The flower in Yujiro's solo song: Morning Glory - symbolizes affection, love (family) and fresh mornings. A renewed sense of hope and a fresh new start
The flower in Koichiro's solo song: Baby Blue Eyes - releasing emotional issues that were suppressed during childhood. Restoring childlike feelings of innocence, trust and safety.
As to sum up their current situatuon for those who literally did not paid attention to the lyrics, the songs basically show that Yujiro and Koichiro are slowly progressing into fixing their 'strained' brotherly relationship with a fresh new start, and Yujiro wanting his little brother to rely on him more as to make up for the childhood that they didn't had.
兄には秘密 / Ani ni wa Himitsu (A Secret for My Older Brother)
by Someya Koichiro (Honeyworks feat. Shunichi Toki)
Listen here!
IMPORTANT NOTES: They need to get Shunichi Toki to sing this IM BEGGING them. this was really fun to translate, i liked seeing Koichiro's side of things. fun fun fun. yk the usual, not a 1:1 tl, language isn't real, etc. enjoy!
hana wa karenai
kimi wa makenai
boku no aniki wa
boku igai ni makenai
Like a flower that never withers
You can't lose to someone else
My older brother
Can never lose to anyone but me
kyoudai na no ni
kuchi mo kikanai
kimi wa boku ni nanimo katenai
deki no warui aniki wo motta
boku no ashi wo hipparu na yo
Even though we're brothers
We rarely speak to each other
You could never beat me at anything
What a terrible older brother
Don't drag me down with you
onaji ie ni ite
onaji gohan tabete
onaji kazoku ga ite
chigau yume wo mita
nanka mukatsuita
nigenna yo...
Living in the same house
Eating the same meals
Being in the same family
Still, we had different dreams
It's kind of annoying
Don't you dare run away...
taisetsu dakedo
shinpai dakedo
kuchi ni wa shinai
kyoudai dakara
hana wa karenai
kimi wa makenai
boku no aniki wa
boku igai ni makenai
I know it's important but—
It's worrying me but—
I won't say a word
We're brothers, after all
Like a flower that never withers
You can't lose to someone else
My older brother
Can never lose to anyone but me
kyoudai dakara
niteiru tokoro
kao ga yokute seikaku warui
kore wo iu to okorareru kedo
makezu kirai soko made issho
Because we're brothers
We have similarities
Like good-looking faces and bad personalities*
It pisses me off to admit
I hate losing just as much as you do
tama ni kaiwa shite
tama ni sanpo shite
tama ni kenka shite
itsumo orete kurete
sou iu toko da yo
mitometeru...
Chatting from time to time
Walking together sometimes
Fighting every once in a while
Always the first to back down
That's all there is to it
I have to admit...
otagai himitsu
shitteru keredo
kuchi ni wa shinai
kyoudai dakara
mune ni sasatta
“yume wa nigenai”
boku no aniki wa
ima kagayaite mieru
We have secrets of our own
though we both know
I won't say a word
We're brothers, after all
It never left my thoughts
"Your dreams won't run away"**
My brother is
Shining so brightly now
kizuiteru?
egao ga fueta koto
kizuiteru?
aniki wo suki na koto
Have you noticed that?
You're smiling more than before
Have you noticed that?
My brother is well-loved
taisetsu dakedo
shinpai dakedo
kuchi ni wa shinai
kyoudai dakara
hana wa karenai
kimi wa makenai
boku no aniki wa
dare ni mo makenai
I know it's important but—
It's worrying me but—
I won't say a word
We're brothers, after all
Like a flower that never withers
You can't lose to someone else
My older brother...
You can only ever lose to me
otagai himitsu
shitteru keredo
kuchi ni wa shinai
kyoudai dakara
mune ni sasatta
“yume wa nigenai”
boku no aniki wa
ima kagayaite mieru
We have secrets of our own
though we both know
I won't say a word
We're brothers, after all
It never left my thoughts
"Your dreams won't run away"
My older brother...
You're shining so brightly now
It's really interesting that they went with baby blue eyes for the flower choice here. The image is gorgeous and I feel like it suits the Someya bros very well.
Spiritually, baby blue eyes were thought of to help healing and self expression, which is what's helping Yujiro and Koichiro. Their strained relationship is healing, and they can finally express themselves more openly.
Generally, the flowers in terms of flower language, are a symbol of peace and harmony.
The song that Koichiro sang, and the image will probably be used in Yujiro's solo as well, sings of their complicated past, and gives us insight that despite their sibling rivalry and everything, the two still care for one another, even if it's in a tricky situation atm.
