boozuru

[boozuru]

how do you feel being the coolest person alive

eehehee! heehee! ^_^ pretty good, thanks!

[boozuru]

by the by! right now i'm kinda empty handed, and was wondering if i should pick up another project ?_? i don't have anything i want to specifically translate because i don't know what things even are untranslated because there's no one place where you can reference that for now ~_~ so i thought i should just ask here!!

[boozuru]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you for translating Ghostic!!! I can't articulate this well enough but you are doing gods work I owe you everything

🥹 aww this is so sweet, thank you!! 💗💗

[boozuru]

haiii thank you for translating ghostic!!! i love fine!!! i just wanna say it bothers me that in your translation tori calls wataru "mophead" when he actually calls wataru "long hair" or "long locks". "mophead" has a totally different feeling that doesnt suit wataru, "mophead" implies a moplike look, a scraggly, disheveled mop of hair. think tsumugi, with his shoulder length mop of hair multiple characters hate the look of. (for the record i love tsumugi)

watarus hair is not tangled nor messy, but very long and very well taken care of so he isnt a mophead, hes simply long hair/locks

haiii right back! thanks for enjoying ghostic!

i hear you, but in all honesty i don't think i will change it... i wanted to keep the spirit of tori trying to get a rise out of wataru/basically insulting him whenever he calls wataru ロン毛, and long hair wasn't really cutting it for me so i localised it as mophead to capture that hair-based insult feel! translating for me isn't just about a 1:1 word to word thing but also about trying to capture the characters' personalities from their tones. can mophead be thought of as a stylistic choice in this case? maybe... i understand the intent of your ask though and i'll consider more carefully in the future when i should just write it down as long hair or as something else.

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Epilogue 4

⇠  chapter select 

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

<Next day after the live>

Tori: The ES Haunted House really disappeared without a trace.

It's like a dream now. Like there was nothing there to begin with the next day after a live.

The craziness over ES Halloween and the fun we had there - it's kinda lonely when both just disappear like nothing.

Yuzuru: Yes. However, everything ends at some point.

When Halloween ends, that means SS and Christmas are next - something new begins and the next stage awaits.

Even when something ceases to exist, it is fine to just rebuild it.

Tori: ...You're right. Eichi-sama is also just moving on to the next thing. Even when he went to the amusement park with Hibiki-senpai, he must have been thinking of stuff.

Oh, right. Since we are meeting up with Eichi and co at the office, maybe it'll be okay for us to ask about the next development plan?

Yuzuru: Indeed. You are growing everyday, so I'm looking forward to the future of fine ♪

Mao: Yo, Tori and Yuzuru. Seems like fine's work was also wrapped up smoothly~?

Shinobu: Good work, Tori-kun~♪

Tori: Oh! You guys were at Yumenosaki till now, but you're already back at ES?

I thought that stuff would take longer since we were let out earlier, but are you guys already done?

Shinobu: Hehe. The volunteers for Yumenosaki's Halloween party helped us with the clean-up efforts.

The cleaning was really fast since we had a lot of volunteers ♪

Mao: Yeah. The volunteers really saved us ♪

But you know, the ES Haunted House was right here, right? Feels kinda empty not having such a big building here anymore.

Tori: Ah, that's what I just said! Can you not copy me?

Mao: Hold on now, I didn't even hear that, so don't get so mad.

Anyway, thanks for yesterday. Since Tori was there, even the hot-blooded beginner idols followed rules properly ♪

Yuzuru: Hum. Is that so, Young Master? 

Tori: Yup. I was fantastic at my job! Purging all the troublesome students of Yumenosaki - I made them into examples, and thus made sure public morals were followed on school grounds ♪

Mao: Ahaha. I should really follow your powerful example somehow~

When Trickstar acts out of whack, it causes the other students at Yumenosaki to have to hold themselves back, you know? 

I'll be depending on you in the future as well, vice-president ♪

Yuzuru: Fufu. You truly have done wonderfully, Young Master.

Additionally, I'm truly impressed by our new council president's skills and his establishing of such grand scale events, as well as the tireless Sengoku-sama always assisting everyone.

Shinobu: M-me!? Oh no no no, Isara-dono and Tori-kun are amazing, true, but I haven't done anything impressive! 

Mao: Don't be so modest. It's thanks to everyone that I can even work this well as a student council president, you know~?

And that includes you, Yuzuru. Even if you might be disappointed in yourself because of your poor well-being this time. But even so, since you have been compiling information long before now, there were no issues on the day of the event.

So, you have been a big help to us all this time. Thanks ♪

Yuzuru: Is that so...

Many people have told me to feel more secure in my circumstances. And I think that thanks to everyone in the student council, I have grown more comfortable with dividing work with other people.

And so, I would like to express my gratitude to you all.

I hope we will get along in the future as well...♪

Tori: Excuse uuus~ ♪

Yuzuru: We apologize for the wait, Eichi-sama, Hibiki-sama.

Eichi: Hey. Good work, Tori, Yuzuru.

Sorry for having a meeting right after the end of ES Halloween. I wanted to discuss fine's next plan as soon as possible. Can you hang up your coats there first?

Yuzuru: -Before that, may I say something, Eichi-sama?

Before we talk about the plans you have in mind, please allow us to propose a plan for the next "Eichi day". (Established in Tempest. This is a gathering fine does at least once a week as a way for Eichi in particular to relax and put a stop to his workaholic habits.)

Eichi: For "Eichi day"...? Sure, I don't mind.

Wataru: Could this be about a promise that was made just some time ago?

Yuzuru: It is. Our destination shall naturally be the amusement park ♪

I have already made the preparations for our planners, so all four of us should be able to go... ♪

Tori: Oh, that's right. If the plans aren't signed down before work is assigned, it'll take ages before we could go to an amusement park...!

Thank you, Yuzuru! As expected, you being here is such a blessing~!

Eichi: Ahaha. He always works fast.

Of course. I'll keep my promise. Let's have this friendly wrap party while following our amusement park plans. 

I haven't said "that" to you guys yet because of how busy we have been with preparing this and that.

Wataru: Ohh, since it's Halloween now, it must be "that"!

Eichi: Yeah. As you guessed, we can't wrap things up without me saying "that".

"Trick or Treat" - to you all who have worked hard for the great trick that was the ES Haunted House, I will give you rewards as sweet as candy ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Epilogue 3

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

< The night of the same day, when ES Halloween has hit its peak >

Eichi: Did you see the audience yet?

A part of the hall unfolds into a live stage — This used to be the center of the ES Haunted House.

Yuzuru, this has been a rough time for you because of the radio signal disrupting materials we used for building. I’m sorry about it, I really am.

Yuzuru: Don’t be. If anything, finding out the source of it all helped us plan for the event better.

Like telling people that they may receive calls from the spirit world, so they should turn off their phones when they are on these premises…

It’s an old trick, but I would say that it is more immersive for the audience.

Tori: Ahaha. People are saying on social media that if they forgot to turn off their phones, they really did receive calls!

Thanks to that, our haunted house is receiving even more publicity.

Wataru: We will have to watch out so we don’t expose our tricks to the audience today.

And if we don’t keep it as a Halloween-exclusive surprise, we may cause even more terror than we can imagine.

Yuzuru: Indeed. Speaking of, I have firsthand experience of that.

It will soon be time for our performance. Let’s deliver a bunch of scares to everyone and enjoy the unusual happenings of today.

Trick or Treat. If you don’t give us treats, we will send you tricks -

It is now time for the grand finale of ES Halloween, as delivered to you by fine ♪

Tori: “Trick or Treat! Has everyone been enjoying the ES Haunted House?”

