IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 7

[shionstear]

 

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 7 – Wish upon the night sky

7.1. The voice inside your heart

 

 

Chiba:

…

Yamato:

…

Chiba:

Want a beer…

Yamato:

…no…

Chiba:

Then rather sake? Or wine, whisky…?

Yamato:

It’s okay, I won’t drink… …I have something to do later…

Chiba:

I see…

Yamato:

…

Chiba:

Then how about sushi or something… Oh, I think we have melon too. You liked that, right? Your mother would---

Yamato:

I said I’m good! …why is it that you’ve always wanted to make me eat so much…

Chiba:

…

…I wanted to do something for you.

Yamato:

…

Chiba:

…I’ve always wanted to do something for you, but in the end I never did anything… So at least, I wanted to give you something tasty to eat…

…though this is just an excuse. You’ve grown up so splendidly, meanwhile I’m still the same, pathetic.

Yamato… I’m sorry to have put you through difficulties and inconveniences for such a long time.

Yamato:

…

…it’s all good…

Chiba:

Thank you for coming back home again.

Yamato:

… Yeah…

Chiba:

…

Yamato:

…uhm…

Chiba:

Ah. …what is it? Tell me.

Yamato:

… uhh…

…I wanted, to ask you for something, dad.

Cut to stage.

Audience:

*scream*

Haruka:

Let’s keep going!

Touma:

Raise your voice more and more!

Audience:

ŹOOĻ is the best…!

Haruka and Touma you’re both so cool!!

Aren’t Minami and Torao singing!? It’s such a shame for them just to sing the chorus!

Yes! I wanna hear them sing!

Cut to a café lounge.

Interviewer:

Congratulations for going to the Red Hill Festival! You suddenly got an overseas appearance, as expected from ŹOOĻ!

Touma:

Ah, thank you.

Interviewer:

The announcement of the new song is drawing nearer too, but which kind of song will it be?

Haruka:

I dunno.

Interviewer:

Eh?

Touma:

Ah… It’s because we’re leaving it to Mina. You can look forward to it.

Torao:

How can you say that while not even having listened to it yet?

Touma:

Obviously, all our songs so far have been great. Let’s believe in Mina’s skill.

Minami:

…

Torao:

Minami, got anything to say?

Minami:

I do not.

Torao:

It’s your song isn’t it?

Minami:

Exactly. A song for ŹOOĻ, the group you wanted to leave.

Interviewer:

Leave…?

Touma:

It’s nothing! Please continue the interview.

Interviewer:

Uhm… You will appear on the main stage of the festival, but is there anything you feel insecure about? Especially Midou-san, is there anything you want them to pay attention too?

Torao:

… He’s still holding a grudge…

Interviewer:

Midou-san?

Torao:

…ah, sorry. Wasn’t listening.

Interviewer:

…

Touma:

Of course we’ll attack them with confidence, right, Tora!

Torao:

…what’s with you since earlier? Don't talk as if you know everything if you don't know shit!

We don’t know crap about the new song! We’ll get raw eggs on the festival! Our boss is a fucking maniac! The members are all over the place! Isn’t that what’s going on!?

Touma:

Tora. Tora. ‘Kay let’s take one and calm down.

Interviewer:

Uhm, are you fighting?

Touma:

No no no, we’re not!

Interviewer:

Uhh, so the new song is still not decided on?

Touma:

Rather than not decided on… Uhh… What about it, Mina?

Minami:

Now you’re asking? After not having said anything the other day?

Touma:

Well you were composing, I didn’t want to bother you then…

Torao:

Hmph. This guy is all talk. He wants to play house for the members he lost before.

Minami:

Exactly… You don’t have any interest in the new song.

You said you wanted to sing as four, but anyone would do, any song would do.

That’s what ŹOOĻ is for you, and for us, right?

Touma:

…

Interviewer:

…is that so?

Touma:

You guys can cut it out now… …are you fucking with me…

Interviewer:

Eh?

