Q1. What kind of year was last year for you? Any memorable events?
Mashiro: Definitely that—our legendary heavy rain live.
Akane: Yeah, I guess that’s it.
Kurono: I was also really happy every time our singles made it onto the charts.
Mashiro: Chained to You stayed on for five weeks, right?
Haiji: That’s right. Oh, and I moved too…
Mashiro: Ah—…right, you did.
Akane: I’m glad you seem to be settled in now.
Haiji: Sorry for worrying you back then!
Q2. Tell us something about how everyone’s doing recently!
Akane: …What kind of answer would be the right one here?
Haiji: Umm, maybe… "Everyone’s doing well"?
Mashiro: We all get along~♪
Kurono: Akane-san wakes up early and sticks to a regular routine every day!
Akane: Wait a second, is this your observation journal or something?
Q3. What would you like to do if you had a full day off?
Mashiro: By the time I realize it’s a day off, the sun’s already going down… even though I haven’t done anything.
Haiji: Ah, I get that. Even when I think I want to do something special, I end up spending the day cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry.
Kurono: Same here—housework. If I could, I’d want to make a dish that takes a lot of effort.
Mashiro: Look at these two housewives. What about you, Akane?
Akane: Even on a rare day off, it’s not much different from usual. I wake up, eat, play instrument or write songs… maybe eat Kurono’s cooking?
Kurono: I’ll give it my all!
Mashiro: It’s your day off, take it easy for once.
Q4. What do you all want to eat this winter?
Haiji: In winter… maybe hotpot? I think it’d be fun to eat together.
Mashiro: Crab!
Akane: Somehow I suddenly got hungry… Alright, Kurono. Let’s have crab hotpot today.
Kurono: Understood.
Q5. What kind of Valentine’s gift would make you happy?
Akane: Chocolate.
Mashiro: Whoa, straight to the point.
Akane: It’s Valentine’s, isn’t it?
Mashiro: I’d go with alcohol~. "Sweet stuff? Your smile is all I need"—or something like that.
Kurono: You always say stuff like that so casually…
Mashiro: What about you, Kurono?
Kurono: As long as it comes from the heart, I’d be happy with anything.
Haiji: Same here… Oh, but maybe if someone just casually handed me a cup of hot chocolate in the cold, I’d feel a little fluttery.
Akane: Oh, that’s actually nice.
Kurono: Akane-san likes it with a bit of liqueur and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.
Mashiro: Look at the king liking sweet stuff. Noted.
Q6. What are everyone's blood types?
Mashiro: I’m B.
Akane: O.
Kurono: I’m A.
Haiji: I’m AB!
Mashiro: Wow, all different across the board.
Haiji: By the way, Iwahara-san is also A!
Q7. If you could take only one person to a deserted island, who would it be?
Akane: Kurono or Haiji.
Mashiro: Wow, I got cut out just like that.
Kurono: Obviously. You’d be no help at all.
Akane: Besides, Mashiro, you panic way too easily when something unexpected happens.
Mashiro: Yeah yeah, I’ve got a weak heart, I get it. Then I’d choose Akane~. I feel like whatever happens, we’d survive by luck.
Haiji: Ah, I kind of get that. I think I’d pick Akane-san too.
Akane: So Kurono, how about you?
Kurono: ……
Mashiro: What are you hesitating for? You’d pick Akane anyway, right?
Kurono: I don’t want to put Akane-san in danger… I’m enough to get stranded on a deserted island.
Akane: That’s not what the question was asking.
Q8. What was the funniest moment this year?
Akane: The temple. (laughs)
Mashiro: Wait, stop!
Akane: I only said “the temple”… (laughs)
Mashiro: You’re laughing too hard!
Kurono: That countryside trip was pretty wild too.
Mashiro: Kurono!
Haiji: Umm…
Mashiro: Sorry, please cut this part!
Q9. Lastly, a message for the fans!
Mashiro: To all of you Colors, I love you. Please keep supporting us!
Kurono: I want to keep supporting Rubirei’s music with all my heart.
Haiji: I’ll keep giving my all, even more than ever, so I can give back to all of you!
Akane: We’re able to keep going thanks to the support of you, Colors. So keep sticking with us. See you.
Tsugumi: Okay, let’s get this party started—Blast kickoff celebration project! An interview showdown between Impish Crow and RUBIA Leopard!
