IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 16

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 4

Chapter 16 – Go beyond that one day

16.1. for…

Animated cutscene starts playing. A church. Two pianos are in front of a coffin. Nagi and Minami are playing. The rest of IDOLiSH7, ŹOOĻ as well as Tsumugi, Banri, Seth, Thorvald and Kenneth are standing next to them.

Minami, thinking:

It’s just as you expected. I will probably never forget you for as long as I live. Can you hear this song, Sakura-san?

Sougo approaches Nagi’s piano, sits down next to him and starts playing as well.

Sougo, thinking:

I will never forget.

How to love music. How to pursue happiness.

Everything that you taught us.

Sougo has a short solo, playing Sakura Message.

Nagi, thinking:

It is still cold right now, but I believe that spring will come.

Farewell… Haruki.

For all the music…

And for all the love…

Thank you.

Cutscene ends.

Tsumugi, thinking:

Sakura-san’s funeral was held in Noth Meir, the day after he passed away.

Sent along on his way to heaven were the many flower bouquets and the warm, parting words of his friends…

And also… this beautiful music.

Nagi-san’s, Sougo-san’s and Natsume-san’s tone colour while playing the piano was gentle, but also sorrowful.

This pretty, kind music is being inhaled by the cloudless Noth Meirian winter sky.

It’s winter, but still warm. The transparent rays of sunshine flutter in the air, just like petals dancing in the wind…

It was as if Sakura-san was watching over us.

Just like Sakura-san’s wonderful songs that have always showed us the way…

They’re kindly illuminating our tomorrow, so that we don’t stand still.

“It’s okay, take it easy. Raise your head and try walking towards happiness.”

That’s what they’re saying.

Minami:

…even if he hastened his flower’s wilting, I’m sure he didn’t have any regrets…

After all, he was a person that lived like the wind; freely and without wavering, just like those lyrics…

Sleep well, Sakura-san…

Nagi:

Natsume-shi.

Minami:

…Rokuya-san…

There is… something I need to apologize for to you.

I thought that you were obstructing Sakura-san’s way of living… I treated you maliciously, hurt you…

…even though Sakura-san just held you dear…

Nagi:

He held you dear as well. If not, he wouldn’t have created songs with you.

Thank you for being by Haruki’s side when he was sick and having a hard time.

Minami:

…Rokuya-san…

Nagi:

Please tell me stories about Haruki. I want someone to reminiscence together about him.

Minami:

Could I… Could I also ask to hear about your stories? The many stories of a Sakura-san that I don’t know…

Nagi:

Of course. If we do, then I can feel Haruki in our hearts…

…it doesn’t feel like he passed away…

Minami:

Rokuya-san…

Nagi:

Sorry… I’m fine. I have to inherit Haruki’s heart and continue singing… Continue singing, and then…

Minami:

…I too will continue composing songs. And then… I can offer it to the person that taught me the joys of music…

The victory at Black or White.

Nagi:

We will win at Black or White… with Haruki’s song.

Minami:

…

Nagi:

…

IDOLiSH7 won’t lose.

Minami:

Neither will us, Rokuya-san.

Short fade out and in.

Sougo:

…

Tamaki:

Sou-chan. Your playing was pretty.

Sougo:

Thank you.

I’ve decided, Tamaki-kun.

Tamaki:

What?

Sougo:

I’ll announce my song.

Tamaki:

…

Sougo:

Even if I’m stopped, I’ll make my song reach everyone. My song is the only thing I can give to this world.

If I were to die tomorrow, no one would get to know that song.

I am thankful for everything my father taught me and for everything the fans did for us. But…

But for me, the only proof that I have lived is that one song alone. More than my name alone and more than just a picture.

Even if I make someone sad, even if I make someone hate me, I want everyone to listen to that song.

Tamaki:

Sou-chan…

Sougo:

I’ll drag you into it. I may cause you a bad time. I think, I will, for sure.