Touma:

Of course the new song and the festival are important to me!! I want to put my everything into this! You guys just want to be cared for…!

Torao:

What?

Minami:

Who would---

Touma:

Didn’t you just say it!? That it’s not important to me, that I don’t care about the new song!? I’m not your mother!

Do you have your tissues? Oh you did well, do you want me to tell you that!? Idiots!!

Torao and Minami:

Idiots!?

Haruka:

How funny… Adults are arguing like kids.

Torao:

Who said anything about wanting to be cared for!? You’re the one that wanted to act as if we’re members!!

Touma:

You sure can say that now! You’re the ones whining about me not caring!!

If you want me to care then fucking tell me!! Get your shit done! How long do you intend to make others guide you!?

You’re not riding on a fucking kindergarten bus! Decide your own lives for yourselves and carry ŹOOĻ on your own damn shoulders!!

Interviewer:

Uhm, I think you are fighti---

Touma:

Can’t you tell by watching!?! Yes, we are!! We are all the time! It’s been chaos since the start!!

Minami:

I-Inumaru-san, calm down and---

Touma:

How could anyone calm down!! Why… Why doesn’t it change!?

Minami:

…

Touma:

I get how you feel perfectly well! No one is looking your way… No matter how hard you try, they won’t acknowledge you!

You’re frustrated, miserable and tired of being hurt! That’s why you stopped fighting! You stopped thinking about the self you wanted to be!

If whatever you do ends up being no good, then doing nothing seriously anymore is a lot more easier, isn’t it!?

It’s easier to protect your pride if you can point at the winning guys, look for their flaws and laugh at them! I know!!

But that way of doing things is in plain sight for the winning guys!

That’s just the grumblings of the losers that didn’t do anything!

 

 

7.2. I’ll ask

 

 

Touma:

I get how you feel perfectly well! No one is looking your way… No matter how hard you try, they won’t acknowledge you!

You’re frustrated, miserable and tired of being hurt! That’s why you stopped fighting! You stopped thinking about the self you wanted to be!

If whatever you do ends up being no good, then doing nothing seriously anymore is a lot more easier, isn’t it!?

It’s easier to protect your pride if you can point at the winning guys, look for their flaws and laugh at them! I know!!

But that way of doing things is in plain sight for the winning guys!

That’s just the grumblings of the losers that didn’t do anything!

Haruka:

…

Torao:

…Touma…

Minami:

…Inumaru-san…

Touma:

Because I want to treasure you I don’t want you to become such losers…

The world is unreasonable, unequal, irresponsible, and full of things with bad intentions. And despite all that we still met.

Now is our chance… Even people like us can try once again. We can come to love ourselves again!

I don’t care if it’s a lame new song. I don’t care if we’re booed and get raw eggs thrown at us. As long as I can spend some serious time with you guys!

…I’m begging you, please understand it…

Torao and Minami:

…

Touma:

… …hah…

Interviewer:

…

Touma:

…! Uhm, pretend everything just now didn’t happen.

Interviewer:

Uhm… everything is being recorded.

Touma:

No that… uhh… would be troublesome….

Haruka:

Idiot.

Touma:

Ow!

Haruka:

Be cool until the end, geez. You were doing so well.

Touma:

Haru…

Haruka:

Lend me the recorder. I’ll ask for you.

Interviewer:

Ah, wai---

Haruka:

Minami. Is the new song shitty and lame?

Minami:

…

No. It’s ŹOOĻ’s best song, with four vocals.

Haruka:

Torao. You gonna run from the festival?

Torao:

…as if I would. I’ll make it open the way for myself.

Haruka:

Touma. Will you sing earnestly?

Touma:

…

I’ll sing.

Haruka:

Fufun… You’re finally making a good face. Even you’re such lame adults.

Then my answer is this.

Hey, you losers. --- ŹOOĻ will give it their all until we die.

Cut to Ryu’s apartment.

Kaoru:

The topics of the last round arrived.

The musical’s official title and a demo of the theme song were sent too. …I almost collapsed when I heard the title.

