This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.
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Ever since my childhood, I loved looking up at the stars.
The tiny yet comforting twinkling of the stars resembled the different people living in this world.
Gentle, powerful, glamorous.
Just like how stars have different kinds of light, everyone has a different kind of personal charm unique to themselves.
I believed that everyone shines in their own way.
But… amongst them, there will be one who shines much brighter.
With overwhelmingly dazzling light…
A light so bright that it outshines the other stars surrounding it, drawing everyone’s attention to it and making them fall in love with it… occasionally, it also gives some people the courage to continue living.
Before I met him, I never knew about the existence of a star with such overwhelming beauty.
This is my Cinderella Story led by those dazzlingly beautiful stars—.
…
The clattering sounds of people typing away on their keyboards resonated through the bustling office.
(That should be all.)
I exhaled with a huff after completing my data entry.
(I’ll be done with all the tasks I have for this morning once I verify and submit this.)
Mori Eiko: Kawanaga-san, have you completed the thing I asked for?
Kawanaga Rina: Oh, Mori-san. Yes, I was about to verify the data entered before—
Mori: Then go photocopy these documents for me. Be quick with it.
Cutting me off mid-sentence, Mori-san quickly tossed a stack of documents onto my desk.
Rina: U-understood…
Watching her leave with the clicking sound of her high heels, I heaved a quiet sigh.
(More work, huh. I don’t have a choice. Let’s quickly get this done!)
Aegis Public Holdings — a Tokyo-based advertising company that handles advertisements across a wide range of media platforms including the TV, magazines, and the internet.
I worked as a temporary employee in their creative department, which was responsible for producing such advertisements.
I successfully progressed to the final interview with Aegis back when I was job-hunting, but I unfortunately didn't make the cut in the end.
(At that time, I was really disappointed. Fortunately, I received a job offer from another industry…)
I had dreamt of becoming an advertising planner for a long time, and I absolutely couldn’t give up on working for Aegis.
That was why I decided to start my career pathway as a temporary employee.
(Whenever I think of it, I can’t bring myself to whine about my own choice.)
(I’ve always admired Aegis, and being able to work in their creative department is already very commendable.)
…
Time for my lunch break. I was walking through the nearby park with my bento in hand, and I thought of the documents I photocopied earlier on.
(If I’m not mistaken, that was the advertising project for a drinking water company Mori-san’s in-charge of.)
(Amazing… I want to work on a major project like that someday.)
Mori-san was a full-time employee and my team leader, she was often referred to as the department’s “Ace”.
The other employees who built their careers from the bottom up had stable jobs, dressed well… and were overflowing with confidence.
(They shine so bright… and yet, I still don't have that kind of confidence.)
(Most of my tasks are only the basic level work of an assistant, so I haven't had many opportunities to gain experience with handling the main responsibilities of our department.)
The stark contrast between myself and the full-time employees could even be seen in our lunches.
As a temporary employee on a budget, I would make my own bento and bring it to work. Meanwhile, the full-time employees enjoyed their lunches at fancy restaurants.
(... No, no, no. If I keep thinking of it like that, my bento won’t taste good anymore.)
I shook those depressing thoughts off.
(It doesn't matter how I landed a job at Aegis. I just have to work hard and gain work experience.)
Someday, I’ll be promoted to a full-time position and create advertisements that inspire those with dreams.
That was my dream… It was to inspire others the same way advertisements did for me when I felt hopeless.
(Okay. I’ll do my best in the afternoon!)
…
(What’s going on? Sounds like a commotion…)
Department Chief: Listen up, all of you! The sales department just secured a mega project!
The chief of our department was addressing everyone excitedly.
Department Chief: The project is to create an advertising campaign for a new perfume from the major french brand, “Aisance”!
Department Chief: This new product will be launched globally, so the advertising will also be aired all over the world!
Rina: W-worldwide!?
(That’s amazing! But if it's a global project, why would they approach a Japanese company…?)
Department Chief: Actually, Aisance has specified the brand ambassadors for their advertisement this time.
Department Chief: It’s exe Creed!
In an instant, the female employees in the office let out excited squeals.
exe Creed was a globally famous Japanese male idol group.
From songwriting, composing, choreographing, designing their own stage outfits, to directing their performances— being self-produced was one of their strengths.
