#otoyan

[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

[settsunoie]

Uta no prince-sama Music 2 - Episode 56 - English translation / Traduction française

Motivated to do another one tonight J'ai la motiv pour un second ce soir

Translation under the cut~

Video

English translation

Tokiya : Thank you so much ! Reiji : What did you think of our "Reckless ROman☆Tic" !! Hm~, your voices are too quiet ! Since you're my girls, I know you can do it louder. Ready, set ! Otoya : That was a nice response ! Thanks a lot for your support ! For sure, singing live feels so good ! The call & repond in this song were a lot of fun Tokiya : Regarding the lyrics, because everyone aswered our calls everything went well Reiji : They even are in synch. That's a first So, now that my girls are tired, we can lure you to some place, in order make you our captives of love Tokiya : Please don't joke around Otoya : We want you to like our songs forever, that's our real motive When we discussed about it, we wanted to make a song in which we could sing together with our fans. We wanted to feel a connection Tokiya : In this very moment, all of your lights look like a rainbow Reiji : Hey hey~, Tokki, aren't you too romantic~? Don't you think so too Otoyan Otoya : Hahahaha, you're right. "Like a rainbow", is really too romantic~! Reiji : I know, let's call it Tokiyatic ! Am I right ? Tokiya : I don't think so ! It's not something that unusual. And everyone don't cheer !

Traduction française

Tokiya : Merci beaucoup ! Reiji : Qu'est-ce que vous avez pensé de notre "ROman☆Tic sans répis" !! Hm, vos voix sont trop basses ! Puisque vous êtes mes girls vous pouvez le refaire encore plus fort ? Prêtes ! Otoya : Ouah super ! Merci encore pour votre support ! Pour sûr chanter sur scène c'est génial ! Les petites interactions qu'on a eu étaient extra funs Tokiya : Concernant les paroles, tout était parfait car vous avez suivi nos appels Reiji : Même eux deux sont en rythme. C'est une première Bon, maintenant que mes girls sont toutes fatiguées, nous pouvons en faire nos prisonnière de l'amour Tokiya : Arrête de blaguer Otoya : Nous voulons juste vous faire aimer encore plus nos musiques, c'est notre seule et unique intention Quand on s'esr rassemblé pour en parler, on voulait faire une musique dans laquelle nous pouvons chanter avec nos fans. On voulait sentir une connection Tokiya : En ce moment, toutes vos lumières entremêlées sont tel un arc-en-ciel Reiji : Hé hé~, Tokki, tu ne serais pas trop romantique ? T'es du même avis Otoyan ? Otoya : Hahahaha, t'as raison. "Tel un arc-en-ciel", ça c'est du romantisme~! Reiji : Je sais, appelons ça Tokiyatique ! Pas vrai ? Tokiya : Non ! C'est une expression commune. Et à chacun d'entre vous, ne les encouragez pas !

[camuslittlesister]

From the OA Archive: Potato Chips Challenge

Cute and fluffy SFW Utapri fic wrote in the before times when I still did things to try and make people like me instead of being known as a mildly sadistic 👀 BL seme bestie thinks my “just 70%” sadism in the BDSM quiz is not “just” but I think I’m just a sweet and cute girlie who, in Zen Kirishima’s immortal words, likes to put stuck up guys in their place

And also Prince Silvio. Brat 😡 how dare you 😡but I digress

If you’ve never been in the Otome Amino, we had weekly challenges with a theme and we’d make posts based on the prompts. The title is self-explanatory. I’m clearing out my Evernote so posting bits on here for posterity.

OC/self-insert/Tomochika for MC because I can’t stand Haruka

Group trips after dark always turn into a game of musical chair of sorts, as people move from one room to another to spend time with their favourite people, or find some peace away from the rowdy crowd so they can sleep. This trip was like any other, I thought, on my way to the convenience store with Reiji while Ren rallied the troops.

“Who do you think is going to come? We should get things we’re all going to like” we already counted Ranmaru and Tokiya out, the latter after a lecture on the dangers of the salty fried snacks we were after.

Reiji looked pensive for a second: “Otoyan, Nattsun, I’m not sure. Let’s just get a bit of everything” maybe Tokiya had a point after all...

“I like the wavy ones” I said, and he grabbed two bags of wavy salted chips, winking at me. “Let’s hide one of them from the others, it’s ours”

“Sure thing, partner!” they were relatively small bags, and yet he bought seemingly every flavour of chips under the sun, and our hands were full on the way back to the hotel.

We headed for the room where everyone else had already gathered and dropped the bags. I made for sitting down but Ren stopped me: “It’s a pajama party, young lady, that’s not a pajama”

“But it’s cold!” the expression on his face left no room to argue. When I went back to the room after changing, Natsuki wrapped me into his hooded Piyo-chan blanket and sat next to me as I sat next to Reiji, our secret stash of chips carefully hidden in the pocket of his hoodie. The bags of chips were passed around the room just as the game of Snap brought out the competitiveness in everyone.

“Should we force those two to bet the bag they’ve tried to hide?” Ren looked at us teasingly. Everyone around the table agreed. I pouted. “Sure, we’ll just win it back” Reiji accepted the challenge. In the end, I won it back, but Natsuki stole from it and we just ended up sharing it after all, joking and laughing into the wee hours of the night.

[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

[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

[shiningwonderland]

Reiji Kotobuki (All Star)

Translator: Belen (Twitter: reiharus)

Proofreader: Raine (Twitter: amagiyas)

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

Chapter Four — Dissonance Connection

Last year, some time after the Christmas live, I received a text from Kotobuki-senpai.

It’s Rei-chan! Good job on the Christmas live!! Going forward, let’s keep doing our best. By the way, wanna do a New Year’s shrine visit together? I’m thinking of inviting Otoyan and Tokki too, so make sure to come, Kouhai-chan. It’s a small shrine near the office, so I think we can take it easy since there won’t be many people. Let’s make it THE shrine visit of the year together! Anyway, I’ll be waiting for your reply. From Rei-chan ☆

I replied to Kotobuki-senpai saying that I would love to go and closed my phone.