Ryūnosuke:

A t-title that almost made you collapse…

Gaku:

Don’t tease us, tell us already.

Kaoru:

The title is “Crescent Wolf”.

The original title is the famous work of the big-shot actor Chiba Shizuo that represented Japan and Japanese cinematography throughout the world: “Mikazuki Ookami”.

Tenn:

...I knew it…

Ryūnosuke:

…”Mikazuki Ookami”… … My hands started shaking…

Gaku:

That’s one… big title, huh…

Kaoru:

A musical remake of a hit work from the early years… The sponsors want to make this a big thing.

They have no intention to make this a casual thing. They’ll make it a musical that’ll represent Japan, just like the program of a Kabuki show.

This may become the beginning of a new history… of a new culture. This is nothing common!

Producers and composers will all be prominent people…

It’s not about whether this’ll succeed or not. They will make it succeed. That’s how much they are charmed by Chiba Shizuo-san and Mikazuki Ookami.

Even if you pass the auditions, you have to be ready to go through hell for this.

Though I know that you three won’t break.

TRIGGER:

Yes.

Kaoru:

Do you know the summary of Mikazuki Ookami?

Tenn:

Yes.

Ryūnosuke:

I do.

Gaku:

Yeah. I’ve watched it several times. The work itself is interesting, and the role of the commanding officer, played by Chiba-san, is really cool.

Kaoru:

Its stage is the peaceful world of Japan after the Sengoku Era ended.

Chiba-san plays the commanding officer, nicknamed Mikazuki Ookami, of the shogunate’s secret division called “Shirougumi”, who’s finally achieved peace and is living a calm life.

But then he’s dragged into an intrigue. He and two of his loyal subordinates proceed to the battle ground once again.

But then they’re betrayed by the shogunate and at the end the three go into battle, ready to die.

Gaku:

I remember that… “I’m fine with happiness of a crescent moon’s worth” was really, super awesome.

Ryūnosuke:

Really cool. The commanding officer has a scar on his forehead, that’s why he’s called Mikazuki Ookami, right?

Kaoru:

The first subordinate is a blind boy that follows him. He could only live on the battlefield so Mikazuki Ookami tried to pull him into the peaceful life.

Tenn:

“I have the same crescent moon shaped scar as you. There is no better memory to take to the afterlife.” he said as he was sliced on the forehead and about to die, I remember that line.

Kaoru:

Yes! Yes, exactly! I always cry at that part… cough …the second subordinate looks like a lively libertine but is actually a man with a sharp mind and great empathy.

Ryūnosuke:

“Make sure to watch me. This is how I die.” he says while laughing and holding a bomb to die together with the enemy, right?

Kaoru:

Ye-hes! But you know, but at the end you it makes you think whether they survive or not!

Gaku:

I feel you! When he holds the not moving boy in his arms. He looks up at the snow storm and says “Can you see it, it’s a cherry blossom storm.”

Ryūnosuke:

Yes, that part! It makes you really shiver… That’s why you want them to survive. You just can’t help but feel sorry for them.

Tenn:

But it’s too cool to put into words. It has dignity and is consistent. Every man loves “Mikazuki Ookami”, don’t they?

Kaoru:

Women love it too! You just want to support such a man! …ah, we’re getting off track.

This is the theme song for “Crescent Wolf”: “Crescent rise”.

You will be singing it at the audition.

Tenn:

…amazing. It has the tragedy and coolness of “Mikazuki Ookami”. It’s overflowing with the men’s sense of duty and dash.

Gaku:

…”Mikazuki Ookami”… “Crescent Wolf”… This is epic…

Ryūnosuke:

This is amazing… It’s weird thinking about me doing it, but I want to act it with you two.

Gaku:

…let’s do it. I thought this would be for TRIGGER’s restart and for our fans, but…

Now I just simply want the role. I want to be part of when history changes.

Tenn:

Yes. I want to become worthy of a work that I respect. I’ll do my utmost.

