#akehoshi hinomiya

[mamadayoo]

My beloved bros (template will be below)

:3

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Personal Story - Akehoshi Hinomiya, Part 1

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

TL note:

(edit) Thanks to Imai for letting me know that Kyousuke is actually a reference to Kyousuke from Stand My Heroes!

For clarification, Hinomiya is referred to as Ninomiya in an instance. This isn't a typo!

Ain’t sayin’ working yourself to the bone or yer surroundings don’t play a role.

I’ve seen folks pullin’ it off.

The real thing… Talent as ya say, got no mercy… 

Livin’ in high cotton, all the luxury, don’t come to mind no more.

No doubt I wished a lifetime supply of it by now. 

Akehoshi: ….

Akehoshi: (..... I’m home?)

Akehoshi: (Eh… managed to get back home properly. Good goin’)

Moving my head a wee bit while probing ‘round for my phone was ‘nough to make my world spin, making me all sluggish. 

Akehoshi: (Aaah. Still hammered as I can be. I’m parched…)

Akehoshi: …Ah. Darnit

Akehoshi: (Ain’t refilled dispenser’s bottle.)

Akehoshi: (Do recall thinking ‘bout 30 minutes before leaving the house yesterday, how I gotta swap it out since I’d wanna have a sip in the morning.)

Ain’t like anybody’s gonna complain ‘bout sleeping in on a sunday with no plans in store.

Even then, I sorta had a hunch I wouldn’t be able to hit the hay a second round if I tried to.

Feelin’ as if I was lifting a heavy load, I stood up.

Akehoshi: …Bwech

A wave of nausea washed over me yet again from gulpin’ down lukewarm tap water ‘till the last drop.

Akehoshi: (Shoot. Reckon I went too far yesterday. Sitting here and not rememberin’ what got me plastered like this just means I’m done for.)

Akehoshi: Shoulda called it quits halfway through…

Woman: …Huh! Don’t tell me, is that Ninomiya Akehoshi?

Man: Whozzat?

Woman: He’s a celeb. Y’know, that “way too angelic child actor!” guy. He showed up in TV dramas until he grew quite a bit. 

Akehoshi: Ahaha. Sure can see through the darkness in here, eh. You watched ‘em? Thank ya kindly

Woman: Eeeh, oh my god…! He’s the real deal!

Akehoshi: (....Real deal.)

That’s right, yet it ain’t.

Unfortunately, I was different.

From beginning to end, all the way through.

Akehoshi: (….Oh)

Akehoshi: Someone’s awake. Morning

Yuragi: …You’re alive.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, do feel like I’m on death's doorstep. Am muddling through one way or n’other

Akehoshi: Did I cause a ruckus in my drunken stupor when I got back? Pardon me for waking ya up if I did. 

Yuragi: Don’t you remember

Akehoshi: Not a darn thing for a while now. But good goin’ on my part for making it back home, right?

Yuragi: …

Akehoshi: (Huh. What’s that look for.)

Akehoshi: …Reckon that it ain’t~

Yuragi: Yesterday, what did you do.

Akehoshi: Eh? That’s new. Usually it’s in through ear and out the other with you when I’m doin’ the talking.

Akehoshi: Was just havin’ a drink to answer ya, though

Yuragi: Anything else? 

Akehoshi: Other stuff… nothin’ in particular?

Yuragi: …. ‘Kay

Yuragi: Then, s’fine

Akehoshi: Eh. Wait

Yuragi: What

Akehoshi: Naw, ain't it my line to ask what

Yuragi: …

Akehoshi: (If I did do somethin’ wrong, he oughta been pissed the moment he saw me, no? Seriously, what… Ah)

Yuragi: ---You scared me… Lights aren’t on either, what are you doing

Yuragi: …Can you stand?

Akehoshi: ….

Yuragi: Water. Want some?

Akehoshi: Don’t

Yuragi: Eh

Akehoshi: ---I said, I don’t need anything.

Akehoshi: … Aaah….

That feeling of swatting his hand away, the sound of water hitting the floor.

And then, the tone of voice I usually never use against other people.

Akehoshi: (....That ain’t a look of anger. It’s one of concern, huh.)

Yuragi: Remembered?

Akehoshi: I did

Akehoshi: Had been mullin’ over it myself of how I kinda drank a wee bit too much yesterday.

Akehoshi: But turns out it was more than that. Sorry for all the trouble I caused ya

Yuragi: ….

Without a word Yura turned the other way with a hmph, opened the freezer and started diggin’ through the stock of ice cream.

He picked out one, and while I was thinkin’ he’d just go back to his room-- He put that popsicle on that table, leaving it as is. 

Akehoshi: …Eh. You mean you’re giving this, to me?

Yuragi: I’m going to bed, don’t wake me up.

Akehoshi: Ah. Sure, thanks

Akehoshi: ….Reckon I made him worry.

Around the time I headed to my room after a quick shower, my mood improved somewhat compared to when I woke up. 

Akehoshi: (....Still rock solid, eh.)

I absentmindedly looked around my room while hitting the top of my ice cream with a spoon.

And then my eyes caught a glimpse of a DVD set from that old TV drama that was brought up plenty yesterday. 

Akeboshi: (...Watched it more than enough by now.)

Ain’t like I had anything I wanted to do, so I opened the DVD set to kill some time until my ice cream thawed.

Out of the six CD’s, I took out the 5 with ease and put ‘em on playback.

Akehoshi: …..

A child actor lucky enough to hit it big, his career lasted just short of 10 years until retirement. As a final conclusion to his acting career he received a spot in a TV drama set in a school.

I reckon that I, a so-so kid who wasn’t fated to be the main lead until the very end, received the main focus in an episode as a gift of kindness. 

However.

Akehoshi: …Yer amazing no matter how many times I watch it. Kyousuke-san. 

Akehoshi: The “real deal” is different.

He debuted a few years before I called it quits, and he made a beeline for the top spot within my generation.

What kinda connections or brute force got nothing to do with it, that much is clear when you sit through it just once.

Akehoshi: (That’s why… no matter how many times I watch it.)

Akehoshi: …What’s with that? That awkward silence just now. 

Reason why it didn’t take him 10 years to have grasped them roles as a rookie wasn’t luck or his surroundings, and this one episode makes me realize again and again each time. 

Akehoshi: (Aah, shoulda stopped right there before turning around.)

Akehoshi: (S’important line, yet it’s all pouring out--)

Akehoshi: …. Haha, 

Doing it more like this woulda been better, doing it more like that woulda been better.

Realizing I hadn’t learned my lesson thinking ‘bout stuff that wouldn’t reach my past self, a halfhearted chuckle escaped my mouth.

With my own strength, I wasn’t able to grasp what I wanted. 

It didn’t come true.

Just like this TV drama that’s frozen in time, no matter how many times I’ve seen it by now, it won’t change.

Akehoshi: …..I’m sure the Akehoshi-kun on screen wouldn’t wanna hear the ramblings of a guy who got off that ride a long time ago either, eh. Let’s just stop here

“My one and only wish, won’t come true anymore.”

Once I got that through my head, not a single thing mattered anymore.

But, I reckon that was for the best.

Rather than obsessing ‘bout what I can’t get, taking what I do get is a way of living that’s more suited for the likes of me.

Akehoshi: (Ah, spoon’s getting through.)

A blend of vanilla, chocolate and cookie cream. 

I stuffed my mouth with a spoonful while wondering where you can even find these sorta things, and sure enough it was so sweet I could only laugh.

Akehoshi: (Felt it in my bones this ain’t the thing to stomach when yer hungover.)

