Perfect Sundae
Grasping for the Right Words 1
Hey! What the hell’s the meaning of this!?
… Wh— Huh? Where’s Hakaze-senpai?
You’re finally here, hm, Koga? You’re awfully late.
Hakaze-senpai still hasn’t arrived yet. We do not know why he called us here either.
What the… He texted us, “There’s been an emergency! Everyone meet up in the room right away!” so I hauled ass over here.
I did too. What could have happened to Senpai?
Hmm… Perhaps… Could it be that the MEGA SPHERE 2 has finally emerged from outer space and abducted him?
Or perhaps he discovered some bigger, grander secret of this MEGA SPHERE, and is being pursued… ♪
What? That sounds very grave. We need to go find Hakaze-senpai right away—
Hold on, hold on. Don’t launch people off into space because you feel like it~? I’m happy you guys are having a good time, though.
Ku-ku-ku, I apologize that Adonis-kun and I just get along so well ♪
… (Getting his head pet.)
Hey! You bastards, you should pay attention and actually listen! Since he came through the trouble of getting us all here, obviously it gotta be something real important related to UNDEAD, right? So, what’s this “emergency” you're talkin' about, Hakaze-senpai?
Right. So, here’s the thing–
Lately I’ve been seeing Anzu-chan and Kojika-san together a lot. What do you guys think?
Alrighty. Meeting over!
Hold on, hold on, hear me out!
Stop screwing around! I rushed my way over here ‘cuz you said it was some kinda emergency, and it was just some silly bullshit like that?!
I don’t think it’s silly at all. For me, this is the emergency to end all emergencies!
You’re probably just overthinking, you bastard. It’s probably nothing, they were probably just talkin’ about work or something.
No way. They seemed weirdly close.
Earlier, too. Kojika-san leaned in to whisper something in Anzu-chan’s ear, and she seemed to enjoy herself and laugh…
That definitely wasn’t work-related.
And this is Anzu-chan we’re talking about, you know? What could he have possibly said that was so funny…
…
…
Huh? Are any of you guys listening!? I thought you guys would have a little more sympathy for me.
Of course we’re listening. I think it is a good thing that Anzu is widening her circle of friends.
You’re a real great kid, Adonis-kun~
But no, that’s not it. If things keep going like this, Kojika-san might steal Anzu-chan away and take her to MELLOW DEAR US, right?
Try imagining it this way. Anzu-chan and Kojika-san hit it off…
And then she’s like, “I’ll be MELLOW DEAR US’s main producer from now on. Goodbye.”
Wouldn’t you hate it if she said something like that and ran off overseas?
Nahh, there’s no way that’d actually happen.
That is right, Anzu is not the kind of person to neglect her responsibilities like that.
Actually… this is about that, isn’t it? We’re having a love talk here, right?
If someone experienced with women can't figure out what to do here like you, there’s no way the rest of us are gonna have a clue. I think you came to the wrong guys for advice.
B-But~…
Now, Koga. There is no need to be so cold, now is there?
Kaoru has been so dedicated to his work lately, I think it’s nice for him to have a little excitement and commotion caused by matters of love like this again ♪
As your partner, I feel a little left behind over it too, but… Getting thrown around by love is exactly what youth is for. Worry over love to all your heart’s content.
Well, I’d like if you could spare us a scandal, though…♪
Uuu, of course I know to be careful.
Then in that case? Do you even have a chance with Young Lady Anzu in the first place?
Enough already! It was a mistake to ask you guys for advice…!
It’s okay, Hakaze-senpai. I am here for you.
You helped me by giving me plenty of advice when it came to the issues I had with my fiance.1
I’d like to repay that kindness. I will be the one to relieve your woes this time.
Uuu. Adonis-kun’s the only one who is willing to listen seriously to me like this.
So, what do you think is the best thing to do to keep Anzu-chan from being taken by Kojika-san?
Oh. So that is how you’re feeling… talking about “taking” and “being taken”...
I think it would be best if Hakaze-senpai and Anzu and Kojika-san were all to get along.
That should make Anzu happier too. That way, nobody will feel sad.
