“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.
Citron: 《Let’s make flowers bloom on the dead trees! Ta~da!》
Woman: 《...What are you doing?》
Citron: —.
Citron: 《Umm… I’m… putting fake cherry blossoms on it. There’s this Japanese picture book called “Hanasaka Jiisan” that’s really interesting…》 (1)
Citron: 《When the old man recites a spell, beautiful pink flowers start blooming all at once.》
Citron: 《So I thought it’d be nice if cherry blossoms could bloom here too…》
Woman: 《...If you were to ask people what the most important part of a tree is, they’d likely answer its fruit. But in reality, it’s the seed.》
Citron: 《Huh…?》
Woman: 《What matters isn’t planting the flowers, it’s nurturing the seeds, Citronia.》
Citron: 《It’s not planting the flowers, it’s…》
Woman: 《—I apologize for saying something pretentious like that. I think it’s wonderful that you’re planting cherry blossoms.》
Woman: 《I’m sorry for interrupting your precious time off. I’ll be going now.》
Citron: 《Ah, you’re leaving already—?》
Citron: …
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: So it’s finally Spring Troupe’s turn to do our twelfth performance!
Itaru: Took long enough.
Tsuzuru: Took long enough, indeed.
Citron: It took too long! I was losing my brain from waiting so long!
Chikage: Don’t you mean ‘losing your mind’— Well, I guess that’s close enough.
Izumi: Spring Troupe has always been the troupe to go first. Winter Troupe felt that way, too, but now we’ve changed that up.
Masumi: Since this is the finale that’s been built up by everyone else’s efforts, we can’t afford to fumble this.
Itaru: Whoa, crazy thing to hear coming from Masumi.
Chikage: Our youngest has grown up so fast.
Masumi: Keep saying old person things like that, and we’re sending you to the retirement home.
Sakuya: But Masumi-kun’s right. We’re last in line for the twelfth performances, so we’ve gotta make sure Spring Troupe’s performance is one that’s worthy of wrapping things up!
Tsuzuru: Should we decide on our lead actor first, and then hear everyone’s preferences and decide on the theme and all that after?
Itaru: That could be good… The theme for this batch of performances is ‘breaking free from the shell,’ right?
Tsuzuru: Yeah. That’s why the other troupes ended up with plays that were different vibes from the ones they usually do.
Itaru: Alright, then, how about we have Spring Troupe’s performance be one that breaks you out of your scriptwriting shell, Tsuzuru?
Tsuzuru: Pardon?
Itaru: You always write the scripts based on the lead’s requests, but it’s not that often that you just get to write what you want to write, Tsuzuru.
Sakuya: That’s a good point. You are part of Spring Troupe, Tsuzuru-kun, so that definitely could be the challenge that we take on!
Tsuzuru: Wait, but, are you sure…?
Citron: I would love to read a work that breaks through Tsuzuru’s skull!
Tsuzuru: Okay, that’s horrifying. Literally just actual horror content.
Chikage: It’s not a bad idea, though, right? It’d undoubtedly be a performance that breaks Spring Troupe out of the shell that we’ve been in up until now.
Masumi: It’d be a challenge for whoever’s lead, too, so I’d say let’s do it.
Izumi: I agree. I think the other troupes each broke out of their shells in their own way, and this would be the perfect way for Spring Troupe.
Tsuzuru: Thanks. Well… I’ll write up a rough outline first, and then we’ll refine it based on the lead’s requests later.
Chikage: So you are still taking requests then?
Tsuzuru: Stories written from the heart are just part of who I truly am, so that’s not something I’m gonna compromise on.
Itaru: Nice. That’s our Tsuzuru Minagi.
Izumi: Good luck, Tsuzuru-kun.
Sakuya: I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Citron: Keep on breaking through to hell!
Tsuzuru: I will NOT be doing that.
Izumi: Alright, next up is the schedule—.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Izumi: That should be it for what we needed to discuss for today, so let’s end things here. Good work, guys.
Sakuya: Good work, everyone!
*Phone buzzes*
Chikage: Citron, was that your phone?
Citron: It was.
*Beep*
Citron: 《Hello…》
Masumi: Director, I’m going to make tea. Do you want some?
Izumi: Thanks. I’ll help. Anyone else want some?
Itaru: If you’re offering.
Sakuya: I’ll take some too!
Citron: 《—Yes, could you wait a moment? I’m going to move somewhere else.》
Izumi: Would you like some tea too, Citron-kun?
Citron: This may take a while, so I am okay. I must also be a model corporeal slave.
Itaru: Corporate slave.
