[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SR] A Weaver Spinning Love | Cooling Off with Your Feet in the Water
Izumi: Do you guys have any plans for the weekend?
Taichi: I haven’t really decided on anything in particular. I was actually just thinking about what to do.
Sakuya: I haven’t got anything planned yet either… Now that you mention it, it would be kinda nice to go somewhere.
Taichi: Then why don’t we no-planners go somewhere together?
Izumi: That’d be nice. Do you have any plans, Tsuzuru-kun?
Tsuzuru: I’m planning on going back home to look after my little brothers.
Taichi: Man, that reminds me of that time we big bros and Director-sensei all went to your house, Tsuzuru-kun!
Izumi: While everyone was playing in the water, Tsuzuru-kun got completely soaked.
Tsuzuru: I sure did. Well, that’s usually how it goes when my brothers are playing in the water.
Tsuzuru: Oh, right, they’ve been saying how they want to have some of your sandwiches again, so would you be willing to put some lunches together for me, Director?
Izumi: I can, but won’t it be rough trying to handle all of them all on your own? What if I were to come with you again?
Tsuzuru: Wait, really? It’d be a huge help if you came along.
Taichi: And I’d love to play with your little bros again, so is it fine if I come with?
Sakuya: If that’s the case, I could also come along. I might be able to be of some help given my job at the daycare.
Tsuzuru: I’m sure they’d be thrilled if you two came along.
Taichi: Alright, so all four of us will go! I’ll head out and pick up some drinks and snacks before we go.
Izumi: Oh, and I remember them being pretty happy when I brought the shaved ice machine.
Sakuya: Really? …I wonder if there’s something I could bring along too then.
Izumi: I’ll pack some side dishes to go with the sandwiches.
Taichi: I’ll bring some juice and snacks!
Tsuzuru: I appreciate it, but really, you don’t have to do anything over the top.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Tsuzuru: I’m home.
Izumi: Hi.
Sakuya: Hello.
Taichi: It’s been forever! Do you guys remember me?
Yuzuru: I do!
Takeru: You’re Taichi-nii-chan!
Ataru: You played with us before.
Taichi: Woohoo! I’m so glad you guys remembered me!
Sakuya: It’s been a while, Tooru-kun.
Tooru: Yes, it has been.
Tsuzuru: Yuzuru, Takeru, Ataru. This is Sakuya.
Sakuya: It’s nice to meet all of you.
Takeru & Yuzuru: Nice to meet you!
Ataru: It’s nice to meet you.
Tooru: Nii-san, I’m going to leave soon.
Tsuzuru: Oh yeah, you’re headed to the library, right? Be safe.
Tooru: I will.
Yuzuru: Tsuzuru-nii-chan, I’m hungry!
Takeru: Me too!
Tsuzuru: Well, it is already noon.
Izumi: I’ll start getting things ready right away.
Tsuzuru: I’ll help you.
Sakuya: Alright, while they do that, do you guys wanna play with Sensei and…
Sakuya: Ah.
Yuzuru: Sensei?
Taichi: Looks like Sakkun’s stuck in work mode!
Sakuya: Ahaha… I guess I did that out of habit. Umm, what I meant to say is, do you guys wanna play with us as your big brothers?
Takeru: Yeah, let’s play!
Sakuya: What should we play?
Taichi: We have until lunch is ready, so we don’t have a whole lotta time.
Sakuya: Yeah, good point… ah! How about we do origami then?
Ataru: Origami?
Sakuya: The kids at the daycare had tons of fun when we did that with them recently.
Sakuya: We can make paper fortune tellers out of origami, and then you guys can use them for fortune-telling and stuff.
Yuzuru: Fortune-telling!?
Takeru: I wanna do that!
Sakuya: Okay, we’ll all make them together.
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Sakuya: First, fold it into a triangle… Yeah, just like that. If you line up the edges perfectly like that, it’ll turn out really nicely.
Takeru: Like this?
Sakuya: Yeah, that’s great! Next, open it up and fold the other side into a triangle too.
Ataru: Umm… is this right?
Sakuya: Yep, that’s exactly how it should be!
Yuzuru: This is hard.
Taichi: Just fold it right here like this, and then you’ll have it.
Yuzuru: Like this?
Taichi: Yeah! Good job!
Takeru: Done!
Ataru: I’m done too.
Yuzuru: Me too!
Sakuya: Okay, then you guys can write in what you want your fortunes to say right in here.
Sakuya: It can be whatever you want. You can write out yes and no, or you can use a gold star, a circle, and an X, so just draw whichever you like the most.
Takeru: Hmm, what should I draw…
Yuzuru: A circle and an X…
Ataru: I’m done!
Sakuya: Are all of you guys done? Alright, why don’t I give you guys your fortunes with the one I made first?
Sakuya: I’ll move it like this, and then you tell me when to stop when I’m at a place you like, okay?
Takeru: Stop!
Taichi: That was fast~!
Sakuya: Takeru-kun, you got… ah, it’s a yes. Your fortune is that you’ll get to have ice cream today!
Takeru: Ice cream!? Yay!
Yuzuru: I wanna do one!
Taichi: Okay, do you wanna give me my fortune?
Yuzuru: Yeah!
Taichi: …Stop!
Yuzuru: Umm… you get a gold star!
Taichi: Heck yeah! Something good is bound to happen!
Izumi: Lunch is done, guys. Can you get the table cleared up?
Tsuzuru: We’ve got fried shrimp and fried chicken too.
Ataru: Waah, yummy!
Takeru: Smells tasty~!
Yuzuru: I wanna eat a sandwich!
Izumi: Go and wash your hands, and then you can eat, okay?
Younger Brothers: Okay!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Takeru: Thanks for the food!
Yuzuru: It was yummy.
Ataru: I’m stuffed.
Yuzuru: Tsuzuru-nii-chan, I wanna do chilly feet with everyone!
Takeru: Me too!
Tsuzuru: Alright, let’s go out in the garden then.
Sakuya: What do they mean by chilly feet…?
Izumi: That’s what I’m wondering.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Yuzuru: Let’s put the water in the tub!
Takeru: I’ll help!
Tsuzuru: Whoa, hey, if you turn the faucet that much, you’re gonna—.
Yuzuru: Wah!?
*Water sprays*
Tsuzuru: Uwhoa!
Izumi: Yikes…!
Ataru: I’ll turn it off.
Sakuya: Are you okay, Tsuzuru-kun!?
Taichi: You’re totally soaked.
Tsuzuru: It’s fine; I’m used to it. Besides, with how hot it is today, I’ll dry off fast enough.
Yuzuru: I’m sorry, Tsuzuru-nii-chan…
Tsuzuru: You’re all good. Don’t worry about it.
Taichi: I’ll hold the hose!
Tsuzuru: Now, turn the faucet slowly.
Takeru: Okay!
Ataru: Is this good?
Tsuzuru: Yep.
Izumi: Wait, so by chilly feet, did they mean…?
Tsuzuru: Cooling their feet off in the water. We fill this tub with water, and they soak just their feet in it. They’ve been kinda obsessed with it lately.
Taichi: That’s surprisingly lowkey!
Sakuya: Hey, how would you guys feel about eating the ice cream I brought while you soak your feet?
Yuzuru: Ice cream!?
Sakuya: Yep, ice cream.
Izumi: I almost forgot you brought that along.
Sakuya: Yeah, I thought your little brothers would like this ice cream that you can win prizes from, so I asked Chikage-san to drive me to go and get some!
Tsuzuru: Chikage-san did?
Sakuya: Yeah!
Tsuzuru: Who woulda thought? I’ll have to thank him later.
Takeru: I wanna have some now!
Yuzuru: Me too!
Ataru: I bet it’ll be even more yummy if we eat it while doing chilly feet.
Sakuya: Then let’s all eat it together!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Takeru: My paper fortune-teller's fortune was right about getting to eat ice cream!
Sakuya: Yeah, looks like it.
Taichi: Huh!?
Izumi: What’s wrong, Taichi-kun?
Taichi: The stick of mine says I won!
Ataru: Ah, mine says that too!
Yuzuru: Huh, mine too!
Takeru: Woohoo! Same here!
Tsuzuru: …Mine too.
Izumi: And mine…!
Sakuya: Mine is a win too!
Taichi: Wait, we all won!?
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Choose!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Option 1: That’s Sakuya-kun for you…
Izumi: Getting this many wins… that’s Sakuya-kun for you…
Sakuya: Ahaha… it’s just a coincidence.
Izumi: But it’s still incredible. Besides, it made everyone super happy.
Sakuya: Yeah, I guess getting ice cream that you can win prizes from was the right choice after all!
Option 2: Is it supposed to be this easy to win?
Izumi: Is it supposed to be this easy to win?
Sakuya: It happens to me every once in a while, but… this is probably the first time I’ve seen everyone get so lucky like this.
Izumi: There are usually supposed to be more losses, so you’re usually guaranteed to get a few of them, and yet…
Sakuya: But anyway, it seems like everyone was happy to win, so I’m glad that everyone liked them!
Takeru: Can we exchange these at the convenience store!?
Sakuya: You can exchange them at any store that sells the same stuff.
Tsuzuru: Are you sure this isn’t the kinda ice cream where you literally can’t lose…?
Izumi: It says right here on the packaging that if there isn’t anything written on the stick, it means you lost.
Tsuzuru: You really are unbelievable, Sakuya… Who would’ve thought you’d end up only picking winning ones…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: (I really had a lot of fun playing with Tsuzuru-kun’s little brothers the other day.)
Sakuya: (Soaking our feet in the water was really nice, and everyone loved winning prizes from the ice cream…)
Tsuzuru: Sakuya.
Sakuya: Ah, Tsuzuru-kun.
Tsuzuru: Thanks for coming over to help look after my younger brothers the other day.
Sakuya: No, it was nothing! I had tons of fun!
Tsuzuru: They had a blast too.
Tsuzuru: Plus, when we finished off the rest of the ice cream you brought them, almost all of them ended up being winners.
Sakuya: Wait, really!?
Tsuzuru: Yeah. That’s why they all said they wanted you to bring them some more winning ice cream again.