“We have some ES idols here sneaking around as ghosts, so there’s sure to be plenty of poor spooked souls here~”

Eichi: “There were many announcements we would have liked to make before this, but due to problems with security, we had to keep them as a surprise.

“People who noticed, people who did not, I would be the most pleased if you have fun at our event today.”

Wataru: “Fufufu. Speaking of surprises… You have all made sure to turn off your phones so that you don’t receive a call from the world beyond, I hope.”

“The ones who have ignored our warnings have reported that they really have received calls, just so you know!”

“Oh, but now we may have caused unnecessary worry to the kind people who have come all the way here to enjoy our haunted house.”

“From tomorrow onwards we will be back to our old usual selves, so please do not worry ♪”

Tori: “Fufu. We did a proper ‘ceremonial groundbreaking’, so this mansion is disappearing tomorrow. You all will be totally safe, so just trust us and enjoy the live show.”

Eichi: “Today’s live show is a culmination of our long, hard work.”

“At Yumenosaki Academy’s Halloween party, many units sung and danced… It was fun on its own.”

“This year, I wanted to trap your gazes and keep it all on us in the private venue made for the ES premises ♪”

“So please, enjoy it till the very end.”

“Now, please listen to ‘Ghostic treat House.’”

“♪〜♪”

Wataru: (Fufufu. I noticed it a while ago, but you were very excited for Halloween, weren’t you?)

(I can feel you enjoying the show from the bottom of your heart, Eichi.)

(But you should know that you aren’t the only one capable of entertaining the audience.)

“Trick or Treat! Regardless of which option you choose, I will express it Amazingly…★”

“♪♪♪”

Tori: (Alright. The things we practiced have become second nature for me now!)

(This song’s theme is to make use of fine��s refined performance style, but also have a feel of horror.)

(This is a theme that I’m not used to and I joined practice way late, so at first I was a little worried how things would turn out.)

(I really did do my best to be on an equal footing with my seniors.)

(I feel like especially Hibiki-senpai’s teachings about acting are showing through my expressions… Would it be over-exaggerating to say I have been reborn?)

“Everyone - the cute me, the dignified me, and the slightly scary me. Please love all of them.”

“♪〜♪〜♪”

Yuzuru: “♪〜♪〜”

(Oh my. Young Master’s has become even better now that it’s the day of the event.)

(Concentrated as if possessed… It is as if he senses the atmosphere here and makes his expression even more intense.)

(The cute Young Master is dazzling, but your terrifying form is also fascinating.)

(I also will not waver anymore. I will no longer be led astray by the uncertainties of things such as ghosts, instead I will accomplish things I must do ‘properly’.)

(You have shown your capability to act as if frenzied by rage in “Fist of the Shangri-la Idol”. I understand you more now.)

(Bringing terror to people - maybe those performances are forming to be a specialty of yours ♪)

(And so. Please find it in you to forgive the bother I have caused these past few days.)

(So that I can protect and value this peaceful everyday life, I will grow together with Young Master and fine - that is my mission as a butler.

(Today’s happiness can only be experienced in the now - I want to enjoy the hair raising dread together with everyone ♪)

“Everyone. fine’s special Halloween night is only just beginning.”

“I hope that you will enjoy it to your heart’s content till the end.”

“♪～♪～♪”

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Epilogue 2

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

Aira: Woooah, wooow! It's huuuuge!

This is just what you would expect from the venue for big three's fine! They're on a totally different level from us!

I'm so glad I became an idol now that it got me invited to a place like this~♪

Hiiro: Hm. So this is a haunted house. Very interesting!

On a first glance I can't see a single ghost though… Aira, can you see any?

Aira: Hey! Don't say stuff like that and go touching the props without permission!

If we break something, there's no guarantee we can afford to pay for it. Behave yourself, okay Hiro-kun?

Yuzuru: …Oh my. Right when I thought that Anzu-san had left us, I find new visitors.

I see that everyone from ALKALOID has also come here.

Aira: S-sorry for bothering you! I never imagined that fine would invite us to their project. It's like I'm dreaming!

Tatsumi: Thank you for your hard work, Yuzuru-san.

I invited ALKALOID like we discussed last time.

You wanted to speak with Mayoi-san in particular, yes?

Yuzuru: Indeed. Or I meant to, but could it be that he did not come with you? He's the only one I can not see…

Tatsumi: Mayoi-san is by the entrance, seemingly a little flustered.

We have known each other for a long time now, but maybe he has an unexpected fear of scary things. That would be quite something.

Yuzuru: Hmm. To me it seems like he's more afraid of humans than ghosts, though.

Ayase-sama. There is no need to watch from afar anymore, please join us.

It’s not like I intend to gobble you up the moment you get near me. I just wish to have a nice, friendly chat.

Mayoi: YESh…! W-w-w-w-what is it…!?

U-uhm, erm… Did I maybe do something untactful towards you, Fushimi-san?

I-if so, please allow me to apologizeee…! I beg you, just don't do anything to ALKALOID!

Yuzuru: Fufu. If I did that, Sengoku-sama would be furious with me.

On another note, I assume that Eichi-sama must be quite strict with you four for your fear to be so severe.

As we work at the same company and are on decent terms, there is no need for any skittishness.

I wished to express my gratitude to you, Ayase-sama.

Mayoi: Gratitude…?

Yuzuru: Indeed. Our new song, "Ghostic Treat House", is breaking fine's usual mould by having horror aspects in its production and performance.

That night when Ayase-sama was standing in front of the haunted house, I became able to believe in the existence of ghosts, something I previously thought non-existant.

And because of that, I was able to make use of my experiences during practice and make better suggestions. I thought it only fitting to express my thanks.

Mayoi: I, see…?

I was just standing there by chance, but I'm glad that I could help you somehow.

Yuzuru: Fufu. Actually, I have a proposal for you. Would you like to join the temporary staff of the ES Haunted House?

There are actually several idols working here as ghost actors.

I believe your mysterious aura would be the perfect fit for this kind of job. Anzu-san is also participating right now, so how about trying it just for a little while?

Mayoi: Oh, please allow me to decline!

Thank you for the offer, but the guests being forced to be near me is out of the question…! No thank youuu…!

Aira: Whattt, that's such a missed opportunity!

I wanna see Mayo-san's fancy costume too, and this is a rare chance so you should take it! ♪

Tatsumi: Preparations for the event are done so we have plenty of leisure time till noon. If you wish to do it, then I definitely support you.

Hiiro: Umu. This is my first time exploring a haunted house, so I would like to do it with Mayoi-senpai, but I want to see you in a ghostly role just as much.

Tatsumi: I'm also curious about it. There will be other idols doing the same thing, so it's not like you'll get in the way of the professionals if that's what you're worried about.

It would be good for you to expand your social circles too ♪

Mayoi: U-umm… Everyone's eyes are too brighttt! I feel like I can't decline anymore…!

Yuzuru: Fufu. Young Master actually invited other student council members to come over, so I believe Sengoku-sama is here as well.

He thought that everyone would be happy to see him as a ghost ♪

Mayoi: C-chief too…!? Goodness, I never particularly wanted to act as a ghost or to expand my social circles…

But now that we have discussed this so extensively, it would just be rude to refuse. Alright. If I can do it for just a little bit, I'll act as a ghost…

Yuzuru: Fufufu. I am sure that you are all busy, so I made the invitation thinking "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Thank you for your optimistic response.

As idols, we are in the kind of role where we entertain people with everything we have.

Halloween turns our everyday normal onto its head, so I want to bring everyone thrills through fear-

Just as Ayase-sama's offhanded comments made me able to believe in spirits.

