utapri-hana

[utapri-hana]

Directory

This is the directory of our Utapri game translations! Repeat (PSP version), 2011 The updated version of the first Utapri game. Contains the following routes: Otoya Ittoki, Masato Hijirikawa, Natsuki Shinomiya, Tokiya Ichinose, Ren Jinguji, Syo Kurusu and Cecil Aijima.

Uta no Prince-Sama Repeat Translations

All Star (PSP version), 2013 The first Utapri game that features QUARTET NIGHT member’s routes. Contains the following routes: Reiji Kotobuki, Ai Mikaze, Ranmaru Kurosaki and Camus.

Uta no Prince-Sama All Star Translations

(Directory is manually updated, so there may be newer chapters not linked in the pages above.)

[utapri-hana]

💖✨ HAPPY BİRTHDAY ✨

[utapri-hana]

Some lovely cømm I finished lately ~

Request a commission from me on VGEN

Shares and reblogs are much appreciated~

[utapri-hana]

(5/10) 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:

Ch 7:

Ch 8:

Ch 9:

Ch 10:

[utapri-hana]

I am so sorry 😂😂😂😂

[utapri-hana]

I made a Ranmaru charm 🧿 for my phone! Hehehe

[utapri-hana]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translator: Ladylancer (twitter: utatranslations)

Proofreader: Rasenth (twitter: agnadance)

Editor: Whitney (twitter: whitormiss), Snail

August — Allegro na Koudou

As summer vacation begins, many of my classmates leave to visit home.

Tomochika Shibuya: Well then, even though it's bothersome, guess I'll go home.

Haruka Nanami: Oh right, you’re headed back home today.

Tomochika Shibuya: Yep. I’ll be gone for the week…. Hey, aren’t you leaving too?

Select the Phrase!

I was planning to. (+ 0 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun said he always stays in the dorms during summer vacation, so we agreed to spend it practicing together….

Tomochika Shibuya: I see. You decided against going home to keep Otoya company… You’re such a nice person.

Haruka Nanami: N-not really. There's nothing to do when I go home, so I thought it would be better to practice.

We want to practice (+0 Love +10 Music)

Tomochika Shibuya: Wait, you can’t be planning to practice daily?

Haruka Nanami: Yeah. Ittoki-kun isn’t going home either, so we decided we would practice...

This is our chance (+10 Love +0 Music)

Tomochika Shibuya: Chance? Are the two of you planning to practice and raise your intimacy over the break?

Haruka Nanami: Intimacy…? With everyone gone for the break, it's easier to make reservations for recording rooms.

Tomochika Shibuya: That’s what you meant? How boring.

Haruka Nanami: ???

Tomochika Shibuya: Haha, don’t worry about it. I read into it too much, is all.

...What was that all about?

Tomochika Shibuya: Really though, practicing everyday… I feel like I’m gonna fall behind. Alright, I’ve decided. I’ll only stay home for three days and then I’ll come back to practice.

Tomochika Shibuya: I’m one of your rivals after all. I won’t lose to you!

With that, Tomo-chan left for home.

Knowing her, I’m sure she’ll be practicing a lot at home as well.

I’m going to do my best too.

Every day, Ittoki-kun and I work hard practicing together.

He sings the songs I write, and together we refine them.

Now after he sings, we go over the score, giving each other our opinions face to face.

Watching Ittoki-kun get better each day makes me work harder to aim for the top.

But skills can’t be gained quickly that easily, so I keep myself from trying things that are too far beyond our abilities.

That’s why I don’t know how much I should say to him.

Select the Phrase!

Say it honestly (+10 Love +15 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Ah.. about this part here…

I speak up with a timid voice and Ittoki-kun turns to listen to me intently.

Stay silent (+0 Love +10 Music)

On second thought, I’ll keep observing.

Find the right words (+0 Love +0 Music)

I stare at Ittoki-kun, trying to find the words to explain my thoughts.

Otoya Ittoki: Phew, I wonder if it’s coming together now.

Ittoki-kun mutters to himself as he looks at the music sheet.

I open my mouth a bit, but I’m at a loss for words, so I look down without saying anything.

Otoya Ittoki: Huh…. what’s wrong?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, ah, nothing.

Otoya Ittoki: Oh… okay then….

Otoya Ittoki: ...So you think I should soften my voice a bit here?

Eh…? He figured out what I was having trouble asking?

Haruka Nanami: ... Ah, yes. That’s what I was thinking. But, it’s difficult for singers to soften their voice without it making it too hard to hear…

Ittoki-kun, I’m so happy that you thought the same thing.

Otoya Ittoki: It’s fine. I’ve improved as well.

After that, we begin improvising melodies, putting lyrics to them, and singing them on the spot.

We write down the melodies we like and sing them again the next day.

We repeat this process every time.

Then, one day...

Ichinose-san calls me to the back garden.

Tokiya Ichinose: I apologize for asking you to come out here.

Haruka Nanami: It’s fine… May I ask why?

Tokiya Ichinose: I wanted to apologize again about what happened at the water polo tournament…

Haruka Nanami: Oh, no apologies necessary. It wasn’t that big a deal…

Tokiya Ichinose: No, I take full responsibility. I dislike not doing so…. That’s why… here…

Ichinose-san pulls a binder from his bag and hands it to me.

Tokiya Ichinose: These are scores of new songs by my favorite composer that I just happened to get my hands on the other day. If you are interested in them at all…

Haruka Nanami: T-this is…

It’s a binder containing sheet music for the new CD produced by one of the most popular music production teams.

Haruka Nanami: Such a special thing. I-is it really okay for me to have it…?

Tokiya Ichinose: Yes. It will be more useful in your hands than in mine.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you so very much! I promise I’ll take very good care of them. These are such treasures! I need to enshrine them...!

Tokiya Ichinose: I am pleased that you are happy with it. Now I feel like I have fulfilled my responsibility to you. I will take my leave then…

Haruka Nanami: Yes! Thank you again!

Ah! To get my hands on something like this.... I’ll have to study this closely and carefully!

After that, I head to the classroom to practice with Ittoki-kun, but…

I want to look at the sheet music I just received as soon as possible and it makes it hard to concentrate.

Otoya Ittoki: And then, this part here… Nanami, are you listening?

Suddenly, all I can see is Ittoki-kun’s face.

Haruka Nanami: A-ah, what is it?

I turn my face away from him quickly.

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami, is something bothering you?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, ah… sorry.

Otoya Ittoki: You know, earlier…. Were you meeting with Tokiya?

W-what? Is he angry? He must be angry because I’m so inattentive.

Select the Phrase!

Yes (+0 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: He wanted to make up for what he did, so he gave me these scores.

I'm sorry (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry. I was given these really nice scores.

Haruka Nanami: I’m interested in them and I want to read them soon. That’s why… sorry for being so out of it.

I frantically apologize but Ittoki-kun just chuckles and smiles.

H-he laughed at me...

Actually... (+10 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: To apologize for the incident at the water polo event, he gave me a set of really nice scores, so I’ve been distracted...

Haruka Nanami: But being distracted is not good either. I’m sorry.

Otoya Ittoki: ... A score, huh? That’s just like him… Is that all?

Haruka Nanami: Yes! That’s all~

Otoya Ittoki: I see. That’s all it was… Hey, do you remember what I said after our re-test?

Haruka Nanami:Um…

Back in June, Ittoki-kun beat Ichinose-san at the recording retest.

And he said…

He wanted to… take me… on a date.

Since he never brought it up and summer vacation had long since started, I thought he had forgotten about it.

He remembered…

Haruka Nanami: Do you mean…

Otoya Ittoki: Yep. Please go on a date with me!

Haruka Nanami:A date…

I am fifteen years old but have never been on a date, even though I know what the word means…

What is one supposed to actually do???

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, though I said date, I mean, you know, as a way to deepen our relationship as partners…

Otoya Ittoki: Plus, remember what Rin-chan said? To make the best music and lyrics you have to refine your sensibility and that we can’t just learn from textbooks.

Otoya Ittoki: So... can we go somewhere together tomorrow?

Oh, I see.

Haruka Nanami: O-okay. I... I’ll go with you.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, then tomorrow, let’s meet up in front of the school at eleven A.M.?

Haruka Nanami: Okay! Tomorrow... at eleven.

Going out together… Thinking about that, I was so excited I could barely focus on practice for the rest of the day.

Haruka Nanami: Haaah... I’m going out with Ittoki-kun tomorrow. What should I wear? What do you think, Kuppuru?

Kuppuru: Meow.

Haruka Nanami: Oh right. You wouldn’t know what to do either, huh?

Tomochika Shibuya: I’m home! Ah, I’m beat… Hm? That cat is back. Kuppuru, right?

Haruka Nanami: Yep!

Kuppuru is a cat I helped on the day of the entrance ceremony. I found him shivering in the back garden in the rain, so I nursed him back to health….

He grew attached to me since then and now he visits my room two or three times a week. Kuppuru listens to me as if he understands what I’m saying, so now I always talk to him.

Tomochika Shibuya: Why not let him stay here? I won’t tell the teachers.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Is that okay with you?

Tomochika Shibuya: Yeah. He’s fun to have around and, as long as he doesn’t mess up the room, I’m fine with him staying.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you, Tomo-chan!

Tomochika Shibuya: It’s fine, it’s fine! I’ve been practicing so much that I’m never in the dorms anymore, but as long as he’s with you, you won’t be lonely, right?

Haruka Nanami: Okay... oh, that’s right. Tomo-chan, you practice from sunup to sundown. That’s amazing!

Tomochika Shibuya: Well I have to or I’ll fall behind, considering how high the bar my partner is setting is.

Tomochika Shibuya: “I made it easier than before so you should be able to sing it,” he says. Yeah, easy if it was a song for a choir! How am I supposed to sing all those parts with my chest voice?

Tomochika Shibuya: I can’t believe how many times makes me change registers while singing. There are parts where I have to hold a note for longer than needed, notes that lower and raise by half-steps, I can’t sustain my breath, and...

Haruka Nanami: Whoa...

Normally, one sings with their “chest voice”.... You naturally sing from the chest, but as you sing higher, it shifts.

That shift is known as the “head voice”. The point where it changes from the chest to the head is known as a “vocal register transition”, or a passaggio.

If you sing using a mix of the head and chest voices, you can make your high notes have the same quality as your chest voice. But...

It’s easier to switch into head voice if you have the abdominal strength to support it, but…

It’s said that the vocal register transition is the hardest point to get right.

Tomochika Shibuya: The composition teacher professional said before, “I create songs while thinking of the artist I’m making them for.”

Tomochika Shibuya: I was moved when I heard that. My composer doesn’t have one single bit of that consideration in him.

Tomochika Shibuya: Putting aside the chance that he may just be making it difficult for difficulty’s sake, he thinks that what he’s making is simple. He’s so inconsiderate.

Tomochika Shibuya: Even so, I’m still going to give it my all singing it. I mean, I think his songs are good, but I wish he would think about me.

Tomochika Shibuya: Well, either way I will sing my ‘soul’ into this song!

Tomochika Shibuya:... Haruka. Make songs that you can put your feelings into and are fun to sing.

Tomochika Shibuya: I believe you can become that kind of composer.

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I’m doing my best. I will become a composer that thinks of the artist first.

The singer is putting their soul into my song, so I’ll make sure not to slack off. Absolutely…

No matter what kind of songs I write, I’m sure Ittoki-kun will be able to sing it.

That is why… I have to write the best song, one that will make Ittoki-kun shine the brightest…

Tomochika Shibuya: Ah~ man! I wanted to be your partner!

Tomo-chan hugs me tight.

Haruka Nanami: T-Tomo-chan.

Tomochika Shibuya: Won’t you switch for me?

Haruka Nanami: I can’t go that far… When you become a pro, I promise to write you a song!

Tomochika Shibuya: Haruka, you really are cute… Thanks, it’s a promise.

Tomo-chan pats my head.

I have to write a song for Ittoki-kun that makes him shine. For that reason, I have to learn more about him.

That’s why tomorrow’s outing is a good chance.

I’m sure that I will see sides of him that he doesn’t show at school.

I got nervous and showed up an hour early…

Waking up early this morning, I asked Tomo-chan to help me with my outfit, and she did my makeup a little bit too.

I could have stayed at the dorms longer, but then I got nervous about being late due to some sort of trouble…

Otoya Ittoki: Eh..? Nanami? Why are- it's only ten…

No way, Ittoki-kun?!

Select the Phrase!

W-what a coincidence…. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Y-yeah… It was just by chance…

Otoya Ittoki: Well, since we’re both here, let's head out early.

Haruka Nanami: Y-Yes！

… I got here early. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Me too… I was excited. Before I realized it, I was here.

Otoya Ittoki: I figured I was arriving too early… To think that you did too… Seems like we are similar in that way.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yeah. Seems like it.

Huh? Was this the right time? (+0 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: No, I think we’re supposed to meet an hour later, but I came here early….

Haruka Nanami: Me too. But… I’m glad that I didn’t make you wait. Otoya Ittoki: I didn’t want to make you wait either. I guess we had the same thought. Hahaha!

We arrive at the amusement park, Saotome Kingdom, inside the school grounds.

Otoya Ittoki: Alright, what should we ride first? Nanami, is there something you want to ride on?

Haruka Nanami: Let’s see…

Select the Phrase!

The Surprise House (+0 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Then, let’s go!

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

We assumed it would be like any other surprise house….

As expected from a school facility.

The surprises are certainly more than we bargained for.

Otoya Ittoki: To think, the “Surprise House” was actually the principal’s second home...

Even though the brochure calls it “Shining’s Shock and Surprise House”... it’s actually his home.

Visitors are free to explore the house and if the Principal is home you can get a handshake and pictures.

… But the inside is like a maze, with stairs turning into slides and the walls flipping.... Washbasins drop from the ceiling, water rushes out of drawers when you open them, pitfalls....

It’s like a little trick mansion...

It seems that the principal mainly lives there…

I’m amazed that he can live in such a complicated home…

How about… The House of Terror? (+20 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: ....The House of Terror…. Nanami, aren’t you scared?

Haruka Nanami: N-no. I’m fine.

Otoya Ittoki: Say something if you get scared. I'll keep pulling your hand. Leave it to me!! Let’s go.

Otoya Ittoki: …

Otoya Ittoki: ...

Haruka Nanami: ...

T-that was scary… I thought the House of Terror was just a regular haunted house.

I didn’t think it was a museum of true horror stories…

Stories ranging from people becoming anorexic through dieting too much to troubles with frightening neighbors.

Recountings from people who had stalkers to someone getting trapped in an elevator for twenty-four hours.

The scariest of them all though, was the story of the person who dropped out because they made Shining angry.

Even though they had the talent and ability, they angered Shining once.

It said that after that, no agency would take them and they were forced to give up their dream and return to their parent’s home.

Every detail was reproduced vividly and makes me wonder if I’m next…

Either way, it makes me really scared…

The roller coaster (+10 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: The roller coaster. Nice choice. Let’s go!

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!

Before today, I never thought of a roller coaster being such a dangerous thing.

Otoya Ittoki: Ahh, that was tough.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yeah. But… we managed to clear it.

Otoya Ittoki: I guess.

As expected of a Saotome Academy roller coaster, it was not ordinary by any means.

When you get in, everything is normal until the safety bar comes down.

Each seat has a camera and microphone, and the speaker begins playing a melody as soon as the ride begins.

Apparently, you have to properly sing and get an interesting reaction while the roller coaster makes a lap.

If you don’t, the safety bar won’t unlock, and you have to go another round.

Singing on the ride is so hard, we finally passed on the fifth lap.

Otoya Ittoki: I don’t want to ride another roller coaster for a while.

Haruka Nanami: Me neither...

Otoya Ittoki: What should we do next? What’s good…

Haruka Nanami: Um….

As I look around, the large Ferris wheel catches my eye.

There shouldn't be any tricky, shocking gimmick on that…. Right?

Haruka Nanami: How about the Ferris wheel…

Otoya Ittoki: Eh…?

Haruka Nanami: ...? Do you not like them? Then I’ll find something else…

Otoya Ittoki: No. It’s not like that… Okay, let’s go.

Haruka Nanami: But…

Otoya Ittoki: It’s fine! I’m fine.

I wonder. It seems like he’s forcing himself… I hope I’m just overthinking things.

From the cabin, I can see the entirety of Saotome Academy.

One rotation takes twenty minutes—a long time for two people to be alone together.

Otoya Ittoki: ... Ugh. The scenery is pretty.

Haruka Nanami: Yeah…

Despite saying that, Ittoki-kun has had his eyes closed the entire time.

Otoya Ittoki: ...

Haruka Nanami: Wow, the school looks so small. Oh, I can even see the dorm. Ittoki-kun, look, look!

Little by little, the ground seems to shrink, looking almost like a miniature town. How cute.

Otoya Ittoki: ... Sorry. I’m at my limit.

Haruka Nanami: Eh...?

Ittoki-kun suddenly stands up, sits down next to me, and grasps my hand tightly.

His hand was shaking slightly...

Haruka Nanami: … Ittoki-kun, could it be you have a fear of heights?

After I ask that, Ittoki-kun’s face turns red as he nods slightly.

