IDOLISH7 PART 5 CHAPTER 6

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 5

Chapter 6 - Lurking in a hole of nostalgia

6.1. Unbreakable habit

At ŹOOĻ’s filming set.

Touma:

I see! So TRIGGER will appear on “Backyard MAGIC” too!

Minami:

You seem happy about that, Inumaru-san.

Touma:

I am! I genuinely am, even if just about the fact that TRIGGER is returning to TV.

Torao:

I get you…

Haruka:

But didn’t TRIGGER’s manager not want them to appear?

Shirou:

Apparently they agreed to it if they’d focus on interviews without excessive close coverage.

Minami:

As for us, they’re already filming it seems. Over there…

Haruka:

Ah, they waved. I talked to them the other day, they’re easy to talk to and don’t seem like bad people.

Shirou:

I’m glad. Do try to answer them as best as you can, but don’t force yourselves to answer if you don’t want to.

Haruka:

I like being asked. It’s not like I made it this far without effort and dedication.

Until now, there's been so much stuff I wanted to talk about... So many things I wanted someone to hear. I'm happy that they can be heard now.

Touma:

I see. Then I’m glad too.

Haruka:

What about you, Touma? You had lots of things that you wanted to be heard too, right?

Touma:

I did yes… But when they ask now my mind goes kinda blank.

You’re good with that, aren’t you, Mina and Tora?

Torao:

I’m used to people being interested in me. As well as answering favourably.

Minami:

Indeed. No matter if they need an excellently safe answer or a risky proactive one.

Haruka:

That’s not it. What about the truth? Not gonna tell it?

Torao:

Even if you tell the truth, it’s not guaranteed to be understood completely as you meant it.

Haruka:

Why?

Torao:

Because the image has priority. They’re not interested in my true self. The true self according to my image, that is the only one they want.

That’s why, if the answer differs from the image, I’ll forcefully twist, distort and reform it, so that in the end it turns into the shape of that image.

There’s no way to convey what you really wanna say without twisting it.

Touma:

No, there is! I’m telling you…

Haruka:

Ikemen have it tough… Suffering in weird places…

Minami:

I understand it somewhat. To those that demand my naughty self I shall answer naughtily. To those that demand my clever self I will answer cleverly.

Behaving like that makes things easier and faster. If others aren’t able to meet the you they were imagining, they’ll distrust and be suspicious of you.

Like, this person is supposed to be like that, what are they planning? What are they playing at?

But because I was fed up with living like that I departed to Northern Europe.

Torao:

One of those journeys of self-discovery? What was the result?

Minami:

I met someone that would accept everything I said.

Though he ignored all of my advice and went to heaven.

Torao:

Lack of communication maybe.

Minami:

I don’t think so. He was just a stubborn man, too high of a hurdle for a beginner to challenge.

Even so, I was happy. It was precisely because he accepted me wholeheartedly that he rejected my requests.

He never once said things like “you’d never say that”, “it’s weird that you’re saying that” or “you don’t understand”.

Torao:

…

Touma:

Hey, Tora. Haru’s right, the TV show people seem to be good guys.

Maybe you could try to talk to them how you want?

Torao:

…I already forgot all about what I truly think.

Cut.

Assistant director:

In 5 minutes! Please be very careful everyone!

Staff:

Yes!

Shirou:

…ah… The stunt scene, huh? You can feel the tension in the air.

Minami:

It’s the stuntman for Midou-san’s role, isn’t it?

After clinging to a window of the abandoned factory, he falls down into the sea.

Touma:

That’s quite high!

Torao:

It’s not as high as I thought.

Touma:

Were you good with high places?

Torao:

That doesn’t count as high. Haruka flew from much higher.

Haruka:

Well then, couldn’t you do that stunt yourself? You’re very athletic.

Torao:

Tha—

Shirou:

It might look easy at first, but an accident could happen. It’d be bad if you get hurt.

Torao:

…you’re right.

Haruka:

Utsugi-san, are you bad with high places?

Shirou:

Very much so. Just watching gives me goosebumps.

Haruka:

No way.