Citron: 《At the previous meeting, we—... the cherry blossoms—...》
*Door closes*
Tsuzuru: Seems like he’s pretty busy.
Masumi: He seemed kinda serious.
Sakuya: It… kinda sounded like he mentioned “cherry blossoms” on the phone…
Chikage: He did.
Izumi: Cherry blossoms?
Tsuzuru: There’s no way he’s planning a cherry blossom viewing… right?
Itaru: That wasn’t the vibe I was getting.
Masumi: And it’s nowhere near cherry blossom viewing season.
[A3!] Sakuya Sakuma | [SSR] The Essence of Treasure Excavation | Appointed as a Jewelry Ambassador!
Other Theater Troupe Member A: Good work with the finale!
Sakuya: Good work to you, too! Thank you so much for inviting me to do another guest performance!
Other Theater Troupe Member A: No, thank you. We were glad to have you, Sakuya-kun.
Other Theater Troupe Member B: Ah, do you have a moment, Sakuya-kun?
Sakuya: Sure thing!
Other Theater Troupe Member B: This is Sakuragi-san, the owner of Jewelry Sakuragi. She lent us a hand with the props this time around.
Sakuragi: Hello.
Sakuya: Whoa, you’re the one who lent us an actual ring…!?
Sakuya: When I heard we were borrowing a real ring, I was pretty worried about scratching it. Did I do everything okay?
Sakuragi: Absolutely, there wasn’t a single scratch on it. I’m honored that you were the one to wear it, Sakuya-kun… Er, sorry, Sakuma-san.
Other Theater Troupe Member B: Actually, the backstage crew was originally in charge of making us a ring.
Other Theater Troupe Member B: But then one of the staff members said they had connections through an acquaintance. And that acquaintance was Sakuragi-san.
Sakuragi: When I saw your name, Sakuma-san, on the flyer they showed me, I just had to offer my help.
Sakuya: Really? But what did my name have to do with it…?
Other Theater Troupe Member B: Sakuragi-san has been a fan of yours since Spring Troupe’s debut performance.
Sakuya: Whoa! Since our debut performance…! Aww, I’m really glad! Thank you so much for supporting me all this time!
Sakuragi: N-No, it’s nothing, really…!
Other Theater Troupe Member B: Alright, Sakuragi-san, why don’t you get to asking what you really wanted to ask?
Sakuragi: R-Right. So, we’re planning on launching a new brand that takes on a more casual style called “Bella Mille” soon. (1)
Sakuragi: And I’d love it if you could be the ambassador for that brand, Sakuma-san.
Sakuya: Huh!? M-Me?
Sakuya: I’d be happy to, but are you sure you want someone who has no knowledge of jewelry like me taking on such a big role…?
Sakuragi: Don’t worry about that at all! The brand is targeted at people who are wearing jewelry for the first time…
Sakuragi: And besides, I’d love for more people to learn about you through promotions and advertisements, Sakuma-san.
Sakuya: …Thank you so much. Is it okay if I take some time to think about it?
Sakuragi: Of course. Take as much time as you need.
Sakuya: Got it. I’ll think it over carefully and get back to you!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: —and that’s what happened.
Citron: That is amazing, Sakuya!
Tsuzuru: Seriously, who would’ve thought that a guest performance could lead to getting an offer like that…
Itaru: I mean, if I got the chance to work with my top oshi of all time, I’d definitely take it.
Chikage: It might be able to indirectly promote the company, so it doesn’t seem like that bad of an idea. What does our resident PR manager think?
Masumi: Sounds good. It’s not like Spring Troupe has a performance going on right now or anything.
Izumi: Have you heard anything about the specific job duties and schedule?
Sakuya: I have. Apparently, it’s a contract that lasts about one to two months, and requires only a few days of photoshoots and collaborating with them on social media promotions for new products.
Izumi: That doesn’t seem like too much of an issue. If it’s fine with you, I think you should give it a shot, Sakuya-kun.
Sakuya: Actually, I was kinda hoping to give it a try. I’ll go and reply to Sakuragi-san right away!
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
*Shop bell rings*
Sakuya: I’ll do my best today!
Sakuragi: Same here. Well, let’s get started.
Sakuya: Whoa…!
Sakuya: (All of this jewelry is incredible… I haven’t even put any of it on yet, and I’m already feeling nervous.)
Staff: I know it’s sudden, but would you mind taking off your tie and putting this necklace on?
Sakuya: Sure thing!
*Fabric rustles*
Sakuya: Like this…? Please let me know if anything looks weird.
Sakuragi: Nope, everything looks perfect!
