eveningspringbreeze

[eveningspringbreeze]

will u be tling the new shuffle with madara, niki, yuzuru, tsumugi, and rei?

Im going to be a bit busy this august so I can’t guarantee being too speedy but that is a plan yes!

[eveningspringbreeze]

A First Step, Towards Friendship

Season: Spring (ES!! second year)

Characters: Kohaku, Hiiro, Madara

Hiiro and Kohaku: Nom nom….

Hiiro: Ah, I accidentally got some on the table. Could you get a wipe, Kohaku-san?

Kohaku: ‘Course, here ya go. Ya gotta open yer mouth big an’ wide so that ya don't spill crumbs. 

Hiiro: Thank you, I’ll take note of that! 

Kohaku: (...He looks ‘bout as normal a boy as they come when he’s eatin’ breakfast, huh)

(The Hiiro-han I saw durin’ Matrix astonished me so much that I can’t help but incessantly worry away just from bein’ near him) 

(He disciplines in a way that dredges up memories of my sisters… or particularly, the way he made us prepare for all kinds o’ things) 

(He dived headfirst into playin’ villain just so Crazy:B could secure the first win)

(There sure were lotsa things happenin’ in the Amagi village, but by far my biggest shocker would be…) 

Hiiro: Umu. Today’s bread was baked wonderfully. It was so delicious. Maybe I should get seconds? 

Kohaku: (whispering) With that face, he follows every rule to an absolute. He forces everyone to follow them with him, an’ any opposition turns him into a terrifyin’ lad)

(Like say, were there to be a rule that determined that all breakfasts shall be bread, what would Hiiro-han do?) 

(Would he even go as far as to tell me, who’s currently eatin’ rice, to have bread instead?) 

Phew. I got so caught up with these stupid ideas that simply eatin’ breakfast took far too long. 

???: I’m hooooome!!!! ☆ I’m so thirsty after running! 

Kohaku: Mm… no doubt, that’s Madara-han’s voice. G’mornin’. 

Madara: Ohh, if it isn’t Kohaku-san! Goooood morniiiiing! ☆

Kohaku: Yer always so damn loud. 

Anyhow, there’s somethin’ I wanted to ask… 

Would ya rather have rice or bread for breakfast? 

Madara: …Hmm? That’s quite the unexpected question. 

Have you been wondering about what food I like? I’m so happy to hear that ♪

Kohaku: Ah, no, this ain’t the type o’ question that should be thrillin’ ya. Not like I’ll die without yer answer anyhow. 

Madara: Now now, don't be shy and say it with your chest! "I'm dyin' to make breakfast for Madara-han", right? ♪

Kohaku: Who’s sayin’ what? And the same goes to you. Rather than "accidentally" pullin’ it outta me, can'tcha just ask directly? Y'know, "Why is Kohaku-san asking me something like this, hmm?"

Anyhow, I’ll explain… I was eatin’ with Hiiro-han just now. 

So we were in the Matrix project, where this an’ that happened… Now, I’ve got this slightly odd relationship with Hiiro-han. 

Madara: Mmhm. I see, I get the situation now. 

Oh, to think that Kohaku-san would consult me for relationship advice ♪

Mama’s delighted! Moved beyond words! So happy, in fact, that I feel inclined to ruffle Kohaku-san’s head ☆

Kohaku: Uwaah!? Stop! 

Actually, what’s with this weirdass attitude? Are ya makin’ fun of me, ya jerk? 

Madara: Hahaha, who’s to say? 

Anyway. Personally, I’d say that becoming friends with Hiiro-san could alleviate much of your worries, Kohaku-san. 

Kohaku: Friends? 

Madara: Yep. For example… if Hiiro-san were to invite you to a meal, you wouldn’t turn him down, right? 

Kohaku: Well, I ‘spose so. We were eatin’ together earlier too. 

Madara: Then, let’s extend it from within the Starmony dorms to ES as a whole. What would you do if he asked you to go shopping with him? Turn him down? 

Kohaku: Maybe if I had other plans… ‘sides that, I don’t see a reason to not go. 

Madara: Yep. So basically, you two are already on pretty decent terms. 

But what would you consider Hiiro-san to be to you? 

Is he an acquaintance from a different unit? Or perhaps someone close to a good friend of yours? …Try taking a step back to reevaluate. 