Their outstanding vocal and dance skills put them on a quick road to stardom, topping the charts not only locally but even in America…
(Even someone like myself, who’s unfamiliar with idols, has heard of them.)
There was not a single day where they wouldn't be seen in the media, and I also heard that they had a very passionate fanbase around the world.
(I see. So Aisance chose a Japanese company for their advertising campaign because they want exe Creed to be their model.)
(But Aisance’s advertisements have always been featuring famous Hollywood actresses.)
(Now they’re choosing a group of Japanese idols… male idols… this is too surprising…!)
It seems that many advertising companies would be competing against one another to officially secure this project.
Department Chief: Our company’s reputation is on the line. We must definitely win this!
The enthusiastic department chief made an even more surprising announcement.
Due to the models being world famous idols, they were more open to opinions this time…
Everyone, regardless of their department and position, were allowed to submit their project plans.
(This is my golden opportunity! I’m only a temporary employee, so I might stand a chance to work on an advertising project from its planning stage…!)
My heart was racing and overflowing with the desire to give it a shot.
Female Employee 1: Does this mean we get to meet the members of exe Creed if we’re chosen!?
Female Employee 2: Count me in!
Mori: A global scale project featuring exe Creed? This is amazing. We mustn't let this opportunity slip away.
A roaring flame of passion burned inside me.
(... Let’s do this. I’m going to come up with a project plan, and seize this opportunity!)
rina I had a question to wykyk, I know it has been mentioned by dazai in I laugh like me again that many knew about dazais and readers sort-of-relationship, but how did mori react to it? Did he let them be or did he try to interfere in case that their relationship might negatively influence pm business?
[pardon me if im asking too much!! I love this series and the amount of plot it has got me so curious about this universe 🙈]
LOLLLLLL okay im not going to get too much into it because there is going to be a fic eventually that surrounds this but he was NOT happy about it LMAO in fact he was severely displeased when he found out about them
DISCLAIMER: I just deepl and google translated my way through this because I wanted to know what’s going on, so there are definitely mistakes but I believe I managed the general gist of the story. Anyway, it’s just a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes. Morganatic Idol belongs to Cybird and ABC Frontier, Inc.
The day after the re-presentation.
When I went to the living room to get ready for work, exe was just about to leave for work.
The other members were already gone, and Ivy-san, who was the last to leave the room, noticed me and smiled.
Ivy: Morning, Rina-chan.
Rina: Good morning.
Ivy: ... Huh?
As he approached, Ivy-san touched my cheek.
Rina: Ah, Ivy-san?
Ivy: You look a little pale. Haven't you slept much?
Rina: Oh, that's ...
... Last night, he and I had a chance to be together. I couldn't sleep because I was so nervous when I remembered that.
When I honestly told him that, he smiled blankly.
Ivy: Oh, I see. ... I thought something had happened.
Ivy: But it's the same for me. Your words made me so happy that I remembered them over and over again.
Rina: Ivy-san ...
Ivy: ... I have to go. I'll call you later. See you.
Rina: Y-yes. See you later.
He patted my head, and left the room.
... His demeanor wasn't only gentle but also sweet, which was clearly different from his previous behaviour.
(I really have a chance to be in love with Ivy-san ...)
Joy fills me with a sense of realization.
(I'm so happy that my re-presentation was a success ...)
I went to work feeling happy, but ... I soon regained my composure.
Yamauchi Kota: Kawanaga-san! Why didn't you reply!?
Yamauchi-san rushed up to me and looked at me in dissatisfaction.
Rina: How ... did you know my contact information? I didn't tell you.
Yamauchi Kota: I asked Mori-san. I told her I had a job offer for you.
(You mean you lied to get it out of her?)
Rina: Please don't do that.
I said this out loud, feeling a sense of discomfort welling up inside me.
Yamauchi Kota: Eh ...
Rina: If you want to talk about work, ask me during work. Please don't send me any more messages.
At that moment, I received a message on my phone.
(! Maybe from Ivy-san.)
Yamauchi Kota: K-kawanaga-san. I'm ...!
Rina: I'm sorry. Excuse me.
I walked past Yamauchi-san and headed for my desk.
When I checked my phone, the message was indeed from Ivy-san.
[I'll be back at the condo early today.]
[I need your help gathering materials for work. What time do you think you can get home?]