Huh… I see…
Hey, where do you think you’re going, Hakaze-senpai?
Thanks for listening to what I had to say, everyone. Sorry, but we’re splitting for the day…
Tchh. Same as ever, that guy is a total handful.
It seems we weren’t able to give Hakaze-senpai the answer he was wanting.
Hmm. There have been many occasions up until now where Kaoru-kun’s been upset and struck with jealousy, but…
There’s something about this time that feels a little different from all those times before, isn’t there?
Grasping for the Right Words 2
(Nobody understands how I feel…)
(Maybe it was a mistake to go to those three for advice, huh. I’ll figure it out by myself.)
(Huh? That’s rare. The living room is quiet.)
(There’s usually quite a few people here, but it looks like it’s just Itsuki-kun and Kohaku-kun today.)
(Kohaku-kun’s completely absorbed in some TV drama, and Itsuki-kun is… sewing, I guess?)
(That’s perfect. I’ll just sit down on that sofa and think through it carefully.)
(— Now then. Seriously, what should I do about this?)
(We’ve been surrounded by ES idols up until now, so I never expected anything to actually happen.)
(But then we came here, and Kojika-san and Anzu-chan got close so quickly.)
(Sigh)... (Did something happen between those two that I don’t know about?)
(No, Anzu-chan is a producer who’s known throughout the industry for her skills. She would have a wider social network than I do.)
(It’s honestly a miracle nothing’s happened until now. but… it’s definitely possible she could just click with someone… just like that.)
(At this rate, even if it’s not Kojika-san, she could just get swept off her feet by some rando that popped up out of nowhere.)
(... No, no. Anzu-chan’s very serious, so she wouldn’t get feelings for someone she has a work relationship with, would she?)
(That’s right. Before, she said, “I’ll build bonds as colleagues, but I’m avoiding anything romantic.”)
(Yeah, it’ll definitely be alright. Even I have a hard time winning her over, so…)
(…)
(I wonder what kind of relationship Anzu-chan and I have had ever since the Repayment Festival.)
(Just when I thought that we parted ways cleanly, we met again so soon after. Then we did work together, went out places together…)
(I wonder what Anzu-chan thinks of me.)
(...)
(... I wonder if I’d know if I confessed to her…)
(— No! No, no, no! I definitely shouldn’t do that!)
(Anzu-chan and I are “idol” and “producer”. If I confessed and ruined the relationship we currently have, working together would become really hard.)
(It was awkward enough after the Repayment Festival. If I made our relationship more complicated, it’d just be the worst.)
(Besides, it’d just inconvenience everyone in UNDEAD if things between us got dicey…)
(I’d feel terrible inconveniencing them due to my personal feelings. Yeah, okay.)
— (Sigh) (The fact I’m bringing UNDEAD into this is pretty lame, isn’t it…?)
“Just go ahead and confess already!”
(Huh!?)
… (Watching the TV)
(Ahh, so that’s what it was. The drama Kohaku-kun’s watching?)
(Is it the one where the son of a Western confectionery shop and the daughter of a Japanese confectionery2 shop fall in love…? The show became a hit with its ostentatiousness and its pure romance, everyone’s been talking about it lately.)
“I’ve been waiting this whole time. Why won’t you confess to me?”
“Is it because I’m the daughter of a Japanese confectionary shop? Is it because I’m the type of girl to put youkan on my pancakes?”
(Kohaku-kun’s watching very earnestly. Must be really interesting, huh.)
“Didn’t you say we’d make the ultimate sundae together? Don’t give up just because we’ve hit a little bump in the road…”
“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I was threatened by those organization members… I got cold feet.”
“But now I know. It doesn’t matter who tries to get in my way. I’m in love with you! There’s no one else in this world I’d rather be with!”
“I’m so happy. I’m in love with you too!”
Wait, hold on, it shouldn’t be that easy! You’d be way more troubled over something like that, wouldn’t you!?
… What’s this all of a sudden?
Ya got some problem with the drama I’m watchin’?
No, sorry. It’s not that I had a problem with it.
