shionstear | IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 11 (Reply)

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 11 – True words

11.1. It’s okay

On a street in Japan.

Woman:

Ahh!! Hey hey! Did you see next week’s “Kimi to Ai na Night!” news!?

Woman:

I did I did! An overseas special livestream, from a Northern Europe country called Noth Meir!!

Woman:

Nagi-kun said he was raised there, I’m sure he’ll come back with this! I’m glad! I can finally see him again…!

Woman:

The agency and staff are really good! I’m sure they were aiming for that! Nagi-kun’s return in Noth Meir!

Woman:

I wish they would’ve told us sooner so we could be relieved, but I’m sure they had their issues.

Woman:

If they had told us, then there wouldn’t have been any rumours about him studying abroad or leaving the group though…

Woman:

I’m sure they had circumstances why they couldn’t tell us! And even though they didn’t, I knew everything was okay!

Woman:

You’re right! They said to continue supporting them after all!

Nagi-kun and Riku-kun, everyone said that!!

Cut back to front of venue in Noth Meir.

Mitsuki:

Nagi… Nagi…!

Tamaki:

Why won’t you talk to us, Nagicchi…! What are you doing with Rikkun!?

Sougo:

Where are you taking him!? He’s having an attack, don’t stress him out too mu---

Thorvald:

Get away from the car! Stand back please!

Riku:

…ah… Guys…

Car door closes.

Iori:

Nanase-san! Nanase-san…!

Mitsuki:

Nagi! Answer us! Why aren’t you talking Japanese!? Say something…!

Nagi:

<…>

Thorvald:

Get away from the car!

Touma:

Shut up! What are you doing with Riku!? Open the door! Give Riku back…!!

Iori:

…Inumaru-san…

Thorvald:

Let go of the door!

Sound of pushing someone away.

Mitsuki:

Uwah…

Torao:

Stop that! Hey, you okay!?

Mitsuki:

Y-yeah.

Tamaki:

How dare you…!

Sougo:

Tamaki-kun…!

Haruka:

Stop it! They have guns… Minami! Minami where are you going…!?

Minami:

Rokuya-san! What about Sakura-san!? Did you meet him!?

Nagi:

<…a change of heart after all this time…?>

Minami:

Is Sakura-san safe!?

Nagi:

Minami:

<…please don’t play the victim. You’re the main culprit!>

Yamato:

Speak in Japanese, Nagi! Whatever you have to say I will listen!

Nagi:

<…>

Yamato:

…

…Nagi. There’s a medical certificate in Riku’s notebook. And he should be carrying the necessary medicines around too.

You want to help him, right, Nagi?

Nagi:

<…>

Yamato:

Take care of him.

Nagi:

<… Understood…>

Iori:

Nikaidou-san! What are you---!

Touma:

Riku! Are you okay, Riku…!

Yamato:

Ichi, Inumaru, let go of the door. It’s okay.

Touma:

How is this okay!?

Yamato:

Nagi is our group mate! Of course everything’s okay! So let them pass already!

Touma:

… okay…

Just you try do something to Riku. No matter who it is, I’ll beat the crap out of you!

Iori:

… Nanase-san…

Thorvald:

…thank you very much.

Door closes.

Car drives away.

Haruka:

…it drove away…

Tamaki:

…Rikkun… Nagicchi…

Mitsuki:

…Nagi…

Cut to inside of car.

Riku:

…cough, cough… …hah…

Nagi:

<…Riku… I’m sorry… Because of me…>

Thorvald:

<…Your Highness…>

Nagi:

Crying voice. <…if I knew this would’ve happened… I shouldn’t have done anything…>

Thorvald:

<…>

Nagi:

<…if it’d end in hurting Haruki and my precious group mates… then it would’ve been better not to wish for anything…>

Riku:

…it’s okay, Nagi… Cough cough. I’m glad that I met you…

Nagi:

<…if I hadn’t done anything…>

Riku:

…cough… …don’t cry… Thank you for letting me in the car…

Thorvald:

<… His Highness Nagi is necessary for Noth Meir… But…>

Cut back to venue.

Banri:

…Tsumugi-san, everyone, please return to the hotel. I’ll go to the palace and see if I can do something.

Tamaki:

We’ll go too…!

Banri:

No, it’s dangerous. I’ll call a taxi, so go wait in that café. Tsumugi-san, if you would.

Tsumugi:

Understood… I’m counting on you.

Banri:

I’ll go then.

Torao:

Let’s call a taxi ourselves and wait. Minami, can you do it?

Minami:

…

Torao:

Minami, are you okay?

Minami:

Ah… Yes, understood.

Cut to inside of the café.

Tsumugi:

It seems it will take a while until the taxi arrives. Please wait here for the moment.

Yamato:

Okay.