Akane: Huge thanks to all the Jewels and Colors who sent in your questions. Today, we’ll be answering some of the ones our manager picked out. Hope you enjoy!
Tsugumi: Honestly, I wanted to answer all of them~!
Toki: There were a ton, and there’s a lot of us today…
Hibari: I bet even between bandmates, there are still things we don’t know about each other.
Mashiro: If we get another chance, send in more questions. I actually really like reading them.
Tsugumi: Me too! I love this stuff!
Akane: Alright then, shall we get started?
Kurono: Looking forward to working with you today, Impish Crow.
Toki: Likewise, RUBIA Leopard.
Q1. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Tsugumi: Open my eyes!
Hibari: Uh, Tsugu-chan, I don’t think that’s quite what they meant…
Akane: They probably mean like your morning routine?
Haiji: I wash my face, brush my teeth, get dressed, open the curtains in the living room, and make breakfast… Nothing too fancy, really.
Kurono: That’s pretty much what most people do, right?
Haiji: I think whether you’re living alone or not changes what you do first thing in the morning.
Mitsuru: True. When I’m home alone, I don’t really have a routine, but if I wake up at Hibari’s place, I say good morning to him and Tanaka-san first.
Kurono: That’s sweet. Greetings matter.
Hibari: I guess I check on Tanaka-san.
Tsugumi: Uhh… I don’t really have a routine…
Toki: At the very least, wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on clothes when you get up.
Tsugumi: Yeees sir—
Akane: What about you, Toki?
Toki: I tidy up my bed and toss the comforter in the dryer.
Mashiro: You really like things clean, huh?
Toki: Coming home to a messy house after a long day is just depressing…
Haiji: I totally get that. So Mashiro-san and Akane-san, any habits?
Mashiro: First thing I do is hop in the shower. You?
Akane: Nothing set in stone. If Kurono’s not around, I just go make coffee… Well, really, I just toss some beans in the machine and hit the switch.
Q2. Got any embarrassing live-show fail stories?
Mitsuru: Embarrassing, huh…
Kurono: Can’t think of any off the top of my head.
Mashiro: Same here.
Toki: Basic stuff, maybe—like messing up your lines or stammering during the MC segment…
Mitsuru: Funny how you don’t get nervous playing guitar, though.
Hibari: Right? Even when your strings snap, you just coolly switch to a different solo.
Kurono: That takes guts.
Toki: One time I went onstage with my T-shirt on backwards…
Haiji: Ahh, that’s so awkward once you realize!
Tsugumi: That happens to me all the time! Also, I once rushed to change and forgot to put on pants, almost went on in my undies!
Mashiro: Wait… why were your pants off to begin with?
Toki: Or when Tsugu trips or rolls onstage and steps on the effects pedal, killing the sound.
Akane: (laughs)
Tsugumi: That was a tiny accident!
Toki: We call those "user errors."
Tsugumi: I haven’t done it since!
Hibari: This is basically just a list of Toki’s flubs.
Mitsuru: True. Neither Tsugu nor the rest of us really get embarrassed.
Q3. Got anything to say to your manager?
Tsugumi: Tobi-chan, let’s keep doing our best together!
Toki: I owe you so much… Really, thank you for everything.
Haiji: Tobikura-san’s the kind of manager who really sees things from the artist’s perspective.
Hibari: Doesn’t look it, but he’s surprisingly stubborn and dependable. If I had to say something—it’d be, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?
Mitsuru: I want to work hard so Tobi-chan can keep smiling.
Hibari: What about RUBIA Leopard?
Akane: We’re counting on you, so keep up the good work.
Mashiro: I can already picture Gan-chan making a fed-up face at that line.
Akane: I meant it as a compliment?
Mashiro: Sounds more like, “Take care of all the annoying stuff, thanks.”
Akane: I just meant I appreciate getting to focus on the fun parts.
Kurono: I trust Akane-san’s talent completely when it comes to music, and our manager supports us in the most detailed ways. We’re honestly really grateful.
Mashiro: Can’t imagine anyone but Gan-chan managing rubire.
Tsugumi: Is Iwahara-san, like, a super strong manager?
Hibari: I’ve heard he’s one of the best in DIGPRO.
Mitsuru: Tobi-chan’s always singing his praises.
Tsugumi: But he also kinda seems scary…
Haiji: Ahaha…
Toki: Huh? Haiji-san?
