IDOLISH7 PART 5 CHAPTER 11
May. 18th, 2022 04:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shionstearChapter 11 - Difficult to understand
11.1. With a snap
View of the night sky.
Tenn:
Thank you very much, Kujou-san. Thanks to your help, my father's establishment didn't have to be shut down.
And my little brother can still go to the hospital as well. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I may show some shortcomings as your new adopted son, but I’m looking forward to our time together for many years to come.
Kujou:
What a proper child. How old are you?
Tenn:
I’m 13.
Kujou:
13, huh…
I will make you into a superstar. Nanase… No. Kujou Tenn.
Tenn:
…
Kujou:
You are blessed with unequalled talent. I’m sure you can become an idol that can overcome Zero. You will become a star that continues to shine for eternity.
Tenn:
…eternal star… What is eternity?
Kujou:
I don’t know. But I do know that it is something that I want.
And not just me. All and every person wishes for it frantically.
It is a precious treasure, like a rainbow having finally been found among dulled out days, where only rain continued to fall unceasingly.
That something like that can vanish someday… That it can fall out of your hands and break… It’s something no one wants to believe.
Tenn:
Kujou-san…
Kujou:
Tenn. You have to find and tell me about it. About the unfading rainbow. About the continuously shining light of the stars. About the eternal dream.
Tenn:
… Haha…
Kujou:
…did I say something amusing?
Tenn:
It’s because you said something that Riku would say, even though you’re an adult.
Kujou:
Riku? Your little brother?
Tenn:
Yes. Please, I’ll behave. Don’t let the fun playing times end.
I want to continue a bit. Or if I could… I’d want to continue forever.
Kujou:
Haha… You’re right. Maybe all the idol fans around the world are like your brother.
I’ll be a good kid. I’ll believe you. I’ll forever wait for you. I’ll listen to what you say…
Tenn:
Don’t say that it’s over.
Kujou:
Indeed. Because I still want to watch you.
Tenn:
Don’t turn down the music yet. Don’t turn off the lights on-stage.
Kujou:
Snaps his finger. No matter how much you wished for it, sound and light disappear without a trace. The magic spell fades in a single moment.
And only silence is present on the deserted stage. All that is left in this maddening loneliness is…
Tenn:
The voices of children that still want to play?
Kujou:
The voice of Urashima Tarou, left behind in the ruins of Dragon Palace.
Being at a loss, unable to wake up from the dazzling dream, even though the star that made his life shine is no more.
Without even receiving the jewelled box.
Cut to a busy street.
Passerby:
Hey! Heeey! Did you hear about the musical “Zero”?!
Passerby:
TRIGGER’s!? I’m so gonna go watch it! Tenn-kun as the legendary idol has got to be amazing!
Passerby:
There are so many idols around, but for Tenn-kun to get that role must mean, you know, right!?
Passerby:
Yeah! TRIGGER is the best!
Passerby:
Yay!
Passerby:
But didn’t Zero have, like, crazy fans? Didn’t some complain or something when Re:vale covered one of his songs…?
Passerby:
Eeh? I don’t think we need to worry. Even if he’s legendary, he’s an idol from the past. His time is over.
Passerby:
You’re so right! Let’s not think about that!
Passerby:
We can’t just say that… We’d be sad too if someone said TRIGGER’s time was over.
Passerby:
Ahaha! But this isn’t about TRIGGER! Are you even listening?
Touma:
…
A group whose time is over huh… They said the same things about NO_MAD…
Even though I didn’t want it to end.
Cut to front of a building.
Banri:
You can go ahead. I’ll join you in the studio once I park the car.
Sougo:
Thank you, you brought us right to the entrance.
Banri:
Don’t worry. It started raining out of the blue.
Tamaki:
Should we carry something inside?
Banri:
Thanks, but don’t worry. I’ll get going then.
Door closes.
Tamaki:
Ban-chan is so nice. He did this so we wouldn’t get soaked.
Sougo:
You’re right. …ah, Tamaki-kun, do you know that person?
Tamaki:
Huh? …you mean that woman? I don’t. She’s watching us…
Sougo:
Is it a fan? She’s coming closer…
Woman:
Ah… Uhm… You’re MEZZO”, right!? I’m so sorry…! This, if you could…!
Tamaki:
A present? Thanks!
Sougo:
We appreciate your consideration, but we can’t just accept it directly from people… Please use our agency next time…
Woman:
Ah, uhm, it’s not for you two. It’s for Ban-san… No! I mean, uhm, for your manager!
Tamaki:
For Ban-chan?
Woman:
Ah…! I’m sorry for saying something weird…! Please take a look at this picture…
You two may not know about it, but your manager used to stand on stage too, long ago…
Sougo:
We do know. Banri-san is very good at playing the guitar too, right?
Woman:
…is… is he… happy… with his life…!?
Sougo:
…happy…?
Woman:
Ahhhh…!? I’m so sorry! What was I thinking to call out to the one and only MEZZO” and stop them in their tracks…!?
Tamaki:
Ahaha! You’re like Momorin when Ban-chan is around.
Are you Ban-chan’s fan? Momorin becomes like that too, like, I’m so sorry, Ban-san!
Is that a letter and present for him?
Woman:
…ah… I’m being a nuisance after all, right…
I’ll take this back home with me! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me…!
Tamaki:
Ah, don’t be sorry. You don’t have to cry either. We can just give this to Ban-chan and…
Woman:
…no I could never…! We don’t even know each other and I just… I just asked you to do something and…
…I was just… wondering if he… would ever sing again…
Sougo:
…
Woman:
…sniff… Ah… Please tell him that I hope he’s doing fine. I always liked him, and I’ll continue to like him from now on too!
Please forgive me for having caused you problems…! I’ll be cheering you two on as well! …please excuse me…!
Tamaki:
Hey…! Wait, what about the presents!?
Woman:
It’s okay! Please excuse me…!
Tamaki:
Ah…!
Sounds of running away.
Tamaki:
…she wasn’t okay at all though… Crying, all drenched from the rain…
Sougo:
I wonder if she was a fan of Re:vale from that time… I feel bad that I couldn’t give her an answer right away.
Tamaki:
If he’s happy?
Sougo:
Yes… Though I don’t think he’s not happy.
Tamaki:
It’s something we can’t imagine right now, right? If we could be happy after not being idols anymore and not singing anymore.
Sougo:
You’re right… But I wish I could’ve just told her. That he’s happy.
Because now she might always think about this…
Tamaki:
But just telling her something isn’t really better, right?
Sougo:
Yes…
Banri:
Sorry for the wait! Phew, the rain suddenly grew even stronger, huh?
Sougo:
Ah, here’s a towel if you’d like…
Tamaki:
Ban-chan, are you happy right now?
Banri:
Eh? Right now? Not much, I guess. Ah, crap, my socks got wet too!
Sougo & Tamaki:
I see…
Banri:
Eh!? What’s with those serious expressions!? Was that a serious question?
Tamaki:
Hm…
Sougo:
No…
Banri:
I’m happy! I am! As long as I get a new pair of socks…!
