IDOLISH7 PART 5 CHAPTER 4

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 5

Chapter 4 - Meeting

4.1. Project briefing

Somewhere backstage.

Mitsuki:

Crap… I’m suddenly nervous…

Tsumugi:

Don’t worry! They decided on us after all.

Mitsuki:

I mean, look at this lineup of names, it’s the same level as when we did that 24 hours TV thing… You know by a glance that this is a giant project.

It’s reassuring that Mister Shimooka-san will be appearing as well though…

Tsumugi:

Exactly! The big veteran Mister Shimooka-san will be here too.

Mister Shimooka:

Ah, Mitsuki-kun.

Mitsuki:

Mister Shimooka-san!

Mister Shimooka:

I’m glad to have met you before the meeting. You see, I’m really nervous…

Mitsuki:

You too Mister Shimooka-san!?

Mister Shimooka:

Have you seen the lineup?! Look, like this producer.

Mitsuki:

Matsunaga-san…?

Mister Shimooka:

He’s the most capable in the station. He’s the one who vigorously disputed with Yuki-kun during that gossip incident with Re:vale last year.

Mitsuki:

With Yuki-san!?

Producer Matsunaga:

We made up again okay!

Mister Shimooka:

Ah, Producer Matsunaga! Ahaha, you got me. So you heard that.

Producer Matsunaga:

Thank you for your help back then, Mister Shimooka-san.

Izumi Mitsuki-san. Looking forward to talking with you today!

Mitsuki:

L-likewise.

Shirou:

Good morning, Takanashi-san.

Tsumugi:

Good morning, Utsugi-san.

Okarin:

Good morning.

Kaoru:

Morning.

Tsumugi:

Okazaki-san, Anesagi-san!

Shirou:

Anesagi-san, so you’ve come after all. Which means…

Mitsuki:

TRIGGER will appear as well!? So they’ll finally be back on T—

Kaoru:

Stop. I haven’t decided yet.

I didn’t forget how this station cut ties with us when it was difficult for our kids.

I merely came to listen.

Producer Matsunaga:

Of course, please be our guest.

Mitsuki:

…Producer-san, I think I’ll be asking the same later too, but…

Producer Matsunaga:

Yes, what is it?

Mitsuki:

This kind of documentary… A weekly series broadcasting… It’s gonna go on for quite a while, right?

It won’t be just about what goes on backstage during concerts, but also show how idols live their daily lives… Basically, to show what you normally wouldn’t see, correct?

There’s even kids that say idols don’t go to the toilet; won’t this destroy others’ dreams…?

Producer Matsunaga:

Thank you very much for telling me about your uncertainties. You’re thinking about your fans, it’s a very sincere opinion.

Let me answer the rest in the conference room. Well then everyone, please enter.

 

4.2. What we want to take back

Producer Matsunaga:

“Backyard MAGIC” is a documentary TV show that closely follows popular idols.

They follow them during concerts, recording sessions, drama shootings and variety show appearances.

I want it to be a natural TV show; not too stiff but not too free.

Mister Shimooka:

So it’d be rather lenient, yes?

Producer Matsunaga:

Yes… kind of. To be honest, I don’t want it to feel fake.

And because of that, the main MCs would be Mister Shimooka-san and Izumi Mitsuki-san.

Mitsuki:

This isn’t a special show, right? It’ll air weekly during golden time and even be streamed online…

Producer Matsunaga:

Exactly. Ideally, I’d want it to become a long-term show.

Mitsuki:

Wouldn’t the amount of information become too big? Like, for example, If the information seen by fans and viewers…

Tsumugi:

The idols’ true faces, right?

Mitsuki:

Yes.

Kaoru:

That’s what I’m wondering too. They’re already doing a job with lots of responsibilities, continuing to do that while being aware of cameras would be stressful.

Even if, say, it was for only 3 months…

Mitsuki:

I agree… Though I believe in our case, most of us would be okay with showing our usual selves.

Though on the other hand, I’m worried that we would bore the viewers if the camera was always rolling.

Mister Shimooka:

There is no one that would feel bored watching you!

Mitsuki:

But like, what about meetings, or when we just have to stand-by? It’s not like we’re always doing something. Though we do mess around occasionally too.

Producer Matsunaga:

Of course, we would, to some degree, edit it so that it becomes interesting to watch.

But that is exactly what we’re after. We want to show everyone the plain sides of being an idol… When they’re not shining on stage.

Mitsuki:

Why?

Producer Matsunaga:

To take back the trust between idols and viewers.

Mitsuki:

Their trust…

Producer Matsunaga:

I want to answer the viewers’ questions and doubts, so they can see if the twinkling idols’ smiles on stage are real and how much of it is just an illusion.

Even if that answer isn’t anything clear. They’re well aware of the fact that idols do their best normally.