Akane: Got something to say? Say it now.
Haiji: Uh… Iwahara-san is the one who introduced me to RUBIA Leopard, and I’m super grateful. But… lately he’s gotten really into fitness, and I wish he’d stop buying every workout gadget he finds online…
Mashiro: Ah… so those muscle-training rumors were true
Q4. Who’s the strongest at arm wrestling?
Tsugumi: In Impish Crow, Hibari's definitely the strongest!
Akane: And for us, it’s gotta be Haiji, right?
Mashiro: Yeah, probably.
Toki: Well, drummers tend to be pretty unbeatable in the arm strength department…
Haiji: Haha… People are always surprised when I roll up my sleeves.
Hibari: It’s hard to find clothes that fit properly around the arms and shoulders.
Haiji: Ah, totally! The overall fit gets thrown off.
Hibari: Right? And then the sleeves end up feeling too tight.
Haiji: Exactly! Yes!
Mashiro: You two could write a whole guidebook on drummer fashion. Anyway, who’s next strongest?
Akane: Kurono, maybe?
Mashiro: So between Akane and me, who’d win?
Kurono: Obviously Akane-san.
Mashiro: That’s just favoritism.
Akane: Alright, Mashiro. Let’s settle this next time.
Mashiro: Yes yes, whatever you say~
Mitsuru: What about us?
Tsugumi: Hmm… After Hibari, probably Mitsuru. And the weakest is Toki.
Toki: You didn’t have to say it like that.
Q5. Where did you put the sample plushie?
Haiji: I picked it up from the office and took it home! It’s sitting on display in my room now.
Mashiro: Same. They did a great job on the details—it’s super cute.
Mitsuru: I want to collect everyone’s once they’re out. Line them up by the window!
Kurono: I’ve got mine on a shelf in the living room.
Akane: You suddenly started rearranging things, so I thought you were about to do a full room makeover.
Kurono: It’s a special piece, so I wanted to give it a nice spot. Mikado-san and Kaede-san gave me great feedback when I sent them a pic.
Mashiro: I bet they’re gonna buy, like, a truckload of them…
Akane: Don’t remind me… I’m trying not to think about that.
Hibari: I need to be careful with mine or Tanaka-san will end up playing with it. Gotta figure out a safe display method.
Toki: Tsugu left his at my place.
Tsugumi: It’s fine! I’m always over anyway! If I left it at my place, it’d probably go missing!
Q6. Who had the biggest gap between expectations and reality?
Mitsuru: RUBIA Leopard definitely gave off a different vibe than expected. I thought you’d all be more intimidating.
Haiji: Probably because of our music and jacket visuals?
Toki: And your live performance videos, too.
Mashiro: Yeah, compared to our stage presence, our off-stage vibe is pretty different.
Akane: I mean, if we acted like that 24/7, we’d be totally unhinged.
Kurono: You embody charisma on stage, but off-stage you're calm and grounded… Akane-san is perfect.
Akane: Kurono, you're kinda off-topic.
Mitsuru: How about you guys? Any surprises when you met us?
Mashiro: I didn’t really have expectations going in, so no gap. You’re all pretty much exactly how you seem.
Kurono: I feel like you all come off more approachable now than on day one.
Mashiro: Ah, we were all tense at first.
Toki: …To be honest, I’m still kinda nervous.
Mitsuru: Huh? Why?
Mashiro: You were way too relaxed from the get-go.
Haiji: I didn’t really feel a gap. It all made sense once I saw your playing styles.
Mitsuru: Come to think of it, Tsugumi had seen RUBIA Leopard live before, right?
Mashiro: Wait, really?
Tsugumi: Uh… yeah, kinda.
Akane: Oooh?
Tsugumi: What?
Akane: So? After meeting the real deal, did your impression change?
Tsugumi: …You’re weirder than I thought.
Akane: I’m weird?
Tsugumi: So chatty. Loud… always laughing.
Hibari: Right? You totally give off spoiled-youngest-child energy.
Akane: You mean the only sane middle child.
Tsugumi: What about me? Did I match what you imagined?
Akane: Yes and no. You’re exactly what you seem… and also not.
Tsugumi: That’s such a vague answer!
Q7. What do you do before going to bed?
Mashiro: Ooh, spicy question~
Kurono: Keep it PG, you degenerate.
Mashiro: Come on, it's just a joke. Lighten up.
