Loulou*di THINK OF ME: CHOOSE Translation : Project Archive Fin
proofreading: dimi, tsukimi, niri, aca
i highly recommend listening to the audio track while reading, as many sounds and emotions cannot be captured 1:1 in text. the archive tracks can be found here.
Chopping
Toki: Rui-saaan, is the food ready yet?
I’m starving~.
Rui: Just wait a little longer. I’m almost done.
Toki: Hmm? It smells good~
It’s a sweet-smelling soup, huh? Did you put lots and lots of sugar in it?
Rui: No, there’s no sugar.
The smell is from ripe pumpkins.
Toki: Pumpkin soup… Hehe. That sounds delicious.
Rui: Do you want to taste it?
Toki: Yeah!
But, I wanna hurry up and eat lunch, not just have a little taste.
You’re all done with these ones over here, right?
Rui: Yeah.
Toki: I’ll take them to the garden, then!
Rui: Be careful not to trip.
Toki: It’s fine! Rui-san, please hurry and come join us.
A door opens and shuts
Rui: It’s just about done.
Footsteps
Rui: Tokibou. It’s all done, could you open the door for me?
A door opens
Toki: Rui-san, you’re late.
Rui: Yeah. My bad.
Toki: We’ve already set up everything else, you know.
Rui: Thanks.
Toki: Come on, hurry! Over here, over here!
Walking
Rui: …Mm.
Toki: Hehe.
Toki: There’s so many pretty flowers blooming, right? You were taking forever, so I went and made a flower crown. Ta-da!
Rui: You’ve gotten a lot better.
Toki: Hehe, right? Rui-san, crouch down a little.
Rui: Okay.
Toki: Hehe. It’s cute.
Rui: You said that before as well.
Toki: Please don’t take it off this time, okay?
Rui: I can’t take it off, I’m carrying the soup with both hands.
Toki: Even when you’re not carrying it! I want all three of us to match.
Rui: I see.
Toki: But I’ve only managed to make two so far… I have to hurry and make one for myself.
Please go wait with Ageha-san!
Rui: What about the food? Weren’t you hungry?
Toki: I am, but… I’ll be fast! Okay?
Toki runs off
Toki: I’ll be right back, I promise! So please just wait here, okay?
Rui: Don’t take too long.
Toki: Okaaaaay!
Rui: …
Footsteps
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: You’re late.
Rui: Sorry. Were you waiting for me?
Ageha: Toki was adamant about it. He said we absolutely had to stay together.
Rui: I see. That’s just like him.
Rui: You say it like that, but you have that cute thing on your head.
Ageha: It’s someone’s fault for taking so long. He wanted to distract himself from his hunger, so he started working away at making those.
Rui sets a pot down and sits
Ageha: Rui. You’re one to talk when you have one on your head as well.
Rui: Apparently it’s cute.
Ageha: Don’t tell me you took him seriously.
Rui: I might not think so, but if Tokibou says it, then I don’t mind.
All that matters to me is what Tokibou… and what you think. That’s it.
Ageha: You’re as foolish as ever.
Ageha takes Rui's hand
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Is something strange about this?
Rui: No…
Rui: (It’s not over. You’re still a human. You're still human. One that is filled with emotions, my light.)
Rui: Your hand is cold, Ageha.
-
Medical Staff A: Good grief, they knew the GPS was implanted in them. What on earth made them decide to run away like that?
Medical Staff B: I wonder. If they were serious about running away, they wouldn’t come to this sanatorium.
Wouldn’t it make sense to choose a facility unrelated to Amagiri Productions?
Medical Staff A: I don't know about that. Maybe they just didn't have any other places to run to.
Being kept under such strict management, there wouldn’t be anywhere to go or belong in the outside world. That’s just the cold, hard truth.
Medical Staff C: They’re here! This way!
Medical Staff B: The three of them are surrounding the one table… Is there some meaning to it?
Medical Staff A: It doesn’t matter. More interestingly, they seem to be in quite good condition. Maybe it’s due to the flower, or the properties of the seed?
Medical Staff A: The dolls are quite beautiful this time… Even though quite some time has passed, there’s no decomposition or smell of rot.
