#otoyan

[bibururokku]

The more I look at Otoya, the more I think the guy is like a white poplar tree, which is funny given who he hangs out with bc the guy is not built like a tree in comparison; it's ok tho everyone in BLLK is a tree to me, but I'm not the only one who sees the resemblance, right?

Or maybe I am the only one bc I'm, like, the only person who thinks and knows about a random tree that has leaves with a white underside, so it's more of an inverted Otoyan, but shhhh lemme make my plant comparisons in peace.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

ASSMU Behind the Stage Ver.B [Otoya, Tokiya, Reiji, Eiichi, Eiji] - Translation

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

Eiji: Ichinose-san! It's been a while. I'm happy to be able to perform with you again!

Tokiya: I should be the one to say that. I’m looking forward to seeing your wonderful performance up close.

Eiji: (chuckles) When I hear you say that, I feel really motivated!

Tokiya: Let's work together and aim for an exciting show!

Eiichi: I never thought I would see and perform with you again at a live concert, Otoya! Let's showcase it at the venue this time as well. The brilliance of our souls! A true resonance!

Otoya: Y-Yeah, I guess so. You might be exaggerating a bit, but yeah, let's do our best together!

Reiji: Hey, wait a minute! Aren't you all already close? Let me join in, too!

Eiichi: Of course. This performance is only possible when ST☆RISH, HE★VENS, and QUARTET NIGHT are all present. With this lineup, we should be able to reach new heights.

Eiji: I have worked with Camus-san before, but I’ve always wanted to speak with you directly, Kotobuki-san. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Reiji: The same goes for me. How nice! This feels refreshing.

Eiichi: Our objective is to let the Angels experience the best music. Although we are usually members of different groups, I believe it would be wonderful if this could be a moment where we elevate each other.

Reiji: I think so too. Let's talk about some things before we start the lesson so that we can deepen our friendship. Come here, you two. Otoyan and Tokki, wait here for a bit.

Eiji: Alright. What is it?

Tokiya: (distant) Do you think Kotobuki-san is up to no good?

Otoya: (laughs) It's kind of unusual and funny seeing those three huddled together in a corner!

Eiichi: What’s going on? You suddenly leaned in closer, is it some kind of negotiation you can’t tell Otoya or Tokiya?

Reiji: Funfunfun… While I am also interested in that… Having common topics of conversation is important when getting to know each other, right?

Eiichi: Oh?

Eiji: Common topics…?

Reiji: I'll tell you all about those two. I used to live in the same room as them, so I know all sorts of things about Otoyan and Tokki.

Eiichi: About Otoya and…

Eiji: Ichinose-san?!

(Otoya and Tokiya suddenly come up to them)

Reiji: Ack!

Tokiya: It seems we need to have a discussion between us first before you can deepen your friendship with them.

Reiji: N-No, you got it wrong, Tokki! I was just going to talk about trivial things. Just some things that happened in the room we shared during the Master Course, you see...

Tokiya: I have a bad feeling about this.

Otoya: I’m also bothered by it! Shouldn't we talk about Rei-chan instead? Like the story about how he got so engrossed in frying karaage that he nearly set off the fire sprinkler…?

Tokiya: Or that time he almost mistook toothpaste for face wash while still half-asleep in the morning and caused a ruckus…?

Otoya: There’s also that time when the eggs in the refrigerator ran out and all three of us ended up buying a carton so we struggled to eat them for a while.

Tokiya: You don't have to tell them that.

Reiji: You remember it well…! More importantly, stop disclosing my embarrassing moments!

Eiichi: I see. It is precisely because you have such an unreserved relationship that you are able to communicate smoothly and develop an excellent working relationship.

Eiji: (chuckles) You all get along really well.

Otoya: (laughs) You could say that.

Tokiya: I hope there's no misunderstandings.

Eiji: No, I’m really envious. We'll do our best to create enough memorable stories for you to take back home.

Otoya: Eiji is right!

Eiichi: At times, we interact in a friendly and harmonious manner, and at other times, we engage in friendly competition, spending wonderful moments together. Good! Let's work hard to make sure the time we spend together leads to the best live performance!

Tokiya: Now, Kotobuki-san, don't be discouraged and set an example as a senpai.

Eiji: I look forward to receiving your guidance!

Reiji: Yes. If you rely on me, I will do my best to help. Everyone, follow Rei-chan!

Otoya: Yeah!

[blueesnow]

(10/10) Chill out time ~Welcome to the Antiques~ - LE Event Story Translation (UR Reiji, SR Otoya)

Synopsis: Reiji and Otoya, who were casted to appear in a drama, had to come up with their own ideas for the settings of it, such as what kind of store will they be running for and their roles in the scenario. During that moment, Reiji suddenly remembered about the concerns he had received from his listeners on his radio program regarding their career paths…

Ch 1:

Currently on the radio program recording. Reiji: And the one we listened to just now was "SONG LETTER" by us, QUARTET NIGHT. Reiji: Now then, on to the next one… We'll be reading the letters that we received from everyone~ Reiji: This time we decided to put up "career path" as a theme for the request submission… And oh boy, there were so many that came in. Reiji: And that's why for today, we're going to just showcase a few of them and I'll try my best to reply them! Reiji: Without further ado, we're going to start with our first letter! With radio name, "Rei-chan I love you". Thank you☆ Reiji: "Rei-chan, please listen. I've been rejected by more than 30 companies on my job interviews… Just what exactly should I do?" Reiji: Uh… that's pretty heavy. On to the next one, with "Ebi Mayo-san" who's also asking about job-related concern. Reiji: ”Reiji-san, please help me! I'm the only one who can't decide whether to go get a job or go to college!". This one is also quite a difficult problem. Reiji: And for the last one…is here. With radio name "I want to be healed". Reiji: "I'm having a hard time studying for entrance exam, and I'm worried sick about what would happen if I were to fail.” Reiji: Hmm, I understand how you feel. No matter how hard we try our best, all of the “what ifs” tend to pop into our head. Reiji: Now then… For the three letters that I read just now, they actually have "one thing in common". Did everyone notice it? Reiji: Whether it's about an entrance exam or job hunting, they're both are very tough because they're a major events that affects our life. And the road to getting there is steep and difficult. Reiji: At times like these, I'd think to myself that maybe it's a good idea to take a break if things are really tough and there's just nothing that we can do. Reiji: However, when I looked at all of the letters just now… I can genuinely sense everyone's feelings from it, that they still wanted to try again and do their best. Reiji: And I think having someone supporting you during this time will give you a courage to take a step forward. Reiji: That's why I will continue to support everyone, including ones that I can't read for today too. Reiji: And someday… Once you finally managed to get a vision for the future, then I'd love if you could tell me that during our concert or event. Reiji: Until then, I'll always continue being an idol and wait for you all ♪ - Reiji: And next we'll be airing this song. Good luck, everyone! I'll always be with you!

Ch 2:

-Reiji's Car- Reiji: (There were still quite a lot of letters that I couldn't read during the radio program huh) Reiji: (I guess everyone is more or less concerned about their own career paths~) Reiji: (Hmm…. Is there anything more that I can do for them?) Reiji: (I always received a lot of powers from everyone, and I do wanted to pay them back but) Reiji: Not only just on radio, if I could also cheer them up in some other waysー Reiji: Oh no! I'm too deep in my thought that I didn't even realize it was already this time. Reiji: (Now then, after this I have a meeting for that new drama that was about to start) Reiji: (I've looked over the proposal several times but… it seems like this one might be quite a huge challenge) Reiji: (Not to mention, I'll also be co-starring with Otoyan! This might be quite a lively and fun set☆) -TV Station's Conference Room- Otoya: Oh, Rei-chan! Have you seen the proposal for the drama yet? Otoya: I've been so excited for it. I keep reading them all over and over. Reiji: Oh, that's great~! I can really feel Otoyan's enthusiasm. Otoya: Hehe. But even so, isn't the way this drama being filmed is quite unusual? Reiji: You're right. I've actually been in a lot of projects, including ones from my childhood, but… Reiji: It's my first time to encounter one with this much freedom, so I think this might be quite a good experience for us. Otoya: Yep! As long as Rei-chan's with me in this drama, I believe that we can create something amazing! Reiji: Otoyan… Rei-chan is getting more and more fired up☆ Let's both do our best to make this project successful!

