#mankai answers

[stardustcasti]

Okey I'll do a thing when I answer each day the question of this year and last year bc I wasn't on tumblr last year on march and also why not :)

I first found out about A3! Through the anime, but I didn't start from the first ep for some reason, so I got actually interseted in A3! Trhough the songs. (And than watch the anime from the beginnig and fell in love lol)

Help it was saved in my draft instead of posting it yesterday

Mankai March question 1!

Welcome to the event!!! I’m super excited to see all the answers, so let’s hear about something simple: How did you first find out about A3? Was it through the anime? A friend? Saw an ad? Tell us about it!

[the-himawari]

A3! Miyoshi Kazunari - Translation [SR] Bright Star of Blooming (1/2)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Izumi: …Hm? (It sounds pretty rowdy in the lounge…)

-pause-

Kazunari: Ah, Director-chan!

Izumi: What are all you guys doing?

Kumon: Summer troupe’s playing pictionary relay!*

Kazunari: We were just about to match the pictures with the answers, so come join us!

Izumi: What the hell, sure...

Kazunari: The whole chain started off with “ri”… And Mukkun was the one who drew it, right?

Muku: Yes! This is… a squirrel!

Misumi: That’s a good one, Muku~!

Tenma: You can tell at a glance.

Yuki: There’s no doubt about it.

Kumon: That’s Muku for you!

Kazunari: And next was Yukki.

Yuki: I drew… a watermelon.

Misumi: Wow~. It’s a watermelon~!

Izumi: You can totally tell.

Kumon: Yep! He nailed it!

Kazunari: Then next up was yours truly. I drew… a crab!

Muku: You can see Kazu-kun’s drawing skills at work!

Misumi: You’re amazing~!

Tenma: There’s no need to worry there.

Yuki: He’s on another level. That’s his day job though, so I guess that’s to be expected.

Kazunari: And so… Tenten, what do we have here?

Tenma: …A pacific herring.

Yuki: A what?

Kumon: Uh, I can vaguely tell it’s a fish from the outline, but…

Yuki: There’s no way anyone can tell exactly what type it is.

Izumi: Wait, hold on. The word chain will come to an end if you use that word…

Tenma: AH…!

Misumi: Stay strong, Tenma~!

Kazunari: Ahaha! There’s never a dull moment with Tenten~. This was a fun break from work~!

Muku: Come to think of it, the screening party for “Sky Gallery” is just around the corner.

Kazunari: Yep! This would make a great topic to chat about, wouldn't it?

Tenma: We don’t have to talk about this!

-pause-

Kazunari: It’s been a hot minute since we’ve worn these costumes. I am SO locked in~!

Muku: Fufu. It brings back memories already.

Izumi: All of you look great.

Kazunari: You know, you could wear these costumes out as regular outfits. Don’tcha think?

Yuki: They’ll get dirty, so you better not.

Kazunari: You’re not wrong. But I totes feel Aomi’s energy when I put this costume on!

Yuki: We may be wearing the costumes, but we’re not acting as the characters today.

Kazunari: I know, I know~. I, Kazunari Miyoshi, will do my very best to entertain the audience today!

Tenma: He’s not supposed to be in character, but it’s confusing when he acts so excited with his Aomi outfit on…

Izumi: Ahaha…

-pause-

Kazunari: Heya~! We’re the members who were selected from MANKAI Company’s Summer troupe ✰

Tenma: He sure went from 0 to 100 from the very start.

Yuki: Agreed.

Muku: I love it. That's just like Kazu-kun.

Kazunari: Exactamundo! I bet everyone’s still basking in the afterglow of the screening, but we’re gonna keep it moving forward with our same energy as usual!

Muku: Let’s go ahead with the talk show! Alright, shall we jump into answering the questions we’ve received from the audience members?

Tenma: Sounds good to me.

-pause-

Kazunari: …’Kay, onto the next question!

Muku: Let me see… it says, “please tell us a memorable story you have from the performance.”

Kazunari: Ooh boy, I’ve got tons~!

Tenma: Since we're here, I think you should talk about your memories from being the lead.

Kazunari: Mm~, it’s hard to choose from so many… But I guess I’d say the time all of us drew pictures of the sky left a big impression on me.

Muku: All of us in Summer troupe were on a digital detox, so we weren’t allowed to use our phones. That’s when we decided to hold a sketching contest.

Kazunari: Yep, exactly! Even though they were drawings of the same sky, everyone’s individuality popped out. It was super duper fun to look at~.

Yuki: By the way, are you still storing those drawings?

Kazunari: Of course I am! Okay, hear me out. At times like this, like a screening party—we should place them all out on display, one-by-one, at the MANKAI Theatre. Wouldn’t it be hella fun making it like an exhibition where everyone can come take a peek at them?

Yuki: That doesn’t sound half bad.

Muku: I agree!

Tenma: …

Muku: What’s the matter, Tenma-kun?

Tenma: No, it’s just… I drew that picture not thinking anyone else would see it.

Kazunari: Huh! Your sky drawing was a real work of art though!

Yuki: Well, that one was good… our pictionary relay? Not so much.

Tenma: Hey, Yuki—!

Kazunari: Ah, should we talk about that after all? Tenten’s sense when it comes to pictionary relay sure is interesting!

Muku: I’d love to play pictionary relay in front of the audience next time.

Yuki: It'd descend into chaos for sure.

Guest A: Summer troupe’s pictionary relay…!

Guest B: I wanna see it so bad!

Kazunari: Aw, look. The audience members are totes dying to see it!

Tenma: —I swear I’m not doing it!

---

*They’re playing  “絵しりとり” (e shiritori). It's basically shiritori (word chain game), but with drawings. The game starts off with a Japanese syllable, i.e. “ri” in this case. The first person has to draw a picture of something that starts with “ri”. The next person has to draw something that starts with the last syllable of the item in the previous picture. And it goes on from there.

The chain here was: リス (risu: squirrel) > スイカ (suika: watermelon) > カニ (kani: crab) > ニシン (nishin: pacific herring).

In Japanese, no word starts with the syllable ん (“n”), so if anyone says or uses a word that ends in “n”, the game is over.

| next

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 16: Crossing Paths - Episode 30: Real Name

Guy: “They should still be nearby.”

Citron: “Let’s hurry after them!”

Kureha: …

-

[Applause]

Guy: Thank you very much.

Citron: Thank you~!

Kureha: (That’s Guy-san for you. So many people have gathered even for such a small Street ACT.)

Audience A: It’s almost time for the Winter Troupe’s eleventh performance. I have to preorder tickets as soon as they’re available!

Audience B: Guy-san was really good in the Winer Troupe’s tenth performance, too~

Audience A: Yeah, he was so cool!

Kureha: (The Winter Troupe’s tenth performance… I wonder what kind of role he had?)

Kureha: (Now that I think about it, I never really looked at MANKAI Company’s site.)

Kureha: (I wonder if it’s got introductions for the members? Guy-san is…)

Kureha: ——

Guy: Kureha, you came.

Citron: You should have joined us!

Kureha: …

Guy: Is something wrong?

Kureha: Um… Is your last name also Nishiki, Guy-san?

Guy: What?

Kureha: On one of the flyers… Ah, no, I’m sorry. It’s nothing. Please excuse me.

[Kureha leaves]

Guy: ——

-

Tooru: “I see, so that’s why…”

Guy: Did you tell Kureha about me?

Tooru: “Yes. He asked as soon as he got home. I simply answered him honestly.”

Tooru: “It seems he’s a little confused right now. He’s holed himself up in his room.”

Tooru: “I might have ended up hurting Kureha by dragging this matter out for so long.”

Tooru: “I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you as well, Gai.”

Guy: No, don’t worry yourself about me.

Tooru: “I should have mustered up the courage to talk to him after reuniting with you.”

Guy: I also hadn’t considered the company’s website. I should have been more careful.

Tooru: “You haven’t done anything wrong, Gai. I’ll try to talk to Kureha again once he calms down.”

Tooru: “I’ll call again.”

Guy: Yeah. Alright.

[Call hangs up]

Guy: … Hah.

Citron: << I assume what you were fearing has happened. >>

Guy: << Yes. This timing is rather unfortunate. >>

Guy: << I should have kept my name as “Guy” on all our flyers, after all. >>

Citron: << You’re talking about the flyer for the “Die by the Sword.” performance, yes? Both are your names, you know, and it fit perfectly with the traditional Japanese atmosphere of the play. >>

Guy: << Yes. That is what I thought as well, so I asked the Director if I could have my real name on the flyer at least this one time… >>

Guy: << If he had to find out, I would rather it had happened once KICS had started their activities and everything was settled… Not that there is any point in mulling over it now. >>

Guy: << I must have disenchanted Kureha now. I would not find it strange if he were to blame me for keeping quiet for so long. >>

Guy: << I should not have gotten close to him in the first place… >>

Citron: << I believe you concern yourself with your position far too much. >>

Citron: << Tangerine and I have also had our misunderstandings because I was unable to convey my thoughts properly. >>

Citron: << What’s important now is that you properly talk to Kureha. You can’t be a stranger at this point, after all. >>

Citron: << You can’t change the fact that you two are brothers, no matter how much you avert your eyes from it. Now it’s up to you two to decide how you wish to build your relationship. >>

Guy: << Right… If I want Kureha’s forgiveness, I will have to speak with him myself. >>

-

[Door jingling]

Guy: …

Kureha: Welco–

Guy: Could I talk to you for a little while?

Kureha: … You may sit over there.

Guy: ——

Kureha: Please wait a moment.

Guy: (As I figured, we won’t be able to talk as we used to.)

-

[Kureha places a cup on the table]

Kureha: Thank you for waiting.

Guy: This is…

Kureha: You served me tea in your shop before, didn’t you?

Kureha: I prepared the tea leaves I’d like to serve you, if you ever came here.

Guy: … Thank you… I can smell the jasmine… It’s calming.

Guy: (He’s doing the same thing I did when I reunited with our father.)

Kureha: I’m sorry for the way I behaved. You knew, didn’t you, Guy-san? 