But there’s no one else but you that I can ask.

Tamaki-kun. Please sing my song… together with me.

Tamaki:

…

Sure.

I’ll follow you, Sou-chan.

Cut to the royal palace.

Tsumugi:

Thank you for everything you helped us with.

Thorvald:

Please come visit Noth Meir again. Next time, as a holiday, and I will become your actual guide and show you around.

Tsumugi:

Thank you very much.

Thorvald:

Be well. It’ll become lonely.

Seth:

<Thorvald. Are they taking Nagi back home?>

Tsumugi:

…Seth-san…

Thorvald:

<Your Highness Seth. Yes, in tonight’s flight.>

Seth:

<I see.>

…

Th… thank you very much.

Tsumugi:

…

Seth:

Until next time.

Tsumugi:

Y-yes! Thank you very much!

Thorvald:

<Your Japanese is very good.>

Seth:

<I wonder. Nagi’s mother taught me.>

Tsumugi:

We will come again! Please be well, everyone! Thank you very much!

Thorvald:

Be well!

Seth:

Bye-bye. Until next time.

Cut to a street.

Yamato:

‘Kay, let’s head to the airport, huh?

Mitsuki:

We had no time to buy snacks… I wonder if they sell any at the airpo---hngh

Nagi:

…uuu… Sorry… I suddenly wanted to hug you…

Mitsuki:

It’s okay… Nagi, are you alright?

Yamato:

Well with everything that happened. You can stay a bit if you wa---nhg

Nagi:

Uuu… I’m okay…

Yamato:

You hung in there well, didn’t you? You did well, honestly…

Mitsuki:

You did. I’ll hug you how many dozens of times you want in a day. We can spoi---hhnghn

Nagi:

…uuu… Even the pebbles on the roadside make my tears---

Yamato:

Yeah… Wanna drink something? Black tea or coff---hnghn

Nagi:

…Darjeeling First Flush…

Yamato:

Wh-what…? …I mean, sure, sure, don’t cry. Ichi, one Darjeeling First Flush…

Iori:

There is none during this season. If you’re okay with normal Darjee---hngh

Nagi:

…I’m glad you’re all here…

I’m happy you’re all here during this time…

Mitsuki:

Nagi…

Yamato:

Yeah…

Riku:

I’m glad you said that… I’m happy too that we’re together with you now, Nagi…

A lot has happened… But we can finally go back home as seven. We’ll be able to see everyone’s happy faces again…

Banri:

The taxi arrived!

Riku:

Yes! Coming!

See you, Noth Meir.

16.2. Mug

 

 

Market place in Noth Meir.

Minami:

…hah…

Touma:

W… Wanna drink something…?

Torao:

…we can stay another night.

Haruka:

Wanna play a game for a change…? …or not…

Minami:

Haha… You don’t have to be so careful.

Touma:

It’s not like we’re… We just don’t want to burden you more than necessary, Mina.

But I don’t know what to do, so if there’s something you want, please say so. …I wanna help you.

Minami:

Anything?

Touma:

Yeah, anything.

Minami:

Then… is it okay to let me be spoiled?

Torao:

Yeah… Tell us.

Haruka:

What do you wanna do?

Minami:

Please negotiate with Ryo-san, together with me.

To stop putting pressure on TRIGGER and the industry.

Touma:

…

Minami:

I want to fight with my song and our true selves. Start over, one more time.

Haruka:

…

Torao:

…

Touma:

…

Haruka:

I’m on.

Torao:

Me too. Touma?

Touma:

No need to ask. I’m on.

Let’s go home. To Japan.

Cut to a bright sky.

Tsumugi, thinking:

And so we returned to Japan.

With seven IDOLiSH7 members!

Nagi-san is still a bit sad, but…

If they’re together, I’m sure everything will be fine.

Cut to Takanashi Agency.

Otoharu:

Welcome home! I bet that hard schedule was tough to deal with, huh?