Even now they seem like they could come right back to life.
Medical Staff B: They’re beautiful on the outside, but they could be decomposing internally along with the seed. We won’t know until we perform the autopsy.
Medical Staff A: I hope we’ll be able to properly recover it this time. What happened with Amemiya Kaito and ChiHERO was disastrous, nobody could possibly watch that kind of thing.
Medical Staff A: Regeneration and shaping of the skin tissue takes up a good amount of time, after all. I’d like to avoid that, if possible.
Medical Staff B: Hm? What’s this?
Medical Staff A: What’s wrong?
Medical Staff B: Ah, no. We were getting ready to move them, but it looks like they’re holding hands under the table.
Sorry, could you please pull that doll’s hand over?
Medical Staff A: Yeah, I got it… Hm?
Medical Staff B: Is something wrong?
Medical Staff D: These… These three are holding onto each other rather tightly. I can’t separate them.
Medical Staff A: Is it the rigor mortis setting in?
Medical Staff D: Seeing these kinds of things, it’s hard to say whether what we’re doing is right or not. Just what were they feeling up until now…
Medical Staff A: Nobody forced their hand. The dolls chose to pursue their wishes till the end of their own accord.
They were happy. It was only for a moment, their greatest dreams were fulfilled, after all.
Medical Staff D: Do you… really think so?
Medical Staff B: There are those in this world for whom even the smallest of wishes are not granted.
Medical Staff B: If you compare them to those people, then it’s a guarantee.
Medical Staff A: Fulfilling your dreams at the cost of your life, huh…
Medical Staff D: Isn’t that ironic? The despair that comes from feelings of affection at their peak and coming crumbling down would be enough to destroy a man.
Despair, while being one of the strongest human emotions, can turn a man into nothing more than a doll.
Medical Staff A: Oi, oi, poets aren’t cut out to be scientists.
Medical Staff D: Scientists have emotions too, you know.
Medical Staff A: Fair enough.
Medical Staff B: Praying for the dead is more than enough.
Medical Staff A: Don’t let yourself be blinded by those emotions.
The Medical Staff put their hands together
Medical Staff A: Well, let’s hurry and get this over with.
Medical Staff B: Before the higher-ups have some choice words for us, yeah? Hey, give me that doll’s hand.
Medical Staff D: Yes, I’m on it.
Medical Staff A: Just make sure to carry them out carefully, one at a time. They’re valuable specimens.
Bring the stretcher over here.
Medical Staff D: On it. Take them directly to the car and load up.
Medical Staff B: Gh…! They’re separated. What’s next?
Medical Staff A: Gh…! Over here as well. It’s heavy, be careful.
Take turns moving them out.
Medical Staff A: Alright. The rest of you work on preserving the scene. The we'll get out of your hair.
Footsteps
Medical Staff D: They look more at peace than they ever did when they were alive… It really is as if they’re just dreaming.
tl notes:
it took me and multiple people 10+ rounds of listening through and sampling medical staff voices and yet i am still unsure if the division is correct. i wholeheartedly apologize if not but i gave it my very very best attempt
HanaDoll* 3rd Season THINK OF ME:NOTHING L 3-11 English Translation
Translation on this was done very generously by my sister, editing and proofreading done by myself and a friend! Please note none of us are professionals, so there may be errors. Thanks!
Listen along here: https://open.spotify.com/track/08noT4htdVEweaQ1RULMcl?si=b2a54387075249f9
Read on google docs here.
L 3-11
Ageha: [walks in and sighs] Hm?
Toki: [breathes]
Ageha: Toki? How about turning on some lights?
Toki: [breathes heavier]
Ageha: [shakes Toki] Toki.
Toki: Aah… Ageha-san?
Ageha: If you're going to sleep, go to your own room.
Toki: Huh? Was I sleeping?
Ageha: You didn’t even notice when I came in.
Toki: Oh, sorry. Welcome back, Ageha-san.
Ageha: I’m back. House System, a cup of water.
House System: [beep boop]
Ageha: Toki, how was the medical check today?
Toki: Mine? It was the same as always.