Guy: … Yeah. I’m sorry for keeping quiet.

Kureha: Sometimes, after they put me to bed, I could hear my parents talking about a child I didn’t know.

Kureha: They spoke about him as if he was very far away and they worried about him. I was curious who it was, and it filled me with a childish jealousy.

Kureha: It sounded as though they cared about him very much… Now that I think about it, they were talking about you, weren’t they?

Kureha: I couldn’t believe I had an older brother, but at the same time, I’ve found myself accepting it.

Guy: If you would prefer not to see me anymore, I’ll do my best to stay out of your way

Kureha: I don’t think that way at all. If anything, I’m glad you’re my older brother, Guy-san.

Guy: … Is it alright for me to think that you’ve accepted me, then?

Kureha: There is nothing for me to accept. I was confused at first, and I still am, a little…

Guy: I see… Of course you are.

Guy: If it’s alright with you, I’d like for us to explore this new relationship of ours, little by little.

Kureha: I’ll be in your care. I’m blessed to have a reliable brother such as you.

Guy: Thank you. I’m also happy to have you as my younger brother.

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INSTE POST:

Guy-N

I had a very delicious cup of tea. The taste was unforgettable. I believe I will definitely come back for more.

NOTES:

(1) in the poster for die by the sword, guy is listed as gai nishiki; this is present in both the japanese and the english versions of the game (bonus: and mankai stage!)

[ciaossu-imagines]

The Spring Troupe's love languages

Okay, so while he’s not a part of the current Spring Troupe, I couldn’t resist including Yuzo in this list. Part of it is, of course, that he’s the former Spring Troupe member that we see the most of and the other is just that I enjoy loving up this old man as much as I can. I find him adorable in a way. So, I spent a great amount of time thinking about it and I really do think that, in giving love, Yuzo’s major love language is acts of service. I’m basing this off what we see in Yuzo’s canon personality – he’s always there for Mankai, doing the things he can do to help and support them. I’m quite sure that, in some ways, it does make his life much busier and interferes with his schedule and takes up his free time but, because he still holds a lot of love for Mankai, he happily does it. I think the same is going to work in any romantic relationship that Yuzo gets in or already has in canon. He’s very much an action over words type of guy when it comes to his personal life and his relationships with other people. To him, what people do matters more than what they say; words are cheap and easy, but actions don’t lie. So, it makes sense that, when he’s showing his care for other people, his love for them, he does so with his actions. They’re often subtle actions…Yuzo is the type of lover who always shows up for his partner. He takes on half the workload in the house, even when he’s insanely busy with his own theatre troupe and with helping Mankai. He remembers to text on his way home to see if they need him to stop and pick up anything before he gets home. He makes them coffee and keeps them company on nights when they have a big project due for work or a big meeting coming up. He listens to them practice their speeches for meetings and such, gives them tips and techniques to help improve. He schedules date nights for him and his partner, remembers to water the plants or put on the coffee pot for them first thing in the morning, since he’s almost always up before his partner. It’s all small things, but those small things add up quickly in making his partner feel taken care of and loved. However, when it comes to how Yuzo prefers to have his partner express their love for him, he doesn’t really feel like he has too many solid preferences. He ends up falling in love with his partner for who they are, after all, and however his partner feels most comfortable expressing their love for him will be plenty okay for him.

When it comes to love affairs, the question of how Masumi will show his love is pretty easy to answer. It’s going to be however he needs to. It sounds like a cheap answer, a cheating answer but it’s the answer I believe in the most. Masumi isn’t well-versed in romance and because of this, and because he falls so incredibly hard so incredibly quickly, he’s really willing to keep trying any and everything he can think of to show how much he cares for the other person. He’s studying each and every one of their reactions to everything he does. Anything that draws a smile out of them, even just the tiniest one, is something Masumi will keep repeating. His love interest seems to blush or smile when he compliments them or says loving words? There won’t be a day that goes by that Masumi won’t shower them with compliments. His love interest gushes over a small gift he’s gotten them? He’s going to continue to surprise them with more gifts whenever possible. His love interest says how comforting it is to spend time with him and how much they look forward to it? Masumi is skipping school or leaving himself short on sleep or spare time to make sure he’s spending every available second he can with his love interest. His love interest expresses their appreciation of him taking care of the little things for them? Masumi is doing anything and everything, insisting his love interest just put their feet up and relax. It can actually get a little overwhelming for his love interest. When it comes to how Masumi best feels loved though, I do think it comes down to quality time and words of affirmation. Masumi thrives off genuine praise and acknowledgment and, when he loves someone, he wants to spend all his time with them and he wants to feel like they genuinely want to be around him all the time too.

For Tsuzuru, words come incredibly easy. It’s part of why I do think that words of affirmation is one of his primary love languages. He gives compliments to those he loves, genuine ones that are specific to them and make the recipient feel like Tsuzuru is paying attention and really noticing them. He tells his romantic partners that he loves them at least once a day. He leaves sweet good-morning texts and calls them every night before he goes to sleep, unless he's writing a script or doing a show, when he’ll resort to ‘sweet dream’ texts at night too. However, because of how he was raised and his role inside his family, I do think Tsuzuru also shows quite a bit of his love through acts of service. He knows how much doing the simple things for others can really make their lives better and, when it comes to those he cares about, he really does just want to ensure they’re living their lives the best they can, the happiest they can.

When it comes to Itaru, he quite clearly has a preferred love language when it comes to how others express their love for him. He’s going to feel the most loved and appreciated with a partner who shows their affection through gift-giving. They don’t have to even be expensive gifts…a partner who buys him lunch or takes him out to eat, who grabs him a cheap keychain of his favourite video game character, who picks him up even just a $20 card to use in his favourite video game? That’s going to hit so damn good for Itaru, who will be just as appreciative and ecstatic about those small gifts as he would be if his partner went out and bought him a new gaming console or a new and expensive game he’s been waiting to come out. When it comes to expressing his affection and love for those around him though, Itaru is awkward and unsure as to how to do that. He hasn’t had a lot of close relationships, especially of the romantic variety, and has some trust issues towards people that have kept him from really expressing how much others mean towards him. He’s not sure the best way to show he cares and fumbles through variations of all of the love languages, trying to figure out how best to show that he likes this person. I think that, though he doesn’t really know how to properly show it, he does show his love and care the most through quality time. Letting people close, seeking out their company, trying to form some sort of friendship or relationship with them? That’s big ways of recognizing that Itaru truly cares about someone else.

Citron expresses his love for others through a mixture of two of the main love languages, both words of affirmation and physical affection. This can, unfortunately, not translate well at times, especially when it comes to the words of affirmation. While Citron is a charmer, he functions much better in his native tongue. In his native tongue, he always knows the right thing to say. His words flow honeyed off his tongue, flattering his partner, expressing how much he loves them, wants them, worships them. But in Japanese or another foreign language? Those words of affirmation and affection don’t always come out the best. Citron will say something, meaning only the best, meaning to show his love for his partner, and will accidentally insult them because he’s remembered a word wrong or said a similar sounding word that means something completely different. Thankfully, anyone who has dated Citron for long enough to actually get into a relationship with him will quickly learn that he doesn’t mean anything bad and that he’s just not that talented in this foreign tongue yet. I do think that, as a person, Citron is someone who is quite physically affectionate. He doesn’t really have a well-developed concept of personal space, either for his own use or especially of other people’s personal space. Because he feels loved through acts of physical affection, it only makes sense in his mind that others would love having those shown to them as well. He’ll get into his partner’s personal space, will hug them often (from behind, picking them up and spinning them around in big bear hugs, pulling them into side hugs as they pass each other), will ruffle their hair playfully. He’s quite the gentleman too, so he does the grand romantic physical gestures – kisses on the hand while courting, brushing hair back from his partner’s face, cupping their face while he just looks at them because he’s just so happy and they’re just so beautiful. He’ll, after he and his partner have come back from a long date night, get down on his knees and remove his partner’s shoes for them, placing kisses on the tops of their feet or along exposed shins. He loves getting and giving massages – to him, it’s something very intimate and something shared only between people who are quite close to each other, who trust each other enough to be vulnerable with each other. Bathing together, just soaking together in the warm water, feeling the skin-to-skin contact in the bath, not wanting anything more than that, is another form of showing love and getting love when it comes to Citron.

I think that Sakuya’s love language doesn’t really fit neatly into one of the five major love languages. It’s rather a mix of them in some ways. Mainly, I do think that the way that Sakuya shows his love is through admiration, adoration, and forgiveness. I know that sounds weird but please hear me out as I try to explain. When it comes to the few romantic partners Sakuya will take over his life, he really falls hard for them. To him, his partner is the most amazing person in the world. He admires them, almost puts them up on a pedestal. It’s very hard for him to see anything but the best in them. He makes it clear, both to them and to everyone around them, that Sakuya thinks the world all but revolves around this amazing, intelligent, super-cool person he’s involved with. Don’t get me wrong – Sakuya continues to have his own life and to pursue his passion for acting while in the relationship. He doesn’t fall into full on dependency on his partner. But his adoration for them is also incredibly obvious. Even when his partner gets into arguments with Sakuya, even when they make him upset or hurt his feelings, Sakuya doesn’t really see it as his partner being ‘bad’ or failing him in any way. He’s very quick to forgive all but the most serious of his partner’s sins. Even after breaking up with a romantic partner, Sakuya will still continue to be on a really good terms with them and even years later will consider his ex to be, fundamentally and always, a good person who is an amazing addition to anyone’s lives. When it comes to feeling the most loved, Sakuya does tend to fare best with partners who show their love through lots of quality time together.

[ashipikaur]

I must know everything about the misukazu baby 🙏 PLS

HI FELLOW MISUKAZUER 🫡 i will try my best to give my thoughts about the tiniest boy ever!!!!!! it would be easier if he had a set name but 😭😭😭 alas names are hard to deicide on…… it’s like naming my own kid

🤔 a twt follower had suggested kazumi before WHICH IS SUPER CUTE but it really is their names meshed together www. i was thinking mitsu- smth like mitsuyo? but unsure if it’s too many mi’s or yo’s (w the miyoshi surname for that W3 kanji) <\3 so i’ll just call him mitsu for now!!!

