IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 9

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 9 – Betting everything

9.1. Preparations

Present, Nagi’s room.

Nagi:

<…Haruki…>

<I wonder if I can meet you again.>

Cut back to Japan, on a street.

Ryūnosuke:

I wonder if Nagi-kun is okay… I didn’t think they couldn’t tell us the address of the hospital.

Gaku:

Maybe his condition is worse than we thought… Though when I was texting with Nikaidou and Izumi-ani they said everything was alright.

Tenn:

Well they can’t just tell everything to people from another agency. We couldn’t visit him, but we handed over the souvenirs.

Though I was surprised to hear that IDOLiSH7 was overseas…

Ryūnosuke:

…that one time when you and Gaku couldn’t get on stage, I only was on time thanks to Nagi-kun. I hope I can repay him someday.

Gaku:

You say that but we defeated them during MOP… Speaking of which, Rokuya was acting kinda weird back then.

Ryūnosuke:

You think he’s angry…?

Tenn:

He can’t have complaints about a fair and square competition, right? …it’d be great if he gets better soon though.

Going to northern Europe at a time like this… …I’m worried about Riku too…

Gaku:

Should be okay, right? Takanashi-san is with them too.

Before worrying about others, you should worry about ourselves. Tomorrow is the last audition. ‘Kay, let’s go to that shop.

Ryūnosuke:

A tonkatsu restaurant? Do you want to eat some?

Gaku:

Don’t they say a cutlet is for winners?

[TL note: Doesn’t work in English. Gaku says “katsu wa katsu”, so the first katsu means “cutlet” and the second one means “to win”.]

Tenn:

What are you, a student taking entrance exams!?

Ryūnosuke:

Isn’t that fine? It’s for good luck…

Passer-by:

Ah, it fell down!

TRIGGER:

…!

Passer-by:

Aw man. It’s just falling all the time, this glove holder is a failure, huh. It’s definitely gonna fall again. It fell yesterday too.

[TL note: To say, “to fall” and “to fail something” (like an audition) is the same verb in Japanese, ochiru.]

Tenn:

…let’s go eat cutlets.

Ryūnosuke:

Yes, let’s go eat them.

Gaku:

Let’s go. ---Excuse me, do you have space for three?

Employee:

Ahhh! TRIGGER!!

Cut to Tsukumo’s home.

Tsukumo:

Well then, have fun. The mass media will be there on the appointed day, so be nice to them, yes?

No worries. No matter what a miserable show you perform, they’ll write you a good article.

Haruka:

You’re not coming, Ryo-san?

Tsukumo:

I’m busy.

Haruka:

Yet you still went to watch “Friends Day” even though we didn’t appear in that?

Tsukumo:

What? Jealous?

Haruka:

You’re the jealous one, aren’t you? You’re gonna regret it if you don’t watch us.

We’re gonna cross the ocean and cause a miracle. If I happen to see you, I’ll do some fan service for you.

Tsukumo:

…haha. Why, thank you.

Touma:

Haru, let’s go.

Haruka:

Okay. Ryo-san says he won’t come.

Touma:

I see… Well then, we’re off.

Tsukumo:

Yeah yeah.

Door closes.

Tsukumo:

…hmph. Not like I’d be happy if the idols I created myself would find me among the visitor seats.

And more importantly… Rather than service, I’m much more looking forward to a real scream.

Cut to a street.

Touma:

Man, now I’m nervous… I’ve never been overseas. You guys were already, right?

Torao:

Yeah.

Haruka:

Yup.

Minami:

I was.

Touma:

Can you speak English?

Torao:

Yeah.

Haruka:

Yup.

Minami:

I can.

Touma:

Man, you three sure are smart. Now I feel reassured. Say, can we go look at the statue of The Little Mermaid too?

Cut to Ryūnosuke’s apartment.

Ryūnosuke:

Anesagi-san, you made dinner for us?

Kaoru:

Indeed! Tomorrow is the final audition! So, for good luck I made you cutlets!

TRIGGER:

…

Kaoru:

What. Did you dislike that?

Gaku:

No… we ate it for lunch.

Kaoru:

Ah, I see! Well then you’ll win two times, yes? Have fun eating.

Tenn:

Haha… Understood.

TRIGGER & Kaoru:

Time to eat.

Gaku:

Oh, yummy.

Kaoru:

Right? It’s good meat. Don’t tell anyone what I’m about to say.

Ryūnosuke:

What is it?

Kaoru:

This was sent in by President Yaotome. It’s meat that won a gold prize, apparently. He said, before an important competition you should eat cutlet, right?

