lukas

Hah, hah…!

What’s that!? I don’t get it!

But it’s makin’ my heart race☆

Hokke~, Ukki~, Sari~! You guys came too?

Yeah. You saw that thing too and rushed over here, right~?

I dunno how to say it… but it’s even more shocking than the first time I saw ES. Seriously, what is that?

If something like that showed up outside your window, of course you’d go out to look. Even people from ES are coming over… see? Looks like it’s already trending on Social Media too

It’s like I’m dreaming. A massive hulk of iron, beyond everything we know, coming toward us…

What’s about to begin…?

Ahaha! So you guys feel the same! When you see somethin’ that sparkly, there’s no way you can just sit still☆

It’s sooo pretty. What could it be?

“This “transformation” marks the dawn of a new idol era”

“You too, burn this miraculous program into your memory!”

“The moment these idols step into a new phase, shining with more than just song and dance!”

“From here, we’ll broadcast their charm, too big for any set frame, to the whole world!”

“For your sake, we’ll fill this world with all things wonderful, things truly Nice”

“Look forward to this ultimate new program: Mega Stream!”

Phew, I’m wore out…

Finally made it. Sorry fer makin’ ya wait, Anzu-han, hope ya can forgive me?

I set out with plenty o’ time, but dang if I didn’t go an’ lose my way

Ain’t my first time comin’ to the Producer Room, yet it’s a funny thing. Guess I just assumed I’d get here no problem, an’ wound up headin’ clean the wrong way

When I realized it, I was standin’ smack dab in the opposite direction. Let out a weird yelp without meanin’ to

I figured, I managed fine in the city, I’ll be just fine here too… turns out that baseless confidence was just plain ol’ arrogance

…Come to think of it, when we first met, Anzu-han, it was kinda the same

I was lost at the station an’ you came up talkin’ to me. Ya remember?

I remember it clear. Back then I didn’t have the faintest clue where ES was, just stood there frozen

When it showed up after just walkin’ a bit, I was real shocked. Couldn’t believe I missed a buildin’ that huge. Felt pitiful

But well, it ain’t a bad memory. Since we was headin’ the same way, ya walked with me, even patched up my blisters

The city’s all glittery but cold somehow. Still, there’s good folks ‘round, that made me happy

…Even today, if I’d called ya, ya would’ve come pick me up? Anzu-han, you really are kind

But I ain’t no kid no more, ya know. Compared to back then, I can get anywhere on my own feet

I’m used to my shoes now, no more sore feet from walkin’ ‘round. Bein’ clueless ‘bout left or right, that’s all in the past

…Well, gettin’ lost in the first place still ain’t exactly cool

At least ya didn’t see me openin’ the map app and wanderin’ in circles

Anyhow, just makin’ it here on my own feels good. Ain’t much, but there’s a sense of achievement

And if next time I come without messin’ up, then this weren’t a failure. It’s experience

This time I can brush it off as a “personal errand”, but if it was work, I couldn’t be so easygoin’

I’ll make today’s wrong turn count next time. Don’t worry ‘bout me

So then, let’s get to the point, what’s this errand ‘bout?

…Hmm, hmm. Heard rumors ‘bout that. Somethin’ that just started, right?

As part of Mega Stream, idols doin’ solo live streams…

Oh, makin’ a costume just for that stream, huh

So that means it’s a pretty serious project. Well, if all idols are included, I s’pose it’s natural

So? What ya want bringin’ that up with me?

…Ya wanna hear my opinion? Someone new like me don’t know half as much as you, Anzu-han. Ain’t even worth askin’, is it?

Ehh… next is my turn…?

Whe-what’s that ‘bout! This ain’t no “personal errand,” it’s proper work!

I thought it’d be more like small talk, at most just casual chat, so I came here relaxed…

True enough, like ya said, reckon a solo job could count as a “personal errand”...

Nah nah, normally it doesn't! But knowin’ you, Anzu-han, ya just said that so I wouldn’t get all tense

I get it now. Ya wanna put my tastes and image into the costume, heh

“The me I wanna show right now,”. Hmm…

…Nothin’ comes to mind right off

If it’s clothes I wanna wear… I could pick casual wear easy enough

But it ain’t like I feel strongly, “I wanna wear this,” I just grab whatever on a whim

And idol costumes are another thingy. Somethin’ that important, I get nervous thinkin’ if it’s really okay for me to decide

I do kinda think it’d be good if it’s a costume fans love, one they’ll remember forever

But what you’re wantin’, Anzu-han, ain’t that sorta “right answer,” it’s my own feelings, ain’t it?