I’m really looking forward to this visit!

And so, the day after New Year’s, I put on a kimono at my parents’ home and head to the shrine near the office in full spirits.

Reiji Kotobuki: Heya! Kouhai-chan, sorry for the wai—whaaat, a kimono?!

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes…. Does it not suit me?

I’m not used to it, so it’s not only a little difficult to wear, but also embarrassing.

Reiji Kotobuki: No-no-no, you look great! The year has just started and my eyes have already been blessed. Oh, that’s right. Happy New Year.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes, happy New Year!

We exchange our New Year’s greetings at the designated meeting place.

Reiji Kotobuki: Let’s get along this year, too! It feels like I’ve gotten a great New Year’s present. This is gonna be a good year, yup.

The moment I lift my face, Kotobuki-senpai gives me the best smile of the year.

Wah, I’m glad I made sure to come in a kimono….

Then, we meet up with Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san and head to the shrine.

Tokiya Ichinose: … Really, such simple-minded excitement is just like a child's….

Reiji Kotobuki: Whaaaa—? Listen, it’s a kimono! Anyone would get hype, right?

Kotobuki-senpai is in a great mood as we make our way to the shrine.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah! Nanami, it looks so good on you. Very cute!

Reiji Kotobuki: See? See~?! Otoyan gets it! The New Year’s mood is rising. Thanks, or rather, I’m grateful!

Kotobuki-senpai presses his hands together and makes a praying pose in my direction.

Haruka Nanami: Wah, it's a bit much if you revere me like that….

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, Rei-chan, that’s not where you pray. Let’s go over here.

Ittoki-kun drags Kotobuki-senpai back.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, hey-hey! You're too honest, jokes fly over your head.

When a straight-faced Ittoki-kun tackles him in a firm grip, he laughs bitterly at the harshness of the punishment for his joke.

Tokiya Ichinose: Otoya! The entrance is over there!

Ichinose-san points in the opposite direction Ittoki-kun had been going.

The dynamic between the three is a perfect match; seeing them together makes me feel really happy.

I wonder what the Master Course was like.

I heard there were many difficulties, but still, I’m sure it was fun….

As I see the three of them chatting happily, I feel like I can picture it.

We go to the front shrine and make an offering.

Reiji Kotobuki: Say, Otoyan, Tokki, what did you ask for?

Otoya Ittoki: I asked to be the best idol in the world, of course! And for a successful live!

Haruka Nanami: Hehe, that’s just like you.

Otoya Ittoki: What about you, Tokiya?

Tokiya Ichinose: Mine was ordinary; I asked for good health…. After all, the body is the most important asset.

Otoya Ittoki: Really, Tokiya is as serious as always. Ah, hey, what did you ask for?

Ittoki-kun asks me.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, me? I….

Select the phrase!

That Kotobuki-senpai can win (+15 Love +0 Music)

I asked for Kotobuki-senpai to be able to win at the Song Festival.

Reiji Kotobuki: As expected from my partner! Wonderful, Kouhai-chan!!

Kotobuki-senpai gives Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san a proud look as he says that.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ll make your wish come true, for sure.

Kotobuki-senpai gives me a sweet smile.

Haruka Nanami: What did you ask for, Senpai?

When I ask that, Kotobuki-senpai puffs his chest out.

Reiji Kotobuki: Me…? Heh, heh~ That Kouhai-chan can debut. We’re partners, after all.

Haruka Nanami: Waah…. T-thank you very much!

I bow my head to Kotobuki-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: Don’t bow like that. I’ve only prayed. Well, I did splurge a bit with the money offering.

Kotobuki-senpai winks.

Haruka Nanami: But it makes me happy.

The fact that Kotobuki-senpai worries about me makes me happy. It makes me break into a smile without realizing.

And after staring at each other….

Otoya Ittoki: Whoa, you two are close. It kinda makes me jealous somehow.

By the time I notice, Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san are staring at us.

Haruka Nanami: T-that’s….

Flustered, I look towards Kotobuki-senpai, who has averted his gaze as well.

Reiji Kotobuki: Okaaaaay! Now, let’s draw our fortunes, c’mon!

Kotobuki-senpai pushes my back when he says that and we head towards the fortunes.

Otoya Ittoki: Alright, great fortune, come out! … Ah, average fortune, well that's fine. How’s yours, Tokiya?

Tokiya Ichinose: Mine is… future fortune.

Otoya Ittoki: Eh, how long is it gonna make you wait?

Ichinose-san looks dumbfounded by Ittoki-kun’s question.

Haruka Nanami: Let’s see, my fortune is…. Great fortune!

Ittoki-kun comes running at the sound of my exclamation.

Otoya Ittoki: Waah, isn’t that awesome?! That’s great for you, Nanami. You'll debut for sure!!

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I’m happy.

Reiji Kotobuki: Congrats, it’s a good sign~ Okay, it’s my turn now. Come ooon!

Kotobuki-senpai pulls out his fortune vigorously…

... then freezes.

Tokiya Ichinose: Kotobuki-san, is something wrong? Your face looks a bit pale….

What…. Is Kotobuki-senpai trembling…?

Haruka Nanami: S-Senpai?! Are you alright?

Otoya Ittoki: Hey, Rei-chan, what's your fortune?

We approach Kotobuki-senpai and he slowly shows us his fortune.

Reiji Kotobuki: … Catastrophic fortune.

Haruka Nanami: Whaaaat?!

Otoya Ittoki: Whaa—?! Catastrophic?! That exists?!

Tokiya Ichinose: Shh! You’re too loud!

We stand there in shock, Kotobuki-senpai still trembling while holding his fortune out to us.

Tokiya Ichinose: Still, I’ve heard about drawing a bad fortune at New Year’s, but catastrophic… I don't even know if I should call that unlucky, or what….

