IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 1

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 1 – Dream hanging upon the blue sky

1.1. Oath on the fingertip

Blue sky.

 

Kujou Takamasa:

Haruki… Haruki…!

Haruki, amazing! This new song is perfect for Zero!

 

Sakura Haruki:

You’re welcome. I thought that you’d especially like it. Takamasa.

 

Kujou Takamasa:

Zero will like it too! Especially this part! This phrase… Ah…!

 

Sakura Haruki:

Look out! …seriously, how many of my cups do you intend to break?

 

Kujou Takamasa:

Sorry, sorry. I was too excited… More and more performance ideas pop up in my head.

Zero is in the middle of the stage, singing while being bathed in shining spotlight! And then, the fans’ voices will embrace him!

 

Sakura Haruki:

Sounds nice. …ugh…

 

Kujou Takamasa:

…are you okay, Haruki? You look unwell.

 

Sakura Haruki:

…haha. I did an all-nighter, so I’m just lacking sleep.

Continue, talking about Zero.

 

Kujou Takamasa:

It’s about our dream, Haruki! Mine, yours and Zero’s will change the world. A world in which everyone can be happy!

There’s no idol that is as loved as Zero. Even after 10 years, no, even after 100 years, there won’t be any idol that can overcome Zero.

Everyone will forever only love Zero!

Cut to a small live stage.

 

Banri:

Good evening! We’re Re:vale! Come on, Yuki. Greet them!

 

Yukito:

…good evening.

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Banri:

Thank you for always supporting us! From now on too, always, continue to listen to our, to Re:vale’s songs, okay?!

 

Audience:

*scream*

You’ll definitely become popular! Like that Zero from ages ago, even more famous than him…!

Cut to bigger live stage.

 

Mister Shimooka:

And the overall winner is Re:vale…!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Yuki:

…we’re the overall winners…

 

Momo:

We did it…! We did it, Yuki…! *jumps at him*

 

Yuki:

Whoa…!

Momo:

Amazing…! Re:vale’s the overall winner! …u, uu… I’m extremely ultra happy…!!

Everyone, thank youuu!!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Yuki:

Thank you… Thank you!

 

Audience:

*scream*

Cut to another live stage.

 

Touma:

Thanks! Come again to NO_MAD’s next concert!!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Touma:

I’ll show you all more and more amazing things from now on too!

We’ll make Re:vale lose and become the Black or White overall winners! ‘Kay!? You wanna see it, right!?

 

Audience:

*scream*

We waaant! Show uuus!!

Cut to a TV studio.

 

Host:

Our next guest achieved a sensational debut, the big newbies everyone is expecting things from, TRIGGER!

Audience:

*scream*

 

Tenn:

Thank you for having us.

 

Gaku:

Thanks.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Th… Thank you for having us!

 

Audience:

*scream*

They are, SO cool…!!

I love TRIGGER… the most in the world!!

Cut to a big live stage.

 

Audience:

*scream*

Congrats on your debut concert!!

 

MEZZO”:

Than---

…

 

Sougo:

…thank you very much. I am very glad to be able to sing in front of everyone like this.

 

Tamaki:

Well… Me too.

 

Sougo:

Tamaki-kun…

 

Tamaki:

I’m happy toooo! Thanks!

 

Audience:

*scream*

Cut to a different stage.

 

Audience:

*scream*

ŹOOĻ…!

 

Haruka:

Hmph.

 

Torao:

Yo.

 

Minami:

Fufu… Hello.

 

Touma:

Let’s go! Scream our name until your voices dry out…!

 

Audience:

*scream*

ŹOOĻ is the best! I’ll stay with you forever…!

Cut to another stage.

 

Riku:

Good evening! We’re IDOLiSH7!

 

Iori:

Everyone, thank you for having us!

 

Yamato:

Let’s have fun tonight with Onii-san!

 

Mitsuki:

I’m really happy to meet everyone!

