IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 15

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 15 – One day

15.1. Light of courage

Daytime, marketplace.

Demonstrator:

<Stop Valsinor Ceremony!>

Demonstrator:

<They’re forgetting Noth Meir’s authority and are making a show out of the ceremony! Don’t let it happen in a palace filled with tradition!>

Police:

<Stop!>

Demonstrator leader:

<No! Demonstrations are the people’s freedom!>

Demonstrator:

<Yeah! Long live His Highness Seth! Regal power for Noth Meir!>

Cut to Seth’s office.

Seth:

<The ceremony will start soon…>

Butler:

<Your Highness Seth, there is a demo on the central plaza…>

Seth:

<What?>

Butler:

<The group that supported You when You had intended to use the ceremony to re-establish the royal rule seems to have gathered…>

Nagi:

<Don’t worry. I have taken countermeasures already.>

Cut back to market.

Demonstrator leader:

<We won’t go back! …hey! What are you doing…!?>

Police:

<This isn’t about the demo, it’s about something else. Last week at this time, while on the highway you drove 20 kilometres per hour too fast.>

Demonstrator leader:

<A speed fine!?>

Police:

<Please accompany us. Don’t worry, you’ll just have to fill some forms.>

Demonstrator leader:

<For a speed fine…!? Why say it now of all times!? Wa-wait…!>

Demonstrator:

<H-hey, where are you going?>

Cut back to Seth’s office.

Nagi:

<If the leader is lost, the group will lose its power as well.>

<And timing is important too, above all else. If the group’s enthusiasm is too strong, losing their leader may very well backfire too.>

<For Valsinor Ceremony to succeed we need an outstanding leader.>

Seth:

<…>

Nagi:

<Dear Brother, take this.>

Seth:

<…what is this shining staff?>

Nagi:

<A penlight. Our Japanese fans swing it to support us when we dance in front of them.>

Seth:

<They swing it… like this?>

Nagi:

<Yes. You’re very good at it.>

Seth:

<Don’t make fun of me. So what about this toy?>

Nagi:

<Whether You or I will be the one to hold the opening speech will show with whom the responsibility lies.>

<This is the last chance. If You say You will hold the speech, then I will swing the penlight with all my might for you.>

Seth:

<…on the stage of the ceremony?>

Nagi:

<In my heart.>

Seth:

<Ah…>

Nagi:

<Therefore, please, don’t run away.>

Seth:

<…>

Nagi:

<If You vanish from the stage, then I don’t know who I’m supposed to swing the penlight at.>

<Even if I want to make You shine, even if I want my yell of support to reach You, if I can’t see You, Dear Brother, then I cannot do anything.>

Seth:

<…Nagi…>

Nagi:

<But if You so order, I will hold the speech myself. But if I am to hold it, then I want You to swing the penlight at me.>

<Even if I mess up or even if I trip, hold the penlight and please swing it at me. Give courage to my heart.>

<Even if You should fail, Dear Brother, please understand that that is not my true intention.>

<Because I am always dreaming, wishing from the bottom of my heart, that those who stand on the stage will have their expectations fulfilled.>

<We as well… had always wished for a relationship of such trust… didn’t we?>

Seth:

<…>

<…I’ll leave the penlight to you.>

Nagi:

<Dear Brother…>

Seth:

<I will hold the speech. …will you cheer for me, Nagi?>

Nagi:

<Yes…>

Seth:

<Will you give me courage?>

Nagi:

<Yes, of course. But not only me. Everyone in the hall… around the country, around the world will give you courage.>

<I will swing the penlight at You, Dear Brother. You are my pride.>

Seth:

<You too are my pride. Thank you, Nagi…>

<… …ha… …my hand is shaking… How pathetic… I’m scared.>

<To think that taking just one step forward would be so terrifying…>

Nagi:

<There is nothing pathetic about it. You are doing something grand right now.>

Seth:

<Am I…?>

Nagi:

<Yes.>

Seth:

<Then… I’m glad.>

<Ah, Nagi… I feel like I won’t regret it. Even if the ceremony fails… even if I lose my honour.>

<I feel like I… will be able to come to like myself a bit.>

Cut to a hotel room.

Touma:

Today’s the ceremony, huh? I wonder if they’ll let us go once it’s over safely.