Yamato:

We’re back, president. Sorry for making your worry…

Otoharu:

Thank you as well for showing me how you wore the Mikazuki Ookami outfit, it was very cool.

Yamato:

Wh-who sent it to you!?

Mitsuki:

I did. Next time show them live. Nagi wants to see it too, right?

Nagi:

Yes! President-san… I…

Otoharu:

Welcome back, Nagi-kun. I can now tear apart the letter about wanting to dissolve the contract, right?

Nagi:

Yes! Please tear it apart with a shredder!

President-san. I made you worry…

Thank you very much for receiving me this kindly.

Otoharu:

Of course! Well done, everyone!

IDOLiSH7:

Yes!

Otoharu:

I got some sushi, so let’s eat up everyone. You must’ve missed this Japanese flavour, right?

Tamaki:

Yay!

Riku:

Sushi!

Iori:

Thank you very much, president.

Banri:

Uhm, president. I’d like to talk about something…

Otoharu:

How profound. Is it something you can’t say here?

Banri:

Yes… If possible…

Otoharu:

I see. I don’t mind, but if it’s about that, I have already taken countermeasures.

Banri:

…eh?

Otoharu:

Here, for you. A new mug.

Someone honest as you won’t leave after getting a present, right? And if that’s not enough, next I’ll buy you a high-class office chair.

Banri:

…president…

Tamaki:

Eh!? Ban-chan is leaving!?

Sougo:

Wh-why…?

Otoharu:

He won’t. I’ll be troubled if you do.

Listen. If you stay here, then we win. This is your place to be.

If not, Momo-kun will get angry too.

Banri:

…president…

Mitsuki:

Did something happen, president?

Otoharu:

You see…

Cut to Tsukumo’s office.

Tsukumo:

Re:vale’s scandal is steadily showing results. But their fans’ support is firmly rooted, huh?

That’s okay. TRIGGER’s downfall, radical ŹOOĻ’s rise, Re:vale’s scandal…

Looking in from outside, the idol industry is in chaos, ruined, covered in anger and grief. “What happens if it becomes like that?” you ask.

The amount of people wanting to join that industry will decrease, obviously. No one wants to get near that place, right?

A place where you’re just betrayed, hurt, tricked and used.

“What happens if no new people enter the industry?” you ask. It’ll become the past, slowly but surely. Idols themselves will be left back in the era.

“It was fun before, but stuff happened and it went out of fashion, riiight?” You know, like that. It happens.

Well, I won’t wait for it to decay slowly and steadily. I have ŹOOĻ for that.

I’ll make them stand on the top and after everyone gets obsessed with them, I can mess them up all at once!

I’ll let the gathered people scream in grief, be hurt and kicked around! All of Japan will be fed up with idols!

The end of idols.

No one will dream about idols anymore. …just like my old self, right?

But… IDOLiSH7’s actions alone are a wildcard…

Cut to inside a car.

Touma:

You got an appointment with Ryo-san?

Minami:

He seems to have time tonight. Apparently, he wants to hold a party for our success at RedFes.

Torao:

A party by Ryo-san?

Haruka:

Even though he said we’d get booed. He’s happy after all. He should’ve just come.

Touma:

If he’s feeling good, we may get to negotiate easily. About TRIGGER…

Haruka:

…ah!

Touma:

What?

Haruka:

On that poster, isn’t that TRIGGER? It’s small, but there’s girls gathered in front of it…

Minami:

Mikazuki Ookami… Shizuo-san’s…?

Torao:

Oh right… I was told they’d get an amazing job.

Touma:

Who told you?

Torao:

... No, nothing…

Haruka:

…they’re always moving forward… What we did may have been meaningless… …just annoying…

If I apologize to Kujou after all this time, even I’ll be annoyed.

Torao:

…should you really say something like that?

Haruka:

I mean, if I apologize, he may forgive me, and if he does, that means I was the bad guy.

And no one wants to become the bad guy.

