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Ringo Tsukimiya - All Star - EN Translation

※ T/N: As always, I'm still a newbie translator, so there may be some errors in phrasing, but I'm confident in the core intentions of the writing. Feel free to give me a shout if you notice anything that's wonky. And let me know what you think! It's encouraging :) Thank you and enjoy!

Prologue - New Start

It’s October, the time of year when it starts to get a little chilly.

I’ve come to the office like usual.

My name is Haruka Nanami and I work for a major entertainment company, Shining Agency.

Two years ago, it was my dream to compose songs for idols…

After passing a highly competitive entrance exam with a 200-to-1 acceptance rate, I was admitted into Saotome Academy, a performing arts vocational school where students attend with the ambition of becoming idols or composers.

Then, having completed a rigorous curriculum, I passed the newcomers’ audition held during graduation.

I managed to get a position with Shining Agency.

However, I’m still a novice.

Haruka Nanami: Alright, I’ve finished organizing my older song files. All that’s left is…

Aside from being a composer, I also help out around the office when I have time.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Gooood mooorning! Oh, you’re working so haaard~ Impressive, impressive.

Haruka Nanami: Tsukimiya-sensei!

When I turn towards the source of the voice, I’m met with a smiling Tsukimiya-sensei.

Ringo Tsukimiya: It’s good that you’re so dedicated to your work, but if all you do is stare at a computer, you’ll develop bad posture, you know~

Saying that, he pokes my back.

Haruka Nanami: Gah! O-okay!!

I straighten up in a hurry.

When I get really focused on something, I tend to lean forward.

Ringo Tsukimiya: At times like these, you should stretch like this! C’mooon, it’s refreshing!! There we go!

Sensei grabs my arms and pulls them tight.

He playfully swings my arms left and right.

Haruka Nanami: Gyah, Tsukimiya-senseeeiiii!

When I yelp, Tsukimiya-sensei laughs delightedly and lets go of my arms.

Haruka Nanami: …Ah, but… I do feel refreshed. My shoulders feel a little lighter, I think.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Right, right? If you push yourself too hard, you can’t be efficient.

Ringo Tsukimiya: You seem to be trying your hardest, but it’s good to get a change of pace now and then.

Having said that, Tsukimiya-sensei raises his arms, stretching tall.

All things considered, I think Sensei is so slender and has such good posture, he looks really cool…

As expected of Shining Agency’s premier idol.

On top of that, he’s charming and gorgeous.

It’s really hard to believe he’s a man.

Ringo Tsukimiya: What’s that stare for? Is there something on my face? Or perhaps… you’ve fallen in love with me?

Tsukimiya-sensei peers at my face and whispers in my ear.

Haruka Nanami: S-s-s-s-sensei!!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh, my! Uh oh. You turned bright red, how cuuute~

When I rush to deny it, Tsukimiya-sensei pokes my cheek with his index finger a few times.

Haruka Nanami: D-don’t tease me, please…!

I’m kind of embarrassed…!

Ryuya Hyuga: What are you guys doing while you’re in the office?

Haruka Nanami: Oh, Hyuga-sensei, good morning!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ah, Ryuya. Good morniiing!

Next to me, Tsukimiya-sensei waves a hand.

Ryuya Hyuga: C’mon, our junior is trying to work hard, quit botherin’ her.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Boo! That’s not what was happening! I was just chatting with her a bit to give her a break!

Tsukimiya-sensei replies, puffing up cheeks with a huff.

Ryuya Hyuga: A break, huh…

I notice now that Hyuga-sensei is holding a motorcycle helmet under his arm.

When I do, I mention it…

Haruka Nanami: Sensei, did you come by motorcycle today?

Ryuya Hyuga: Nah, I came here after takin’ the bike for a spin by the seaside. Haven’t been moving a lot lately, so I’m feelin’ out of shape.

Hyuga-sensei does ride his motorcycle to work now and then.

Haruka Nanami: The sea before work, huh? That sounds lovely.

Ryuya Hyuga: Right? The sea is great in the morning, isn’t it? Morning air is always best, after all.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Just a spin… It’s quite the distance from here to the sea, isn’t it?! You really are a fitness nut.

