#pair-ring

[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever☆ - Episode 1

[A few days later]

Kohaku: …Huh? I feel like the sweets line-up has changed from last week.

Kohaku: Niki-han, have you been messing around with the menu, by any chance?

Niki: Oh, I’m impressed you noticed~ That’s right!

Niki: It's June now and it’s starting to feel summery, isn’t it? So we’ve started serving a menu to make you feel refreshed.

Niki: Not just sweets - we’re planning on offering a few more main dishes too. Cold pasta and such.

HiMERU: ―Indeed. Instead of always serving the same thing, you make adjustments to suit the situation.

Niki: Of course. On hot days, you'd rather quench your thirst with a cold drink than a hot one, right? The food you want to eat is also affected by the season and the temperature.

Niki: In that case, the right thing to do is to adjust the menu to match. So a chef’s job is to meet the customers’ needs.

Niki: While maintaining the flavour of our regular menu and our signature dishes, we try new things too. That’s the trick to surviving the dog-eat-dog food and drink industry!

Niki: Just kidding. I’m just repeating the manager at Cinnamon! Nahaha ☆

Niki: Or maybe I should say, half the year is almost gone. Since I became an idol, it feels like the time passes quickly.

HiMERU: That’s not a bad thing. It’s proof you’ve been living a fulfilling life.

Niki: Eh~ But in my case, I’m just doing my best to live each moment somehow.

Niki: Still, I'm happy just being able to eat my fill every day. In order for that happiness to continue, I have to do my best in moderation at idol activities too~

Rinne: To achieve that, we have to make the Fan ThanX Festival a success.

Rinne: Niki, something to eat. And water.

Niki: You just show up out of nowhere and say that? Are you some spoiled brat? (1) Your way of asking is so sloppy!

Niki: Well, I knew you’d say that, so I was already prepared. Here, water and snacks.

Rinne: Oh. As expected of Niki, his coldness is seeping into my body……♪

Rinne: So? How far along is the Fan ThanX Festival presentation?

Kohaku: We haven’t started yet. We’ve been waitin’ for Rinne-han for ages.

Rinne: Oops. Let’s get started then. What plan have you brought, Niki?

Niki: What I suggest is Crazy:Buffet!

HiMERU: ……? What’s that?

Niki: I’m glad you asked ♪ As the name suggests, Crazy:Buffet is an event where you can enjoy food in a buffet format.

Niki: Idols can't survive without fans who support them. Humans can't survive without food either. Soー

Niki: The idea was to serve food to show our gratitude to both the fans who support us and the food that sustains our lives, as a true “thanksgiving” event.

Niki: Food isn’t just something to fill your stomach. It has the power to do things like put a smile on people’s faces and make them feel warm inside.

Niki: That’s why I thought I’d repay everyone who supports me through cooking.

Niki: In Crazy:Buffet, the four of us will show off our skills and personally serve up a feast.

Niki: The food will be buffet style, and the plan is to have a variety of international dishes! From Asia to Europe, America, the Middle East……

Niki: The ticket is like a passport, and you get a stamp when you eat a dish or something.

Niki: It would be fun to introduce a fun element like travelling the world through food, too ☆

Niki: Anyway. That’s my suggestion! Crazy:Buffet will fill both your stomach and your heart at the same time. It’s sure to be the best event ever ☆

HiMERU: …… HiMERU sees. That’s a very Shiina-like plan.

Kohaku: Yeah. I think the idea of expressing gratitude through food was conveyed well. A world-travel kinda direction would be interestin’ too.

HiMERU: Yes. HiMERU thinks it’s a good idea to combine one’s strengths with the theme of the Fan ThanX Festival. At least, it doesn’t seem so bad–

Rinne: No good, try again.

Niki: Eh?

HiMERU: Amagi……?

Rinne: Heyy, Niki. Have you completely forgotten who the main character is this time?

Rinne: This is a Crazy:B event, right? But if you open the lid and look inside, it’s all your specialty.

Niki: Ugh. I don’t need you to tell me that……. Isn’t it obvious what would happen if I came up with it on my own?

Rinne: Are you being defensive? If you’re aware of it, bring something decent. If you’re just listing things you want to do, write them down in a diary or something.

Rinne: The fans expect us to be “like” ourselves as idols. It’s worth showing that.

Niki: ……

Rinne: So no Crazy:Buffet and no cooking.

Rinne: Well, it wasn’t a terrible idea. As Niki’s plan, that is ♪

Niki: Roger that.

Niki: I'm going to do the dishes in the kitchen for a bit.

Kohaku: Ah, Niki-han…

Kohaku: Rinne-han bein’ harsh on Niki-han is nothin’ new, but surely that was a bit too far?

Kohaku: He tried his best to do somethin’ he’s not used to, and it wasn’t a bad idea, right? You don’t have to put him down like that. (2)

Rinne: Gyahaha. Isn’t Kohaku-chan sweet? That was just a little joke ♪

Kohaku: It’s not little. That seemed like a pretty big deal, actually. (3)

Rinne: You think so? They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (4), right? It won’t work for him unless you do something like that.

HiMERU: In other words, Amagi has high expectations for Shiina.

Rinne: That being said, what Niki came up with was a “safe bet” (5). To be honest, just between us, I think the fans would've enjoyed that idea to an extent.

Rinne: But, thing is, we’re not the type of meek, well-behaved unit that would be satisfied with such a lukewarm event.

Rinne: How can we make the fans truly happy, and how can we make it the wild party (6) you'd expect from Crazy:B?