Once again: welcome to the ES Haunted House. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us… ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Epilogue 1

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

<Several days later, on the morning of event day>

Tori: I’m going out now, Yuzuru.

Yuzuru: Yes. Take care, now.

But are you really sure that it was fine for me not to show my face in the student council?

Tori: I told you yesterday, didn’t I?~  For the time being, you were on sick leave!

Also, it’s best if you don’t run around here and there today, today is filled with plans so you should save your energy!

Plus, I have the new council president and Shinobu helping me out.

And Akatsuki is doing the opening act, so Hasumi-senpai will be there. If anything, I think we have too many people onboard.

So, Yuzuru, just chill and wait at ES. Don’t do the same thing as last time and make a fuss when leaving the medical office!

Yuzuru: Fufu. If Young Master says so, I have no choice but to comply.

Well then, I’ll leave Yumenosaki Academy in your hands.

Tori: Thanks. Once I’ve overseen the event opening, I’ll come back to join the organising efforts at ES. So just relax and wait for me ♪

Yuzuru: …I just wanted to show concern for Young Master, but it seems like all I did was cause him more trouble.

Eichi-sama and Hibiki-sama also said that “You don’t have to do any work till today’s live performance” and now I’m practically forced to be on break. This is true torture.

But even so, I can feel fine’s love through these irritating things they do.

Thinking of each other, gratitude, respect - those things are too grand to be spent on me.

I hope I can repay for them through this live performance, even if just a little.

…Maybe I should head for ES as well. I hope Young Master will be safe and well during the Halloween party.

Wataru: One, two, three… Everyone’s here!

Ah, this is it. No one has been late even once, the staff structure is truly wonderful! ★ We are ever so grateful that you are helping us build our ideal haunted house, truly… ★

Well then, it’s time for us to go check on how well it’s operating! Ready to go, right Eichi?

Eichi: Yeah. Let’s go, Wataru.

Well, we’ll leave bag watching to you then, Yuzuru. Make sure to take care of the staff’s things too.

Yuzuru: Yes. Leave it to me, Eichi-sama.

(…We had to go through a lot of ups and downs, but the ES Haunted House is finally opening its doors.)

(Eichi-sama and Wataru-sama are doing their last check of the haunted house.)

(Young Master, as the student council vice president, is in charge of Yumenosaki Academy - I can’t deny that I feel at loss just watching after people’s belongings here.)

(I want to recover here from the disgrace that was me, disturbed by delusions of ghosts.)

(Especially since unlike last year, Halloween is going to be a big-scale festival extending even to ES.)

(Us idols are not allowed to parade around grounds where the customers are to prevent confusion.)

(We will do our fan service work at our respective posts.)

(fine will be here giving out candy to the customers who got to the goal, the haunted house.)

(Things are what they are, and there is no other way around it. But it feels like I have some distance from my fans now, and it makes me just a little lonely.)

(And thus, I should make sure to deliver a performance that will reach far, all the way to those very people.)

…Oh? There’s something behind me…

What is with this white cloth…? Even if you hide your face, I can still see your cute little feet peeking out, miss ghost.

"Trick or Treat"...?

Oh, so that is what you were after. If you want candy, then you should head over there - I’ll show you the way.

But more importantly, could you show me your true form, Anzu-san? ♪

Fufu. I’m glad to see you this happy. I wished for you to come have fun at the haunted house, but wondered if it would be even possible.

We could not be more honoured if you moved your schedule around just to come see us.

But I never imagined that you would wish to play the role of a ghost.

If I recall correctly, you will be assisting us just for a little bit for the sake of future reference, yes? Eichi-sama has filled me in already.

It is a good thing to be serious about your studies, but please make sure to have fun as well.

Yes. All staff members are deeper inside. Eichi-sama and Hibiki-sama are also there, would you like to go greet them?

If you greet them with a “trick or treat”, I’m sure they will reward you with candy ♪

Yes. Until we meet again, Anzu-san.

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Exorcism 5

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

<The next day, in front of the ES stand after the night’s commotion>

Tatsumi: Gulp, gulp… Phew… ♪

Now that it’s autumn, you really start craving for hot drinks.

Keito-san, would you also like a hot cocoa? The sweetness really takes away your exhaustion after practice.

Keito: No thanks. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll just have tea. Sweet drinks leave my throat dry if anything.

Yesterday was a real disaster, huh, Kazehaya.

Having a poltergeist scare happen was pretty run of the mill for a haunted house, but I never expected for mobile phones to be affected too.

I was on edge thinking there might have been an actual possession happening… It was thanks to your cool-headedness that we survived without unnecessary drama. It’s quite impressive. 

Since I’m the son of a temple family, I ought not to fall for believing in such things. I’ll reflect on this.

Tatsumi: Oh, don’t say that. I also believe in spirits, a divine one at that.

But, when I heard Eichi-san had experience things that matched the description of that, I thought it would be best to leave it to an expert.

Keito: Every man knows his own business best. I still wish that they had named it something more appropriate than a “ceremonial groundbreaking” though.

But this is my destiny as I was born to be Eichi’s childhood friend. I believe Eichi sees me as his eternal play mate.

Tatsumi: Fufu. I think that’s a much more respectable role than some subject expert.

Keito: I see. Maybe we were meant to connect like this when we met by chance after practice today. 

I’m sure that both of us are busy with ES Halloween preparations, but once we have some time a chat would be nice.

How about we go to COCHI next time?

Tatsumi: Sure. Thank you for the invitation, Keito-san.

Yuzuru: …Oh my. It is quite unusual for you two to have a lighthearted chat like this. Could this be about the “ceremonial groundbreaking”?

Keito: Well if it isn’t Fushimi. Are you feeling any better?

Yuzuru: I am, perfectly flawless in fact thanks to everyone.

I was actually also heading for practice. There is no need to worry about me.

Keito: That’s good. I bet that working in the student council takes a lot out of you, so don’t keep pushing yourself needlessly.

Yuzuru: You are absolutely correct. I must have caused a lot of trouble for you two, and I sincerely apologise for that.

I heard about it from Young Master yesterday. That you two did the “ceremonial groundbreaking” in my stead.

Keito: Yeah, even if it was Eichi’s troublesome idea.

If you’re feeling better now, it made our physical exertion worth it.

That reminds me, Anzu came to see Akatsuki’s practice yesterday. She’s looking forward to fine’s Halloween plans.

Yuzuru: Fufu. I’m happy to hear that.

I owe Anzu-san for last year’s help with Halloween, so I want to answer her expectations.

I actually happened to meet her right when I left the medical office.

I was not at my best at the time, so I might have caused her undue concern.

So I want to treat her well at this year’s Halloween event to make up for it-

If you two would like, please feel free to join as well.

Tatsumi: Alright. In that case, I’ll invite ALKALOID to come with me.

Hiiro-san has seemingly never experienced Halloween festivities before. I think he’ll enjoy the haunted house.

Yuzuru: Thank you very much. I would be happy to see you all there.

If Ayase-sama happens to be coming with you, I would actually like to speak to him.

Tatsumi: With… Mayoi-san?

Hum. I never knew that you two were acquainted… Are you classmates?

Yuzuru: No, I’m in a different class. It’s just that a few days ago he was gazing at the haunted house with a curious expression. I thought he might be interested in it.

Tatsumi: Ah, I see. I didn’t know.

Keito: Well, it’s to be expected that a Western-style building suddenly manifesting itself on ES premises would raise an eyebrow or two. Kanzaki and Kiryu were also puzzled and asking “what is that?”

Tatsumi: That makes sense. It’s quite a lot to take in, after all. Anyway, I’ll make sure to talk to Mayoi-san.