Ryuya Hyuga: So I’m bad for being a fitness nut. You know you age faster if you don’t exercise, right?

Ringo Tsukimiya: I-I exercise properly too! Even though I look like this, I do things like sit-ups and stretches!

Tsukimiya-sensei puffs out his chest.

Ringo Tsukimiya: And unlike you, Ryuya, I don’t drink too much beer and then worry about my stomach! Hmph!

Ryuya Hyuga: You, don’t say that kind of thing in public… Jeez.

Hyuga-sensei pushes Tsukimiya-sensei’s head with a wry smile.

These teachers really are close friends…

Everyone at the office seems to enjoy listening to their banter.

The teachers were classmates during their days at Saotome Academy.

To this day, they’re still colleagues, friends, and rivals.

They truly have a wonderful relationship.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh no. Is it that time already? I have to leave soon.

Tsukimiya-sensei looks at his watch and says that.

Ryuya Hyuga: Oh, shoot. I got carried away talking. I’ve gotta hurry up a bit too.

Hyuga-sensei heads towards the door again, this time carrying work files given to him by the office staff.

Now that I think about it, they must both be working at the TV station this afternoon.

It’ll be time for them to leave any moment now.

Ringo Tsukimiya: That’s right! You’re going by bike aren’t you? Hey, hey, give me a ride! Ryuya Hyuga: Huh? Why should I give you a ride? Figure it out on your own. Ringo Tsukimiya: Whaaat? Stingy Ryuya~ Not even a short way? Hey! Saying that, Tsukimiya-sensei makes a grab for Hyuga-sensei’s helmet. Ryuya Hyuga: Whoa, cut it out! It’s no use. Go take a taxi, you…!! Ringo Tsukimiya: You went to the beach and back, so why can’t you take meee? Ryuya Hyuga: ‘Cause I’m not into giving guys rides. Ringo Tsukimiya: It’s okay! See, no matter how you look at it, I look like a girl, don’t I? Ryuya Hyuga: Only your looks. Never mind that, just go take a cab! The two of them head for the door, arguing all the way.

Haruka Nanami: Take care! Good luck with work!

Ryuya Hyuga: Yup, good luck with yours, too!!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Well, see you later! Weee’re off!

Just like that, they leave the office in a lively manner.

Whenever my teachers are happy, it makes me feel happy too.

I send them off with a smile and a wave.

Haruka Nanami: He's gone…

I wish we could have talked a little more since we don’t get much time together… Oh, the dream.

Truthfully, one of the teachers who has just left… I’m dating them.

At first, our relationship was just that of a teacher and student at Saotome Academy.

After I graduated and was hired by the agency, he often helped me out, and over time, our relationship changed from that of a teacher and student—and even beyond coworkers—to one where we are irreplaceable to one another.

But… idols are banned from romance…

Even if they fall in love with someone, they’re not allowed to date.

Therefore, our relationship is a secret from everyone.

Besides, I’m still just a novice composer.

I have to hurry and learn to stand on my own so Sensei won’t worry about me.

Love is precious, but work is important too!

Haruka Nanami: Alright, I have to keep doing my best!

Thus, I send my teachers off and return to my computer.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Haruka Nanami: Phew… Okay, that’s a good place to stop for now.

With this, I’ve finished all my assigned tasks.

Haruka Nanami: I think I’ll head back to the dorm and keep working on the competition song…

Just as I’m muttering that, a staff member carrying large manila envelopes hurries into the room.

Staff: Oh, I’m in trouble… Everyone seems to be out…

The staff member looks around, muttering to themselves.

Haruka Nanami: Um… what’s wrong?

Staff: Nanami-san… Ah, that’s right. I’ve brought something for you as well.

The staff member says that and holds out one of the envelopes.

On the front of it, written in large letters, are the words “Dear Nanami-saaan,” along with the company president’s seal stamped on the side.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? It’s from the president?

Why go to the trouble of sending a letter?

I open the folder and take out the contents.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, a letter…

I move to unfold the letter.

“Please come to my office at 8PM tonight, carrying this letter! If you don’t show up, you will be severely punished.”