Kurono: Don’t drag RUBIA Leopard’s reputation through the mud with your nonsense.
Akane: Okay okay, both of you, cool it. We answered the morning routine earlier—now it’s bedtime.
Hibari: Aside from the basics like brushing teeth… I try to soak in the bath if I can.
Toki: I listen to the radio. Usually fall asleep with it still playing.
Haiji: I put on some soft music and do light stretches.
Kurono: That sounds nice. I’ll try that tonight.
Akane: I’ll help you out, just call me.
Mashiro: Kurono’s so stiff, though.
Kurono: …Shut up.
Haiji: Kurono-san, Akane-san—any habits before bed?
Kurono: Nothing specific. If I can’t sleep, I’ll read a book.
Akane: I scroll through social media. I know it’s not good before bed, but still.
Mashiro: Oh, I do that too. Sometimes when I post, Colors will reply with “Good night!” It’s so cute, I love it.
Mitsuru: I drink warm milk.
Tsugumi: I don’t really have a nighttime routine either… Honestly, my schedule’s messed up because of my part-time jobs.
Kurono: Tsugumi-kun, please take care of your health.
———
Tsugumi: To all the Jewels, thank you so much as always! And to the Colors who screamed their hearts out at “BLAST”—we love you! Really! THANK YOU!
Akane: We’ll keep bumping into each other here and there, so let’s keep it up.
Tsugumi: …Looking forward to working with you (in awkward formal voice)
Mashiro: Look at him getting all self-conscious. So cute~
Toki: Ahem… We’ll keep giving it our all, always challenging ourselves with a fresh mindset.
Mitsuru: Hope everyone will keep rooting for both Impish Crow and RUBIA Leopard. Both bands are awesome!
Kurono: I’d love if we could sharpen each other, y’know?
Haiji: Yeah! We’ll keep working hard to bring you even more amazing, fun music!
Hibari: Thanks for reading all the way through. Keep cheering us on.
Mashiro: Love you guys so much. See you again soon.
[TRANSLATION] AKANE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHORT STORY(SS)🎉🎂
【7:30 AM】
I opened my eyes.
"Ugh, what's this? On a day like today, I could have slept a bit longer..."
As I mumbled my complaints, drowsiness quickly caught up, and I let out a big yawn. Today is December 6th, my birthday that comes once a year. Mashiro, anticipating this, showed up the day before with some alcohol, and we spent the night drinking while crossing over the date, engaging in pointless conversations. Though I intentionally avoided looking at the clock, it must have been close to dawn when I finally went to sleep. Despite being completely sleep-deprived, my eyes felt strangely alert, and I couldn't bring myself to go back to sleep.
(I guess oversleeping isn't a habit of mine.)
Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I changed into sportswear and headed to the gym within the apartment building.
【8:55 AM】
After breaking a sweat at the gym, taking a shower, and returning—it's almost nine o'clock. As I entered the living room, Kurono's voice greeted me.
"Good morning."
"Morning... huh?"
On the table, there was a neatly sliced shortcake and a cup of black coffee.
"Since it's Akane-san’s birthday today."
"Oh, right."
Suppressing a strange ticklish feeling, I took a seat at the table. After midnight, Mashiro enthusiastically cut the cake and we had it with champagne. This was the remaining portion.
"When did we start having cake for breakfast?"
"I believe... it was the year after I moved in."
"Ugh, I don't want to count."
Because it's my birthday, cake for breakfast is a tradition—originating from a childish whim I expressed long ago. It was decided that the morning after cutting the birthday cake, the leftovers become breakfast. It's easy to say I'm not a child anymore, but stopping something I've done every year since childhood feels somewhat nostalgic.
(Well, it's only once a year.)
With a big bite, I see Kurono squinting happily. This happens every year.
"I said it last night, but again. Happy birthday."
"Thanks... by the way, where's Mashiro?"
"The bastard is passed out in the guest room."
Kurono's expression slightly turns stern.
"How late were you two up?"
"Oh... I don't remember."
"I should've kicked him out before the date changed."
"Well, let's enjoy cake without saying that."
【11:30 AM】
After soothing Kurono and finishing breakfast, I tackled the accumulated trivial tasks—checking audio files and documents, making calls, organizing mail, and other miscellaneous chores. Just as I was contemplating taking a break and stretching, my phone conveniently rang. The name on the screen was Haiji.
"What's up, Haiji?"