Akehoshi: (But, it do seem to be the flavor Yura likes. Let’s just eat it all up.)

Akehoshi: ….. Thank ya.

Looking at the wall, I gave my word of gratitude to Yura who’s surely drifted off to dreamland by now, and I took one more bite.

This sweetness so strong it’ll jolt you awake, slowly melted away together with this lazy afternoon.

[bunnyandcomet]

Kamiya: Personal Story 1

✧ Proofreader: Aca (@463ce6)

✧ Characters: Kamiya, Akehoshi

Kamiya: ……Haah, I really like the smell of this hand soap. I end up taking longer than usual to wash my hands……oh? Shinkai-san?

Soyogu: ……

Kamiya: (......He sleeps like a warrior.)

Past 3 am. In the short time I’ve been away from my seat, Shinkai-san has fallen asleep sitting up with his arms still crossed, exactly as I’d left him.

Shinobu-kun had greeted and mounted the bed with an “I may be inexperienced, but I look forward to working with you”, and he’s currently lying spread-eagled, sound asleep.

A little while ago, Akehoshi-kun said “I think I might need to have a word with the floor over here” before lowering himself down and falling asleep like that. I look over at him next and smile a little.

Kamiya: (I guess we went pretty hard today too.)

Taking care not to make any loud noises, I slowly start to tidy up the table.

Something small rolls and falls off.

Kamiya: (? Ah, Shinobu-kun’s ring. Right, he took it off when we were thumb wrestling and left it here so he wouldn’t lose—) !

When I stand up to put it on the desk, the tip of my foot nudges Akehoshi-kun’s leg slightly.

Akehoshi: Nnnaah……? ……Ahh……Kamiyan……?

Kamiya: Sorry for waking you up.

Akehoshi: Mm-mm. I kinda feel like I had a dream just then.

Kamiya: What kind of dream?

Akehoshi: I dove into a suuuper big takoyaki, and then in the middle of it there was, like, a takoyaki ball pool.

Kamiya: We were talking about takoyaki before you fell asleep.

Akehoshi: Yeah, that’s definitely gotta be why. So I thought, well ain’t this an all-you-can-eat, and started munching……But just when I realised there wasn’t any octopus or other stuff inside, it suddenly went pitch black.

Kamiya: Huh?

Akehoshi: And then I realised, “Oh, I’m the one gettin’ eaten.” The punchline is that the ingredient was me. Kinda comedic, ain’t it?

Kamiya: More like the best horror story I’ve heard recently.

Akehoshi: Thanks to you, I avoided the worst part of it. Ya helped me just when it was gettin’ dangerous. However can I repay ya?

Kamiya: Ahaha! Well then, how about we tidy this up together, and then get Shinkai-san and Shinobu-kun into the beds?

Akehoshi: Man, you’re always thinkin’ of others, huh. Ya should let loose and get more drunk.

Kamiya: It’s fine. I always have a ton of fun.

Splitting the work between us, we finish tidying up in no time and head outside to avoid waking the other two.

Akehoshi: Ahh, it’s freezin’……Yura might not be able to wake up tomorrow if it’s like this.

Kamiya: It's pretty hard to get out of bed now, right? But I like this wintry air quite a bit too.

Akehoshi: Yer the type who feels refreshed by the cold, huh.

Kamiya: Yeah. Haah. It’s chilly, but it feels kind of good, so maybe I’ll go for a little walk and sober myself up.

Akehoshi: A walk……phew. I might join ya, then.

Kamiya: I appreciate the offer, but your voice already sounds half-asleep. Don’t worry about me and go back to your room.

Akehoshi: I am tired, but if I crash out now, I’ll probably just see more takoyaki. If it won’t be a bother, let me come with.

Kamiya: Coming here at night feels kind of new.

Akehoshi: Do you come here at other times?

Kamiya: Pretty much every morning, since it’s on my running route. And then I come back again a few hours later.

Akehoshi: Yer amazing. I definitely wouldn’t be able to keep up the early mornings or the running. I’d take a break one day and my streak would end there.

Kamiya: I totally get that. The fact that Urara’s there too is a pretty big part of why I’ve somehow been able to keep going.

Akehoshi: Ohh, I see. You go running together, right? We live in the same place and work at the same shop, but I don’t really get the chance to see Urara-kun much.

Kamiya: Want to come running in the morning with us? You can see him every day.

Akehoshi: Ahh, here we are. The view from this place is real nice.

Kamiya: Ahaha, I’ve been rejected.

Akehoshi: Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I don’t want to meet him.

Kamiya: I know.

Laughing, I stand next to Akehoshi-kun, who’s come to a stop at a random place.

We’re in the park, which was just the right distance away for a walk. I gaze out at the scenery that we can see from the hill and take a slow, deep breath like I always do.

Kamiya: ……This might be my favourite place in Shibuya.

Akehoshi: Here?

Kamiya: Yeah.

Akehoshi: It wins out over Aporia and HappyDough?

Kamiya: Ah, wait. Now I’m not sure.

Akehoshi: Ahaha! Why here? Do you like high places?

Kamiya: Hmm. I’ve never climbed anything that high, but I guess I like them. Doesn’t it make you excited to think that you’re closer to the sky than normal?

Akehoshi: Kamiyan, yer the kinda guy who suits the sky. Especially the blue sky.

Kamiya: Never heard of that before. I think you suit both the blue sky and the night sky.

Akehoshi: I dunno about that. If we’re talkin’ ‘bout people with a night sky vibe, Kyoya-san or Haruhi-san come to mind.

Kamiya: How about Kiho-san?

Akehoshi: Nah?

Kamiya: So he’s different, then.

Akehoshi: Kiho-san doesn’t have a twinkly, shiny vibe. His face is a radiant beauty, though.

Kamiya: Twinkly and shiny?

Akehoshi: Like twinkle twinkle little star, and shine bright like a diamond, you know?

Kamiya: Ahh, stars……

Now that he mentions it, I think as I look up at the sky. But although morning is still far away, I can’t find anything shining there.

Akehoshi: Well, that’s the big city for you. The buildings are way brighter than the sky.

Kamiya: True.

The twinkling, shining city, stretching far into the distance.

Kamiya: ……

Just as I’m thinking about how beautiful that scene is…

Suddenly, I feel a twinge. And then, a dull pain inside my head.

Akehoshi: ……Kamiyan?

Kamiya: Watch.

Even if you were the only one in the world, as long as you were on my side, I could jump.

Freer, higher, than anyone else.

(Beep)

???: Why weren’t you watching properly? They took such good care of you. That’s why I told you to stop. Because of that nonsense… This is your fault. Yours. You…

???: …How can you have the nerve to live on?

(Ker-chak)

Higher, higher. So that you’ll be able to hear me.

Kamiya: ……I’m sorry.

So that this hand will never reach you again, no matter what.

Don't hesitate—just, jump.

Akehoshi: Kamiyan.

Kamiya: Eh?

Akehoshi: ……You good?

I hear Akehoshi-kun say my name in a kind yet unusually firm voice, and I turn towards him.

Kamiya: (.......Huh. Just now……what was that?) ……Yikes. I might’ve fallen asleep standing up.

Akehoshi: Impressive. Your eyes were still open, too.

Kamiya: Seriously?

Akehoshi: For real. I called out your name a few times. If ya didn’t respond to the next one, I was gonna shake ya.

Kamiya: Sorry. I don’t know why, but I think I had a dream just then.

Akehoshi: A dream?

Kamiya: Yeah. I forgot it when I woke up, but…

(Wind blows)

Kamiya: ……

Akehoshi: Well, it happens.