Ch 3:

After the meeting for the drama. Otoya: Hey, Rei-chan. I told you this before but… Otoya: As I thought, isn't this drama just amazing!? It has too much freedom! Reiji: Well~ It was definitely a lot than I expected. And to think that for the settingー Reiji: All that we know is that "we're running a store together" and "we've been friends since teenager"! Reiji: For our roles and what kind of store will it be, we're allowed to decide it by ourselves! Reiji: In fact, they even told us that we could also come up with what kind of scenario will it be if we want to! Reiji: Seriously, this is the first time that I've seen a drama that offer this much freedom. Otoya: Yeah… But on the other hand, it might also help us show and convey our feelings into it. Otoya: When I thought about it, it made me even more motivated! We need to start brainstorming right away! Reiji: Oh, that's the spirit~! You have to be like that if you want to survive in this industry♪ Reiji: …But, although what Otoyan said is true, I think this also came with a pretty big responsibility. Reiji: Depending on the setting and the story that we need to come up, it will affect everything that everyone need to prepare, including the location, the advertisement and the content of the drama. Otoya: Oh, you're right. That means we're going to need a lot of help from everyone around more than the usual drama shooting… Otoya: …But even so, there's this a strong part of me that wants to make this drama fun and enjoyable. Otoya: I'm sure it's going to be a difficult road, but I want to try and give it my all! Reiji: As expected of my Kouhai☆ I knew that Otoyan would say that. Reiji: I also feel the same way! I mean, it'd be such a shame not to enjoy such a wonderful project that was given to us☆ Reiji: This time we'll be working on it right off from the scratch, and surely there'll be a lot of things that we need to think about together but… Once again, please take care of me Otoyan♪ Otoya: Yep! Likewise, I'm in your care too!

Ch 4:

On the way home after the meeting. Reiji: Now then… for the store that we'll be handling for the drama later, what kind of store shall it be? Otoya: Hmm… Now that we're looking around the city, it made me realized that there are actually a lot of different kind of stores. Otoya: A shaved ice shop, a lemonade stand… Oh, a shop that sells out a set menu meal is also delicious! Reiji: *nods* …Wait, all of it was just food-related things! Don't tell me, are you hungry? Reiji: But you're right~ …Maybe an electronics store, a flower shop or a toy store. Oh, a suits tailor store might be interesting too! Otoya: Wow, so stylish! Aa~h, I've never thought of opening up a store by myself until now, so I'm really confused~! Reiji: Ahaha. Don't worry, there's still a little bit of time left before the deadline for the idea submission, so let's think about it carefully together☆ Reiji: (That being said, the stores that we mentioned before weren't all bad but… somehow I feel like we're missing something) Reiji: (Maybe it's because we can't see any convincing reason or vision for why we're running a business?) Reiji: (…Eh? Talking about visionー) Reiji: …That's it. This is similar to everyone's problems! Otoya: Problem? What are you talking about? Reiji: Well, you see. I was on radio recording a while ago, and at that time we were all discussing about everyone's "career path". Reiji: Although there were a bit of minor differences, but all of the people that wrote letter to me were all worried that "they can't see a vision for their future". Reiji: …We ourselves are idols now, but I think each of us had our own reasons for wanting to pursue this career. Reiji: Similarly, there must have been a reason or connection as to why these two characters wanted to open up a store together… Reiji: Maybe it's because we can't see their vision that we can't come up with any ideas at all. What do you think, Otoyan? Otoya: The reason why they wanted to open up a store, huh? I don't think I can think of it straight away… Reiji: Right~ Although I'm the one who bring it up, I also can't come up with any ideas at all. Reiji: If I'm not wrong, our next day off were overlapped together, right? Why don't we go to the different stores at that time and try to think about it? Reiji: I'm sure both of the main characters were also at lost as well. So let's both try to think of it again and be confused together!

Ch 5:

-Downtown- Otoya: Morning, Rei-chan! I know this is early, but there's actually something that I'd like you to hear. Do you have a minute? Reiji: Oh, it looks like you've just thought of something. Come here and let Onii-san hear it? Otoya: Okay! You see, I realized something that might be a hint for us when we're going on a search for a storeー - Reiji: I see… “Think of a store that you would run based on what we both have in common”, huh. Reiji: Nice idea, Otoyan! Very good☆ That way of thinking is perfect for us this time♪ Otoya: Really!? Thank God~ Now then, what would you think will happen if we were to open a bicycle shop? Otoya: We both can ride a bicycle so… What if for the setting, the one thing they have in common is because they were both in the same bicycle club during their highschool? Reiji: Bicycle club, huh… Working up a sweat every day, and sometimes fighting in preparation for competitions… Hmmm, talk about youth☆ Reiji: Ah, wait… if that's the setting, then wouldn't it be more likely for them to aim being a road racer rather than being a bicycle shop owners? Otoya: Whoa, true! That seems even more likely!! Otoya: Looks like we only might be able to manage a store after we retire or something. Sounds like it would be difficult given our age… Reiji: Right. But I have to admit that was actually a pretty good idea. We have a lot of time for today, so let's think of it again more carefully okay☆ -Park- Otoya: We managed to find quite a few good stores, and we also discovered a lot of things that we have in common, but… Otoya: But connecting all of the ideas from there is difficult. *sigh* I'm tired from all of that walking! Reiji: My legs are sore too… Well, it's important to take a breather at times like this, so let's go and take a break somewhere. Reiji: It's just that… It looks like a lot of stores are already on their last order now. Maybe we won't be able to get into any of them. Reiji: Oh well, it can't be helped. For now, let's go find a nearby convenience store and get something to drink or something… Hm? Reiji: (Now that I think about it, isn't this place is actually near that store…) Otoya: What's wrong, Rei-chan? Did you remember something? Reiji: Yep, just a little bit. I'm sure Otoyan will be happy, so look forward to it, okay☆

Ch 6:

-Coffee Shop- Server: Sorry to have kept you waiting. Here's your cream soda and caffè latte, followed by two of our special puddings. Otoya: Wow, it looks so delicious! Oh, the cream soda one is mine. Thank you! Otoya: This combination definitely makes you feel like you're in a coffee shop! It's been a long time since I've had something like this, so I'm excited! Otoya: But Rei-chan, you sure knew a lot of this hidden store. Don't tell me you've actually been here before? Reiji: Yep. When I was at work, a staff member told me about this place and said, "They're open until late, and I highly recommend it.'' Otoya: I see! This place has a relaxing atmosphere, and I really took a liking to it! Otoya: The cream soda too… Mmm, so delicious! Somehow it makes me feel nostalgic. Reiji: Talking about nostalgic, this special pudding is tasty too so come and try it☆ Reiji: It seems to be made in an old-fashioned way, and it's a delicacy that you won't find anywhere else☆ Otoya: Oh, really? Now then, without further ado… Time to dig in! Otoya: Mmm, so yummy! It's as if I'm being healed from all of my tiredness~! Reiji: Right? That's what I thought too when I ate them for the first time♪ Otoya: Now I see why the staff and Rei-chan recommended this place. Everything is all perfect here, and they even open up 'till late too. Otoya: Whether you want to be comforted or refreshed… I'm sure this is a place where all kinds of people will want to come to. Reiji: Yep. In fact, even now, there are people who seem to be on their way home from work and customers who are consulting with the manager about their problems. Reiji: …Talking about consulting though, I also did the same thing too back then with the staff here before haha~ Reiji: You see, sometimes when we got tired of work, worried about our career path, and almost forgot about our dreams and policies. Reiji: At times like that, don't you think it's quite a relief to have a place like this to turn to for comfort? Otoya: I totally get that! Even for idols, that kind of existence is something we want to aspire to…Ah." Reiji: …Otoyan. Perhaps, are you thinking what I'm thinking? Otoya: Yep, totally! The store that we wanted to open isー Reiji & Otoya: A coffee shop!!

Ch 7:

-Cafe Antiques- Ryoji: "Thank you very much. We hope to see you again." Ryoji: "…Now then, Motoya. Once you put away the sign, can you please clean up the table? I'm going to close up the register." Motoya: "Got it! By the way, there were a lot of students here today even though it was a weekday." Ryoji: "Ohh, probably because their exam is coming up soon, I guess? I've seen quite a lot of students were studying too." Motoya: "Now that you mention it, it's already that time of the year, huh. Somehow it reminds me of our old days back then." Ryoji: "You're right… Wait, stop wasting our time and go clean them up quickly! Geez, I can't never let you off the hook." Motoya: "Ehehe, you caught me. Well then, I'm off to clean them up." Ryoji: "Seriously… That guy still hasn't changed since then" Ryoji: "Then again, even though I'm the manager now, I guess I still look the same in the eyes of our regulars." Ryoji: (But, I guess that's okay. To me, protecting this store is the most important thingー) Ryoji: (The first time I came here was when I was in my first year of high school) Ryoji: (Two years later, when my childhood friend Motoya entered high school, I told him about this place and he immediately took a liking to it…) Ryoji: (We used to discuss about our club activities and career paths in this place called "Antiques". We even fought and made up here a couple of times too.) Ryoji: (This place has been around for a long time and our memories only form a small part of it…) Ryoji: (As long as I'm entrusted with the manager's role, I don't want to lose this comfort place where everyone else can turn to. I must absolutely keep it aliveー) Motoya: "..-kun…Ryo-kun!" Ryoji: "Oh, sorry. I was lost in thought. What's wrong?" Motoya: "What do you mean what's wrong? You look like you were thinking of something very important, you didn't even respond to any of my call!" Motoya: "My work is almost done y'know? If you don't do yours soon then I'm going home first" Ryoji: "Sorry sorry. I'll go and finish it right away, so wait for me, okay!"