If ya ask how I wanna show myself now, honestly I got no idea

But still… since ya called me out like this, feels wasteful to say nothin’

Like ya said, I could leave it up to ya, Anzu-han, but if I do nothin’, it’s the same as back then

Same as that time I was just standin’ there, surrounded by huge buildings

…I been lost plenty since becomin’ an idol, but I still remember every path I walked on my own feet

That’s why this time too… even if I wander ‘round, I’ll find the answer myself

Mega Sphere’s so wide it still feels like I done come to some foreign country

Might sound dramatic talkin’ ‘bout how I’ll live here

But maybe it’ll be a good chance to think on how I’ll spend my days in this new place

(What kinda of self I wanna show, huh... bein’ asked with no clue like this, it’s not somethin’ you can answer easily)

(Good thing I got some time to think. I gotta thank Anzu-han)

(Hmm… For now, I’ll take another look at the outfits I’ve worn so far. Might give me some clues)

(This one’s from when I did Crazy:B, and this one’s from Double Face…)

(I hadn’t really noticed before, ‘cause I was always focused on the work at hand, but the vibe really changes with each unit)

(But… what is it…? I’ve got good feelings for both, but maybe it’s better not to use the unit outfits as reference)

(This time I’m standin’ not as a unit, but as Kohaku Oukawa himself)

(…I think I understand that logic, at least in my own way)

(Tryin’ not to think about the unit’s image is tough. That means my choices get a lot narrower)

(Speakin’ of solo, I remember wearin’ my exclusive outfit that had a cherry blossom on the back)

(It was beautiful, and I think it suited me pretty well too)

(I’ve always been familiar with traditional clothes, but it doesn’t feel like what I want to show now)

(Not just an extension of the past. What can I show as Kohaku Oukawa in this very moment? It’s tough…)

(…Hm? Someone’s here)

(Mutterin’ to myself here, but what are them doin’? Don’t look like them are lost though…)

Found it! I’ve discovered the hidden exit leadin’ to a brand-new world☆

After a hundred years of hardship! A huge adventure full of ups and downs has paid off! Congrats to me!

With this, I’ve gotten one step closer to the “Million Secrets” slumberin’ in Mega Sphere—where findin’ them all grants your wish!

Advancin’ straight toward uncoverin’ the truth! The adventurer Esu’s journey ain’t over yet…☆

Now, what awaits ahead, I wonder~

—That ain’t an exit, it’s a vent, y’know?

Ah! Hello, Kohaku-senpai. Thanks for your hard work

Thanks for bein’ polite. You’re Esu-han, right?

What’ve ya been doin’ all this time? And what’s this “Million Secrets” thing anyway?

Good question! My unit mates don’t really go along with it~

”Million Secrets” is just somethin’ I made up. Mega Sphere’s huge, so it ain’t strange if there’s that many secrets, right?

But still, a million… realistically, ain’t a hundred enough?

No no. It’s “Mega”, so a million’s gotta be about right

Geez. I just don’t get what kids do

How old are ya, anyway?

Me? I’m sixteen

No way, really?

It’s true. Look, my ID~

…It really is. Same age as me, huh

Eh!???? Seriously??????

I always thought you were older! Crazy:B is a unit with a grown-up vibe, isn’t it!

Kohaku-senpai’s calm and presence… it’s totally that of a veteran

But if we’re the same age, callin’ ya senpai’s weird. Uh… Kohaku-kun?

Whoa, feels kinda off…!

Kohkohkoh♪ I actually prefer it that way. Rarely anyone calls me senpai anyway

When it comes to same age, only Rabu-han comes to mind, and I’m the youngest in the unit. Feels kinda close, y’know?

I get that! The moment I realized we’re the same age, all the walls came down☆

I’d be glad if we can get along from here! Pleased to meet yaaaaaa!

…You’re mighty energetic. How do you have that much voice?

Thankss! Energy’s my only sellin’ point!

That’s respectable in its own way though…

(I wonder… Esu-han feels so dazzling. Hard to believe we’re the same age)

(…Even Rabu-han’s kinda cheerful. Esu-han feels more age-appropriate, I guess)

(If I’d grown up somewhere else, livin’ a different life… would I have been more lively too…?)

Hm? Something wrong?

Ah, nuthin’

It’s just… lookin’ at you makes me feel like I’ve aged a bit

Feels like I’ve been left behind a little

Left behind, huh… are we talkin’ about speed?

Speed?

Yeah. Like how you go through life, growin’… that kinda stuff!

But it’s all good! There ain’t no early or late for startin’ an adventure!

Strike while the iron’s hot! Let’s go together!

Go out? That’s a vent, ya know

Open sesameeeeeeee! Come on, let’s go to a brand new world☆

Hey, don’t pull my sleeve…!

Oi! Listen to what I’m sayin’!?

Anzu-han, thanks for makin’ the time. About the outfit we talked ‘bout yesterday…

Eh? You mean my movements are stiff?

You really noticed that? Is it that obvious?

