#“uwah” in the way that i very much realize i can't never be him and that very fact make him even more admireable to me

[popponn]

there is something about how when anime official art gets yoichi right fashion wise it's always a comfy bf look like look at him

very fluffy. very huggable. i want to poke and pinch his cheeks. also he often has those lil blushies when he eats and for some reason it's cute. the gap moe between on field and off field is still something else to see each time i remember it. i love it ofc 💚 but it's still something else

[shiningwonderland]

Ai Mikaze (All Star)

Translator: Nadie (Twitter: NmoniaG)

Proofreader: Raine (Twitter: amagiyas)

Editor: Noemi (Twitter: dreaminbeyond)

Chapter Six — Gondola at Dusk

After undergoing maintenance, Mikaze-senpai returned to his work. 

Filming for the movie also resumed after its long break, and at the end of February, everyone was working hard to wrap up the shooting.

Most of my time in February was taken up finishing jobs that had accumulated over the holiday season.

However, I’m also managing some of Senpai’s events to accompany him to his work.

The reason doesn't really matter. As long as I can be by his side, I’m happy.

Ai Mikaze: Why are you grinning like that? Are you making good progress?

Haruka Nanami: Uwah?! Oh, sorry, I’m on it.

I suddenly realize that Senpai’s standing there holding a cup of coffee in his hand.

Ai Mikaze: Don’t "Oh!" me. You know it’s not good to space out during work. Did you upload the BGM score?

It’s March 1st. Filming will continue in the afternoon.

Until then, I will use this short time to get the BGM checked.

Ai Mikaze: Really… pull yourself together. Here, take this. I won’t drink it, but if you don’t keep yourself awake you’ll keep spacing out.

He puts the cup of coffee on the table with a sigh.

Haruka Nanami: Ahh—sorry! You even made me coffee...

Ai Mikaze: It’s alright, just drink it! You're the only one who gets this special treatment from me.

He says while deliberately adding milk to the cup.

Haruka Nanami: Okay…

His way of speaking seems a bit frank but that’s just like him so it makes me happy.

However, our time together like this is limited.

He takes a look at the BGM score I hand him.

Ai Mikaze: Mhm, it’s nice. Your songs are just like you… I can feel some sort of kindness in them.

After cutting himself off from Aine-san, Mikaze-senpai became even more like a human being.

In exchange for a deadline, he received the treasure of “free emotions.”

I have to create a song for the Song Festival that shows that freedom to its fullest.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you very much. I’ll also do my best for the Song Festival!

"Mhm," he adds with a nod and looks at my face as I put the coffee cup to my lips.

It’s afternoon when we arrive at the filming location.

Reiji Kotobuki: Heyah—! Ai-Ai, Kouhai-chan! Long time no see—♪

Kotobuki-senpai rushes towards us.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, Kotobuki-senpai! Um, thanks for the other day…

Ai Mikaze: The other day?

Mikaze-senpai eyes me with a suspicious look as I bow politely.

Haruka Nanami: Ah—No, it’s…!

Reiji Kotobuki: Come on, don’t give us that scary look! She only came to ask for some advice. Dear me~ You really shouldn’t worry our little Kouhai-chan so much ☆

Ai Mikaze: Huh? Er, okay…

Reiji Kotobuki: Anyway, I’m glad that you’re feeling better now! On that topic—why is it that you never reply to my messages, Ai-Ai?!

Ai Mikaze:  Because your messages are too long! There are so many special characters that they make it hard to read. As a result, I can't even tell which parts of your messages are important.

Reiji Kotobuki: On the other hand, yours are way too short! When I finally get a reply it’s mostly just single words like “Okay” or “No”!

Ai Mikaze: I mean, there's no reason to write more than that…

I puff up my cheeks.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen these two talk to each other on set. They seem to have a good time.

Their conversation ends and Mikaze-senpai gets ready on standby.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chaaan, can I have a moment?

Kotobuki-senpai seems to be beckoning me to a corner of the filming set.

Haruka Nanami: What is it?