Cut to Ryū’s apartment.
Tenn:
We received the script for “Zero”.
Gaku:
Yup.
Ryūnosuke:
Are you two going to read it already?
Gaku:
Yeah, I’m curious. You guys?
Tenn:
That was my plan as well.
Ryūnosuke:
Me too. Then how about we meet up again here after we’re done reading?
Tenn:
To do a read-through?
Ryūnosuke:
Not necessarily, no, but to exchange our impressions. I feel like I’ll want to do that afterwards.
Gaku:
I agree. Alright, then let’s meet up here again.
Tenn:
Understood.
Ryūnosuke:
Until later then.
Doors close.
Short fade out and in again.
Gaku:
Have you read it?
Tenn:
I have.
Ryūnosuke:
Me too.
Gaku:
What did you think?
Ryūnosuke:
… It’s difficult…
Tenn:
…
Gaku:
Tenn.
Tenn:
Let me hear your thoughts.
Gaku:
…they’re the same as Ryū’s. It’s difficult…
There are many scenes of glamorous shows back to back, so at first glance it looks like easy to digest entertainment. But its message is difficult to understand.
By loving idols, their fans and the show business you start to admire all the unlimited possibilities. But at the same time…
You start doubting and detesting idols, their fans and the show business with a cold-hearted gaze.
Ryūnosuke:
…I got the same impressions too. This musical is somewhat scary.
Just as you fall in love with idols, their fans, the music, their comrades and the stage itself…
You also get to see the idol’s end. The moment you find your place to be, it gets stolen already.
And while reading the script… There were times when I couldn’t help but imagine that Tsunashi Ryūnosuke was the one disappearing from the stage.
Gaku:
…me too. It felt like I was experiencing the loss of Yaotome Gaku through Kujou Takamasa’s eyes.
As if… Just as if I was watching the last scene, like his life was ending, from the wing of the stage.
The feelings of satisfaction after finally having reached something and the feelings of despondency and sense of loss after realising you won’t ever be able to stand on-stage again…
The uncertainty of not knowing how you’ll feel when your time for that arrives. To that degree, this is our…
…no. This is the raw story of how an idol attained honour and of how he ended.
Tenn:
…
Gaku:
After finishing his stage that would be remembered as a legend, Zero disappears and leaves everyone turning pale and moving about in confusion.
The last scene ends with Kujou Takamasa’s scream.
And just like that, to lead into the finale, a cheerful funk arrangement of “Dis one.” starts playing and the scene looks more like comedy than a tragedy.
Like self-torture and self-deprecation. How and what am I supposed to yell?
Tenn:
…
Gaku:
Tenn. What did you think of Zero? How will you portray him?
Ryūnosuke:
I wanna know too… Especially during the scene of his last concert before he disappears.
He descends for Zero Arena’s stage, looks at Sakura Haruki and Kujou Takamasa as if wanting to thank them for their hard work and:
Snaps his finger.
[TL note: Okay I need to clarify something. The 11.1 title, what Kujou said at the beginning as well as what Ryū just said was all “パチン！” (Pachin!), which is the Japanese onomatopoeic word for “snap”. My understanding and therefore issue with it is that in Japanese it very clearly implies the snapping of fingers. And I don’t think a simple “snap” in English has the same impact, which is why I decided to write it out as an action of them snipping their fingers instead. That’s why, the next time Ryū talks and asks if Zero really did that, he actually says “Is this really something Zero said?”. So, subsequently, I’ll keep the change of “Pachin!” being an action in my translation, rather than the sound/word that is said.]
Tenn:
…
Ryūnosuke:
…what kind of nuance is that supposed to be done with?
Like a witty way to say let’s keep this going? Like a line brimming with sorrow? How did Zero look at Sakura and Kujou?
Is this really something Zero did?
Tenn:
…yes. This work has been based on interviews with Zero and things he actually said.
You see, apparently before Zero disappeared they were planning on releasing a book about his life in place of an autobiography.
That then became the plan for the musical, but before the script could be finished Zero disappeared.
The musical “Zero” was Kujou-san’s dearest wish. There had been many negotiations with people that wanted to play Zero, but…
He kept denying permission to perform the play until he found someone he deemed worthy of portraying Zero.
Gaku:
And that someone was you, Tenn.
Tenn:
…
The musical “Zero” is a story about loving Zero to the verge of insanity.
And a story about losing Zero. We’ll experience the creation and loss of idols on that stage.
And not just us. The audience will too.
We’ll experience the greatest meeting, dream a never before seen rose-coloured dream and separate again in a harsh and cruel way.
Gaku:
…
Ryūnosuke:
…
Will we feel the same too…? When we’ll end TRIGGER…
Gaku:
Stop it! You’ll jinx it.
Tenn:
It’s important to imagine it. You’ll realise the reason if you look at it head-on without fear.
Gaku:
Which reason?
Tenn:
The reason for the end.
Why did we stop singing?
Why did we make our fans so sad, even though we loved them so much?
Why did I let go of the job that I loved more than my own name?
Why, even though I had reliable comrades I could walk forward side by side…
Did we disconnect?
Gaku:
…
Ryūnosuke:
…
Gaku:
I won’t stop. As long as you two are there…
Ryūnosuke:
Me too…!
Tenn:
I’m sure Zero, Kujou-san and everyone else thought the same. That they’ll continue on forever.
This dream won’t end. That’s what we wished for after all.
Ryūnosuke:
…then… why… …
…sorry… My chest aches, thinking about how it could be…
Gaku:
Ryū… Don’t cry…
Ryūnosuke:
But… …this is tough… I wonder if it’s because I can imagine everyone’s strong feelings and wishes…
And not only Zero’s… So many idols and fans become one in that place that they love.
This dream won’t end. I love this job. I’ll go on forever with my beloved friends, laughing together, growing old.
That’s what I believed, so why… Why does it end…? I don’t know how I’ll feel when that time comes.
…and when I imagine that, I feel this unbearable loneliness and incredible sadness, but also weirdly… a sense of accomplishment and completeness.
Like saying, it was fun, right? We did it, right? Those dazzlingly sparkling days really happened, right?
Like you’re full of heartrending and painful emotions. …but at the same time empty with loneliness but also… beloved.
Gaku:
…I think I understand… I don’t know if the emotions that I’m imagining right now are right, but…
The heartrending feelings of pain when the dream is over… and the will of wanting to believe in oneself for making that decision…
That scenery… Will we be able to see that through “Zero”?
Tenn:
…the scenery of an idol’s end…
Zero ended in disappearance. No one can say if he was prepared to end it or not.
The protagonist of this play appears to be Zero, but in reality it’s about all the people that surrounded him.
Kujou-san, Sakura-san… The staff and the fans… Everyone that experienced Zero from his debut to his last stage.
Joy and tragedy, pictured as overwhelming entertainment that could tightly hold your heart and tear it out… That might continue to burn until it turns to ashes in the end.
What will we feel… when we leave the mike behind on-stage, bow down deeply, look up and see…
The dazzling lights, the faces of all our fans… when we’re reminded of all the shining memories… of all the goodbyes, all the blessings, all the cheers and applause.