Don’t worry, it’s just muscle soreness

Yesterday, we… walked all over Mega Sphere, me and Esu-han

In Esu-han’s words, that was an “adventure”

We didn’t go into vents, thankfully. But we walked forever up emergency stairs, back alleys, weird spots

Places no one normally pays attention to

My legs are screamin’. I rarely ever get muscle pain though

…Used muscles I normally don’t? Hm, makes sense

If ya think about it, it’s kinda like growth pains. Quietly hurtin’, but… not bad

Esu-han looked like he wanted more, but for me, it was a huge adventure

Just walkin’, but somehow it felt fresh and fun

Probably because what Esu-han saw was totally different from me

Hard to say, but I felt something in Esu-han that I don’t have

…Then it hit me. Maybe my life from now on is an adventure itself

I can’t tell what I’ll be like in the future. Right now, I can’t even imagine

So now, I wanna absorb all sorts of things and grow

So I can move forward on my own two feet. So that when a big goal comes, I can hold my ground

For that reason… I wanna challenge myself with this outfit to show a version of me that could’ve existed

Birth, upbringing, things I like… I’ll set all that aside for a bit

I wanna wrap myself in the atmosphere of kids livin’ in the same era, even a little

…Surely that’s somethin’ only possible “now”

It’s fine to be unsure. Even if it doesn’t suit me, that’s fine too. I wanna go all in, just as I am

Gatherin’ what I lack like that, buildin’ experience little by little…

I feel like that way, I could live more like “Kohaku Oukawa”, holdin’ my chest high…♪

Yume-san, were ya able to rest properly yesterday? If ya couldn't sleep because ya were nervous, ya can always use Mama's lap as a pillow♪

Come on, come hereee! It's okay, I can wake ya up when it's your turn

Uunn, Yume will pass it. Actually, if we weren't in this [Shuffle Unit] together Yume would be calling security like right now.

…Don't worry, Yume is fine. Even so, Yume is not even nervous in the first place.

Hahaha, I guess that was unnecessary meddling on my part. My apologies!

Ugh, could you not talk this loud? You're way too energetic even the live hasn't started yet

But, since [Luv&Peace Densetsu] is a song that makes you feel bright and positive, it kinda suit your vibe perfectly

Eh, Hibiki-senpai. Do you remember the first time you met with the members of [PM6:∞]

Of course! The thought of what kind of Amazing could be born from six people standing on the same stage… The excitement I felt in myself that day isn't something I could forget so easily…☆

That being said… isn't it a bit too early to be looking back on memories and nostalgia?

Well, even the Live is still ahead of us, I just really wanted to say this…

Fufufu…☆ Am I about to receive a love confession here!?

N-no, that's not it~! I just wanted to say thanks for supporting my idea of making the choreography something the fans could enjoy together with us…!

Fufu, I was only joking with you. I'm also one of the members of [PM6:∞], so there's no need to thank me♪

This heart-flying effect is just sooo lovelyy, no matter how many times I come to see it. It suits Yume perfectly…♪

Ya look pretty happy, hee~

Oh yeah, when we first talked about how the stage would be like, you were the first one to bring it up, right? Like, saying the hearts just had to be in there

Yeahhh, Even when we were talking about what accessories to put on the costumes, you were tossing out ideas like crazy

Well, to make a good stage, that kind of attention to every detail really matters. Having you throw out ideas really helped us out too

Heeh~ we're not really here just to chat. Being cute is totally [Ra*bits] thing, and we gotta make sure all the fans get to see it too♪

Shiina-senpai, did you know? Choreography that uses the hands and fingers, kinda like finger dances, is actually pretty popular with the fans♪

Heeh, is that soo~?

Yeah. Seems like it's partly because the moves look cute, too

And since it's just hands and fingers, they don't have to worry about the person sitting next to them, you know? They can copy us and have fun together

Guess there really are lots of ways for everyone to have fuun~. I learned somethin' new!

Fufu. Well then, shall we practice the choreography together?

That moment of the lyrics, [In a snap of the moment]… The choreography turned out pretty unique compared to how it was at first, didn' it?

Yume-san and I make a frame with our hands, and Wataru-san becomes the subject. It really shows off the [unit's] charm, I like it a lott, ya know♪

Fufufu. That choreography was thought up by Little Rabbit-san, wasn't it~♪

Ah. Since I saw Hajime-chin and Yume-chin taking photos, I thought it might be a good idea to incorporate that into the choreography

You could say this idea was born precisely because Nazuna-san cared about the juniors so much!

Ahaha, hearing you say that makes me kinda shy, but I'd be happy if it turns out well♪

The fans were copying Yume and making hears with their hands…♪

Just like the theme of this song, "Bakuage", it was an amazing stage!1

By the way, I've been wondering, what does the "Age" in the lyrics mean again? There were a lottt of words in these lyrics that I had never heard before

Oh, it means something like "the best" or "getting hyped up"… I guess this might be a generation gap thing

Yeaahh, I'm sure that's it. But somehow, singing it just makes me feel really happy! Like, it gives me energy, you know…

Fufufu, that's exactly what it means to Agaru! Amazing…✩2

...