Heading his way, Kotobuki-senpai makes a shushing gesture.

Reiji Kotobuki: Do you know what day it is today?

Select the phrase!

ホワイトデー White Day (+0)

Haruka Nanami: White Day! No, that can’t be right.

Reiji Kotobuki: Nonono, you must be kidding! March has just begun! It’s the 1st!

Haruka Nanami: Huh… the 1st, so… No way…

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh, what? Could it be that you just remembered?

Haruka Nanami: Isn’t today… Mikaze-senpai’s birthday?

Kotobuki-senpai hangs his head, crestfallen.

⁂

誕生日 Birthday (+15)

Haruka Nanami: Of course! March 1st is Mikaze-senpai’s birthday!

Kotobuki-senpai claps.

Reiji Kotobuki: Right, correct answer~! Heeere, since Kouhai-chan answered correctly, you win this Super Nice Guy Doll!

Haruka Nanami: Oh, this doll, I’ve seen it on some kind of quiz show before.

… But anyway, it’s today?

Haruka Nanami: It’s his birthday… but…

Because of all that happened last month, I completely forgot to prepare something for it.

Reiji Kotobuki: My? Could this air be the “I’m-not-prepared-at-all” mood?

Haruka Nanami: S-sorry… I've been so caught up in the hustle and bustle recently…

⁂

撮影の日 Day of the filming (+10)

Haruka Nanami: It’s the day of the filming?

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s true. Yeah, that it is. No doubt about it.

—As if!! Aren’t you forgetting something more important about this day?!

Haruka Nanami: Ah! March 1st… Today is Mikaze-senpai’s birthday?!

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh man, pull yourself together, partner!

I slap my cheeks, throwing Kotobuki-senpai off.

⁂

Haruka Nanami: No way, so it’s today…

Reiji Kotobuki: Correct! Today’s Ai-Ai’s birthday. So I thought maybe we should all celebrate it together, as a surprise~? 

Kotobuki-senpai says cheerfully.

Reiji Kotobuki: —And then I thought, everyone on set should give him a present, but what present would he like?

Something that Mikaze-senpai would like…

Select the phrase!

メッセージカード A message card (+15)

Haruka Nanami: How about a card with messages from everyone? He can enjoy it whenever he looks at it.

Reiji Kotobuki: I see, I see. In that case I’ll fill the card to the fullest with all my heart!

Haruka Nanami: T-then it won’t be a team effort anymore!!

Kotobuki-senpai gives a hearty laugh.

Messages from everyone… Can I also write something on it? I think I will.

⁂

記念撮影 A commemorative picture (+10)

Haruka Nanami: In that case, what about a photo with everyone for commemoration…

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, sounds good! There happens to be a photographer here today. I’ll ask them to take a professional photo!

Haruka Nanami: Okay!

After it’s shot I can put it in a frame and give it to him as a present.

Kotobuki-senpai wastes no time and calls out to the photographer.

⁂

手作りケーキ Handmade cake (+0)

Reiji Kotobuki: What? Right now?! Er, if we buy the ingredients we could probably decorate it with everyone's help… maybe?

Haruka Nanami: Right… Oh, er—

Mikaze-senpai isn’t really fond of food to begin with, so it wasn't the best suggestion.

Haruka Nanami: It really is too sudden to start now. We’d have to leave the set for it too… Should I get some flowers?

We end up discussing what kind of bouquet to get for Mikaze-senpai.

⁂

Reiji Kotobuki: Alright, I’ll leave the shopping to you! Get on your way and be careful!

“Here are your war funds!” He hands me a coin purse with a salute.

Haruka Nanami: Oh—Okay! I’ll be on my way!

I hurriedly return his salute.

Since the consultation is over, I run to the nearest main road to go shopping.

Let’s buy the things Kotobuki-senpai asked for, as well as some party poppers and all the party goods I can think of!

Haruka Nanami: This much should be fine… Ah, that’s right!

Noticing a general store, I head inside.

I should also give Senpai a present for his birthday.

For this one, I pull out my own purse and look around the store.

What should I get…

Select the phrase!