Kamiya: Yeah……

Akehoshi: ……Let’s head back, Kamiyan. It’s pretty here, but it’s chilly. We’d better not stay out here too long.

Akehoshi says that softly, then smiles. I smile back and nod in response.

Kamiya: Shall we?

Under the sky that neither twinkles nor shines, we chatter on about trivial things as we return the way we came.

The unceasing wind continues to blow.

[akehoshimystar]

[Break My Case] Half Anniversary event and cards translation 🎉

Translation by Kalos (@Kumonkunliker on X) Zorao (@yuragi_aporia on X or @okogespaws on tumblr) Cazzy (@kyun7chau on X or @akewanchan on tumblr) Misora (@alcmisoyou on X) Imai (@bunnyandcomet on X and tumblr) Aca (@463ce6 on X) Julie (@julie_seo212 on X)

Chapter 1 (by Kalos) Chapter 2 (by Imai) Chapter 3 (by Kalos) Chapter 4 (by Misora) Chapter 5 (by Kalos) Chapter 6 (by Zorao) Chapter 7 (by Cazzy) Chapter 8 (by Zorao) Chapter 9 (by Kalos) Chapter 10 (by Misora) Chapter 11 (by Aca) Chapter 12 (by Kalos) Chapter 13 (by Kalos)

🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇

Ai SSR - FAVOR (by Kalos) Urara SSR - DELIGHT (by Kalos) Kyoya SSR - AFFECTION (by Julie)

[sasaranurude]

Coly, the company behind Mahoyaku and Stand My Heroes, have announced a new game. Some friends and I realized that despite looking somewhat generic at first glance, it's got a handful of intriguing things going on with it! So here's a quick kind of long introduction to/my thoughts on Break My Case!

First: the website! The music on the site is really good! Go listen while you read this post!! There are 12 people listed as composers in the credits page, and it seems most every VA involved has at least a bit of experience with singing or music projects. The tone is a bit dark for a rhythm game (though I'm not ruling that out entirely), but otherwise it seems like there's gonna be a music focus. Cool! As far as other staff goes--the main scenario writer is also the writer of Stand My Heroes, and the character designer is Utako Yukihiro, who also did some work for B-Project.

The story concerns a cafe with a myriad of eccentric employees that runs an after-hours service where they solve problems. The exact nature of all this is left pretty vague.

And the draw for a game like this: The characters! Interestingly, they're divided into different departments at the cafe. What exactly those departments do isn't clear yet. As for the characters themselves--the more we looked at them, the more we liked them, lol. Quick summaries about what intrigued us about each guy. Note that these are not translations, none of us are fluent in Japanese (we all know just enough to get by with the google+jisho combo lol), and this should all be taken with a grain of salt.

The Main Office, consisting of Ai Kosaka, Yuzuru Kise, and Roka Suoh. (Names are listed in western given-family order because that's what the site uses for romanized names.) Roka is the one who owns the cafe, is the oldest character in the bunch at 36, and is that fun "mysterious guy with unknown backstory and an endless amount of weird acquaintances, who acts incompetent but might actually be hypercompetent" type of trope.

On account of the whole acting-incompetent thing, Ai and Yuzuru run the actual cafe business. And normally I won't be including fullbody character art in this post but I have to make an exception just this once.

Anyways.

Tumblr won't let me put four images in a row. Come on man. I wanna maintain the BMC's site style. Why are you mean to me. Anyways. The Simulation Department, consisting of Kou Ayato, Mao Ukyo, Akehoshi Hinomiya, and Yuragi Kanno. "Simulation" is its English name given on the site, but the Japanese given would probably read more like "relationship department".

Kou is a footloose playboy and Mao is a serious intellectual type, but apparently Kou will ask Mao to pretend to be his girlfriend so that he can avoid trouble with women. That's gay. I love that. (Mao is a guy [as far as we know], he just likes makeup--he's not the only one in that cast who does, either!) We all want Mao's outfit.

Akehoshi was a sleeper hit in the group chat, because his bio has a sentence about how he's the most normal-looking-yet-dangerous employee at the cafe, and also explicitly describes him as being like a dog, and naturally we all went crazy for the silly puppy as soon as we realized that he was in fact a silly puppy. Yuragi, on the other hand, likes cats. Such a classic for his character design trope, lmao.

The Administrative Department, consisting of Taiga Tsukimoto, Haruhi Ichikawa, and Sei Okiya. Taiga looks cool but if you look at his fullbody he's wearing awful sweatpants and apparently he cries while watching anime. I love this for him. Haruhi is a streamer because that's like an obligatory character trope now I guess. Sei was very popular in the group chat for being the single most suspicious character in the cast. What's his problem.

The Watchdog Department (or enforcement department, if you translate the jpn) consists of Shizuka Fushimi, Takeru Mikado, Soyogu Shinkai, and Shinobu Aizawa.

My friend described Shizuka as a "wet looking glasshole" and yeah. ok. unfortunately he does look like that. But it's ok he's allowed because his bio says he prefers quiet, orderly places with plants and no people and keeps to himself in common spaces but his own room is a complete mess. AKA he's an autism king. So I like him.

Takeru was obviously a hit because look at them. Takeru and Mao talk about makeup together, apparently. CUTE! Shinobu is the most fashionable guy in the cast and his bio says he has a few screws loose, which is amazing. Good for him. I have nothing to say about Soyogu I think I forgot he existed until I was putting this post together and I only looked at these all guys a few hours ago

The Negotiation Department, with Kiho Arima, Kyoya Shido, and Riku Tateshina. I described this group as "grandma, grandpa, and Columbo" and then the group chat couldn't call any of them anything else. And I do mean grandma. Because. ok. another fullbody. Because oh my god we have to look at Kiho.

GIRL. WHAT. IS. THAT. YOU'RE WEARING A CARPET. YOU'RE WEARING A COUCH. kiho is apparently a fortune teller and my friend acted as if this excused the outfit but i DONT agree i don't think anything excuses this. WHAT IS THAAAAAT

Kyoya is an artist and Riku is a psychologist so honestly this is a really fun bunch of jobs going on in this department. Riku is described as someone who falls in love easily, and he's most interested in Ai (from the Main Office, the very first guy in this post). We couldn't tell if the implication there is that he's in love with Ai, or if he falls in love with random people and yet his true attention always drifts back to Ai. Both of these options are gay.

The ST (special tasks) Department, with Yomose Onda, Yu Nina, Kamiya, and Urara Manami.

Yu had his life saved by Tomose and has now dedicated himself to him, to the point of being ready to die for him. YOU GOTTA LOVE THAT. INCREDIBLE TROPE. UNBEATABLE. GAY AS HELL. All we know from Tomose's side is that he's "fond" of Yu. That's fine I'm sure you can learn to love him. Or learn to hate him. Whatever's more entertaining.

Kamiya has no memory, hence the singular name. I'm sure whatever's going on there is weird and interesting. Urara is the youngest character, at 20. THAT'S RIGHT. THE YOUNGEST CHARACTER IS 20. THERE ARE ZERO TEENAGERS! THE AVERAGE CHARACTER AGE IS AROUND 26. THIS SHOULDN'T BE AS NOTABLE AS IT IS BUT THAT'S GACHA GAMES FOR YOU. Anyways I like Urara because I think he looks like an angry kitty.

Anyways, that's the gist of what we know about BMC--or BreMai, if you wanna go for something closer to the jpn abbreviation--right now. More info might drop at/around Animate Girls Fest, since they seem to be giving out game beta codes there. I don't know if I'm completely sold on it just yet--coly did just have a detective-themed gacha game fail a few months ago with &0. But we're not even completely sure it is a gacha yet, or what kind of gameplay it might have otherwise, so... there's a bit of hope. Maybe it'll be a weird cool dark rhythm game! Who knows!!!