Ah, Shu-kun! You came to hang out at the library~. What kind of book are you looking for? I can recommend what I think you'd enjoy♪

Aoba.. How dare a bastard like you speak to me…

Ehh? Since you came to the library as a guest, Shu-kun, I don't think it's strange to talk to you as a library committee member, right?

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, what kind of book are you looking for? I know most of the books here, so if you tell me the title, I can find it for you right away

Even if you don't know the name, just tell me the book genre and I can find something from there~♪

Hmph, I'd rather look for it myself than having to rely on you

I already know which shelf it's on, so I don't need your help anyway

Ahaha, I guess I was just meddling. But I still want to get along with you like we did before, Shu-kun. Though, I know that's just my selfish wish

...

W-wait, don't just put the book down silently! Eh… you're borrowing this book, right?

Fufu, borrowing a crafting book is so like you, Shu-kun~. I actually borrowed and read it myself the other day. It's quite an interesting—

Aoba

Yes? What do you need?

Unlike you, I'm busy. If you've finished the checking it out, hand me the book at once.

Ah, that's right. The return deadline is the week after next, so please make sure to bring it back by then

Hmph, there's no way I'd ever forget. When the time comes, you'll have to come pick it up at the Handicraft Club yourself.

I'm not going to welcome you, but as a member of the Handicraft Club, I'll let you enter

Hmm, that took more time than I thought. I only meant to take a quick look, but I ended up stayin’ longer than expected

Even so… The convenience store here in Mega Sphere may look ordinary, but it’s actually pretty impressive

In contrast to the unique passage area, at first glance it looks no different from a regular chain store on the surface…

But the selection is hugee, and they even have foreign snacks I’ve never seen before. Thanks to that, it was a nice little change of pace

I’m hoomeee☆

…Oops, I went and said it out loud even though nobody’s here. Guess that’s a leftover habit from living in the dorms

Hmm? That’s strange, I feel like there’s someone here…

…Ohh?

Zzz… Zzz…

Why is Mika-san here? Did he mistake this for his room?

…Nope. With all my stuff lying around, it must be Mika-san who got the wrong room

Mmm, he’s fast asleep. I hate to have to wake up him, but I can’t just leave him like this either

Alright then, Mama will wake him gently♪

Mika-san, wake uppp☆

…Nnh, nn…?

Oshi-san, don’t wake me up yet…

Oops, he’s half-asleep. Fufu, like a baby, it’s so cutee

But I’m not your Oshi-san, I’m your mamaaa1

Nna…? Mama…?

Fuaaah, uu…… Oh, ’s just Mikejima-senpai

Why’re ya here? Do ya need somethin’ with Valkyrie…?

Hahaha, that’s what I should be saying, isn’ it? This is my room, after all

Ehh……?

...Nn—ahhh!? I-I’m soooo sorry! I barged in without permission an’ then fell asleep...!

I really am sorry! I didn’ mean anything bad by it, please forgive me~!

Hahaha. No need to panic so much. I’m not mad or anything, y’know

Real...? Ya’ll forgive me?

Yeahh. I’m also at fault for not locking up, since I was just goin’ out for a bit

But why’d ya come to my room? Wouldn’t it be better for you to sleep in Valkyrie’s room?

That’s... ’m not too sure myself.

If I had to say, maybe ’s ‘cause the rooms are built the same?

If I’d looked properly, I’d see the stuff inside was totally different, an’ realize right away it wasn’t my room…

But the layout’s exactly the same. I must’ve walked in without thinkin’ an’ mistaken it fer mine

I see. Since I’m in a solo unit, they let me use this double room all by myself…

If the setup’s the same as your room, then it’s no wonder you got mixed up

Yeahh… Can’t believe I let my guard down that much

I’ve been lackin’ sleep fer a while now. That’s probably why. I real gotta be more careful…

Lack of sleep?

Yeahh. Lately I’ve been on a roll as an artist

Maybe ’s ‘cause the environment changed, but makin’ art’s been so fun. I forget to eat or sleep an’ just get absorbed in it

“Just a little more”. I keep puttin’ everything else off. Once I start, I can’t stop, an’ before I know it the night’s already over

I see. For you, art’s clearly more than just a hobby

But let me say this. Having something you’re passionate about is wonderful, but cuttin’ into your sleep isn’t a good thing

A bit of sleep deprivation’s fine for a day or two, but when it piles up, it really wears you down

The fatigue you’ve built up w suddenly all hit you at once someday. The body doesn’t lie, y’know

Yeah... I know. That’s why I ended up crashin’ in yer room, Mikejima-senpai

But when I’m at my limit from lack of sleep, that’s exactly when the best ideas come to me

’m st inexperienced. Feels like if I don’t pour my very life into it, I won’t be able to create anything worthwhile…

Mika-san, that’s not right

It’s not because you’re inexperienced that you should burn yourself out. When you’re inexperienced, that’s when you should take care of yourself and move forward little by little

I won’t deny that art born from burning yourself out exists. But people who can keep creating that way? They’re few and far between

Even Shu-san, the one you admire, surely takes proper time to rest

What matters is being able to keep going. Isn’t the important thing how long you can keep bein’ an artist?