Kohaku: That’s true. Who knows whether or not Rabu-han an’ I have the same thoughts on this person. 

Madara: I’m also assuming that, since whatever happened during Matrix, your thoughts on him have complicated since. 

You two may be on relatively good terms, but with your perspective, it seems you can’t quite put a good name to your relationship. 

And that’s exactly why if you were able to get to a point where you could start calling him a “friend”, you could reforge your relationship with him entirely. 

Kohaku: Woah… I’d never expected you to give such sound advice. 

Madara: ….That’s odd. I’m supposed to be your older senpai with plenty of life experience under my belt, no?

Kohaku: My bad. I just didn’t expect the friendless Madara-han to be the one advisin’ me on makin’ friends. 

Madara: Hrm… what was that about me making fun of you earlier? 

Kohaku: Ahaha! ‘Course, I think I can do this with yer idea. Thank ya kindly ♪

Now, I’ll call Hiiro-han right away—

Hiiro: This… is a store selling idol merchandise, yes? 

Did you want to come to this store with me, Kohaku-san? 

Kohaku: It must’ve been a doozy to be called an’ brought here so suddenly, sorry ‘bout that. 

I was just glad to have gotten in touch with ya… but the only spot I can think for bringin’ “friends” is this idol goods store. (2)

Hiiro: “Friends”? 

Kohaku: Mmhm. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout wantin’ to be such with ya, Hiiro-han. 

I thought of talkin’ it out with fists too, since I reckon that a playfight could bring us closer. 

Hiiro: With fists? Playfight? 

Kohaku: Ah, I’m just talkin’ to myself. Don’t worry ‘bout that. 

…So far, I believe you and I’ve been toddlin’ along on just “being on decent terms”. 

What do you think ‘bout callin’ each other “friends” from now on? 

We’ve even worked together as one unit before, so how ‘bout we continue workin' together? 

I’d never really tried to make friends before, so I may slip an’ say weird things from time to time. If that’s okay with you…. how about it? 

Hiiro: ….Umu! I’d love to, Kohaku-san! 

Kohaku: Really? 

Hiiro: Of course ♪ You’re a close friend of Aira’s, so I assumed that the two of us were already friends. 

But now that I think about it, I never did walk up to you and go, “let’s be friends!”, did I? 

From now on, as newfound friends… I’ll be in your care, Kohaku-san ♪

Kohaku: Ahaha, shakin’ hands as proof of our friendship, huh. What a nice feelin’ ♪

I planned on the two of us just goin’ shopping as friends, but I’d like ta hear more ‘bout ya, Hiiro-han. 

Do you have any other friends, like Hinata-han? What hobbies do you have, and what do ya usually talk about? Can ya tell me?

Hiiro: Of course! Let’s shop and chat away! 

Kohaku: Thanks, Hiiro-han. As friends, from now on… I’ll be in yer care ♪

—--------------------

Translation Notes

Callback to Aira's FS1 4* story, "Novices in Friendship", where Aira brings Kohaku to presumably the exact same merch store. 

Thank you for reading! This is not proofread at the moment, but this was such a cute story that I had to translate it!! ^^ 

[eveningspringbreeze]

Double Face TRIP Campaign MC Minitalks

Nebula

Madara: “Hello, everyoooone! It’s me, Mikejima Madara!” 

Kohaku: “An’ it’s me, Oukawa Kohaku. Our biggest thanks ta everyone attendin’ our celebratory live for Double Face’s album release.” 

“Our first song today is our brand new song for the album, Nebula.”

“This live here’s our first time ever performin’ this on stage. Did everyone like it?” 

Madara: “...Thank you so much for the huge applause! Kohaku-san and I rehearsed up 'till the very last minute ☆” 

Kohaku: “Hey, don’t go yappin’ bout that. We looked so cool till ya said that.” 

”Givin’ insider info ruins that, yanno. Anyways, just the thought o’ our very own independent live really fired me up.”

Madara: “Everyone, we’d love for you to stay glued to the culmination of Double Face…♪” 

“Alright. Looks like all preparations are done. Let’s bring in the next song!”

“We'll be continuing with =EYE=! Sear the sight of our performance into your eyes.” 

=EYE=

Madara: “ —And that was =EYE=! We don’t stop! Let’s keep revving up the live!”