[okogespaws]

Kanno Yuragi SSR [#6495ED] - Chapter 3

When Yuragi-kun and I returned home together, the entire place had been completely transformed for the birthday.

Mao: Well, it's not exactly a surprise anymore, but happy birthday.

Kou: Congrats. Eat as much as you like.

Yuragi: Hm.

Ito: (With this much cake and food prepared, there's no way we'll finish all the "Sweets for today.")

Akehoshi: Yura?

Akehoshi-kun tilted his head curiously, and for good reason.

Yuragi-kun had started taking out the sweets he had just bought from the bag.

Akehoshi: Aren't those your favorites?

Yuragi: Hm. Glad I got them.

After muttering this, Yuragi-kun then placed some chocolate pieces on top of the cake, almost like a topping.

Yuragi: There.

Akehoshi: Can I give it a go too? A'ight, I'll stick mine here then.

Yuragi: Kou and Mao too.

Mao: I see. So that's what the sweets were for.

Kou: Alright then, I'll put the biscuits around here.

Yuragi: Ito, have this.

Ito: Ah, yes.

Having a crunchy chocolate bar almost forcefully handed to me, I followed the others and tried decorating with it.

Ito: (So that's why the choco pie wasn't suitable for today. They're not the best candy for toppings.)

Mao: Rather than looking fancy……

Akehoshi: It's chaotic, ain't it?

Kou: That.

Ito: (Even so, I can tell everyone's enjoying themselves. Not just Yuragi-kun, but all of them..)

Before I knew it, the cake had completely lost its original form. It was lively, colorful, and a little off-balance. As Akehoshi-kun said, it was chaotic.

But it also had the kind of excitement you'd feel opening a toy box. If this is a special cake for Yuragi-kun's birthday, then this version is far more fitting than the original one.

Kou: Oh, when are we giving the presents?

Yuragi: Now.

Ito: (Immediate answer.)

Mao: Then pick your favorite number. It's set up as a lottery.

Yuragi: Number 2.

Ito: (Another immediate answer.)

Kou: Number two is……

Here, a cat calendar.

Yuragi: Was this meant to be the real surprise?

Akehoshi: Hmm, to tell ya the truth, didn't matter which number ya picked. It was always gonna end up on the calendar.

Yuragi: What's with that?

But thanks.

Seeing Yuragi-kun holding that calendar close like it was precious, with such a happy look on his face, I couldn't help but think again, today's birthday party really turned out to be "filled with a lot of warm emotions."

← Previous | All |

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] R Card Story - Akehoshi Hinomiya, "An obsession with no bounds for being good at getting spoiled."

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Every now and then somethin’ like “I just gotta get a mouthful of (blank)” crosses my mind. A craving for curry, or ramen and the like.

Today was exactly one of those days. And these kinda times are wearisome all on my own.

Just as I was pondering ‘bout it, the timing of my afternoon shift was perfect, since I happened to be together with---

Kou: How amazing Akehoshi, you really got that craftsmanship in you

Akehoshi: I know right? I’m your guy when it comes to takoyaki

Right in front of our eyes was a fifth generation takoyaki pan gettin’ scalding hot. 

Akehoshi: (Appliances always go breakin’ on ya without notice, so no risks for today~)

Akehoshi: Grease up with a wee bit of oil and then put all the dough in evenly.

Kou: Eh, hold on a sec

Akehoshi: Hmm? What's up?

Kou: The ingredients, what’cha got?

Kou-kun was looking at the ingredients with a startled expression. 

Akehoshi: Hum. Aaah-, ya one of them peeps who get riled up over not having a sliver of octopus? It was all in the spur of a moment, so didn’t have any in the fridge

Kou: It suddenly popped up in my mind, it’s impressive enough that you even had flour.

Akehoshi: That’s just the gumption of a Kansai native, ain’t it?

Kou: I’m not gonna play the straight man here

Kou: Anyway, any squid paste, kimchi, curry roux? And what’s your track record with these

Akehoshi: Got what we got, and got what we don’t got

Kou: Great anxiety inducing answer to get back. Well, I can imagine as far as having kimchi, yeah

Akehoshi: Look forward to trying ‘em out

Akehoshi: Alright, got ‘em done. Dig in while they’re pipin’ hot

Kou-kun was making a face showing he wasn’t fully convinced, yet he still properly gave his thanks for the meal.

Kou: …Uwah, no way man, it’s delicious

Akehoshi: Ain’t it~? No beating how amazing Takoyaki-san can be even when ya shoot your shot by throwing whatever ingredients in.

Kou: Look at you calling them by Takoyaki-san. Though, they seriously are good.

Akehoshi: Naw with all respect I did have a hunch they'd turn out like that. I’m glad it's delicious enough to have yer fill with.

Kou: By the way, since I’m done eating the first batch. What ingredients are in store for the second one?

Akehoshi: Hmmm, how ‘bout we keep it exciting and leave that for you to find out?

Kou: …..

Akehoshi: What’s that face for?

Kou: Just thinking about my trust in takoyaki, and my suspicions towards you.

Akehoshi: Wait a sec, takoyaki got a leg up on me in Kou-kun’s confidence ranking before I even realized.

Kou: Well y’know, it’s Takoyaki-san for the takoyaki, while Akehoshi is just Akehoshi.

Akehoshi: Yer awful~ Well ain’t no biggie, let’s have our fill, brush up properly and give it our all for the afternoon~

Akehoshi: (Yeah, takoyaki do be tastin’ better when eating together with someone else.)

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] SR Card Story - Kyoya Shido "Moonlit Vampire"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Part 1

The venue, right after the event had wrapped up, was enveloped in a peculiar atmosphere. 

The scene of people, who took up the forms of “otherworldly beings”, cleaning while having lighthearted conversations and picking up candy, was rather out of place and strangely fascinating.

As I was basking in the afterglow, I ended up joining a conversation between a mummy and a vampire right beside me without realizing. 

Akehoshi: Kyoya-san, you and that costume are a match made in heaven. It’s gone way past the level of just matching yer looks by now.

Kyoya: You think so?

Akehoshi: If ya came out like “Actually, I’m a vampire that has lived for thousands of years” to me right now, I’m confident that all I would think is somethin' along the lines of “Yep, not surprised”

Akehoshi: Don’tcha agree with me, Yashiro-san?

Yashiro: Yes. I wouldn’t be as surprised either

Kyoya: I’m wondering if a “thank you” would be applicable in this situation.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, ain’t denying it, eh

Yashiro: The idea of vampires who lived for hundreds of years blending in with society, is something you often see in foreign TV dramas and anime, after all… 

Akehoshi: Wouldn’t want ya comin’ after my blood if that were the case though

Kyoya: I’ll stay within the lines

Akehoshi: Naw, ain’tcha just straight up admitting to it now

Akehoshi: Come to think of it, if ya get yer blood sucked by a vampire, don’t that mean you’ll turn into one, too?

Yashiro: I'd rather say there are more scenarios along the lines of, if a vampire bestows its own blood to you, you’ll be able to become one of their kin.

Akehoshi: Aaah, that’s more like it

Akehoshi: If ya really became one, yer looks won’t change for the most part, but ya will live for a loooong time, right?

Akehoshi: Thinkin' of it, being turned into one of theirs does feel like being the chosen one, in a sense

Kyoka: Interesting… Meaning I’d be able to choose a human to grant eternal youth and a longer lifespan to. 