This invitation is very sudden.

Haruka Nanami: Wait, there’s something else in here…

In addition to the letter, the envelope I’ve received also contains a piece of paper about the size of a playing card.

Haruka Nanami: Blank?

For some reason, the card is blank on both sides.

Haruka Nanami: Um, what is this…?

Staff: That’s what I don’t get. I was just suddenly handed this and told, “Please hurry and hand these out!”

The letter aside, I’m curious about the blank card. Still, since it’s from the president, there may be some deeper meaning behind it.

Haruka Nanami: What about those other envelopes?

In addition to the one they’d given me, the staff member is holding several other envelopes.

Staff: Ah, these are…

They explain that the president instructed them to give the remaining envelopes to Tsukimiya-sensei, Hyuga-sensei, Kotobuki-senpai, Kurosaki-senpai, Mikaze-senpai, and Camus-senpai.

Staff: I was told to deliver them all by 6 o’ clock, but I have a meeting now, so I’m in a bit of a bind.

I look at the clock and see that it’s already 4PM.

They’ll have to hurry or they won’t make it in time.

In that case…

I take the 6 envelopes from the staff member and leave the office.

Oddly, the only envelopes with writing on them are addressed to Tsukimiya-sensei and Hyuga-sensei. The rest are blank.

I suppose the rest are to be delivered to my four seniors.

I check with office staff to get everyone’s schedules.

Haruka Nanami: It looks like everyone’s working at the TV station today, huh.

If I deliver them in order, I should be able to get it done by 6PM.

Um, who should I go meet first, then…

It’s about the time the teachers are finishing their work.

Haruka Nanami: So, I guess…

Suddenly, the face of the person I love comes to mind.

Of course, the person I want to see most is…

Select the phrase!

- 月宮先生 (Tsukimiya-sensei) - 日向先生 (Hyuga-sensei)

Haruka Nanami: Alright. Let’s go see Tsukimiya-sensei!

Thus, I take the elevator for the studio.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The variety show recording studio.

Tsukimiya-sensei is the host, with Mikaze-senpai and Camus-senpai appearing as guests.

It looks like the recording has already finished and Tsukimiya-sensei is talking with the staff.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Mikaze-senpai, Camus-senpai, please wait a moment!

Just as the two of them are about to leave, I call out and hurry over to them.

Good, looks like I made it just in time.

They look at me suspiciously as I try to catch my breath.

Camus: Who on earth are you?

Camus-senpai glares at me sharply.

Ai Mikaze: She’s from our agency, I believe…

Haruka Nanami: Yes. Haruka Nanami. Today, I’m here to deliver something to Tsukimiya-sensei and the other seniors.

I bow with a quick dip of my head.

Ai Mikaze: Oh, I remember now. You’re the composer who joined the agency and still hasn’t made their debut even after a year and a half.

Mikaze-senpai stares right at me as he says that.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? Ah, that’s…

He’s not wrong, exactly... but it hurts to have it said to my face so bluntly...

Camus: A year and a half? That’s a lot of time to have wasted, little girl. Just what have you been doing all this time…

Camus-senpai looks at me with dismay.

Somehow, these two have a very different vibe from how they seem on TV and in magazines…

Mikaze-senpai is usually cute, while Camus-senpai usually has an air of graceful refinement…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh my! Haru-chan. What brings you all the way out here?

As I’m feeling anxious, Tsukimiya-sensei comes over after finishing his conversation.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Wait, wait! Did you come to see me?

Somewhat relieved, I hold out three envelopes, one with “To Ringo-saaan” written on it, and the others blank.

Haruka Nanami: Um, I have a delivery for everyone from the president. This is for Tsukimiya-sensei and these two are for Mikaze-senpai and Camus-senpai.

I hold out the envelopes for each to take respectively.

Ringo Tsukimiya: From Shiny? What is it? By any chance, New Year’s money?!

Ai Mikaze: It’s only October. It’s not really the season for New Year’s gifts, is it?

Camus: But what on earth is it? Blank…? What is the meaning of this?

Camus-senpai takes out the blank card and turns it over.

Huh…?

Could it be the same as mine?