Kohaku: “Madara-han, yer even more hyped than when we rehearsed, eh? Make sure ya take care to not run outta fuel and collapse midway through.” 

“Though, seein’ everyone in the audience is excitin' me too.” 

“=EYE= was our very first song from when we started workin’ as Double Face. Our first step, so to speak.” 

“I love all of our songs, an’ while I wouldn’t be able to rank any as better or worse than the other, this one truly feels special.” 

“I’m really happy to be able ta perform it once again in front of everyone, now that we’ve grown so much alongside Double Face.” 

“...Hey, Madara-han, why are you listenin’ so intently? Don’t just humor me, where's the witty commentary?"

Madara: “Hahaha! Witty commentary, huh? Well, there’s some parts I definitely want to talk about—” 

“But let’s leave that for later. First and foremost, I want everyone to hear the next song— CROSS SHINE!”

CROSS SHINE

Madara: “Did everyone enjoy CROSS SHINE? I’d like to reintroduce myself here.” 

“My name is Mikejima Madara. Normally, I’m active as the solo unit MaM—” 

“And when I team with Kohaku-san, I take on Double Face’s name.” 

“...Just a bit ago, Kohaku-san was talking about his experiences starting out with Double Face, right?” 

“I’ve aaalways worked alone by myself. It’s simply what I thought fit me the most—” 

“To think we’d release an album, and then even a celebratory live. I never imagined we’d be able to get this far.” 

“All of this is thanks to the people that needed us, every one of you that supports us.”

“Truly, thank you so much.” 

“Haha! Our live’s just starting, but the atmosphere feels so solemn now.” 

“Next up will be No name yet. These buds that have finally started to blossom— may they reach you.” 

No name yet

Kohaku: “And that was No name yet. Did our feelings reach you?” 

Madara: “How about reintroducing yourself here, Kohaku-san?” 

Kohaku: “Oh yeah, didn’t ya do that earlier? Everyone already knows, so to sum it briefly–” 

“I am Crazy:B’s Oukawa Kohaku. When I'm workin’ with Madara-han, we make up Double Face.” 

“Around the time No name yet first released, we were a real mess behind the scenes.” 

Madara: “Hahaha! It feels like we’re always a real mess whenever something happens!” 

“That time was quite hectic. Kohaku-san even ended up punching and kicking me!” 

Kohaku: “I did not kick ya. I simply gave yer abdomen a good blow ‘cause ya kept doin’ whatever ya wanted, that’s it.” 

Madara: “Ah right, it went like that. How nostalgic……☆” 

“We pray no more once on shore or whatever (*), but when I think back to everything, I realize just how many good memories have piled up.” 

“You can’t predict the future. That's exactly why it’s important to enjoy the present, right?” 

“And so, our next song will be HELLO, NEW YEAR! Let’s welcome it with our special guests ☆”

-

(*) Madara uses half of the proverb 喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れる (one forgets the heat once it’s past the throat), which afaik has multiple equivalences (I used “once on shore, we pray no more”). Basically means once you’re past something difficult the initial suffering doesn’t matter to you anymore. 

HELLO, NEW YEAR!

Madara: “That concludes HELLO, NEW YEAR! Now it’s time for introductions! Please welcome our special guests: Arashi-san, Tsumugi-san, and Natsume-san!” 

Arashi: “Hello! How was our performance?” 

Tsumugi: “Thank you so much for having us as your guests. We had fun performing.” 

Natsume: “Farewell, everyoNE. Make sure to enjoy the live to your heart’s contENT…♪”

Madara: “You three, thank you for heating up the live with us…☆” 

“Earlier, the topic had turned quite somber. Now, I want to talk about something brighter.”

“During the MV production, I painted several pieces. The final painting, a floral piece, took a hefty amount of time to finish.”

“It took me about a week to finally be satisfied with it.” 

“Accomplished yet fatigued, I ended up dozing off while I waited for the staff. Seems like that’s when Arashi-san whipped out her phone…” 

“And just like that, it was used in the MV. Oh dear, how embarrassing ☆”

“Our next song will be Bye-Bye Buddy! Let’s start the infiltration mission……☆” 

Bye-Bye Buddy

Madara: “And that was Double Face’s Bye-Bye Buddy!” 

Kohaku: “Earlier, ya mentioned how shootin’ yer MV was a lotta work.” 