Ch 8:

After lunchtime is over. Motoya: "Manager! I'm done washing the dishes and cleaning the store. My mission's all complete!" Ryoji: "Thanks. It looks like things have finally settled down here too" Motoya: "By the way… Today was actually busier than I expected" Motoya: "Then again, we have this excellent staff working over here, so we were able to get through it somehow!" Ryoji: "Yeah yeah, excellent excellent. Thank you for another of your brilliant job too for today" Ryoji: "Well then, may I ask this excellent staff here to go out and do some shopping for us? We're running low on our ingredients" Motoya: "Urgh, Ryo-kun is a demon… Uh, nope! Nothing's wrong, Manager! I'll be back!" Ryoji: ”Seriously that guy… Be careful on your way, Motoya! …Now then, time for me to roast the beans I used while I'm at itー" Old Gentleman: "…May I ask one table for one person, please?" Ryoji: "Why of course. Welcome to Cafe Antiques!" Motoya: "Sheeshh~ That surprised me. It started to drizzle all of a sudden…" Ryoji: "Welcome back. What's wrong? Was it raining outside?" Motoya: "Yeah. Just a little bit, when I was on my way back after I'm done shopping. It looks like the rain will be getting stronger from now on, so I guess we probably going to have less customers for tonight" Motoya: "…Huh? Hey, about that person sitting at the back of the room. He has a totally different atmosphere and I can't see his eyes because of his hat, but isn't heー" Ryoji: "Welcome to Cafe Antiques… Hm?" Student who was a regular: "Ryoji-san, Motoya-san… I-I… *sobs*" Motoya: "W-What's wrong? Why are you crying!? …Did something bad happen?"

Ch 9:

Ryoji: (Just like what Motoya said, the rain is getting stronger) Ryoji: (The only customers we have are just a skinny old man who is a newcomer and a student who's a regular in our cafe, huh. Anyway…) Student who was a regular: "*sigh*" Ryoji: (Talk about a big sigh, he look so depressed. …No wait, rather than that, it seems like he's more worried about something) Ryoji: (I've heard that he's been working very hard lately on his studies to pursue his dream but…) Ryoji: (Maybe now he's worried whether the path he wanted to take is really the right one or not, huh) Ryoji: (…I've also been there too before.) Ryoji: (Around the time I started studying for my entrance exam here, Motoya also started working part-time at this store…) Ryoji: (This place has always been very important to us and to the regulars.) Ryoji: (However, after I went to university for a while, the owner was diagnosed with an illness…and I was told that the store would eventually be closed.) Ryoji: (I totally begged him on the spot to not do that and to let me get involved in managing the store in his place.) - Ryoji: (However, as soon as I was given the job and started to study it, I realized just how difficult it was managing a business... I often wondered and worried whether this is truly the best option or not) Ryoji: (I did manage to keep the store running until now but, thinking back of that time, I think part of my recklesness was because I was young) Ryoji: (But still… I don't think Owner knew just how much I was saved by his comfort and drink that he served me at that time depite his ilness) Ryoji: (That's right. Confronting them wholeheartedly, offering them a place of comfort and cheered them up… Those are the things that I wanted to protect the most about this store) Ryoji: (If that's the case then the thing that I can do for now is… Rather than forcing myself to act as Owner, I just have to do things and face them on my own) Ryoji: "…Okay, I've decided. I don't think there'll be any customers coming for a while, so let's do that for today." Motoya: "That? What's wrong, Ryo-kun?" Ryoji: "Motoya, I'll go and take the order from the student, so could you ask the person in the back what he'd like to drink?" Ryoji: "In times like this, I think the best thing that we can do is…providing them an opportunity for some comfort and healing." Ryoji: ”So for today, we're going to treat everyone with a our own personal service."

Ch 10:

Ryoji: "…I see. That must have been painful" Student who was a regular: "Yes… During this time of the year, to think that I got a grade like that on my mock exam. I seriously don't know what exactly should I do…" Ryoji: "I get it. When something suddenly goes wrong in the middle, it's hard to try and take a step forward after that, right" Ryoji: "But you know, there might be a lot of things that you would missed if you never try to to take a chance and walk forward. It's also the same with this store too" Ryoji: "I've told you before the story of how I got appointed as a store manager, right?" Ryoji: "At that time, while I did study in Business Management Major, I actually have zero experience of it" Ryoji: "But… When I heard that this store might be closed for real, I couldn't just stay still…" Ryoji: "I wanted to protect the feelings of Owner and our regular customers… I was convinced that this is what I wanted to do!" Ryoji: "All the people around me told me that I was reckless and told me to quit before I regret it. At first try, I encountered problems and worried a lot but…" Ryoji: "I'm really glad that I actually took a step forward on that day. And I still am even now" Ryoji: "Although it maybe different for each people… As long as you try, I'm sure there'll be an answer coming to you. This world is surprisingly like that you see" Ryoji: "Getting worried means that you're feeling lost now, right? …Just like how I was back then, don't you have something that you really wanted to do?" Ryoji: "And besides, there's more than one way to make your dreams come true. So, before you decide to take the next step and quit…please try to think about it one more time.” - Student who was a regular: "Ryoji-san, Motoya-san. Thank you so much for today. I… As I though, I'm going to continue to walk through the path that I believe in a little bit more!" Ryoji: "Yeah, we'll be here waiting for the good news." Motoya: "We look forward to see you again! Good luck, okay!" Ryoji: "…His expression look much more better now. I can't wait to see his growth" Motoya: "Yep. And besides, Ryo-kun too, you really feel like a real manager just now. Wait no, you look more like a master~!" Ryoji: "Nah, I still have a long way to go. This time I was only able to make use of my experience but, there are still a lot of things that I need to learnー" Old Gentleman: "Hahaha, there's no one who is perfect from the very start. Thank you for the wonderful show you showed me back then, it was more fulfilling than the supplementary drink" Ryoji: "Y-You saw us. My apologies for showing you such a sight" Motoya: "It's just as I thought! Hey Owner, don't you think that Ryo-kun's finally getting the hang of it as a manager?" Ryoji: "Owner? What are you saying…" Ryoji: (Eh? But wait. The hat that he's wearing… and besides that way of laughing, don't tell me!?) Owner: "Although I'm getting better now, I've lost a lot of weight because of my illness. It's only natural that you can barely recognize me" Ryoji: "I-I'm so sorry for not noticing you sooner! It's been a while, Owner…!" Owner: "Don't worry about it. In fact, I actually wanted to thank you for today. My surgery has been decided you see, and I've been feeling anxious about it…" Owner: "But knowing that my precious "Antiques" is still here really cheered me up. And maybe with this, I can finally move forward" Ryoji: "Owner…thank you very much! I'm honored to hear you say that." Ryoji: "We will continue to protect "Antiques" so that it can be a place of relaxation for everyone." Ryoji: "But, we're not only just going protect it. At the same time, we want to provide everyone a comfort drink in our very own way for them to relax… That's what I thought now" Owner: "…That's fine. I'm glad to have you as my successor, Ryoji-kun. Next time, I'll be looking forward to taste your very own personal drink" Ryoji: "Yes, gladly! …Come on, Motoya. Let's go and see our precious customer off" Ryoji & Motoya: "Thank you for coming today. We look forward to seeing you again!"

[entertext]

HGSN Vol 3 Q&A

Rough translation by me

==

Q. I'd like to know what kind of person is Yoshiki and 'Hikaru's type.

A. Yoshiki's type is "someone who has aspects he can look up to", and before his death, Hikaru's was "healthy-looking and big-boobed". 'Hikaru' doesn't have that kind of concept, so he doesn't understand what "his type" means.

Q. What do Yoshiki and Hikaru usually order at Amerika?

A. Mostly spaghetti-type dishes. They'll eat dinner at home too after eating at Amerika together

Q. After becoming 'Hikaru', would his hair, body, and nails stop growing? If he doesn't grow physically, the people around him will notice eventually, but since it's unknown territory that the real Hikaru will never go through, I'm curious if he can imitate that part

A. Even after becoming 'Hikaru', his hair, body, and nails will keep growing and he'll grow up physically. However, I think the way Hikaru would look if he lived and grew up would be a little different from the way that 'Hikaru' who replaced him would look when he grew up.

