#hands you a renga

[mellohirust]

SK8ober Day 31: Halloween! I wish gay people were real

huuge shoutout to seb sebdoeswords for creating the prompt list!! was very fun when i found time the participate :)

closeup ^_^!!

[i-just-really-like-renga]

“Dance with me.”

As expected, Reki blinks up at him owlishly from where they’d been scanning over an article about skateboards. Of course.

They were supposed to be studying. That plan had fallen apart exactly fifteen minutes after they’d opened their textbooks. Hey, it was a new record.

“What?” Reki asks, eyes a little hazy and confused. Signs that he’d been on the verge of passing out moments ago, curled up like a cat on Langa’s bed as he was.

He’s so cute.

A candlelight of affection flickers in Langa’s chest; warm and soft.

“Dance with me,” he insists again.

Baffled, Reki doesn’t resist when Langa takes his hand and pulls him to his feet. He stumbles a little unsteadily, so Langa’s arm wraps around his waist until he finds his balance. Then, he finds he doesn’t particularly want to remove it, so he doesn’t.

Reki doesn’t complain about it and, for some reason, that feels like a victory. “What are you doing?” He asks bemusedly, even as his hands find their way to Langa’s shoulders.

“Dancing,” Langa responds, and really, hasn’t Reki figured that much out by now? “With you.”

Reki snorts, and it puffs a strand of wild red hair away for a second before it falls right back into his face. His headband is pulled down, hanging around his neck and letting his bangs free, for a change. Something about that makes Langa feel some kind of way. Mostly the good kind.

“We can’t dance without any music,” Reki says smartly. And if that’s his only issue with it, it’s an easy enough fix.

Triumph sweeping through him, Langa starts humming.

It sounds awful. There isn’t any specific song he’s thinking of. He’s just making it up as he goes, and it’s still off-key and out of tune. Cut him some slack. He’s known for his athletics. Not his musical prowess.

But Reki giggles and Langa’s heart swells with so much joy it’s a wonder it doesn’t explode. “I don’t like this song. Play another one,” he snarks.

Langa adjusts his grip around Reki’s waist and guides him in a slow half-circle. “Hm, no,” he says, before stubbornly continuing his terrible melody.

Reki laughs again and Langa wishes he could bottle up the sound to keep and replay whenever he wanted. But since he can’t do that, he spins Reki around and around until he does it again instead.

Nothing about it is elegant. Reki stumbles whenever Langa pulls him right instead of left, and Langa trips over his own foot more than once trying not to step on Reki’s toes.

But it’s fun.

Everything with Reki is fun.

For a moment, Langa thinks about his dad. About how he’d done this same thing with his mom so many countless times in the past. In their kitchen, in the living room. Mom had always grumbled and complained, but she’d never said no. Never stopped smiling.

Bittersweet longing for the way things used to be rushes hot underneath Langa’s skin, and the knowledge that they can’t go back brings a painful lump to his throat.

But then Reki whoops joyously, ducks under Langa’s arm, and whirls out until he’s only holding on to Langa by the tips of their fingers before spinning back to him. Something in Langa’s chest eases and he can breathe again.

Yeah, things aren’t the same. Not anymore, and they never will be. But that doesn't mean they can’t still be good. Langa still has people he cares about. Shadow. Joe. Cherry. Miya.

Langa has Reki. This wonderful, amazing boy letting Langa twirl him around like they’re toddlers. He could never ask for anything more.

The people may be different now, but the love is the same.

Just as strong.

Just as warm.

Just as infinite.

[shunin-gumis]

Spiked-Donation: Yes or No? (Part 2)

The Kungfu Bodyguard who's always Bruised

Obsessed with this story!

Location: Flower Laundry

Sonia: Chief!

Momiji: Good work today! I had some work around here so I decided to drop by. How’s your condition?

Nagi: Oh, yeah–

Sonia: Pleash listen to this, Chief! At the last health check-up, they called Nagi-shan to get his blood tested, but he didn’t want to go… 

Momiji: What!

Nagi: Shh… 

Nagi: (It’s hard to explain that acting as Netaro’s donor was the reason why I couldn’t do the blood test…)

Nagi: I’ve been feeling anemic a lot lately, but I’m okay now, so I’ll go to the check up soon… 

Momiji: When?

Nagi: Within the month–

Momiji: Too long! Sonia, can you check if he can take a leave next week?

Sonia: I-I’ll do that now!

Nagi: But I have deliveries–

Momiji: Nagi-kun, I’m begging you, please treasure yourself more. I’ll get mad otherwise.

Nagi: ……Y-Yes, ma’am.

Momiji: I’ll handle the deliveries for you… But wait, I won’t feel at ease unless I drop you to and from the hospital, so I should ask Kinari-kun to do it instead… 

Momiji: Oh, look at the time…! I need to go now, but make sure to tell me the date, okay? It’s a promise!

Nagi: ……Okay. Where are you going? 

Momiji: I want to drop by Chinatown before my next meeting. Apparently, Netaro-kun and Renga-kun have been experimenting with new flavored meatbuns and have been causing a commotion over there.

Nagi: With Renga…?

Nagi: (Don’t tell me he’s planning on making Renga a donor too…)

Nagi: …Chief, I’ll go instead since you seem busy.

Nagi: I’m friends with Netaro too, so.

Momiji: But what about your condition… 

Nagi: I’m good today, don’t worry. I have a delivery somewhere around there anyways. 

A few days later

Momiji: I’m so glad the re-examination went well! I was so worried that you might have had some kind of illness!

Nagi: Y-Yeah.

Nagi: (Chief is happy for me, just like family… Somehow, my heart is thrumming.)

Nagi: The doctor had his head in his hands, asking me whether my blood somehow changed in the past few days.

Momiji: Ahaha! That had to be some kinda mistake. Netaro-kun has cooled down with his experimenting on meatbuns so that’s a relief too.

Nagi: Yeah, he made me eat some of those new buns a few days ago.

Nagi: (Hm…?)

~~~(flashback)

Netaro: Mm, however, it’s been on my mind since last night. The fact that the flavor has changed.

~~~(end flashback)

Nagi: (...My blood changed before, and now again…?)

Location: HAMA House 3F Balcony

Nagi: So you were taking a nap here, Netaro.  

Netaro: Hm~? What is it, Gii?

Nagi: About that new meatbun—

Nagi: …… 

Nagi: No, I wanted to give you an answer to the question you asked the other day. About whether anything had changed.

Netaro: Mm?

Nagi: I think it’s because I’m not all that scared anymore.

Netaro: I see~ Fear does indeed stimulate the release of adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. That blend was quite delicious as well!

Netaro: In that case—

Nagi: No. That. That is still scary.

Netaro: Aww~

Part 1

Nagi: But… Thanks, Netaro.

[discountscoobyart]

first off: AHHHH!!! i'm so honored your first fanart is through my dtiys!!

and then: this looks amazing!!! i love cuddly renga under the stars 😭😭 like look at them, they're so cute!!! <33

Cheers for my first posted fan art! This is a redraw of a really gorgeous drawing from @discountscoobyart.

[r1zingclouds]

Today, while I can still remain here - Nishizono Renga Birthday SSR Card Story Translation

Happy Birthday, Renga!

(Translation notes at the end)

Renga: (Today’s the birthday of “Nishizono Renga”.)

Renga: (I heard from my manager that there's a leading role lined up that only I can play.)

Renga: Alright, my looks are on point.Time to go.

Yukikaze: Renga. 

Yukikaze: Target secured.

Renga: Hah!?

Renga: …

Muneuji: Hachinoya-san. Excuse me, can you raise the rightmost decoration by 2 millimeters? It’s sloping ever so slightly.

Nagi: Got it. Still, it’s really pretty, this ornament.

Muneuji: According to Lu-senpai, it’s customary for celebrations in China. Certainly, the golden glow creates a festive atmosphere.

Renga: ………..

Kafka: Chief-chan, is that the last dish? The drinks have already been brought over.

Chief: Yup. All that’s left is the cake! Yuki-nii is doing a final inspection on it.

Shuumai: Woof. Woof, woof.

Renga: What’s going on?”

Renga: Chief and Yukikaze brought me to the living room all of sudden, sat me down on the sofa with Shuumai, and now a party’s starting!?

Ten: Renga-san, looking good~ That “Today’s protag” sash suits you.

Renga: Hey, Ten! Don’t tell me… No, there’s no doubt…!

Ten: That’s right~. Everyone’s been working hard all night to celebrate your birthday, Renga-san.

Ten: Your manager did us a favor and freed up your schedule for today. Man, everyone’s going at it.

Renga: My manager was in on it…! I had no idea at all…

Renga: (Just when I thought I wouldn’t be able to celebrate today because of work…! So this is what my manager meant with the “leading role only I can play!”)

Renga: That means… all this food and decorations are for me?

Toi: Need to align them by height a bit better… there. Acrylic stands and Uchiwa fans go over here…

Renga: …Hm? What is Toi doing?

Kafka: Making a shrine. It's a custom among fans who want to do something extravagant for their favorite celebrity's birthday, and Toi can relate all too well.

Kafka: Hand-making goods and amassing official ones... He’s been arranging merch and fan letters that arrived at your office since morning.

Renga: Since morning!? Then I should he…!

Liguang: Hold it.

Renga: Uwah! What’s wrong with you, Liguang, pushing me onto the sofa all of sudden!

Linguang: Stop messing around and sit down like a guest of honor should. It pisses me off to look at you.

Renga: You, you didn’t have to put it that way!

Shuumai: Woof!

Renga: …Are you saying I should sit down too, Shuumai?

Shuumai: Woofwoof!

Renga: …! I, I see. Got it.