🧍‍♂️ UM. as for how he was brought into this world. i really seriously have no answer. friend stopped me middle of our conversation and asked and i stared at him thru the digital screen. let’s just pretend that mskz was blessed w a child MANKAI’S MYSTERIES STRIKE YET AGAIN!

IVE ONLY DRAWN HIM THREE TIMES but i stayed up late a friend yapping about mankai babysitters and this is the tentative tier list ^ I TAKE CRITICISM!!!

for one i think yukki would be an AMAZING uncle. like i’m talking buying clothes making clothes and making sure mskz’s kid looks cute at all times. like you can’t have a baby not looking their cutest when he’s around yk. mitsu loves yukki and yukki loves mitsu!!! tho he won’t always admit to it HAHAHA

^ ALSO i soooo think that he made the sankaku kun (baby friendly ver) as soon as he heard about the kid. he was super “it’s nothing, i just wanted to make sure your kid has something cute to reference whenever I’m not in the room” or smth along those lines 🫶

as for tenma i think the first time he met mitsu for the first time (where mitsu could actually acknowledge him) and mitsu was immediately like “tenten!” “?!?! TENTEN?” 😭😭 like kazu DEFO showed his kid television and would point at the tv and go “that’s uncle tenten! you’ll meet him one day ♪” and so obvi when you meet the guy in the flesh. that’s tenten for reals

“kazunari why did you teach your kid to call me tenten.” “WDYM? you’re tenten!” “……….”

i think tenma has the power to make mitsu cry on accident (at least when he was small) but also has the ability to make him laugh immediately after 🫶 like a true clown

!!! also i think one time sumi was busy and kazu had to run around w mitsu and he had a hangout planned w homare and just had to bring the kid. surprisingly enough homare enjoyed his company SOOOOO MUCH that he asked kazunari to bring him again the next time I THINK THATS GREAT. kazu was pleasantly surprised

and as a final one itaru who was asked to babysit for the first time and immediately was like “if you’re misumi’s kid that’s got to mean you’ve got some insane physical capability, and that also means i’m not running around for an hour straight trying to catch a tiny kid. ever heard of the otome genre?” and just ended up yapping about his best boys and girls to this not yet verbal toddler 😭😭😭😭 I THINK ITS GREAT IMAGERY

🫶🫶 and as a last little thing i think there’s smth so bittersweet about sumi holding mitsu for the first time and really realizing that he has a kid. a kid to love and adore and nurture and give the childhood that he didn’t have yk. like sumi is going to love this kid to his fullest extent and to so much more and to do it alongside the man he loves so much!!!! I LOVE MISUKAZU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it’s so peak. sankyu for listening

[jujumin-translates]

[A3!] ★ Main Story | Act 14 - DREAM CATCHER | Episode 5 - Dressing Room Greeting

Igawa: If this afternoon’s shoot goes well, we’ll have everything wrapped up the day after tomorrow.

Tenma: I’ll be sure to not make things take longer than they need to.

Igawa: Your schedule was pretty jam-packed this time around.

Igawa: Your next drama is an original drama that’ll be streaming-only, so I think you’ll have a little more room in your shooting schedule then.

Igawa: There’s been a lot of talk recently about streaming-only dramas, but what are you hoping for, Tenma-kun? For example, do you want to prioritize broadcasted things, or…?

Tenma: No, I want to pick things based on whether or not they can help me grow as an actor, just like I’ve done in the past.

Tenma: And both have their merits. Broadcasting has been building up quite a history for some time now, and streaming has the ability to be seen all around the world.

Igawa: Understood.

Igawa: Once the next shoot is over, you’ll be able to focus on your performance. Your father’s been wondering about the current state of the theater industry too.

Tenma: My father? He sure seems to know a lot for it being something out of his field. 

Igawa: Your father cares about you more than you think he does, Tenma-kun.

Igawa: Back when there was the fire at MANKAI Theater and things were looking bad for the company, he was worried about you…

Igawa: He was just a bit too busy back then to actually be of much help.

Tenma: It’s fine…

Igawa: Oh, right, I understand that you’d like to discuss some of the Sumeragi Agency policies with--.

*Phone buzzes*

Igawa: --Excuse me. Let me quickly answer this.

Tenma: Sure thing.

*Door closes*

Tenma: (I had no clue Dad cared like that. We usually don’t keep in touch…)

*Knock at the door*

Tenma: Igawa? Did you forget something?

*Door opens*

Hiro: Yo.

Tenma: !?

Hiro: I saw your name on the dressing room door, so I thought I’d pop in and say hi. I was doing a shoot in the same studio.

Tenma: Oh, gotcha.

Hiro: I’ve heard a lot about what you’ve been up to from my Tenma Sumeragi fan son. …Seems like you’re still as busy as ever.

Tenma: I guess that makes two of us.

Hiro: And who’s fault is that? I thought I’d be wrapping up today, but it looks like I’m gonna be in the US tomorrow.

Tenma: The US? For a movie location shoot or something?

Hiro: I’m not starring in it, but it’s for a Hollywood movie shoot.

Tenma: That’s incredible.

Hiro: You’re planning on making it in the world just like your father, aren’t you?

Hiro: You’d better start hurrying to catch up.

Tenma: --.

Hiro: …But that’s not your concern now, is it? Getting caught up in Yukio’s typhoon must’ve been hard on your theater company, huh?

Hiro: I’m rooting for you, so keep at it, yeah?

Tenma: Yeah, of course.

Hiro: See you.

*Door closes*

Tenma: …

Tenma: (The world, huh… It’s true that now…)

Tenma: (But someday I’ll also…)

*Phone notification*

Tenma: ?

Tenma: (A LIME from Dad…? That’s weird…)

Tenma: !!

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[randomyaoimoments]

Hello, do you mind if I ask your fav BL based on this categories? But all category must have different BL titles.

Manhua

Manhwa

Manga

Omegaverse

Shounen ai

Younger top

Younger bottom

Seme redflag

Uke redflag

Most greenflag couple

Most redflag couple

Enemies to lovers

Childhood friend to lovers

School life

Thanks if you want to answer.

Hello there! thanks for asking :D to answer your question, Below are my personal favorite BL 😙 Hope you’ll enjoy reading it :D

Manhua :

- Fragile Relationship

Manhwa :

- BJ Alex

- Dangerous Convenience Store

- I Can Hear It Without A Microphone

- Legs Which Cannot Walk

- Perfect Buddy

- Pian Pian

- Rivalry 1

- Semantic Error

- Shutline

- Surge Looking For You

- Sweet Spot

- The Kang’s Yeesu

- The New Recruit

- The Time Between Dog And Wolf

- Walk On Water

Manga :

- Finder Series

- Cherry Magic!

- Dakaretai Otoko Ichii Ni Odosarete Imasu

- Itou-san

- Kiraide Isasete

- Honto Yajuu

- Saezuru Tori Wa Habatakanai

- Sasaki To Miyano

- The Alpha’s Bride

- The Titan’s Bride

Omegaverse :

- Heat And Run

- Kashikomarimashita, Destiny

- Kedamono Arashi series

- Kekkon Shite Kudasai!

- Okusama Wa Alpha

- Ou-sama to Puppy Love

- Remnant : Jujin Omegaverse

- Totsugimasen Kara!

- Usotsuki Na Tsugai

- You Who Wants To Love

Shounen ai :

- Boku-tachi Wa Mada Aoku

- Green Apple Paradise

- Heesu In Class 2

- Kieta Hatsukoi

Younger top

- 17 Seito

- Boku No Mama Chan

- Dou-imo Nara Nai

- Eat Me Up, My Husband

- Honey Bear

- If You Hate Me That Much

- Kore Mo Shigoto Desu

- My Pretty Policeman

- Papa Datte, Shitai

- Seashell Boy

Younger bottom :

- Collar Kiss

- Goodbye Lilac

- Hana Wa Saku Ka

- His Little Amber

- Honey Maple More More Sugar

- Hwanghyeon Text

- Isso Koe Ga Nakattara

- Katekyo!

- Kikoeru?

- Kobi No Kyoujin

- Koi Ga Michitara

- Love Me Doctor!

- Mankai Darling

- My Little Inferno

- On Or Off

- Ou-sama No Koi Asobi

- A Tiger’s Den

- Usagi Otoko Tora Otoko

Seme redflag

- Even If You Don’t Love Me

- Love Jinx

- My Hyung’s Lover

- Roses And Champagne

- Sadistic Beauty BL Sidestory

- Unscented Trajectory

Uke redflag

- Sweet Heart Trigger

Most greenflag couple

- Ouchi E Kaerou : Neko Mimi Omegaverse

- After Staring At The Starry Sky

- First Night With My Beloved

- Mother’s Spirit

- Muri Marriage

- Old-fashioned Cupcake

- Raion Gotoki No Kuni Kara

- Restart Wa Tadaima No Ato De

- Shiba-kun To Shepherd-san

- Tatoeba Konna Koi No Hanashi

- Until I Meet My Husband

Most redflag couple

- Dragless Sex

Enemies to lovers

- Alpha Ga Alpha Wo Daku Houhou

- Anti Alpha

- Fudanshi No Ore Ga Youkya Osananajimi Ni Semarareteru Ken

- I’m Banging My Rival From A Parallel World

- Omae No Koi Wa Ore No Mono

- You Get Me Going

- Megumi And Tsugumi

Childhood friends to lovers :

- Ashita Wa Docchi Da!

- Dekiai Honey Baby

School life :

- Bukiyou Na Silent

- Doushiyou Mo Nai, Boku No Hatsukoi

- Ero Yume Aquarium

- Gosan No Heart

- Hana Tokidoki Kuma

- Hatsukoi Encounter

- Hinekure Chaser

- Houkago No Etude

- I Seriously Can’t Believe You

- Iberiko Buta To Koi To Tsubaki

- Inu Mo Arukeba Koi Ga Hajimaru

- Kawaii Akuma

- Kijima-kun

- Mask Danshi Wa Koishitakunai No Ni

- Nar Kiss

- Yarichin Bitch Club

✌🏻

[cherry-pyon]

The four seasons of

Mankai Company

Synopsis: Things escalated quicker than you can process but luckily it ended well, for now. The four of you are on a mission to find new members, form the first troupe, and bring it to Furuichi until sunset or else the demolition of your father's agency will continue! Although you and your big sister are sure to find one, or two if you're lucky enough, is it just easier said than done? Or you'll be able to hold the title of 'The Saviour of Mankai Company'?