Q. Why is Yoshiki older than everyone else?

A. Yoshiki's birthday is April 20th and Hikaru's birthday is March 20th of the next year, so in Japan they'd be in the same school year. They differ by nearly a whole year, so when they were younger, Yoshiki would grow up earlier, but now that's not really the case anymore

Q. Yoshiki-kun doesn't seem to be the type that makes friends on his own, so I want to know how he started doing things with Asako-chan and the others.

A. Yoshiki, Hikaru, Asako, and Yuuki were all in the same middle school together, and because that school had relatively few students, they naturally became friendly regardless of gender. Maki became friends starting from high school, and he joined up due to Hikaru pulling him in.

Q. I'd like to know Maki, Asako, and Yuuki's full names

A. Maki Yuuta, Yamagishi Asako, and Tadokoro Yuuki

Q. Why does Hikaru call his parents "Otoyan" and "Okayan" but Yoshiki call his parents "Tousan" and "Kaasan"?

A. Although they're both from the same village, Yoshiki's mother is from Tokyo and doesn't have an accent, so naturally they differ.

Q. Hikaru wears his wristwatch on his right hand, so does that mean he's left-handed?

A. Hikaru is right-handed, but he wears a left-handed watch. It was a present from his father, but since his father's personality is rough around the edges, he bought a left-handed watch by mistake and gave it as a present.

Q. Please tell me what Yoshiki and Hikaru ('Hikaru')'s shoe sizes are.

A. Right now, Hikaru's ('Hikaru's) is 26cm and Yoshiki's is 27.5cm.

Q. Why does 'Hikaru' "feel good" when a hand is put into his body? And I wonder, is that "feel good" meant in a pleasure way or a relaxing way?

A. Personally, I think people feel pleasure when they fulfill instinctual cravings, and for 'Hikaru' who is inhuman, taking things inside his body is instinctual. The parts of 'Hikaru' that differ the most from humans are the instincts, so in that regard he has feelings that humans can't understand.

[levbolton]

Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu Vol 3 Q&A translation

Q I would like to know what type of person Yoshiki and Hikaru like.

Yoshiki is 'respectable in some way' and before his death, Hikaru's was 'healthy and has big breasts'. Unuki doesn't have that concept, so I don't really know what his favourite type is.

Q: What is the menu item that 'Hikaru' and Yoshiki often order at Amerika?

Spaghetti, mostly. They usually have dinner at home after eating at Amerika.

Q Has your hair, height or nails grown since becoming Hikaru? I'm wondering if 'Hikaru' will be able to imitate the unknown area where Hikaru can no longer grow physically, even though it will eventually be noticed by those around him.

Even after becoming Hikaru, my hair, height, and nails have grown, and my body has grown. However, I think that Hikaru's grown-up form would be a little different from what 'Hikaru' grew up.

Q Why is Yoshiki older than everyone else?

Yoshiki's birthday is 20 April and Hikaru's is 20 March of the following year, so they are in the same grade in Japan. They are almost a year apart, so Yoshiki matured faster than Hikaru when they were younger, but that's no longer the case.

Q: Yoshiki doesn't seem to make friends on his own, so I would like to know how he came to work with Asako and the others?

Yoshiki, Hikaru, Asako and Yuuki are from the same junior high school. Maki started at high school, but Hikaru got involved with Maki and that's why we're together.

Q: I would like to know Maki, Asako and Yuuki's full names.

They are Yuta Maki, Asako Yamagishi and Yuuki Tadokoro.

Q Hikaru calls his parents Otoyan and Okeyan, but why does Yoshiki call them 'Father' and 'Mother'?

Both of them were born in the same village, but only Yoshiki's mother is from Tokyo, so she doesn't have a Japanese accent, so it came naturally.

Q Hikaru wears a watch on his right arm, is he left-handed?

Hikaru is right-handed, but wears a left-handed watch. This wristwatch was a gift from Hikaru's father, but he accidentally bought him a left-handed one by mistake.

Q What is Hikaru's shoe size?

Hikaru is currently 26 cm and Yoshiki is 27.5 cm.

Q Why does Hikaru feel "good" when you put your hand inside his body… and does "good" mean pleasure or relaxation?

Personally, I think that people get pleasure when their instinctive desires are satisfied, and taking something into their bodies is an instinctive action for the non-human Hikaru. It is the instinctive part of Hikaru that is the most different from humans, so in that part of the world, Hikaru has senses that people don't understand.

01/06/2023

[shiningwonderland]

Reiji Kotobuki (All Star)

Translator: Belen (Twitter: reiharus)

Proofreader: Raine (Twitter: amagiyas)

Editors: Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Noemi (Twitter: dreaminbeyond)

Chapter Five — Tears Tristemente

Several weeks have passed since that picture was taken.

Somehow, it hasn’t made it to the internet or magazines yet, so we have no choice but to wait and see if anything happens.

Kotobuki-senpai and I have been trying to stay apart as much as possible, as Hyuga-sensei instructed us.

It's for the best, but… since we used to be together all the time, I miss him terribly.

In the meantime, Kotobuki-senpai has started working on a drama.

I'm continuing to work at the office while composing Kotobuki-senpai’s solo song.

Then, one day....

I visit a TV station to give my senior composer the score to a drama's soundtrack.

After delivering the sheet music and completing final checks, I'm walking down the corridor when....

Haruka Nanami: Eh? That voice….

Reiji Kotobuki: Host detective Reiji Yagami is here! By your beauty, I’ll catch the perpetrator.

Otoya Ittoki: Kyaaa, Rei-chan, so lovely!!

Kotobuki-senpai... and Ittoki-kun?!

I turn the corner in a hurry and see the door of a dressing room is open. Inside, I see them looking at the scripts in their hands.

Reiji Kotobuki: Cheers… to your eyes. … Aaah, it’s been a while!! I've been so lonely without you.

When Kotobuki-senpai notices me, he waves with his hand in a wide arc.

Haruka Nanami: Good morning! Me too!

I run up to him happily.

Ittoki-kun gives a kind smile and raises his hand a bit.

Haruka Nanami: What are you two doing?

Otoya Ittoki: We’re reading the script for Rei-chan’s next drama. You know, the one Tokiya and I failed to get the lead part in.

Ittoki-kun looks sidelong at Kotobuki-senpai as he says that.

Oh, that’s the drama Kotobuki-senpai told me about.

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s because Otoyan and Tokki still lack the adult sex-appeal needed to match me~

Kotobuki-senpai grins.

Otoya Ittoki: That’s mean~ Even if it is the truth.

Ittoki-kun scratches his head.

Reiji Kotobuki: But Otoyan landed a different role, so we were in the middle of reading the script for today’s recording session.

Haruka Nanami: So that’s what it was….

Reiji Kotobuki: Well, Kouhai-chan, have a seat. You have some time, right?

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

Saying that, I sit next to them.

Hehe, I’m so happy.

They show me the script that was placed in front of them.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, so it’s called “Midnight Agent."

I read the title of the script.

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s right. And I play the number-one host and great detective, Reiji Yagami!

Kotobuki-senpai goes on to explain the plot of the drama.

He’s playing Kabukicho’s number-one host.

He gets caught up in a case by chance, but he is able to solve it thanks to his decisiveness, quick wit, and the help of some women.

Since then, working as a host by night and as a detective by day, he solves various incidents throughout Kabukicho.

It’s based on a famous series of novels, and the line the protagonist always says—“Cheers to your eyes!”—seems very popular.

Otoya Ittoki: I play the young host who is also Rei-chan’s assistant.

Ittoki-kun explains to me.

Reiji Kotobuki: Cheers… to your eyes.

Kotobuki-senpai says that as he looks into my eyes.

Select the phrase!

I’m dizzy from the excitement (+15 Love +0 Music)

That gaze is so sexy….

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m getting dizzy… that was really exciting for some reason.

Otoya Ittoki: What’s wrong, are you alright? Your face is all red…. Have you caught a cold or something?

Ittoki-kun looks at me with worry.

Reiji Kotobuki: Huhu, wrong, Otoyan. That was Rei-chan’s secret technique. I shoot a bewitching beam from my eyes.

W-what an amazing power!

Otoya Ittoki: What! No way! Will I be able to do that someday?

Reiji Kotobuki: Hehe, yeah you will, when you have a girl you like.

Kotobuki-senpai winks and snaps his fingers at me as he says that.

Otoya Ittoki: Tch, how lucky. Meanwhile, my character's catchphrase is, “Big bro, we have a case!”

Ittoki-kun pouts when he says that.

Haruka Nanami: Hehe, that's very much like you; it's wonderful.

Otoya Ittoki: I guess. I want to try playing an adult role soon too.

Reiji Kotobuki: That will come after you get better at reading “the mood.”

Otoya Ittoki: Eh, what do you mean?