Renga: (Since I’m playing a role no one else can do, I should act the part… everyone's be happier that way, right?)

Renga: …

Toi: Whew… Is this the last one?

Toi: Ah? There’s still one box left! I need to open it quickly!

Renga: That’s it, I can’t do it anymore!

Renga: Toi! Let me give you a hand!

Liguang: Tsk.

Ten: My, my.

Yukikaze: Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, give it up for the “Golden Sunrise Celeb Rose Cake”.

Kafka: We’re all finished here, what about you?

Toi:  All done! Thanks to Renga-san, we’ve completed the shrine!

Chief: Then, let’s get the party started!

Chief: Renga-kun.

HAMA Tours: Happy Birthday!

Renga: Tha…thank you.

Ten: Here, for you. It’s a dog toy.  Go nuts and play with Shuumai until it breaks. 

Nagi: I chose shears for pruning roses. Feel free to ask for gardening advice anytime. 

Yukikaze: My present is a travel bag. It has a large capacity and many pockets, so it can fit  plenty of snacks, tissues and the like. I hope it comes in handy for both studio and location shooting.

Renga: (All of these presents have so much feeling behind them. I can tell how much they thought of me when choosing these.) 

Yukikaze: …Is someone at the door?

Toi: Ah… I’ll get it!

Toi: Uwah!?

Muneuji: There was a huge noise.

Renga: What happened, Toi?

Toi: We’ve a p…problem! The gift box got stuck in the door!

Courier: A parcel for Nishizono-sama. Please sign here. 

Kafka: With this volume, it can hardly be called a present, can it? It’s more like a shipment of goods for a sales event.

Nagi: The door is creaking. Better use the front entrance.

Yukikaze: It’s from Renga’s father. The note says “To Renga, and the HAMA Tours employees who always look after my son.”

Yukikaze: What a kind parent.

Chief: Amazing, Renga-kun! You received such a huge present!

Renga: Well, I guess? Once you get on my level, that's normal…

Toi: I wonder if I can carry it somehow…

Renga: Hey, Toi! Don’t try to carry it alone!

Ten: Is it okay for today’s protag to be such a busy bee?

Liguang: Tsk, he doesn’t realize he’s just causing extra headaches on the organizers’ side.

(the Live 2D animations (wordlessly) show that Renga tries to help Toi, starts shaking, probably because he can't handle the weight, but Yukikaze and Nagi catch and stabilize him)

Chief: Ahaha… Isn’t that just like him, though?

Part 2

Renga: Nom, nom… The cake Ushio made is really tasty….

Renga: I feel like I’ve heard enough “congratulations” today to last me a lifetime.

Renga: The birthday party was fun, too.

(flashback)

Nanaki: Then, it’s a promise. On our next day off?

Renga: Ah, yeah. Thanks for the invite, Nanaki. Can’t wait for the live soccer match.

Nanaki: I’m glad you’re on board. I have two replica uniforms, so let's wear them when we go.

Nanaki: Sunglasses will be a must for you, though… It’d be something else if people realized you’re at the venue, Nishizono-san. 

Shuumai: Woofwoof, woof!

Renga: What’s up, Shuumai, you want to go, too?

Renga: Too bad, you can’t enter the stadium. Cheer up, I’ll toss you the ball I got from Ten…

Yachiyo: R-R-R-Renga-san! Renga-sa-!

Yachiyo: Uwa-!?

*sound of things falling over*

Nanaki: He fell head first into a cardboard box…

Renga: Yachiyo, you alright?

Yachiyo: S-sorry! I tried, but I couldn’t pull the brakes fast enough!

Renga: Why’re you in such a hurry?

Yachiyo: W-w-well, there was a letter for Renga-san left at the door, so I wanted to deliver it…

Renga: A postcard? Wonder who sent it…

Renga: (Happy Birthday to the both of us)

Renga: …!

Renga: I see. Thanks for bringing it to me.

(flashback ends)

Renga: It was a good day.

Renga: Who’s it?

Kinari: Nishizono-sama, excuse me for bothering you during your rest.

Kinari: I have been designated as your gift-giver as a part of the Random Gift System.

Renga: I-it’s time!

Renga: Much appreciated. Well, come in.

Kinari: Understood. Then, if you would accept this item.

Renga: A rose shaped… earring?

Kinari: After receiving the order, I discovered it while searching for a gift that would be suitable for Nishizono-sama.

Kinari: The initial search returned 27506 results. Subsequently, the list was narrowed down to 18549 options.

Kinari: I’ve heard from the Master that Nishizono-sama is partial to roses, which is why I’ve chosen this accessory.

Renga: You also put lots of thought into it. I really appreciate that.

Kinari: Happy Birthday, Nishizono-sama. May you be loved by many people from now on, as well.

Renga: I-idiot! That much is a given!

Renga: After all… After all, I’m Nishizono Renga!

Renga: (Up until now, I’ve always tried to act in a way that’d befit [Nishizono Renga])

Renga: But today is a little different than usual. I feel like they’re also celebrating [me]).

Renga: I’m glad I could stay here.

Staff: Time for a commercial!

MC: Renga-kun, wasn’t it your birthday the other day? Congrats.

Renga: Yeah, thanks.

MC: I’ve been wondering, are these earrings something you brought from home? They look great on you!

Renga: Right? It’s because they were chosen by an important friend… as a gift that suits me best! 

You can read my translations of the Mayors and Yachiyo's voice lines for Renga's birthday here!

Translation notes:

The card story title: ここにいらえる今日を, is cut off: it's missing a verb that should go after を, so the information what is exactly done with/about this day (ここにいらえる is modifying, or describing what kind of "today" it is, instead). This is possibly to make it more ambiguous in meaning and slightly foreboding. You could put fill the blank in different ways, but since there's no clear indication and the difference in sentence structure would place the missing verb at the beginning, I decided to leave it out altogether to avoid further confusion.

Some possible ways to complete the title would be, for example: to celebrate, to cherish, to remember; or it could also be a toast, if you added 祝して、乾杯 at the end, as in "Cheers to today"

Renga's manager: As far as I know their gender isn't known, so I tried to avoid personal pronouns.

Renga shrine: Japanese fans are known for their extravagance while practicing this custom, such as renting a whole studio room and lining up hundreds of items, so I took some liberties with Kafka's first line to emphasize that - he only mentions fans who "want to celebrate" and that doesn't really relay the scale of what seems to have been going on, what with Toi having multiple boxes of stuff prepared.

[perpetualcynicism]

…𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢: In which replying to a mysterious letter leads you back to the one place (and person) you could never quite forget. …𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Childhood friends to lovers. …𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: None. …𝙻𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚑: 2,256 words. …𝙰𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗: Gender-neutral reader; renga is a collaborative form of Japanese poetry which consists of a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable scheme; Heizou Hasegawa is a character from the novel series Onihei Hankachō by Shōtarō Ikenami, who acted as possible inspiration for Shikanoin Heizou, who was inspired by a real figure—an interesting and more comprehensive explanation of this can be found here. Reblogs and comments are appreciated.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

𝙰 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚊𝚔𝚞𝚛𝚊.

It is a letter which appears under your door, written in an elegant hand on a plain slip of paper, left unsigned. You are addressed by your pen-name at the top; the rest reads as follows:

I have heard countless tales of your famed verse, and read many of your novels on my travels—no, I will be honest; I confess that I’ve read all of them. I cannot help myself. Such wit and mastery of words as you possess is simply astounding. In particular your most recent tale, A Thousand Boughs of Sakura, was exceptionally engaging in how you utilised verse to leave hints in the text towards the true identity of the culprit; and I must say that you almost fooled me with the shocking conclusion! 

In the spirit of your skill, and my current being in town—entertain a poor soul with a game of renga, will you? I’ll start:

—Secrets tossed on wind

The rest of the paper is blank, as if the author has already anticipated your compliance to the proposal with complete confidence. 

The letter’s arrival itself is nothing out of the ordinary: you often receive such messages from fans, offering praise, questions and comments regarding your publications. It is, however, one of the rare occasions where the subject of interest has been yourself, rather than your work, and the first where a request has so specifically, not to mention so directly, been made of you.

Indeed, from the request to the manner of writing, the letter initially strikes you as terribly entitled, and you have the mind to toss it away and forget about it—but, skimming your eyes over the message again, you hesitate. 

Despite the novel being released a few weeks ago, this is the only letter you have received to pick up your writing technique: using differences in the pronunciation of kanji to suggest alternative meanings to the phrase; implying hidden messages through synonyms which, though identical in meaning, contain different radicals to the alternative word. Whoever the sender of the message is, they must have an acute eye for detail—a quality you can respect. Perhaps this mystery reader of yours is worth a moment or two.

You walk to your desk and unthinkingly pen another verse:

—All one must do is listen

You hardly know where to leave the reply—it is not as if your messenger has indicated their whereabouts, beyond ‘currently being in town’—yet somehow you trust that it will find its intended recipient. You pin it in a corner of the local noticeboard, and think no more of it for the rest of the day.

——————

—To hear the rustle.

Penned in the same elegant handwriting, this is the new line which has joined the previous verse when you pass by the noticeboard on the following day. You remove the letter and take it back to your home, where you spend a few moments considering how to respond. 

Your reply, as you pin it back up, reads thus:

—Verses penned by unknown hand 

The next day, another line:

—Anonymity’s respite.

And so is your first complete stanza concluded. You thumb the edge of the translucent paper, considering how next to proceed. 

Of course, the first thought to arise is that there is no need to ‘proceed’ with this game whatsoever: you have fulfilled this reader’s request at no great benefit to yourself, and there is no obligation compelling you to elaborate upon it further. You could end this playful exchange now and feel hardly the worse for it. 