"Akane-san, happy birthday!"
"Oh, thanks."
"Did you drink with Mashiro-san yesterday?"
He’s quick to catch on—I thought. But yeah, that's probably it. Knowing Mashiro, he most likely posted about it on social media.
"We had a few drinks with the stuff he brought."
"Oh, unfair. I told him I couldn't make it."
"Are you coming today?"
"Yes. I'll come by in the evening."
"Once the meeting's done, I'll let you know. I'll pick you up, so be ready."
"Thank you!"
【4:00 PM】
In the afternoon, I headed to DigPro. Accompanied by Iwahara manager, we greeted the promoter and discussed concepts for next year's live performance. The enthusiasm on the other side was unexpectedly high, leading to an unplanned lengthy conversation.
"Oh, by the way. I saw BLAST."
"The energy is incredible, right? Not just RUBIA Leopard, but Impish Crow too. DigPro's newcomers are doing great."
"DigPro, led by RUBIA Leopard, has everyone with fantastic momentum."
"This was my first time on the scene, and I was surprised by the number of men more than I thought."
"There was that CM for the instrumental-only album a while back. It sparked quite a discussion even among hardcore rock fans."
"Oh yeah! That was amazing too!"
"I think there'll be more instrumentals on the next album. Looking forward to it."
I nodded in gratitude, suppressing the urge to say, "Did you finally realize we're not just a face for tie-ins?" I couldn't say it, not even if my life depended on it.
(What's his deal, holding a grudge against me?)
I stifled a laugh that was about to burst.
"So, here's the thing. We're thinking of expanding the venue a bit more next time. We're confident about the audience turnout."
"Please, consider it positively."
I glanced at the manager with a smile before interjecting, "Regarding the size of the venue in relation to the fanbase, it's my request."
I wanted to avoid blindly enlarging the scale, risking the diminished sense of delivering songs to each individual. Letting the surrounding enthusiasm accelerate on its own, rolling into areas I couldn't perceive, and collapsing at the last minute—I didn't want that again.
(I won't make the same mistake as with RUBIA.)
Consciously and unconsciously, I had been thinking about that for the past three years.
"But, I think it's about time to take a step forward."
"Thank you for considering it," I said, bowing my head. Iwahara next to me let out a small sigh of relief. He, who had been aware of everything, might have been the most anxious over the past three years. Otherwise, I couldn't find a reason for him to present the song of Impish Crow at that particular moment.
"So, as a trade-off, I have a suggestion. We've been relatively low-key so far, separate from the tour, throwing a bit of a curveball might be interesting."
"Oh, that sounds good!"
"Please allow me to assist with that as well."
【6:50 PM】
Once the meeting concluded, Iwahara promptly gestured for me to follow him to the manager's office.
"What's up, Iwahara-san? Nagging me?"
"Do you have any idea why?"
"Too many, I can't keep track."
"Ugh... let's just get this over with."
"... Alcohol?"
"Happy birthday."
"Seriously?"
"Just say 'thank you.'"
"Thanks. But, a birthday present from you that doesn't fit your character?"
"You're sharp. This is a joint gift with my housemate."
"What a hassle. A pack of cigarettes would've sufficed."
"If I gave you a present that would harm your throat and health, Haiji would scold me."
"Is it okay for me to be drinking all night?"
"Haiji is going to your place today, right?"
"A set of chaperones and a present. I see.”
【7:05 PM】
After convincing Iwahara to take a break for a smoke, I contacted Haiji and got into the car. Haiji and Iwahara's apartment was just a stone's throw away from the office. We'd be there in about five minutes.
(Everywhere is already in full Christmas mode.)
Navigating through the main street, I parked the car in a random alley and took a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't particularly fond of December. The city was lively and festive, and it felt like I was the only one standing still.
(So, that's why the shortcake.)
When I was a child, I lacked the ability to bridge the gap between the bustling city and the quiet home. When I realized that our home and others were somehow different, the most I could do was express small whims. Kurono was the only one who indulged those whims.
(But, it was okay back then.)
As I grew taller, my desires grew too, and I had more capabilities. Music filled the gaps and spaces.
(Still, enjoying it just within the confines of home wasn't enough for me.)
As my thoughts wandered off, the phone suddenly rang.
"Akaneeeee! Happy birthday, my little brother!!!"
The volume on the speaker seemed ten times louder than usual, and my brother, Mikado, continued.