That is why I came up with this idol documentary project.

As it stands now, TSUKUMO, Okazaki Agency and Takanashi Agency have agreed to cooperate.

Ideally, we would like IDOLiSH7, ŹOOĻ, Re:vale and TRIGGER to be part of this from Episode One onwards.

Mitsuki:

So it’d mean the TV return of TRIGGER, huh…

Kaoru:

We haven’t decided yet.

Mitsuki:

Uhm… Manager, did our president agree to this?

Tsumugi:

Yes. He told me to let you know that this would be a job that could change the idol world…

Mitsuki:

I see…

Producer Matsunaga:

Feeling unsure about something? Please let me know. I want to hear your opinion as a current idol.

Mitsuki:

After all, my biggest worry is if this might destroy the dreams of some fans.

My second worry would probably be our own motivation.

Producer Matsunaga:

Motivation…

Mitsuki:

Yes, to put it simply. Because we want to show our fans our cool sides, we can do our best during lessons.

Like “right now we might be sweating and panting, but we’ll get it done before we show our fans and the viewers”.

But in a documentary, we’d have to show them our unfinished selves.

I can’t imagine what kind of mental state that might put us in.

Mister Shimooka:

Like doing research before going on a date with your girlfriend.

Mitsuki:

Exactly. You wanna show off your best traits after all.

And I think it really depends on the person too. Riku and Nagi seem like they’d be okay with it. Yamato-san and Tamaki might have troubles with it.

Mister Shimooka:

Tamaki looks like he wouldn’t care about the camera though.

Mitsuki:

Oh, no, he pretends a lot. Because he’s just born with talent, when something doesn’t go well, he becomes quite fickle.

Sougo would probably think about the camera all the time and get stiff… Since he thinks about a lot of things all the time.

What about Re:vale?

Okarin:

Hmm… Since Momo-kun’s attitude mostly revolves around service, the staff is always thankful to him.

And when Yuki-kun gets in a bad mood he’ll really get in a bad mood that he wouldn’t be able to participate in the broadcast, so if that happens, I would ask them to stop filming.

Mitsuki:

I see, so we could stop it whenever we’d feel bad.

Producer Matsunaga:

Yes. The staff wouldn’t force anything either. They want to take good material to improve each other’s trust.

And I understand your feelings of not wanting to show them something unfinished before it’s completed, Izumi-san.

Since I’m in this kind of work environment, I also don’t want to show my other side. Even so…

We’re in a world where both pros and rookies are being criticised.

And because of the fear of being criticised, rookies and newbies don’t even get to show the world their unfinished selves.

If not even newbies are allowed to show their unfinished selves anymore, then no one can start anything. Nothing would go well in this world anymore.

Perfectly cool and sparkling things give people joy and courage.

But if your perfect and cool selves showed them unfinished and uncool things…

Couldn’t you also give them joy and courage?

Mitsuki:

Ah, I see. I like that way of thinking too.

Producer Matsunaga:

Thank you very much. I did say uncool, but I don’t really think that.

You, who try your best to reach something, no matter if you’re unfinished or fail, the fact that you try alone makes you cool.

A desperate glare, a frustrated expression, a smile that hides all of that. Don’t you think that’s charming?

I think the viewers would think that as well.

 

4.3. Brand, pride

Mitsuki:

Yes, so it’s like that, huh… I think I get it. I think this is good!

Producer Matsunaga:

Thank you very much.

Mitsuki:

But this kind of concept…

Producer Matsunaga:

Yes…?

Mitsuki:

Ah, not with us but. …I feel like Kujou really wouldn’t want that.

Kaoru:

I think so too.

Producer Matsunaga:

Ah… though I really wanna show everyone TRIGGER’s other side.

Kaoru:

What do you wanna expose? There is nothing that would trouble us if you exposed it.

Producer Matsunaga:

No, that’s not what I meant. TRIGGER was perfect both in name and reality. Because they were perfect, no one showed compassion to them.

I think we can tell the truth if we show them that the once perfect princes TRIGGER are also just made of flesh and blood.

Kaoru:

Truth? Which truth? The one that you all simultaneously deprived TRIGGER, even though they did nothing wrong?

Okarin:

A-anesagi-san.

Kaoru:

And we don’t want the fans and viewers’ compassion after cheaply exposing some first-hand emotions.

I’d understand if it were a documentary to show curious people how the backstage of a concert looks like or how a drama is made.

This project is the same as if you were telling TRIGGER to strip down and be naked.

Producer Matsunaga:

That’s not…

Kaoru:

…I am thankful that you called out to TRIGGER for this big TV show project.

But a documentary… What does TSUKUMO plan to do with ŹOOĻ?

They’re selling because of their cool charisma. Isn’t it risky to show how they really are?