Sakuragi: We’re doing promotional photos for our website today, so we’re planning on taking pictures of several of our more expensive jewelry pieces too, but…
Sakuragi: Like I said the other day, this new brand is emphasizing casualness, so I’d like to focus on taking pictures of our more affordable jewelry pieces.
Sakuya: Understood!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Camera clicks*
Photographer: Hmm, your expression is a little stiff.
Sakuya: I’m sorry…!
Photographer: Don’t worry, I know how you feel. You can’t help but get nervous as soon as it’s mentioned that this is expensive jewelry~.
Sakuya: Yeah…
Sakuya: (That is part of it, but… I think I just haven’t figured out how to properly show off jewelry.)
Sakuragi: Um! Maybe you’d be more natural and relaxed if you thought of it as being like showing off a costume for a new performance to your fans.
Sakuya: !
Sakuya: (I get it… The pictures just need to be taken in a way that makes people want to come to the store to see this jewelry.)
Sakuya: I’ll give it another go!
Sakuya: —.
Photographer: There, that’s perfect! Keep that expression for the next couple of pictures!
*Camera clicks several times*
Sakuya: …How was that?
Sakuragi: That was the best! All of your fans will definitely be overjoyed to see a new side of you, Sakuma-san!
Sakuya: I’m glad…! Thank you so much for the wonderful advice!
Sakuragi: N-No, it’s nothing, really… Alright, let’s swap out the jewelry and take some different shots.
Sakuragi: After the photoshoot, I’ll tell you a little bit about our jewelry, and then we’ll move on to the interview.
Sakuya: Understood!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuragi: —Well, that’s it for today. Good work!
Sakuya: Good work to you, too!
Sakuya: Umm, I’m sorry that things got so serious at the end there.
Sakuragi: No, it’s not a problem at all! Actually, I was honored that you took the time to tell me so much about Bella Mille’s charm in such a short time.
Sakuya: That’s all thanks to you and everyone else here, Sakuragi-san.
Sakuragi: Huh?
Sakuya: I’m kinda repeating what I said in the interview, but…
Sakuya: I was really nervous to wear jewelry like this at first. But then everyone went out of their way to pick out all sorts of things for me…
Sakuya: And it was a little bit embarrassing, but seeing myself in a different light felt refreshing… That’s when I realized.
Sakuya: Some people probably feel the same excitement and joy of encountering a new world with jewelry, just like I do with theater.
Sakuya: Once I realized that, I wanted to help spread the word about the charm of Bella Mille jewelry…
Sakuya: So I ended up getting kinda carried away during the interview.
Sakuragi: To hear you say something like that, Sakuya-kun…
Sakuragi: I’ll be sure to spread the word about all of your charm to the whole world, just like you spread the word about the beauty of our jewelry, Sakuya-kun…!! (2)
Sakuya: Ahaha, I’m honored!
Sakuya: Um, this might be a bit out of line, but I’ve got a suggestion…
Sakuya: Sorry if I startled you with this sudden Inste Live. I’ve got an announcement for you all today.
Sakuya: I’ve been appointed as an ambassador for the new brand being launched by Jewelry Sakuragi “Bella Mille”!
Company Fan A: “Congrats~!!”
Sakuya: Though, those of you who love jewelry might’ve already been aware of that from their official website or social media…
Company Fan B: “I’ve already been eyeing up the second line of my favorite brand!”
Sakuya: Whoa, lots of you guys were already aware of it, huh? Thank you so much!
Sakuya: By chance, I’ve been given the opportunity to work with “Bella Mille” for one special day only!
Sakuya: If you can, I’d love for you to come and see me!
Company Fan C: “We get to experience being served as a customer by Sakuya-kun!?”
Company Fan D: “I’d better take off from work.”
Izumi: (There’s a lot of hype right now, but it’s almost time to wrap things up. I’d better give him the signal…)
Sakuya: Ah! Umm, one last thing—.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Choose!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Option 1: A few words about the appeal of jewelry.
Sakuya: So, about the appeal of jewelry… I’m sure that you’ve all got lots of things that you love, things that get you excited.
Sakuya: If you’re able to find that in your favorite jewelry, I’m sure that it gives you just a little bit more confidence in yourself…
Sakuya: I think the fact that jewelry can become an item like that is what makes it so appealing!
Option 2: Introduce recommendations.
Sakuya: What I’d recommend… A little while back, I got the chance to wear one of Jewelry Sakuragi’s rings for a guest performance.
Sakuya: Variations of that one are also going to be released as part of “Bella Mille,” so I’d recommend those.
Sakuya: I’ll post the official link for them for you guys after this!