Kaoru:

Yes. I’m counting on you!

TRIGGER:

Yes!

 

 

7.3. Father

 

 

Tamaki:

Rikkun, are you okay?

Riku:

I’m good! The attack has calmed down and I’m already pretty used to the temperature.

Sougo:

Take care not to cool down too much. Want me to lend you my muffler?

Tamaki:

Mine too.

Riku:

… I can’t see anything! And you two shouldn’t catch colds either! It’s alright!

Sougo:

Sure?

Banri:

Guys, I think it’s this house. Of Chiba Shizuo-san’s fan, the retired friend of the king…

Tamaki:

Huge!

Sougo:

What a splendid residence.

Banri:

I’ve tried calling a few days ago but no one answered. I thought we’d go and ask directly.

Riku:

Banri-san, you can speak English?

Banri:

Nah. All I know is about gonabii oorai or goo aheddo.

Sougo:

As expected of a former band man. That’s rock vocabulary, right?

Banri:

Senkyuu. I can’t speak it, but that’s why the interpreter is here. Could you guys wait around here for a bit?

Riku:

Understood!

Banri:

Stay somewhere warm!

Tamaki:

…I hope they’ll listen… Ah, look! My eyelashes are frozen! Sou-chan’s and Rikkun’s too!

Riku:

You’re right! Feels like my eyelids will freeze too if I blink.

Tamaki:

If they freeze close you can’t open them anymore huh. Okay, I’ll stop blinking while we’re in Noth Meir.

Sougo:

Amazing. If you manage to do it I’ll give you a certificate.

Tamaki:

Seriously?

Sougo:

Yes. Humans are made to blink. I think actually not blinking that long is a Herculean task.

Riku:

Ah, Tamaki, you already blinked.

Tamaki:

Craaap! Okay one more time!

Riku:

…huh? Isn’t that person looking at us?

Tamaki:

You’re right… It’s that baker?

Noth Meirian Baker:

Konnichiwa.

[TL note: The baker has both an actual design and a voice. Very suspicious i7, very suspicious.]

Tamaki:

Ohh! Japanese! Hello!

Sougo:

Good day.

Noth Meirian Baker:

Irasshaimase.

Riku:

He welcomed us in! Does he want us to enter the shop?

Noth Meirian Baker:

Sayonara.

Tamaki:

Oh… seems he just wanted to try saying it. Sayonara! Thank you!

Riku:

Ah, he’s waving his arm! The people here are all nice huh!

Sougo:

There are a lot of gentle and friendly people right? But not in a fainthearted and timid sense, more in a sense of this is the country Nagi-kun was born in.

Tamaki:

I feel you. They’re all taking it slowly and look happy. Though Nagicchi is a bit noisier, right!

Banri:

Sorry to make you wait.

Riku:

Banri-san, how was it?

Banri:

They’re not there right now. But we said we’ll get there again. It seems it won’t be easy to meet up.

Sougo:

I see… It’s seems to be difficult if they won’t feel the need to meet us huh.

Tamaki:

So it’s all up to Yama-san’s spoils of war huh… Yama-san, do your best! We’re counting on you!

Riku:

…w-why are you screaming all of a sudden!?

Tamaki:

I thought maybe it’d reach Japan.

Riku:

I see.

Sougo and Riku:

Do your best, Yamato-san!

Banri:

Y-you’re bothering the other people…

Cut back to Yamato and his father.

Chiba:

… it’s okay with this signature?

Yamato:

Yeah… Oh, and let’s take a picture.

Chiba:

Then, one together with you…

Yamato:

Why?

Chiba:

… I see…

Yamato:

… …we can take one together in the garden afterwards…

Chiba:

I see. Well then maybe changing into…

Yamato:

It’s okay, geez… Okay, look over here.

Sound of shutter being activated.

Yamato:

…I guess this will do. Sorry, for having taken your time. I’ll go back.

Chiba:

Wait. There is something I want to give you.