 

Tamaki:

Let’s play together!

 

Sougo:

Please listen until the end!

 

Nagi:

Let us spend the best time together, shall we!?

 

Audience:

*scream*

I love IDOLiSH7!

I’ll always, always support you!

Cut to a blue sky.

 

Tsumugi:

IDOLiSH7 was always…

That time when MEZZO” debuted before the others, and when we changed the center, and even when they had arguments or when they lived in different places for a while...

And that time where they fought against TRIGGER, when they wanted to rescue Re:vale, and when they met ŹOOĻ, they were always 7.

I believe it was because of destiny. And I think everyone feels the same.

Since we believed in destiny, we can’t give up.

Whatever happens, IDOLiSH7 will---

---always be IDOLiSH7.

Cut to the dorms, present time again.

 

Nagi:

Lala…

 

Riku:

Nagi, what’s wrong? Why do you have that big camera?

 

Nagi:

I got it to use for cosplay! Let’s take a commemoration photography with everyone!

 

Sougo:

A commemoration? Even though we look horrible after MOP’s closing party…

 

Tamaki:

Sou-chan, I bet you don’t even remember what happened yesterday. Again.

 

Sougo:

I don’t…

 

Tamaki:

Well you did something special yesterday, so nevermind.

 

Sougo:

Something special?

 

Tamaki:

You made TRIGGER sit in seiza when they were having an argument.

[TL note: seiza literally translates to “correct sitting”, it consists of kneeling with the tops of the feet flat on the floor and sitting on the soles.]

 

Sougo:

You’re kidding…!?

 

Mitsuki:

Nagi. You can always take pictures with your smartphone. Why the sudden urge for a commemoration picture?

 

Nagi:

OH! A memory of MOP!

 

Iori:

A memory of losing? Well, not that I mind… If we’re doing this let’s get it over with already, shall we?

 

Nagi:

OK! Everyone, line up!

 

Yamato:

I’ll push the shutter. Nagi, you line up too.

 

Nagi:

NO, NO! Yamato please line up as well.

 

Yamato:

You don’t want anyone to be missing on the picture? Well, Onii-san’s the same.

 

Nagi:

…

 

Yamato:

Onii-san doesn’t like it either. You know what I mean, right?

 

Nagi:

…still, someone needs to push the shutter.

 

A door opens.

 

Tsumugi:

I shall push the shutter!

 

Riku:

Manager!

1.2. Smile!

Tsumugi:

Everyone, good morning!

Yesterday’s MOP results weren’t as fortunate as expected, but let’s aim for the End of Year’s Black or White and keep on doing our best!

Today you have another job in a music TV show, and in a week, you’re scheduled to shoot the MV of your new song!

You’ll probably have it busy until the end of the year, but I’m looking forward to work with you all!

 

IDOLiSH7:

Yes!

 

Tsumugi:

Ah, please excuse me. The shutter, right? You take a lot of pictures for different jobs, but a memory taken in the dorms is somewhat fresh!

 

Nagi:

OH! Tsumugi over there! Please make this morning shine with your flower-like smile!

 

Tsumugi:

Eh? But…

 

Yamato:

Nagi.

 

Iori:

Seriously, you’re all so bothersome. You can just use a timer, can’t you?

 

Nagi:

OH! I had forgotten about that.

 

Riku:

Iori, how clever!

 

Iori:

I know.

 

Riku:

Not cute…

 

Iori:

Come on, lend me the camera. There’s always a solution to solve any problem.

 

Riku:

Any problem?

 

Iori:

Indeed. I am the perfect high school student after all, so we’re all perfect too.

 

Tamaki:

Iorin, nice!

 

Iori:

Come on, let’s go, line up.

 

They line up next to each other.

 

Tamaki:

Peace!

 

Riku:

Yay!

 

Sougo:

…I made TRIGGER sit in seiza…

 

Nagi:

OK! Sougo, everyone, smile! Please laugh!