It’s just… those two got together so fast, I was a little shocked is all…
That right? Ain’t that how it usually goes?
No, no. This guy’s way too brave. I don’t really get what was happening in the show, but some mysterious organization is trying to interfere between them, right?
Someone would be way more scared for their family’s sake and stuff, normally. There’s nothing you can really do about that difference in status.
If confessing your feelings to someone was this easy, I’d have done it ages ago.
Hmm, that right, huh?
Hm? “I’d have done it”…?
Oh-ho, does that mean you were goin’ to confess to someone?
Huh!? No, that’s not it!
Koh-Koh-Koh ♪ No need to hide it from me, I won’t tell anyone.
Well, why dontcha take a load off over here on the couch. I’ll listen to whatever ya need to say ♪
No, I just remembered I had something urgent I had to go do, so…!
There’s no need to run away like that. Despite how I look, I know a thing or two about romance ♪
I’ve been followin’ this drama for five seasons!
No, that’s…
C’mon, c’mon. Whoddya have feelin’s for? Out with it now, don't be shy ♪
Grasping for the Right Words 3
M~nn, I’m not so sure about going to you with this…
Why’s that? Are ya sayin’ I’m not up to the task? What, do ya think I’m a late bloomer or somethin’ when it comes to romance?
That’s not what I’m saying, but— Well, actually, do you have experience in matters of love, Kohaku-kun?
… Well, naturally. Even someone like me has had a romance before, no sweat.
I’ve gone out with all kindsa women in my time, ya see.
Uh… Let’s see. My first girlfriend was kind of an airhead, she was the daughter of a Japanese confenctionary shop owner. Her name was Anko…
— That’s the girl from the drama you were just watching, isn’t it?
Agh, fine! Ya got me! I don't got a lick about romance at all — not a single one! But, I just really wanted to try one of them there “love talks.”
It sure would be nice if ya could just tell me without bein’ a jerk. Who’s the person ya like?
She older? Younger? Do I know her? Ya can’t even tell me the first letter of her name?
You two are being quite nosy, so please quiet down! If you are seeking advice on romance, seek it elsewhere!
Who you have feelings for matters not, Hakaze. Frankly, the way someone confesses in a drama is equally insignificant!
What the… So you were eavesdroppin’ on us from the very start, weren’t ya?
“Eavesdropping”? How insolent. Your voices were so obnoxiously loud, they forced their way into my ears is all!
Sorry, Itsuki-kun~? I was already on my way out, so you guys can do whatever……
Hold your horses. You still haven’t said who your crush was yet!
At this point, it’s gonna keep me up at night not knowin’. Hear me? I ain’t lettin’ ya go no where ‘til you cough it up.
Itsuki-ku~un…
Hakaze. Cease with directing those eyes toward me as if seeking my assistance.
Shouldn’t sweet talk be your specialty? There’s no point in agonizing over it forever, so stop moping about and simply go convey your feelings to the person in question. You coward.
“Coward”!? I can say things properly when I have to! But it’s a whole different story when it comes to Anzu-chan!
Koh-Koh-Koh ♪ So that’s how it is! The one Hakaze-han's got the hots for was Anzu-han after all, huh?
Egh, why did I have to…
Ahh, whatever, screw it. I’ve already said it, so I’ll just skip straight to asking for the advice.
Just like you said, Kohaku-kun, I have feelings for Anzu-chan.
But lately, it seems like Anzu-chan’s been with Kojika-san quite a lot.
Everytime I see them together, my chest gets tight.
I hate it, seeing Anzu-chan smile at someone else.
… So. I was thinking of just going ahead and confessing to her, but it’s not as simple as it seems, you know?
… I’ve already kinda-sorta confessed to her before, so things are all the more complicated.3
It’s been weighing on my mind how I should make the next step with my relationship with Anzu-chan from here.
What do you two think?
…
…
Wh— What’s with you guys making such bewildered faces!?
I just... I didn't expect ya to be such a pure-hearted romantic. Just hearin' about it gets me all bashful over here.
H–Hold on, don’t you get embarrassed over it! You’re starting to make me embarrassed too!