Otoya Ittoki: Aw man. I wanted to show you the cool side of me today!

Otoya Ittoki: When I was a kid, I fell out of a tree I was climbing. I’ve had problems with heights ever since…. I thought I was doing better.

His voice is firm, but his shoulders are still shaking slightly.

Otoya Ittoki: Sorry. Can I... borrow your shoulder?

Saying that, Ittoki-kun pulls my shoulder closer to himself.

I reach over and pull Ittoki-kun in a bit closer.

Haruka Nanami: ... Okay.

Otoya Ittoki: I must look really uncool right now.

Haruka Nanami: That’s not true…

I can feel Ittoki-kun’s warmth from where he’s touching my shoulder.

We have touched so many times before, and we’ve been alone together in the classroom so many times, but...

Why am I so nervous today? Only the location and clothes are slightly different… 

Sporty, casual clothes suit Ittoki-kun, unlike the school uniform.

But… The rosary hanging down from his neck looks somewhat feminine and stands out to me. 

A small cross hangs at the end of the crystal beads, glittering beautifully in the reflected sunlight.

He pinches the cross with his fingers and continues wrapping it in the crystals.

It looks like a habit he does when he’s stressed. He’s doing it over and over again.

Ah, again… I can’t help but chuckle and smile to myself.

Otoya Ittoki: Eh… what is it?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, nothing… I was just thinking how you’ve been fiddling with that this entire time.

Otoya Ittoki: Oh, this?

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun, I was surprised to see that you wear a rosary. It’s unexpected. Are you a Christian?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah... yes. My mother was… She was Christian.

Haruka Nanami: Was…?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah… She passed away a long time ago… She made this herself.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… sorry.

I shouldn’t have asked.

Otoya Ittoki: It’s okay. It happened when I was very young. I don’t even remember her face.

Otoya Ittoki: Plus… later I found out she wasn’t my birth mother.

Haruka Nanami: What do you mean?

Otoya Ittoki: My birth mother left me with her older sister after I was born…. She went missing a short while later.

Haruka Nanami: So, she might be alive somewhere…

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. I did some searching. About fifteen years ago, a plane crashed somewhere in a desert…

Otoya Ittoki: It appeared to be that she was on that plane, so there’s barely any chance she could have survived.

Otoya Ittoki: My foster father died from an accident before my foster mother died…. Well, I don’t actually know who my birth father is.

Otoya Ittoki: He might still be alive somewhere, but he probably doesn’t even know I exist. I heard that my mom kept me a secret from him.

Otoya Ittoki: I used to think “If I become famous, I can meet him”, and I began aiming to become an idol.

Otoya Ittoki: Though…. Now I’m having so much fun refining my singing and dancing, I don’t mind if I never meet him. That’s how I feel about it.

Haruka Nanami: ... You were always alone…

I was also alone because I wasn’t able to make friends, but I always had my parents. Ittoki-kun… you didn’t have that…

Otoya Ittoki: Don’t make that face. It wasn’t that lonely.

Otoya Ittoki: I grew up in an orphanage, so there were other kids there, and the matron was like a mother to me.

Otoya Ittoki: Plus… I don’t know who, but there was someone who helped me.

Otoya Ittoki: I wasn’t alone at all. And right now… you are in front of me, Haruka.

Haruka Nanami: Ah...

Otoya Ittoki: Oh…? D-did I just call you by your first name?

I nod, staying silent.

Otoya Ittoki: ...!!!

Otoya Ittoki: I can call Masa and Natsuki, even Tomochika by their given names, but it’s kind of embarrassing for me to use yours.

Otoya Ittoki: And… I always wanted to… but…

Otoya Ittoki: I never quite could...

Haruka Nanami: ...

Otoya Ittoki: That’s why… Is it okay if I use your name, just for today?

I want to say yes, but my voice won’t come out. Blushing, I give a small nod.

Otoya Ittoki: Really? Yes! Thank you, Haruka!

‘Haruka’... I feel my chest warm with every use of my name.

Otoya Ittoki: Also, you can do it if you want. Call me Otoya, I mean.

Haruka Nanami: Eh….

Call Ittoki-kun by his given name….

Thump-thump.

Otoya Ittoki: You don’t want to?

Haruka Nanami: No… I… uh…. Yes… I...

Haruka Nanami: O….

M-my heart….

Haruka Nanami: O… to….

It’s three syllables... They won’t come out.

My heart is pounding. I can’t breathe.

… H-huh? My consciousness… is… fading...

Otoya Ittoki: Haruka! Breathe, Breathe! 

... Gasp!

Ittoki-kun gets up in a rush and grabs my shoulder. 

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, you scared me there.

With a sigh of relief, Ittoki-kun sits back next to me.

Otoya Ittoki: Sorry. I got ahead of myself.

Haruka Nanami: No... that’s not it.

I’m the one who has to apologize for my cowardice.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… L... let me try again…

Otoya Ittoki: It’s okay. Don’t stress about it.

He places his hand on my head. Large and warm, a man’s hand…

A small melody begins to unfold in my head, following the steady rhythm of my beating heart.

Otoya Ittoki: But one day, when you want to call me by my given name...

He gazes at me with tender eyes.

And then...

Shining Saotome: LOVE! IS FORBIDDEN! ABSOLUTELY! NO GO NO GO NO GO!!!

Haruka Nanami: !!!!!!!!!

Otoya Ittoki: !!!!!!!!!

The principal’s face appears in the carriage window and mixes in with the view of the sunset.

Otoya Ittoki: Eh, Principal Saotome!! But, we’re... this—top—wha—...eehhhh!

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA~! I thought this may happen, so I installed rockets into my boots!

Looking closer, flames are erupting from the principal’s shoes.

Shining Saotome: Anyways, I am sure neither of you are in love, correct!

We both shook our heads from side to side rapidly.

Shining Saotome: Oh. How odd. I could have sworn I smelled Love Air in this area.

Shining Saotome: Hrm… hrm, hrm, hrm. This is a Special Class Love Air!

Shining Saotome: I see. It’s in the next carriage over! My mistake! SORRY SORRY!

Shining Saotome: BUT, if love blooms, you will be expelled.

Shining Saotome: Don’t forget that. Forget nothing!

Shining Saotome: Now, goodbye. Adieu. Keep your friendship healthy.

With those words, the principal departs to the next carriage.

Otoya Ittoki: … What just….

Haruka Nanami: He watches over us even in places like this. He really cares for his students.

Otoya Ittoki: ... He’s definitely going beyond just “watching over us”.….

Otoya Ittoki: “Love is forbidden”. What a troublesome rule…

Haruka Nanami: Huh?

Otoya Ittoki: Nothing. We still have plenty of daylight left, so let’s make the best of it!

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!

After that day, I met with Ittoki-kun in the classroom nearly everyday.

But for the rest of summer vacation, I was never able to call him by his name.

I hope the day I can call him Otoya-kun comes eventually.

Mini Game

Ringo Tsukimiya: This time around, I want you to try a higher difficulty than before. Don’t worry. I’ll teach you properly~!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe. I may look like this, but I’m a pro, you know! I’m quite good.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Though it’s the same song, I want to show you how the impression one gets can change with how it’s played. Learning this will help you complete your own compositions.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Alrighty. Music, start!

S Rank

Otoya Ittoki: Ah... what should I do? I can’t even look you straight in the eye... I’m partnered with such an amazing girl. Haha. I’m so happy.

Haruka Nanami: That’s my line. I’m happy to be your partner.

Ittoki-kun is a warm, happy and open-minded person who loves music…

As a composer and as a person, I am honored to be paired with such a person.

I definitely want to debut together, because I want the world to hear Ittoki-kun’s song.

Chapter End

[utapri-hana]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translator: Ladylancer (twitter: utatranslations) Proofreader: Raz (twitter: agnadance), Nadie (twitter: NmoniaG) Editor: Mae (twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Snail (twitter: herbert_snail)

July — Manatsu no Crescendo

It’s summer and the pool is open. Time for the Water Polo Tournament!!

Every year, close to summer vacation, there’s apparently a water polo competition between the classes during the last gym class for the term. The participants are three students from A Class and three from S Class.

Volunteers—I mean, people who are chosen by lottery—will have a valiant battle in the pool… or something of the sort. This year, the ones who have been chosen from A Class are…

Otoya Ittoki-kun, Masato Hijirikawa-sama, and Natsuki Shinomiya-san.

As for the competing S Class members...

They are Tokiya Ichinose-san, Ren Jinguji-san, and Syo Kurusu-kun.

Ichinose-san is Ittoki-kun’s roommate in the dorms. Jinguji-san rooms with Hijirikawa-sama and Shinomiya-san is with Kurusu-kun….

Goodness… Is this really a coincidence? To me, it’s as if the lottery was deliberately tampered with.

Female Student A: Kya, you’re so cool, Ren-sama!

Female Student B: Syo-kun, look over here!

Female Student C: Tokiya-sama, go for it!

From the poolside, shrill voices pierce the air.

For being a combined period for A Class and S Class… it feels like there are too many people...

Ryuya Hyuga: Oi, girls! This isn’t for your entertainment. Hurry up and get back to your own classroom! 

Female Student C: .... Fiiine.

Confronted with an angry Hyuga-sensei, the intruding girls leave the pool dejectedly. 

Ryuuya Hyuuga: Seriously, Ringo, you should say something too…. Hey. It’s class time right now. Do you understand?

Ringo Tsukimiya: Of course I do.

Ryuuya Hyuuga: Then why the hell are you relaxing by the poolside?! You even brought a matching parasol for your pool chair.

Ryuuya Hyuuga: Are you just here to watch the show?! You’re a teacher first, so act like it!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hmph. What’s wrong with it, you killjoy....

Shining Saotome: HAHAHA! Nothing good comes out of being so tight-laced, Ryuya-san.

Ryuuya Hyuuga: Guh… President. You appeared again…...

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah, Shiny~~!

Shining Saotome: Ringo-san is one of my precious idols. His pale skin getting tan is a NO-NO. An enemy to his skiiin. Therefooore, I’ll allow him to watch from the poolside.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Yay! Thank you, Shiny! Love you!

Ryuuya Hyuuga: ...Tch. Really, he’s been sweet to you since way back.

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA~! SUPER sweeet!

Otoya Ittoki: Sensei! We’re ready, can we go ahead and start?

Ryuuya Hyuuga: … Oh, sorry…. Well then, let’s start the A Class versus S Class water polo competition…

Shining Saotome: STOP! Just a moment, PLEASE. If you please.

Ryuuya Hyuuga: … Is there a problem?

Shining Saotome: To do it the usual way is far too boooring. I’ll decide the penalty game!

Ryuuya Hyuuga: A penalty game…. First off, this is just gym class….

Shining Saotome: Hmmmmm. What’s good? So many choices~

Ryuuya Hyuuga: ... And he isn’t listening. He’s got way too much freedom, this old man….

Ryuuya Hyuuga: Sorry guys, once the president’s like this he can’t be stopped. To the losing team: don’t bother arguing and accept the penalty game.

Otoya Ittoki: Don’t worry about it, Sensei. A penalty game is fine. It makes the game more exciting and they’re fun to do.

Tokiya Ichinose: In this academy, Saotome-san’s word is law.

Masato Hijirikawa: Depends on the penalty game, but… I suppose as long as we don’t lose, it doesn’t matter.

Ren Jinguji: Hm. Only you could say something like that, Masato Hijirikawa! It’s obvious that I, Ren Jinguji, will win.

Jinguji-san points dramatically at Hijirikawa-sama. Could the two of them have a rivalry, just like Ittoki-kun and Ichinose-san…?

Masato Hijirikawa: ...? We won’t know until we compete, though.

Hmm.... It seems like Jinguji-san’s the only one getting fired up because of his strong dislike of Hijirikawa-sama….

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hey, Syo-chan. A penalty game sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Syo Kurusu: Not really. And don’t use "chan”! Call me “Prince”!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay, I understand, Prince Syo-chan♪

Syo Kurusu: ... Are you doing that on purpose?

Natsuki Shinomiya: ... Eh? What?

Syo Kurusu: Oh, forget it… talking with you makes my head hurt.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Really? I love talking with you, Syo-chan.

Shinomiya-san says that and pats Kurusu-kun’s head.

Syo Kurusu: Idiot, stop it! Don’t touch me like that. Don’t rub my head, hey!

They seem to get along well…. Rather, Shinomiya-san is one-sidedly showering Kurusu-kun with love.

Kurusu-kun looks like he hates it and, together, those two seem like a gentle dog owner and a little dog that hates being smothered, I guess.

Yes, that’s what it feels like.

Shining Saotome: Hmm. I’m conflicted. Oh right, YOU. Do you have any ideas?

Haruka Nanami: M-me? Uh, well….

Select the phrase!

Maybe a guerilla street live? (+0 Love +15 Music)

Shining Saotome: Oh. That sounds interesting. It also covers keeping composure on stage, so it’s pretty much killing two birds with one stone!

Maybe toilet cleaning? (+0 Love +10 Music)

Shining Saotome: Oh, a classic punishment. It’s not bad, but doesn’t have the right punch. MR. Yamada, take her seat cushion away!!

S-seat cushion?

Maybe running a lap around town while singing? (+0 Love +0 Music)

Shining Saotome: That’s a good idea, but the path would end before the song if it was just around town. Make it around the world.

A-around the world!!!

Shining Saotome: Yes. Hm. YES YES YES! It’s here! I have it. It came to my wise brain like a signaaal!!

Shining Saotome: That is the reason why the losing team must dress and act as females for an entire day!

Ryuya Hyuuga: ... The heck do you mean “the reason why”...? Anyway, I guess that’s that… but making them crossdress…. I feel sorry for them.

Otoya Ittoki: I’m fine with the penalty game, but why the crossdressing?

Shining Saotome: The reason why is…! ...!

Shining Saotome: Acting skills are indispensable for first-class Idols! Therefore, the losing team must crossdress and act like a perfect lady for the day!

Shining Saotome: If you can get through the day without being recognized as a man, you clear the mission! That kind of acting skill is the reeeal deal!

Shining Saotome: Surely someday, you will use those skills as an actor.

Ringo Tsukimiya: … What he says makes sense, but he definitely came up with that just now.

Ryuya Hyuuga: That’s probably right… but if they enter our agency, they’ll more or less be pushed around on the president’s whim.

Ryuya Hyuuga: Though having them get used to it now may not be such a bad idea. Well, they might not have to deal with as much as we did back in our day.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Maybe. Those were dark days. Still, Shiny’s decisions are absolute.

Ringo Tsukimiya: If Shiny says something is white, even black things are redefined as white. He’s nearly impossible to defy.

... Somehow, listening to the teachers’ conversations makes me feel like I’m catching a glimpse into the adult’s world….

Shining Saotome: Well then, let’s begin the “Girls swooning☆Tears may fall? The Great Handsome Guys Water Polo Tournament”!

With the principal's exclamation, the game begins.

Even though it’s supposed to be water polo, we’re not following the official rules. Instead, we’re at the school pool and playing the game with only a few team members. There are no goal posts either.

Rather, it’s as if we’re playing portball in the pool. One person stands on a diving board, taking the place of the goal.

When that person catches the ball, that is considered a goal.

In the past, when people played by the rules of water polo, people kept getting injured so now there are fewer people allowed to play in the pool during the game. So now, the current rules are set up for a 3 on 3 game, and on top of that, only four people can be in the pool. Shinomiya-san is playing as the goalkeeper for A Class. Ittoki-kun is playing offense and Hijirikawa-sama is playing defense.

Ittoki-kun, the most athletic in the class, immediately steals the ball from his opponents and makes his way to the goal.

I have to cheer A Class on.

Select the phrase!

Shinomiya-san, hang in there! (+0 Love +0 Music)

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, Nanami-san. Yes, I’ll do my best.

Hijirikawa-sama, do your best! (+0 Love +0 Music)

Masato Hijirikawa: Thank you for your support. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.

Ittoki-kun, fight! (+20 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Hehe! Thanks, Nanami! With your cheering, I feel like I can do anything!

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami! Watch me! I’m going to score!

Haruka Nanami: Okay!

Ren Jinguji: Like I’d let you!

Otoya Ittoki: Whoa!

Masato Hijirikawa: Ittoki, I’ll deal with Jinguji. You head towards the goal.

Ren Jinguji: Hah! You’ll hold me back? You think you can do that with those scrawny arms, Hijirikawa, conglomerate heir?

Masato Hijirikawa: This has nothing to do with my family. This is a fight between the two of us.

Ren Jinguji: Oh? Our fight…. How interesting. This is a competition. Come at me; I’ll return the favor.

Jinguji-san tries to pass Hijirikawa-sama but then Hijirikawa-sama turns and jumps in front of Jinguji-san, blocking his way.

It’s going back and forth between offense and defense. And Ittoki-kun is….

Otoya Ittoki: GOOOOOOO!

Aiming straight for Shinomiya-san, Ittoki-kun throws the ball and the ball flies in a beautiful parabola, landing directly in Shinomiya-san’s arms.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah. I caught it.

Shining Saotome: A Class gets one point!

Otoya Ittoki: Alright, a point lead! Nanami, did you see my shot?!