 

Mitsuki:

…Nagi…

 

Nagi:

3, 2, 1, smile!

 

Picture gets taken.

Cut to busy intersection.

 

Woman:

It’s been a while since Re:vale’s concert, right?!

 

Woman:

It’s too bad they didn’t appear at yesterday’s MOP, but we can see them today again! I’m really looking forward to it!!

 

Tsukumo:

Yes yes, enjoy it. Following after TRIGGER, after all, soon Re:vale won’t be seen on TV anymore as well!

 

Woman:

…what’s with that guy…

 

Woman:

Suuuper creepy!!

Cut to Re:vale’s dressing room.

Okarin:

As expected, finishing “Mikansei na bokura” for today’s concert was difficult, huh?

 

Yuki:

Momo just won’t approve of it. Though it’s a song full of memories, so it can’t be helped.

 

Momo:

S-sorry… It’s not like I don’t like your arrangement. …I can’t put it into words…

 

Yuki:

It’s okay. There’s no need to worry. Let’s sing “Eiensei riron” today.

[TL note: eiensei riron can be translated as something like “Theory of the nature of eternity”]

 

Okarin:

As it was just recently revealed, it’s the theme song of the Universiade Soccer Tournament, right? The offer came and I made preparations immediately…

[TL note: “The Universiade is an International multi-sport event, organized for university athletes by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The name is a combination of the words "University" and "olympiad".”, quoted from the Wikipedia article Universiade.]

 

Yuki:

Momo loves soccer after all. Thinking of an image was easy, composing was fun too.

And the lyrics were written by Momo.

 

Momo:

...since it wasn't me helping you and rather writing everything by myself, it was a first for me, I was kinda nervous…

 

Yuki:

It came out really well though. The lyrics are like you, kind and reassuring.

 

Momo:

Thank you!!

I remembered how it was when I played soccer. Standing on the field, looking at the opposite team, waiting for the signal of the game starting, it was an exciting feeling.

With that same feeling I started thinking. Wondering if my words could beautifully ride on your melody. And wondering if it’d become a Re:vale-like song.

I was nervous, uncertain, worried… But, I wanted to try it, I wanted to challenge it, to forget about winning or losing and give the best I could.

 

Okarin:

I’m sure both Yuki’s song and Momo’s lyrics will definitely push the backs of everyone feeling the same. Not only the students at the tournament…

In this day and age where we can live without fighting, it’ll support people that decided to take up battles again, with courage and determination and will let them shine brighter than before.

 

Yuki:

Okarin, nicely said.

 

Momo:

Praise us more!

 

Okarin:

I shall praise you as much as you want! It may become colder from now on, and the incident with TSUKUMO will become more decisive, the season is getting harsher too, but…

Let’s make “Eiensei riron” our slogan and gorgeously and gallantly overcome winter! The last one laughing will be Re:vale!

 

Yuki:

How cool.

 

Momo:

Re:vale’s the best!

I’m sure there’ll be a do-or-die situation… But even so, there’s no night that never dawns, and after winter, there is always spring!

 

Yuki:

Momo. My name is Yuki. Winter is my servant.

 

Momo:

Yuki, you’re the best ikemen!!

 

Yuki:

I know.

 

Momo:

Let’s go. For the end of December, let’s make everyone smile and wish them a happy new year!

Cut to the stage.

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Momo:

Good evening! We’re Re:vale!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Yuki:

Did you watch MOP? Wasn’t it amazing?

Audience:

I diiid!!

 

Yuki:

From now on there’s gonna be something even more amazing. But, let’s go together.

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Momo:

You know it, right? Even under the light, and amidst deepest darkness too, as long as you’re with us it’ll be fun!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Momo:

When we’re together it’s fun! Nothing scares us! I promise!

Even after becoming an old grandpa, I’ll stay by Yuki’s side and dance!!

 

Audience:

*scream*

 

Short fade-out and fade-in.