When swept by the waves of light and sound, we defenselessly expose ourselves to never picking up a microphone again… What will we feel…?
The musical “Zero” shows us… no, shows everyone casted and the entire audience the scenery of the end.
The end of an idol… or in other words, it’s a story of people who devoted their entire life to their job, living to the fullest, and of how that ends.
Gaku:
…to be honest, I’m a bit scared… being showered with feelings I never experienced before, creating them myself, what if amongst all that…
I feel like it might end up changing who I am…
Ryūnosuke:
I… wonder if I can be Sakura Haruki. Will I be able to smile after losing you two? Will I… be able to laugh and say that I’ll go search for you?
It’s lonely… Incredibly so… I’d like to talk to you two…!
Gaku:
Then… do it… We’re both here.
Ryūnosuke:
Ah, right… I got it all mixed up…
Gaku:
Can’t blame you… Hah… Me too…
…I feel like I get it. How Kujou hates Zero…
Tenn:
You do?
Gaku:
…yeah. If you’re gonna disappear, at least tell me. We were friends, right?
We can’t know what idols are really thinking about.
It’s something fans often say, but I feel the same about Zero.
I don’t know what Zero thought about. Was he happy? Unhappy? What did he think about his fans and friends?
I just don’t know… It’s detestable, lonely. The more I love you the more I hate you, I can’t bear it.
Weren’t we friends? If you had just said anything before disappearing, had given me any kind of sign…
If you had laughed after snapping your fingers like “just kidding!”...
I wanted to continue living with you.
Tenn:
…
Ryūnosuke:
The opening scene is so puzzling too… It’s the scene where the current Kujou-san receives Sakura-san’s posthumous work.
Gaku:
Yeah. Kujou receives the song that Zero requested from Sakura Haruki and is perplexed.
“Why did Zero want to sing this kind of song?”. That’s the line that brings us back into Zero’s past.
Tenn:
I’ve heard this scene has been added afterwards…
Ryūnosuke:
But there is no scene in the play that reveals this crucial song. The question from the start is never resolved. Doesn’t that feel incomplete as a story?
Gaku:
Like the entire play is the answer, maybe? Tenn, do you know anything about Sakura Haruki’s posthumous work?
Tenn:
…I don’t. Kujou-san seemed to be genuinely perplexed.
But I do think it’s weird too. As if there’s a continuation to this musical.
Gaku:
They’re planning a “Zero 2”?
Ryūnosuke:
But would there be a continuation to Zero’s story after his disappearance?
Tenn:
…I don’t know.
Gaku:
…what should I yell at the end…?
Ryūnosuke:
…what kind of song did Sakura-san compose…?
Tenn:
…this will be a tough musical, both mentally and physically.
Let’s brace ourselves and focus our minds.
Gaku:
Yeah…
Ryūnosuke:
Okay…
Tenn:
…
Let’s brace ourselves and focus our minds!
Gaku & Ryūnosuke:
Yeah!
11.2. The caller
On the streets.
Passerby:
Hey! Did you hear about the musical “Zero”?!
Passerby:
Kujou Tenn will play the role of the legendary idol, right? As expected, he’s the real deal!
Passerby:
Kujou Tenn is the idol to represent all of Japan!
Passerby:
He’ll be more known than even Zero!
Cut to another street.
Passerby:
Hey! Have you heard about the musical “Zero”?
Passerby:
The thing about Zero, the legendary idol? I wished Nanase Riku would’ve portrayed Zero!
If we’re talking about popular idols that could represent Japan, Nanase Riku is the one and only, right? He should’ve done it!
Passerby:
Riku-kun is better than Zero even! And everyone loves him too!
Cut to in front of Zero Arena.
Tenn, thinking:
The more popular you become the more people start liking and disliking you.
If Riku, who’s weak to stress, were to accept the energy from everyone around Japan he wouldn’t last and be crushed.
I can never yield the number one spot to Riku.
Tenn:
Re:vale, IDOLiSH7, ŹOOĻ… There are many formidable enemies, but…
TRIGGER will be the number one. …so that I can end Kujou-san’s dream.
Cut to Riku’s room.
Riku, thinking:
So Tenn-nii will play Zero under Kujou’s production…
Did Kujou take Tenn-nii away for this? Did he raise him for this purpose?
Stealing important things from Tamaki, Banri-san and me, just to achieve his own dreams…?
If Kujou intends to turn Tenn-nii into Zero, then I myself will… We ourselves will break the legend known as Zero!
And then I’ll free Tenn-nii from Kujou’s fangs!
Riku:
IDOLiSH7 will surpass Zero! And for that…
I’ll definitely, definitely am gonna go watch “Zero”!!
Cut to a green room.
Mitsuki:
Kujou told you to not go watch “Zero”?
Riku:
Yeah…
Yamato:
Doesn’t sound like him, huh… He always invites you to concerts and plays, but not this time?
Did ya hear something about this, manager?
Tsumugi:
After hearing Riku-san’s story I asked Anesagi-san to reserve some seats for us, but…
She declined, saying it wasn’t possible this time.
Sougo:
Because it’s a popular play…?
Riku:
Tenn-nii… I mean, that Tenn guy definitely told Anesagi-san something. How annoying.
Tamaki:
“That Tenn guy”? You mean Tenten?
Riku:
Yes. We’re twins, so there’s no age difference, so I’m not calling him Tenn-nii anymore.
We’re equal, yet I’m always being excluded. Tenn-nii’s so mean.
Iori:
I guess I’ll retort for now, but you’ve just called him Tenn-nii again.
Riku:
Ah! Crap, that damn Kujou Tenn…!
Mitsuki:
I don’t think this just now was his fault though.
Riku:
That’s why you all gotta help me get tickets for “Zero”!
Especially you, Nagi! I’ve helped you out plenty of times so far, right? With your online purchase battles!
Nagi:
Please leave it to me! I have acquired the knowledge of a sure-win method from my otaku friends!
Following that method, I have continued to win on multiple occasions! Yay!
Riku:
Amazing! Which kinda method?!
Nagi:
Go for it stark naked.
Riku:
Naked!
Tamaki:
Taking off your clothes makes you win!?
Nagi:
Yes!
Tamaki:
Then, I’ll get naked and help too!
Mitsuki:
I’ll try it too then!
Yamato:
Eh…? Wait, hang on, does that mean I gotta do it too? Is that how this works? Ichi, what are you—
Iori:
Absolutely not.
Nagi:
However, it is very, very rude not to invite us after having helped them out.
Mitsuki:
You did?
Nagi:
I didn’t know it was for “Zero”, but Tsunashi-shi called me to ask about Haruki.
Riku:
Then you totally helped him out! Manager, we always invite those that help us out for the concerts, right?
Tsumugi:
That is true.
Riku:
Then TRIGGER should totally invite Nagi! And, you know, since going on your own is… you know, they should totally let a second person go as well!
Tsumugi:
Ah… I’ll talk to Anesagi-san again.
Though there might be other reasons that we are not aware of, so I don’t want to force them to do anything…
Iori:
You probably just had another fight among siblings, right? Just make up again and ask him directly.