Reiji Kotobuki: For example, leaving so that the two of us end up alone or something~

Haruka Nanami: Um, Kotobuki-senpai!

Ittoki-kun looks at us, puzzled.

Then, as if understanding the situation, he sighs deeply.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, so it’s like that…. Okay then, Rei-chan, I’ll go on ahead.

Ittoki-kun gets up as if saying “geez.”

Reiji Kotobuki: Right! Uh-huh! You do that, bro.

Kotobuki-senpai says so as he pats Ittoki-kun on the back.

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, I’ll get going~ See you later!!

Haruka Nanami: Oh, okay. S-sorry….

Then Ittoki-kun is driven out by Kotobuki-senpai and heads to the studio.

Kotobuki-senpai and I are left alone in the dressing room.

Reiji Kotobuki: Sooo~ Has my cute partner been alright? Tell big bro.

Kotobuki-senpai asks with a bright smile.

Select the phrase!

I’ve been lonely (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I’m fine but… I’ve been lonely without you….

Reiji Kotobuki: Same here, Kouhai-chan, but knowing you felt like that makes me a little happy, in a way....

Kotobuki-senpai looks me in the eye and smiles sweetly.

Reiji Kotobuki: I hope we can work on the song together again without worrying about the public.

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

I nod deeply at his words.

Reiji Kotobuki: Although I hate myself for getting you involved in something like that…. I’m supposed to help you debut, but I’ve caused more trouble for you instead.

Kotobuki-senpai sighs.

It’s frustrating to see Kotobuki-senpai feeling responsible for me.

I want him to be in full spirits.

With that in mind, I take the script on the table.

Haruka Nanami: I can prepare for the Song Festival alone and it makes me happy that you're giving it your all at this job. It looks like so much fun and it’s cheered me up too.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, it’s fun. I've always loved the novels, so I think I’m perfect for the role.

Kotobuki-senpai looks at me as if he’s gotten an idea.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, Kouhai-chan, do you have time? Will you read the script with me?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, yes… I have enough time but....

Reiji Kotobuki: Really!? Please, if you can do it, it will be a big help.

Kotobuki-senpai presses his hands together.

What should I do….

Select the phrase!

Definitely, please let me do it (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Ah… yes, if it’s okay with you, then please.

Reiji Kotobuki: Really? That would be great! I’m sure the performance will be great with you as a partner. Shall we… do it seriously?

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I’ll do my best….

Saying that, I take the script in hand.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you! Then, let’s go.

He tells me the page and begins to read his lines.

Reiji Kotobuki: I've thought you were my soulmate since the moment I saw you…. Your eyes, those lips—I love everything about you.

Haruka Nanami: R-Reiji-san….

Reiji Kotobuki: I don’t want to lose you. I want you to be mine alone. I won’t let you go tonight. So let’s search for the culprit together. Cheers… to your eyes.

... I can’t bear it any longer.

Hearing all those sweet words, I’m so embarrassed, even if I know it’s just an act.

I bend all the way down and hold my body tight in embarrassment.

If I don't hold on to something, I’m going to end up just writhing in agony.

Reiji Kotobuki: Huh? What’s up, Kouhai-chan, agonizing on top of the table….

Hibiki: Just what are you two doing?

While writhing in embarrassment on the table, I hear a familiar voice.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, Hibikin! Since you asked, we were reading the script…. Seems like fun, huh?

Ah… Hibikin? Katagiri-san?

Haruka Nanami: Katagiri-san….

I lift my face in a panic and Katagiri-san, who has entered the dressing room, abruptly averts his eyes.

Reiji Kotobuki: Are you doing your best at work? We’ve been seeing each other a lot lately, though we didn't meet all that often before.

Hibiki: Hm? Ah, yeah….

Katagiri-san mumbles hesitantly, then opens his mouth as if finding it hard to speak.

Hibiki: Has… anything happened to you recently?

Reiji Kotobuki: Huh? Anything…? What do you mean?

Hibiki: Nah, it’s nothing… I was just a bit curious…. If nothing happened, that’s good….

Assistant Director: Kotobuki-san, rehearsal is about to begin, please stand by.

Just as Katagiri-san says that and sighs, the assistant director comes for Kotobuki-senpai.

He stands up quickly and leaves with the staff member.

Lastly, he glances at us for a moment and waves his hand lightly before disappearing.

Haruka Nanami: Um….

Curious about why Katagiri-san had come, I thought I'd ask him what he had been trying to say, but then….

Hibiki: Sorry, I have a meeting to be at as well.

He turns around and leaves.

Then….

That night I'm contacted by Hyuga-sensei, who tells me to come to the office immediately.

Haruka Nanami: This is….

I come running to the office, where Hyuga-sensei is waiting for me with a complicated expression.

Next to him is Kotobuki-senpai with his head lowered.

A copy of a weekly magazine is sitting in front of them.

Ryuya Hyuga: This gossip magazine will be released tomorrow.

He pushes the magazine towards me.

My breath catches when I read the headline.

Haruka Nanami: “Shining’s shadow. The light and dark sides of the major entertainment producer.” Just what is… this….

I take the magazine and open it in a panic, then….

Haruka Nanami: This…. From that time…!

There’s a big picture of me with Kotobuki-senpai that was taken that one day.

Ryuya Hyuga: This is bad. I was prepared for the pictures, but I didn’t think they would take it this far. Shit.

Hyuga-sensei mutters in disgust.

Haruka Nanami: Take it this far…?

Ryuya Hyuga: Read the article. You won’t like what you find, though….

He says that while glancing at Kotobuki-senpai.

I begin to read the article.

Haruka Nanami: This….

It’s an article criticizing Shining Agency. Most of it is about Kotobuki-senpai and Aine-san.

It says that the cause of Aine-san's disappearance was Kotobuki-senpai, and that he ignored his best friend’s problems so he could succeed in the entertainment industry.

Moreover, it says that he’s a half-hearted, playboy entertainer who chases after women instead of releasing a hit.

Haruka Nanami: So cruel…. This is too cruel…! Why… this….

My voice trembles with anger.

Ryuya Hyuga: It must’ve been largely instigated by a rival production company. I mean, it’s always the same. These contents are baseless and they can't prove the disappearance claims either. The fuss should die down soon….

He crosses his arms with a worried expression.

Ryuya Hyuga: But those who know about the disappearance are limited to only a few people. So just where the heck could it have leaked from? And there’s also this photo. I’ve worried about it all this time, but it was taken in front of your apartment, right?

Hyuga-sensei looks at me.

Haruka Nanami: Oh… yes….

I answer in place of Kotobuki-senpai, who remains silent.

Ryuya Hyuga: But how did this cameraman know that you were at Reiji’s apartment?

Oh….

At that time, the only people who knew I was going there were Ittoki-kun, Ichinose-san, and….

Haruka Nanami: Katagiri-san….

I raise my voice unintentionally.

Ryuya Hyuga: What? Somethin' come to mind…?

Haruka Nanami: That day… I told Katagiri-san that I was going to visit Kotobuki-senpai….

Hyuga-sensei frowns.

Haruka Nanami: I happened to run into him at the TV station….

Ryuya Hyuga: But why…. Did you tell anyone else?

Haruka Nanami: No, except for the staff at the office… But I think the man who was with Katagiri-san at the time was listening.

That person in the black sweater. If I recall….

Haruka Nanami: He called him Takeda-san….

Ryuya Hyuga: I see…. He's an entertainment reporter who’s been sniffing around here for a while.

Haruka Nanami: That’s….

Reiji Kotobuki: Enough, it’s fine….

When Hyuga-sensei says that, Kotobuki-senpai, who had remained silent until then, raises his face.

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai…?

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s enough, Ryuya-senpai. And I’m sorry to you too. The punishment came upon me. It’s all my fault….

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey, Reiji….

Reiji Kotobuki: It isn't baseless. What’s written in this article is the truth.

He lowers his eyes to the magazine on the desk.

Reiji Kotobuki: I abandoned him to his fate…. Of course they’d write this… I’m the bad guy here…. Well, I’d like them to correct the part where it says I like to play around with women, though….

As if laughing at himself, he raises only the corners of his lips in a sad smile.

Then, he slowly turns away.

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey….

Reiji Kotobuki: ....

He walks towards the exit without saying anything.

Ryuya Hyuga: Reiji, don’t go outside for now.

Kotobuki-senpai nods silently and heads for the exit.

Haruka Nanami: I’ll go with you….

Kotobuki-senpai glances back at me without saying anything.

Ryuya Hyuga: Don’t drive today! Take a taxi!! I’ll contact you later.

We leave the office, hearing those words trailing after us.

While we're exiting through the door, I catch a glimpse of Hyuga-sensei throwing the magazine into a trash can.

Haruka Nanami: Um…. Here’s some coffee.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thanks. Don’t make that face. You did nothing wrong, don’t worry about it.

