorable flavor! Sougo: It’s kind of nostalgic… My uncle gave me many precious things. Many things that are and are not tangible. That’s why every day I think it’d be nice if I’m able to give something to my fans. 

2. Is it because an important person gave it to you? Sougo: That might be it… When I remember the taste of that snack, I also remember my uncle’s smile. He always smiled kindly and gave me snacks.

3. Is there a snack you thought was delicious recently? Sougo: The other day Tamaki-kun surprisingly shared Ousama Purin with me. It was black coffee flavor, so maybe it wasn’t to his liking…? He said, “I’ll give this to Sou-chan.” That was pretty delicious. 

Sougo: I think things that you receive from someone else become something considerably special. That’s why I’m really happy that you’re baking a cake for us, Manager. 

Tsumugi: I’ll be happy if it becomes another memorable snack…! 

Sougo: I hardly talk about snacks like this. It’s nice. 

Tsumugi: If you’re okay with me, please talk about it with me again! 

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, good work at the taste-test meeting…!

Tsumugi: Um,

Tsumugi: Excuse me if this is difficult for you to say. Did something happen at the meeting…?

Sougo: Good work, Manager. Sorry, I wonder if I made everyone worry…

Sougo: With Yamato-san giving me something warm to drink and Tamaki-kun finishing his work promptly for me, things were somewhat different than usual, so I had a vague feeling about it…

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san said, “Sou-chan was pale. Did he eat too many sweet things? Or did something happen?”

Sougo: So it was visible on my face… Tell Tamaki-kun he doesn’t have to worry, I did something regrettable.

Tsumugi: I heard a bit from Mitsuki-san that you were called over by asuco’s chief…

Sougo: Sorry. I didn’t want to make you fuss over it so I was hiding it… The truth is, I’ve met asuco’s chief a few times while I was still living at home. He was worried about my father and my relationship, so he talked to me.

Tsumugi: So that’s what it was……

Sougo: Apparently my father doesn’t think well of my way of living after all. The chief asked if he should act as an intermediary, but I can’t get him involved so I refused.

Tsumugi: Sougo-san, I apologize for not being able to take that into consideration in advance. Even though I knew you had many acquaintances in the business industry…

Sougo: It’s not your fault, Manager. I’m the one who couldn’t avoid it properly. I had no idea the chief was even acquaintances with Tsunashi-san…

Sougo: If Mitsuki-san didn’t back me up, I think I would’ve been even more upset. I have a feeling Tsunashi-san was suspicious too…

Sougo: I hope he doesn’t think weirdly of me.

Tsumugi: I’m sure it’s fine! It’s Tsunashi-san, so even if he suspected something, I think he’ll act the same as usual.

Sougo: That’s true. I don’t want to cause any more trouble than this. I’ll thank everyone tomorrow. I’ll try to do the same the next time I’m able to meet Tsunashi-san. Thank you too, Manager.

Tsumugi: But you’re not allowed to push yourself too hard! You can rely on us a little more, you know…!

Tsumugi: Umm, let’s change the subject! I’m thinking of writing an activity report about this time’s collab.

1. What did you think of your chocolate? Sougo: I was surprised that they had such an image of me. I was happy that they made it so carefully. It was a caramel-paste-infused milk chocolate, and it was quite sweet. Did you eat it too, Manager?

2. Which chocolate did you like? Sougo: Maybe Iori-kun’s? It had a bitter flavor, so it was easy for me to eat. I said to Iori-kun, “It’s the opposite in terms of what we like, huh?” but he stubbornly denied it.

3. If you were to compare yourself to a food…? Sougo: Hmm, nothing comes to mind immediately. I’ll think about it seriously so I want you to wait a bit. I’ll tell you via email later.

Sougo: Is it okay like this? I’d be happy if I was able to help. To think that the chocolates are based on the image of what our kisses taste like is a bit embarrassing…

Tsumugi: It seems like the image of your kiss is sweet! Lol

Sougo: What did you think, Manager? Of my chocolate.

Tsumugi: Um… It was very delicious…! The caramel spread inside my mouth and melted..

