Over the years, our group has worked hard to make two of the many Utapri games more accessible by translating them into English.
We want to take this opportunity and thank each and everyone who supports us by reading our translations! We see you and we appreciate you all! ❤
Recently, we have noticed an increase in demand for our translations and messages about future plans. We are a very small group that works on this project in our free time while maintaining day jobs, so it is difficult to keep up the pace to meet the demand.
Our goal for the future is to finish our current projects first and then start translating the next Utapri game!
We love working on this project and want to continue doing so in the future, however in order to start a new project, we have realized that we need more help.
With that in mind, we are now opening applications for people who want to join and help us!
We are a very chill and understanding group who will not force work on anyone who doesn't want it. Real life takes priority!
We are currently looking for the following:
Translators:
- Translate the Japanese text to English. There will be no raw text and content must be translated from on-screen recordings or playing the game (must know how to look up kanji manually)
Proofreaders:
- Check the English translation against the Japanese source text to see if there are any mistranslations
Editors:
- Read the translation, correct grammatical errors, and change the writing to flow smoothly
- Require strong writing ability in English
Requirements:
No MTL (machine translation) will be accepted
Have a Discord and Google account
Have a passion for learning and getting feedback
Have love for Utapri and/or an interest in otome games in general!
Preferably be over 18 years old (the game features mature topics such as sexual connotations and mental health issues. Please keep in mind that there are some elements which may be considered outdated due to it being a game from 2010)
This can be the perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in working in similar fields in the future.
Are you interested in applying? Send us a DM on Tumblr or fill out this form!
If you have any questions, feel free to DM us for further discussion!
You must be 18+ to participate! All of our zine projects are safe for work pieces, but we would prefer to work with adults. This is a general zine, so we do not allow yumeships, ocs, or ccxcc. We want to keep everything platonic for our zine!
Please feel free to utilize this blogs inbox if you have questions!
Upcoming! UtaPri: Shining Taste!
Interest Check: February, 14th
Contributor Applications: February 20th
Contributor Invitations: March 2nd
People often call Eiji Norman Normalman McNormguy, but…… Normal demeanor does not necessarily mean simple man. Some people instead say that he seems dangerous, insidious.
Like someone else put it, Eiji seems simple in a way that makes you suspect he's not simple at all. I like this a lot, because yes of course Eiji does have layers, but that the normalcore impression is working so well is the whole point
The Eiji people pleaser post is that one, see that for my baseline Eiji thoughts & quote compilation, this one is just for me to point out some things I think about Eiji, specifically theorizing about how his childhood with an abusive father may have shaped him. This isn't character critique, but character analysis, this is to seek to understand, not condemn, and it's a conversation to attempt to explain my understanding of him, not to claim it's the correct way to think of the character. I'm just a guy. Otori brothers they could never make me hate you
A friend put it as like... him being codependent on everyone and having to make sure no one has a reason to be upset so peace remains. He puts others' needs as a very high priority, and despite putting a lot of himself into caring after them he often doesn't feel "worthy" of them. When you grow in a house full of tension, and the adults in the room regulate their emotions worse than children, it becomes a necessity to be the one who de-escalates, who makes sure no one has a reason to blow up in the first place. He has indecisiveness because growing up there were wrong and right choices, and bold decision-making is riskier than passiveness— I could talk sooo much about how that ties into Eiichi, and how Eiji multiple times expressing that he wishes he could be as strong as his brother, more courageous, bolder, that he could be worthy.
But let's get back on track a little. I'm OBSESSED with this bit from the eiichi-otoya ep, the first picture on the left is context, but the second picture set of sceenshots on the right is what I'm actually focusing on. This is IT, this is ALL the scene, this is THE WHOLE of the conversation. Eiichi says that, and then the camera lingers on Eiichi as he smiles and has a little happy breath-chuckle.
Like this… Really opened my eyes watching it. Like oh, he truly is the little brother.
That's all the reaction he gives. Big brother is happy, so all is well.
Like it'd be cute "Ah I've always been with my brother, I know how he's like, so he's not weird to me 💖" if we didn't know how bad it got with Otoya. Whether it makes sense for him to be worried or not, the fact remains that Eiichi did do something worth being worried over and Eiji either has no clue or doesn't think it's something alarming, he doesn't question it at all. It partly shows that passiveness I mentioned, but more importantly to me it embodied like… How his sense of normalcy is a little skewed…. And that gets me so emotional because
Eiji looks up to Eiichi very very much. And of course. Of course Eiji wouldn't question Eiichi as if he's doing something truly bad, as if he COULD. Eiichi was the nice one in the house, the one who knew things and taught him things and supported him and comforted him, he's Eiji's protector, he's Eiji's big brother. He was the one thing in that house that didn't suck ass. He's who gets the worst of Raging's treat,emt, instead of him. Reliable, incredible big brother, who always knows what to do and is confident enough to take what he knows he deserves.
Like growing up in an household so abusive it does skew your perspective of normal, right, and things were SO BAD that all of Eiichi's traits or habits or wants or actions are all like, oh. This? I mean yeah he does that sometimes. No biggie :) oh, wdym, why question it? It's fine really. Like it just… doesn't register as something that could be wrong. As something he should question. That's big brother, and he's the one thing that hasn't failed him.
And again!! It'd be fine if it wasn't for how we do see that Eiichi can be unstable and go off the rails. I'm not someone who thinks Eiichi is evil at all, but I do think that his actions reflect on Eiji in this way.
Like Eiji is shown to be pushy sometimes when it comes to caretaking for others, giving advice for their troubles or like forcing Eiichi to wear 10 layers of stuff, as well as being demanding when it comes to songs sometimes. That he doesn't push here means that he doesn't think he should be worried, that he isn't worried. That's big brother, doing big brother things, and he feels so safe that he couldn't begin to think of looking into it or worrying.
Eiji does not have working ringing alarm bells. To me we can also somewhat see this with how he deals with and advises Nagi, which I think we can agree has some glaring behavioral issues. It works, of course, and Eiji's method of handling him was right, especially him being a child, but it's less this isolated incident that adds clarity to me and more how it fits into the bigger picture. Because it's the way he's… Always on the sideline. Even in the Tokiya & Eiji ep, it ended up being not that much about Eiji and a lot about how dedicated HEAVENS as a band is to excellence and practice. He cooks for Heavens, does grocery shopping for Heavens, gives advice and support to his bandmates, practices hard to become worthy of them. His language is relationships, once a bond has been made his role is to support and nurture, he must become worthy of them and not the reverse. He finetunes himself to others' feelings, he did know Eiichi was worried about Otoya for example.
To me, this scene reads again as like… Endless good faith? In a turning the other eye way. A bit too, the way he invited tokiya to join HEAVENS, even when knowing full well Raging is an exploitative abusive boss.
This prompted a conversation on the potential "danger" that Eiji may represent, but I like what we settled on, that if anything he's sort of… A cautionary tale. About mental health and how, to quote my friend, if you don’t have access to services to correct trauma responses, unhealthy coping mechanisms, etc… Staling as a product of his environment. The potential of being self-destructive, in a people pleasing peacekeeper way. The kind that goes unnoticed, that's quiet and seems unassuming.
I was gonna say he could be the overbearing codependent type in a "dangerous" alternate future but no not even, I think he's more the self-effacing type if anything. It's hard for him to feel like he deserves to ask for things, deserves to be an idol. When you only put others first, your self perception begins to dwindle. He does always feel unworthy and weak so he concerns himself with being more, more perfect more talented more hardworking more selfless.
Personally TO ME the danger Eiji reminds me of is like…. Shallow comfort. A balm to soothe and keep on going another day, rather than grow and thrive… He's learning to do that, like in the Tokiya-Eiji ep, learning to let his individuality bloom more and this and that, but just in general… Like with that Eiichi moment, like with himself, like how he never reacts much to Raging and he and Eiichi never talk about it, never talk about the elephants in the room, like he only challenges Nagi's unfriendly attitude in the Natsuki-Nagi ep in a rather nonconfrontational way. He will not reexamine his trauma, he will overindulge in his loved one's flaws even if/when he does try to guide them towards something nicer. Like to me yes he does represent a bit the idea of someone nice but not healthy, of kind but with much too much baggage to be-, like… self-aware? He isn't, but if he was it'd be pandora's box, ykwim. It's much easier to smile kindly, and buy 100 flower pots he doesn't need, and comfort people when they're sad or hear them out when they seem excited, and give off the vibe that you're okay and swagful and you don't have 10 abuse red flags that got normalized to you.
