Finally got to finish this one off! My totally real fave idol group that totally exist AKIVE!
I had a blast with the skin rendering and playing around with the makeup, so I made heavy make/light make/no make versions
Slowly working through my backlog of stuff I want to draw, but I hope to eventually do one of these for natsugumi too since this was sm fun, but as always that one will have to battle my 9 other WIPs I have at any given moment to be the one I finish
Chikage: Sakuya said things were a bit tough because he was playing a student this time.
Tsuzuru: He pulled it off without a hitch. His student vibe and the way he kept up with the conversations were spot on.
Citron: Sakuya was practicing being a student every night~. I also lent him a hand and played pretend after school hangout with him.
Tsuzuru: All that looked like was you manipulating him into doing that with you, Citron-san!
Masumi: He hasn’t changed since he was a student.
Itaru: But he’s definitely gained more confidence since he was a student… and he carries himself with more assertiveness.
Tsuzuru: You sure are right about that.
Izumi: Alright, let’s head on back to the green room.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Door opens*
Staff: Sakuma-san is right in here. Go on ahead.
Citron: Thank you muchly!
Sakuya: —Ah!
Izumi: Good work out there, Sakuya-kun.
Itaru: GG~.
Sakuya: Guys! And Director! You came. Thank you so much!
Izumi: Of course. You were the one who originally invited us…
Tsuzuru: It just suddenly worked for everyone’s schedules today. Sorry, we didn’t let you know sooner.
Citron: It was all thanks to Itaru and Chikage’s hotspot overtime~.
Masumi: Nonstop, not hotspot.
Sakuya: Wait, what!?
Itaru: Hey, working overtime for this is worth it.
Chikage: I agree.
Itaru: By the way, you’re ending with a matinee today, right?
Sakuya: Yeah, I am.
Itaru: Cool, we can all tell you what we thought when we go out for dinner later.
Sakuya: We’re going out for dinner?
Citron: Yes~! We have all been watching you work very hard for your guest performance.
Tsuzuru: We were talking about going out for dinner today, partly as a way to celebrate all your hard work. …Er, we weren’t able to get in touch with you about that either.
Masumi: Nothing we could do with it being so sudden.
Sakuya: Wait, really!? Thank you so much!
Izumi: Well, I think I’ll be heading back home before you guys.
Masumi: Wait. Come with us.
Izumi: Huh?
Chikage: I’m sure Sakuya would love to hear what you thought, too, Director-san.
Sakuya: As long as that’s okay with you, Director!
Citron: Yes. And Itaru and Chikage are paying. It would be spaced if you did not come!
Itaru: A waste? Wait, hold on, Director-san, you’re fine, but Citron, you’re contributing to the bill at least a little bit.
Masumi: …Anyway, that’s what’s happening.
Izumi: Ahaha. Well then, I guess I’ll tag along.
Sakuya: Yeah, please do! Hehe, I can’t wait.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Everyone: Time to dig in!
Sakuya: Whoa…! This napolitan has so many mushrooms in it. It’s really good!
Citron: Ooh, this Japanese-style soup is also very yummy~.
Masumi: These Vietnamese spring rolls aren’t too bad. Try some.
Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun.
Employee: Thank you for waiting. Here is your mentaiko fried chicken, truffle potatoes, and…
Tsuzuru: T-They’re still going… Citron-san, did you order ALL of this again!?
Citron: Today, it is all Itaru and Chikage’s beet.
Itaru: I was debating where to go, but… this mysterious restaurant that has just about everything was definitely the answer.
Chikage: You found a good spot.
Izumi: Oh, right. That reminds me, have you decided on where you want to go for your birthday project, Sakuya-kun?
Tsuzuru: This time around, the project is to celebrate while fulfilling the birthday person’s requests with the other members of their troupe.
Masumi: By the way, whenever we do that, we’re also taking some off-shots to include in the birthday bromide sets.
Sakuya: I actually haven’t decided on my request yet…
Itaru: Well, between you constantly taking guest performances and rehearsals, you have been pretty busy.