I want you to take your time, Mika-san. Value yourself and keep goin’ steadily forward.

Mikejima-senpai…

Thankss. Dunno why, but yer words just really sank in

Words from someone who’s traveled the world really hit different

Hehe, it’s easy enough to say with words

Anyway, when you’re makin’ art in your room, it’s hard to relax when it’s time to rest, right?

If you’d like, feel free to use my room. It’s big, and people from other units sometimes stay over here too

No way, I couldn’t… That’d be way too much to ask

No need to hold back. We help each other out when we’re in trouble, don’t we?

Besides, it feels a bit too luxurious havin’ this whole room to myself

So if someone else makes use of it, I’m grateful too

…I see. If that’s how ya feel, then maybe someday I’ll take you up on it

St, I can’t help feelin’ bad about it. This all started ‘cause of my mistake…

Ah! I know, let me make a little ornament in your image as an apology, Mikkejima-senpai!

An ornament? I don’t really—

Nfufu, the perfect idea just came to me♪

I’ll make it right away, so ya better accept it!

Mika-san!? …And off he goes

I always thought I’d keep this place simple, since I’m not one for decorating…

…Well, one more thing wouldn’t hurt

If I decorate with Mika-san’s kindness, maybe this room will feel a little brighter…♪

I thought you were busy, but I didn't realize you were preparing the things for my birthday.. Well, it's not a bad gift...♪

Hm? It looks like I got a message, the sender is…

It was Kagehira after all. I actually don't mind being congratulated like this

I guess I have to say thank you to him in return

The shooting is today, I'm wondering how it will be like

It seems like the foyer will be decorated, I'm curious to see if it'll match my expectations on how it will be

In order to get a perfect result in a photoshoot, proper preparation is extremely necessary

We ended up talking for a while, so I think it's time to head to the foyey

I'll have enough time to change clothes, and I'd like to check out the set as well

Well, I guess I'll go then

Hmm. I was wondering what the foyer decoration would look like…

Not bad, at all. It's finished in a classy pleasant way to celebrate the birthday

It seems simple but it is actually complex. It makes you feel good

With such a beautifully decorated place, you'll probably be able to take some good photos…♪

Waa!? Who was it that suddenly just poked me in the back?

Hm? It's you, Little Girl. Is there something wrong? That box…

A surprise? I see, lets open the box right away

Oh. Is this suit a birthday present for me? It's not badly designed. I'll gladly receive it

What do you think? I tried the suit you gave me

Hmm. I guess you're right. Of course it suits me

By the way… this suit fits me perfectly even though you didn't even take any measurements, that shows off your skills

Well, I'm going to start shooting in this outfit right away

Hmm. It looks like the shooting is going well

The staff and photographer's reactions were also positive

...This is not only due to my skill, but also to Little Girl's work. The Little Girl is doing an admirable job

Well, I'll try my best to finish the photoshoot like this until the end

Ah, Little Girl. We had a great shoot today. I'm very satisfied

…Hm? Is there something wrong?

Do you want to take a photo to commemorate today? Sure, then let's take one last photo

Well Little Girl, I'm still grateful to you

So, please lend me the photo you just took. I'll sign it

It's a small token of appreciation. I hope you accept it

...“The Japanese Neverland Cup?”

Yes. However, since it’s quite the mouthful and not that visually appealing, it's usually referred to simply as “JNLC” (Japanese Neverland Cup)1

...So many national events and institutions frequently use a “J” in their abbreviations; I feel like it can be confused with other things and could be hard to remember

…You and I can understand them easily, but I think it can be hard for the common people…

Eh, so you’re aware that you’re different from the others “in general”, huh? As a person with some experience, I would like to advise you that this is a thorny path2

…A thorny path?3

…Fufu, as long as I live as a part of Eden and Adam, no matter how hard I try, my path will always be a thorny one devised by Ibara

Oh, a pun? Our Eichi is quite fond of those too. Since you two were in fine in the past, maybe you came to resemble him after working together?

...Perhaps. Humans live their lives interacting and influencing each other, after all

Well, and in your case, that’s quite extreme, huh?

Since you were stuck in a pretty little box as a kid and didn’t interact at all with the world, you’re more prone to being influenced by others around you, I fear. After all, the purer the white clothes, the more dirt stains will stand out

...Indeed. But well, I’ve already been completely stained the moment I met Ibara, so now it’s as pitch black as it can get♪

Such words of affection, but, due to your nature, I would say you’re better suited in white

...On the other hand, I would say you’re better suited in black, the chaotic reunion of all colors

FuFuFu. Perhaps we were matched with the wrong partners, then?