I was by no means feeling ”embarrassed” over it. Rather, I was simply flabbergasted.
And here I thought you were the greatest flirt in the entire school. To think you'd be reduced to such a naive state over simply the little girl... it’s quite beyond my expectations.
I didn’t think I’d feel this way either, you know.
But… It’s just different with Anzu-chan.
Are those feelings of yours truly “love” in the first place?
All of us have been produced by the little girl for quite some time now.
Could you perhaps be merely mistaking your sense of gratitude and your respect for the work she’s done for romantic feelings?
That’s not it at all! I don’t think of Anzu-chan as my producer.
No, I should say, she’s not just a producer to me.
Of course, Anzu-chan’s been a tremendous help with my work up to this point, of course I think she’s a really amazing producer.
But.. Even if we hadn’t met as “producer” and “idol”, I think I still would have fallen in love with her.
... You’ve got nerves of steel bein' able to say stuff like that sober. Even a drunk Rinne-han wouldn't be able to pull that off, y'know?
(Sigh)... This is making me queasy.
As I just said, you'd be better off hurrying to deliver those lines to the person herself, rather than confess to us in a place like this.
If anything, one could even say it is the only remaining option that can truly define the nature of your relationship.
You say that so easily~ But I don't think you'd have it in you to confess if you were in my shoes, Itsuki-kun.
... You are mistaken. I always make a point to speak my mind.
Well, I reckon tellin' someone how ya feel to their face takes a whole lotta courage, though.
Even in the dramas I watch, they spend a whole season just gettin' to the confession. Isn't it normal for these things to take a while?
— Alrighty. Let's just bite the bullet here and contact Anzu-han so we can get that confession over with!
If you keep agonizin' over when to say it, it'll be a monkey on your back forever. If you just set a time and place to get it done, then you'll have no choice but to confess!
A wise decision. Otherwise, you would surely become a man spending eternity doing nothing but sitting on the corner of the sofa and muttering out all the ways you could confess to her.
Right then, fork over your Mega Phone, and I’ll type out the message for ya ♪
Huh? Hold on a second— You can’t do it on that short a notice!
Do not flee, you coward! Enough of this— hand that device over to us.
Just be a gooood boy and behave for a sec, ‘kay?
Stay back! Don’t you two get any closer—!
Uhh~hh, sorry if I’m interrupting~?
Did you guys do something to Anzu-neenee?
Grasping for the Right Words 4
Anzu-chan? I can’t really think of anything… or should I say, she never came in here, I guess?
Huh? Really?
I passed by Anzu-neenee just now, and it seemed like she was crying~ I thought for sure you guys were mean to her. So~rry~?
What? Anzu-chan was…?
I wonder what happened. Is she okay?
Knowing the little girl and how she is always working... Most likely, it was something to do with her job.
M~nn, I dunno if that’s the vibe I got from it, though…
You guys really don’t know anything? Neenee came running out from this room though~?
I genuinely have no clue. As if I would ever do anything to hurt Anzu-chan…
Well, no, I might have caused her grief before now.
But I didn’t do anything today, honest.
Is that so? Guess that might’ve been a misunderstanding on my part, huh~?
I was thinking you guys said something that set her off in some way or something~ My bad for suspecting you~
Not at all. We might’ve done something bad without us knowing.
True, but then again... All we were really doin’ was standin' here talkin' about Hakaze-han and Anzu-han.
... Hm? Did she catch us talkin' about how Hakaze-han was gonna ask her out?
Huh!?
Kakaka...♪ And so she hurried away with a tearful expression on her face.
To be driven to tears of shock just by the thought of your confession... It seems Hakaze is quite thoroughly detested by the little girl, then.
Hey, don’t say that…
What’s that~? Were you guys talking about love~?
You can tell meee, Hakaze-san. I might be able to figure out the reason Neenee was crying, after all~
… (Absolutely frozen still.)
Pull yourself together, Hakaze-han!
I'm sorry, okay? This was my fault. But listen— I really don't think someone like Anzu-han would ever actually hate anyone.