Select the phrase!

Of course I did! You were so cool! (+20 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Really?! Hehe. I’ll get the next one too.

I’m sorry, I missed it. (+0 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Oh, I see… too bad. But there's going to be another chance, so keep watching me! Haruka Nanami: Okay.

Yes! Shinomiya-san, nice catch. (+0 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Eh…. Really…

Natsuki Shinomiya: I’ll do my best next time too.

Otoya Ittoki: Well, okay…. Watch me next time, alright? Haruka Nanami: Okay.

Tokiya Ichinose: This isn't good. We have to stop their momentum somehow…. However, it will be difficult to stop Otoya right now….

Tokiya Ichinose: If that’s the case, we need to aim for their goalie, Shinomiya-san. Syo...

Syo Kurusu: Huh? What?

Tokiya Ichinose: When Otoya throws the ball at Shinomiya-san, I need you to distract him. You can do that easily, right?

Syo Kurusu: Well, I think he’ll look at me if I call out to him, but...

Tokiya Ichinose: Then please do so. We’ll be fine if you can distract him a little and block a goal from happening.

Syo Kurusu: G-got it. I’ll try.

It seems Ichinose-san is devising some sort of strategy. Are Ittoki-kun and the others going to be okay?

Masato Hijirikawa: Ittoki!

Hijirikawa-sama throws the ball to Ittoki-kun.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah!

Ittoki-kun beautifully catches the ball that Hijirikawa-sama threw and heads towards the goal.

Otoya Ittoki: Natsu—

Syo Kurusu: Natsuki! Over here!

Kurusu-kun’s voice cuts through Ittoki-kun’s, diverting Shinomiya-san’s attention.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, Syo-chan?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah!

Clang. The ball Ittoki-kun threw grazes Shinomiya’s face, causing his glasses to go flying.

Syo Kurusu: Ah, you idiot….

The earth begins to tremble…

… is probably an overstatement, but everybody feels an immense pressure equal to it.

RUMBLE!!

Syo Kurusu: He’s coming! He’s coming out!

Kurusu-kun shouts, his face a sickly, blue shade… “He”?... Who?

Syo Kurusu: Hurry, his glasses! Get Natsuki’s glasses back on before….

Thud.

Shinomiya-san punches the diving board. The next moment, it disappears without a trace.

…eh?

To be honest, I have no idea what just happened.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Eh, what? What’s going on? Don’t tell me, could it be like that time?

Ryuya Hyuuga: You, learn about your students already. Isn’t Shinomiya the one that goes on rampages when his glasses come off?

Ringo Tsukimiya: B-but I didn’t know it would come to this! Heeelp, Shinyyy!

Shining Saotome: Easy, easy, easy there. Everything is fine! I am here.

The principal says that but...

Rumble!

A black aura surrounds Shinomiya-san and rapidly begins to increase pressure.

Natsuki Shinomiya?: Hmph!

The dark Shinomiya-san crushes the poolside.

Haruka Nanami: Ah!

The shockwave knocks me off-balance, sending me into the pool.

Haruka Nanami: Glu-glub!!

I panic and flail, but I’m in so much shock that I can’t swim properly.

Otoya Ittoki: Haruka!

Otoya Ittoki: Hang on, I’ll save you!

Eh.... Just now, Ittoki-kun... called my first name… right?

I feel a sturdy hand grab my arm, pulling my sinking body out of the water.

Ittoki... kun? Ah… I can’t… my consciousness… is fading...

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami! Hang on! Get a hold of yourself!

Haruka Nanami: Ah…. Ittoki… kun?

Oh, he used “Nanami”. It must have been my imagination earlier.

Otoya Ittoki: Thank goodness. Oh, Nanami. You’ve got Natsuki’s glasses.

I’ve got…? Oh!

When I was struggling underwater, I must have grabbed them by accident.

Syo Kurusu: Give them here!

Haruka Nanami: ... Ah.

Syo-kun grabs the glasses from my hand.

Syo Kurusu: Natsuki!

Syo-kun runs towards Shinomiya-san while yelling, but Shinomiya-san doesn’t react at all.

Syo Kurusu: Grr…. NACCHAN!!

Syo-kun shouts with an embarrassed look on his face. Then….

Natsuki Shinomiya?: … Syo…chan?

For a moment, a peaceful look returns to Shinomiya-san’s face.

Syo Kurusu: Now!

Thud. Syo-kun throws the glasses… and they land perfectly on Shinomiya-san’s nose.

That moment, the pressure that surrounded us disappears as quickly as it arrived, and Shinomiya-san’s face becomes calm.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Huh? What’s wrong, everyone?

... Thank goodness. It’s the usual Shinomiya-san.

Syo Kurusu: “What’s wrong” isn’t the question here! How many times have I told you to be careful with your glasses?

Shining Saotome: S Class gets ten thousand points!

Otoya Ittoki: Huh?! What do you mean “ten thousand”?

Shining Saotome: That’s right! Just now, the short one threw those glasses and they landed perfectly.

Syo Kurusu: Don’t call me short!

Shining Saotome: Unlike the ball, the difficulty for throwing glasses is EXTREMELY HIGH. Therefore, the points gained reflect that.

Syo Kurusu: ... And right out the other ear….

Shining Saotome: So for this competition, it’s S Class’s overwhelming victory!

Ren Jinguji: Well, looks like our strategy won.

Tokiya Ichinose: So it seems.

Otoya Ittoki: How is that fair?! That has nothing to do with water polo!

Shining Saotome: HAHAHA! This school bends to my will!

In conclusion, the match came to end with the pool half-destroyed and S Class declared the winner.

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami, you okay? Do you need to go to the nurse’s office?

Haruka Nanami: No, I-I’m fine.

Otoya Ittoki: But... earlier, you fainted….

Haruka Nanami: I only lost consciousness for a little bit… Anyway….

Haruka Nanami: I’m looking forward to seeing you all crossdress.

Otoya Ittoki: Eh…. That…. I really have to do it, don’t I? I have to prepare for the worst.

Borrowing clothes from Tsukimiya-sensei, Ittoki-kun, Hijirikawa-sama, and Shinomiya-san dress up as women.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I didn’t know there were women’s clothing in my size.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I’ve never worn frilly clothes like these, so it’s kind of refreshing.

Shinomiya-san, being so tall, has a strong presence when he dresses up in women’s clothes, but since his personality is normally so soft, I wouldn’t feel strange even if I was told he’s a woman.

Masato Hijirikawa: Wearing a skirt…. How do I put it…? I can’t seem to relax….

Hijirikawa-sama is quite beautiful even without makeup, so when he crossdresses, he’s just… so beautiful… I can’t look at him directly.

Otoya Ittoki: Hey. Do I look like an actual girl?

Select the phrase!

Umm… well…. (+0 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I will refrain from commenting.

Ittoki-kun is very much, in a good way, a young boy, so I suppose he can pass as a boyish girl, but his muscle tone….

It’s not like he doesn’t look like a girl at all, but I wouldn’t be shocked if somebody told me that he’s crossdressing. Otoya Ittoki: I see…. Too bad.

You’re cute. (+10 Love, +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: You look like a tomboy; it’s a cute look....

Masato Hijirikawa: Tomboy…. I suppose that’s a good thing.

Otoya Ittoki: So you can’t see me as a girl? Boo-hoo.

You’re fine. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: If you say you are a girl, people will believe you are a girl! Just be confident!

Otoya Ittoki: … In other words, people can’t tell unless I insist.

Haruka Nanami: No, um... that's not it, it's just that you still look boyish, but like... in a good way... um…

Otoya Ittoki: It’s fine. I know I don’t look good crossdressing as a girl. Sorry for asking such a weird thing…. Otoya Ittoki: But hearing you say that I look okay helps.

Otoya Ittoki: ... Even so, having to wear this all day...

Masato Hijirikawa: Don’t complain…. This is the burden of the defeated.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Masato-kun is pretty; you might get asked out if you walk around in town.

Otoya Ittoki: Hehe, no way.

Tokiya Ichinose: Oh good, you’re still here Nanami-kun. I wanted to apologize to you….

Haruka Nanami: ???

Apologise? Ichinose-san? Why?

Tokiya Ichinose: During the water polo game, I was the one who told Syo to distract Shinomiya-san.

Tokiya Ichinose: Although I was trying to win the game to avoid dressing up as a woman, I never expected that would happen….

Tokiya Ichinose: It was my fault, so I apologise for putting you in harm's way…. Did you feel ill after that?

Haruka Nanami: I’m doing fine now. Besides, that just happened by chance, so what happened wasn’t your fault, Ichinose-san.

Tokiya Ichinose: I see…. Even so, I cannot let anything happen to you…. I take full responsibility. Allow me to walk you to your dorm.

Otoya Ittoki: Enough, Tokiya. I’M taking her home today. Right, Nanami?

Huh? Did we agree to that?

But…

Tokiya Ichinose: Is... that so?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, well…. Yes….

I decide to agree.

Tokiya Ichinose: Well then, this time I’ll let Otoya do it. Nanami-kun, I will come to apologize to you again. I won’t have any peace of mind if I leave things here.

Otoya Ittoki: Sorry, Nanami. I blurted it out without thinking, but I didn’t want him doing that.

Otoya Ittoki: I’ll go change. Give me a few minutes.

Haruka Nanami: O-okay….

As he said, Ittoki-kun escorts me back to my room.

Otoya Ittoki: Heh, this is a cute room. It’s the first time I’ve been in a girl’s room.

Haruka Nanami: O-oh, would you like something to drink…?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, it’s fine. Don’t worry, I’ll be going soon. Anyways, are you sure you’re okay?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I’m fine now.

Otoya Ittoki: I see. I’m glad to hear that.

Ittoki-kun looks me straight in the eyes.

He reaches out, pulling me into a tight hug.

Otoya Ittoki: Really, I’m glad. I was so scared. I wouldn’t know what I would do if you didn’t open your eyes….

He holds me tightly, almost painfully so.

Otoya Ittoki: Before I realised it, you became such an important person to me…. Nanami, I….

Otoya Ittoki: I don’t want to be apart from you. Please, stay my partner forever.

Haruka Nanami: Of course I want to stay as your partner.

Otoya Ittoki: I wouldn’t have let you go even if you said no. I can’t really find the words to explain….

Otoya Ittoki: This is the first time I’ve felt this. I’ve never had such an urge with anyone else before….

Otoya Ittoki: Having fun with everyone is fine, but you are the only one I want to hold on to. I won’t let you go. Even if I was ordered to, I wouldn’t.

Otoya Ittoki: That’s why I want you to only be my partner.

Select the Phrase!

Yes. (+0 Love +0 Music)

With a nod and smile, Ittoki-kun smiles warmly back at me.

Ittoki-kun’s… only… (+20 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Is that... not okay?

Haruka Nanami: That’s not it. Rather, I was wondering if I’m good enough for you. Um… that’s why....

Haruka Nanami: Um…. I’m in your care. Otoya Ittoki: Yep. Same here.

Um, if I’m suitable. (+10 Love, +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I hope we work together for many years to come. Otoya Ittoki: I look forward to it, partner! 

I want to follow him forever. Always from now on….

I thought that on that summer day.

Mini Game

Ringo Tsukimiya: You already got the basics down, right? Now we’re going into the real deal!

Arranging the assignment’s song in composing class…. You all are already doing song arrangement, right?

Today, I’ll have you actually perform that song!

When you actually perform a song, you’ll discover things you didn’t notice from just the sheet music and come to understand the song more deeply.

Ah, I just recalled, the level of quality of your performance will also be counted towards your score, so try your best.

I’m ready over here. Please begin when you feel ready.

S Rank

Otoya Ittoki: Wow! Perfect! How can you do it so well? Can I do it if I practise more?

Ittoki-kun, who listened in on my performance, spoke to me after I finished.

Haruka Nanami: Yes of course! You were better than me at the start.

Otoya Ittoki: I see. Let’s work together over summer vacation! 

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

Chapter End

[utapri-hana]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translators: Ladylancer (twitter: utatranslations), Raz (twitter: agnadance) Proofreaders: Belen (twitter: reiharus), Nadie (twitter: NmoniaG) Editors: Mae (twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Snail (twitter: herbert_snail)

June — Shining with ad libitum

June has arrived. Since we’ve just finished midterms, everyone is breathing sighs of relief.

Otoya Ittoki: Morning, Nanami.

Haruka Nanami: Ah. Ittoki-kun, good morning.

Otoya Ittoki: Oh, right. Look at this! Ta-da! Somehow, I managed to get 380 points in my five subjects! This is the first time I've done so well.

As he speaks, Ittoki-kun happily shows me his answer sheet.

Otoya Ittoki: Really, I hit the jackpot. It's all thanks to you!

Ittoki-kun’s ruffling my hair….

My hair’s a little messed up now, but I can’t help but feel happy about it….

Haruka Nanami: No…. That's just a coincidence….

Before midterms, Ittoki-kun and I, along with Tomo-chan, Hijirikawa-sama, and Shinomiya-san, studied together after school.

It was just a coincidence that what I taught Ittoki-kun during that time happened to be on the test.

But, even if that was all, somehow, it makes me really happy that we studied hard.

Tomochika Shibuya: Morning! Haaa~ Really, you saved me! Look: above average in all subjects! You're really good at teaching. In the future, you could master the art of being a teacher. I mean, I guess you've already mastered one art since you're a composer.

Tomo-chan starts laughing.

Haruka Nanami: Er… Um… I'm not really….

Masato Hijirikawa: … You needn’t be humble. You did a very good job.

Natsuki Shinomiya: He's right, you know…. That was the first time I'd seen such nicely organized notes.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, Hijirikawa-sama, Shinomiya-san. Good morning. Um, I hope they served you well.

Still, it really is embarrassing to be praised by everyone like this.

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami, why the red face? Ah, could it be… you’re embarrassed?

Haruka Nanami: Ah… yes. I've never had anyone compliment me like this before.

Otoya Ittoki: Is that true, Nanami? Even though you have a lot of good points. Okay then, from now on I'm going to compliment you a lot.

Haruka Nanami: Eh… y-you don't have to....

Otoya Ittoki: In exchange, praise me since I did a good job!

Ittoki-kun grins as he says that.

Haruka Nanami: I-I will!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oookay, everyone. Take your seats please, homeroom is starting.

As the teacher enters the room, everyone takes their seats.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe, everyone is here today as well. You're such good kids.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Also, I've received the results from the midterm tests. Incredible, everyone! Your grades were as good as S Class'.

The teacher's statement causes cheers to ring throughout the classroom.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Today's idols need to be smart. When it comes to variety shows, being able to have clever answers can make a big difference.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah! That's right, the test next month will be the practical variety show exam, so be prepared, okay?

Otoya Ittoki: Eh, really? That sounds interesting.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe. We have many practical exams!

He winks as he says that.

Tsukimiya-sensei really is cute.

Ringo Tsukimiya: For the variety show exam, you don’t necessarily need to have memorized the information, but if you do, it’ll be a big advantage. Well, random trivia knowledge and such is Shiny's area of expertise, so if you are interested, you can talk to him about it. He’d be delighted to teach you!

Wow…. The principal is also good at trivia. How knowledgeable…. He's amazing.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well, there's no problem with the paper test, but…. The problem is today's recording test.

That's right. Along with midterm tests, there are also recording tests.

At the beginning of the year, a set piece was given to us; singers practiced with it, and composers made their own arrangements for it.

Composers submitted their versions and the idols are meant to record on the day of the test.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Even though the song is the same, the songs will all sound different due to the singers. Some will be better than others, of course….

Haruka Nanami: Ah… that's true….

Ringo Tsukimiya: There can be a lot of variation even among singers that do well.... There are nuances of rhythm and articulation, and not everyone sings with the same technique. All of you probably started out by copying your favorite artists’ techniques, and until now, you’ve all listened to and practiced songs with vocal tracks included.

Haruka Nanami: … So it will be just like always.

Without knowing the original song, it’s very hard to practice with just the backing track....

Ringo Tsukimiya: However, this time I’ve deliberately given you materials without a temporary vocal track.... It’s not just about fitting the lyrics to the melody. The extreme difficulty of truly singing, of creating a song…. I think you will come to understand that. However, all of you can do it. So, do your best!

The time for the recording test has arrived.

While taking the test, only one person will be in the recording booth at a time.

The people after them can observe from the room next door.

Because it’s Ittoki-kun’s and my turn, we make our way to the recording room.

Inside the booth, the students about to take the test are on standby.

Otoya Ittoki: Recording.... I’m excited!

Even though today is the real deal, Ittoki-kun seems to be himself.

Haruka Nanami: … You're not nervous?

Otoya Ittoki: Not at all. After all, we practiced a ton.

Ever since April, we've been practicing our assigned song.

We interpreted the melody line as best we could, while trying our best to match the rhythm and pitch. So we’ll be fine....

We'll be okay… I think. Why am I so nervous?

Ryuya Hyuga: Okay, we're all set over here. Are you ready to sing?

S Class teacher Ryuya Hyuga speaks into the mic that’s connected to the recording booth.

Ryuya Hyuga, while also an active idol, is also the director of Shining Agency.