Rinne: That's what I think the Fan ThanX Festival is about.

Kohaku: Ah, I see… No matter how you say it, you're really thinkin’ this through, aren't ya?

Rinne: Obviously. Well, even if I seriously preached to Niki, it wouldn't have any effect on him.

Rinne: Putting him down while teasing him works best.

(1) Niki calls him ドラむすこ (ドラ息子), a lazy or useless son, the kind who profits from his parents but does nothing to contribute.

(2) I can’t quite figure out the nuances of what Kohaku is saying here, but either way he’s clearly not a fan of Rinne’s response to Niki.

(3) The adjective Rinne used for his “little” joke more literally means “light”: Kohaku responds that it was quite “heavy”, as it obviously weighed on Niki.

(4) The actual proverb Rinne uses refers to a lion dropping its newborn cub into a deep valley and only raising it if it’s strong enough to crawl out. In other words, you need to pass a hard test to grow up.

(5) The Japanese expression refers to a “safe” mahjong tile that can be discarded without benefitting the opponent. Both the Japanese and English here play quite nicely into Rinne's gambling hobby lol

(6) He talks more about messing around than a party specifically, but I was struggling to make that make sense in English in a way that felt Rinne, short of just calling it crazy shit. Basically, Rinne wants the Fan ThanX Festival to reflect Crazy:B’s usual level of insane nonsense and shenanigans.

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[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever☆ - Episode 6

[The next day]

Niki: ーSo, with that said, I’d like to propose the contents of the Fan ThanX Festival one more time!

Kohaku: Are ya okay? Niki-han, yer voice sounds kinda stronger today, and yer full of confidence.

Rinne: Took you long enough. You really kept us waiting, Niki.

Rinne: So? I take it it's a better plan than before, right?

Niki: Yep, yep! I’m pretty confident this time! After all-

Kohaku:......After all, what?

Kohaku: Niki-han? Wassup, o~i?

Niki: .......Ah, ah~! It’s nothing!

Niki: (Phew, that was close...... I almost mentioned Anzu-nee-san and HiMERU-kun)

Niki: (We decided to pretend that I came up with the idea all on my own so that Rinne-kun wouldn’t interrupt with too many stupid comebacks. They’re both keeping quiet about it, butー)

Niki: (If I accidentally blurt something out, that’ll all be ruined. I absolutely can’t say anything, even if he really tightens the screws!) (1)

HiMERU: You look rather nervous.

Niki: Ha!?

Niki: Ah, I’m fine! I'm doing great!(?) (2)

Rinne: Oi, you bastard, you’re not that sensitive, are you?

Rinne: Hey, Niki, you’re feeling confident, right? Then hurry up and just show us what you’ve got.

Rinne: “Pairing”, huh...... That’s it? The thing you use to connect your earphones to your phone?

Niki: Alright, I’ll tell you! The theme I came up with for Crazy:B’s Fan ThanX Festival is―

Niki: To put it simply, “Pair-ring”!

Niki: Phone? Earphones......? Uh, what are you talking about?

HiMERU: HiMERU understands what Amagi means when he says “pairing”, but......

HiMERU: Shiina’s intended meaning was probably the rings exchanged during a wedding ceremony, right?

Niki: Yes, that’s it!

Niki: As expected, HiMERU-kun came to my rescue~!

Niki: At first, I thought about making "marriage" the theme, but I realized that might be a bit too heavy.

Niki: So the theme is “Pair-ring”, but I wanted the vibe to be more like “marriage”. I thought “Pair-ring” would be a more light-hearted way for people to enjoy matching rings ♪

Kohaku: “Marriage”, huh. It’s not really somethin’ ya should talk about

 so lightly......

Kohaku: Are you doing a traditional wedding ceremony, with the sansankudo? Is Rinne-han going to appear in a white kimono? (3)

Rinne: What kinda live would that even be?

Rinne: Hmm~ I think the white kimono would suit Kohaku-chan better. Gyahaha ♪

HiMERU: …… So that’s it. The stage is themed after a wedding reception, isn't it?

Niki: We’re idols, you know~ I’m not thinking of anything like that, so please don’t worry.

Niki: The plan is a live that's lively and fun! I’m thinking a party full of happiness, just like a wedding.

Niki: Yeah, this is the draft of the project proposal! I've put together a rough outline and the bare minimum of necessary information for now.

Niki: If I made all the decisions by myself, it might lose some of the "Crazy:B" feel. I left some room for you guys to add your own ideas.

Niki: Just going off my perspective might not include all the elements that would make the fans excited. I’d like to finalise the proposal with everyone here.

Rinne: ...... Hm~m. It looks surprisingly well put-together for Niki, doesn’t it?

Niki: Hehe ♪ Have you changed your mind about me a little, Rinne-kun?

Rinne: Don't get carried away. “I left some room for you guys” sounds nice, but you’re basically saying you couldn’t finish it on your own, right?

Rinne: As long as you keep bringing something half-baked, you’re still only half a person.

Niki: Ehehe. Thanks, Kohaku-chan.

Kohaku: He still managed ta get this far on his own with no experience, ya know? Ya could at least give him a compliment.

Kohaku: I’ll do it on Rinne-han’s behalf. Well done, Niki-han.

Niki: Mm? What did you say, Rinne-kun?

Rinne: Don’t spoil him. Seriously......

Rinne: On his own, huh......?

Niki: Aah~! Aah~! I don’t want to hear any more than that! I’m not accepting criticism, okay!?

Rinne: Well, who knows? Anyway, let's get to the point.