"You must be happy, right? Of course! And why am I calling at this hour? Because, my dear brother, I'm in New York right now!"
"Oh, really?"
"Mikado, you have to go running soon or you’ll be late for the morning meeting."
"Oh, right, Kaede. Well then, I'm going for a run in Central Park! Kaede, I'm counting on you! That's all!"
As I was about to hang up, Kaede's voice came through the speaker.
"Wait, Akane."
"What?"
"Did you have cake this morning?"
"...Yeah, I did."
"I see. My breakfast was shortcake too. Well then, take care of Sora for me."
He said what he wanted to say and hung up. Immediately after, a message arrived—it was from our parents.
"A-chan, happy birthday. We'll send you something surprising again this year. From Mom and Dad."
"No, don't send anything."
I couldn't help but speak aloud.
(Man, my family, seriously, none of them have any sense of delicacy.)
Yet, their eagerness to make me happy came across 120%. It was quite annoying. But if I twisted about it, I'd just be a fool. I convinced myself of that, and it saw me through the sensitive teenage years. Or so it feels.
(Really.)
Throughout my life, there have been various thoughts. I've been hurt in trivial matters, but they never turned into significant pain or obstacles to moving forward because I've been incredibly fortunate. Now and then.
【7:10 PM】
"Akane-san."
The sound of tapping on the side window accompanied the call of my name. I hurriedly opened the door.
"Haiji, sorry. I was lost in thought and didn't notice."
"No, not at all. I just arrived!"
【7:30 PM】
I set off in the car with Haiji. By now, Kurono would probably be preparing some extravagant meal. While hurrying home, I received a call from Mashiro.
"Good morning, both of you."
"Huh, Mashiro-san, were you sleeping until now?"
"More importantly, where are you now?"
"I'll be home in about five minutes."
"Then, is it not snowing there?"
"Snow?"
"Oh, right!"
Haiji joyfully pointed to the sky. Snow in Tokyo at this time of year would likely stop in no time.
"I haven't seen snow in a while."
"This is such a rare sight for Tokyo in this season; it'll probably stop soon."
On my birthday this year, the events that unfolded, and the snowfall at this moment. I'm sure I'll never forget this different day.
Shoma: It was so refreshing!! .....Oi megane?
Shion: .....I feel sick
Shoma: But you played like you were fine today! ... God,can’t be helped.
Shoma: Sogo-san! I'm taking this Megane to the Aid room!
Sogo: Got it! I'll clean up over here. Call me if anything happens.
Shoma: Thanks!
Shion: I'm sorry....
Toya: You're not going with them?
Sogo: It will be alright, I have to take my drum apart too, and they getting along pretty well.
Toya: I see ....
Sogo: ?
Sogo: What? You're in daze. Are you feel sick too?
Toya: It's opposite
Sogo: opposite?
Toya: I could still perform. I want be on stage more.
Sogo: Hee—It's rare that you're not tense after a stage.
Toya: Tense...
Sogo: Usually you're mumbling, 'I should have done that better', 'I should have done this'.
Toya: I see.....
Sogo: You're not going to say something like that today?
Toya: It's not that. But reflection and regret can come later. That's what I feel now.
Haiji: Umm....sorry to interrupt..
Toya: You are...
Sogo: Aren't you Haiji-kun?
Haiji: It's been a while Sogo-san.
Sogo: Sorry, I'll hurry up and clear out. Just give me a minute.
Haiji: Eh? Is just the two of you here?
Toya: One member was sick and went to the first aid room.
Kurono: That's seem tough. Let me help.
Toya: Thankyou, but it's fine don't mind us.
Kurono: As we all share the same stage, don't hold back.
Mashiro: I mean, if Hauro doesn't clear out, we can't get in.
Haiji: Mashiro-san!
Sogo: Thanks, then, I will accept your kind offer.
Mashiro: Forget about that. Just get your hands to work over there.
Sogo: Ouch, Okay.
Haiji: Cable over here, done!
Kurono: It looks fine. I think I can move the keyboard with this.
Sogo: Oh, thank you. I'll take care of the rest. Hey, Toya.
Haiji: Eh— I'll help.
Toya: it's fine, your kindness is enough.
Haiji: But—
Toya: Now you need to concentrate on your turn. We need Rubire to be in the throne for a while longer.
Mashiro: Hee—
Toya: Otherwise, the impact when Hauro overtakes Rubire will be small.