Ageha: The same as always…?
Toki: Actually, I’ve been feeling good recently! In singing and dancing, I can tell my form is getting close to perfect.
Ageha: I see. Preparations for the music awards will be starting soon. I don’t need to remind you, but take care of yourself.
Toki: Okay!
Ageha: ...Where did he go?
Toki: If you mean Rui-san, I think he’s in his room. Should I call him?
Ageha: No, there’s no need. You should rest too.
Toki: Eh? But…
Ageha: What is it?
Toki: If it’s not too much of a bother、 can’t I stay here a little longer? Somehow, I’m not very sleepy…
Ageha: [sighs] Fine, then just sit there with your eyes closed.
Toki: Huh?
Ageha: If you do that, you can rest a little. It would be best to lie down, but if you make enough time to quickly listen to the information from the MC, that would be enough.
Toki: Ageha-san. I’m doing okay! I really feel better!
Ageha: I believe you. But you should know. From now on, Loulou*di will be a group looked up to and supported by all.
Toki: So our health has to be in perfect condition, right?
Ageha: That’s right.
Toki: I understand. Then, I’m closing my eyes.
Toki: Ehehehe.
Ageha: What is it?
Toki: It’s just, I’m having fun.
Ageha: Fun?
Toki: Even though my eyes are closed, I keep thinking about what Ageha-san is doing. Like, now he’s drinking water, and now he’s writing something.
Ageha: I see.
Toki: Even though I can’t see, there are still things I understand.
Ageha: Toki.
Toki: I love that someone’s here in the same space as me. It makes me… so… [light snoring]
Ageha: [sighs] He fell asleep.
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: Rui. What were you doing until now? Nevermind, you don’t have to answer that. It makes no difference anyway.
Rui: Are you angry?
Ageha: Angry? Me?
Rui: I guess not.
Ageha: Do you not understand the current situation? Don't leave a tamed puppy unattended.
Rui: I didn't mean to, but I'll apologize.
Ageha: You enjoy irritating me.
Rui: I understand the current situation. The groundwork I laid the other day is also going smoothly, I think.
Ageha: Yes, the power and message of Loulou*di is spreading nicely. To the world, and to that person too.
Rui: The number of views on that video is still increasing, even several months after it was released. It seems that the number of subscribers to our music channel is also increasing.
Ageha: Naturally. From the moment the masses hear Loulou*di's songs and see their performances, they drown. They sink to the bottom of a deep, dark abyss. And like reaching for the light that they can see beyond the surface of the water, they cannot help but look up at the brilliance of Loulou*di.
Rui: Hmm...
Ageha: If you have something to say, then say it.
Rui: No, if that is what you say, then that is how it is.
Ageha: Toki is necessary to create the perfect Loulou*di.
Rui: Ah, I understand.
Ageha: If you understand, then quickly carry him to his room.
Rui: And you?
Ageha: What do you mean?
Rui: Yesterday, your sleep hours were less than optimal. Even today, you were out late-
Ageha: You really are a bad man. You even know my sleeping schedule. This is a critical time for Loulou*di. If I’m asked I’ll answer, and if I plan to sell out, I’ll sell everything.
Rui: Then tell me what needs to be done. We’ll do as you say.
Ageha: Praise an obedient dog, and he’ll become an even greater watchdog. Practice for the music awards will begin soon. We must showcase the overwhelming perfection of Loulou*di without any other idol riff-raff getting in the way. And until the event, there is just one piece we’ll need. Watch over Toki carefully.
Rui: To you, Toki-bou is a necessary piece. Then, what am I?
Ageha: If you have time to say such stupid things, then go away quickly.
Rui: Understood. [picks up Toki and walks out]
Toki: Ah, Rui-san?
Rui: Toki-bou.
Toki: I can go back on my own.
Rui: It’s alright, just stay as you are.
Toki: Okay…
---
[Loulou*di performing Dying Matter, the song ends]
Set Designer: [claps] Good work! I think that was really great! You’ve got the steps down perfectly in such a short time.
Toki: Of course. Don’t compare me with those low level idols.