Yuzuru: Thank you very much.

You can avoid the long lines by coming in before the area is actually opened to the public. If you are willing to come early in the morning, of course.

Tatsumi: I see. We are also primarily entertainers, so I understand. I’ll make sure that we will be there nice and early.

I think that everyone in ALKALOID will be blown away by the effort put into the project. Let’s make this Halloween a blast ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Exorcism 4

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

Yuzuru: Strange... Why was everyone gone from the practice room?

I thought for sure that they would continue practice, but clearly that is not the case. Was there a change in plans while I was resting?

I cannot contact anyone either, I’m worried.

Maybe they are unable to use their phones - like for example if they were in a different practice room… even though I checked and they weren’t.

…

Could it be that something is happening at the haunted house...?

No, surely not… But that is the only reasoning I can come up with.

I hope everyone is well…

This sound...

...A call from Young Master?

I’m so glad. Young Master, where are you right now? I checked the practice room, but saw no one, so I’ve just been wandering around ES.

???: "..."

Yuzuru: Young Master, can you hear me? Young Master?

???: "..."

Yuzuru: The call... ended...?

Oh goodness… Did something happen to him…!?

I'll come over right away... Please stay safe!

<Return to present time>

Tori: ...

Yuzuru: Young Master! Young Master....! Please, stay with me!

Oh, what is happening... If I had been more cautious about the haunted house, this wouldn't have happened...!

Eichi: So you're here too now, Yuzuru.

Yuzuru: Eichi-sama... Something is wrong with Young master. Please call an ambulance!

Eichi: Actually, I would like you to calm down and listen to what happened.

Yuzuru: …?

Eichi: While you were resting, we were doing our last rehearsal for the haunted house -- AKA, "ceremonial groundbreaking".

Something strange happened in the middle of it, you see. The staff here also reported strange things happening.

Yuzuru: Strange things...?

Eichi: Yeah. I was starting to suspect something, and asked the construction contractor to look into the cause.

And when they did, some scary facts came up.

Just like you said, there was something yet unknown lurking in the haunted house.

I only now learned of this. Please, listen to me carefully.

Yuzuru: Y-yes...

Eichi: The truth is-

Wataru: -Amazing! Who would have expected that the building materials in the ES Haunted House had properties that disrupt radio waves!

Yuzuru: ....What?

H-Hibiki-sama, where were you hiding?

And what do you mean by disrupting radio waves, I don't...

Eichi: It's true. I, the supervisor, will explain it to you.

Just like I've told you guys before, the haunted house is using eco-friendly building materials, but...

It doesn't allow radio waves to go through itself.

After using our poltergeist mechanic, it seems like for a while it caused special electromagnetic interference because of crosstalk.

The contractor said that there had been tests on how the building materials affect human bodies, but they didn't realise to look into how it would affect electronics.

As a result, there were disturbances in smartphone calls, along with silent calls and seemingly private number calls.

Wataru: And now, since we had some spare time during the contractor's research, we wanted to practice our expressions for Ghostic Treat House, resulting in our current “dead eye pratice” just now.

This is a theatre technique called Greek chorus ♪ Mr. Butler, was this your first time seeing it in practice? (As the loanword for Greek chorus is コロス, korosu, which is a homophone with the verb "to kill", Wataru might be making a distasteful pun, but that's just a theory rather than something outright confirmed. It's in-character for him to talk about theatre though, and the chorus in this scenario means him and Eichi.)

Yuzuru: …Erm, in all honesty, I have not digested all this information yet.

But, does this mean that Young Master losing his consciousness was just…

Tori: ...Ehehe.

Hey, did I scare you? Up till now, I’ve just been acting!

You really fell for it, didn’t you Yuzuru~? If you get scared by the haunted house cast too, then it might get so bad for you that you can’t sleep tonight~?

Yuzuru: …

Tori: Yuzuru? Wait, did I actually worry you…?

Yuzuru: I’m fine. Now it feels like all of my concerns have been answered. I’ve had to do some light pondering to figure out things.

The truth is, when I went to retrieve Young Master’s phone last night, there were many calls from a private number.

When I tried to call back, no one picked up. I thought it was highly unusual.

Tori: So that’s what happened… I’m sorry, it must have scared you.

I think it was Hibiki-senpai calling to try and make it easier to find, but due to radio wave interference things got weird on your end.

Yuzuru: Don’t apologize. The fault lies with me for the misunderstanding. If anything, I’m perfectly calm now that all questions have been answered.

I can now wholeheartedly believe that ghosts and psychic phenomena don’t exist in this world… That is enough to make me incredibly happy ♪

Tori: Okay…?

But seriously, I’m glad. That you feel better now.

We should be able to restart practice soon, right? ♪

Yuzuru: Yes. The humble Fushimi Yuzuru shall guide everyone into the world of ghosts.

I believe that there’s a good expression I can now make precisely because I know fear on a personal level… ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Exorcism 3

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

<At the same time in the ES medical office>

Yuzuru: (soft breathing)

Mmh...?

(...So I fell asleep. My head feels fuzzy.... Must be the effects of an unexpectedly deep sleep.)

(We have plans to practice till late in the night, so resting in the medical office for now should be just fine.)

(But I can't relax when I have nothing to do. At the very least I could do work that I can do even here. Let's order a replacement for the glass Young Master broke yesterday.)

(Smartphones are so useful in times like this. It's nice, being able to shop online for the tableware we use every day.)

(For me, it's useful for finishing tasks more easily. Maybe it's this era's chronic ailment, not being able to have free time without the presence of your work... ♪)

(- And my transaction is complete. Now that I'm at it, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look into Young Master's new phone options.)

(Society these days is full of dangers. For the sake of Young Master's safety, I almost want to attach a transmitter to his phone...)

(But I will not. That's way too overprotective. I suppose I'm still on edge from the baffling experiences that occurred yesterday.)

(Psychic phenomena are a matter of emotions - I've told myself that so many times now.)

(When you stay too still, you fall into the clutches of paranoia. Once I start worrying about Young Master, anxiety takes over me.)

(Once I return to practice, I can shake off these wicked thoughts. I'm sure everyone will allow me to rejoinnthem if I just say 'I feel much better after sleeping'-)

Tori: Gyaaaa!

Eeeeeek!

H-help me! This is way way way too freaky!

What the heck's been going on~ There's been weird shadows and cryptic handprints, and then hair raising music and weird props and more!

It's like they're making fun of me by having me flip between states of calm and despair!

What part of this is "entertainer talent" stuff!?

That mophead must be giddy about making me miserable! I'm tired of this emotional roller coaster~!

Keito: Calm down, Himemiya. My ears hurt if you scream so close to me.

Keito: Clear your mind of all mundane thoughts, and you will find even fire cool. Instead of being riled up, stay calm- (The first phrase is actually a proverb, with legends saying that this is what the Buddhist monk Kaisen Jōki said before burning down with his temple due to Oda Nobunaga. Keito is a well-read man!)

Tori: I don't need to hear that right now! If things are scary, then they scare you!

K-Kazehaya-senpai! Please keep a tight hold on my hand! Don't let go of me this time!

Tatsumi: Of course. I won't make the same mistake again.

Oh my. Only that place over there reflects light. It looks like it's covered by a white cloth... Could that be the exit?

Tori: The exit? We did it! Let's leave right now! ♪

Keito: Wait. When you look closely, isn't the white cloth... moving?

Tori: So is that a-

A GHOOOOOOOOOST!?

Eichi: Yup. Tori's reactions are just what I was hoping for.

He reacts well to both Wataru's ghost cast and the weird happenings. I can have high hopes for the haunted house.