Shirou:

Yes way, look.

Haruka:

Ahaha! You’re right! You’ll jump up when you hear what I did. I went bungee jumping once!

Shirou:

Oh no no no no…

Haruka:

Lol. First time I saw your anxious expression.

Touma:

Haha… Hey, Tora. Haru kinda really opened up his heart to Utsugi-san, didn’t he?

That’s a great direction we’re heading to, isn’t it? Hey, where’re you going?

Torao:

Toilet.

Touma:

The stunt scene is about to happen. Why not go afterwards?

Torao:

I can watch the recording later.

Step, step, step.

Touma:

What a waste. And he even likes action movies, why won’t he watch it.

Minami:

…you’re right.

Cut.

Director:

Action!

Haruka:

It started!

Touma:

Wah… Whoa… Amazing…!

Haruka:

Oh no, he let go with one hand…! Isn’t that dangerous!?

Minami:

That was on purpose. He’ll be falling in a few seconds.

Shirou:

Uwah, scary…

Splash!

Haruka & Touma:

Whoooaaa…!

Cut.

Torao:

Hah…

If it’s just that, even I could…

…no, you probably need lots of experience and training. It looks easy, but there could be many fatal accidents involved.

Haha… It’s impossible for me.

Dog trainer:

Good work out there.

Torao:

Ah, likewise. Oh, the dog they used for filming.

Dog trainer:

Yes, there’s more to shoot later too.

Torao:

How docile, can I touch them?

Dog trainer:

Yes, no problem.

Torao:

Cute. And really obedient. What’s the name?

Dog trainer:

Bella.

Torao:

Bella. Beeella.

Bella:

…

Dog trainer:

She doesn’t bark unless given the signal.

Torao:

Why?

Dog trainer:

The trainer she had as a puppy was very relentless. They sent an electric current through her collar whenever she barked.

So she’s been trained to not bark or howl unnecessarily.

Torao:

…an electric current? Every time she barked? What if she wanted to convey something?

Dog trainer:

It’s not something we do in our training, but… There are people that do use that.

Torao:

…I see. No wonder you’d forget how to bark.

It’s impossible. Don’t do it. You don’t have to. You’re wrong. This is for your education. Shut up. All things I’ve heard plenty myself.

You even lose the will to talk about anything at all.

Bella. You’re quite the pretty one, aren’t you? Good girl. Come on, bark.

Dog trainer:

Uhm…

Torao:

Bella. Bark.

Bella:

…

Torao:

Hah… How pathetic.

 

6.2. Nostalgic face

Touma:

Tora is running late.

Haruka:

We’re on standby for a while so it’s all good?

Minami, how’s the new song? It’s gonna be the theme song for this drama, right?

Minami:

It’ll soon be finished. I have the title already.

Haruka:

He! What kinda title?

Minami:

“Survivor”

Touma:

Nice! It fits a survival drama. And it fits us as well.

We've all been fighting in different places, survived, and met. And then we became ŹOOĻ.

Haruka:

Touma, how can you just say embarrassing stuff like that…

Touma:

It’s not! It’s a cool title Mina thought of.

Haruka:

Not the title. Like, the thing with how we became ŹOOĻ…

Minami:

Fufu, isn’t that nice as well?

Staff:

Excuse me! Entrance is prohibited for unrelated people!

???:

I know someone! Please let me through!

Haruka:

…what’s up?

Minami:

Looks like an ordinary person…?

Touma:

…it’s him…

???:

Touma!

Touma:

Hiroto! It’s you!

Hiroto:

Touma! See I told you I know someone.

Staff:

Inumaru-san, do you know him? Even so, outsiders should…

Touma:

I’m sorry. Let’s go over there, Hiroto.

Sorry, I’ll be right back!

Minami:

Understood.

Haruka:

I did say we’re on standby but hurry up.

Touma:

Yeah!

Step, step, step.

Haruka:

Okay who was that?

Minami:

A member of the former NO_MAD.

Haruka:

NO_MAD?

Minami:

Ah, Midou-san returned.

Torao:

I just walked past Touma, who’s the dude he’s so chummy with?