Shirou:

ŹOOĻ’s tendency is pro-project, I’d say.

Those kids are easily hurt, they’re still hurt right now. I think it would be worth seeing.

Kaoru:

How can you just say that? Aren’t they your idols?

Shirou:

Ah, no. I’m not saying that as a disadvantage. I think that is ŹOOĻ’s strong point.

They possess a certain charm that you don’t want to look away from. Fundamentally, they also are people that desire attention.

I think, if they expose their weak parts and the viewers were to accept them, it would benefit them mentally too.

Of course, I would first and foremost support ŹOOĻ, like…

I want people to see them, each one of them. It’s like they’re saying “hey, look at me”.

That’s why I think this could work… Am I wrong to think that?

Okarin:

Even if you ask me… Takanashi-san, what do you think?

Tsumugi:

If it doesn’t become too much of a burden for them, I think IDOLiSH7 would be up for it as well.

Because there’s no gap between their “stage” and “backstage” selves.

I believe the people watching would be moved by seeing them do their best.

Producer Matsunaga:

Being moved by seeing them do their best… That is truly what this concept is.

We’re living in an era where you can see wonderful things everywhere with just one press of a fingertip.

You can see every conceivable corner of the world, even the most desolate spaces, even without myriads of tickets.

Because of that, the rare value of wonderful things became ambiguous. There are just too many wonderful things.

In times where wonderful things become more and more common, what people attribute value to feels like a new friend that has the hidden potential to become something wonderful.

A great friend that would take you along to exciting adventures into unexplored territories of the world.

IDOLiSH7 is exactly that. Re:vale and ŹOOĻ have that charm too.

They hold a certain intimacy and expectation that you’ll be able to host an amazing party, the first one in the world.

And TRIGGER…

Kaoru:

TRIGGER is a designer brand.

Producer Matsunaga:

…

Kaoru:

They’re not your friends.

Tsumugi:

Anesagi-san…

Kaoru:

Their fans are what is most important to them. That is why they won’t show them their other side. That is TRIGGER’s pride.

They don’t do their best because they want the applause. They don’t want to be loved like a child would want.

Just like a craftsman finishes up a piece, they create a perfect show and give the people who watched them joy and satisfaction.

That is what brings them happiness. They don’t need to talk about anything else.

Producer Matsunaga:

…but Anesagi-san. What about this way of thinking?

Because they didn’t talk about it, no one understood it. When TRIGGER was chased away from the TV show world, no one reached out their hand to them…

Because no one could imagine that the perfect TRIGGER could possibly need help.

If only the viewers and staff could’ve seen TRIGGER’s tears and regrets, maybe they would’ve been more compassionate and—

Kaoru:

Oh? That’s not a nice way of putting it. So you wanna blame those kids now because you were the ones that didn’t do anything?!

Producer Matsunaga:

No! That’s not it!

Okarin:

…ah… We won’t get the approval to have TRIGGER appear anymore, huh…

Shirou:

Eh… You think so…?

Tsumugi:

…Anesagi-san…

Kaoru:

What do you mean you didn’t understand because they didn’t show their tears and weakness!?

Would you have liked it if they cried, apologized, and begged you on their knees!? You’ve got to be kidding me!!

Producer Matsunaga:

I’m sorry! That’s not what I…

Kaoru:

There is no way we’ll ever work with you! Even if TRIGGER were hurt, you’d probably say the same again.

Their expression wasn’t clear enough so you couldn’t tell. That it’s TRIGGER’s fault!

Producer Matsunaga:

I didn’t say it was their fault! Only that their way of doing things might be aged…

Kaoru:

Aged!?

Producer Matsunaga:

…

Ever since Nanase Riku-kun’s popularity rose, the trends of the world started changing step by step.

From grown-up, sexy, and perfect to young, healthy, and inexperienced but bright.

At this rate, TRIGGER’s professional artisan disposition will be left behind by the times.

Kaoru:

…

You. Listen well. TRIGGER won’t be left behind.

TRIGGER will create an era.

Mitsuki:

…how cool…

Kaoru:

There probably are many people that don’t understand how much TRIGGER had to put up with and how much effort they showed in the shadows.

And that’s okay. And if you say that intimacy can’t spring from that, then that’s all there is to it.

They have plenty of stories to tell about their hardships. And they’ve been hurt by experiences more than there are stars in the sky. Isn’t that obvious!?

But they couldn’t show their fans. Because they didn’t want to worry them… Because that is their pride as idols.

Producer Matsunaga:

…

Kaoru:

I hereby decline your offer of having TRIGGER appear in your TV show.

If you’d excuse me now.

Producer Matsunaga:

Ah…!

Door closes.

Producer Matsunaga:

…crap, I didn’t mean to anger…

Mister Shimooka:

You do realize that you make people angry a lot, yes…?