Mashiro: You heard that?
Kurono: Well, if that's the case, then I'll stop helping you here.
Haiji: I understand. .
Sogo: ... I'm surprised. You're going to overtake Rubire? Seriously?
Toya: You have problems with that?
Sogo: No, but I don't think you'd come with something big.
Toya: That's right. But, with the current Hauro I'm sure we can do it.
I look forward to your performance. See you then.
Mashiro: .... what's with that confident face..
Kurono: Just get on with setting yourself up. You're late coming in the first place. Where were you and what were you doing!
Mashiro: Ah .. Do you even bother to ask that?.
Kurono: Ah. You went smoking again.
Mashiro: I was smoking and watching for them to clear out. But they wouldn't move.
Haiji: Mashiro-san, you're don't really like Hauro member, right?
Mashiro: Not really. But it's definitely the faces I don't want to see.
Haiji: But I was really fired up by that exchange!
Kurono: Me too. I won't give up my throne so easily.
Mashiro: Well, we should make them regret they had to play against us.
A loud clattering sound of dishes colliding nearby brought Akane back to reality. As he rubbed his eyes, the messy state of the living room slowly came into focus—empty sukiyaki pot, dirty plates, scattered snack wrappers, and empty beer cans. And then...
"....Haiji."
Calling out, Akane turned to see Haiji holding a stack of dishes, looking back at him.
"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?"
"Yeah. What time is it now?"
"It's four in the morning."
"Seriously?"
Checking the clock, he confirmed what Haiji said. It was indeed early morning, and a faint light was starting to appear outside the window.
"Wow, damn..."
"Is there some urgent work?"
"Not really. I'll probably get scolded by Iwahara-san for going wild like this."
"There was a missed call earlier. Someone probably wants you to wrap up and go home already."
"Yeah, I figured. But that call came in at two in the morning. I can't say anything to others either."
"You're still a workaholic."
"So, when I get back, I'll apologize directly. 'Sorry for enjoying myself so much and being late', or something like that."
Haiji's face brightened as he murmured, "This might be the first time."
(Nice expression.) Akane's lips naturally softened at the sight of Haiji's genuinely cheerful demeanor. (At first, I was just scaring him away.) He couldn't think of a way to ease the tension back then, and he even felt that things were fine as they were. Trying to be greedy ended up in failure, so he discarded everything that could be discarded and gathered only the things he truly desired. If sacrificing music was necessary to achieve that, then so be it. He didn't need anything else. (I'm an idiot.) Recalling that determination at the time, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of tragic emotion, causing him to smile. (Can't say anything about others. Even I have changed.) (Actually, getting drunk and falling asleep in front of people is probably a first.) It might be the first time he did something like this.
"But still, Haiji, you're pretty good with alcohol."
"Just a little red in the face, but otherwise, Akane-san seem pretty much the same."
"But I couldn't drink this much alone. Thanks for keeping up with me."
"You're welcome."
"Come again, alright?"
"Sure. If it's such a fun request, anytime."
"...By the way, where's Kurono?"
"He's passed out in his room... Speaking of which, Mashiro-san took Kurono-san with him when they left, but they haven't come back."
"Maybe they're both passed out in the room?"
"It's possible. Even though he was stumbling, he refused to let me take him home."
"That guy can be surprisingly caring."
Kurono and Mashiro were still as direct as ever in their quarrels. But did the two of them realize that there was no one else with whom they could be so straightforward? (Speaking of which, that Mashiro guy is fine with this. Leaving his bass lying around here like this.) Akane lightly touched the bass case. (Kurono too. Collapsing in the living room like this.) He could easily imagine the excuses they would make once they woke up.
"Haiji, you don't have to clean up the dishes."
"I'll take Akane-san word for it and just stack them here. The kitchen is Kurono-san's territory, so he might mind if someone else touches it."
"It's not like he'll say anything."
"Kurono-san is kind, you see…"
"Not that. Haiji, you're not just some stranger."
Haiji blinked, looking surprised.
"Um, Akane-san. Are you still drunk?"
"Not at all."
"Then, are you teasing me?"
"I thought Haiji might get embarrassed, but I'm serious."
As Akane raised the corners of his mouth and smiled, Haiji, who was unfazed by the alcohol, blushed slightly and said, "Please save that for when you're more drunk," while pouting his lips.