Yujiro, happy with being an idol, is at peace with his brother being the heir, while Koichiro, initially miffed that Yujiro gave up being a kabuki performer, is at peace because he sees Yujiro is truly happy now.
The significance of the baby blue eyes being about peace is for their relationship (even though it's still strained)...and themselves
So as I am seeing a new little influx of honeyworks fans, likely due to the shitty herotaru anime, I want everyone to listen up.
LIPxLIP, the idol duo featured in the anime, are a lot deeper than what the anime explains. I understand that it was Hiyori's story (even though they didn't get her personality right either lmao) so it's not going to go into detail about Aizou or Yujiro. I'm fine with that. I really am.
What bothered me was the small bits we were given are incredibly misleading for new fans. The anime exists more as fanservice for pre-existing fans. Fans who read the novels, regularly watch MVs, and so forth.
So I'm going to go over LIPxLIP's stories. Their thematic importance. Their relationship, and their relationship with Hiyori. I am quite sick and tired of seeing new fans blab about them as hateful misogynists, shallow, uncaring towards their fans...and all that.
Starting off with the local hero of the anime, Shibasaki Aizou.
Back when he was a small child, he loved singing. His mother played piano and his father played guitar (his father probably taught him how to play guitar? That or he picked it up himself. I don't think that was ever specified). He entered a children's singing competition, and ended up winning.
However, a couple years later, his father began to lie about going to work when he was really going out and having an affair with (another woman? multiple women??). This led to the father and their mother, Shibasaki Yuko, to constantly argue and scream at each other.
As a result, Ken (Aizou's older brother), would make pasta for himself and Aizou, as their parents were too busy screaming at each other for hours at a time. The novels stated that back then, their parents would argue so often that they would forget to buy groceries, and would leave Aizou starving. During this time, Yuko began drinking and getting drunk- which would scare her kids.
Eventually, the Shibasaki parents got a divorce, and Yuko began to drink even more heavily. She would cry and mourn. Aizou and Ken were still children at the time. Aizou, being the young child he was and recalling how Yuko used to smile when he sang, began to sing for her in hopes of cheering her up. Of course, Yuko just threw her alcohol at him and screamed at him that he needed to shut up- he was too noisy. It's also been heavily implied that she would hit Aizou too when she was drunk.
From this, Aizou stopped singing, being physically unable to. He began living out his days without truly living, just getting by. He had friends, but didn't hang out with them or join any clubs, having become depressed and understimulated.
In middle school, when playing his guitar one day, his mother broke it and screamed at him to never play it at home again. This led to him crying and not playing again...until he came across a musical instrument store, where he meets Morita. He, one day, brings the guitar in and begs him to fix it. Morita agrees, and even allows Aizou to stay in an upstairs room that used to be used for music lessons every now and then, on the condition he returns home occasionally. So he essentially finds a second home in the music store.
One day, he sees on his phone that there's an audition to become a teenage idol, so he signs up, which is where he meets Yujiro.
He (and Yujiro) both pass due to their spectacular performances, and are told to become a unit. Aizou now has his fire back, looking forward to the future.
.
Now, for Someya Yujiro aka Aizou's anime arm candy.
When he was little (maybe before he was born? or maybe before he was 5??) his birth father died (unknown cause). His mother, Tae, got remarried to Someya Tamagoro. At first, things were fine. His father trained him in the art of kabuki.
Yujiro, at a young age, desperately wanted to be on stage doing kabuki with his new father. In fact, the desire was so strong, that he turned down all invites to hang out and play from the kids at his school. He didn't watch tv, he didn't do anything that would be considered a hobby. He abandoned everything that makes up a childhood to pursue his dream.
However, one day...his father told him and his younger brother, Koichiro, (who looked down on Tae and Yujiro for joining the Someya family), that Koichiro would be his heir. Yujiro tries to protest, only for Tamagoro to glare down at him coldly and tell him that he can't do it...he has no beauty.
All these years training, and Yujiro finally understands...he was never meant to stand on that stage. His father trained him for years, never truly intending for him to be on stage. Koichiro holds this over Yujiro, always mocking him and shoving him around.
As a result, Yujiro was banned from even entering the practice halls, and he became a helper of the house. He cleaned up backstage after shows, did laundry, all of that. Along with that, Tamagoro became colder to him, while Koichiro mocked him and abused him- verbally and sometimes physically. Yujiro thinks of taking his mother and running away, but has nowhere to go. He is absolutely miserable.
Of course, one day, Koichiro, for some reason, allows Yujiro to perform at a shrine once in his stead. We do not have any details on this, except that it made Yujiro happy and was clearly a one-time thing.