Sakuya: Ahaha, that’s a bit of an expectation to live up to.
Sakuya: But I’d absolutely love it if you let me come over and play with them again!
[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SR] A Weaver Spinning Love | Cooling Off with Your Feet in the Water
Izumi: Do you guys have any plans for the weekend?
Taichi: I haven’t really decided on anything in particular. I was actually just thinking about what to do.
Sakuya: I haven’t got anything planned yet either… Now that you mention it, it would be kinda nice to go somewhere.
Taichi: Then why don’t we no-planners go somewhere together?
Izumi: That’d be nice. Do you have any plans, Tsuzuru-kun?
Tsuzuru: I’m planning on going back home to look after my little brothers.
Taichi: Man, that reminds me of that time we big bros and Director-sensei all went to your house, Tsuzuru-kun!
Izumi: While everyone was playing in the water, Tsuzuru-kun got completely soaked.
Tsuzuru: I sure did. Well, that’s usually how it goes when my brothers are playing in the water.
Tsuzuru: Oh, right, they’ve been saying how they want to have some of your sandwiches again, so would you be willing to put some lunches together for me, Director?
Izumi: I can, but won’t it be rough trying to handle all of them all on your own? What if I were to come with you again?
Tsuzuru: Wait, really? It’d be a huge help if you came along.
Taichi: And I’d love to play with your little bros again, so is it fine if I come with?
Sakuya: If that’s the case, I could also come along. I might be able to be of some help given my job at the daycare.
Tsuzuru: I’m sure they’d be thrilled if you two came along.
Taichi: Alright, so all four of us will go! I’ll head out and pick up some drinks and snacks before we go.
Izumi: Oh, and I remember them being pretty happy when I brought the shaved ice machine.
Sakuya: Really? …I wonder if there’s something I could bring along too then.
Izumi: I’ll pack some side dishes to go with the sandwiches.
Taichi: I’ll bring some juice and snacks!
Tsuzuru: I appreciate it, but really, you don’t have to do anything over the top.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Tsuzuru: I’m home.
Izumi: Hi.
Sakuya: Hello.
Taichi: It’s been forever! Do you guys remember me?
Yuzuru: I do!
Takeru: You’re Taichi-nii-chan!
Ataru: You played with us before.
Taichi: Woohoo! I’m so glad you guys remembered me!
Sakuya: It’s been a while, Tooru-kun.
Tooru: Yes, it has been.
Tsuzuru: Yuzuru, Takeru, Ataru. This is Sakuya.
Sakuya: It’s nice to meet all of you.
Takeru & Yuzuru: Nice to meet you!
Ataru: It’s nice to meet you.
Tooru: Nii-san, I’m going to leave soon.
Tsuzuru: Oh yeah, you’re headed to the library, right? Be safe.
Tooru: I will.
Yuzuru: Tsuzuru-nii-chan, I’m hungry!
Takeru: Me too!
Tsuzuru: Well, it is already noon.
Izumi: I’ll start getting things ready right away.
Tsuzuru: I’ll help you.
Sakuya: Alright, while they do that, do you guys wanna play with Sensei and…
Sakuya: Ah.
Yuzuru: Sensei?
Taichi: Looks like Sakkun’s stuck in work mode!
Sakuya: Ahaha… I guess I did that out of habit. Umm, what I meant to say is, do you guys wanna play with us as your big brothers?
Takeru: Yeah, let’s play!
Sakuya: What should we play?
Taichi: We have until lunch is ready, so we don’t have a whole lotta time.
Sakuya: Yeah, good point… ah! How about we do origami then?
Ataru: Origami?
Sakuya: The kids at the daycare had tons of fun when we did that with them recently.
Sakuya: We can make paper fortune tellers out of origami, and then you guys can use them for fortune-telling and stuff.
Yuzuru: Fortune-telling!?
Takeru: I wanna do that!
Sakuya: Okay, we’ll all make them together.
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Sakuya: First, fold it into a triangle… Yeah, just like that. If you line up the edges perfectly like that, it’ll turn out really nicely.
Takeru: Like this?
Sakuya: Yeah, that’s great! Next, open it up and fold the other side into a triangle too.
Ataru: Umm… is this right?
Sakuya: Yep, that’s exactly how it should be!
Yuzuru: This is hard.
Taichi: Just fold it right here like this, and then you’ll have it.
Yuzuru: Like this?
Taichi: Yeah! Good job!
Takeru: Done!
Ataru: I’m done too.
Yuzuru: Me too!
Sakuya: Okay, then you guys can write in what you want your fortunes to say right in here.
Sakuya: It can be whatever you want. You can write out yes and no, or you can use a gold star, a circle, and an X, so just draw whichever you like the most.
Takeru: Hmm, what should I draw…
Yuzuru: A circle and an X…
Ataru: I’m done!
Sakuya: Are all of you guys done? Alright, why don’t I give you guys your fortunes with the one I made first?
Sakuya: I’ll move it like this, and then you tell me when to stop when I’m at a place you like, okay?
Takeru: Stop!
Taichi: That was fast~!
Sakuya: Takeru-kun, you got… ah, it’s a yes. Your fortune is that you’ll get to have ice cream today!
Takeru: Ice cream!? Yay!
Yuzuru: I wanna do one!
Taichi: Okay, do you wanna give me my fortune?
Yuzuru: Yeah!
Taichi: …Stop!
Yuzuru: Umm… you get a gold star!
Taichi: Heck yeah! Something good is bound to happen!
Izumi: Lunch is done, guys. Can you get the table cleared up?
Tsuzuru: We’ve got fried shrimp and fried chicken too.
Ataru: Waah, yummy!
Takeru: Smells tasty~!
Yuzuru: I wanna eat a sandwich!
Izumi: Go and wash your hands, and then you can eat, okay?
Younger Brothers: Okay!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Takeru: Thanks for the food!
Yuzuru: It was yummy.
Ataru: I’m stuffed.
Yuzuru: Tsuzuru-nii-chan, I wanna do chilly feet with everyone!
Takeru: Me too!
Tsuzuru: Alright, let’s go out in the garden then.
Sakuya: What do they mean by chilly feet…?
Izumi: That’s what I’m wondering.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Yuzuru: Let’s put the water in the tub!
Takeru: I’ll help!
Tsuzuru: Whoa, hey, if you turn the faucet that much, you’re gonna—.
Yuzuru: Wah!?
*Water sprays*
Tsuzuru: Uwhoa!
Izumi: Yikes…!
Ataru: I’ll turn it off.
Sakuya: Are you okay, Tsuzuru-kun!?
Taichi: You’re totally soaked.
Tsuzuru: It’s fine; I’m used to it. Besides, with how hot it is today, I’ll dry off fast enough.
Yuzuru: I’m sorry, Tsuzuru-nii-chan…
Tsuzuru: You’re all good. Don’t worry about it.
Taichi: I’ll hold the hose!
Tsuzuru: Now, turn the faucet slowly.
Takeru: Okay!
Ataru: Is this good?
Tsuzuru: Yep.
Izumi: Wait, so by chilly feet, did they mean…?
Tsuzuru: Cooling their feet off in the water. We fill this tub with water, and they soak just their feet in it. They’ve been kinda obsessed with it lately.
Taichi: That’s surprisingly lowkey!
Sakuya: Hey, how would you guys feel about eating the ice cream I brought while you soak your feet?
Yuzuru: Ice cream!?
Sakuya: Yep, ice cream.
Izumi: I almost forgot you brought that along.
Sakuya: Yeah, I thought your little brothers would like this ice cream that you can win prizes from, so I asked Chikage-san to drive me to go and get some!
Tsuzuru: Chikage-san did?
Sakuya: Yeah!
Tsuzuru: Who woulda thought? I’ll have to thank him later.
Takeru: I wanna have some now!
Yuzuru: Me too!
Ataru: I bet it’ll be even more yummy if we eat it while doing chilly feet.
Sakuya: Then let’s all eat it together!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Takeru: My paper fortune-teller's fortune was right about getting to eat ice cream!
Sakuya: Yeah, looks like it.
Taichi: Huh!?
Izumi: What’s wrong, Taichi-kun?
Taichi: The stick of mine says I won!
Ataru: Ah, mine says that too!
Yuzuru: Huh, mine too!
Takeru: Woohoo! Same here!
Tsuzuru: …Mine too.
Izumi: And mine…!
Sakuya: Mine is a win too!
Taichi: Wait, we all won!?
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Choose!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Option 1: That’s Sakuya-kun for you…
Izumi: Getting this many wins… that’s Sakuya-kun for you…
Sakuya: Ahaha… it’s just a coincidence.
Izumi: But it’s still incredible. Besides, it made everyone super happy.
Sakuya: Yeah, I guess getting ice cream that you can win prizes from was the right choice after all!
Option 2: Is it supposed to be this easy to win?
Izumi: Is it supposed to be this easy to win?
Sakuya: It happens to me every once in a while, but… this is probably the first time I’ve seen everyone get so lucky like this.
Izumi: There are usually supposed to be more losses, so you’re usually guaranteed to get a few of them, and yet…
Sakuya: But anyway, it seems like everyone was happy to win, so I’m glad that everyone liked them!
Takeru: Can we exchange these at the convenience store!?
Sakuya: You can exchange them at any store that sells the same stuff.
Tsuzuru: Are you sure this isn’t the kinda ice cream where you literally can’t lose…?
Izumi: It says right here on the packaging that if there isn’t anything written on the stick, it means you lost.
Tsuzuru: You really are unbelievable, Sakuya… Who would’ve thought you’d end up only picking winning ones…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: (I really had a lot of fun playing with Tsuzuru-kun’s little brothers the other day.)
Sakuya: (Soaking our feet in the water was really nice, and everyone loved winning prizes from the ice cream…)
Tsuzuru: Sakuya.
Sakuya: Ah, Tsuzuru-kun.
Tsuzuru: Thanks for coming over to help look after my younger brothers the other day.
Sakuya: No, it was nothing! I had tons of fun!
Tsuzuru: They had a blast too.