Set Designer: Huh? Ahh, right…
Ageha: Excuse me. Please change the set leading up to the chorus.
Set Designer：Huh?! But-
Ageha: It’s inconsistent with our current conceptual image. Please change it to something that expresses more emotion.
Set Designer：But, I thought it was exactly what you’d asked for-
Ageha: That's your interpretation. We can't continue with something that we've judged to be bad. We never compromise. We always aim for perfection. That's what it means to be Loulou*di.
Toki: That’s right. If you can’t understand that, maybe you should just quit?
Set Designer：Ngh! I understand. Then, I’ll come up with a different set and submit it in a few days. [leaves]
Toki: What was that about? Isn’t that too rude?
Rui: Ageha. Toki-bou. Here, water.
Toki: Ahh, Rui-san! Thank you.
Rui: Did something happen?
Ageha: He had loosened up so I had to light the fire a little. Even then, he's a professional stage designer. If he abandons his job after a blow of that degree, then he is just another inferior person.
Toki: The Loulou*di that aspires for perfection has no need for half-assed people like that, right?
Ageha: That’s right. We are standing on a brand new stage. Now we must climb to greater heights by cutting off any who cannot keep up.
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: [breathes] The path is clear. Now, we must continue down it. Whatever lies ahead… we cannot be afraid.
---
Girl １：Sorry for the wait! The train was late.
Girl ２：It’s okay! I watched some videos while I waited.
Girl １：What did you watch?
Girl ２：Cat videos, and manga. Oh, and I saw Loulou*di’s new video.
Girl １：Loulou*di… Is that the group that just premiered their music channel?
Girl ２：That’s it. They’ve become a hot topic, so I subscribed to the channel… Wait, are you a fan?
Girl １：I'm not sure anymore. The image of the group has changed since I first started liking them. It feels like I've graduated from being a Loumiel.
Girl ２：Loumiel is the name for Loulou*di's fans, right?
Girl １：Yeah. The community has been pretty chaotic recently because of the music channel thing.
Girl ２：Huh? Why?
Girl １：Well, there are a lot of people who have been unhappy with how it has changed.
Girl ２：It sounds like they just don't get along. That's a common story in any fanbase.
Girl １：I wonder if they didn't realize that there would be a backlash if they suddenly did that kind of approach. I wouldn't do it...
Girl ２：Hmmm, that group Anthos from the same production group is doing well, so maybe they’re trying to imitate what they’re doing?
Girl １：Even so, I don't think it's working out well. If the concept of a unit is suddenly changed, there will be fans who can't keep up.
---
[logging in noise]
Internet Fan 1: Excuse me! Ah, you changed the design of your room?
Internet Fan ２: Yeah, I couldn't leave it as Loulou*di's performance stage forever. It felt kind of empty.
Internet Fan 1: Isn’t it? Loulou*di really isn’t here anymore…
Internet Fan ２: It's true. I didn't want them to stoop down to a place where anyone could easily see them on a music channel.
Internet Fan 1: I know. If they had just stayed at the top, we would have worshiped and praised them from afar, and loved and followed them.
Internet Fan ２: But they reached out to us all of a sudden.
Internet Fan 1: It feels like the mystery is gone.
Internet Fan ２: Right. All the other Loumiels are saying that. Well, in this day and age, I don't think anyone would think it's slander. But, of course, the publishing industry is in chaos.
Internet Fan 1: [sighs] I wish Loulou*di would go back to the way it was before. The one who was here, the absolute ruler, the amazing charisma… Loulou*di … Ageha-sama was that kind of person.
Internet Fan ２: Yeah. I thought he was being himself. I think in some way… I didn’t want to realize that he was just a human being…
Because I couldn't help myself. :D;; After all, this is most definitely Rui's twisted love song for Ageha. Also, I wish my English was better so I could find a way to translate "souretsu no hate made"/"until your funeral procession ends" in a way that befits just how amazingly OTT grandiose and dramatic it is. *cries* (Of course it is, though, it riffs on Ageha's own words and the imagery he uses.) I tried to keep some of the melodrama, though, but it's difficult in this particular format.