In either case, Yujiro too, lived a life of silence and loneliness. He tried to smile for his mom so she wouldn't worry, the one person who spoke to him. He had no friends, no hobbies, he accepted his fate of being his family's shadow, watching as Tamagoro has Yujiro's name removed from anything mentioning the Someya name, especially kabuki sites.
He was, essentially, disowned.
Tae still encouraged him to find something that made him happy...which eventually came in the form of the idol audition, where he meets Aizou.
...
NOW. That's a hell of a lot deeper than herotaru gave us. And again, it's fine that they couldn't go all into depth- after all, it's Hiyori's anime and her backstory is more simple. We can't have the idols outshinng her now, can we?
In any case, going strictly based on the novels (as the Hanipre stories are their own thing...though I like to consider them canon, but I know they're technically not), the stories of Aizou and Yujiro begin.
After agreeing to become a unit (or they won't debut at all), the two do not get along at all. Aizou mocks Yujiro for his lack of strength and stamina, and Yujiro mocks Aizou for being unable to read sheet music, Aizou finds out that Yujiro's father doesn't think he has what it takes to be an idol. So, he takes him to his secret spot and the two practice and talk.
Yujiro eventually gains Tamagoro's approval, and the two do a commercial, though they are not very well known. They want to debut.
After multiple instances of various situations (including Aizou sharing his music room with Yujiro, some bullies shoving Aizou into a pool at a live show and Yujiro yelling at them and teaching Aizou how to swim, going through an aquarium together and Aizou winning a stuffed penguin and giving it to Yujiro when he sees how disappointed he is that he didn't get it), they finally get their debut song, Romeo.
Eagerly, they practice it together. During this time, they're thinking about whether or not they should go to high school. Aizou tells Yujiro how he wants to avoid one high school in particular.
Yujiro eventually decides he wants to, because Narumi Sena inspired him. She was the one who recommended Sakuragaoka to him. Because of her, Yujiro checks the school out and runs into Aizou. He admits to Aizou he's thinking about going here, and Aizou balks. He's absolutely appalled, and complains about not wanting to go there. (Which..??? Aizou..??? No one said you had to?!) Yujiro points this out and Aizou has the flimsy excuse of "it'll be easier for Manager Uchida to pick us up".
...I'm sure. But I digress.
Filming for the Romeo MV comes, and the two are inspired by Sena's professionalism, and at the end, Aizou finds Yujiro alone and, after arguing over who is the first lip in their unit name, they share a toast together.
The MV released in February, just before high school begins, and Yujiro and Aizou are proud to see themselves on the giant tvs in town. Yujiro remarks to himself how he feels as though he can overcome anything, and how he'll still be depressed- there'll still be days he can't even get out of bed, where he wants to run away, desperately endures tears, and so on...but he knows Aizou will be by his side.
School starts up, where they meet Hiyori. In the novels, Hiyori has to actually work hard to gain their trust and friendship (I did a full novel-to-anime comparison here. I am skipping over retelling it so I can continue with LIPxLIP's story, but rest assured, I will get back to it and explain their friendship.)
The end of the year comes- and I am assuming it's autumn or so when the next novel takes place, since they mention an upcoming "spring concert" and how they've been idols for a year now.
The two boys are getting along more- though they still have their argumentative moments. They are given an opportunity to be in a play as the main characters. Aizou is hesitant, but Yujiro, who has acting experience thanks to kabuki, accepts it immediately. Yujiro cheers Aizou on in his own weird way and Aizou accepts the job as well.
However...during the first reading...Aizou loses his place and the director goes off on him. I mean, even when I was reading/translating it, I was appalled myself.
Yujiro stands up for Aizou, and nearly gets them both fired because of his "bad attitude". They agree to stay on board, but now, there's tension in the air.
Aizou's new at all of this, so most people ignore him, esp the director. But Yujiro is good at what he does, so people expect perfection from him. He's suffering as well, on the opposite spectrum from Aizou. Hell, just one scene alone, Yujiro and some NPCs did for over two hours straight with no breaks. They've been practicing in general for a while now and this was, according to Aizou, the first mistake Yujiro makes...which causes the director to scream at him.
Now, multiple times already, Aizou has ran after Yujiro and abandoned his spot, and thinks about how he refuses to leave Yujiro alone, because he was worried about him.
He even seeks help from some female colleagues (who...know about Aizou's brother and mistakes him for him. Which leads to a genuinely hilarious moment of Aizou screaming in actual horror about the idea of dating a girl, and he only thought about it "for 3 seconds". He says he talks with a few girls but never wants to be personally involved with them) to help him better himself at acting.
Eventually, Aizou realizes what he has to do and...does it. He lightens up the entire room with his humor and even earns Yujiro's gratitude and respect (though...Yujiro kind of accuses him of trying to "woo him" when Aizou insists they practice together??? and says he may start some rumors??? Hello???)