LIKE!!!!!!! WHAT PEOPLE SAY IS HIS STRONG POINT IS JUST… HIS VIBE
But man. This all is why Eiji's obsession over plants is so, so SO good
Excess now because he couldn't have that growing up. He doesn't know why but seeing flowers bloom fill him with peace and comfort. In his free time he feels lost, not knowing what to do, until he realizes he can have the hobby to nurture plants and get the same satisfaction and sense of purpose he usually gets from taking for others. He needs 100 flower pots and he needs them filling up his apartment
He was the tree branch that was cut away and allowed to root elsewhere. He was the plant that outgrew the size of its pot. He was the flower growing out of the pavement he was the bud that grew despite the lack of rain. His big brother made sure he could grow and now he wants to be the gardener for others
Like there's not only satisfaction but there's maybe some vicarious part of it where it feels like he's witnessing his plants having a peaceful time growing with all that they needed: care and attention and love and nutrients, that he himself didn't have. He gave plants what he couldn't have himself, and that feels comforting and right, like something he wants to dedicate his time to ensuring it happens for others. Like something that'll make him beam with joy and pride when he sees the pictures of his flower arrangements, or when he comes home to greenery filling the space, not dread.
I think he likes being needed because then, he feels worthy yes, but even more because he knows the importance of that, the reliance that happens when your needs all depend on someone who isn't providing them.
But also because it's him putting a reverse on his relationship with his brother growing up, now he wants to become the one to rely on. But this is all a lot of speculation of course, it could very well have been that Eiji was always the more mom of the two, maturing quickly and developing emotional intelligence fast because that's a survival tool when you live with abusive parents with tempers or fickle emotions. Again, peacekeeping, de-escalation. That Eiichi seems to get the brunt of the abuse feels important to how their dynamic was shaped one way or another though.
OKAY BUT GUYS SO LIKE, WITH ALL THIS YOU CAN UNDERSTAND WHY THE OSMANTHUS HANAKOTOBA IS SO STRIKING AND FITTING TO ME
The osmanthus means truth because its scent is so undeniably recognizable. What if I exploded. Truth…
It gets me clutching my heart not only because he's self-effacing and somewhat stifles himself to be a people pleaser, because he's afraid to not measure up to expectations and who he should be, how perfect and talented he should be, afraid to let himself just be and have more individuality since it'd differ from the perfection standard of the good kid and perfect idol… BUT BECAUSE HE IN DENIAL A LITTLE BIT… HE'S SKIRTING SOME STUFF HE'D RATHER NOT THINK ABOUT OR CALL OUT, A LITTLE BIT……
This whole post is basically what I had on my mind when I made my Eiji webweave.
His other perfume is serenity savon... soap being a comforting scent to him to the point of being notable oh yeah can I get a child neglect chant
Ultimately though I do think he's more well than not well <3 He's managing, having a relaxing good time caring for his plants, and I think that's inspiring in its own way. Because no one can be perfect.
Sometimes it's okay to not know yourself in and out, he's hyperaware of others so maybe it's best he doesn't become that way about himself too- he already believes he has so many flaws. Who knows what does more harm than good, or more good than harm? Everything is so hard, so sometimes, managing is enough, as long as you have a degree of inner peace you're happy with.
But tokiya's ep with him to me ends with him being inspired to grow more. And that is a recurring theme with him. Under all his modest demeanor, Eiji is a very ambitious man. So bloom, Eiji.
Eiji quotes: HEAVENS RADIO translated by Captiveprincesse / Raging Supermarket Interview translated by EinA_17
Other media quotes: Letters from Medea, Salma Deera / Fernando Pessoa / Es Trig / Kyung-Sook Shin / If flowers had memories, _ananeu / Camelot
It looks like some of you have been waiting for this moment as well. I'm very grateful. It feels like a dream to be able to interact with all of you for an entire two weeks.
I believe that knowing about my daily life and the things I feel will help you understand the emotions I put into my music. So I'd like you to stick around.
遅い時間まで付き合ってくれて嬉しかった。また朝に会いに来るよ。ゆっくり休んでね。おやすみ。
I'm happy you accompanied me until this late hour. I'll meet you again in the morning. Rest well, good night.
I have a long day of work today, so I won't be able to make it back until the evening. But thanks to all of you, even the time we are apart is dear to me.
予定のある人も、休みの人も、いい1日になることを祈ってるよ。ボクも頑張ってくる。
I wish you all a good day, whether you have plans for today or a day off. I'll do my best too.
それじゃ、行ってきます。
On that note, I'm off.
✄------------ PM 7:00 ------------✄
アルバムのサンプルを受け取ってきたよ。実際に出来上がったものを手にすると感慨深いね。
I got a sample of my album. It's really emotional to finally get something you created.
みんなの手元に届くのはもう少し先だけど、開けてみてもいいかな？
I know you guys will have to wait a little longer till you get yours but is it okay if I open it now?
もともと、開封する時はみんなと一緒にって決めてたんだ。なんだかドキドキするね。
I had originally decided to unbox it with everyone together. I feel a little nervous.
I was contacted with some questions about the sample of the album. The message I received was mainly about my other job, so I was surprised by how quickly they contacted me. It seems that my colleagues are checking out the sample as well.
Well, I confirmed what the other members were doing when they were at this moment. From what I can tell each of them spent a fulfilling two weeks. I took note of their advice and came up with a hashtag.
I want you to share your emotions and your everyday feelings with me. It doesn't have to be about my album. Don't think too much about it, I'm happy as long as you tell me a lot of things. #Ai'sAmbivalentLove
早速、タグを使ってくれてありがとう。メッセージも人によっていろんな表現があって、見ていて楽しい。
Thanks for immediately using my hashtag. The messages expressed vary by each person so it's fun to read them.
みんなからの意見を今後の参考にしたいから、じっくりチェックしようかな。また明日ね。
I want to consult everyone's opinions later, so I'll check them carefully. See you tomorrow.
01.08.
✄------------ AM 8:00 ------------✄
おはよう。日付が変わって8月になったね。
Good morning. The date has changed and it is now August.
新しい月が来ると新鮮な気持ちになる。昨日から状況が大きく変化したわけでもないのに、不思議だよね。
I feel refreshed when the month changes, even though the circumstances haven't changed much. It's so strange.
I'm free this morning, so I think I'll take a look at the #Ai'sAmbivalentLove hashtag. Tell me how you spend your morning. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to try them out.
Since I got a lot of suggestions for how to spend the morning under the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove yesterday, I think I'll put a certain thing into practice.
That certain thing is breakfast. Many of you have said how important breakfast is, so I wanted to try it too. Whipping up some cooking out of nowhere would be too complicated, so I went with a simple granola.
"The visuals look like art," he said, as he spoke passionately about the high level of perfection. Getting into the smallest details, he looked like an analyst.
そのままの言葉でみんなにも伝えたいんだけど、照れるからやめておく。
I'd like to share with you what else he said to me, but it's a little embarrassing, so I won't
I set aside a block of time today because I want to talk about my album. What Masato told me is very fascinating, and it'll serve as a useful reference. I'm going to enjoy my time with my colleague.
✄------------ PM 10:00 -----------✄
少し前に帰ってきて、マサトとのトークを記録に残してた。特に印象的なことをメモしておいたよ。
I just got home a little while ago and documented what Masato told me earlier. I took notes on things that were particularly memorable.
Out of the three types of tea, I chose the one with the distinctive red flower petals today. It also contains sugar candy. I know someone who would like that. It also has a rich pink color and a pleasant sweet-sour flavor. It's really soothing.
I've talked a lot about my album with my colleagues at the agency, but I haven't really talked about it in front of you, have I? I bet you can't wait to hear the songs and the story behind it.
Sorry for keeping you waiting. There is still some time until the release, so people who get to know me better in that time will also have a better understanding of my songs, that is what I thought.
I'm often called mysterious. My private life in particular seems to be difficult for others to imagine. So I'd like to take this opportunity to show you more of that side of me.
よかったら、タグでみんなの意見を教えてね。君が知りたいことを伝えていけたらいいな。
#藍のアンビバレントな愛
If you'd like, you can share your opinions using the hashtag. You can also ask me questions.
Seeing everyone's opinions makes me want to talk about a lot of things. I want to think about them carefully and get back to you. Well, see you tomorrow.