Tsumugi: Th-this is embarrassing!!!!!!

Tsumugi: Thank you for your hard work, Sougo-san! With Valentine’s coming up, we’ve gotten a job where we’ll collaborate with a chocolate brand!

Sougo: So you’ve gotten us a good job that is fitting for this time of year. Thank you very much. Good work to you as well, Manager. I wonder what we’ll do in the collab?

Tsumugi: It’s a campaign where multiple male idols collaborate with chocolate, and they will produce chocolate in the image of IDOLiSH7! TRIGGER will also participate and have chocolate made in their image.

Sougo: I’m not very good with sweet things, but I’m looking forward to how they’ll make chocolate based on our image. Of course I’m interested in our own, but I’m also curious about TRIGGER’s…!

Tsumugi: Everyone’s concept for the chocolate is different as well, with all of you as “The Sweet Chocolate of Youth.” It seems like TRIGGER’s is “Sexy and Bitter Chocolate”...!

Sougo: I wonder if they’re matching it with our groups’ images. Youth huh… I’m a little embarrassed, but I want to hurry and see the finish products.

Tsumugi: There will be a taste-test meeting, so you’ll be able to eat it ahead of time! It seems like they want to hear everyone’s opinions and preferences and use that as reference!

Sougo: I’m grateful that we’re getting the opportunity to have a taste. I bet Tamaki-kun who loves sweet things will be especially happy.

Tsumugi: Ah, but are you alright Sougo-san? You’re not good with it right…

Sougo: It’s okay, it’s not like I can’t eat sweet things at all. And they probably won’t make us eat a lot for taste-testing…

Sougo: Thanks for worrying. Honestly, I’m full of excitement for what kinds of chocolate will be made.

Tsumugi: I’m glad. Just in case, I’ll secretly bring something spicy! Lol If you want a palate changer I’ll give it to you any time!

Sougo: Really? I wonder if that’s okay… Then I guess I’ll accept some after the taste-test meeting.

Tsumugi: Leave it to me!

Tsumugi: (thumbs up Ousama Purin stamp)

Tsumugi: In addition, on Valentine’s Day, 1000 people will be selected out of those who bought the chocolates through a lottery and will be invited to a limited concert! Starting with us, various artists will participate, and TRIGGER will close the show.

Sougo: I bet things will get really lively at that! So the ones who will close the concert is TRIGGER… as expected. In order to not shame our fans, we’ll give it our all too.

Tsumugi: Please make the fans who are coming to “~A Melty Night to You! Valentine’s Concert~” fall head over heels for all of you! Lol

Sougo: Right. Yamato-san or Tamaki-kun might be better at doing that kind of thing… but since these fans will gather for us on Valentine’s Day, I have to do my best and make it a special night.

Tsumugi: It’ll be a night that won’t lose to the sweetness of the chocolate “asuco”-san will produce!

Sougo: Oh, so the campaign sponsor will be asuco-san.

Tsumugi: Ah, I forgot to tell you, sorry…! This time’s collab will be with the chocolate brand “asuco.” Is something wrong…?

Sougo: No, it’s nothing. I was just impressed that we’re collaborating with such a famous brand.

Tsumugi: Is that so…? If there’s ever anything that bothers you even a little bit, please let me know!

Sougo: Thank you, Manager. I’ll do my best for the Valentine’s concert.

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, thank you for working hard during VAE yesterday! The fashion show and concert were a huge success!

Tamaki: Good work—

Tamaki: Yesterday was amazing

Tamaki: The fashion show

Tamaki: After it was over, the audience stood up and applauded

Tsumugi: It was truly a happy thing to receive a standing ovation. To think they enjoyed everyone’s show to that extent made my eyes teary…!

Tamaki: I was super excited too

Tamaki: My heart squeezed

Tamaki: I got goosebumps

Tamaki: (jumping Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: Along with the fashion show, the concert was very cool!

Tsumugi: Everyone was captivated by your dance solo. The way you stood in the center of the 12 of you and danced as if pulling everyone along got me excited as well!