Practice resumes, and Aizou takes singing lessons from IV of Ft4 due to not understanding how to sing with emotions and not just singing something well.
Dress rehearsals start, and Aizou recalls, back when he was a child, the joy of singing. He remembers the joy when he sang in the children's competition, and amazes everyone. Things are going well.
Until...Yujiro eventually collapses from a lack of eating and sleeping. Aizou catches him and Yujiro is taken to a hospital. Aizou worries for his wellbeing until he is able to check on him. At first, Aizou scolds Yujiro for not taking care of himself, before blaming himself for not realizing Yujiro wasn't taking care of himself. He admits to himself he saw Yujiro not eating and being tired during the day.
After the first day of the actual play, Yujiro tells Aizou about the time he was able to perform at a shrine, and Aizou, now realizing the truth about how Yujiro wasn't able to perform on stage, encourages Yujiro to dance for him, even assuring him that he was the only one watching.
After the director interrupt them, the two both think about how they have a future of hope ahead of them.
OKAY.
NOW that we are now all caught up with their stories, let's break down their relationship.
The two of them fight. They always have. They have their ups and downs often, butting heads about the best way to do things. However, they both acknowledge that fighting is part of their own love. Source.
The entire point of the Romeo novel was for them to realize they can rely on each other, how they are no longer suffering alone, and chasing their dreams. Aizou realizes that there's someone who will always stick up for him, even when they don't get along. Yujiro realizes that he doesn't have to suffer alone and can rely on a partner- not just for work, but for his emotional needs as well, as he points out in the epilogue.
The entire point of the LOVE&KISS novel (aside from telling an AU story, which half of the novel is the fantasy universe) was to nip their trauma in the bud. They have unintentionally begun to rely heavily on each other.
With Aizou, he finds his passion for singing again. Not just his dream- but the pure joy he gets when he sings. He doesn't need his mother's approval anymore (though she moved to France anyway and got remarried there, so it's not like he'll see her again).
With Yujiro, he's finally able to prove to his father, his brother, and the director too that he's someone worthy of being on the stage. Not just as an idol, but as an actor too. He even performed kabuki on stage- albeit it was supposed to be solely for Aizou's eyes only.
The two argued twice in the novel, and the rest of the time was spent worrying about each other, spent helping each other, and strengthening their bond. It's because of each other that they were able to overcome a harsh hurdle in their lives, the things that blocked them from becoming truly happy with their careers.
With a bit of offhand flirting and standing by each other firmly, the two have cemented themselves as the most important people in each other's lives. Hell, they even wear the same outfts in Chapter 7 as they do in Samishigariya, where it explicitly states that they're the most important people to each other (or, at least Yujiro is to Aizou), interconnecting this novel to the song in question.
As for Hiyori...no, she was not in this novel. She was briefly in Romeo at the very end when complaining about city boys, but despite working for them at this point in time, she does not show up at all in LOVE&KISS. Hell, she's not even mentioned.
I do not think it is a continuity error. I think this was done deliberately- because what purpose would she serve? I'm not trying to sound mean, I adore Hiyori. But she knows nothing of their backstories or trauma. And LIPxLIP are not the type to blab about their past abuse. It's taken them a while to be open and honest with each other even now. The novel is about Aizou and Yujiro and their bond. They had their own spotlight in Hiyori's novels.
With Hiyori, they obviously have grown to care for her. They've helped her dress up for Asuka and confess to him, and approved of Nagisa as boyfriend material for her, even encouraging her to go for him because they know Nagisa truly loves Hiyori.
("But Lisi! You said you're going based off of the novels and MVs!" Yes, but Hiyori's newest song and Nagisa's song both show that the event in the anime happened and are firmly continuing it, so it is...canon.)
Either way, the two still make fun of Hiyori and gang up on her, but despite that, they still are there for her...kind of? It's not like she really faces any hardships aside from the bullying incident that eventually blew over. But they do support her dream in being a track athlete.
They respect her hard work. They respect her.
Even so, despite them clearly being good friends, there's still a wall between them. Aizou and Yujiro haven't told her anything about their lives...and why should they?
If you're going based on the anime, they have every right not to tell her anything. Hiyori's first instinct when Ken told her a bit about Aizou was "thank god it's not real trauma. hmm how do I fix him?" and then yelling at Yujiro that he's not hated by his family because his mother makes him lunch.
Knowing what you know now, you can see where I'm going with this? Anime Hiyori seriously butted her nose where it didn't belong and, unintentionally or not, she completely undermined their trauma. Sure, they didn't hear her talking with Ken, but they sure as hell heard her when she said Yujiro wasn't hated by his family. And not to mention that aggravating as fuck scene of her comparing Aizou's dislike of women to her dislike of squid.