Iori:

I wonder if Nanase-san is okay… And Rokuya-san too…

Sougo:

Since Nagi-kun is with him, I’m sure everything will be okay. I’m sure he’ll let him be treated by the country’s number one doctor.

Tamaki:

…I’m back. I went to the toilet with Isumin.

Haruka:

I heard about most of the story from Yotsuba. Hey, Minami.

Minami:

…what is it?

Haruka:

What did Rokuya say before? You were talking in Noth Meirian, right?

Minami:

… He said, what unfortunate weather, right?

Haruka:

Don’t lie! It didn’t look like that.

Minami:

…he said, ‘having a change of heart after all this time, even though you were the one laughing even after noticing the code?’

Mitsuki:

…

Torao:

That’s harsh.

Touma:

You said it yourself too, Mina. You can’t do anything about that. Don’t feel down.

Minami:

…I am not.

Yamato:

That’s very unlike Nagi… I bet he hasn’t found Sakura Haruki either. And he didn’t even talk Japanese…

Mitsuki:

…I’m sure he’s in trouble. We have to save him.

Yamato:

Mitsu…

Mitsuki:

If he had said anything, I could’ve calmed down… But him not talking just worried me more…

I know even if he didn’t talk. We understand it completely. I’m sure our fans are waiting with these same feelings.

We can understand each other even without words or promises. I know that we’re wishing for the same thing!

Because we’re partners that have come all this way.

Yamato:

Yeah, you’re right… Let’s save him with our own hands.

Torao:

For starters, we’ll be going to the hotel at which we’re staying after this. Tell us the address of where you’re staying.

Sougo:

You’re going to help us?

Haruka:

We’re looking for Sakura Haruki too. …hey, about Kujou Tenn’s little brother… is he sick?

Tamaki:

Yeah…

Iori:

Yotsuba-san!

Tamaki:

Rikkun is sick, but he’s doing his best for Nagicchi. So I’m worried about him…

Haruka:

… I see…

Iori:

Don’t just mindlessly tell the center of a rival group top secret information please…!

Tamaki:

But he’s a classmate! You won’t tell, right Isumin? If you do, I’ll tell everyone about the leak!

Haruka:

It didn’t leak!! …but I see. I hope you can safely meet those two.

Iori:

…what’s this all of a sudden? Are you feigning being worried so you can win us over?

Mitsuki:

Iori.

Iori:

It’s obvious to doubt them. They’ve sabotaged TRIGGER’s stage for fun!

Haruka:

…

Iori:

Ōsaka-san as well, don’t trust them so easily. They’re idols under TSUKUMO. We don’t know what they’re planning.

Sougo:

…but I think being worried about a sick person and wanting to see them is a feeling everyone carries.

Just as you worry about Riku-kun, ŹOOĻ and Natsume-san worry about Sakura-san. If not, they wouldn’t be here.

Wouldn’t it be good if we shared information between each other? It’d help both of our goals.

Iori:

…

Haruka:

…you don’t have to trust me. I don’t even trust myself either.

I said that before because the way you were chasing after Rokuya reminded me of my old self a bit.

Iori:

…your old self?

Haruka:

…desperately chasing after someone that won’t even face your way. Asking why, wanting to know the reason.

I wasn’t rewarded, but I hope it’ll end good for you…

Door to café opens.

Kujou:

Ah, it’s warm inside… Let us drink a coffee here.

Aya:

Yes!

11.2. Overwriting error

Haruka:

…

Aya:

Ah…! Haru-chan!

Touma:

Haru-chan?

Minami:

Haru-chan?

Torao:

Haru-chan?

Haruka:

…ah…

Acchan…! Kujou…!

Tamaki:

…Aya…!

Sougo:

Aya-chan!?

Aya:

Nii-chan! The people from IDOLiSH7!

Tamaki & Haruka:

Why are you in Noth Meir…!?

Torao:

What. Haruka’s girlfriend?

Tamaki & Haruka:

Wrong!!

Aya:

Haru-chan! Nii-chan! What are you doing in Noth Meir!? Did you two become friends!?

Haruka:

We didn’t!

Kujou:

This scene sure looks not believable.

To think I’d meet you in Noth Meir. IDOLiSH7. ŹOOĻ.

Iori:

…Kujou…

Haruka:

…Kujou…

Tamaki:

What’s your deal being in Noth Meir, bastard!?

Kujou:

A journey to relieve heartbreak.

Tamaki:

Huh!!?

Aya:

Don’t misunderstand! It’s not about a woman!

Tamaki:

I didn’t ask that! Aya…! Come with me!

Aya:

No!

Tamaki:

What do you mean no… Are you kidding me!?

Aya:

I am not!

Tamaki:

You don’t understand anything Aya! Of course it’d be better to stay with me!