I heard that IDOLiSH7 met Sakura Haruki, but Mina…

Minami:

… It’s okay. As long as that man has met Rokuya-san…

Maybe it’s only natural that I can’t see him after not even trying to help him…

Touma:

Mina…

Haruka:

I asked earlier if they could let us out for a bit, but they said that Seth guy is busy…

Minami:

There’s no helping it. I’m glad this isn’t a prison at least.

Touma:

…don’t just smile like that. I want you to meet with him.

You think so too, right, Tora?

Torao:

{Wow, you’re beautiful…}

Maid:

{OH… erm… Thank you, sir.}

Touma:

Tora…!!

Maid:

{You’re so sweet… And gorgeous…}

Torao:

{Thanks. Can I ask you a favour?}

Touma:

At a time like this…! This is a matter of life or death if Mina can see Sakura Haruki or not!?

Minami:

…

Touma:

Ah, no! Sorry! That’s not for sure yet, right?!

Minami:

…no, I’m not a child, so I’m prepared… Just, being told that directly made my heart…

Haruka:

So you do want to see him! We should see if we can ask someone. Torao, ask that person!

Torao:

Already did.

Haruka:

Eh?

Torao:

Asked if she could let us out. She’ll talk to the higher-ups apparently. What, you thought I was hitting on her?

Haruka & Touma:

Yeah…

Torao:

You really don’t believe in me huh?

Minami:

…thank you very much, Midou-san.

Torao:

No biggie. You guys said you still want to sing, right? That you want to see Sakura Haruki, right?

The other night, when I listened to you guys, I wondered what my own wish was. I couldn’t think of anything, but…

I want to treasure people. Though I forgot how to long ago. But I want to fulfil your wishes.

Sorry for saying that I was singing just because and would quit just because.

I don’t have anything… But I don’t want to be with you guys “just because”.

Haruka:

…don’t say you don’t have anything.

Torao:

It’s the truth. I didn’t really do anything praiseworthy.

I wanted to do something… but I missed to do it and arrived here.

I forgot what I wanted to treasure, acted like nothing mattered, like I was so clever, like I was a strong person.

Though I don’t even know what strength really is.

Touma:

Tora…

Torao:

Haha… Sounds out of character, huh? How weird.

Minami:

That is not true… Even if it looks comical to someone, I would never laugh…

I’m happy about your words… Thank you very much, Midou-san…

Torao:

Haha… Ah, she came back.

Touma:

…what did the maid say?

Torao:

…

Touma:

Tora.

Torao:

Ah… They seem willing to let us go under surveillance.

Touma:

Oh good! …but why are you making such a face? Did she say something else?

Torao:

… …Sakura Haruki seems to be in a critical condition.

Minami:

…Sakura-san…

Haruka:

…let’s go, hurry!

 

15.2. Plan

 

 

TV show staff:

So many media people are here… From countries all around the world…

It seems we’re the only ones from Japan…

Tsumugi:

The only thing that will be hooked up into the live broadcast is the opening and IDOLiSH7’s performance, right?

TV show staff:

Yes, it seems everything will go as planned. Everything else will be done in post-editing using footage we got on Noth Meir.

Tsumugi:

Understood. Pleased to be working with you.

Cut to Japan, street at night.

Woman:

Today is IDOLiSH7’s TV show, right? I wonder if Nagi-kun will appear…

Woman:

He definitely will! I’m looking forward to it, it’s time for them to announce a new song too!

Cut to that one living room.

Girl:

Yay, it’ll be on soon! And I already ate and took a bath too so I can concentrate on it!

Mother:

I wish you’d be as concentrated when studying for tests.

Girl:

 

I will! And I also have to report to big sis through rabichat because she’s doing overtime work!

Huh…? The official TV show’s account tweeted something. And the i7 one too…

…important news from IDOLiSH7…?

Cut to a practise room.

Tenn:

…important news from IDOLiSH7…?

Gaku:

Yeah, I just saw. You know what that’s about, Tenn?

Tenn:

I don’t. …there will be some important news from IDOLiSH7 in the middle of the TV show.

Ryūnosuke:

Maybe they’re announcing a tour?