Wataru: Even if the lights are out of service still, things have gone smoothly even with customers just using flashlights.

Once we get lights working for the event, I'm sure everyone will enjoy this attraction in its flawless state.

The gift bestowed to the masses by fine, the Amazing haunted house. I'm quite looking forward to that day ♪

Eichi: It's a big attraction we have poured our soul into. If people don't enjoy it, it would be a big let down.

Well then. The last thing left is the goal, the grand hall - so this very place. Just showing ourselves would spoil the fun, so let's hide in another room for now.

There's a poltergeist phenomenon waiting here back in the hall.

And then the shadows of old inhabitants haunting this building will appear in the paintings, luring the passersby to the world beyond -

The grand finale will be the dread of ghosts taking over you and our world. I'm sure that even Keito and Kazehaya-kun will get spooked by this.

Wataru: Fufufu, I would love to see that: the two of them when their whole bodies go cold! What would their faces look like, I wonder... ♪

Eichi: For Keito, it would definitely be-

Hm?

Wataru: Oh my, a phone call? Is it a construction contractor for the haunted house?

Eichi: No, it's from a private number. Who would call at this hour? I'll answer it.

…

Seems like it was a mute call. Guess it's a prank. There's lots of people who know my number after all.

Wataru: It could also be a case of them calling the wrong number. It's a possibility that once they heard your voice, they became flustered and hung up due to realising their mistake.

Eichi: Fufu. Maybe it's actually the ghosts of the land that are fed up with our haunted house.

Wataru: Goodness...!

Wataru: If that's the case, oh how utterly terrifying! Does this mean we will be snatched away by the spirits of this mansion...!?

Wataru: Are you ready to go and secure an escape route, Eichi? Let's grab our test subjects and arrange an emergency meeting!

Eichi: Ahaha. You're overreacting, there's no way stuff like that would actually exist ♪

Eichi: People seek answers for everything, even when this world has so many things in it that aren't understood yet.

Eichi: Any phenomenon must have a reason behind it. It's just that we don't know it yet -

Eichi: And psychic phenomena are just one example of those very things.

Wataru: Gosh. And I thought you would play along with my act, what a shame.

Wataru: However, your appreciation for these enigmas of life came across to me well. Dreams and fantasies are also something that help troubled people cope with life.

Wataru: The ES Haunted House - Let's make it a success, Eichi.

Eichi: Fufu... What's with you all of a sudden?

Eichi: Aren't you and I villainous accomplices committing the sin of scaring people?

Eichi: So, as proper villains, let's make sure Tori and company reach the goal, Wataru ♪

Wataru: Of course! Let's make the most of this till the end. And let's keep cryptic things as just that; cryptic.

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Exorcism 2

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

Keito: Alright you two, got your flashlights?

Tatsumi: Yes, with no problems.

Tori: Yeah, I also have mine.

Tori: I get that the room deep inside has its lights bugged out still, but... I'm afraid of ghosts, duh, but a dark room is also scary in its own right, it freaks me out...

Tatsumi: We could hold hands then?

Tatsumi: The reason why walking alone in the dark scares someone is because their body feels like its in danger. If you have a familiar person with you, it should help you calm down a little.

Tori: Y-yeah, that would help.

Tori: Be careful not to trip, Kazehaya-senpai. You have a bad leg, right?

Tatsumi: Oh, no, that's a thing of the past. I barely notice any aches anymore, so you'll be fine to depend on me.

Tori: Hehehe. You're so nice, just like you would expect from the most popular person at Reimei Academy ♪

Tori: Okay, gimme your hand, aaand there... ♪

Keito: Okay. We are done with our preparations. Let's follow the route.

Keito: Once this door opens, we will officially be in the haunted house. Everyone, prepare yourselves.

Keito: ...It's dark as expected. I'll turn on my flashlight and see if that helps.

Keito: Hmm. Works worse than I thought. Is there a light-absorbing material on the walls...?

Tatsumi: I noticed it too. While I can barely see the path ahead, it seems like there's luminescent paint here and there. I suppose we are supposed to use them to guide ourselves?

Tori: Ugh, I got chills just now! I just want to get out of here!

Tori: Ugh, so so cold...! I end up rubbing my arms without thinking...!

Tatsumi: That could be because an air conditioner has lowered the room temperature. This paired with the classic western-style furniture used for decor really sets the mood for a ghastly encounter. 

Keito: They really went all out with making it as bizarre as possible since it'll be here for just this year.

Keito: That damned Eichi... Unnecessarily buzzing all over the place just because of Halloween.

Keito: Even if it's difficult to start moving, let's just keep going and stay careful.

Tori: Y-yeah...!

Tori: H-huh? I don't know why, but Kazehaya-senpai's hand feels different in size now...

Tatsumi: Oh? But Tori-san, you let go of my hand when you said you felt cold, yes? I thought that you hadn't held onto my hand since then...

Tori: Eh? So this hand is--

Tori: UWAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Eichi: Fufufu. Seems like Tori has received his first proper taste of ES Haunted House ♪

Eichi: "Send the beloved child on a journey", is what they say. His newfound reliable form after overcoming his fears will be a sight for sure.

Wataru: I think you're jumping too far ahead, talking about overcoming such and such already. I see that you're taking on enough challenges to rival Mr. Butler.

Wataru: Actually, you say that it's for monitoring purposes, but no one has a clue about the night vision cameras spread throughout the area. It's because you're a devil, Eichi.

Eichi: Oh. A devil, how upsetting.

Eichi: I'm Tenshouin Eichi, so "tenshi", "angel", makes up the beginning of my name with its letters, you know? I could be even crueler than a devil, who knows ♪

Wataru: Fufufu. Admittedly, you're more of an angel than a devil. A role befitting you is that of an outrageous someone who could sound out the trumpet that spells the end of humanity.

Wataru: Regardless, this should be of some help to Mr. Butler and his troubles. Once he returns in prime health for the event, he should surely be able to comfortable focus on the live performance.

Wataru: You too, Eichi. Up till now you have had to tirelessly work with planning for Halloween and negotations with ES, but after this it's just one final push with practicing the new song.

Eichi: Fufu. That sadly isn't the case. There's actually still things that require fixing in the haunted house.

Wataru: Oh? Is that so?

Eichi: Yeah. You saw the haunted hourse course, didn't you? I don't know if it's because the construction was done in a rush, but installation of the electrical system didn't go to plan.

Eichi: We gave directions to take the electricity from the ES property, but doing so caused a short blackout all the way in Starmony Dorm.

Eichi: It's like the haunted house has started its own chain of psychic phenomena.

Wataru: Ah, so that's why you told Himegimi and company to take flashlights?

Wataru: I should have joined them too. I could have illuminated the way with my magic...!

Eichi: Fufu. I think the ghosts would get scared away by such a shiny Wataru.

Eichi: Anyway. There's loads of things to do, but we are getting them done little by little. It would be nice if Yuzuru could recover, following this positive string of events.

Eichi: Halloween comes only once a year. Even if it's been a slow start, let's do what we can and run to the finish line.

Eichi: Aah, there's still too much I want to do. I have no time to lose.

Eichi: Life is short. And that's why we need to live without regrets... ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Exorcism 1

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

<Two hours later>

Keito: Eichi. I came because you called me here out of nowhere, but what is this blasted western-style building?

Keito: I owed you favour for the organizing efforts for the joint ES Halloween party, so it's not like I could say no, but...

Keito: Surely you're not up to something bizarre again, are you...?

Eichi: Fufufu. You see, this is the specially installed haunted house for Halloween at ES - we call it the ES Haunted House ♪

Eichi: I'll have you perform a "ceremonial groundbreaking" here.