A versatile person, he's not only an amazing actor and singer, but is also good at managing the office, writing lyrics, composing, and sound direction.

For today's recording test, he’s handling all the sound controls on his own.

Voice from the booth: Yes, I'm ready.

Ryuya Hyuga: Okay then. State your name and class into the mic. After that, I’ll play the track. You won't be able to restart if you mess up, so get ready.

Tokiya Ichinose: Understood. S Class, Tokiya Ichinose.

For some reason, when I hear that person’s voice, my heart thuds in my chest. That smooth, deep voice….

… I feel like I've heard that voice before. But where…?

As I continue to ponder it, Ichinose-san begins to sing.

… Wow. Both his pitch and rhythm are perfect. Hmm. But this isn't just perfect…

He's making the song entirely his own. He has absolute precision, a self-assured sense of rhythm down to a fraction of a beat.

He swings between off-beat and on-beat, matching each phrase to the music freely in a way that seems effortless.

Even his volume is perfect, so that every single note is audible.

His pronunciation is so clear that I can discern each and every word, down to each consonant and vowel.

He is also controlling his breathing so that the mic can't pick up his breaths. Every sound—every line—is clean and accurate.

Amazing… I think, even among professionals, there are few that can do the same.

Otoya Ittoki: That guy… he’s amazing….

I glance over at Ittoki-kun. His hand is clenched into a shaking fist, crushing the score.

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, that's good for now. As usual, an almost annoyingly perfect performance. Impeccable, even. In fact, you followed the music sheets with such precision that it’s missing some charm. Personal feelings aside, you passed the test flawlessly. You can exit now.

Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, sir. … Pleasure working with you.

I gasp in surprise when I see the student who walks out of the booth.

HAYATO-sama!!!

I couldn’t see his face very well from where I was sitting…. Now I know.

It’s undeniably HAYATO-sama. But… what is an active, mega-successful idol doing here?

Select the phrase!

HAYATO-sama?! (+0 Love +0 Music)

I exclaim without thinking.

HAYATO-sama turns to look at me with a strange expression before sighing.

Tokiya Ichinose: ... Oh, this again.

Otoya Ittoki: No, Nanami. This isn't Hayato. This is his younger twin brother.

Haruka Nanami: Brother? HAYATO-sama's? I had no idea. I'm a failure as a fan....

C-could I have an autograph? (+0 Love +0 Music)

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey, you. We aren't fooling around here. Besides, that isn't Hayato.

Haruka Nanami: ... What? No matter how you look at him, he looks just like HAYATO-sama.

Ryuya Hyuga: He's Tokiya Ichinose, Hayato's younger twin brother. Sorry about this, Ichinose.

Tokiya Ichinose: ... No, I've gotten used to it.

Haruka Nanami: HAYATO-sama's brother.... I've never heard anything like that....

.... (+20 Love +5 Music)

Ryuya Hyuga: As always, an impersonal, perfect performance.

Tokiya Ichinose: ... Thank you very much.

Ryuya Hyuga: That wasn't a compliment....

Haruka Nanami: Ah, um... Sensei, is this person...?

Ryuya Hyuga: Hm? Ah, this guy is the younger brother of a currently-popular idol. You've probably heard of HAYATO, right?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I'm surprised to see someone who looks just like him.

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, it's no wonder they look alike. They're twins.

Haruka Nanami: Twins?! It's the first I've heard about that.... I see, HAYATO-sama's younger brother....

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami, could it be that you’re a fan of HAYATO?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes. The reason I decided to become a composer was because of him. He's an idol I look up to.

Otoya Ittoki: I see…. So that's what it was… HAYATO….

As if he's troubled, Ittoki-kun's profile changes slightly for a moment.

Was it... just my imagination?

Ryuya Hyuga: Okay, next! Otoya Ittoki, enter the booth.

Otoya Ittoki: … Yes.

Tokiya Ichinose: Otoya's song… Sensei, is it alright if I listen too?

Ryuya Hyuga: Huh? Oh, that's right, you two are roommates. Okay, listen to your rival’s song carefully.

Tokiya Ichinose: Rival? As if. He won't be able to surpass me. I’m just a little curious, that’s all.

Ichinose-san speaks with an amused smile.

The next moment, Ittoki-kun's recording test begins.

But Ittoki-kun isn’t his usual self at all, and even begins messing up in places he hadn't before.

We’re told to retake the test in two weeks.

Otoya Ittoki: Haaa....

Tokiya Ichinose: Otoya. Good job.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, Tokiya…. So you heard me too....

Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, I asked for permission to listen. Even though I couldn't bear to hear it, I would dare say there was a unique feeling to it. I thought your song was very much like you.

Otoya Ittoki: Wha…. It was…. It was that bad?

Haruka Nanami: N-no, not at all….

Tokiya Ichinose: Although you were vocalizing, you didn’t form a proper song. Even if you have feelings, they’re meaningless if you can’t convey them.

Ryuya Hyuga: You hardly have room to talk, seeing as I couldn’t feel any emotions in your song either. I wouldn’t buy either of your songs.

Tokiya Ichinose: What was wrong with my song?

Ryuya Hyuga: If you two fused together, you would be perfect. Ittoki’s technique is a little off…. And Ichinose, you don't put enough soul into your songs.

Tokiya Ichinose: Soul? Where does that unscientific nonsense come into it?

Ryuya Hyuga: That's why you’re no good. The feelings you put into a song can change its impact completely. What’s important is the human emotion, not just the actual song.

Tokiya Ichinose: I don’t understand at all. You're saying this so-called “soul” is in his song?

Ryuya Hyuga: Yeah, or at least more than yours. You have to expose your true feelings and put your heart into the song. Even though it sounds simple, it's actually very hard to do.

Tokiya Ichinose: Then, let me do the retest as well. Two weeks from now, I’ll perform a more perfect song than I did just now. Please judge me at that time.

Tokiya Ichinose: Let's find out whose song is better. I hope that’s okay with you as well, Otoya.

Otoya Ittoki: Okay. Challenge accepted!

Otoya Ittoki: A retest....

When I return to the classroom, I find Ittoki-kun alone and muttering to himself.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, er, cheer up…. You probably just happened to be in bad shape this time.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, but to say that my condition was the problem is just an excuse. Hearing him sing really rattled me. I… I was overconfident. I thought I was great at singing. I thought as long as I put my feelings into it, it would be a good song. But I was wrong. My songs are only at the level of a person singing karaoke.

Haruka Nanami: B-but…. This song was really difficult and there was no sample vocal track, so that made it even....

Otoya Ittoki: But it was the same for him. The conditions were the exact same, yet his singing was totally different. That was professional-level singing.

Certainly, Ichinose-san's singing was amazing. He could most certainly pass as a professional now.

Haruka Nanami: B-but I really liked your song, Ittoki-kun.

Otoya Ittoki: Really? Hearing you say that makes me happy. But, how I am now isn't enough. Nanami, will you… lend me your strength?

Ittoki-kun reaches out and grabs my hand.

Select the phrase!

If you're okay with me (+10 Love +0 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: I'm glad. I thought you would say that. Let's work hard together!

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

Yes! Of course! (+30 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: We're partners, after all. We share a common destiny, so why wouldn't I help...?

Otoya Ittoki: Sharing a common destiny.... I like the sound of that. So, does that mean you'll stay by my side forever?

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Ah, sure. If you need me....

A lifetime.... It would be nice if we could work together until the very end.

Otoya Ittoki: I see. Hm. Of course! Because we're partners!

I'll do my best (+20 Love +0 Music)

I tighten my grip on Ittoki-kun's hand.

Otoya Ittoki: Your hand is so warm.... I feel relaxed. But....

Ittoki-kun looks deep into my eyes.

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami. You love HAYATO, right?

Ittoki-kun whispers something in a small voice and averts his gaze.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, sorry. It's nothing.

He suddenly releases my hand.

Haruka Nanami: ....

Otoya Ittoki: The difference between me and him…. I wonder what my strengths are. Right now, I feel like I'm going to lose even if I give it my all.

Haruka Nanami: That's not true. You have a lot of good points, Ittoki-kun.

Otoya Ittoki: But none of that means anything if it doesn't help me beat him. I wonder, am I better than him in anything?

Haruka Nanami: Maybe in “heart”….

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. But without enough skill, I can’t express that, right?

I don't agree…. I don’t think I'm getting my words across…. In that case….

I start singing the exam piece on the spot.

Otoya Ittoki: Eh…? Isn't this the exam song?

Even though I can write songs, I'm not very good at singing them.

Because of how shy I am, I trip over my words, my voice doesn't project very much, and my articulation is poor.

I know that I am not good at expressing myself, so I don’t sing well at all. But I want to show Ittoki-kun that singing isn't just about being talented at using your voice.

You have to sing with your heart.

Otoya Ittoki: ….

Haruka Nanami: ... H-how was it?

Otoya Ittoki: Honestly…. It wasn't that good. But….

Haruka Nanami: But?

Otoya Ittoki: For some reason, it felt warm.

Haruka Nanami: … Did you understand my feelings?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. I felt it right here.

Ittoki-kun pats his chest.

Haruka Nanami: … I'm glad. It's true that Ichinose-san's song was really good. Both his rhythm and pitch were perfect…. But… there was no “heart” in it. And you don't have the same technical skills to put into your song, but your songs do have “heart.” Not every song that sells is well-sung, right? Even if they're a little bad, they will still touch the hearts of listeners.

Otoya Ittoki: I see. Certainly, there’s no reason why everyone should sing the same way. Surely, there is a song that only I can sing....

Otoya Ittoki: Hey, Nanami. Will you search for it with me?

Haruka Nanami: Yes! Let’s look for it together, your “song”….

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah….

Suddenly, the hand holding mine moves to grab my shoulder.

Otoya Ittoki: Once more, let's do our best!

Haruka Nanami: … Yes!

I gingerly reach out and grab onto Ittoki-kun’s shoulder.

Haruka Nanami: I'll do my best as well.

From then on, we practice every day until late into the night.

Otoya Ittoki: Ahh…. What should I do?

Haruka Nanami: For singing practice, there’s vocalization, rhythm, and articulation... right?

Otoya Ittoki: I see. Hey. What do you think I should start with?

Haruka Nanami: Well, let's see.

Select the phrase!

Vocalization (+10 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Tsukimiya-sensei is always saying that vocalization is the best thing to work on first. But... apparently studying vocalization takes at least three years to master if you’re just starting out.

Otoya Ittoki: Three years…. That's too long. The graduation auditions would have already passed.

Ittoki-kun hangs his head.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, hang on a moment.

I begin flipping through the materials from the library, trying to find something we could work on now.

Haruka Nanami: Let’s see… It seems the most important thing is the breath control, so let's see how you do with that. Because your abdominal muscles are strong, you should be able to learn this quickly once you get the hang of it. Um, stand straight, pull down your abdominal muscles while pulling up your back… You should feel your backside lifting. Er… I think… like this…. Can you try touching here to make sure?

I take up the posture and signal with my hand to have Ittoki-kun touch me.

Otoya Ittoki: Errr… are you sure…?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I think it would be easier for you to understand how your abdominal and back muscles should feel by actually feeling them. Well, right around here.

Otoya Ittoki: O-okay then....

Ittoki-kun reaches out tentatively.

Otoya Ittoki: … You have such a thin waist, Nanami….

Haruka Nanami: Huh? What….

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, s-sorry! I just….

Ittoki-kun blushes bright red, pulling his hands back.

Haruka Nanami: It's fine….

The atmosphere’s gotten awkward.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, well, um... Next up is to relax your body, and tense the muscles at the pit of your stomach. By doing that, you should be able to control your breath. Tomo-chan says that if you do that, you can make a single breath last a long time. She also said that it’s good if you control your articulation with your stomach.

I hastily change the subject.

Tomo-chan has been singing since middle school, and has tried a lot of techniques for herself.

Because of that, she's taught me all sorts of things.

Otoya Ittoki: The pit of the stomach… so, around here?

Haruka Nanami: Let's see… Bend over and exhale as much as you can, and then correct your posture before taking another breath. You should feel like your diaphragm is being sucked into your chest. I heard you should focus at the one point where the diaphragm is being sucked in the most.

Ittoki-kun begins trying it out as soon as I finish explaining.

Otoya Ittoki: Ugh…. This is really tough.

Haruka Nanami: Take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, and then try breathing out all the way and straightening up like before, and hold for five seconds. It’s difficult, but it seems like it helps with technique. You know, Tomo-chan does three sets in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Otoya Ittoki: I see, Tomochika is doing her best too. Anything else? Are there any other exercises?

Haruka Nanami: Well, there's one where, while you’re singing, if you hold your hand in front of your mouth and can’t feel your breath, it’s a sign that your voice is resonating. A resonating voice uses very little breath. If you master it, you should be able to sustain your notes longer without straining for air....

Otoya Ittoki: I see... what else?

Haruka Nanami: Other than that, um….

After that, I tell Ittoki-kun everything I know about voice training.

Normally, just because you learned some tips and tricks, it wouldn’t mean you could master it quickly.

Ittoki-kun uses his natural intuition to make the knowledge his own.

Rhythm (+5 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Well, it really sounds good when the rhythm is just right.

Otoya Ittoki: The rhythm…. You know, when I put too much feeling into my singing, I can feel my rhythm starts to slip.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I know what you mean…. How about you teach your body to remember the beats, so you always feel the rhythm? Listen to the demo without singing, and count out the beats, 1, 2, 3, 4. While you do that, put your index finger and your thumb together on 1, switch to your middle finger on 2, your ring finger on 3, and your pinkie and thumb together on 4. The moment you put your fingers together is the “on-beat” and the moment you switch is the “off-beat.” Pay close attention to the “off-beat.”

Otoya Ittoki: Hey, you can do this with one hand. This makes it easy to practice.

Haruka Nanami: If you continue to count off the song, you’ll start figuring out where it’s best to sing. For example, it seems it can help to tap your hand on your thigh on the 2 and 4 while singing.That way, it should be harder for your rhythm to slip.

Otoya Ittoki: Got it. Let me try for a bit.

Ittoki-kun begins to practice while listening to the drum line.

He shouldn’t have been able to develop a sense of rhythm right away. However, it's not long before Ittoki-kun is able to make the test song’s rhythm his own.

His sense of rhythm must have been quite good from the start.

Articulation (+5 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Um, you can’t immediately become good at vocalization and rhythm, but with articulation, as long as you are careful with certain points, I think there is room for improvement…

Haruka Nanami: Words have vowels and consonants, but vowels are what really make a rhythm. If you look at a music sheet, vowels are where the music notes are placed. It’s good to place the consonant a moment right before the vowel. If we’re talking about “KA”, then it’s good to have the “A” sound really fit into the rhythm.

Otoya Ittoki: Ooh, is that so? I've been singing without ever being aware of that!

Haruka Nanami: Also, try to overemphasize the consonants. I heard if you sing like how you talk, the consonants become lost and you can’t hear each word clearly anymore.

Otoya Ittoki: I see, overemphasizing.... Okay, gotcha. I’ll try it out.

Once Ittoki-kun begins singing, his articulation improves greatly.

An average person wouldn’t be able to do this just by hearing a piece of advice once.

Ittoki-kun really is amazing.

After that, we try everything we can think of.

Haruka Nanami: Okay, let's listen to what we just recorded.

When I play the recordings back, Ittoki-kun listens with a serious look on his face.

Haruka Nanami: What's wrong? I think you’ve gotten a lot better…

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. From listening to this, I would say my technique is improving. But it doesn't feel like it's enough. I can’t beat him like this…

Ittoki-kun clenches his fists.

I… I have to say something….

There should be a breakthrough strategy….

I’ve got to think about Ittoki-kun's good points and the songs that only he can sing….

Oh, that's right….

Haruka Nanami: Your expressions….

Otoya Ittoki: Huh?

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun, when you sing freely, you put so much emotion into your face and hand movements. When you record, it's like you get nervous. You have no facial expressions and your hands don't move at all…. I know you’re taking it seriously, but you don't look like you’re having fun….

Otoya Ittoki: Maybe it really is like that…. I was just thinking that I had to sing well….

Haruka Nanami: I think that your emotions are a good point for your song, so why not try singing like you usually do?

Otoya Ittoki: It's true that your voice changes with your expressions and movements. Maybe that would help me convey my feelings better.

Otoya Ittoki: Of course, that's it! That feels way more natural. I’ll try it out!

And with that, the next song he sings is wonderful.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, this feels much more like my normal singing. Thank you, Nanami! If I was alone, I probably would have just gotten discouraged.

Haruka Nanami: … That's not true….

Otoya Ittoki: I'm really glad that I met you... and I’m so glad I came to this school.

Otoya Ittoki: Alright! I'm going to sing my heart out for the retake!

By the time I arrive at the recording room, Ichinose-san is already there.

Tokiya Ichinose: Well? Did you improve a little over these two weeks?

Otoya Ittoki: Yep!

Tokiya Ichinose: I'm looking forward to it.

Ryuya Hyuga: Okay, we’re all set here. Ittoki, head in.

Otoya Ittoki: Yes! ... I'm up.

Haruka Nanami: Okay, break a leg.

Tokiya Ichinose: ...!!!

Ryuya Hyuga: Oh… not bad. He’s advanced a lot in just two weeks.