Chikage: It’s not an issue if you haven’t decided yet.
Citron: Ooh, Sakuya, is there anywhere you want to go? You can just say wherever comes to mind without worrying about the project.
Sakuya: Hmm…
Sakuya: It’s not that I don’t have somewhere I’d like to go. I just don’t know if there’s room in the budget for it, though…
Tsuzuru: Wait, do you mean—?
Itaru: …
Chikage & Citron: …
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Chikage: …
Chikage: That reminds me, isn’t there a place in Hokkaido where the latest-blooming cherry blossoms bloom?
Citron: I know of that place! I want to go see the cherry blossoms there with everyone~!
Sakuya: Huh…?
Itaru: It’s a little early, but why don’t we go there to scout out some cherry blossom viewing spots?
Masumi: I wouldn’t mind that.
Tsuzuru: I’d be up for that too, but… is there room in the budget for that?
Itaru: Ahh, that shouldn’t be a problem. I heard from Winter Troupe that they just covered anything that went over out of their own pockets. We’ll cover whatever goes over.
Chikage: I’m not usually a fan of when you just decide to speak for me on things, but… I was thinking the same thing. Don’t worry about a thing.
Izumi: (Both Itaru-san and Chikage-san seem totally ready to take care of the whole thing!)
Tsuzuru: Well, I think it’s a great idea then. …What do you think, Sakuya?
Tsuzuru: Ah, but it’s not like anything we’ve said is set in stone.
Sakuya: …Are you sure that’s okay?
Itaru: If you’re okay with it, we’re okay with it.
Sakuya: The place I’ve been wanting to go with everyone is… the place where I was born.
Sakuya: The place I went to alone, and where you all came to pick me up. I was thinking that… it’d be nice if we could celebrate there.
Izumi: I think that sounds like a great idea. The main pretense of doing it is for the project, of course, but… make sure you go out there and make some good memories.
Sakuya: Yeah! Thank you so much!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Citron: We are here! Humongous Hokkaido!
Masumi: So loud.
Tsuzuru: You sure got fired up fast.
Azami: I came along ‘cause I’m the one in charge of doin’ the off-shots, but… really feelin’ like I’m kinda outta place.
Sakuya: You don’t have to be like that! If anything, we should be apologizing to you for making you come along.
Azami: The hell are you apologizin’ for? We all came here to celebrate you today, Sakuya-san.
Azami: I’m gonna be focused on takin’ pics of you, so just have fun like you usually would.
Sakuya: Azami-kun… thank you.
Citron: Azami, I want you to take looooots of pictures of us!
Citron: And I will also take looooots of pictures of you to send to Sakyo.
Azami: You will NOT!
Chikage: Hahaha. It’s hard sticking to just being the photographer, isn’t it?
Azami: You’re the ones who keep makin’ it hard…
Itaru: Sorry for the wait. The rental car’s all ready to go.
Tsuzuru: Thank you. Well, let’s head out.
Sakuya: Yeah!
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
*Car driving*
Sakuya: …
Citron: Are you feeling nostalgic already?
Sakuya: Yeah. But it’s different from last time…
Tsuzuru: I mean, we are all going together this time around.
Masumi: Too crowded.
Azami: I know, right?
Chikage: Haha. But I’m sure Sakuya thinks it’s better this way.
Sakuya: Yeah. Back then, I had made it this far all on my own. I mean, obviously, I knew what I was getting into when I set out on my solo trip, and it was a really great experience.
Sakuya: But now that we’re all able to go together this time… I’m really realizing just how happy that truly makes me.
Itaru: Yeah.
Masumi: …Yeah.
Chikage: Well, we’ll be there soon.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Sakuya: Wow…!
Sakuya: Amazing… the sky is so starry…
Azami: This really is the same place that was on the postcard you sent us, Sakuya-san.
Azami: So you really sent it from this far away.
Itaru: Whoa, you can really see the stars clearly.
Tsuzuru: I’m pretty sure it rained here yesterday, so maybe that’s why.