03.08.
✄------------ AM 9:00 ------------✄
おはよう。土曜日だからお休みの人も多いのかな？
Good morning. It's Saturday, so I assume many of you have the day off?
朝は慌ただしいことも多いと思うけど、たまには空を見上げてみて。
I believe many people have very hectic mornings, but try to look up at the sky from time to time.
君とボクは、同じ空を見上げてる。そう考えるだけで、幸せな気持ちにならない？
You and I are looking at the same sky. Doesn't it make you happy to think about it like that?
He said, "Amazing, your eyes are so sparkly and your lips are so glossy!" My eyes especially have left a lasting impression on him. In the interview for my album, I mentioned that I refined my "gaze" for the cover visual. I think Otoya and I can get along well.
He's reading the interview intently and he keeps throwing a lot of questions my way. He also wants to understand the more difficult expressions, which delights me.
I was looking at the #Ai'sAmbivalentLove hashtag and before I realized it, it got this late. I'm off tomorrow, so staying up later than usual is not going to hurt.
みんなからもらった意見や質問をまとめながら、現時点でアルバムについて答えられることを話そうかな。
I guess now is the time to answer the questions and talk about the opinions about my album that I collected.
First of all, a lot of people wanted to know more about the new songs. I think you should listen to the full version first before we continue this conversation. With that said, please look forward to the release day.
I also saw a lot of reaction to the cover visual. I touched on that a little bit during noontime, but I want to take the time to talk about it again some other day. For example, I could tell you about the behind the scenes of the photo shoot.
今回のソロアルバムのコンセプトは「イメージからの逸脱」。ボクの新しい一面を見せたいって思った。
The concept for this solo album is "Deviation from My Image", so I wanted to show you a new side of me.
It's hard to describe in just a few words what makes it new, because I've combined so many different elements. I'd be happy if those of you who buy my album discover something new or surprising.
いくら次の日がオフでも、あまり遅くまで起きてるのもよくないか。明日も予定があるし。
Even though tomorrow is my day off, it wouldn't be good to stay up too late. I also have plans for tomorrow.
君の夢が見られるといいな。おやすみ。
It would be nice if I could see your dreams. Good night.
04.08.
✄------------ AM 9:00 ------------✄
おはよう。今日はオフだから外出するよ。少し早めに出て、散策しながらお土産を探しに行くつもり。
Good morning. Today is my day off, so I'm going out. I'm leaving a little early to look for some presents while I'm taking a walk.
I struggle a lot when it comes to gifts. It's not easy to pick something the other person will like. But to some extent I can make guesses based on previously shown tendencies.
Not only will it depend on the recipient's preferences and tastes, but it will also change depending on the time and occasion, not to mention the season. And even when you decide on something, sometimes it isn't in stock.
ここで考えていても始まらないから、出かけてみる。また状況を報告するよ。
I won't get anything done if I keep thinking about it. I'll report back to you.
✄------------ PM 3:00 ------------✄
メンテナンスが終わって、心身共にリフレッシュできた。今はボクが持ってきたお土産を2人で食べてる。
I finished my maintenance and now I feel both mentally and physically refreshed. I brought snacks as a present for someone and now we're sharing them.
彼は保護者のような存在で、昔からフォローしてもらってるんだ。本当に助かってる。
He's like a guardian figure to me and has been supporting me for a long time now. He really helps me out a lot.
When I gave him a copy of my album, he put it in the best place on his desk where it could be seen and appreciated. Of course, among various materials, he keeps my past CDs, as well as magazines and performances in which I have appeared.
彼は研究者だから記録を残すのが趣味みたいなものなんだけど、少しだけくすぐったいね。
He's a researcher, so keeping track of things is kind of like a hobby for him. It's still a little embarrassing for me though.
アルバムを聴きながら、思い出を振り返ろうと思う。そしてこれからのことについても話そうかな。
I'm thinking of talking about memories and my future while listening to my album.
✄------------ PM 9:00 ------------✄
ただいま。いいオフを過ごせたよ。みんなはどんな1日だった？
I'm back. I enjoyed my free time. How was your day so far?
Thanks for teaching me a lot under the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove. I enjoy seeing all the individual messages and pictures. Getting to know you makes me happy.
ボクはアルバムの制作過程を振り返って、アルバムに関するコメントを収録した時のことを思い出した。
Thinking back to the process of creating my album, I recalled the Commentary CD that I recorded for.
Here are the questions for the CD. I answered all four of them. The other members should have answered the same questions, so I really want to know how they've answered.
The CD will be included as a bonus with the album, so if you're interested, check out the homepage. I also talked about things other than those questions.
明日の準備をしないと。週明けも元気に過ごせるように、みんなも早く休んでね。おやすみ。
I must prepare for tomorrow. Get some sleep soon so that you can have a fresh start to the new week. Good night.
05.08.
✄------------ AM 8:00 ------------✄
おはよう。週の始まりに君に挨拶できるのはとても力になるよ。
Good morning. Greeting you to start the week really does energize me.
Since today seems to be another hot day, it's the perfect opportunity to talk about methods of how to protect yourself from the heat which I've seen under the #Ai'sAmbivalentLove hashtag.
I know it's a basic aspect, but I think it's very important to keep your body heat down. When I'm in my room, I use the air conditioner for temperature management. When I'm outside, I try to avoid walking in direct sunlight. I also wear hats or use other items that help me feel comfortable in the heat.
みんなもこまめに水分補給をして、体調には気を付けてね。
Be sure to take care of your physical condition and to stay well hydrated.
✄------------ PM 1:00 ------------✄
JR池袋駅に広告が掲載されているみたい。みんなに気に入ってもらえたら嬉しいな。
Looks like my advertisement has been put up at the Ikebukuro station. I hope you all like it.
In exchange for the gift, he gave me a terrarium. It has crystals in it. Apparently he created it, inspired by my album cover. A beautiful little world unfolds inside of it.
We are now unboxing the samples for the soon to be released merchandise. It's for the series for which I took the photo of Cecil. Our handwritten messages and drawings will also be used for this.
Cecil and I exchanged our stickers with each other. The onigiri sketch looks really cute. Its expression has this indescribable charm. I'll have to think about where to put this sticker.
Cecil says he will put it on his notebook that he always carries with him. So every time he sees it, he will think of me. I'll make sure to find a special place for his sticker, too.
ボクはもう少し用事があるから、作業に戻るよ。
I still have some things to do. Time to get back to work.
✄------------ PM 7:00 ------------✄
リュウヤに書類を渡しに来たら、食事に誘われた。土用の丑の日だから、うなぎを食べに行くんだって。
Ryuya came to give me some documents and invited me to get something to eat. Today is the Midsummer Day of the Ox so we're going to eat eel, he said.
Eating seasonal food is considered good for the body, and it certainly can't be bad if it comes from a place that Ryuya recommends. I want to learn how to cherish special traditions.
Since it's not often that we can take our time talking to each other, I think I'll try to use this opportunity to ask for some advice. I'll be back earlier than usual tomorrow. Until then.
06.08.
✄------------ AM 7:00 ------------✄
おはよう。今日はいつもと違った体験ができそうだから、朝からワクワクしてる。
Good morning. Looks like I'm going to experience something new today. I've been excited all morning.
Do you also have moments like this? Feel free to share them at #Ai'sAmbivalentLove. I want to know what kind of emotions you feel in different situations.
待ち合わせの時間になるから向かうね。終わったら連絡する。
My next appointment is approaching, so I have to go. I'll let you know when I'm back.
I'm back. I had a wonderful time. It was a place I really wanted to check out, so I was very happy I got to go there. I felt like I was close to all of you when I was there.
オープン前のSHINING STORE 池袋を見学させてもらった。来店の記念にパネルにサイン。それから、ステッカーにメッセージを残してきたよ。どこにあるか探してみて。
I was able to inspect the SHINING STORE in Ikebukuro before it opened. I signed the board of the promotional booth to commemorate my visit and then left a message on a sticker. Go and try finding it.
Text on image: "I'm glad to see you! Let's create some memories of this summer together." -Ai Mikaze
グッズや展示を見たり、写真も撮らせてもらったよ。みんなと同じような体験ができて楽しかった。
I looked at the merchandise and the displays and took some pictures. I must say, I very much enjoyed sharing the same experience as everyone else
As I imagined my album being displayed there, the realization hit me that it was going to be released soon. There I wished that many people would get a copy of it.