Tokiya Ichinose: … Otoya, you're different from before. What is this heart-wrenching feeling…?

Even though Ittoki-kun's song is less technically perfect than Ichinose-san's, Ittoki-kun's song is more appealing to me than Ichinose-san's.

It’s a song that grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s just enjoyable to listen to.

Ryuya Hyuga: It seems you finally realized it. He has something you lack.

Tokiya Ichinose: ….

Ryuya Hyuga: It's not enough to just sing the score. Well, even after improving this much, he still has a long way to go.

Ryuya Hyuga: There's no relaxing for you, Mr. S Class Ace.

Tokiya Ichinose: … If I’m missing something, I can deal with it. I can overcome my shortcomings.

Ryuya Hyuga: … Is that so? Well, good luck.

Hyuga-sensei claps Ichinose-san on the shoulder with a loud clap.

Ryuya Hyuga: Alright. Hang out in there until I can confirm the recording. I won't keep you waiting, though. This time, you pass.

Otoya Ittoki: Yes! Thank you very much!

Haruka Nanami: Alright!

Tokiya Ichinose: Hm? You are…? I see, you're Otoya's partner, correct?

Suddenly, Ichinose-san looks me in the eye. Seeing him this way, he really does look like HAYATO-sama.

Tokiya Ichinose: I heard about you from Otoya. Rather, he won't shut up about you, not even for a single minute.

Ittoki-kun talks about me?

Tokiya Ichinose: It seems that you’re a large part of the reason he’s gotten this far. How about it? Do you have any advice you can give me?

Haruka Nanami: A-advice?

To be asked so suddenly, um, well....

Haruka Nanami: Well… Ichinose-san, your music is… perfect, but it feels like it's in pain.

Tokiya Ichinose: In pain?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I am sure you are facing your music seriously, and you are pushing yourself to make the best music possible. But.... As long as you are hurting yourself, your pain is passed along to those who listen to it. I like music too and I can understand the feeling of wanting to make a good product even if you were to suffer. But…. Go back to the beginning. Why not try singing with the feeling of loving music?

Tokiya Ichinose: The feeling of loving music…. Thank you, I’ll try that this time.

Ichinose-san laughs softly.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, no… I apologize. I said something really presumptuous....

Ryuya Hyuga: No, your advice really hit straight at the point. You’re shaping up to be a great composer.

Haruka Nanami: Th-thank you very much!

Ryuya Hyuga: … Okay, the review is done. Ittoki, you can come out now.

Otoya Ittoki: Thank you for your support!

Ryuya Hyuga: Nope, that was all your hard work. It all worked out somehow. Well then, next up is Ichinose….

Tokiya Ichinose: Yes. Otoya, it’s true that today you’ve done better. However, I’m not going to lose.

Otoya Ittoki: I know. I’ll be listening to your song carefully!

Ryuya Hyuga: We’re ready here. Cue the music.

Ichinose-san's song has gotten even better since the last time I heard it, two weeks ago. I even managed to feel some 'heart' as well.

Even so, it’s not quite there yet.

Tokiya Ichinose: How was it?

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, it was much better than last time. However…. There’s still something missing… but I guess this is it.

Shining Saotome: HAHAHA~ Not quite there, MISTER Ichinose.

Ryuya Hyuga: Gah, President!

Otoya Ittoki: Eh, the principal? Wha—where???

Tokiya Ichinose: Up.

Saying that, Ichinose-san points. Following his finger, I see the principal with his hands and feet securely holding onto the ceiling.

Shining Saotome: Nice job at discovering me, MISTER Ichinose. Really nice work. HUP!

Despite making that exclamation, the principal ends up falling from the ceiling. As he lands, he makes a very uncomfortable CRACK sound.

He stands up quickly, as if nothing had happened.

Ryuya Hyuga: Ugh. As always, he’s like a monster….

Shining Saotome: Hm~? Did you say something, Ryuya-saaan?

Ryuya Hyuga: ... No, nothing…. Nothing at all.

Shining Saotome: MISTER Ichinose and MISTER Ittoki. They are in different classes but are two buddies who share the same room.

Tokiya Ichinose: Our relationship is nothing special. It’s neither good nor bad.

Otoya Ittoki: No way! I always thought that we were friends!

Tokiya Ichinose: I don’t plan on becoming friends with my rival. As my roommate, my minimum requirement is to keep the relationship civil.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, I’m in shock....

Shining Saotome: Yes, you two are good rivals. You will surpass and be surpassed, work hard, and grow together. That is the way of Japan’s male youth. THAT’S WHY! The winner is YOU, MISTER Ittoki.

Otoya Ittoki: ... Eh…. Me?

Tokiya Ichinose: ... I… lost…?

Shining Saotome: It was a difficult decision. It was hard to decide which one of you was better. BUT, today MISTER Ittoki won by a close margin. Of course, MISTER Ittoki is nowhere near surpassing MISTER Ichinose in technical skills. BUT the song that made MY heart react was your song, MISTER Ittoki.

Haruka Nanami: You mean, the decision was based... on your preference?

Shining Saotome: You could say that, but preference is important. Plus, MISTER Ittoki’s speed of improvement is monstrous. I’m really looking forward to more! Expressing emotions requires a talent and sense beyond effort! And, MISTER Ittoki has it. Those are the songs that are called inspirational. People like those songs! As such, I like MISTER Ittoki’s song!

Ryuya Hyuga: No matter how good your technique is, no one will buy a song that doesn’t resonate with them. On the other hand, people may find that they want to listen to a song again, even if it is technically imperfect. In short, what matters if whether a person likes a song or not and if it’s to their taste.

Shining Saotome: THAT’S RIGHT. When my heart throbs, I want that song. Different techniques are only a means to express from the heart. There’s no meaning to technique if you don’t have heart. Remember this for next time! Learn to light your heart’s fire.

Tokiya Ichinose: ... Yes, sir.

Ichinose-san answers, clenching his fists.

I get the impression that he tries to be a calm person, but that he might actually be the fiery type.

Shining Saotome: Good boy. Both of you, keep up the good work! Well then, until next time.

The principal hits the floor with his fist and then a square-shaped fissure appears on the floor. The square portion of the floor begins to slowly sink like an elevator.

As soon as he disappears below, two floor tiles slide over the hole left behind and close it shut.

Ryuya Hyuga: I can never understand him…. Well, whatever. You pass the retake, both of you.

Ryuya Hyuga: Do your best to pass the first time around next time, okay? Rather, don’t make me have to do this bothersome thing again. Got it?

Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, sir.

Otoya Ittoki: Yes, sir.

Haruka Nanami: ... Congratulations on passing the retest.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, thank you…. But I still can’t believe I beat Tokiya. He really is good. On top of that, he looks just like HAYATO….

Haruka Nanami: Well… his looks don’t matter in this situation.... They're twins. It can't be helped.

Otoya Ittoki: But Nanami, you like him. HAYATO, I mean.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes. He is my favorite idol. He is always bright and fun. I feel better whenever I watch him. But lately… I like Ittoki-kun’s songs even more. Like the one you just sang, I really liked it.

Otoya Ittoki: Really?! Are you serious?

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

I nod earnestly. Even now I still really, really like HAYATO-sama, but….

Now I'm more interested in Ittoki-kun. When he becomes an idol, he may become even bigger than HAYATO-sama.

That's how it feels.

Otoya Ittoki: I see… I see now. So I’m…. Hey... Nanami. Will you go on a date with me?

Haruka Nanami: ... Eh?

Otoya Ittoki: As a thank you…. What I mean is… I want to know more about you.

Otoya Ittoki: Not just the school you, but more about the normal you.

Haruka Nanami: ... If you're okay with me… I wouldn’t mind.

Otoya Ittoki: Really?! ... Thank goodness. I was afraid you would refuse….

Haruka Nanami: ... I wouldn’t do that. Never…. When I’m with you… I have so much fun.

Otoya Ittoki: I’m happy to hear that. Once again, I look forward to being with you.

He extends his right hand.

Haruka Nanami: ... Same here.

I take his hand. I have to do my best for Ittoki-kun's sake. For that reason….

Select the phrase!

I have to study composing (+0 Love +10 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Alright, I'm going to write one song a day to get better at composing~!

Ittoki-kun watches me pump my fist in the air and laughs.

Ah... he's laughing at me.

I have to study songs, too (+0 Love +5 Music)

I'm sure it would be best for me to understand singing and vocals as well, not just composing.

I have to get closer to Ittoki-kun (+20 Love +0 Music)

As I'm thinking, I glance at Ittoki-kun and see him smiling at me.

I've been at this school for three months. There are still many things I don't know.

However, I am sure the two of us can aim even higher. That's why I'm going to do my best!

Haruka Nanami: Haaa… I ended up staying late again....

I always think I might be able to go home just a little earlier to write compositions and study music, but then I end up cleaning and helping the teachers….

I can rarely refuse anything if I am asked. Rather, I like that others can rely on me....

Kuppuru: Meow....

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Kuppuru. Did you come to pick me up?

Kuppuru: Mew!

Haruka Nanami: Haha… thank you….

I suddenly hear a beautiful voice coming from the back garden.

Ah, could it be....

Ah…. It’s Ichinose-san. And he's even better than before.

Select the phrase!

Listen (+0 Love +5 Music)

I listen to the song, not wanting to disturb Ichinose-san.

His voice is soft, kind, and clear....

It's a charming singing voice, different from Ittoki-kun's.

I don't want to bother him, so I decide to leave.

Leave (+0 Love +0 Music)

It seems that he's practicing in secret, so it would be wrong to disturb him.

Kuppuru: Meow....

Haruka Nanami: Shhh....

Kuppuru and I leave quietly.

Call out (+0 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Ichinose-sa....

I can't seem to make myself call out to him. His singing voice sounds so sorrowful....

It feels like something I shouldn't interrupt....

I leave quietly so that Ichinose-san won't notice me.

Haruka Nanami: Hey Kuppuru.... Ichinose-san is really great.

Kuppuru: Meow....

Haruka Nanami: We beat him once... but.... We shouldn't be content with just that. Everyone is working hard. I have to work even harder. I'll be overtaken quickly....

I figure that Ittoki-kun, since he’s rooming with Ichinose-san and his high abilities, must feel even more pressure every day….

I’m only able to make songs and I don't know what songs Ichinose-san's partner will make….

I will do what I can. I have to make songs that can draw out all of Ittoki-kun's appeal!

Mini game

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oookay, everyone! For today’s private lesson, you’ll be studying lyrics~! Normally, the composition comes first and you would be writing lyrics for that composition....

Ringo Tsukimiya: Depending on the situation, the melody is tweaked to help fit the lyrics in. There are some rare cases where, during recording, the lyrics are changed a little because they didn’t flow well with the composition.

Don’t think that just because you’re a composer, you should only focus on composing. Try studying a variety of things. The lyrics to a song are meant to go along with a melody, so focus less on the general flow of the words and more on the individual lines. Now then, I’ll have you write lyrics for this test composition! I thought that having you write everything from scratch would be difficult, so I made a fill-in-the-blank test. Choose the word from a number of words that you think would fit the song the best. Once you’re done, I’ll grade the test.

Well then, let’s begin!

S Rank

The next morning, I have Ittoki-kun look over the completed lyrics.

Otoya Ittoki: Wow... I like it. These words... I feel them in my heart. Your personality shines through. I love these lyrics!

Haruka Nanami: Thank you!

I see.... Ittoki-kun likes the lyrics.

What other lyrics would he like? I have to ask a lot of questions and get his input from now on too.

Chapter End

[utapri-hana]

Full versions of Ambivalent and MUSOU from Ai's Solo Best Album!

Please buy the original if you can! It’s available internationally on iTunes! Apple Music has a sample version here that desktop users can then use to get to the iTunes store!

This CD plus his birthday solo now gives us international fans easy access to every Ai solo released ever! So buy them!!!

[utapri-hana]

Allow me to cry ...It's finally here 💜✨

It took longer than the previous too which scared the hell outta me and I thought it was lost or something LoL

[utapri-hana]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translator: Lady Lancer (twitter: utatranslations), Raz (twitter: agnadance) Proofreader: Belén (twitter: reiharus), Nadie (twitter: NmoniaG) Editor: Mae (twitter: itoshikimaegirl), Snail (twitter: herbert_snail)

May — It began approaching poco a poco

As May begins, we grow accustomed to school life.

Tomochika Shibuya: So, Haruka. Is everything going well with Otoya?

As soon as Golden Week is over and we're back in school, Tomo-chan asks me that.

Haruka Nanami: We still haven't made a song, but…we are practicing together a lot.

We spent Golden Week practicing like crazy after deciding to give our all together. Ittoki-kun sings like he’s having so much fun, it made me enjoy playing as well.

Tomochika Shibuya: I see, so the two of you practice together. How nice.

Haruka Nanami: Isn’t it for you too, Tomo-chan?

Tomo-chan should also have a partner.

Tomochika Shibuya: Ah, well…. That bastard, from the first meeting he told me “I like high notes so if you cannot reach soprano you cannot sing it.” And kept rambling about stuff like that. Well, my principle is to take on every fight so I will accept his challenge! Just wait and see! I’ll master mixed-voice and sing five whole octaves, dammit! Well, for now we've agreed to work separately. Once we both reach a result we agree on, we'll start practicing together. I'm so jealous of you, to be honest. Aah~ I wish you and I were partners.

… Even though she’s saying that, Tomo-chan seems to be having fun.

Otoya Ittoki: Good morning, Nanami. Three days no see…

Tomochika Shibuya: He~eh. Three days no see, huh? You two have been practicing together during Golden Week, right?

Otoya Ittoki: Eh? What? Did I say something weird?

Tomochika Shibuya: No, I was just commenting on how good your relationship is.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, yeah. It’s like we’re on the same wavelength. I heard that a composer and an idol’s relationship is like a three-legged race.​ Well, it really feels like it.

Shining Saotome: Exactly. The composer and the idol’s relationship is like a three-legged race, two hearts beating as one!

Tomochika Shibuya: Whoa, what was that!?

Otoya Ittoki: Principal, how long have you been here?!

Shining Saotome: HA HA HAAA~~ The walls have ears, my dears, and doors have Iris. Heeeeere is Shining in the cleaning closet!

Haruka Nanami: Amazing…. As expected of the principal…At any given time, he keeps watch over us.

What an amazing person. Oh my, what a caring teacher he is. I might really respect him….

Otoya Ittoki: Eeh! That's what you are shocked about?

Shining Saotome: HA HA HAAA~~ MISS Nanami. It seems you understand me very well. I shall give you a reward.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… no… that's…. I don’t….

Shining Saotome: Now then, I hereby announce Saotome Academy's gateway to success, the Idol Strengthening Training from Heeell. Moreover, this time specially YOU and MISTER Ittoki will be guided by ME personally through it!

Haruka Nanami: J-Just us…? Especially…?

Shining Saotome: Ha ha ha~~ Last month, I heard the two of you singing on the roof. The two of you have quiiite the talent! Because it's ME saying that, there is no doubt!

The principal is going to teach us right after entering school, how lucky we are. Ahh, I'm so thankful!

Shining Saotome: The seventh “The Idol and the Composer are Always Like a Three-Legged Race Team In the Entertainment Industry, Therefore Search for the Idol's Endorsement in an Actual Three-Legged Race ” Championship…..shall now begin! Don-Don-Don-Pappu!

Shining Saotome: …Hn, not a lot of applause, huh~ No good , no good. Youth are the best at being energetic.... Now, applause!

After the school president appeared in the classroom, A Class is told to change into their jerseys and meet outside. Once we all get to the grounds, Tsukimiya-sensei hands out towels to each pair and gives instructions for the three-legged race. So Ittoki-kun and I are joined at the foot, but… for some reason, my heart is pounding…

Otoya Ittoki: Let’s work hard, Nanami!

Haruka Nanami: Y... Yes. I'll do my best....

Tomochika Shibuya: Doing your best for this is good and all but…. Earlier, didn't he say that he would give only the two of you special training? So why bother increasing the number of contestants?...Wait, he just said “the seventh,” which means this happens every year? Aw, come on. I don't even know a good place to begin unpacking all of this.

Haruka Nanami: Um… where's your partner, Tomo-chan?

Tomo-chan is still wearing her uniform and came out to the grounds alone.

Tomochika Shibuya: …You. In this situation, you want to start there?

Haruka Nanami: Ah…s-sorry. I was just worried…

Tomochika Shibuya: No, it's okay…. It looked troublesome, so he passed. Well, it's not just my partner; half the class is too scared to participate.

Now that she's mentioned it, half the class is still in their uniforms, watching from the shadows of the trees. Come to think of it, before heading to the grounds, the principal said, “While we’re at it, I will allow all of A Class to participate. Pass this trial and you will be one step closer to the star of the idol. However, should you fail…there is a risk that you may not just receive serious injuries, but also get caught in this and that, so people who are unsure should waaatch from the sidelines~ BUT the entire class must participate, so even if you decide that you do not want to participate, pleeeease come down and watch.”

Or, I think that’s what he said. What did he mean by “this and that”...? I wonder....