Rinne: I can get behind “Pairing” as the theme. It could also mean connecting Crazy:B with our fans.

Rinne: It’s the perfect season for hinting at “weddings”. Seems like it could become a hot topic.

Rinne: But―

Kohaku: I kinda get that. We’re far from being the kinda unit anywhere near that type of solemn, dignified stage, after all.

Rinne: Stop covering your ears and making a fuss, idiot. I'm not trying to be critical or anything, I'm just giving my opinion.

Rinne: Let’s be honest, no matter how seriously we take it, won’t everyone just laugh and say “Crazy:B are getting married, lol”?

Rinne: ...... Hmm. I see, yeah. Thanks for the explanation. You're so understanding, Merumeru-kun ♪

HiMERU: ......Yes. But that's exactly Shiina suggested a “wedding reception”-style party.

HiMERU: Rather than a solemn exchange of vows, the idea is more of a lively and open festival, where people celebrate with their friends.

HiMERU: In which case, HiMERU is sure it’ll be well recieved, as a party that makes the most of our distinctive style.

(1) Niki says 口が裂けても ("even if my mouth were torn open"), as in he mustn't say anything even under torture. He doesn't specify that it's specifically Rinne that would do it, but the closest English idiom I could think of needs a person doing it, and from context there's not really anyone else who would be asking… It's only a hypothetical, anyway.

(2) The (?) is there in the original, it's not a translator's comment (lol)

(3) The sansankudo ceremony is a sake-drinking ritual central to traditional Japanese style weddings, while the white kimono he mentions is specifically a shiromuku, a type of bridal kimono. Wikipedia can explain better than I can. Both of these are very traditional Shinto elements, so the fact they're Kohaku's first associations with "marriage" reflects his family's old-fashioned style.

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[oukawasakura]

Event Story: Pair-ring || ThanX Festival! A Pair-ring That Brings Out the Best in Each Other

Associated song: Honeytrap Marriage

Prologue 1 2

Bee My Forever☆ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Epilogue 1

Disclaimer || Credit to mika_enstars and the Enstars Wiki for the event/story title translation

[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Prologue 1

[2 years after the establishment of ES. Early June, after the end of 4piece. CosPro office]

Rinne: Heyyy, Rinne-kun has arrived!

Kohaku: You’re finally here, Rinne-han. I’ve been waitin' ages for ya. (1)

Rinne: You’ve been waiting ages? But you look as young as ever, Kohaku-chan ♪ (2)

Kohaku: Hey, quit rubbin' my head.

HiMERU: … He said, “I’m going for a walk” and parted ways with HiMERU and the others at the entrance to Seisoukan... HiMERU: As always, he doesn’t show up to the meeting until the last minute. Where on Earth have you been wandering off to?

Rinne: Hm? What are you saying? I told you, I went on a walk. Rinne: The weather's good today. The sky is blue and the temperature is just right. It'd be a waste just to go back and forth from work. Rinne: ...Well, I popped into a pachinko parlour I just so happened to catch sight of along the way ♪

Niki: That definitely wasn't a coincidence, right?

Rinne: Let's not sweat the small stuff. The weather's good, let's play pachinko!

Kohaku: What are ya talkin' about? It's a completely indoors game, the weather has nothin' to do with it.

Rinne: No, no. It's pretty much related, right? Rinne: When the sun is shining, it feels like luck is coming your way. So basically, I have no choice but to go ♪

HiMERU: Is that so? By the way, did you win?

Rinne: Oh, I've made a loan.

HiMERU: You lost.

Rinne: I told you it was a loan, right? Next time, I’ll get it all back, with interest. Rinne: Oh, speaking of loans- Rinne: Here you go, candy.

Niki: Yay ♪ I don't like how quick he is to mistreat me, but I like Rinne-kun when he gives me food~!

Rinne: Yes, yes. I like that simple side of Niki too ♪ Rinne: ...Also, it looks like Anzu-chan came while we were chatting idly.

Niki: Wow, she really did. I didn't notice her at all! Kohaku: Anzu-han has a really quiet presence. Even I get startled sometimes. Kohaku: No, no. You don't need to apologise, Anzu-han. I know you don’t mean to surprise me. Kohaku: I was so engrossed in my own thoughts that I didn’t notice. It’s my fault. Kohaku: ...That’s fine. Just like Anzu-han said, let’s start the meeting right away.

[A few minutes later]

HiMERU: HiMERU understands. This is a proposal for a Fan ThanX Festival hosted by Crazy:B.

Kohaku: What's a Fan ThanX Festival?

Niki: Ah! I know about Thanksgiving! It's a holiday where people eat roast turkey, right? (3) Niki: In other words, the Fan ThanX Festival is a fun event where you can enjoy roast turkey! (4)

Kohaku: Yeah. The only thing I can say I understand is that Niki-han’s explanation is clearly wrong.

HiMERU: Yeah. Shiina seems to only think with his stomach. HiMERU: The reason people eat turkeys for Thanksgiving is because it’s how the immigrants who survived hunger thanks to the help of Native Americans expressed their gratitude. HiMERU: The original Thanksgiving is to show gratitude for their help. The turkey is just a symbol of that celebration. HiMERU: Anyway, judging from Anzu-san’s expression, it seems this Fan ThanX Festival is different from such cultural events.

Rinne: It seems that way. Hey, Niki, don’t interrupt Anzu-chan.

Niki: Nahaha, sorry. I’ll just eat snacks and be quiet.

Rinne: So? What exactly is this Fan ThanX Festival? Rinne: The content is left to Crazy:B? What is it? The mystery is getting deeper.