ピヨちゃんの時計 Piyo-chan clock (+0)

I reach for the Piyo-chan alarm clock.

The alarm sound coming from the yellow device imitates Piyo-chan.

Haruka Nanami: Hmm… I think that’s a little too cute.

Shinomiya-san, who loves Piyo-chan, would have liked this. However, I can’t even imagine Mikaze-senpai waking up to this.

I look around the shop. There has to be something else.

⁂

海の写真集 Ocean photo book (+20)

I grab an ocean themed photo book.

One photo shows a sea’s coral reef in its rich colors.

Haruka Nanami: It’s beautiful, but I want to find something that’ll be easier to carry around.

I look around the shop.

⁂

マフラー Scarf (+15)

I grab a white scarf.

Haruka Nanami: That’s right, Senpai gave me a scarf for christmas.

However, it’ll be spring soon. So giving him a scarf now would be…

Hoping to find something better, I look around some more.

⁂

I come to a stop at the accessory corner.

My eyes land on a bangle and I reach out for it.

The silver bangle in my hand is slim with a simple design. It's inlaid with what appear to be natural blue stones.

There’s a small sign next to it.

“An accessory, adorned with the birthstone for march: aquamarine. Aquamarine is also called ‘mermaid tears’.”

I haven't seen Senpai wear accessories in private before but…

Haruka Nanami: This would suit him.

Deciding to wrap it myself, I go to the wrapping corner to prepare his present.

After buying everything I need, I prepare to head back to the filming location when I suddenly notice a familiar face walking towards me.

His white coat stands out on the city streets.

Haruka Nanami: Professor… Why are you here…?

Professor: Just by chance. No need to be so wary.

Before me stands the professor.

This is my first time seeing him since the day Mikaze-senpai collapsed.

Could he be staying near Mikaze-senpai because he’s worried about him?

Haruka Nanami: Uhm… how is Aine-san?

Professor: He's still asleep. Even after all that, his condition hasn't changed and he's still stable.

Although their connection was cut, Aine-san continued to sleep.

“Is this for the best?” That thought slips my mind.

Professor: Hey now, don’t give me the long face. We can be happy about this outcome.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

Professor: Ai told me that we don’t have to force Aine to wake up. He should have the strength to wake up by himself.

He said: “What else can we do but believe in his strength?”—Can’t believe Ai was the one to tell me something like that.

Haruka Nanami: …Mikaze-senpai told me that he met Aine-san.

“Seems like it.” The professor says with a nod.

Professor: For humans, there are times when they want to run away and times when they want to rest.

I became so desperate in my deed to save Aine, I never thought about everyone else’s feelings.

I hurt Aine, Ai, and also you. For that, I’m sorry.

Everyone’s feelings…

Haruka Nanami: But… I believe that having someone who is waiting for you must be a truly wonderful thing.

You wanted to help wake Aine-san, and I don’t think that those feelings were futile.

So please, just wait for him.

He nods silently.

Professor: About Ai, to be honest there is still nothing we can do. I can’t access his system.

Haruka Nanami: Oh… I see…

I clasp my hands together tightly.

Professor: However, I’ll keep trying until the very end. I’ll give it my all to save even a fragment of his memory! Hopefully, I can do that at least.

Haruka Nanami: …Please. I'm counting on you.

Professor: I also plan to let Aine hear your song for the Song Festival.

Haruka Nanami: Of course… Mikaze-senpai and Aine-san seem to have made a promise with each other.

That’s what I tell him.

Shortly after, the professor leaves to continue his business. 

Haruka Nanami: … Until the very end…

One day, that moment will come. Is there something I can do until then?

I check the time.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, it’s already this late!

I have to go back now or the filming will be over.

Haruka Nanami: Time sure passes quickly.

I start running back to the set.

Once the filming ends, Mikaze-senpai prepares to leave after thanking everyone. That’s when Kotobuki-senpai calls out to him in an attempt to hold him up.

Reiji Kotobuki: Whoa there, wait a minute—! Stay! Hey, stay! And now, everyone assemble!