Sakuya: Whether it’s something you wanna pick up and try or something you wanna choose as a little treat for yourself…
Sakuya: To make your day wonderful like that, please do come and stop by! This has been MANKAI Company’s Sakuya Sakuma, and that’s all for now!
Izumi: (Sakuya-kun really is the perfect ambassador!)
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: Welcome!
Company Fan A: We saw your Inste Live!
Company Fan B: We want to see what jewelry you’d recommend…
Sakuya: Thank you so much! I’ll lead the way!
Company Fan C: Even the lower-priced designs are still super stylish!
Company Fan D: This ring is so Sakuya-kun-core!
Sakuya: (Everyone looks like they’re having fun. It seems like there isn’t anyone troubled or in need of assistance.)
Middle-Aged Woman A: Oh… Are you the ambassador?
Sakuya: Yes! I’m Sakuya Sakuma! Are you looking for something in particular?
Middle-Aged Woman B: We came to look at that jewelry you were wearing on the website. Where might we be able to look at that?
Sakuya: It’s just over here. Let me show you!
Middle-Aged Woman B: Your interview was really lovely. I just had to have this jewelry after seeing it.
Sakuya: Really? I’m glad!
Middle-Aged Woman A: Ah, right here. That’s the jewelry you were wearing on the website. You’re some sort of actor, aren’t you?
Sakuya: I do theater at a theater company called MANKAI Company.
Middle-Aged Woman B: Oh, we might just have to come and see you sometime. We’re already fans, after all. I suppose I’ll wear this jewelry when we eventually do.
Middle-Aged Woman A: What a wonderful idea. May we buy this jewelry?
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Middle-Aged Woman A: Fufu, this was a wonderful shopping trip.
Middle-Aged Woman B: Keep doing your best at work. We’ll be coming by your theater next time.
Sakuya: Thank you so much!
*Shop bell rings*
Sakuragi: We’ve done it, Sakuma-san! You’ve gained even more fans in no time!
Sakuya: I-It’s a little embarrassing when you put it like that…
Sakuya: (But by getting to serve customers like this, I feel like I was able to convey the appeal of “Bella Mille” even more effectively to people of all ages.)
Sakuya: (...I really am glad that I decided to accept this request from Sakuragi-san. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have gotten to see this many smiles.)
Sakuragi: Sakuma-san?
Sakuya: No, it’s nothing!
Sakuya: Ah, it looks like another customer has come by. Let’s go and convey our excitement to them together!
Sakuragi: Yeah…!
• • •
Notes:
(1) I consulted an Italian-speaking friend, and they told me it doesn’t seem to be referencing anything in particular, but bella mille means “beautiful/pretty thousand” in Italian.
(2) In case the switch from “Sakuma-san” to “Sakuya-kun” didn’t make it clear, Sakuragi did, in fact, fangirl over Sakuya so hard here that she accidentally slipped up and started speaking informally for a moment.
Citron: Way to go, elite office worker information!
Sakuya: I’m glad we found them!
Kazunari: It seems like you can only get ten per person, though…
Citron: I will buy ten, of course!
Kazunari: Same here! What about you, SakuSaku?
Sakuya: Well, since we’re here, I might as well also get ten of them for the kids at the daycare.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Kazunari: Alrighty, let’s get to shooting this unboxing vid ♪ And, action—.
*Beep*
Kazunari: What’s up, guys!? MANKAI Company here! We’ve got twenty “Don’t F*** With Me”s here, so let’s get right to opening them!
Citron: It is my turn first!
Citron: The first one is… nothing!
Kazunari: Damn!
Citron: Let us keep opening them~!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Citron: This is it. My heart is racing…!
Kazunari: Last one! Hey, hey, can’t you like, totally see some text on this one!?
Citron: Have we gotten it at last!?
Kazunari: And it’s…!
Kazunari: Ah… damn. Twenty whole pieces and we struck out on all of them~.
Citron: We will have to go out on yet another quest for candy…
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Kazunari: So in the end, we didn’t win a single thing~.
Citron: How sad! I wanted to go on a luxury cruise…
Sakuya: That’s really too bad…
Kazunari: Do you wanna open one too, SakuSaku? Ah, but you said you wanted to give ‘em to the daycare kids, right?
Sakuya: Yeah. …But since we’re here, I guess I can try opening just one of them.
Kazunari: Opening just one of them could make for a pretty interesting vid on its own!
Citron: And since it is you, Sakuya, you could possibly win the grand prize on your first try!
Sakuya: I-I’ll try my best!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: S-Spring Troupe’s Sakuya Sakuma here! Umm… I wanna try opening just one of these “Don’t F*** With Me”s!