Tsuzuru: Plus, when we finished off the rest of the ice cream you brought them, almost all of them ended up being winners.
Sakuya: Wait, really!?
Tsuzuru: Yeah. That’s why they all said they wanted you to bring them some more winning ice cream again.
Sakuya: Ahaha, that’s a bit of an expectation to live up to.
Sakuya: But I’d absolutely love it if you let me come over and play with them again!
[A3!] Towa Ichinoe | [R] The Arrival of a New Style | A Special Mentaiko Onigiri
Towa: Well, looks like the shop is gonna be quiet again today, so I guess I’ll start by tidying up around the storefront…
Towa: …Huh? It’s a flower keychain capsule toy machine. This wasn’t here before, right?
Towa’s Aunt: We just got it today. The design is really cute, so I thought I’d have it here until it runs out of capsules as a sort of limited-time thing.
Towa: Oh, okay. Yeah, it is pretty cute. Can I give it a try later, too?
*Shop bell rings*
???: Hello.
Towa: (!! That voice was…!)
Towa: T-Tsumugi-san! Welcome…!
Tsumugi: Hello, Towa-kun. Good job working today.
Towa: I-It’s nothing, really! Um, what are you doing here today?
Tsumugi: I’m on my way back from seeing the performance Misumi-kun was appearing in as a guest performer. I happened to pass by the shop and thought I’d stop in.
Towa: Whoa, Misumi-san’s performance…!
Towa: I don’t know the details of it, but I’m sure he was really super cool…
Tsumugi: He played the role of the protagonist’s friend and rival. His character was a bit cocky, but also really charming in a way where you just couldn’t help but like him.
Tsumugi: I was really moved by his frustrated expressions and gestures, and his acting in the scene where he clashes with the protagonists was also wonderful, and…
Towa: Whoa…!
Tsumugi: …Ah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt while you’re working.
Towa: No, don’t worry about it at all! I didn’t really have much to do anyway, so I’m glad I got the chance to talk with you, Tsumugi-san!
Tsumugi: Hehe, I’m glad.
Tsumugi: …Oh, you’ve got a capsule toy machine. Have you always had this?
Towa: My aunt just got it today, and she said we’d have it here as a limited-time thing until it runs out of capsules.
Tsumugi: I see. Ooh, they have flower keychains in them. They’re really cute. May I give it a try?
Towa: Of course!
Tsumugi: Well then, I’ll just put a coin in, and… I wonder what I’ll get.
*Machine rattles*
Tsumugi: And, inside the capsule is… Ah, it’s a narcissus. Hehe, how nice.
Towa: Whoa, you got a narcissus on your first try! T-That’s incredible…! You sure are lucky…
Tsumugi: That reminds me, lately, Misumi-kun has been talking about how he’s been playing this onigiri capsule toy machine quite often.
Towa: Wait, an onigiri one!? I’d be interested in that one too…!
Tsumugi: Ahaha, it does have to do with rice, doesn’t it?
Tsumugi: Apparently, there are lots of different ones, each with different fillings, and they all seem to have their own unique character. I saw some of them, and they are really cute keychains.
Towa: That’s awesome…! I’ll have to try finding that capsule toy machine too!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Towa: (I looked up that onigiri capsule toy machine Tsumugi-san told me about, and they really were super cute.)
Towa: (I’ve just gotta have one…! According to what I found, it should be around here somewhere…)
Towa: …Ah, here! Alright, c’mon, mentaiko…!
*Machine rattles*
Towa: Uueh… these are all cute, but none of them are the mentaiko one… I guess that makes sense, since that’s just one of the kinds out of so many…
Towa: O-One more time—.
Towa: (…Hm? Ah, I didn’t even notice that someone came up behind me!)
Towa: I’m sorry! Did you wanna play this one?
Misumi: Can I~?
Towa: Wait, WHAT!? M-Misumi-san!?
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Misumi: Oh, it’s Towa~. Hello!
Towa: H-Hello!
Misumi: So you were playing this capsule toy machine, too. Did you get the onigiri you wanted~?
Towa: Well… I wanted the mentaiko one, but I didn’t get it, and now I’ve just got a bunch of dupes.
Towa: See, I’ve got five of the salmon ones. I mean, the salmon one is still cute, of course, but…!
Towa: Which ones were you aiming for, Misumi-san?
Misumi: They’re all onigiri, so I love ‘em all the same~. That’s ‘cause these onigiri are all triangle onigiri!
Misumi: But I didn’t get any of the mentaiko ones either. If I had any, I would’ve traded with you. Sorry.
Towa: Nonono! You don’t need to apologize, Misumi-san!
Towa: Um, here, if you don’t have one of the salmon ones, you can have one of mine.
Misumi: Really? I didn’t have any of the salmon ones! I’m really glad! Thanks, Towa~!
Towa: (I never woulda thought that’d make Misumi-san this happy… Just that alone makes me really glad I gave it to him…!)
Misumi: Okay, I’m gonna try playing this capsule toy machine too then~. I hope it’s the mentaiko one!
*Machine rattles*
Misumi: Aww, it wasn’t a mentaiko one~. And now the machine’s completely empty.
Towa: So there weren’t even any mentaiko ones in there…
Misumi: Well, why don’t we go and look for them somewhere else?
Towa: …Huh? L-Like you and me together?
*Misumi grabs Towa*
Misumi: Yeah! Let’s go mentaiko hunting!
Towa: Wait, WHAT!? There’s no way I could ask you to do that…! Uuwahwah, even being dragged by the arm by you is too much of an honor, M-Misumi-san!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Misumi: Any onigiri here~?
Towa: R-Right here!
Towa: But it looks like someone is playing it right now. …Hm? They kinda look familiar…
Misumi: …Huh~? Director-san?
Izumi: Ah, Misumi-kun! …And Towa-kun, too! You’re not the duo I would’ve expected.
Izumi: Misumi-kun, I just found the onigiri capsule toy machine you were looking for, and I was about to give it a go.
Misumi: Waaah, thanks, Director-san! Me and Towa came looking for this capsule toy machine, too~.
Izumi: What a coincidence! I came here looking to play the Kareko-chan capsule toy machine, and…
Towa: …Kareko-chan?
Izumi: Wait, don’t tell me, do you not know who Kareko-chan is…!?
Izumi: So, Kareko-chan is—!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Izumi: —And so lately, they’ve really been going all in on merch and capsule toys like this, so…
Izumi: Eep! I-I’m sorry! I can’t believe I got so carried away…!
Towa: No, it’s okay, you can yap about your oshi for as long as you’d like! If you’d be okay with it, I’d love to listen to you talk for as long as you’d like!
Misumi: And ‘cause I love triangles so much, I know exactly how you feel, Director-san~.
Izumi: You two are so kind and understanding…
Izumi: But you wanted to play this capsule toy machine, right? Here, go ahead!
Misumi: ‘Kaaay, give it a go, Towa!
Towa: Okay!
Misumi: Oh, but it looks like there’s only two of them left.
Towa: Oh, yeah, you’re right. Well, why don’t we each give it a shot, then?
*Machine rattles*
Misumi: Dang it~. Neither of them is the mentaiko one~. Sad, sad.
Towa: Guess it’s just a hard one to get, huh…
Misumi: If I find another one of these machines, I’ll be sure to give it another try!
Izumi: Same here! So don’t lose hope, Towa-kun!
Towa: Misumi-san, Director-san… Thank you so much…!
Towa: Aaah, MANKAI Company really is just so warm and friendly…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Shop bell rings*
Misumi: Hello! Is Towa here~?
Towa: Misumi-san! What brings you here?
Misumi: Ah, there you are! This is for you, Towa~. One mentaiko onigiri keychain!
Towa: Wh… WHAT!? Can I really have this!
Misumi: Of course, here you go!
Misumi: I happened to find an arcade near the place where I’m doing my guest performance~. I played it just one time, and I got it!
Towa: UWAAH, thank you so much! I really am super happy! I’ll take extra good care of it…!
Misumi: Ehehe, I’m glad giving it to you made you so happy~.
Towa: Not only is this the mentaiko onigiri keychain I was looking for, but to then get it from you, Misumi-san…!
Towa: (That just makes it even more special…!)
Towa: (I’m way too afraid I might accidentally drop it somewhere, so I’ll just keep it safely displayed in my room instead of attaching it to something…!)
A3! Translation: Chikage SSR Card “Margrethe in the Sun” [ Touching My Blue Hour ]
The blue hour and the belt of Venus bleed into each other, existing simultaneously and separately, together they melt beautifully.
This has to be one of the more beautifully poetic Chikage backstage stories I think 🥹 and definitely one of my favorites
Part 1
Chikage
I’m home.
Masumi
… *Sigh* Yeah, welcome back.
Chikage
… ?
________________________________
Chikage
Hey, I’m back.
Itaru
Senpai, good job at work. Especially this late into the night.
Chikage
What’s up with Masumi? He was going around looking like the world was about to end.
Itaru
Perceptive as always. That’s cuz director had to go on a trip overseas, which is like a rare limited time event.
Chikage
So that’s why.
I’m going on a business trip the day after tomorrow too, now that I think about it.
Itaru
Wow, talk about a coincidence. Is it gonna be a morning flight? I got a meeting near there, want a ride?
Chikage
Thanks for the offer, but it’s fine. It’s a late-night return flight. I’ll just take a cab.
Itaru
Gotcha.
Izumi
Here we go… Hah. This suitcase is so hard to wheel. Guess cheap stuff are cheap for a reason.
Ah. Chikage-san, you’re back.
Chikage
Yup, I am. That luggage’s pretty huge. You’re going abroad, I hear?
Izumi
Pretty much. I’m getting all ready for it now. It was so sudden so now I’m scrambling all over the place.
You’re really something, Chikage-san. Even when you go on unprompted business trips, you’re always so smart with it. Like you just get it done without a hitch, don’t you?
Chikage
Well, you get used to it. How long’s the trip gonna last?
Izumi
It’s gonna be a 3-day trip at the start of the week.
Chikage
Then you’ll be back the same day as me.
Itaru
Director, do you need someone to come pick you up?