Torao:

…I see… I wonder if that’s how it is…

Touma:

…let’s think about it again. First, we need to negotiate with Ryo-san and be successful. And I’m worried about Re:vale’s scandal too…

Minami:

Any ideas on how to negotiate?

Touma:

Just tell him straight how we feel. If we’re honest, Ryo-san should understand it too.

Haruka, Torao, Minami:

…?

Touma:

Don’t tilt your head in unison! Someone say that it’ll work!!

Haruka:

…work. Will it though? We’re talking about Ryo-san.

Torao:

The basics of negotiations is to make the other party happy. What makes Ryo-san happy?

Minami:

He seems to be happy whenever he watched the TV show of IDOLiSH7’s Nanase Riku.

Haruka:

Should we get him some Nanase goods…?

Touma:

I don’t like that. It’s like palming off a friend…

Torao:

A friend, huh?

Haruka:

Friends, yes?

Minami:

So you’re friends, right?

Touma:

No, I didn’t say that okay? I just thought Riku might think like that.

Haruka, Torao, Minami:

Hee…

Touma:

Don’t turn away in unison…!! What’s wrong with you!?

Haruka, Torao, Minami:

Nothing in particular…

Touma:

Stop doing that!

Torao:

Then let’s think of something else. We’ll respect Touma’s wish. Even though they’re not friends, don’t forget.

Haruka:

This is for ŹOOĻ’s sake too after all. And it’s not like they’re friends.

Minami:

And it’d be troublesome if Ryo-san kept an eye on someone else again. Not like they’re friends though.

Touma:

It took me a while, but you guys sure are easy to understand now…

16.3. Breaking off

 

At Tsukumo’s house.

Tsukumo:

Congrats on the RedFes success! Look! I readied a feast!

Haruka:

It’s true…

Touma:

It’s looks really yummy…

Minami:

There’s even flower decorations…

Torao:

And good champagne…

Tsukumo:

What? You’re making strange faces. I thought you’d be happier.

ŹOOĻ:

Y-yaaay!

Tsukumo:

So? How was it? Exciting? Were you praised? Tell me in detail!

Touma:

…Ryo-san, so you’re really just happy about our success…?

Tsukumo:

… Weeell! I thought I’d need to praise you for acting like I thought.

So, how was it? Were you nervous? Were they thrilled? No booing?

Haruka:

Not telling.

Tsukumo:

Huh?

Haruka:

Next time come watch. Experience us live.

Tsukumo:

Ahaha. Now you said it!

Touma:

Ryo-san… If you’re happy like that then I think you’ll understand how we feel too.

Torao:

Idiot. It’s too soon.

Touma:

But…

Minami:

He’s right, Inumaru-san.

Tsukumo:

What’s with this mood? You gonna confess?

Torao:

Well, drink some, Ryo-san. This is good champagne.

Tsukumo:

Yes, I bought it.

Torao:

I’ll give you my time tonight.

Tsukumo:

…

Torao:

What do you wanna do? We’ll spend it however you want.

Tsukumo:

…so it is a confession?

Torao:

Tora! That’s not negotiating!!

Torao:

It is, I’m making him feel relaxed.

Minami:

The way how you’re on the attack without any concrete plan is very like you, Midou-san. It makes one’s heart beat fast, but…

Haruka:

See! We should’ve given him a shoulder massage like I said!

Tsukumo:

Touma. What do you mean, negotiating?

Touma:

Ah, no… Like, you see… right!?

Haruka, Torao, Minami:

…

Touma:

…back me up there… Uhm… Uh, Ryo-san, there’s something we wanna ask of you.

Rather than ask of it’s more of having a proper talk and…

Tsukumo:

What?

Touma:

…

We want you to change the way you do things. We want to fight with our own power.

Please stop putting pressure on other groups and agencies.

Tsukumo:

I’m not stopping. Right, let me tell you about my plans. You win at JIME and then at Black or White.