Tamaki: Ah that—

Tamaki: I could tell that everyone was dancing loudly behind me

Tamaki: It felt like we were in-sync

Tamaki: It felt super good

Tsumugi: Everyone was charming in their own way! It became a very wonderful event!

1. What did you think of the fashion show? Tamaki: Ryuu-aniki and Momorin’s backflips were amazing! They’re so cool

2. What did you think of the concert? Tamaki: It’s fun doing a concert with TRIGGER and Re:vale I wanna do it again

3. What did you think of the virtual art? Tamaki: It’s fun turning into a monster and chocolate and stuff If only we could taste too

Tamaki: When I got back to the dorms I fell asleep

Tsumugi: You worked hard with all your might, so you must’ve been tired!

Tamaki: Even though I wasn’t sleepy at all during the car ride home

Tamaki: Sou-chan surprisingly slept like a log and rested his head on my shoulder

Tsumugi: Is that so! Lol

Tsumugi: You didn’t wake Sougo-san up?

Tamaki: I didn’t

Tamaki: It seemed like he was tired

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, you’re so kind!

Tamaki: When Sou-chan woke up, he was flustered

Tamaki: He said, “I might’ve made a wrinkle, sorry” and kept rubbing it

Tamaki: My clothes

Tamaki: Lmao

Tsumugi: Sougo-san also used up all his energy to the point where he wore himself out. So he couldn’t help but fall asleep on the car ride home.

Tamaki: But because he did it with all his might, it became more wrinkled

Tamaki: (fallen Kinako emoji)

Tsumugi: (sweating Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: He must’ve thought he did something bad and became flustered!

Tamaki: Maybe

Tamaki: He even gave me Ousama Purin

Tamaki: 7 of them

Tamaki: He said it’s a week’s worth

Tsumugi: Sougo-san is so courteous! Lol

Tsumugi: You can eat one every day for a week!

Tamaki: That’s why I forgave him

Tamaki: Well not that I was mad

Tamaki: Lucky—

Tamaki: (spoon-holding Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: (spoon-holding Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: That’s great, Tamaki-san!

Tamaki: Ah—

Tamaki: They said dinner’s ready

Tamaki: Iorin’s calling me

Tamaki: Nagicchi and Rikkun are taking out the plates

Tamaki: I’ll go for a bit

Tsumugi: So it was before your meal with everyone at the dorms! Excuse me for taking your time!

Tamaki: It’s fine—

Tsumugi: Although it’s a day late, I’m glad I was able to express my thoughts on VAE! Thank you very much for your hard work yesterday!

Tsumugi: Today is your day off, so please take it easy!

Tamaki: Yeah—

Tamaki: Same to you Manager—

Tamaki: Manager good work—

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, thank you for your hard work!

Tamaki: Time for the real thing already?

Tamaki: The fashion show

Tamaki: And the concert

Tsumugi: That’s right! It’s almost time for the VAE performance, so I’d be grateful if you came to the dressing room.

Tamaki: Okay—

Tamaki: Just got out of an activity booth

Tamaki: Virtual monster

Tamaki: Iorin was with me the whole time

Iori: Manager, thank you for your hard work.

Tsumugi: Iori-san, thank you for your hard work!

Tsumugi: That’s the virtual monster booth where you wear a headset and look like cute monsters, right? Earlier I heard via rabbit chat that you two were trying it out, but I wish I could’ve seen it myself! Lol

Tsumugi: I heard that Tamaki-san became a cotton candy rabbit monster and Iori-san became a cute green dinosaur monster!

Tsumugi: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Iori: The cotton candy rabbit-like Yotsuba-san was fresh and not bad.

Tamaki: Dinosaur Iorin too—

Iori: The main characteristics of the game were the monster shape we were transformed into and the bright colorful hues. It was a very worthwhile booth to research women’s preferences.

Tsumugi: I’m glad you two were able to get your fill of the virtual experience!

Iori: The events that we could experience were also enhanced, so Yotsuba-san was immersed in it.

Tamaki: Yeah—

Tamaki: The candy land

Tamaki: That was fun

Iori: It’s an event called “Doki Doki☆Lick☆Candy Land.”