(Disclaimer: English is not my first language, neither is Japanese, this is a quick & dirty translation I did in like 15 minutes. Japanese original follows the translation.)
Dying Matter
when the day you cease to be yourself comes
I'll watch over your ruin
I'll stay by your side, whatever happens
until your funeral procession ends
an unrestrained, bewitched love
a flower, beautifully withering away
I wish you would stay
but the end is sure to come
and I can't go back anymore
to the life I had without you
(please stay as you are)
when the day you cease to be yourself comes
I'll watch over your ruin
I'll stay by your side, whatever happens
until your funeral procession ends
I don't mind whatever you say - this is me
my offering to you, until the end
even the abuse you deal
sounds like medicine to me
because I want to feel the same pain as you do
that's how much I love you
(please stay as you are)
when the day you cease to be yourself comes
I'll watch over your ruin
I'll stay by your side, whatever happens
until your funeral procession ends
when you sing
my weary heart quietly melts away
your tears
have always resonated with my broken soul
if I could
I would make all your wishes come true
I love you
I love you
I love you
I hope that one day you'll understand
my unchained feelings for you
that my only reason to live
is to give my whole self to you
when the day you cease to be yourself comes
I'll watch over your ruin
I'll stay by your side, whatever happens
until your funeral procession ends
[Loulou*di S3V4 L 3-20] Hana-Doll 3rd Season THINK OF ME:DEJA VU Translation
Translation below the cut.
Google Drive link | Listen to the album on Spotify
(Rui knocks on the door.)
Rui: Toki-bou. Is it alright if I come in?
(Rui enters the room.)
Rui: (draws the curtain) You’re awake.
Toki: …
Rui: (rifling through a wardrobe) Shall we go with these clothes for today? Or would you rather these? No, let’s just go with the set that’s hanging over there. Once, Ageha praised you when you wore it, and you seemed pleased by that.
(Rui walks over to Toki’s bed.)
Rui: Toki-bou. Can you sit up?
Toki: …
Rui: Allow me. (lifts Toki) … You’ve gotten a little lighter. I’ll propose to the medical team to revise your nutrition management. But before that, let’s get you changed. … Ah, we can’t forget about this–your stuffed bear. It’s something important to you, isn’t it? I’ll leave it by your hand.
(The door opens from behind.)
Ageha: How disgusting.
Rui: Ageha. Were you watching again?
Ageha: Are you saying that I have a sick hobby? That’s rich coming from a man who plays with dolls.
Rui: You told me to look after Toki-bou. I’ll stop doing it if you tell me to do so.
Ageha: … Do whatever you want.
(Ageha leaves.)
Rui: …Toki-bou, you dropped this. … Right now, you may not be that much different from me. (to himself) My true wish, huh…?
Toki: … hm…
Rui: Toki-bou. Toki-bou, are you alright?
Toki: … Rui-san?
Rui: Good morning, Toki-bou.
Toki: Why are you… in my room? And these clothes…
Rui: It may be our off day, but it’s not healthy to lay in bed all the time. And I came here to help you get changed.
Toki: Our off day… is when we don’t have work. Rui-san, was I a burden?
Rui: Nothing of the sort. With the Music Awards coming up, our schedules have been adjusted to accommodate some time for rest.
Toki: How about Ageha-san…?
Rui: If you’re asking where he is, he should be in the living room. He mentioned that he needed to do some final touches to prepare for the performance.
Toki: Then… What should I do?
Rui: You… should do as you like.
Toki: What I like…?
Rui: … The weather’s pleasant today. It would be nice to step out for a walk.
-
(Rui and Toki enter a shop)
Rui: We visited this patisserie before.
Toki: Hm? No, I’ve never been here before.
Rui: I see. The company finances this establishment. There’s nobody else in this shop except for us. Go ahead and pick whatever desserts you like.
Toki: Desserts I… like?
Rui: … It says here that their recommendation is the seasonal fruit tart.
Toki: Should we pick that?
Rui: No, we don’t have to make a decision right now. Let’s take a look at the rest. They have other kinds of desserts aside from tarts.
Toki: There’s too many to choose from.