HiMERU: Hmm. In other words, the plan itself is free for us to decide. However, the absolute requirement is that “the fans are satisfied with the content”.

Kohaku: It’s good we have plenty of funds. It’s nice not to have to worry about the budget.

HiMERU: Yeah. But we can’t just spend as much as we want. There does seem to be a limit. HiMERU: There’s no specific amount, but within the realm of common sense. It’d be okay to think of it as no problem.

Rinne: I see. A Thanksgiving to satisfy fans… Rinne: Ah, how about Casino Crazy:B?

HiMERU + Kohaku: Rejected.

Rinne: Such a quick answer. You’re not curious what it’s about?

HiMERU: HiMERU doesn’t need to hear it. It’s a bit much to host a casino. It’s a problem, both ethically and socially.

Rinne: If I was scared of society, how could I do Crazy:B? Kyahahaha ☆ Rinne: Just kidding. What I was thinking of was less a real casino and more a theme park-like thing. Rinne: They use dummy chips and imitate gambling as a form of play. It’s what they call a “fake casino”. Rinne: We’d create a nice atmosphere with lighting and props and play the role of dealers to entertain customers. Don’t you think it’d be fun?

Kohaku: Hmm. It’s not just a random idea. You've really thought this through. Kohaku: However. I don’t mean to reject everythin', but I can’t agree with it. Kohaku: The purpose of the event is to satisfy the fans, right? I don’t want the customers who came all the way here ta be upset about winnin' or losin'. Kohaku: I’m sure the people who come will be the kind-hearted ones who support the troublesome unit of Crazy:B. Kohaku: So I want to make an event that everyone can enjoy, so that everyone can say, “I’m glad I participated”. Kohaku: Well, it’s easy ta talk about other people’s ideas. I can’t think of a better alternative. Kohaku: What would be good…? Maybe it'd be a chance to look back on what we’ve done? Kohaku: Hm…… Kohaku: … No good. The more I remember the things we’ve done so far, the more I feel like we should be holding a press conference to apologise for Rinne-han at the ThanX Festival.

Rinne: Why?

Kohaku: Because you keep stirrin' things up and makin' them complicated.

HiMERU: Indeed. Not only fans, but also Himeru and the others, are victims of Amagi. HiMERU: It might make more sense to hold a grand “Rinne Amagi Victims Association” event as a turning point in our activities. Kohaku: That’s good. The concept won’t overlap with other units ♪

Rinne: What’s so good about it? Oi, where did I go when you said you wanted an event everyone could enjoy?! Rinne: Hey, Niki, you’ve been quiet for a while now. Why don’t you say something too?

Niki: Eh? But you said, “don’t interrupt”?! You’re so unreasonable!

(1) Kohaku uses an idiom here meaning to wait with a long neck - to wait eagerly. I changed this a little because of Rinne’s response (see below).

(2) In Japanese, he says roughly “Your neck’s gotten long? But you’re still not as tall as me, Kohaku-chan ♪”, playing on the idiom Kohaku uses in the previous line. I’ve swapped this for a similar joke in English.

(3) The kanji used for the Fan ThanX Festival (ファン感謝祭) is the same as the kanji for the American holiday of Thanksgiving (感謝祭)

(4) He says "fun" in English here, probably because it sounds like the ファン (fan) in ファン感謝祭. Basically, Niki's interpreting ファン感謝祭 (Fan ThanX Festival) as ファン (fun) 感謝祭 (Thanksgiving).

And a special thank you to citrinesea for giving me feedback and suggestions on the parts I was unsure about!

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[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever☆ - Episode 5

[A few hours later]

HiMERU: ―So it is. Since it’s so late, HiMERU would like something lower in calories.

Niki: ....... Ah. It’s almost dinnertime, isn’t it?

Niki: HiMERU-kun, what would you like for dinner?

Niki: HiMERU-kun, you’re the type of person who worries about that, huh ~ I don't care as long as it fills my stomach, so I eat as much as I want without worrying.

HiMERU: That might be fine now, but it’ll come back to bite you in the future. Your health is built on the choices you make day-to-day.

HiMERU: ......HiMERU sees. You were worried about the lack of plans, so you came to check in. If necessary, HiMERU would like to help too.

Niki: Nahaha. That’s a problem for future-me If I don’t survive the present, there’s not even a future to worry about ☆ Welcome ~

...... Ah, Anzu-nee-san ♪

Niki: You've worked hard today! Maybe it's time for dinner now?

Niki: Huh. It is, but that’s not it, is it? You came to check on me, right?

Niki: So that’s how it is, huh. I’m sorry for making you worry.

Niki: But it's fine! The plan is really coming together!

Niki: Actually, we’re getting marrried!

Niki: ......? Anzu-nee-san, why aren't you saying anything?

Niki: C... Could it be...... Anzu-nee-han, you think it’s no good!? You won’t accept us getting married......!?

HiMERU: Shiina, please calm down.

HiMERU: Sorry, Anzu-san. Shiina's explanation was so terrible, no wonder you're confused.

HiMERU: Of course, HiMERU and Shiina aren’t actually getting married.

HiMERU: The “marriage” here is the theme of Crazy:B’s Fan ThanX Festival.

HiMERU: We’re hoping to make an event where people can enjoy their “if marriages” while having a blast in the flashy style of Crazy:B.

Niki: That’s it! Sorry for shocking you.

Niki: But again, what do you think of this plan?