Keito: ...A ceremonial groundbreaking?

Keito: Why? I don't get it.

Keito: First off, I may be the son of a temple family, but that doesn't mean I'm a proper priest. The one who does exorcisms for work is my father.

Tori: Ah, I knew it! Hibiki-senpai, he just said "I'm not a priest"! You now owe me a juice box ♪

Wataru: Mm~ So I was off the mark. And I was so sure that he would say "Eichi, are you making fun of me?", what a shame!

Keito: Hold on. Don't start placing bets on how I'll say no.

Keito: Anyway, why are you even asking me to perform a groundbreaking ceremony? Just go to a professional for one.

Eichi: Oh, Keito, that's not it. You're severely mistaken if you think you're the only one on the firing line today.

Eichi: I expected you to not agree to the ceremony, so I brought a reliable buddy along.

Keito: It doesn't matter who you bring in, I'm-

Eichi: Could you come in, clergyman Kazehaya-kun?

Tatsumi: Sigh. I don't understand what's happening either...

Tatsumi: I came here on my boss's orders. Really, what in the world am I supposed to do here?

Eichi: Yes, this is nice. The pride of ES, the Buddhist temple and Christian church duo. With this lineup, the ceremony should be a success... ♪

Keito: Can you stop patting yourself on the back over there?

Keito: Explain the circumstances to us NOW, Eichi. This is a bad habit of yours, you know.

Tatsumi: I would like to hear about it as well. I can't do a clergyman's job, but could it be that you actually need some help with ES Halloween?

Eichi: Fufu, you're right. I do find it fun to confuse people, but there's no real point to pestering you two right now.

Eichi: Thing is, Yuzuru has become unwell. I was thinking that the cause of it could be somewhere in the ES Haunted House.

Tatsumi: Hmm. That's curious. What's the connection between this building and his poor condition?

Eichi: Actually, about that; when Yuzuru was sleeping in the medical office, he kept going on about how "there's no such things as ghosts".

Eichi: So even if we don't know for sure why our usually emotionally reserved Yuzuru is suddenly so unwell-

Eichi: We think it's entirely possible that the heavy burdens he's carrying from student council work and ES Halloween could be to blame.

Eichi: And that's why I want to hold a "ceremonial groundbreaking" to ease his anxieties just a little bit.

Keito: I get the whole picture now, but it just doesn't make sense to me. How would a ceremony like that ease Fushimi's anxieties? To me it just seems like you're playing around.

Eichi: And I am.

Keito: Oi, Eichi.

Eichi: - For transparency's sake, this ES Haunted House is something I and Wataru planned out. I wanted to do a rehearsal run, a pre-opening of sorts.

Eichi: It would have been nice to have Tori and Yuzuru play here, since they are busy with the student council...

Eichi: But since Yuzuru is out of commission now, I had to look for someone to take his place.

Eichi: I call this the "ceremonial groundbreaking". I came up with the name just now.

Keito: I see. I have a lot to say about your naming sense, but I'll hold my tongue for now.

Keito: So we are here in Fushimi's place to experience the ES Haunted House as a way to lighten his workload.

Tatsumi: Well, you certainly have won me over. We have no reason to be afraid of ghosts considering our family backgrounds, so we are good substitutes for Yuzuru-san.

Keito: Sigh. You know, I now understand why you called me over. Abusing your power for sudden unreasonable requests... This conversation has basically been a montage of all your worst traits, Eichi.

Keito: However, I can't even begin to imagine the extent of Fushimi's worries right now. I'll do what I can.

Eichi: Thank you both. I think this rehearsal run will be great with you three; the coolheaded duo and the scaredy-cat Tori.

Tori: U-uh, yeah. To be totally honest, I hate scary stuff...

Tori: But it's not right for me to stay in my comfort zone when Yuzuru is working so hard he destroys himself.

Tori: Hasumi-senpai, Kazehaya-senpai. I also want to ask for a favor. Please do this "ceremonial groundbreaking" with me so I can ease Yuzuru's pain.

Tatsumi: Fufu. Of course, Tori-san.

Tatsumi: It must be the will of the Lord that I was invited here. You're fine to depend on us while Yuzuru-san is on break.

Tatsumi: This is the first time ALKALOID is participating in Halloween festivities, so we are only now learning what other units are up to. We should stick together when in trouble.

Keito: Agreed. Fushimi was of great help to me back in my student council days, so I want to make it up to him.

Keito: But more importantly: this "ceremonial groundbreaking" is for haunted house test run purposes, sure, but you have the staff on stand-by right now, don't you?

Keito: We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer. Let's save the chatting for later and get in the ES Haunted House now.

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Haunted 6

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

〈A few minutes later, in the ES medical office〉

Yuzuru: …Yes. My body is not hurting in any way, though.

Yuzuru: I do not want to worry my fellow unit members, so I was wondering if I could borrow a bed for a while.

Yuzuru: …Thank you very much. I will rest here for a while, if you don’t mind.

Yuzuru: ...

〈Meanwhile, in the ES practice room〉

Tori: ♪〜♪~

Tori: ♪〜♪~♪

Eichi: ? What’s wrong Tori, your moves seem more hesitant now.

Eichi: Are you perhaps worried about Yuzuru?

Tori: …Aw, nothing gets past you, Eichi-sama. I never imagined that Yuzuru could wreck himself like this, so it’s hard for me to focus on anything else.

Tori: But I mean it never happens normally, right? That he goes to rest when he has barely taken holidays as a butler.

Tori: This’ll sound rude, but it made me surprised how human he is acting today.

Wataru: It must be because Mr. Butler puts on his mask in front of you. It’s not like he can show his weaknesses to you, now can he?

Wataru: Really, my one concern is what has Mr. Butler been shaken up by so much that his mask has slipped off.

Wataru: Although he also did mention that he has a lot of exhaustion built up from all the work with the student council.

Eichi: He did? Hm, it’s hard to imagine considering his skills with paperwork. 

Eichi: But I absolutely understand your worries, Tori. Yuzuru is the type to hold onto his responsibilities no matter what so he wouldn't worry us.

Eichi: If you want, I could call the medical office? I go there quite often to take breaks so I think I'll be able to get someone on the phone fast.

Tori: Thanks. It would be terrible if he's actually sick. I want to know how he's doing now.

Eichi: Alright. Now just wait a little bit. I think Sagami-san could be dealing with the staff in the medical office right now.

Eichi: ...Ah, hello. It's me.

Eichi: ...Hm. Is Yuzuru really-? I see, that's unexpected... Thank you for telling me.

Tori: What is it, Eichi-sama?

Eichi: Apparently Yuzuru has tucked himself into bed and fallen asleep there like a good kid.

Eichi: But that's not all - something really interesting is happening. Yuzuru is seemingly sleeptalking while having a nightmare.

Tori: Huh? A nightmare?

Eichi: Yes. It sounds like he's mumbling something like "there's no such thing as ghosts". The medical office staff theorize that it's because of stress.

Tori: Really!? So he was holding onto this much stress all this time...?

Tori: I had no idea. Even though we sleep in the same dorm, I never suspected anything because he stayed up later than me and woke up earlier than me...

Wataru: Mr. Butler is still human even with his capable image.

Wataru: He has a strong sense of responsibility, so it's entirely possible that he has taken upon heavy new burdens for himself.

Wataru: And that reminds me -

Wataru: Just as an example, the usually punctual Mr. Butler could be deeply distressed by the small amount of time available for Halloween preparations.

Wataru: This could then lead to his nightmares of being chased by ghosts.

Tori: Ghosts, you say... Now that you mention it, that sounds possible.