Izumi
No, I’m all good. My ETA back is around early evening, so I’ll book an airport limousine bus.
Chikage
You sure are being smart with it.
Izumi
Is that your shot at a compliment?
Chikage
Sure is. Securing a way to-and-fro is important when you’re traveling far.
Izumi
Oh, right. Chikage-san, what do you do to pass time on the plane? I’ve been wondering ‘cause it’s been a while since my last long-haul flight.
Chikage
Not much, really. It’s either I work, or… maybe read a book, I suppose.
Izumi
A book… that sounds great, actually! Maybe I’ll buy something tomorrow.
Itaru
If you’re heading there anyway, why not party up with senpai? You two probably got totally different tastes, could be an interesting book trip.
Izumi
You’re right… If it’s okay, I’d love to go with you, Chikage-san.
Chikage
Of course. It has to be after work but let’s meet up and go there together.
________________________________
Chikage
So, do you have anything particular in mind, director?
Izumi
Hmm… not really. I thought maybe I’d go look for a romance novel.
Chikage
Why a romance novel?
Izumi
Just feels like something that’s easy to get into. How about you, Chikage-san?
Chikage
Hmm… I’d say mystery?
Izumi
You phrase it like a question.
Chikage
I mean… anything works, really… as long as it’s not a romance novel.
Izumi
You say anything works and yet there’s an exception.
Chikage
Not that I can’t read them. But it’s just in our nature to avoid things we’re not good at. You’d wanna avoid investment books or business articles too, right?
Izumi
It’s not that I can’t read them either, but… fair point?
Chikage
Exactly.
PART 2
Bookshop owner
If you’re having a hard time picking, why not give this a shot?
Izumi
Um, is this… for gifts?
Bookshop owner
It’s a blind book. The cover’s all hidden under the wrapping paper, so you won’t know the title or synopsis.
You buy and it’s a surprise waiting for you.
Chikage
Hm… you see these overseas often. I didn’t know we had these in Japan too.
But, these blind books don’t even have a single hint or recommendation notes.
Izumi
Hints?
Chikage
As an example, some at least have author names written on them with “For fans of this author.” Or there’d be keywords, or the kinds of mood the content has.
Izumi
Ohh! But yeah, now that you mention it, there’s none of those on these…
Bookshop owner
The only hints you’ll get from my blind books are the book thickness and color of the wrapping paper. I thought that people are more likely to stumble into the kind of books they normally wouldn’t pick this way.
Chikage
Talk about a gamble. What’s your move?
Izumi
It sounds fun…! I’ll choose from these, I think.
Bookshop owner
Take your time.
Izumi
Oh, since we’re here already, why don’t we pick a book for each other?
Chikage
Now I didn’t say all that about this selection, but… well, it’s not like I had anything in mind anyway, so sure.
Let me take full responsibility on my choice for yours.
________________________________
Chikage
—Director, have you made up your mind?
Izumi
Mhm. How about you, Chikage-san?
Chikage
I have.
Izumi
Okay, let’s do a reveal on a count of three. Ready… go!
Chikage
Blue gradient wrapping… What made you pick this out?
Izumi
It had that mystery novel kinda feel, y’know? And Chikage-san, you picked out a pink and purple gradient for mine.
Chikage
Felt like a romance novel vibe. Can’t guarantee what’s inside is gonna match, who knows.
Izumi
Hehe, true. Alright, I’ll go on and pay for this. Thanks for choosing mine!
Chikage
Same here.
Izumi
Ah, oh yeah!
Chikage
There’s more?
Izumi
When we finish these, if we like them, wanna swap? I’m curious about what’s in the one I picked out for you, too.
Chikage
… Sure thing. As long as it isn’t a romance novel, that is.
Izumi
Aww.
________________________________
Chikage
(All right, let’s see what’s in here…)
(The title is “The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name”)
(Blue hour… the time after sunset and just before sunrise, when the sky is dyed a deep blue…)
… I see.
(So it’s an anthology series themed around that blue hour.)
(I’ve read some of these before, but it’d be interesting to go back to them with this in mind.)
… Though there are a few autobiographical I-novels mixed in here, they aren’t my kind of thing, but it’s better than a romance novel.
*Director, on a different plane.*
Izumi
Oh, wow…! I knew it, Chikage-san!
(A romance fiction anthology, perfect for this stylish and pretty wrapping. But… I wonder what this title means.)
(Right, I’m on Airplane mode. I’ll look it up later, let’s dive into this for now)
PART 3
Chikage
(——I sent my luggage ahead to the dorm, so I’ll just take a cab back.)
(As for tuning in after the trip… It’s already late, I’ll just send a LIME text to Spring Troupe and——)
Izumi
—Ah! Chikage-saaan!
Chikage
… Director? I thought you were back on the evening flight?
Izumi
I was, but my flight got delayed. I arrived just a while ago.
Chikage
It must’ve been rough for you. Welcome home.
Izumi
Ahaha. But I figured since it was gonna be late, you’d probably arrive around the same time. I thought we might as well go back together.
Chikage
I could get behind that. Should we head to the taxi bay, then?
Izumi
Wow… the queue is so long, even this late at night…
Chikage
Looks like other flights were delayed too like yours. Maybe we should’ve summoned Chigasaki regardless of the hour.
Izumi
Should we just join the queue?
Chikage
Hmm…
If we wait a bit, we can take the first train ride of the day. That might actually be faster. Let’s grab some coffee somewhere until then.
Izumi
Sounds like a plan.
Chikage
Hand it over.
Izumi
Huh?
Chikage
Your luggage.
Izumi
It’s all good, you have your own bags too… wait, actually, where is your luggage?
Chikage
Had it delivered. Easier that way.
Izumi
Figures, this is your thing.
Chikage
Now you know, so hand it over already. With how you’re wrestling with that suitcase, the first train would’ve gone and went before we even make it to the cafe.
Izumi
I’m not that bad! Ah— Chikage-san, wait up!
________________________________
Izumi
It’s just the two of us in here.
Chikage
Probably because everyone else is waiting for a taxi.
Izumi
Could be, if you hadn’t told me about the first train, I probably would’ve queued too… Speaking of which, did you get to finish the book?
Chikage
Around 80%, but work kept me busier than I thought it would, I couldn’t exactly finish it entirely. Did you?
Izumi
Yup! I was completely hooked, read the whole thing.
Chikage
So it must’ve been a romance novel.
Izumi
All thanks to you. You sure know your stuff, Chikage-san!
Chikage
Just a lucky guess.
Izumi
Hnn…
Chikage
You can go to sleep if you want, it’s okay.
[ Option 1: I couldn’t ]
Izumi
I really couldn’t do that. I’m the one that invited you to come back with me.
Chikage
… If you’d rather not have me see you asleep, we can get separate cars.
Izumi
Not that I mind, but… I feel like that would make it harder to sleep.
[ Option 2: Aren’t you tired? ]
Izumi
Aren’t you tired, Chikage-san?
Chikage
Not particularly. I’m used to coming back on late-night flights from overseas trips.
Izumi
Is that how it is?
Chikage
Exactly how it is. If I hadn’t run into you, I’d probably be working inside a taxi on the way home.
Chikage
I can just read the rest of the book while you rest.
Izumi
Okay… I’ll take you up on that.
Chikage
Director? I thought you were gonna sleep.
Izumi
I am. But I feel like I’d bother you if I sat next to you, so I’ll be over here.
Chikage
Facing each other feels more distracting, but do as you wish.
Izumi
(…Hm? I can hear someone’s voice)
Chikage
………
Izumi
(It’s Chikage-san, but… maybe it’s because he’s speaking in a foreign language, but his voice sounds different from the usual Chikage-san—)
Chikage
Rise and shine. Are you awake?
Izumi
(There he is… the Chikage-san I know.)
(The one from just a moment ago—that must’ve been him in the middle of work he has to keep quiet about.)
Did I sleep for a while?
Chikage
Not too long, but we’re almost at our stop, so it’s best to wake up now.
Izumi
Did you finish the book?
Chikage
Yeah, it’s decent, I suppose. A bunch of dark and moody themes, I don’t think you’d like them, director.
Izumi
Is that so… what’s the title, by the way?
Chikage
Here.
Izumi
“The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name.” Blue Hour?
Chikage
It’s exactly just like now. Night turning into day, day turning to night. That time in-between when light and dark blur together.
Izumi
… It’s kind of like you, Chikage-san.
Chikage
Me?
Izumi
Ah, well… you have a different face when you’re outside MANKAI Company, right? To me, you’re still you no matter what. But… sometimes I wonder which Chikage-san I’m facing.
Chikage
………
Izumi
(Like just earlier, when he was on the phone in a language I don’t recognize…)
Chikage
… I get it. You’re right, that does sound like me.
So, you wanna read it? My book.
Izumi
Mm… only if you read mine in return.
Chikage
“The Gaze of the Venus Belt.”
… Blue hour and Venus belt.* Talk about a match by chance.
Izumi
Do you know what the Venus belt is, Chikage-san?
I wanted to look up the title, but I was so sucked in while reading it that I completely forgot.
I thought I’d figure it out by the time I finished, but the story never described it anywhere.
Chikage
Hm… This kind of thing is more fun when you figure it out yourself.
Izumi
Aww… Okay, I’ll look into it.
Chikage
… Here, it’s dark and can be hard to understand—my Blue Hour.
Izumi
… Then here’s mine, the Venus belt that heals with its warmth and loving affection.
Chikage
Very well said. For someone who doesn’t even know what a Venus belt is.
Izumi
Oh, come on… it’s a romance novel, but please make sure to read it properly! Let’s make a pinky promise.
Chikage
Alright, alright.
Izumi
It’s a promise, okay!
Chikage
More importantly, it’s time to get off now.
Izumi
… Huh? Oh! We’re already at the station! Come on, hurry, Chikage-san!
*Director scurries ahead.*
Chikage
… If I’m the Blue hour, then that might just make you my Venus belt.
Story Clear!