Gaku:

…

Tenn & Ryūnosuke:

Like father like son…

Gaku:

Shut up! …crap, now I feel weirdly embarrassed…

Haha… But it’s yummy. Thanks, old man.

Cut to back of a stage.

Audience:

WOOOO!

Yeaaaah!

Touma:

…the venue is amazing… So many people and so much enthusiasm…

Torao:

Aren’t there a lot of bad looking people…?

Minami:

That’s their fashion. We too are something similar, I guess? Well, I do understand the pressure.

Haruka:

You do?

Minami:

You’re the same as ever, Isumi-san.

Haruka:

Well. That’s how I’ve been taught.

Minami:

Eh?

Haruka:

Hmph… Though I’ll never ever ever ever thank Kujou!

Let’s go! Touma, Torao. How long do you wanna be scared?

Touma & Torao:

I’m not scared!

Reporter:

ŹOOĻ, we’ve been waiting for you. Could we ask for an interview and some pictures over there?

Touma:

Y-yeah.

Minami:

The people Ryo-san has arranged I assume. There’s a lot of Japanese media here.

Torao:

Though it seems there’s some guys in between that don’t like us. Look, he’s glaring at us.

Reporter:

…this a legendary festival. Not a place where some upstarts can come to.

ŹOOĻ! Know that I’ll write about the truth!

Touma:

…

Go for it. Write only about the truth. No matter who ordered you what you’ve gotta write.

We’re gonna show you our real concert starting now.

Reporter:

… Talking big are we…

Haruka:

Hey, old-timer.

Reporter:

Old-timer!?

Haruka:

Can’t you hear these cheers? What are good kids gonna do here? No one would think back of them, right?

We are here. We came here to yell that we’re here. We’re gonna rage, scream and repeat.

Point at us, jeer at us. Yell at us to vanish, to go home! Curse us for all I care. Yes, we were upstarts.

Until today.

Reporter:

…

Touma:

Let’s go!

ŹOOĻ:

Yeah!

9.2. Rain falling in tetrarchy

Back of a stage.

Audience:

{ZOO…?}

{ŹOOĻ?}

{Who is that?}

Reporter:

Hmph… ŹOOĻ is just a bunch of people that seem to draw attention to themselves brought together. People that understand will see through them.

That they don’t sing for real. That they don’t treasure the stage. I’m not scared by TSUKUMO.

This is how I’ll start the article: the audience, already suspicious about a band whose name they’ve never heard before, were bored the instant they started to sing and sighed.

And then they’ll get angry at this fake band standing on the stage of their beloved music festival. They’ll be yelled at with bellow…

Short fade out and in again.

Torao:

…

Minami:

…

Haruka:

…

Touma:

You’re ready, right?

Torao:

…yeah.

Minami:

…yes.

Haruka:

Who are you asking?

Touma:

Listen… Even if they boo us, even if their thumbs point down, don’t stop singing. Don’t stop dancing.

If we stop, no one can start. No one will save us. Not a single person will forgive us.

It’s obvious. We’ve been laughing at guys like that. The words you spoke will one day come back at you.

Don’t stop… Keep on singing. Even if you lose everything on this stage, protect your singing self until the end with your last shred of willpower.

If you do, I can go anywhere with you guys.

Torao:

…

Touma:

What, Tora… I told you not to freak out.

Torao:

That’s not it. I can see the audience on the other side of the stage through the opening.

They looked like savage enemies to me. …but maybe I was wrong.

They’re waiting for something. Something to shake their heart from the very bottom… If so, then maybe they’re just like me.

It’s not like I wanted to jeer at, throw things at and make things leave that I didn’t like.

I was believing in something and waiting. Just like Ryūnosuke on that one day.

Touma:

Tora…

Torao:

He was a hopeless liar, but he was brave… He cared for his band mates.

That feeling he mentioned, of not being afraid despite the coldness from the audience. I feel like I understand him a bit now.

He wasn’t alone. Not even on that lonely stage.

…I envy him.

Minami:

Could the person about to sing my song please not say such lukewarm things?

Torao:

Minami…

Minami:

It’s a song sung by four. It’s not complete if even one person misses. You have your parts and I have mine.

The place where you belong is right here… within my song.

Please stop envying another place. You won’t find the best song anywhere else on the world. Even Sakura-san doesn’t have it.

It is within our hands.

Torao:

Haha… Now we’re talking.

Alright, let’s do it. Even in movies, the villains are played by pretty men, right?

Even if it’ll be swallowed in a whirlpool of booing, it’s the perfect stage for me.