Aizou dislikes women partially because of his family, yes, but it's mainly because of his trauma with his mother.
They're friends, yes, but not personal friends. Aizou and Yujiro will help Hiyori, but they are not willing to let Hiyori help them outside of work-related issues.
LIPxLIP were able to grow as people because of each other, they rely on each other, they don't need anyone else because they have each other. They enjoy the presence of Hiyori and Minami, and they respect Ft4 as senpais, but that's about it.
Herotaru trashed their stories. Omitting things is fine, but not at the expense of ruining their backstories and personalities.
I think the anime should have been longer so we can focus more on their backstories and personalities. And give us a reason to truly believe that Hiyori, Aizou, and Yujiro are friends, rather than just shrug and say "yeah, they're friends because she said she has a dream".
And no, Yume Fanfare is not for Hiyori. The song is hinted to have been sung during high school, yes, this is after the bullying incident with Chizuru. We know this because we see Chizuru crying in the song Heroine Tarumono and the exact same frame is in Yume Fanfare, which Hiyori does not appear in. They are not gesturing to her, or looking out at her in the audience. She is behind the stage. As seen in the herotaru MV. They are gesturing to each other, singing and dedicating this song to each other. Hell, it goes over their trauma. It does not show us Hiyori's dream. Yume Fanfare is AIZOU AND YUJIRO'S ONLY.
Also Yamako, the creator of them, has said so herself as well. Sooo...yeah.
You can ship what you want, but you cannot and will not take Yume Fanfare from me because a shitty adaptation wanted to be special.
I hope this post has been helpful to anime-onlys.
LIPxLIP Novels: Romeo, LOVE&KISS
Bonus: Yujiro's solo dedicated to Aizou and Aizou's solo dedicated to Yujiro
hellooo! so i remember seeing this one post of yours about how much you dislike koichiro, so i was wondering did herotaru episode 10 change your opinion of him a bit?
Hello!
That's actually a good question.
To be honest, I'm still very unsure about him. I feel like episode 10 really gave us a good insight to his character a bit more that isn't just "heehoo I'm the heir to the Someya kabuki legacy", which is something that he honestly really desperately needed.
I do feel bad for him in a sense, since he pretty much displayed how damaging that his childhood was to his mental health (as we've also seen with Yujiro in novels/the movie), being completely alone and never having time to play. (Which is probably why Koichiro agreed to go clubbing in the first place, though instantly regretting it)
It doesn't excuse the shit he's put Yujiro through, however. The things he's spat out at him when he's done absolutely nothing wrong.
I think he's in the gray area for me right now, because while we can get a better grasp of his character and the Someya Bros moment in the episode was really sweet and adorable, we're not 100% sure if their relationship will completely improve or not. Koichiro likely does have more respect for Yujiro now, but it's also really easy to slip back into old habits. Maybe it'll happen when they consider Koichiro's debt "repaid". Or maybe he won't.
I really am curious to see where Honeyworks takes his character.
(Yujiro really is a Cinderella, abused by his family but still being kind and helpful when his step brother needs it lmao)
Kono Sekai no Tanoshimikata LipxLip Novel Chapter 3B
Disclaimer: I’m not in any way shape or form a professional translator so please keep that in mind as you read.
Note: This is the second half of chapter 3 that I personally divided up. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Masterlist here
Aizou headed to the address that he was given, and was stunned to see a huge mansion along with a large gate.
“He...does he live in such a big house?!”
Well, there was no doubt he did. The nameplate on the gatepost read Someya.
(This is...the house of a national living treasure!)
Aizou looked around in awe.
(If I just entered, I’d be caught...right?)
He approached the gate, but he couldn’t find it in himself to ring the little chime. Someone would undoubtedly ask “who are you?”. It would be too strange to say, “I’m Aizou, and me and your son are going to be idols together!”
(I should have just asked for his contact information!)
Aizou covered his eyes with his hand. The only thing his manager had told him was the home address.
Before he knew it, it started raining. He looked up at the dark sky. He should probably just give up.
The gate opened suddenly, so Aizou ran to hide behind it. A car came out slowly, with the headlights on.
(The owner..?)
“Please, wait!”
Aizou, who was watching, was surprised when he heard a familiar voice. He peeked out from behind the gate, and saw Yujiro running out, chasing after the car.
“Dad, please! Listen to me!” He stopped near the car as the rain got heavier.
The car stopped, and the window rolled down halfway.
“No matter how many times you ask, my answer will be the same. I’m not going to talk to you about this anymore.” A man in a kimono in the back seat told him harshly. It had to be Yujiro’s father.