Gaku:

Wouldn’t they just say that? Maybe something happened…

Tenn:

…maybe Riku’s condition worsened… …I’m gonna call---

Ryūnosuke:

If so, they would’ve called you.

Tenn:

They wouldn’t have. We’re not family anymore.

Ryūnosuke:

They would. Tsumugi-chan is a good kid.

Tenn:

…

Gaku:

What happened in Noth Meir, IDOLiSH7…?

Cut to a green room.

Yuki:

…important news? Is someone marrying?

Momo:

There was no sign of marriage, was there!?

Yuki:

Momo, you heard anything?

Momo:

No… But maybe it’s about Nagi…

Yuki:

Eh…

Momo:

Ever since Nagi didn’t appear on performances, IDOLiSH7 had been acting strangely. I hope it’s not bad news…

Yuki:

…

Momo:

What, Yuki?

Yuki:

The other day I asked “Will Nagi-kun leave the group?”

Momo:

Yuki, no!! Don’t even say that!! Confirming and denying that is both difficult!!

Yuki:

Yes… yes, you’re right. I’m sorry.

Momo:

…so what did they say?

Yuki:

Both MEZZO” and Ban had a glum expression.

Momo:

…oh no…

…I don’t want that, Nagi…

Cut to Takanashi Agency, a phone rings.

Otoharu:

Hello? Yes… Yes, understood. I think that’s for the best.

IDOLiSH7 will stand on stage among the gathered mass media of the world. Sooner or later someone would find out either way.

So it’s better if those kids talk about it first on their own.

Even I have no idea what reactions this will cause, but… we will deal with it sincerely.

I’ll leave it to you, Tsumugi-kun.

Cut to backstage.

Mitsuki:

Nagi, you’re gonna go on stage in that outfit? Well it’s not really an outfit… It’s the royal clothes, right?

Nagi:

I have no time to change. After commenting during the live section, I have to go back immediately.

Yamato:

If we’re short on time, wouldn’t it be better for you to go first?

Iori:

What do you think the audience will think if we pull that at the very start of the live broadcast? They’ll treat it as a joke.

Sougo:

Let’s go in order and have Nagi talk after everyone else.

Tamaki:

And after that, we’ll make it work so Nagicchi, you can just dash away.

Butler:

<Your Highness Nagi, His Highness Seth is…>

Nagi:

<I can’t right now. He’s probably just nervous. Please tell him to take deep breaths.>

Butler:

<He told me to return this doll…>

Nagi:

<My Kokona…! Kokona came back…!>

Riku:

Nagi, we’re starting!

Nagi:

OK!

Iori:

Nanase-san, after Rokuya-san is done talking, please take over and transition to the VTR.

Even if they feel unsure after the surprise they’ll calm down after seeing your face. Please show them the Nanase Riku of the never changing IDOLiSH7.

Riku:

Understood! I will do my best for Nagi and our fans!

Iori:

I’m counting on you.

Riku:

Yeah!

Iori, thinking:

This moment…

I was seeing IDOLiSH7 in a year’s time.

Win against ŹOOĻ at Black or White, taking over Re:vale in familiarity and popularity, IDOLiSH7 takes Japan and it will be a second coming of Zero.

This may be a product of pure chance, but that’s the kind of surprise we’re going to reveal.

The shocking truth that one of our members is the prince from another country.

In the very next moment when their heads went blank after receiving the impact, Nanase-san’s honest message will pierce right into the back of their hearts.

Like seething water, IDOLiSH7’s name will be carved into them with exaltation and stimulation.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.

The people’s uncontrollable energy might overwhelm us.

Everything we’ve acquired so far could be washed away like gravel.

That’s how popularity works.

Still, this is a chance.

For IDOLiSH7 to become Japan’s number one idol group.

Mitsuki:

Hey, Riku. Can I be the one to take over after Nagi?

Iori:

…

Mitsuki:

If something happens, I want to be able to help out Nagi. And there’s something I wanna tell everyone too

Riku:

Understood! Ah, I mean, I don’t mind. Manager, is that okay?

Tsumugi:

Let’s see… The fact that Nagi-san and Mitsuki-san are very close is known to the fans as well.

That might lead to a more natural atmosphere…

Iori:

Please wait. This event will be of high importance to IDOLiSH7.

Wouldn’t it be best for IDOLiSH7’s center to take that role?