Minami:

Fufu… It’s a perfect match for me as well.

I shall offer a curse, without omission, to the people that spoke ill of my songs. And I will not forgive them, even if they may cry and yell.

I am very vindictive. I will protect what is dear to me. Those who don’t understand shall prostrate themselves before me.

Haruka:

How scary. But that’s how it should be. It’s perfect for me too. If we’re to flatter someone let’s go be the bad guys.

I’m done waiting for someone and someday. I’ll march in, knock them and make them wake up.

If the world doesn’t like me, I’ll forcibly thrust my hand into their throats and make them devour me.

I don’t mind if this’ll be my cemetery. I’m taking you all with me.

Touma:

Isn’t that the best?

Torao:

Can’t help it then.

Minami:

We shall accompany you.

Haruka:

We’re in the same boat until the abyss! Let’s go…!

Haruka:

{Hey! Call our name guys! We’re ŹOOĻ!}

Audience:

{Woooo!}

Touma:

“ZONE OF OVERLAP”!

Audience:

{Wooooo…!!}

Cut back to reporter backstage.

Reporter:

Hmph… This reaction is just for now. They’ll despair any minu---

…what? They’re different than they were before… Is it because all four are singing…?

…their aggressive style was the same as always. But, maybe due to it being their first overseas performance, their voices carried the earnestness of a lost child.

The audience that was rocking their bodies out of habit are now focusing on the stage. Let me repeat the words they muttered before they began to sing once more…

“Who are they?”

Haruka, thinking:

…my legs were actually shaking.

Torao, thinking:

I didn’t know if it was applause of booing. All I could hear was the sound of my own heart.

Minami, thinking:

Will this song be loved? Will it be recognized by someone?

Haruka, thinking:

I scowled at them while being afraid.

Touma, thinking:

I was desperate. I didn’t understand it myself.

If we didn’t believe in ourselves, in this place where we could count on no one, we would crumble down from our feet.

Haruka, thinking:

So I struck them with all I had. I couldn’t do anything else.

It’s okay. We can just clap ourselves if we want applause. I can just gather the flowers myself if we want a bouquet.

Touma, thinking:

I’m standing while shaking, for these guys’ sake.

Torao, thinking:

So that I won’t regret it tomorrow.

Minami, thinking:

For the sake of believing in something.

Haruka, thinking:

…and then we finished singing.

Haruka:

…hah… hah…

Touma:

…hah…

Torao:

Hah… hah…

Minami:

Hah… hah…

Audience:

…

{Woooooo…!}

{…ŹOOĻ…!}

Haruka:

…

Audience:

{Woooooo…!}

{Yeaaaaa…!}

Touma:

Ha… Haha… Thank you! Thank you! Thanks…!!

Haruka:

…Ahaha… Bye bye!

Audience:

{Woooooo…!}

Cut to backstage.

Haruka:

…we did it…!

Torao:

We sure did!

Minami:

We did indeed.

Touma:

We did it! Did you hear it, that cheering…!?

Haruka:

Ahaha! Serves you right!! There was no booing at all! Stupid Ryo-san! He should’ve come!

Torao:

Ha… Well, piece of cake.

Touma:

Ahaha! You liar! They accepted the song! As expected, Mina!

Minami:

Haha… Thank you very much.

Haruka:

Ahaha! We did it! See!? We’re amazing! Yeah! Serves you right!

Touma:

Ahaha! We really did it! All that practise had its value!

Torao:

Ahaha! …ha.

…

Touma:

What’s wrong, Tora?

Torao:

…if…

If I hadn’t come to this concert and hadn’t sung together with you, I would’ve regretted it to death.

Haruka:

Ahaha! Well said! Even though you really didn’t want to come.

Torao:

…the things we did to Ryūnosuke and the others…

I finally understood.

Haruka:

…ah…

Touma:

…

Minami:

…

Audience:

{ŹOOĻ! ŹOOĻ…!}

{Woooo…!!}

{ŹOOĻ…!}

Reporter:

My! You guys were amazing! Even now they’re still calling your name! Congrats to your success on the big stage!!

Touma:

...

Reporter:

…what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy…?

You got to bathe in the applause that you’ve wished for, yet you’re making faces like you’ve failed big time…

Now that you’ve become real stars!

Torao:

… Haha…

…ah, I wonder…

Haruka:

…Torao…

Torao:

…even though it’s supposed to be best day, I just can’t seem to smile at all…

Is this the beginning of our punishment, for having come laughing half-heartedly all the time…?