Sakuya: …
Sakuya: …Ah, there’s something written on it…
Sakuya: “Well, damn, a top prize. Nice going, pal.”…?
Kazunari: WHAT!? Did you seriously just solo-yolo it!!?
Citron: That is our Sakuya… a super strong master of luck…!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Customer A: Hey, that’s the guy who the insane eff candy pull!
Customer B: That really was something~.
Izumi: …Seems like you’re the talk of the town after that unboxing video, Sakuya-kun.
Sakuya: I never would’ve thought that’d become such a big thing…
Izumi: “Don’t F*** With Me” is pretty incredible, isn’t it?
Sakuya: Ahaha, it’s kinda embarrassing, though.
Izumi: Well, things should calm down soon enough.
Sakuya: But at least the daycare teachers were happy with the brand new cordless vacuum cleaner I won as a top prize…
Sakuya: And above all, I’m glad it was some good publicity for the company!
Izumi: Yeah. Everyone was pretty happy, and—.
*Ping*
Izumi: Ah, it’s a LIME message.
Sakuya: It’s in the whole company group chat.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakyo Furuichi: If you find any Don’t F*** With Mes, buy them immediately and share your location.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Izumi: …Well, figures that would happen.
Sakuya: I’ll do my best to get another super lucky pull!
Izumi: You’re being way too optimistic…!
• • •
Notes:
Okay, so to address the obvious. Translating swearing from Japanese to English isn’t as much about the words themselves that are being said as it is the vibes of how they’re being said. So with this backstage title and the name of the candy for example, “舐めんじゃねぇ” (namenjanee), the way it could be translated into English could range from something relatively tame like “don’t mess with me” to something more vulgar like “don’t fuck with me” depending on the context. That’s why, ultimately, I settled on censoring “fuck” as “f***” and having it be read as “eff” because this is supposed to be like a candy that’s sold in stores to kids so obviously the product name probably wouldn’t have a blatant curse word in it. That said though, in theory, yes, this could count as Sakuya saying “fuck,” and if the context of this backstage were different I absolutely would’ve translated it that way.
Kumon: Okay, I’m opening the email!
…”Not Chosen”?
AW MAN~! I lost the lottery~!!
Kazunari: You’re kidding~!
Misumi: That’s too bad~.
Muku: Those sneakers seemed really popular though, so that’s not too surprising.
Tenma: Did you want those sneakers that much?
Kumon: Yeah! They look pretty cool and rugged, don’tcha think?
I love the colour too!
Yuki: You do usually go for these types of shoes. They’d look pretty good on you.
Kumon: You mean it?
Hehe. Getting that sorta compliment from Yuki makes me super happy!
But man, I really wanted them~.
I even saved up my money from my part-time job for this…
Kazunari: Now, now. You might get another chance in the future.
But hey, since all the Summer troupe members are here, let’s think of some fun things to do together!
Like~… what to do for Kumopi’s birthday!
Kumon: Huh!? Is that okay!?
Yuki: He sure got excited fast.
Misumi: There’s a lot of stuff going on for the birthdays this time around, right~?
Tenma: Yeah. As Director and Sakyo-san explained to us before, there’s a birthday bromide project planned this time.
They’re going to include bromides of our candid shots in there too.
Muku: Which reminds me, the photographer chosen to take Kyu-chan’s candid pictures was…
Kumon: Nii-chan!
Muku: Fufu. If it’s Ju-chan, then I’m sure he’ll capture Kyu-chan’s best moments.
Kazunari: So true, bestie! We can’t wait to see the pics too!
Yuki: In order to take these candid shots, the birthday boy has to first request what he'd like to do.
Then all the members of the same troupe celebrate together.
Kazunari: Exactamundo! And that’s why the rest of us have been saying we should start taking Kumopi’s requests soon.
Kumon: Thanks, I’m stoked!
To be honest, I’ve already come up with a few things~.
Misumi: We’ll make Kumon’s requests come true!
Just tell us what you wanna do~.
-pause-
Muku: Umm… this is hard.
Kazunari: Mhm~. We heard Kumopi’s requests and discussed a lot. But all the ideas are great, so it’s so hard to choose.
Misumi: All of them sound really fun~.
Kumon: Urgh~. I’m happy and having fun, but it’s tough.
Yuki: We might never be able to decide at this rate, huh?
Tenma: It seems that way. Well, we don’t have to settle on anything today. Why don’t you take our discussion today back with you and think it over again?
dededos
2087
annaxmalina
yousharknotpass
turnnoffyourmind
pixelskylines
jacobvanloon
blakekathryn