When they each look inside, the contents of the three envelopes are the same—instructions to come to the president’s room at 8PM and a blank card.

Haruka Nanami: So everyone’s is completely blank…

Ringo Tsukimiya: It doesn’t seem like there’s reason to think he forgot to write something. Moreover, since it came from Shiny, there must be some meaning behind it.

Camus-senpai tilts his head while holding the card in his hand.

Camus: Could it be some sort of curse…? This is… Should I report it to Her Majesty…?

Her Majesty?

Who could that be?

Ai Mikaze: Well, Shining’s actions are always unpredictable, right? Let’s just go find out for ourselves.

Camus: So I hear… Well, I have some things to look into until then… Now, if you’ll excuse me.

Ai Mikaze: Right, same here. Good work today.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Yeah, good work today, you two. See you at the office later.

Haruka Nanami: Good work today.

I bow and Tsukimiya-sensei waves goodbye to my seniors.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe, what’s up, Haru-chan? Thanks for running this errand. It’s nice to be able to see you.

As I’m seeing the seniors off, Tsukimiya-sensei whispers in my ear.

Haruka Nanami: Ack—!

I almost yelp and clap a hand over my mouth.

Haruka Nanami: S-Sensei… Please don’t tease me in a place like this!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh my, so cute, getting all embarrassed again. If you blush that much, people are going to wonder what’s up, you know.

Tsukimiya-sensei whispers to me in a low voice so no one around us will overhear.

Ringo Tsukimiya: But… I like that about you. The fact that you can’t lie.

Tsukimiya-sensei says that while poking my cheek.

Haruka Nanami: Hrgh…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Mm, c’mon, don’t pout. It’s true that I’m happy to be with you—aren’t you?

Haruka Nanami: That’s… I am happy, but… But it’s embarrassing, isn’t it?

Ringo Tsukimiya: Haha, sorry, sorry. Still, when you get embarrassed, it makes me want to bully you even more~

Haruka Nanami: Th-that…!

Tsukimiya-sensei laughs happily.

Haruka Nanami: …Hmph. Sensei, you’re mean…

He dodges attention, leaving me to be the only one who’s embarrassed…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh, what’s that about? You know I really love Y-O-U~

Tsukimiya-sensei smiles and gives me a peck on the forehead.

Ringo Tsukimiya: So, are you free tonight? After I go to the office, I’m free till tomorrow afternoon… Can I come to your place…?

Haruka Nanami: …Yes.

Of course, Sensei’s way of teasing me feels nice, somehow.

But, I’m really happy to be able to see you, Sensei…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Great~! I’ll look forward to it, then. Let’s talk sooo much, okay?

Ringo Tsukimiya: Welp, I still have work to do, so I’ll see you later at the office, okay? See you. …I love you!

Tsukimiya-sensei whispers in my ear, winks at me, and leaves the studio.

Haruka Nanami: Haaa…My heart is pounding.

But I was able to see Sensei at work, and I still get to see him later…

Today just might be a good day.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Haruka Nanami: Pardon me.

I arrive at the studio where Hyuga-sensei is recording a drama.

Ah… there’s Hyuga-sensei.

It seems like filming is done for the day, but Hyuga-sensei is still talking with staff.

Haruka Nanami: Ummm, envelope… envelope.

I check over the envelopes I have to deliver.

Reiji Kotobuki: Huh? Hey, you’re that junior from the office, right? What are you doing?

Suddenly, someone speaks up next to me.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Kotobuki-senpai! Good work today.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Junior?

Haruka Nanami: Gyah?!

When I turn around, Kurosaki-senpai is there too.

Haruka Nanami: Um, I’m Haruka Nanami, a composer at Shining Agency. I’m here today to deliver something to Hyuga-sensei and the other seniors.

I say that and bow my head deeply.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Composer? I don’t know ya.

Reiji Kotobuki: Haruka Nanami… Oh, I remember now! You’ve worked here for about a year and a half, I think. If I remember… you were in Otoyan’s class, right?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I haven’t debuted yet, but…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Haaa? You’ve been here a year and a half and still haven’t debuted?!