Niki: ......It doesn’t overlap with other unit’s concepts, and the timing seems good too ― (1)

Niki: Yay! I’m glad to hear that!

Niki: Now we have Anzu-nee-san's seal of approval, I feel more confident! I’ll shut Rinne-kun up for good this time ♪ (2)

Niki: Is that so~? If HiMERU wasn’t here, I’d still be stuck. I’d call it more of a collaboration.

HiMERU: You're getting over-excited, Shiina.

HiMERU: That's not a “seal of approval”. She just said it’s a good direction.

HiMERU: We haven’t even made a proposal outline yet, so keep going and don’t lose focus.

HiMERU: Anzu-san, what's the matter? ......Ah. You're wondering why HiMERU is here, aren’t you?

HiMERU: As you might have guessed, HiMERU is just an advisor. After all, this project needs to be led by Shiina.

HiMERU: If you’re okay going ahead with that and having Amagi reject it by saying, “if you don’t think for yourself, you're just less intelligent”, that's fine. (3)

Niki: ....... I want to do everything I can to avoid that.

HiMERU: Right? As soon as you give Amagi an opening, he’ll attack mercilessly.

HiMERU: Shiina being put down is an everyday occurance, so it doesn’t really matter anymore, but when it comes to projects involving Crazy:B, it’s a different matter.

HiMERU: We finally found a good theme. HiMERU doesn’t want it to be thrown out on Amagi’s whims.

HiMERU: ......Hmm. It’s unusual for Shiina to tackle something like this so seriously.

Niki: Nahaha. That’s not the kind of thing you say about a member of the same unit.

Niki: Well, yeah. All of this is because of Rinne’s usual behaviour.

Niki: What’s up, Anzu-nee-san? ......Eh, you’ll help me write the proposal?

Niki: Wow, thank you so much! I'm used to writing recipes, but this is completely......

Niki: It’s such unknown territory, so I was fumbling around anxiously the whole time. If you have any tips on how to write, please teach me!

Niki: Mmmm...... Write this here, and then this section......

Niki: ...... Hmm~ Is that right, Anzu-nee-san?

Niki: That’s great! Unlike a recipe, it’s hard to tell if I’m doing it right, so this is exciting.

Niki: It’s easy because I write the recipe after I’m finished cooking. I just have to work backwards to figure out how I made the final product.

Niki: But writing a proposal is the opposite. I have to think and write about how to give form to something that hasn’t taken shape yet.

Niki: It's like trying to put together a puzzle with no completed image, and it's quite unsettling.

Niki: Uhh, let me see. We'll place boxes in 88 locations across the country and ask fans to send their love to Crazy:b......

HiMERU: ―Shiina. It's not polite to stick your nose into other people's business.

Niki: That just shows how much I’ve been backed into a corner~ But I’m doing my best because Anzu-nee-san and HiMERU are here for me.

Niki: Even so, I really think Anzu-nee-san is amazing.

Niki: Writing plans and showing up at idol events... And then...... Well. Anyway, she always seems busy.

Niki: It’s quite hard word, isn’t it? Why did you want to become a producer, Anzu-nee-san?

HiMERU: ......Maybe you and Shiina are a little similar in that sense.

Niki: Mm? Is it something I shouldn’t ask?

Niki: I can tell you my reason. I was easily led by people around me, and, before I knew it, I’d become an idol.

Niki: I've just been swept along so far, so I still honestly don’t know whether I’m cut out to be an idol.

Niki: Huh, you feel the same, Anzu-nee-san? That’s kinda surprising.

Niki: But... that how it is, huh? Even though you're being swept along, you’re working as hard as you can for the idols you love.

HiMERU: Finally, Shiina’s sounding like himself.

Niki: Definitely. I keep on doing things for the sake of my fans and the people I care about, too.

Niki: Even if you don’t know what you want to be yourself, you can act for other people.

Niki: Okay. I’ll try to learn a little from Anzu-nee-san’s attitude too!

Niki: Right now, I’m doing everything I can for Crazy:B. After all, I’m in charge of planning this now!

Niki: Nahaha. Now that I've come this far, I have no choice but to do it......♪

(1) The "timing" here refers to it taking place in June, which is seen as the ideal/lucky wedding season for lots of reasons that I'm sure Google can explain better than me.

(2) In that he'll be shocked.

(3) HiMERU uses 知下 here, which feels quite formal. Trying to balance that with something that sounds natural in English and still sounds like something Rinne would say is… interesting.

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[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever ☆ - Episode 3

[A few days later. On the way back after 2wink’s Fan ThanX Festival performance]

Niki: ―Huh. That was pretty good! Niki: I jumped right in without any prior knowledge, but I still had a great time! Niki: I nearly bought some merch ♪ Niki: By the way...... Why are Rinne-kun and Kohaku-chan here too?

Kohaku: Huh? Aren’t ya askin’ a bit late?

Niki: The cheers were so loud, it was hard to talk properly in the venue. So I thought I’d ask again.

Rinne: Yeah, yeah, did you not want us here?

Niki: No, it’s not that. I just didn't expect you two to come, so I was surprised. Niki: Rinne-kun particularly seemed to be enjoying himself. I was a little worried he’d get too excited and try to barge onto the stage.

Rinne: What're you on about? This is a big moment for another unit, of course I wouldn't do something so rude.

HiMERU: ......

Rinne: Merumeru, you look like you want to say something.

HiMERU: Not especially.