Not caring if he got soaked, Yujiro got down on his knees.
“Please sign the consent form!” He bowed deep enough for his head to touch the ground.
Aizou stared in shock.
(That guy....)
“I’m sorry...I forgot.”
Aizou recalled Yujiro’s distressed face, and stared down at his wet sneakers.
(His parents...)
“I told you that my answer will not change, no matter what. Now stop talking.” The man then told the driver to go.
“Father!” Yujiro looked up, clutching the consent form.
The window closed, and the car drove off.
Yujiro, who was still kneeling, got splashed with mud and water. He stared down at the consent form.
Yujiro had stood on the stage at the second audition screening, and he had been absolutely shining in the spotlight as he sang.
When the president asked him about his family circumstances during the interview, he had said his younger brother was chosen to be the Someya successor. He had a desire to stand on stage, but his dreams had been destroyed. He had auditioned with the desire to be on stage with his own hands.
(Yeah...with that...he’s pretty desperate.)
Aizou clenched his fists.
Just like me.
_
When Yujiro went to the office after school, Aizou was already there. He put his lesson clothes on before heading in. After confirming the schedule, the manager stopped him and asked him about the consent form. The deadline for submission had already passed.
“I’m sorry, I’ll definitely bring the consent form next time...” Yujiro bowed his head.
As long as he was a minor, he was not going to be able to make his debut without his parents consent. If they didn’t agree, then this story would disappear.
Yujiro, who felt really depressed, then felt like he was being watched. He raised his head and noticed Aizou staring at him with a frown, like he wanted to say something.
He had heard the interaction with the manager.
Yujiro expected him to say something sarcastic again today, but Aizou just looked away with an uncertain expression.
As soon as the two headed to the lesson room, the lessons began.
Megu and Dai of FT4 taught them today as well. Asuka and Kanata had only joined them on that first day, but now it was just Aizou and Yujiro.
As usual, Yujiro remembered the dance that Megu and Dai had showed them.
“1, 2, 3, 4, and turn!” Megu raised his voice to the rhythm.
Yujiro was the one who was a little late, even though he had spun at the same time.
“Aizou, you did fine. Yujiro, you were late.” Megu told him.
“Ah...” Yujiro sighed, placing his hands on his knees. “Excuse me...”
(Tch...)
When it came to the long lessons, his body couldn’t keep up. Aizou, on the other hand, was sweating but keeping up well.
“Let’s take a quick break.” Dai suggested, and left the lesson room with Megu.
Yujiro sat down and took deep breaths. Sweat dripped down his forehead. Just before he could wipe it with his sleeve, a plastic bottle gently tapped his head. He looked up and saw Aizou offering him a water bottle.
Yujiro drank the water and took a deep breath, wiping his mouth with his hands.
_
After the break, when Megu and Dai returned, the lessons resumed. After continuing for a while longer, Megu stopped.
“Alright, that’s all for today.”
“Please let me do a little more!” Yujiro bowed, sweat dripping onto the floor.
“Can’t. Junior high school students have a 7pm curfew.”
Looking at the clock, it was 7:05pm. He had no idea so much time had passed. He had thought it was barely the evening, but he’d been so focused he lost track of time.
“Get home quickly.” Dai said, and the all left the lesson room.
Yujiro still wanted to continue, but Megu and Dai had work and studying. They were busy with their own schedules. So he couldn’t overdo it.
Yujiro got ready to leave, and stepped out of the building, feeling the cool night breeze cooling him down.
Everyone around him was being careful due to him being a junior high school student. There were many restrictions, after all. But that was unavoidable.
When would he be free?
He sighed, his face growing more depressed. When he gets home, he’ll need to talk to his dad again.
“...Hey.”
When Yujiro started leaving, he was called out to. He turned.
“Follow me.”
“...Why? Where are we going?”
“Just come on!” Aizou insisted, and started urging Yujiro to start walking.
_
They ended up at a large park on a hill. Streetlights illuminated the wisteria trees and the benches. There was no one else there but the two of them.
“Here. People rarely ever come here, but because it’s bright, we can practice as much as we want.”
Yujiro stared at the city lights from the hill. He felt more comforted by the breeze from here, so he murmured. “It’s a nice place...”
It was quiet, and the city life bustle didn’t reach there.
“Don’t tell anyone. It’s my favorite place.”
“...So, why did you bring me?” Yujiro asked, glancing at Aizou. If it was his favorite place, he needed to keep it his own secret.
“I decided I’m going to survive this. I’m not going to just disappear..!”
“I’m not gong to disappear either.” Yujiro said seriously, and looked back at the shining city from the hill.