He brings the coffee I prepared to his mouth. His voice is gentle as always.

He always takes care so that I don't worry.

But, since Senpai’s situation looks so bad right now, I can’t help but look down.

I sit at the foot of the sofa Kotobuki-senpai is sitting on.

Even though he's the one who has it the hardest….

I feel I have to be strong, but no matter what, I can’t smile.

Haruka Nanami: What’s going to happen now…?

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ll get a disciplinary suspension from the agency. As for the drama… I'll lose the role, I guess….

Kotobuki-senpai mutters a few words.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ryuya-senpai said all of that, but the facts about the disappearance itself are true and it’ll take some time to cover that up. The more I move around, the bigger a fuss it will create, so I guess I have to stay put until everything cools down.

Kotobuki-senpai says that quietly.

Haruka Nanami: But that’s….

Senpai was looking forward to that drama so much….

Reiji Kotobuki: There’s also… something I’ve been thinking about this whole time. Will you listen to me carefully?

Kotobuki-senpai raises his face and I see him grimace a little for the first time.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m really sorry to say this after we’ve come this far, but I’d like you to choose someone else for the Song Festival.

Kotobuki-senpai lowers his gaze.

That’s….

Select the phrase!

No way! (+30 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: That…. No way!! I won’t partner with anyone else other than you!!

Senpai gives me a troubled look.

Reiji Kotobuki: I don’t want it either…. To think that you would partner with someone else…. But I want you to understand that it’s for your sake…. I’m telling you this because I'm serious.

He bites his lip.

Reiji Kotobuki: If I could, I would like to stay with you too. There are no other partners as wonderful as you. But the winner of the Song Festival is decided by the audience. With something like this, the handicap will be too great. I don’t know what I’d do if you were unable to debut because of me. I received a divine punishment because I was greedy. This happened because I wanted happiness.

Haruka Nanami: That’s not true!

Reiji Kotobuki: It is! We can’t be together….

I can’t say anything else to his serious face.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ever since the incident with Aine, I’ve been avoiding allowing anyone to become special, whether at work or in love. I was friendly with everyone, but I connected with them in a way so that they couldn't get to know me more deeply beyond a certain point. If they approached me, I'd distance myself. If something happened, I didn’t want to hurt anyone. And above all, I didn’t want to hurt myself.

“It’d be better if you don’t partner up with me.”

I remember Kotobuki-senpai’s words.

Even if Senpai wasn't being that serious at that time, I guess he was warning me.

Reiji Kotobuki: Aine was a precious friend who aimed for the same dream as me. We were supposed to be connected by a strong bond…. We were frantically trying to make our dreams of being idols come true, and one day, when I was hard at work, I got a call from him. The guy who was always serious and never complained opened up about his troubles to me. It's just an excuse, but at that time I was really busy and didn’t notice his feelings. Carelessly, I went and told him: “don’t say things like that and just enjoy it.” Even though he came to me because he wasn't enjoying it, to the point that he felt cornered. Those must’ve been some brutal words for him. Even though he called me as a last resort….

Some time later, Aine-san called Senpai again, but….

At the time, Senpai was in the middle of the audition of his dreams.

Reiji Kotobuki: After that call… Aine disappeared.

Senpai couldn’t answer that last call either.

With a sorrowful expression, Senpai falls silent. I can’t bring myself to interrupt, for there is a deep, deep, wound in his heart.

I don’t think he’s responsible for everything, but even if I said that, it wouldn’t console him.

Unable to find the correct words to say, I can’t do anything but listen.

Reiji Kotobuki: I haven’t been able to enjoy being an idol from the bottom of my heart since then. Aine always crosses my mind.

So when he had that cold and opened up to me, he was talking about Aine….

Kotobuki-senpai, whose dreams came true... and Aine-san, who couldn’t fulfill his own….

And he’s been blaming himself for Aine-san not being able to fulfill his dreams this whole time.

That's too sad….

Reiji Kotobuki: The stronger your feelings are, the greater the grief when you lose them. I came to know that pain. And Ke-chan and Hibikin are the same. Ke-chan was robbed of his best partner, so it’s natural he has a grudge.

The pain of losing a special person. The friends who will never forget it.

Instead of sharing the pain, they hate each other as a way to forget.

To think that those who used to be friends hate each other now….

Reiji Kotobuki: I believe this thing with you was a divine punishment. The gods saw my actions and it all bounced back in proportion.

After muttering that in despair, he gently reaches his hand towards my body.

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s right.... Without noticing it, you’ve become my most special and important person, so much that I absolutely don't want to let go of you.

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai….

Reiji Kotobuki: I was afraid that if something like that happened again, I would lose all sight of myself. That’s why being an empty shell was fine. That’s how I lived, and then you came into my life. I shouldn’t like her… I shouldn’t get close…." I knew all of that, but I lost control.

As he murmurs, I remain in the strong embrace of his arms.

Reiji Kotobuki: When you became the object of my thoughts, I should have given up. If I had, then this wouldn’t have happened. If you stay with me, I’ll only cause you more trouble like this. Nothing good will come of this for you. It’s all my ego. The person I love the most gets hurt the most…. I’m a worthless man.

Haruka Nanami: ....

He holds me tighter until I can’t move, until it's difficult to breathe.

Reiji Kotobuki: Sorry…. Please, let me stay like this for a bit….

Senpai’s voice trembles in my ear.

Haruka Nanami: Yes….

When I place my hands around Kotobuki-senpai’s body, cold droplets wet my shoulder.

Senpai buries his face in my shoulder to stifle his voice.

The strength of his embrace makes my shoulder creak.

But my chest is hurting more….

Senpai’s body is warm, but my heart feels cold.

And so, at a loss for what to do, I continue to be held by Senpai.

Only our breaths resound in the quiet room.

Then… after some time.

Kotobuki-senpai suddenly lets go and looks at me.

Reiji Kotobuki: I said we’d do our best together at the Song Festival, but… looks like I couldn’t keep my promise. I'm sorry.

Those words seem like a farewell; it's like my chest is getting crushed.

I don’t want to hear them. I want to stay with him longer.

While I was thinking that, suddenly the room’s doorbell rings.

I wonder who it is….

Kotobuki-senpai gets up slowly and walks towards the door.

I follow after him.

Reiji Kotobuki: Why are you here….

A worn-out looking Katagiri-san is standing outside the door.

Haruka Nanami: What… Katagiri-san?

Why...?

Hibiki: I’m really sorry…. I’d like to apologize for what happened.

Reiji Kotobuki: I don’t care about what you do to me, but wasn’t getting her involved such a cruel thing to do? That’s a foul.

Kotobuki-senpai laughs weakly.

Hibiki: I’m really sorry to you too. I don’t think you will forgive me, but I regret it from the bottom of my heart.

He lowers his head.

Haruka Nanami: It’s fine….

I answer like that, unable to say anything else.

Hibiki: I just wanted to know what had happened to Aine and where he was…. While gathering information, I met Takeda…. In exchange for getting information from Takeda, I entered a small production company through a connection and had to live off leaking gossip to him. Even while knowing myself that it was wrong, being involved in such a thing prevented me from getting out.

Katagiri-san words are halting, stammered.

Hibiki: Of course I investigated you, too. I thought you were hiding something. But you didn’t know the situation and whereabouts of Aine. Then, when I learned about Ai Mikaze, I thought there could be a connection…. So I approached you again. I never thought something like this would happen. That’s the truth, please believe me. I’m ashamed of myself for being unable to stop him that time. Please forgive me….

Karagiri-san stands still in silence.

Reiji Kotobuki: There’s no need to apologize to me. Thank you for telling me.

Hibiki: ....

Katagiri-san lifts his head and looks at Kotobuki-senpai for a moment, then vanishes out the door.

Haruka Nanami: Um….

I desperately look for words to change the atmosphere in the quiet room.

Reiji Kotobuki: You must be tired too. It's getting late, so you should go home. It’ll be a problem if another article like that gets out again.

The way he's speaking seems like a machine saying predetermined words.

Sorrow, disappointment, confusion…. With so many emotions mixed together, I can’t read Senpai at all.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai, um….

He grabs me by the arm and takes me to the entrance as if to block my words.

Then, he opens the door.

Reiji Kotobuki: Goodbye, Kouhai-chan… I’m sorry.

After those final words, he quietly closes the door.

Some time later, Kotobuki-senpai suddenly disappears into thin air.

I only find out a few days after it's happened.

The whereabouts of Senpai are unknown, and even though several days have passed, still nobody knows where he has gone.

He contacted the office and just said: “Please don’t look for me, I’m okay.”

With the circumstances being what they are, as an agency, they can't look for him openly.

And they can only gloss over it as nothing more than self-discipline.

He loses his role in the drama and his other jobs are cancelled as well.