...No, I disagree. If your life ends in the same way that it did when you were born, without interacting with anyone, without any changes, then what’s the value of this life?

...Everyone adapts themselves for this environment or continues to change due to the stimuli they receive. By mixing and matching the “newest version of yourself”, we substantially preserve our lives

...Even in a world that was abandoned by God, we can still live in such a way

Amazing! Oh precious and good humored incarnation of Adam, the first of mankind. You’re truly the personification of the human trajectory that has been long told by the Bible!

Sing out loud in this key, as you claim that stupidity, that ugliness, and all the rest that makes humanity as indeed what gives meaning to “humanity”!

Dye the earth in blood while proclaiming “I’m the one who rules this land”!

...Do you perhaps despise me and it's trying to condemn me as an attempt to hurt my feelings?

...After all I...No, we acted in not very “fine” ways, so it's okay if you would like to take revenge on us

Not at all. If I were to take revenge, it would insinuate I have a grudge against all of you, would it not?

...And yet you should. In the present society mankind has built in this world, it's hard to survive unless you at least pretend to be “human”

...Though I suppose saying that to you would be like preaching to the choir, Hibiki Wataru-kun of the “Five Eccentrics”

Of course I’m aware of that, Ran Nagisa-san of the former fine

You were the ones who made me realize this, after all. And yet, when it comes to the pursuit of love and wonder, I'm happy to continue playing the role of the clown

You know that all too well as an angel that created such an utopia by chopping us up into several parts and scattering our remains out there

...Indeed I know, o foolish monster that read us as an open book, yet willingly laid himself down to serve as a foundation

...The present era has been built atop your sacrifices. We are the only ones that will never forget about it

.....

.....

Anyways, back to the subject at hand. If you don’t mind, would you like to participate in the “JNLC” with me?

...Has anyone ever told you that your actions are quite sudden?

Truthfully, I'm rather bad at negotiation and solicitation, for I rarely ever ask others for something, so I’m inexperienced

... I understand, so it’s fine

...“JNLC”, huh. If I remember correctly, it was originally a western competition

...The original Neverland Cup was an event with a huge history and prestige, the “Oscars” Academy Awards of the musical industry

...The original idea was to award the most artistic musicians in the world. The “JNLC” would be the Japanese version of it, founded by my father

Yes indeed, the founder is none other than the Godfather, whose name has been brought up again recently

...Well, my father was the founder of almost all systems and cultures in this modern industry of idols

...Though the name “Godfather” sounds almost wrong for him. It makes him sound like the head of a mafia

...My father was nothing but an idol. No, he was a father who loved and took care of all idols

Exactly, that’s why we call him “father”. Each of us is inevitably a descendant of that formidable monster

However, we cannot continue to be prodigal children who only waste the inheritance left behind by our parents

Especially now that we have this home to call ours,Ensemble Square, it's pathetic for us to still be stuck to our umbilical cords

Thus, there has been action to reassess the “JNLC”, to promote it, and let it become a solid and reliable musical prize for the whole world

One of my old partners in the acting industry happens to be in charge of this project. They asked me if I could help them, for the good old times

But well, there are some reasons that make fine not very ideal to take part in that, and I have to come to specialize in acting…

I'm sure I can join as a musician, but I'm not too sure whether my performance can be deemed artistic

The “JNLC” is an event to determine who’s the most artistic musician of Japan. Even if I joined as myself, I would be out of place

I could call the folks from “Träumerei”, but all of them seemed to be busy with their own matters

And so, while thinking on what to do, I found you

...Hm, but it seemed like I was your target from the very beginning ...“JNLC”? There’s something beautiful in the idea of winning the trophy that my father left ...I’ll check with Ibara for permission, but it's most likely that I'll be able to enter as well

Amazing! Wonderful, so you shall enter with me as a duo

The former members of the Five Eccentrics and fine joining hands! Surely this will cause quite the uproar

...Fufu. I hope this won’t reopen half-healed wounds of the past ...However, if we’re talking about artistic musicians, I'm sure you already have the perfect friend for it ...Wouldn’t it be better if you had called him instead of me?

Fufufu. Recently “he” seems to have little to no interest in anything besides his own art, so even if I were to ask him, he would probably decline

Besides, I’m not the person he should be pursuing art with…

In the first place, since always we walk completely opposite paths. Myself and Itsuki Shu from Valkyrie

(Sighhhhhhhh, what ‘m gonna doooo-)

(Oshi-san’ll be mad atme~ No, instead of gettin’ mad atme, lately Oshi-san’s been so sweet with me that 's givin’ me the chills, but he's still gonna scold me~)

(He’ll abandon me~ I can just imagine Oshi-san’s face lookin’ atme with scorn~)

.....♪

(Wait a sec, why am I smilin’?! I need t’ think of somethin’, no matter what it is!)