 

Audience:

*scream*

Re:vale!

 

Tsukumo:

…

Fufu… You won’t be able to keep such a promise, Re:vale.

Idols hanging from piano wires in mid-air. I’ll shoot them down next time.

 

Audience:

Re:vale! You’re the best!

 

Tsukumo:

BANG!

1.3. Loitering heart

Ryūnosuke:

…I don’t remember what happened at yesterday’s closing party…

 

Gaku:

As expected.

 

Tenn:

As expected.

 

Kaoru:

Honestly, how careless. Here, water.

 

Ryūnosuke:

I’m sorry…

 

Kaoru:

Well, you’ve won MOP after all! And Re:vale wanted to celebrate too, I’ll let it slide today.

And more importantly, Gaku and Tenn! Having a fight in the middle of the party!

 

Ryūnosuke:

Fight!? Gaku and Tenn!?

 

Tenn:

Ah, you really don’t remember.

 

Gaku:

And here I thought you weren’t that drunk because you were still talking Standard Japanese.

 

Ryūnosuke:

A fight… What was the reason?

 

Gaku:

Tenn.

 

Tenn:

Gaku.

 

Ryūnosuke:

I thought you’d say that.

 

Kaoru:

I’ll show you a video. I thought it’d be a nice memory so I recorder it with my smartphone.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Ah, yes, thank you.

 

Kaoru:

Alright, I’ll play it.

 

Cut to the party location.

 

Nagi:

…

 

Kaoru:

Ah, Nagi-kun… Why are you making such a sorrowful face tonight I wonder?

But, an ennui Nagi-kun is wonderful too… Squueze… Ah no, I can’t anymore, I want to squeeze you, hug you tightly…

 

Cut back to present.

 

TRIGGER:

…

 

Ryūnosuke:

Was that…

 

Kaoru:

Nothing, it was nothing! This is Gaku’s and Tenn’s fight!

 

Cut back to party.

 

Banri:

You slapped each other even though you’re idols? No wonder Okazaki-san got angry.

 

Okarin:

Right!? Tell Yuki-kun and Momo-kun as well!

 

Momo:

Wrong! It’s Yuki’s fault! Even though he can only punch like a whimp, he just dives into danger as if it’s nothing!

 

Yuki:

It’s your fault! Because you only think of me and don’t take enough care of yourself. Come on Ban, tell him!!

 

Momo:

Haa!? As if Ban-san would say anything! He was the one to cover for you when you were a unit though!?

 

Banri:

Ahaha, you may be right.

 

Yuki:

Is this the right place to laugh!? You must be crazy.

 

Banri & Momo:

I don’t want to be told that by you.

 

Okarin:

In the first place, idols don’t go barging into danger!! Does everyone, understand!?

 

Cut back to present.

 

TRIGGER:

…

 

Ryūnosuke:

So it was Re:vale who had a fight, yes?

 

Kaoru:

It’s because they had such a bad example that they started fighting in front of people… Ah, I found it. This is it.

 

Cut back to party.

 

Tenn:

Don’t say unnecessary things to Kujou-san. I myself accept this way of living.

 

Gaku:

I don’t. You only live for the sake of others. For Nanase and Kujou…

 

Tenn:

Why exactly does it matter if you accept it or not? I care for those two according to my own will, for my own sake and happiness.

Don’t start pitying me and looking down on me based on your own selfish norm. Don’t you think it’s disrespectful?

 

Gaku:

How about you? Don’t you think it’s disrespectful against Kujou and Nanase?

Don’t you think they might feel ashamed because you left something behind, are holding something back, only to make them happy?

 

Tenn:

Who do you think you are? So now you’re deciding on how Riku and Kujou-san are supposed to feel?

I’m just doing what I want. It’s my wish. They aren’t related to this.

 

Gaku:

Well me too, I’m worried about you because I want. It’s my wish. You’re not related to this.

 

Tenn:

Huh!?