Minami:

NO_MAD’s Hiroto-san.

Haruka:

That was Touma’s previous group, right?

Torao:

Hiroto? From the group that disbanded?

Haruka:

What does he want with Touma?

Minami:

I wonder, shall I predict the future?

Haruka:

…

 

6.3. Reliable person

Minami:

Where are you going, Isumi-san?

Haruka:

Gonna check on him.

Minami:

You mean eavesdropping?

Haruka:

No, checking up on him. Touma is so simple, he might be talked into something.

Torao:

I see, money. Failing to get a job after the disbandment so now he’s in financial trouble.

Let’s extend a helping hand. Minami, could you go fetch my wallet?

Minami:

First of all, you don’t walk around with cash, do you? And secondly, if you do something so condescending it might just stir up more trouble than it’s worth.

Torao:

I’m not being condescending. Though I don’t respect him either. It’s just a former group member, right?

Haruka:

It’s a relationship that has been over once already. I bet they fought, disagreed, and disbanded. Probably an awkward reunion happening right now.

Minami:

Though Inumaru-san looked happy.

Haruka & Torao:

…

Minami:

Don’t start pouting, I’m sure he’s just talking about old times and feeling nostalgic.

Haruka:

I’ll go check up on him after all.

Torao:

I’ll tag along.

Minami:

Oh my, you’re hopeless.

Cut.

Torao:

And?

Haruka:

They’re over there…

Minami:

If you’re going to eavesdrop on someone I recommend standing leeward of your target. Let’s go over there.

Haruka:

…were you a ninja or something at one point, Minami?

Torao:

Or like a spy in a drama.

Minami:

Shh… They’ll notice us.

Hiroto:

Sorry for suddenly appearing. I heard you were filming nearby, so.

Touma:

You lived around here, huh. Been well?

Hiroto:

Yeah… But you’re amazing, Touma. ŹOOĻ, was it? You even went to Black or White with your new group.

I’m glad it’s going well for you.

Touma:

Yeah… Thanks.

Hiroto:

Hey, Touma… I met with the other members some time ago and we were talking.

Touma:

The member from NO_MAD?

Hiroto:

Yeah. We were given courage by seeing you sing and decided to start singing again as well.

To reform NO_MAD.

Touma:

…

Haruka:

Huh, what do you mean given courage? You totally just wanna get in on the fame.

Torao:

Didn’t they all leave even though Touma tried to hold them back?

Minami:

Such is the fabric of human relationships in the world of showbiz that clamours glory and failure.

Hiroto:

Please, Touma! Won’t you stand on stage with us once again!?

I’m not telling you to leave ŹOOĻ. But you could handle both groups at the same time, right?

I wanna see the same dream that we had back then!

Touma:

… Let…

Lemme think about it…?

Minami & Haruka & Torao:

HUH!?

Hiroto:

…? What was that voice…

Touma:

…? A dog howling…?

Haruka, thinking:

Let you think!? That’s where you decline immediately! There’s no way you can handle both!!

Torao, thinking:

Just cut the ties with those members that didn’t sell! Who do you take us for!?

Minami, thinking:

We survived, met, and became ŹOOĻ, was it? You sure say some nice things when it favours yourself. Quite the indecisive personality.

Haruka, thinking:

You can’t even start to compare ŹOOĻ and NO_MAD! After all, ŹOOĻ…

Has me!

Torao, thinking:

Even though I’m here.

Minami, thinking:

I’m right here, you know.

Touma:

…is it just me or did it suddenly cool down a lot…

Hiroto:

Are you okay? Maybe a cold? You’ve probably been overworking yourself lately.

Touma:

No…

Hiroto:

Sorry for talking to you while you were shooting. Take your time thinking about it.

Touma:

Ah… Yeah.

Hiroto:

Let’s invite the others and go to your favourite grilled chicken restaurant. You haven’t been going recently, right?

Touma:

How did you know?

Hiroto:

Pff… Those ŹOOĻ guys don’t look like they’d go.

Haruka & Minami & Torao, thinking:

I can take you to a stupid grilled chicken restaurant!?