コーナーにもサインとコメントを残させてもらったから、お店に立ち寄った時はチェックしてみてね。
I also left a comment on the sign there, so check the store's opening hours and go see it.
次の仕事に向かうよ。CD発売の準備をしないと。休憩が取れたら、また会いに来るね。
I have to make some preparations for the CD release so I'm heading to my next job. I'll be back when I take a break.
I gave him six books because his birthday is on the 6th. Each of a different genre. I had read them myself and picked the ones I thought were interesting.
Since giving them as they are would be boring, I wrapped each of the six books in covers so he won't be able to tell which book it is. I just wrote suggestions on when he should read each book on the covers.
He told me that he listened to my album on the way to his filming location and was equally stunned by both of my new songs. He then spent his whole break telling me his thoughts on them.
I'm filled with so much emotion now that my album can finally reach all of you. All my memories spanning from when I began being an idol to now are all packed into this one CD.
And it's all because of your support. To thank you, I want to give you the best album. I know it's going to exceed your expectations and imagination, so please get a copy if you happen to see it.
I've been tuning my voice because I'll be performing my new songs. Both use a new vocal technique. What did you think? Once you've heard the songs, I'd love to hear your impressions using the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove.
声がかかったよ。スタジオに向かうね。成功するように祈ってて。
I've been called. I'm going to the studio now. Wish me luck.
My first Solo Best Album "Ambivalent" is now available. The new album includes two new songs, "Ambivalent" and "Musou", which show an unexpected side of Ai Mikaze. I want you to get to know me better. #Ambivalent #AiMikaze
Text on image: "Today is a special day for me because my Solo Best Album 'Ambivalent' is being released. I want as many people as possible to listen to it. - Ai Mikaze"
I read your congratulations for the release and your impressions of my new songs. Thank you for always supporting me. The reason I can continue to sing like this is because of all of you.
I hope that people who don't know me will listen to my album as well. Once they do, they should be able to get a good understanding of who I am. Please consider getting a copy if I've piqued your interest.
ナツキとショウが応援に駆けつけてくれた。発売日に3人でお祝いしようって約束してたんだ。
Natsuki and Syo rushed over to cheer me on. We've made plans to celebrate the release together.
Natsuki seems to like my new songs. He keeps saying he'd like to listen to them forever, so he puts them on repeat. Once it's about music, he gets absorbed in it. This side of him never changes.
Syo was surprised about the new side I showed in the album and asked, "Where and how did you do those vocals?!" Such honest reactions really are the highest form of praise.
The two of them picked my toppings together, they said. Because of the three fried pieces, the total volume of my dish is quite large. I can make this easier to eat by adding some acidic flavor with lemon juice.
Spending time like this reminds me of the release date of Natsuki's Solo Best Album. It happens to have the same release date as mine. Back then, the three of us went mountain climbing on Natsuki's day off.
We were also together during the time of Syo's album release. I remember when we were struggling to find a cafe with very little information. Now that I think about it, the three of us were always together during special occasions.
食べないと麺が伸びちゃうから、食事に戻るよ。夜には楽曲の話をしに来る。待っててね。
It's time to go back to eating, or else my noodles will get soggy. I'll be back at night to talk about the songs. Wait for me.
✄------------ PM 10:00 -----------✄
お待たせ。約束通り、アルバムの表題曲である「アンビバレント」について触れていこうと思う。
Sorry for making you wait. As promised, I'm here to talk about the title track of my album "Ambivalent".
Have you given it a listen? It's okay if some of you haven't. If you listen to what I'm about to say, you'll have a better understanding when you hear it.
The theme of "Ambivalent" is my existence. That's why the arrangement of the melody was made to sound fragile—to show the fluctuating feelings between idealism and reality and to express the question of my existence.
It's about the gap between the real me and the image that others have of me. Both are me. I tried to convey the conflict that I had coming to terms with that in the lyrics.
However, that conflict isn't a bad thing. I believe that all the pain and suffering ultimately proves that I'm me. The reason I came to think that way was because of you.
By singing this song, I was able to shed my shell. For example, I used different words and phrases I normally wouldn't use, and I sang in a lower range than usual.
There's a lot more I'd like to talk about, but I'll leave it at that. Everyone has their own opinions about music, and I want you to value your own thoughts. Thank you for listening. Good night.
08.08.
✄------------ AM 9:00 ------------✄
おはよう。今日はいつもと違ったルートを通って事務所まで来たよ。
Good morning. Today I took a different route to the agency.
For the sake of efficiency, I stick to my established routines, but recently I started to break those routines because in unfamiliar places, I can meet new people and see new things..
You should all try to challenge yourselves, even if it's by doing a small thing. You might be able to change something. Today, let's continue moving forward with enthusiasm.
For those who can't go, I'll share a picture of it. They also let me write a comment on the cover art they displayed, so please check that out as well!
アルバムがお店に並んで、そのCDがみんなの元に届いて。みんながボクの夢を叶えてくれたんだ。
My album is being sold in stores and it's reaching your hands. It's thanks to all of you that my dream came true.
"Musou" is about the desire to make our dreams come true through singing. The weight of my feelings turned into a hard rock song. May it reach and resonate to the depths of your heart.
You have given me so much love and have taught me many emotions. Each of them is most fascinating to me. I want to be loved even more to the point that I long to love. That's why I need you.
Of course, there are many things that I want to do outside of music as an idol, so I'm going to work hard to show you a new side of me and surpass my past self.
曲に対する想いを、直接君に伝えられてよかった。
I'm glad I could tell you my feelings about this song directly.
✄------------ PM 9:00 ------------✄
ただいま。明日の準備をしてて、会いに来るのが少し遅くなっちゃった。ごめんね。
I'm back. Sorry for being late, I had to prepare for tomorrow.
Tonight I wanted to talk about the photo shoot for the cover visual. I mention it in the interview of the included booklet, but the concept of the visual is perfection and imperfection.
There are even ambivalent elements in the visual. By being surrounded by digitalistic artworks and being covered in mechanical body paint, my existence, in contrast, seems very "alive".
I commissioned an original fragrance with the image of my album in mind. The fragrances used were Sheer Floral, Aqua Ozone, Herbal Green, Juniper Berry and Iris. Sharpness, clarity and artificiality coexist with softness and natural warmth.
He told me that it was a fresh fragrance that he hasn't smelled before, and that it wasn't heavy but had a captivating charm. When he asked what the name of the perfume was, I told him: "It's Ambivalent."
You told me to try yogurt instead of milk. As for toppings, you told me about your favorite fruits and nuts. I'm a little lost because all the combinations sounded good.
I'll buy more ingredients and try different combinations as I go. This way I may find my preferred mix. I'll let you know when I find a good one to recommend.
それじゃ、新しい組み合わせを研究してみるよ。朝食がまだな人は一緒に食べよう。いただきます。
Well then, I'll try to research new combinations. For those of you who haven't had breakfast yet, we can eat together. Bon appetit.
I got a sample of the T-shirt I designed and I'm checking the quality right now. I'm making sure that the printing is done well and that the color of the ink matches the one I had in mind.
On this occasion, I will reveal a little bit of the design here! Don't worry, I have permission to do so. It's inspired by a certain song, can you tell?
During the design phase, I kept thinking about what would make you all happy. Of course, adding my individuality was important, but more than that, I tried to make the design easy to coordinate with.
Being on stage and seeing someone in the crowd wearing my T-shirt would make me incredibly happy. I'd think in my head, "It fits you well!", and I hope a lot of people will love this shirt.
今夜は22時から「SHINING RADIO STAY TUNED」の配信があるね。ボクもリアルタイムで視聴するつもり。予定が空いている人は一緒に楽しもうね。
"SHINING RADIO STAY TUNED" will be broadcast tonight at 10 PM. I intend to listen to it while it is on. Let's enjoy it together if you are free.
The members of ST☆RISH are so close to each other. They are always full of laughter when they are together. They also act so naturally around one another. I guess it's because they've known each other for so long.
When they were on the topic of "getting along", I didn't expect they would start talking about us. I find it interesting to hear how other people see QUARTET NIGHT. #ShiningRadio
The souvenir that makes me happiest would be the travel stories. When I hear them, I feel as if I've experienced them myself. I also like to feel the charm of a place by listening to someone else's impressions of it.