He firmly grabs Mikaze-senpai by the collar.

Ai Mikaze: Wha—what? Stop it, Reiji… Idiot, you're ruining my clothes!

Dragging him back on set, Kotobuki-senpai promptly gathers the staff members and actors together.

Reiji Kotobuki: Are you ready~? Well, well everyone, now together! Ready—go! Congratulations, Ai-Ai!!

At once, everyone cracks their party poppers as congratulatory words surround him from all sides.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Congratulations!

Syo Kurusu: Congratulations, Ai!

Shinomiya-san and Syo-kun who arrive later also crack open their poppers with great enthusiasm.

Ai Mikaze: Huh? Right, thank you. But what are we celebrating?

Mikaze-senpai looks at us with puzzled eyes.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, stahp it~! Today’s Ai-Ai’s birthday, no? Yet another year closer to adulthood. Whooo—! A merry occasion!!

Ai Mikaze: Uh… birthday…? A birthday celebration for me…?

Still being somewhat unsure, Mikaze-senpai looks at everyone around him.

Syo Kurusu: Don’t tell me… Is this your first time celebrating your birthday?

Mikaze-senpai replies with a nod.

Whaaat?!—everyone exclaims in shock.

Ai Mikaze: I do have the knowledge about celebrating these but… I see… so my day of birth can be celebrated as well.

Senpai murmurs.

A Bavarian cake is placed on the table.

I bought it thinking that he might like something with some jelly on it.

Reiji Kotobuki: ‘Kay, now—without toppling the candles over, blow them out like whoo, whooo!

Ai Mikaze: “Whoo”? Uhm, how do I do it? Should I just blow them off by expelling the air through my lips?

Mimicking Kotobuki-senpai’s lip shape, I’ve rarely seen Mikaze-senpai this flustered.

Haruka Nanami: You got it! And now, you put out the flame on all the candles!

Everyone watches Mikaze-senpai.

Ai Mikaze: Err, this is somehow really embarrassing… Uhm… whoo—?

Hesitantly, Mikaze-senpai puts out the candles on top of the cake.

Afterwards, we take a commemorative picture and hand him a message card with a small flower bouquet.

As a side show, we have Kotobuki-senpai parodying Mikaze-senpai, and for some reason he then asks Shinomiya-san and Syo-kun to do a comedy sketch together.

The party continues for a little while longer.

Standing in the center surrounded by everyone, Mikaze-senpai still seems a little confused, but a side of him also looks happy…

Hopefully, this will become a good memory for him.

I can’t help feeling a little saddened by these thoughts, however I try not to let it show.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai, is everything alright? You look troubled…

Ai Mikaze: It’s because of the parody that Reiji did of me. Am I… really always like that?

Haruka Nanami: Uhm, well…

We’re on our way home from the birthday party.

The parody that Kotobuki-senpai did of Senpai was indeed accurate down to his usual  expressions, but it was a bit too exaggerated.

Ai Mikaze: And moreover, I couldn't laugh at Natsuki and Syo's comedy skit where neither one would make remarks at the other's absurd actions. More or less, it seemed like their act was about poking fun at Mikaze-senpai's skill in not reacting to people's silly behavior, but making a good comedy skit without any witty remarks is tough to pull off.

Haruka Nanami: You’re as strict as always, Senpai.

Ai Mikaze: Hehe, but it was fun! I was surprised when everyone suddenly congratulated me, but it made me happy.

Haruka Nanami: Thank goodness…

As I mumble, Mikaze-senpai looks at me briefly and smiles.

Haruka Nanami: Ah! That’s right! Senpai, I have a present for you!

We went to a nearby park and sat down on a bench.

I hand him a paper bag which he opens clumsily.

Ai Mikaze: This is… an accessory? A blue stone. It must be aquamarine, right?

He holds the bangle up against the park’s streetlight.

Haruka Nanami: That's right. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and they’re also called “mermaid tears.”

Ai Mikaze: Heh… Doesn’t it fit me perfectly then? However, I don’t know how to put this on. Can you put it on for me? Please?