(Oshi-san’s returnin’ t’ Japan at noon, so I wanna make a solid plan before he gets here!)

(I can hear him already~ “What have you even been doing until now? If you’ve been acting like nothing but a lifeless corpse, then I suppose I should have held a funeral for you.”)

(I suppose that type of sarcasm is just right fer someone who’s well-bred…)

.....♪

(Nnha, this ain’t the time t’ get excited! I gotta think about what I need t’ think!)

(Nnaaaa, God, why didn’t ya put a smarter brain in my head?!)

(Aah… As I thought, it’s impossible to create my own art~)

(If I try to imitate Oshi-san, I’d be nothin’ but a cheap façade.)

“Amazing! For all the people on my left and on my right, and for every beautiful being that walks like migratory birds, If you’re not running against life, enjoy my art!”

(Art? Is someone sellin’ art in the street like this?)

Huh? Isn’t that Oshi-san’s friend一

Oya? Oya Oya Oya? It looks like we’ve met in an unexpected place, Doll-san!

Nna? I’m happy ya call me like that, but I’m not a doll anymore. Now, I need t’ live as a proper human, as I vowed durin’ the Repayment Festival

Oh? We, fine, were not too involved with the repayment festival, so we didn’t know much about the details―

So that's how it ended up after all?

Should this be said to be a non-normal act of Shu, or rather a normal one?

This is the type of contradiction that art holds

The more one pursues art, the loftier the work becomes, and the more distant it becomes from human beings. And it is only when humans determine its value that art can be considered art

An artist truly is a thin, transparent thread that connects never-changing eternity to our own transient world! Amazing...☆

Nnha? Ok, if ya say so, but… What’re you doin’ here, Hibiki-senpai?

It looks like you’re doin’ a street performance or somethin’, but are you doin’ work around here?

No, no! Today is “Eichi Day”1, so I’m also enjoying my personal time!

Eichi Da–y?

Fufufu. It's a special and important holiday for us fine, don't you know?

No, I don't know. Now that I think about it, I think I read in a magazine article that the members of "fine" have been spendin’ their days off together

I've been doin’ a lot of gravure shoots lately, so I've been gettin’ a lot of complimentary copies of the magazines I work for

That's right! We call that day off "Eichi Day". It's a special code only known among us fine

Ahaha. As usual, it seems like the namin’ sense of the Student Council President’s exquisite, it was the same case fer DDD an’ MDM

Wait, that guy isn’t the President anymore. Eeh, ‘s Tenshouin Eichi-san, right?

Doin’ something like namin’ a holiday after yerself just shows how he’s still trying to put himself in the spotlight somehow

Well, Eichi is an idol after all, that’s our role. Maybe he was just influenced by me, who is always trying to be under the spotlight

I mean, s’just bad pun usin’ holiday… From the “eh” in “H”- day t’Eichi-day. Sounds kinda dumb

Fufufu. Actually, he wasn’t the one who brought up the idea of calling it “Eichi day”

Well, I won't deny that it's a very Eichi-esque name

Speaking of him, Eichi has been repeatedly admitted to and discharged from the hospital recently due to fatigue from the summer

We love to have Eichi by our side, but when he’s around, he acts tough and pushes himself too hard

So we are spending our time happily and joyfully, communicating with each other through Hall Hands and other means

The world is so beautiful and lovely, so please come back soon, Eichi

Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, we’ve gotten used to Eichi's absence... Even without him, we have set up the activities of fine so that they can continue somehow

It's truly lonely and unfortunate. Just when we were about to start walking together, we had to separate

Fufu. Well, there’s nothin’ ya can do with his health the way it is

Last year, we, Valkyrie, were both in bad condition too, an’ there were times when we couldn't perform on stages that we wanted t’ perform on

Fufufu. Such a thing is common amongst artists, isn’t it? They tend to put their whole heart and soul into the work in front of them, and forget about their own “self”

Even though for us idols, our “self” is our selling point

.....♪

Oya? What's wrong, why are you grinning? Did I say something amusing? Can you tell me what it is?

Nnha, ‘s not that… I was just thinkin’ about how easy it is to talk with ya, even though I’m shy when it comes to people 'm not that close to, Hibiki-senpai

I guess ‘s because yer pretty similar to Oshi-san, bein’ his friend an’ all♪

Me, similar to Shu? That's the first time I've ever been insulted in such a way, and I'll never forgive it! My beloved doves, teach that fool a lesson!

Ahhh!? I- I- I-I'm sorry, ‘m so sorry! Don’t set yer doves on meee! How are ya even doin’ that!? Are you a circus animal tamer?