Nooo worries. I made it so you’ll win for sure.

Touma:

…

Tsukumo:

This duck is deliiicious. Have you tried yet?

Minami:

…my teacher has passed away in Noth Meir.

I don’t want to make something that would ridicule him… I want to love music as earnestly as him.

Please… I ask of you, Ryo-san.

Tsukumo:

Minami…

No worries, Minami. You have already ridiculed him, made him despaaair and booored him to death after all.

Minami:

…

Touma:

What do you think you’re saying!?

Tsukumo:

Hey hey now, the ones saying stupid things are you people, aren’t you?

Didn’t you say you’d destroy TRIGGER? For having hurt you with all their sincerity and earnestness; they’re the baaad guys.

Using underhanded methods, becoming arrogant, lying, not keeping promises! The lowest of humans!

What did you say to do to them, what they’d deserve!? …Haruka!

Haruka:

…

Tsukumo:

Didn’t you say sooo? That they’re still breathing. That they’re not crushed yet. Let’s teach them a lesson with your haaands.

Kick around their table as they’re planning for a party! Stomp on their cake!

Look! Just like this! …haha!

Glass shatters.

Haruka:

…wh-what!? Wh-why are you standing on the table all of a su---

Glass shatters.

Haruka:

…!?

Tsukumo:

Trample on it, crush it underfoot, raise the iron fist of justice against the evildoers!

And him! And him! Chastise them! Even if they regret it, who’s to forgive them!?

Torao:

…h-hey… Get down of there and---

Tsukumo:

I don’t need you! I’ll chase you away! Vanish! Vanish! Vaniiish…!!

ŹOOĻ:

…

Tsukumo:

…phew…

Heeey?

Wasn’t that fun?

Touma:

…

Tsukumo:

That made you feel good, excited, right? Pleasure just flowed out gushingly, didn’t it?

Chasing villains away while being drunk on justice is what feels best to us humans, they say. Well of couuurse!!

You get to beat out what you don’t like while being immersed in this sense of duty called justice after all!

To pass down divine punishment… makes god feel nice, doesn’t it?

Touma:

…Ryo-san…

Tsukumo:

First TRIGGER, then Re:vale and still not enough? Am I next? And after that, who’s your next target?

…aww, my shoes got dirty… Oh wellp! Let’s continue eating. Ahaha! 3 seconds rule!

ŹOOĻ:

…

Tsukumo:

What’s wrong? Suddenly so silent.

Torao:

… …that’s not it…

Tsukumo:

Whaaat, Torao? Where’s my champagne refill?

Torao:

…it’s not about being drunk on justice… …I don’t know how to say it…

Tsukumo:

Well then don’t.

Torao:

…

This is not goo---

Splashing sound.

Torao:

…

Touma:

Ryo-san!

Tsukumo:

‘Kay. Let’s disband, yes?

Touma:

…

Haruka:

…

Minami:

…

Torao:

…

Tsukumo:

ŹOOĻ will disband. Harukaaa, grab that fork that flew away.

Haruka:

…are you serious?

Tsukumo:

Think back on your life, why don’t you? It’s always been like this and it always will…

There are replacements for you.

Touma:

No there aren’t you goddamn bastard.

Tsukumo:

…

Touma:

There are no replacements for them!

Tsukumo:

Oh is that sooo? Too baaad. If you do part with them, call me for the farewell party, yeees?

I’ll dance for you like I did before.

16.4. Departure

 

 

On stage.

Riku:

Good evening! We’re IDOLiSH7!

Audience:

*scream*

Nagi:

Hallooo! It’s Rokuya Nagi!

Audience:

*scream*

Yamato:

Amazing reaction. Give some for Onii-san too please!

Mitsuki:

Me too! Everyone, let’s get this started!

Audience:

*scream*

Woman:

They’re all so excited!

Woman:

Well of course, it was only for a moment, but we were worrying about Nagi!