His car is not in the parking lot of his apartment and he doesn’t seem to have returned home.

He doesn’t answer his phone or reply to his emails.

Still, he may come back if he listens to the song….

That’s what I think, so I keep working on the solo song on my own.

A song that will make him happy. A song that will make him shine….

I believe in him.

I believe that he will be able to stand up with his own power and come back as an idol.

I love him, so….

I hope my feelings will reach him.

I continue preparing the song with those feelings in each and every note.

SONG: "DEKIAI TEMPTATION" (S RANK)

Haruka Nanami: Yes, with this, everything will be all right.

I murmur that upon listening to the completed song.

This will move Senpai’s heart. I keep working on it while believing in that.

Then, I email him the demo track and music sheet and wait for a reply.

But even so, he hasn't replied….

Then, one day, I'm called to the office by the president.

Haruka Nanami: Excuse me.

Shining Saotome: Thanks for coming, Miss Nanami!

The president, who was looking out the window, turns around to face me.

Shining Saotome: About Mr. Kotobuki, I’ll be frank; choose another partner!!

Haruka Nanami: What….

I’m at a loss for words from shock when the president hands me a letter.

Haruka Nanami: This is a… resignation….

When I turn it, I see the name of the sender….

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai….

Shining Saotome: It came earlier. “I will cause you a lot of trouble if I stay here any longer, so please allow me to resign….”

Haruka Nanami: That’s….

While I’m at a loss for words and unable to think, the president looks at me.

Shining Saotome: He's a man born to be an idol! Even if he ticks all the right boxes, there's still something that dulls his shine.... He was ALWAYS held back by something. It’s a shame, but this is what he wants.

The president sticks out his finger.

Shining Saotome: Miss. Nanami! YOU must look for another partner!!

He looks at me.

Select the phrase!

I won’t! (+15 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I won’t! I won’t partner with anyone other than Kotobuki-senpai.

The president smiles when he hears my reply.

Shining Saotome: But if he doesn’t come back, you won’t be able to debut. Is that okay with you?

Haruka Nanami: That’s….

Shining Saotome: Would you go that far?

As the president says that, he gives me a sharp look that I sense through his sunglasses.

Haruka Nanami: That's not the point!

I raise my voice unintentionally.

Haruka Nanami: I want to debut no matter what happens. But my dream is to create songs that will make idols shine above all else. To achieve that, I've continued making a song that will make Kotobuki-senpai shine. That was all I thought about while I composed this song. That's why I can't give up that easily and choose another partner just because Senpai is gone! Please! Kotobuki-senpai…. I’m sure he’s just confused because of everything that happened. I’ll… track down Kotobuki-senpai and talk him out of this! So please, don't accept that resignation letter yet!!

I say that and lower my head, then hear the president sigh loudly.

When I raise my head, the president is looking out the window again.

Shining Saotome: The matter in question… I also find it regrettable.... But, precisely because of that, I don't want anybody else involved in it….

Haruka Nanami: President….

Shining Saotome: But, I’ll leave it to you since you said that much. Bring him back. I’ll let you two participate if he can prove that he actually wants to participate in the Song Festival. BUT, if that feeling isn't there, your request will be REJECTED on the spot!! YOU won’t debut and both of you will be fired!! Is that alright with you?!

Haruka Nanami: It is!!

When I give that answer, the president goes quiet for a bit and then smiles.

Shining Saotome: Understood! Then I’ll put that resignation on hold temporarily!!

He puts the resignation letter in the drawer of the desk.

Shining Saotome: I wanted YOU to participate in the festival without a handicap like this, but that's how it is…. Now, go, Nanami. I wish you the best!!

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

The president closes the drawer.

When I leave the room, I see Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san standing there with sober expressions.

Haruka Nanami: You two… what’s wrong…?

Otoya Ittoki: We’re worried about Rei-chan, so we came to ask about the situation…. Then we heard that you had been called here by the president….

He looks at me, worried.

Tokiya Ichinose: How is Kotobuki-san…?

I look down in silence, not telling them about the resignation.

Otoya Ittoki: I wonder if he’s alright.... Where did he go all by himself….

Tokiya Ichinose: Whatever the reason, he doesn’t seem like someone who would just vanish without telling anyone where he went.

Otoya Ittoki: What did the old man say?

Haruka Nanami: He told me…. To partner with someone else….

Tokiya Ichinose: That would be the correct conclusion. There’s no need for you to get involved in this.

He says that with a stern face.

But….

Haruka Nanami: I feel like Kotobuki-senpai won’t ever come back if I give up now…. And also… whether it's right or wrong… I want to participate in the Song Festival with him….

I hear Ichinose-san sigh.

Tokiya Ichinose: It's not that I don't understand your feelings, but…. No, this must be what being a “partner” means.

Haruka Nanami: Ichinose-san….

Tokiya Ichinose: Understood. We'll help as much as we can and try to find Kotobuki-san’s whereabouts.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you so much!!

Otoya Ittoki: Me too…. I want you two to be happy. I can’t just let this happen.

Ittoki-kun clenches his fist.

Tokiya Ichinose: Even so, if by any chance he doesn't show up on time, I'll be your partner if that's okay with you. Don't hesitate to call me then.

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, I’ll help too. We could even do it as a unit if you want.

Ittoki-kun smiles.

Tokiya Ichinose: I’d like to avoid that as much as possible but… Well, if it comes to that, I’ll do it.

Suddenly, Ichinose-san smiles as well.

Looking at these two smiling, I feel encouraged somehow.

Haruka Nanami: Really, thank you so much.

I lower my head deeply once again.

Then, Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-senpai begin helping out.

We keep splitting up to search for Kotobuki-senpai whenever we have time.

But we still learn nothing of his whereabouts. Even when I phone his family home, I'm told he hasn’t returned there.

Kotobuki-senpai…. Just where could he have gone….

Then, one day, I have an unexpected encounter.

Haruka Nanami: Otonami-san….

Kei: It’s been a while.

He says that with an expressionless face and glances at me.

Haruka Nanami: About that time….

Kei: I’ve heard Kotobuki-kun is nowhere to be found.

Haruka Nanami: That's right….

Otonami-san sighs faintly in response.

Kei: I don’t know where you found my contact information, but two boys called Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-kun came as far as to ask me if I knew of his whereabouts.

Otonami-san hands me a piece of paper.

Haruka Nanami: This is….

Kei: It’s the address to Kotobuki-kun’s family home. I found it in an old notebook—you can try looking there.

Haruka Nanami: But I already called his family and was told that he wasn’t there….

Kei: That was his doing. He must’ve told them to keep quiet. He’s clever, I’ll give him that....

He smiles faintly.

Haruka Nanami: But… why….

Kei: I heard what happened from Katagiri. I also resented Kotobuki-kun for a long time, thinking that he had abandoned Aine…. We made him the bad guy to lift the responsibility of what happened to Aine off ourselves. That's what we wanted to think. After all, we couldn’t help him ourselves either.

Kotobuki-senpai, Otonami-san, Katagiri-san…. They all treasured Aine-san; I understand them so well it hurts.

Kei: But…. Listening to Ai Mikaze’s song, I realized that nothing would change by doing this. He’s not Aine, nor a replacement for him. That song proved it. We were just following after Aine’s reflection in him. When I listened to him sing, I thought that Aine wouldn’t want that. I understood that immediately. We were just running away from reality. Besides, Kotobuki-kun should be set free too. The price he has paid is already more than enough. When I saw him singing your song, confronting the music seriously, I thought that that is what being an idol is about. I want to see him shine more. I want you to show me the dream that Aine and I couldn’t fulfill. I think the only one who can do that is you.

After Otonami-san says that, he bows slightly and leaves.

I look down at the note he gave me.

I don’t know what Kotobuki-senpai was thinking when he decided to hide.

But everybody is waiting for him. Katagiri-san, Otonami-san, the people from the agency…. And me too….

I want to communicate that to him clearly.

So….

Haruka Nanami: Okay, let's go and give it a shot.

Murmuring that, I grasp the paper tightly.

Chapter End

[littleeyesofpallas]

Otoyan[音やん]

[a-hell-of-a-lot-of-muses]

"Well, you're in good company there," he said with a small laugh. "I often tell Otoyan and Tokki to look after themselves, and may gently scold them for not doing so, but all the while ignore resting properly myself." He was known for working on less then five hours of sleep a day, a habit that worried many who knew him well.

Hearing that he was able to be of some help, Reiji smiled brightly. "I'm glad I was able to help~" He paused for a moment.

"Say, you want to go grab something to eat?~ I've been meaning to try a few places around here, and maybe can pick up some sweets for Myu-chan~"

"I'd have to agree with you there. I just have the unfortunate habit of being a hypocrite and telling others to treat themselves while being extremely particular about when I do it for myself."