Aya:

I do understand! I told you I’d stay with Kujou-san!

Tamaki:

You didn’t! Don’t talk back and get over here!

Aya:

No!

Tamaki:

…no no all the time… Stop it already! Do what I say…!

Aya:

Even though I’m telling you that I don’t want to! Don’t yell like dad did!

Tamaki:

…like dad… are you… are you kidding me…!!

Sougo:

Tamaki-kun!

Aya:

I am not! If I told you to leave IDOLiSH7 you’d be troubled too, wouldn’t you!?

I am the same! Why won’t you understand!?

Haruka:

---Kujou!

Kujou:

What is it, Haruka?

Haruka:

Sakura Haruki. He’s your friend, right? He’s involved in some trouble here and went missing.

Do you know anything?

Kujou:

No, nothing.

Minami:

You supposedly received Sakura-san’s will. Isn’t there anything that could be a clue?

Kujou:

Those were only words of parting and a posthumous work. Though it sounds like Haruki to get involved in trouble right before dying.

Haruka:

Your friend is about to die! Aren’t you worried!?

Kujou:

He was my friend.

Haruka:

…

…you… you even cast away a friend that would give you his posthumous work…?

Are you planning to abandon Kujou Tenn and Acchan too someday, just like you did with me…!?

Kujou:

…

Aya:

…Kujou-san…

Kujou:

…I won’t abandon Tenn nor Aya. They’re the real deal. Unlike you, right?

Haruka:

Wasn’t Sakura Haruki the real deal too!? Didn’t you let Zero sing his songs because you thought that…!?

Kujou:

Haruki betrayed Zero! While he said to be looking for Zero, he wrote songs for other people than Zero!

Haruka:

But aren’t you raising idols that’ll overcome Zero as well!?

Kujou:

I am Zero’s…!

Haruka:

Shut up about Zero already…! Zero’s era is over already! Everyone will go on and forget about him!

I will make you forget Zero…!

Kujou:

…

Cut to the past, at a small venue.

Kujou:

I’m sure that you can become an idol that surpasses Zero.

Yukito:

Ew. No.

Banri:

Hey, Yuki!

Yukito:

And anyways, Zero is an idol of the past. I will make the world forget about him.

Kujou:

…

Cut to in front of Zero Arena. Supposedly some time passed.

Kujou:

I finally met him through fate. That child will surely become an idol that surpasses Zero.

I’ll finally be able to fulfil the dream I couldn’t fulfil with Zero.

Short fade out and fade in.

Kujou:

No… There is no replacement for Zero. I am Zero’s producer. I mustn’t find a replacement for Zero.

No, Zero was the only who disappeared on his own. Zero was the one who betrayed me first! I don’t need Zero anymore, I’ll raise a new idol!

What should I do…? My heart feels like it’s going to rip apart. Even though I hate you more than anyone, I miss you more than anyone.

I can’t forgive you. But I am scared of your glory fading. If it comes to that, then I want to be the one to raise an idol that surpasses you.

I will watch the continuation of the dream I had with you with an idol that surpasses you. I will make you regret having disappeared from my sight! I will be the one to eradicate Zero’s name!

Short fade out and fade in.

Kujou:

---My name will not vanish, Takamasa.

There mustn’t be a replacement for me.

Sound of a cup breaking .

Kujou:

…

Touma:

Ah… S-sorry. I dropped a cup…

Haruka:

Kujou, I don’t care the least bit about you anymore. You abandoned me but I’m doing great.

Acchan! Until when do you intend to stay with this guy!? Being with Yotsuba should be way better than Kujou!

Aya:

…Haru-chan…

Tamaki:

Isumin…

Haruka:

Yotsuba came to the far away Noth Meir for his group mate! What do you want him to do for you!?

Aya:

I don’t want him to do anything… I want to save Kujou-san! Just leave us alone!

Tamaki:

Aya. Mom said something similar like you, got sick and died.

Aya. Come… Please.

Aya:

…

…I won’t.

Tamaki:

…

Kujou:

Aya…

Aya:

Just as there are things that you want to do, there’s things that I want to do as well. I have people that are important to me too.

It’s okay, so don’t worry. …let’s go, Kujou-san. To another store.

Kujou:

Yeah…

Short fade out and fade in.

Touma:

…the taxi will be here soon. If we find out something, we’ll let you know.

Mitsuki:

Okay… Thanks.

Minami:

Please don’t expect too much. There might be nothing that we can do.

Mitsuki:

Is the thing Nagi said bothering you?

Minami:

… It’s true that I gave up on Sakura-san once after all.

Mitsuki:

Natsume…

Sougo:

…Tamaki-kun, are you okay…?