Tori: Just yesterday there was this blackout at Starmony dorms, right? I happened to break a glass back then...

Tori: I think that all these unexpected things piling up has put Yuzuru really on edge.

Eichi: I see. Tori's theory definitely holds water.

Eichi: I also often find myself exhausted only after taking a post-work breather. And unlike what you might think, a person in that kind of situation could very well not notice a thing.

Eichi: All these things add up; the packed schedule for the Halloween Party and ES Haunted House, private troubles -

Eichi: If it was just one thing, Yuzuru would overcome it given his toughness. But when these things pile up, anyone would become drained.

Wataru: Hmm. However, everything gets rather confusing when there's no clear source~ It's just like during Tempest Fes, we can't settle everything that easily.

Wataru: Perchance we should just pray that Mr. Butler makes a smooth recovery?

Eichi: Pray… Hmm, that could be good.

Wataru: ...Hum?

Eichi: If Yuzuru is being haunted, how about this? 

Eichi: What if we organized a "ceremonial groundbreaking" at the haunted house?

Tori: C-ceremonial groundbreaking...!? (A ceremonial groundbreaking is a commonly done (often small) ceremony on the first day of construction projects. In a Shinto context, the ceremony is done so the god of the construction area will allow the use of the land.)

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Haunted 5

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

Yuzuru: (…So now I have to take a break I didn’t even intend to have.)

Yuzuru: (In all honesty, I’m sure I would have been able to keep going with today’s pace. Though Eichi-sama probably wouldn’t let that slide.)

Yuzuru: (To think that I would put myself in such a bind where I have to leave practice early just because I got distracted by tall tales about the paranormal. I should reflect upon this…)

Yuzuru: (I’ll take a light nap and come back tomorrow feeling refreshed.)

Yuzuru: (Oh? That’s unusual, why is the A/C control room’s door open…?)

Yuzuru: (Hmm. So this is how it looks like on the inside. I can’t help but wonder what this note is doing here though…)

Yuzuru: (The note is rather new, it resembles the ones pasted around ES’s building construction zone right now.)

Yuzuru: (This might not be here from malicious intent, but maybe more so for the safety of the construction workers.)

Yuzuru: (The buildings at ES sometimes have notes like this at seemingly random places. When you couple it with the recent paranormal events, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture.)

Yuzuru: (No, but fear is what makes it seem real - I’m sure that this must be another misunderstanding on my part.)

Yuzuru: (Ah. There’s a presence nearby… I wonder who it is?)

Mayoi: ...

Yuzuru: What a coincidence, Ayase-sama. I didn’t expect to meet you in the emergency staircase-

Mayoi: EEK! F-F-F-Fushimi-san! What are you doing here!?

Yuzuru: Well surely it isn’t that strange. It isn’t unusual for fellow idols to bump into each other on ES grounds, is it? 

Mayoi: W-well, when you put it like that… I just don’t normally see anyone using the emergency staircase, so I was really surprised.

Mayoi: (whispering) Plus, thinking about someone peeking into the secret base makes me uneasy… (This is a reference to the King of Thieves gacha story, where Mayoi introduces his secret hide-out to Sora.)

Yuzuru: Excuse me, are you looking for something?

Mayoi: I-it's nothiiiiiing! I just find it hard for little old me to express my opinions to a higher level being like you, Fushimi-san...!

Yuzuru: Sigh. It isn't an issue if you truly have nothing to tell me.

Yuzuru: By the way, Ayase-sama, is it okay with you if I ask you something?

Mayoi: Y-yes. If it's something I can shed light on, I would be glad to.

Mayoi: I-is it about me making a mistake? Surely not?

Mayoi: If it is, I'm so incredibly sorry! I'll apologize in advance!

Yuzuru: No need to be scared. It's something small.

Mayoi: Something small...? I-I see. If you don't mind me...

Yuzuru: Thank you very much. Let me cut to the chase-

Yuzuru: Ayase-sama, you said yesterday that you felt the presence of "bad things" from the ES Haunted House.

Yuzuru: Could you be more specific as to how the building made you feel?

Mayoi: Huh...?

Mayoi: U-umm... Could it be that you believe in ghosts, Fushimi-san?

Yuzuru: No, not at all. Just me being curious, that is all.

Yuzuru: I was wondering how people who believe in the supernatural experience life.

Yuzuru: fine's current performance contains elements of such things, so I wanted to learn more.

Yuzuru: Let's get back on track; what is it like?

Mayoi: I-I see. Explaining it on the fly is quite difficult, but-

Mayoi: I suppose it's like I'm overcome by terror. Just being nearby frightens me and gives me goosebumps.

Yuzuru: Hmm. Goosebumps...?

Mayoi: Yes. Like every hair on your body is standing up. I suppose it's like a primal, animalistic danger sensing ability kicking in?

Yuzuru: I see. So logic not supported by scientific reasonings are explained away through other means. Just as I expected.

Yuzuru: These schools of thought exist to lessen the fear and worry caused by strange things, such as that note over there.

Yuzuru: And thus, there's no reason to be afraid of ghosts. Speaking with you has allowed me to deepen my understanding. Thank you.

Yuzuru: Well then, I will be excusing myself now.

Mayoi: R-right...

Mayoi: I didn't really understand anything, but I'm guessing he has been haunted by psychic phenomena recently...?

Mayoi: If so, I'm glad if speaking with me was helpful.

Mayoi: This is a place where "bad things" tend to gather, so I have been uncertain about the reckless set-up ES Haunted House that could uncover such things. 

Mayoi: fine's song and dance will surely bring forth positive emotions. I'm sure nothing bad will happen... ♪

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Haunted 4

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

＜The next day＞

Eichi: Okay, practice is going to get really rough starting from today.

As you all might remember from yesterday when I taught you the choreography, Ghostic Treat House is using ES Haunted House’s huge stage to the fullest during the performance.

I guess you could describe it as theatrical. What we want to achieve is dancing that carries both fierceness and abstract quality, a performance where we express the emotion with our whole body.

Of course, we’ll eventually practice on the actual ES Haunted House stage.

But first we need to practice with a mirror, so we can ensure graceful dancing by focusing on our posture and how our limbs move.

Wataru: It’s important to build foundation for the basics~ Eichi and I are thoroughly prepared to start from zero along with you two, of course!

For example, when we incorporated ballet elements into the choreography, or when observing haunted houses at theme parks…

Since Himegimi and Mr. Butler here have been swamped in student council work and thus been away from the dance floor for a while, how about we start from simple relearning?

Tori: Wait, did you just say you went to a theme park with Eichi-sama?

That's so unfair, mophead! Invite me too!

Wataru: Oh dear. How rude of me.

Eichi told me to keep it a secret since “it would be bad for Tori”, but I accidentally blabbed about it anyway… ♪

Tori: What the heck, so it was supposed to be a secret between you two...!? To think you guys would get so close while I was busy with the student council…!

Eichi: I'm sorry Tori. We thought you were busy enough, so we shouldn't add more to the load. I had to go to the theme park for other business anyway, so…

Besides, I don’t want to go there just for business, I genuinely want to go have fun with all of fine in our free time some day.

So, we’ll be back soon enough.

Pinky swear, if I lie then I’ll drink a thousand needles ♪ (TL note: this isn't just something Eichi says to scare people - the phrase is said for the rhyme associated with kids making a pinky promise.)

Tori: Oh… But if you do something that crazy, you’ll die, won’t you?

There doesn’t have to be a punishment, seriously!

Just promise to keep the promise… Pinky swear!

Alright! And that's that. You were watching, right Yuzuru?