Minami:

…

Touma:

…

Audience:

{ŹOOĻ! ŹOOĻ…!}

{…ŹOOĻ…!}

9.3. Final examination

In a practise room.

Man:

Very well, let’s begin the final examination for “Crescent Wolf”.

We’ll be doing interviews and test your practical skills.

You will act alongside the theme song “Crescent rise”. We’re looking forward to working with you.

TRIGGER:

Yes!

Man:

Well then, first one. Starting with Yaotome Gaku-san.

Gaku:

Yes. Pleased to be working with you.

Audition Participant:

…uwah…

TRIGGER will definitely make it… You can’t incorporate the song in such a short time.

Audition Participant:

Yeah… I bet they got the song before we did. He’s making a face like he’ll get it anyways…

Audition Participant:

That’s not true… Can’t you see by watching them?

Even though they were at the top at such a young age, they fell down, and despite everything, they’re trying to get up again. That’s why they’re here.

Their amount of experience and resolution is way too different. Those guys are real stars…

Cut a separate room.

Examiner:

Kujou Tenn-san.

Tenn:

Yes.

Examiner:

While studying abroad you have accumulated experience in musicals and other show businesses, right?

Tenn:

Yes. I’ve been interested and admired the show business world since a young age.

Examiner:

Why didn’t you join the musical world but became an idol?

Tenn:

There was someone I wanted to show myself to as I’d be shown on TV and work in Japan. My goal was to become someone that wouldn’t bring shame upon that person.

And now I want to show myself to our fans, musical fans and everyone that loves this work.

I swear to not make you regret choosing and believing in me.

Short fade out and in.

Examiner:

Tsunashi Ryūnosuke-san.

Ryūnosuke:

Yes.

Examiner:

To be honest, this has nothing to do with the examination, but this work is very important to us.

We don’t want to hurt it with any scandals. What is your opinion on it?

Ryūnosuke:

…

I feel the same. Due to my carelessness I’ve caused a lot of problems for my group mates and our fans.

I don’t want to make them go through that a second time. And, whatever is in my power…

By playing a part in this great work, I wish to restore our lost honour.

Examiner:

You’ll use this work others created for your own honour’s sake?

Ryūnosuke:

I don’t think of it as using it. I see it as a big chance. I want to grab this chance and repay everyone.

There is nothing to be ashamed for in order to see each other face to face. I will bet everything I have.

Examiner:

Yaotome Gaku-san.

Gaku:

Yes.

Examiner:

We’ve been drawn to your acting ability ever since the second round.

Not only do you have a lot of experience in drama and performance, your intuition is good as well. Your timing is great. It’s easy for you to match your surroundings.

Gaku:

Thank you very much.

Examiner:

You’re TRIGGER’s leader, right? Mikazuki Ookami is the story of how a commander that lost to the government marches to his death with his subordinates.

If you were Mikazuki Ookami, would you accompany your comrades to certain death?

Gaku:

Yes.

They’re comrades I trust after all. Though in my case, I’d believe in our victory and would accompany them to that.

Examiner:

Why?

Gaku:

Why… Because it’s what we’ve always done. We moved forward while aiming at glory and victory.

But what I want isn’t fame or honour. Whatever one is given is not the final goal.

I want to believe that we can overcome our limits. That is all. That’s how we’ve been challenging things so far.

I’ll declare it. I will cause a miracle here. Together with my comrades.

Examiner:

How very like of the young master of a big and famous show business agency. So you want us to just give the three of TRIGGER the roles?

Gaku:

…no.

I’m not saying to hand us the roles. I’ve always grabbed what I wanted with these hands. I have always done my best.

Other than that, I will only believe in what you see. Determine whether we’re worth it without thinking of our name as TRIGGER.

Whether I’m the young master of a sheltered upbringing or a person that’s needed to make your important stage a success.

Please excuse myself.

Door closes.

Examiner:

… He just left on his own…

Examiner:

Ahaha. Because you provoked him too much. Saying he’s a young master.

Examiner:

What to do… With this cast they’d say this was all staged from the beginning.

Examiner:

To cast them based on their prowess despite knowing of the risks… Or to drop one of them, so they’re not all in it together, even though it’s unfortunate…

Examiner:

The appeal is big, but so is the danger… TRIGGER…

Cut to dressing room.

Ryūnosuke:

Gaku, how was the last interview?

Gaku:

… I sucked at the interview…

Tenn:

What, did you kick a chair and leave the room?

Gaku:

How did you know!?

Tenn:

Did you really…

Gaku:

N-no worries. I didn’t kick any chairs.