Yamato:

I don’t need any pocket money…

Chiba:

That’s not it. It’s the outfit I’ve worn for Mikazuki Ookami. You can wear it for Nor… Noth Meir.

Yamato:

…

Chiba:

You look like me when I was young. If you wear it I’m sure that person will probably like it.

Yamato:

…a parent that wants to see his son cosplay himself… As if I could wear that. It’d be embarrassing…

Chiba:

But…

Yamato:

Alright! …I’ll borrow it for now then.

Chiba:

Okay.

Yamato:

… Uhm…

I already said so before but, right now our group is in a pinch, so doing my job as an actor is… There’s a lot going on…

Isn’t there anything you wanna say as a parent?

Chiba:

…

Yamato:

…

…nevermind. I’ll be off.

Chiba:

Taking a cold bath…

Yamato:

Wha---?

Chiba:

Just like when you put your feet into a cold bath, people and work sometimes don’t go well together.

Yamato:

……. I don’t get it at all.

Chiba:

…uhm, you see…

Chiba:

You and well, young people nowadays too, get outstanding achievements. And well, we got them too. So we can act as if we’re doing well.

Even though our feet are in the cold bath we hold back and make our bodies smaller and end up performing and dealing with others flawlessly.

They’ll wonder if we’re doing too much or if we understand it, but if we do it like that people around us will praise us, right?

But even so, because it’s a cold bath, while you’re using it the body cools down and you’ll get sick. And if you start suffering from it you’ll want to run away.

And if you run away, you’ll become pathetic.

Yamato:

…

Chiba:

To make it good hot water, adjustment is necessary. Adjustment is a device. A person’s wisdom, motivation and sincerity. If it becomes good hot water, the blood flows and shows our true skills.

No one wants a cold bath actor. They want you to show your true skills. If you don’t, it’s okay not to do that work.

If you don’t want to work with someone whose blood is slowing, then say you have no business here and return home. Also, let me tell you this directly from me.

Yamato:

…it’s okay. You don’t have to act like an over-demanding parent after all this time…

Chiba:

… In any case…

It’d be good if you had one job that made you feel like it was a nice hot bath, something you don’t want to forget.

Yamato:

…simply put, isn’t that just selfishness?

Chiba:

It is. But, you said it yourself. You started acting because your group was in a pinch.

What can we do if we’re not selfish? The invisible man has no business in the world you’re walking towards to.

Yamato:

...

Chiba:

If you insist on your own ideas, you’ll also lose face. If you don’t insist, you also won’t lose face, but it’ll also never become your own affair.

It’s the same with that outfit. If you want to save your comrade, don’t let it be other people’s problem. Be selfish and embarrass yourself to your heart’s content.

Someday you’ll meet someone that’ll see your embarrassment as respect of your accomplishments.

Yamato:

…dad…

Chiba:

Because we’re oni that respect each other and join shoulders, such a brilliant banquet can be made. There lies that so-called enjoyable world.

Take care, Yamato. Who might be using a cold bath and who might carry the courage to be embarrassed…

The oni with long battle experience are watching closely.

 

 

7.4. The night sky we looked up to

 

 

Night, in front of Zero Arena.

Minami:

…

Haruka:

Minami.

Minami:

Isumi-san… And Inumaru-san and Midou-san too.

Touma:

I kinda made that into a terrible interview huh. But thanks to Haru we somehow managed to get through it. But you did something bad too.

Torao:

Minami. I’ll have to apologize as well.

Minami:

…

Torao:

I won’t apologize for suggesting to go to Noth Meir. But, you’re pulling yourself together huh.

I forgot that you’re still a 19 years old brat. I’ll apologize for that.

Minami:

Midou-san…

Touma:

Tora… You’re finally actin like the oldest of our gr---

Torao:

But you’re in the wrong too. If anything, you’re more in the wrong than us. So apologize to us as well.

Minami:

…

Touma:

I was just about to praise you…

Minami:

In which way am I wrong?

Torao:

How long will you be thinking about a dying man? Go meet him before he turns into a ghost.