Riku:
No! It’s not just a fight.
…it didn’t even get to that. Tenn-nii won’t stop treating me like a child.
Iori:
You called him that again.
Riku:
Ah, seriously! Dang it!
Sougo:
But I wonder… why would he say that?
Even if you weren’t going to watch it live, there will be recordings of it and many chances for you to see it, right?
Riku:
Exactly. If I couldn’t go no matter what I would make do with the DVD.
But, if by any chance, there’d be an accident and they couldn’t record it afterwards, I could never see Tenn-nii as Zero…
Mitsuki:
I feel you. If you’d missed your fav’s big moment on stage, you’d regret it all your life.
Riku:
Yeah!!
Yamato:
Now he’s your fav? You sure do love your Tenn-nii.
Riku:
I always did and will! Tenn-nii’s just the unreasonable one! He’s always like that!
Tamaki:
Won’t some weird guy appear again? Like with Re:vale last time?
Nagi:
OH… They did cause a ruckus during the press conference too.
Iori:
I wonder about that this time though. Re:vale-san covered a Zero song, which brought the wrath of Zero fans upon them, but…
This time they’re merely capturing Zero’s life as a musical. Wouldn’t that make them happy?
Mitsuki:
You think? I assume they’ll be singing Zero songs during the play, right?
Wouldn’t that be the same for the “Get Back My Song” culprit?
Tamaki:
Did they catch that guy?
Yamato:
I think they never found him.
Tamaki:
For real!? Scary…
Riku:
…I wonder if Tenn-nii and the others will be okay…
Nagi:
In the eyes of Zero’s fans, will the show be a great delight or reason for resentment? It is quite the difficult question.
Mitsuki, you’re Zero’s fan. Do you have any complex feelings about Kujou-shi portraying Zero?
Mitsuki:
I was surprised like “Kujou as Zero!?!”, but nothing else. I just wanna watch it.
The life of your fav’s gonna get a musical! Doesn’t that make you happy!? I wanna hear all the songs in it!
Yamato:
We could ask you the same, Nagi? Since Tsunashi-san portrays Sakura-san…
Nagi:
My feelings are very very very complex. It’s like I’m about to write a long paper after picking a fight with people…
Sougo:
I can imagine you have very specific impressions regarding Sakura-san. But it’s TRIGGER so no problems there.
Nagi:
But Haruki was a particular person.
Sougo:
But it’s TRIGGER so no problems. And we’re talking about Tsunashi-san, so even less problems.
Nagi:
You can’t know that for sure.
Sougo:
But it’s TRIGGER.
Yamato:
What is going on.
Mitsuki:
It’s like a fan war is about to start. Stop it you two, get along.
Iori:
Well, nothing bad happened with Re:vale-san, so there probably won’t be any problems this time either?
It’s the show of a lifetime for Kujou Takamasa. He’ll probably do everything he can in regards to security and publicity so that it is loved all around Japan.
Even if you won’t get to watch it live, I’m sure you’ll get to watch recordings of it, Nanase-san.
Riku:
But I wanna see Tenn-nii’s Zero live…
Iori:
Then make up already.
Phone rings.
Tamaki:
Ah, Iorin, phone.
Iori:
You’re right. Who’s calling…?
… Manager, please excuse me for a moment.
Tsumugi:
Understood. We still have time so it’s okay.
Riku:
Who is it?
Iori:
The bookstore. Probably about my backordered book. I’ll be right back.
Cut to the hallway.
Iori:
Hello, this is Iori. How very unexpected for you to call me.
Kujou-san.
11.3. Figure from the past
Lesson room.
Tenn:
Izumi Iori. Can you talk right now?
Iori on the phone:
No problem.
Split screen between Iori and Tenn.
Tenn:
You promised to make Riku a super star, correct?
Iori:
…what are you suddenly talking about? That was so long ago…
Tenn:
Don’t be shy. I didn’t call to tease you.
Iori:
…I did promise it.
Tenn:
Then don’t take Riku to watch “Zero”.
Iori:
…
Tenn:
It might be okay, but if the worst were to happen, Riku might never be able to stand on-stage again.
Then you won’t be able to keep your promise.
Iori:
…what’s with this musical? What is going to happen during the performance? Why don’t you want to show him?
It’s a musical about the legendary idol Zero produced by Kujou Takamasa. And you’re the main protagonist.
It’ll supposedly be the show of your lifetime as well. I cannot simply not show this to Nanase-san.
He’s your biggest fan, more than anyone else in the world!
Tenn:
Even still.
Iori:
…
Tenn:
Izumi Iori. This is my one and only please. Don’t bring Riku to watch it.
Iori:
…what is it, Kujou-san? It may be a big role, but you’re merely standing on stage and portraying Zero, aren’t you?
Why are you talking like you’re about to head to the battlefield?
Tenn:
…don’t ask.
Iori:
Give me a reason that can convince me please. It’s not that easy to have the selfish monster you nurtured under control.
Tenn:
Izumi Iori-kun. Please don’t ask me anything. Can’t you listen to my request?
Iori:
Hah? You should be fully aware that we’re not in that kind of good relationship, right?
Tenn:
…
Iori:
An explanation, if you please.
Tenn:
…this is nothing but a curse. One that neither police nor doctors could find a solution for. But at the same time, this is also a chance to break the curse.
Iori:
Am I a paleographer? Please tell me so that I can understand.
Tenn:
I’m not telling you more than this. Wouldn’t this be a fatal wound for you too? If Riku weren’t able to sing anymore?
Iori:
…if he couldn’t sing anymore?
Tenn:
Please. I’m asking you because I trust you.
Tell him whatever lie you have to. I’ll take all the blame. But don’t take him to the venue.
Thank you very much.
Iori:
Wha— Kujou-san!?
Call ends.
Iori:
…
…what is going on with “Zero”...?
…it feels like a riddle…
Door opens.
Riku:
Ah! Iori, done with the call? We got news that they wanna make a special of our drama “Wolf Boy and Boy Detective”!
I’m looking forward to it! Let’s solve riddles together again!
Iori:
Speak of good timing… Understood. I’ll solve both riddles.
I will do it, as the perfect high schooler!
Riku:
Iori, you’re the wolf though? Awoo, awoo!
Cut to Otoharu’s office.
Yamato:
Thanks for having meee. Now I’m kinda nervous…
Otoharu:
Ahaha, you don’t have to be. Please, have a seat, Yamato-kun.
Tsumugi:
Here’s some tea.
Yamato:
Thank you very much.
Banri:
Can we film this? If you don’t wanna just say so.
Yamato:
A camera? Will this interview appear in the documentary as well?
Otoharu:
No one besides us will see this footage. Since this is our first time trying it, it’s so we can reflect on it during the next interview, if we continue doing this…
And as a commemoration, too…?
Yamato:
Ahaha, sounds like us. We do love our anniversaries. Am I the first one to be interviewed?
Otoharu:
Yes. Thank you for giving us some of your time during your busy week.
Yamato:
Don’t mention it. Well then…
Otoharu:
Thank you for your time.