Reiji Kotobuki: Wishes: won’t come true. Travel: you'll get lost. Work: failure. Marriage: no relationships. Waiting for someone: they’re not coming. Losing something: not retrieving it. Taking a path: all going wrong. Childbirth: difficult delivery.

Kotobuki-senpai reads the contents of the fortune in a deadpan tone.

He has a dark expression I’ve never seen on him before.

The rest of us exchange glances at the unexpected event.

I have to do my best and follow up as his partner now!

Select the phrase!

Let’s exchange them (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: Um… here, let’s exchange ours.

I offer him my fortune as I say that.

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh...? But if we do that, your luck will….

Haruka Nanami: It’s fine, see….

We exchange the fortunes and then I tie his to the branch of a tree on the temple grounds.

Haruka Nanami: If we do it like this, the god will take away the bad luck.

Reiji Kotobuki: Really, you… are such a good girl!!

Kotobuki-senpai looks at me happily.

Reiji Kotobuki: Okay then, let’s split the luck in this one between the two of us. I'll always carry it as a treasure.

Kotobuki-senpai folds the fortune carefully and puts it in his pocket, tapping it lightly.

Haruka Nanami: Yes, please do!

Kotobuki-senpai is also very kind.

After that, we take a walk around the grounds.

We drink amazake, wander around looking at the amulets, and spend our time relaxing.

After you become an idol, there aren’t many chances to spend time outside like this anymore, so the time we’ve spent here is valuable and lots of fun.

I hope we can all get through this year without trouble and that we can spend the next year together like this again.

In my mind's eye, I place my hands together and recite that final prayer once more.

On the way back home, the conversation turns to work.

Otoya Ittoki: Um, once the live is over, I have a meeting about my next CD and then an audition for a drama. It’s for a supporting character, but it'll air during prime time. The original work is a manga and the story seems super fun. I want it really badly, so I’ll do my best.

Tokiya Ichinose: As for me, a few days ago there were talks about a drama promotion we were looking into and a movie, so I've been preparing for that.

I also want to work on my next song, so we’re having meetings about it, and funding through partnerships.

Haruka Nanami: Whoa, you two are working so hard!

“What about you, Rei-chan?," Ittoki-kun asks.

Reiji Kotobuki: Let’s see…. Aside from ongoing jobs, a request for a drama just came in…. And then, of course, there’s the Song Festival!!

He puffs out his chest as he speaks.

Reiji Kotobuki: But really, you two are working so hard, I can’t lose to you~

Tokiya Ichinose: Of course not. If our senpai were to lose to us, what would we do?

Ichinose-san sighs deeply.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. Rei-chan is our goal, you have to keep on shining more and more!

Reiji Kotobuki: Hahaha, I guess that’s right. I won’t be defeated by some youngsters just yet! Follow me, my men~

Otoya Ittoki: Whoa, wait up!!

The three of them start running and I chase after them as fast as I can.

Afterwards, we return to the office.

Haruka Nanami: Oh… do you have a meeting?

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, yes, we'll be having a meeting about hidden talents today.

Haruka Nanami: Hidden talents…?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, Nanami, you haven’t heard?

Haruka Nanami: No….

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, I forgot to tell Kouhai-chan…. Let’s see, you know about the New Year’s party that our agency holds every year?

Kotobuki-senpai starts to explain.

The agency holds a New Year’s party in January every year.

Although it is very exclusive, it looks like a very large party hall is booked.

And if we are to mention the highlight of this party, it would be the hidden talents contest between the stars of the agency.

Reiji Kotobuki: So for this year's party, Otoyan, Tokki and I will participate as a unit!

Haruka Nanami: Oh, is that so?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, it looks like we were divided into Master Course teams. Also, since the venue is so luxurious, the prize of this contest should be luxurious too, right?

Tokiya Ichinose: There will be no cameras, though, so it’s a side-show for the agency only. I think it’s a bit extreme but….

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, hey, Tokki! It’s a tradition in our agency, so we have to do it properly. Besides, if the prize is very luxurious, you can expect the punishment game for the last place to be tremendous too. Even if it's just a side show, we can’t cut corners for this job. That's why I’m counting on your support, Kouhai-chan!

Kotobuki-senpai flashes a quick thumbs up.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes!

At my reply, Kotobuki-senpai’s team begins their meeting at full power.

What kind of hidden talents show will it be? I’m looking forward to it!

A week later, the day of the New Year’s party of Shining Agency comes.

Having all the stars from Shining Agency gathered in the same building feels so glamorous.

I'm part of the agency as well, but setting foot in this dazzling hall makes me nervous.

Reiji Kotobuki: Heeey, Kouhai-chan!

I hear Kotobuki-senpai’s voice.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

When I look in the direction the voice came from, I see a big, dancing lion.

Our eyes meet.

Then, the lion twists its body and runs towards me.

Haruka Nanami: What?!

I-it’s fast!

Seeing the dancing lion's extreme speed, I feel my body freeze. Then, it stops right before me sharply and its mouth opens wide.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan, welcooome! Did I surprise you?

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai!

I see Kotobuki-senpai, dressed in a kimono, emerge from the dancing lion.

Reiji Kotobuki: Today, I’m lion dancer Rei-chan. If a dancing lion bites your head, you’ll be healthy for the rest of the year. Sei! Be in good health!

Haruka Nanami: Aaaah!

The mouth of the dancing lion bites my head.

Camus: Kotobuki…. What games have you been playing with that strange puppet?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Camus-senpai. Kurosaki-senpai too!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: What, you’re here too?

Kurosaki-senpai lifts his face, his mouth filled with New Year’s food.

It looks like Mikaze-senpai is here too.

Today, everyone is wearing kimono for some reason….

Haruka Nanami: Happy New Year. You all look so cool!!

Camus: Of course. Wearing the traditional clothes of this small, Asian country with style is child's play.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: What? You say that, but who’s the guy who got both legs caught in one side of the hakama?