 

Gaku:

It’s the same reasoning, isn’t it? If you’ve got a problem with it, start with looking at yourself.

You left your house to go with Kujou for Nanase’s sake. I went to see Kujou for your sake. Where’s the difference?

 

Tenn:

... It’s unfair if you put it that way…

 

Gaku:

The reason why you think it’s unfair is because you’re tender-hearted.

 

Tenn:

…

 

Gaku:

Nanase said it. That you’re kind and sweet, like an angel. And I told him that I don’t know of such a Kujou Tenn.

But Nanase was right. I finally understood your true colours. Though Ryu might’ve noticed before already…

 

Tenn:

Noticed what…?

 

Gaku:

You’re soft-hearted, you choose your friends and family and keep them close, and to those people you are sweet to the bitter end. For those you’re overprotective, sensitive and prone to worrying.

Not only to Nanase. Also to your fans, to us and to Kujou-san.

You left your house for Nanase’s sake, for me and Ryu you didn’t talk about the suspicions you had on “NATSU Shiyouze!” being stolen. Having taken care of you, for Kujou-san you stay by his side.

If your close friends and family are looking troubled, you’d drink poison with a cool face for them. Your true colours are those of a cold-blooded hedgehog.

 

Tenn:

…

 

Gaku:

My desire is but one. Don’t drink poison by my side. Just as much as you can’t bear to see your close friends and family troubled, I can’t bear it either.

 

Tenn:

… but I’m happy. …I mean…

 

Gaku:

What?

 

Tenn:

…saying it again is embarrassing but… I’m singing together with you and Ryu.

For me, that fact is what makes me happy more than anything else… Therefore, don’t worry. …thank you.

 

Gaku:

Tenn.

 

Tenn:

…what?

 

Gaku:

That’s not what I was talking about right now.

 

Tenn:

…! You man that doesn’t understand the subtleties of the heart! I won’t say it again!!

 

Gaku:

If singing as TRIGGER means such happiness to you, why can’t you reject Kujou for saying that you should abandon TRIGGER!?

 

Tenn:

That…

 

Gaku:

That’s exactly what I mean! If you’re not looking down on and pitying Kujou, then stop fooling yourself already!

 

Tenn:

…!

 

Water splashing.

 

Gaku:

…you, what’re you doing!?

 

Tenn:

Sorry, I wanted to refill your drink but my hand slipped.

 

Gaku:

Liar! You siblings, always wetting my inseam…!

 

Tenn:

That haughty side of yours is exactly like President Yaotome’s!

 

Gaku:

Say what!?

 

 

Ryūnosuke:

Hey! You two having fun? …what, what’s wrong!? Why are you fighti---wa-wait, no, stop!

 

Cut back to present.

 

TRIGGER:

…

 

Kaoru:

After that, a dead drunk Sougo-kun found you and lectured you while you were sitting in seiza. Wanna watch until there too?

 

Ryūnosuke:

No… It’s okay… But, I see… So Kujou-san was the reason.

 

Gaku:

Ryu you’re on my side right?

 

Tenn:

Ryu you’re on my side right?

 

Ryūnosuke:

Uhh…

… I became an idol to help my family out with money, so I really understand Tenn’s feelings.

 

Tenn:

See!

 

Gaku:

Why, Ryu!?

 

Ryūnosuke:

But I think Gaku’s opinion matters more. I started for my family’s sake, but now, even if my family said to abandon TRIGGER, I wouldn’t do it.

 

Tenn:

…

 

Gaku:

See! Did you hear, Tenn?

 

Tenn:

Shut up.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Starting for my family’s sake was according to my own will. Not wanting to stop TRIGGER is according to my own will too. But if those two would clash…

For them to respect my will, my family would need to understand everything. And for that, a proper talk is necessary.

Did you properly tell Kujou-san about your feelings? You acted somewhat deceiving in front of Kujou-san recently, and that wasn’t very like you, so I’ve been wondering..