Mitsuki:

Ah… I see?

Iori:

I’m thankful for your suggestion, Nii-san… But I want everyone to remember Nanase-san as IDOLiSH7’s representative.

Riku:

I may be that, but the fans watching our show know that already?

Iori, thinking:

It’s not about our fans! It’s for those watching that aren’t our fans!

The news about Rokuya-san being Noth Meir’s prince. It will go viral on SNS, people will watch the TV show. People that don’t have anything to do with idols or IDOLiSH7 as well.

Our commentary will be endlessly replayed in news and on the net. That face, that voice should be Nanase-san.

Because people will get to know about Nanase-san’s vocal power and appeal and that will complete these news… no, this advertising.

If they get to know about Nii-san, then they’ll just chase his variety and performance skills and that might very well be the end of it.

That won’t connect to the idol of IDOLiSH7.

…Nii-san, I’m sorry. I don’t want to make light of you, but…

If IDOLiSH7 becomes the top idols, then you’ll be happy too, right Nii-san?

Mitsuki:

You’re right, alright! And it’ll just feel more complete if Riku is the one telling them, right?

Riku:

But, wanting to help Nagi if something happens, Mitsuki is really kind! I didn’t think that far.

I’ll do my best for you too!

Mitsuki:

Yeah! I’m counting on you!

Iori:

…

TV show staff:

5 minutes until start! Please stand by!

Riku:

Yes! Looking forward to working with you!

 

15.3. Important news

 

 

At a hotel lobby.

Touma:

We’ve arrived, let’s hurry, Mina!

Minami:

Yes…

Haruka:

…!

Torao:

Haruka, what’s wrong?

Haruka:

Kujou… Acchan…

Kujou:

Haruka…

Aya:

Haru-chan… You were staying in this hotel?

Haruka:

No. We came to see Sakura Haruki.

Kujou:

See Haruki?

Haruka:

He’s in a critical condition.

Kujou:

…

Aya:

Kujou-san… Will you go see him…? He was a friend, right?

Kujou:

…I…

Haruka:

…if you wanna see him we’ll take you along.

Minami:

Isumi-san…

Haruka:

It may be a bother to Sakura Haruki, but they were friends once.

You were my teacher once too. Though now you’re the bastard I hate the most on the world.

But I’d still cry if you died. Is it different for you?

Kujou:

…

Haruka:

…whatever. Let’s go, Minami. Sorry you had to wait.

Minami:

Isumi-sa---

Haruka:

Come on, run! Torao, lead the way!

Torao:

Got it!

Aya:

…they’re gone…

Kujou:

…

Aya:

Kujou-san…

Cut to outside of a building.

Riku:

Good evening!

[TL note: Just so it’s clear for everyone. It’s daytime in Noth Meir, but already nighttime in Japan.]

IDOLiSH7:

We’re IDOLiSH7!

Cut to that one living room.

Girl:

Ahh!! Nagi-kun!!

Cut to street in Japan.

Woman:

Nagi-kun…!

Woman:

They’re all together! Man, who was the one talking about Nagi-kun leaving!?

Woman:

I’m happy! It’s Nagi-kun’s comeback!

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Yamato:

Tonight’s “Kimi to ai na night” is a live broadcast and special!

Mitsuki:

While seeing past recordings of the most memorable moments we’re sending you live broadcast from Noth Meir!

Tamaki:

We will show you our new song!

Sougo:

The stage for our new song will be Valsinor Ceremony, so please keep on watching the VTR afterwards!

Iori:

Please fully enjoy Noth Meir’s winter together with us. Also…

Nagi:

Hallooo! Everyone! I’m sorry for having worried you for such a long time! I’m IDOLiSH7’s Rokuya Nagi!

I, Rokuya Nagi, want to tell you fans in Japan something, I have important news.

Cut to the living room.

Girl:

Eh…

Cut to the street.

Woman:

Eh…!?

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Nagi:

My Noth Meirian name is Nagi Valhart von Noth Meir.

Please allow me to introduce myself again… I am the second prince of Noth Meir.

Cut to the living room.

Girl:

Prince?

Cut to the street.

Woman:

Prince?

Cut to the green room.

Re:vale:

Prince?

Bob:

Oh my god.