I’m glad IDOLiSH7 is there! I love them!

Woman:

I’ll aaalways watch over you!

Cut to street.

Woman:

Ah, couldn’t go to the viewing again!

Woman:

Aren’t they really popular lately?

Woman:

Maybe because of Riku-kun? Even my boss knows him!

Woman:

I feel you! I was surprised too when my work senpai knew about them!

Woman:

I’m glad they’re getting more known! But it’d be bad if I don’t get tickets anymore!

Cut to another street.

Woman:

Hey, did you read that interview about ŹOOĻ in the magazine?

Woman:

The one about before RedFes!? It was so good! I cried!

Woman:

They’re cool but… I kind of don’t feel any attachment to them, it feels like they’ll just be left behind someday.

Woman:

I was glad about what Haruka-kun said…

Woman:

They were successful at the RedFes, are pretty popular here too, if they continue, they may win against IDOLiSH7 at Black or White!

Woman:

I hope they win…

Cut to Re:vale’s green room,

Momo:

Okay, let’s practise.

Yuki:

Yes.

Momo:

Good to go?

Yuki:

I’m fine, cooling down.

Momo:

Ah, Yuki-kun? You’re busy right now, right? You denied talking about it before. I told you to never come again.

Yuki:

Momo.

Momo:

…isn’t saying my name unfair?

Yuki:

Look at me. Please, believe me.

Couldn’t you listen to my wish?

Momo:

I wiiill! Yuki ikemen!

Yuki:

Momo…

Momo:

Yuki…

Momo approaches Yuki.

Door opens.

Okarin:

Please excuse me. Uhm? Why are you hugging each other?

Yuki:

Practising persuasion.

Momo:

I was persuaded!

Okarin:

Yuki-kun, don’t just rely on your face and body language all the time. And Momo-kun don’t just fall for it either.

Yuki:

Then I’ll practise with Bob next.

Momo:

Don’t cheat on me!! Also Bob doesn’t know Japanese that well yet, right?

Yuki:

It’s okay. I’ll make him fall with my face and gestures.

Okarin:

Isn’t that body language again in the end? Nevermind that, listen. I heard from the people involved with Black or White…

Re:vale may not get an appearance this year.

Momo:

Huh!?

Yuki:

Even though we’re last year’s overall winners?

Okarin:

Re:vale won three years in a row, right?

They’re thinking about Re:vale being inducted in the hall of fame and give a chance to other artists.

Yuki:

Is that their true intention…?

Momo:

I bet TSUKUMO is operating behind the scenes or something…

Okarin:

I tried to find out about that myself too, but as expected, they can’t say anything directly.

Yuki:

…hah… If I became Sakamoto Ryouma, I may have accomplished stuff sooner…

Momo:

Yuki…

Yuki:

Shizuo-san asked about what we’ll do afterwards too.

The ones that parted from Hoshikage seem to be doing something on their own too. If I’d just give in already…

…honestly annoying…

Momo:

Then don’t give in. You’re doing great while practising persuasion!

Yuki:

Thanks. You’re doing great too, Momo. You don’t go behind my back and visit Tsukumo on your own anymore.

Though I really wondered why you did that in the first place.

Momo:

Because I was pissed! He even involved Ban-san. He has no room for negotiations.

Though I really wanted him to understand…

Yuki:

Momo…

Momo:

If the other has no will to try and understand, then I’d have to compromise. I won’t compromise. So that’s the end.

Ryo-san angers people so he can see their reactions. And he wants others to give him attention.

He wants you to look at him. That’s why I won’t give him any attention. I’m not showing my reactions nor what I truly think.

Let him be poisoned by losing an opponent to crush.

Yuki:

…

Don’t throw me away…

Momo:

Eehh!? Were we talking about that right now!?

Yuki:

I just felt like saying that myself…

Momo:

There’s no way I would! That’s my line!

Yuki:

You’re not giving your OK for the arrangement of “Mikansei na bokura”. Isn’t this the first time you’ve been so reluctant?