Rinne: No, no, that clear sideways glance says it all, doesn’t it? You're thinking, “what’s this guy saying, when he barged into the Ephemeral Festival with a bazooka in his hand?” Gyahaha ☆ (1)

HiMERU: ―Shiina. It was HiMERU who called Amagi and Oukawa. HiMERU: It’s a rare opportunity, so HiMERU thought it would be easier to get a picture of the actual event if we could see what the Fan ThanX Festival is about beforehand. HiMERU: Of course, our fanbase is completely different and the concept changes for each unit, so it’s questionable whether or not this will be useful. HiMERU: At least we managed to get a sense of the overall scale.

Kohaku: Yeah. Since it was fer fans, I imagined it’d be a small, intimate event. It exceed my expectations in a good way. Kohaku: With that kinda scale, we don’t needta worry ‘bout funds, right? It really shows how serious ES is ‘bout the the Fan ThanX Festival. Kohaku: Thank ya for invitin’ me, HiMERU-han ♪

HiMERU: HiMERU simply requested seats for four people at the office.

Kohaku: That's true. If ya hadn’t asked, though, we woulda missed it, right? So, well, it’s only natural to thank ya, HiMERU-han.

HiMERU: ......Is that so? Well then, you’re welcome.

Rinne: Merumeru is still as sweet to Kohaku-chan as ever. Share that kindness with me too ♪

HiMERU: HiMERU declines. HiMERU: That aside. Shiina. Do you think 2wink's performance will be useful?

Niki: Huh? Right now is a little...... I’m still caught up in the afterglow, so it’s not really the time for that.

HiMERU: Not the time for that, huh. ...... Well, okay then. HiMERU: HiMERU was a little hasty. Of course, it’s reasonable to be a little overwhelmed. (2) The audience wasn’t just made up of 2wink's usual supporters, of course. There seemed to be a lot of people who were accompanying their friends, too. HiMERU: So. It feels like these people who just come with their friends get turned into fans. It was a live full of 2wink’s style, right?

Niki: HiMERU-kun, were you watching the audience too?

HimERU: Yes. HiMERU was watching everything, including the audience. In situations like this, it's important to gather as much information as possible.

Niki: I see...... I was completely absorbed by the stage, so everything else sort of faded away. Niki: Should I have been looking at that kinda thing too, maybe? In that case, I messed up......!

HiMERU: No. That kind of analysis probably isn’t that suitable for Shiina. (3) HiMERU: When it comes to that kind of thing, HiMERU will deal with - no, HiMERU will follow up on that.

Kohaku: Huh? Are Rinne-han an’ I bein’ left outta this? (4)

HiMERU: That’s not what HiMERU means. But you two seemed just as glued to the stage as Shiina.

Rinne: Were you spying on us too, huh? Merumeru, you pervert〜♪

HiMERU: Please don't say nasty things to people.

Rinne: But still, Yuuta is so cold, you know? He made direct eye contact with me, but he didn’t give me a single bit of fan service!

HiMERU: That must be a misunderstanding on Amagi’s part. There’s a good distance between the audience and the stage, after all.

Kohaku: Plus, he was showin’ off one amazing move after another. Both of ‘em were smilin’ the whole time, but they must’ve been focusin’ hard. Kohaku: That street performance was incredible. Is there really no trick or gimmick to it? No matter how much I think about it, it's a mystery.

Niki: Mm-hm. The production was so intricate, it felt like something only 2wink could do. Niki: I was thinking during the performance that this is what people are looking for... Niki: Well, when I think of Crazy:B in their place, nothing comes to mind. Niki: When I think about what makes Crazy:B unique, all I can think of is our dark past... (5) Niki: I almost think it would be better to hold a repentance festival than a thanksgiving festival.

Rinne: What’s a repentance festival? Rinne: Well, you can’t erase the past. What’s important is how you get to grips with it and make use of it in the present. Rinne: Just dragging it out won't accomplish anything, right?

Kohaku: Yeah. No matter how much I keep makin’ excuses like, “oh, that’s just how it was back then～”, it doesn’t change anythin’. Kohaku: If you’ve changed since the old days, then show it with yer actions.

HiMERU: ......HiMERU doesn’t think there's anything wrong with being trapped in the past. Everyone can only learn from the path they themselves have walked. Thoughー HiMERU: Shiina. What do you think fans come to lives for? HiMERU: It’s not us repenting for our past. They come to see Crazy:B as we are now.

Niki: I think I get that. I thought I was giving it my all every time. Niki: But. Now that we’re being told to express our gratitude with the Fan ThanX Festival... Niki: Ugh, it’s hopeless! My mind is going blank again...! Niki: Nothing comes to mind! I’ve reached my limit 〜

Rinne: Oi, quit whining. It’s too early to reach any limits. Rinne: If you just did a belly dance, wouldn't that liven up the venue? Back to where you started ♪

Niki: Please don’t make up stories about where I started! I’m not that kind of performer! (6)

(1) For more context, read the story for HiMERU's second centre event, Ephemeral Festival.

(2) HiMERU is talking about being overwhelmed by the content - I think he's trying to say that Rinne and the others were distracted by 2wink and their performance, while he was more interested in analysing the crowd.

(3) I'm again not 100% on this line, but based on the context, I think he's saying that trying to analyse things isn't really a suitable job for Niki (because he's not good at it).

(4) He uses the idiom 蚊帳の外, "outside of the mosquito net", meaning he and Rinne are being kept in the dark or out of the loop.

(5) Niki is talking about dark memories, the kind people want to pretend never happened. He's referring to the kind of things Crazy:B did in the main story and during their whole "troublemakers" phase, not being in Crazy:B itself.