Cut to a practise room.

TRIGGER:

Prince?

Kaoru:

…Nagi-kun… is a prince…

Oh no, what should I do…? This is right down the middle of my strike zone…

Cut to Tsukumo’s home.

Tsukumo:

…prince? That one prince?

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Nagi:

But, until now and from now on too, I am IDOLiSH7’s Rokuya Nagi! I love IDOLiSH7!

Everyone! Please come visit Noth Meir, okay?!

Staff:

Okay Nagi-kun! You can go now!

Butler:

<Your Highness Nagi, this way!>

Nagi:

<Understood.>

Yamato:

Nagi! See ya later, ‘kay?!

Nagi:

Yes!

 

15.4. The power of words

 

 

Nagi:

But, until now and from now on too, I am IDOLiSH7’s Rokuya Nagi! I love IDOLiSH7!

Everyone! Please come visit Noth Meir, okay?!

Cut to living room.

Girl:

Eh… Eehhh…!? What does that mean!?

Mother:

Don’t yell like that. You’ll disturb the neighbours. What happened?

Girl:

Uhm… Nagi-kun… is the prince of a country called Noth Meir…?

Mother:

Ah, like the thing when you’re the shop manager for a day? I’m glad he recovered from the flu.

Cut to street,

Woman:

Prince!? Like, a real prince!? Isn’t that amazing!? So international!!

Woman:

No come on that must be a joke. I wanted them to take it serious now that Nagi-kun’s back…

Woman:

Did something happen with IDOLiSH7? That’s MEZZO”’s group, right?

Cut to another street.

Man:

There’s something going around on SNS. Ah, it’s trending now.

Man:

I know this guy. He’s an anime otaku like us. A prince? Nah, I said anime otaku. His fav’s Kokona.

Man:

He was an idol too!? I exchanged Kokona can badges with him in Akihabara once! Eh? Prince?

Man:

I don’t get it… I’ll take a look at their TV show.

Cut to the night sky.

Woman:

I don’t get it… Let’s watch their TV show, I guess.

Cut to a mall.

Man:

Guess I’ll take a look at their TV show…

Cut to the living room.

Mother:

As I said, they do that prince for one day thing often, right?

Girl:

But it’s not that! That’s not it, Nagi-kun is…

Riku in the TV:

---everyone!

Girl:

…

Mother:

…

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Riku:

Sorry for surprising you with the sudden news!

We only learned about it recently too, were surprised as well and stuff happened, but…

But we wanna keep going as 7 and will therefore do our best at Valsinor Ceremony!

Cut back to a street in Japan.

Woman:

Doing their best? Did something happen…?

Woman:

Shh… Let’s listen properly.

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Riku:

After this, in about 45 minutes, we’ll sing our new song “Hatsukoi Rhythm”!

I’m really happy to be able to sing this song with everyone! I’m really, really happy!

With Nagi, Iori, Yamato-san, Mitsuki, Tamaki and Sougo-san… We’ll send this happiness to everyone watching in front of the TV!

Iori, thinking:

As always, he’s terrible at MCing… The information is all over the place.

But his feelings are being properly conveyed. That’s good.

A pretty view, fresh words, a bright colour… The honest feelings that can move a person’s heart.

This is IDOLiSH7’s ultimate weapon.

Cut back to a street.

Woman:

Riku-kun… I wonder if that prince thing is true… Did something happen?

Cut to another street.

Woman:

I’m curious about what this Nanase Riku from IDOLiSH7 is saying.

Cut to a mall.

Man:

Ah… I saw them at MOP…

Woman:

It’s Nanase Riku! I like him!

Man:

You do?

Woman:

Yes! Like, for some reason!

Man:

Huh… Amazing.

Woman:

What is?

Man:

Liking and disliking stuff for some reason, that’s how we generally decide on things.

Because there’s too many news and we’re too busy we don’t have time to think about it.

Made me think that appealing people and goods nowadays sure carry a kind of strength in them, if we just like them for some reason.

I like Nanase Riku for some reason… You’re the seventh person today from which I heard that line.

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Riku:

We made you worry a lot, but today really is just like a big party!

Even if you get anxious or it gets hard, if you have friends, you’ll be able to overcome it… And even if you lose everything, it doesn’t mean you’ll become unhappy…

Meeting with different people made me realize, that I’m really happy thanks to our fans!