Citron: What nice timing. It must have been thanks to Sakuya’s good luck.
Sakuya: —.
Sakuya: (It’s already almost my birthday. And I’m getting to celebrate it with my current precious family this year too.)
Sakuya: (Dad, Mom… Thank you for bringing these people into my life.)
Sakuya: (I really am happy.)
Sakuya: …Ah, right.
Sakuya: (The coin that Chikage-san gave me as a good luck charm before I went on my solo trip.)
Sakuya: (If I hold it up like this, the moonlight reflects off it… It really is super pretty.)
Chikage: …You looked at it like that back then, too, didn’t you?
Sakuya: Yeah. …But unlike back then, I’m not feeling so lonely.
Chikage: I see… I’m glad.
· ❀ —– ٠ ❀ ٠ —– ❀ ·
Azami: …Still can’t believe that you actually came all the way out here on your own, Sakuya-san.
Sakuya: Ahaha… I might’ve been traveling alone back then, but it was still fun in its own way.
Sakuya: But I realized something on that trip.
Sakuya: I really can’t just live alone after all…
Sakuya: Both when I was born and when I was on my trip, I’ve come this far thanks to the support of all of the people watching over me.
Sakuya: They call it a solo trip, but I was never truly alone. I learned that on my trip, too.
*Citron moves closer to Sakuya*
Citron: …That is what it means to be human.
Sakuya: Wah… hehe, yeah.
Sakuya: (The hand Citron-san is patting my head with is so gentle and warm. This warmth is another thing that I wouldn’t know if I were alone.)
Tsuzuru: A person can’t live alone. Just like how even a play can’t exist without an audience.
Masumi: …I agree.
Azami: Kinda unexpected to hear that comin’ from you, Masumi-san.
Masumi: I can’t live without Director.
Tsuzuru: Ugh, yeah, yeah, we get it.
Itaru: That’s our Masumi.
Azami: Y-You just let him get away with that!?
Masumi: …And you guys have been supporting me, too, I guess.
Sakuya: Masumi-kun…!
Citron: You think so too, right, Itaru and Chikage?
Itaru: I mean, I guess so.
Chikage: I won’t deny it.
Azami: …This is sorta makin’ me realize how much I respect you, Sakuya-san.
Azami: You don’t gotta be someone who comes in and takes charge to be a leader.
Azami: You’ve made me realize that there’s also leaders who bring people together just by bein’ there for them like you do, or somethin’ along those lines…
Citron: Ohh, Azami… are you giving him a compliment?
Azami: I mean, yeah, ‘course I am. …And, I dunno, he just really pays attention to the people around him.
Itaru: Looks like we’re getting a sudden Affection UP moment from Azami.
Azami: That said, I do think everyone coddles him a bit too much.
Azami: The Sakuya-san I’ve always known has always seemed a lot more dependable than that—not quite like an older brother, but… I dunno, he’s always just seemed more mature to me for some reason.
Sakuya: Wait, really!?
Masumi: No way.
Citron: Exactly. No matter how old you are, you will always be my son, Sakuya~.
Tsuzuru: Well, I guess it’s about time for us to give that to you.
Sakuya: That?
Tsuzuru: Sakuya.
Everyone: Happy birthday.
Citron: It is a present from us!
Sakuya: Aww… thank you so much!
Sakuya: Can I open it?
Itaru: Have at ‘er.
*Sakuya opens the present*
Sakuya: …! This is…!
Citron: It is a dressing room noren! (1)
Tsuzuru: You’ve been getting asked to do more and more guest performances, and, as Spring Troupe, we’re all really proud of you.
Itaru: But we don’t want you to feel homesick when you’re off giving it your all at other theater companies.
Chikage: And this is so that you can really spread your wings when it comes to acting. So we got you this with that hope in mind.
Sakuya: —.
Chikage: I’m guessing you already know when your next guest performance will be?
Itaru: Feel free to use it then.
Masumi: Ordering it was a pain in the ass, so he’s using it whether he likes it or not.