Yuzuru: ...

Tori: Huh? What's wrong?

Yuzuru: Ah, I apologize. I was just deep in thought.

Tori: Eh~? What, are you worried about something too? You should leave that stuff to Hasumi-senpai.

But I get it, things haven’t been smooth sailing recently. You can’t help but overthink sometimes.

Stuff like not being able to get chocolate at Chocolat Fes and Yumenosaki’s Halloween Party having problems one after another.

And yesterday I forgot my phone, and there was that blackout and everything… It feels like the world is against us now.

With the way bad happenings seem to follow us, it almost makes you afraid of something bad happening on the event day, right?

Yuzuru: Something bad...

I disagree. These things are always very much dependent on how you view them, Young Master.

All the problems with the event have been solved, and you even made this promise with Eichi-sama to go play at the theme park, correct? If we consider that, today has been a good day, hasn’t it?

Tori: Mm, I guess so. I was also maybe being a little too pessimistic.

Anyway, we should get back to practice. Eichi-sama, can you teach me?

Eichi: Of course. It’s my duty as the one in charge of this project after all.

Can you stand in front of the mirror and dance for me?

Tori: Okay!

♪~♪~

Wataru: Fufufu. So Eichi and Himegimi will be pairing up for this? In that case, I’ll be with Mr. Butler ♪

Yuzuru: Yes. I'll be in your care, Hibiki-sama.

♪~♪~♪

Wataru: ...

That part just now, could you do that again for me?

Yuzuru: ? Understood. I assume you mean that I should start from this position.

♪~♪~♪

Wataru: …Hmm, I can’t see even a hint of that usual edge to you. Are you in pain somehow?

Yuzuru: No, not at all...

(However… Now that I think about it, I didn’t sleep well due to my anxiety yesterday.)

(Something like a ghost ruining our performance after getting attached to us… I don’t even want to think about it.)

(I am hesitant to talk to everyone about it at this critical point in time.)

(So I have to come up with another reason-)

—The student council has been swamped with work recently, so I suppose I am worn out.

Wataru: Oh my! That's quite unexpected from Mr. Butler himself...!

In that case, you should end practice for today and go rest in the medical office. You're a hard worker, so one or two rest days won't impact your progress. 

Yuzuru: B-but... I should not cause trouble for everyone-

Wataru: Now now, you shouldn't force yourself.

If the problem is you being a possible burden for resting, we should ask the neutral team leader to pass his judgment on the situation!

Eichi? Mr. Butler here isn’t feeling too good, you won’t mind if we let him rest, would you?

Eichi: Ahaha. You don’t need to ask to already know the answer, you know?

Yuzuru. If you’re unwell, I want you to take good care of yourself and rest properly.

No matter what, health comes first. I don’t want you to end up like me, ending up in bad condition and having to withdraw from everything for a long time.

Tori: Yeah, Yuzuru! You’re human, so it’s fine for you to just step back and rest sometimes.

This isn’t a suggestion but an order! Something you have to listen and go along with!

This year’s Halloween is going to be even greater than last year, so if you aren’t there it’s going to make it way duller.

So to make sure you’ll be there for the best part, take a breather for now.

Yuzuru: I-I see. Everyone, thank you for your kindness…

Well then, I shall head for the medical office now. I will be back in tip top shape after resting for a while.

Until then, I trust you to take care of my part as well, Young Master.

[boozuru]

Ghostic - Haunted 3

⇠  chapter select  ⇢

(NOT JP PROOFED)

Season: Autumn

Yuzuru: Hmm. If I remember correctly, the switch should be around-

...? How strange. Even though I pressed the switch, the lights aren't coming on.

Even though it worked just fine during the daytime... Is there some instability with the power supply still?

I'll use my phone to light the way. It isn't much, but it should be enough to get around.

There we go. I feel more confident now. Young Master was around here during the daytime, if I'm not mistaken...

...?

This sound - is it Young Master's ringtone?

Ah, found it. So this is where he left it. Great timing with that phone call just now.

...Actually, he doesn't normally receive calls this late, does he. If it was job related, it should go through me or Eichi-sama-

...!? Dozens of missed calls from a hidden number...!

Who in the world is making these calls?

I suppose it could be someone from fine attempting to make the phone easier to find.

But if that's the case, it should be through a number that is added in his contact book, thus displaying the name of the caller. It would be out of character for any of them to call through a hidden number just to scare me.

So does that mean... a prank call?

My apologies, Young Master. I will have to borrow your phone to call this mischief maker to find out who it is...!

...

......

No one is picking up.

Someone we don't know has Young Master's phone number... I'll have to persuade him to get a new number later.

Regardless, my mission is now complete. I'll have to get up early tomorrow, so it's best that I get going now.

(That was incredibly strange.)

(I checked the breaker panel before leaving, but all seemed to be just fine.)

(Is it really possible that the lights didn't come on just when I came in...? Is such pinpoint timing even possible...?)

(Surely not. When Ayase-sama spoke of the building's "repulsive feel", the chances of it being from him having an actual spiritual connection to a ghost-)

(No, it can't be. Things not proven by science do not exist.)

(In a society filled with uncertainties, it's possible for phenomena that distort the laws of physical laws to materialize suddenly in one's life-)

...Hgh. Watch out!

I didn't even notice that a bicycle got close to me. I was careless for not paying attention to the road...

I suppose strange ghost stories are haunting my mind now. I should forget about what happened today.

Yuzuru: Hello Young Master, I'm back.

Tori: Ah, welcome back~! Yuzuru! Did you find my phone?

Yuzuru: I did. It was hard to spot, but I got it back without a hitch.

Tori: Yup, this is why you're my butler!

Thanks for going out of your way to get it back! It's because of you that I could focus on having dinner and preparing for tomorrow.

You must be tired too, Yuzuru. You're free to rest now.

From tomorrow onwards, we are gonna focus on ES Halloween activities. It won't leave us with much free time, but we gotta put our best foot forward ♪

Yuzuru: Fufu. You're very motivated I see, Young Master. I will do all I can with you to make the day even more exciting.

Yuzuru: (Phew. Since I got to see Young Master's smile, I will consider this day a good one.)

(Even if there were many mysterious bumps along the way, I wouldn't say any of them turned out to be a big problem.)

(Considering the amount of mystery calls today, everything should be fine so long as I keep an eye on Young Master-)

Yuzuru: ?

Tori: Woah, hold on? A blackout?

Wah- Who-ho-hoah? Ah, sorry Yuzuru! I think I knocked over a glass!

Yuzuru: Young Master, you're at risk right now so please do not take another step!

Tori: B-but... Ugh, what's going on~!?

Yuzuru: (Curses, another electricity issue with no known cause..! Why in the world is this happening?)

(Could it really be so that the ES Haunted House is infested with an actual ghost-)

Yuzuru: ...Oh. Seems like the electricity works again.

I'm glad that it ended as quickly as it began. I will clean up the broken glass, so please take a seat on the sofa.

Tori: Ugh... That was so scary~!

Tori: Are we actually being haunted by a real ghost since we built a haunted house?

Yuzuru: ...No. Of course not, it's absolutely impossible. If anything, it's just many well-timed coincidences.

Tori: Really...? Going to an exorcist might be better...

Yuzuru: Please don't worry, Young Master. No matter what happens, I will be with you.

Tori: Y-yeah... Everything should be fine then. If something really happens, don't leave from my side!

Yuzuru: (Phew. I got Young Master to calm down.)

(Listen well, me. I'm the Young Master's butler; if I get overwhelmed by uncertainty, then what!?)

(There's no such thing as ghosts. No matter what happens, I'll make sure to stay calm...!)