There's gotta be another reason. Somethin' to do with work or somethin’ that would've actually given Anzu-han a shock...
...
Ah! Wait... Do ya think maybe she heard what you said earlier, Hakaze-han?!
Yanno, that part where ya said you don't think of Anzu-han as your producer.
But when I said that, I just meant that I saw her as a girl and not just as my producer…
I see... However... If the little girl only heard the part where you said you don’t think of her as your producer, then the entire narrative changes, doesn’t it?
But… That’s not what I meant to say at all!
Even if you didn’t mean to say that, she wouldn’t know what you really meant as someone who just overheard it~
Ugh, god... This is the worst.
Why do things never go well between me and Anzu-chan? Ever.
Whatever, I have to clear up her misunderstanding!
Calm down, will ya? If you go runnin' to Anzu-han while you’re all panicked like that, you’re just gonna make things even more complicated.
Panicking’s not gonna change anything~ At times like this, “nankuru nai sa”4 is the way to go.
Now say it with me~ “Nankuru nai sa~”
Nankuru nai sa~…
What about this could possibly be nothing to worry about?
What should I do? At this rate, I might never get to confess.
But we don't even know where Anzu-han went off to, do we? I reckon searchin’ blindly won’t get us anywhere.
But…
Hakaze. When is your next scheduled meeting with the little girl?
Ummm… There’s a photoshoot gig at a restaurant tomorrow, but I think Anzu-chan had said she would be there too.
How perfectly convenient, in that case. Then you shall speak with the little girl during your break during that job.
By tomorrow morning, both of you will have had time to cool your heads, which will make it far easier for your true feelings to reach her.
Heh, I thought you were the kinda guy to blow his top at the drop of a hat. Sure didn’t expect hearin’ somethin’ like that from you.
How insolent! Even I am capable of learning and evolving, you know!
Ahh, it was a mistake to try sympathizing with Hakaze’s feelings! I shall now take my leave!
Wahh, sorry, sorry. I’ll apologize to Anzu-chan tomorrow like you said, Itsuki-kun.
That's right~ If it’s Neenee, she’ll totally understand~
Wait, I just got a great idea~♪
You don’t wanna make your relationship with Anzu-neenee even worse, right, Hakaze-san?
If that’s the case, I think we should run some kinda practice rehearsal on how to clear up the misunderstanding~
“Rehearsal”?
You heard me— We’re gonna act out the apology~♪
Grasping for the Right Words 5
Umm… Anzu-chan, about what I said to you yesterday…
…
C’mon, give him a reply!
… (Sigh). “I don’t want to see your face right now, Hakaze…-senpai. Go away.”
No, you’re misunderstanding. About that one thing, I wasn’t trying to say that I didn’t think of you as my producer Anzu-chan.
So, uh… What I meant to say was…
Oh-ho? So it’s you, huh? The one who made our Anzu-han cry?
Ya really think you’re gonna get away with pullin’ that? Depending on how ya apologize, your corpse’s gonna be floatin’ in the sea.
Meow~♪
Errr, what roles are you two supposed to be?
Enough, apologize to Anzu-han already, why dontcha!
… Right. Sorry, Anzu-chan.
I’ve really been reflecting on what I said and how it made you feel anxious. I used the wrong words completely.
I think you’re a really, really amazing producer, Anzu-chan. You’ve helped guide UNDEAD many times over up until now.
I don’t think there’s a single person among all the ES idols who doesn’t think of you as their producer…
Non! Stop fidgeting and letting your gaze wander about! Do not repeatedly shift your weight back and forth!
Meo~w ♪
Yeah, yeah, I get it.
You’ve already made our Anzu-han angry, you know? Did you think you would be forgiven with that kind of attitude? Huh?
If you have any regret, try showing it through your attitude first!
Mew, me~yow, mrrrrrrrp… ♪ (Purring)
Sorry, can we stop for a sec?
What is this? Even though we all are going along with this mock apology of yours…
I get what Itsuki-kun’s going for. He’s doing some kind of take on an angry Anzu-chan.