Haruka is more of a man for trying to nonchalantly worry about you than that middle-aged man that didn’t listen to you.

Haruka:

Yeah. Praise me more.

Torao:

Your hair style is sick.

Haruka:

More!

Touma:

You’re good at singing.

Haruka:

More!

Minami:

… You negotiated with Ryo-san for my sake.

Haruka:

…

Minami:

It must’ve been hard, knowing that it would displease him. Thank you very much.

Haruka:

…idiot. You’re late.

Minami:

I’m sorry… As you all said, I was probably being stubborn.

I was wavering myself too… Do I want to go to Noth Meir again? Do I want to… meet Sakura-san again?

That is why I couldn’t accept it when Isumi-san suggested going to Noth Meir.

Haruka:

…why?

Minami:

I mean, it’s embarrassing isn’t it…? I’m the only one still attached to it. I’m the only one being troubled about it.

Torao:

…is that it?

Minami:

Fufu… yes, that is it.

I liked Sakura-san a lot, but it probably wasn’t the same for him. He didn’t listen to my warnings after all.

So I made it other people’s problem. Even when I noticed the lyrics’ code, I pretended not to know.

I kept my distance, always ready to tell him “See, I told you”.

I wanted to keep it that way until the end.

Torao:

…I don’t get it.

Minami:

Midou-san…

Torao:

If it’s someone so special that he even made you want to write songs, wouldn’t you want to keep him near you?

I… have never met someone special like that. Though I always end up thinking it’d be nice if this person was that special someone…

Like a burnt out candle, it all ends with white smoke vanishing into the air. I want to meet someone that could be able to change me.

To meet and… Would you be cold and hold a grudge then? Wouldn’t that make you want them even more?

Touma:

What you’re imagining might be difficult, Tora. I kinda get it. Wanting is, somewhat, embarrassing, right?

Like, am I causing troubles? Or am I being too impudent? And if the other person isn’t looking your way, it’s even harder to be courageous…

Haruka:

That’s stupid, why do you need courage? It’s their fault if they don’t want you. Tell them off and slap them or something.

Just show them how amazing you are after they didn’t want you.

Minami:

Isumi-san is rather extreme, huh?

Haruka:

… If you don’t think like that, I’ll stop. …because it’ll stop moving then…

Minami:

…

Haruka:

I don’t want to let it end like this.

Is it different for you, Minami?

Minami:

…I…

Torao:

Decide to go to Noth Meir. Reconcile, break with it and bring it to an end. Let his story end here.

Even if you keep your distance it won’t end and you’ll still make that annoyed face, right?

Death has no continuation. Even I know that.

Minami:

… but I’ve always acted like a bystander all this time, I was ignoring it.

Even after noticing the lyrics’ code and learned about his painful situation, I did nothing. So how, after all this time…

Touma:

That guy is still in trouble right? Then maybe you’ll be able to help him, Mina.

Also, if it’s because of that guy that you decided to write songs, then I want to meet him too and thank him.

Thank him for making you create such amazing songs and for letting you meet us.

Minami:

…Inumaru-san…

Haruka:

Ahh this is getting annoying! Just go to Noth Meir! Whatever you do, you’ll regret it anyways right?

Isn’t it better to regret it after having done something rather than not having done anything?

Minami:

…

Torao:

Okay. Let’s decide with fortune telling.

Touma:

Fortune telling? You can do that?

Torao:

Look up at the sky. If the moon is out we go to Noth Meir, if it’s covered by clouds it’s time for the beach resort.

Haruka:

How random.

Torao:

I’m not the one doing this. Right, Minami?

Minami:

…understood.

Touma:

Are you sure it’s okay?

Minami:

Yes… This perfunctory vibe is… maybe very much like us.

If the flow is stopped then water will stagnate. As Isumi-san said, I feel like it’s better to move and do something, no matter which shape it’ll take.

I shall accept either of the two fates.

Haruka:

Alright. ‘Kay Touma, give the cue.

Touma:

Me!?