“But this MV ended up bein' just as much hard work, no?” 

Madara: “Haha, MV shoots always end up being really fun and exciting. Because I tackle them with everything I’ve got, it’s never felt laborious to me.” 

“Still, that scene where I had to drop the gun might have been just a little tough.” 

Kohaku: “Hey, at least there’s no way they’d ever actually shoot ya, right?” 

“That scene alone took up at least half the day though, didn’t it?” 

Madara: “Yep! I have nothing but gratitude towards the staff for persevering with me, as well as Kohaku-san for waiting for his turn so patiently.” 

Kohaku: “It took a lotta time ta make Bye-Bye Buddy’s MV, so it’s a rather elaborate one as well. I’d be happy if everyone would watch it over an’ over.” 

Madara: “Well then… Next up will finally be our last mission.” 

“Kimi Shirushi Be Ambitious!!, and then Stippling! Please listen to these next two songs!” 

Final

Kohaku: “That was Stippling! With this, our mission's complete.”

Madara: “To all of you in the audience! Did everyone enjoy Double Face’s solo live?”

Kohaku: “...Kokoko ♪ Thank ya kindly for the wonderful cheers an’ applause. I’ve also had a blast, I’m completely satisfied.” 

Madara: “I'd loved to have enjoyed this a bit longer, but it’s about time we part ways.” 

“Until our next order. Let’s meet again!” 

Encore

Madara: “Everyone! Thank you for calling for the emergency mission-- an encore!”

Kohaku: “Thanks to Madara-han’s cool sendoff earlier, it feels just a tad embarrassin’ steppin’ here again, though.” 

“Givin’ us an encore made me really happy. Thank you so much, everyone ♪” 

Madara: “Last up’s gotta be this song! Let’s sing this one together! Double Face’s—” 

Madara and Kohaku: “BRAND NEW STARS!!” 

Epilogue

Kohaku: Thank you for the encore! This will be the real ending to Double Face’s solo live.” 

“...I had fun all the way from the bottom o’ my heart. Thank you, Madara-han.” 

Madara: “Same to you, Kohaku-san. Thank you for running alongside me, buddy ♪” 

“I’ll pray for the day we’ll get to you see all of you again! This was Double Face’s Mikejima Madara—” 

Kohaku: “An’ Double Face’s Oukawa Kohaku! Well then~ ♪”

Madara: “Bye-byeeeeeeee…..☆”

------- Notes ------

Shakes fist... I'm struggling to find the minitalk post-campaign and don't have the JP text so just know that this isn't proofread

[eveningspringbreeze]

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☆Event Stories

Spring Evening's Respite

(on a different blog for now, working on moving it over here)

☆Feature Scout Stories

Winter, in the Street Corners of Paris - Madara's 2nd Feature Scout 4*

☆Miscellaneous

Double Face TRIP campaign MC minitalks

[eveningspringbreeze]

Madara's FS2 4* - Winter, in the Street Corners of Paris

Characters: Madara, Shu

Season: Winter

Shu: Mm… Yaawn...

(Perhaps it’s from pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps it’s burnout from finishing my deliveries, but it seems I’ve been fast asleep until the afternoon)

(Fortunately, I have plenty of time to spare until I must work again. So as to maintain perfection when working, I ought to rest properly)

(Perhaps I could relax with a stroll—) 

Madara: Excuse meeee!!! ☆

Shu: Gyoh!? M-mikejima….!? What in good heavens brought you here!? 

Do not bother me! Leave this instant! I do not want to have a barbarian such as you stampeding upon my atelier! 

Madara: Ahaha! This banter is so nostalgic! (1)

Didn’t we have a similar exchange back in Yumenosaki? If I’m not wrong, it was during Steamp— 

Shu: Non! I have no intentions of taking a trip down memory lane with you! 

You must have some business with me, right? Make it brief. 

Madara: Business, huh. And if “no” was my answer? 

Shu: …………

Madara: Sorry, sorry! I was just joking, you don’t have to glare at me all scary like that! 

Basically, Leo-san needed something from me. 

Shu: Tsukinaga did…? 

Madara: Yep. Apparently he’s been taking good care of a pen case that he borrowed from you. 

So much so in fact that he accidentally left behind the case’s stationary in this atelier. 

Shu: He’d only taken a pen case? Well, I suppose he is dexterous.