Haruka Nanami: Um… that's right… not yet…

When I reply, Kurosaki-senpai glares at me.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: You, the hell have you been doing? Can’t believe the agency is paying this half-assed guy. Jeez, waste of money.

Reiji Kotobuki: Now, now, it’s not your money is it, Ranran? Easy, easy. Whoa, whoa.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I AIN’T A HORSE!!

Haruka Nanami: Um, setting my own affairs aside, I have this delivery for you…

Ryuya Hyuga: Why the hell are you guys being noisy in the studio?! Say… you, what’s up? Work stuff?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Hyuga-sensei, good job today.

Hyuga-sensei finishes his conversation and comes over.

I’m saved…

Haruka Nanami: Um, actually, the president left these with me to deliver to everyone.

With that, I hold out the envelope addressed to “Ryuya-saaan” and the blank pair.

Haruka Nanami: This one’s for Hyuga-sensei, and these two are for Kotobuki-senpai and Kurosaki-senpai.

Ryuya Hyuga: …From the president? What’s this, another invoice?

Hyuga-sensei’s brow furrows as he eyes the envelope.

Reiji Kotobuki: Man, you’re having a hard time, huh, Ryuya-senpai?

The three of them open their envelopes and take out the contents.

Huh… this is…

Ranmaru Kurosaki: The hell is this? Just blank paper… Oi, woman, are you makin’ fun of me?

Kurosaki-senpai says that after taking the card from the envelope, pinning it between his fingers, and glaring at me.

Haruka Nanami: No! I was just told to deliver these to everyone…

I wave my hands back and forth, flustered.

Ryuya Hyuga: Ranmaru. You’re always like this, always picking fights. Jeez, ya darn brat…

Kurosaki-senpai goes quiet and sulks.

Ryuya Hyuga: Anyway, what exactly… is this?

Hyuga-sensei says that, tilting his head.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, it’s like mine after all, huh.

Their envelopes contain letters requesting their presence at 8PM, along with more blank cards.

Ryuya Hyuga: Haaa… I have a bad feeling about this.

Reiji Kotobuki: Maybe it’s that thing? The thing where you float something in water and if you get a hit, you get another piece of candy and stuff!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Penny candy shop? A golden ticket… It doesn’t seem to be anything like that.

Kurosaki-senpai waves the card around, muttering in frustration.

Reiji Kotobuki: Well, everything Shiny-san does has meaning, right? He’s probably up to something this time as well.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Grr, such a pain… It’s a half-baked deal and I’m gonna turn it down.

Ryuya Hyuga: At any rate, you two had better show up at the office at 8PM! It’s an order from the boss.

Hyuga-sensei orders them sharply.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Ugh, I’m hungry. I’ll go after I eat something.

Reiji Kotobuki: Rogeeer that! Well then, let’s disband for now! See you later!

Haruka Nanami: Thank you for your time! Looking forward to working with you!!

With that, I see them off as the two leave the office.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

That night…

We’re waiting around when the president barrels into the office.

Shining Saotome: HA HA HA~! Thank you all for coming!

The president speaks as he looks at each of us.

Shining Saotome: I have something very important to tell YOU all todaaay! Naturally, YOU are all aware of the Shining Song Festival in March next year, correct?

Reiji Kotobuki: Shining Song Festival? It’s held every March, and it’s the agency’s biggest event, isn’t it?

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Obviously. So what?

Kurosaki-senpai asks, suspicious.

Shining Saotome: YES! The Shining Song Festival, a grand stage where only the most popular idols from the agency can perform! Now, this year, a new plan has been thought of by ME!

Shining Saotome: I have christened it the “Shining Singing Contest!”

The president says that and flashes a snappy peace sign.

Ai Mikaze: Shining Contest? Who exactly is competing against who?

Mikaze-senpai calmly expresses his thoughts.

Shining Saotome: For this year’s Shining Song Festival, we’ll form two units and have them battle head to heeead!

Camus: Units? Us?

Shining Saotome: YES! That’s riiight!! Now, everyone, hold out your cards!!

At the president’s words, we all hold out our blank cards.

Shining Saotome: This is how the members for each unit’s team will be deciiided!