Camus: Shut up!

Ai Mikaze: Hm, Happy New Year. Do take care of Reiji this year, too.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, yes, take care of me. Wait, shouldn't it be the other way around?

While we’re all chatting, other agency members start calling out to Kotobuki-senpai.

Male star: Rei-chan, have you been well?

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes, of course! More than well!

Male star: Don't see ya much lately, man. Workin’ a lot? You have a long-running career, yet you don’t take advantage of it.

Reiji Kotobuki: Geez~ Cut it out with the “long career” thing!!

After that, lion dancer Kotobuki-senpai speaks with a lot of people.

As expected from Kotobuki-senpai, he’s so well-known....

Between all the rush of activity, time passes in the blink of an eye….

Shining Saotome: Now!! What you’ve been waiting for, the entertainment corner. All of YOU, the hidden talents are here, YO.

After announcing the opening of the New Year’s party, the statement from the president resounds in the hall; the time has finally come.

One by one, the idols of Shining Agency will show off their hidden skills.

Despite having been busy only moments before, it's as if everyone is prepared and ready to start their performances before I can blink.

Oh, Hyuga-sensei is pulling a tablecloth this year too….

Ryuya Hyuga: OK, let’s go. Hnnng!!

Amazing, he pulled the cloth off a long table in a single movement.

But all the food is still intact and so is the champagne tower! It’s like magic!

Ryuya Hyuga: Like that!

The teams come one after another until, finally, it’s Kotobuki-senpai’s turn.

Enormous equipment is installed onstage and the surrounding lights are dimmed.

Reiji Kotobuki: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. FATHERS AND MOTHERS. GOOD EEEVENING!

Ryuya Hyuga: What a waste of a nice set. How much was it? Looks like a fortune....

Hyuga-sensei, maybe out of habit from his work, seems to be calculating the budget involved.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Apparently, Rei-chan has paid for the preparations himself, so generous~ At least when it comes to things like these.

Reiji Kotobuki: Okay, over there~~ Keep quiet~ Now, now, Rei-chan is here with his charming friends~

Tokiya Ichinose: Please don’t put us in the same boat as you.

Ichinose-san’s retort comes from out of view.

Reiji Kotobuki: FANTASTIC VERY VERY ENTERTAINING MAGIC SHOW, STAAAAART!!

As Kotobuki-senpai shouts, some dubious music begins to play.

Kotobuki-senpai quickly puts a hand into his kimono and pulls out a small national flag.

Ah, that’s the logo of Kotobuki-senpai’s family lunch box shop….

Ai Mikaze: What, is this an advertisement? Other than that, it appears relatively unremarkable, though.

Mikaze-senpai points this out in his usual indifferent tone.

Reiji Kotobuki: Tch, tch, tch! We’re not done yet! Next, come on~~!

Kotobuki-senpai snaps his fingers and red and white petals start falling in the hall.

Haruka Nanami: Whoaaa, so pretty!

Reiji Kotobuki: Take them…. My girl.

When he winks and throws a kiss in the air, high-pitched screams from women fill the hall.

It seemed like our eyes met, but was it just my imagination?

Reiji Kotobuki: Let’s continue…. I’ll show you mysterious appearing magic. HEY, BOYS!

Tokiya Ichinose: Please don’t call me “boy.” Seriously, why me….

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, yes~! But… I wasn’t expecting this box to be heavy… and Rei-chan won’t tell us what’s in it.

Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san emerge, carrying a small box.

It looks just big enough to fit a basketball.

What’s inside of it?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Pff, stupid. Probably just a pigeon or somethin’.

Kurosaki-senpai stops paying attention to the stage and puts some food in his mouth.

Reiji Kotobuki: Look forward to seeing it! Now, Otoyan! Cast the spell!

Otoya Ittoki: Understood! Para…? Eh. Parasol?! That’s not it…. Eh, was it bavarois?

Tokiya Ichinose: It was “Parallel pararira, papapa no pa! Pandora box, paradise!” A phrase that simple, how come you can’t remember?

What was…?

Tokiya Ichinose: Plus, saying those words is just an excuse to do the trick. Any words would be fine. You really don’t understand anything.

Somehow, from inside the box, a furry hand is….

???: Grrrrrrrrr….

Otoya Ittoki: What? Tokiya, is that your stomach?

???: ROAAAAAAR!!!

A lion rushes out of the box, accompanied by a great roar.

Haruka Nanami: Kyaaaa!!

The guests start a commotion in the hall too.

Camus: Oh, how did it fit in that small box? Quite interesting.

Syo Kurusu: It can’t be….

Syo-kun frowns.

Shining Saotome: Aaaah ME cute, cute Rodriguez~

Rodriguez?

Ah, that’s the agency’s lion talent!

Tokiya Ichinose: It’s okay, Otoya. Calm down. The lion is an animal talent.

Ichinose-san hides behind Ittoki-kun as he says that.

Otoya Ittoki: B-but, he seems really, really angry….

Reiji Kotobuki: Don’t be so nitpicky!! Here, Otoyan, bring some food to Rodrin.

Kotobuki-senpai gives Ittoki-kun a plate of karaage.

Rodriguez: ROAAAARRRR!!!

Otoya Ittoki: WAAAAAAH, H-H-HELP MEEE!!

Rodriguez-san goes after the karaage and starts chasing after Ittoki-kun, and then they leave the hall.

I wonder if Ittoki-kun is alright….

Tokiya Ichinose: Please forgive me, Otoya. Stay safe…. Well, that’s enough, let’s finish it here….

Reiji Kotobuki: What are you talking about, Tokki, there’s still much-much-much-much more!! Well, the truth is that Otoyan was going to do it, but… sei!

Tokiya Ichinose: Ah, this…. W-what are you doing? O-ouch….

Leaving him no time to resist, Kotobuki-senpai ties Ichinose-san up with a thick rope at the speed of light.