Haruka:

Aren’t you the leader?

Touma:

But for such an important thin---

Haruka:

Hurry.

Touma:

…okay. Let’s go!

Minami:

…

Touma:

3, 2, 1…

[TL note: ŹOOĻ can’t know since they weren’t looking, but the moon has been shining in the distant background since the beginning of this sub-chapter. Brb sobbing.]

 

7.5. Thorns

 

 

Night, busy intersection. Phone ringtone sounds.

Tsukumo:

…a message from Touma.

So they won’t go to Hawaii but decided to go to Noth Meir huh. Not like I care.

Nanase Riku on a big screen:

Let’s all start your own sth-sth-ish7!

Tsukumo:

Okay! What-ish7 should we make it? If he’d just invite me directly!

TSUKUMO employee:

President… There have been more people dissatisfied with the establishment of the subsidiary and the transfer in-house.

Tsukumo:

Even though the performance is rising? Though even if I make them go to a beach on Hawaii like those other guys, they’ll probably still be dissatisfied huh.

TSUKUMO employee:

But even ŹOOĻ has finally managed to attract more customers. To avoid complaints from third parties, maybe we should do things a bit more moderate and---

Tsukumo:

Ahaha. The pirate king did the same and died.

He was killed by his subordinates just when he stopped robbing and was hiding all his treasures on the island!

I don’t know if you’re that subordinate, but you don’t have to come from tomorrow onwards anymore. You’ll transfer to the garbage box… sorry, I meant the subsidiary company.

TSUKUMO employee:

…

Tsukumo:

Bye byeee.

Everyone is so greedy aren’t they. Even though they’re all overwhelmed when something goes well, they get used to it and start voicing dissatisfaction.

I won’t play along this boring talk. Now it’s only just getting interesting! Right, Re:vale?

Momo on a big screen:

I always want to run with my friends.

Yuki on a big screen:

Re:vale’s “Eieinsei riron”. Currently on sale.

Tsukumo:

You always want to run with your friends? Ahaha! Liar! If your fans from around the country and the comrades of your secretly assembled alliance learn about your truth, they’ll all go away in unison!

After all, you’re a group that made it big after abandoning a person.

Cut to Re:vale’s dressing room.

Momo:

Yuki! Shimooka-chan just sent me good news! He managed to convince those people!

Yuki:

Nice. Even Shizuo-san said he’d do his best, things are going well huh?

Momo:

We should talk to Takanashi and Yaotome soon too---

Knock knock.

Yuki:

Shh. Yes, come in.

Door opens.

Touma:

Ah… hello. Sorry to bother before you go on stage…

Momo:

Touma! Welcome!

Touma:

Momo-san, I already asked you via rabichat, but were you really okay the other day when you left with Ryo-san?

Momo:

No worries, no worries! So did something happen?

Touma:

There’s… something I wanted to talk about…

Yuki:

Hee…

Touma:

… Y-Yuki-san…

Yuki:

Well, why don’t you sit down? I’ll pour you something. Do you prefer coffee or black tea?

Touma:

No!! I’m totally good!! Please don’t mind me!!!

Yuki:

No need to hold back. We have snacks too. Wanna eat a madeleine?

Touma:

No!!!

Yuki:

You hate madeleines?

Touma:

I love them!!

Yuki:

Well then. Eat.

Touma:

Thank you very much!!

Momo:

…isn’t he kinda scared of you? Yuki, did you do something?

Yuki:

I don’t think I did… I didn’t, right?

Touma:

Right!!!

Momo:

…really? Touma, did something happen with Ryo-san? It’s rare for you to come to our dressing room.

Touma:

…it’s nothing but, the other day, Ryo-san said something weird… Something about a picture and a plan…

We’ll be going overseas for a while so before leaving I wanted to tell you that as a… return of favour…

Momo:

Cute!! Touma is a good boy!

Touma:

…please stop. It’s not like I’m a good boy. …it felt more like a duty or something…

Yuki:

How proper. You said overseas? Where to?