Tomochika Shibuya: So? Why have Masato and Natsuki paired up with each other?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Huh... I wonder why? Before I realized it, I was connected with Masato-kun.

Masato Hijirikawa: …Tsukimiya-sensei said that there is a lack of rivals and fun to this, so he recommended us to participate.

Haruka Nanami: And what about your partners?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, my partner composer seems to have the start-of-school blues and is taking a break from class. And I believe Masato-kun's partner composer is absent today due to a cold.

Masato Hijirkawa: Tsukimiya-sensei said that in this case, even though we are friends, it would be better to become rivals. Sensei made the point that “a good rival makes an even better friend.” …It would be impolite to respond unfavorably to that sentiment.

Otoya Ittoki: “A good rival,” huh? That's really interesting. Ah, that makes me a little excited! Hey, don’t you agree?

Select the phrase!

…It is heart-pounding. (+20 Love +5 Music)

Otoya Ittoki: Are you a little nervous? Here, do a breathing exercise with me. Now: in, out. Once more. In... and out. Well, feeling less nervous?

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes. A little…

… Even though that's what I said, to participate in a three-legged race be connected with Ittoki-kun is….

My heart is not going to stop pounding so easily.

Up till now, I haven’t properly done three-legged races, not even folk dancing....

Honestly, this is the first time I've been in such close contact with a man.

I hope that the pounding of my heart isn't heard by Ittoki-kun….

Shining Saotome: Everyooone. OK, ready? Well, even if you aren't ready, I'm gonna begin. Now, everyone. Please do your best in finding the Idol's Endorsements that are hidden on caaampus.

Otoya Ittoki: Sensei, question. What exactly is the Idol's Endorsement?

Shining Saotome: … Ha ha haaa. Well then, everyone, please do your best in finding the hidden Idol's Endorsement.

Otoya Ittoki: Wow, I was ignored…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Give up on that. Shiny won’t give up a description just like that. Hurry up and start looking.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes.

Taking a closer look, the other students are all off with a cloud of dust behind them.

Otoya Ittoki: Whatever. I don't really get it, but let's go! Right, Nanami?

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

Otoya Ittoki: One, two, one, two.

Haruka Nanami: Ah!

Me being nervous and this being the first time I'm competing in a three legged race is causing me to nearly fall every time we take a step.

… Ah… I'm such an inconvenience….

Otoya Ittoki: Are you ok? Ah, is it... Am I going too fast?

Select the phrase!

My heart won’t stop pounding. (+20 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I'm sorry for not being experienced with this, especially… contact with members of the opposite sex….

Otoya Ittoki: Ah… I see…. Sorry. I put my arm around your shoulders without thinking…

Haruka Nanami: N-No. That's not it. After all, we cannot walk stably without wrapping our arms around each other’s shoulders. It’s true that I'm a little embarrassed…. But it’s not your fault.

Otoya Ittoki: … For some reason, you saying that makes me a little shy too….

We both avert our eyes from each other. Becoming conscious of all this would only make this more heart-pounding.

Otoya Ittoki: But… if this keeps going it’ll be a problem. There’s gotta be a way…Ah, that's it.

Suddenly, Ittoki-kun begins humming a song.

Haruka Nanami: This… this is the song that we're always practicing…

Otoya Ittoki: Yep. I’ll sing it while running and align your steps to the rhythm. Don’t you think it will work out like that?

Haruka Nanami: Yes! I think so! I do!

How strange.... Up until a little while ago, our footsteps didn’t match up at all. Now our feet move as if it were natural. Pleased, I look at Ittoki-kun and he grins at me while singing.

Otoya Ittoki: Whoa, that surprised me…What’s this, a balloon?

Balloons cover the entire surface of the recording room.

Haruka Nanami: Do you… want to search here?

Otoya Ittoki: Hmm… Yeah, I bet there’s a trap around here. There might be something hidden in an unexpected place like this. Nanami, are you okay with balloons?

Haruka Nanami: Ah… yes, I'm fine with them.

Otoya Ittoki: Well then, let’s go take a look.

With that, we enter the balloon-covered recording room. With every step we take, we hear the pop of balloons echoing.

Otoya Ittoki: You okay? If it’s painful, you can cover your ears.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I’m fine…

Every time we break a balloon, flour, water, loaches, and other substances burst out and the floor grows ever-messier. Cleaning looks like it will be troublesome…

Otoya Ittoki: Whoa, even baby chicks… How in the world did the old man put them into a balloon?

Haruka Nanami: The principal is one amazing person....

Otoya Ittoki: Huh? Ah…. Certainly, he’s amazing, in different meanings of the word…

Pop.

A silver key appears from inside a popped balloon.

Otoya Ittoki: Hm? What's this? A key? But... for what...?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Ittoki-kun.... Over there.

A small treasure box is hidden in the corner of the room.

Otoya Ittoki: Bingo! Nanami! The Idol's Endorsement must be in there. This was easier than I expected.

We wade through the remaining balloons to pick up the treasure box.

Otoya Ittoki: Well, let’s open it up.

Haruka Nanami: O-Okay…

Inside of this is the Idol's Endorsement… I wonder what it looks like.

Click.

The lock opens. When we open the lid of the treasure box…

Shining Saotome: HA HA HAAA~~! Tooooooo bad for you. This isn't it.

From inside the box, we hear the principal’s voice, and then –

Click.

It sounds like a switch flips.

Rumble rumble!

The left and right walls of the recording room open. And then…A two-meter wide ball comes rolling towards us from the opening.

Otoya Ittoki: Whoooaaaaa!!!! Nanami, I’m sorry!

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

Ittoki-kun picks me up over his shoulder and begins to run.In an attempt to escape from the ball, we run down the hallway, but the ball continues to gain speed.

Otoya Ittoki: DAMN IIIIT!!! Is this school a trick mansion or something?! In that case…!

Ittoki-kun, speeding up slightly, opens the door to the nearest classroom and jumps in.

Otoya Ittoki: … Ha, ha, ha… I think it kept going… phew….

Ittoki-kun, giving a sigh of relief, slumps against the classroom door, sliding downwards to sit on the ground…. All that is fine but....

Haruka Nanami: Ah…um…

I'm being hugged from behind by Ittoki-kun, and also fell to the ground with him.

Otoya Ittoki: Ah… sorry… But, could we stay like this for a minute?

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, that. Er…. When you sit down holding onto a cushion or a stuffed animal, don't you feel relieved? It makes me feel comfortable… like, it calms me down…?

Oh...I see.

Select the phrase!

…It also makes me calm. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Ha…. Right now, I…! I think I just blurted out something ridiculous….

Otoya Ittoki: Really?! I see. I’m glad.

I feel myself being held more firmly than before. Ittoki-kun's arms... They’re really strong.

Otoya Ittoki: For some reason, I feel really calm now, like this. Nanami, you're really warm and smell nice.

Haruka Nanami: B-But… We were running earlier, so I guess I smell pretty sweaty…

Otoya Ittoki: That's not true. Your shampoo smells so good.

After saying that, Ittoki-kun buries his face in my hair. The top of my head feels ticklish and I'm warm inside.

Thump, thump.

I can hear the sound of Ittoki-kun's heart through my back that's leaning against him.

…

I close my eyes and listen carefully and I begin to hear it…your sound. Many melodies dance across my mind.

Otoya Ittoki: OK! Charge complete! You’re a lifesaver, Nanami.

Haruka Nanami: Ah... I didn't do anything, though…

He is the one who gave me such wonderful sounds.

Otoya Ittoki: We should get going soon. Even if the other guys got ahead of us, we can make good time… Can you stand? Here…

Haruka Nanami: Th… Thank you…

Ittoki-kun takes my hand, helping me stand.

… How kind. I was really lucky to get such a wonderful person as a partner. Really, too good a person for someone like me. I hope to one day be like he is.

Otoya Ittoki: Hm? There's a lot of noise coming from over there. Let's go see.

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

A crowd has gathered farther down the hallway. There, among the group are Shinomiya-san and Hijirikawa-sama.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, Oto-kun, Nanami-san.

Masato Hijirikawa: … You're late.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. Well, a lot happened. Moving on, why's everyone stopped here?

Masato Hijirikawa: … Beyond here, there's a minefield.

Haruka Nanami: A… minefield?

Meaning, there are explosive devices implanted over there?

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes… Keep watching and you'll understand.

Male Student A: Le-let's go….

Male Student B: Yeah….

Two brave students step onto the sand-covered hallway that has a sign saying “minefield” in front of it.

Click. One of the students steps on a mine. That moment....

Shining Saotome (recording): Bomb number 35! This was when Class A teacher Ringo Tsukimiya was in junior high school. He wrote a hot love song for a girl he liked. I will now read it out looooud. Now, please listen. The title is “Kimi ni Mero Mero.” (I am Madly in Love With You)

Ringo Tsukimiya: NOOOOOOOO!!

Male Student A: The victim for this bomb was Ringo-chan, huh....

Male Student B: This isn't something you can get over in a week. I feel sorry for him. Can't do anything about it, let's go back and try another path.

Masato Hijirikawa: … So, you see the situation.

Natsuki Shinomiya: There are many mines buried in that hallway and each mine holds some sort of past trauma, which no one wants to be revealed to anyone else.

Haruka Nanami: I see…I can see how those are bombs.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes…. It was a horrible attack.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Earlier, we decided to try it. At that time, Masato-kun….

Masato Hijirikawa: Shinomiya, have a warrior’s compassion.... Please be quiet.

Natsuki Shinomiya: … You’re right. I’ll do that.

I... I'm really interested now. But, it's not something that I can ask… I guess?

Otoya Ittoki: But, with such an incredible trap as this, don't you think the Idol's Endorsement is also there…

Masato Hijrikawa: Yes. That is the most likely possibility. Everyone else has searched the rest of the campus and arrived here.

Otoya Ittoki: In that case, there's only one thing to do.

Ittoki-kun looks confident, with a mischievous smile on his face.

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami! This might be a little tough, but can you work hard with me?

Select the Phrase!

If I'm with Ittoki-kun I can. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I'll do my best.

Otoya Ittoki: I'm glad to hear you say that. I also feel like I can do my best because of you. I mean, the warmth that you give me is really warm. Maybe that was a bit too forward? Aha… haha.

He says that, scratching his cheek with embarrassment. Ittoki-kun is probably trying to cheer me up. I’m happy that he cares.

Otoya Ittoki: Well, let’s go.

We hold onto each other’s shoulders and set foot into the minefield together. This is a long, long hallway that starts from the main school building to the principal’s office. There are many mines buried under the sand that covers the entire floor of the hallway. To think that the principal set up this entire trap from the moment he thought about making this special class just under an hour ago… I’m impressed. But I can't think about that now; I have to concentrate to not step on a mine while we pass through here.

Otoya Ittoki: One, two, three, four.

With a good tempo, we continue at an even pace. We get about halfway through without stepping on a mine.

Otoya Ittoki: Thanks to everyone else taking a chance, there aren't very many left.

Haruka Nanami: Would be nice if we can get through this without stepping on one at this rate.

Otoya Ittoki: Well, nothing’s better than that….

Click.

My foot steps on a mine.

Shining Saotome (Recording): Bomb number 112! A Class's Tomochika Shibuya, is actually….

Ahh! I didn’t just step on a mine, I stepped on Tomo-chan’s mine!

Otoya Ittoki: Nanami! Instead of worrying about not tripping them, rather, step on every single one you see!

Haruka Nanami: Eh?

Though I don’t understand why, I start stepping earnestly on the mines.

Shining Saotome (Recording): Bomb number 44! A Class's Natsuki Shinomiya's glasses are…

Shining Saotome (Recording): Bomb number 95!

Shining Saotome (Recording): Bomb number 70!

With so many mines going off at the same time, it becomes hard to understand what's being said. With that over, Ittoki-kun looks over at me with a smile.

Otoya Ittoki: With all the noise, no one can hear anything clearly! Still, if this isn’t enough, we can sing loud enough to overcome the tape’s volume!!

Oh, I see now…. The mines can't affect you if you can't hear them. Ittoki-kun begins to sing our usual practice songs. I keep moving my feet along to the song. We step on countless mines to get across the minefield, but we're able to get past the field without adding to the list of victims.

Haruka Nanami: …We…. We've arrived.

Otoya Ittoki: Nice work!

Pat.

Ittoki-kun puts his hand on my head.

Otoya Ittoki: Well, we got this far but…

At the other end of the minefield is a small white table, on which a melon bread is placed.

Haruka Nanami: …This is…melon bread… right?

Burned into the top of the very ordinary-looking melon bread are the words "Idol's Endorsement."

Otoya Ittoki: … The Idol's Endorsement is… this…?

Shining Saotome: That's riiiight. That is the Proof of Iiiidols.

Otoya Ittoki: So that means…. So, what do you get out of this melon bread? If I eat it, does that mean I become an idol?

Shining Saotome: Non, non. This is just an ordinary melon breeead. Nooothing special about it.

Otoya Ittoki: So what does that mean? Everything that we did was for no reason?

Shining Saotome: That's not true at aaaall. What it took to get here was wisdom and courage, effort and guts, and luck with time.

Those are all things that an idol needs.

Haruka Nanami: So, you did all of this to teach this to us…

Otoya Ittoki: Ahaha… Well, that's another way to look at it…

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA! That's riiight.

Haruka Nanami: Our principal really is amazing….

Moving, I step forward and....

CLICK.

My foot steps on a switch.

…………………….

Ah, my foot stepped into the minefield….

Shining Saotome (Recording): Bomb number 320! This school's principal, Shining Saotome's real name is actually family name Saotome, given name Mi….

Shining Saotome: NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! That is TOP SEEEEEEEECRET!

The school principal's voice rings throughout the school.

After that, we return to the classroom.

Otoya Ittoki: In the end, this was all just a whim created by the principal, huh.

Haruka Nanami: So it seems. But… it was fun.

After that, because of the need to clean up from the special class, normal classes are canceled. And, because of the number of traps placed all over the campus, it takes us half the day.

Grumble, grumble....

My stomach makes a small sound.

Haruka Nanami: Ah…

Ohh…how embarrassing.

Otoya Ittoki: Oh, It’s already this late. Ah, that’s right, we have this!

Ittoki-kun takes the Idol's Endorsement melon bread from his bag.

Otoya Ittoki: Since we have it, let's split it and eat.

Haruka Nanami: Okay!

I've been here at Saotome Academy for one month now. Things I would normally not experience have happened to me. From the bottom of my heart, I think that now I’m having the most fun school life that I could have.

Haruka Nanami: Ah~ today was really fun. I need to hurry and write the song before I forget this feeling.

As I'm walking towards the dorms in high spirits, some raindrops fall on me and—all of a sudden—there's a downpour.

Haruka Nanami: Whoa….

I run over under the school building to get some shelter.

Haruka Nanami: A sudden shower? I'll have to wait here for it to let up a little.

... And here I wanted to get back quickly so I could play the piano… When, suddenly,

Cat: Mrow…

I can hear the sounds of a miserable kitten.

Haruka Nanami: Hm? That cry. Ah, I was right, it is the cat from the day of the entrance ceremony.

That day, I helped the kitty down from a high place, but now it's on the school grounds crying and completely soaked.

Haruka Nanami: It's okay. I'm going to help you now.

Keeping hold of the kitty, I make a dash to the dormitory.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… Tomo-chan isn't back yet.

Since animals are prohibited from the dorms, I want to help this little one without Tomo-chan finding out.

Haruka Nanami: … Shower first, since you're covered in mud.

Heading into the bathroom, I carefully wash the kitty. I then wrap it in a towel, trying to help it warm up for the night. By the next morning, the cat is completely healthy.

Early in the morning, in order to not have Tomo-chan find out, I let the kitty back out.

Haruka Nanami: Bye bye. Really, you shouldn’t enter the school.

I say that and send it off, but it keeps turning back to me and crying out of loneliness. Ohh… I feel the guilt.

Select the phrase!

Come back to play sometime. (+0 Love +5 Music)

When I say that, the cat starts purring happily with my statement and jumps on me.

Haruka Nanami: You really shouldn't though. So, do it secretly, okay?

Cat: Meow!

It's almost as if it knows what I'm saying and meows at just the right times.

Haruka Nanami: … Don't get caught by the teachers, okay?

Cat: Meow!

Haruka Nanami: It really does seem like you understand me. Amazing. Oh… right. I should have given you a name. Let's see…. How does Kuppuru sound to you?

Cat: Meow!!

Once I give the kitty its name, it makes the happiest meow I've ever heard.

From then on, Kuppuru sometimes comes by my room to play. Kuppuru almost seems to listen to my stories, so I happily start talking to him. Though I first helped him, now I'm the one being helped. Kuppuru is another precious friend I've met since coming to this school.

Mini Game

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe. Today is the day you've all been preparing for, the paper test! Though I say that, this test is not that difficult, so relax. This is just a test on the knowledge that you have obtained from what we have been studying up till now, so as long as you have studied, you should be just fine! Now, answer the questions from the given options. Most of the answers can be found in the dictionary, so you should know all the answers if you've reviewed it. Hehe. Well then, begin the test!

S Rank

Otoya Ittoki: Every one correct… Eh!? How, how in the world were you able to do that? Ah… you must have studied really hard… Well, that's obvious. Hey, can you teach me how to study for next time?