She was working on it. Truly.

"I try to trick myself a bit by having company with me. I'm more likely to get something for myself that way. Now that i think about it...it sounds pretty sad saying it out loud. Yikes."

"Well, you may not feel like you did much, but you sure did help me realize I have some habits to change."

[mrs-ittoki]

Its been awhile~~

Hi!... im back~~ from exhaustin exam.. Hope get good result~... I rlly miss drawin him (/ω＼)

His eyes kinda different nshdjsuj

Oof i forgot... He should be wearin paw gloves (´⊙ω⊙`)

[masatos-wig]

van is one of my fave heavens members and god damn ur right he's so fuckin valid, I love his energy and his solo song is super cute and fun, he has a mature-looking design but his personality reminds me of an excited kid, he's just. so good. I'm so ready for the drama tracks with him, otoya, and ai, I feel like he and otoya will get along well

okay hi yes to ALL OF THIS. he reminds me so much of reiji in that fashion of being a gap moe character. these supposedly mature idols who know the ins and outs of the industry but when they open their mouths and speak ITS JUST THE MOST GENKI, ADORABLE THING ON THE PLANET….. it just makes me wanna support them more ; w ;

and FOR SURE van and otoyan would get along so well, like the amount of combined energy these two fools have would make them bounce off the walls. poor ai having to babysit them tho knsbfjf

[bibururokku]

So I started the thing but the more I see Otoyan smile like Yukki, or ig the more I see Yukki smile in Otoyan’s body, the more cursed the picture feels. And let’s not get me started on what Karasu did to Yukki’s hair with the wax or what Otoyan did to Karasu's hair,,,

Anyways, I will not be sharing or finishing what I started out of the best interests of the boys and the public because it does NOT feel right 💀💀💀

[maji-matchups]

May I request a match-up? I'm a reserved Capricorn girl, ace, a disaster polyglot in the making (fun over practicality^^;), and I love to draw (trying to get better), listen to music, and rekindled an appetite for reading. Don't mind a sense of humor to keep me from feeling depressed. Also love tea, museums, yoga, & walks to clear my head. And learning new things. Around 173-175cm tall. And would like to travel if I could. Thank you kindly~~ ^-^

Hello nonie! Thanks so much for stopping by! Good luck on your art I know it’s not always easy (writers blocks suck and I totally haven’t been in one for the past like five weeks and I know art blocks are a thing too) I feel so so so bad for the anonymous asks because I know you guys probably don’t see this as soon as people who requested using their blogs would see theirs and it so late and ahhhhh I’m so sorry!!

I match you up with~~~ Cecil Aijima!! You both share that same passion for traveling, him probably a bit more so than you (I can show you the world~~~ shining shimmering splendid!! Don’t tell me you can’t see him singing that to you). He finds it so cool how you know so many languages and begs you to teach him some. He’s always been pretty interested in culture and such and language says a lot about a country’s culture in his opinion. He’s so so supportive about you being ace when you come out to him! Of course this boy would never ever try to force you to do anything you don’t like/aren’t comfortable with, that’s just a big no no to him. He’s one of the goofier members of Starish, compared to Tokiya or Masato, and would 1000% be there to shine a little bit of light into your world with his corny jokes and music.

Other possible matchups include Reiji Kotobuki!! (Again, another more goofy boy to bring some fun into your life, he also would be so down to go on long road trips around the country with you and any friends you want to bring along. I feel like he could also work well with your reservedness since he’s Reiji “I can befriend anyone” Kotobuki) or Otoya Ittoki!! (The sunshine child is just such a perfect match for anyone, and with you i feel like you guys would really balance each other out nicely, with a contrast between reserved and outgoing)

I hope this didn’t disappoint and as always have a lovely day!!

Mod Ai

[blueesnow]

Kotobuki Reiji's Birthday (Year 1) Voicelines Translation.

-You can look at it again on the Event Log, Mini-Event section (for the other boys messages to him) and Talk section (for a one-on-one conversation with you and him) in Idol Page.

-Also the translations might not be fully accurate since I'm not that fluent on jp/en, so if i ever made a mistake do correct me🙏

<You (Player)> Reiji: Thank you for the celebration~! I held a party today, so make sure you come okay Kouhai-chan☆ Reiji: And of course there'll be an afterparty later~☆ The participant will be just you and me. …Will you tell me you're happy about it?

<Otoya> Otoya: Rei-chan, Happy Birthday! As a Senpai-Kouhai duo with a great chemistry, let's continue to have lots of fun together from now on! Reiji: Aww~! You said the cutest thing ever! Onii-san shall do his best to keep up so that he won't lose to Otoyan's growth okay☆

<Masato> Masato: You never forgets to pay attention to your surroundings. Seeing you like that made me want to learn more from Kotobuki-senpai's example. Happy Birthday. Reiji: Hearing that from Hijirin made me so happy~! I should do my best as well to continue being a role model☆

<Natsuki> Natsuki: Happy Birthday! It's always fun being together with Rei-chan-senpai. I think you have an amazing power! Reiji: Thank you—! Nattsun is always happy go lucky so it's worthwhile talking to you☆

<Tokiya> Tokiya: Happy Birthday. Even though it's a joyous occasion, please be careful as to not get carried away, okay? Reiji: Tokki is as strict as usual! But I already knew that's also your way of being kind♪

<Ren> Ren: Happy Birthday, Bukki! Let's go for a drive together again somewhere and refresh ourselves. Reiji: Thank you Ren-Ren☆ I'll go pick out some good places later okay~♪

<Syo> Syo: Reiji-senpai, Happy Birthday! I found a good hat shop, so let's go shopping there together! Reiji: Eh~! If it’s a shop recommended by Syo-tan, then I have high expectations of it☆ Thanks, I'm looking forward to it!

<Cecil> Cecil: Happy Birthday! You've always been so kind to me, so today I will return the favor! Reiji: Cesshi! I'm so happy to hear that I almost burst into tears! To think that's how you thought of me already made my day☆

<Ranmaru> Ranmaru: It's your birthday? Well, Happy Birthday. I have nothing more to say at this point. Whether it's about music or other works, let's put all that we've had into it. Reiji: Why of course! Let's always do our best with our full power☆ I'll accept your celebration wish to me♪

<Ai> Ai: Since it's your birthday, why don't you show a bit of your maturity? Anyway, Happy Birthday Reiji. Reiji: Ai-Ai, thank you~! Don't get burned while looking at the grown-up Rei-chan, okay☆ Ah, don't ignore me!

<Camus> Camus: Since we're in the same group, let's at least celebrate your birthday. So, I assume there'll be a cake later, right? Reiji: Wait a minute~! Geez, Myu-chan you're so dishonest. But thanks for the birthday wish♪

<Eiichi> Eiichi: Looks like it's your birthday today, Happy Birthday. Since we're both the one who's responsible in keeping the group together, I'd like to talk about it sometime with you. Reiji: Thank you~☆ Although I'm not actually the leader, I'm interested in that topic. Do tell me more♪

<Kira> Kira: Happy…Birthday. The ability to create a cheerful atmosphere…and bring people together. It's a charm that I don't have. I'd like to learn it from you. Reiji: The fact that you praised me so seriously made this Onii-san so happy…! Let's learn a lot from each other's good points okay☆

<Nagi> Nagi: Happy birthday☆ I heard you knew a lot of retro words. If you knew something cute, do tell me~♪ Reiji: Ugh, is this what you call a generation gap… You're already cute enough as it is, I don't think you need that~☆

<Eiji> Eiji: Happy Birthday. I think it's so amazing that you've always made the atmosphere on set so relaxing. Reiji: Oh no~ I'm a little embarrassed to be told that by a guy from the different agency☆ It's perfectly OK for you to always imitate me♪

<Van> Van: I heard it's your birthday today, Happy Birthday! In exchange for celebration I have a suggestion, can you put a pizza on the Kotobuki Lunchbox? Reiji: Pizza~!? But, it might be quite a good surprise. I'll go and talk to them about it later☆ Thanks for the advice!

<Yamato> Yamato: Birthday, huh. I'm happy for you. I've always been indebted by this karaage from your place. Let me also express my thanks to you. Reiji: Don't tell me you're actually a big fan of our store!? That's great~♪ Also thanks for the birthday wish too☆

<Shion> Shion: I can feel such a warm vibes from your machocho word. I wish you a happy and prosperous day. Reiji: Don't tell me I'm being praised!? At times like this thank you very very machocho☆ Make sure to use it with HE★VENS too okay♪

[summertimegraffiti]

i'm Sorry.. (;_;) i'll study hard.. someday (;_;) #一十木音也 #音やん #ittokiotoya #otoyan #shininglive #utapri #hsc #exams #fml

[foxilery]

♪ Shining☆Romance - Ittoki Otoya  ♪