Tsuzuru: Okay, you didn’t have to put it like that… I mean, I know there was a lot that went into it, but still.
Citron: Ohh, we have put our poor Masumi through too mulch.
Masumi: Much.
Tsuzuru: Your order was pretty detailed, Citron-san~.
Citron: It was a noren for our beloved Sakuya, so I wanted it to be just right!
Sakuya: …I’ll definitely bring it with me. Thank you so, so much!
Citron: Ohh, you must be very happy with your noren. You have hugged it so tightly that it is now all wrinkly!
Itaru: …Alright, should we start heading to the inn?
Chikage: We should. It’ll take us a bit to get from here to there.
Tsuzuru: It’s stuff like this that makes you really feel just how big Hokkaido is.
Citron: I am hungry~!
Masumi: Sleepy.
*They walk away*
Sakuya: Let’s head back, Azami-kun!
Azami: …Y’know, Sakuya-san… you really are loved.
Sakuya: …Yeah, maybe.
Sakuya: If this had been way back when, I would’ve said that wasn’t the case, but now…
Sakuya: I don’t want to dismiss the feelings of the people who say that to me, so I’m trying to see it like that.
Sakuya: I’m sure that my mom and dad feel that way, and all of the people who have been there for me along the way, too.
Sakuya: And that goes for you too, Azami-kun.
Azami: Huh? I’m not…
Sakuya: Ah, umm, maybe it’s not so much love for you… maybe it’s more like a feeling of appreciation…
Azami: …Well, it ain’t like my own dream can come true if I don’t got someone to do makeup on.
Sakuya: Huh?
Azami: I’m sayin’ I appreciate you too…
Sakuya: Ahaha. I guess we’re in the same boat then. Let’s keep this up from now on.
Azami: Yeah.
Azami: (Guess this is just the kinda guy Sakuya-san is.)
Tsuzuru: C’mon, Sakuya, Azami~.
Citron: Hurry up and get in! Masumi is going to fall asleep~.
Azami: Ready to go?
Sakuya: Yeah!
• • •
Notes:
(1) Noren are traditional Japanese fabric dividers that are usually hung in places like between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows.
A visual and text chart of all the cards available in this year's anniversary revival token pool. Earned tokens can be used up until February 13 13:59 JST. Thank you again to @southhillprison for helping me with the act numbers and proofreading!
Twitter Version Here
Bluesky Version Here
↓↓↓ Text version below! ↓↓↓
🌸 Spring Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌸
Sakuya Sakuma: Blue Sea Bottleship (Queen Camellia) (Act 2), Morning of a Model Student (Nostalgic Gymnasium), Borrowed Textbook (After School)
Masumi Usui: Letter Destination (A letter with feelings) (Act 4), Pure Love Illusion (The Wonderful Charlatan of Oz (Second Half)), Kiss and Change Color (Yummy☆Cosmetics)
Tsuzuru Minagi: Drenched Big Brother (Midsummer Paradise) (Act 3), A Hymn with Feelings (Gloria!), Horseman of the Mansion of Horrors (VELUDO HORROR COLLECTION)
Itaru Chigasaki: You, The Twinkling Empress Tree (Thinking of You Under the Light Crimson) (Act 3), Slowed Down Day Off (CHILL OUT TIME), And Your Order Is? (Moment of Bliss)
Citron: Straight for the Treasure! (Thief of Justice) (Act 4), Top Choice Take-Out (BOUQUET CREPE), Fun Preparations (RELAXING DAYS)
Chikage Utsuki: The Wizard of Death (GOTHIC TOYS) (Act 3), Dirtiness of a Sharp Man (KING of GANG), Impregnable Pull Over (24-Hour Veludo Police: Chase Edition)
△△△△△△△△△