Hiroto:

A celebrity, a former actor, a student; you don’t really have anyone to talk to, do you…?

I was worrying if you were doing too much, since you’re such a nice guy…

Touma:

Hiroto…

Haruka, thinking:

Touma you absolute dimwit!!

Torao, thinking:

Don’t fall for it!!

Minami, thinking:

He gave up on you once!!

Hiroto:

With us you wouldn’t need to worry. You could be just the way you are. I’ll wait for your call.

Touma:

Yeah, got it. I’ll call you.

Haruka & Minami & Torao, thinking:

Don’t!!

Touma:

Thanks for showing up, it was nice seeing you again. I’m happy.

Haruka & Minami & Torao, thinking:

Don’t be!!

Hiroto:

Sure, see ya.

Touma:

Yeah, bye.

 

6.4. Gaze

Touma:

That surprised me… Reforming NO_MAD, huh…

…no! I gotta focus on shooting right now.

Touma joins the others again.

Touma:

Sorry for making you wait!

Haruka:

…

Torao:

…

Minami:

…

Touma:

Why are you suddenly looking at me with such cold eyes…? Wh-what happened?

Minami & Haruka & Torao:

Nothing.

Touma:

You’re even in sync.

Haruka:

…and what about you and that guy?

Touma:

Ah…… Nothing. Just an old acquaintance.

Haruka:

Heeeh.

Torao:

Hmmm.

Minami:

Ohhh.

Touma:

Seriously, what’s up with you?

Minami:

…

Minami, thinking:

…I’ll create the best song and bind a heavy anchor around your fickle heart.

Repent, for the rest of your life.

Cut to a TV studio.

Shimooka:

And the next guests are ŹOOĻ, which are currently being talked of everywhere thanks to their upcoming drama “BLAST”!

They will be singing the drama’s theme song, “Survivor”!

Audience:

*screams*

Shimooka:

Minami-kun, what should we look forward to most with “Survivor”?

Minami:

Let’s see…

Our bond, perhaps?

Audience:

*screams*

Touma:

How rare for you to say something like that, Mina!

Torao:

Just as Minami said, our world view as four has been combined even more. Or like…

Audience:

*screams*

Haruka:

There is absolutely no space for anyone else.

Audience:

*screams*

Touma:

I’m happy to hear that. I think so too of course!

Audience:

*screams*

Haruka, thinking:

DO you though!?

Torao, thinking:

Don’t forget those words!?

Minami, thinking:

Are you watching, former NO_MAD-san?

Shimooka:

It seems ŹOOĻ’s bonds have grown stronger thanks to the drama’s shooting!

Now then, let us hear them! “Survivor”!

Audience:

*screams*

How goooood…!

Usually they have this cool feeling with each other, but this time they looked so close! Can’t wait to watch the drama…!

ŹOOĻ’s the best…!

Go win against IDOLiSH7 this year for sure…!

Cut to Riku’s room.

Riku:

Hah… I’m tired… There was so much stuff happening today. And I met so many amazing people…

But… I wonder if my head and heart can keep up with all the experiences.

Our managers are looking after us, so we don’t strain ourselves physically, but…

Every day is so hectic, we’re supposed to be experiencing important things, but it feels like everything is slipping away from me.

What a waste. I need to take it all in. Even though I wanna absorb everything…

I can’t even remember what someone told me this morning, even though it made me happy…

What was it…

 

6.5. On the phone with

Riku:

… …zzz…

…hah…! I almost fell asleep.

I remembered! Someone said TRIGGER will appear in “Backyard Magic”!

I’m happy… I’ll be able to meet Tenn-nii and see all his cool sides.

And if it’s a documentary, then the camera might even show our normal daily lives.

I feel like I’d get energy from seeing Tenn-nii smile. It was like that when we were kids too.

…

…no, Tenn-nii— Tenn was taken away from our family because of me… Do I still intend to cling to him?

I call him big brother, but we’re twins. I can’t be the only one spoiled. …It’s my turn to save Tenn.

Phone ringing.

Riku:

A call. From whom…?