Well, Masato's miso soup is a go-to topic. Masato likes miso soup, so naturally his fans are also interested. It's a nice synergy. I completely understand this desire of wanting to eat the food someone else likes. #ShiningRadio
Music connects people with each other, and that circle is always expanding. I realize how wonderful of a thing that is constantly. Since the release of my Solo Best album, I wondered if it could have create a chance for people to listen to my songs as well? #ShiningRadio
Cream puffs, huh? A profound food. Their shape is very interesting. They are not only used as normal desserts, but also in punishment games. #ShiningRadio
Without realizing it, I was completely absorbed in this segment. The requests are always excellent, and the hosts' acting ability in response is also amazing. It's always fun to return the words you want us to say as a gift.
I got a message during the radio broadcast—the hosts of the next broadcast will be me and Reiji. I can't wait to see how this is going to go. Of course you will tune in, right? ... Promise it.
It was so interesting that I'm going to listen to it again with your comments in mind #ShiningRadio. For those of you who missed something when it aired, you can now go check out what it was. Well, see you again.
10.08.
✄------------ AM 9:00 ------------✄
おはよう。仕事のスタートが遅めだから、外を散策してる。
Good morning. Since work starts a little later today, I'm walking around outside.
I've been wearing the collaboration sunglasses a lot this summer. Since I'm using them right now, I can only show you a picture of the case. I like the way you can conveniently fold it.
The lenses are tinted light purple and the temples are designed to represent a heartbeat. That way, there's not only an effect when you look at it from the front, but also when you look at it from the side.
このまま現場に向かうつもり。みんなも夏を楽しんでね。
I'm off to work now. Enjoy your summer.
✄------------ PM 6:00 ------------✄
スペシャルTシャツのサンプルをもらったよ。ちょっと開けてみようかな。
I received a sample of my special T-shirt. Let me open it up real quick.
I'm not really good at drawing, so I practiced a lot. I had to express it with simplified lines, which was quite difficult. But all in all, it was a nice change of pace.
Ranmaru actually came while wearing my special T-shirt. Apparently he came to pick up my CD during a break from his dance lessons. It wasn't a problem because he changed clothes at the agency. He seems to wear it for everyday use.
Talking about my album, Ranmaru's expression turned cheerful, as if it were his own album. But we had to find the time to talk about the songs some other day since we both had plans afterwards.
In exchange for my CD he gave me compote made from seedless grapes. The color was a lovely light purple. Apparently it has a rosemary scent. I can't imagine at all what it's going to taste like.
Ranmaru said the sweetness is moderate, so adding it to granola might be good. He encouraged me to add gelatin to my leftover syrup and make jelly that way. He also taught me the difference between that and jam.
ランマルもレッスンに戻るみたいだから、ボクも仕事の続きをするよ。また夜にね。
Ranmaru seems to be returning to his lessons, so I'll continue my work as well. See you tonight.
Thank you for leaving all your thoughts about my album under the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove. You even touched on my other released songs, not just my new ones.
All the songs are in the order they were released, so if you listen to the CD you can hear the changes in my voice. Each song has its own unforgettable story to tell.
You have told me about your first impressions of my songs, and now new memories have been added to them. They are the same songs, but with the passage of time, the way one feels about them changes. What an interesting phenomenon.
My granola ended up looking like a dessert from a cafe. As I was eating, I could not only taste the sweetness of the grapes, but also the sourness of lemon. Combined with the scent of rosemary, it made an exquisite harmony of flavors.
I also once received Ranmaru's homemade mustard back when his album was released, which was really delicious. The sweet honey and rich soy sauce flavors were very distinctive. I compared it to store-bought mustard, but the taste was completely different.
It wasn't enough to just give him my album, so we're going to play some Loveril Fantasy now. It's been a while since we got together to play in person.
It would be difficult to play for a long time so we plan to do some mid-ranked quests. They can be done solo, but together we can do them much faster. I rely on Ren a lot, so I have to do my best.
仲間と好きなことをして遊ぶ時間は、ボクにとって大切なんだ。少しの間だけど、思い切り楽しんでくるよ。
I appreciate the time I get to do the things I like with colleagues. I'm going to enjoy myself to the fullest, at least for a while.
✄------------ PM 7:00 ------------✄
リラックスタイムは終了。レンと別れて、これから仕事をするよ。
Relaxation time is over. Ren left and my work begins now.
I'll keep signing with your smile on my mind. May my signature and feelings reach you. I'm excited to think of all the people who will receive these posters.
サインを書くのに集中したいから、今日はここまでにするよ。みんなは週末の夜を満喫してね。
I want to concentrate on the signing, so I'm going to call it a day here. Go and enjoy this weekend night to the fullest.
12.08.
✄------------ AM 9:00 ------------✄
おはよう。最近の日課はみんなに朝の挨拶をすること。それともう1つあるんだけど、何かわかるかな？
Good morning. Recently, it has become part of my daily routine to greet you in the morning. Something else has also been added to my routine. Can you guess what it is?
I check the temperature and humidity and add water if necessary. It's also fun to document, and the plants have an effect on the atmosphere of the room.
Hemionitis arifolia. It's a fern characterized by its heart-shaped leaves. This must be the reason why it's also called "heart fern" or "Valentine's fern".
It has a preference for well-lit areas, but direct sunlight should be avoided. It's important to pay attention to how you water it, because the amount of water depends on the season and environment. You must pay close attention to it.
I like observing people, but observing plants could be a new interest for me. Plants can't talk, which makes communication quite difficult, but I want to learn to understand them over time.
次の仕事まで、早速情報を集めるよ。植物にとって最高の環境を整えたいからね。
I want to prepare the best environment for my plants, so I will immediately start gathering information until it's time to work again.
I'm back. I'd been preparing a spot for my plants since I got home. I have to wait for tomorrow to confirm the sunny spots, but I think it should be fine.
I received documents for an upcoming job, so I'll spend some time reading two books tonight. One covers the fundamentals while the other one may be relevant.
It's about a concept I've never been immersed in before, so it's very compelling. I'm sure there are a lot of people like me who wouldn't be able to touch this genre unless an opportunity came along. Once I deepen my knowledge about it, I think I'll use it in my daily life.
I like to take strolls near my home on days with good weather. But the temperatures are high in the summer, so it's important to be careful. Otherwise, I tend to read my documents for work.
But these past two weeks I didn't need to worry about not knowing what to do. By checking the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove I find various wonderful ways to spend my time. I am looking through them carefully.
Apparently, Camus will eat two servings. He excused it by calling it a special day but this is just his standard procedure. I believed the heat of the summer had afflicted him but he seems to be doing well.
It's Camus' turn next, so I told him about the interactions I had with you all. It felt like a passing of the baton, so I can't help but hope that I was of some help to him.
First, granola for breakfast. Even the granola base comes in different flavors. Chocolate, black tea, coffee, cinnamon, and all kinds of spices. I bought the flavors that I thought were interesting.
Then I got tools for cultivating plants. I got a spray bottle, a watering can, and nutrients. I gathered a few items that seem necessary for my research. I don't want to be too overprotective, but since they are by my side, I want to treat my plants well.
And the place I wanted to visit the most was the art supply shop. I looked at some art tools, and the vast variety surprised me. What you use to draw, and the paper you use depends on the taste of the artist. I had the same realization during the time of the SHINING MUSEUM.
The first thing on my mind after waking up was you. I couldn't help but wonder if you are up already or what you're doing. Then I'd check the hashtag #Ai'sAmbivalentLove.
The sky on that day was a typical blue summer sky. Shining on an ordinary day. Engraved in my heart together with the memories we made in the past two weeks.
名残惜しいけど、そろそろ仕事に戻るよ。次に会う時には嬉しい報告ができるといいな。
I'm reluctant to leave but it's about time for me to return to work. Next time we meet I hope I can deliver good news.
My Solo Best Album "Ambivalent" placed 2nd on the Oricon Weekly CD Album Ranking! This is a dream come true, and made possible by your support. For that, I am truly grateful.
I think this achievement is also due to sharing my lifestyle with you. It makes me so happy to release an album as Ai Mikaze, but more than that, I have received more happiness from all of you.
I'll shelter this "love" that I received from you and eventually it will become songs. This album is a miracle spun by our "love"—containing my past and present.
Everything up to this point was important, but from now on I'll show you a new side of me. I'll work hard to surpass your expectations, so I hope you'll be there to witness my evolution.