Please watch until the end! And have fun!

Cut back to Tsukumo’s place.

Tsukumo:

…a party? What happened to IDOLiSH7?

In 40 minutes huh…? …how niiice… If only I had gone to Noth Meir too.

Idols are always like that. They’re having fun in places where I’m not present.

Cut to night sky.

Woman:

Hey hey! Did you see? There’s a prince in IDOLiSH7!

Woman:

A Japanese idol group with a prince!

Woman:

You know, the one from the CM! Let’s do that sth-sth-ish7!

Woman:

Oh I know that! I’ll tell my friends too!

Woman:

Hey, listen! Do you know IDOLiSH7?

Cut to Haruki’s room, door opens.

Minami:

Sakura-san…

Touma:

…this man is Sakura Haruki…

Torao:

…

Haruka:

…

Doctor:

<He’s somewhat conscious again… Please talk to him.>

Minami:

…Sakura-san…

…I completed a song… I found gangster friends to sing with…

You are the one that birthed the composer Natsume Minami, Sakura-san… …please…

… …open your eyes…

Haruki:

…

Haruka:

Ah…

Haruki:

…hm…

Minami:

Sakura-san…

Haruki:

…Minami… …you’re crying again…

…did I… say something horrible to you again?

Minami:

…no… Thanks to you, I learned about many joys that I didn’t know yet…

The time I spent with you was very enjoyable… I wanted it to continue forever… And yet…

I was the horrible one… I was scared of parting and abandoned you…

Haruki:

But you came to see me, didn’t you…? I’m glad… Thank you…

Minami:

Sobbing.

Haruki:

I will probably, very soon… Do the thing you hate so much…

You will… probably cry, but… once you stop crying… sing another gangster song…

Because… I will listen to it from heaven…

Minami:

… …yes…

Touma:

…the ceremony started. Should I turn on the TV?

Minami:

…yes…

Sakura-san… Rokuya-san… IDOLiSH7 will sing your song…

Haruki:

…ah, I can’t wait for it…

Cut to a big concert hall.

Seth:

<I thank you very much for attending Valsinor Ceremony today.>

<Before I explain to you all why I wanted to revive this traditional Noth Meirian ritual, there is something I wanted to tell you.>

<I was born as the prince of Noth Meir and therefore carry pride for my country and family. When I looked at the world map for the first time, this is what I said.>

<Noth Meir? This small country? Can’t we get that big one?>

Audience:

Ahahaha!

Seth:

<Once I got old enough to understand the news, I listened to the news of the world. But no one talked about Noth Meir.>

<I thought that maybe, this beautiful, small northern country on this big planet, the Noth Meir I love so dearly, wasn’t all that important.>

<When I learned that truth, I was very discouraged. But I don’t mean to say, that I regretted being born in Noth Meir or that I wished to be born somewhere else.>

<Noth Meir is a wonderful country of which the world can be proud. It’s a country where kind and reliable people live, built upon this great land by our grand ancestors and on which beautiful nature spreads all around.>

<We love music, love art, protect the precious culture the human heart has produced, thank the gods, pay respect to history, and… amidst the rigid cold…>

<We’re a brave, gallant country overflowing with affection, in where beloved family and friends never forget the joy of helping out each other.>

<So to share that joy alongside wonderful music with every one of our respected people, is the reason why I am holding Valsinor Ceremony.>

<The little country on the world map that had discouraged my younger self is shining like a bright sun tonight.>

<And right now too, my eyes as well are shining. Being able to welcome this wonderful day with everyone is truly an honour.>

Audience:

*applauses*

Seth:

<I wish for the people that love Noth Meir to spend hours filled with joy.>

<And finally, to the friends and family that helped holding this ceremony… And to everyone gathered here tonight, I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart… Thank you.>

Audience:

*applauses*

Audience:

<Wonderful! What a wonderful speech!>

Audience:

<Everyone, stand up and clap your hands! As expected of His Highness Seth…! I am deeply moved…!>

Audience:

<His Highness Seth is our pride!>

Cut to backstage.