Akehoshi: Vampire-san, what’s with that schemin’ look?

Kyoya: I’m not plotting anything. It’s just that, if Ai-san was a vampire… is what I was imagining, simply put. 

Akehoshi: Ah– right, right.

Yashiro: ?

Kyoya: Preserving such an appearance, and attitude towards life for hundreds of years to come would be magnificent, is it not. 

Kyoya: …I could say the same about Yashiro-san, however.

Yashiro: …Eh?

Hearing my name being brought up right after Kosaka-san’s stopped all my thoughts in their tracks for a brief moment, yet the conversation continued as if nothing had happened. 

Kyoya: Nonetheless, if turned into one of my kin, would that not lead to the birth of a new hierarchical order?

Kyoya: Whether it is Ai-san or Yashiro-san, the possibility of a change in attitude towards me existing is undesirable. 

Akehoshi: That’s what yer mulin’ over?

Kyoya: I inadvertently let my imagination run wild

Part 2

Akehoshi: But, what ‘bout all the mental stuff up in yer noggin’ if you’d actually live for that darned long as a vampire?

Kyoya: I believe that accumulating many experiences within perpetuity itself will deepen your understanding of all and everything.

Kyoya: You’d gain the mental state of enlightenment rather than a philosophical outlook, to speculate.

Akehoshi: Ooh… sounds kinda much, eh

Kyoya: You think so?

Kyoya: As your understanding increases, so will the options regarding your own way of life

Kyoya: Eventually, you’ll reach a state of mind where there will be no unnecessary hesitation, even regarding what choices to make, and the perfect self has been realized.

Kyoya: If you consider it to be a game with a goal to aim for, doesn’t that just pique your curiosity?

Akehoshi: A game, huh. Wait, but don’t that mean there’s no end even if you got to the goal?

Kyoya: Unless a stake is driven through my heart, that’s indeed the case. 

Yashiro: That’s true, instead of hundreds of years, continuing to live for thousands, or tens of thousands of years, is also a possibility…

Akehoshi: Darn, just talkin’ bout it was enough to tire me out

Akehoshi: I sure ain’t cut for life as a vampire, I’ll tell you what

Kyoya: I see. Such an approach exists, too.

Akehoshi: Kyoya-san’s in a league of his own for not overthinking all the troubles

Yashiro: Indeed… I can easily imagine him enjoying the idea of pursuing perfection, and maintaining said perfect self for eternity. 

Akehoshi: Putting it like that, ya might say he’s really on the path to becoming a vampire.

Kyoya: Why thank you— is what I’ll respond to you with, this time. 

—

Kyoya: Thank you for your hard work today

Yashiro: Thank you too

Right as I got changed and left the venue, Shido-san had also finished with everything. 

Yashiro: (After the conversation we had earlier, all I can see is a temporary disguise to blend in with society…) 

Kyoya: Has Akehoshi-kun returned home already? I had lost sight of him while being busy with preparing to return home— 

Kyoya: Haha. He came back the moment I mentioned him.

Akehoshi: Glad I made it in time. Here ya go, a treat for all the hard work ya put yourself through~

As he said that, Akehoshi-kun handed me some orange juice.

Yashiro: Thank you

Akehoshi: This one’s for Kyoya-san

Kyoya: Oh, it’s tomato juice.

Akehoshi: Somehow caught my eye when I dropped by the konbini

Akehoshi: If ya prefer n’other one I’ll go buy somethin’ else, so just lemme know

Kyoya: No need to. I’ll gladly accept this.

Kyoya: Although not a chance it would be comparable to real blood now, would it

Akehoshi: Scary, scary

Yashiro: (Even if Shido-san turned out to be an actual vampire in the end, I truly wouldn’t be surprised.) 

On this night where reality and unreality were intersecting each other, that feeling within me had grown a little stronger again— 

[akehoshimystar]

[Break My Case] Invitation from the Spirit World event and cards translation 👻

Translation by Kalos (@Kumonkunliker on X)

Some card translations by Zorao (@yuragi_aporia on X or @okogespaws on tumblr) and Cazzy (@kyun7chau on X or @akewanchan on tumblr)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

🎃👻🍬🦇💀🧡🎃👻🍬

Yuragi R - Napping Undead (by Zorao) Akehoshi SR - Gravekeeper Mummy Kyoya SR - Moonlit Vampire (by Cazzy) Haruhi SSR - Death Navigator (by Cazzy) Tomose SSR - Sneering Specter Mao SSR - Mysterious Melody of Silk

[akehoshimystar]

[Break My Case] Blessings: Holy Night of Falling Wishes ❄️

Translation by Kalos (@Kumonkunliker on X)

Proofread by Imai (@bunnyandcomet on X and tumblr) and Aca (@463ce6 on X and tumblr)

Some card translations by Aca, Misora (@alcmisoyou on X), and Julie (@julie_seo212 on X)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

🎄🎅🏻🦌☃️❄️🎄🎅🏻🦌☃️

Akehoshi R - More than a gift from the Winter Sky Tomose SR - A Twinkling Tranquility (by Aca) Kamiya SR - Unravelling Noel Riku SSR - Walking through the city dyed in the color of Christmas Eve Kyoya SSR - Following the Light's Path (by Julie) Ai SSR - Cold Night and Glistening Flurry (by Misora)

[akehoshimystar]

Urara SSR

DELIGHT

Part 1

Roka: The event was a huge success ☆

Takeru: I'm relieved to see our customers leave the store satisfied. 

Urara: Tch….

I couldn't care less about their satisfaction or whatsoever, but one thing for sure, I don’t enjoy being dragged to this tedious event one bit. All I wanted to say now was, “Just let me finish cleaning and leave already.”

Akehoshi: I'll put new garbage bags here~

Then... Should I clean the counter?

Roka: Oh, Urara already did that! Hasn’t it become so sparkly?

Akehoshi: Oh, you're right. Urara-kun's cleaning technique is still as fast and thorough as ever.

Urara: You guys are just too damn slow.

Roka: True, if we worked a little faster, everyone could go home early and be happy.

Let me help you!

Urara: Hold it. Roka, don't move even an inch. You’ll just give me extra work.

Roka: Fufufu. Even I can wipe a table.

Now, check out my elegant art of table-wiping!

Roka getting all worked up gave me a bad feeling.

Takeru: Ah, be carefu-

Roka: Wahhhhh!!!

Sure enough, he knocked over the glass on the table and splashed water in every single direction.

Urara: Tch…………………..

Roka: I'm really sorry, Urara……

Takeru: I’m saying this for your own good, but Roka, you should listen to Urara and behave yourself.

Roka: Now I’m sad...

Urara: (What kind of reaction is that?)

Once Roka had quieted down, the work went smoothly without a hitch.

Akehoshi: It's finally over.

Roka: Good job, guys. It looks even prettier than before the event!

So, how about we all go grab something to eat after this?

Akehoshi: So it’s your treat?

Roka: That goes without saying!

Urara: …….

Takeru: Oh. Urara, are you heading back now?

If you're not in a hurry, come join us. It's getting late. Aren’t you hungry?

Urara: ...Who the hell's gonna go with you?

(Leave me out of it if you’re just gonna play around.)

Roka: It’ll be even more fun if you come with us.

Akehoshi: Well, you can come again whenever you want.

Ignoring the murmuring I could hear behind my back, I left the store.

Part 2

Urara: (Now, what to eat...)

As soon as I got back, I took out the leftovers from the bento shop from the refrigerator. I had initially planned to eat this yesterday in place of the meal provided, but….. It was left like this until now because Roka just had to bring an extra-large gift while we were preparing for the cafe event.