If they couldn’t match, then it was the end. There would be no way for them to debut as a unit. He definitely didn’t want to let go of this chance.
This was their common wish, and their reason for unity.
Their destination was the same-
_
Recalling what Megu and Dai pointed out, Yujiro made his turn from the beginning. They shot a video of themselves doing the movements and checked them, then tried again.
The steps that didn’t match slowly became better and better as they repeated them.
(Just a little more...)
Yujiro thought, but then he staggered over.
He would have fallen, if Aizou hadn’t reflexively reached over and grabbed his arm.
The two moved to the grass, and Yujiro laid on his back. He was out of breath and couldn’t move.
“You really don’t have much physical strength.”
“How noisy. I’m normal. You’re just too physically fit- that’s what’s strange!”
“Yeah, yeah. Just shut up and rest.” Aizou tossed a hand towel onto his face. Yujiro pressed it to his face.
Did Aizou usually practice independently, even after the lessons were over? He was able to keep up with the lessons without being easily exhausted, and that was probably the result of his daily efforts.
“So, when did you start doing kabuki?” Aizou sat down next to him.
“...Why?”
“Did you do it since you were a kid?”
“...Everyday, even before I entered elementary school. I never played or hung out with my classmates. I never watched TV or played games...all day...everyday...” As soon as he’d get home from school, he’d go to the rehearsal hall and received his father’s lessons on the kabuki basics.
There were many times where he had to remember typical things like behaviors, dialogue, dances, and so on.
His father had been merciless, and forced him to do it over and over many times until he was perfect. So he’d believed if he continued making the effort, he would one day be on the same stage as his father.
“...You have no beauty.”
“It was all a waste of time...” Yujiro whispered, not meaning to have said it out loud.
He was never allowed to stand on the stage.
It was as if nothing had happened, not all his patience, nor his efforts.
He felt nothing but distress, and he couldn’t even express that much with words.
“It wasn’t a waste of time.”
Yujiro felt stunned when Aizou spoke in a light tone.
“You may not have lots of physical strength, but your posture and movements are good. Your voice also sounds amazing and has a wide range. Isn’t all this because you practiced kabuki?” Aizou asked, facing forward.
“...Don’t say something when you don’t understand!” Yujiro’s eyes started tearing up, his voice starting to tremble.
(Why...why is he...)
No matter how hard he tried, he was never going to be recognized. It was useless, and it was overwhelming.
Even so, the one person who said what he wanted to hear the most was who he disliked the most. The person he didn’t want. They fought and always turned away.
But he was still watching over him properly.
His heart started pounding, and his bit his lips roughly and hid his face with his towel. If he didn’t, then he’d just be overwhelmed with emotion.
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
When Yujiro didn’t reply, Aizou suddenly climbed on top of him, his hands on either side of his face on the ground as he stared down at him. A small, teasing smile crossed his face.
“Are you crying? Are you impressed with me?”
Yujiro turned away. “Be quiet, stupid.”
“Are you sure~? Hey, turn around and look at me. Come on.”
Feeling irritated that Aizou was trying to peek at his face, Yujiro suddenly sat up quickly, head butting Aizou as hard as he could. Aizou rolled off of him, gripping his chin.
“Ow!!”
Yujiro had accidentally bit his tongue. But that was only his business.
“How persistently annoying!” Yujiro returned to his usual tone, and stood up. “Let’s resume the lesson!”
“You’re really not cute!” Aizou glared at him, rubbing his chin.
This time, they were not doing it for their house or for anyone else, but for their own future.
Everything they’ve done must have meaning.
_
It was two hours later that they finished their voluntary practice.
“Practice your flexibility more.” Aizou said, pushing his hands in his pockets.
“I know. And make sure you review your lyrics too.”
“Shut up!”
The two argued, and walked away from each other.
“That guy...how annoying...” Yujiro gripped his arm as he walked down the hill and to the city.
Suddenly, he noticed he still had Aizou’s towel around his neck and stopped.
“Oh, his towel...” He had forgotten to return it while borrowing it. He could still catch up to him. So, he turned back and started hurrying after him. “Wait!”
He started looking for him.
He eventually found him on a brightly lit street. Yujiro was about to call out to him, but then a different voice called out first.
“Aizou~!”
A woman in flashy clothes hugged him.
Yujiro quickly hid.
“Mom, come on!” Aizou looked embarrassed, trying to pull away from the clingy woman.
“What’s a child doing out at this time~?”
“What...I had lessons.” Aizou started walking with her, lending his staggering mother his shoulders.
“Lessons? For what~?”
“Are you drunk again? You’re drinking too much. Come on, let’s get home.” Aizou pulled on his mother’s arm, trying to take her with him.