Banri:
Then let’s start the recording too. Go.
Short fade out and back in.
Otoharu:
How is work?
Yamato:
All… good. I think.
Otoharu:
Do you think you’re doing what you want to do? Or is there something else, something different you want to do? Are you feeling forced to do something?
Yamato:
Not really, no.
Tsumugi:
Yamato-san, there’s no need to hold back.
Yamato:
No, there really isn’t. I have absolutely no complaints about work…
Otoharu:
And about non-work related things? You can also just ask for help if there’s something you’d like to do.
Yamato:
Help… Well, it’s more about our dorm than me specifically.
Otoharu:
And what would that be?
Yamato:
Mitsu took the initiative and ended up doing all the chores, but sooner than later we’ll be having our hands full with other things…
A housekeeper would be nice. It’s something we had talked about before already.
But it’d be nice if it’s someone we could trust. Then again, if that person is someone’s acquaintance or relative, that might cause the rest to be weird about it…
Otoharu:
We were wondering about that too. Thank you for letting us know. Anything else concerning your life in the dorm?
Yamato:
Nah, not really. I feel at home.
Otoharu:
Ahaha, thank you. We might need to move before long in regards to the dorm’s security…
We were wondering if our assumption of continuing living together would be good or not. What do you think about that personally, Yamato-kun?
Yamato:
A move… Ah, you mean, change dorms?
Otoharu:
Yes. People know about your dorm after all. And we want to do something before causing more problems with the neighbours.
Yamato:
I see… …continue living together or not…
Tsumugi:
…
Yamato:
…I think, if we were to move right now, I’d like to continue being close to the others.
Seeing them puts me at ease. And this might sound arrogant, but if something happens, I can tell immediately.
But it’d probably be weird to continue like this forever, so I think eventually everyone should live on their own.
But right now… Like, this year…
Otoharu:
Alright. Thank you for telling us.
You’re the oldest. I’m sure they rely on you a lot, but you don’t feel a burden put onto you, do you?
Yamato:
All’s… good. Actually, I’d feel lonely if they wouldn’t rely on me, like…
Of course there’s times when you get irritated, like when you’re busy or have no time or something, but…
Haha… Being relied on has become my encouragement.
Otoharu:
Thank you, Yamato-kun. I’m glad you stayed with IDOLiSH7.
May we continue the interview for a bit?
Yamato:
Ah, yes, of course…
Cut to filming set.
Staff:
Cut! Perfectly done, Osaka-san!
Sougo:
Thank you very much!
Staff:
Well then, we’re gonna change the set. Please stand-by until the next scene!
Sougo:
Understood. Where are the others… ah, there.
Short cut.
Tamaki:
Ahahaha!
Riku:
Ahahaha! Tamaki, you’re hopeless!
Sougo:
Good work out there. What are you watching?
Tamaki:
Ah, Sou-chan! I really caused you trouble, huh?
Sougo:
Eh?
Riku:
We were watching some old recordings. Of you getting angry at Tamaki for being half asleep!
Here, look!
Sougo:
Thanks…
Sougo in the video:
Come on, Tamaki-kun, take the towel. It’s a steamed towel so it’s not cold. Wipe your face with it at least.
Tamaki in the video:
Am good… I… awake…
Tamaki:
He’s so not awake!!
Riku:
Sougo-san’s face looks so scary!
Sougo in the video:
Come on! Listen, Tamaki-kun. I’m saying this for your sake.
Sougo:
…
Sougo in the video:
You want to succeed as an idol, right? What do you think others will think of IDOLiSH7 if they see you like this?
Your actions will cause problems for your comrades. And then you’ll be the one hurt in the end.
Tamaki in the video:
Y…yeah…
Sougo in the video:
Do you understand what I’m saying?
Tamaki in the video:
Yeah…
Tamaki:
Yikes! He totally doesn’t get it!
Riku:
You were really bad at working in a group back then, Tamaki.
Isn’t it nostalgic, Sougo-san? …Sougo-san?
Sougo:
Ah… Yes…
Tamaki:
Sou-chan, are you angry? Because I laughed at it? But now I’m reflecting on what I did, okay…
Sougo:
I know! I know that. That’s not it… uhm…
Tamaki:
…you okay?
Sougo:
I am. I’ll go wash my hands, I’ll be right back.
Sound of walking away.
Riku:
Ah…
Tamaki:
Sou-chan…
Cut away.
Sougo, thinking:
That video…
It made me shiver.
…I’m saying this for your sake. What do you think others will say?
Those are all things my father told me.
For your sake. For Osaka's sake. How do you think the world is looking at you?
Whenever I was told that, I’d feel like opposing him, but it made me feel irresponsible and like I was disobeying my parents, so I remained silent…
And I was doing the same with Tamaki-kun. No wonder Tamaki-kun rebelled.
I said it was for his sake, but I just tried to push my principles onto him and control him…
Just like that, without showing any kind of affection…
Tamaki:
Sou-chan! Hey, Sou-chan!
Sougo:
Tamaki-kun…
Tamaki:
My bad. Are you mad? Sorry, I wasn’t making fun of you.
It just felt nostalgic. I was only laughing like “wow, so that’s how I was”. It was just that.
Sougo:
…you did nothing wrong. I’m the only repulsive one.
Tamaki:
D-Don’t say that. We never talked about that?
Sougo:
…
I’ll go to the studio before going home. I want to write a song. I need to change. Is it okay if I make a song for MEZZO”?
Tamaki:
I mean, of course… You’re making a song? Can I go too?
Sougo:
Uhm, I don’t have permission for it yet. And uhh, I’m really nowhere with the song yet. I think you’d be bored.
Tamaki:
I don’t mind. I wanna see how you do it.
Sougo:
Today’s…
Tamaki:
Ah, got it. Alright. Okay! Lemme come next time when you can!
Sougo:
Yes. I’m sorry.
Tamaki:
It’s okay. It’s like a… change of pace?
Sougo:
A change of pace…
Tamaki:
‘Cause you said you had to change. Not that I think you need to. But if making a song makes you feel better!
Go! Do your best, Sou-chan!
Sougo:
Thank you.
Tamaki:
…
11.4. Invitation
Otoharu’s office.
Otoharu:
I’m sorry for making you wait, Sougo-kun.
Sougo:
Ah… president. I’m looking forward to this personal interview with you.
Otoharu:
Likewise, thank you for your time. Please have a seat, no need to be nervous.
Sougo:
Thank you.
Tsumugi:
Here’s some tea.
Sougo:
Tsumugi-san, thank you very much.
Banri:
Is it okay if we film this? If you don’t—
Sougo:
It’s okay. Yamato-san told me to have the camera on.
Otoharu:
Ahaha, I see. Yamato-kun told you about it so you don’t have to be nervous, didn’t he?
Sougo:
He did indeed. He told me he enjoyed his time talking to you.
Otoharu:
I had fun too. So just relax, Sougo-kun. Feel free to talk about anything.
Sougo:
Yes, thank you very much.
Short cut.
Otoharu:
Well then, are you having any difficulties with work at the moment?