Tsumugi:

…

I’m sorry! I’ll go check on her!

Mitsuki:

Manager!

Tsumugi:

I’ll be right back!

Door closes.

Shirou:

Should we take a little break then?

 

4.4. At the café

Tsumugi:

Anesagi-san! Anesagi-san…!

Kaoru:

…Takanashi-san…

Tsumugi:

Uhm…

Kaoru:

…hah. Even if you follow me, I won’t go back. The current TRIGGER doesn’t need the TV.

Why don’t you hurry and go back to the meeting…? It seems like IDOLiSH7 is the favourite of this era, how lucky.

You must be happy too, I bet everything got easier once TRIGGER left the showbiz world.

Tsumugi:

…please don’t say something that Anesagi-san wouldn’t say.

Kaoru:

…I’m sorry. Even though you did nothing wrong…

Tsumugi:

I know.

Kaoru:

…everything being taken away from us, yet even so we clench our teeth, and do our best without losing our pride.

Just to stand at the top again, to bloom once more. …and that’s supposed to be out of fashion now?

Don’t make me laugh! All of Japan was in love with TRIGGER! And now…!

Tsumugi:

People still love them! They’re not a story of the past!

It’s because TRIGGER-san are the kind of idols that allow us to love them the most.

Kaoru:

…Takanashi-san…

Tsumugi:

But we can’t easily meet those wonderful people anymore.

I think that TV show is a chance that lets people who are waiting meet TRIGGER again.

Kaoru:

…

Tsumugi:

It’s not only a chance. There are risks and demerits too, many of them. But…

Would you consider thinking about it one more time?

Kaoru:

…

…I can’t. Sorry.

Tsumugi:

…

Kaoru:

I’ll get going.

Cut to a café.

Customer:

Speaking of which, what is TRIGGER doing right now? I kinda liked them.

Customer:

I didn’t really. They were too pretty, always putting on airs. They felt kinda cold.

I much rather prefer Nanase Riku-kun! He laughs and is about to cry sometimes too, he’s so easy to understand, even what he’s currently feeling!

Customer:

But, but like, TRIGGER also cried in front of their fans once, I heard… Like their pretty center…

Customer:

Kujou Tenn? Really? Is there like a video to prove it online or something?

Customer:

I didn’t find any. Though I did search quite a bit…

Customer:

Then it’s obviously fake, definitely.

Customer:

You think so?

Tenn:

…

Tenn, thinking:

…they’re all so kind. It seems they listened to Gaku’s request.

Kujou:

Sorry for making you wait, Tenn.

Tenn:

No, I just got here too.

Kujou:

We could’ve talked at home without holding a meeting here.

I wouldn’t chain you up and lock you away. Aya is there too.

Tenn:

I know, I just wanted to enjoy some nice coffee outside.

Kujou:

I would offer you anything, no matter how much. …oh well, what did you want to talk about?

Tenn:

It was unexpected. The one you mentioned, Zero’s…

Kujou:

I told you, I’ll make you Zero this summer.

Tenn:

Yes. You said that would be the end.

Kujou:

I didn’t say that. It’ll be a beginning, Tenn. The curtains will rise for a new legend.

Tenn:

…and once that curtain has risen, you promised that you’ll stop looking for material to make into Zero, didn’t you?

Kujou:

If you can fulfil my expectations, that is.

Tenn:

Who else could there possibly be? Would you please stop looking away already? Look only at me.

Kujou:

…

Tenn:

I will overcome Zero. You don’t need Yotsuba Aya or Isumi Haruka. Give me your undivided attention, Kujou-san.

There are no more dreaming boys and girls that you talked to in this world, is that correct?

Kujou:

…there aren’t. I’m betting all of my life on you.

Tenn:

Thank you very much.

Cut.

Kujou:

…you made a promise with me too. That you won’t…

Tenn:

No worries. I won’t suddenly disappear one day. …but I was surprised.

Kujou:

What? That I send in the offer to all of TRIGGER and not just you?

Tenn:

Yes.

Kujou:

I had no other choice. My rebellious son left my home after declaring he won’t stop being part of TRIGGER.

Tenn:

You wouldn’t cast anyone swayed by emotions, would you? You acknowledged Gaku and Ryu.

Kujou:

…“Crescent Wolf” wasn’t bad.

Tenn:

Thank you very much.

Kujou:

Right. I want your advice on that matter.

Tenn:

Yes.

Kujou:

Which of them is more like me?

Tenn:

…

Kujou:

Tell me the truth.

Tenn:

…to be honest… neither of them…

Kujou:

Ah, really?

Tenn:

Yes…

Kujou:

And if you had to pick one?

Tenn:

……you also like soba like Gaku…? I guess…

Kujou:

Hmm… The No.1 Most Desired Embrace. How bashful.

To be continued…