Reiji Kotobuki: Next is today’s main event! Critical moment?! Underwater escape magic!

At his signal, the cloth that was hanging over the set is blown off and a huge water tank is revealed.

This… may be….

Tokiya Ichinose: Wait, Kotobuki-san. Please untie me!

Reiji Kotobuki: Now, now, don’t say that. Come on, get in, get in~!

Kotobuki-senpai quickly pushes the bound Ichinose-san from behind and forces him up the stairs of the tank.

Tokiya Ichinose: Please stop this! I’m getting angry for real now! Even if you’re my senpai, that doesn’t mean I’ll forgive you!

Ichinose-san continues resisting with a voice that sounds strange from his body being constricted by the rope.

It certainly is very suspenseful, looking at it from here.

Reiji Kotobuki: Tokki, do you not believe in me?

Tokiya Ichinose: How could I believe in you?!

The two seem to be arguing at the highest point of the set.

Reiji Kotobuki: You don’t have to be like that. It really is aaalrighty, so don’t worry! … By the way, was this the correct knot?

Tokiya Ichinose: Don’t joke around!!!

Ichinose-san says this as he uses all of his strength to resist.

Reiji Kotobuki: Waaah, wait, Tokki, calm down!!

Kotobuki-senpai is pushed backward from the force.

Tokiya Ichinose: Wha—?!

Reiji Kotobuki: Waaatotototo—!!

Ah, they’ve fallen into the tank!

Reiji Kotobuki: Glub, gulp, gloop.

Then, Kotobuki-senpai sort of manages to grab the restrained Ichinose-san and climb up the tank.

Haruka Nanami: Wah, careful!!

As soon as I shout that, the tank falls over the hall with a crash.

The water gushing out from the tank looks like Niagara Falls.

Haruka Nanami: Are you okay?!

I panic and rush to the two of them.

Reiji Kotobuki: O-ouch…. Ow, what a failure!! But I’m glad we’re okay~

Tokiya Ichinose: We’re not okay! Hurry and get off… and remove this rope!!

Ichinose-san struggles under Kotobuki-senpai, soaked in water and looking furious as he shouts.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Rei-chan, flooding the hall is not okay~! Why have you done this?!

Ryuya Hyuga: Reiji, damn you. You better be paying for the cleaning of the venue….

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh, eeeh, sorry-sorry, it was just a joke…. Don’t be so angry at me, everybody~

Ignoring those words, everyone in the hall moves in on Kotobuki-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: ... Since it’s come to this…. He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day!! Bye-bee!! ADIÓS☆

Trying to look charming by sticking his tongue out, Kotobuki-senpai salutes, rushes out of the hall, and escapes.

Ryuya Hyuga: Reiji, you bastard!!

The rest of us are left celebrating the New Year’s angrily in the flooded hall.

Eventually, they catch Kotobuki-senpai and everyone scolds him.

Some time later....

I head to a TV station to have a meeting about the Song Festival with Kotobuki-senpai, but....

When I arrive at the studio, I pass by Ichinose-san and Ittoki-kun. They were supposed to appear together with Kotobuki-senpai, but now they are going home.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Does Kotobuki-senpai have the day off?

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, it seems he’s caught a cold, so the recording was called off.

Tokiya Ichinose: For someone like him to catch a cold… are pigs about to fly as well? Well, thanks to that, I can take some time off. It’s been a while.

While saying that, they look at each other anxiously.

After the New Year’s party, I was asked by my composition senpai to help arrange a score, so I was busy and couldn’t see Kotobuki-senpai.

I think it was a week ago when I saw him at the office and he was about to go to an audition for a drama….

At that time, I thought that he didn’t look too well, but thought that maybe he was just nervous, so we just talked about the Song Festival very briefly.

Since then, we've both been busy, so I worked on making the demo for the Song Festival at home on my own….

Haruka Nanami: Then that must be… the other day during the talent show....

Otoya Ittoki: I mean, that may be where it started, but he also had lots of work afterward. It seems like being in bad condition without rest made it worse.

Haruka Nanami: Is that so….

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, it was also an outdoor location, and it seems like he couldn’t refuse because he did it as a favor for a producer he’s known for a long time.

Tokiya Ichinose: You can say it was this or that, but it’s just that he’s a busy person. You might think he looks great, and he’s always caring about others. But under all of that, he’s careless about his own health.

Otoya Ittoki: Tokiya, I can’t tell if that’s meant to be praise or not.

Ittoki-kun says that in a suspicious tone.

But I wonder if Kotobuki-senpai really is okay….

Haruka Nanami: I’m going to check on him.

Tokiya Ichinose: I see. Please take care of him. Actually… I’m a bit worried….

Ichinose-san frowns as he says that.

After parting from the two of them, I exit through the staff entrance and see a familiar figure.

Haruka Nanami: Oh… Katagiri-san?

Hibiki: Ah, it’s you. Long time no see….

I catch a glimpse of a man in a sweater next to Katagiri-san, slightly raising his hand.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you for the song battle from a while ago. I learned a lot of things.

Hibiki: Nah, you made me enjoy it, y’know. It’s good the audience enjoyed it too. So, what are you up to?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I came to meet with Kotobuki-senpai about the Song Festival, but he’s off work due to a cold….

Hibiki: Ah, Reiji? Strange that somebody like him would get sick. Idiots can’t catch colds, or so people say.

Haruka Nanami: He’s been very busy lately, so that could have made it worse. I’m worried, so I thought I’d go to his house and check on him.

Man in the sweater: Oh….

The man in the sweater, who had been quiet until then, looks at me, interested.

Just who is this person?

Man in the sweater: Do you work for Shining Agency? Are you Reiji Kotobuki’s assistant or something?

Haruka Nanami: No, I’m a composer. I’m Kotobuki-senpai’s partner for the Song Festival….

Hibiki: Takeda-san....

Katagiri-san speaks with a warning tone, as if telling him to stop.

The man in the sweater… Takeda-san reacts to that, shrugging his shoulders.