Tamaki:

… even though I thought about what to talk about…

Sougo:

…

Tamaki:

…even though I didn’t want to say stuff like that… I got angry… Because I’m not kind…

Sougo:

…you are kind.

Tamaki:

…I didn’t want to yell… Was I… scary…?

Sougo:

You were kind.

Tamaki:

… …I wonder…

Sougo:

Let’s go, Tamaki-kun… I’m sure Aya-chan will surely understand it someday…

Tamaki:

You think so…? …it’s kinda stupid… Why did I even become an idol for?

Sougo:

…

Tamaki:

…it was supposed to be for Aya’s sake. I thought she’d want to be together with me too, that she wanted to see me too.

If it’d come to this, it would’ve been better to not meet Aya. If I’d just end up saying stuff like that, it would’ve been better for me to not have done anything…

Sougo:

…don’t say stupid things. I understand that you’re feeling down, but if you deny the things you’ve done so far, I’ll get angry.

Tamaki:

I was told I was like dad!!

Sougo:

So what!? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have created a song! And neither would I have known how to express my own feelings!

If you deny your current self, then you’d be denying my current self too. So do you still think not having done anything would’ve been better?

Tamaki:

Th-that’s not what I meant… You could be nice when I’m feeling down at least!

Sougo:

You said we’re fighting all the time anyway!

Tamaki:

I did but! It happens when you’re completely desperate right!? …but I did say too much before…

Yamato:

Come on, don’t fight. I understand your feelings too, Tama. And I’m sure Sou does too.

Everyone here is sure to know. It’s scary isn’t it…? Having walked down a path that you didn’t know if it was the right one or not.

You moved forward following your own heart, but you don’t know if your past self chose the right thing. It happens when you’re not doing well.

When will my past self catch up to me and get revenge… that’s the scariest thing of it all, right?

Tamaki:

…

Minami:

Nikaidou-san…

Yamato:

Losing your composure and making mistakes… Choosing something simple-mindedly without thinking about it… Getting carried away and doing something inconsiderate…

That past self is building our self now. A momentary action ends up deciding our own value and life. And we’re always being revenged for it.

It follows us around, but we can’t shake it off… Even if we try to make someone happy, there will be nights on which we think of that as something stupid and shameless.

We think, if it came to this, it would’ve been better to not have done anything. It would’ve been better to not have wished for anything. There’s no end to it if you start counting.

Everyone is embracing regrets. Right?

Sougo:

…

Touma:

…

Torao:

…

Haruka:

…

Yamato:

But you know… Even such a crappy self, is proof that we’ve been struggling to do something, right?

Even the hopeless idiot, the embarrassed guy that wants to hide in a storage room and the nasty person you want to break up with…

They’re all our selves that have struggled desperately. The happy selves, having soared to ecstasy, the selves that got angry for something with all their might.

Well, then we have no choice but to take them all along, right? Let’s do our best together with them. Step by step.

Mitsuki:

…Yamato-san…

Iori:

…

Yamato:

Also, we know people that did that and succeeded.

Getting revenge from the past, while being saved by it at the same time. Guys that aren’t nice, but also are; that are weak, but also strong; guys that are always fighting, just like us.

…well… Though they’re not really impressive role models either.

11.3. Chosen and walked down path

At Okazaki Agency.

Yuki:

…

Where was it again…?

Okarin:

Yuki-kun, what are you looking for?

Yuki:

A metal bat.

Okarin:

What do you want to use it for?

Yuki:

Isn’t that obvious? I’ll enter the TSUKUMO building and---

Okarin:

Yuki-kun… Even if you stopped Momo-kun last time, this time he won’t stop you.

Even if Re:vale causes a scandal, if you say to go intrude TSUKUMO…

He will silently follow you. If you wish for it, even if it meant the end for Re:vale, he’ll think that it’s what should be done.

Yuki:

… How is Momo doing?

Okarin:

He makes it look like he’s happy, but I’m worried… Did you two talk?

Yuki:

I want to, but he’s kinda avoiding me. I’m worried… There was a time where he lost his voice too…

Okarin:

I’m worried about you too, Yuki-kun. You haven’t slept much lately, right? Even though you’re a sleepyhead.

Yuki:

…I wonder if Ban noticed already? He’s working overseas right now, but would it be better to tell them ourselves?

Okarin:

Working overseas is tough, let’s wait until he’s back in Japan. Uhm, this is a suggestion but…

Yuki:

What?

Okarin:

Would it be possible to let Ōgami-san hold a press conference? And maybe let a trustworthy reporter write an article about it.

Yuki:

…

Okarin:

I think, that if he explained that you didn’t abandon him, then the fans would be able to accept it as well.

Yuki:

I won’t say that I didn’t abandon him.