Tenn:

I bet they called you Yaotome Agency’s young master or something, right? You’re as easy as ever, Yaotome Junior.

Gaku:

Hah, compared to your sharp tongue it’s not even a big deal… Why was I so offended by it…?

Ryūnosuke:

They dug where it hurt for me too, my chest felt tight… But, I answered everything with my honest opinion.

No worries, Gaku. We’ve done our best for this day. Let’s believe that they understood those feelings.

Gaku:

You’re right…

Door opens.

Man:

Excuse us for the wait, everyone. I will now announce the results of the final examination.

Gaku:

…

Tenn:

…

Ryūnosuke:

…

Man:

Leading role of “Crescent Wolf”. Former Shirougumi Commander, Tsukidate Shinpachirou, also known as Mikazuki Ookami.

Yaotome Gaku-san.

Gaku:

…y…

Yes…

Man:

Former soldier of Shirougumi, Yomi Kurou. –Kujou Tenn-san.

Tenn:

…yes.

Thank you very much, I’m looking forward to work with you from now on too.

Man:

Former soldier of Shirougumi, Gazan Juubee. Uhm… We’ve thought a lot about this. But, well, yes…

There are risks, but everyone said that they wanted to see your Juubee. –Tsunashi Ryūnosuke-san.

Ryūnosuke:

…

Man:

Pleased to be working with you.

Ryūnosuke:

Y-yes…

Man:

Alright, next…

Gaku, thinking:

…I got it! The role of Mikazuki Ookami! Chiba Shizuo-san’s…

I’ll do it. I’ll show you! TRIGGER, and me too, it all starts here!

Tenn, thinking:

…we did it… All three of us got the roles.

…no, this is just the start. No time to take it easy. Ah… But I’m glad…

Ryūnosuke, thinking:

I got it… We got it together…!

I’m glad… It ended without causing more trouble for Gaku and Tenn. I’m really glad I didn’t give up…

Thank you… Everyone that supported and believed in me…

I’ll finally be able to repay you a little. Thank you…!

9.4. The continuation of the dream

Street at night.

TRIGGER:

…

Kaoru:

Guys, how was it!? Do you know the results already!?

Tenn:

…Anesagi-san…

Kaoru:

…it’s okay, whatever the results are. You did your best. Tell me clearly.

Ryūnosuke:

Anesagi-san, I…

Kaoru:

Ah no wait! I have to ready my heart…! Breathes in and out. Okay. Tell me.

Gaku:

Got it.

Kaoru:

Yessss…!!! …wait a sec! Who!? Who got it?

Tenn:

The three of us. Gaku as Mikazuki Ookami, I’m Kurou and Ryu will play Juubee.

Kaoru:

Loud screaming and sobbing. Ah, you’re the best…!! The best men ever! I love you…!!

You did your best! You really did… More sobbing.

Ryūnosuke:

Haha… Please don’t cry, Anesagi-san. …I’m gonna cry too…

Sobbing. …I’m so glad…!

Gaku:

Idiot! Don’t cry, you got the role.

Ryūnosuke:

…sorry, but… But with this, I can finally…

…face the two of you…

Gaku:

…what are you talking about? I’ve never thought about not wanting to see your face.

Ryūnosuke:

…but… if I hadn’t done something like that… You two could’ve stayed on the big stage.

…ever since the day we decided to move forward, I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. But it was always on my mind.

I was always thinking about deep in my heart. How you were singing in the rain on the road, about Tenn crying… …if I had just not done that…

Tenn:

…Ryu…

Ryūnosuke:

I’ve been worrying about not being cast because of it… So I was really glad when I got the role…

Gaku:

You idiot… We’ve come this far because you were here. So stop blaming yourself.

Ryu, there’s no replacement for you. Not so far and not from now on. Whatever comes, let’s do it together.

Tenn:

You were always suffering, right…? Thank you, Ryu… For doing your best with us.

I’m happy the three of us got the roles.

Ryūnosuke:

…yeah…! I’m glad too, I really am…

Kaoru:

Sobbing. You did well… No matter what anyone says, TRIGGER is the best in Japan!

Gaku:

Anesagi stop crying too… If you cry because of something like this your body won’t last.

We’re just gonna keep on getting bigger, as TRIGGER.

Tenn:

Yes. We three will stand on the same stage together again.

We’ll be able to show the people that have supported us our new selves.

Our continuation won’t end…

Woman:

Hey, have you heard? The story about Re:vale’s Yuki-san.

Woman:

I did! But they said that a long time ago too. Why is it making the news now?