... The image of his face came to my mind, and my surging heart calmed down.
[I don't have to work overtime today, so I'll be able to go home on time.]
I received a reply immediately.
[Got it. Good luck for your work today.]
Even casual exchanges such as this one make me smile.
(I can't wait to see you ...)
... By the time I finished messaging with him, I no longer cared about the discomfort I had felt just before.
Yamauchi Kota: ...
After that, I finished my work on time as scheduled and left the company.
However, as I was walking toward the station, I felt a strange presence behind me.
When I quietly checked, I saw Yamauchi-san following me at a certain distance.
(Did he follow me from the office?)
The moment I realized that, a chill ran down my spine.
(I'm scared ..)
His incomprehensible behaviour filled me with an indescribable unease.
(What should I do? I can't go back to the apartment.)
He would know where I live, and above all, I must keep it a secret that I'm living with exe.
(It can't be helped, I'll take the long way around. I hope it works ...)
... I held back the fear that welled up inside me and started walking in a different direction from the station I usually use.
Ivy: ... She's late. You said you'd be home on time.
With this in mind, Ivy launched the location sharing app.
Ivy: ... are you on a different train than usual? Are you stopping somewhere ...?
Ivy: Rina-chan ... is something wrong with you ...?
... It was already quite late because I had been running around trying to shake off Yamauchi-san.
(I guess he's not here anymore. I'm glad I was able to lose him successfully ...!)
I almost collapse from exhaustion.
(It's well past 10pm. Ivy-san must be tired from waiting. I need to go home soon.)
But ... just as I was about to head to the apartment ...
Yamauchi Kota: Kawanaga-san.
Rina: !?
The voice coming from right behind me made my heart skip a beat.
Rina: Ya-yamauchi-san ...
I turned around and saw Yamauchi-san standing unexpectedly close to me.
(I thought he was gone already ...!)
There was a thick, obsessive look in his eyes he had fixed on me.
I don't know why he looks at me like this.
Yamauchi Kota: You finally turned around ... why are you ignoring me? You knew.
Yamauchi Kota: Don't run away from me. I just want to talk to you.
Rina: W-what are you doing?
My voice trembled with fear. I wanted to escape, but my legs were too weak to move.
Rina: Please don't follow me. How could you do this to me ...
... At that moment, he opened his eyes wide and cried out.
Yamauchi Kota: It's your fault!
Rina: Eh!?
Yamauchi Kota: Why are you trying to get away from me!? You know how I feel about you, don't you!?
(What are you talking about!? I'm scared ...!)
I had to escape. I ran forward on shaky legs, but within a few shaky steps, I was grabbed by the arm.
Rina: No!
Yamauchi Kota: Don't run away!
The arms pulling me closer to him gave me goosebumps.
Rina: Let go of me!
I swung my arms desperately to escape, and a fierce scramble ensued.
Yamauchi Kota: Why do you hate me so much!? You're always so nice to other guys, but you think I'm stupid ...!?
He was furious and pushed me away.
Rina: Aah!
The force of his oush caused my body to stagger and I fell over onto the roadway.
The lights of the cars coming toward me with their horns blaring burned my eyes.
(I will be killed ...!!)
... At that moment, a large hand grabbed my arm and pulled me up strongly.
Ivy: Rina-chan!!
With the same momentum, he hugged me tightly. Right after that, a blaring car was driving by.
Ivy: Are you okay!?
It was Ivy-san who saved me just in time, just before I was about to be run over by a car.
Rina: Ah, Ivy-san ...
Rina: I ...
Shocked and relieved, I relaxed ... and clung to his chest.
Ivy: I know you were scared. It's all right now, everything's okay ...
He wrapped me in his arms.
And ...
Ivy: Do you ... do you know what you've done?
Ivy-san turned his angry dragon-like eyes towords Yamauchi-san, who was standing frozen next to us.
Yamauchi Kota: No, no, it wasn't my fault! If she'd behaved herself ... I wouldn't have done what I did!
Yamauchi Kota: It's all her fault!
Rina: !
Yamauchi-san was extremely distraught and accused me.
Yamauchi Kota: Because she ignores me! I was the only one who was nice to her when the rest of the colleagues at work were shunning her!
Yamauchi Kota: I'm the one who took pity on you and supported you because you had no place in the company!