Okarin:

…

Yuki:

And I don’t want to make Ban say it either. I don’t need others to accept something that we don’t accept ourselves.

I am glad to have met Momo. But I have never felt glad that Ban got hurt and left.

If someone tells me I did right, or if someone tells me I did wrong, I will never forgive them.

I absolutely refuse for someone else to explain my life, our chosen paths, like it’s an easy to understand recipe.

Okarin:

Yuki-kun…

Yuki:

Neither Momo nor Ban need to do that. They might laugh and forgive them, but there’s no way they aren’t hurt.

I can’t choose the reporter for the conference. I do want to relieve the fans’ worries, but others would talk about it too.

I can neither forgive people that pat the two’s shoulders and say that they understand nor, obviously, people that scold them.

So I won’t talk.

Okarin:

…understood. That is very like you. I think that’s good too.

I think both the feelings of wanting to understand and not wanting to understand should be respected equally.

Yuki:

Thanks.

Well, I can only say such selfish things because I trust Momo, Ban, the fans and you.

Telling them to trust me while not saying anything. I know it’s an absurd and oppressive demand, I have to push through my demand and be happy.

Okarin:

Happy?

Yuki:

Yes. If I became unhappy, both Momo and Ban would regret the things they did, right?

I don’t have the pride of an idol like Tenn-kun does, but even my fans couldn’t laugh and listen to my songs if I were unhappy.

It’s my song that Momo and Ban protected. I will not lower its worth. Even if I do other things wrong, this I won’t.

So we, well, we’ll stay the invincible Re:vale.

Okarin:

Yuki-kun, so reliable… Ikemen!

Yuki:

Thanks. Ah… Sorry. I’ll call Takanashi Agency, okay?

Phone ringing.

Okarin:

Takanashi Agency? If there’s something, I can call them myself.

Yuki:

No, I’ll talk. We may cause them problems due to Ban, so I thought to should meet with the bunny uncl---ah, it connected.

Hello, it’s Yuki. Yes, Re:vale.

Okarin:

As casual as ever, isn’t he?

Yuki:

Is the president there? …hee? Understood. I’ll call again.

Okarin:

He wasn’t there?

Yuki:

They said he’s seeing to a visitor at the moment.

Cut to Otoharu’s office.

Otoharu:

What a rare visitor. Feel free to play with Kinako. She’s lonely since Banri-kun left.

Welcome, Momo-kun. What brought you here today?

Momo:

…

I am sorry for having caused problems!

Otoharu:

…Momo-kun?

Momo:

I think you’re aware of the articles about Ban-san. Everything is my fault…! I’m really sorry…!

The thing he was hiding so seriously, to be spread in such a way…

Otoharu:

…

Momo:

Even the fact that he’s working here, might be revealed as time passes.

Having caused you so much trouble, I have no right to face you like this but… I have come with a request for you.

Otoharu:

For me?

Momo:

Please don’t let Ban-san go away.

Otoharu:

…

Momo:

If he thinks that he’s causing trouble for us and Takanashi, he may go away somewhere.

He’s that type of kind person. He’s a person that would throw everything away with a smile for the person he cares about…!

Otoharu:

…Momo-kun…

Momo:

Please! Look after him so that he doesn’t go anywhere…

Otoharu:

…don’t cry. Banri-kun won’t be going anywhere. I’d be troubled too if he left.

Now is different than the past. He has a lot of reliable allies and a lot of ways to protect and fight.

You’re one of those too. Don’t say it’s your fault.

Momo:

… …yes…

Otoharu:

It’s okay. Everyone is just feeling uneasy. It’s obvious that they are.

No matter how much they keep looking after them and trusting them, the fans can’t get to know the idols’ feelings directly.

Sometimes you even stop knowing if the words of the friends by your side are the truth or lies, so it’s only obvious to feel uneasy about unexpected news.

Even so, because they like you, they’re trying to get close to you with all their might, even through uneasiness and sadness.

Just like you once did.

Momo:

…Otoharu-san…

Otoharu:

As there are idols that chase after dreams, there are fans that support idols.

It’s a fun scenery if you catch a glimpse of it from all sides. But if you look from their side, it’s not just an easy and simple play.

Because they’re trying to change a lot of pain and discord into forward-looking feelings so that they can enjoy it…

Places where everyone can smile are born.

Not only idols can overcome their worries and get into dazzling spotlights. Fans are the same.

That shining, sparkling stage is overflowing with kindness to love people, strength to believe in them and wisdom to watch over them.

That’s why idols and fans can become one on a concert’s stage.

So they can say, that they’ve worked hard for this day, that it’s their festival. That both you and they are wonderful.

That they look forward to more. They can praise each other that way.

Momo:

…to understand each other during concerts…

Otoharu:

Exactly. That’s why, if you’re wavering, then sing. You can connect with just that.