(6) The word he uses just means a performer generally, but it feels weird for Niki to say "I'm not a performer!" in English, because, well... he's an idol? So I added the "kind of" to make him make a bit more sense - he's not a belly dancer and he's not that kind of traditional entertainer. If there's any extra implications in the English, I want to point out that they are not intentional.

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[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever ☆ - Episode 4

[A few more days later. At Café Cinnamon]

Niki: (......Hmm. I still can’t think of anything.) Niki: (No matter how much I think about it, I feel like I’m just going in circles......!) Niki: (In cooking, mixing the ingredients helps to blend the flavours together, and simmering gives them more depth. But when it comes to my thoughts, the more I stir them up, the muddier they seem to get.) Niki: (If it was just me, I would have given up already. But since the plans are for all of Crazy:B, that won’t be possible.) Niki: (But maybe I've reached my limit. It’s impossible to do it on my own.) Niki: (Hahhh. At times like this, I wish a reliable helper would conveniently appear......)

HiMERU: Is the project going okay, Shiina?

Niki: HiMERU-kun!?

HiMERU: Yes?

Niki: HiMERU-kun...... Um, you're real, right? You're not an illusion, are you?

HiMERU: Obviously not. HiMERU: HiMERU is HiMERU, right?

Niki: Woah, it looks like my request was answered! Right now, HiMERU looks radiant to me!

HiMERU: ......HiMERU sees. You reached your limits with the project and now you're starting to go weird.

Niki: That's about right. I can't do anything on my own. Niki: You told me before to come and talk to you if I had any trouble, right? Well, now's the time! Niki: Help me, HiMERU-kun! Help me! (1)

HiMERU: Didn’t HiMERU suggest going to see 2wink’s Fan ThanX Festival event? Was that not helpful?

Niki: Just that isn't enough! Who do you think I am?! Niki: I’m Niki Shiina! Cooking is my only talent! What am I supposed to do when I’m forbidden from cooking!? Don't you think that's pitiful?!

HiMERU: Please don’t take your anger out on HiMERU.

Niki: HiMERU-kun, please! I need you to help me! Niki: If that’s not possible, at least give me a hint......! What kind of idol project would make the fans happy!?

HiMERU: Even if you ask me for a hint, there's no absolute answer. It's something you have to come up with yourself, Shiina. HiMERU: But even after spending this much time on it, you still haven’t come up with anything...... HiMERU isn’t even frustrated anymore. HiMERU is starting to feel a bit sorry for you. HiMERU: So...... Speaking of projects that fans will enjoy...... HiMERU: In idol magazines, they often talk about “if marriages”. What about that? (2)

Niki: If marriages.......? What's that? (3)

HiMERU: It's June now. The June bride season, as they say. HiMERU: Every year, around this time, there are more and more projects related to weddings. It's a staple theme that's never missed.

Niki: Hmm? But isn't the June bride thing just for people who are actually getting married? What's that got to do with us? Niki: Anyway, isn't it taboo for idols to talk about marriage...?

HiMERU: That’s why it’s called an if marriage. No one is actually getting married. HiMERU: This is just from a hypothetical perspective. A “what if” discussion. Isn't everyone free to dream of marrying the person they love? HiMERU: Furthermore, because it’s “if”, it’s not too serious and you can make it more playful. HiMERU: People can enjoy it as an extension of their fantasies, so it’s easy to deal with as a project. HiMERU: For popular idols, there are even cases where they make merchandise based on wedding imagery. “Pair-ring”, or something.

Niki: “Pairing”, you say...... That’s when you serve food and drinks together, right? We could sell wedding-themed cooking sets?

HiMERU: ...... It’s not that kind of “pairing”. Good grief, Shiina's head really is just full of food. HiMERU: HiMERU was referring to a ring. A pair of rings. HiMERU: Having a matching ring with an idol can give you a sense of pseudo-connection. That sort of plan.

Niki: Mm-hm. Matching rings with idols...... Niki: Does that mean the idols wear the rings too? If you wore a ring for every fan, wouldn't you run out of fingers?

HiMERU: ......If you're going to keep nitpicking, why don’t I just leave?

Niki: Waaah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything bad, so don't leave! Niki: But I don't have any kinda desire to get married or anything. There's just no real feeling there. Niki: But the fact that such projects exist means there's real demand for it. Niki: What can I say...... It reminds me that being an idol really is about selling dreams. Niki: An “if marriage”...... In that case, it has nothing to do with cooking, so I don’t have to worry about Rinne-kun saying anything to me. Niki: To be honest, I was feeling pretty down because I felt like I couldn’t make anyone happy through anything other than cooking. Niki: In fact, if HiMERU-kun hadn't helped me, I would probably still be going in circles. Niki: Anyway. I finally feel like I’ve reached the starting point. Niki: Thank you, HiMERU-kun! I'll try to think in that direction ☆

(1) He says the second "help me" in katakana English.

(2) IF結婚 are hypothetical marriages - basically asking an idol (in this case) about their ideal marriage, partner, relationship, etc.

(3) While HiMERU says IF結婚, Niki pronounces it in hiragana because he doesn't recognise it as a phrase at all. This is why I decided to translate it more literally rather than a more natural-sounding English phrase like "hypothetical marriages"/"dream marriages" - it's the fact that it's an unusual-sounding phrase is what confuses him, not the actual concept.

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[oukawasakura]

PAIR-RING: Bee My Forever ☆ - Episode 2

[Next day. Seisoukan kitchen.]