And yet, that peculiar hook, on which your career and passions are founded—that irresistible inclination named ‘curiosity’—has taken hold somewhere within you, is tugging you gently in the direction of the mystery. You wish to know more of this enigmatic admirer of yours; you wish to know why something about him (you feel, somehow, that it is a ‘him’) feels almost familiar. If nothing else, you enjoy the creative interplay. 

You raise your brush to the page, and continue the poem. 

—Where is respite found?

—Asks the cowering sinner

You read over the line once, twice. Something, a niggling feeling in the deeper recesses of your mind, is beckoning to you, inviting you to wonder at this choice of words.

It feels like your partner is hinting at you, playing with you much in the same way you do with your own audience. You wonder what the clue may be, return to the previous lines you have composed together, come to a tentative hypothesis. 

You think you know the direction in which to guide this inquiry. 

—Shed of virtue’s mask

—Like young blossoms in summer

—Trembling in fear of cyclones.

You return the letter to the noticeboard. Over a week has passed already; what began as a favour on a whim has grown into a routine, even a commitment. 

There is room yet remaining on the paper for one more stanza; one final chance to crack the code, to solve the puzzle laid out for you. This method itself, you acknowledge, is a clue. 

You feel much like Hasegawa, the protagonist of A Thousand Boughs of Sakura; reading between the lines and hunting down scant hints to identify the criminal before it is too late. (In your novel, the criminal turns out to be an old acquaintance.)

The difference is that you are no detective; merely an author, a poet. Your skills reside in capturing the immaterial, not assimilating the real. 

Even so, the opening line of the final stanza gives you confidence that you are on the right track.

—What is a cyclone?

—But that which intuits vice 

—Wielding intellect 

—Catching arrows with bare hands

—Leaving no buds to fester.

My, what a beautiful poem we have composed! Our hearts must truly beat in harmony with one another. Your intellect is as sharp as I remember. 

Midnight, tonight. I will see you at the usual spot.

——————

The letter does not specify where you are to meet, nor does it need to. Since childhood, there has only been one location you frequented enough for its significance to become instinctual. You head toward the coastline, where there grows a certain sakura tree overlooking the shore, identified by its gnarled trunk which is twisted with age. 

There is a reclining silhouette already outlined against the tree when you arrive. Perhaps the details have changed here and there—the height, the clothing—but the figure itself, you could not mistake for the world. 

In unmarked silence, you join Shikanoin Heizou beneath the sakura tree. 

For a time, neither of you speak. What is there to say? You have not seen each other in years. Circumstances, not to mention your own selves, have altered within the rift of time you have spent apart. The last time you met was in the early moments of adulthood, when he took on the mantle of a detective and your aptitude for writing began to raise you into company higher than anticipated. 

Thinking back on it now, you never said a proper goodbye; he simply had to leave one day, and subsequently you drifted out of each other’s lives through no devices of your own, as a cloud disperses into smaller fragments and is scattered on the wind. You never received any letters from him, either; it did not occur to you to send one of your own (and if you had, how were you to know where to send it?). But you never forgot him—Archons, never. 

The fact that he is here now gives you hope that he did not forget about you, either. 

The silence grows, deepens, becomes uncomfortable. Somebody will have to take the first step; and this time, it is your turn. You run your tongue over dry lips. 

“What a surprise it is to see you here, Heizou.”

For all of your usual eloquence, any skill with words has abandoned you now. You feel exposed and frightfully inexperienced, like you are sitting at an empty page in your father’s study, wondering how to compose your first haiku. 

He smiles, and the world is stable again. “Not much of a surprise, I’m afraid. You figured me out.”

“You wanted me to,” you reply, and you find yourself falling into a rhythm of effortless exchange similar to the renga game—except this time, you are not separated by ink and paper, but face to face. The interaction feels easy, like the rift of time between you is nothing at all. 

You ask, “What were your reasons for approaching me through letters, rather than directly? Diverting as your puzzles were, surely it should have been far simpler to greet me in person, not wait until now.”

“I couldn’t risk speaking with you any earlier, for both of our sakes. Until recently I was part of an undercover investigation, and had I been recognised, the confidentiality of the case may be compromised. And on your end, I figured it would be embarrassing for somebody of such high standing as yourself to be seen hanging around somebody like me.”

Something is off. His explanation is sound, but there’s a matter he hasn’t addressed. “A letter signed with one’s name alone ought to be privacy enough—yet it was your choice to remain anonymous,” you point out.

Another smile lifts the corner of his mouth, this time a touch meek. His eyelashes lower as he glances downwards. “Would you rather the honest answer, or the one which will flatter me?”

“Offer me first the flattery,” you propose, “and only the honesty if I fail to decipher the truth myself.”

“My intention was to test your discernment. I remember our childhood battles of wits fondly, but after such a long time, I wasn’t sure how your character held up. So much time spent in high society can change somebody; I wanted to know whether you were still the same person I knew before taking any action to introduce myself.”

“Am I still the same person?” you ask out of interest. 

“Of course you are.” The reply is so quick, comes so naturally, that it warms you. 

So, that is the flattery. 

You scrutinise the man in front of you; his posture (the way he leans against the tree trunk, yet drums his fingers on the wood), his expression (how his eyes glance between you and the floor, like he’s just as shy and skittish as you are, perhaps even more so), his explanation (which is obviously false—he read your works, meaning he must have been aware at least to an extent of your personal development).

“And the truth,” you conclude after a careful period of reflection, “is that you were afraid. Afraid that, after all this time, I would hold towards you feelings of contempt for leaving so abruptly. You did not sign your name in fear that my knowing your identity would provoke me to be hostile, or to rebuke your advances.”

“And would you have done so?” 

“I never thought ill of you, Heizou,” you say. When you say his name, his eyes widen by a touch, brighten a little. “Not once, even if I tried to. And…” You sigh, leaning back against the tree beside him. “You may comfort yourself with the fact that I was afraid, too.”

Heizou looks away, in thought. Silence settles upon you once more. This time, you are comfortable in it. Yes; there is comfort in having Heizou standing beside you once again, close enough that, should you wish, you could…

(He flexes his hand, and you know you are thinking of the same thing. Neither of you act. It’s still too soon, too hasty, to go there yet. You want to get to know him again, from the beginning, before going there.) 

“Is it really true, that you read all of my novels?” you blurt. 

“Every single one,” he replies in earnest. 

You scratch your neck. “Was it… ahem, was it obvious that Hasegawa was based on you?”

“I did notice some similarities, yes,” Heizou admits with a chuckle. “In fact,” he continues, a smirk beginning to creep onto his face, “if my memory serves me correctly, you describe him as handsome no less than seven times.”

Heat rushes to your face. You cough into your first, and Heizou laughs again, the sound full and bright and everything you’ve missed in the last few years of your life. 

“Don’t worry—you were subtle in every other part of the story. I wasn’t exaggerating in my initial praise, you know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such attention to detail in the narration as well as the plot itself. It really is extraordinary.” 

You’re accustomed to receiving praise from fan letters and colleagues, but getting it from Heizou feels different, somehow; it feels more valuable, more real. “Thank you,” you smile, suddenly all bashful and self-conscious again. He smiles back. You have to look away.

“What do you plan to do now, then?” you ask, changing the subject to something less involved with yourself. “I assume your incredibly-confidential, undercover-agent case is over.”

“I’ve been considering staying here for a while—until another case comes up, at least.” Now he’s the one to look away. A slight hint of red dusts his cheeks, a shyness reveals itself in the upturned corners of his lips, and his voice takes on a softer, more self-conscious note. “This might be a little presumptuous of me, but… I was thinking that I could stay with you. If you’d have me.” 

Your reply is so quick, comes so naturally, that it warms you. 

[anitalianfrie]

I am begging you to translate this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7eN1flsqvO/?igsh=Y3R5MGFuMWdiZzNr

(It is several minutes long though and will probably be a huge pain so no pressure!)

sure! here's the link . I recommend watching the video while you read this bc the volg is cut really weird, there's not one long conversation and what happens in the video is pretty useful to understand what's going on in the translation. unfortunately i wasn't able to translate some bits, but i tried my best

as always, my comments/specifications are in between []

Mig: hello everyone, I've arrived at bez's house. Cele's not here yet

Mig: hey

Bez: sium

Mig: I couldn't not start a video like this, could i?

Bez: with the plane

Mig: with the plane. it gives it the look of a vlog, doesn't it? We're waiting for Cele

Bez: the excruciating wait

--

Cele: I'm at the roundabout, the one with the car dealers

Bez: what car dealer bro?

Cele: ehhhh, the ones that-

mig: what kind of question is that

Cele: i don't know, anyways i'm here, two minutes and i'm there

Bez: okay, okay

Mig: two minutes like those before, or two real minutes?

Bez: sorry, but what car does he have?

Cele: the Cupra

Bez: yes, here he is, here he is

Mig: listen to him

Mig: tac!

Mig: in the end, [something i don't get]

Bez: we're ready

Cele: the boots for Mugello, because I go to Mugello. With stile.

Mig: well, it's not like those boots are super new. Understandable. you- why-

Bez: one different from the other

Mig: one different from the other

Cele: obviously. I even have another pair even more broken

Mig: but the backpack is the right one

Cele: yes [something i don't get]

Mig: well i mean, we stay away the night but, whatever. everybody- this pair [of boots] is in a bit of a better state than the other one

Cele: yes. better. [cele shows the boot to the camera]

Mig: this one is perfect

Cele: nooo

Mig: two left boots

Bez: but the others are left and right

Cele: yes, I know, but-

Mig: what shoe size do you wear?

Cele: but what if I slip on the left?