⚠️Reminders⚠️:

May contain incorrect grammars (English is not my first language)

Will follow the manga and the anime, but there will be a lot of changes

Different flow of story due to two protagonists (you and Izumi)

Reader is 16 while Izumi is 24 (not canon but is considered)

Fem!reader

P.s: A3! Characters are legally and respectfully owned by Liber Entertainment Inc. and I do not claim them. I only own the changes in the flow of the original story.

|☆Chapter 1| |☆Chapter 2|

Chapter 111:

Spring is...Back?

You're trying to catch your breath. Both of your hands are now gripping tightly on your sling bag as you stood still beside a lamp post where your big sister was holding onto for dear life. Your chest huffs and puffs and continues to seek for air to fill your deprived lungs.

"Nee-san, are you sure we can find new members here?" It's the first thing you said before she looked up to you. You can see her drained face like the life inside of her has been sucked out, her grip is still on the lamp post as she motioned her other hand to wait for her answer. "I told you to slow down! I almost tripped on my feet earlier, you know!" you scolded your big sister, to which she just laughed off as her way of apologizing between her nonstop pants. The two males had just finished catching their breaths and are now looking concerned at the two of you.

"Is she-"

"She's okay, Matsukawa-san. Sorry for making the two of you worry." You swiftly turned your whole body to them with a reassuring smile whilst your hands are kept behind your back and bowed respectfully for causing such a ruckus, right now you're trying to distract them from your sister—who's now at the verge of dying but she can't just die yet, you still have a mission to do!

A few minutes had pass. You decided to look behind your shoulder when your big sister finally replies to you, "Trust your big sister on this, (Y/n). I promise you I'll do the best that I can!" She proudly said with her hand pressing on her chest.

"Ahhhh, this will save our agency!" Matsukawa cried out of happiness, the other boy couldn't hide his smile while he looked at the two of you.

Now that you remember it, haven't the two of you met before arriving at the theater? You were confused as to why he acts as if you weren't there, you felt a pain in your chest as you dramatically closed your eyes while your lips formed a pout, you were lost in your own thoughts until you heard a familiar voice near you.

"Hey! I'm sorry I couldn't find the perfect timing to talk to you earlier, but I'm so glad that we met again!!" You heard his cheery voice, the one that held so much passion earlier on stage, you opened your eyes and turned your head to your side, your eyes met his that matched the color of his beautiful dark-pink hair, together with his lovely smile that illuminated an exact replica of how each and every flowers bloom every time spring season arrives. He held so much joy that you can feel yourself hallucinate cherry blossoms blooming around his face, just like the first time you met.

"I also couldn't find the perfect timing to talk to you, but I could say the same! I was also surprised to find out that we're actually going to the same location." You curved your lips into a small smile—a gentle one. He chuckled to your reply, "I was really surprised I saw you from the audience! How's my performance?" He was quick to switch the topic as he cannot wait any longer but to hear your comment. "It was good! The talking parrot surprised me for a bit but you're good at acting, I think you just need some more experience and also members." His cheeks slightly turned pink, he thanked you upon hearing your personal remark, he didn't know but just hearing it from you makes him feel like he doesn't need anyone's comments anymore; yours is the only acceptable one, but he brushed it off as he thought that's a bit too selfish to think about for someone he just met.

Izumi clapped her hands to gain the other three's attention, to which she successfully did. "Come on now, everyone. There's no time for us to feel safe." She starts to walk away and motioned her hands to follow her steps, "We have to find new members, we can't let him know we're just lying!"

And with that, you heard the manager scream as if his life was going to end now, actually, you knew this was coming so you covered your ears, you can't help but look around after that, seeing lots of eyes looking at him weirdly for causing such a scene.

"W-WHAT?! L-LIE? IT WAS ALL A LIE?!"

"It was more like a street act than a lie." Your big sister pouts her lips in pure disappointment as he corrected him, I mean it shattered her heart knowing that thing wasn't considered a top-tier acting even though the first time she acted was in elementary.

You averted your eyes from the two males, you know very well you're your big sister's accomplice because this feels more like a crime rather than just a silly lie.

"S-so our agency will actually be demolished?" You turned your head to the dark-pink haired boy-that-you-still-don't- know-the-name-until-now-because-it-kept- slipping-out-of-your-mind as his voice cracked, 'He's about to cry, nee-san! It's all your faulttt!' You can see how his eyes attempted to tear up. The manager crouched down as he kept crying, not giving care about the people who came across him in this state.

"We have to find new members to cancel it!" With that, she begins to look around for someone who looks interested in acting, "I don't think you can find someone who wants to act just by looking at their clothes and their aura alone, nee-san, that's called being judgemental." She tried to ignore your words and kept her eyes on the lookout, her lips whistling as if to block your voice. "Nee-san!" You shouted as she began to sneak away from you and you caught her in action, "Don't act like you didn't hear me!" She tried to laugh it off but you gave her an unimpressed look.

"I don't know what I can do, but please let me help too!" The boy politely interrupted as he openly rests his hand to his chest, 'Well atleast we have another help'. You sighed in relief. Izumi, on the other hand, cooed at the boy's offer as she dramatically wiped a non-existent tear from her eyes, her hands clasped together as she approached the said boy.

"What a sweet boy!" She unexpectedly ruffled the boy's hair, to which surprised the latter. Then, she quickly switches, now pinching both of his cheeks which earned an uncomfortable groan from him. You tried to hide your laugh as the poor boy from your sister's grasp tries his best to get away. She eventually stopped and apologize to the boy who had his cheeks puffed up red and swollen.

"Ah! By the way, I'm Izumi Tachibana and this is my little sister (Y/n) Tachibana. What's your name?" She asked. Atleast it didn't slip through your sister's mind, she saved you from it. You scooted closer to your sister as you mumbled a small, "It's nice to meet you."

"My name is Sakuya Sakuma. 'Saku' as in 'Bloom'. Nice to meet you!" He happily bowed just like you did.

Now that everything is settled in the meantime, and now that you finally know his name, all that worries you is about how you and your big sister can find new members and bring it to the scary man by sunset. You think that the three of you are depending on your big sister, but you don't want her to take all the responsibility, you're also here for a purpose, and you don't want your sister to take all of the problems and burdens and keep it to herself. You want to prove that she can also depend on you when it comes to situations like this. And with that, you decided that it's time for you to speak up and let them hear your own suggestion.

"I think that if we need new members, we need to promote the agency. We need to start by showing them what we can provide and what makes the Mankai Company better than the others!"

"That's a great idea! What can the Mankai Company provide?" Your little sister happily agreed with your idea and turned his attention to Matsukawa, this of course boosts your pride, you can't help but smile so idiotically, you just wished someone won't catch you in the act for this kind of concerning behaviour.

"The Mankai Company provides a personal dorm for members, and they get to eat my cooking, two times, day and night!!" Matsukawa proudly replied, atleast now he can show off how good of a cook he is.

"Well that doesn't seem too bad now, is it? Let's proceed with that!" Izumi hummed in agreement, feeling really motivated, "Lil sis, you'll be the interviewer and we'll be managers in charge of the auditions, okay?" She added, which horrified you. "What?! Why me?!" You whined as you tried to protest, but to no avail, your big sister doesn't let this one slip out and ignores your childish cavil. You simply just moved on about it as you had no other choice but to do it, it's for the sake of your father's agency. Although you're a bit too hesitant to go all the way just for it to be saved, you know your sister's true to her words when she told Furuichi just how persistent she is at cancelling the demolition, and you don't want to crush all of her hardworks. It won't be for too long, so trust your big sister on this.

"The recruitment for Mankai Company starts now! And the audition for new members will start!" You purposely made your voice a little bit louder than normal so you would successfully gain the attention of random passersby. Given this to be your first ever street act, you can't avoid the shakiness and cracks of your voice, making you more embarrassed than you were before. It cringed you honestly, but you're ready to take risks, just for the agency to be in peace.

"First! My name is Sakuya Sakuma, seventeen years old!" His voice came out shaky too, it seems like no matter how hard he tries to act very confidently, his actions does the opposite effect and he hates it. He wants to show everyone how exciting and how fun performing can be but he guessed maybe now's not the right time, not when he still lacks experience.

The street act went smoothly, well, in your perspective, you know very well the passersby are in complete contrast with your view—about your own story, and even though you get strange looks from random people, you've begun to grow tired of others misjudging you at first glance.

"What's that?"

"Oh my, that looks awful."

"Is that supposed to be a street act?"

"Is it a part of a punishment game?"

You can see how your sister's face gloomed, which worsened the supposedly lively and cheerful mood you all had, "Oh...no one even gathered around us." It was like you both could read each other's minds and decided to drop the act right after she saw how ashamed you must have felt while looking around, seeing that no one took any interest in your performance (except for one). You risked your dignity and sanity for this and yet no one was there to stay and watch for even just a bit longer? Not fair, not fair at all.

The streets were back to normal, almost as if nothing had happened. You silently walked out from the rest, looking around to examine the structures of different shops, you noticed a sidewalk, a bit higher than the street you were into so it's clearly above. It was right in front of you in a small alleyway, just between two tall shops. There, you noticed a single person leaning their arms on the sidewalk's pavement fence, is he looking at you? Maybe? But if he's focused on you then, maybe he's interested, it feels like he's been there for a while, but oh well! It won't hurt to try and ask so you let your feet lead your way to the strange guy.

'Let's just hope he likes acting'.

"Excuse me, are you perhaps interested in acting?" You went in the alleyway on the other side of the road as you raised your head to look up at him, he was startled for a bit when you started talking to him—his cheeks slowly burning and a dust of pink can be seen if you pay close attention.