And that’s it? You came all the way to Paris just for Tsukinaga? 

Madara: Nah, I already had some work here in Europe, so I’m just dropping by.

Shu: “Dropping by”? No matter how trivially you say it, Europe’s not a place you can just casually travel through. 

 Either way, Tsukinaga’s forgotten belongings are not here. 

I had to send some luggage to the Starmony Dorms the other day, and I crammed in similar items as well. It’s probably all the way over there now. 

Good grief, why must everyone forget every little thing here? If they want to spend time overseas, perhaps consider bringing in some caution alongside? 

Madara: Mmhm. Since both language and culture are different, the way to do things here are bound to contrast with Japan’s. There’s no harm in being attentive. 

But also this atelier’s got such a homely feeling to it, it really calms you down. Maybe that’s why everyone’s losing their belongings here ♪

Shu: I'm not happy to hear that. This place isn’t a playground. 

Seems to me that you’ve been on a fool’s errand. Are you departing Paris after this? 

Madara: Nah. I’ve got time until my flight, so I’m planning on relaxing ‘til then. 

….Hmm? Why’re you dressing up? 

Are you going out? If so, please allow me to join you ☆

Shu: I refuse. I cannot relax when I’m near you. 

Madara: Now now, don’t say that! A journey is not just about the companions you have, but the people you care for along the way! (2) Having a friend is better than none…♪

<one hour later> 

Shu: …Seems like there’s a weekend flea market going on. 

Madara: Ooh, quite the Parisian spectacle! 

As you may or may not know, Paris is the one and only homeland for flea markets. 

It supposedly originates from the multitudes of secondhand-goods being sold resembling a flea infestation! (3)

Shu: I’m aware even without your quips, so do not spout such things at me. Just imagining it makes my back itch. 

Plus, that isn’t the only theory regarding its origin. 

I personally prefer the theory that it comes from the saying that “there is enjoyment found in taking the the time needed to search for treasure in the same way one would search for a flea”.

Madara: Enjoyment found in taking the time to search for things, huh. Truly, it must come from the exceptional feeling of accomplishment that comes with finding that rare piece of treasure. 

….Oh myyy? Something’s already caught my eye! 

This ceramic pot would be perfect for displaying plants ☆

Shu: Hm. Is gardening a hobby of yours? 

Madara: I wouldn’t quite call it a “hobby”. 

I’m not sure who started it, but my dorm room’s filled with plants, so I like bringing in some new ones from time to time. 

“Excuse me, shopkeeper-san! I’d like to buy this pot—” 

Shu: (....Ooh, looks like his constant traveling has lent him a rather good grasp on French) 

 (The real thrill of flea markets is the haggling. You must put your negotiation skills to its truest test….) 

<ten minutes later> 

Madara: —Thanks for waiting, Shu-san! 

Sorry for how long it took. I really hit it off with the shopkeeper. Before I knew it, we’d already talked for so long!

Shu: It’s alright. It’s good that your negotiations went well. 

It is of no concern to me what happens to you, however. But it would be a shame to watch an acquaintance get blatantly ripped off. 

Madara: Ah, so you were worrying about me. Thank you Shu-san, you’re a nice soul…♪

Shu: Don’t misunderstand. I simply do not want to feel unpleasant. 

Madara: Even then, that makes me happy to hear ♪

My haggling went great, so let me treat you to something as thanks for waiting.  

Tell me aaall about the specialties you’d recommend, Shu-san… ☆

Shu: Hmm… How about marron chauds— roasted chestnuts, then? 

It’s a winter specialty that you can find sold all around the city during the season. 

Madara: Sounds good! I’m sure it’ll warm us up. 

I can smell something fragrant over there, let’s go eat! 

---

TL Notes:

Shu’s lines aimed at Madara here is basically a 1-1 replica of a similar exchange in Steampunk Museum, which Madara tries to mention right after

Good old Madara idioms :] the original is 道連れ世は情け which doesn’t have an eng equivalent afaik? So I just used a shortened version of the meaning

This isn’t a correction or anything but Madara is so close to the actual most common theory… as Shu said there’s multiple theories, but one of the most common is that some of the goods sold in the markets were believed to have had actual flea infestations. I have never seen Shu’s theory before

This isn't proofread and was done in one go so feel free to correct me on anything!