Mig: what's your shoe size bro?

Cele: 40, 41, 42

Mig: You can borrow mine

[here's the song they were listening to in the car]

--

--

Franky: Marco

Bez: Franky! how is it?

Franky: everything's okay

Mig: hi Chicco! [chicco is usually the nickname given to people named federico. knowing mig this is a reference of some sort i'm not able to place]

Bez: yes, we were doing a round fo calls, we wanted to know how you were

Franky: everythings alright

Franky: there's also Celestino, what is he doing

Cele: hi Franco

Franky: what is he doing?

BEz: he's here, he's here

Mig: hi Franco!

Franky: hi Celes!

Cele: hi!

[i assume bez's laugh here is bc franco is completely ignoring mig wich. hilarious to me]

Franco: hi!

--

[second song they were listening to. yes it's calcutta i almost couldn't believe my ears]

mig: we're here. one hour and- almost two hours later

--

Bez: ohi where are you?

Pecco: at the hotel

Bez: in hotel?

Pecco: have you arrived yet?

Bez: ah so you've arrived before us

Pecco: well, obviously

Mig: we're here

Bez: we've arrived just now

Pecco: ok, then now we'll go downstairs, let's meet in the lobby at eight. which is now.

Bez: we're here now, now we park

Mig: i would do the check in, and then we go back downstairs

--

Mig: here they are, here they are

Mig: it's like in shining

Cele: we can go to misano directly tomorrow

Pecco: if we go back in time, we go

--

Mig: hello everyone, ehhh we're ready we've woken up and now we go to the circuit, we go to the others

Mig: now, where are our champions? Let's go see near the car. oh, here they are

Mig: Come on! Good morning! Let's go, come on! and sbam!

--

Mig: you do the greeting, this is the classical greeting when you arrive at the circuit, you rise your hand

--

Guy: - because we were thinking of putting down the names of singers, or-

Cami: the name on the transponder is the name of a singer

Pecco: for me either Steve Taylor or Francesco Renga. Now i have to decide

Franco: good morning

--

Mig: ehhh, what's the theme? Singers or bands, or like is it the same...

Guy: singers

--

Mig: my denstist will be proud of me. Shoutout to Doctor Bausi, he's the number one. Super important [something i don't get bc of the toothbrush]

Bez: you cut three, four tens of a second each lap

--

[all the conversations in the box were either very difficult to hear or with too little context to make them translatable (or even useful to translate) sorry]

--

Mig: well guys, this is all, from the track, now the return trip awaits us

--

Mig: that's true, we stayed on the phone the whole time, but now we're here.

Bez: yeah

Mig: bye. we're here, and nothing else. we go home, it was amazing, and... do you have something to declare to end this- here there's a knee slider by the way, i guess it's vietti's... is it yours?

Bez: i declare that.. this return trip has been one of the greatest trip of all time, with a group phone call of...

Mig: one hour and fifteen

Bez: one hour and fifteen

Mig: since before Bologna

Bez: we never felt alone, we felt cuddled by our friends

Cele: we never felt this close

--

Mig: there's a spider, it doesn't open

Bez: can i say it now? you didn't do as you- what is that, what rug is that?

Mig: it's nice isn't it

Bez: where did you stole it from?

Mig: i bought it. I bought it from Toriani, a carpet- from Toriani Tavullia's hardware store, a rug with the sun and the moon, for a step, this a step rug

--

Mig: bye everyone, it's been great

Cele: thank you [while hugging bez]

Mig: it's been a pleasure

[82mitsu]

{18Trip} <CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A: Sun will R1ze!> 001-A06 Off to a rocky introduction

A translation of 18TRIP's CHAPTER 001 SIDE-A by 82mitsu. ENG proofreading by sasaranurude.

TL note: 

Renga mistakens 罷免 (himen, to dismiss someone from a position) for 日麺 (himen), a word combining day (hi) and noodles (men). Which is why he thinks it's some new type of noodle. Joke has been reworked to make it make sense in English.

Kaede: (Who would’ve thought it would be happening on my third day of working here. A face-to-face meeting with the current Ward Mayors…!)

Yachiyo: Uuuwuhg… I’m nervous. Me supporting the Morning Squad… Guh-gonna puke…

Kaede: T-take it easy, Yachiyo-kun. Kafka said he’s also part of the Morning Squad. Remember?

Yachiyo: Y-you’re right. Ugweghh~ I need to look back at my notes in times like these!

Yachiyo: For the meeting with the current Ward Mayors, wait in front of the office… Okay! When I see them, greet them and… Eh, what do I say!?

Yachiyo: Gugugugreet them……..!? Our greetings need to be able to correspond to any time of the day so a goodmornafternight will do, yes!?

Kaede: It’s morning right now, so I think a normal good morning is fine enough…

Kaede: (Agh… Now I’m nervous too… Though I did meet all of the Mayor Wards once before.)

Yachiyo: Mutter mutter… Profile memos of the current Ward Mayors…

Yachiyo: The 2nd Ward Mayor is Kamina Yukikaze, an active figure skater… Gweh! Isn’t he a celebrity!?

Kaede: It’s common that mayors of a special tourism ward are famous people to begin with, since their role also includes advertising. 

Yachiyo: The 3rd Ward Mayor is Nishizono Renga… Hweh! He’s that high and mighty model talent, right!? W-w-w-w-what do I do, are lowbrow commoners even allowed near him…!?

Kaede: ……

Yachiyo: The 4th Ward Mayor is Lu Liguang… the Number Two from the Lùróng Family overlooking Chinatown… Isn’t he s-s-s-s-s-someone you don’t wanna cross paths with…!?

Kaede: Who’s to say—we have to meet him regardless…

Yachiyo: Leaving the others aside, Kamina Yukikaze is a top athlete, a living national human treasure! Aaaaah what do I doooo, Chief, how can you be so calm about it~!?

Kaede: Uhm, Yachiyo-kun, calm down…

Yachiyo: Ah!!! That’s…!!

Yukikaze: ……

Yachiyo: Athlete Kamina Yukikaze…!! The Scion of Ice…!! The handsome beauty of a gem that’s a living national treasure!! In t-t-t-the flesh……

Yukikaze: ……

Yachiyo: He- suh- he smiLED…!!!?

Yukikaze: I missed you…

(Yukikaze hugs Kaede)

Yachiyo: ~~お@dあk%!?!?!?

Kaede: (I'm the one who's being hugged here, yet Yachiyo-kun is jumping out of his skin…)

Kaede: Yukinii, sorry. Hold off. Since Yachiyo-kun’s freaking out…

Yukikaze: Huh? Oh, good morning. Are you an employee?

Yachiyo: Eh, wuh, wah, chee, kami…!?

Kaede: (Why and how are Chief and Kamina-? I think? Why can I interpret him…)

Kaede: The current 2nd Ward Mayor, Kamina Yukikaze, is my older cousin. Sorry, I should’ve told you earlier…

Yachiyo: D’oh, hooh, yuki, couh!?

Kaede: (D’oooh, the living national human treasure- Kamina Yukikaze- your cousin!? I guess…)

Yukikaze: I was hoping to see you as soon as possible after getting back from my overseas trip. It felt like an eternity until today.

Kaede: Sorry, Yukinii. All I’ve been doing is running all over the place since the company got established. How was the competition?

Yukikaze: …It felt lonely because you didn’t watch.

Kafka: Aaah- close, too close, touching is forbidden.

Kaede: Wah, geez Kafka, be careful with suddenly wedging yourself between us.

Kafka: Is there something wrong up there for you to hug someone the second you see them? Grabbing hands is also off the table. That’s a criminal amount of skinship.

Yukikaze: ...Long time no see, Kafka. Congratulations on the success of your surgery. If you're feeling left out, want a hug from me too?

Kafka: Hah? Are you trying to make me snap?

Kaede: (Here he goes again… Kafka’s always harsh with Yukinii.)

Kaede: (Just as I expected, though, from the moment I heard how the squad of current Ward Mayors would have Kafka in it. too…)

Kaede: Ah, another car has stopped… Looks pretty luxurious. Wonder if it’s the 3rd or 4th Ward Mayor?

Kaede: (And then one more car popped up immediately right after…!? S-such dangerous driving…!)

Renga: Yes! Passed him! How’s that Liguang! I, the greatest in the whole world, arrived first!

Liguang: Sigh… how stupid…

Renga: What was that!?

Kaede: (The nightmare from the airport all over again… These two are fighting every time I see them…)

Yachiyo: It's the a-actual Nishizono Renga… Lu Liguang is as beautiful as a model too… Howawa…

Kaede: 3rd Ward Mayor Nishizono Renga-kun and 4th Ward Mayor Lu Liguang-san, right. It’s our first time… well not the first meeting, but um, I’m the Chief of HAMA Tours.

Liguang: …Ah, you… We met at the airport.

Kaede: (That’s unexpected. Liguang-san remembered me!)

Renga: …! You’re…

Kaede: Ah… H-hello.

Kafka: Seems like all Ward Mayors have assembled. Guess it’s time to go inside the office.

Renga: …

Kaede: (Renga-kun’s, like… staring really hard…!? Wonder if I upset him somehow…)

Renga: Listen, you…

Kaede: Y-yes.

Renga: No it’s… uh…

Renga: The rose—it’s in a vase. That’s all.

Kaede: (...!)

Kaede: (I didn’t expect that either. He took the rose and brought it back home with him…)

Kafka: —And that covers everything for my “NEO18Wards” plan. Any questions?

Liguang: ……

Yukikaze: You’re amazing, Kafka. Your wisdom is seeping out from these documents. 

Kafka: Hah? What’s prompting you to state the obvious? Well, whatever. I guess that means you approve, at least. 