Hibiki: You’d better go now. But I don’t think it’s a good idea for a woman to go to a man’s house alone.

That may be true but….

Haruka Nanami: But I’m worried….

Takeda: Isn’t it good? The love between partners. Trying to stop her is insensitive, Katagiri-san.

Takeda-san grins as he says that.

Hibiki: ….

Haruka Nanami: So… I’ll take my leave….

Feeling uncomfortable, I bow slightly and continue on my way.

Hibiki: Then… take care.

As he says that, Katagiri-san sharply averts his eyes from me.

I ask at the office and sure enough, Kotobuki-senpai’s cold is terrible. It seems that his phone is not on, so I can’t contact him.

Apparently, there are also some documents I need to give him, so I really should go see how he’s doing.

I obtain the address from a member of the staff, take the documents, and head for Senpai’s apartment.

Haruka Nanami: Around here...? Oh, here it is.

Kotobuki-senpai’s place isn’t far from the office.

Haruka Nanami: Such a big apartment building….

Since the door has an automatic lock, I push the apartment number button at the entrance.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yes…?

I hear Kotobuki-senpai’s voice through the intercom.

He sounds pretty unwell.

Haruka Nanami: Um… It’s Nanami….

Reiji Kotobuki: Whaaat? Kouhai-chan? Cough… cough….

Haruka Nanami: Are you okay?

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh? Oh, yes. So, what’s going on?

Haruka Nanami: Um, I heard that you caught a cold, so I came to visit and bring you some documents from the agency….

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah… did you come all the way for that…?

After a few moments....

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ll buzz you in now so you can come up. Ah, and make sure to take your time! No need to rush!!

Haruka Nanami: Oh… okay….

Then, I hear the lock opening and I head upstairs to Kotobuki-senpai’s home as instructed.

After waiting for a bit before entering the apartment, with Kotobuki-senpai saying, “A bit more, please wait a bit more!!”….

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m sorry for making you come. I’m feeling better so….

I'm shown into Senpai’s living room.

His apartment is beautifully tidy….

And Senpai also looks healthier than I thought….

Haruka Nanami: Me too, I’m sorry I came uninvited.

Reiji Kotobuki: No, it’s no problem. Oh, do you want to drink something? Coffee? Tea?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I’ll take care of it! Senpai, please sit down!!

Reiji Kotobuki: No!! Don’t come over here!! I can brew some tea myself, so....

I try to go to the kitchen, but Senpai stands in the way.

Reiji Kotobuki: Please don’t go into any rooms other than the living room! So, coffee, tea?

Haruka Nanami: Oh… then tea….

Kotobuki-senpai nods emphatically and heads to the kitchen.

Then, I guess I’ll take out the present….

Select the phrase!

Ice cream (+15 Love)

Reiji Kotobuki: Here’s your tea. Whoa! Isn’t this ice cream? And from my favorite shop!

Haruka Nanami: I’m glad you like it. Think of it as a present.

Reiji Kotobuki: Really, I appreciate it so much! Then, then.... Gonna go all-out and enjoy this delicious ice cream!!

Kotobuki-senpai puts some ice cream in his mouth.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kooo~ It’s better than usual! When I have a fever, I like having cold things. You pay good attention to details, Kouhai-chan.

Kotobuki-senpai smiles sweetly as he says that.

Then, we drink some tea….

Chat a bit in between….

But, as expected, Kotobuki-senpai is quieter than usual….

If possible, I also wanted to talk about the Song Festival, but I guess it’s better to leave it for another day….

Haruka Nanami: Then, I’ll get going…. Oh, let me clean this up.

I put the cups on the tray and try to head to the kitchen, but then….

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah, I said it’s alright! I’ll do… Ah….

Kotobuki-senpai, who stood up in a rush, now holds his head down.

Eh?

Haruka Nanami: K-Kotobuki-senpai…?

The next moment, Kotobuki-senpai starts shaking violently.

I put the tray aside in a panic and hold his body….

Haruka Nanami: You're burning up… Senpai, your fever….

Reiji Kotobuki: Haaa… haaa… haaa. You’ve seen... my messy side, hahaha….

I put my hand on his forehead and it’s very hot.

Haruka Nanami: Anyway, to your bed!

With me supporting his weight, we head towards his bedroom.

I open the door to the room that seems like the bedroom.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah… over there is… no good….

Haruka Nanami: ….

Inside, huge piles of clothes and magazines are all over the place.

In the end, Senpai’s fever is about 39ºC (103ºF).

After putting him to bed, I make him take some medicine I found and cool down his forehead with a damp cloth.

I head to the kitchen and make some rice porridge with what I find in the fridge while washing the dishes, among other things.

Senpai wakes up just as I finish making it.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m sorry, Kouhai-chan… I didn’t want to make you worry….

Haruka Nanami: No, I’m sorry I didn’t notice. Besides, I probably went too far with the cleaning….

I sit down facing Kotobuki-senpai, who has taken a shower after sweating a lot.

He still looks bad, but he seems better than before.

I put my hand on his forehead.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… the fever seems to have gone down, too.

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh… ah, yes….

Senpai blushes faintly and looks at me.

Yuuup, he may still have a fever….

I reach out again.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you, Kouhai-chan…. It’s kind of embarrassing. This is the first time I've let someone see me weak like this.

Kotobuki-senpai gently takes my hand as he says that.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… um….

Reiji Kotobuki: Really, thank you. You nursed me, so it’s okay now. Looks like it was more effective than the medicine.

Ah… I’m glad. He looks a bit better now.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, Senpai, I made rice porridge. Do you want some?

I try to get up as I say that, but Kotobuki-senpai holds my hand tightly.

Haruka Nanami: Um….

Select the phrase!

……… (+20 Love)

Haruka Nanami: ….

Not being able to say anything, I look down at my hand where it's still being held in his.

Reiji Kotobuki: What’s the matter? Is it bad?