Tenn:

…

Gaku:

Are there any rumours about Yuki-san? I was so focused on the audition, I didn’t really keep up with news.

Ryūnosuke:

I wonder. They’d say that they didn’t care about stuff like that, but I just hope nothing weird will happen…

Tenn:

Let us go pay them a visit soon. Though I hope it’s nothing…

Cut to Okazaki Agency.

Okarin:

Mo-Momo-kun, what are you looking for?

Momo:

The metal bat. The one Yuki bought should be… Ah, found it!

Okarin:

Where do you want to go with that?

Momo:

The TSUKUMO company.

Okarin:

No no no no! Top idols aren’t supposed to barge into other companies while carrying a metal bat!

Momo:

The one writing those articles about Yuki is that guy, without doubt! I’ll go there directly and make him talk…!

Okarin:

We will do the negotiations ourselves! If you get involved in something on your own again, Yuki-kun will get angry!

Momo:

Just do something about that! There’s no need to tell Yuki about every little thing, right!?

This time for sure, I’ll go there on my own and talk to him! If Yuki doesn’t butt in this time it’ll go smoother for sure…

Door opens.

Yuki:

What are you talking about?

Momo:

Yuki~! You’re so handsome today too~!!

Yuki:

Thanks. So why is it better if I don’t butt in this time?

Momo:

…

Yuki:

…you were going to TSUKUMO to talk again without telling me huh… How often do I need to tell you until you get it!?

Momo:

Yuki, listen! If I were to take cooking lessons, I’d invite you. If I were to go to a band’s concert, I’d invite you.

But I can’t invite you to a party that doesn’t match you. What if I did a full swing at Ryo-san’s house…?

Okarin:

No no no no! You do full swings at batting centers! You learned that at school, right!?

Okay you two. Close your eyes and imagine a cute bunny.

Yuki:

A bunny…?

Momo:

Hmm… Okay done…

Okarin:

The bunny’s favourite thing is carrot cake. It lives together with its papa, mama and big brother in the forest. Its hobby is dancing. Its best subject is home economics.

Yuki:

Does the bunny sew or something?

Okarin:

It’s a bunny human.

Momo:

A bunny human…

Okarin:

Okay? The things such a caring child shouldn’t do are also the things top idols must not do.

Momo:

But the bunny human in my head is swinging a bat around and destroying everything inside the room…

Okarin:

Momo-kun! No mixing fancy with violence!

Yuki:

Kuku… My bunny human has your face, Okarin.

Okarin:

Yuki-kun! You’d normally make the body human! If you make the face human, it’ll turn surreal!

Momo:

Anyway, we’re not bunnies. We can’t sit still and snack on carrots!

Yuki:

Just ignore the articles. It’s unpleasant that there are rumours with someone I didn’t even date, but it’s no big deal.

Momo:

But…!

Yuki:

If we’re quarrelling, we’ll just play into his scheme. Which do you want to make happy, me or Tsukumo?

Momo:

…Yuki…

Yuki:

Then leave the metal bat here. And you don’t need to meet with Tsukumo either. That thing is going well too after all.

Okarin:

The thing about linking Hoshikage and a part of TSUKUMO?

Yuki:

Yes. We’ve also gathered a lot of people that are unhappy with TSUKUMO too.

Everyone on their own may be weak, but with us at the centre holding the rudder, we’re carrying enough power to change the industry.

Momo:

I understand it but… But not being able to do anything while he’s badmouthing you is frustrating!

Yuki:

We can fight back. If he wishes to see us fight, then we can just show him that we’re doing great as ever.

Okarin, take a pic.

Okarin:

What are you going to do?

Yuki:

Upload a picture of me carrying Momo like a princess to SNS.

Momo:

That’ll stir him up for good! You’re so cool…!! By the way darling, how many 10-kilogram packs of rice can you carry?

Yuki:

I don’t carry rice. I order it online.

Momo:

Yuki gallantly using the internet like that is so intelligent and super handsome…!! But let’s think of another composition for the picture.

Yuki:

I can lift you, no problem. I’ve princess carried an actress before too.

Momo:

Can you like not compare the body of a crackling model lady to that of the sportsman Momo?

Okarin:

Understood! I shall support you from below to make it look good! Let’s turn Yuki-kun into the ultimate darling!

Momo:

Yes! Just hold one of my legs! I’ll bend myself backwards so much that it’ll look like you’re carrying me like a princess!

Okarin:

As expected of Momo-kun! It’s the love of you two!