Momo:

…

Yuki:

Hah… Maybe I lost my talent…

Momo:

You didn’t! You’re just jumbling everything together, don’t feel down!

Okarin:

Exactly! You’re emotionally unstable lately! Take some vitamins please.

Yuki:

I wonder how he is doing…?

Momo:

He?

Yuki:

Sougo-kun. Did he make a song?

Cut to Takanashi office.

Sougo:

This is the song I made… “Forever note”.

Banri:

…amazing… It’s sensitive yet intense, very much like you and very cool.

Otoharu:

You’re right… Sougo-kun’s and Tamaki-kun’s voices work perfectly together.

Tsumugi:

Thank you for letting us hear such a wonderful song, Sougo-san.

Otoharu:

I heard from Banri-kun and Tsumugi-kun too, but you’re currently talking about it with the recording company?

Sougo:

Yes…. So far we’ve always been guided with a certain goal in mind, but I’m planning to ask them to use this song.

Tamaki:

I will too.

Banri:

Next time I’ll go with you too. I’m sure you’re wavering about the direction too, so I’ll bring up all the small details and present them.

Sougo:

Thank you very much, Banri-san.

Banri:

Don’t mention it! I’m in highs spirits.

I’m glad that you made a song and are trying to make it work. Let’s have everyone listen to your song, okay?

Sougo:

…yes!

Tamaki:

Haha… I’m sure it’ll go well.

Sougo:

Wh-why?

Tamaki:

Sou-chan, you’re not making a face of “I hope it goes well” but one that says “I will make it go well”.

Sougo:

…

Tamaki:

You made the song with the same expression as when you were holding the screwdriver. I think you’re probably unbeatable.

And really cool!

Sougo:

I… I’m really happy right now…

Tamaki:

Really?

Sougo:

S… Say it again…

Tamaki:

My partner is super cool!

Otoharu:

Ahaha! Exactly! Sougo-kun and Tamaki-kun are both cool!

No matter what the result is, this is a new departure for MEZZO”. Enjoy the journey.

No matter how far away you wander, you will always have a place to return to here. Go on an adventure, as freely as you can.

MEZZO”:

Yes!

 

 

16.5. Embarked on world

 

 

On stage.

Sougo:

Thank you very much!

Tamaki:

Thanks!

Audience:

*scream*

MEZZO”! I love you!

Cut to backstage.

Sougo, thinking:

The fans here might end up disliking us.

I may be betraying the fans.

But I want to challenge it.

Will my song be loved?

Will it move people’s hearts?

Tamaki, thinking:

It’s weird, somehow. It’s not before a concert but it feels like it.

I don’t need to be nervous, but even I am nervous.

I want to make it go well.

Is this what they mean when they say to watch over something?

It’s more complicated when doing it yourself. Watching over and supporting something is difficult.

But, because I love Sou-chan both are okay.

“Take it easy!” or “Don’t give up!”, I wanna tell Sou-chan whatever he prefers.

But maybe one of those will hurt Sou-chan someday.

I don’t know yet which one is good. So let’s sing the best song.

I’ll sing and make Sou-chan’s song the best song ever.

Cut to outside of a building.

Banri:

Well done you two.

Sougo:

Banri-san… Next up is the meeting with the recording company, right?

Banri:

Yes. They should’ve listened to the song already.

Sougo:

…understood.

Tamaki:

Wanna eat some chocolate?

Sougo:

I wi… I wonder if I should.

Yuki:

Tamaki-kun, Sougo-kun.

Momo:

Ban-san!

Banri:

Yuki, Momo-kun! There’s tons of things I wanna say, but…

Yuki:

I know. Let’s go to karaoke someday and sing death metal.

Momo:

Let’s go all out.

Banri:

OK. I’ll play the tambourine until I get a bruise!

Momo:

Yes, looking forward to it! Where are you guys going now?