Rui: Which seems good to you?
Toki: What about you, Rui-san?
Rui: Hm?
Toki: Which is your favorite out of everything here?
Rui: … The sachertorte from here… was something Ageha once took a liking to.
Toki: Ageha-san did? … What are these over here?
Rui: That’s an opera cake.
Toki: Both seem to suit Ageha-san.
Rui: The shortcake over here seems to be something that you would like the look of. It might appear simplistic, but the soft white stands out in a vibrant showcase.
Toki: … You’re right.
Rui: Let’s go with that for our first pick.
Toki: But… Why are we buying it? Today’s our off day, so it’s not like we would need it for a shoot.
Rui: The purpose is for us to take it back to the dorm to eat.
Toki: Eh?
Rui: But… If you’re asking why we’re buying cake, or even for a more basic explanation, then I myself don’t really understand.
Toki: You don’t understand, but you still purposely come all the way here?
Rui: Yes. Just that… When I was still living with my family, I often did this kind of thing with my younger brothers. At the time, I didn’t understand what my brothers were excited about, but the look on their faces is something that I suddenly recalled.
Toki: Really…
Rui: If… you want a goal that you can accomplish as part of Loulou*di, after we buy the cakes, shall we invite Ageha to have tea with us to talk about it?
Toki: That sounds like a good idea.
Rui: Great. Then, let’s choose the next cake. I’ll let Ageha know that you were the one who picked it out for him.
Toki: Got it.
-
Rui: We’re back.
Ageha: Rui. Where the hell were you?
Rui: The patisserie the company is partnered with.
Ageha: And you took him with you?
Toki: …
Rui: There was no one but us in the shop. The risk was at the minimum, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Ageha: Wouldn’t it be nice if that were the case.
Rui: We bought some cakes. Do you want to have tea?
Ageha: Tea…? You must be joking. You’re asking me to have a tea party at such a busy time like this? The two of you can do whatever you like with just yourselves.
Rui: Toki-bou chose a cake for you.
Ageha: Toki did…?
Rui: Yes.
Ageha: … (sighs) 30 minutes. After that, I’m gone.
Rui: Alright. I’ll prepare the tea. Toki-bou, lay out the dishes and the cakes.
Toki: Yes, understood.
Rui: Something like this happened before. Toki-bou also picked out a dessert for you and the three of us ate together. Do you remember?
Ageha: Me, doing something like that? Rui, could you keep your sick fantasies to yourself?
Rui: Did you forget, Ageha?
Ageha: What?
Rui: I’m asking if you forgot.
Ageha: … Shut up and eat.
Rui: Sure.
(The three of them eat quietly.)
Rui: Toki-bou, how is it?
Toki: Yes, it’s delicious.
Rui: That’s good. Is the tea enough for you?
Toki: Yes, it’s enough.
Ageha: You can drop the diligent butler act now. Do you genuinely want to play house with dolls that much?
Rui: You told me to look after Toki-bou. I’m simply following your instructions.
Ageha: …tch.
Rui: …
Ageha: … You look like you have something to say.
Rui: No, it’s nothing. You’re always in the right.
Ageha: In the right…? Are you the one that decides whether what I do is right or wrong?
Rui: That wasn’t what I meant.
Ageha: I wonder. Are you trying to judge me for putting you in charge of Toki?
Rui: Ageha, calm down. Don’t exert yourself. It’s not good for you.
Ageha: … What’s good for me…? What the hell do you even know about me?
Rui: Ageha, I–
Ageha: Are you trying to say you understand me? Bastard who doesn’t even know the meaning of righteous… What do you think you’re trying to pull?!
(Ageha shoves some crockery off the table and breaks them.)
Rui: Ageha.
Ageha: … Do you doubt the Loulou*di I aim for?
Rui: I wouldn’t dream of it.
Ageha: Are you unhappy that Toki turned out like this?!
Rui: Do you intend to kill me… with those hands of yours?
Ageha: (starts to strangle Rui) Are you testing me? I’m not reversing a single criterion for grabbing you by the neck.
Rui: It seems like you wouldn’t… There’s not a drop of strength in your fingers.
