HiMERU: So, ready for the photo shoot?
Hm? Were you allowed to take photos without a wig for the movie photo shoot?
Taisuke: Yeah. Just because my character had short hair doesn't mean I always have to wear a wig…
Well, I took a couple of photos for the fans, both in character and without.
I originally thought my role in this movie wouldn't be a big hit with Captain fans, but they seem to like what I'm doing, so I'll just keep doing whatever I please.
When we get back, I want to do something that doesn't require a lot of mental effort.
So much has happened lately, my head's hurting…
HiMERU: It's not good for you to think so much, Taisuke.
Taisuke: Now you're acting the right way. I think HiMERU would say the same thing in your place.
I'm still having a hard time processing what happened… Everything is happening too fast.
I spent a lot of time coming to terms with his loss… He's very important to me.
I thought it was time for me to let go of the past, before you showed up.
After you suddenly appeared on the scene, I suddenly forgot everything I'd tried to convince myself of back then.
Of course, I didn't know what was going on. No one told me. Many at Cosmic Production knew, but they didn't tell me anything.
When I found out, I was so angry at first, I thought everyone had suddenly turned against me.
Even Jun, who always supported me through all my delusional thoughts, suddenly stopped looking at me the same way. Even though he'd always been my anchor in a stormy ocean.
I always knew I was safe with him and that he would always support me. He would hold my hand so I wouldn't get lost in the darkness.
If Jun is my anchor, then HiMERU is my lighthouse.
The light I will always reach for, no matter how deeply the darkness and raging waves consume me.
HiMERU: You're similar to Shiina with your strange sea-related comparisons.
Taisuke: …I think we have something in common. Seeing the world in different tones through different objects and comparisons…
This may sound ridiculous.
…Let's work together from now on to support HiMERU on stage.
I will do everything in my power to ensure HiMERU's safety.
I want to make amends with him… And with you, too.
HiMERU: HiMERU thinks it's not your fault. After all, you suffered in this situation too.
You didn't know the truth, so I understand.
It must have been hard for you to carry that burden; you didn't know where HiMERU was, so you were very worried.
And in a situation where you have no allies and there are so many contradictory facts, it's hard to find the truth.
Perhaps if "I" were in your place, "I" would have come to the same conclusion as you.
Taisuke: (This must truly be a miracle.
Six months ago, I had already given up hope of ever finding out where he was or whether we would meet again. You could even say I'd already resigned myself to it, when suddenly…
Maybe things weren't as bad as I thought. At least now I can help him somehow.)
I've erased all data about "you" from the Cosmic Production system database.
(Well, of course I made backups and transferred some data to my drive, because losing something like that… It would be a terrible loss, after all, so much work went into collecting it all.)
Taisuke: I'm not talking about "HiMERU", but about you.
You want your true identity to remain a secret, right?
Consider yourself practically safe now! I won't let anyone harm you or HiMERU.
And besides, he deserved it… for treating me like that.
(Don't important companies like this usually back up their data so it can be restored?)
HiMERU: Never mind, forget it. Thank you for your concern.
Izumi: Ah, enough of that chatter, come back here and let's finish the photo shoot.
You'll have time to chat more after we all leave.
Taisuke: Of course, Sena-senpai. Let's go.
Yuta: HiMERU-san, would you mind if I took a picture next to you for the photo shoot?
HiMERU: Of course, HiMERU would be only too happy about that.
Izumi: Ah, Yuta-kun, wouldn't it be better for you to take a picture next to me?
HiMERU: Is Sena-senpai jealous of Yuta?
Izumi: Nothing of the sort, I just think it would be more appropriate for Yuta-kun to pose next to me.~
And you, HiMERU, better pick that brat with you.
Yuta: Hey?! Doesn't my opinion count?
Taisuke: (What did I do to deserve this?)
Yuta: Well… We can all take a few photos anyway, so there's no need to fight about it!
Hiyori: It's really nice to see him starting to get along with the others.
Before, he was always hiding behind our backs and didn't even want to interact with the other idols.
Hmm, what's wrong with you, Ibara? You've been acting like a wreck since yesterday.
Ibara: Ah, don't get me wrong, Your Highness. I'm also glad Sato managed to get along with the others…
Even if it cost me considerable reputational damage…
Hiyori: What are you talking about? Explain what you meant, immediately.
Ibara: Nothing special, Your Highness. Taisuke-kun simply has a very fiery temperament.
We'll have to put all our efforts into ensuring his potential grows in the right direction~
Hiyori: No way, I won't allow you to monopolize his power. Let him grow in peace, in the direction he wants.
← prev | full story | next →
