Movement 1, Episode 2: Six New Stars
--- A few hours later...
Director: So this is the Op8♪ office...
A sudden notice had granted me with 19 artists and this building.
Director: It’s small compared to Reve’s office, but this is too big for me to manage as just one person.
Haruka: Things look pretty serious, huh? Looks like I’m moving to Op8♪ too, so be good to me, Kitten ♪
Director: 18 more artists like him, huh... The responsibility’s weighing down heavy, but I’ll do my best. First off, a confirmation of the facilities we’re working with here...
Director: This is a practice studio... There’s a recording studio too. The other floors have nothing on them..... they’re all rather spacious, though, so they can all be put to good use somehow. “Op8♪” still doesn’t have anything yet... What does the name of this place even mean? “Op” as in “opus”? And 8 as in... title number 8? Hm...
I check the roster of artists transferring to Op8♪ once more. As a major label, Reve Music has different subsidiaries for classical, jazz and the like... There are plenty of names on the roster along with labels that seem like they can transfer to. So why transfer to Op8...? Making a brand new label so suddenly... just what kind of label is this “Op8♪” supposed to be...?
Hibiki: Pardon the intrusion! Under Op8♪ as of today, Nanahoshi Hibiki! Let’s get along! Wait... huh?
Director: You... earlier we...!
Hibiki: Ehehe! Truth is, just after that, I got a call from the president saying that I passed!
Director: Congrats! I’m happy for you.
Hibiki: Could it be... you’re Op8♪’s director...?
Director: That would be correct. I look forward to working with you.
Hibiki: Woah... you’re the director... Director! Please treat me kindly! Y’know, I... if I’m with Director, I feel like I can shine!!
Itsuki: Hibiki, you two know each other?
Hibiki: Kinda! Director, this is Ikki... he plays piano in my group SHINE.
Itsuki: You’re the director...? My name is Reizei Itsuki. I’m confident we’ll rise to great heights. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And...
Yuta: Good work today, boss! On French horn, I’m Sunami Yuta!
Eisuke: I’m Makita Eisuke on bassoon. Nice to meet you!
Hibiki: Yshm, you too!
Yshm: Hm... the colour of your soul is quite fascinating.
Director: Huh?
Yshm: It looks like we’ll be able to produce good music if we’re together. I am Yshm, the oboe player. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Director: ...You too.
I’d thought that was all of them, but I noticed there was still one more hiding behind a pillar.
Yuta: All that’s left is Riku-chan! Introduce yourself quickly.
Riku: A-ah... I... s-sorry. I-I’m... u-uh...
Itsuki: Calm down, Amou.
Riku: I-I’m sorry...! My name is... Amou Riku... I play the flute...
The stuffed toy in Riku-kun’s grasp let out a squeak.
Yuta: Riku-chan, you’re too nervous! You’re crushing Mochida-san!
Riku: Ngh...
Hibiki: The six of us together make up the group SHINE★彡! More or less, I’m the one who started up the group, so...
Itsuki: Hibiki’s the leader of this unit.
Hibiki: Ehehe... that’s right! I might not look reliable, but nobody can beat me in terms of energy and willpower! ...Director, let’s work hard together!
Director: Same goes to all of you. Let’s work hard.
Their eyes were shining as they looked back at me. Only Riku-kun had his head cast downwards in anxiety.
Director: For the time being, can I hear how you guys sound?
Hibiki: Of course! Everyone, let’s show Director what we’ve got!