Ageha: Strength…? I’ll show you, dammit…! (strangles Rui further) Putting on a poker face and agreeing to everything I say, when deep down you’re laughing at me, right? You’re thinking that the path I aspire towards is nothing but a mistake!
Rui: The thought has never once crossed my mind.
(Rui grabs Ageha.)
Ageha: Let me go!
Rui: You’re not mistaken.
Ageha: Ah, you’re right, I’m not mistaken! For me… For Toki… In this world, those that fall from the stage lose, no matter the reason. Even Toki knows that! That’s why he chose this. He reveres the path I chose for him!
Rui: Calm down, Ageha. You’re agitating your body.
Ageha: I told you I don’t need your concern! If you wish to see me suffer so badly, then wipe that look off your face!
Rui: ‘Wish’...?
Ageha: Agitating my body? So what? No matter what happens, I will never fall from the stage. I’ll scale to the same peak Chihiro did, I’ll surpass him, I’ll prove to the world the human that I am!
Rui: Ageha, you–
Ageha: Move!
(Ageha shoves Rui and grabs Toki.)
Toki: …
Ageha: Toki. Toki!
Rui: Ageha, stop. Toki-bou is–!
Ageha: Listen up, Toki! I couldn’t care less if you’re a doll or anything else, but I’m sick of having our activities halted. Just why do you even want to be an idol, huh? Forget all you want, but don’t you ever forget the scum who made you like this. Do not forget your hatred! If you forget your hatred, then you would never know of happiness. Your happiness is with Loulou*di. No matter what happens, don’t you ever forget that!
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: Don’t let yourself be taken over. I won’t forgive you if you die. You came so far and chose to be with Loulou*di. That will of yours… is what I will acknowledge.
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: Don’t yield to anything or anyone else but me. Whatever your reason to live, wherever you want to set your sights on, I will never abandon you. Whatever I told you that day, make sure to etch them onto your heart.
Toki: Yes, Ageha-san.
Ageha: You’re not a vessel to be unjustly oppressed and trampled on. You’re an irreplaceable member who will never become a failure and who chose to fight. You were placed in a unit suited to you, as a human suited for Loulou*di. Not just anyone… but I, myself, will acknowledge that.
Toki: …
Ageha: What do you think? Who… are you?
Toki: I am… Sakurai Toki… of Loulou*di.
Ageha: Ah, I see. That’s good. Then, everything…
Toki: … (collapses)
Rui: (rushes over) Toki-bou, are you alright?
Toki: Rui-san, why are you asking something like that? I’m happy. Ageha-san acknowledges me. Rui-san is holding my hand. I’m needed, I’m loved by the people I treasure… By the both of you, by the fans. If I can be an existence befitting of Loulou*di, then I’ll always, always, forever…
Rui: That’s… Is that what you truly wish for? …Ageha.
Ageha: Rui. Follow me until the very end.
Rui: The very end… Ageha, I…
Ageha: Will you take my hand? Or will you reject it? What will you do?
Rui: I didn’t have a choice to reject your hand to begin with. There was never such a choice.
Ageha: (laughs) Rui. Toki. Listen carefully. We will never let the world of Loulou*di be tainted, nor expose its hideous state. I will never forgive anything that betrays the fans. We’re professional idols. We have always been, and we will always be. We’ll continue to wager our lives upon this stage. We will never let ourselves be swallowed by the will of the flowers. We’ll come out on top and stand proud and perfect on the stage until the very end. The time has come. Finally, the Music Awards…!
Rui: The words ‘to wager our lives’... in an era where there are plenty of expressions to mean the same thing, the words Ageha said didn’t lose their gravity, and were not things to speak of lightly. Just what is an ‘idol’? Why do we sing? Why do we talk about dreams? Like an imperfect human to take one step closer to becoming a perfect god, the flowers free us from our distortions and our abnormalities. But even as we carry on with our lives as we rightfully should, if we can become normal humans, then will we be able to see through all the deception…? Will I finally be able to know my true wish…?
(End of Hana-Doll Think of Me:DEJA VU (Season 3, Volume 4 of Loulou*di))