"E-ehh? Uhmmm.." His lips moved a little but his voice couldn't be heard, it seems like he was mumbling something to himself but you can't really hear it because of the distance between you and him.

"Maybe you saw our performance, or maybe not, but right now we're in a desperate need of new members-"

"(Y/n)! What are you doing over there?" You were quick to turn your head when you heard your sister call you out, they crossed the road to get to you and were curious to know who you were talking to just now. You were about to explain when Sakuya spoke.

"Eh? Masumi-kun? Aren't you Usui Masumi-kun?" He was the first to initiate a word with the mysterious guy.

"Do you guys know each other?" It was your big sister's turn to ask, and Sakuya was quick to nod in response, also humming with it.

"We never talked to each other before, but he is my underclassmen." Sakuya gave out a cheerful smile, while the guy who's named Masumi was much more doing the opposite: he was frowning as he holds the headphones dangling from his neck, attempting to put it back on as he observed us from above.

"Who?"

"Masumiiii!" He fake cried, expecting to get Masumi to feel guilty but he felt no remorse at all.

"Uhmm..Masumi-kun, if you're interested, why don't you try to join?" Izumi offered, clasping both her hands on the side of her face as she tilted her head to the side, willingly waiting for either his refusal or approval. It went silent for like five seconds before he could muster up the energy for an answer, or rather another question.

But before that, he held onto the fence really tight and hopped over it and did a stunt you all never expect. You had a mini heart attack from what he did because it was kinda high and it's scary but you're left amazed and impressed at the same time.

"Is she also a member?" He was surprisingly calm right after he did that scary stunt. He averted his gaze from everyone else but he kept stealing glances at you every second. Surely, he doesn't want you to feel uncomfortable by his eyes slowly burning a hole through you from all of that gazing and glancing. You don't know but your sister can smell something fishy going around, and she's certain that she can't just let it slide.

"Eh?? Oh kids these days..." She sighed at herself while clicking her tongue in disapproval, but the only thing that didn't match her overall behaviour was her smile creeping up, you weren't too happy about it, I mean your big sister is back to being that typical aunt that likes to ship you with almost every boy he met, not to mention her being too similar to that one aunt you both know in your hometown.

"Nee-san, you're acting way too similar to auntie Rina." You joked, while giving her the 'I'm tired of this stuff, Nee-san' look, she only replied to you with a knowing smile, thinking that you're just acting too shy about it.

"I don't know about that Mas-"

"What are you talking about?! She's one of our boss! She's the fallen angel of Mankai Company!" Matsukawa interrupted, which was unexpected and it surprised the two of you because he had been real quiet after that horrible street act.

'We haven't even agreed to join yet' Izumi thought but she realized it was too late to back out now, she hopes this won't be too hard of a job.

"I will join if she's there." He finalized his words with a quick glance at you, which you didn't quite catch but your big sister was quick enough to nudge your shoulder and tease you.

"Really? You'll join?!" Sakuya was too happy to care about how harsh Masumi is to him, he was quick on his feet to run towards him.

"I don't care about you."

"That's true, but I'm happy!" He tried to hug him but Masumi was quick to dodge and grabbed Sakuya's head, pushing him away while Sakuya tried to fight back by trying to cling onto his arm.

"You hear that (Y/n)? He's so sweet, that boy is sweet."

"Nee-san, pleaseee." You whined, not really in the mood for things such as this.

Izumi was having fun teasing you about it, Masumi can't stop looking at you, Sakuya and Matsukawa are way too busy celebrating and here you are, trying your best to stay calm and composed.

'What should we do? I didn't even decide to join yet' You bit your lip as you felt your anxiety rising up, can you really handle such a big responsibility?

'But he's our newest member, it feels bad deceiving him, but I guess I should keep it in me for now'.

"Entry no.2: Masumi Usui, sixteen years old, my hobby is listening to music, and my reason to join is to support the fallen angel of Mankai Company."

And right after that, girls swooned around him, completely blocking him from the others. You can see how he's trying his best to break free, which he was successful to do so, but the girls were still busy sticking to him like some leech, squealing and screaming then and there.

"Masumi-kun is so cool!!" Sakuya exclaimed in awe, too stunned with how much effect Masumi has on the girls.

"He's well composed, and he's incredibly good." You commented, and Matsukawa hummed in agreement.

It was obvious how irritated he is, with the way his eyebrows furrowed as he looked behind him where the girls were. It was also obvious how his mood quickly changed from irritated to head-over-heels. You swear you're starting to think if this was some sort of prank or act.

"Really?"

"EEKKK!" You swear you felt your life was sucked out of you when he suddenly popped out in front of you, he mumbled out a worried "Sorry.." before patiently waiting for your reply.

"How's my performance?"

"It was good!"

"Did I do well just now?" You can hear how desperate he is for your answer just by his tone alone.

"Your performance was outstanding-" Matsukawa decided to join in, but was quickly cut off by Masumi himself.

"I'm not talking to you." He shot a glare to Matsukawa before taking all of his attention back to you.

"Yes! Yes! Just continue doing that!" You replied back, feeling too bad about the manager's cries of sorrows. But honestly, you don't know anymore. You exhaled right after he blushed from your comments and left the scene. Right now you're trying to regain who you are the seconds before the incident. Izumi tried to cover her mouth, keeping herself from laughing way too loud. You glared at her as you tried to cover your blush from the close proximity with him minutes ago. You're having a hard time differentiating what's true and what's not.

"That was a good performance, Masumi-kun." Your big sister clapped her hands to gain the attention of the two boys across the street, Masumi politely thanked your sister, completely ignoring Sakuya who kept complimenting his performance.

You were too relaxed knowing that you found another member that the deadline had slipped out of your mind, you reminded everyone as they came to realization except for Masumi who was a bit confused, but you'll explain the rest later and right now, all of you should run because time's running as well. You can see the station where you and your sister came from (Ch.1) and you caught a glimpse of a familiar person who just turned.

"Nee-san! I know just the right person to find." You ran off, completely ignoring their calls because you might be too late to stop him.

"Hey, (Y/n)!" Izumi groaned when you were nowhere to be seen, she began to panic about the thought of you getting lost because both of you are unfamiliar with this place.

"Don't worry, I'll follow her." Masumi dashed away which left Izumi fumbling to find the right words to stop him.

"Masumi-kun!" Sakuya was next to run. Izumi and Matsukawa— who were both being tagged into this mess had no other choice but to follow and run too.

"PLEASE WAIT!" You don't care anymore, you don't care about attracting the attention of everyone who was there, he's the only last hope you have.

"E-eh? Oh! It's you!" You were relieved he already recognized you, as you held onto your legs and pant uncontrollably, earning a worried look from the said male. It took you minutes for your breathing to be back to normal, maybe it'd be best if you never ran from the start.

"You said you were looking for a dorm, right?!" He was confused at first but nods to your question.

As you were about to introduce your agency, you were left astounded when you heard a familiar voice shouting not too far in front of the station.

"PLEASE JOIN MANKAI COMPANY!!! WE PROVIDE DORM AND MEALS TWICE A DAY!!"

"Meals twice a day?!" It was more than enough for him to turn his head to find the source of this generous offer.

'It seems like everyone managed to catch up' you sighed in relief as the blue-ish sky had slowly start to turn orange.

[celery-the-stick]

I. Made another. This one is how the mankai members would rate themselves 1-10

The 5-6 is mostly people being humble and polite and trying to be chill, but I feel like Taichi, Tsumugi, Tasuku, and Azuma would mean it. Itaru would debate saying 9 or 10 but he'd be like "my luck on gacha sucks so no". Chikage fully believes he's a 10 but is trying to be nonchalant about it. Hisoka would say 7 or so if he was awake I think??? Misumi wouldn't give any other answer other than 3 because that's a 10 in his eyes.

This game is called act addict actors and they were spot on I am addicted to these actors

[fishyishy]

A3! Translation - Hyodo Kumon SSR 【MANKAI Treasure】 Treasure Hunt: KUMON (2/3)

Kumon: --Tsuzuru-san!

Tsuzuru: Oh, you came.

Tsuzuru: Good job, I guess the hint was too easy huh.

Kumon: Hehe, I thought that this hint could only come from Tsuzuru!

Kumon: I was able to instantly remember that time.

*flashback*

Kumon: Ugh... I'm definitely still nervous.

Muku: Kyuchan, it'll be okay. Let's make sure to properly eat our meal.

Tsuzuru: Good morning. Wow, you two are up early even though it's a holiday.

Muku: Good morning, Tsuzuru-san.

Kumon: I have a seminar at university today.

Tsuzuru: Ah, the one you can voluntarily participate in before enrolling.

Kumon: I wonder what the seminar will be like. As the seminar comes closer, I can feel my heart suddenly beating super fast.

Tsuzuru: It felt like more of a light information session than a seminar, so don't worry. I don't think you need to be too nervous.

Kumon: Really? I see, well if Tsuzuru-san says that's the case then.....!

Kumon: And if you think about it, this could be a chance to learn lots and lots about the university!

Tsuzuru: That's right.

Kumon: Oh, by the way, how long do the seminars last?

Tsuzuru: I remember it being around noon probably....

Tsuzuru: I'm actually also going to the university today for a seminar. If you have time, how about having lunch together in the school cafeteria?

Kumon: Eh! I wanna go!

Tsuzuru: That was an immediate answer. Well then, whenever your seminar is over contact me.

Kumon: Mhm! After the seminar, I'll get to eat with Tsuzuru in the school cafeteria....! It's like I'm suddenly looking forward to it!

Muku: Fufu, that's a relief isn't it, Kyuchan.

--------------------------------

Kumon: ---.

Tsuzuru: Sorry to keep you waiting, Kumon.

Kumon: It's nothing, good job in your seminar today! I'm in an unfamiliar place, so I was a bit nervous waiting by myself....!

Tsuzuru: It's a holiday today, so there aren't that many people around. It might be the opposite next time you come, though.

Kumon: Taichi-san sent me a photo of my nii-chan eating in the cafeteria though, so in a way it feels like a familiar sight!