Iori: The setting is that we become monsters and venture through a candy land.

Tsumugi: It sounds sort of like a fairytale…!

Tsumugi: How was the candy land?

Tamaki: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Tamaki: It was awesome

Tamaki: I wanna live there

Tamaki: The houses and cars and roads and everything were candy

Tamaki: There were chocolate and biscuits and even pudding

Tamaki: There were also potato chips, so you can eat sweet and salty things forever

Tamaki: The best

Tsumugi: Oh… I’m worried about the calories, but it truly seems like a dream…!

Iori: You can’t actually eat anything, but you could do a motion where you take and eat biscuits from the wall of a house.

Iori: So it did give me the feeling that I ate it.

Tsumugi: How nice, I want to try living there too…!

Tamaki: Nn—

Tamaki: I don’t think you should

Tamaki: It’s dangerous

Tsumugi: It’s dangerous…?

Tamaki: There are traps

Tsumugi: Traps!?

Tamaki: The chocolate tunnel is, a trap

Tsumugi: But it must smell sweet so I’d like to try to go inside…

Iori: There was a chocolate tunnel in the town. However, once you enter, the chocolate starts melting and traps intruders.

Tsumugi: Eh!!

Tamaki: It was super duper scary

Tamaki: Suuper melty

Tamaki: I managed to escape

Iori: As expected of Yotsuba-san’s reflexes.

Iori: I was deep within the tunnel so I couldn’t escape in time, and ended up becoming a clump of chocolate.

Tsumugi: Iori-san became a clump of chocolate!?

Iori: That tunnel turned out to be a factory.

Iori: After becoming chocolate, I was combined with a biscuit and shipped out on a conveyor belt.

Tsumugi: Shipped out!!!

Tsumugi: So you went from being a monster to a chocolate biscuit…! (1)

Tamaki: Chocolate biscuit Iorin was super panicky

Tamaki: It was like a roller coaster huh

Tamaki: He rolled all over the place

Tamaki: But I saved him

Tamaki: (sunglasses Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: I’m glad!

Tsumugi: So Tamaki-san saved Iori-san from the conveyor belt!

Tsumugi: (fallen Kinako emoji)

Iori: What do you mean you saved me (anger)

Iori: Rather than saving me, you ended up mercilessly eating me!

Iori: (angry Kinako emoji)

Tsumugi: You ate him!?

Tamaki: Well the chocolate biscuit looked yummy

Tamaki: And I was asked, “Wanna eat it?”

Tamaki: By the game

Tsumugi: Could it be, that was the game’s option?

Tamaki: Yeah—

Tamaki: That’s why I ate him starting from the head

Tamaki: When I bit him it made a loud noise

Tamaki: Crunch crunch

Tamaki: Munch munch

Tsumugi: So it was a hard chocolate biscuit…!?

Tamaki: There was no flavor so it was disappointing

Iori: You sure are an unbelievable person (anger) (anger) (anger)

Tamaki: But when I ate him he returned back to normal

Tamaki: Dinosaur Iorin

Tamaki: Aren’t you glad

Iori: What was there to be glad about… If you didn’t look like a cotton candy monster, I definitely wouldn’t have forgiven you.

Tamaki: So you liked the cotton candy rabbit after all?

Iori: Nevermind the cotton candy rabbit, the virtual monster itself is not at fault. The criminal is Yotsuba-san who was inside, you know.

Tsumugi: It was a disaster for Iori-san, but it sounds very fun!

Tsumugi: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Tamaki: Manager

Tamaki: We’re almost at the dressing room

Tsumugi: Got it!

Tsumugi: Perfect timing. Thank you very much!

Tsumugi: Let’s do our best on the VAE performance!

Iori: Let’s work hard.

Tamaki: Yeah—

Tamaki: (thumbs up Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, thank you for your hard work on today’s VAE joint rehearsal!

Tamaki: Good work—

Tsumugi: Have you returned to the dorms already?

Tamaki: Not yet

Tamaki: I’m eating ramen with Yama-san and Mikki

Tamaki: Booboo Big Ramen Garlic Oil Morimori (1)

Tamaki: Vegetables weren’t included

Tsumugi: It sounds like a spell…!