“No! Let go! Let go!” She suddenly screamed.
“Mom! Stop that! It hurts! It hurts!”
The mother, who was hitting Aizou while he held his arms out to defend himself, suddenly clung to him and burst into tears.
“Let’s go home. Come on, mom.” Aizou tried to soothe her, letting her lean on his shoulders, and started walking with her again.
The whole time, his mother wailed and screamed like a child.
Yujiro watched the entire interaction and stared after their backs as they left.
When he was asked about his family at the interview, Aizou had been reluctant to talk about living with his mother and brother.
He had things he didn’t want to tell people. Yujiro was the same.
When President Tamura asked him what he thought, he’d said he wasn’t interested at all, because everyone had their own circumstances.
However, the longer they spent together, the more they got to know each other.
He wasn’t sure what President Tamura meant by them having a “deep relationship”, but in order to move forward, they would need to be indispensable. They shared one fate together.
Yujiro turned and walked away with a determined expression.
✨
Upon returning home, Yujiro walked down the corridor with the consent form, walking to the cold place.
He’d never set foot in the kabuki lesson rooms since the day his father told him he couldn’t take over. It was a place he was no longer allowed to enter.
“Once again.”
“Yes.”
“You fumbled. Again!”
Yujiro could hear his father’s harsh voice. Everytime he scolded him, Koichiro replied with a sharp “yes!”. He could remember the merciless lessons from when he was a kid.
“Okay. That’s all for today.”
“Thank you very much.”
Yujiro kneeled in the hallway and waited. His father was right. Those who were not prepared would never succeed, no matter what they did. But he was prepared to stand on his own and walk down the path he chose.
When his father had asked if he was prepared for it, he couldn’t immediately answer, as he had been shaking and uncertain.
But now he had a feeling that there was something new.
In this world...
His father stepped out of the rehearsal hall, and Yujiro placed his hands on the floor and bowed deeply.
“Dad, please. Please sign this consent form.”
“...You are not someone who can stand on the stage. Anyone who is not prepared is useless.”
“I am prepared.” Yujiro looked up at him and spoke clearly.
His father glared down at him, his stern look not fading.
“And this isn’t just my dream anymore. I have a partner.”
(Yes...it’s not just the dream for one person anymore!)
He remembered his lesson with Aizou. The two of them had one dream. He decided to give it his all for the future of their dream.
“I want to challenge how far I can go with him!” Yujiro put a lot of effort into his voice.
“You can’t do it alone. But maybe with someone else, you can?”
Yujiro felt surprised when he heard Koichiro’s mocking voice.
“The way of the stage is not that sweet, don’t take the stage so lightly, stupid!” Koichiro glared down at Yujiro with angry eyes.
“I wasn’t trying to.”
“You can’t do anything by yourself. And your partner’s the same way.”
Listening to his younger brother’s voice, Yujiro clenched his fists tightly.
(Even though you don’t know anything..!!)
Yujiro stood up quickly and stomped forward, grabbing the front of his brother’s shirt.
“Don’t make a fool out of him when you haven’t seen what he can do!” Yujiro shouted at him, glaring at him strongly.
He wasn’t going to let Koichiro trample on his- or his partner’s, efforts. They accumulated their determination and their dreams. He was never going to let him do it again.
Koichiro’s legs shook and he stared at him with a stunned expression.
Yujiro then noticed his father’s gaze, staring at them silently. Yujiro let go slowly.
“Excuse me...” Yujiro sat back down and bowed.
“...Yujiro. The stage you’re wanting is different, but standing on the stage is the same as kabuki. The road is tough.”
“I’m prepared.” Yujiro raised his head and stared at his father, his voice unwavering.
No matter what happened, he was going to follow this path. Even if he had to abandon the Someya name.
His father knelt down in front of Yujiro and picked up the consent form from the floor.
“Tae. Get me a pen.”
“Yes!” His mother, who had been anxiously watching from behind the door, hurried off to go get a pen.
“Father...”
“If you really insist, then try it.” When he received a pen from his mother, he signed his name on the consent form “My views, or your views. Prove which one is correct.”
Yujiro looked at the consent form when it was returned to him.
“Yes!”
_
The next day, Yujiro went to the office and presented the consent form to Manager Uchida at her desk in the office.
“Here’s my parental consent form. Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Yes, it’s fine.” Manager Uchida grabbed it and looked it over.
“...You got it signed.” A voice said softly.
Yujiro glanced at Aizou in confusion. “What?”
“No, it’s nothing.” Aizou turned away.
“The two of you, come over here when you’re done.” President Tamura called out to them. It was rare for her to be in the office.