Your idols, and the fans are waiting for you to sing. That is the only promised that you really need.

That is why those children too, are doing their best right now to sing as seven again.

Momo:

…those children?

Otoharu:

Ah, no. Nothing.

Momo:

…thank you very much, Otoharu-san… I don’t feel as lost anymore.

I… will sing. I’ll sing together with Yuki. Sing for all those words I can’t say, with all my might.

Because I love Re:vale. Because I love Re:vale’s fans. I want to overcome words and connect.

For the sake of this bond, the song of the person I love and the wonderful things that I love; I’ll always keep on singing.

11.4. I want to keep singing

Green and pink lit stage.

Audience:

*scream*

Re:vale!

Yuki…! Momo…!

Spectator:

I wonder if Re:vale is okay… What should I do if they look gloomy? If it were to be a serious mood…

Spectator:

Don’t worry! Forget about everything and enjoy tonight’s concert! I’m sure it’ll be a fun show… probably…

Spectator:

If it could start already… I want to see them laugh and sing quickly…

Cut to backstage.

Yuki:

Momo.

Momo:

Yuki.

Yuki:

There’s something I need to tell you... is what I wanted to say but…

Momo:

Me too, but, it’s kinda…

I don’t need unnecessary things. I love Re:vale, and I love you. You feel the same, right Yuki?

Yuki:

Well, yes.

Momo:

Serious talk isn’t like us. That princess carry thing we did fits us way better.

Yuki:

Sure. Should we link arms with each other while going on stage?

Momo:

I’ll give you an air kiss as service. I’ll give you lots of fan service and put you in a good mood.

You said so. I never failed to make you happy.

Yuki:

Ahaha. You’re right.

That’s why we’re invincible. Let’s go, Momo.

Momo:

Yes!

Cut to stage.

Momo:

Good evening! We’re Re:vale!

Audience:

*scream*

Yuki:

There has been a lot going on lately, so Momo said he’ll only do fan service for me tonight.

Audience:

*scream*

Momo:

I didn’t say only! I didn’t, right!?

Yuki:

I’ll only do it for you.

Audience:

*scream*

Yuki:

So that’s what you’ll see from us today. Sorry.

Momo:

Ahaha! No good! If I receive all of your fan service, I’ll die!

Yuki:

Well then, here’s my killer wink.

Momo:

Gyaaa! Ikemen!!

Audience:

Ahahahaha!

Yay! I’m glad! The two are getting along!

…uu… *sob*

Eh!? Why are you crying!? They’re getting along really well!

Ahaha! I wonder why! I’m glad but I’m crying… What a waste, I wanna see them properly!

Yuki! Momo! Re:vale! I love you…!

Ahahahaha!

Cut to a hotel room.

Torao:

Amazing… it’s pure white due to the snow…

Haruka:

This hotel is like a palace in the snow. There’s four beds and two rooms…

Torao:

This is about normal? Sorry that the biggest presidential suite wasn’t vacant.

Touma:

Presidential?

Torao:

The number one room. I bragged so much about it but couldn’t let you stay in it.

…it’s always the same with me…

Minami:

…this room is wide enough. It’s because of what you said that I am here in Noth Meir.

The town with Sakura-san…

Touma:

…

Minami:

…Inumaru-san… What are you looking at on your smartphone?

Touma:

… …a TRIGGER MV…

Haruka:

…

Touma:

I remembered what Nikaidou said during lunch… …better off by not dong it…

…I hated them. Flashy promotions, a huge agency. Kicking about with methods almost too good to be true…

Because I thought like that, I wanted to acquire the same things and let them know.

…that we’re better. That they weren’t guys that could actually beat NO_MAD.

I thought that they were wrong,w and I was right. That’s why I swung my risen fist downward without hesitation.

And I thought the same of the fans. That they were fools dancing on a field of flowers while being tricked. That they didn’t know the value of things nor how to have an eye for people.

Even though there’s value already in getting to love someone that you can get engrossed with… I didn’t want to realize that, so I didn’t.

If I didn’t realize it then I could stay the tragic hero, even if just in my delusions. Because then I could keep on not accepting the fact that I lost…

But… I finally understood. Understood against what of TRIGGER that we lost.

It wasn’t the singing, or dancing, or promo or agency.

It was because we wanted to be accepted by the fans and our rivals, before making our fans happy.

We’re great right? We did well, right? Come one, praise us, love us… I only thought about wanting people to praise us.

TRIGGER is different. While they’re always asking themselves what to do, they’re always facing their fans.

Even if they were praised by someone, they weren’t just satisfied by it. Even if someone spoke ill of them, they didn’t become mean themselves. …and yet, I…

I said it served them right. I… Man I did something embarrassing… …I’m the lowest as a singer…

Torao:

…Touma…

Touma:

…I… probably never again in my life… can I be proud of myself, right?