仕事があるから、また後でね。終わったら、できる限り早く戻ってくるよ。
I still have work to do, so I'll see you later. I'll be back as soon as possible.
マラカス振らないとダメみたい。
I guess he has to play his maracas.
レイジだけじゃなくて、ランマルもカミュも来た。
And Reiji wasn't alone—Ranmaru and Camus came as well.
I was waiting in the conference room when suddenly Reiji appeared, playing his maracas. I was surprised to see that Ranmaru and Camus followed. For disclosure: Ranmaru and Camus were not playing maracas.
This, too, makes me feel ambivalent. We've been together for a long time but I still can't predict them. They trouble me and they make me happy. They're definitely amusing.
They say they want to celebrate the Oricon Weekly Ranking. Congratulations would have been enough. But they seem to have worked hard on preparing this surprise, so I'll go along with it.
最後は一緒に過ごせるように戻ってくるよ。それまで待っててね。
I'll be back to spend the last moments together with you, so wait for me.
The release of my album, as well as the two weeks we spent together have become irreplaceable experiences to me. Each moment is an important memory that I'll surely never forget.
I wasn't lonely because I had you by my side. I understood that we love each other this much. And if you ever feel worried, I want you to listen to my songs. I'll embrace you through my song.
君と奏でた夢と歌がボクの存在証明。それは永遠に変わらない真実。これからの未来も一緒に紡いでいこう。
The dreams and songs we completed together are the proof of my existence. And this reality will never change. Let's continue to spin the future together.
Hello everyone, and happy birthday, Tokiya!
After many years, we have finally finished the translations for the main chapters and best endings (True Love Ends) of each route of Utapri Repeat (PSP Version)!
Translation Directory Link
Note: There are some differences in the lines in the Switch version, which we are not completely aware of.
We are going to work on going back and translating the alternate endings, some missing translations for alternate choices in earlier chapters, memorials and extra stories! Thank you everyone for all your hard work and dedication!
Cheers!
His singing becomes a tidal wave that engulfs the audience. The world of music isn’t about reason—it strikes the center of the heart.
I can see the imagery in my mind, unable to escape it.
It captivates me—it washes over me and doesn’t let go.
His superior singing ability and range of expression would be able to bring full color to a monotone world.
Sweet, yet painful… His song of love is teeming with power.
Male Student: Whoa… This is the first time I’ve heard a song like this.
Female Student A: Saying that he’s talented would be an understatement… I wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
Director: That jerk put my show through so much trouble, and yet… argh! I was determined to never deal with him ever again, but he’s so good! Damn it!
Everyone in the audience is awed by Ichinose-san’s singing.
Tears flow freely down my cheeks.
For the graduation audition, nine judges, including the principal, and the audience vote on who wins.
The nine judges give a score up to ten points each.
The audience votes on which student they think was the best, and the student that gets the most votes from the audience gets another ten points. Second place gets nine points, and it goes down to tenth place.
The person who gets the most points overall gets first place, becomes a new idol in the Shining Agency, then aims to become the top idol.
For the students who don’t win first place, anyone that gets more than 85 points can still join the Shining Agency.
Furthermore, there are people from other agencies that come to watch our audition…
Even if we don’t get into the Shining Agency, there’s a chance that another agency would ask us to join them.
So there is still a chance to debut even if we didn’t get first place, but… this song…
I can’t imagine us getting anything lower than first place. No one can top his song—that’s just how amazing he was.
Tokiya Ichinose: … Thank you very much.
He takes a curt bow and proceeds to walk towards the wing of the stage.
He waits for the results with his usual calm expression.
I don’t think he’s worried at all.
He seems to be brimming with confidence, as if he’s thinking that there’s absolutely no possible way he couldn’t win.
And with that, it’s finally time for them to announce the results.
Ryuya Hyuga: The winner of this year’s graduation audition is… Tokiya Ichinose!
Shining Saotome: I wouldn’t expect any less. Your song was perfect—there was no room for complaints.
Tokiya Ichinose: Of course. Defeat isn’t in my vocabulary.
Shining Saotome: Hmph, the newborn chick is filled with hot air. However, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re the winner for this round.
Shining Saotome: You’ve arrived here after all your trials and tribulations. This is the result of you never backing down about being your true self when things were getting tough.
Shining Saotome: Your song was so good that choosing anyone else for first place is inconceivable. Here, take your trophy. The moment you hold it in your hands, you’ll be a talent of Shining Agency.
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, sir.
After the graduation audition, we go up to the roof together.
Tokiya Ichinose: It sure is cold now that night has fallen. Are you okay?
Haruka Nanami: Yes, I’m fine. But why have we come here?
Tokiya Ichinose: No one will interrupt our conversation if we’re here.
Tokiya Ichinose: From this day forward, you will be a composer and I will be an idol. We must not let the public know that we have feelings for each other.
Tokiya Ichinose: We have to be alone in order to pledge our love…
Haruka Nanami: Pledge our… love?
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, I was planning to talk to you about it after the graduation audition was over.
Tokiya Ichinose: You confessed to me during the Christmas party, but I didn’t answer you back then.
Haruka Nanami: Ah, but just a while back…
He told me that he loved me before the graduation audition.
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, this is the continuation of that. Do you mind listening to me?
Haruka Nanami: … Not at all.
I nod and Ichinose-san smiles, taking my hand.
Tokiya Ichinose: At that time, I was already in love with you and yet—no, it was because I was in love with you that I couldn’t answer you.
Tokiya Ichinose: I love you and the music you make…
Tokiya Ichinose: The first time we combined our music together when we were trapped in that storage locker, I felt a strong emotion deep down in my chest.
The storage locker… That time during the sports festival…
Tokiya Ichinose: I could describe it as a bell that rang in my head. I couldn’t help but yearn for your music. I realized at that moment…
Tokiya Ichinose: I’m the only one who can pull out the full potential of your music…
Haruka Nanami: Ah, me too… I was so happy at that moment. I loved making music with you…
Tokiya Ichinose: It seems that we were sharing the same feelings at that time—about romance and our music.
Haruka Nanami: Sharing the same feelings… So the music I want to make and the music Ichinose-san wants to sing are the same?
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, is that wrong?
Haruka Nanami: No, I feel the same way.
Tokiya Ichinose: I’m glad to hear that. You are such a wonderful person. Now, and back then as well…
Tokiya Ichinose: I was too strict, wasn’t I? I wanted you to improve—I felt I had to be tough on you in order to cut off my feelings for you and focus only on loving your music.
Tokiya Ichinose: There were nights that I was anxious that maybe I was being cruel to you, and that you hated me for hurting your feelings…
… I see. Ichinose-san’s words might have been sharp, but deep down, I felt his passion towards music.
That’s why I wasn’t scared of him. However, I see now that Ichinose-san was the one in pain for being strict on me.
Tokiya Ichinose: But you kept up with me without giving up. It was fun to see how the music you were making kept evolving.
Tokiya Ichinose: I thought that I could just love your music alone… but at some point, you became too precious to me… I didn’t know that I of all people would end up being in a predicament like that, caught between my dream and my love…
Tokiya Ichinose: I never thought that until I met you. For me, the most important thing was my dream of standing on stage and singing.
Tokiya Ichinose: But now, I met someone as precious as my dream, so I’ll say it once more! Haruka, I love you. I love you more than anyone.
Haruka Nanami: Yes, I love you, too.
I smile as we look into each other’s eyes, our lips drawing close…
I gently close my eyes and let Ichinose-san take me.
Tokiya Ichinose: Nn…
Haruka Nanami: Nn…
The feeling of Ichinose-san's lips makes my mind go pure white.
It’s the day after Ichinose-san won the graduation audition. We’ve both been called to the principal’s office.
Shining Saotome: I know about your relationship with each other. Normally, I would be more strict about it, but…
Our relationship? Ah…
I become uneasy and glance at Ichinose-san.
He grips my hand as if trying to comfort me.
Shining Saotome: However, that song… was overflowing with love. Up until now, you never had love in your music…
Shining Saotome: That must be because you have her by your side. She loves you, and you love her… Am I… correct?
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes.
Shining Saotome: You won’t deny it? You’re quite confident.
Tokiya Ichinose: The only reason why I’m here is because of her.
Shining Saotome: I see. But if I were to pull you two apart, you will probably go back to becoming a half-baked talent.
Tokiya Ichinose: I can’t deny that possibility.