So… Kohaku-kun. Ibuki-kun. What the heck are you two supposed to be?
Having a friend like this that stands beside the heroine is a classic, isn't it? So I’m playin’ the role of her naggy bestie ♪
Wait, but none of them are ever that scary!? What kinda people does she have at her side!?
And Ibuki-kun, you’re not even a human anymore.
Hey, I wanted to be a human, ‘kay~?
But it looked like all the roles got taken up, so~ I went with being a rich housecat who’s kept at Oukawa-san’s home~
We definitely don’t need that role played here!
Huh~? Then what kinda role should I have, then? I can’t do something if you don’t tell me, you know~
Then, how about you take on the role of Kojika-san? That would make a good reference for Hakaze for the future, would it not?
Nyahaha. So I’m Hakaze-san’s rival for her love, huh~ That’s a real big promotion from housecat~
Well then, should I throw my arm around Itsuki-san’s shoulders? I could do without having to kiss him though, please!
This is already getting out of control… Are we going to get any actual practice out of this?
I don’t want Anzu-chan to hate me any more than she does, but…
Hm…
Well, it’ll probably be fine ♪
Now you’re definitely not taking this seriously, are you!?
Well, it is troublesome, after all. Whether you are liked or disliked by the little girl is of no concern to me, after all.
I don't feel that way, though~?
But now that we tried it, I understand~ There wasn’t really a point in doing this mock-apology!
But you’re the one who came up with the idea!?
We tried it, and now we know it’s pointless~ You might be better off just going for broke and seeing what happens~
Wait, no, I don’t wanna go for “broke” on anything!?
That is true. But tomorrow's gonna come no matter what, so there's no use worryin’ about it forever here.
I don’t think ya got anythin' to worry about, Hakaze-han, you were able to apologize properly. After that, your future self will figure out what to do next.
…
Speaking of, I came here to grab something to drink outta the kitchen~ We talked so much, now I’m extra thirsty~
In that case, I'll brew some tea. Why don’tcha relax with us too, Shu-han?
Hmph, in that case, I shall partake.
… (Sigh) Was anything even solved in the end here?
Grasping for the Right Words 6
Next is a pose where I’m holding a glass, hm? Like this?
… (Holds the pose.)
(Anzu-chan is… Hm~mn, I don’t see her anywhere.)
(Even though usually, she watches the photoshoot the entire way through. I guess maybe I am being avoided…?)
(Yeah. That’s right. From Anzu-chan’s perspective, she thinks I don’t acknowledge her as a producer, so…)
(To her, she’d been suddenly betrayed, after she thought she had built a good relationship with me.)
… Huh!? Ah, sorry. We’re changing the pose now?
Of course, how about something like this?
(No good. I need to concentrate.)
(Anyways, I need to get this job finished quickly so I can clear up the misunderstanding…!)
Good work everyone~
(Alrighty, I heard Anzu-chan’s voice somewhere… Ah, there she is!)
Yoo~hoo~ Anzu-chan, good work today.
So… today went smoothly, so that’s a relief. The photoshoot had a real great vibe, probably because all of the staff really got along.
And you were the one who arranged everything, right? That’s a producer for you alright. Ever so reliable ♪
Ah, hold on. Sorry, but that’s not what I wanted to tell you.
Anzu-chan. The reason you were avoiding me today was because you heard me say, “I don’t think of Anzu-chan as a producer” yesterday, wasn’t it?
… Yeah, I figured that was it. I’m really sorry about that.
But that’s not what I meant by it at all. The truth is, it’s because there was more to it than just that.
It’s true I don’t think of you as a producer, Anzu-chan.
But I don’t mean it in a way that I don’t recognize the work you’ve done.
If anything, I don’t think there’s a single producer out there who is as skilled as and who cares so genuinely about each and every one of their idols as you.
You’ve leant me, UNDEAD, and other idols your strength innumerable times up to now. I couldn’t not recognize you.
Um, so… that’s why… when it comes to Anzu-chan…
I was talking about how even when we set aside your role as my producer, you still are a cute, wonderful girl.
I’m not joking. I’ve always thought of you as cute, Anzu-chan.