Kotobuki-senpai asks, looking at my face and continuing to hold my hand.

I shake my head.

Reiji Kotobuki: I see, I’m glad…. If it’s okay then, let’s stay like this for a moment and enjoy the atmosphere....

Kotobuki-senpai smiles as he says that.

Reiji Kotobuki: Alright, all charged up! Now, let's have some of Kouhai-chan’s rice porridge.

Kotobuki-senpai finally releases my hand when he says that.

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

I run to the kitchen to escape from the embarrassment.

Afterwards, I carry back the warm porridge I made.

Reiji Kotobuki: Oh, egg porridge. It looks so delicious!!

Haruka Nanami: Sorry for using the things in the fridge without your permission.

Reiji Kotobuki: And before I knew it, the kitchen’s all clean~ I’m sorry for everything.

Haruka Nanami: No, it’s fine. Besides, you have all the necessary tools and seasonings. It was easy to use.

Reiji Kotobuki: I haven’t prepared much food since I’ve been so busy lately, but I like to stock all the basics at least. That way it’s ready if anybody visits. Also, you could make this for me precisely because the kitchen was prepared! OK, thank you for the meal~ … Whoa, it’s hot!! Nah~ this is too hot. Impossible for a sick person~ It should be cooled a little more….

Haruka Nanami: Aah, are you okay? Sorry, I’ll cool it a bit.

I take the spoon from his hand and blow on the mouthful of porridge lightly.

Seeing that, Kotobuki-senpai grins.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, Kouhai-chan, do that thing!! The “say ‘aaah’” thing.

Haruka Nanami: Wh-what?

Reiji Kotobuki: See, if you do it, I’ll get over the cold just like that~ And also, I’m so hungry I could die.

Kotobuki-senpai fixes his eyes on me as he says that.

W-what should I do…?

Select the phrase!

Then… say "aaah" (+30 Love)

I-it’s embarrassing, but if it will help Kotobuki-senpai’s cold....

Haruka Nanami: T-then, here it comes. S-say “aaah”….

I say as I hold the rice porridge out.

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan, are you okay? Your face is all red. Did you catch my cold?

Senpai pokes my cheeks.

Haruka Nanami: I-it’s not that. More importantly, please eat this fast or it’s going to fall.

The porridge sways, maybe because the serving was a bit much.

Reiji Kotobuki: Eeh, but this seems too good to eat~

Haruka Nanami: But if you wait too long, it will get cold, won’t it?

Reiji Kotobuki: Hehe, that’s right. And it was you who made it, after all. Now, while it’s warm, let’s enjoy the meal~

Senpai eats the porridge from my spoon in one bite.

I-I wonder how it is…?

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s incredibly delicious. Thank you, Kouhai-chan, I love it.

Kotobuki-senpai gives me a sweet smile.

By the time Kotobuki-senpai finishes the porridge, he seems totally energized.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you for the meal. It was so good! You also nursed me and cleaned up, really Kouhai-chan, you’d be a good wife.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much.

I’m kind of embarrassed.

Reiji Kotobuki: Yeaaah, but before that, you have to become a good composer. Ah, that’s right.

Kotobuki-senpai claps his hands.

Reiji Kotobuki: If it’s all right with you, would you like to hold the meeting about the Song Festival here? I couldn’t give you much time.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I’d be happy to. I have a demo done, more or less, and I also brought a music player.

I take out the player I've been carrying around so that I can listen to it any time.

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s my Kouhai-chaaan~ You’re so thoughtful. Well then, let me listen to it now.

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

I connect the player to the stereo in Senpai’s room and play the song.

SONG: "DEKIAI TEMPTATION" (S RANK)

Reiji Kotobuki: Making a song like this…. You’re a bad girl, what am I supposed to do…?

Kotobuki-senpai, who has finished listening to the song, whispers in my ear.

Haruka Nanami: Eh… um….

Reiji Kotobuki: Your melody makes me dizzy, so you’ll have to take responsibility.

He says that and looks at me as if teasing me.

Reiji Kotobuki: I see, a sizzling idol song, isn’t that nice?

He speaks happily when he’s done listening to the song.

I’m glad, it looks like he liked it!

Haruka Nanami: Yes. When people think of you, they think of an orthodox idol, so I was straightforward when making it.

Reiji Kotobuki: You really are some partner. It reminds me of songs I liked when I was little. I’m sure I can sing it well.

That said, Kotobuki-senpai sings some different idol songs.

Whoa… he’s so good.

Kotobuki-senpai notices me looking at him in amazement.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’ve loved idols since I was little; I could imitate them well. I’d gather my friends in the neighborhood park and do Rei-chan concerts and such. It was no different from what I do now.

Kotobuki-senpai looks into the distance, filled with nostalgia. But... his expression is complicated, like there’s some sadness mixed in.

As if unraveling his past little by little, Kotobuki-senpai tells me the story.

Reiji Kotobuki: They were recording a drama in the neighborhood and the producer took a liking to me by chance, so I got the opportunity to appear in that drama. Then I made a debut CD. It was popular for a while, but after that I didn’t hit big time…. I kept wandering around with no goals, but my mom found an application for Saotome Academy, and that’s why I enrolled.

Haruka Nanami: So, that’s what happened.

As if he has found the determination to do something, he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Reiji Kotobuki: Really, my school days were a mess. There were many struggles, and meeting so many talented people made me feel overwhelmed. But I made a promise to reach this dream with my friends, and seeing them giving it their all really encouraged me as well. There’s no way I shouldn’t be happy that I was able to make my dream come true and live off it, honestly.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai…?

He looks very pained while talking about this, yet tries to force a smile.

That’s how it feels to me.

Reiji Kotobuki: Standing on that sparkling stage, being supported by the fans, shining as an idol. I know I’m in a privileged position, but even in that happy, shining place, I can’t enjoy it from the bottom of my heart. There are a lot of people who wanted to make their dreams come true, but couldn’t. It’s a luxury….