He holds his hand and the bangle out to me.

Haruka Nanami: Sure!

I put the bangle on his wrist.

The aquamarine stone and the silver of the bangle have a sparkling shine.

Ai Mikaze: Oh, it fits my wrist perfectly! It’s pretty… Thank you, I will take good care of it.

He holds the bangle up in the park’s streetlight yet again and narrows his eyes.

I’m glad he likes it. But at the same time, an indescribable sadness overcomes me.

Just when the two of us are finally alone, why do these thoughts keep coming to mind?

Ai Mikaze: Listen… I don’t want you to feel sad for me.

As if he had noticed my feelings, Senpai turns to face me.

Ai Mikaze: A lot has happened, but now I have people who celebrate my birthday and that makes me really happy.

Besides, seeing your sad expression is also painful for me. I know it’s not easy but… can you try smiling for me?

Haruka Nanami: Smiling…

Senpai smiles gently.

Ai Mikaze: Truthfully, leaving you also hurts me, but I will do it in such a way that you won’t feel sad. Because you see, I want you to remember my smile.

He gently holds his pinky out.

Ai Mikaze: A pinky promise. That’s what you do when you make a promise, right?

I nod. Then I entwined his slim pinky with my small pinky.

Ai Mikaze: Cross my heart I will not lie, or else I'll eat a needle pie. Pinky promise.

He chants the rhyme as if singing the words. The moment we let go of our pinkies, the bangle around his wrist jingles.

Ai Mikaze: Now it’s a promise! ...Hey, will you smile for me? I want to see your smiling face over and over again.

Haruka Nanami: Over and over, you say?

To my question, he only points to his head making a tapping gesture.

Ai Mikaze: Yes. I want to fill my remaining memory with your smiles.

I smile at him and then he softly pats my head.

From then on, neither of us brought up the topic of our eventual parting. Instead, we focused on the Song Festival and worked on our song together.

Today is finally the last day of filming.

With the ocean in the background, the mermaid prince wishes for the heroine’s happiness and offers her a song. This is the scene where he turns into foam and disappears.

Their first encounter was also at this ocean.

The now grown-up heroine has lost her eyesight due to an accident. She can no longer see the prince, who has lost his voice.

She’s talking about the most beautiful times of her life.

Like the fateful encounter she had at this beach. That day, the heroine’s and mermaid prince’s hearts connected in song.

Halfway through her story, it becomes a monologue.

“I want to hear the song from that time,” she says. Wanting to make her happy, he starts singing with all his heart.

As soon as he uses his voice, he’s fated to disappear into foam. In spite of that, he continues to sing.

Kotobuki-senpai came to watch Mikaze-senpai’s acting.

Reiji Kotobuki: Man, he’s changed… Amazing. He’s like a totally different person.

Kotobuki-senpai mutters to himself.

Haruka Nanami: You're right. But now it's all coming to an end…

Kotobuki-senpai nods in agreement.

Reiji Kotobuki: You know, when you mentioned Aine that one time I was really shocked. What if Kouhai-chan met him somewhere? That thought crossed my mind.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

Reiji Kotobuki: I want to believe that he’s still alive somewhere. And for whatever reason, he hasn't come back. It’s better to think that way… It puts my mind at ease.

Haruka Nanami: …Do you have regrets?

Reiji Kotobuki: I do. If there’s one thing that I regret, then it’d be the fact that I couldn’t have a proper conversation with him before he left. After all, he vanished so suddenly.

With that said, Kotobuki-senpai turns back to Mikaze-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: To be honest, a part of me started seeing resemblances between the two of them.

But Ai-Ai is strong. On the other hand, since he’s strong there are still things to worry about. I just don’t want what happened once to repeat itself all over again.

He should be more like me and learn to loosen up. There are way too many dangerous guys out there.

“A whole army of them,” he adds and laughs bitterly.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, Kouhai-chan. No matter what, be willing to listen to him, okay?

Haruka Nanami: …

Reiji Kotobuki: If something happens, he probably won’t come and tell me. I don’t believe I’d have the confidence to face him then either.