Shining Saotome: I see… Then that’s it, I suppose. Make sure to not let others notice. That’s the requirement for me allowing you two to be in a relationship.
Shining Saotome: However, if it becomes even the slightest bit of trouble, I’ll have you compensate me.
Tokiya Ichinose: I’ll only be an asset to your agency.
Shining Saotome: Hah! Alright Mr. Cocky, I’ll let you do what you’d like.
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, I was planning to do that.
He flashes a fearless smile.
Shining Saotome: You’re in for it with this one. Are you fine with following a guy like this?
The principal turns to me and asks.
Haruka Nanami: Ichinose-san is the best person to me.
Shining Saotome: I see… I wish for your happiness.
Haruka Nanami: Thank you!
Tokiya Ichinose: Then we’ll take our leave.
We leave the principal’s office.
After that, the principal, as if realizing how wonderful love could be, changed the romance ban rule.
Instead of romance being completely banned, romance is allowed if done appropriately and with permission from the principal.
As for, Ichinose-san…
He has been doing activities he originally did as HAYATO-sama…
A few months after the graduation audition, he has already become an idol on the front lines.
His schedule was filled to the brim in an instant, and has work scheduled until the end of the year.
He has become quite popular. I’m proud of him, but…
We’re not able to make music together for long periods of time like before…
I feel a little lonely thinking about that…
Ichinose-san feels like an unreachable entity when I see him on TV.
Tokiya Ichinose: I’m back.
The door to the recording room opens and Ichinose-san walks in.
Haruka Nanami: Ichinose-san… Didn’t you have a drama shooting today?
I run towards Ichinose-san, overjoyed.
Tokiya Ichinose: It was cancelled due to certain circumstances.
Haruka Nanami: Ah, I see… Then today…?
Tokiya Ichinose: I’m off for the entire day today. We’ll be able to spend the entire day together. Is there anywhere you would like to go?
Haruka Nanami: Ah, then…
After we’ve eaten an early dinner, I have Ichinose-san take me to his room.
However… I can’t relax…
I stand in the corner while looking around the room.
Tokiya Ichinose: Why do you like standing in corners?
Haruka Nanami: Ah, I-I just don’t know where I should be…
Tokiya Ichinose: You’re the one who wanted to see my room. How about taking a good look around? Let me escort you.
Haruka Nanami: E-escort…?
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, today’s our anniversary, so this is the least I should do.
Haruka Nanami: Anniversary…?
Tokiya Ichinose: One year ago, you spent an entire night in my room. Did you forget about that?
One year ago… Ah, that one day in the summer… Ichinose-san collapsed from a fever…
Tokiya Ichinose: We must celebrate that anniversary. Also, I haven’t thanked you for that day yet. That’s why tonight, I’ll be much nicer to you than I usually am.
Tokiya Ichinose: Come this way. The night view from the bathroom is quite nice.
Haruka Nanami: B-bathroom…?
Tokiya Ichinose: Why are you blushing? Did you want to take a bath together? I don’t mind, if that’s the case.
Ichinose-san, who appears to be enjoying this, chuckles to himself.
He then proceeds to naturally take my summer cardigan off my shoulders.
Haruka Nanami: Ah, y-you got me wrong! T-t-t-t-t-that’s not what I meant at all!!!
Tokiya Ichinose: That’s too bad…
Huh? H-he usually says that he’s joking, but this time, he said “too bad”…
Does that mean if I didn’t refuse, we would’ve…
Nope! That’s out of the question!
Calm down, calm down, me… I’m way too nervous being alone with him…
I need to act natural…
Tokiya Ichinose: Then shall we go?
Haruka Nanami: Huh? Ah…
Despite my mind still reeling from confusion, he takes my hand and starts walking.
Tokiya Ichinose: See? Isn’t it beautiful?
The night view from the bathroom really is beautiful. The neon lights are shining with different colors as cars’ headlights trail down the wide streets.
The view looks like a box of jewels has been toppled over, sparkling against the light.
Haruka Nanami: Ah, yes… It’s very beautiful… B-but we could look at it from another place than the bathtub, right?
Ichinose-san is hugging me from behind as we sit in the bathtub, gazing at the night view.
Tokiya Ichinose: We can watch while standing, but it’s the most beautiful when viewed from here…
Tokiya Ichinose: Do you dislike being hugged by me?
He whispers into my ear as he continues to hug me from behind.
Haruka Nanami: I don’t… dislike it.
In fact, I like being hugged… I like it… but!
My heart’s pounding even more because of where we’re sitting.
Haruka Nanami: Um, uhh… I feel like I’ve had my fill, so we should…
I try forcing myself to stand up.
However, I accidentally turned on the switch for the shower.
Shaaa…
A torrent of water pours down on me and Ichinose-san.
Haruka Nanami: I-I’m so sorry!
Tokiya Ichinose: Oh my, to think water would pour down on us… It seems like you can’t go back until your clothes dry… Did you do this on purpose?
Haruka Nanami: N-no, I didn’t!!!
Tokiya Ichinose: Hehe, I know. Come over here, I’ll have to wipe you down or you’ll catch a cold.
Haruka Nanami: O-okay…
Ichinose-san wraps me in a big bath towel.
Tokiya Ichinose: As for a change of clothes, I can only provide a shirt, but is that fine with you?
Haruka Nanami: … Yes. Thank you!
I take off my wet clothes in the bathroom and slip my arms through the sleeves of the shirt he gave me.
It’s a pure-white freshly washed button-up shirt. It’s very baggy on me, but it almost looks like a one-piece dress.
Tokiya Ichinose: However, it seems like your clothes are so wet that they won’t dry any time soon. It might take until morning.
Ichinose-san whispers with my clothes in his hands.
Haruka Nanami: Until morning…
I have to be in this room in just this white button-up shirt until then…?
Tokiya Ichinose: You have no other choice. This is all because of your mistake, anyway. Stop fighting it and stay over for the night.
Ichinose-san picks me up in his arms as if I am a princess.
Haruka Nanami: Kya!
Tokiya Ichinose: My floor is wet because of a certain somebody. It will be troublesome if you were to slip and fall.
Tokiya Ichinose: That certain somebody is a klutz, through and through.
Haruka Nanami: … Uuu, I’m so sorry…
Tokiya Ichinose: No, it’s because of your mistake that we can be together all night. Clumsiness has its advantages after all.
Ichinose-san smiles and lays me down on the bed.
Tokiya Ichinose: So what shall we do? I wouldn’t mind embracing you like this until morning.
Tokiya Ichinose: However, the night has just begun. What do you want me to do? What would you like to have done to you?
Haruka Nanami: Huh? U-um… Then… uh… be by my side…
Tokiya Ichinose: I can’t hear you. Speak louder and more clearly…
Haruka Nanami: … Um… be by my side… Be by my side for the entire night.
Tokiya Ichinose: Yes, that’s what I was planning to do anyway.
Ichinose-san kisses my hair.
Tokiya Ichinose: I’ll kiss you all night. Do you have any requests?
Haruka Nanami: Umm… uhh…
Tokiya Ichinose: … Nn…
Ichinose-san kisses my neck before I can answer.
Haruka Nanami: U-um…
Tokiya Ichinose: I’ll do what I want until you answer.
Haruka Nanami: Ah…
He kisses my collarbone that’s exposed from the opening of my buttoned shirt.
Haruka Nanami: Um… y-your lips are tickling me…
I protest, but Ichinose-san grins.
Tokiya Ichinose: I see, you want me to kiss you on the lips…
Haruka Nanami: Huh? Um, that’s not what I meant…
I wanted to say that his kisses are making my heart explode…
Tokiya Ichinose: Nn…
Haruka Nanami: … Nn…
My lips are sealed by his, and I can’t say anything further.
He’s studious and cool-headed… and yet he is filled with so much passion.
I’m going to be trifled by this man for quite some time.
However, he’s the only one who can make my dreams a reality, and I’m the only one who can do the same for his.
I want to keep working together forever. No matter how hard that path may be, I’m sure we can overcome anything as long as we have love.
Also… We have music that matches each other. That power is unstoppable.
That day, I had a late work meeting and happened to run into Kurosaki at the agency, which rarely happens.
Impressively, we met by chance when I had finished and wanted to rest on a sofa before heading home.
"Man, just when I was wonderin’ who's workin’ overtime, it's the count."
Kurosaki dropped the bass from his shoulder and smirked.
"..."
Getting involved with this man is a nuisance.