Sougo:

Deep breath.

To war.

Momo:

Uhm, he has glazed eyes!?

Banri:

He reminds me of someone…

Yuki:

The recording company, huh? Go get ‘em. Don’t hold back even once.

Sougo:

Yes.

Tamaki:

Momorin, Yukirin. Cheer for us!

Re:vale:

You can do it! Don’t lose!

Tamaki:

Ahaha! You too!

Yuki:

Obviously. We’ll do our best.

Momo:

Leave it to us!

Cut to recording company office.

Recording company producer:

…

Sougo:

…

Recording company producer:

…understood. If you’re willing to go that far, let’s try it.

Sougo:

…ah…

Tamaki:

Thank you very much!

Banri:

Thank you very much! Ah, I’m glad…

Sougo:

…thank you very much…!

Recording company producer:

Let’s do our best together. So that Osaka-san’s song… so that MEZZO”’s new colour can be accepted and loved.

Let’s do it thoroughly. Let’s go with force and vigour.

Even if you regret it, you will definitely not be able to return. Please be prepared.

Sougo:

Yes.

Tamaki:

Aye.

Recording company producer:

‘Kay! Well then, let’s do it!

Your new song will be “Forever note”!

MEZZO”:

Pleased to be working with you!

Cut to a radio studio.

Sougo:

Thank you very much for having tuned in to MEZZO”’s “Long Hit Album”.

Before we go, I’d like to officially announce MEZZO”’s new song.

Tamaki:

Tell ‘em the important part.

Sougo:

I… I was just about to… The title is “Forever note”. I… I composed it.

Tamaki:

It’s a really good song!

Sougo:

It has a different vibe than the MEZZO” songs so far, but, uhm… you might be surprised.

But I want to compose more songs like this. Thank you very much.

Tamaki:

Listen to it, ‘kay?

Cut to night sky.

Woman:

Sougo-san composed it! Amazing!

Woman:

Such a great song! I love it! Sou-chan is a genius!

Woman:

Hm…? It’s rock-ish, trying to please the crowd? Like, showing your rock side from time to time.

Woman:

Eh… They’re going in this direction… I don’t wanna talk bad about Sougo-san’s song, but…

Woman:

I came to like MEZZO” because of their kind songs…

Woman:

Ah… Sougo’s song… I always wondered if he wouldn’t make one someday.

Woman:

He loves music so much after all. I’m really happy…!

Cut to that one living room.

Girl:

…Sougo-san is so cool! He composed the song! I wonder if he can make songs for IDOLiSH7 too?!

Phone rings.

Girl:

Ah, Big Sis’ phone is ringing! I’ll bring it over there, okay?

Big sister:

…! It’s okay! Just leave it there…!

Girl:

Eh? Ah…!!

Why is ŹOOĻ’s Midou Torao your lock screen!?

Big sister:

That… That’s just because a girl from work likes him too, okay? We have something to talk about and…

Girl:

Lies! The CD I saw in your room the other day too! You said you borrowed it but you bought it, right!? Traitor!

Big sister:

I didn’t betray you!?

Girl:

You said you’d vote for IDOLiSH7 during Black or White!

Yet you’re all about ŹOOĻ! That’s mean!

Big sister:

Mean… I didn’t say it. And I didn’t like IDOLiSH7 that much to begin with!

Girl:

Eh…?

Big sister:

They feel so childish, like… Well, you can cheer for them, okay?

Girl:

You never said that… We cheered them on together. You’re mean…

I liked talking about IDOLiSH7 with you, and now you just…

Big sister:

D-don’t make me the bad guy here… I can like whoever I want!

Girl:

…waa… Big Sis you’re stupid…

Mother:

You two, what are you fighting about?

Cut to night sky.

Tsumugi, thinking:

Things that change…

Can we forgive those things?

Can we accept them?

Nonetheless, new possibilities arise as change doesn’t stop…

That’s how the times advance.

To be continued…