I’m not in a position to say this, but if it’s Kouhai-chan then you’ll be fine.

If by some chance he tells you that he’s going somewhere, can you see him off properly? Since I was never able to do so.

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai…

Reiji Kotobuki: Ahaha. Sorry for the weird conversation. A new chapter starts for Ai-Ai today. We’ll finish filming soon.

My~ The filming took a long time, but it was fun!

Kotobuki-senpai laughs and the last scene ends.

Director: Cut!! …Good, OK!!

Upon hearing the director’s last words, applause erupts all around.

Ai Mikaze: Everyone… Thank you very much for everything!!

The applause gets significantly louder as he bows.

All the co-actors gather around Mikaze-senpai.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Good job, Ai-chan! You were wonderful!

Syo Kurusu: Somehow I… I was really touched.

His eyes are red-rimmed from crying, and he quickly wipes them with his sleeve.

Reiji Kotobuki: Good job on your first main role—! My, isn’t this already the face of a real actor? Is there hope for your next work?

Ai Mikaze: That’s too hasty! Really now… But… thank you.

Mikaze-senpai smiles as he takes a bouquet from Kotobuki-senpai.

Ai Mikaze: I really mean it… thank you for everything!

He faces the co-actors and staff members before bowing deeply.

The filming was finished, and by the time everything had been packed up the day was already coming to an end.

The Ferris wheel gondolas were lightly rising into the evening sky.

That’s where I discovered Mikaze-senpai’s secret last year.

We both look up at the Ferris wheel.

Ai Mikaze: Let’s take a ride on it before going home. I want to see the scenery from up there once again. Only if you’re not scared, of course.

Haruka Nanami: It’s not scary anymore! After all, I have you by my side.

We both laugh.

Ai Mikaze: Well, it’s not as cold as it was last year, and even if it does stop, I’ll stay by your side again all night.

Haruka Nanami: Huh?! T-that’s…

He flashes a mischievous smile, standing in front of the Ferris wheel.

Ai Mikaze: Come on, shall we? We have more than enough time today.

He takes my hand and runs ahead.

We take off on the Ferris wheel and it feels as if we’re floating to the stars.

This time we’re sitting next to each other. He’s still holding my hand, and it feels warm and pleasant.

We can see the light displays shining on the shore across the water. 

Ai Mikaze: I wonder what happened afterwards.

Senpai mutters to himself while looking at the lights.

Haruka Nanami: …After what?

Ai Mikaze: I’m talking about the movie.  I wonder what the heroine did after the mermaid prince disappeared?

They didn’t continue the story after that. However, I think the heroine continued to live alone after the prince’s disappearance…

They don’t reveal what happens after the prince disappears and leave it up to the viewer’s imagination.

SELECT THE PHRASE!

わかりません I don’t know (+0)

Haruka Nanami: I don’t know…

But… I think the emotions she felt in those happy moments will stay in her heart forever.

⁂

思い出と共に生きていくShe keeps on living with their memories (+20)

Haruka Nanami: I’m sure that he was able to reach her through his song and his prayer for her happiness.

Over time, her memory will fade. Of his face, his voice… She might even forget him one day.

Only the feelings from those fleeting moments of happiness might remain in her heart forever.

⁂

悲しんだと思うI think she suffers (+10)

Haruka Nanami: I think she’ll suffer deeply. Just when she realized that he’s the one from that day, he disappears.

Senpai just mutters a silent “I see.”

⁂

Ai Mikaze: I wonder what will happen in our case.

The gondola steadily rises higher and higher.

The noise of the city fades away and silence takes over.

It’s so quiet that we could hear our breaths. In this silence, I'm drawn to the shared warmth of our linked hands. 

Ai Mikaze: Listen… Haruka.

He tightens his grip on my hand slightly so I look over to him—

—and meet his eyes which are fixed on me.

Ai Mikaze: I've finally come to understand the feeling of liking—of loving someone.