Seth:

<…ha, ha… Haa… I was nervous…>

Nagi:

<That was wonderful, Dear Brother!>

Seth:

<Ah, stop the flattery. I messed up my words in the middle. My head went blank…>

Nagi:

<That was nothing to speak of! It was an emotional experience!>

Seth:

<Nagi, look. My hands are shaking now…>

Nagi:

<Ahaha! You’re right! I shall hold them until they stop shaking. It was very, very wonderful.>

<I wanted to be proud of You from the bottom of my heart.>

Seth:

<… Haha…>

Thorvald:

<Your Highness Seth! That was a wonderful speech! Everyone liked it as well!>

Kenneth:

<It was the best speech; it conveyed His Highness Seth’s feelings and honesty! …uh, I can’t see from all the tears…>

Seth:

<Ah… Thank you… It’s thanks to you that I came this far. I can’t put my gratitude into words.>

Kenneth:

<Ah… His Highness Seth is hugging me…!>

Thorvald:

<We have to drink tonight!>

Seth:

<It’s your turn next, Nagi. You will have us listen to your and your friends’ song, right?>

<I will swing the penlight in my heart.>

Nagi:

<Yes. Please watch us. We will answer your support.>

Seth:

<Why… did you wink?>

Nagi:

<Fan service.>

Short fade out and in, same location.

Yamato:

Let’s go, guys.

Mitsuki:

Yeah! Let’s do this!

Tamaki:

We’re not gonna lose to the other countries!

Sougo:

And we’ll have to do it for Sakura-san too, who is listening to us from his room…

Iori:

Let’s sing our best, for the fans watching in Japan too.

Riku:

Yes! For the fans and Sakura-san!

Nagi:

Sorry to make you wait!

Tsumugi:

Nagi-san, well done! Everyone, please stand by!

Banri:

Do your best! I can’t swing a penlight here, but I’ll applaud to you hundredfold!

Tamaki:

Do it now!

Banri:

Now!?

Riku:

Let’s high five! You too, manager!

Tsumugi:

Yes!

Yamato:

‘Kay! Then in three, two…

Clap!

Riku:

We’re back to seven!

Mitsuki:

The perfect IDOLiSH7!

Sougo:

We really did kind of handle another country and prince, huh?

Tamaki:

We sure did! We’re amazing!

Yamato:

You’re right! IDOLiSH7 is amazing!

Nagi:

Are you happy?

Everyone:

Yes!

 

15.5. No matter how far apart

 

 

In that living room.

Girl:

Ah…! IDOLiSH7!

In a really fancy place…! …amazing…

Mother:

…it really is…

Girl:

Amazing… The idols I’m supporting are super amazing…

Mother:

I wouldn’t mind supporting that handsome man that looks like Nagi-kun…

Girl:

Eh… I wonder what the penlight colour would be…?

Cut to a street.

Woman:

IDOLiSH7 is at an amazing place, aren’t they!? They’re like international idols!

Woman:

…Nagi-kun… is wearing the same outfits as the others… I’m happy…

Woman:

Isn’t IDOLiSH7 amazing!?

Cut to another street.

Woman:

Everyone is so happy… IDOLiSH7 you’re so cool…! I love you…!

Woman:

They must be nervous on such a big stage… Hang in there, do your best!

Woman:

Ah, I wanna fly there right now, see it with my own eyes…!

Woman:

IDOLiSH7 is amazing…!

Cut to a practise room.

Tenn:

…Riku…

Cut to Tsukumo’s place.

Tsukumo:

…IDOLiSH7…

Cut back to Noth Meir.

Tsumugi, thinking:

We didn’t know about the reactions in Japan, but we could see the reactions in the hall.

Noth Meirian:

<It’s His Highness Nagi!>

Noth Meirian:

<His Highness Nagi will sing?>

Noth Meirian:

<Incredible… Like a grand star…>

Noth Meirian:

<No, it’s His Highness Nagi! Unbelievable…! Our prince is amazing!>

Riku:

We’re IDOLiSH7!

Riku, thinking:

It wasn’t a stage on which we would normally say hello like that. Amidst that unfamiliar atmosphere, the seven of us stood on the stage.

But no one could hide their happiness.

We just wanted to sing so much. We couldn’t help but wanting to dance together.

We were overflowing with those feelings.