Yamauchi Kota: You told me that your contract was terminated, and I consoled you! And you turned me down ...!
... I'm struck by the words of obsession and anger.
(I can't believe he thought that ...)
Ivy: Shut up, that's enough.
However, Ivy-san interrupted him.
Ivy: That's your fantasy. Don't force your selfish thoughts on her.
I could see that Yamauchi-san was taken aback by the overwhelming force.
Ivy: This isn't a girl you should touch.
Yamauchi Kota: ...
Ivy: Go away and never come near her again ... or I won't forgive you.
... His voice was chillingly cold and filled with an anger I had never heard before.
Yamauchi Kota: ... shit!
... Perhaps in fear, Yamauchi-san fled the scene.
Ivy: ...
Ivy-san silently glanced down at me in his arms to make sure I was okay. Then ...
Ivy: Rina-chan ... thank goodness ...!
He twisted his face and pulled me even closer into his arms.
(Ivy-san ...)
I was hugged with so much force that it hurt ... and noticed how his body was trembling.
Rina: I'm sorry. Thank you so much, Ivy-san ...
... I could only apologize.
... Afterwards, I received treatment from him in my room.
Although nothing serious, I had sustained minor injuries when I fell down after the collision.
Ivy: I got home late, so I checked the app and saw that you were acting strangely ... I thought something was wrong, so I rushed over.
Ivy: What the hell happened? How long has he been following you?
Ivy: And what was that about the contract termination? ... Tell me everything.
I could no longer afoord to feel bad about it ...
Rina: Actually ...
I received numerous messages from Yamauchi-san, to whom I hadn't given my contact information.
And that my contract at the company was terminated ...
When I told Ivy-san everything, he looked grim.
Ivy: ... Why didn't you tell me?
Unable to bear the accusing gaze, I find myself becoming frightened.
Rina: I didn't want anyone to misunderstand my situation with Yamauchi-san.
Rina: And I didn't want to worry you when you were going through such a hard time ...
(But that's why we ended up like this ...)
Rina: I'm really sorry ...
Ivy-san let out a deep sigh and wrapped his hands around my own.
Ivy: What do you think would have happened if I had gotten there too late?
Unlike usual, his palms were extremely cold. I looked up to see him staring at me with a tearful face.
Ivy: When I saw you lying in the driveway, I thought my heart would stop ...
He hugged me tightly.
Ivy: I don't want to lose you ...!
The arms that clung to me were different from the usual Ivy-san who protected and reassured me.
Ivy: Don't go anywhere ... don't leave my side. You promised, remember?*
Rina: Ivy-san ...?
I had never seen him like this before. I could see how much it had worried him.
While I feel sorry for him ... I am also glad for his deep feelings.
(I can't believe you're this worried about me ...)
Rina: ... I'm not going anywhere. I will always stay by your side, Ivy-san.
Rina: This time, I mean my promise ...
Ivy: ... Rina-chan.
I promised again and hugged him back with the strong feeling that welled up in me ...
Note: Thank you Ivy for giving me a chance to quip in again. First of all, dead eyes Ivy is back again.
Second of all, since I had already played chapter 19 when I translated chapter 18, I knew the location sharing app would come in handy. It's still extreme but it actually saved Rina's life though she probably wouldn't have been in this situation if she had just talked to Ivy. Anyway, I can understand why he's angry even though he's victim blaming her here. But definitely not as extreme as Yamauchi. This man is absolute scum.
congratulations on your acceptance! remember to tag @astronetwrk somewhere visible on your blog to confirm your acceptance! for members who wish to join our network's discord server, send us an ask off anon for the link!
@lovmiya | aki/vie | any prns | writer
@alhaithamsbathtowel | alex | she/her | writer
@astranne | anne | she/her | writer + editor
@genshinology | auni | she/they | writer
@jellypastries | avery | she/her | writer
@dustofthedailylife | dust | she/her | writer + artist
@mixed-kester | esther | she/they | writer + artist
@watatsumiis | general | he/him | writer
@heiayen | heia | he/they | writer
@hollythius | holly | she/it | writer
@withloveajaxx | iely | she/her | writer
@amatxs | kay | she/her | writer
@d-luc | keian | she/her | writer
@kxmikomrade | kim/hannah | he/she/they | writer + artist
if you missed this round of applications, don't worry! applications open on the 1st and 21st of every month, and new acceptances are notified on the 7th and 24th of every month.