It’s not just happiness when you’re together. Sometimes it’s tough, painful and suffocating but…

Just the thought of them alone warms your heart. That’s how powerful it is. It makes me a little proud of myself.

I love you, Haruka.

I finally got to understand this emotion—my treasure. 

Senpai laughs happily.

Seeing his smile, my next words spill out naturally.

Haruka Nanami: I’m also in love with you, Mikaze-senpai! These feelings are also my treasure.

Ai Mikaze: …Thank you.

Senpai hugs me tightly.

Ai Mikaze: Robots don’t know love. So this is love. It took me a long time to realize that I’m in love.

No matter what happens from now on, the fact that I got to know such a wonderful feeling makes me so happy!

“I’m also really happy.”

Instead of answering with those words, I hug him tighter in response.

Communicating heart to heart—this moment is the happiest in the world. I want to feel it with my whole body.

Ai Mikaze: Can I… ask for something?

He whispers as we’re hugging in the lightly swaying gondola.

Haruka Nanami: …What is it?

Ai Mikaze: I might want… to kiss you. Can I?

SELECT THE PHRASE!

はい Yes (+30)

It’s very embarrassing, but if it’s with Mikaze-senpai then…

Haruka Nanami: Yes…

I answer relieved, casting my eyes down…

Ai Mikaze: Oh… I’m glad. Somehow I’m really happy. It makes my heart beat so fast.

⁂

きっ、キスですか？K-kiss? (+15)

Ai Mikaze: I mean, the one we shared previously in your kitchen was an accident… It doesn’t count as a real kiss, so…

Bashfulness is mixed in with his words.

Haruka Nanami: T-that’s right… So you remember.

Ai Mikaze: There’s no way I’d forget! I have an excellent memory after all. So, please…?

I nod without a word.

⁂

今ですか！？Now?! (+0)

I look up in surprise and see Senpai with a little pout on his face.

Ai Mikaze: But we even expressed our feelings with each other… So can’t we…?

He tilts his head. Without saying a word, I nod in agreement.

⁂

Ai Mikaze: To be honest, I don’t know what to do but you don’t have to be nervous.

I can see Mikaze-senpai’s long eyelashes and his clear eyes right in front of me.

Ai Mikaze: Uhm, and also… can you close your eyes?

Haruka Nanami: Ah—okay!

I close my eyes tightly and can feel Senpai’s body heat.

The tip of his nose touches mine.

At that moment, it feels like time has stopped.

Haruka Nanami: …?

When I don't feel our lips touching at all, I slightly open my eyes again.

Ai Mikaze: You see, our noses… they bump into each other. What should I do?

Senpai is completely at a loss.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? I think you might have to try tilting your head a little?

Ai Mikaze: Tilting… Uhm, like this? Oh, I see.

He nods several times perhaps in satisfaction.

Ai Mikaze: Sorry, let's try that again! I’ll do it right this time, so… close your eyes?

The fingers on our clasped hands intertwine and squeeze tightly. 

Ai Mikaze: …Nh…

His lips gently touch mine.

Ai Mikaze: Hehe, it’s warm… nh…

As if to confirm the warmth, our lips part for an instant but then meet again.

It should be embarrassing, yet it makes me so happy, filling my whole heart.

After we part, Senpai exhales.

Ai Mikaze: Hah… I see… This… was quite nice actually…

Haruka Nanami: S-senpai!!

He chuckles and curls my hair around his finger.

Ai Mikaze: I mean, that’s how I honestly felt. Being connected with you like that… Hey… Haruka. Let’s do it again.

Haruka Nanami: Mm… mhh…

Since we aren’t kissing anymore, I feel so embarrassed that I cannot face him.

Ai Mikaze: No? Did you already get tired of it?

I reply by shaking my head to which Senpai smiles.

Ai Mikaze: Thank you. I’m glad that I fell in love with you… I love you. Nh…

It’s a chilly night on a spring day.

Inside the gondola as it slowly descends to the ground, we share a kiss and bask in each other’s warmth.

In the days leading up to the Song Festival, whenever we had free time we went out together.