Urara: (Is it nearing the expiry date?)

…………

But even so, if I think it is edible, then it is edible. So I popped it in the microwave. I put the warmed side dish in my mouth along with white rice from the packet. However, the flavor of the fermented side dishes only added to the unsatisfying taste. 

The next day—. After a longer run than usual, I decided to buy a drink from the first vending machine I saw to hydrate myself.

Urara: (...I prefer barley tea over water….. Or maybe I should go for a sports drink.)

(Should I try the one that said it contained BCAA...)

Child: Ughh... I'm thirsty...

Urara: ……

I turned around to the sound of weeping and saw a mother holding her child, coming this way in a panic.

Mother: Alrighty, just wait a moment, okay?

Urara: ……

I put away the coins I had taken out and left. Not long after, they arrived at the vending machine and bought a drink without any hesitation.

Mother: Here, apple juice. Let's go sit on the bench and drink it.

Child: Okay.

Urara: (.....The coast is clear.)

After watching them leave, I went back to buy a drink.

Urara: (BCAA.)

……….

(Jackpot, I get a freebie.)

Since I got lucky today, I chose a PET plastic bottle of tea, and shoved it into my pocket.

Urara: Hmm…..

(it's kind of troublesome to run with this in my pocket.) 

Part 3

On the way home after a run.

Urara: (Still got nothing to eat. I should go grab something.)

The bento shop I know is just a stone's throw away. Just when I thought of going there….

A sprinkle of rain started to fall.

Urara: (Huh? It’s not in the forecast, is it?)

Bento shop employee: Welcome.

Urara: …….

As I entered the porch, the familiar voice of a familiar employee called out. I looked up at the sky, and the rain had already let up, almost as if it had never happened.

Urara: (So it came and went, just like that?)

I compared the bento sample with the daily menu written behind the cash register.

Urara: (The manager's recommendation is “Pork shabu with plum shiso sauce.”)

(For the daily special, it’s "Mackerel Nanban Bento")

……..

Mackerel Nanban Bento with tartar sauce.

Bento shop employee: Right away!

Bento shop employee: Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your Mackerel Nanban Bento.

I put the money and point card on the counter.

Bento shop employee: If you come when it rains, you get double points. Here. 

Urara: ...The rain’s already stopping.

Bento shop employee: Fufu. Even if it’s just for a brief moment, a rainy day is a rainy day at the end of the day.

…...Oh, you've saved up some points already. Want to exchange them for some freebie croquettes?

Urara: If that’s all right….

Bento shop employee: All right, I'll put some freshly fried ones in your bag.

I took my meal and turned away.

Bento shop employee: Please come again~

Urara: ……

I placed the bento I bought, along with, and the croquettes and tea I had unexpectedly gotten on the table.

Urara: (Should I eat the croquettes before they get cold?)

It’s good.

The balance between the batter and the potatoes made me unconsciously let out a voice.

Ring Ring

Urara: ……Kamiya?

Kamiya: "Oh, hello, Urara. We're having some drinks at the dorm after this, do you want to join?"

Urara: Not a chance.

Kamiya: "Huh? Did something good happen?"

Urara: Where did that come from?

Kamiya: "Hmm. Just a hunch?"

Urara: "Shut your trap.”

Urara: …….

I put my phone down and took another bite. Though it had started to cool, it was still delicious.

TL Note: BBCA = Branched Chain Amino Acid, PET = Polyethylene terephthalate

[akehoshimystar]

Akehoshi R

More than a gift from the Winter Sky

When I showed up at the office, His Majesty was alone staring at his laptop.

Akehoshi: Good wor...k.

(Woah, my voice is hoarse.)

Ai: ……..

Akehoshi: There were a lot of customers today, maybe I talked too much.

I smiled back at His Majesty who had a puzzled look on his face before he quickly looked away. He didn't ask me any questions, so I just went ahead and finished up the expense report on the shared computer.

Akehoshi: Dang it. I don't have enough receipts... *cough*

Ai: Hinomiya. If you don't have any, come and get some.

And with that, he took out a candy in a very fancy wrapper from the drawer.

Akehoshi: ……..Have you been waiting for the right time to put that out?

Ai: Preposterous. Roka just left it there. It's already the season, so you should prepare something for yourself.

Akehoshi: Yes. At your command, sir~

Ai: You always reply well…... If you get it, take it.

Akehoshi: Yay. I got an early Christmas present from His Majesty.

Ai: Where’s that coming from?

Akehoshi: Around this time of year, if you round it up, it's Christmas. Which means this is a present from His Majesty.

Isn’t it? I'm so happy~

Ai: ......You really say whatever you want.

Akehoshi: Ah!

Ai: Pipe it down, what is it time?

Akehoshi: Is that candle over there from a Christmas cake? Is it in a refrigerator?

Ai: So what?

Akehoshi: I want it~

Ai: Are you serious about that?

Akehoshi: Eh?

Ai: I'm asking if you really want to eat it.

Akehoshi: Hmm. Not quite…... Maybe?

I was just saying what I was thinking like earlier, but it’s not like I was that desperate.

Ai: I thought that would be the case

There's no portion for you. If you really want to eat it, get it yourself.

Akehoshi: Sure~

After finishing my work, I left the office. While waiting for the elevator, I popped the candy he had given me into my mouth.

Akehoshi: Oh, it's really good~

(Now that I think about it, what does that cake taste like? It has some kind of high-end store packaging…..)

I was interested, simple as that. But my honest thought ended up being “Not quite”.

Akehoshi: (That reminds me...)

(Even if I ask for something, it’s not like everyone will just give it to me, not in this Aporia.)

I rolled the candy around in my mouth while thinking absentmindedly.

Akehoshi: (Just like earlier, he asked me if I really wanted it……. Sometimes, there is something that you just can't get your hand on no matter what, Yura's sweets for instance.)

You can get what you want if you ask Santa. That's the belief of Christmas.

Akehoshi: (This is something I can't get even if I ask Santa.)

......Ahaha. I should have savored it more.

As I got into the elevator while talking to myself, I put the empty wrapping paper in my pocket.

[akehoshimystar]

[Break My Case] 2025 Happy New Year! event translation 🎍

Translation by Kalos (@Kumonkunliker on X) Zorao (@yuragi_aporia on X or @okogespaws on tumblr) Cazzy (@kyun7chau on X or @akewanchan on tumblr) Misora (@alcmisoyou on X) Imai (@bunnyandcomet on X and tumblr) Julie (@julie_seo212 on X)

Proofread by Aca (@463ce6 on X and tumblr) & Imai

Chapter 1 (by Cazzy) Chapter 2 (by Imai) Chapter 3 (by Zorao) Chapter 4 (by Misora) Chapter 5 (by Julie) Chapter 6 (by Kalos)

[akehoshimystar]

Mao SSR

Mysterious Melody of Silk

Part 1

Tea time was drawing to an end. The floor, which had been bustling since the cafe opened, started to have more room to stand.

Mao: Looks like we can finally catch a break. I'll go check the stock now. Ito: Oh, I can do that.

At that moment, without warning, the sound of something breaking echoed.

Mao: ! It’s number 5, bring a broom and dustpan.

Mao-san looked me in the eye and stated, then headed toward the dining area with unwavering steps.

Ito: (Wow, even at a time like this, his instruction is still as efficient as ever.) ???: Yashiro Ito: !

I suddenly turned around and met Onda-san, who was supposed to be taking a break, handing me a broom and dustpan.

Ito: (Another one with impressive mobility and adaptability…) Tomose: If there’s an injury, I'll take over. Ito: Thank you. If that’s the case, I'll get in touch with you right away.