———T/Ns:———
The Belt of Venus is the anti-twilight arch or the soft pink-purple blurry band that appears in the sky opposite the sun during blue hour, which is just above the shadow of the earth. Blue hour and the Venus belt are a joint phenomena that always appear together at dawn and dusk, one dark (Blue Hour) and one glowing warmly above it (Venus Belt.)
this was crazyyy i cant believe they wrote this omgggg 😭😭
Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.
Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.
Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.
Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!
Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.
Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.
Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.
Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Door opens*
Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.
Citron: Thank you muchly!
Sakuya: —Ah!
Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.
Itaru: GG~.
Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!
Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…
Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today. Sorry, we didn’t let you know sooner.
Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.
Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.
Sakuya: Wait, what!?
Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.
Chikage: I agree.
Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?
Sakuya: Yeah, I am.
Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.
Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?
Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.
Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.
Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.
Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!
Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.
Masumi: Wait. Come with us.
Izumi: Huh?
Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought, too, Director-san.
Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!
Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!
Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san, you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.
Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.
Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.
Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Everyone: Time to dig in!
Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!
Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.
Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.
Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.
Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…
Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?
Citron: Today, it is all Itaru and Chikage’s beet.
Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.
Chikage: You found a good spot.
Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?
Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.
Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.
Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…
Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.
Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.
Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.
Sakuya: Hmm…
Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…
Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?
Itaru: …
Chikage & Citron: …
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Chikage: …
Chikage: That reminds me, isn’t there a place in Hokkaido where the latest-blooming cherry blossoms bloom?
Citron: I know of that place! I want to go see the cherry blossoms there with everyone~!
Sakuya: Huh…?
Itaru: It’s a little early, but why don’t we go there to scout out some cherry blossom viewing spots?
Masumi: I wouldn’t mind that.
Tsuzuru: I’d be up for that too, but… is there room in the budget for that?
Itaru: Ahh, that shouldn’t be a problem. I heard from Winter Troupe that they just covered anything that went over out of their own pockets. We’ll cover whatever goes over.
Chikage: I’m not usually a fan of when you just decide to speak for me on things, but… I was thinking the same thing. Don’t worry about a thing.
Izumi: (Both Itaru-san and Chikage-san seem totally ready to take care of the whole thing!)
Tsuzuru: Well, I think it’s a great idea then. …What do you think, Sakuya?
Tsuzuru: Ah, but it’s not like anything we’ve said is set in stone.
Sakuya: …Are you sure that’s okay?
Itaru: If you’re okay with it, we’re okay with it.
Sakuya: The place I’ve been wanting to go with everyone is… the place where I was born.
Sakuya: The place I went to alone, and where you all came to pick me up. I was thinking that… it’d be nice if we could celebrate there.
Izumi: I think that sounds like a great idea. The main pretense of doing it is for the project, of course, but… make sure you go out there and make some good memories.
Sakuya: Yeah! Thank you so much!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Citron: We are here! Humongous Hokkaido!
Masumi: So loud.
Tsuzuru: You sure got fired up fast.
Azami: I came along ‘cause I’m the one in charge of doin’ the off-shots, but… really feelin’ like I’m kinda outta place.
Sakuya: You don’t have to be like that! If anything, we should be apologizing to you for making you come along.
Azami: The hell are you apologizin’ for? We all came here to celebrate you today, Sakuya-san.
Azami: I’m gonna be focused on takin’ pics of you, so just have fun like you usually would.
Sakuya: Azami-kun… thank you.
Citron: Azami, I want you to take looooots of pictures of us!
Citron: And I will also take looooots of pictures of you to send to Sakyo.
Azami: You will NOT!
Chikage: Hahaha. It’s hard sticking to just being the photographer, isn’t it?
Azami: You’re the ones who keep makin’ it hard…
Itaru: Sorry for the wait. The rental car’s all ready to go.
Tsuzuru: Thank you. Well, let’s head out.
Sakuya: Yeah!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Car driving*
Sakuya: …
Citron: Are you feeling nostalgic already?
Sakuya: Yeah. But it’s different from last time…
Tsuzuru: I mean, we are all going together this time around.
Masumi: Too crowded.
Azami: I know, right?
Chikage: Haha. But I’m sure Sakuya thinks it’s better this way.
Sakuya: Yeah. Back then, I had made it this far all on my own. I mean, obviously, I knew what I was getting into when I set out on my solo trip, and it was a really great experience.
Sakuya: But now that we’re all able to go together this time… I’m really realizing just how happy that truly makes me.
Itaru: Yeah.
Masumi: …Yeah.
Chikage: Well, we’ll be there soon.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: Wow…!
Sakuya: Amazing… the sky is so starry…
Azami: This really is the same place that was on the postcard you sent us, Sakuya-san.
Azami: So you really sent it from this far away.
Itaru: Whoa, you can really see the stars clearly.
Tsuzuru: I’m pretty sure it rained here yesterday, so maybe that’s why.
Citron: What nice timing. It must have been thanks to Sakuya’s good luck.
Sakuya: —.
Sakuya: (It’s already almost my birthday. And I’m getting to celebrate it with my current precious family this year too.)
Sakuya: (Dad, Mom… Thank you for bringing these people into my life.)
Sakuya: (I really am happy.)
Sakuya: …Ah, right.
Sakuya: (The coin that Chikage-san gave me as a good luck charm before I went on my solo trip.)
Sakuya: (If I hold it up like this, the moonlight reflects off it… It really is super pretty.)
Chikage: …You looked at it like that back then, too, didn’t you?
Sakuya: Yeah. …But unlike back then, I’m not feeling so lonely.
Chikage: I see… I’m glad.
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Azami: …Still can’t believe that you actually came all the way out here on your own, Sakuya-san.
Sakuya: Ahaha… I might’ve been traveling alone back then, but it was still fun in its own way.
Sakuya: But I realized something on that trip.
Sakuya: I really can’t just live alone after all…
Sakuya: Both when I was born and when I was on my trip, I’ve come this far thanks to the support of all of the people watching over me.
Sakuya: They call it a solo trip, but I was never truly alone. I learned that on my trip, too.
*Citron moves closer to Sakuya*
Citron: …That is what it means to be human.
Sakuya: Wah… hehe, yeah.
Sakuya: (The hand Citron-san is patting my head with is so gentle and warm. This warmth is another thing that I wouldn’t know if I were alone.)
Tsuzuru: A person can’t live alone. Just like how even a play can’t exist without an audience.
Masumi: …I agree.
Azami: Kinda unexpected to hear that comin’ from you, Masumi-san.
Masumi: I can’t live without Director.
Tsuzuru: Ugh, yeah, yeah, we get it.
Itaru: That’s our Masumi.
Azami: Y-You just let him get away with that!?
Masumi: …And you guys have been supporting me, too, I guess.
Sakuya: Masumi-kun…!
Citron: You think so too, right, Itaru and Chikage?
Itaru: I mean, I guess so.
Chikage: I won’t deny it.
Azami: …This is sorta makin’ me realize how much I respect you, Sakuya-san.
Azami: You don’t gotta be someone who comes in and takes charge to be a leader.
Azami: You’ve made me realize that there’s also leaders who bring people together just by bein’ there for them like you do, or somethin’ along those lines…
Citron: Ohh, Azami… are you giving him a compliment?
Azami: I mean, yeah, ‘course I am. …And, I dunno, he just really pays attention to the people around him.
Itaru: Looks like we’re getting a sudden Affection UP moment from Azami.
Azami: That said, I do think everyone coddles him a bit too much.
Azami: The Sakuya-san I’ve always known has always seemed a lot more dependable than that—not quite like an older brother, but… I dunno, he’s always just seemed more mature to me for some reason.
Sakuya: Wait, really!?
Masumi: No way.
Citron: Exactly. No matter how old you are, you will always be my son, Sakuya~.
Tsuzuru: Well, I guess it’s about time for us to give that to you.
Sakuya: That?
Tsuzuru: Sakuya.
Everyone: Happy birthday.
Citron: It is a present from us!
Sakuya: Aww… thank you so much!
Sakuya: Can I open it?
Itaru: Have at ‘er.
*Sakuya opens the present*
Sakuya: …! This is…!
Citron: It is a dressing room noren! (1)
Tsuzuru: You’ve been getting asked to do more and more guest performances, and, as Spring Troupe, we’re all really proud of you.
Itaru: But we don’t want you to feel homesick when you’re off giving it your all at other theater companies.
Chikage: And this is so that you can really spread your wings when it comes to acting. So we got you this with that hope in mind.
Sakuya: —.
Chikage: I’m guessing you already know when your next guest performance will be?
Itaru: Feel free to use it then.
Masumi: Ordering it was a pain in the ass, so he’s using it whether he likes it or not.
Tsuzuru: Okay, you didn’t have to put it like that… I mean, I know there was a lot that went into it, but still.
Citron: Ohh, we have put our poor Masumi through too mulch.
Masumi: Much.
Tsuzuru: Your order was pretty detailed, Citron-san~.
Citron: It was a noren for our beloved Sakuya, so I wanted it to be just right!
Sakuya: …I’ll definitely bring it with me. Thank you so, so much!
Citron: Ohh, you must be very happy with your noren. You have hugged it so tightly that it is now all wrinkly!
Itaru: …Alright, should we start heading to the inn?
Chikage: We should. It’ll take us a bit to get from here to there.
Tsuzuru: It’s stuff like this that makes you really feel just how big Hokkaido is.
Citron: I am hungry~!
Masumi: Sleepy.
*They walk away*
Sakuya: Let’s head back, Azami-kun!
Azami: …Y’know, Sakuya-san… you really are loved.
Sakuya: …Yeah, maybe.
Sakuya: If this had been way back when, I would’ve said that wasn’t the case, but now…
Sakuya: I don’t want to dismiss the feelings of the people who say that to me, so I’m trying to see it like that.
Sakuya: I’m sure that my mom and dad feel that way, and all of the people who have been there for me along the way, too.
Sakuya: And that goes for you too, Azami-kun.
Azami: Huh? I’m not…
Sakuya: Ah, umm, maybe it’s not so much love for you… maybe it’s more like a feeling of appreciation…
Azami: …Well, it ain’t like my own dream can come true if I don’t got someone to do makeup on.
Sakuya: Huh?
Azami: I’m sayin’ I appreciate you too…
Sakuya: Ahaha. I guess we’re in the same boat then. Let’s keep this up from now on.