Eh… but…

Ringo Tsukimiya: But Shinyyy! These don’t have anything written on them…

Tsukimiya-sensei says that with a troubled look, waving his card around.

Shining Saotome: What? Has no one toasted theirs?!

The president exclaims in surprise.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Huh? Toasted?

We all exchange glances.

Shining Saotome: It’s heat-activated invisible iiink. There’s no other way, so please, toast it right here and nooow!!

The president says that and then pulls a portable stove from his desk drawer.

Haruka Nanami: Why is there a portable stove in there?

Shining Saotome: Thiiis is for grilling mochi! Now, hurry up and toast awaaay!

Ryuya Hyuga: There’s no reason to be eatin’ mochi in here… No other way, then. Alright, everyone get toastin’!!

Without fully grasping the situation, we all hold our cards over the stove.

And then…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Oh wow, my card has “A” on it!

Ai Mikaze: I’m also “A.”

Camus: I am also… “A,” it seems.

The cards belonging to Tsukimiya-sensei, Mikaze-senpai, and Camus-senpai all have the letter “A” written on them.

Ryuya Hyuga: Mm? I’m “S”?

Reiji Kotobuki: I’m “S” too!

Ranmaru Kurosaki: I also got “S.”

The letter “S” appears on the cards belonging to Hyuga-sensei, Kotobuki-senpai, and Kurosaki-senpai.

Reiji Kotobuki: Ah, so it wasn’t floating in water, it was toasting… So close…

Kotobuki-senpai mutters in disappointment.

Then, I…

Huh… the text isn’t showing up…!

Haruka Nanami: Um, no matter how much I heat mine, there’s no letters appearing…

Upon hearing my words, the president’s sunglasses glint.

Shining Saotome: There ARE no words written in orange juice on YOUR card! There is a reason for thaaat!

The president stands before me.

Shining Saotome: YOUR contract expires in six months, yet you still haven’t made your debuuut!!

His sunglasses gleam brightly.

Haruka Nanami: Hrgh… Y-yes.

Ryuya Hyuga: Oi, guys, don’t give me that look. Even this kid has struggles…

Ringo Tsukimiya: Yeah!! She’s doing her best in her own way, you know!

Haruka Nanami: Sensei…

I’m moved by my teachers’ concern.

Shining Saotome: BUT, we can’t afford to keep a charity case at the office! Therefore, a great idea came to ME!

The president points at me as he speaks.

Shining Saotome: YOU will compose a song for one of the units, and if your team wins, we’ll release it on CD!! However, if you lose, you will be fired immediately!!

Haruka Nanami: Eh…!

I feel the atmosphere in the president’s office freeze over.

Haruka Nanami: I have to… compose a unit song for my seniors…?

Reiji Kotobuki: Eh? Shiny-san, is that for real?

Shining Saotome: For real, for real, SUPER real, yo!

The president replies with a thumbs-up.

Shining Saotome: The officiators for the song contest will be Ryuya-san and Ringo-saaan! They will lead S Team and A Team respectivelyyy.

Shining Saotome: By the way, the “S” stands for “Shining Agency Director,” and “A” stands for “APPLE”!!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ohhh, I get it! So that’s what you meant.

Tsukimiya-sensei claps his hands.

Ryuya Hyuga: That sounds so forced… Whatever, it’s beside the point…

Shining Saotome: According to the invisible ink, S Team will be MISTER Kotobuki and MISTER Kurosaki. A Team is MISTER Mikaze and MISTER Camus.

Then, the president turns to me.

Shining Saotome: Now, we’re giving YOU the privilege of choosing which team you’ll be responsible fooor! Write the team name on your card and submit it to me, if you pleeease!!

At the president’s words, everyone looks at me.

Haruka Nanami: U-um…

Select the phrase!

困ります! (I’m in trouble!)

Haruka Nanami: Something like that, so suddenly… I-I’m in trouble… Reiji Kotobuki: Mm, but since it’s an order from the president, that means it’s for work, so you have no choice but to do it, Kouhai-chan. I don’t think you can refuse… Kotobuki-senpai speaks to me as if to scold me for my knee-jerk objection. Camus: The mission is absolute. Hrgh… That’s true, but…

頑張ります! (I’ll do my best!)