Tsuzuru: So that's what he was doing.....

Tsuzuru: Anyways, you're hungry right? You can order here.

Tsuzuru: Looks like today's daily special is..... "Braised Pork Meal Set"

Kumon: Braised pork!? Looks super delicious! I'll take one of those!

Tsuzuru: With this menu lineup, it's like they foresaw Kumon's arrival. I guess I'll just go with meal set A.

------------------

Tsuzuru: Well, here we go, thank you for the food.

Kumon: Thank you for the food!

Kumon: ----! This braised meat is super yummy!

Tsuzuru: Haha, well that's a relief.

Tsuzuru: Oh yeah, how was your seminar?

Kumon: It was more fun than I thought! But more than anything, it started to really dawn on me that I'm going to be attending this school soon, so I started to feel reallyyyy excited!

Kumon: I'm super duper excited to experience campus life with my nii-chan of course, but I'm also looking forward to experiencing it with Tsuzuru-san, Tenma-san, and Taichi-san too!

Tsuzuru: I'm looking forward to you joining Yosei too.

Tsuzuru: I can give you some class materials for any of the classes I've taken before you, and if you have any worries such as choosing which classes to take, you can always ask me for advice.

Kumon: Thank you! I'll be in your care!

Kumon: AH, that's right. There's something I'd like to ask you straight away.

Tsuzuru: What is it?

Kumon: What kind of writing utensils do you use?

Tsuzuru: Writing utensils? At university I just use the normal mechanical pencils..... what seems to be the problem?

Kumon: Up until now, I've just been using pens with stuff like characters or mascots on them without much thought.

Kumon: I thought that it might be a little childish even though I'm becoming a university student.

Kumon: You like simple designs right? Maybe I should get things with those types of designs too.

Tsuzuru: I see. I never really cared about it that much though.

Tsuzuru: Now that you mention it, I have a lot of friends that use pens with character or hobby-oriented designs.

Kumon: Wait really!?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. I think you should just use the pens you like, Kumon.

Tsuzuru: Surprisingly, people around you don't seem to care.

Kumon: I see.... Yeah, thank you, Tsuzuru-san!

Kumon: With that being said, this braised pork meal set is truly delicious~!

Tsuzuru: Haha, it looks like you've found your favorite menu item right away.

*end flashback*

Tsuzuru: Compared to back then, Kumon has gotten used to Yosei's dining hall.

Kumon: Of course he has! He's an admirable student now isn't he~.

Tsuzuru: ....Once again, happy birthday, Kumon.

Tsuzuru: Well, here's my present to you.

Kumon: Thank you! Can I open it?

Tsuzuru: Sure.

Kumon: Eh!? By any chance, is this a.... ballpoint pen!?

Tsuzuru: I said this back then too, but the most important factor is that Kumon uses the writing utensils that he likes himself.

Tsuzuru: It can serve to commemorate Kumon's birthday celebration and university entrance.

Tsuzuru: I wanted to give you a pen with a simple design that's also easy to write with. I also made sure it was a little fancier and something that you wouldn't buy for yourself.

Tsuzuru: If you ever feel like using it, please do.

Kumon: I'll definitely use it! I'll use it right now!

Kumon: I'm suuuper happy! Thank you, Tsuzuru-san!

Tsuzuru: Haha, it's no problem.

previous I next

please feel free to let me know if anything is wrong .

[stardustcasti]

It's the 2nd here at least so...let's do it.

I am not sure if it was love at first sight or love at like, first time I saw he is actually 2 faced (Itaru lol) Nowadays I am not really sure I have a specific Oshi but he is still iconic and dear to me and there is no one who can replaced the room he has in my heart.

He creates some of my favorite dynamics in A3!- For example, ChikaIta (romantic or not) Itaru and Masumi (definately not romantic) and TsuzuIta (again, I don't really care about their lable).

He is just best boi in my heart.

He grew to love him more and now I guess my feelings twards him are different from the ones I had in 2020 or smth but he is still my forever Oshi.

Mankai March question 2!

I hope everyone had fun yesterday! Today’s question is pretty simple as well: Who is your oshi? How did they become your oshi? Let’s hear some stories about how you came to love them, or maybe love at first sight!

[the-himawari]

A3! Miyoshi Kazunari - Translation [SSR] MANKAI Treasure (2/3)

*Please read disclaimer on blog

---

*flashback starts*  

Kazunari: Phew… Lovelin and the others at the Dog Circus sure were adorable~. Everyone was just too cute, I keep looking at the pics I took of them on my phone over and over again.

*door opens*

Kazunari: Ah, welcome back, Tax! Are you back from a run?  

Tasuku: Yeah. I was running along the riverbank.  

Kazunari: You go on both a morning run and an evening run… your self-discipline is no joke~.  

Tasuku: Well, I enjoy running after all. …  

Kazunari: Hm? What’s up?  

Tasuku: …Are those pictures from the circus? That reminds me that I actually watched the dog circus the other day.  

Kazunari: Huh? Hold on, are you talking about the same dog circus I appeared in?  

Tasuku: Are there any others?  

Kazunari: HUHH!? You came to watch! You should’ve shot me a line if that’s the case~!  

Tasuku: Sorry about that. I was going to tell you but missed the chance to.  

Kazunari: Sooo, how was it?  

Tasuku: Well… it was fun, plain and simple.  

Kazunari: I know, right~! It totes raises your sprits right up! Ah, and me? How ‘bout me?  

Tasuku: You worked hard, didn’t you? The crowd was riled up when you guys appeared too.  

Kazunari: Woohoo! Tax complimented me ♪  

Tasuku: Also… the dogs were a sight to see. Their skills were impressive with the way they carried the balls so well and jumped so dynamically.  

Kazunari: Ah, right! You’re a dog lover, aren’tcha! Is that why you came~?  

Tasuku: …That’s not the only reason, okay?  

Kazunari: I’ll just leave it at that~. …Ah, that’s right! That reminds me, there’s a spot I wanna go with you, Tax. If you’re down, then let’s go together!  

Tasuku: Huh? A spot you want to visit?  

-pause-  

Dog A: Woof, woof!  

Kazunari: They’re so cute I’m gonna die~! Shiba inu cafes are a fluff-filled heaven! Here, here. Head pats for you~.  

Dog A: Woof!  

Tasuku: They’re brimming with energy…  

Dog B: Arf, arf.  

Dog C: Bark!  

Kazunari: I wanted to try coming here with you since you love dogs~… err, woah! The puppies are all over you, Tax. They’re all gathering at your feet! Give them some pats~!  

Tasuku: Sure thing. …Here, here.  

Dog B: Arf ♪  

Dog C: Woof~.  

Kazunari: The interaction between a big, rugged man and an adorable little doggo totally hits~. Let me snap a pic later!  

Tasuku: No.  

Kazunari: Aww! Buzzkill!  

Dog D: Arf, arf, arf!  

Tasuku: Would you like me to throw this ball? Here goes—.  

Dog D: ARF, ARF!  

Dog B: Woof, woof…!  

Tasuku: Hey, that tickles. Haha. Here. Good boy.  

Kazunari: (Tax is smiling from ear to ear~. What a rare expression we don’t usually get to see!)  

-pause-  

Kazunari: Ha, they were all so cute~. Tax with the dogs was super cute too. It was relaxing and I got to see something great!  

Tasuku: …I’m not a spectacle.  

Kazunari: But you know what they say! Good people are liked by animals! The doggies could totally tell, wouldn’t you say~?  

Tasuku: …I don’t know about that.  

Kazunari: Ahaha. Just take the compliment, will ya~! Ah, look. There’s a merch corner! There’s plushies and mug cups… All of them look cute~!  

Tasuku: I see… they have stationary too?  

Kazunari: —! Hey, lookie here, Tax! Isn’t this t-shirt cute af!?  

Tasuku: …Uh. The dog is cute, but is the shirt cute…?  

Kazunari: It totally is! But it might look pretty funny if you wore this, huh? Why don’t you wear it as your rehearsal shirt?  

Tasuku: No thanks.  

Kazunari: As expected~. Btw, do you still have some time after this, Tax? I won’t take no for an answer!  

Tasuku: What is happening? …Well, I don’t have any particular plans.  

Kazunari: I’ll treat you to a meal as thanks for coming along with me! I found a restaurant that has some tasty-looking chilled ramen~. You like chilled ramen, right?  

Tasuku: I mean, yeah… I’m surprised you remember.  

Kazunaru: That’s because I thought it was cute that you like chilled ramen! I’ll guide, so you drive! Let’s go!  

Tasuku: Good grief...

*flashback ends*  

Kazunari: After that place started serving chilled ramen, we started going there together every now and then~.  

Tasuku: …Right. I guess that was the trigger. On that note, here’s your present.  

Kazunari: Thanks! “On that note” was a weird segway, but okay! Can I open it?  

Tasuku: Yeah.  

Kazunari: I wonder what could be inside~ ♪

*opens*

Kazunari: —EH!? Isn’t this the t-shirt they were selling at the shiba inu café!  

Tasuku: I remembered you liked it. I passed in front of the shiba inu café and they weren’t selling the exact same design… but I found and bought something similar. Like you said back then, you can wear this t-shirt during rehearsals.  

Kazunari: I’m so happy~! Thanksies! I’ll wear it ‘til it gets all worn out!  

Tasuku: Great. I’m glad if you like it. Since we’ve come all the way here, we might as well have some chilled ramen, right?  

Kazunari: Of course!  

Tasuku: It’s your birthday, so I’ll treat you this time.  

Kazunari: Tax is so generous! Yippee!  

Tasuku: Alright, let’s go in.  

Kazunari: Ah! Hold up. You haven’t said happy birthday to me yet, have you!?  

Tasuku: Ah… …Happy birthday, Miyoshi.  

Kazunari: Thanks, Tax~!

---

previous | next

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 15: PAINFUL RE:BAKE - Episode 4: Acting As Actors

Aoshi: …

Banri: Yo.

Aoshi: I’ll leave you this duplicate key.

Aoshi: Long story short, he won’t answer if you ring the intercom, so feel free to enter as you please.