Even if I get all the praise I wanted back then, I’ll always be reminded of the things I did…

I don’t even have the right to face my fans… But despite everything, I…

…I want to keep singing…

Haruka:

…

Me too…

…I want to keep singing too…

…not for the sake of someone accepting me and not for the sake of revenge… I want to sing for myself and become stronger.

…I don’t even like myself that much and I haven’t really found it yet… my own dream or happiness or something…

But I want to believe that my place to be is somewhere out there and keep on searching…

Minami:

… Me too…

I want to meet Sakura-san one more time…

The things I did to Sakura-san and Rokuya-san cannot be forgiven… …yet I still want to meet him.

…if I had just noticed a lot earlier…

If I had thrown away my stupid pride and clung to it…

…if Sakura-san were to welcome his last somewhere all alone…

Torao:

…

…let’s sleep for tonight. And think about it again tomorrow. About what we can do…

Even if we’re a fad that’s to end in three years, there surely is something we can do.

Cut to lobby of another hotel.

Banri:

I’m back.

Tsumugi:

Banri-san, welcome back. Thank you for doing that even though it’s so cold. About Riku-san…

Banri:

They said they’ll send him to the hotel tomorrow. I tried to negotiate too, but it was useless.

Tsumugi:

I see…

Banri:

And the others?

Tsumugi:

I had them rest in their rooms.

Banri:

…I don’t want to say this about Nagi-kun’s brother, but I don’t think I can get to like Prince Seth.

Supporting someone isn’t there to snatch away their achievements, right?

Though I think it can’t be helped to gather the glory and fame of people that did their utmost like some kind of accessories…

Tsumugi:

I think so too… I want to support IDOLiSH7 so I’m doing my best with my job too. I am doing my utmost too. But without IDOLiSH7 nothing could’ve started.

Of course I’m glad that IDOLiSH7 is loved by everyone…

But even if they weren’t loved by anyone or even if they would fail, I believe that they’d still be charming.

I don’t want to stop telling others about IDOLiSH7’s charms until the end, no matter what.

Banri:

Me too. That feeling hasn’t changed since before nor will it from now on. That’s why…

Tsumugi:

Banri-san…?

Banri:

Let’s stay by their side, and support them wholeheartedly, yes?

Cut to hotel room, door opens.

Sougo:

Excuse me.

Mitsuki:

Sougo…

Sougo:

Banri-san has just returned earlier. It seems they’ll send Riku-kun over here tomorrow…

Iori:

I see… I wonder if Nanase-san is okay…

Yamato:

Nagi is with him, so no worries. What about Tama?

Sougo:

He fell asleep… It seems he was really exhausted.

Mitsuki:

He became an idol for Aya-chan’s sake after all… Being refused in that way must’ve been a shock.

I was shocked too when I was refused by Nagi. For a moment, I almost started thinking if that wasn’t another person…

Iori:

Nii-san…

Mitsuki:

But I’ll believe! That’s what I decided. There’s definitely a bond that is connecting us.

Yamato:

Yeah.

Sougo:

Yes.

Iori:

I wonder if Rokuya-san listened to the new song…

Yamato:

I wonder if he can make it to the livestream… The staff for the special program will arrive here in three days.

Mitsuki:

There’s our MV too. We’re scheduled to start shooting our parts the day after tomorrow. We’re pretty much walking on thin ice huh?

Sougo:

It seems that the fans that saw the news about the special program are imagining Nagi-kun coming back then.

Iori:

Because we’re in Noth Meir. If Rokuya-san doesn’t appear, it might only worsen their worries.

Worries are contagious, they’ll just increase. Resting from work, leaving, breaking up… Bad thoughts will start floating around in their heads.

I will not let it come to that. Let us make it until the program. And we’ll also perform as seven on Black or White.

I’m worried about Nanase-san’s attack, but maybe this is our chance.

Sougo:

You’re right. If he can somehow ask about Nagi-kun’s feelings, me may come up with a counterplan.

Mitsuki:

Nagi… Riku… I wonder what they’re doing right now…

Cut to Nagi’s room.

Nagi:

…

Door opens.

Seth:

<Nagi. I heard you stopped your inspection.>

Nagi:

Seth:

<That’s not the only thing, right? I heard you encountered intruders.>

Nagi:

<That’s right. Interrogating them took some time as well, so that was one of the reasons to stop too. So?>

Seth:

Nagi:

<…ah… …yes, I have no wound.>

Seth:

<Ah, I’m glad… That was my only worry. I heard a doctor was called to your room.>

Nagi:

<Haha… everyone just worries too much.>

Seth:

Nagi:

<Yes. Good night, Dear Brother.>

Seth:

Door closes.