I am Etheluu (or just Ethu for short). I am a 3D artist whose works is focused on MMD and OC content with some occasional fandom stuff. I also have an ongoing webcomic called "Runaway" on NamiComi! ヽ(´ ▿ ` )ノ
Sideblogs:
@pawrogi - centered around Lethal Company related content
Credits for the render below here
My carrd · Ko-Fi · YouTube · NamiComi · Notion
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※ Commissions (Status: open)
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※ Tags
✦ Overall
#ethu stuff - just my stuff/content/etc.
#ethu favs - I love this stuff okay i'm eating this up
#reblog - other people's stuff/content/etc.
#[post's author's name] - reblogs of posts of a specific person
#funnies - funny stuff I found
#writing - probably too much relatable about writing
#questions - answers to anon & non-anon questions
#wip - work in progress stuff
✦ Original 'Runaway' comic
#runaway comic - stuff related to my comic/AU
#new episode - reminders about a new episode of my comic
#gods introductions - special renders made for my god OCs
#lore ramble - talking about lore-related stuff
✦ MMD/PMX
#mmd / #mikumikudance - posts related to MMD
#new model - showcase of a new model I made
#new stage - showcase of a new stage I made
#mmd video - overall list of my mmd videos
#mmd render - overall list of my renders
#mmd render (other) - overall list of other's renders
#mmd tutorial - tutorials related to MMD and/or its functions
#animated render - renders/videos of idle animations
#contest entries - renders/videos made for contests
#pmxe / #pmx editor - posts related to PMX Editor
#pmxe tutorial - tutorials related to PMX Editor and/or its functions
✦ Original character(s)
#my oc(s) - posts/reblogs with my own OC(s)
#other's oc(s) - posts/reblogs with other people's OC(s)
#oc stuff - OC related content/memes/etc.
#[oc's name] - stuff containing a specific OC of mine
#[oc's author's name]: [oc's name] - stuff containing a specific OC of someone else
✦ Original character(s): specific OCs of mine
From 'Runaway' AU:
#the deity louhi
#the god medeis
#the god synn
#the god thezon
#the god valerian
#the goddess melinoe
#the deity nailah
#the goddess pheroya
#aria mori
#chiyoryo mori
#daizen guren
#effole arquiten
#eita seinran
#hiromi kuroibara
#hotaru
#iphni laylah aelei
#maii leau
#moshi ethera
#rina senju
#shion noda
#tamaki nomura
#valkiria leau
#verveine
#yirke khiral
OCs based on 'Stardew Valley':
#rosetta saintinne
#tulip laureseul
Other OCs:
#estera miłka polińska (OC based on 'Lethal Company')
✦ Original character(s): specific OCs of someone else
Thank you for always using "Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku".
We are running a special April Fool's Day project starting from midnight on April 1st.
An April Fool's Day exclusive Sekai will appear, and you can see a special story and area conversations, and some songs will have April Fool's versions added to them, so you can enjoy them live!
Please enjoy the world of Proseca for one day, which is a little different from the usual.
■Event period
April 1st 0:00 to April 1st 23:59
■About the April Fool's Day limited story
・By logging in within the period, you can view the April Fool's Day limited story.
・The prologue story will be released on April 1st, and the epilogue story will be released on April 2nd after April Fools' Day.
・During the release period, you can read the story again by clicking "Play" below.
【prologue】
・Playable period: April 1st 0:00 to April 1st 23:59
【epilogue】
・Playable period: April 2nd 0:00 to April 2nd 23:59
■About the added April Fools ver.
April Fool's version has been added to the following songs.
【Setsuna trip】
April Fools' version: Kagamine Len (Original CV by Asami Shimoda), Shiho Hinomori (CV. Yuki Nakajima), Airi Momoi (CV. Ai Furihata), Nene Kusanagi (CV. Machico), Kanade Yoizaki (CV. Kusunoki) Tomori)
【Roku Chounen to Ichiya Monogatari】
April Fools ver.: MEIKO (Original CV by Meiko Haigo), Kazuka Hoshino (CV. Ruriko Noguchi), An Shiraishi (CV. Jenna Tomomi Sumi), Ena Shinonome (CV. Minori Suzuki)