Azami: Yeah.
Azami: (Guess this is just the kinda guy Sakuya-san is.)
Tsuzuru: C’mon, Sakuya, Azami~.
Citron: Hurry up and get in! Masumi is going to fall asleep~.
Azami: Ready to go?
Sakuya: Yeah!
• • •
Notes:
(1) Noren are traditional Japanese fabric dividers that are usually hung in places like between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows.
“HALOW” has become one of Mankai Entertainment’s most popular and beloved groups. Even though things were going smoothly for them, the company president assigned them the task of “returning to what brought them here in the first place.” All of the members are at a loss, precisely because they are aware of how much they’ve remained true to the group’s identity since their debut, to the point that they’ve been troubled by public criticism calling their music formulaic. In addition to thinking of the assignment they had been given, they began to think about the direction of their new song.
During this time, Itaru cast off his usual princely idol persona and enjoyed casually streaming video games while keeping his true identity a secret. However, a slight mishap ends up leading him to become the target of a drama-exposing influencer…
🦋 Episodes:
PR: Mankai Entertainment So Far | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | EP: Let’s Inste Live ~HALOW~ | EP: Through the Audience and to the Stage in Full Bloom
[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SSR] MANKAI Shot | Off Shot: SAKUYA - Part 1
*Applause*
Sakuya: Thank you very much!
Izumi: Sakuya-kun was incredible…
Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.
Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.
Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.
Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!
Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.
Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.
Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.
Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Door opens*
Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.
Citron: Thank you muchly!
Sakuya: —Ah!
Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.
Itaru: GG~.
Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!
Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…
Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today, Sorry we didn’t let you know sooner.
Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.
Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.
Sakuya: Wait, what!?
Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.
Chikage: I agree.
Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?
Sakuya: Yeah, I am.
Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.
Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?
Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.
Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.
Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.
Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!
Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.
Masumi: Wait. Come with us.
Izumi: Huh?
Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought too, Director-san.
Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!
Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!
Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.
Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.
Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.
Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Everyone: Time to dig in!
Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!
Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.
Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.
Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.
Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…
Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?
Citron: Today’s the day for Itaru and Chikage’s Oguri~. (1)
Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.
Chikage: You found a good spot.
Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?
Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.
Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.
Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…
Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.
Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.
Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.
Sakuya: Hmm…
Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…
Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?
Itaru: …
Chikage & Citron: …
[ Next Part ⇢ ]
• • •
Notes:
(1) Okay, so. I’ll be so real with you guys, I’m not entirely certain on this one, but no one corrects Citron, so I’m a little more inclined to believe that it’s not just a mistake. But I think this might be a reference to the Japanese thoroughbred racehorse (and also Umamusume: Pretty Derby character) Oguri Cap, who was known for having a particularly large appetite.
[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SSR] MANKAI Shot | Off Shot: SAKUYA - Part 1
*Applause*
Sakuya: Thank you very much!
Izumi: Sakuya-kun was incredible…
Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.
Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.
Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.
Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!
Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.
Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.
Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.
Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Door opens*
Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.
Citron: Thank you muchly!
Sakuya: —Ah!
Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.
Itaru: GG~.
Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!
Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…
Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today, Sorry we didn’t let you know sooner.
Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.
Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.
Sakuya: Wait, what!?
Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.
Chikage: I agree.
Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?
Sakuya: Yeah, I am.
Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.
Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?
Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.
Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.
Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.
Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!
Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.
Masumi: Wait. Come with us.
Izumi: Huh?
Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought too, Director-san.
Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!
Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!
Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.
Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.
Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.
Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Everyone: Time to dig in!
Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!
Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.
Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.
Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.
Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…
Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?
Citron: Today’s the day for Itaru and Chikage’s Oguri~. (1)
Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.
Chikage: You found a good spot.
Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?
Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.
Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.
Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…
Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.
Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.
Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.
Sakuya: Hmm…
Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…
Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?
Itaru: …
Chikage & Citron: …
[ Next Part ⇢ ]
• • •
Notes:
(1) Okay, so. I’ll be so real with you guys, I’m not entirely certain on this one, but no one corrects Citron, so I’m a little more inclined to believe that it’s not just a mistake. But I think this might be a reference to the Japanese thoroughbred racehorse (and also Umamusume: Pretty Derby character) Oguri Cap, who was known for having a particularly large appetite.
[A3!] Tsuzuru Minagi | [SSR] An Offered Parfait Doux | A Graduation Short Film
Film Club Member: Minagi, do you have a sec?
Tsuzuru: What’s up?
Film Club Member: So, y’know, that film you helped us with before was really well received.
Tsuzuru: Nah, I didn’t really help out that much… but I’m glad.
Film Club Member: Well… I’ve got another favor to ask.
Tsuzuru: You want me to help out with the script for your next project?
Film Club Member: Not quite… we don’t want you to just help out this time. We were wondering if you could write the script for us this time, Minagi.
Tsuzuru: You want me to write the script…?
Film Club Member: Yeah. By the way, the theme this time is—.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Tsuzuru: (Urgh… what am I gonna do?)
Taichi: Oh, Tsuzuru-kun?
Tsuzuru: Hey, welcome back, you two.
Tenma: We’re back. Were you working on homework?
Tsuzuru: Nah, the university film club asked me to write the script for their next short film.
Taichi: Wait, seriously!?
Tenma: Oh yeah, you did mention that you’ve helped them out before.
Tsuzuru: Yeah.
Tsuzuru: Thankfully, this time, they just asked me to write the script itself.
Tsuzuru: I took them up on the offer because I figured I’d be able to handle it given the length of a short film.
Tsuzuru: Also, the theme of it is “graduation.”
Tsuzuru: As for the direction of the film, they wanted it to be a bittersweet story centered around graduation…
Tsuzuru: Since I myself am gonna be graduating soon, I thought I’d maybe be able to just express my true feelings as they are right now.
Tenma: Right, I guess you are gonna be graduating pretty soon, huh…
Taichi: We’re gonna be so lonely~...!
Tsuzuru: Honestly, it still doesn’t really feel real to me. But I’m glad that you two feel that way.
Tsuzuru: I thought I’d be pretty lonely when Fushimi-san graduated, but thanks to the two of you enrolling, I got to make even more fun memories.
Taichi: Same here!
Tenma: When we enrolled, knowing that you and Juza-san would be there gave us a nice sense of security.
Tsuzuru: …Oh, right.
Tsuzuru: There’s a part of the short film that I’m kinda lost on, so would you guys mind giving me some advice?
Tsuzuru: As part of their request, the film club asked me to add some heart-fluttering romance stuff to the script, too.
Tsuzuru: And since both of you have starred in dramas, you’ve probably seen scenes like that, and have actually acted in them too, right?
Tsuzuru: Have either of you been in any situations lately where you thought, “This is kinda nice”?
Tenma: Lately, huh…
Tenma: For me, the direction they gave me for a Valentine’s Day commercial I did just a bit ago was to make it heart-fluttering since they wanted the whole commercial to be on that makes your heart pound.
Tsuzuru: Oh yeah, I thought you were pretty cool in that commercial, Tenma.
Taichi: At a shoot I did recently, there was this scene in the drama where an actor I was working with kabedoned his crush!
Tsuzuru: I guess a kabedon would be a pretty standard route to go…
Tenma: And coincidentally being alone in a classroom together after school is a classic too.
Taichi: Don’t forget only having one umbrella and being forced to share it on a rainy day!
Tenma: So basically, it’s all about making the distance close instantly for dramatic effect.
Tsuzuru: Gotcha… asking you guys questions was pretty helpful.
Tenma: I mean, a kabedon does seem like it’d be the most classic and easiest approach.
Taichi: It’s the classic-est of classics!
Tsuzuru: I guess you’ve got a point… If I end up doing that, the key is gonna have to be the lead-up to that scene.
Taichi: Maybe if you actually try doing one, it’ll help you come up with some ideas!
Tenma: Yeah. Thanks to Summer Troupe and the director practicing with me before my commercial shoot, I was able to gradually get the hang of it.
Tsuzuru: A-Actually doing a kabedon… I dunno about that one…
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Tsuzuru: (Thanks to my talk with Tenma and Taichi yesterday, I think I’ve got something good to work with.)
Tsuzuru: (But like they said, if I actually were to try doing it, maybe I’d be able to get some more inspiration…)
Tsuzuru: …
Masumi: …What do you want?
Tsuzuru: …Can I, like, kabedon you real quick for this short film script I’m doing, or…
Masumi: …What? Hell no. Ask someone else.
Tsuzuru: Damn, I knew you’d say that.
Tsuzuru: (Well, I figured Masumi would turn me down… guess I’ve gotta find someone else to ask.)
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Door opens*
Tsuzuru: …
Omi: Oh, Tsuzuru. I just made some scones, do you want any?
Tsuzuru: Sure, I wouldn’t mind having one.
Kumon: Oh yeah, Tsuzuru-san, you’re writing a script for a short film, right? Tenma-san told me about it!
Juza: Are ya really?
Tsuzuru: Yeah. …But along with the graduation theme, they said they wanted me to include some heart-fluttering romance stuff.
Tsuzuru: When I was talking about it with Tenma and Taichi, they ended up talking about how a kabedon might be a good idea for it.
Kumon: Ooh! That IS a good idea!
Tsuzuru: I figured that maybe I’d be able to get some sort of idea if I were to actually do one for myself, but…
Tsuzuru: When I just asked Masumi just now, he shot me down instantly.
Omi: Haha, that sounds about right.
Kumon: But if that’s what you’re trying to do, wouldn’t it be easier for you to picture kabedoning a girl?
Tsuzuru: That’s gotta be the director then. If there’s a woman who’s easy to ask for help that I’m close to, it’s her…
Juza: If ya just tell her the reason behind it, I’m sure she’ll help ya out.
Tsuzuru: Well… I was thinking the same thing. But if Masumi were to see that…
Kumon: Then just secretly ask her when Masumi-san’s not here!
Tsuzuru: Uegh… Give me a bit to think about it.
Omi: …Regardless, you’re about to graduate soon, aren’t you, Tsuzuru?
Tsuzuru: It still feels like you just graduated the other day, Fushimi-san.
Juza: …In the blink of an eye, huh?