🌻 Summer Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌻
Tenma Sumeragi: Confident Pizzaiolo (RISTORANTE MANKAI) (Act 3), Blazing Mankai Red (SMASH SMASH SMASH!), Journey to the Colors (Journey to the Colors)
Yuki Rurikawa: marionnette noire (ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTION) (Act 3), Butterflies Among Peonies (Hanami de Ippai), Magnificent Candlestick (Light the candles)
Muku Sakisaka: Wagashi for Wabi-Sabi Service (A Short Moment with the Overflowing Cherry Blossoms) (Act 3), Peaceful Light (Light the candles), Dancing Devil's Melody (Darkness Showtime)
Misumi Ikaruga: In the Snowfall Street (WHITE WINTER COLLECTION) (Act 3), Aim for the Golden Glove (First Crush Baseball (First Half)), Cheerful Call (SUMMER DELIVERY COLLECTION)
Kazunari Miyoshi: Sweetie Eau de Toilette (MY FAVORITE FRAGRANCE) (Act 3), Handmade Celebratory Gift (June Oath), Researcher of Life (Mystical Plant)
Kumon Hyodo: One Concealed in Light and Darkness (CYBER SHINOBI) (Act 3), Jet-Black Sweet Temptation (Moment of Bliss), Refreshing ☆ Summer Fruit (SUMMER VACATION Collection)
△△△△△△△△△
🍁 Autumn Troupe Revival Token Cards 🍁
Banri Settsu: Provocative Racer (EASY DRIVE, EASY GO!) (Act 3), Always On Target☆Easy (AGENT NEON), Violent Gunshot (The MANKAI Dorm in Those Days: Autumn-Winter Edition)
Juza Hyodo: Chilling Out at Home (Everyone's Old Year, New Year) (Act 1), Someone Imposing (ONISAN KOCHIRA), Guardian of Peace (24-Hour Veludo Police)
Taichi Nanao: Double Bullseye, Not a Fluke (Hat Trick) (Act 3), Cautionary Sweet Talk (The Beginning of the New Banquet), Those Who Hide in the Snow (Winter Hyakki Yagyō)
Omi Fushimi: In One Page of My Life (June Oath) (Act 3), A Gentle Hymn (Gloria!), Stray Devil Blues (Stray Devil Blues (Second Half))
Sakyo Furuichi: Sake Cup Among Chrysanthemums (Hanami de Ippai) (Act 3), The Reigning Corpse King (DEAD/UNDEAD (Second Half)), Captivating Promotion (LOOK AT MY BODY)
Azami Izumida: Someday, You Will Too (June Promise) (Act 3), my dear friend (Android001), Inherited PRIDE (SAVAGE PRIDE)
△△△△△△△△△
❄️ Winter Troupe Revival Token Cards ❄️
Tsumugi Tsukioka: A Miracle Through These Hands (Majestic Magic Teacher) (Act 3), Miracle of Ice and Snow (Winter Hyakki Yagyō), Spring Wreath (The Dreams that Eggs See)
Tasuku Takato: Escort Card Invitation (June Promise) (Act 3), With the Luring Hand to the Other World (Darkness Showtime), The Mission of the Strong (SURVIVAL STRATEGY)
Hisoka Mikage: Blessed Lucky Egg (The Dreams that Eggs See) (Act 3), Excellent Relaxation Time (RELAXING DAYS), To Have a Soul Ensnared (ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTION)
Homare Arisugawa: Butterfly Garden (MY MADONNA) (Act 3), Wine Red Temptation (Beautiful eyes), Charming Genius Performer (Welcome to BURLESQUE 2)
Azuma Yukishiro: The Fabled 13th (The Beginning of the New Banquet) (Act 3), Pouring Love into the Snow Globe (Auf der Romantischen Strase), Clematis Held Behind the Back (SUMMER YUKATA COLLECTION)
Guy: Serpent of Inseparable Bonds (Summer Hyakki Yagyo) (Act 3), The Hermit Who Talks about Philosophy (Tarot of Fate), Dance with Butterfly (MY MADONNA)
That one comic I made for Halloween😌The idea was theirs, yes, but Azami wasn't going to wear the costume in the first place... guess Yuki managed to convince him (or was it Muku...?)