Fufufu. Doves are intelligent creatures, so if you train them well, you can control them however you like

I personally hatched those pigeons from their eggs, fed them delicious meals, and taught them everything from how to stand to how to walk

Nnha~ So ’s like the way Oshi-san raised me, I suddenly feel like I have a real connection with them

No, in my eyes, me and Shu, and you and the doves are completely different

Nnha~ do ya hate t’ be compared with Oshi-san, Hibiki-senpai? Well, I guess y’all had a tough time two years ago

Y’all were thrown in the trash as "things the world doesn't need”一

Goodness, you're acting like it was someone else's business entirely. You were also a victim, but perhaps your sense of self had not yet developed at the time

Just like your predecessor, the blonde-haired Doll-san

........Are ya talkin’ about the stuff involvin’ Nazuna-nii? Or Mado-nee?

It could apply to both. Humans have a hard time telling the difference between male and female birds, because humans have a hard time becoming interested in or attached to things that are far away from us

I believe that's why Shu made you into a "human", you know

...?

Nmm…

…(tossing and turning)

(Sigh)

Hmm~♪ Hmm~♪ Hmhmhm~♪

This little box fits perfectly in my hands♪

I can’t believe I finally got my hands on this rare limited-edition cheesecake from that store. My timing was always so bad, I could never get it. But today’s my lucky day!

I'm going back to my room now so I can brew a delicious tea….. And enjoy a blissful time savoring this thing♪

I’m home—

Uwaaaaah?! What the?!

There’s a coffin in the middle of my room!? What? What's happening? That’s super scary!

Ehhh... I was feeling so happy just a moment ago. Now I feel like I’ve encountered a bad omen outta nowhere…

…Uhh, what should I do about this…?

I looked around, but found nothing weird. No matter how you look at it, it's just a normal coffin

Well, when you think about it, finding a coffin in the middle of your bedroom is already weird enough

Right…! Nothing will change if I just keep staring at it. It's scary alright, but I’ll suck it up and take a peep insidee…

Maybe is just someone trying to make a tasteless jo—

…

...?!?!?1

I’m home

Uwaaaaaah… Sniffs… Hic

Eh? Shiratori-kun, why are you crying? What happened?

Uwaaah… Tenshouin-senpai… Guh… S-Sakuma-senpai… Sakuma-senpai… He diiieeeddd!

By saying Sakuma-senpai you mean Sakuma-kun? I’m sure there must be a misunderstanding

I can imagine someone as weak as me dying, but you can't kill someone like Sakuma-kun even if you try to

But it’s true! I saw with my own eyes. He was lying down with a peaceful face inside that coffin… Sobs

…Now that you mention it, this thing should be in Yumenosaki. Why is it in our room?

Hm?

It's been quite noisy here for a while. Could you please tone it down?

Kyaaaaah?! A zombie?! Please, Sakuma-senpai, let go of your resentment and transcend peacefully~!2

Have you calmed down now, Shiratori-kun?

Yeah… I’d never imagine you’d be sleeping in a coffin… Sorry for making such a ruckus

Good grief. It doesn’t come as a surprise that someone like Shiratori-kun would misunderstand the situation. I hope you finally understand that this habit of yours is neither normal nor acceptable, Sakuma-kun

Oh dear. I seem to have given you a hard time, Shiratori-kun. I sincerely apologize for causing you such a fright

First of all, you’ve been properly sleeping in a bed since you came to the dorms. So why did you resort to your coffin again?

Truth be told... I’ve been having trouble falling asleep as of late. Waking up in the morning has been quite the challenge, as well

You’ve been having trouble to sleep…?

Indeed. I’ve been doing my utmost to resist sleeping in my coffin when we live in a shared environment, you see?

It’s not like I can bring it to work either, so I'm trying to get used to sleeping in a bed every day

No matter where I go, it's always beds, beds, beds… When they tell you to rest, it’s always go to bed… This thing that brings comfort to people do nothing but stress me out~

I want to feel that tender embrace again… That nostalgic feeling of being entombed… Sigh

Poor Sakuma-Senpai…

Don’t fall for such a thing, Shiratori-kun

Don’t you feel guilty deceiving your young and naïve junior?

Eh. Why would you say that, Tenshouin-kun…?

No use pretending to be all cute and innocent. It doesn’t work on me in the slightest. In any case, of course you’d only see beds wherever you go

By the way, where did this coffin even come from? Last I saw it, I recall it being in the Light Music Club room at the academy

The staff at the agency noticed how exhausted I was, so they went to the lengths of bringing it here for me. They told me to at least have a short rest

Oh dear, so even the staff at the agency noticed…

Sigh… Alright, you already took your nap, right?

This dorm is a shared space, so please don’t keep troublesome things in it, okay? You must put this back to where it came from immediately

How blunt of you. Not even a shred of sympathy, huh?

If this coffin is still here the next time I come into this room, I'll get rid of it myself using whatever means it takes

You’re such a devil of man?!

“—Therefore, the demonic Tenshouin-kun ordered me to bring the coffin back to the Light Music Club, which I have left alongside this letter. From Rei Sakuma”...?

Don’t bring this shit back when I’ve just cleared up the room, ya damn vampire bastard!