What do you think, seeing all the classes and clubs here? Different from highschool?
Souma: Aah, the university library and “cafe” are quite interesting.
“Ensemble Square” is an area designated to raise “idols,” but a university is the educational version of that?
Nazuna: Ahaha, pretty sure it’s the other way around~
Souma: Fufu, in any case I have gained much knowledge. I now know all that college life is about.
I was surprised to see so many people dancing in front of the ‘glass’ building. I suppose it is a ‘dance circle?’
Even the students of this university practice arts on their own… To see such a large number of people put their heart into their art here was surprising.
The other “circle” was formally recognized by the school, but this one is not… I wonder if there is a disparity between the groups?
Nazuna: Mhm~ I think it’s a concept that you’re not used to, yeah?
Universities have a culture of personal independence, so besides the university approved clubs you can also form your own outside circles.
Unofficial circles are free to make, but they don’t receive support from the university.
So, they either rent off-campus places to practise in, or they practise in front of those glass buildings, like that.
But, for university kids, this is just one of the freedoms they choose.
Souma: This culture of self governance… I suppose I understand. As we age and grow older, we are drawn to being more autonomous.
This must have also been what Hasumi-dono was fretting over. My seniors affectionately look after me like they were my real parents—But, to fully gain independence, I must leave their protection.
Nazuna: Keito-chin and Kuro-chin? Well, now that you mention it, I see your point.
When I was also in my third year, I thought I’d be an idol, for like basically, forever—But, when I took a break from it all and looked into the outside world, I realised something. The possibilities in this world are limitless.
…So What d’ya think of this college tour?
Souma: Aah… All of the sudden, I am just… all so fired up to give it my all in mu studies.
I must give you my thanks, Nito-dono. This world is so much grander than what I had imagined—
I must admit, I also need to spend further time thinking about my future; or, well, that is what this experience has me feeling… ♪
(Flash forward to present day)
Keito: —I see. So that’s the situation?
Souma: Aah. Since you are both here, I would like to break something to you. I would like to take a break from “AKATSUKI” activities for the time being.
Keito: Huh? Isn’t that unusual for you, Kanzaki, to request for time off?
Souma: Mhm. I looked through my schedule, and it does not seem I have too much work coming up. So for this reason, I would like to turn my focus towards my final exams and mock exams.
I will report back to you if I can just get the results I need of above a “B” on my first choice of school’s mock exam —Of which is also the school Nito-dono attends.
Until then, could you hold back on my work?
Keito: I understand. Kanzaki, it’s your own decision to make, and I won’t say anything against that.
Kanzaki, your will is our wish too.
Kuro: …Are you alright, Danna?
Keito: Aah, you know, in the meantime, the two of us taking on more individualised work may prove to be interesting. Do your best, Kanzaki.
Souma: I am grateful. I am sorry for worrying you both, Hasumi-dono, Kiryuu-dono.
I am well-aware that this will cause you inconvenience, but I still want for you to watch over me as I make my decision.
Kuro: Is that it? It’s no issue.
Keito: If it interrupts your studies, you are also free to ignore the “Hold Hands” messages for now. Don’t be afraid to talk to me about this stuff.
Souma: Aah, if there is indeed something urgent that pops up… I would be happy to answer any calls.
Well, then I will be taking my time off now ♪
Tsukasa: …Ooh. I, as well, was shaken to see you take a leave of absence from your idol activities.
Haha! But it seems that the AKATSUKI senpai are understanding, and that they seem to have a lot of trust in you, Kanzaki-senpai.
My senpai in Knights are always pushing me around, so I wish they would learn from you guys about these types of things
Shinobu: Is that really true? Knights, from my perspective, seem to be pretty harmonious, or, well, that’s all I see.
Tsukasa: Well, we do come together as a group in some ways, but—At our core, we’re a group full of individualists. So, there are times where working together as a unit, one can’t help but grit their teeth.
Souma: The grass always looks greener from the other side. From my perspective, it seems that AKATSUKI’s concerns lay with the fact I do not say anything of my own accord.
I wish that I was like you, Suou. To have a will I could call my own, but...
…Useless. Such issues can only be solved with calls to action. I best stop looking for a needle in a haystack, and get on with my studies.
My path is clear to me, I must achieve at least a “B” on that mock exam. If I can just get that prized result—the future will be limitless.
I wrote this poem three years ago, after the death of Robin Williams. While I am still hit at unexpected moments by grief over his tragic exit from our world, I had mostly forgotten about this poem. It was written in a few breaths and a haze of shock, and it doesn’t flow as perfectly as I would like, but it remains untouched as a testament to what I wanted to express.
Robin
Summer bird who made us laugh,
Every time you spoke.
Weary bird who made us cry,
When you could no longer joke.
We loved to see you every spring,
Coming back around,
Struggling to find your wings,
To get up off the ground.
We tried our best to show our love,
In laughter and applause.
We saw your best and knew your heart,
You only saw your flaws.
It gets better, just hold on,
Don't fly away too early.
Summer fades but autumn burns,
You'll see its beauty, surely.
If you feel that you must leave,
You can't bear winter's cold,
Please at least keep us in mind,
If you need a smile to hold.
You went away, our summer bird,
And couldn't make it back.
Now through the rain we look and see,
That Heaven has a crack.
The shining light is all around,
We'll always feel the rays.
We'll know you're calm and happy now.
You'll have no more bad days.
How we'll miss you, summer bird,
Rest in peace, dear Robin.
We're sad but know we're better off,
For loving you in common.