Kumon: I wish I coulda spent more time with you, Tsuzuru-san, AND I wish I coulda been there when Omi-san was there too~.
Tsuzuru: After I graduate, I wanna go to Yosei’s cultural festival with you this time around, Fushimi-san.
Omi: Haha, sure thing. We can go together as alumni.
Kumon: You’ve gotta come, you’ve gotta come!
Juza: We’ll be waitin’.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Knock on door*
Tsuzuru: …
Izumi: Come in.
*Door opens*
Izumi: Ah, Tsuzuru-kun. What’s up?
Tsuzuru: If you don’t mind, I’ve got a favor to ask you…
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
*Door opens*
Tsuzuru: Sorry for making you come all the way to my room… Masumi isn’t here right now, so let’s just do this.
Izumi: There’s no need to be so sneaky about it. It’s for the script, right?
Tsuzuru: Even if you’re not worried about it, I’m still kinda worried about Masumi seeing…
Tsuzuru: And if we went somewhere different, someone else might see.
Izumi: (Maybe this is all part of Tsuzuru-kun’s diligence too…)
Tsuzuru: …Well, if you don’t mind.
Izumi: S-Sure. Go ahead.
*Thud*
Tsuzuru: …
Izumi: —!
Tsuzuru: D-Did I do it right…?
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Choose!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Option 1: I think you did!
Izumi: I think you did! Don’t worry about a thing.
Tsuzuru: R-Really? Isn’t this a bit too close…
Izumi: Being this close is what makes it heart-fluttering.
Tsuzuru: …I’ll be sure to remember this feeling, then.
Option 2: W-What do you think?
Izumi: W-What do you think?
Tsuzuru: It feels off, doesn’t it…?
Izumi: No, that’s not it… I’m not quite sure what the right way to kabedon is…
Tsuzuru: …Same here.
Izumi: (That actually made me a little nervous…)
*Door opens*
Masumi: …What the hell are you doing?
Tsuzuru: Masumi!?
Masumi: …
Tsuzuru: Er… I told you about this earlier. It’s for the short film script.
Tsuzuru: I thought that doing one with a girl would maybe help some ideas come to me, so I was just having the director help me out.
Masumi: Practice on me.
Tsuzuru: I tried to before, but you shot me down!
Masumi: If I had known things would’ve ended up here from the start, I would’ve gone along with it. I would’ve crossdressed if you had asked me to. I would’ve even—.
Tsuzuru: Okay, I get it! My bad!
Izumi: A-Ahaha…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Tenma: It’s almost time for the screening to start.
Taichi: I seriously can’t wait to see a short film with one of your scripts, Tsuzuru-kun!
Kumon: I wanna just watch it already~!
Juza: …Same.
Omi: Good work, Tsuzuru.
Izumi: Congrats on finishing it.
Tsuzuru: Director, Fushimi-san, thanks for coming here to see it.
Tsuzuru: And Director, I apologize for all the trouble I caused regarding the kabedon incident…
Tenma: So Masumi caught you, huh?
Tsuzuru: And after that, the rest of Spring Troupe told me that acting all secretive about it actually makes it look even MORE like I’ve got ulterior motives, and I realized that they were completely right.
Omi: I guess your diligence backfired on you.
Juza: …Sounds like it was a real disaster.
Tsuzuru: Well… at least it’s a funny story to look back on.
Tsuzuru: And you truly were a lifesaver, calming Masumi down like that, Director.
Izumi: I wanted to lend you a hand with your script, and I knew that Masumi-kun understood exactly what you needed.
Taichi: Ah, it’s starting!
Tsuzuru: —.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Taichi: …That final reunion scene was so freaking good!
Kumon: I know, right!? It was so touching~!
Tenma: It was really heartbreaking how their love was totally requited, but they kept drifting apart to pursue their own paths.
Juza: With one of ‘em movin’ to the city ‘n the other stayin’ behind, I could really feel the emotions of both of ‘em.
Taichi: And then right when they were about to be separated, IT happened…!
Kumon: Yeah, yeah, and it was…!
Taichi & Kumon: A kabedon…!
Kumon: My heart was totally pounding!
Tenma: I bet that was because it was reflecting the results of when Tsuzuru-san tried it out for himself.
Tsuzuru: No matter how many times you say it, it’s still kinda embarrassing…
Tenma: Haha. But it was also really nice that it showed their reunion. It gave you the sense that they were gonna have a bright future.
Omi: Parting ways, but then meeting again across time is very Tsuzuru.
Izumi: Yeah. What made it more than just heartache was how it was filled with Tsuzuru-kun’s kindness.
Izumi: I’ll never be able to say it enough, but I truly do love your scripts, Tsuzuru-kun.
Tsuzuru: …Thank you so much. And no matter how many times you say it, I’ll be happy to hear it every single time.
*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi
---
Masumi: …Hello, grandma?
Sorry I couldn’t answer the phone during the day.
Hatsue: “That’s perfectly alright. I just gave you a call since I had something to tell you. Thank you for calling me back.”
“Have you been busy lately?”
Masumi: Yes. I attend seminars from time to time to learn about promotions. That what I was doing today.
Hatsue: “I see. You’re working hard.
How is your health?”
Masumi: I’m fine.
Hatsue: “That is good to hear.
I am the happiest if you are doing well.”
“Also… I know it’s a tad early, but happy birthday.
I had originally called you to tell you that.”
Masumi: Thank you, grandma.
Hatsue: “Speaking of birthdays, I wonder if you still remember?
It was back we were still living together…”
“We went together once to a small amusement park called Zephyr Garden Park to celebrate your birthday.”
Masumi: Zephyr Garden Park?
Hatsue: “Yes. You must have liked it quite a bit since you threw a tantrum when it was time to go home, which was unusual for you.”
Masumi: …Sorry, I don’t really remember.
Hatsue: “That’s alright. You were still small back then, after all.”
“But to think that Masumi has now grown up so big and splendidly.
Fufu. It makes me so proud.”
-pause-
Masumi: (Zehpyr Garden Park…
I have absolutely no recollection of that.)
(It must have been when I was still really little.
It’s kind of a bummer I couldn’t reminisce about the memory with grandma.)
Izumi: All of the photos came out great.
Citron: Everyone has such great smiles~.
Sakyo: This picture is also really well taken.
Masumi: Director…!
Citron: Masumi, you came at a great time!
Let us look at these birthday bromides together~.
Masumi: Birthday bromides? You mean for the birthday project?
Izumi: Yeah. This time, the birthday boy will request something they’d like to do and celebrate together with the rest of their troupe members. Remember?
These are the candid shots taken of everyone at their parties.
Sakyo: Since I’m the one in charge of taking the candid photos for you, we were just taking a look at the other guys’ shots for reference.
Masumi: Can we switch…
Sakyo: And I’ve told you over and over again we can’t.
Izumi: On that topic, have you already decided where you want to go for your birthday project, Masumi-kun?
Masumi: No, not yet.
Sakyo: Are you so busy that you forgot to think about it?
Masumi: No.
I just can’t think of anywhere I want to go.
Citron: In that case, I will help you pick a place~!
We will chooses a fun and happy party venue that is perfect for your birthday, Masumi!
Masumi: It's not like I asked for your help or anything…
Izumi: (I’m sure Masumi-kun's candid birthday shots will also turn out fun and unique.)
I can’t wait to see your candid photos, Masumi-kun!
Tsuzuru: …Oh, are you looking for ideas for MANKAI Channel like you mentioned earlier?
Masumi: Yeah.
Tsuzuru: I see…
Masumi: …What?
Tsuzuru: Nothing, nothing. It’s just when I see you working so hard for the sake of the Company, it makes me feel so…
Masumi: …*Sigh*.
Tsuzuru: Hey, wait, where are you going?
Masumi: You’re too noisy, so I’m going outside to think.
*leaves*
Tsuzuru: Ehh… my bad, I guess…
-pause-
Muku & Guy: …
Masumi: …?
(What are they doing?)
Muku: Ah, Masumi-kun!
Guy: Would you like to join as well, Usui?
Masumi: What are those? …Seashells?
Guy: A fisherman I met while I was out fishing said they were beautiful and gave them to me.
Muku: You can hear the sound of the sea when you put one up to your ear.
Here. Please give it a try as well, Masumi-kun!
Masumi: …
…I guess it kind of sounds like that.
Muku: Right!
When I listen to this sound, I feel myself gradually relaxing and growing sleepy…
Guy: It is said that sounds from the environment have a healing effect.
That would include the sound of birds chirping, the wind, and the crackle of bonfires.
Masumi: I’m aware. I came across those while I was searching for ASMR videos.
(That reminds me, I tried listening to one once and ended up falling asleep.)
Muku: It feels like your mind becomes so much clearer when you’re exposed to the sounds of nature while you’re out camping or travelling.
Guy: Humans originally lived amongst nature, after all.
Perhaps we think that way instinctively.
Masumi: (It’s the complete opposite of Itaru’s stream…)
(ASMR itself has loads of different genres, so I guess different people find different sounds comforting.)
(…I wonder what kind of sounds she would like?)
Ah. …Maybe I could make a project out of this.
Muku: Masumi-kun?
Masumi: Thanks for telling me about this.
You can have it back.
Muku: Eh? S-Sure…?
-pause-
Masumi: (…I hear someone chopping something from the kitchen.)
(It might be her…)
-pause-
Masumi: Director—.
Omi: …Hm? Masumi?
Masumi: Oh, it’s just Omi…
Omi: Haha. Sorry I’m not director.
Director had plans today so she’s been out since morning.
Masumi: …I see.
(I’ll just ask her what I was going to ask her once she gets back.)
…Is that curry?
Omi: That’s right. It’s Director’s request today.
Masumi: I’ll help out.
Omi: That’d be great. Alright, please stir fry the ingredients over here.
You take them and… you already know how to do this, don’t you?
[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SSR] Two Sides of the Same Laws | To the Man Who’s a Boy, To the Boy Who’s a Man
Kazunari: Mo~rnin’!
Azuma: Good morning. It’s a bit warm today, isn’t it?
Homare: It seems to be about four degrees warmer than it was yesterday.