 

Tenn:

…that is…

 

Kaoru:

I can’t just overhear this talk about stopping TRIGGER. Did Kujou-san tell you that?

 

Tenn:

…

 

Kaoru:

We’d be troubled if you’d stop. In that regard, I’m on Gaku’s side.

 

Tenn:

… I have no intention of leaving TRIGGER.

 

Gaku:

Then tell that to Kujou.

 

Tenn:

…I can’t.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Why?

 

Tenn:

Kujou-san is… Kujou-san is hurt… But he doesn’t understand that himself.

He’s raising an idol to overcome Zero. But as he says that, he won’t accept any idol that overcomes Zero.

Even though he has such talent and past results… He’s hurting, suffering, wandering around aimlessly... I don't want to corner him any more than that.

 

Gaku:

That’s why I’m saying you’re tender-hearted, like the mistress from the lower city’s restaurant district!! Don’t be moved by kindness.

 

Tenn:

…

 

Gaku:

What? You got a rebuttal?

 

Tenn:

No… I’m just surprised at myself for not being able to think of a rebuttal to a lower city’s restaurant district’s mistress…

 

Ryūnosuke:

Tenn is good at looking after others, and kind after all! You always give advice as if you’re kindly bringing us onigiri…

 

Ding dong.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Ah, seems like someone came. I’ll go look at the monitor.

 

Kaoru:

Are you okay? Beware of the mass media.

 

Ryūnosuke:

…

 

Tenn:

What happened?

 

Ryūnosuke:

…it’s Kujou-san.

 

Kujou, on speaker:

Hello, this is Kujou Takamasa. I’m on the first floor’s main entrance. I came to see Tenn.

 

Tenn:

…

1.4. Road to happiness

Tenn:

…pretend to be out.

 

Ryūnosuke:

Eeh!?

 

Tenn:

Come up with something, that I’m not here…

 

Gaku:

Don’t say pathetic things! I’m telling you I don’t wanna see your indecisive self!

 

Ding dong.

 

Kaoru:

It rang again.

 

Kujou, on speaker:

Hello, this is Kujou Takamasa. I’m the 10^th floor’s floor entrance. A friendly person let me in the elevator.

 

Ryūnosuke:

He’s coming closer step by step…!

 

Kaoru:

I heard a ghost story like this once!! At last they say I’m standing behind you!

 

Tenn:

A friendly person he says… But breaking through security, isn’t really friendly…

 

Gaku:

Just meet him up front! If you don’t wanna see him, I’ll go for you. Don’t do things that aren’t like you, please.

 

Tenn:

This is just because you said unnecessary things, isn’t it!? If I’d meet him now, he’d definitely say to leave TRIGGER. I wanted to wait until he calmed down and---

 

Gaku:

Just tell him that he’s got to be kidding you, what’s the problem!?

 

Tenn:

If I do that I’d just hurt him! Don’t you have a heart for people!?

 

Gaku:

And he won’t be hurt if you deceive him with lies!? Is this the true identity of the brat that said we’re just business partners!?

 

Tenn:

Who---

 

Gaku:

What do you want to do!? Nothing will work out peacefully if you don’t do anything. Don’t avert your eyes and face reality, Kujou Tenn.

Do you want to be with us? Or do you choose Kujou? The only one to decide is you alone, isn’t it?!

 

Tenn:

…

 

Kaoru:

…if, in the unlikely event that, I should ever date Gaku, I’ll definitely never have an affair… That’d be scarier than having to appear on court of the Supreme Court…

 

Ryūnosuke:

I-I don’t think this isn’t about that… It just shows how serious Gaku is for Tenn’s and TRIGGER’s sake…

Tenn, you’re wavering, right? It’s not pathetic to be wavering. What if you’d told him you need some more time?

 

Tenn:

…okay. I’ll talk to him on the interphone.

…phew…

 

Gaku:

…I’m sorry too. I said too much back there. Should I talk to him instead after all?