Momo:

I’ll use my entire body for darling’s sake! Yuki, lower your waist, yes!! Don’t underestimate the burden of a forward-bent posture!!

Yuki:

Leave it to me. I shall embrace you like a prince.

Cut to street.

Woman:

Kyaaa…! The picture Re:vale uploaded is super cute!

Woman:

Momo-chan is using one of his legs to support it and just make it look like he’s being carried like a princess! They’re the best partners!!

Woman:

Yuki-san is making a cool face too! Re:vale are the most intimate couple!

Woman:

I was worrying about all those articles talking about their bad relationship and Yuki-san’s relationships to women but… I’m happy I got to see the two be as close as ever.

Woman:

As expected, this must be the truth, right?

Cut to Tsukumo’s house.

Tsukumo:

… It’s clearly that Momo is supporting himself with one leg…

Ahh! This world is comical. Seeing what you want to see, only believing in what you want to believe; they can't see reality.

Well, whatever. This was just the foreshadowing after all. It’s fine if there’s just a bad impression of Yuki left in the back of their minds.

Since the real news will smoothly pierce through their heart, right?

Phone ringing.

Tsukumo:

Ah, news about ŹOOĻ on site. Maybe they’re crying and drenching with raw eggs. Yes, hello?

And? Are you sobbing? If the picture we give the media is taken well enough there won’t be any problem.

Really? Heh… Is that so… Ahaha. How unexpected, you did it.

It’s okay. I’ll congratulate you. Well then, see you.

Phone call ends.

Tsukumo:

Hmph. Isn’t that amazing, ŹOOĻ. Roaring applause at a rock festival huh.

Hmph! Maybe I should’ve gone and watched it, huh!? Though it’s not like I like festivals or anything!

Maybe, if I had gone, and maybe, if I had waved my arm…

Phone rings.

Tsukumo:

…what?

It’ll start… soon? Yes, understood. Just as planned, okay?

Phone call ends.

Tsukumo:

…

Ah, right. I had stopped dreaming about idols.

9.5. Box of secrets

Reporter:

Yuki-san, congratulations on the leading role in the newly announced drama. Word on the street has it that you’re in an ardent relationship and…

Yuki:

Thank you. No comment.

Reporter:

Yuki-san! The actress you’re going to act alongside next is supposedly from the hometown as you and there were rumours about you and her in the past…

Yuki:

Wow, that one’s forced huh… No comment.

Reporter:

Yuki-san! Is it true that before you teamed up with Momo-san, you abandoned your previous partner because of a great injury?

Yuki:

No comm---

… …huh…?

Reporter:

If this were true, Re:vale’s image of caring about their partner would be pretty different from reality.

How is it in truth? Would you be able to answer that, Yuki-san?

Yuki:

…

Cut to lounge bar.

Former Producer of Re:vale’s TV show:

What do you mean you quit…? You opposed TSUKUMO’s way of doing things too, didn’t you? I’ll introduce you to Re:vale soon too and---

Man:

That’s the thing… I don’t know if I can trust Re:vale. When push comes to shove, I might get abandoned…

Former Producer:

That’s not true! Those two---

Man:

You saw the article too, didn’t you!? They collected evidence! It seems to be true. The staff at the time was surprised at Yuki’s cold-heartedness.

Former Producer:

…

Man:

Momo-san is one thing… Yuki is a man that would abandon his partner that’s on the verge of death. He’d easily cut ties with us.

If we can’t trust the pivot of the organization this won’t succeed… Take care not to become a sacrifice as well.

Former Producer:

…that’s stupid…

Cut to a street.

Woman:

Did you hear about Re:vale!? Isn’t Yuki the worst!? I did think he always looked somewhat cold.

Woman:

We can’t know if that’s true or not! Yuki-san’s partner was Momo-san from the beginning! Those two are the best Re:vale!

Cut to another street.

Woman:

Pictures of the first Re:vale have been uploaded online! The former partner was a hottie! I would’ve preferred that one!

Woman:

Momo-chan is definitely cooler!! If Yuki-san chose Momo-chan, then the other guy must have had some bad parts to him!

Cut to a lounge bar.

Woman:

Re:vale fans are confused, aren’t they…? Well, but now that Re:vale and TRIGGER are in trouble, it’s the perfect chance for IDOLiSH7 to become number one!

Woman:

After TRIGGER it’s Re:vale huh… Hah, isn’t there any idol I can support without worrying…?

Cut to another street.

Woman:

I feel sorry for Momo-kun… He didn’t do anything wrong, yet he gets dragged into it… Since Momo-kun is kind, maybe them not getting along is the truth after all.