Sougo:
Let’s see… There are things I can’t achieve yet due to my own inexperience, but I am enjoying all the work that I’m doing.
I encounter various people during concerts, work for dramas and composing, so I am always able to learn from them.
Otoharu:
I see. Since you’re such a diligent kid I was worried that you might burden yourself too much…
But I’m happy to hear that you’re having fun. I’d like for you to continue like that and take on various challenges.
Sougo:
…I think it’s thanks to you always saying that.
Have fun and go on an adventure. And if you fail, you can just return here. You saying that has saved me so many times…
Back home, failure was never allowed…
Otoharu:
May I ask you about private matters too? Like, for example how you’re doing with your family…?
Sougo:
…of course! I’m so sorry for causing you troubles and…
Otoharu:
It’s okay, don’t worry. I just want to hear from you. You don’t have to apologise.
If you need help, I want to do what I can. And if you don’t want to involve the agency with the company, I’ll do my best not to either.
Sougo:
… This… will probably take… still a long time to come into play, but…
There’s someone I’d like to invite to a concert of ours… May I ask for tickets when that time comes?
Otoharu:
Of course. That’s no problem at all.
Sougo:
…thank you very much.
Otoharu:
If you don’t mind, may I ask who you’d like to invite?
Sougo:
…
…my parents.
Otoharu:
…your father and mother?
Sougo:
Yes.
Tsumugi:
…
Banri:
…
Sougo:
Ah… I’m sorry. This isn’t out of filial piety, for reconciliation or something like that…
…how do I put it… Someday I want them to listen to a song… Once I made a song that I can show them…
I’d like to invite them to a concert. I’m sure they won’t come. And I feel like, with that, I’ll be able to end it once and for all.
I don’t want to become the one that pushes them away. I don’t want to forget how to uphold a proper discussion…
Because, after leaving home, I’d look like my father who never listened to my uncle’s music…
Maybe this is just an excuse for self-protection. Because I don’t want to feel guilty for abandoning the parents that raised me.
And… I realised that their feelings of not wanting me to fail weren’t completely void of affection…
Tsumugi:
…Sougo-san…
Sougo:
…I want to make a song I approve of, invite my parents to the concert, see the empty seats and prove it to myself.
See, we couldn’t see eye to eye. But I tried all I could. So it’s okay to end it now.
Ah… Asking for tickets with the expectation of them not even being used is far too rude, I’m so sorry…
Otoharu:
They might not be empty.
Sougo:
I don’t think they’d come. …but that’s okay. I at least want to fulfil my duty.
Otoharu:
Understood. Once that time comes, just let me know.
Sougo:
Thank you very much.
Otoharu:
Sougo-kun, your songs are creating MEZZO”’s and IDOLiSH7’s future.
I’ll be counting on you. Let us hear lots of your melodies.
Sougo:
Yes!
Short cut.
Tamaki:
Hey.
Otoharu:
Thank you for today, Tamaki-kun.
Tsumugi:
Would you like some tea or orange juice?
Tamaki:
Hmm… Juice?
Tsumugi:
Understood!
Banri:
Ah, Tamaki-kun, can we use the camera?
Tamaki:
Hmm…
Banri:
Ah… You don’t wanna? That’s okay too…
Tamaki:
No, that’s not it. It’s not about the camera. I… sorry, boss.
Otoharu:
Should we do it another day?
Tamaki:
Yeah… I think so.
Tsumugi:
Do you feel unwell, Tamaki-san?
Tamaki:
Nah. Sorry, but…
Otoharu:
It’s okay. Maybe it was too soon. We always end up hurrying with the young ones.
Asking them things like what their dreams for the future are before they even get a chance to explore the world.
Banri:
Let’s just arrange another meeting. But you can eat the snacks we prepared if you want?
Tamaki:
Snacks?
Tsumugi:
Daifuku and… Ousama Pudding!
Tamaki:
Nice!!
Cut to a filming set.
Shuu (Touma):
Shou…! Don’t!
Shou (Haruka):
Shut up, Shuu! I’ll be the only survivor in this game…!
If you get in my way, I’ll kill you too…!
Shuu:
…don’t screw with me, shitty brat! Do it if you really can…!
Shou:
…
Shuu:
What!? Do it! Shoot, Shou!
Shou:
…hah… Okay… …okay then…!
Uwahhh…!
Gun shot.
Director:
Cut!
Shirou:
Bravo! Wonderful! Isumi-san, Inumaru-san, that was excellent. I couldn’t look away. Perfect!
Touma:
R-really?
Haruka:
Ah… Thanks…
Touma, thinking:
Utsugi-san… he’s such a hype man…
Haruka, thinking:
That made me a bit happy…
Shirou:
Now then. The next session starts at about 4pm. Since we have some time on our hands, why don’t we go out to have lunch?
No matter if yakiniku or a lunch set. I’ll pay.
Haruka:
I don’t mind the set-bento. Today’s hamburg steak.
Touma:
Ah, then, can I go out for a sec? I need to call a friend.
Haruka:
…
Shirou:
Of course, I don’t mind.
Touma:
Thanks! See ya, Haru.
Haruka:
…
Sound of walking away.
Haruka:
Tch… Those guys again.
Shirou:
Well then, Isumi-san, shall we have lunch with Midou-san and Natsume-san in the bus?
Haruka:
‘Kay…
Shirou:
Though the weather is so nice, maybe we could eat outside somewhere as long as we’re not in anyone’s way.
And while we’re on the picnic, I’ll listen to what you have to say. Something happened between you and Inumaru-san lately, right?
Haruka:
…how did you know?
Shirou:
Oh I do. I’m always looking after you. Will you trust me and tell me about it?
Haruka:
…but then it’s like I’m snitching…
Shirou:
It is? Then pretend I didn’t ask.
Haruka:
The hell, keep on asking!
Shirou:
Eeh!?
Haruka:
It’s hard to say yes after just one time, okay!? You give up too easily!
Shirou:
How fastidious… Uhm, don’t say that, please tell me~…?
Haruka:
That’s not serious enough!
Shirou:
Talk! Ora!!
Haruka:
…!? Was that a threat…!? So you’re a scary person after all!
Shirou:
I’m not scary~ People call me TSUKUMO’s softie. Totally not scary~
Haruka:
They so do not call you that…
Short cut.
Minami:
Hah… It is early summer, but there truly are nothing but troubles…
Inumaru-san is being swayed by his old comrades, Tsunashi Ryūnosuke-san is playing Sakura-san in the legendary musical…
Torao:
Ryūnosuke playing Sakura Haruki isn’t troubling though?
Minami:
Sakura-san isn’t Tsunashi-san.
Torao:
Duh.
Minami:
Not what I meant. What will we do if the world mistakes Sakura-san for a person of character?
Torao:
Not happy about it?
Minami:
How could I be?
Torao:
Ah, that thing. You don’t want anyone else to have him as a fav.
Minami:
No.
Torao:
Kujou Tenn as Zero is way more unthinkable. Zero was such a familiar-feeling idol.
Minami:
And what kind of idol is Kujou-san?