Renga: …I'm not convinced.

Kaede: …!

Renga: I recognize you as the 0th Ward Mayor. But, the 3rd ward will bring HAMA back to life in its own way!

Liguang: …Hah, big talk for someone who’s been dragging everything down.

Renga: Whaa-!? Who’s dragging what down!?

Kaede: (Uh, well, Renga-kun’s the person responsible for the weird changes to Landmark, right? I’m anxious, to be honest…)

Liguang: Ignoring the idiot in the room, I cannot endorse this. The plan itself is logical, but teaming up with this fool beside me is illogical. 

Yukikaze: I think it’s a good idea. Most importantly, being able to work together with Kaede makes me happy enough. 

Kafka: Okay, nobody asked for your feelings on the matter. Also, everyone will be work colleagues from now on, so make sure to address people properly by their title. 

Yukikaze: Yes, I got it. Chief, right.

Kafka: Sigh, anyway, I didn’t expect for all of you to be on board from the get go. But I want everyone to reaaaally think about their own standing thoroughly, okay.

Liguang: …

Renga: Standing!? What are you implying with that!

Kafka: As the 0th Ward Mayor, I have the right to sack the other Ward Mayors.

Renga: Sack, like a potato sack? We’re getting potatoes…?

Liguang: Sigh… Bèndàn…

Kaede: Renga-kun, getting sacked means you’ll get dismissed…

Renga: …Dismissed…

Renga: Ahem, I-I knew that!!

Renga: No, wait…!? Are you threatening me!?

Kafka: …Calm down for a second and think about it with a cool head. HAMA failed to meet the tourist quota for two years in a row. The way things have been going needs to get completely overhauled or it’s a bust, in other words.

Kafka: Renga, Liguang too, you should’ve been putting serious effort into the revival of your own wards these past two years. You understand what I’m getting at, yes? Basically—it’s time for a change.

Kafka: In any case, if we don’t overcome the tides this year, then the special ward zone will fall and everyone here will lose their status as Ward Mayor. Why not try doing things differently than before, even if it’s just once?

Liguang: …Is this what the plan is for?

Kafka: Morning Squad will go out on the field first—if the first tour isn’t received well at all, then you can take your leave. 

Kafka: All I want is one chance. I beg of you.

Kaede: (Kafka…! Going as far as bowing down…)

Renga: Ueh, nuh, uh…

Liguang: ………

Liguang: …Understood—I’ll obey until the results of the initial response are out.

Kaede: (...! Liguang-san… He’s way more upright than he looks…!)

Renga: … Me, too… I’ll go along if you insist…

Liguang: Why are you the one acting condescending?

Renga: Haah!? I’m being my normal self!?

Kaede: (...And they’re back to fighting in the end.)

Yachiyo: Hawawa… C-can these people here really help us out…!?

Kafka: Friendship is beautiful, isn’t it.

Kaede: (Eh. That’s your takeaway from seeing this play out in front of you?)

Kafka: Guess it was a good thing I was prepared for this, right?

<<previous chapter / next chapter>>

chapter 001 side A directory: TBA upon completion

[sebdoesthings]

The way love is portrayed in SK8 the Infinity fascinates me. On one hand you have Reki and Langa (and Joe and Cherry, but I'll focus on Renga to keep it simple), who constantly exhibit behaviours of emotional closeness and intimacy, yet never confess or even speak of love in regards to their own relationship (outside of metaphors, but this isn't a post about metaphors).

On the other hand you have Adam, who constantly speaks of his "love" for Langa, yet all his gestures towards him are superficial and performative (he presents him with roses, but then during the police raid Adam doesn't hesitate to get in the car with Tadashi and drive away, leaving Langa behind, while Reki risks his own safety to go and save Langa from the cops).

All Adam's professions of love don't make his obsession into actual love, and all their lack of labeling doesn't make Reki and Langa's interactions less romantic.

In a way, I see this as the showrunners' commentary on the restrictions queer anime (and queer media in general all over the world) still faces, but also on people's obsession with confessions. With refusing to look deeper into what's presented. Refusing to look at actions, and needlessly insisting on and only accepting words as confirmation, even though romantic interactions make a much more compelling love story than just romantic words.

[mibkid]

Inktober Day 13: Question

RENGA!!!(are you also hype over the ova's date announcement? MARS!!!!)

click on pics for better quality.

zoom ins:

this one was hardddd, my ideas was a little dried up, but i liked it in the end, hihi, them leaning their hands on eachother during sunset, ajsdlvndjfnjnf.

[jujumin-translates]

[18TRIP] Ten Murakumo | [SR] Whimsical Parkour | How to Make Cats Dislike You

Characters: ☁️ Ten Murakumo, 🌕 Muneuji Kaguya

Location: Alleyway

Ten: Alright, that’s it for today’s “job”~.

Ten: (...I’m being followed again.)

Stray Cat: Mrow~!

Ten: Haah… Of course, it’s you. You really like me, don’tcha?

Stray Cat: Nuzzle, nuzzle.

Ten: No, not nuzzle nuzzle. Whatever, even if I tell you to stop, it’s not like you’ll understand.

Ten: Anyway, today—.

Ten: Hey. Pspspsps.

Stray Cat: ! Mrr, mrow.

Ten: (The cat locked right in on this laser pointer. Seems like the comments online were right about this being the best one.)

Ten: Alright, I’m out.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Location: HAMA House - Entrance

Ten: (I just happened to see that stray cat on my way home one day, but since then it seems like it’s taken a liking to me…) Muneuji: Oh, Murakumo-san. Welcome back.

Ten: I’m back~. Did you just get home too, Muneuji?

Muneuji: Yes. The student council meeting ran a bit longer than usual.

Ten: Mhm, gotcha. It’s rough being a student, isn’t it? Okay, cool, I’ve got a thing, so—.

Muneuji: Wait.

Ten: …Yeah?

Muneuji: Murakumo-san. There’s something wrong with your clothes.

Ten: Huh?

Muneuji: You’ve got fur all over your body. I have a cleaner that I use for my uniforms that you can use.

Ten: Ahh… Thanks. Must’ve been from that cat I ran into earlier.

Ten: (I was gonna have these clothes cleaned just in case anyway, so it’s not like I really need it, though.)

Muneuji: I see. Playing with a cat to the point where your clothes are like that… You must really like cats, Murakumo-san.

Ten: Ah. No…

Muneuji: I’ve heard that living life with cats is a constant battle against shedding fur. Shouldn’t you have tools like that on hand, Murakumo-san?

Ten: Hmm, you’d think, but no.

Muneuji: Then I’ll lend that cleaner to you for a while, Murakumo-san. I’m sure you don’t want to be covered in fur again.

Ten: Umm…

Muneuji: You can give it back to me whenever you’d like. Excuse me.

Ten: … Now what? Rumor’s gonna spread that I’m an animal lover or something.

Ten: Liguang-san… I don’t think he’d ask me to take care of his rabbits, but it’d be a pain in the ass if Prez appointed me as a walker for Shumai.

Ten: Guess I’m gonna have to do something about that cat… Before that happens.

· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·

Location: HAMA House - Tiger Room

Ten: (Well, I guess I could look up how to make cats dislike you, but… I’m feeling lazy.)

Renga: Working on an assignment for college, Ten? It must be tough having to work so late.

Ten: Ah, Renga-san.

Ten: (...Got it.)

Ten: Yeah. But I’ve really been struggling to make any progress. If only there was someone willing to help me.

Renga: …! I-I could help if you want me to.

Ten: Aww, thanks. You’re sooo nice, Renga-san.

Renga: Well… T-That’s ‘cause… We’re, y’know.

Ten: Having friends really is great after all.

Renga: ! Ahem, ahem. Right, because we’re friends! 

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Location: A Certain Park

Ten: So, I tried all those different ways to make cats dislike you that Renga-san researched for me yesterday, but…

Stray Cat: ♪

Ten: You sure are happy to have your claws trimmed, be bathed, and petted all over your body, huh~.

Ten: (Wait, is this just you trying to be cute…?)

Ten: Hmm, what else was there… “Cats don’t like being picked up suddenly” …Really?

Ten: Well, I guess I’ll give it a shot. …Here we go.

Stray Cat: Meow! Mrrow ♪

Ten: Hey, don’t take off my mask. Your fur tickles…

Muneuji: …You two sure are close.

Ten: !

Muneuji: My apologies. I didn’t mean to spy on you. I just happened to be walking by on my way back from school.

Muneuji: But I’m sure that… Your love is being fully conveyed to that cat, Murakumo-san.

Ten: Ahh, Muneuji. I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding here, so if you’ll just lemme explain a bit…

Muneuji: Misunderstanding… Explain…

Muneuji: Hah. Does this mean that your love for cats is much deeper than I thought, Murakumo-san?

Ten: What makes you think that?

Muneuji: My deepest apologies. Then could you tell me more about it on the way back to the dorms?

Stray Cat: Meow!

Ten: …Is this what they call being screwed…?

[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-A05 - Healthy Party

*continuous typing*

Momiji: …

Yukikaze: … Momiji…

Momiji: ……

Yukikaze: You're frighteningly concentrated, so I was holding my tongue while watching you, but - I can't take it anymore.

Please answer me. What happened?

Just what work do you need to complete so badly that you're making such a demonic expression…!

Kafka: Sigh. You don't need to be so weirdly worried.

They said they'd quickly finish a "thorough and easy to understand proposal with no room for wisecracks", then quickly return to the school to get revenge on those cute kids.

Yukikaze: …I see, so that's it.

Kafka: This Chief-chan is great. They're full of energy, or forcefulness, perhaps. I like it♪

Yukikaze: Right, I agree. At times like this, Chief's vigour is like mapo tofu with Sichuan pepper.