Aoshi: I’ve already shared the location with you, so you can take care of the rest. Well then–

Banri: You ain’t coming?

Aoshi: Going to that house makes me feel like I’m on the brink of insanity, so I try not to get close unless absolutely necessary.

Banri: Huh?

Aoshi: … I look forward to working with you next month. This’ll be an important move for Hyakka, as we’re facing a great crisis.

Banri: The hell's a great crisis… You ranked pretty high in 1Q, didn’t ya?

Aoshi: A shocking play based on the autobiographical episode by Kabuto, the son of defendant Amadate Keiju.

Aoshi: The desperate script both drew in the audience and voters, but also caused a stir at the same time.

Banri: And in 2Q…? 

Aoshi: We fell off rather hard.

Banri: For real? Now that I think ‘bout it, I didn’t see your name anywhere.

Aoshi: We weren’t able to perform in the first place…

Banri: Why?

Aoshi: Kabuto-san has been holed up in his house in preparation for 3Q. Something about this being his inspiration gathering period.

Banri: He’s a damn bold one…

Aoshi: After the incident, many members of the troupe were publicly criticized and quit.

Aoshi: On the other hand, the members who did remain regained their spark thanks to the Fleur Cup, but…

Aoshi: Because of the results of 2Q, the atmosphere in the troupe has been horrid.

Banri: (... I bet.)

Aoshi: But, well, the longer he keeps them waiting, the higher everyone’s expectations will be.

Aoshi: Kabuto-san’s keeping everyone on their toes; just what script will he write next? What direction will Hyakka take next?

Aoshi: This performance might just be the key of rebirth that will determine Hyakka’s future

Aoshi: Whether we succeed or not will be up to you, the guest actors. Please do your best for Hyakka’s sake as well.

Banri: You don’t gotta tell us. We’ll also use this chance for our own benefit.

Aoshi: That’s fine.

Banri: … I needa ask though, why did you remain in a troupe that’s on the verge of disbandin’? Someone of your skill’s oughta be gettin’ love calls from numerous other troupes.

Aoshi: I wonder.

Banri: Is it obligation?

Aoshi: Well, I joined Hyakka because Amadate-san scouted me and brought me to Tokyo… I don’t owe Kabuto-san anything.

Aoshi: … But I’d probably say, it’s because I find myself immersed in the worlds Kabuto-san creates.

Banri: Huuuh.

Aoshi: I’ll be taking my leave, then.

-

[Doorbell ringing twice]

Banri: … He’s not answering for real.

Banri: I’m comin’ in.

[Door unlocking]

Banri: So that’s what… the whole ‘feel like I’m on the brink of insanity’ thing was about.

Banri: Heeey, you in here?

-

Kabuto: *Snooore*...

Banri: Are you for real? You tryna die?

Banri: Heey, wake up.

Kabuto: Hm? …tsk.

Kabuto: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” (1)

Banri: Liar. You were sleepin’ real tight in there.

Banri: I’m here on time. Hurry and get outta there.

Kabuto: … *Snore*

Banri: Don’t sleep!

-

Kabuto: Good to see you. Hope you’ve been sleeping and eating good.

Banri: Dude, you’re 30 minutes late.

Kabuto: Must’ve made a calculation error.

Banri: … I wanted to talk to ya about the performance next month. I was hoping you’d let me work not only as an actor, but also as an assistant director.

Kabuto: Your reason?

Banri: The Autumn Troupe will be doing MANKAI Company’s performance for 3Q.

Banri: The guest appearance at Hyakka’s performance is right before that, so it’s a great chance for me to improve.

Banri: I want to learn not only from Hyakka’s acting, but also your directing, and use that knowledge to improve the Autumn Troupe’s performances’ quality.

Kabuto: I’ve got people I’ve worked with for a long time now. What do I gain from using you, who I’ve never worked with before?

Banri: Uh, well–

Banri: If you let me in, I’ll make sure you don’t regret it. I’ll do my damned best as both an actor and a director.

Kabuto: Alright.

Banri: Huh? Seriously?

Kabuto: That’s what I was expecting you to say.

Kabuto: By the way, I’ll be in charge of scriptwriting and directing.

Banri: Huh? You? Write?

Kabuto: I wrote for 1Q too, be at ease.

Banri: Oh, that autobiography. Has the script for this one been written yet?

Kabuto: I haven’t written a single letter.

Banri: The hell. It’s literally happenin’ next month…

Banri: (That’s worlds apart from Tsuzuru’s peak progress…)

Banri: Have ya settled on a theme?

Kabuto: “Actors”.

Banri: Actors?

Kabuto: A play where actors act as actors. Wouldn’t you say that’s relatable?

Kabuto: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” (2)

Banri: … You’ve changed direction a lot since last time.

Kabuto: I wouldn’t say I have.

Kabuto: What got me started was that stream your troupe did that kicked my father’s ass.

Banri: Ahhh… The performance where all our members met Saku as themselves.

Kabuto: After watching that, I thought actors acting as actors would be interesting. And meaningful.

Banri: (... Hey. You hearin’ this, Director-chan? Sakuya? This is nuts. We’re the ones inspiring this guy.)

Kabuto: And there’s enough potential for the buzz it’ll create to connect to 1Q.

Banri: You’ve got the whole thing planned out, huh? You’re goin’ to take advantage of everything you can.

Kabuto: Isn’t that what you intend to do, too?

Banri: Pretty much. Well, for now, I’ll be waitin’ for you to finish the script.

Kabuto: Give my regards to Juza Hyodo too.

Banri: Ah… You got it.

Banri: (Didn’t think those Hyakka guys would offer both me and Hyodo a role...)

-

[Flashback starts]

Kabuto: But from where I stand, someone like you can only bring the performance to 100 points. I don’t think you’re capable of pushing it to 120 points.

Kabuto: Let’s take the emotive scene from now as an example, I’d rather have it done by an unbalanced actor who’s still lacking something but can bring the feelings out than an all-mighty all-rounder like you.

[Flashback ends]

-

Banri: …

Banri: (What Kabuto’s lookin’ for as a director is prolly actors like Hyodo.)

Banri: (But I’ve improved since then.)

Banri: (He’ll only beat me over my dead body. I'll grow not only as an assistant, but also an actor.)

previous episode | masterpost | next episode

NOTES:

(1) quote from shakespeare's henry viii

(2) quote from shakespeare's as you like it

[winter-spark]

So like I'm attempting to fill out this ship chart meme thing. Like those ones where you introduce the ship and mark up bars and answer questions about them. Anyway point is now I'm thinking about Itaru referring to Citron as his wife, work vs streaming.

Work:

He accidentally one time said wife and whoever he was talking to latched onto that detail and never forgot. Itaru tried in that moment to just keep going and not focus on that detail for long because explaining in person to people who see you every day that "no, not my actual wife but my troupe mate who plays the part of mom, where I play the part of dad, in our Spring Troupe etude that has become a running not really gag but a constant in our dynamic to the point that yes I just accidentally referred to him as my wife but like he's not like really my wife it's like an inside joke of sorts" is more embarrassing than basically saying as much in a Mother's Day blog post just saying "yup" when someone's like "oh, you have a wife?" He doesn't actively bring up his wife. But sometimes they ask and he wants to appear normal and not at all overly avoidant on the topic so he gets conversations like:

Co-worker: Oh how's the wife? Itaru: Oh yeah, uhm, my wife is great. Was pretty happy we went out for sushi last night. Co-worker: Oh wasn't one of your toupemate's big on sushi? How fun, they probably get along. Itaru, sweating: Yup.

Chikage does eventually find out this is a thing and promptly makes fun of Itaru for it. ("Do they know about your kids?" "Don't you dare.")

Streams:

Since his stream followers don't know he's an actor at Mankai, I feel like if he was ever gonna mention Citron the safest way to keep his own identity on lock is to refer to him as "my wife" because so many people have wives it's totally not gonna give him away in the slightest. (as I type this I realize roommate/neighbor is also technically options but I didn't think of it at first so who's to say Itaru did immediately instead of immediately after a stream or two of refer to Citron as his wife.) So his followers know of Citron as his wife.

Of course, Mankai watches his videos sometimes but those are more commonly his uploads on their own time rather than his livestreams so story time in his lives. I think Citron would find out about it though and encourage but also sometimes be like "As your wife" where most of Mankai will assume it's the Spring Troupe family etude but Citron and Itaru both know it's about Itaru referring to Citron as such.(which was technical because of the Spring Troupe etude so it's not too far off lol)

I bet Banri also finds out like he just so happened to watch a stream where Itaru mentions "my wife" and Banri immediately texted him about it. I don't think Itaru does it often but the more he does it the more often he's gonna end up doing it ya know? Lol if that's how he accidentally ended up saying my wife at work which adds another layer to him not wanting to properly explain.

So yea. I just thought that was funny and I wanted to write it out so there you go. Me working through vague ideas in real(ish) time.

[taichissu]

17, 36, and 49 for the ask meme!