Haruka Nanami: A… Okay. If you're fine with me…

Notes… I’ll put some together that are easy to understand.

Chapter End

[utapri-hana]

Otoya Ittoki (Repeat)

Translator: Lady Lancer (twitter: utatranslations), Raz (twitter: agnadance) Proofreader: Belen (twitter: reiharus), Nadie (twitter: NmoniaG) Editor: Mae (twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

April — The Beginning is Andante

The classroom door opens, and the teacher comes in.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ok. Is everyone here?

Woah... What a beautiful person... Beautiful fingers. Thin legs.

Sheer white skin, moist lips. Her long hair looks very soft.

This gorgeous person will be our homeroom teacher.

Ringo Tsukimiya: From today forward I will be A Class's homeroom teacher. I'm Ringo Tsukimiya. Feel free to call me Ringo-sensei.

She laughs "hehe!" and winks. She looks amazing.

Huh? But, if I recall this school's teachers are all...

Tomochika Shibuya: Woah. It's the real Ringo Tsukimiya! Amazing. No matter how you look at it, he looks like a girl. Sensei, are you really not a girl?

The girl in the seat next to me says this jokingly.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hahaha. Do I look like one?

Tomochika Shibuya: Yeah. You do, you do. You don't look like a man at all. Hn, I see that your pictures weren't edited.

That's right... The teachers at this school... are all currently active male idols.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Thank you, I'll accept that as a compliment.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ok then, since this is a brand new class, to start off we'll do some self-introductions. Let's see... might as well start with you.

Ringo Tsukimiya: If you please, Tomochika Shibuya-san.

The teacher points to the girl sitting next to me.

Tomochika Shibuya: M-Me? I thought these things were usually done by seat number. Oh well, it's fine.

Tomochika Shibuya: I'm Tomochika Shibuya, 15 years old. I'm aiming to become an amazing talent that's perfect in both song and performance!

Tomochika Shibuya: I live by the motto "no pain, no gain." My catchphrase is "Bloom, good woman." That's it, looking forward to this year!

Shibuya-san sits down and gives me a bright smile when our eyes meet.

Waaah.... The last time a girl gave me such a smile.... It must have been at least 6 years.... Wow. A good person.... This class is great.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Yes, thank you. So, in the next seat over, you. If you'd be so kind.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes! I'm... Haruka... Nanami. Aspiring composer. Looking forward to working wiffyu—

I messed up.... I had to go and stumble over my words during my introduction.

Otoya Ittoki: Ahaha. Being first to go really is nerve-wracking.

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes. I'm very sorry..

Otoya Ittoki: It's ok. Nobody here minds.

Otoya Ittoki: You're so cute, after all. Try to lift your face and smile!

Otoya Ittoki: Come on, once more.

Select the phrase!

Ringo Tsukimiya: So next will be... you, the one spacing out by the window!

Natsuki Shinomiya: ………

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hello. Natsuki Shinomiya-san. Can’t you hear when the teacher is calling you?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, Sensei. What is it?

Ringo Tsukimiya: What do you mean "What is it?" We're doing self-introductions. Now, stand up and introduce yourself to everyone.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes~ Ah, I’m Natsuki Shinomiya. 17 years old. My skill is cooking.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I really wanted to have everyone try my cooking, but… I was too busy to make anything yesterday. Sorry.

Natsuki Shinomiya: I’ll make something next time, so please try it then.

Once he finishes, Shinomiya-san smiles and sits down.

Ringo Tsukimiya: He goes at his own pace, huh… It doesn’t matter. Next will be… I’ve decided on you!

With his pointer finger, he points at Hijirikawa-sama.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes.

Masato Hijirikawa: I’m Masato Hijirikawa... That’s all.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Eh… Ah… That’s all? No special skills or anything of the sort?

Masato Hijirikawa: I play the piano a little…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah, is that so. Boys who play the piano are so cool! Let me hear you play something next time.

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes.

Hijirikawa-sama… He’s so stoic.

Ringo Tsukimiya: So, the next person…

And so the teacher calls on different people to do their self-introductions. And then….

Ringo Tsukimiya: Last but not least, the one with the most energy. Let’s hear it!

Otoya Ittoki: Yes! Alright, here I go! I'm Otoya Ittoki, 15 years old. Aries born April 11, my blood type is O. My hobby is singing. Please listen!

Ittoki-kun glances at me, smiles, and begins to sing.

His guitar playing is unsteady, but in contrast, his voice is relaxed and strong.

His bright, energetic voice reflects his kind demeanor.

This is the first time I've ever heard a voice that held such deep love and kindness....

And…. He looks so happy singing…. So there are people who sing like this….

Ringo Tsukimiya: That was so great! Though you still need to work on your technique, you have a very sincere singing voice.

While Sensei praises him, Ittoki-kun gives an embarrassed smile as he sits down.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Now then, since everyone has introduced themselves, I’ll explain a little bit about the school. As everyone here knows, this Saotome Academy was established in order to train idols.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Depending on your grades when you graduate, you may be able to enter Shining Agency.

Ringo Tsukimiya: In addition to idols, this school teaches composers as well. A singer can’t sing without a song. You start with a melody and then add lyrics… Once there is a “song,” a singer can sing it.

Ringo Tsukimiya: To sing… of course, technique is important, but I think the most important part is to have “heart.” Shiny... No, the principal also thinks that way.

Ringo Tsukimiya: When an idol and a composer pair up and work towards the same goal and create a song together, they can surely create something wonderful.

Ringo Tsukimiya: In doing so, the composer must know the idol they are writing for, and the idol must know what feelings the composer put into writing the song.

Ringo Tsukimiya: We have planned to raise outstanding talent that can do more than just compose and sing songs.

Ringo Tsukimiya: For that reason, for this coming year, an idol and composer will team up as pairs and aim to work as professionals.

Ringo Tsukimiya: So, your partner will be decided by lottery! You can’t change your partner, so pull with all you got!

Male Student A: Whaaat!

Otoya Ittoki: Sensei! I have a question.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah, what is it, Oto-kun.

Otoya Ittoki: Why are we choosing through a lottery?

Otoya Ittoki: If we’re going to be together for a year, wouldn't it be better to have a partner that you get along well with?

Ringo Tsukimiya: True. One would normally think that way. Ah, you, over there!

The teacher suddenly points his finger at me.

Haruka Nanami: "Huh? Do you mean… me?"

Ringo Tsukimiya: In the world of show business, what do you think is the most important thing to remember?

Select the phrase!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Of course, it’s not all about “luck.” It is naive to believe that you can rise in the ranks just depending on luck without lifting a finger.

Ringo Tsukimiya: But remember. Because this job is easily swayed by luck, there will be good luck and bad luck.

Ringo Tsukimiya: How to deal with that situation is also part of your job. If you can learn to respond flexibly to any situation, the possibility of surviving in this world goes up.

Ringo Tsukimiya: So this is why, whether you will end up getting along with your partner or not, we decided that pairs will be decided by lottery.

Ringo Tsukimiya: This also is another test of luck. Pray that you’ll get a good partner as you pull out the paper.

Everyone pulls their lottery, the aspiring composers pulling from the red box while the aspiring idols pull from the blue box… Here we go…! Number 7….

Otoya Ittoki: Yes! Lucky seven! Who’s the person with number seven?

Eh? Number seven….

Select the phrase!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Everyone, have you found your partners? I’m going to show you around the school, so don’t fall behind.

Being led by the teacher, we're shown many places around the campus. The first place we're shown is of course…

Select the phrase!

Otoya Ittoki: Hey, Nanami. Want to sneak away for a bit?

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

Otoya Ittoki: Even though the teacher is showing us around, do you want to come explore other places with me while he's not looking? It'll be fun!

Haruka Nanami: It, it might be fun but….

W-will it be ok…?

Otoya Ittoki: Look, he isn’t looking at us right now. Come on, let's go!

Suddenly, Ittoki-kun grabs my hand and, while I'm still confused, begins running...

Otoya Ittoki: We’ve arrived! This is the roof, huh. This feels great!

Otoya Ittoki: Hey, Nanami. Wanna sing?

Haruka Nanami: Sing, right here, right now? What song…?

Otoya Ittoki: Hm… Whatever we like!

Once he says that, Ittoki-kun begins to sing.

The melody and the lyrics are all over the place, but he looks like he's having fun.

I also sing along. Sometimes we sing switching off, but other times I sing together with Ittoki-kun.

The sound and rhythm are totally off, yet for some reason, it's a really enjoyable time.

Otoya Ittoki: Aaah…. That was fun!

As he says that, he drops to the ground and begins looking at the sky.

His hair, wet from sweat, sparkles brilliantly in the sunlight. He truly is suited for the sun.

Haruka Nanami: For me, it was also fun. A lot of fun!

Ittoki-kun, sitting next to me, smiles.

It really was a lot of fun. This is the first time I’ve ever had such a good time.

Our singing was so terrible and yet, I feel like we connected and I feel so happy.

Otoya Ittoki: I see. That’s good. For me, I like to sing this way from time to time. I just get into the moment.

Otoya Ittoki: I feel like singing even over seemingly trivial things like when the sky is pretty or the wind feels nice.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I know that feeling. When I feel moved by something, I can hear a melody floating through my head.

Haruka Nanami: I write down that melody on paper and make a composition....

Haruka Nanami: Ittoki-kun, you just sing on the spot.

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah. There are times when I feel like I want to just get something off my chest, y’know? I can’t describe it with just words.

Otoya Ittoki: I just suddenly start singing. When I was little, everyone called me the weird kid. But….

Ittoki-kun puts his hand gently on mine.

Otoya Ittoki: You didn’t laugh at me. You sang with me. That’s why…

Otoya Ittoki: I kinda felt like I met somebody like-minded and that made me really happy.

His hand grips mine tightly. Then, Ittoki-kun looks at me with a big smile on his face.

After that, we nonchalantly rejoin the rest of the class without them noticing and tour the rest of the school...

We pass a library, an audio-visual room, the staff room and other places before returning to the classroom.

Ringo Tsukimiya: ... Well then. I think I introduced you to nearly all the places around school. Ah, that’s right.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Everything that you saw today, and whatever you do in this class, I’m afraid you are not allowed to tell anything about it to your family and friends from outside the school.

Female Student: Eh, why not?

Ringo Tsukimiya: We have what’s called "confidentiality" when it comes to content creator jobs.

Ringo Tsukimiya: For an example scenario, if there is a leak about a new CD’s information or a drama’s script before the air date, it would cause a great deal of damage.

Ringo Tsukimiya: That’s why people who are involved in creating content must not leak information to the outside.

Ringo Tsukimiya: All of you here, as singers and entertainers, will be in a variety of productions in the future.

Ringo Tsukimiya: For that reason, I want you to learn how to deal with sensitive information now. Also, there are secrets within the school facilities that must be kept confidential.

Ringo Tsukimiya: And, one more thing. This is the one rule that you must never break. That is….

At that moment, the classroom door flies open.

Shining Saotome: As an idol, romance is AAAAAABSOLUTELY forbidden.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah, Shiny!

Shining Saotome: Everyooone. Love is important, BUT romance is an absolute no, no, NO!

Otoya Ittoki: Why is it so bad? You even said that love is important. Yet, romance is banned…?

Shining Saotome: That is….

Otoya Ittoki: That is…?

Shining Saotome: Confidential!

Otoya Ittoki: What?

Shining Saotome: There are many adult matters, and just as many dreams! MOVING ON! Anyway… romance is absolutely forbidden. If you break this rule, you will be expelled. Keep that in miiind.

With that, he had nothing more to say, and the principal left the classroom.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well, it’s as he said. Having a crush is fine but don’t even try to secretly date each other!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well then, I hope that was enough of an explanation for you? When you get back to your dorms, please read the school handbook.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Everybody is required to stay in the dorms and we don’t allow moving out. You have to get along with your roommate. Bullying is not allowed!

The Class: Okay~

Ringo Tsukimiya: Then, see you tomorrow!

Tomochika Shibuya: Hey, Haruka. Earlier, you said you were an aspiring composer, right?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes.

Tomochika Shibuya: That’s amazing. How do you create a song?

Tomochika Shibuya: I love singing, but I could never write a song, so I have a great respect for composers. And you’re a girl the same age as me.

Tomochika Shibuya: Maybe it’s the difference between the talents we’re born with? Ah, that’s right, what floor of the dorm are you on? Which room?

Haruka Nanami: Ah… Room number 303.

Tomochika Shibuya: Eh? Really!? Hooray! We’re roommates!

Haruka Nanami: Ah… um… nice to meet you. Shibuya… san.

Tomochika Shibuya: Ahaha, you don’t have to be so formal, call me Tomochika!

Haruka Nanami: Ah… Ok… Tomo… chan.

Tomochika Shibuya: "Tomo-chan." I like it. Yeah, let's go with that.

Tomochika Shibuya: Let’s have a good year together!

Otoya Ittoki: What? Whatcha talking about? Let me in!

Tomochika Shibuya: Ok. Ah, you’re Ittoki-kun, right?

Otoya Ittoki: Otoya's fine. I prefer people to call me by my given name.

Tomochika Shibuya: Really? Then I’ll call you that. Right, Haruka?

Haruka Nanami: Eh… Ah….

His given name….

Otoya Ittoki: Can you also call me by my given name?

Ittoki-kun asks me with a smile. I’m sure he’ll be happier if I call him that, but…

Haruka Nanami: Eh… Well… that is….

Otoya Ittoki: You don’t want to?

Haruka Nanami: Um… I’m not saying it’s not possible, it's just….

Haruka Nanami: To suddenly call a boy by his given name is a little embarrassing to me….

Masato Hijirikawa: Ittoki, stop pestering her. Can't you see she's troubled?

Otoya Ittoki: Eh? Ah! I see. My bad, I didn’t realize. Sorry about that.

Haruka Nanami: No… I wasn’t….

Tomochika Shibuya: Woah. That was Masato Hijirikawa. The heir to the Hijirikawa Group. You’re friends with Otoya…?

Masato Hijirikawa: And you are…?

Tomochika Shibuya: Tomochika Shibuya. I introduced myself to the class earlier.

Masato Hijirikawa: Ah, that’s right. Sorry. I don't remember everyone in the class yet.

Tomochika Shibuya: That’s ok, even I haven’t fully memorized everyone in here either. Ah, but I remember Natsuki Shinomiya-kun.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Do you mean me…?

Tomochika Shibuya: Wha- That surprised me. When did you get there? I didn’t notice you at all.

Shinomiya-san is standing right behind us. We didn’t notice him this entire time…

Natsuki Shinomiya: You all looked like you were having fun. Would you mind if I joined you?

Tomochika Shibuya: Nope, not at all. Right, everyone?

Haruka Nanami: … Not at all.

Otoya Ittoki: Of course you can.

Masato Hijirikawa: I don’t really mind either.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Anyway, what were you all talking about?

Tomochika Shibuya: We weren’t talking about anything in particular… I was just asking around if everybody wants to become friends while we have the chance.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, that’s a nice thought. Right, Otoya-kun, Masato-kun?

Tomochika Shibuya: Huh? Could it be, the three of you are already friends?

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, kinda. Masa, Natsuki, and I met during the school orientation and got along well.

Tomochika Shibuya: Ah, so that’s how it is. So let us join in as well. That’s fine, right?

Otoya Ittoki: Sounds good to me. What do you two think?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes… I give you a warm welcome.

Masato Hijirikawa: … I don’t think “friendship” is something you obtain just by asking for it.

Tomochika Shibuya: Wow, so stiff!

Masato Hijirikawa: … Since you have requested this of me, I will do my best to become friends with you.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… Um…. Is it really fine that a person like me is in this group?

It’s just that everyone here seems really nice. So much so, that I feel out of place.

Otoya Ittoki: What are you saying, Nanami? We’re all friends already, so you can stay here.

Friends… What a nice sound that word gives…

Until now, I couldn’t even make one friend. But suddenly I've easily made four friends. Aaah, I’m so thankful!

Select the phrase!

My school life here has only just begun, but somehow I feel like I can turn a new leaf around these people.

A new me, starting from today. Along with that, I will definitely become a composer. I make my decision on this spring day.

Mini Game

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well then, I'd like to start the private lesson now!

Oh, that’s right. Before we start, I think we should test your sense of rhythm.

Your sense of rhythm comes as a natural thing, of course, but it is something that you can improve on depending on how much effort you put into it. Therefore, don't be discouraged if the result is poor.

From now on, let’s practice more and more to raise your level.

First, I will give an example; after that, I’ll have you try.

Well, go ahead and begin.

S Rank

Otoya Ittoki: Wow, you have a good sense of rhythm! I’m so jealous! I go offbeat so often.

It's the morning after the test and he's taking a look at the scores on the board.

Um… well, I got better just because I kept practicing, so I wasn’t that good from the beginning….

Well… let’s work hard together!

From that day forward, Ittoki-kun and I do rhythm practice together every day.

Chapter End

[utapri-hana]

A Class Prologue (Repeat)

Translators: Ladylancer (twitter: utatranslations), Raz, (twitter: agnadance) Proofreaders: Boo (twitter: masatoswife), Belen (twitter: reiharus) Editors: Aoi (twitter: AoiTsukihime), Mae (twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

A Spring Day's Introduction

‘Idols:’ those who are unattainable and who we long for.