Ahaha, sorry, sorry. Don’t turn away, okay? Face me again.
I’m sorry for saying something that made you uneasy, Anzu-chan. Did I get my feelings across okay?
… Okay. Judging by the look on your face, you look relieved. That’s good.
Heheh… ♪
Ah, no. Honestly speaking, it made me happy that you felt shocked when you thought I hated you.
… Ouch, ouch! Sorry, I got a little carried away.
— Yes. I’ll continue to rely on you. Producer ♪
… Come to think of it, we had a job here together back in the old days, didn’t we?
Do you remember too? The one where we shot the music video with RYUSEITAI and UNDEAD after StarFes.
I kinda feel like it’s fate that we could do a job in the same exact place.
Ah, I see. So you suggested this place because you knew it had a great atmosphere beforehand because of the music video shoot.
Yeah, this restaurant really does have a perfect atmosphere, doesn’t it?. It’d make the perfect spot for a date ♪
— Hey, Anzu-chan. If it’s alright…
Huh? You have plans to come here another time soon? And in your private time on top of that?
Oh, yeah. Last time it was supposed to be an end-of-the-year party Moricchi was hosting, but it ended up turning into work somewhat, didn’t it~
This is a real popular restaurant amongst girls. I bet you wanna just forget about work and go and enjoy yourself as a normal restaurant-goer for a while.
You’re having trouble deciding what to wear… you say?
I think anything would suit you, though, Anzu-chan. Well, if it’s a special occasion, you do wanna go and look your best, huh?
That’s right. If you want, I can help you choose ♪
Don’t be so reserved. What type of person are you going out with?
Isn’t it pretty trendy for girls to go out with matching outfits these days? So…
Huh? You’re going with Kojika-san…?
Why are you…
…
… Ah. N–No. It’s alright. I’m just a little surprised is all…
… Umm. So, you and Kojika-san are pretty friendly, huh?
Oh no, I’ve just seen you guys a few times together before, but I didn’t think it was anything that serious, I guess…
Oh, r-really? So you’ve gone together for tea several times already?
And so next, you said you’d do dinner. I see…
Really, so Kojika-san’s hobby is to go around to different cafes? I didn’t know that.
Going around drinking large drinks like that and such, huh? That’s a little unexpected, huh.
…
Huh? Oh, you’re right. Someone’s calling for you, aren’t they?
Hm? What was it I wanted to tell you earlier?
— No, it wasn’t anything important, so… Don’t worry about it.
Yeah, I’ll see you later. Have a good time with that dinner.
…
(... Alright, I think I managed to send her off like normal. I don’t think I was acting strange.)
(It seemed like she was really excited to go to dinner with Kojika-san.)
(If she’s happy, then that makes me happy too.)
(A smile best suits a girl… No, a smile best suits Anzu-chan perfectly.)
(If I care about Anzu-chan, I should send her off and let her go in a way where she can smile like that.)
(It’s not like I’m her boyfriend or anything, after all.)
(...)
(I know that.)
(I know that, but…)
(A murmur) — Don’t go.
Sorry, Anzu-chan. Break that promise.
(I want you to smile. But…)
(I just can’t stand to see you smile for anyone else.)
Anzu-chan. I…
— I’m in love with you.5
Translation Notes
- ↑ This occurs in Adonis's center story SWING NIGHT.
- ↑ Wagashi (和菓子; Japanese sweets) is traditional Japanese confectionery. While what is classified as wagashi can be broad (and can change), generally, they'r e sweets made before Western influence came to Japan. Wagashi is often served with green tea.
- ↑ This happened in the story Repayment Festival, where Kaoru does not directly confess to Anzu but does something similar.
- ↑ The short version of the full Okinawan saying まくとぅそーけーなんくるないさ (makutou so-ke- nankuru nai sa) “If you’ve done everything as honest as you can, it’ll all work itself somehow”. A loose interpretation of it is "no worries", which is likely what Shu interprets from it. I kept this in uchinaaguchi.
- ↑ To be specific, Kaoru says "君のことが好きなんだ" here.