Tsumugi: If I’m not mistaken, that’s the ramen that is famous for being super rich right? I’ve never tried it before, but are you 3 eating now that rehearsal is over?

Tamaki: Yup

Tsumugi: Even though you must be tired from moving so much. Amazing!

Tamaki: Because I moved around a lot, I wanna eat something rich

Tamaki: Yama-san kept saying he preferred lightly-flavored ramen

Tamaki: But I prefer this one

Tamaki: Mikki told us to do rock-paper-scissors and I won

Tsumugi: Good for you!

Tsumugi: (jumping Ousama Purin emoji)

Tamaki: (thumbs up Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: Was Yamato-san alright with the rich ramen…?

Tamaki: Yeah

Tamaki: When the ramen came out he said it was good and ate it

Tsumugi: I’m glad! Lol

Tsumugi: As expected of everyone! Sometimes I’m jealous of the way men eat

Tamaki: Ah—

Tamaki: Yama-san gave me char siu

Tamaki: 3 huge ones

Tsumugi: Even 3 of them!

Tamaki: He’s giving me the biggest ones first. He’s nice huh

Tamaki: He keeps drinking water

Tsumugi: That must be because Yamato-san likes the light flavors of Japanese food! Lol

Tamaki: I can still eat

Tamaki: I ordered more noodles

Tsumugi: You did go through the fashion show and concert during today’s rehearsal. You moved around a lot so you must be very hungry!

Tamaki: The performance area was super cool

Tamaki: The stage and walls and everything was sparkly

Tamaki: The lights were shining down so it was pretty

Tamaki: Like the world of a game

Tsumugi: The world of the fashion show was truly wonderful wasn’t it!

Tsumugi: In a world where the people are concealed in darkness, the way all of you personified “Flower/Bird/Wind/Moon” and broad back the light with song and dance was truly magical…!

Tsumugi: And your wind costume fit you very well!

Tamaki: The costume was shiny too

Tsumugi: Different kinds of lights were projected onto the paper umbrella and kimono! With the lights and patterns changing along with the development of the story, you sort of looked like a god which was cool!

Tamaki: I was cool?

Tsumugi: Yes!

Tamaki: Fufun

Tamaki: (sunglasses Ousama Purin emoji)

Tsumugi: The costumes also became a part of the performance! What did you think of the Kazebito performance?

Tamaki: I liked how the wind blew when we spun our umbrellas

Tamaki: It really looked like we were making the wind blow

Tsumugi: The way you walked down the runway while stirring up the wind really made you look like the personification of wind, so I couldn’t help but be mesmerized!

1. What did you think of the flower performance? Tamaki: The part where flowers bloomed on the entire stage at once was super pretty It was cute how Rikkun and Mikki and Gakkun had flower petals projected onto their kimono

2. What did you think of the bird performance? Tamaki: The feathers falling onto the pond was amazing I really thought there was water there

3. What did you think of the moon performance? Tamaki: I kinda like how the moon was projected on the paper sliding doors Made me wanna eat dango

Tamaki: And it was cool how the fashion show ended and became a concert

Tsumugi: You all brought light back into the world, and sang and danced to express your joy, is how the flow of events went didn’t it!

Tamaki: I’m looking forward to the real thing too

Tsumugi: Yes! I’m really looking forward to it too!

Tamaki: Yeah—

Tamaki: (spoon-holding Ousama Purin emoji)

Tamaki: Ramen

Tamaki: I ordered extra noodles again

Tamaki: Mikki and Yama-san are looking at me with wide eyes

Tamaki: So funny

Tamaki: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Tsumugi: Please be careful not to overeat! Lol

Tamaki: Manager

Tamaki: Can I leave the studio for a bit?

Tamaki: I’m gonna go to the convenience store

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, good work!

Tsumugi: You’re on your break after the joint recording of the VAE promotional song, right? You can go ahead as long as you come back in time.

Tsumugi: Is there something you need?

Tamaki: Ousama Purin

Tamaki: Mikki’s about to die

Tsumugi: Eh!?!?