We would go to the cinema or go shopping in the mall…

…taking a walk and watching the flowers bloom along the road…

Such a trivial, daily life was pure happiness for me.

Even the time in which we worked on our song was important to us, and we were close to finishing it. 

Today, Senpai called me into the studio.

For some reason, he asked me to prepare for a recording.

Once everything is ready, I call out to Senpai who is in the booth.

Haruka Nanami: Everything is set, Senpai. Can we record?

Senpai agrees with a nod. When the music is about to start, he…

Ai Mikaze: Hello, I’m Ai Mikaze.

Senpai steps up to the microphone.

Ai Mikaze: Today, I’d like to sing a song that my precious person made for me. Please listen to it.

Music Game S

Ai Mikaze: Thank goodness. I was finally able to sing it…

Once he finished singing, he mumbles to the microphone and then raises his head to look at me with a big smile.

He comes out of the booth.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai! That was so good!

As I run up to him, he embraces me and spins me around.

Ai Mikaze: Did the recording go well? I’ll give this song to you. It’s a special version just for you.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you!

Just like that, we completed our song for the Song Festival.

It’s the day of the Song Festival.

Rehearsal has finished, so we’re doing some final checks in the dressing room.

Haruka Nanami: …Hm? Come in!

Syo Kurusu: Yahoo—! We came to cheer you on!

I open the door and suddenly find Syo-kun and Shinomiya-san before me.

Haruka Nanami: Ooh, it’s you two! Thank you for coming!

Shinomiya-san takes my hand and swings it up and down.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Good morning! We watched the rehearsal! Both the song and the vocals were wonderful!

Syo Kurusu: Right! With that song, victory is certain!

Ai Mikaze: No, there’s still some room for improvement! I’ll give 100% on the real take.

I want to carefully express a sense of translucence​ and heartrending. I should be able to convey a variety of emotions.

Syo Kurusu: Ai… you…

After Mikaze-senpai found out about his time limit, he thought about it for a while and decided to tell those two right before the Song Festival.

“Since the two of them would be shocked if I were to suddenly disappear.”

That’s the thought he shared with me.

They were completely shocked, but once they calmed down they continued treating him like always.

Syo Kurusu: I get it… Ai, you’re already a real human.

Ai Mikaze: I can never become fully human. But that’s fine because I’m me. I’m Ai Mikaze.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, that’s right! Ai-chan is Ai-chan and our dear senpai!!

Ai Mikaze: Geez, are you sure you got it?

“Of course~” Shinomiya-san replies with a smile.

Syo Kurusu: You seem to be in good physical condition, so that’s a relief. We’ll be cheering you on from the audience, so give it your best! ‘Kay?

Ai Mikaze: As my juniors, you don’t have to tell me that. I’ll do my best, so it’ll be fine.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, Ai-chan’s so cute when he‘s flustered. For Ai-chan’s victory, I’ll also support you. Like this~ huuug!!

Shinomiya-san hugs Mikaze-senpai tightly.

Ai Mikaze: Wait…! Natsuki! This isn’t really supporting anything!

Mikaze-senpai utters his complaint but stays in Shinomiya-san’s embrace.

I’m glad that these two came for a number of reasons.

Mikaze-senpai throws me an offended look.

Ai Mikaze: Geez, what are you grinning about? Look, the show is about to start. Syo, do something!

Mikaze-senpai points at Shinomiya-san who’s still hugging him.

Syo Kurusu: Roger! Hey, come on Natsuki, let’s go!!

Syo-kun tugs on Shinomiya-san’s arm.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay… See you, Ai-chan…

Shinomiya-san reluctantly lets go of Mikaze-senpai.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I pray for Ai-chan’s feelings to reach everyone in the audience.

Ai Mikaze: Yes… Thank you.

Syo Kurusu: Well then, see ya at the award ceremony! And you take care too!!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Bye-bye, Ai-chan. See you later.

They leave smiling with big, waving hand gestures.The door to the dressing room closes silently.

Soon afterwards, the curtains open signaling the start of the Song Festival.

Chapter End