Niki: "Once it’s cooled down, it’s done! Hmm, you might be thinking, "it seems easier than I thought", right?" Niki: "That’s because as long as you follow the recipe, it’ll generally taste the same. I’ll leave the archive up so, if you’d like to, please give it a try!" Niki: "Well, since the cooking is done, I’ll wrap up today’s stream around here." Niki: "Huh? When’s the next one?" Niki: "Hmm. If you decide on something like that in advance, won’t you end up feeling like "I have to do it"?" Niki: "Or rather, it stresses me out and I can’t do it cheerfully anymore." Niki: "So if I had to say, it’s "when I’m ready to stream". Nahaha ☆" Niki: "I do this pretty spontaneously, so if you could take a look when you have some free time, I’d be happy. Bye-bye〜♪" Niki: (......In any case, cooking is the best way to think. When I’m using my hands, I can get my head straight.) Niki: (When I interact with fans, I feel like I have to think about the Fan ThanX Festival.) Niki: (But…… I can’t think of any ideas at all.) Niki: ("No cooking" is too harsh, that’s a foul move!) (1) Niki: "If you take food away from me, what’s left? It’s like taking the roux out of curry rice!" Niki: "Oh, but curry is tasty with just the roux though……" Niki: "......Huh?" Niki: "Waa, sorry! I stupidly forgot to turn off the stream!" Niki: ""Did something happen?" Ah, no, not really, it’s nothing serious―" Niki: ""Even during the stream, he didn’t seem to be in good spirits."......Eh, really?" Niki: "......I get it. If I stop streaming without saying anything, I might end up causing you to worry instead." Niki: "I’ll let the stream go on a little longer, just while I do the dishes." Niki: "Ummm…… When Crazy:B debuted, we were kinda like "villains", right?" (2) Niki: "Well, that whole thing was mostly Rinne’s fault though." Niki: "But, since we’re carrying the same banner, it’s not like I can just say it’s someone else’s problem, you know?" Niki: "When I introduce myself, I automatically say “I’m Niki Shiina from Crazy:B”, so Crazy:B has already become part of me." Niki: "So, umm. I feel like I haven’t really given anything back to the fans that still support such a problem child as Crazy:B." Niki: "I’m thinking about how I can thank you." Niki: "Not a stream like this, but something unrelated to cooking…" Niki: "......" Niki: "......What’s that? There’s no point saying it here. If we do something, it’s better as a surprise." Niki: "Besides, an idol’s job is about giving back to you. So please continue to support Crazy:B and Niki Shiina……♪" Niki: "Well then, this stream is slowly coming to an end. Bye-bye ☆" Niki: ……Okay. This time, for sure, it’s definitely off. Niki: Phew, that was scary…… If I’d carried on like that, it could’ve been real bad. Niki: I’ve gotten used to streaming, so I wasn’t as careful as I should’ve been. I’ll have to pay more attention next time……

HiMERU: ―Shiina.

Niki: Uwau!? Niki: HiMERU-kun, you surprised me……

HiMERU: Hmmm. I was wondering what you were muttering to yourself about, but you were streaming, right?

Niki: Yeah, that’s right. But really, if you’re there, please say something～

HiMERU: Excuse me. Shiina, who only ever has food on his mind, spoke what sounded like his true feelings for once. HiMERU couldn’t help but listen in.

Niki: Ugh, that’s mean…… Niki: Munch, munch…… Sigh. I’m wasting calories, I’m going to starve to death.

HiMERU: It’s quite bold to say “I’m going to starve to death” while you’re eating food.

Niki: That just goes to show how heavy my worries are. Niki: I’m a member of Crazy:B, but I’m not as passionate about idols as everyone else, you know? Niki: Of course, there’s moments when I get excited and think “I’m glad I’m an idol!” Niki: But at the end of the day, being an idol isn’t an end in itself, but a means to an end. Niki: To be honest, even if the fans lose patience with me, as long as I can cook, I think it’s okay. 

HiMERU: You’re contradicting yourself again. Just now, you seemed to be thanking your fans. HiMERU: You must’ve said yourself that you want to thank the people cheering you on. HiMERU: So was it all just talk? Did you just say that because you were in front of your fans?

Niki: ……No, I’m serious. Niki: It’s a similar feeling to when I serve food at my part-time job and a customer says, “Thank you for the meal”. Niki: Even as an idol, if something I’ve done makes someone happy, then I’m happy. Niki: ……So even if I’m not obsessed with idols, I still want to cherish the people who support me.

Niki: Is that a contradiction? Is that weird?

HiMERU: ……HiMERU can’t judge whether that’s weird or not. HiMERU: But it’s a relief to hear you still have a strong appetite despite your worries. When things are really serious, some people can’t even eat.

Niki: Wow, are you saying my worries are too small? That’s cruel!

HiMERU: Please don’t make up things HiMERU didn’t say to complain about. HiMERU: Anyway. HiMERU has a suggestion. 2wink will be holding their Fan ThanX Festival soon. HiMERU: Even though it’s for a different unit, it’s still an event held by the same agency. If you apply, they should be able to provide seats for people involved.HiMERU: Why don’t you go see it for yourself? You might get some hints.

Note: Entire lines within quotation marks are audible to the viewers of Niki's stream in-universe, whereas the ones in brackets/parentheses are his inner monologue. Sections in quotation marks and italicised "like this" are Niki quoting his stream chat.

(1) "Foul" as in a prohibited move, like in sports, not as in an insult. Though, knowing these two, Niki means it in the same tone either way.

(2) He refers to Crazy:B’s original position as “憎まれ役”, a detestable or thankless role.

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