Haruka Nanami: I-I’ll do my best! Ai Mikaze: What do you mean by “your best”? Be more specific. I answer by reflex and Mikaze-senpai questions me flatly. Haruka Nanami: Ah… erm… Ranmaru Kurosaki: Hmph, you can run your mouth, sayin’ whatever, but if you don’t prove it with actions, no one can know for sure. Kurosaki-senpai spits his words out with a glare.

………. (...)

Haruka Nanami: … Shining Saotome: Oh, you seem to have lost your voice from excitement!! Mm, splendid, splendid. You need only thank ME and do your best, pleeease!! The president speaks away as I’m left speechless. Ryuya Hyuga: No, that’s not really… Ringo Tsukimiya: Shh, Ryuya! It’s best to keep quiet right now. I hear Hyuga-sensei and Tsukimiya-sensei speaking in hushed voices. True, it’s probably better to not upset the president…

But still… I have to choose one of the units…

What on earth should I do?

As I look around the president’s office, my gaze meets Kurosaki-senpai’s.

Ranmaru Kurosaki: Oi, so you’re the one responsible for this joke of a team assignment! You’re the one who handed out the envelopes!!

Ah, now that I think about it, maybe I did shuffle things around!

Haruka Nanami: No, um, I was told that I could hand them out however…

Reiji Kotobuki: Ehhh?! Isn’t it too cruel to call it a joke team? I’m happy to be teamed up with you, Ranran! Let’s do our best, huh? With Ryuya-senpai too.

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, it’s part of the job, so I guess it can’t be helped, but… Supervisin’ these guys… Haaa…

Hyuga-sensei looks at Kotobuki-senpai and Kurosaki-senpai and sighs deeply.

Ai Mikaze: The same team as Camus, huh? Well, we have some chance of victory. As long as Camus doesn’t do anything unnecessary.

Camus: What are you saying? Aren’t you the one with a past shrouded in all sorts of mysteries?

Ringo Tsukimiya: Ahhh, jeez! Don’t start fighting right away, you two! Let’s get along, now. Okay?

Tsukimiya-sensei smiles and wraps his arms around them.

Shining Saotome: Hmmm. Everyone, please do your best and pull it off with a bang, yo! I’m counting on you! And YOU!!

The president turns to me.

Shining Saotome: The deadline for your submission is tomorrow night! Until then, worry at your leisuuure! Now then, farewell!

And like that, the president leaves the room with the same burst of force he’d arrived with…

Sensei gives me a soft, worried look.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Afterwards, I leave the office and return to my dorm room, dazed by the day’s happenings.

My teachers and seniors went off to finish their work, grumbling amongst themselves.

At any rate…

If I win, I get to debut, if I lose, I’ll be fired immediately.

Moreover, the unit members are my seniors who each have very unique personalities…

Haruka Nanami: Haaa… I wonder if I’m good enough to make it work…? What to do…

The more I think about it, the more confused I feel.

Oh, a message.

Who could it be…?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, it’s from Tomo-chan!

The message is from my best friend, Tomo-chan, who was also my roommate during our academy days.

“From: Tomochika Shibuya Subject: Shining Song Festival?! I heard all about it, Haruka! You’re going to compose a song for a team contest at the festival? Isn’t that amazing!! Haruka, just know everyone’s cheering you on about this. You can definitely win!! Good luck!"

Haruka Nanami: Yeah… she’s right…

I mumble in relief when I read the message from my friend, a classmate from my school days.

Everyone’s cheering, for me and for this opportunity, no matter what.

Haruka Nanami: Not to mention… I still have Sensei!

Sensei has always helped me, guided me since my days at the academy.

I also want to hurry up and debut so I can give back to everyone who’s supported me…

In that case, I’ll take a risk on this opportunity with all I’ve got!

I’ve made up my mind.

First… I’ll start with what I can do right now…

Haruka Nanami: Alright, I’ll start with a rhythm lesson!!

With that said, I boot up my computer and open the rhythm lesson software.

Mini Game