‘Idols:’ those who give people dreams and courage.

‘Idols:’ those who I....

I’m Haruka Nanami—15 years old. Starting this spring, I’ll be aiming to become a composer, someone who creates songs for said ‘idols’!

Looking back, I was nothing in middle school.

I was extremely shy, didn't have any friends.... The neighborhood dogs would bark at me and stray cats would scratch me.

I wanted to be helpful to others but my efforts were always in vain, no matter what I tried to do.

During the many days I felt depressed, the idols on TV were the ones who would always pull me through.

So I decided that one day, I wanted to make songs for these ‘idols’! In order to fulfill that dream, I wrote a piece of music.

I filled the song with my feelings and sent it along with my application to Saotome Academy, a school specializing in the performing arts with a success ratio of 1 in 200.

It's a few weeks later and I've finally received a notice from Saotome Academy.

Select the phrase!

It’s the first time my wish has been granted, the first time my dream has come true. This is the first step towards changing myself.

From here on, my story begins!

Haruka Nanami: … I couldn't sleep a wink.

Today is the long-awaited entrance ceremony for Saotome Academy.

The past two days, I’ve only been thinking about things like whether I’ll be able to get along with my classmates, or if I should bring a small gift with me.

Because of all my worries, I haven’t been able to sleep.

Haruka Nanami: ... Ugh. I’m sleepy…. But despite that… I’ll do my best today!

Hayato: Ohayaho~! All of you 10 million HAYATO fans nationwide, how are nya? I’m wishing you all well today from Studio 2!

Hayato: Today’s theme is, you guessed it, ‘final tax return.’ Eh? You've already done yours? Of course…!

Haruka Nanami: Ah… HAYATO-sama. He looks as magnificent as always.

My favorite idol, HAYATO-sama, is a rookie idol who debuted last year.

No matter how harsh his trials are, he never loses his smile. He’s a bright and energetic person, like the brightest star that lights up the night sky.

HAYATO-sama’s show, ‘Ohayaho News,’ is the only show I make sure to watch no matter how busy or sleepy I am.

Once the clock hand ticks to this exact time, I’m always ready in front of the TV!

That’s how it goes every day.

Hayato: … That’s all! Reporter HAYATO, signing off! Everyone, bye-bye nya~!

Haruka Nanami: Alright! I’m fully charged! Let’s go to school!

Oh no… I had no idea a train would be this merciless during rush hour….

People who go to work must be doing their best to overcome this every single day….

Rustle.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

Mmh… Just now, it felt like something touched my butt....

Rustle, rustle.

Haruka Nanami: ...!

… I was right. I-is it a molester?

W-what in the world should I do?

???: Can’t you see you're bothering her?! Knock it off, you old geezer!

Haruka Nanami: Ah….

What a nice voice…. Beneath its childlike simplicity, you can feel a core of strength. A straightforward, sincere voice that carries well.

… Actually…. Did this person just... save me...?

Pervert: Tsk, what a brat. I hate goody-two-shoes like you!

???: Ah! Hold up, don’t you run away! … Dammit.

Ah…. The pervert got away. He managed to slip through the crowd… But if he were still here, I would feel uncomfortable....

I’m glad he’s far away now....

???: Are you okay?

Haruka Nanami: Eh…. U-um…. Well… I’m not sure what to say….

M-my words aren’t coming out right. Um, umm….

???: In a situation like this, I think ‘thank you’ would work.

His smile is dazzling. Bright, like the sun….

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you….

Pat. He gently places his hand on my head.

I’ve never been touched like this by anyone other than my father....

His eyes are gentle and warm, like a summer breeze. His smile is just a little mischievous, yet refreshing. Somehow, he looks like the protagonist of a shounen manga....

Otoya Ittoki: I’m Otoya. Otoya Ittoki. Nice to meet ya.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, right. Um, i-it’s n-nice to m....

Pshhh.

Upon arriving at the station, the doors slide open and a horde of people begin to file out.

… However, e-erm…. Um….

Caught in the wave of people, I'm forced off the train….

Otoya Ittoki: Eh? W-wait! Aren’t you wearing a Saotome Academy uniform? You’re not supposed to get off he—

Pshhh.

Ittoki-kun’s words are cut off by the closing train doors. Erm….

Where am I…. This is the station before the Academy’s… isn't it? The next train is… not coming anytime soon!!

I have no choice but to run for it! I prepare myself for the sprint.

Right after passing through the ticket gate, I start running like a racehorse released from its paddock gates.

I run down the street in front of the station, up the hill that makes my heart start pounding, and bolt straight through the residential area.

Then, at that moment....

Cat: Meeeow.

Haruka Nanami: … A cat?

I can hear the pitiful crying of a cat.

Cat: Meeoow. Meeoow.

Haruka Nanami: I can hear you, but….

When I look around, there’s no cat to be seen.

Cat: Meeoow. Meeoow.

Haruka Nanami: Ah!

The cat is crying from the top of a utility pole.

Haruka Nanami: I see, you don’t know how to get down, do you? It’s going to be okay. I’ll catch you, so…. Come, kitty....

I spread my arms wide and show them to the cat. It hesitates for just a moment before jumping off.

Haruka Nanami: What a relief... It seems like there are no injuries.

Cat: Meow!

The cat meows happily in my arms.

Haruka Nanami: Please don’t climb up high places anymore, alright?

After giving the cat my warning, I set it down and start running towards the school once again.

Haruka Nanami: I have to run fast to make up for lost time!

Then, after fifteen more minutes of running, the school finally comes into view.

Haruka Nanami: Haaa… huff… huff… Ah…. H-handkerchief….

I search my pockets for my handkerchief in order to wipe away the sweat flowing from my face like a waterfall, but....

Haruka Nanami: It’s not there!

… I must have dropped it on the train earlier. It was my favorite one, too…. Either way, I've gotta keep going for now.

When I pass through the school gate, other students are still arriving as well.

Haruka Nanami: I-I made it in time....

Lost in my thoughts, I can’t slow down easily....

—Thud.

Haruka Nanami: … Nnh.

I bump into something and fall, but it… relatively... barely hurts. Eh? This soft feeling on my lips...

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

M-m-my lips are touching those of an unfamiliar boy…. T-this is… my first kiss….

… That aside, what a handsome person....

Long limbs, dark, lustrous hair, and beautiful, white fingers. His eyes look a little austere; they’re very profound and stunning.

I’m in awe. I've never seen anyone this beautiful before.

??? A: … Will you please get up?

Ah!

Haruka Nanami: A-ah, kiss, u-um, m-my first, i-it... was s-soft.

A-aaah. What should I say? At the very least, I have to apologize….

??? B: Y-young Master! Are you injured?!

??? A: There's nothing.

??? B: You commoner! Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?!

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

??? B: You’re talking to the heir of the Hijirikawa Group—one of the world’s seven financial conglomerates—Masato Hijirikawa-sama! Don’t be haughty! Bow down, bow dooown!

Haruka Nanami: Eh…. O-of course.

I obediently kneel down on the ground and apologize.

Masato Hijirikawa: Jii…. Step down.

Jii: But….

Masato Hijirikawa: There is no problem. Step down.

Jii: Very well! As you wish.

Masato Hijirikawa: ... You’re not injured, are you?

Haruka Nanami: … I’m fine.

I remain kneeling on the ground and nod without raising my head.

Masato Hijirikawa: … Truly?

I-I think so…. In all honesty, I feel too frightened to even raise my face.

Then, Hijirikawa-sama takes my hand and helps me up.

Masato Hijirikawa: … You are injured.

Eh? A-ah…. Now that he mentions it, my knee seems to hurt a little bit….

Masato Hijirikawa: I will treat it....

Haruka Nanami: Eh, um, er….

While I'm unable to say anything out of panic, Hijirikawa-sama pulls off the necktie from his uniform.

He gently places a white handkerchief on the wound and wraps his necktie around it, securing it tightly.

After finishing up his treatment, he stands back up.

Masato Hijirikawa: … What is your name?

Haruka Nanami: … Eh? … Eh, um… I’m… Haruka. Or, well, u-um…. U-um, I’m really sorry!!

I flee the scene, not quite knowing why.

I guess it's because, well.... Because I feel embarrassed.

A-about the k-kiss, that is. Besides that… he went so far as to treat my wound....

I was a little absent-minded until just now…. The moment he asked me for my name and I introduced myself, I suddenly came to my senses….

Then I started feeling so embarrassed that before I knew it, my feet were already moving away….

The venue for the entrance ceremony is simply glorious.

Chairs are lined up in the wide auditorium, and large flowers can be found on either side of the stage.

And for some reason, there's an orchestra class of 120 people on standby in front of the stage.

It’s almost like an opera event could start at any moment. Or perhaps the venue could be compared to the giant stage used for that once popular, nation-beloved comedy show....

As the entrance ceremony begins, the orchestra begins their majestic performance.

The drop curtain parts to both sides of the stage. But….

Haruka Nanami: Huh? There’s no one on stage.

At that moment, the auditorium ceiling starts to split into two and opens up little by little.

Male Student A: W-what is that?

Male Student B: A jet plane? But… why is it in a place like this?

Looking up at the sky, I can see countless jets flying overhead. Then, one of the jets opens its hatch.

The person inside...

???: Haa HA HA HA~~!!

... jumps.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

Male Student A: Is he... skydiving?

Male Student B: No! If you look closely, he isn’t carrying a parachute!

He’s right, the skydiver doesn't have a parachute. He appears to have noticed it himself, too....

He reaches his hands towards his back for a moment and then shrugs helplessly.

W... W-what’s going to happen...?

THUD!!

Along with a terribly loud crashing sound, the stage is wrapped in smoke.

Male Student A: Oh man…. He’s dead, right…?

Everyone lowers their eyes out of grief. We all expect a tragedy. But then....

Shining Saotome: Everyone! Congratulations on your admittance. This school’s principal is ME, SHIIINING Saotome, yeah!

Haruka Nanami: ....

As if nothing happened, the school principal begins the ceremony on the stage.

He's styled his hair like horns on either side of his head and wears pitch-black sunglasses.

He has a polka-dot shirt, with a pink necktie under his grey suit. He is clearly a very unique individual.

Shining Saotome: This school was, of course, founded by ME for the sake of discovering and nurturing ‘renowned idols!’

Shining Saotome: Now, applause~!

Clap, clap, clap. While everyone is still in shock, we start to clap.

Shining Saotome: Hm~ OK, OK! It seems like you’re all good kids.

Shining Saotome: As of right now, I will tell you about the Seven Commandments all Saotome Academy students must know. So clear out your ears and listen closelyyy. This is quite sudden, but ME loves songs! SONG IS NUMBER ONE! That’s why…. Even though idols are idols, here at Saotome Academy, becoming an idol singer will be your main goaaal! Before graduation, everyone will perform songs in the graduation audition. Those that pass will immediately get a CD debut! Those songs will also be made by you! That’s what the composer course is for!

Shining Saotome: Idols and composers will team up and aim to become the strongest renowned idols!

The principal is explaining important information, so I know I’m supposed to listen seriously….

But for some reason, my legs start to feel like jelly and I feel dizzy. Come to think of it, I haven’t been sleeping too well these past few days….

I couldn’t get anything down my throat this morning and then ran at full speed for twenty minutes without anything in my stomach….

Then, someone patted my head for the first time…. And it was the first time I k-ki....

Remembering it now makes my heart beat faster. Ah, somehow, my dizziness is....

Shining Saotome: That said, please spend your school life with ‘Purity, Integrityyy, Beautyyy!’

Ah…. The principal’s speech… is over… —Thud.

As soon as the principal finishes his speech, I black out and fall backward.

Haruka Nanami: Mmm….

It… doesn’t hurt. It looks like the person behind me caught me as I collapsed.

???: ... You’re alright. Stay just like that.

Such a gentle voice….

???: … It’s probably anemia. At times like this, it’s a good idea not to move around too much. You can take it easy, please put your weight on me.

He’s holding me firmly from behind. Warm, gentle arms…. For some reason, I’m already feeling a little better.

… Huh? Could this be… a hug from behind…?

Haruka Nanami: … Ah, aah. M-my... my apologies….

???: It’s alright. Please stay like this for just a little longer. When it comes to anemia, you shouldn’t rush things.

As he says that, he gives me a sweet smile. Wire-framed glasses cover his long eyelashes and his curly hair is a color reminiscent of milk tea.

Such sheer white skin…. His features are very delicate and gentle.

And, above all, his kind and warm voice that speaks so politely. Just listening to it gives me soft feelings.

Natsuki Shinomiya: My apologies, I should have said this sooner. My name is Natsuki Shinomiya.

Haruka Nanami: I’m… Haruka Nanami.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Haruka Nanami-san. That’s an adorable name. It suits you very well.

Haruka Nanami: T-That’s….

Natsuki Shinomiya: Nanami-san, please excuse me for a moment.

Haruka Nanami: Eh?

His slim fingers undo the ribbon on my uniform and then begin to undo the buttons on my shirt.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

The people around us quickly start shifting uncomfortably. ... But Shinomiya-san isn’t bothered at all and continues to loosen my clothes.

Natsuki Shinomiya: How does… this feel for you? Does it feel any better?

Haruka Nanami: A-ah… um… Well, my-my clothes….

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah…. Pardon me…. Um…. With cerebral anemia, it is best to increase blood flow by lowering your head. Since you can’t lower your head any further… at the very least, loosening your clothes should help with increasing your blood flow….

Haruka Nanami: Ah…. Thank you….

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah.... There’s no need to…. You’re very welcome....

When I show him my gratitude, Shinomiya-san’s cheeks flush red.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Well…. Anemia is usually a result of lack of sleep, missing breakfast, or sudden, intense exercise....

Shinomiya-san gives me a gentle smile as he tells me about anemia.

Ah… I meet all those conditions... I’m sorry.

Because of those things, I've become a terrible inconvenience….

Once the opening ceremony has finished, everyone starts heading to their respective classrooms.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, Nanami-san.

Haruka Nanami: Shinomiya-san…. Ah, I wanted to thank you… for earlier.

I bow my head to him gratefully.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Don’t worry about it. As long as you feel better now, that’s what matters the most.

Otoya Ittoki: Huh? You’re from this morning…. Whoa, so we’re in the same class. Were you okay this morning, Nanami? Did you make it to the opening ceremony on time?

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Ittoki… kun....

This morning, he saved me from that molester….

Haruka Nanami: Um… I somehow managed to get here on time. Ah, thank you… for back then.

Huh? But, how does he know my name…? I don’t recall introducing myself….

Otoya Ittoki: Ah, that’s right! Here, you dropped this on the train.

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

Before my eyes, he holds up the handkerchief that I lost this morning.

Otoya Ittoki: "A Class, Haruka Nanami." It’s kinda unusual to see a name written on a handkerchief. But it’s thanks to that that I got to know your name. Let’s get along this year!

Haruka Nanami: O-of course. Likewise, it's very nice to meet you.

Masato Hijirikawa: Hm? You are… that woman from earlier…. How is your injury? You ought to have consulted the infirmary, just in case….

Haruka Nanami: ...!!!

T-the person from this morning… H-Hijirikawa-sama!!!

I never thought we would meet again. W-what should I do…? I ran away from him without thinking earlier….

Haruka Nanami: Ah, no… I... I-I’m fine…. Well, um, I’ll make sure to wash the handkerchief and tie and return them to you….

Masato Hijirikawa: Please do not stress over it. … I have plenty of spares, so why don’t you keep them?

Haruka Nanami: Eh, ah…. Of course. Thank you….

Otoya Ittoki: Ehh, I see you’ve already met Natsuki and Masa too.

Masato Hijirikawa: Rather than meet… I would say it was more of an accident.

Haruka Nanami: U-um…. Do you all know each other?

Otoya Ittoki: Yeah, we were all together for the school orientation.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, the two of them are wonderful friends.

Otoya Ittoki: That event deepened our friendship a bunch, more than we actually needed.

Masato Hijirikawa: It was a severe trial that I do not wish to dwell on…. However, it was meaningful in terms of friendship.

Otoya Ittoki: That’s for sure…. Well, anyway, let’s be friends this year!

Whoa.... To think that everyone I met this morning is in the same class as me….

Moreover, all of them are friends with each other…. What an amazing coincidence....

Otoya Ittoki-kun. Masato Hijirikawa-sama. Natsuki Shinomiya-san.

All people who allowed me to experience a lot of firsts. This year, I will be in the same class as all three of them….

Just thinking about it makes my heart pound with excitement.

Alright! I’m going to give it my all and become a splendid composer!

Prologue End - Choose your partner!

[utapri-hana]

Old art from 2020

[utapri-hana]

“I don’t know who and I don’t know how, but someone has been playing Despasito every night at exactly 4:20 am. And all I have to say is, could you not?”

- Masato

[utapri-hana]

(From my Instagram @shireenalbaker)

🧡🧡🧡HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REN🧡🧡🧡

14/2/2019

(And happy valentine’s day to everyone °•♡) It’s a bit late though x3