The shining idol that everyone loves. People look at him and think he’s happy, but they don’t know if that happiness is real.

There is sorrow hidden behind the smile that makes everyone happy….

Reiji Kotobuki: The more I work as an idol, the more my heart is kept prisoner. The same way that when the light gets brighter, the shadows get darker. I feel like I’m becoming soot-black. Still… I lust for more happiness. Maybe way too much happiness got me overexcited.

He reaches his warm hand to me and gently strokes my head.

Reiji Kotobuki: That’s the story. Weeell, let’s go back to the usual Rei-chan! Forget about this.

Kotobuki-senpai smiles while stretching.

I wish I could help ease his pain if only a little. But I can’t find a way to solve it.

Before we realize, it's completely dark outside.

Haruka Nanami: Then, I’ll be going. Sorry for staying so long.

Reiji Kotobuki: Thank you so much, really. It’s because of you that I feel a lot better. I think I’ll be able to go back to work tomorrow, too.

Haruka Nanami: But don’t overdo it; take care of yourself. Oh, that’s right!

I take the documents from the agency out of my bag.

Haruka Nanami: Here, these are the documents I came to give you. I think they’re fan letters, your schedule, and the script for a drama.

He glances through the script.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, perhaps you passed that one audition?

Reiji Kotobuki: YEEES!! I defeated Otoyan and Tokki. Lead role, GET!!!!

Haruka Nanami: The competition must’ve been tough. Congratulations!

Reiji Kotobuki: Although it’s a late-night series, it’s based on a best-selling novel. And it’s also been a while since I’ve had a leading role. I wanted to do it very badly, I’m so happy.

Whoa…. It’s unusual for him to talk like this.

It makes me happy too.

Haruka Nanami: Do your best! I support you!!

At my words, Kotobuki-senpai flashes a happy, sweet smile.

Then, he sees me to the door.

Reiji Kotobuki: Hmm, yeah, better take you to the dorms. I’m worried about you going back so late alone.

Haruka Nanami: It’s okay, it’s okay. Senpai, please go to bed.

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m feeling a lot better now. And besides… I want to be with you a little longer.

He says, looking a little embarrassed.

Haruka Nanami: But… I’d feel bad….

Reiji Kotobuki: Don’t say things like that. Your visit made me really happy, I want to thank you.

He says so and looks at me.

Reiji Kotobuki: Since I was little, everyone in my family had to work, so I pretty much grew up having to do everything by myself. Even when I was sick, I had to tough it out and get well on my own.

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai….

Reiji Kotobuki: So I pretend that I’m okay to make people not worry about me. But, from now on, I feel that I can show my weak side a little in front of you.... Please let me take you to the dorms to celebrate that.

Kotobuki-senpai smiles sweetly as he says that.

So that’s how it is….

Kotobuki-senpai is always surrounded by a lot of people, like he’s having fun….

But since he cares about people that much, he doesn’t really have anybody he can depend on.

Haruka Nanami: If I could support you even a little, I’m happy.

Reiji Kotobuki: If you say things like that, aren’t I gonna be more spoiled from now on? Well, let’s go.

Kotobuki-senpai smiles and picks up some keys at the door.

Haruka Nanami: Yes.

I nod deeply and follow him.

Then, we reach the entrance.

Reiji Kotobuki: Okay, the parking lot is this way.

We exit through the main door and head towards the parking lot, but then….

Reiji Kotobuki: Kouhai-chan!!

Haruka Nanami: ...!!

Kotobuki-senpai grabs me all of a sudden.

He presses my face against his chest.

Haruka Nanami: Um… Senpa-….

The next moment....

I hear the sound of a camera flash.

It’s blinding…!

This…. It can’t be….

Reiji Kotobuki: Don’t show your face!!

Senpai shouts sharply.

The blinding flash keeps going off again and again.

I close my eyes tight and cling to him.

When the sound finally stops, I open my eyes and see a shadow running in the distance from the corner of my eye.

Is that… a black sweater?

Reiji Kotobuki: Hey, wait!!

Kotobuki-senpai tries to chase after the man after he says that, but he dodges Senpai’s hand by an inch.

The man gets on a motorcycle that is parked nearby, looks back at us for a moment, and starts the engine.

The bike soon disappears into the darkness of the night.

We’re left behind in shock.

Reiji Kotobuki: Damn it… I was careless…. I think I was able to cover your face but… I’m sorry, Kouhai-chan.

Kotobuki-senpai smiles weakly and leans against the wall of the apartment building, sliding to the ground.

Haruka Nanami: Senpai, are you alright?

I rush over to help him get up, still looking towards the place the motorcycle went in shock.

That night, I end up going to the dorms by taxi.

The next day, I go with Senpai to the office to explain the circumstances.

Hyuga-sensei listens to us and gets angry at Kotobuki-senpai’s carelessness, but later looks worried as he frowns, his eyebrows drawn together.

When we finished talking to Hyuga-sensei, I remain shocked for a while.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry. Even though I wanted to be careful too, it was nowhere near enough….

I really regret not having been more careful with my actions, from the bottom of my heart.

I don’t even know how to apologize anymore.

Because of me, Kotobuki-senpai’s career…. And I'm also afraid this will have a big impact on his life.

Reiji Kotobuki: It’s okay, Kouhai-chan, a scandal is like getting a medal for an idol. You have nothing to worry about. And…. Really, we were doing nothing wrong, y’know. It’s alrighty!

Haruka Nanami: Kotobuki-senpai, thank you so much….

Kotobuki-senpai pats my head as if wanting to reassure me.

But….

While I nod at his words, the doubt remains in my heart.

That black sweater... and the glimpse of the man’s eyes that I caught through the helmet when he looked at me in that instant….

His features remind me of the person who was with Katagiri-san….

Haruka Nanami: It can’t be…. Right…?

Muttering that, I can’t stop the growing anxiety in my heart.

Chapter End