He's got a nasty tongue.
However, since we seemed to be on the same page in that regard, idle chit chat wouldn't be ideal, so we both decided to keep quiet.
Speaking of Kurosaki... He seemed to have come here to file receipts and other documents related to his expenses.
Since he had his bass with him, he must have been at the studio earlier.
He rustled through his coat pockets and wallet, collecting a stack of receipts.
The man was meticulous in strange ways—or rather, just when it came to money.
While Kurosaki was busy going through his things, I sat down on the sofa without saying a word.
"Hm…? So there was someone else here."
During the silence, Mikaze had joined us. He also seemed to be very busy with filming for his movie, so it had been a while since we'd seen each other in person.
"You're here because of work as well, Mikaze?"
"Yes, I just finished recording for a program, then I came here to grab my script, but..."
Mikaze cut off in the middle of the sentence.
"What is it?"
For some reason, Mikaze just stared at me without moving.
"Camus, that mountain of sweets there... Do you know how many calories they have?"
He said, pointing at the sweets I was eating.
"Mh…?"
By that time, I had spread out the gifts I had received as well as the sweets that I had specifically prepared for my break.
I hadn't calculated the calories yet, but the total wasn't significantly higher than my regular amount.
For me, it was the usual.
"Chocolate cookies, cream puffs, nut galette... also financier. I can't see them from here, but there are also two more baked pastries."
"It's 11 PM at night, you know? By simple calculation, that's easily over 1,500 kilocalories."
"Why you… What do you mean by that?"
"I identified the connection."
"What connection?"
"Camus... You've gained some weight, haven't you?"
"Wha—!"
"Huh?!"
Not just me, but also Kurosaki, who was in the same room, widened his eyes at these unexpected words.
"What, Kurosaki?"
"... Nothin’."
Kurosaki flipped through his receipts and returned to stapling them.
… How conscientious.
I decided to leave Kurosaki aside for now. Mikaze, who had just made an absurd proclamation, continued...
"No matter how you look at it, it's because of those sweets."
He pointed at the table.
"Hah! And here I was wondering what you're talking about. It's not like you measured my body weight."
"That's true, so what?"
"First of all, your body shape can change depending on what you wear, and your physical condition can also have an effect. You shouldn't decide that arbitrarily on the spot—"
"But it seems that the fat on your cheeks has increased since the last time I saw you."
"... That's ridiculous."
I pretend to rest my elbow on the sofa in order to casually check my cheeks with my hand.
… They're fine.
He said "seems," so there is no need to be confused by such baseless accusations.
As long as I continued to maintain my figure, there would be nothing to worry about.
"And also, you seem to be eating a lot of these chocolates, but..."
Mikaze didn't seem to stop his investigation and casually picked up one of the chocolates.
"Polyphenols can weaken your skin, which can lead to acne.*"
"What are you talking about? Chocolate has even been used in medicinal cooking."
"Medicinal cooking?"
"The Aztec kingdom worshiped cacao as the food of the gods. It's said to have been called xocolatl and to have been eaten by royalty and nobility. Since I too come from noble blood, I seek out and eat the finest quality xocolatl every day."
I declared, popping a piece of chocolate in my mouth.
Mhm, they had the right amount of bitterness, quite the quality goods.
It was Tsukimiya who attended the meeting with me and had brought these. As I thought, he was as good at choosing sweets as I was.
While I tasted the chocolate, Mikaze just looked at the piece in his hand, deep in thought.
"... Hmm, it's true that chocolate restores energy, is a mood stabilizer, and has an effect of preventing colon cancer."
"—But it's hard to absorb all the fat from cocoa butter and cocoa mousse. Which means that you're going to gain weight."
So you brought the conversation back to that point, you bastard.
"Well done, everyone! Oh my! Some rare members are gathered here."
At that moment, Kotobuki arrived after finishing his work. Although it was almost midnight, he was a man full of energy.
"Oh, what's this~? Looks like fun! Let me join in~!"
"How does that look like fun…?"
Kurosaki, who seemed to have finished filing his documents, came over to our table.
Meanwhile, Kotobuki looked at the sweets on the table with sparkling eyes.
"Oh! Could it be? Are those baked Piyo-chan?"
"These? I received them as a gift."
"Those are limited and apparently hard to get, you know~ The other day, Nattsun told me that he secretly lined up for them, but then whined that he wasn't able to get them."
"Natsuki did? Good grief… He really likes that mascot…"
Baked Piyo-chan.
Imitating a chick's face, it's no more than a regular castella. However, the cream inside and the sponge are said to be excellent together.
There's several different flavors, such as sweet adzuki bean paste, chocolate, custard, as well as a seasonal flavor. They're sold by the special peddling food cart called 'Munch-Munch Piyo-chan.'
Although they don't sell it at the food cart, there was apparently another famous item of the same chick called 'Piyo-chan's Egg.'
"Nattsun also said that it was enough for him to see the cute food cart~ Anyway, can I try one?"
"I don't mind, but I also..."
"Wait."
Mikaze stopped me, pulled out his phone and started calculating.
"If we add the baked Piyo-chan, your estimated calories for today are 3,200 kilocalories. The average daily intake for an adult will be easily exceeded. Is that okay?"
"From 1,500 to 3,200? That's quite the jump."
Kurosaki looked at Mikaze's phone and nodded.
"Whaaat?? These have that many calories? I didn't know!"
Kotobuki drew his extended hand back.
Seeing that, Mikaze had a satisfied grin on his face, however…
"Not so fast, Mikaze."
I leisurely grabbed a baked Piyo-chan and split its face in half.
"Gyaaah! Myu-chan!! How could you do that to Piyo-chan's face!"
"This is the taste of the limited-time soy milk matcha! And just like that, the calories are lower than your calculation, you bastard."
"Soy milk... matcha flavor?!"
Mikaze’s eyes widened in shock.
"In addition, soy milk contains vitamin B1, B2 and B6. So it's a fact that it preserves the skin."
"I see, that's how you see it. But soybeans are trypsin inhibitors, so eating too much would mean…"
Mikaze was still argumentative—time to set another example, so I split another one.
"How about this one! Hm, behold, the regionally limited konjac flavor!"
"K-konjac?! Still, it's the castella dough with its sugar, wheat flour and eggs that has the most calories! The konjac is just the filling..."
At that point, Mikaze's depth of knowledge had started impressing even me.
For our line of work, an understanding of marketing strategies was essential.
In that sense, Mikaze serves as an excellent database.
Of course, I had no personal interest in my colleagues, but if I had to choose one of our members, I would choose Mikaze.
That's how valuable Mikaze's knowledge and data was.
"Hmm~ Then can I have the cookie?"
I felt that Kotobuki and the others were talking about something, but it was not the time for that.
"Mikaze, let us conclude this once and for all."
"I wouldn't mind."
"Hey, Myu-chan!"
"He can't hear ya, I'll just eat it."
"Oh, Ranran, you're going with the konjac-flavored one? Really? Nice~ We have a challenger!"
"Mm, it's better than I thought."
At that moment, the door at the back of the room was flung open, revealing the enraged face of a man.
"Hey, all of you! Shut up!"
It was Hyuga.
"Oh, Ryuya-senpai~"
"Goof worf (good work)."
Kotobuki and Kurosaki spoke almost at the same time while they were eating.
"So it was you. Even though you’re old enough to know better, you act like students…"
Hyuga approached us with thudding steps.
"That's mean, Ryuya-senpai! Don't mention my age!"
"Shut up! I have to pull an all-nighter here! If you have nothing else to do, just hurry up and go home! I'm locking the door!"
Everyone suddenly hurried to get ready to go home.
Ryuya Hyuga.
He was quite a man to be reckoned with.
"Mikaze, it looks like we have to settle this the next time we get the chance to."
"I don't care about that, just make sure to clean up the sweets before you go home, Camus."
"You don't have to tell me. I will finish eating them and then head home."
"Huh? You're going to eat them all?"
"Hey, Camus! Those half-eaten ones are mine, don't touch 'em!"
"I told you to shut up! Just go already!"
["We're sorry."]
Some employees decided to name that day's incident the "The Late Night War of the Words," and that title has been circulating around the agency many times since then.
─────── •✧• ───────
*Translation Note: Current research seems to suggest that polyphenols from cocoa are usually beneficial for the skin and do not appear to directly cause acne. Instead, it is the sugar and dairy in chocolate that may cause acne. 🍫👍
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