Kafka: You never change, can't you do something about those idiotic comparisons?

Momiji: ……

Yukikaze: …

Kafka: …

*door opens*

Ten: Wow~ …such pleasant expressions. Don't you feel like two parents watching their kid play with building blocks?

*door opens*

Renga: Hey… …ah, T-Ten. Didn't know you'd be coming to the office!

Ten: Renga-san, hey.

Renga: Um, if you want, when we leave today, how about we… visit a bar together? I'm in your debt from when we went to your sushi restaurant before, so…!

Ten: Oh. Are you gonna treat me, Renga-san? Sure thing~

Liguang: …I could hear some kind of hitting sound coming from outside the door, is it your doing, Momiji?

Momiji: ……

Liguang: …You're not listening at all.

*typing stops*

Momiji: President. What is the judgement criteria for the Tourism Ward Mayor candidates.

Kafka: I'll leave that to you.

Momiji: Understood.

*typing starts again*

Momiji: ……

Renga: Hey, what on earth is Chief doing?

Kafka: Seems like Chief-chan got kinda messed up because of some Asu-High students, so they're in work demon mode.

Renga: Asu-High? …Right, that takes me back.

Liguang: For Tourism Ward Mayors, they said? …Dealing with brats is troublesome.

*typing stops*

Momiji: It's done…! Now to dash back to the school-

Sakujiro: The school gates have already been closed.

Momiji: Huh…

*crows cawing*

Sakujiro: As it's the day before Summer break, it seems the gates were closed earlier than usual.

Momiji: N-no way… Even though I decided I'd definitely redeem myself…!

Sakujiro: No. I believe it's still too soon to draw a conclusion. This very day, for the purpose of going all out with celebration before Summer break-

The Student Council President, Kuraku Yumenosuke, is hosting a large scale house party that all ten thousand students are invited to.

Momiji: What!

Sakujiro: Don't you suppose the students in question will be attending too? Perhaps it would be worth taking a look.

Momiji: That's right! Absolutely!

Sakujiro: Then please, put this on posthaste.

Momiji: What are these clothes?

Sakujiro: There seems to be a dress code for participation. This time, the theme is "clothes that look like they're from a young adult movie"-

For this day, Saku-me* has poured his heart into sewing this stitch by stitch.

Ten: Huh, it's hand made? Cool.

Momiji: Thank you so much!

Kafka: Get changed in five minutes. I'll call a car right now. …Be careful, and take care.

Yukikaze: Go without regrets. I'll be waiting with your favourite dinner.

Renga: I don't really get what's happening, but… don't overdo it!

Momiji: Thanks, everyone! I'll be off!

Momiji: Amazing… this isn't the level I'd expect from a student's house party.

There's a night pool, a DJ booth, even a counter bar. Though, obviously they're not serving alcohol…

Look, there's so many people in black suits. The security's flawless.

Sakujiro: The Kuraku family are elites of the political world, after all.

The large garden parties frequently held here are famous in various circles.

Momiji: Right, I've got it. So if it's a place like this, those five will definitely be here.

-For now, I'll try asking around.

Sakujiro: Certainly. I'll be back later, then.

---

Student A: Huh… Isotake? You mean that dangerous guy who's rumoured to be complicit in murder?

Student B: There's no reason to call those guys here. Who knows what'd happen if we did.

---

Student C: Kurama? He's got bad vibes, no one goes near him…

Student D: By Kaguya, do you mean the helmet-wearing Student Council Vice President? I hear he's so beautiful he has a fanclub, but I always thought he was a dangerous guy.

---

Student E: That guy called Kinugawa, I didn't know about him. Nanamegi, though, he's handsome and well-known, so I'd heard of him.

Student F: No one wants to approach Nanaki-kun after that happened. It's really a waste, he was so popular. If you're hanging out with those guys, probably best you stop.

---

Momiji: (Those kids don't have a very good reputation, huh…)

(That "incident" certainly left a lasting impression. If I'd just looked into it properly…)

??: Excuse me! You over there!

Momiji: Y-yes!

??: You're the one searching for those five heinous criminals, correct?

Momiji: He-heinous criminals?

Yumenosuke: Nice to meet you. I'm the Student Council President of Hama Asunaro High School, Kuraku Yumenosuke. Thank you for being here today.

Momiji: Ah, right… sorry to bother you.

Yumenosuke: As our school posseses a student body of ten thousand, I believe strong friendships between students are essential-

Today's party is for assistance in social mingling, however! At the same time, it functions as a place to cultivate a sound mind in the students, and what's more! For the peace of mind of their guardians, each and every area-

Is guarded by our notoriously strong staff, who have helped protect and nurture the Kuraku family since my great-grandfather's time.

In regards to you, who is searching for those heinous criminals, by all means, I would be tremendously grateful if you could quietly watch over the healthy growth of our youth!

Momiji: (I didn't ask, and yet he exposited so many things…!)

(Now that he mentions it, those strong-looking black suited guys are staring at me. I suppose it's natural that I'd be considered a suspicious person…)

Sorry for the late introduction. This is who I am.

Yumenosuke: A business card…! Thank you for your consideration. Hmhm… the Regional Revitalisation Club's…

I see, so you were an advisor!

Momiji: Yes. My reason for being at this party is linked to my work.

Yumenosuke: …I see, so that's the situation, I understand! It was of my own arbitrary discretion that I doubted your position, sincerest apologies for that!

Black-Suited Staff: Sincerest apologies!

Momiji: No, as long as you understand now then…

Yumenosuke: I'm thankful for you being lenient with me. However… before you return to your search, would you mind putting up with my nonsense for just a little longer?

Momiji: Uh, alright…

Yumenosuke: I had a Student Council Vice President who I put my trust in. I used to believe that whatever life had in store for me, our mutual trust would never be shaken, but-

He completely betrayed my expectations! On that night, one month ago!

The old school building… a building of cultural heritage symbolising its era, where my father - now a cabinet member - studied… was blown up, unbelievable as it is!

Colluding with four hooligans whose corrupted souls are of the same level as his own!

Momiji: (B-blown up…!? I see, that's the "certain incident"…)

Yumenosuke: Among them were people admired by the other students - but now, they are all Rank One.

Student A: Rank One means they're the lowest rank, y'know.

Momiji: (There's that "Rank" talk again…)

Yumenosuke: You over there, do quiet down. Discrimination based on Ranks could invite criticism towards our school's education system.

…Nay, this too is a result of the hard work he neglected. It can't be helped that he's being slandered for his act of betrayal.

Momiji: Um, excuse me. Just what exactly do you mean by "Rank"?

Yumenosuke: Oh my, could it be that you weren't acquainted with them!

Momiji: Sorry, I've not done much research…

Yumenosuke: I shall explain it in simple terms. The ranking system is a tradition of our school.

To start, the ranks are split into five levels. Those who are studious, active in clubs, and diligent in particular are Rank Five-

Conversely, those who slack off are Rank One, giving each student an incentive to make an effort.

Those who strive the most… the Rank Fives are given appropriately favourable treatment. From the cafeteria menu to special privileges in club activities, the right to make suggestions, and above all, being the envy of all the other students. Just like myself.

And as Rank Ones are the exact opposite… I'm sure you understand without me saying any more.

Momiji: (They're treated coldly… I see.)

Yumenosuke: After hearing all that, I'm sure you understand now! Even so, do you still intend on searching for them?

Momiji: Yes, I do.

Yumenosuke: … I understand. It's important to confirm these things with your own eyes. Well then- take a glass, external advisor-san.

Everyone! In celebration of our first semester passing by safely, let's once again toast with our champagne-style carbonated drinks!

*students saying "cheers"*

Momiji: (If I was Rank One, and knew I'd be getting shunned like this-)

(I absolutely wouldn't come here. It's unpleasant.)

(Maybe it'd be best to start over and take a different approach…)

Student G: Ah! I spilled my champagne-style carbonated drink! Anyone got a tissue?

Student H: There's lots of pocket tissues over there.

Student G: I don't want to use those ones though… Feels like bad luck.

Momiji: (How on earth would a tissue feel like bad luck…)

(Hm?)

(There's an advert on the back…)

Advert: "The genius galactic movie director ISOTAKE presents a once in a lifetime screening of an ultra brand new movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Momiji: ("Isotake" meaning, Akuta-kun!? The date for it is-)

Today…!

*Sakujiro is referring to himself in third person, with "me" being a humbling suffix.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

[blue-little-angel]

@kusuguricafe ! Hope your day is as great as you are! 💙I'm the one who was in charge of making your gift for this year! 🫂

@squealing-santa I probably won't be available December 23'rd so I thought I'd better post it sooner than never ^^

Fandom: Sk8 the infinity

Ship: Renga

Lee: Reki

Ler: Langa

The sunset painted Okinawa in vibrant oranges and pinks as Reki and Langa made their way back to Reki's house after a long day of skating. Both boys were grinning from ear to ear, their passion for the sport leaving them buzzing with energy even as the evening winds grew chillier.

"I still can't believe the new trick you pulled off today!" Reki gushed, giving Langa an admiring smile. "You're picking this up so fast, soon you'll be wiping the floor with all of us!!" Langa bashfully rubbed the back of his neck at the praise. Though he'd only recently discovered skating, being with Reki made every bruise and scrap feel worth it to improve.

When they arrived at Reki's, his mother had a hot dinner and warm blankets ready to chase away the remains of their day's chills. As they ate, Reki regaled Langa with wild tales from other competitions, keeping the mood light and fun. Once their bellies were full, Reki suggested they relax with a movie, and Langa readily agreed.