Itaru: Probably don’t need to grab a scarf, then.
Chikage: It gets pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, doesn’t it?
Muku: Good morning.
Misumi: I wonder what we’re gonna have for breakfast today~?
Kumon: Smells like French toast!
Yuki: French toast, huh? I could go for that.
Sakuya: Good morning.
Izumi: Good mor— huh?
Misumi: I haven’t seen you in your school uniform in forever, Sakuya~!
Muku: Is there a reason why you’re wearing it?
Sakuya: I’m performing in a show that features a different guest performer every day, and this is my costume for it.
Yuki: Ohh, so it’s bring your own costume.
Sakuya: Yeah. I could change at the theater, but the dressing room there is kinda cramped, so I figured I’d just wear it under my coat.
Sakuya: Plus, I haven’t worn it in forever, so I should probably get used to wearing it again.
Muku: It doesn’t look unnatural on you at all.
Yuki: You could head to school like that, and no one would even suspect a thing.
Kazunari: You can totes still get away with being a high schooler!
Sakuya: R-Really…? I don’t know how I should feel about that…
Itaru: Well, you’ve definitely grown up at least a little bit since then, don’t you think?
Azuma: Like the contours of your face, for example.
Izumi: Hey, being able to convincingly play a high school student means that you’ve got range. You should be happy about that.
Sakuya: That’s a good point… In that case, I’ll take that as a compliment!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Izumi: See you later, guys.
Masumi: Bye.
Juza: See ya.
Yuki: It’s a bit crowded in the entrance way, don’t you think?
Muku: There sure are a lot of people here today, aren’t there?
Sakuya: Ah, I’m gonna head out too!
Banri: Oh, then let’s head out together.
Izumi: …It kinda feels like Sakuya-kun’s slipped back in time, doesn’t it?
Sakuya: It kinda does… We all used to wear uniforms, didn’t we?
Banri: Feels like it’s been a century since we all walked to school together.
Masumi: We’ve got a mix of different high schools, though.
Juza: Should I go ‘n get Taichi ‘n Tenma?
Yuki: Don’t bother. They’re probably still sleeping.
Muku: Both of them stayed up late last night because their lectures were canceled this morning.
Sakuya: Ahaha, I feel like we’ve had a conversation like this before. It’s like that time Taichi-kun overslept because he mistakenly thought school was canceled due to the typhoon…
Sakuya: It’s kinda nostalgic.
Izumi: Hehe, this’ll make for a perfect role study, then. Tsuzuru-kun, Citron-kun, and I are coming to see your performance today, so make sure to give it your all, okay?
Sakuya: I will! See you then!
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Actor: “W-Wait! You! The cutie over there… Er, Troy! I need your help!”
Sakuya: “...Troy?”
Actor: “You’re a cute guy! You’re in high school! It’s a reference!” (1)
Sakuya: “Oh~! Gotcha!”
Actor: “Alright! Well then, hurry! After that person!”
Sakuya: “That one in the down coat!?”
Actor: “No, that one in the down coat!”
Sakuya: “Huh!? This one here!?”
Actor: “No, the one over there!”
Sakuya: “Aghh, which— there are too many people wearing down coats…!”
Izumi: (Even though the actors switch out daily, so he’s just performing for today, he really blends in seamlessly.)
Izumi: (After the conversation we had this morning, I can’t help but remember the first time I saw Sakuya-kun perform at MANKAI Theater…)
Izumi: (Even though he hasn’t visually changed that much since back then, seeing him again now, I’m starting to really realize how much he’s truly grown…)
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: Thanks for waiting!
Citron: Good work~!
Tsuzuru: Nice job.
Izumi: Your performance was really good.
Citron: Your entrance scene was especially cool! “Hold yer horses there, folks!”
Sakuya: Was that my line…?
Citron: It had that kind of stratosphere!
Tsuzuru: Atmosphere. I thought the sword fight in Act II was particularly impressive.
Sakuya: Thank you so much!
Izumi: While we’re out, why don’t we share our thoughts about it over some dinner? You must be hungry too, right, Sakuya-kun?
Sakuya: I’m starving!
*Notification*
Tsuzuru: Ah, it’s the Spring Troupe LIME chat.
Itaru Chigasaki: Heading home with Senpai now, but if anyone’s free, wanna grab dinner with us?
Citron: What good timing!
Sakuya: We can join them.
Tsuzuru: That leaves Masumi—.
M.U.: I’m heading home now. What are we eating? Curry?
Tsuzuru: Even if we’re eating out, he still chooses curry. Can’t say he isn’t predictable.
Sakuya: Seems like Masumi-kun’s in too.
Tsuzuru: Sakuya’s performance just got done, so he, Citron-san, Director, and I will meet up with you guys.
Itaru Chigasaki: Awesome. What are we gonna eat?
M.U.: Curry.
Tsuzuru: You said that already.
Citron: Sopa or futon woudl be goof!
Chikage Utsuki: Soba or udon.
Chikage Utsuki: What about Chinese? I’m in the mood for something spicy.
Itaru Chigasaki: Fork found in kitchen lol. I’m good with anything as long as there’s fries.
Citron: Everyone is subtracted~.
Izumi: So close, I think you mean divided.
Tsuzuru: Sakuya’s probably the hungriest since he just got done performing, so why don’t we just let him decide?
Citron: That sounds good!
Tsuzuru: What’ll it be, Sakuya?
Sakuya: Hmm…
Sakuya: Ah, what about—.
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Izumi: I think I’ve got everyone’s orders in now.
Izumi: For food, I’ve got anchovy fries, salted cabbage, and garlic shrimp… anything else?
Masumi: Curry-flavored chicken sauté and spring rolls.
Citron: And a final bowl of soba, please!
Izumi: Got it, soba for after the meal.
Chikage: I’ll take kimchi fried rice and cheese dak-galbi, two of each.
Itaru: Change one of those fried rices to mixed vegetable fried rice.
Tsuzuru: Ah, and fried chicken for me, please.
Izumi: Roger that. Alright, I’ll send the order in.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Izumi: Well then, to Sakuya-kun’s one-day guest performance. Cheers!
Citron: Cheers~!
Sakuya: Thank you so much! Cheers!
Tsuzuru: But still, I never would’ve thought you’d choose a bar, Sakuya.
Sakuya: Everyone wanted to eat different things, so I figured a bar would be a good choice.
Sakuya: Plus, I remembered that we’ve stopped by here before, after I saw a play with Director and Citron-san. (2)
Citron: Oh yes, I remember that.
Izumi: And it’s a lively place, so it’s perfect for chatting away about what we thought about performances.
Itaru: Well then, how was it?
Tsuzuru: It was really interesting. The high school boy premise worked really well, and the banter was smart and flowed well.
Citron: Both the sword fighting and jokes were pointy as ever!
Chikage: Sharp as ever. It’s a shame that we couldn’t see it.
Izumi: Somehow, it reminded me of the first time I ever saw Sakuya-kun perform. It was really nostalgic and touching.
Sakuya: I’m glad to hear that. But it’s still kinda embarrassing~.
Masumi: Starting tomorrow, I’m wearing my uniform to campus.
Itaru: That’s just called cosplaying, bud.
Masumi: Then I’ll be a high schooler in our next play. Tsuzuru, get on it.
Tsuzuru: I don’t take requests for reasons like that.
Izumi: But now that you mention it, it’s about time for you guys to start getting ready for your twelfth play.
Tsuzuru: Right. Anyone who’s not Masumi, be sure to think about what you want to do for it.
Citron: I have something!
Tsuzuru: What is it?
Citron: An order of sashimi for three, please~! I want to eat lots of fresh seafood until I am full.
Tsuzuru: Not what I was asking…
Sakuya: Ahahaha!
Izumi: Sakuya-kun…?
Sakuya: Ye~ah?
Izumi: Your face is looking a little red there…
Chikage: He was downing that drink pretty fast.
Itaru: Beer on an empty stomach will do that to you.
Sakuya: You’re always so funny, Citron-san~. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to beat your gags~.
Citron: Just call me the master!
Sakuya: Master Citron~!
Izumi: Seeing Sakuya-kun drunk is still a pretty new experience. Going from just seeing him in his school uniform to this really makes you feel the passage of time, huh…
Chikage: And it’s not just about how he’s gotten older.
Izumi: Yeah…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: Zzz…
Tsuzuru: Looks like Sakuya’s out.
Izumi: It’d be a shame to wake him up after he worked so hard.
Chikage: Should we carry him home?
Masumi: Not it.
Itaru: And I’m gonna have to refuse out of fear of messing up my back.
Tsuzuru: So that leaves…
Chikage: Me, Tsuzuru, and—.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Itaru: Our next performance is probably also gonna feel like we’re challenging a new frontier, huh?
Tsuzuru: Yeah. I wonder which direction we should go—.
Sakuya: Nmh—?
Citron: Ooh, are you awake? We are almost home.
Sakuya: —Wait, you’re carrying me!? I’m sorry! Did I fall asleep!?
Citron: Very soundly!
Sakuya: I’m sorry, you can put me down now!
Citron: You have nothing to worry about, so sleep a little longer, okay?
Sakuya: But… aren’t I heavy?
Citron: It is fine! Not a blizzard, nor a typhoon, nor even a strained back could stop me!
Sakuya: That’s really too much, so you can just put me down…
Citron: I am only kidding!
Citron: …I know that you were up late last night preparing for your guest performance today.
Citron: This train is bound for Room 101~ Room 101~. There will be no stops~.
Sakuya: Hehe… Sorry… Thank you… so much…
Citron: You can replay me on stage.
Sakuya: Yeah, I’ll repay you for sure… during our twelfth performance… zzz.
Citron: Sleep well.
• • •
Notes:
(1) Originally, it says “DK” here. “DK” is an abbreviation of “男子高校生” (danshi koukousei) and is slang for a high school-aged guy. I have no clue if the joke lands or not, but I could not come up with an exact English equivalent for the life of me, so turning it into a High School Musical reference is the closest I could get.
(2) Reference to one of Sakuya’s Act 13 Inste posts.
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