Tamaki: I want to feed him cold Ousama Purin but I only have a lukewarm one

Tamaki: The one I bought while on my way here

Tamaki: And it’s just 1

Tamaki: We gotta split it in half

Tsumugi: Uum…

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, may I take a moment to organize the information you’ve given me?

Tsumugi: You want to feed cold Ousama Purin to Mitsuki-san who isn’t feeling well, but you only have 1. You also want to eat it, so it’ll have to be split in half. In addition, quite a bit of time has passed since you bought it, so it’s lukewarm… Is this correct?

Tamaki: That’s what I’ve been saying

Tamaki: Mikki’s super quiet so I’m worried

Tamaki: His footsteps don’t make a sound. Earlier he was standing behind me before I realized it

Tamaki: He has no presence

Tamaki: Usually when he enters the same room I’m in, I notice right away

Tamaki: He’d laugh energetically while saying, “Tamaki~”

Tamaki: But today he’s like a ninja

Tsumugi: I see…

Tsumugi: It’s hard to explain but… It’s surely nothing you need to worry about, Tamaki-san!

Tsumugi: Mitsuki-san is full of energy today as well!

Tamaki: That’s a lieeeee

Tsumugi: It’s true! Mitsuki-san had an idea, so he’s spending today quietly.

Tsumugi: Mitsuki-san told me himself.

Tsumugi: So please relax!

Tamaki: EHH———

Tamaki: (angry Ousama Purin emoji)

Tamaki: (angry Ousama Purin emoji)

Tamaki: (angry Ousama Purin emoji)

Tamaki: He doesn’t need ideas like that

Tamaki: He should just laugh like always

Tsumugi: So you love the usual energetic Mitsuki-san!

Tamaki: Yeah. I like that.

Tamaki: But if he’s fine it’s okay

Tamaki: If he’s fine, ninja-like Mikki might be a little cool too

Tamaki: It’s a gap

Tsumugi: That’s true! Mitsuki-san would surely be happy that you think that!

Tsumugi: The fact that you worry about your friends’ well-being makes you very kind and cool too, Tamaki-san!

Tamaki: Really—

Tamaki: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Tsumugi: (sparkly Kinako emoji)

Tsumugi: How was the recording for the promotional song? It’s an up-tempo and fun song, isn’t it!

Tamaki: With TRIGGER and Re:vale, we have more people than usual so it’s super fun

Tamaki: I wanna do the concert already

Tsumugi: When the 12 of you are gathered, it’s spectacular after all!

Tsumugi: With the details of the fashion show settled as well, VAE is getting even more exciting!

Tamaki: What was it again

Tamaki: For the fashion show, am I gonna turn into wind

Tamaki: I think I heard that Tenten and Yukirin were gonna be wind too

Tsumugi: Since it is a fashion show with the image of “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon”! The show will consist of the 12 of you personifying a flower, bird, wind, or the moon.

Tsumugi: You will be separated into “Hanabito,” “Toribito,” “Kazebito,” and “Tsukibito.” (1)

Tsumugi: Your group will personify the wind as Kazebito!

Tamaki: Right right

Tsumugi: Is there anyone that you think matches the image of the wind?

Tamaki: Nn— Yukirin?

Tsumugi: I-I see..!?

1. Who matches the image of a flower? Tamaki: Both flowers and Nagicchi smell good

2. Who matches the image of a bird? Tamaki: Mikki looks light so he might be able to fly

3. Who matches the image of the moon? Tamaki: Isn’t it Sou-chan? He’s quiet but I know he’s there

Tamaki: How were the groups split again

Tsumugi: Hanabito are Riku-san, Mitsuki-san, Yaotome-san.

Tsumugi: Toribito are Iori-san, Yamato-san, Tsunashi-san.

Tsumugi: Tsukibito are Sougo-san, Nagi-san, and Momo-san!

Tamaki: Sou-chan is the moon after all I thought so

Tsumugi: This is MEZZO”’s power! As expected of Tamaki-san!

Tamaki: Fufun

Tamaki: (sunglasses Ousama Purin emoji)