Riku:

Please listen to IDOLiSH7’s “Hatsukoi Rhythm”!

Cut to Haruki’s room.

Haruki:

…my song…

…I can hear it, Nagi… IDOLiSH7…

Minami:

Sakura-san…

Door opens.

Haruka:

…ah…

Kujou:

…

Aya:

…

Haruka:

Kujou… Acchan…

Haruki:

…Takamasa…

Kujou:

… Long time no see…

Haruki:

…what a cute girl… Your taste in women… sure chan---

Kujou:

I never liked your jokes that much.

Haruki:

…

Kujou:

…are you doing okay?

Haruki:

… Haha…

Kujou:

Ah… No… I can see that you’re not…

Haruki:

Yeah…

Kujou:

…it’ll get lonely.

Haruki:

…I… can’t help it…

It was fun, wasn’t it, Takamasa…? I’m glad… that I met Zero… and you…

Kujou:

…

Thank you for all the songs, Haruki.

Thank you for… having the same dream as me.

Haruki:

…my dream…

I can… still listen to it… …it’ll reverberate… over there too…

Kujou:

…Haruki…

Haruki:

…

Minami:

…Sakura-san? Sakura-san…! Sakura-san…!

Cut back to the hall, Hatsukoi Rhythm instrumental starts playing.

Yamato, thinking:

Please listen to it, Sakura-san, we’re sending it to you.

Iori, thinking:

Your song sung by us. It’s echoing around the world right now.

Sougo, thinking:

Every single one of the songs has taught us a lot of emotions.

Tamaki, thinking:

They taught me that it feels good to sing.

Mitsuki, thinking:

No matter how bright the song is, there comes a shaking in your heart, as if it were crying. That is…

Nagi, thinking:

Because your songs have always been by our side.

Riku, thinking:

Because we were searching for happiness together.

CG fades.

Riku:

…ha…

Thank you very much! We’re IDOLiSH7!

Audience:

*scream*

Cut to a flashback with young Nagi and Haruki.

Nagi:

<…if, I'd be able to make a friend, I want to stay by their side, and fill them with all my love…>

<Even though I missed my chance to become friends with Thorvald and my brother… …if I were to make friends… someday…>

Haruki:

<I’m here too.>

Nagi:

<…I don’t need a friend that will go away somewhere…>

Haruki:

<Nagi, you’ll understand eventually. No matter how far apart, I’ll always think of you. I’ll watch over you by your side.>

Cut back to present, Haruki’s room, door opens.

Nagi:

Haruki…!

Riku:

Sakura-san…!

Haruki:

…

Minami:

Please, take his hand… Sakura-san is…

Nagi:

<…Haruki, it’s me. Can you hear me?>

Haruki:

Heavy breathing.

Nagi:

<…Haruki… Long ago, you said, that even if you weren’t by my side, you’d watch over me, right…?>

<I didn’t understand it then, but I do now…>

<Your words… your songs… were always by my side… They were… always watching over me…>

<…thank you, Haruki… for supporting me, for being kind to me… thank you…>

<…I was happy to have met you… I love you, Haruki…>

<…from now on too… please stay by my side, and watch over me…>

Haruki:

… …ah…

…al…ways…

Nagi:

Sobbing.

Haruki:

…

Nagi:

<…Haruki…>

Doctor:

…he has passed away…

Minami:

Sobbing.

Touma:

Mina… …ugh…

Nagi:

Crying and sobbing.

Yamato:

Nagi…

Mitsuki:

…I… I wanted to talk more to you, Sakura-san…

Iori:

…yeah…

Tamaki:

…but… but… it’s good… we got to meet him, huh…?

Sougo:

Yes… I’m glad we met…

Riku:

Sakura-san… …thank you, Sakura-san…

Nagi:

… …please… rest well… Haruki…

…Haruki…

Cut to the night sky.

Tsumugi, thinking:

That day, Sakura-san ascended to heaven.

And left us behind… an irreplaceable time and treasure-like songs…

Cut to a street in Noth Meir.

Aya:

…Kujou-san, are you okay? You didn’t want to stay behind…

Kujou:

Because I got to talk to him one last time.

Aya:

…

Kujou:

…let’s go back to Japan.

Go back to Japan and… have Tenn sing Haruki’s songs…

 

To be continued…