As I approached the sofa seat at the back, known as number 5, I scanned through the glass fragments scattered on the floor.

Customer 1: I'm so sorry…! Mao: It’s okay. I'm glad no one was hurt. Ito: Excuse me, I'll clean all the shards at your feet and bring you another glass of water later. Customer 1: Thank you so much.

Customer 2: …T-That was a shock. Isn’t the timing way too perfect. Customer 1: Don't say such a scary thing. Mao & Ito: ………

Mao-san and I exchanged glances. The customers seemed a little uncomfortable as they continued.

Customer 1: We were talking about hearing a strange sound coming from the wall when the water in the glass started shaking out of nowhere. Customer 2: Then the glass just fell by itself, almost like a supernatural phenomenon. Customer 1: I mean… Not only is the interior of the shop atmospheric, but everyone's costume is also very realistic… Customer 1: I wondered if we had ended up summoning the real thing.

Their expressions looked even more worrisome as they spoke.

Ito: (What should I do? What are the right words for this…?)

Mao: …….Fufu. Ito: (!)

For a moment, I thought I had misheard. But Mao-san was smiling quietly as he swayed his pure white veil.

Mao: I'm sorry if we've gone overboard. Our kiddos just love to play pranks and bit too much. But rest assured. They will never bring you harm. Ito: (Oh…)

I could see the customers' faces brighten up when Mao-san followed up with a witty remark. Thanks to his quick thinking, their smiles returned, and the matter was finally settled…or so I thought.

As I headed to the kitchen, I was greeted by Akehoshi-kun and his serious face.

Akehoshi: Hey, did you hear a strange sound, deputy? The customer who had just left said that they had heard “bang…bang…” from the wall.

Part 2

….The sound of footsteps echoed regularly. After closing time, the floor was terribly quiet. So silent that the hustle and bustle earlier almost look like a lie.

Ito: (.…. No. 4, all clear. No lost items.)

As I made the final check, what Akehoshi-kun had told me was still lingering heavily in my mind.

Ito: (In the end, the sound coming from the wall remained a mystery.)

Akehoshi: That person said that they heard it several times in a row and then the sound suddenly stopped just like that. By the way… It’s not just one customer who said that.

Ito: (.…I’ll just get this done in a flash and meet up with Mao-san.)

Just as I was heading to the sofa seat starting from number 5.

--- Bang…!

Ito: (This sound…)

I cautiously approached the wall, and the sound got even louder.

Ito: (.….There’s no mistake about it.)

A unique sound, almost like metal being struck, could be heard from the other side of the wall.

Ito: …….

I couldn't help but take a step back……

???: Ito.

After calling out my name, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.

Ito: !?

Mao: Sorry for startling you. Although I did call you countless times… Ito: M-Mao-san…? Mao: Yes, it’s me.

Mao-san nodded in relief when I called out his name. As for me, not just feeling relieved, I also lost all the strength, staggered and leaned against the wall.

Mao: You’re good? I finished cleaning up the break room, so I came to help you… But I think I ended up giving you a shock instead, sorry. Ito: Ah, no. I should apologize as well. It’s just that I suddenly heard the sound coming from the wall, and I thought maybe… maybe it was really a supernatural phenomenon… Mao: Ah, the one during the daytime. Do you want to know the culprit? If you want to find out so much, I don’t mind letting you in on a secret. Ito: ! Do you know what behind that sound? Mao: Strictly speaking, it's a name associated with a phenomenon. That sound is…….

Part 3

Mao: Just a water hammer. Ito: Don’t tell me….. When someone suddenly open and close a faucet, it makes a banging sound…? Mao: Yup. That being said, I think the reason it makes such a loud noise is probably the characteristics of this building. It's an old building to be rebuilt, so I think it's been a while since the last maintenance. Ito: Then what about the glass… Mao: They said the water in the glass was shaking before it fell, right? I think that was caused by the vibration of the smartphone. Maybe they were distracted by the sound of the wall and didn't notice. Ito: (Ah…)

Indeed, if you set the vibration strength to maximum and place the glass on the edge of the table, that’s certainly possible…

Mao: If all the conditions are met, the glass will fall naturally. Even if there’s no supernatural phenomenon. Ito: (I see…) Mao: What do you think? Nothing is scary once you know the reasoning behind it, right? Ito: Yes. Mao: .……Ito, are you not good with ghosts or horror sort of stuff? Ito: As you may have guessed… If only I could be as knowledgeable and logical as Mao-san, I might be able to think more rationally…… Mao: ……Even if I managed to convince myself with logic later, I might not be able to do anything about the momentary feeling of fear.

From the way he talked, he might be speaking from experience. As the curiosity occupied my mind, Mao-san continued.

Mao: …….When I was little, my sister once took me to a haunted house and we got separated. While searching for her, I found a large mirror. And I could see a human-like figure reflected behind me, but when I turned around, not a single soul was in sight. Then I looked in the mirror again…… This time I couldn't even see myself. Ito: Eh?

Mao-san smiled mischievously after my voice came out involuntarily.

Mao: That’s what you can expect from the horror house, right? But I clearly remembered that no ghost showed up in the mirror… That chilly feeling from the thought that maybe I've already disappeared from this world… still remains strangely. So when I called out to Ito earlier…..

Mao-san suddenly sealed his mouth and gave me a slightly bitter smile.

Mao: I was a little surprised that you didn't respond at all. It was like you had really become a ghost. Ito: (Ah. That’s why you came all the way here to tap me on the shoulder…) (That explains why he looked relieved after I responded…) Mao: Maybe the costume inflicted too much influence on me. Ito: Umm, Mao-san. Mao: ?

Before I knew it, I was holding up the hand mirror I had taken out of my pocket.

Ito: As you can see, Mao-san is standing right here, right now. Mao: ……..

After a long silence, Mao-san shrugged his shoulders slightly.

Mao: Fufu… Ahaha! Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. I just couldn’t contain myself when you’re being that straightforward. Ito: It’s okay, I'm glad I was able to make you smile. Since you also eased my worries by explaining the paranormal phenomenon that happened during the day. Mao: And now thanks to Ito, I also feel relieved. Thank you.

Mao-san smiled as he thanked me. Coupled with the costume, he looked somewhat fleeting. But he stood before me with a definite presence that affirms his existence.

[akehoshimystar]

Akehoshi SR

Want a drink?

Part 1

There are a number of empty cans lined up on the table. After work at Aporia, Mao-san and I were invited by Akehoshi-kun, who mentioned that he felt like drinking at home today.

Akehoshi: This is frickin’ good. Wanna try?

Mao: What’s the alcohol percentage? It's not safe to recommend something to others based on your own feelings.

Akehoshi: Let’s see….9%. A single digit. No prob, right?

Ito: By most standards, that's probably on the high side.

Akehoshi: What’d ya think, Ito-san?

Ito: I do like alcohol, but I'm not that much of heavy drinker.

Mao: From my perspective, both of you are decent drinker.

Akehoshi: Then how about this one? The newly released pop-up really lured me in.

Ito: Sicilian lemon flavor? Sounds stylish to me.

Mao: How is it different from regular lemon?

Akehoshi: I've been asking the same question. Ito-san, if you're curious, mind handing me your glass?

Ito: Thank you….. Oh, this is good.

Akehoshi: How is it? Does it feel like Sicily?

Mao: Where is that question even coming from?

Ito: Hmm, it's less bitter than regular lemons. Maybe it has a mild refreshing taste...?

Akehoshi: Oh, simple and easy. You might as well do the reporting.