Woman:

Well if he wanted to debut, then changing partners didn’t seem like much of a big deal? He can just change again then.

Cut to another street.

Woman:

Re:vale and Yuki can stop now! Like, doing charity stuff to seem like a good person, I didn’t like it anyways!

Woman:

Yes that! And ŹOOĻ, who are not playing the good guys, are cooler too! They even succeeded in an overseas festival! They’re the best!

Cut to Momo’s apartment.

Momo:

…

…Yuki… Ban-san…

Cut to a hotel room at night.

Mitsuki:

…

Yamato:

Can’t sleep, Mitsu?

Mitsuki:

Yeah, I… kinda remembered what Kenneth-san told us about. I listened to our new song.

We’ll be able to sing it together with Nagi, right?

Yamato:

We will. We’ll go see him soon.

Look, we can see it a bit from the window. That huge castle…

Mitsuki:

You’re right… Haha… No wonder he wanted to leave stuff in my room. With such a castle, you have more than enough space.

You wouldn’t need to throw anything away either.

Yamato:

…but he was there together with us. Filling a small room with lots of important things. Singing Sakura Haruki’s songs.

Mitsuki:

You’re right…

Hey, Yamato-san. You see… I can’t forgive Nagi’s shitty older brother, but I feel like I kinda get his feelings.

Yamato:

…you do?

Mitsuki:

Unexpected?

Yamato:

Well not exactly but… Nagi’s older brother’s feelings… Like what for example?

Mitsuki:

I didn’t want to get jealous… of Nagi.

I wanted to like myself and also Nagi.

But when he’s being so amazing, doesn’t the love for yourself grow weaker?

But if that happens, you’d end up hating yourself and each day would just be filled with wounds.

So you try sticking to amazing people like Nagi and make their glory your own.

Make it feel like your own achievements, make it your own joy, use someone else’s life to make you like yourself… Trying to become happy that way.

Yamato:

…

Mitsuki:

I thought about it too already. Like the times I failed an audition.

If it were Iori, wouldn’t he be accepted instantly? Should I recommend him becoming an idol? Maybe I could just do management stuff?

Yeah sure… I thought about stuff like that, neither respecting Iori, idols nor the work of a manager.

…I’m the worst…

Yamato:

You wouldn’t do something like that. When we feel weak, no matter who you are, we start thinking about unbelievably stupid things.

Me too, when I left the dorms, I thought it’d be best if I got involved in an accident, almost died and you’d be apologizing to me while crying.

Mitsuki:

How stupid… If you were about to die, I’d have other worries than apologizing…

Yamato:

Yeah… You’re right…

Mitsuki:

Why are humans just so stupid? Why did Nagi get attached to someone like me…?

Was he just looking out next to me, so I wouldn’t do something to Iori, just like his brother did…?

Yamato:

That’s exactly one of those stupid thoughts when you feel weak. It’s because he liked you. Don’t doubt such obvious things.

Mitsuki:

Yeah…

Yamato:

…hey Mitsu, listen.

Mitsuki:

What?

Yamato:

What would you do if Ichi did something you were talking of before?

Mitsuki:

…

Yamato:

I don’t mean it in a weird way. But like, you know, he’s interested in management and stuff, right?

So I thought, maybe he’d want to do some producer-like work in the future. I just wanted to ask.

Mitsuki:

…if Iori wants to do it I’d support him. And being a producer doesn’t equal following my own dream as a replacement.

Yamato:

I see… Yeah, of course.

Why not try telling him that some time? What if he’s already involved in producer work or something?

Mitsuki:

…keeping it a secret from us?

Yamato:

…no good? Well, I’m just hypothesizing…

Mitsuki:

… it’s not that but… He’s my little brother you know. I want to think that there are no secrets between us.

You kept something secret from me, Nagi did too… If my own brother would hide something too then…

I’d think I’m a person no one could trust, I couldn’t recover from that.

Yamato:

…

Mitsuki:

Ah, I’m not blaming you okay? I know there were circumstances that made it hard for you to tell.

Yamato:

Ah, yeah…

… Humans really are stupid…

Mitsuki:

Eh?

Yamato:

…no, it’s nothing.

Cut to Ryūnosuke’s apartment at night.

Ryūnosuke:

Soft sleeping noises.

Phone ringing.

Ryūnosuke:

…hmm… My phone…? Yawning. Who would call this early…?

…

…Midou Torao…

…Torao-kun?

Cut to Torao, somewhere outside at night.

Torao:

… Hello.

…there is something… that I want to ask you.

To be continued…