Nagi:

…

…OK. It’s okay now. You can come out of the bed.

Riku:

…that was nerve-wracking… He didn’t notice?

11.5. One’s place

In Nagi’s room.

Nagi:

It was perfect. Sorry… You only just calmed down from the attack and I made you hide under the blanket…

Riku:

It’s okay! Thanks to the doctor you brought along it got a lot better!

Nagi:

OH , I’m very glad then.

[TL note: There is no note, I just wanted to say that Nagi is talking with his accent again and maybe I’m sobbing. Also the music track playing right now is that one hopeful sounding one, you know which one. Ah.]

Riku:

Wanna listen to the rest of the new song?

Nagi:

YES!

Riku:

Then come onto the bed too. Let’s hide under the blanket together in case someone else comes. Here, an earphone.

Nagi:

Thanks. OH… it’s a wonderful song. Mitsuki is singing a lot.

Riku:

He’s singing your parts. He said he’d teach you when after meeting with you.

Nagi:

I see… I really like Mitsuki’s singing voice.

Riku:

Me too. But I also like your singing voice.

You have to sing your parts. Both Mitsuki and the fans are waiting.

We heard about the code and Sakura-san. We want to be of help to---

Nagi:

Riku, it’s late already. Let’s talk about that another time---

Riku:

Look at me while talking. This isn’t like you.

Nagi:

Riku…

Riku:

The person before was your brother, right? I thought he’d be a scarier person. A bad, self-important person that was mean to you.

I don’t understand Noth Meirian, but it felt like he was worried about you. Like he was kind to you…

Nagi:

…I felt that as well.

Riku:

…can’t you talk to and understand each other? To tell him to let Sakura-san go and let you return to Japan?

Nagi:

I tried to, but it’s difficult. I don’t know what my brother wants. He tells me to thank him, so I do, but…

The ceremony that he messed up is being taken care of by me. To be honest, he should be the one thanking me.

Riku:

Well, yes… But he really didn’t seem like a person that would hold Sakura-san hostage and threaten you.

Nagi:

Because his looks are good. If nothing else, I’m at least proud of my brother’s looks.

Riku:

Uhh… That’s not what I meant…

Nagi:

Hm… I wonder why it came to this.

Being with my brother tires me… As I was trying to fulfil his expectations, he started to be dissatisfied with me at some point.

Even though he was so kind a long time ago…

Riku:

…he was kind earlier too. What did he say?

Nagi:

He was worried about me and asked if I had been hurt because of the doctor that was called here. Though it might’ve been an act.

Riku:

…so he was nice when you were small and also when you’re hurt… …then…

He’s kind to you when you’re troubled or at times when you’re weaker than him, yes?

Nagi:

…

Riku:

Am I wrong?

Nagi:

That may be it… But it’s hard to understand. I grew because my brother desired it.

I studied and levelled up to answer my brother’s expectations. So why did he come to hate those results?

Riku:

Yeah…

He keeps Sakura-san hostage, tells you to do what he says and wants you to thank him… The things he says are all over the place…

But if he’s kind to you when he can help you, then I don’t think that he just doesn’t like you.

Maybe there is some room for talking?

Nagi:

…

Riku:

We should meet with everyone and talk about that too. And then we’ll also help get out Sakura-san.

You’re not stopping with IDOLiSH7, right?

Nagi:

…

Riku:

Answer! More quickly!

Nagi:

Sorry, Riku… I won’t want to lie any more than this to you and the others.

I cannot make a promise that I may not be able to fulfil.

Riku:

…

Then I’ll change my question. Do you want to be together with us? Do you want to go back to Japan and keep working as IDOLiSH7?

Answer me, Nagi.

Nagi:

…

Riku:

Nagi. If people dear to you get hurt, the strength to love yourself gets weaker. …I was told that by Iori too.

But… Don’t regret meeting us. Don’t give up on your happiness.

It doesn’t matter if you can keep promises or not. Let me hear your true words, Nagi.

Nagi:

…Riku…

…

…I… want to be together with everyone…

I want to… sing this song… as seven…

Cut to a hall in the palace.

Seth:

<…>

Thorvald:

Seth:

Thorvald:

<…of course I do. From the bottom of my heart. Not only me but everyone in the country respects Your Highness Seth.>

Seth:

Thorvald:

<…>

Seth:

<…I don’t mind. Pray tell.>

Thorvald:

<…Your Highness Seth, You’ve held Your own honour too importantly.>

Seth:

<…>

Thorvald:

Seth:

<Thorvald.>

Thorvald:

<Yes.>

Seth:

Thorvald:

<…>

Seth:

<Didn’t you hear me?>

Thorvald:

Seth:

To be continued…

Shion

IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 11