Ito: I've been consuming food-related pieces of media lately so that I can answer when customers ask me how the food tastes.

Mao: There you go, Miss Serious. Well, that’s Ito's good point... Oh, it's already this late.

Mao-san glanced at the clock.

Mao: I'm going to miss the last train if I don't head back soon.

Akehoshi: Ehhh, I’m still not done yet.

Not to mention, once Maochi goes home, Ito-san will follow suit.

Mao: Even if I didn’t go back, it’s already this dark.

Ito: Time sure flies..... Shall I take you to the station?

Mao: No, that would be even more dangerous. Besides, I can at least defend myself.

Akehoshi: Oh, then how about I come with you?

Yura ain’t here today, so I might need someone’s presence. 

It'll be just the two of us on the way back after dropping Maochi off, but as long as we are not alone in the same room, it's fine, right?

Part 2

And so, after seeing Mao-san off, Akehoshi-kun stopped by the convenience store saying he had something to buy.

Akehoshi: Since we're here, let's stroll around before we head home.

The breeze feels awesome, and the stars are beautiful. I wanna use this chance to sober up a bit.

Ito: (I guess Akehoshi-kun had been drinking quite a bit...)

I don’t really mind.

Akehoshi: Aight, let's go!

Akehoshi: Don’t you think the park look completely different at night than during the day?

Ito: Indeed. Well, I don't think I see much when I pass by the park at this time at night.

Akehoshi: Yeah, it’s terrifying if there are strange people around. Ito-san has a point.

A lot of cats gather here during the day, so Yura comes here a lot too.

Although when I make a beeline to them, both Yura and the cats scatter.

Ito: (I can picture that.)

……….

Akehoshi: Hmm? What's wrong?

Ito: After listening to what you just said, I imagined this park with the same scenario.

I don't know if it’s on point, but I wonder if I know everyone well enough to be able to imagine that precisely.

That thought just came to me suddenly.

Akehoshi: Is that a happy realization?

Ito: With all due respect.... Maybe? I know I sound very vague…

Akehoshi: Ahaha, even if it's just a sudden thought, I'm glad it makes you happy.

Ito: !

From Mao-san. Hmm….

mA0: I'm already at home. Thank you for coming all the way to the station

I'm more worried about whether you got home safely or not. Akehoshi being there didn’t lessen my concern at all.

Akehoshi: What did he say?

Ito: He said he’s already home. Let me reply.

(I guess I don't need to say the latter part.)

Akehoshi: Go ahead. I'm glad Maochi arrived without a hitch.

As I was about to reply, I dropped my gaze to the LIME screen again. I almost heard the voice coming from Mao-san’s texts, which were supposed to be electronic set of letters. His face even appeared.

Ito: (“To be able to imagine that precisely”, huh…....)

Fufu.

Oh. Ahhh!

Akehoshi: What’s going on?

Ito: Akehoshi-kun, didn’t you buy that at the convenience store?

Akehoshi: ………

Akehoshi: Ice cream!

Darn it, it's definitely melting. I think I need to head home now.

Be that as it may, Akehoshi-kun walked slowly so as not to leave me behind. I replied to Mao-san while keeping the fact that everyone except for the ice-cream had safely returned home in my heart.

[akehoshimystar]

Chapter 10

A few days later….

Kamiya: Good job with the special request. I'm glad we had you on board today. 

Ito: It ended safely without a major incident, I’m also glad. 

Kamiya: It’s all thanks to Tomose-san. You're always so reliable.

Tomose: Just doing my job.

Yu told me he’s already done with his follow-up. We’re going to meet at the office.

On my way back to the office after finishing my work with ST. Dept., Kamiya-kun suddenly looked up.

Kamiya: Oh, the illuminations…. They're all gone now.

Tomose: They were removing them the other night.

Kamiya: What a shame. They were so sparkly and pretty.

Ito: Once Christmas is over, everyone will be in the mood for the New Year.

During our conversation, I saw three people who appeared to be parents and a child walking the other way.

Boy: You know, our ozōni is delicious because it has white miso!

Man: Wow, I'm looking forward to it.

Woman: My mother is from Kansai, so that’s where I learned it from. 

Male: This might be my first time eating white miso ozōni. 

Ito: (Hmm? That family...)

I felt like I'd seen them somewhere before, so I tried to remember where I'd seen them. 

Tomose: What’s wrong?

Ito: Oh, it’s nothing.

I quietly put away the idea that a Christmas miracle could have occurred in my heart. Keeping my heart warm as it was, I started walking as if nothing had happened.

Akehoshi: Ah, Merry Christmas.

……..Dang, is it over already? Did you all have a good one?

Kamiya: Yup, I brought some donuts with me and acted as Santa for everyone. Even for Tomose-san!

Tomose: Yeah. I got a snow globe from the donut shop.

Akehoshi: Wow, so that’s what happened. Sounds fun. If I'd gone to the office, would there have been a donut for me?

Kamiya: Of course. Too bad I didn’t see you.

Akehoshi: Santa, I wish you'd come and deliver it directly to my den.

Kamiya: Haha. Sorry! This year's delivery was limited to Aporia!

Akehoshi: Even Santa has a designated area? I’ll look forward to next year then. 

What about the Deputy?

Ito: I had fun.

Akehoshi: Good. My shift will start soon, so let me know the details later, okay?

Kamiya: Well, shall we take a break?

Tomose: Yeah. We still have some time before our meet-up with Yu.

Ito: I'll go submit my report first.

Kamiya: See you later.

Ito: Yeah.

Ito: I'm back

Ai: Yeah.

Kyoya: Welcome back.

Riku: Good work.

Ito: Are you having a meeting with Kosaka-san? It's kind of rare to see you all together.

Riku: I just had a business meet-up.

Kyoya: And I was planning to stop by for a meal after Riku-san's meet-up.

Ito: I see. I should thank you both again for the other day.

Thanks to you, I had a great Christmas.

Riku: You also have my gratitude. Thanks to you, I learned a new way to enjoy Christmas.

Kyoya: I was able to have a wonderful Christmas as I pictured thanks to you.

Ai: ……..

Riku: What about your Christmas, Ai?

Ai: Work.

Riku: That's all?

Kyoya: I’m sure both Yashiro-san and Ai-san had to attend a meeting. Was it prolonged until late?

Ito: Ah, no. The meeting itself wasn't like that...

Kyoya: Hmm, your way of speaking is really piquing my curiosity.

Riku: You sounded like someone who has something else going on.

Ito: I wouldn’t say it’s an occurrence, Roka-san just asked us to do something.....

I cast my eyes at Kosaka-san, wondering how much I should let on.

Ai: ……..

Kyoya: A request from Roka-san, huh? Must have been a tough Christmas night.

Ito: Oh, no. It's nothing serious. He just asked us to pick up Christmas cake.

Although I ended up giving it to someone who couldn't purchase one..…

Riku: So that’s what happened. It’s Christmas, so I'm sure it’s a struggle to find a replacement cake. Did you go home directly after that?

Ito: Errr…....

Riku: Hmm?

Another glance at Kosaka-san, asking the same thing as before. Naturally, Riku-san’s and Shido-san's gazes were directed towards him as well.

Ai: ……The hymns weren’t too bad.

Riku: …………………………..

Haha, looks like you had a great Christmas.

Kyoya: It does seem that way.

Scenes from each person's Christmas suddenly crossed my mind. Each person experienced Christmas differently, and it has shaped up what Christmas means to them currently. I thought it would be nice if this year's memories became one of the meanings of Christmas for me.

Translator's note : Ozoni is a traditional Japanese New Year's dish where grilled mochi is served with many ingredients.