17. Favorite Harugumi Play

if there are a thousand clockwork's heartbeat fans i am one of them, if there are a hundred clockwork's heartbeat fans i am one of them, if there are ten clockwork's heartbeat fans i am one of them, if there are no clockwork's heartbeat fans i am dead

36. Favorite Doodle

genuinely lose my mind any time i see tsumugi's zabi or citron's fucking uyu creature (honrs)

49. Any favorite Quotes/Trivia?

this one got a bit long so under cut

i'm not actually sure how to answer this one bc there are so MANY trivia i love and i simply don't know how to choose a favorite

i guess some of my favorite trivia (most of it turned out to be akigumi-centered but don't judge me for it too much i just think about them a lot) + (most are pretty well-known, but there might also be some obscure ones, i have no way of knowing what's common knowledge in this fandom anymore):

according to itaru, chikage secretly owns like a shit ton of rabbit trinkets (his last name is a play on words btw, utsuki is written as 卯木 with 卯 meaning rabbit, and additionally it's very close to 嘘つき (usotsuki) which means liar)

my favorite personas the guys become when drunk: kazunari (becomes a formal-speaking senpai), homare (becomes an emotional crybaby (me too)), omi (becomes the mad wolf), banri (becomes a giggly mess, the social kinda drunk who thinks everything you say is the funniest thing in the whole world), juza (becomes extremely honest), the theater idiot trio (tsumugi, tasuku, and izumi; talk about nothing but theater lol)

kumon is a health nut, he's really into working out and eating properly (which is funny considering his brother probably tries to drink shampoo on a weekly basis)

itaru, kumon, hisoka, and homare are all left-handed

kumon is the only one in mankai who azami doesn't use an honorific for - this would be because they met before formally introducing themselves at mankai, so azami can't help but see kumon as younger than himself

according to drama cd, kumon has zero knowledge about cooking and is absolutely useless in the kitchen

it was said before that banri and his sister have very similar faces, but in the marie antoinette event, banri says that he thought he'd pass well as a girl because of that and yet he still looks like a man

banri's sister's favorite mankai members are omi and juza lol she seems to be into muscular guys

banri is the only member of akigumi who's the youngest sibling

that being said, azami is the only member of akigumi who's an only child (everyone else in akigumi is big brothers!)

juza used to be a member of shogi club when in o-high but he was a ghost member and we don't know if he can even play it lol

banri is lowkey obsessed with soy milk for whatever reason and drinks it everyday lol (is it bc of those 2cm juza holds over him?)

another one about juza; it was stated that out of everyone the dorms, he has the worst quality of sleep - this aligns with the fact that according to banri he snores and grinds his teeth in his sleep, which usually results in people sleeping badly

mi-chan's (taichi's little sister) favorite mankai member is azami, ma-kun's (taichi's little brother) is yuki - this makes taichi depressed that he's neither of their favorites

out of mankai: the best (?) singer is juza, and the worst singer is omi (at least based off karaoke score lol banri is still in denial about it)

additionally kumon said that his only good subjects in school were PE and music, so that would imply both of the hyodo brothers have natural musical talent

everyone in akigumi can play at least one musical instrument (first shown in the 2nd anniversary musical etude, later revisited in the rad red)

banri: guitar

juza: guitar / drums

taichi: keyboard / guitar

omi: drums

sakyo: bass

azami: guitar / bass

other than that, i believe yuki can also play the piano, and matsukawa is the MVP

taichi can draw well! (he's probably the only one in mankai who can draw despite not really having a reason to or showing any explicit interest in it (like kazu being an art student, yuki being a designer, muku liking manga))

in my worst wedding, olivia's heels are 5cm high, taichi couldn't move freely when he tried 6.5cm on, and since olivia had to move a lot during the final action scene, yuki settled for 5cm

speaking of my worst wedding, banri is the one helping taichi with the quick costume change before the finale (he got a private make-up training from azami himself to ensure he'd do it properly!)

according to azami; azuma, yuki, and banri have the best skin condition in the dorms

taichi doesn't care to buy his own skincare products and steals banri's lol

tsumugi and chikage have a sort of tense relationship, since tsumugi is a pro at reading people and chikage will do anything not to be read lol

hisoka has heterochromia - he doesn't care to keep it a secret but sakyo made him ensure that he keep it that way to boost his popularity as ミステリアスな人 and keep people on their toes

homare is in great shape because of his experience with ballroom dancing which requires great stamina and core strength

here's the (possibly incomplete) list of characters who are confirmed to have been in relationships in the past: izumi, tsumugi, homare (seriously?? so few?? i must be missing things asklfjsalkf)

here's the list of mankai members who have numbers in their names: chikage (1000), misumi (3), kazunari (1), kumon (9), banri (10,000), juza (10), taichi (1), guy (100,000,000,000,000,000,000)

i was trying to keep this in some sort of order but i literally just started rambling off the top of my head and all the structure flew out the window </3 anyway, sorry for such a lengthy list, i have a hard time choosing a favorite so i just ended up talking about everything i like </33333

thank you for asking anyway!

[aranarumei]

hi kiri What’s the deal with a3’s timeloop day. you shouldn’t be surprised that I am asking this. okay I love you bye

ok this is actually a pretty simple answer! but i got rambly so here's a readmore.

A3! (which stands for Act! Addict! Actors! <- don’t ask me why it’s this. idk) is a gacha game where you play as the manager, Izumi Tachibana (I’m doing first name, last name here) and you work to revive a dying theater company called Mankai. there’s 3 Acts, each with like, 4 big stories in them. and a bunchhhh of shorter event storiess which imo are crucial to experience. The first 2 acts, along with the interceding events, have been completely localized, and were run on the now-defunct English server. There is, however, an archive—if at any point in time you are ever interested, feel free to shoot me a message. And I’m serious. Even if it’s like two years later. It’s been like almost 3 years since I started going thru a3 and I haven’t even finished act 2. I’m slow

Anyways, Act 1 deals with establishing the company—in its former glory, there used to be four troupes that rotated by season. Izumi’s dad also used to run it, and he disappeared. So that’s why there’s four big stories each act: it’s one per season. In Act 1, each story deals with gathering the members for each season troupe together, and then pulling off their first play. And it also deals with like, the issues all the characters are facing. It is like, within the yumejoshi genre so there’s definitely that vibe of like. wow look at all these pretty boys who are kind of into me!? but I think it’s pretty mild on that point and like. something I enjoy is that I can see Izumi as like. an actual Character as opposed to just a self-insert. Which is nice. but the real selling point for me is that there’s a lot of like, found family and rich character dynamics within the cast. It is even homosexual sometimes.

One thing I find really interesting about a3 is that I think it has really strong character writing and development. And it’s really good at establishing different “moods” across each troupe, which works well in creating dynamics and also because each troupe specializes in something different. So spring is like, the “classic” troupe—they tend to do lots of reinterpretations of classic works, though that’s not exclusively their thing… but anyways. they do like. nice fantastical stories in my opinion. Summer does comedy, autumn does action, and winter does drama. and winter HAS drama.

Now up until winter there’s been some wackiness in a3 but it’s been like, pretty grounded in how it’s played out. and then winter rolls around and. see the issue with winter is that unlike some of the younger members they’re all composed of adults. so they’re bad at talking about their feelings, because instead of just shouting things out loud they will just shut down and like. Leave. I love this about them and I think it’s such a good writing choice.

Enter Tasuku Takato and Tsumugi Tsukioka. Tasuku and Tsumugi used to be like, the best of friends. they acted together and followed their passions together. and then they both auditioned for the God Troupe together, which is this prestigious famous troupe (it’s also evil.) and while tasuku got in and became one of the lead actors, tsumugi failed his audition. This left a deep scar on Tsumugi, who ended up kind of running away from acting as a vocation all together. now, Tasuku quit the God troupe because they were engaging in some shady stuff, and ended up joining Mankai along with Tsumugi, who coincidentally was inspired to try acting again. tsumugi’s been elected the leader of winter troupe, and therefore the person who’s meant to take the lead role in their first play. Tasuku is constantly snapping at him whenever he’s unconfident, and it’s just not great vibes. To top it all off, they’ve been issued a challenge by the God troupe, where they’ll both perform and the audience has to vote on which play they like better. Tsumugi is not really confident he can stand up to them for obvious reasons. Tasuku gets mad at him about it. Tsumugi runs into this weird doll, and the next day, they wake up in a time loop.

See, the thing is, they’re on such a tight deadline for the play, and winter is So Bad at talking about their feelings, that magic is real now. this is somewhat of an oversimplification, but it’s funny to say it like this. Anyways, there are like, seven mysteries in Mankai (have I mentioned they all dorm together! they all do! Each of them has a roommate and they all live in a big dorm that’s connected to their own theater and stage. It’s part of why they’re in such big debt and trouble at the beginning—its really hard to maintain those facilities) and one of them is about this doll that will put you in a time loop unless you become friends. essentially. And this is what happens… eventually they end up talking to each other for real due to the time loop, and each affirms just how much they respect the acting of the other. later on when Tsumugi slips back into being unconfident tasuku is able to resolve his past mistakes, because part of why he was so angry at Tsumugi was also because he was angry at himself for like. not reaching out. And telling him how much he loved him and his acting. Because their styles are very different—tasuku is loud and commanding, and Tsumugi is a more understated and subtle.

A3 is also very very cool in that parts of its plays mirror real life? so like. this play, sympathy for an angel, has two leads: Michael (Tsumugi) and Raphael (Tasuku). In it, Michael becomes interested in this woman on a list of people who are about to die, and ends up visiting the human world. He writes letters to her. His friend, Raphael, warns him against this, saying that he’s foolish for going so far for someone he can’t even meet. And each time he steps into the human world, his own soul gets weaker, and his wings begin to wither. Still, he persists against objections. Eventually, the woman recovers, gets a fiancé, and he returns to heaven. Thinking he’ll just wish for her happiness even with his unrequited love, he looks at the list and finds out that despite recovering, she’s still on the close to death list. Despite the danger to himself, he descends into the human world, and takes her place in a car accident. As he’s dying, his soul about to be obliterated because he’s been in the human world too often, Raphael descends and holds him in his arms. Michael says that he’s happy he got to do something for the person he loves, and he’s happy to be held by his best friend. Raphael says that though he’d called Michael the fool, it was him that truly was one: because he stood by, unable to protect both the person he loves and his best friend. Because he was in love with Michael the whole time of course. And then Michael dies in his arms. Now this makes me weepy as does the accompanying character song but what I really love most about it is like. Raphael’s regrets in that he didn’t protect Michael kind of directly mirror Tasuku’s own regrets in being unable to help Tsumugi when he was going through a tough time? only Tsumugi isn’t dead and so Tasuku has an actual chance to fix things, which is sweet.

It should be mentioned that one guy in the spring troupe WRITES all of these plays which is deeply funny to me bc it means that 1) he is probably gay and doesn’t know this and 2) he has precognitive abilities regarding the inner psyche of all of his castmates. and that’s a3 timeloop day. some of these a3 characters have me by the throat btw I just get beamed visions of them chatting and introspecting like constantly. I definitely haven’t explained everything but I think this is enough?