Torao:
One like me. A celebrity. …though kinda different.
Minami:
It’s difficult to put into words, isn’t it? I think he’s very much like an idol. Cute, somewhat of a little devil, special.
Zero was a brilliant super star, but when you were watching him on TV and were to look away, it wouldn’t feel weird if he was standing right beside you. That’s how familiar he felt.
Like an amiable friend you’ve known for a long time.
Torao:
So if we had to pick one… that’s Nanase, right?
Minami:
Nanase-san… You’re right. He does have that airheadedness and clumsiness to him, but he has a similar aura to Zero.
Torao:
Yeah. Who else… Nah, Rokuya is too noble. And Mitsuki has too much energy.
Minami:
If Nanase-san were smarter and more prudent, then his charms and brilliance would be even more similar to Zero.
Torao:
If he were smart and prudent, he wouldn’t be Nanase anymore.
Minami:
You’re not wrong…
Torao:
Then again, if we’re going by that, wouldn’t that fit Kujou Tenn? Maybe he’s not as bad as Zero after all.
Minami:
I just can’t imagine it… Tsunashi-san as Sakura-san…
…what if… what if he’s just so good that I become a fan of the actor himself…?
Torao:
Is that bad?
Minami:
But what if, in contrast, his interpretation is way too different and I couldn’t deal with Tsunashi-san anymore…?
Torao:
What’s that supposed to mean?
Minami:
Hah… These feelings are clashing inside of me. How troubling.
As an actor myself, I know how it is, when others always want different images of you, so I should know it better but…
I want you to be exactly like I imagined, but I don’t want you to be exactly like I imagined…
Torao:
You have it hard too, huh, Minami.
Haruka:
Heeey!
Torao:
Ah… Haruka and Utsugi-san.
Minami:
…Inamura-san is nowhere to be seen again.
Haruka:
Torao, Minami! Utsugi-san wants to know about Touma!
Torao:
He wants to know… Did you tell him about those guys?
Haruka:
No. He’s gonna ask us now.
Minami:
…what do you mean?
Shirou:
Uhm, about that circumstance, please allow me to ask you some things.
Short cut.
Shirou:
…I see. Understood. So all of you have something to tell me about Inumaru-san.
Haruka:
Yeah.
Torao:
I guess.
Minami:
It seems so.
Shirou:
But because it’d feel like you were snitching, you want me to forcefully have you tell me about it…
Like that, yes?
Haruka:
……yeah.
Torao:
……I guess.
Minami:
Thank you very much for verbalising what we had trouble with putting into words.
Shirou:
You’re welcome. Well then, let’s pretend I threatened you. You are free to snitch all you want.
Haruka:
Don’t call it that… We’re asking for advice! This is about ŹOOĻ after all!
Shirou:
Let’s skip the introduction and get to the main point already.
Torao:
…did he threaten us!?
Minami:
Oh so now threatening is okay? It seems I’m still a bit confused on the matter…
Shirou:
5, 4, 3…
Haruka:
…Torao, go!
Torao:
Why me! Minami?
Minami:
Me? I mean, I don’t mind, but…
Shirou:
Zero. You’re out of time.
Haruka:
Touma is… Touma was invited by the NO_MAD guys to reform the group!
Shirou:
…
11.5. To move forward
Outside on set.
Shirou:
Reform NO_MAD…? That disbanded group that Inumaru-san was in before coming to TSUKUMO?
Torao:
Apparently. As soon as ŹOOĻ started selling, those guys came crawling back to that simple soul.
Haruka:
Asking if he couldn’t handle both ŹOOĻ and them at the same time.
Shirou:
I see… Did Inumaru-san say that?
Minami:
We just happened to be leeward as it fell on our ears.
Haruka:
Yeah! Such a coincidence!
Torao:
Touma didn’t tell us. He didn’t tell us one bit about it. He just grins like an idiot when he gets a text message.
Haruka:
Yeah! Even though he’s with us, he’s on rabbichat with them all the time!
Minami:
I would assume he’s talking to them at this moment as well. About reforming, no less.
Haruka:
As if he could handle both at the same time!? We’re already super busy!
Torao:
If he tries to do both, he won’t succeed in either and do both half-assedly, right?
Minami:
And just as we were planning to leave our marks on this year’s Black or White. No one wins in that situation.
Torao & Haruka:
Right!?
Minami:
Isn’t that so!? Utsugi-san?
Shirou:
So… In other words, you don’t want Inumaru-san to go back to his old NO_MAD pals.
Minami & Torao & Haruka:
Yeah!
Shirou:
Did you tell that to Inumaru-san?
Torao & Haruka:
No…
Minami:
We didn’t.
Shirou:
And why not?
Haruka:
Why!? There’s no way we could!
Shirou:
Why?
Haruka:
‘Cause it’d be weird…!? Like, we just happened to hear him talk about it and stuff!?
Shirou:
Well but even if you did, you could just say something like “hey look, I happened to overhear something”, could you not?
Haruka:
No way! You can’t just say that! Do you have any friends?
Shirou:
I do not.
Haruka:
Yeah, thought so!!
Torao:
And anyway! He’s the one that should tell us in the first place!
He’s the leader, he shouldn’t keep something as important as this from us, right!? This is an important matter!?
Shirou:
Yeah…?
Minami:
And furthermore, saying he’ll try handling both… isn’t that incredibly rude towards us, who are doing everything for ŹOOĻ?
And Inumaru-san should know better than this. While it is difficult to deny old friends, he should be showing resolution nonetheless.
Shirou:
So what if you told that to Inumaru-san?
Minami & Torao & Haruka:
No.
Shirou:
…uhhhm, alright. So, since you don’t want to tell Inumaru-san that you don’t want him to reform NO_MAD…
He should just notice your sentiments and decline the others by himself. Correct?
Torao & Haruka:
…yeah!!!
Shirou:
Do you think there’s any person out there who would understand that much without being told anything at all?
Minami:
…I know we’re asking for the impossible! But we wouldn’t be saying this if it were any normal member.
But Inumaru-san was the one to say that even if no one were to love ŹOOĻ, that he himself would love ŹOOĻ.
Thinking he could handle both groups after being persuaded like that is the same as two-timing, is it not!?
Haruka:
Utsugi-san! TSUKUMO would be troubled too, right!? Problems with like ŹOOĻ’s schedule or something!
You’re our manager, right!? So be our ally!
Shirou:
I am. But that means I’m also Inumaru-san’s ally.
Haruka:
…
Shirou:
Just one thing. Since it seems you all prefer communication that doesn’t involve words.
Have you tried understanding what Inumaru-san might be feeling?
Maybe he’s troubled too, stuck between his memories of his old group and the current one.
Minami & Torao & Haruka:
…
Shirou:
Please don’t worry about your schedules, I have it under control. And I also won’t tell anyone about your snitching.
But please do try to talk to him directly. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear you out.
You were all so cute.
Minami:
…are you making fun of us?
Shirou:
I’m complimenting you. You were pouting, becoming timid and even after clamouring unreasonable demands you were very cute.