Touma:

Denmark. We’re supposed to appear on the Red Hill Festival…

Yuki:

In the RedFes!? Amazing… Cool…

Touma:

Ah, th-thanks…

Yuki:

…how nice… Re:vale should’ve debuted with TSUKUMO too and not Okazaki huh…

Touma:

…are you being cynical?

Momo:

Nope, this Yuki is for real, he’s jealous that you’re gonna appear in the festival. But we will too someday! Do your best!

Yuki:

Exactly. And well, TSUKUMO is the enemy after all… … …they’re the enemy!! What did you come here for!? You sure can eat that madeleine with a calm expression.

Touma:

I-I’m sorry.

Momo:

Geez Yuki, Touma came to warn us didn’t he? Touma, it’s okay to eat the madeleine.

Yuki:

You’re right. Thanks, Touma-kun. Here, have more. Eat them with your members.

Touma:

Th-thanks… …I don’t get if it’s easy or hard to deal with these two…

Well then, please excuse me.

Momo:

Yes yes! Greet the others too okay!? If anything happens, feel free to come and ask us again!

Door closes.

Yuki:

To come and ask for advice again, you sure are kind to people… They almost threw you off a veranda you know?

Momo:

I’m just doing my job as a senpai in the business world. It’s out of self-interest.

ŹOOĻ are TSUKUMO’s milk cow right now. A pinch hitter created by Ryo-san. The top scorer. The ace striker.

Ryo-san as the new president has the right to talk exactly because ŹOOĻ is selling. In other words, they’re like his wings.

If they’re gone, he’ll fall down to earth.

Yuki:

You say that but you’re still worried. You’re just too good at caring for others.

Momo:

Well. I knew about Ryo-san but couldn’t help in the end.

And the reason why he started doing this, may very well be half my fault too…

Yuki:

Why?

Momo:

That’s… …

Yuki:

…whatever the reason, it’s not your fault. No matter what evil deeds that guy is planning, I will protect you, Momo.

Momo:

Yuki, you’re so cool…

Yuki:

I recently bought dumbbells online.

Momo:

Yuki, you’re the strongest!! The champ already!!

Yuki:

Fufu…

Momo:

…Ryo-san… You may be angry for real, but I am just as angry.

I don’t know what you’re planning, but we’ll be the first one to cut your piano wires and knock you down.

Door opens.

Okarin:

Yuki-kun, Momo-kun, there’s trouble! There’s innumerable bashing in online news and in magazines, more than ever before…!

Yuki:

There it is.

Momo:

Rumours about our discord?

Okarin:

No, it’s… weirdly just scandals about Yuki-kun…

Yuki:

Just me?

Momo:

…!

…that bastard…!

Cut to Tsukumo’s office.

Tsukumo:

Your weak point is too visible, Momo. Your personal hell isn’t about you getting hurt yourself…

It’s when your beloved idol gets thoroughly trampled on because of your own fault.

The game went into additional time but, your own time is up, Momo… It’s gonna expire soon.

You’ll finally be able to keep your promise to me, right? Though, it’s a no from me already.

Cut to street in front of Takanashi office, evening time.

Tsumugi:

We’ll be departing to Noth Meir soon. Is everyone ready?

Iori:

Yes. Nii-san, do you have everything?

Mitsuki:

No problem! I was just looking at the news on my phone and for some reason, Yuki-san’s name was all over the place..

Iori:

What is it this time? If it’s about Re:vale found out to be lovers, I see that at least once a month…

Mitsuki:

It looked like a scandal of a past love, but there were just so many articles that it worried me. Feels like Momo-san could feel down due to it…

Iori:

Why?

Mitsuki:

It seemed like the articles were bashing Yuki-san but praising Momo-san…

Iori:

…that would be probably hard to change, right? It was like that when you switched our centers…

Yamato’s voice:

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Mitsuki:

Hey! Yamato-san, are you ready alrea---

What’s with that outfit!?

Iori:

What’s with that outfit!?

 

 

To be continued…