 

Tenn:

Thank you for thinking of me. Let’s put aside if you did so well or badly. …but, I’m okay.

 

Gaku:

Tenn…

 

Tenn:

… Yes, this is Tenn.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

Tenn. Let’s go home.

 

Tenn:

Right now I am living here with Ryu. Until things calm down with TRIGGER, this is for the be---

 

Kujou, o.s.:

Let’s go back to your and my home. Yaotome’s son is with you too, right? I don’t want you to be together with him.

 

Tenn:

But, Kujou-san…

 

Kujou, o.s.:

Me or TRIGGER, who’s more important?

 

Tenn:

…

 

Kaoru:

He’s even more direct than Gaku…!!

 

Ryūnosuke:

Even I don’t know how this is gonna continue…

 

Tenn:

… they’re both important, Kujou-san.

I can’t decide between you and TRIGGER. I don’t want to let go of either, and I want to stay on good terms with both.

TRIGGER, and you too, I respect you from my heart, you’re people I won’t stop loving.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

…Tenn…

 

Gaku:

...

 

Tenn:

Forgive my greed. But I won’t give up. Please give me time to look for a means for it.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

…you can’t look for it with me?

 

Tenn:

If I’m with you, I’d be moved by your kindness, you know that, don’t you? I’m weak against you.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

Why?

 

Tenn:

Because you are a fan of mine.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

…

 

Tenn:

Just like Riku when he was a kid, you’re dreaming about me more than anyone, and expect a lot from me. I don’t want to become someone that can’t fulfil your dream.

But…

 

Kujou, o.s.:

...what?

 

Tenn:

What is your dream, Kujou-san?

 

Kujou, o.s.:

…

 

Tenn:

If you overcome the Zero that left you behind and disappeared, and if you achieve what Zero couldn’t, will you really be happy in the end?

Please think about it, and tell me your answer. I too, will think about it as best as I can. …please.

 

Kujou, o.s.:

… Okay.

Take care of yourself, Tenn.

 

Kujou hangs up.

 

Tenn:

…

… Kujou-san…

Cut to a hallway.

 

Mitsuki:

Yamato-san, I need to talk to you.

 

Yamato:

Me too. It’s about Nagi, right?

1.5. Thorns of the heart

Mitsuki:

Yamato-san, I need to talk to you.

 

Yamato:

Me too. It’s about Nagi, right?

 

Mitsuki:

You noticed too!? He’s acting weird, right?

 

Yamato:

Yes, he is.

 

Mitsuki:

I knew it! Listen! Recently, while I was cleaning his room, he was crying about not wanting to throw things away!

 

Yamato:

…

Isn’t that like he always is?

 

Mitsuki:

I’m telling you, no!!!

 

Yamato:

No but, whenever you tell him to sort our Kokona goods he always on the verge of tears, isn’t he?

 

Mitsuki:

But that had another nuance! Ahh, why don’t you understand!? …but what about you old man? How is he weird?

 

Yamato:

You see… He said he’d escape into the second dimension, that he was just watching an anime for who knows how many hours.

 

Mitsuki:

…

Isn’t that like he always is?

 

Yamato:

No!! Like, it’s what he always does but like, the vibe was different! Get it!?

 

Mitsuki:

Well, I kinda do maybe…

 

Yamato:

...he's hiding something. He said to never hide anything. It'd be different if it was me, but this isn't like him.

 

Mitsuki:

You’re right… Let’s ask him after the next music show ends.

 

TV staff:

Ah, IDOLiSH7! Do your best, one of my daughters is a big fan of yours!

 

Mitsuki:

Thank you very much! We’ll do our best!

 

TV staff:

Mitsuki-san, Yamato-san! Thanks for the other day! You’re appearing in another TV show today? Please do your best!

 

Yamato:

Yes, thank you.

 

Mitsuki:

… people have been calling out to us a lot more recently huh?