Cuddling up under the kotatsu, Langa leaned back against the sofa as Reki nestled in beside him, pulling the blanket over them both. As the opening credits began to roll, Langa glanced down at Reki, taking in his relaxed smile and rosy cheeks. Without thinking, Langa reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Reki's ear, his fingers lingering to caress his neck. Reki turned to meet his gaze, bitting his lower lip trying to hide a giggle, and that's when Langa discovered something new—Reki was ticklish!

As Langa's fingers grazed Reki's neck, he noticed the other boy's breath hitching with barely contained laughter. Curious, Langa ghosted his hand lower, trailing gentle fingers along Reki's neck. That's when Reki broke, squirming and giggling helplessly as Langa found one of his most sensitive areas.

"H-hey, no fair!" Reki protested through his laughter, trying in vain to bat Langa's hand away. But Langa was smitten by this new playful side of Reki, and determined to learn all his weaknesses. Shifting closer, Langa slipped his hand under the blanket to test just how ticklish Reki's torso might be.

His hunch proved correct as Reki exploded into peals of laughter the moment Langa's fingers made contact with his tummy. "L-Langa stop!" Reki cried breathlessly, writhing in the other boy's grasp but making no real effort to escape. Tear tracks streaked his cheeks from mirth, a wide grin splitting his face that Langa found utterly captivating.

Wanting to hear more of that wonderful laughter, Langa redoubled his ticklish attack. Reki squealed and kicked his legs, holding nothing back as Langa explored every inch of his trembling torso. By the time Langa showed mercy, they were both panting and giddy. Reki gazed up at Langa with something new and tender in his eyes, and Langa thought that maybe, just maybe, Reki's laughter wasn't the only thing he wanted to keep discovering between them. . . .

[shunin-gumis]

Designs of Happiness - Track A07

L4mps Main Story Translation

Title: The Black Cat of Good Luck

Characters: Daniel, Nagi, Toi, Netaro

Summary: After fishing out Nagi from a trap in Cafe369, the protagonist asks him why he was there in the first place. Nagi claims that a certain piece of food was the start of all this… 

JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt

Location: Cafe369

Momiji: Ok, get him down slowly… Right, just like that.

Daniel: So. You tellin’ me this fella ended up like this because he got caught up in a trap meant to… catch bees? That’s some luck.

Momiji: I’m so glad we have your muscle around for this, Daniel-san— Ah, that’s a good place to stop.

Momiji: Nagi-kun, are you alright? Can you hear me? …Is he unconscious?

Nagi: ….. 

Toi: Is he ok? He’s still alive, right? Oh no, what will I do if this puts an end to my guidance…? 

Momiji: Calm down, it’s ok, he’s still breathing. Looks like he’s just fainted.

Toi: R-Really? Thank goodness…!

Momiji: Let’s just lay him down on the sofa… There.

Toi: Then, I’ll go and wet my handkerchief for him! 

Cafe owner?: Good grief, is there really any need to cause a big fuss over this?

Momiji: I mean, it’s clearly not a bee, but a human you caught in your trap! That’s not what you said earlier!

Cafe owner?:  It was indeed a bee that was ensnared in my trap, initially. Well, I don’t think humans make for a bad substitute, if I’m to be honest.

Daniel: Hm~?

Daniel: Oh, you’re that fella who came by the dorm the other day.

Cafe Owner?: Oh~? Was there a handsome face like yours there back then?

Daniel: Oh, wow, did I just get a compliment?

Momiji: You did say you couldn’t think of anything but green peas back then, I’m sure he must’ve slipped your mind in the meantime.

Daniel: I’m Hiroshi Daniel Iwabuchi. You’ve got a good eye on ya, I wouldn’t mind recommending a guy like you to our ol’ Boss if ya want.

Momiji: Oh, that’s right. Sorry for the late introduction– I’m Hamasaki from HAMA Tours.

Netaro: I am named Netaro Yowa. I’m pleased as punch to acquaint myself with more humans~♪

Netaro: I am quite fond of the visage I have on now, but yours is quite pleasing to the eye as well~

Momiji: (…Visage?)

Toi: Ah! I think Nagi-san is waking up!

Nagi: …Ugh.

Nagi: …Where am I? …Who am I?

Momiji: (Amnesia…!?)

Nagi: Um, that was just a joke, sorry. You are…?

Netaro: I am the owner of this fine establishment. I was just about to turn you into fresh ingredients for my new meat bun recipe. 

Nagi: Oh, okay… 

Momiji: Yeah, I can’t blame you for being surprised. I’ll try and explain it to you one by one… 

Nagi: More importantly, are you alright?

Momiji: Huh?

Momiji: (...Is he asking about the trap getting springed?)

Momiji: Don’t worry, no one else got… entangled in that trap that was set up in here.

Momiji: I mean, you’re the one that got fished up… 

Daniel: Fished up? Seriously?

Nagi: I see. I’m glad, then. I shouldn’t let anyone get dragged into my misfortune… Oh, that’s right… 

Momiji: (...? Nagi-kun just unclenched his fist…)

Daniel: Woah, a bee just popped out.

Nagi: It looked like it wanted to get out, so I offered a hand. Good, it’s free now. I’m glad.

Netaro: All’s well that ends well!

Daniel: In what way… So, you’ve met this guy before right?

Momiji: Ah, yes. Nice to see you again, Nagi-kun. The last time we met was at Renga-kun’s garden, right?

Nagi: Yeah, it’s nice to see you again too. HAMA Nice Trip!

Momiji: I’m glad to see you’re the same as always… HAMA Nice Trip, too!

Toi: Um, you can use this handkerchief, if you’d like.

Nagi: Oh, thank you very much– Woah, an angel? I swear I see wings… 

Toi: Fufu, I don’t have wings, silly~

Momiji: So, how’d you get caught in that trap anyways? Were you delivering flowers?

Netaro: I don’t remember requesting any.

Nagi: Oh, are you the owner… I sincerely apologize for the trouble that I caused.

Netaro: Aha, how amusing indeed. You were the one caught in my trap, and yet you are the one to apologize? Perhaps I should sue you for damages as well?

Laika: Well!

Nagi: Sure, I’ll spend the rest of my life paying you back.

Momiji: Stop, you don’t have to pay for anything, okay? More importantly, why were you here if not for a delivery, then? 

Nagi: …It all started with an ordinary piece of chocolate. 

Nagi: So, I got it from a kid when I completed my last delivery. I thought I’d enjoy it as I took a break on a bench nearby, but I ended up dropping it. That’s when I thought, oh, a stray dog or cat might end up trying to eat it, and that’s poisonous to them, so I couldn’t just leave it there. But when I tried to get up from the bench, it turned out it was freshly painted and my clothes were stuck to it. Oh but, don’t worry, I already apologized, and I’ll go back after buying some paint to fix it up. I have to drop by the supermarket anyway, there’s gonna be a sale later. And I made sure to throw away the chocolate too.Then I headed to the washroom at the park so I could try and clean up my paint-streaked clothes, but there wasn’t any soap. So I thought, okay, I’ll at least wash it, but there wasn’t any water either. I noticed the time, and realized that the sale was about to start, so I gave up on cleaning my clothes. But then I was attacked by a bunch of crows out of nowhere. I must have done something at the park to set them off, though I have no idea what it could’ve been. So, in a panic, I ended up running into this shop to get away from them.

Momiji: (He went off on a tangent and all I got is that he somehow managed to get himself into one mess after another…!)

Toi: I can’t believe all that happened within such a short time… 

Netaro: Ahaha! What an amusing fellow indeed!

Laika: Hihihi!

Daniel: He’s like one of those clumsy heroines or somethin’.

Momiji: Please cheer up! We all have days like these… 

Nagi: In my case, it’s all the tim—

Momiji: Hm?

Nagi: Sorry, don’t mind me. 

Nagi: Oh, are your clothes fine? I’m worried I might’ve gotten paint on you while you were trying to get me down… 

Momiji: I’m not sure, is there any on me?

Daniel: Nope. What ‘bout me?

Netaro: Not a speck! And how about myself?

Toi: Well, there shouldn’t be any, since you didn’t even go near him, Netaro-san… 

Nagi: I see, that’s great then. And to the angel with no wings, I’ll return your handkerchief to you after I get it cleaned back at my shop.

Toi: Oh, yes, sure! 

Nagi: —I’ll be off now.

*phone dialing*

Sonia: Hello! You’ve reached Flower Laundry!

Nagi: I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner. I’ll take about 50 minutes to get back as I drive within the speed limit.

Sonia: Geez~ Where did you find yourself this time? I was very worried, you know!

Nagi: Oh right, I’ll have to get some trash bags for flammable waste. Tomorrow is garbage day but we’ve run out. I’ll make sure to buy us your favorite treat, two of them, specially. 

Sonia: I’ll forgive you for being a little late if you’re bringing shnacks. 

Nagi: Great. I’ll see you soon.

Momiji: …..

Daniel: Oi.

Momiji: Ah!

Daniel: You sure you wanna let him go like that?

Momiji: Oh geez, I was swept up in the moment, I didn’t even realize– Nagi-kun, wait!

Momiji: Don’t leave yet—!

Nagi: What’s wrong?

Nagi: …Also, it’s dangerous to approach a moving vehicle, please back up a bit.

Momiji: Sorry about that! Um, I’ve been searching all over for you because I had something to talk to you about!

Nagi: Talk?

Momiji: I wanted to ask if you’d like to join our Night Team or not.

Nagi: What do you mean?

Momiji: I had this thought when I saw you back at Renga-kun’s garden, explaining the process to him.

Momiji: About how you pay attention to small details, and how you're very thorough with your job. I thought of how amazing it’d be if I could offer hospitality to tourists alongside someone like you.