I earnestly thought to myself, our idols are truly charming.
Minami, thinking:
What’s up with this man…? Is he being sarcastic…? Was that the truth…?
Torao, thinking:
I really don’t get this dude…
Haruka, thinking:
Crap… But… It does make me a tiny bit happy every time…
Shirou:
And if that still doesn’t work, I will ask Inumaru-san about it myself. Though I think that’d be a waste.
After all, you're so unbeatable right now, standing on your bonus stage. To hide away in your safety zone…
Torao:
…what do you mean unbeatable and on the bonus stage?
Shirou:
You’re quite charming when you’re pouting. If you dere, I’m sure even the gods couldn’t resist you. Ah, do people nowadays still use dere?
Haruka:
I guess…
Shirou:
Insincere smiles may be charming too, but to think there’d be charm in a glare too, isn’t that wonderful?
I would imagine that is because you’re all equally prideful in what you do.
So if you, who are so prideful, would push that away a bit and approach someone out of your own will, then I’m sure the gods and even Inumaru-san would be head over heels.
You’re that kind of dramatic people, ŹOOĻ.
Haruka:
Is…
Haruka, thinking:
Is that so…
Torao, thinking:
I’m not… sure I get it, but he doesn’t seem to mean it in a bad way…
Minami, thinking:
He’s right, maybe it’d be good to pull sometimes too, instead of only pushing…
Shirou:
Ah, it’s Inumaru-san.
Haruka:
…you’re right…
Shirou:
What do we do? Should I leave? Or stay?
Minami:
…would it be possible to leave us alone for a moment?
Shirou:
Understood.
Torao:
Not a word to anyone.
Shirou:
But of course. Well then.
Touma:
I’m back! Utsugi-san, where’re you going? What about food?
Shirou:
I’m needed somewhere. There’s a bento left for you, please eat it.
Touma:
Nice! I had a sandwich but that wasn’t enough.
Minami:
Here, a handkerchief for you.
Touma:
Thanks.
Torao:
Here, chopsticks.
Touma:
Ah, thanks!
Haruka:
Here, some tea. If you want.
Touma:
Thank you! Ahaha! What’s up today, you’re all so nice! Is it my birthday?
Minami & Haruka & Torao:
…there’s something I want to talk about.
Cut to a stage.
Audience:
Screams.
Yuki-saaan…!
Momo-chaaan…!
Momo:
Everyone, thank you!
Yuki:
Thanks!
Momo:
Uhm… we have some important news to tell you.
Audience:
Eh…
What is it…?
Ah, a new album!
Momo:
Uhm… What do we do, should I say it?
Yuki:
Sure.
Momo:
…okay. Uhm…
…this is an announcement!
Audience:
Screams.
Momo, thinking:
I don’t wanna, Yuki.
I can’t say it.
Yuki:
…
Momo, thinking:
We can still manage. Stop it, Yuki.
Just tell me not to do it. Please.
Say this isn’t the end.
Momo:
Uhm… After talking about this a lot, we…
Yuki:
Due to a difference in goals?
Momo:
Ah, yeah. Due to that…
Momo, thinking:
Why am I so calm?
Even though the world feels like it’s about to break.
Audience:
Eh…
…no…
No…
Momo, thinking:
Look! The fans are so sad.
And I should still say it?
You won’t stop me?
Hey, I will really say it, Yuki. Then, everything will be over.
All of our…
Yuki:
Come on, Momo. You can do it.
Momo:
Yeah…
Momo, thinking:
No, Yuki!
Momo:
We, Re:vale, are disbanding!
Audience:
Ehhhh…!
Noo…!
Yuki:
Thank you for everything.
Audience:
Wahhh…!
Waaahhh…!
Waaahhhhh…!!
Momo, thinking:
Are they cheering, screaming, grieving, bellowing…? I can’t tell, it’s a cluster of voices…
But it’s like a vortex, clashing against my body.
Just like that day…
Like when those lights fell on Ban-san in that live house…
Exactly like my voice on that day…
Cut to black.
Yuki:
…Momo…
Momo.
Momo:
…
Cut to a beach.
Momo:
Yu-yuki…!?
Yuki:
Awake?
Momo:
…hah… This… is a beach…?
Yuki:
I thought I’d let you sleep until I’m done with the curry, but you were making noises.
Did you have a nightmare? Well, can’t blame you. While we’re at the beach, the sunlight is harsh and wherever these birds are, they won’t shut up.
Momo:
…ah, right… We’re on the uninhabited island…
Yuki:
Are you still half asleep? You did so much work already, got us firewood, prepared the camp.
So I wanted to let you rest some with a nap, but… Wait, are you crying?
Momo:
Crying? Ah, this? This happens after I yawn!
Yuki:
Hey, come on now. Momo’s crying already. Let us go hooome.
There’s gotta be a hidden camera and staff somewhere, right? If not, I'm seriously gonna start doubting your sanity!
What if something happens to these national idols!? I just want a helicopter or a ship or anything.
Come pick us up…
Waves crashing on beach.
Momo:
…it’s very quiet…
Yuki:
Shit… It seems like there really isn’t anyone here…
Momo:
No, I’m sure they’re hiding somewhere… Ah! The curry smells so nice!
Yuki:
The rice is done too. I did taste it, but rice made in a rice cooker is really good.
Momo:
Right! I told you! Camping food is delicious! I’m so happy to be camping with you!
Having a feast ready after taking a nap, Yuki, you’re like the Dragon Palace of ikemen!
Yuki:
Fufu, I guess.
Momo:
Let’s eat! The sun is gonna set soon! And the sea and sky are both so pretty! Life is beautiful!
Yuki:
It really is nice. Just letting time pass…
It was really inconvenient without any tools while making the curry, but… we have time, and it’s so quiet…
It reminded me of when we lived together. It was like this back then too.
Momo:
Now that you say it… You’re quite right…
Yuki:
Haha, quite, he says. Being all formal again?
Momo:
Ah… That just happened while thinking about the past…
Yuki:
What did you dream that made you cry?
Momo:
…
…uhm, I forgot!
Yuki:
Was it about a bear? Last time you called out in your sleep, you fought one. Remember, with the salmon.
Momo:
Ehh!? I don’t.
Yuki:
No, you know, when Shizuo-san gave you that huge salmon and you cooked it and ate all of it in one go?
Momo:
Ah, that! I remember! That salmon was so majestic!
Yuki:
Ahaha! As was your appetite.
Momo:
Ahahaha! I was young!
Momo, thinking:
Even if we’re having fun and spending time together…
Even if we say to keep going for 10, 20 more years…
I can’t talk about it yet.
Hey, Yuki. I had a dream about us disbanding.
You said it was due to a difference in our goals.
All our fans looked so sad.
You looked so calm and quiet while listening to everyone in the audience.
I was on the verge of breaking but smiled as much as I could.
I wonder, what lies beyond that scenery?
I wonder, can I walk past that scenery and move forward?
If that day were to come.
Even imagining it makes it hard to breathe.
I have no answer.
But there is no idol that hasn’t at least thought about this once.
About the day when your show ends.
To be continued…