…! Tenn-nii! It’s from Tenn-nii! Wah, I’m happy!

Ah… No. No more being spoiled. Gotta be cool!

Okay!

Answers call.

Tenn:

Hello, Riku?

Riku:

What is it, Tenn?

Tenn:

…

Who is making you do this?

Riku:

That’s who I am now. Also, if you’re ever worried about something, Tenn, lemme know.

You might call yourself my big brother, but we’re twins. The difference is only a few minutes. You can act spoiled too.

And I’ll solve all your problems in a cool and sharp way.

Tenn:

I see. So it’s Izumi Iori. Can he take your phone? I wanna talk.

Riku:

Eh… Why do you wanna talk to Iori?

Tenn:

There are things in this world I won’t give up on.

Riku:

Ehh! How mean! We didn’t even talk yet! Even though you called me!

I was so happy that I jumped! Don’t be like thaaat!

Cut to Tenn.

Tenn:

Good, you’re back to yourself.

Riku:

No more need to talk to Iori?

Tenn:

No.

Riku:

What’s up? You never call out of nowhere, did something happen?

Tenn:

Have you been busy lately?

Riku:

Yes… But it’s not hard, I’m doing well.

Tenn:

I’m glad. I see, well if you’re busy, then…

Riku:

What? I am busy, but it’s not like I don’t have any days off.

Tenn:

…wanna meet soon?

Riku:

Eh?

Tenn:

I wanna see you.

Cut to Tsumugi’s room.

Tsumugi:

It’s already so late… I should go to bed, I have an early morning tomorrow.

Phone rings.

Tsumugi:

Ah, my phone…

…it’s from Yaotome-san…

Answers call.

Tsumugi:

Hello, Takanashi speaking.

Gaku:

Good evening. …it’s been a while.

Tsumugi:

Good evening. It has been indeed. Have you been well?

Cut to Gaku.

Gaku:

Haha, yeah you could say that. Do you have time right now?

Tsumugi:

Yes. Is there something troubling you…?

Gaku:

Not really troubled, but… I wanted your advice for my next job.

I’m sorry, even though I was the one who said we shouldn’t be in contact for a while, I ended up relying on you again…

Tsumugi:

Please rely on me… By your next job, do you mean the musical?

Gaku:

Did you hear from Nikaidou?

Tsumugi:

Yes. About that mysterious musical and your appearance…

Gaku:

Exactly. I want your advice on that musical, Takanashi-san.

Can we meet Friday night?

Cut to Nagi’s room.

Nagi:

Yamato and Mitsuki have found jobs they want to do and seem busy now.

It’s wonderful to see them so lively and sparkly as they do what they like.

What should I do, Haruki? I started singing because I wanted to meet you…

Now I have lost my goal. I wonder what lies ahead of me on this glistering road…

OH! No good! Only 30 minutes left until Kokona’s rebroadcast! Time to prepare myself…

Phone rings.

Nagi:

Hi, Nagi speaking.

Ryūnosuke:

Uhm… Good evening. My name is Tsunashi Ryūnosuke, from TRIGGER.

Nagi:

OH! Tsunashi-shi?

Ryūnosuke:

Yes. Tsunashi Ryūnosuke.

Nagi:

Thank you for introducing yourself twice. It’s rare for you to be calling me.

Ryūnosuke:

Sorry if it’s so sudden. You see… I actually…

Nagi:

Stop! I shall guess your sine qua non.

Ryūnosuke:

Oh, uh, okay. Please.

Nagi:

If it’d be about a recipe, you’d call Mitsuki. If it’d be about trouble concerning TRIGGER’s human relations, then you’d call our manager.

So then… Hmm… Anime or language…

Cut to Ryūnosuke.

Ryūnosuke:

Actually, it’s about our next job, I want some advice!

Nagi:

Tsunashi-shi! I was still thinking!

Ryūnosuke:

Ah, s-sorry! Uhm… If you really don’t wanna talk about it, you can just say so.

I want to know more… about Sakura Haruki-san.

Nagi:

…about Haruki?

 

To be continued…