Nagi: ……

Momiji: And that’s why I wanted to recruit you for the Night Team… Or rather, I want you to be the leader of the team, actually.

Nagi: …..

Nagi: Huh?

Momiji: So, um, I’d like you to be the leader… 

Nagi: What?

Momiji: The… leader… 

Nagi: Who?

Momiji: You.

Nagi: …..

Nagi: Does that mean… I’d work with other people, live with them, and even go on trips together?

Momiji: Yes.

Nagi: Me.

Momiji: That’s right.

Nagi: ….. 

Nagi: …..Um.

Momiji: (He… He’s blushing?)

Nagi: ….. ugh!

Momiji: (And now he’s shaking his head with a stern expression….)

Momiji: (From what I can tell, he doesn’t seem to be against the idea but… How do I take this reaction…)

Momiji: Um, what do you think? I’d be really happy if you’d accept… 

Nagi: …..

Nagi: I’m worried.

Momiji: R-Right, of course you’d be worried, I understand!

Momiji: That’s why, um, maybe you could just give it a try first! See for yourself if it’s something you can work with… 

Nagi: ……….

Momiji: …..

Black cat: Nya~

Momiji: Oh, it’s a black cat.

Nagi: …Cute.

Nagi: The cat approached us when we were standing still. So it shouldn’t count as bad luck.

Momiji: Ahaha, I was thinking about that too. In the first place, the myth that a black cat brings bad luck really depends on the country. Some places even consider them a symbol of good luck! 

Nagi: …I see. That should be a relief to the black cats too.

Nagi: Okay.

Nagi: I think… I’ll give it a shot. 

Note:

Black cats are considered bad luck because of superstitions but that's all they are: superstitions. Here the black cat symbolizes Nagi's luck turning around.

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Masterlist

[pukanavis]

Ryui Shiramitsu SR Card Story "New Year's With My Bro" Track 1

Location: HAMA House ・2nd Floor Hallway

Toi: I’m so excited to go on my first shrine visit of the year with you!

Ryui: Yeah, same here. Not forgetting anything, are you? You’ve got that heat pack on, right?

Renga: —And that’s why I’m asking you to practice hanetsuki with me! I don’t have any time before the New Year’s special! [1]

Liguang: Must you welcome the new year with a load of whining?

Akuta: Heeey, Renga-san? Doesn’t the fancy lady stuck on this paddle kind of nerf all of its play ability? [2]

Nagi: I think that one’s just for decoration, Akuta. Jiro-san will be upset with you if you break it.

Ryui: …

Toi: Are they planning a game of hanetsuki? That sounds like fun.

Ryui: Toi, let’s get out of here before we get dragged into th—

Akuta: NO WAY!! Is that you, Boss!?

Ryui: …Tch, that didn’t take long.

Renga: Ryui! Will you practice with me!?

Nagi: Boss…

Ryui: That’s not happening. Me and Toi already have plans to do our shrine visit today.

Toi: I bet you’d look really cool valiantly wielding a paddle and shuttlecock…I wish I could see it…

Ryui: Give me that paddle. I’ll show you how it’s done.

Renga: S-Sure! I owe you one! I want to take the time to observe a game first, so…how about you face off against Nagi?

Ryui: Bring it, Hachinoya. That deadpan face of yours is gonna be covered in ink once I’m done.

Nagi: I see…if you’re this fired up, then I better try and match your enthusiasm. I think I can be a better receiver than brick wall. Maybe.

Akuta: Sounds like we’ve got a heated face-off on our hands! I’ll appoint myself as cameraman…and Liguang-san will be the referee!

Liguang: I didn't ask to be involved in this…

Toi: Good luck, Ani-sama!

Liguang: …One point to Hachinoya.

Renga: He won again!? Wow, Nagi, you’re really strong, huh!

Nagi: I didn't know I had it in me either. I mean, sure catching falling objects on the daily has helped me build up my agility, but I never thought there'd be a day where I used those skills like this—

Well Ryui, a loss is a loss. 

Ryui: …

Akuta: You look freaking sick, Boss! Anything, even a face of ink, looks awesome when it’s on you!

Nagi: Mhm, I agree with Akuta. It looks really good on you, Ryui.

Ryui: Shut up, asshole!!! I want a rematch!

Toi: Aww, Ani-sama looks sooo cute covered in Nagi-kun’s doodles!! You’ll get him next time, Ani-sama!!

Renga: Watching those two is making me want to get out there and have a go…! Hm, It looks like they’ll be done sooner than I expected…Liguang, we’ll play against each other once they’re done with the paddles!

Liguang: …

Shiramitsu, listen to me. [3]

A soldier needs to be cunning. There’s more to a battle than attacking head-on.

Ryui: …!

Liguang: You watched RYDIN last night, didn’t you? There are as many different combat styles as there are ways to approach a battle.

Ryui: (...He’s right. I see what I have to do—)

Toi: You can do it, Ani-sama!!

Ryui: I’m done going easy on you, Hachinoya—

Ryui: GET READY TO BE OBLITERATED!!!

Next

Notes

1) Hanetsuki is a Japanese game somewhat similar to badminton that involves either hitting a shuttlecock (hane) back and forth between two players with wooden paddles (hagoita), or by hitting the shuttlecock into the air as many times as you can when playing alone. When one player fails to hit the shuttlecock, another player will draw on their face with ink as punishment.

2) Along with paddles intended for play, there are also decorative hanetsuki paddles known as ‘oshie hagoita’. They are intricate, hand-crafted symbols of good luck that most commonly feature kabuki actors or women in furisodes.

3) In the JP text, Liguang calls Ryui by 白光兄 (lit. Older Shiramitsu Brother) but since that sounds clunky in English, I’m going to translate it as simply just Shiramitsu.

[r1zingclouds]

"How to get cats to hate you" - Murakumo Ten SR Card Story TL

This translation was originally posted on my X.

Part 1

Ten: Yosh, that’s “work” done for today.

Ten: (Once again, I’m beat…)

Stray cat: Myaow~!

Ten: Ha… I knew it was you. Can’t get enough of me, can you.

Stray cat: *Nuzzle, nuzzle*

Ten: Hey, stop that. I guess there’s no point telling you that when you don’t understand me, though.

Ten: Anhow, today…

Ten: There. Pipipipipi~ 

Stray cat: ! Meopipipipii.

Ten: You’re really into this laser pointer. No wonder it was the most popular thing on the net. 

Ten: Okay, gotta bail.

Ten: (Ever since I stumbled upon it on my way home, that stray cat got kiiinda attached to me. What should I do here…)

Muneuji: Murakumo-san, welcome home.

Ten: I’m back~ You just got here too, Muneuji?

Muneuji: Indeed. The student council meeting lasted longer than expected.

Ten: I see, I see. You students have it tough, too. Then, I’ll be going… 

Muneuji: Hold on.

Ten:...What?

Muneuji: Murakumo-san, your clothes are in a sorry state.

Ten: Eh?

Muneuji: You are covered in fur. I happen to have a lint roller for uniforms on me, feel free to use it. 

Ten: Ah… Thanks. I had a close encounter with a cat earlier.

Ten: (I was going to get these clothes cleaned anyway, so I really don’t need this…)

Muneuji: I see. To play with it until so late… Murakumo-san, you’re quite a cat lover.

Ten: Not really…

Muneuji: I’ve heard that life with a cat is a constant battle against shedding. Murakumo-san, do you not keep such tools on hand?

Ten: Hm…Guess not.

Muneuji: Then, I will lend you this lint roller for the time being. Otherwise, you’d be in a spot if you got fur all over yourself again.

Ten: Well…

Muneuji: You can give it back whenever it's convenient. Now, excuse me.

Ten: … What now, he might spread a rumor that I like animals. 

Ten: Liguang-san… probably won’t ask me to look after his rabbit, but it’d be a pain if the President saddled me with the role of Shuumai’s walker.

Ten: Before that happens, that cat… Has to be dealt with.

Part 2

Ten: Now, time to look up ways to get a cat to hate you… what a bore.

Renga: Ten, are you doing a university assignment? That’s tough, working so late.

Ten: Ah, Renga-san.

Ten: (...Right).

Ten: Exactly. I just can’t move it forward. If only I had someone to help me…

Renga: …! If you’re fine with me, I’ll lend you a hand.

Ten: Yay, thanks. You’re so kind, Renga-san.

Renga: Well… a, after all… we’re, well.

Ten: It’s how they say, a friend in need is a friend indeed~.

Renga: ! *cough* That’s right, we’re friends, after all!

Ten: And so, I’ve tried various ways to get on a cat’s wrong side that Renga-san researched for me yesterday, but…

Stray cat: ♪

Ten: Be it nail clipping, bathing or stroking all over, everything makes it happy…

Ten: (Aren’t I just doting on it at this point…?)

Ten: What else do we have here…”Cats don’t like suddenly being picked up”. …Really?

Ten: Well, let’s try it. …Up you go.

Stray cat: Meow! Myaa♪

Ten: Hey, don’t take off my mask. Your whiskers tickle…

Muneuji: Look how close you are.

Ten: !

Muneuji: Forgive me. I had no intention of spying on you. I was simply passing by on my way from school.

Muneuji: But I’m sure that this cat has felt your love, Murakumo-san.

Ten: Ah, Muneuji. You seem to be misunderstanding something, so I’d just like to explain…

Muneuji: Misunderstanding… Explanation…

Muneuji: Are you saying your love for cats is much deeper than I thought?

Ten: How did we get here? 

Muneuji: My sincere apologies. I’d love to hear more on our way to the dorm.

Stray cat: Meow!

Ten: … Is this what it means to be in deep shit?