 

Yamato:

Recently? You mean since Friends Day? Maybe people just felt refreshed by us singing TRIGGER’s song.

Not only TRIGGER’s fans, there’s a lot of people that aren’t happy with how TSUKUMO does things.

 

Mitsuki:

You’re right… I wonder what they wanna do.

 

Yamato:

They who?

 

Mitsuki:

ŹOOĻ.

 

Tsumugi:

What’s wrong, Nagi-san?

 

Mitsuki:

Manager’s voice…

 

Yamato:

It’s coming from our dressing room, let’s go see what’s wrong.

 

Door opens.

 

Mitsuki:

Manager, what’s wrong?

 

Tsumugi:

Ah, Mitsuki-san, Yamato-san.

The theme of the TV show you’ll be performing in a bit is the four seasons, so you’re scheduled to sing “Sakura Message”.

But, Nagi-san says he doesn’t want to sing it…

 

Mitsuki & Yamato:

…eh…

 

Nagi:

…

 

Mitsuki:

Nagi… Why don’t you want to sing “Sakura Message”…?

 

Riku:

Because it reminds you of Sakura Haruki-san…?

 

Iori:

Wouldn’t that be the same for every song? Like for “Nanatsuoiro REALiZE” we sang at MOP.

 

Nagi:

Noo noo! It’s not like I don’t want to sing it! But if the four seasons are the theme, then there’s other more fitting songs. Like “NATSU Shiyouze!” for example…

 

Sougo:

But “NATSU Shiyouze!” is TRIGGER’s song now, so…

 

Nagi:

OH… You’re right…

 

Tamaki:

But, why are you even trying to put that song far away like you don’t like it?

 

Nagi:

I am not.

 

Tamaki:

You are. You’re making the same face as the Sou-chan long ago did when he said he wanted to get along with me.

 

Sougo:

That is… Don’t you like “Sakura Message” anymore?

 

Tamaki:

You could deny it for good measure at least! Didn’t you deny that you didn’t like me before! Recently, you’re being sloppy on being considerate of me!!

 

Sougo:

I-I’m not! It’s not like I didn’t like you. I didn’t like the me I was when being with you.

 

Yamato:

Why don’t you wanna sing it, Nagi? I like the song. It’s IDOLiSH7’s first ballade after all.

 

Iori:

Exactly. It’s a kind song about thinking of a precious person. “I’m always quietly thinking of you.”

 

Nagi:

You, are right…

Understood. I will sing it.

 

Mitsuki:

Nagi, we don’t want to force you. We want you to tell us if there’s a reason. Isn’t that what you always say?

Nagi:

Haha… No problem! Let us sing it.

 

Riku:

Nagi…

 

Nagi:

…

No, after all. I cannot.

I cannot make you, who are so dear to me, sing such a song…

 

Sougo:

Such a song…? It’s a song by Sakura Haruki, why do you talk about it like that…

 

Door opens.

 

TV staff:

IDOLiSH7, please be on stand-by!

 

Tsumugi:

Ah, wait please.

 

TV staff:

What’s wrong?

 

Tsumugi:

What do we do, Nagi-san… If you don’t want to sing it, I’ll try my possible to change it.

 

Iori:

The show is about to start. It’ll affect other artists too.

 

Tsumugi:

I know. But, if it’s just today that he doesn’t want to sing it but still sings it…

If, due to singing it today, he’d become more and more averse to sing it… I want to properly protect Nagi-san.

Also… There’s something weird about “Sakura Message”’s lyrics…

 

Yamato:

Do you know something, Manager?

 

Tsumugi:

…please give me some more time. I want to look it up properly. Nagi-san, what shall we do…?

 

Mitsuki:

We’ll sing.

 

Nagi:

…

 

Mitsuki:

Nagi will sing too. Everything’s okay.

 

Nagi:

Mitsuki…

 

Mitsuki:

Listen, shut up and follow me.

To be continued…